Eighty Three Degrees!

Jim and I went kayaking today--it was so much fun! The weather was a warm 83 degrees at the water, the air was filled with pine scent and sometimes paddling hard against the wind made the waves hit the front of the boat and the spray that splashed up in my face was exhilarating! This was our first kayaking trip of the year and after three hours of almost non-stop paddling--our arms are a bit sore. Next week were going to work our legs--hiking--we need to keep a balanced workout. It’s been one long Winter--hooray, warm weather is finally here!

Vanity

About a week ago I got a new haircut. I don't know what I said to the hair dresser, but I got a short Demi-Moore cut. It's way too short, and way too layered--I'd post a picture but it's horrible! So I looked on the Internet and found some wigs, here's one I like.

Is buying a wig really vanity? my hair will take forever to grow back--I look like a boy. Jim thinks I don't need a wig--"Just wait till it grows out."

When I was a kid my mother always cut my hair very short--people always thought I was a boy--I hated it!--I sorta feel the same way today. Every time I look in the mirror I want to buy a wig or wear a hat.

When I became a teenager I grew my hair out and cut it Fara Fawcett style-I looked like a girl, The problem was Farah Fawcett blonde hair, short mini-skirts and well, a bit up front--guys were always wanting to go out with me--they just really wanted sex--it was a bit of a nuisance.

Well, I'm old now and what would be so wrong with a wig? It would be fun for a change--I could go from long hair to short in an instance. Oh, well, guess I'll just have to wait till it grows out--anybody have any ideas on how to make hair grow faster?

Unconditional Love

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn't care if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally, perpetually

Then buy a dog

BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night and only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his happiness............

Then buy a cat.........

Mississippi John Hurt - Walk that lonesome Valley blues

Have You Been Here Before?

Have you been here before? the title of Oprah Winfrey's show today. It's been at least ten years since I've sat down and watched her show, I used to watch her and thought she was good, but she has significantly digressed into a "New Age" theology. Oprah is anti-Christian (hmmm...could that be an anti-Christ?).

The Bible tells us it is appointed that human beings die only once. But Oprah's guest, a highly respected psychiatrist, who said he once also was a skeptic, now believes in past lives due to one experience he had with one of his patients when he hypnotized her. The doctor said that this woman, a Catholic who did not believe in reincarnation---"what, let me repeat that" said Oprah, "the woman who was a Catholic did not believe in reincarnation?" "Yes," said the doctor, and the woman told the doctor things about himself that no one could "just know." He instantly was a believer.

The doctor went on to write a book, and now he's on Oprah--selling people's souls to the devil with deception and lies--anything to make a buck.

Our Catholic Catechism says of reincarnation, 1013:
Death is the end of man's earthly pilgrimage, of the time of grace and mercy which God offers him so as to work out his earthly life in keeping with the divine plan, and to decide his ultimate destiny. When the single course of our earthy life is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives: "It is appointed for men to die once." There is no "reincarnation" after death.

Our Church encourages us to prepare ourselves for death, when we die, we cross the line, there are no second chances, no more time for good deeds, penance, or forgiving of sins--we will stand before Jesus for our personal judgement. It is not a time to "recycle" into another life here on earth!

Oprah and Satan's minions, purport that we will be in a continual state of "learning." How absurd! The creator of the universe--God--could instantly take the dumbest person in the world and turn them into the smartest person on earth. God can give all knowledge instantly--we do not need to continually progress by learning things like making tools out of flint, or milking a cow, or trading stocks on Wall Street. In Heaven such knowledge is futile. All of our wealth, intelligence, beauty, health can change instantly in seconds. All God wants from us is to learn how to love Him and our fellow man. Our future is Heaven--not another life on earth.

So to explain why some people have emotional disorders--you can believe a highly respected psychiatrist with a few unknown experiences, and believe like Oprah, that those problems stem from "past lives. Or you can believe what the Bible says--It is appointed for human beings to die only once!

Official Iron Man Theatrical Trailer 2008

Jim and I went to Iron Man, my favorite part, "I am iron man!" Most excellent show!

Amazing Striped Icebergs

Icebergs in the Antarctic area sometimes have stripes, formed by layers of snow
that react to different conditions. Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in
the ice sheet fills up with meltwater and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form.

When an iceberg falls into the sea, a layer of salty seawater can freeze to the
underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a green stripe. Brown, black and
yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up when the ice sheet grinds
downhill towards the sea

Mother's Day

Picture by Rea Mae Ayuban

Once you are a mother--you are a mother for life--you love your children more than any human will ever love another. There is no love, no bond as strong as a mother toward child, from the moment of conception, till the knowledge of your child in the womb, then the growing--the bonding. I may have many regrets, but being a mother, holding your child, loving them, watching them grow--the most beautiful experience--my only regret--I wish I had more.

Now That I Am Forever With Child:

How the days went
while you were blooming within me.
I remember each upon each--
the swelling changed planes of my body
and how you first fluttered then jumped
and I thought it was my heart.

How the days wound down
and the turning of winter
I recall, with you growing heavy
against the wind. I thought
now her hands
are formed, and her hair
has started to curl
now her teeth are done
now she sneezes.
Then the seed opened
I bore you one morning just before spring
My head rang like a fiery piston
my legs were towers between which
a new world was passing.

Since then
I can only distinguish
one thread within running hours
You, flowing through selves
toward You.
---Audre Lorde

Pentacost--The Coming Of The Spirit

“And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. “ --Acts 2:2

At Mass today, when the reading of Acts was read, “like the rush of a mighty wind,” I like to “fool around” a bit and “blow” on Jim. Or just smile at him, and he knows I’m “blowing” on him in my mind. Whenever I used to teach him about this Bible reading I would always make an overemphasized blowing of the wind. In fact when I teach my third grade catechism class, I’m purposefully very quiet and serious and just before we get to the blowing of the wind I grab a cardboard poster and start waving it in the room to create a large wind. Papers and hair fly all over the room--the kids are so surprised--then I have a paper flame that I place over each of their heads--the Holy Spirit descending on each of them--they love it! In fact they always ask me to “do it again!” I am always quite amused at their reaction.

As an adult, the first time I read about the coming of the Holy Spirit, I pictured myself as one of the disciples, with the Apostles and our blessed Mother waiting and praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit. How afraid I would have been to have a sound like a rush of a mighty wind enter into the house. And then to witness the tongues of fire descend on each of them--Then go outside and convert and baptize three-thousand people! Sheesh, how can anyone not believe after that?

“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.” --1 Cor 12:3

Father Erik said in his homily today that we have no life without the Holy Spirit--either here on earth or in Heaven. Yes, yes, yes! Father is so correct. My life without the Spirit of God was nothing--I was all about myself--I had it all figured out--religion was just superstitious bunk, did not mean anything--it was for people who were not all that smart. I was dead.

Now that the Spirit has given me life--I am alive, sometimes the Spirit wants to just leap out of my chest--I want to share the Spirit with others--especially those I love, but sometimes they do not hear--and how can they--they speak by themselves--they do not have the Spirit of God inside of themselves, they cannot say “Jesus is Lord.”

Mary, our blessed Mother, and the Apostles showed us how to attain the Holy Spirit--easily--they prayed and asked. There is only one way I know to have the Spirit of God come into your heart--Pray, ask Him, it’s that simple!

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 9

NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 8

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)
Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!
The Gift of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Dog Diary / Cat Diary

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.

However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 7

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)
Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.
The Gift of Counsel
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

You're Vanilla

H/T Whitney
You're as popular and relaxing as vanilla ice cream. You go with the flow, and get along with all sorts of people. You appreciate peace and simplicity, so you sometimes find crowds and loud noises overwhelming. You are a chilled-out, calming influence on the people in your life, and your friends appreciate how supportive and flexible you are.

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 6

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)
If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.
The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Out Of The Dirt

Atheists claim, “there is no God.” There is no God? When I look in my garden and I see my peony’s growing out of the dirt, after the Winter--The peony DNA knew Winter was over and through photosynthesis the plant took invisible carbon from the air--carbon that I cannot see with my eyes--and created structure that I can see. I did not have to re-plant them, they just died off last year and this year out of the dirt here is this most amazing sight, new fresh stalks growing out of dirt. In a few more weeks, the stalks will turn more green and giant fragrant, colored blooms will appear. I will enjoy their beauty and fragrance, and at the same time the plant will create oxygen for me to breathe. And atheists say, there is no God.

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 5

FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)
Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!
The Gift of Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 4

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)
Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude
The Gift of Fortitude By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 3

THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter)
Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.
The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Veni Sancte Spiritus Novena Day 2

SECOND DAY (Saturday, 6th Week of Easter)
Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Nine Days Of Waiting

Today, the Mass was First Friday Mass, A celebration of Saint Athanasius--Father Erik's favorite saint, and the day after the Ascension of our Lord--the day to start the Novena (nine days of prayer) for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

After Jesus Ascended into Heaven, Mary and the Apostles gathered and prayed for nine days waiting for the Holy Spirit. On the tenth day (Pentecost) the Holy Spirit came--as tongues of fire--and rested on each of them. This is my favorite novena, I pray it every year starting on this date and occasionally throughout the year. Please join me in praying the novena!

From EWTN:

The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.


Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

FIRST DAY (Friday, 6th Week of Easter)
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!The Holy Spirit
Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin· Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

To be recited daily during the novena:

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena:

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Lord of the Dance.from Noel Mc Loughlin

Going Home

Stolen from Father Erik's blog

Boys Don't Wear Pearls

I have new pearls! My husband Jim surprised me with these beautiful new pearls! Jim and I went into Farr's Jewelry store to get a new watch battery, while we were there I just happened to notice the most beautiful string of pearls, "Jim, you should buy these for me--they are so beautiful." We looked at the price--very expensive, but they were on special. "Jim, you should hurry and buy these before they go off special," I joked with him.

Pearls have always been my favorite--I would rather have pearls than diamonds. I love the soft luminous qualities. When I was very young, looking into a jewelry shop window, at Trolley Square--a very high end store, I saw the most beautiful set of "rose pearls." Two thousand dollars--I still remember the price to this day, how could anyone have that much money just for jewelry? Only a very deeply loved beautiful princess could have such beautiful pearls. Her handsome rich prince would present them to her--she would feel loved and be sooooo happy. Definitely not for me. Oh, sigh.

When I graduated with my Bachelors of Science degree--I worked hard for that degree, and I celebrated by buying myself pearl earrings and a single pearl necklace--I wanted the whole string--but could not bring myself to spend that much money--for just jewelry.

Yesterday I came home late from work, and Jim was still up waiting for me to come home. There was a gift atop of my Bible, who's present?--I assumed he had gone shopping for a mothers day gift for his mom. "It's for you." "Yeah, right." I did not believe him. "Yes it is, open it." "Why would you buy me a gift." I said grumpily. "Because I love you." "Yeah right, who's the gift for?" "It's yours, open it." At this point I could not fathom if he was serious or not, so I said, "okay, I'll open it--you got me a gift just cause you love me?--that's a bit strange."

Jim was starting to get frustrated, "You know it's okay to accept a gift, please open it." "Okay, I will open it--are you sure it's for me?" Stalling him a few more minutes, I think I was afraid to open the gift, what if it were something really great? It was, the beautiful set of pearls, rose pearls mixed with white pearls. Oh, my!

When I put them on, I do not want to take them off--I love them, I can't believe I have a full strand of pearls! Never in my entire life could I ever imagine myself having a full strand of pearls! When I wear them, I feel like a beautiful girl--have you ever seen a boy wear pearls?--boys don't wear pearls--pearls are just for girls! Ahhhh, I love my pearls, I feel loved and soooo happy! Thanks, Jim!