Last man Standing.

 It was the last time we were together as a family. No one knew - that would be the last time. They are people my children never got to know. They were family.

 There was a love and a unity that my children never got to see or feel, or learn how to be part of. No matter what our differences were - we were family, and we could always count on each other to be there. 

 The doors never closed between us. We made mistakes and we were always there to pick each other up. Nobody ever stabbed anyone in the back or purposely caused pain to another. We defended each other against anyone and everything. We let no one come between us. We had each others back, always. We never turned our back on each other.

We honored our parents, and did all we could to never bring shame, dishonor or pain into the circle. There was pride in the family name, a sense of duty to uphold the standards. We knew who we were and we stood for something good. Family meant something to each of us. Always.

 Shortly after this the first one passed away, then one by one, until there is only the last one standing. Left alone in this world. Wishing so many things could have been different. So many times wishing that just one more time you could see them. Feel the love, the unity, the togetherness. Knowing that no matter what, someone had your back. 

To be left standing alone. 

Familys are different now

 You do the best you can and no one is perfect. Some will understand your heart, others will try to stab it every chance they get. Some will come to you and ask while others will jump to conclusions or believe the lies and judge.

  No where in the book does it say a parent is perfect. We are human, we make mistakes. We love and we try. We sacrifice everything of ourselves for them. You can't please everyone all the time. You can't put one above the others. You have to do what's best for all. And sometimes, that isn't good enough for some. 

 It amazes me how some kids can forgive the one who was never there. The one that truly abused them. The ones that are selfish and disregard the children they brought into this world, while holding the one that was there to the standard of perfection. You are not allowed to make mistakes. You are expected to get it right all the time. But the flake can flake off over and over again, and somehow - that too is 'your fault'. 

 Fascinating how raised together they can all turn out so different. See the same thing in different colors. 

 As I've always said. God knows my heart, God knows the truth. Some day they will each face God for their own judgement of their own actions. Someday the truth will play out and they will know - just how wrong they were. 

I pity the people that pit children against their parents, the ones that come between loved ones and tear families apart. God knows. It isn't karma that will take them down, it's judgement day. They know who they are they know what they have done. I pity them.

 Everyone has the right to live in peace. It's understandable when one must walk away and shut the door on some.  When someone is trying to take your life, you need to walk away and not look back. But to shut someone out that has done nothing but love you, is wrong. To jerk children away from family because of your own personal issues is wrong. There is a difference between using your children as pawns and protecting your children from someone that has hurt them. 

 You only get one family in this life. Blood is thicker than water. Sadly we live in a world where people would rather throw family away and make excuses to exclude them. Rather than teach our children to love and be a part of something bigger. 

To be FAMILY.

 I had 3 brothers, one was severely mentally ill. Yes, life can be hard when one child is 'different' than the others. That is really no excuse not to teach your children to love them as much as the others. To get along and overlook their hardships. Walking away, excluding and avoiding them, teaches your children to judge and be cold hearted. It's heartbreaking to see families grow so far apart, when as a parent you work so hard to teach them to be a team and work together. 

 Someday when they are the last man standing, they will regret the loss of those they pushed away. 

 Blessed by God

Life's about family @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Time to Move!

 As you can see, there isn't going to be much help from Chanelle on this move. She's been having a bit of a struggle with the heat and being able to get comfortable. 

 I'm not asking anyone to help and I really don't expect anyone to offer. I've gotten used to doing things alone. I'm just hoping the weather will be cooler on moving day and that I can get everything into my friends trailer, so I only have to make one trip.

 I'm really hoping I can get unpacked and feel like I'm home, by my birthday. That would be the best present this year. To finally be home and see all my stuff again. I'm tired of looking at boxes. 

 I'll be upset if Tim does something stupid again this year. I really wish he would leave it alone and not bother me on my birthdays. I really hope he's found a place and moved on in his own life by then. That would be a really great present too. 

 It's going to be interesting, not sure if my foot will be in a boot or a cast on moving day. Thankfully the place I'm leaving and the place I'm going to are both owned by the same person, so there isn't really going to be a need to rush the process. 

 Sigh, it's so nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Up and Running again!

Up and running. The new printer arrived yesterday, she's all hooked up today. I use sublimation ink and don't need the regular ink that was included. So, if you have an eco-tank printer and need ink? I have a complete set for $10.

This one was much easier to get hooked up than the previous and weighs about half as much. Plus, it's black so it goes with my office equipment better. The print quality is the same as before, just half the cost and weight. 

Epson and Cannon are my two favorite printer brands. Never had much trouble with either. My previous printer was damaged in the move and it was less expensive to replace rather than fix. HP printers have always given me trouble. From jamming paper to running through ink really fast and leaving streaks on the paper. 

New magnets and key chain blanks came in yesterday, tested a few to get the right sublimation temp. The first magnets bubbled on the back, indicating it was a little too hot. Key chains came up great first try! Double sided printing available on those. Tested a garden flag and discovered I need to use the new heat pad, as this one has indentation in the middle from the thicker products, so it left a light spot in the middle of the flag. Plus I want to find thicker flag blanks, these seem awful thin and cheesy. 

Key chains {I can't find my sample I made yesterday} are 1.5 x2 and double sided. 

Magnets are 3x2 and I can put any image on them.

Magnets are great for family photos, school pictures and cute quotes. 

Bulk orders welcome and Low cost shipping.

Blessed by God

Life's busy @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

I believe it is finally Summer!

 We can drive with the top down! Chanelle loves to sit on the console in the middle or lay stretched out in her seat, catching some sun. I think she likes the convertible as much as I do. 

So thankful and blessed to have the car. Gas mileage is awesome compared to the Expedition! Plus, it's a lot of fun to cruise in. lol. Tabs are good til next June; we are still working on the title part. {Soon, so I can get insurance in my name}. 

My amazing son spent 4 almost 5 hours working on it Sunday, finding and fixing the oil leak. Only to discover the drain plug is stripped so we couldn't do a proper oil change. I need to call a shop and find out how much it's going to cost to fix that.  

Pretty sure he found the leak; it was with the sending unit. Thankfully I had bought a new one and the evidence suggests that the leak {at least in part} was coming from the old one. 

We also couldn't do the pan gasket, until I get a few more parts. The exhaust is right under the pan and will have to be removed, so there are gaskets to replace putting that back together too. And of course, the rear turn signal is still having issues. I'm thinking I need to get a new light socket thing and possibly some fuses and a flasher switch. 

I can't complain. It was a gift! It had been sitting for a long time, so I knew there would be a few issues to fix. It's kinda funny how all the kids said, "It suits me", when they looked at it. I think it does too. White of course seems to be my car color. Most of the vehicles I've had lately have all been white. 

Temperatures have been rising, hitting the 80's and hopefully coming into the 90's soon. I personally love the hot weather. Finally get to thaw out my bones. Speaking of bones, I finally went to the doctor for my left ankle. Seems there is some things going on in there as a result of previous injuries. Pain pills, physical therapy and possible surgery coming my way. Yuk!  

At least it doesn't affect me riding my horse. No jumping of course, but trail rides are still in the game. Working on getting my friend and her horse warmed up for the adventures. Then we'll be hitting the trails. Looking forward to those days. It's been a while since I've been able to take my horse out on the trails. We both miss it I think. She loves to go places and explore new sights. Particularly the ocean.

I'm looking for a little pouch to put Chanelle in so she can go riding too. I would hate to leave her behind for all day excursions. I think she would enjoy being with us. Just have to find a good one, that I can wear while riding. I don't want the backpack type, it's gotta be a front pouch. Good ole Amazon will probably have what I'm looking for.

Still no word on the 'move' yet. They said they would keep me in the loop, but I haven't heard anything from any direction recently. Last I heard the goal was mid-July, well that is coming up next week and I'm sure I'm going to get a bit of a notice in advance, so I can get things packed up and services changed over. ? I pray about it, wondering if God is changing their plans into something even better. 

I will go where God wants me to go. My faith and trust is in Him. The many miracles and blessings I've received this year alone, make me want to do what pleases God even more than ever before. I've been pretty blessed throughout most of my life. Many many miracles have happened and I'm so grateful for all of it. The future looks bright, even though I can't see it. New printer and my machines are with me. I can finally get back into production as well as all the other things I do for work. 

Life's good! Praise God. 

Blessed by God 

Summer's here @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Glad That's Over

I'm not a fan of fireworks. Yes years ago, I would buy them, and our kids would enjoy them. Things have changed so much since then. 

Back then everyone would wait until dusk and begin lighting them so you could see the sparkles in the sky. Most folks would end it by 10 PM. The time that loud noise was supposed to be stopped.

Now, it's not about sparkles in the sky, it's about the loudest most obnoxious booms possible. The Natives have gotten ridiculous about the products they sell and the idiots buy the biggest noise makers they can.

It isn't just on the 4th that you have to put up with the noise and the smoke, it's several days before as well. The stupid ones live in farm county's. A place where it should truly be BANNED. 

Neighbors don't get together anymore and coordinate their shows, they compete against each other to make the most noise. The sky stayed dark where I was and the booming bombing noise continued from about 8 PM to midnight. No show to watch - just obnoxious loud noise. 

This morning the streets are littered with the garbage because the second major difference from then to now, is they don't clean up the mess. Back when we would let the kids light them off, it was in our street and as soon as it was over, the mess was picked up and sweep up. Now the streets are grossly littered with the garbage of hundreds of dollars of waste. {And some of these folks are the ones complaining about the cost to live and not being able to afford their own lives.} 

I haven't read the accident and fires reports yet this morning, the numbers from years past are staggering. Many people missing fingers, hands and much worse. My heart goes out to the veterans that fought in real wars and are triggered by all the bombs going off. The pets and wildlife that have been injured from running away in fear. I have no pity for those who lost a limb last night, unless it was an innocent bystander. They bought what they got and deserve the consequences. 

The skies are filled with smoky clouds and it's probably going to rain today. Happens every year. I think fireworks are the stupidest part of the holiday these days, because too many idiots don't have an ounce of respect for anyone around them. 

It was a beautiful sunset last night before the bombs fell. 

Vancouver BC years ago would host the international fireworks contests out over the water. Beautiful well planned displays set to music. Country against country. No personal fireworks allowed. Well organized and well planned, the images in the sky were beautifully executed.

I kept to myself and didn't celebrate the holiday. Felt weird like I had to invite myself to be anywhere, so felt it best to stay here. Made sure my animals were not bothered by the explosions. As I said earlier, didn't see anything pretty in the sky, just a bunch of bombs going off. Probably the worst 4th of July yet for firework displays.

Blessed by God

Life's peaceful today @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL

 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Independence Day

 

American History is always a fun topic to explore. Sometimes we celebrate things we really don't even know what they are or why it's a celebration. I wonder how many people actually know the history of our Independence Day celebration, and how the fireworks came into play...

I go to history.com for many great articles on several historical topics. Links to the following quoted articles can be found below at the end. I encourage you to visit the links and learn more about our great countries history and how it came to be what it is today.

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2025 is on Friday, July 4.

Did you know..

John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Fireworks
“Yesterday the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity,” reported the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 5, 1777. “About noon all the armed ships and gallies in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in the gayest manner, with the colors of the United States and streamers displayed.”
After each ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute (in honor of the 13 colonies), the festivities continued, including an elegant dinner, a military demonstration and a performance by a Hessian band. “The evening was closed with the ringing of bells,” the Evening Post reported, “and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”

To read the rest of this article

 go to The Fourth of July - History, Celebrations & Traditions

To learn more about 

the fireworks   .Why Do We Celebrate July 4 With Fireworks? | HISTORY

Blessed by God

Life's bright and beautiful @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Living with Pain

Well I did it, I finally broke down and bought the first plant. I sold off all my plants, house plants and the pots outside, just before moving out of the house a year ago. It's been different living without them. Funny thing is, when my energy was good my plants thrived, when my energy went negative, my plants would get sad looking. 

I have avoided getting plants while in this temporary situation, not knowing when or where I would be relocated to. I couldn't help it the other day, as I walked into the store, I noticed this little guy outside looking a bit shanty and the price was reduced to $7.99 on him.

 I had to bring him home.

I have the pot my grandkids decorated for me for Mother's Day a few years ago, and the kitty stand that has always been sitting on the front porch {even when it's empty}, the only one I couldn't part with. So now it has a plant, you can't see the kitty but he's there. I cut off the dead heads and added fresh plant soil and plenty of water and the plants looking pretty good again. It's my hope to go HOME soon. Looking forward to the day when I have a house full of green plants and bright colored flowers. 

I couldn't take the pain anymore in my left foot and finally went to the doctor. She became concerned about the lumps on the bottoms of both feet and will be monitoring them more closely, and I'm being sent to the hospital for X rays on the left ankle as it's not looking good {or feeling good} I was given another brace, and a prescription for pain pills as it has become an unbearable pain to walk on. The brace is impossible to put on as I can't point my foot outward to slip it over the heel, so I will be looking for a boot that attaches differently.

Getting up and down have become harder, with not having any support on one foot, needing a wall or some sturdy object to pull myself up with. The lower back pain has become a part of my mornings and nights. Becoming really hard to lay down and be comfortable in any position. Getting up from a laying down is almost as painful as laying there. My weight is going nuts, and I really need to shed a few pounds. I have never been this heavy and have no intentions of getting any heavier. 

I think the weight might have a bit of something to do with the reoccurring heartburn, which my doctor is suspicious may not be heartburn at all. My diet has become so limited as to not trigger it into acting up. I miss so many of the foods I used to enjoy and love the taste of. Again, today I'm in pain of the abdomen and feel bloated. Hoping a warm cup of coffee will help. I get headaches when I don't drink a couple cups before bed, so I woke up with a migraine today, as well.

Living with pain is no easy task. Keeping your pain to yourself and not letting it show or become the concern of others is a chore all its own. Limping with a smile. Not asking for help. Not being able to do the things you need to do. It's work of its own kind. 

People can look at you and see nothing, to think that there is nothing wrong. "Why does she have a disability plaque in her car?" "How is he on disability, he looks fine to me". We judge and assume that there is nothing wrong with someone, when in truth, they are in more pain than you could ever tolerate. 

Be mindful and keep the dirty looks to yourself next time you see someone in the disabled parking spot. Yes, they may not look that old, they may not look that crippled. You don't know how painful it is for them to get in and out of the vehicle and walk the distance to the store. Or how much more painful it is to have the weight of a bag of groceries on their arm while they try to keep their balance. 

It's not easy to live with pain, that people can't see. 

Blessed by God

Life's a miracle @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Taste it before you dish it out.

So many people like to dish it out, then they worry about you dishing it back. They think that you think like they do. It confuses them when you don't. 

It's said the one that accuses is guilty of the crime. Most of the time, that's a pretty accurate statement. People that think down and dirty, think everyone else is as down and dirty as they are. 

Most of the time and for most folks - they are above it. I taught my kids to take the high road, rise above the situation and not stoop to be as low as the one throwing the dirt. 

Sometimes you meet someone that is constantly dishing out the crap. Most times you can walk away and ignore them. That often makes them dish it out even more. They are so determined to get under your skin. Jealousy and Envy is usually the driving force in them. Other times, you are stuck with the person in your life, something you can't just walk away from. 

On the rare occasion - you have to give them a taste of their own medicine, hoping they can finally figure it out. Be prepared, more often than not, they can't get the understanding. They continue to dish out the crap. 

It's rewarding when the one time, you feed it back to them and you can tell they didn't like the taste of shit in their mouth. Whether or not, it stops the problem, is another question. But it does feel good to finally stand up for yourself and put a stop to being fed the crap. 

How people respond to the returned treatment is interesting. A few will figure it out and apologize. A few others will end the relationship and walk away, sparing you the foul treatment for good. And yet another few, will accuse you of mistreating them, blame you and try to make you look bad. When in fact it's been their own actions all along that were crap. 

Remember to 'taste it, before you dish it out'. If you don't like the taste of it, chances are - no one else will either. And beware, there are some folks that just might feed it back to you. 

. Blessed by God

Life's full of humor @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Only One Way

 I've lost count on how many 'different' churches there are, and how many different ways a 'Christian' can get to Heaven. 

 It amazes me how so many 'religions' are formed based on 'one man's' interpretation of the scripture. More amazing is how many followers 'he has' behind him. 

 The scripture clearly tells us, there is only ONE GOD, Only ONE way, through JESUS CHRIST. Jesus didn't change the direction of His preaching as He entered each city. He preached and taught the same Word of God everywhere He went. 

We are told many times in the Bible that the path to Heaven is narrow, whereas the path to Hell is wide. Many scriptures refer to ONE GOD, ONE CHRIST, ONE HOLY GHOST {or HOLY SPIRIT, as some say}. ONE WAY only. 

Ephesians 4: 3-6 ~ endeavoring to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

Luke 13:24 ~  Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able. 

Matthew 24:4 & 5 ~ Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.

And yet, we have hundreds of 'different' churches, preaching and teaching different things. Each one a great many followers?

 Many are wealthy and hold great power in their communities, charge people for classes to learn the Word of God, before accepting them in their flocks. I personally don't believe Jesus ever charged an admission fee, to hear Him speak, or to learn His teachings. 

Yes, He established tithes, for the churches to maintain their buildings and support their preachers, feed the Holy persons that do the teaching and preaching. He didn't establish it for them to become wealthy beyond the needs. 

My Bible talks about the disciples taking nothing but basics with them, as they journeyed into the cities to speak the Word of God and the works of Jesus. He never told them to 'charge' people to attend. 

The rich man was told to sell all he had and give it to the poor and needy. Warning us that the wealth of this world would not buy one's way into heaven. 

We must ask ourselves ~ Are you sure you are on the right path? in the right 'church'? 

Shouldn't they all be teaching the same thing? The one true way to salvation? Heaven? 

How do we know? How do we find? 

We pray, ask God, be true of heart that you are seeking God's way. God will lead you to where you should be. God will show you the one true Word of God. We were given the Holy Ghost for a reason. To be here and to guide us in the right directions. Faith believing and trust in the Spirit. 

I'm sure many churches mean well, and believe they are on the right path. 

You can find God in any church if you are truly seeking God. God will tell you if you are in the right place and sometimes, the wrong church is the right place to start. 

If you are just going to 'feel better' or if you think you are buying your way into heaven, you are far from the door opening to paradise. 

Search your own heart, Pray. If you are truly seeking to find God, He will be there and walk with you. 

And please don't get judgy. 

Don't try to tell others 'They are doing it wrong'. 

Worry about your own salvation, be the light. If you have the Spirit of the Lord in you, people will see it, they will feel it and they will follow it or reject it. 

Just worry about being the light and shining your brightest for God, He will do the rest. 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Back in Business

 

StarBright and Whinnie are actually starting to get along much better! Both Debbie and I have been having chats with StarBright about being mean to Whinnie. Also having chats with Whinnie not to be so flighty around StarBright. {Don't let her bully you!} and it seems to be working! Yay. I really need the weather to cooperate so I can get back into riding more, I really need to lose a couple pounds. 

It feels good to see life progressing forward, no matter how slow it seems, it's going forward. Many, many blessings and miracles the past 5 months! The Expedition sold last week. Didn't get much out of it as it started having engine trouble. I have the parts for the Sebring, now just to hook up with my son to get it fixed hopefully finding the oil leak. Still delayed on the move, hoping to be HOME soon so I can finally unpack everything and not be looking at boxes. While I appreciate every moment I'm here, it's still a temporary feeling. 5 months when it started out to be 3, I'm grateful as I love the area. 

Business is back up and running. Renewed the business license and my Notary commission. Just waiting for the paperwork, and my new seal stamp. Really happy as yesterday I was able to get my machine back home.  Unfortunately, the printer broke and has to be replaced. About a $250 expense. I was concerned about the ink and print heads anyway, so maybe it's a good thing I need a new one. I signed up for the Stamps.com and have a free scale coming, so I won't need to go to the post office as much to mail out product orders and I'll be able to price the shipping fees from home, rather than get estimates. 

Life feels good when it's progressing forward. A lot has happened in the last 5 months. So grateful to everyone that helped me get from there to here, and moving forward. Life is truly a roller coaster, with a lot of ups and downs. 

Blessed by God

Life's full of hope @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until Next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Summertime with Avon ~ Enter to Win!

 

Enter to Win

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

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Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Summer Sale ~ Who likes the lighthouses?

 

Handcrafted right here in the U.S. 

Perfect addition to any lighthouse collection.

Get yours today!

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

The Queen and Her court.

    

 They love the new Kitty tree and are finally 

sharing it with each other.

Sylvester hasn't fallen off yet!

But I think he could use a bit bigger perch to lay on. 

Chanelle loves her dog bed, as long as it's in the chair and not on the floor. 

      

And as long as Sylvester isn't laying in it.  {He likes it too}

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

God is Amazing

As I sit here watching the rain, I can't help but think about this time last year. When I was living in the truck traveling around the state, exploring.

The weather was perfect, warm all through the night. Days were a little hot. The truck was running prime and being reliable that I could go anywhere without worry. 

I was able to explore and see many beautiful places. Money was sufficient for the journeys. People were friendly, not a care to overcome.

Then winter hit and it still wasn't too cold. The truck started using more gas and money got a bit thinner. Some of the cats started getting sick and I had to make some hard decisions, but it still wasn't horribly cold. Being out in the weather wasn't too bad. Losing Gizmo was hard.

Then we got the call for low-income housing and was turned down because neither of us had a current residence with rental history. That started the collapse and downward spiral. Money was tight, with so many vet bills and the truck needing parts. Having to call for help because of break downs and borrowing. His mental illness overtaking him, physical ailments and constant doctor appointments.

I was losing all hope and my spirits fading fast. My birthday was depressing, because of the situation and Christmas was heartbreaking. I reached the end of the line mentally, spiritually and physically. I reached out to the Lord and let Him know I couldn't do it anymore. 

Tim attempted suicide after complaining to no end for a couple months. So, I put him in the hospital, Then the freezing temperatures came in January. I was having to start the truck in the middle of the night, to prevent it from getting too cold, and couldn't keep it running for long as to not waste gas. Never did get warmed up.

Ice on the windows and all alone with the animals, I couldn't take any more. Didn't know if I was even going to wake up from being frozen. Then a couple friends stepped up to help. I was given an opportunity to be in a house, but needed to wait until the following week, so a friend took me in over the weekend and I moved the following Tuesday. I was able to move my horse to a better place that I could more afford as well. 

This year it's been cold and wet most of the time, nights dropping temps to near freezing. It's been 5 months with a roof over my head and heat to warm my body. Blessings and miracles abound. As I watched the snow fall in February, I thanked the Lord daily for saving me from it all. And since then, it's been cold wet and miserable outside. Very few nice days in spring and now it's summer with still a lot of rain and cold. 

I wouldn't have survived this year in the truck; I never would have made it in the cold. I feel very blessed and grateful to everyone, and all the Lord has done for me. God is amazing. I know I never would have survived if I had been left in the truck once the snow fell. God's timing was perfect.

I'm sitting here watching it rain, thinking about where I was a year ago and where I am now. I've gotten my business license back, my notary commission back and I've been able to work a bit, enough to not have to borrow. I was blessed with a car being gifted to me and I was able to get rid of the truck before it left me stranded. Starting to get caught up on bills and getting closer to moving home. 

The original plan of 'the apartment' has been sidelined. The city wouldn't give them a permit to remodel an existing building in the mobile home community. Guess you can't have 'houses' and 'mobile homes' in the same park? Weird I thought. A plan B was created and I'm now waiting on a remodel of an older mobile home to move too. Hopefully I get to unpack and be permanent when I get there. 

I gave up on trying to make a plan and force everything in the direction I thought it should go and I've let go, letting God move mountains and fulfill His plan for me. As I told a friend recently - I know the move is 'far away' but I'm ready to go where God wants me to go. He's opened so many doors and flooded me with so many blessings this year, I can't help but look forward to see where He wants to take me. 

Blessed by God

Life's a journey @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Social Security is a Scam.

A few chilling facts about Social Security that you might not know.

All that money you have paid in all your life, you might never see, and your benefactor may never receive. 

Scenario #1

A person can work a low paying job for years, get sick and not be able to work for a few years ~ and SURPRIZE you no longer have enough points to qualify for SSDI {Your disability benefits}, so then you will have to fight to receive SSI. Social security Insurance for the under privileged. It may take a few years to receive, so hang in there. Homelessness may lead to drug addiction, and you could end up dead before a decision is made. For many, they survive barely on the streets getting pushed around and kicked around. Until finally - they start getting the 'benefits'. Which is an amount that does not qualify you for any kind of rent, even in a slum. So, you sign up for low-income housing. Be prepared to live on the streets for another 3-5-7 years as the waiting lists are ridiculously long. But hey, the upside is your getting a few bucks on the first of every month and now your prescriptions are free. 

Scenario #2

Both you and your mate work for the majority of your lives, finally he's old enough to retire and collect his social security. Yay! Not even a year later he passes away. Now where is all his money going to go? You think 'Survivor benefits' right? So, you apply. First, they tell you - YES, your qualified for a few hundred dollars a month, even though you are working. {You are still not old enough to retire}. Now, you wait. Only to receive a second letter saying you get NOTHING, because your earnings are higher than the amount they had planned to give you. You basically have to QUIT your job to collect your earned 'survivor benefits'. Now, all that money that your partner put into Social Security is going to go to someone or somewhere else. It's not coming to you! Oh but wait, once you reach retirement age and start collecting your retirement, we might be able to give you a little bit of it?

Scenario #3

You have worked 35 years, paid into Social Security, paid your taxes. And now, your mental health issues have become unbearable. You are literally 'losing it', mentally. So, you decide for the safety of everyone, you are going to retire early. You will collect a small pension from the company if you were fortunate enough to work for a place that provides pensions. You apply for your Social Security that you have paid into for 35 years... and you get denied. According to them, you are not crazy enough to not be able to work. Even though, you have put everyone's safety FIRST and explained that you can't be around so many people safely anymore. Your mental illness causes violent outbursts that you no longer can control. So you end up homeless and, on the streets, because your pension wasn't enough to keep up the mortgage and you had to sell your house and now you don't have a qualifying income to pay rent either.  Hire an attorney and fight it. What does the attorney do? Nothing more than file the paperwork that you could have filed yourself. But yet he/she will get a fair chunk of your benefits if and when you do finally get approved. That is if you don't commit suicide beforehand. {Mind you, you have already attempted suicide at least 3 times}.

Bottom line. 

The only way you are going to ever see that money you paid in is -

 if you keep working until the retirement age {which is a number they keep raising} {Went from 55 to nearly 70 now}. They secretly hope you die of old age at your job before you ever get a chance to collect 'your money'. 

or if you are so sick and disabled you can't do anything except lay there and rely on nurses to feed you and wipe your ass. 

or if you are a young drug/alcoholic that has never worked a day in your life. You will qualify for SSI faster than anyone that has at least worked. 

or if you're a child who has lost your parent before you turn 18, however, once you are 18 benefits end good luck in life from then on.

of if you have a child with a disability and you don't make enough money to pay for all the extra needs. Be warned, as soon as you get a good paying job, your child's benefits will be cut off. 

BUT YET they say Social Security will be broke in a few years.

SO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ALL OF YOUR MONEY - ask yourself? 

Social Security is the biggest government SCAM yet. They have it set up to keep denying you until you hire an attorney to do your paperwork, just so attorneys can collect a good portion of your hard earned benefits. Double SCAM going on there. 

Blessed by God

Truth be told @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

It's a beautiful day today!

SOLD! at last! The beast served us well the past year. However, it is a bit hard on gas. Being gifted the car which gets double the gas mileage - it only made sense to sell. He was starting to have a few issues, some more than I could afford to fix, and with needing to do a few fixes on the car - the money came in handy dandy. 

We are looking to find Tim a smaller car to commute back and forth to Canada. When it's the right time, the Lord will provide. He was never comfortable driving the big trucks. The purpose of it was to pull trailers and there isn't a trailer currently to need pulling.

It felt good to help out and get the task accomplished for him. Then to get a few needed things paid for and have a buck or two in the pocket. Car parts are on order, should be arriving Friday. I'm hoping they fix the oil leak that I have - or at least lead to where it is so it can be fixed. The car needs a few parts mechanically and physically. One at a time, It'll look awesome when it's done. 

I finally got all my paperwork and insurance and bonds for my Notary. Just waiting for the new certificate to order the next stamp. I shall be up and running again very soon. It will add to the piggy bank, as every little bit helps. 

Still no sight of the moving date. Still looking forward to it. Just now I have to work on getting a truck to do the move with, as nothing will fit in the car lol. Really can't wait to get unpacked and be able to feel like I'm home. 

They say home is where the heart is..... 

Blessed by God 

Life's beautiful @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Star Bright

She's the first horse I've bought for myself. It wasn't until my kids were grown and out on their own that I could afford a horse. Only a few of the grandkids have the horse heart, miss Tiki being one of them. 

Even when we had the pony, she always wanted to ride StarBright. They look so beautiful together. For her birthday this year, she wanted to go riding. With my situation as it is, it's about all I could afford for a gift. 

She loved it! As I knew she would. 

This horse saved me in so many ways. She's looking pretty good for being 28 years old. I'm still her second original owner and will be her last owner. She's never seen the cruelty of an auction, bad trainer or harsh set of hands. 

A perfect lady when the kids ride her and a steed full of spirit when I ride. She's graceful and ever so careful, with the kids. If they even start to slip or slide she'll stop and wait for them to regain their balance. If anyone falls off she stands there waiting for you to get up on your feet again. 

Take her to the ocean and she'll let it all out in a full gallop. She loves when there is no fences or boundaries in sight. She loves the water and will stand in the middle of the field during a pouring rain. Plays in the water trough and enjoys a cool bath. 

But come across a puddle in the middle of a trial and it's a whole new story. One that must be jumped over rather than walked through. Mud - another obstacle that she tries to avoid. The last couple years before I got her, she lived in a very muddy pasture, 2 feet deep in front of the shelter. Perhaps this is why she enjoys standing out in the rain rather than going into a covered area. ?

The halter scar across her nose is faded and almost gone but will never disappear. That's okay, we all carry scars. She was injured on her hind leg years ago, almost lame when I first got her. The first year was more soaks and leg wraps than it was rides. It's been about 4 years since we've had to wrap it. Healing is a process, one to endure. The scars remain forever. 

There have been comments made about her name, It's one she came with, I never had the desire to change it. I believe it was the man's granddaughter that named her when she was born. Personally, I think it suits her.  She's classed as a pony due to her height. I'm short so it's the perfect size for me. She's my bright shining star - Star Bright the beautiful.

Blessed by God

Life's a good ride @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.