Time Is All We Have Said Willie

Recently, I enrolled in college to obtain a degree in Graphic Design after raising my three sons (who are all now in college themselves).  My greatest moments in life have been with my children. Aside from that, having the opportunity to see Willie Nelson in concert a few times, and being able to have a few moments of his time, is right up there with the greatest highlights of my life!  For one of my graphic design courses, I was asked to create two photo composites using Adobe Photoshop. The first was a collage of raising my three sons...and of course the other was my time with Willie Nelson!

Nature Therapy with Nancy Ann: A Tribute to Local Farmers Worldwide

Let us face it; there is a lot in life to worry about. Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and disappointments. Either you can sit around and waste time dwelling on what is troubling you, or you can take action and make positive changes in your life. I know far too many people that would rather sit around, dwell on the past, blame others, worry about the future, and choose not to do anything about it. This can lead to severe depression, substance abuse, and health problems. There will always be something in our lives to worry about. However, worry becomes problematic when we dwell and do not move forward. Certainly, life at times can dish out more than one can handle but with one small step at a time, positive changes can turn your life around. You cannot change the past. Concentrating on past mistakes and choices are just a waste of time and energy. Instead of dwelling on your troubles, focus on positive ways to make changes. A wonderful thing about life is that we all have

Just sharing!   Check out Cooper Boone.  He is awesome! http://www.cooperboone.com/

This video is from Farmland 2010.  This just proves once again that Willie can sing with anyone and it would be great! Who would ever think of putting Steven Tyler together with Willie?  Darn it Willie!  When are you coming back to Long Island, New York??

Nature Therapy with Nancy Ann: Help Save the Honey Bees...Please sign the petitio... : " 'Honeybees are dying off at an alarming rate. And, if Americans don’t act now to deal with what is being called “Colony Collapse Disorde..."

Nature Therapy with Nancy Ann: Please sign the Farm Bill for Healthy Food : "Congress writes a new Farm Bill every 5 years. Help the Environmental Work Group to help us have healthier food. We can all help to make a d.."

Nature Therapy with Nancy Ann: Please sign the Save the Bees Petition : "'Quietly, billions of bees are being killed off across the country threatening our crops and food. But a ban of one group of pesticides coul..."

I knew I should have gotten the flu vaccine.  Every year I have been lucky enough to escape it but it got me good this year.  How do I know for sure it is the flu, well it all started with spending six hours in the emergency room with my son Matthew.  We thought he had food poisoning but it turned out that he tested positive for influenza!  The very next day, my symptoms started to appear.  I got the chills, fever, headache, nausea and overall exhausted feeling.  Today is day three for me and I really do believe that what really has helped me to heal is the following: *1000 mg. of vitamin c daily; *Thyme essential oil bath & thyme cream; *Motrin & *Lots of fluids & rest & * Licorice ! That's right, I said licorice.  It not only helped with my stomach pain but I feel as though it helped me with the congestion.  You can find great licorice teas in your local supermarket or health food stores as well as licorice supplements. Healing properties of Licorice root:

Stop The Slaughter of Horses, Willie Nelson Saves Horses, Americans Against Horse Slaughter For Horse Meat

Stop Dwelling on the Past, Healing So You Can Go Forward To A Better Life Ahead

Stop Dwelling on the Past, Healing So You Can Go Forward To A Better Life Ahead

Bobbie Nelson has been a big part of her brother's band since the early 70's when Willie took her to New York City to help him with the records he was making.  Willie and Bobbie have remained very close since they were little.  Their parents married very young and the marriage didn't last.  They were raised by their music loving grandparents in the little town of Abbott, Texas. They would compose gospel music after supper and insist the children get involved too.  Bobbi learned how to read and play music by her grandmother at the age of 6.  When Bobbie was 9 and Willie was 6 their grandfather died and their grandmother worked in the fields.  Bobbi tours with Willie's band and she plays a a 7-foot Steinway.  She is amazing and beautiful. I know it isn't good to go through life having regrets...but I do have a regret when it comes to Bobbie.  Years back on a very rainy night after a Willie Nelson Concert at the Guild Hall on Long Island in East Hampton, New Yor

                                                  My backyard Groundhog - this little guy is hibernating in my backyard right now! I look forward to seeing him again this year. As you know Groundhog day just passed on February 2nd.  According to Phil the Groundhog we should expect an early Spring......that sounds good to me!  "German tradition holds that if the sun comes out on Candlemas, the precursor to Groundhog Day, the hedgehog (or badger) will see its shadow and six more weeks of winter will follow. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania they continued this tradition, using groundhogs instead of hedgehogs to predict the weather. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with a proclamation in The Punxsutawney Spirit by the newspaper's editor, Clymer Freas: "Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow." The legendary first Groundhog Day trip to Gob

Me in the white shirt on the left with friend Suzanne on the right, front right my brother Drue and on the left his friend Gregory at the Indian Reservation  for the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Southampton, New York. http://www.shinnecocknation.com/culture.asp Nature Therapy with Nancy Ann: Time to Listen to the Spiritual Elders of This Con... : "Native Americans believe everything is sacred from 'the largest mountain to the smallest plant and animal...' I think it is time to le..."

I feel this subject is of such importance that I am posting it on both of my blogs today.  Please take the time to check out the links and videos. Nature Therapy with Nancy Ann: Whole Foods Not so Whole? ...GMO Supporters : "Organic Alfalfa Field(Picture from http://www.co.clay.mn.us/Depts/Extensio/ExPGRLFO.htm ) The US Department of Agriculture appr..."

As many of you know, Willie Nelson made the news again recently and many jokes about Willie are going around.  Willie, however, is no joke.  As an avid fan of Willie  I just want to help make people aware of all the good he does and all the hard work he has done, and is doing, to make our world a better place to live in.   "Willie should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on agriculture issues, alternative fuels and world peace initiatives. A longtime supporter of the family farms in America, he founded the Farm Aid concert program over 25 years ago, and has also started the Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute, an organization dedicated to helping promote global peace. Willie has also been an avid supporter of the protection of wild horses, working on behalf of the animals as Tennessee and other states try to legalize the slaughter of horses. He supports the federal Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, which would ban horse slaughter in the U.S. and stop the current p

I am so grateful to my Godfather Uncle Paul and Aunt Estelle for taking me to the 1964/65 World's Fair at Flushing Meadows Carona Park in Queens, New York.  It was one of the largest World's Fairs to be held in the United States.  I was very young but I clearly remember the Unisphere, Belgian Waffles, the debut of the Ford Mustang and millions of people. The Unisphere can still be seen today and everytime I drive past it on my way to New York City it brings back wonderful childhood memories.  It is a 12 story high spherical stainless steel representation of Earth.  The theme of the World's Fair was "Peace Through Understanding" and the Unisphere represented the theme of global interdependence. My old photo of the Unisphere: Me (in pink sweater on the left), my sister Liz on the right & friends Susie in the front  & Jill in the back at World's Fair in the Chrysler Pavilion section in the Transportation Area. We were all wearing the classic feather

I took a look recently at Willie Nelson's website and was surprised to find out that his "Spirit" album was released 15 years ago in 1996.  As the article states this is a masterpiece and I totally agree.   I remember when it was released like it was yesterday and saw a whole different side of Willie, other than the portrayed "outlaw".  It was the Spirit album that started me on the path to being one of Willie's biggest fans.  http://www.willienelson.com/story/news/a_look_back_willie_nelsons_spirit_15_years_later

Farm Aid 1985 Back in  September of 1985 (two months after my oldest son Robert was born) Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp held their first concert to benefit family farmers. In 1987 Willie and John brought family farmers before Congress to testify about the state of family farming.  Congress passed the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to help save family farms from foreclosure. Farm Aid is an organization that works to increase awareness of the importance of family farms, and puts on an annual concert of country, blues and rock music with a variety of stars. The board of directors includes Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews. Last October the 25th Anniversary concert was held in Wisconsin.  Living on the Eastern End of Long Island, New York, I grew up with the luxury of buying and eating fresh fruits and vegetables from road side farm stands.  Good work Willie and gang! This is just another reason why I am a big fan of Willie! Willie signi

http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/Default2.aspx#helpingflavors

The Wait Today, I waited… for the alarm to go off, while lying awake in bed, wondering whether I really wanted to get up; for the water to get hot, while starting to shave, trying not to notice how the mirror makes me age! for the kettle to get filled, while standing at the sink yawning, scratching, and loosely planning my day; for the water to heat, while trying to select a tea, and wondering why such choices seem so hard now; for the tea to brew, while mindlessly dipping the tea bag down and up, down and up, down and… for the tea to cool a bit so I could sip it… blowing, testing, blowing, testing… for the eggs to cook, the cheese to melt, the bacon to fry, and the toast to pop up; for the shower to get hot while debating over using soap today, or sandalwood body wash; Okay, okay, you tired of waiting? I’ll try to speed it up: I also waited… in the line at the bank, at the cleaners, to be seated for lunch, for my food to come, for the server

Comfort food means different things to different people.  For some it could be either fast foods, sweets and desserts or a special home cooked meal they remember their Mom used to make. I miss my Mom for many reasons but I sure do miss her cooking!  After spending time outdoors in the snow and cold I cooked the family a comfort meal of roasted chicken, gravy, broccoli with cheddar & creamed corn. Rumor has it that one of Willie Nelson's favorite comfort meals is a pot roast supper. (No pun intended!) When my son Matt was younger his comfort food was his Mom's french toast. There is nothing like a good warm home- style meal on a cold Winter day.  Whatever it is that brings you comfort and a sense of well being ~ enjoy!

Since the passing of our sweet "sugar bear" Clyde the Basset Hound.... Our five year old Basset Hound Opie has been very lost without his buddy. They used to do everything together - eat, sleep & play. Right after Clyde passed away,  Opie started howling in the middle of the night.  I had read somewhere that it was a dog's way of calling out to other dogs to let them know they are lonely.  This went on for a week or two until..........                                  Along came Charlie!! ...and the permission to sleep on a blanket on the couch (have to spoil him a little bit)... Thanks Charlie Brown!  Now we can all get our beauty sleep.                                                                          

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." Quote by -- H. Jackson Brown There never does seem to be enough time.  Are we really that much more busier today than years ago? Our parents were just as busy - working and raising children yet Sundays relatives and friends would all get together.  Everyone would bring a dish.  The grownups would visit (drink and laugh and tell stories) and me and my cousins would play everything from red light green light, marbles, tag - you name it.  All outdoors, no video games, no computers. My generation grew up knowing and being friends with our cousins.  Sadly my children don't really know their relatives. I guess we have to stop blaming it on not having the time and just make the time - because we never know how much time we have!  

When my sisters and I were little we couldn't wait to get all bundled up and play for hours in the snow until the snow was caked on your gloves and hat and you could no longer feel  your fingers and toes. There was nothing like coming back inside and sipping on a delicious cup of hot chocolate that our Mother would make from real cocoa and homeade whipped cream... http://astore.amazon.com/timeisallwehave-20/detail/1558322906 I suppose things are just more fun when you are a kid!  No worrying about digging the cars out, rising fuel  bills and making a path for the mail carrier.   After getting hit with 12 inches of snow last night I am trying to find the fun.  It is beautiful though.  I don't know, now that I am older I just may have to fly south.                                           Last nights storm

http://astore.amazon.com/timeisallwehave-20/detail/0374343691 Well, my oldest son Robert is heading back up to college this afternoon after his long holiday break that seemed to fly by so quickly.   I savor each and every moment when all three birds are back in the nest.  It is hard to see them go..but you have to let them fly....

If I could save time in a bottle The first thing that I'd like to do Is to save every day Till Eternity passes away Just to spend them with you If I could make days last forever If words could make wishes come true I'd save every day like a treasure and then, Again, I would spend them with you But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do Once you find them I've looked around enough to know That you're the one I want to go Through time with If I had a box just for wishes And dreams that had never come true The box would be empty Except for the memory Of how they were answered by you But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do Once you find them I've looked around enough to know That you're the one I want to go Through time with (Words and Music by Jim Croce Copyright © 1972 Jim Croce, Atlantic Records. All rights reserved.) http://astore.amazon.com/ti

"Everyone needs personal time. Those who say they don't need time for self are probably the ones who need it the most. We all need time to let the dust settle, to evaluate how life is going, to plan for the future, to focus on that which is spiritually authentic." -- Richard A. Swenson, M.D., "Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives" ...I don't know about you but I don't mind being everything to everybody but I need "me time" to regroup with myself.  My very favorite time of the day for "me" time is early morning before everyone is awake.  Don't even think of talking to me before I have had my cup of coffee with Willie and a few minutes to "defrag" my brain.  I am working on losing the coffee - switching to herbal tea and instead of sitting at the computer possibly doing a little yoga.  I will think about it some more tomorrow morning while I sit at the computer and list

I have to say I am absolutely enjoying Facebook!   You meet so many people in your lifetime, stay connected with a few and lose contact with many.  Facebook has made it possible to reconnect with people that stood out in your memories but you just go in different directions over the years and lose contact.  I think the older you get the more fun it is to reconnect with people that share your space in time when life seemed simplier and carefree.  If you connect with someone you knew when you were five - you become 5 years old again.  You go back to that space in time.  Once you "friend" each other again you begin to share memories - some you remember, some you don't.  The more you chat, the more you begin to remember.  You start to dig through old pictures, scan and send them and share in laughter.  I think it is like putting together a puzzle of your life.  Connecting with important pieces of what made you who you are today.  I have reconnected with early childhood friend

“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

This blog used to known as another name..."Nancy Ann's Corner".  I started it a year ago and only had one entry.  A friend pointed this out to me yesterday.  I couldn't believe a year had passed. I forgot all about this blog.  My goal is to help people appreciate the time they have and to make every moment count! I learned really young in life how quickly you can lose a loved one.  My Mother Beatrice RIP was killed by a drunk driver in 1980.  The one thing I can say is I never ever had regrets that she didn't know that I loved her. I am grateful for the time I had with her although it was too short.