tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46589454506405428242011-07-29T03:02:26.660-05:00A journey from a life of vibrancy, to one of mediocrity, and back again...Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-48522533275635048002011-03-21T21:45:00.000-05:002011-03-21T21:45:29.696-05:00

So, when is an opportunity a real opportunity?  Seems I have the opportunity to rent a real house, with a yard, for a steal of a rent deal.  Problem is, it's in the middle of nowhere.  East Jesus, as we say.  Do I do it?  Chance to have a house again with no adjoining walls, and a yard for birds and a garden.  And barely a prayer of a job. Or, a job an hour's drive away, that is if I don't want

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-46277744873490797902011-03-07T15:23:00.000-06:002011-03-07T15:23:04.880-06:00

So, here I am again.  Humbly going over my past mistakes and regrets, and looking forward to putting them back where they belong - in the past. At the age of 50 and a half, I'm starting over again. The last time I did this for real was after my divorce in 1991.  I was 31 years old.  I lost my home and husband, lived with family, and looked for work so that I could get back on my feet.  I did it

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-25111847888515871962010-10-11T20:45:00.000-05:002010-10-11T20:45:09.242-05:00

So, last night I dreamed that all I wanted was to take a nice long bath.  I was in a space that offered luxurious bathing facilities.  However, there were windows and doors open to every which way, and observers by the hundreds.  I was supremely annoyed, and yelled at everyone who crossed my path.  Such luxurious bathing environment was at my fingertips! - yet I was constantly oppressed by:

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-15893541903517974942010-06-01T19:01:00.000-05:002010-06-01T19:01:30.832-05:00

I share this with you because Robyn made me laugh uproariously at her "Do's and Don'ts" when someone suffers misfortune. Thanks Robyn!'The Law of Distraction / May/June MuseLetter'

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-13278009802509105342010-05-27T22:20:00.008-05:002010-05-28T08:34:11.879-05:00

I've not been myself lately.  Ever feel that you're stuck somewhere you never intended, and can't find the exit?  That's been me lately. So, I do what we do, and look for wisdom in books.  I'm done with the whole "do what you love and the money will follow" trip and no longer feel that my destiny lies within finding the perfect job.  I want a more fulfilling LIFE, and a job in Corporate America

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-10101422876732634132010-05-24T17:54:00.000-05:002010-05-24T17:54:37.957-05:00

Recently, a very small but very important bit fell off my brake pedal in my car.  That tiny bit caused my brake lights to stay on even when the car was turned off.  Naturally, this ran the battery down, and I had to call AAA for a jump. The guy who came to help did indeed jump start my car, and listened to my description of what I was experiencing.  He, possessing a mechanical mind and being

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-73819392272706792882010-05-17T12:44:00.001-05:002010-05-17T13:06:55.403-05:00

It's everywhere and nowhere.  It's the most powerful thing on earth.  Everyone is talking about it. Love. The love I'm talking about is spiritual love.  It's supposed to be such a simple concept; yet I don't think I really understand it.  Christianity says, "Love your neighbor."  Buddhist love is about compassion and non-attachment.  Most faiths and traditions celebrate a "God is Love" ethos,

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-13490270196459472102010-05-07T21:29:00.001-05:002010-05-07T21:31:25.417-05:00

I'm that annoying person who sends grammatically correct text messages. I say this with great love, but with a great deal of annoyance. What the heck happened to English grammar and punctuation? I know many people who have smart, interesting, WISE things to say - however, their messages are garbled by bad spelling, non-existent punctuation and capitalization, and extremely limited sentence

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-54328489605549029732010-05-04T20:25:00.000-05:002010-05-04T20:25:53.440-05:00

This is so amazing and true. As I complained in my last post, there are "leaders" who are not true. This type of leadership is beyond true, and I celebrate it!

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-18763015325953596282010-05-03T23:08:00.000-05:002010-05-03T23:08:58.553-05:00

This has been on my mind alot lately. I have a reputation for not suffering foolishness gladly, if at all. I am beyond nauseated at the proliferation of self-help seminars, webinars, workshops, etc. that promise to use some secret that allows us to attract good luck just by wishing for it (and you know what I'm talking about). Yes, I believe that our own positive, loving energy and that of

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-9842835196746062952010-04-19T20:13:00.000-05:002010-04-19T20:13:24.350-05:00

I had an epiphany last night.  I discovered that I was hemmed in by too much stuff.  It's not even nice stuff.  It's just stuff I've collected over the years.  So, I had this epiphany last night that I had to get rid of all this stuff because it was holding me back from thinking and doing other real stuff, because I worry about cleaning, storing, taking care of - all this stuff. I've mentioned

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-28441350364936886242010-04-16T20:27:00.002-05:002010-04-16T20:29:08.579-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm chatty.  I like people, I'm curious about them, and I love to visit, as we say in the South.  I am very blessed in that I make friends easily.  I'm a really good listener.  And, if you want to talk about Oak Cliff, you better pack a lunch because we may be there all day.  I am an Oak Cliff Cheerleader and can talk Oak Cliff (especially restaurant!) gossip all

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-51392382831890134452010-04-14T22:26:00.000-05:002010-04-14T22:26:20.324-05:00

Every day, we interact with friends and strangers.  Over time, friends may become strangers, and strangers friends. What creates connections between people?  Compatible interests can connect individuals and, through grace and luck, make them friends. Or, cosmic energies can connect us - perhaps we feel instantaneously connected ; did we meet them in a past life? In these created connections, we

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-82267193568916759062010-03-30T19:24:00.000-05:002010-03-30T19:24:42.328-05:00

No, I'm not talking about Mr. Burns from the Simpsons.  If you've known me since I've bought my house, you will be familiar with Mr. Burns.  Until he retired recently, he took care of my yard, and of me.  I affectionately referred to him as "my fairy godfather." He has taken care of my yard since before it was my yard.  Happily, I inherited him from the previous owner.  He is a WWII vet, a

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-74404467509036338722010-03-26T21:12:00.002-05:002010-03-26T21:28:56.821-05:00

Happy Birthday, Joe! You have inspired me through the years to truly follow my bliss, and to really work out what that means for me. The actual quote has to do with following your bliss, but don't expect to make a lot of money! I've followed my bliss for many years now, with success and failure. I've only ever wanted to have an interesting life - so far, so good!If I'm lucky, the bank will

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-47032192524716141822010-02-05T08:36:00.001-06:002010-02-05T08:36:47.772-06:00

Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, “This is what I need.” It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength there. Any disaster you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege!! This is when the spontaneity of

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-39552111852407028042009-12-13T13:37:00.006-06:002009-12-13T13:50:05.184-06:00

Okay, so I had this "great idea." Many times, I wish I had a gigantic rubber stamp that says "OH FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!" that I would use when confronted with something I think is beyond ridiculous. So I try to start a new blog on blogspot using the name "ohforheavenssake." Come to find out, someone who DOESN'T USE IT owns it and there's no contact information with which I might email them and ask

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-37851705615051636872009-08-24T22:41:00.003-05:002009-08-24T22:58:07.315-05:00

I have a spider bite on the big toe of my left foot. I often get insect bites, as I live in a natural setting and sleep with the window over my bed cracked.It's been through several fazes now. The current one is clean, a bit red/purple, and mysterious. I have joked to my friends that I'm waiting for baby spiders to be born from my big toe.I had a conversation with a co-worker today; she and I

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-44150155280322180112009-02-26T11:58:00.000-06:002009-02-26T12:00:00.382-06:00

I had a great day today - work this morning; Hindi movie on the big screen this afternoon ("Delhi 6" - AWESOME); and home to the grocery store in Oak Cliff where people were literally observing Ash Wednesday. Was reminded, also, that I'll have to alter my route into my 'hood (now that the weather is warm) as to not run over the boys playing their regular basketball game across the street from my

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-49623879323188572432009-02-15T10:10:00.003-06:002009-02-15T10:55:11.074-06:00

My alarm clock is set to WRR, the classical station here in Dallas. On Sunday mornings, there's a variety of religious (Christian) programming. That can usually make me jump out of bed to turn it off quickly, but lately I've been staying in bed to listen to Dr. Stan Copeland of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church.He's a "good ol' boy" from East Texas and he's funny and self-deprecating. He

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-58329359700321337912009-01-26T22:30:00.002-06:002009-01-26T22:39:50.951-06:00

It's been absolutely forever since I've updated this blog. A lot has happened, and not happened, to me, and I've been out of touch. But now, I feel that opportunities are arising - not just for me, but for many of us who have heard the call of service to our communities. If President Obama has any effect on us long-term, I hope it's that more Americans stop worrying so much about acquisition

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-48494844566491965902008-09-15T17:57:00.000-05:002008-09-15T17:58:19.508-05:00

We should always live in the dark empty sky. The sky is always the sky. Even though clouds and lightning come, the sky is not disturbed. Even if the flashing of enlightenment comes, our practice forgets all about it. Then it is ready for another enlightenment.-Shunryu Suzuki, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt. Reprinted by arrangement with

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-21783147942639459612008-08-07T11:09:00.001-05:002008-08-07T11:11:00.275-05:00

Sleeping, sitting, walking,Nothing good or bad befalls me.I sleep, I sit, I walk,And I am happy. -Ashtavakra Gita 13:5From "The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita," by Thomas Byrom, 1990. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston. www.shambhala.com.

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-17459163033767256752008-06-30T11:31:00.005-05:002008-06-30T12:19:10.358-05:00

Rabia Z designs women's clothing, striving to combine her religious and cultural values with a modern sense of fashion. In Islamic tradition, women's bodies and hair are covered to convey the virtue of modesty. However, most women still want to look feminine and pretty. Rabia Z targeted this niche market by offering beautiful fabrics, flattering cuts, and lots of designer details. She's been

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-58191620861821223642008-06-26T12:49:00.002-05:002008-06-26T13:24:18.044-05:00

I recently ran across this little product and, somehow, it's bothered me beyond all reason. It's an ice cube tray for making ice for water bottles. Now, I realize that many real sports people use reusable bottles. However, most everyone else buys bottled water, drinks it, and throws the bottle away. So, to my mind, we have materials being wasted to produce an accessory for a product that's

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-6121400792156700492008-06-03T11:01:00.005-05:002008-06-03T12:35:03.093-05:00

I'm reading Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It's a marvelous story of a man who unexpectedly finds his bliss, then goes through an extremely "up and down" (literally and figuratively) journey to accomplish his goal.So, I was interested to see an article in the New York Times (http://tinyurl.com/4x2jsf)

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658945450640542824.post-37172065757257988322008-05-15T11:33:00.006-05:002008-05-15T19:17:48.756-05:00

This is the BBC - Books, Broads and Conversation. These are my very dear friends who have loved and supported and encouraged me in all my endeavors. I dedicate my Life Coaching practice to them, and thank them for helping me to "follow my bliss." Left to right, Lynne, Nancy, Janice (front row), Pam, me (front row), Ethel Jean, Liz and Connor, and Lucie.

Susan Thorntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194177167628851832noreply@blogger.com0