Living in the Heartland

*I felt my husband was wasting his time last night setting up a Facebook page for our dog. He’s got so much to do and doesn’t seem to get enough sleep. Being more reflective I realized this is how he chose to relax. New thought: accept what appear to be people’s shortcomings and focus on their strengths. Note to self: Apply this to how I treat myself! Sept. 9, 2011

* At the heart of leadership is learning from one another and utilizing the accumulated knowledge in our own way to create a more positive environment in which to live. Pamela Ferris-Olson, Sept. 7, 2011

*We should not be dissuaded by comparison with others to undervalue our accomplishments, to perceive what we do as unimportant. The celebration of our personal accomplishments sustains us, buoys our sense of self and our self worth.Pamela Ferris-Olson, Sept. 9, 2011

* When I was a young I thought girls were ‘catty’. I separated myself from the only people who would understand what I was going through and left myself open to oppression in the male-centered world I inhabited. Now with age I the value of girl friends. How lucky i am to rectify my earlier error Pamela Ferris-Olson, Sept. 2, 2011

* I may not be able to be witty all the time, but I can be wise. Pamela Ferris-Olson, Aug. 27, 2011

*When I listen to the stories of other women I realize how complex contemporary women’s lives are. We are searching for ways to preserve something of ourselves amidst our hearts desire to nurture others and at the same time promote community. We may not always do the right thing, but we sincerely try. A big hug to all my sisters.Pamela Ferris-Olson, Aug.22, 2011

* The true worth of a woman is not to be found in the woman herself, but in the colors and textures she brings alive in others. With apologies to Albert Schweitzer, Pamela Ferris-Olson, May 15, 2010

* Learn to laugh at yourself, you’ll live long. Pamela Ferris-Olson, Feb. 3, 2010

* If you don’t succeed,  get some help. A second set of eyes and hands and fresh ideas can make a big difference. After all, who told you it had to been done alone? Pamela Ferris-Olson, Feb. 2, 2010

* One indication that God is a woman is that men don’t get cellulite. Eve’s punishment for eating an apple, AN APPLE not a quart of ice cream, was cellulite! Is that fair?! That might not have been so bad, but then God gave women the gift of CARING about the cellulite. And, if that wasn’t tough enough, who got to design women’s swimwear? MEN. Why is it that men get to wear those baggy trousers and women’s suits have barely enough material to make a pocket. I’d gladly donate some of my cellulite to any guy who’d like a little male enhancement. Pamela Ferris-Olson,Feb. 1, 2010

* Have you ever stopped to think how amazing skin is? It stretches to fit our body whatever our size. Q: Why doesn’t our acceptance of our body stretch too? Jan. 28, 2010

* Question: Why would any woman want 6-pack abs? I already carry around two kegs on my rear. Personally, I’d rather have chocolate bar abs. Then they’d be firm and desirable and smell good too. Pamela Ferris-Olson,Jan. 27, 2010

* Push yourself to be better, but don’t push so hard you fall off the edge. February 14, 2010

* You give your kids permission to be all they can be. Why not do the same for yourself? February 14, 2010.

* Someone twittered: All you accomplish or fail to accomplish in your life is the direct result of your thoughts. My response: Thoughts accomplish little, action gets a job done. So instead of thinking about what you wish to accomplish, get busy. The realization of dreams comes from efforts not imaginings. February, 16, 2010

* “A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is done, no matter how brave its warriors or strong its weapons.” Cheyenne proverb.

* “If we become a country in which we all say: ‘Please tell me how to live.’ We are doomed – Peter Hammill, author, interviewed in the documentary Prohibition.”

* Prohibition was a doomed social experiement. It demomnstrated how unAmerican it is to legistlate morality for all Americans. Those who wanted to require all Americans stop drinking ultimately failed. It wasn’t because they wanted to legislate controls but because they wanted to stop it entirely. The Pro-lifer movement would be wise to learn from history. Pushing for legislation  taking ALL women’s rights to choose away is unsupportable by the Constitution or the majority of our citizens. Oct. 30, 2011.

* Add this to the list of what separates men and women: My husband says he’s getting old, but he’s never going to grow up. As for me: I say I’m not getting any older just more mature. Nov. 6, 2011.