A Halloween Treat — The Artwork of Artist & Author Susan Alison

Happy Halloween!

‘Tis the season that brings broom-riding dogs, cauldron-stirring cats, chilling bedtime stories, ghostly figures, and full moons, and bats, and Corgis in graveyards, and, and . . . .

Wait. What you say? Dogs and cats don’t do those sorts of things? Then perhaps you have never seen the enchanting artworks of my friend Susan Alison!

So then — let’s not a moment waste to assuage your curiosity!


A few weeks ago, I met Artist and Author Susan Alison on Facebook. Perusing Susan’s page, her brilliant artistry and images immediately took me. One conversation led to another, and long story short, in the spirit of Halloween fun, Susan graciously agreed to allow me to share some of her Halloween-themed creations with you here on my pages.

Susan Alison lives in the U.K., painting pictures and writing stories for a living. She describes her cafetières, or French press coffee pots, as “always hot.”

Dogs enter frequently into both Susan’s pictures and her prose. Quite a lot, actually, with Susan living under the paw, as she admits.

Especially her furry rescue dog-sidekick, PupperJack, who is always on paw to keep Susan’s nose to the grindstone, earning kibble. As anyone who loves dogs is aware, dogs have a tendency and inherent ability to do just that. There absolutely must be kibble in cupboard.

What follows are some of Susan Alison’s captivating Halloween artworks, with some introductory commentaries for each . . . .


“Last year’s outfit is a little tight, Mum,” he grumbled as he struggled to connect the velcro straps.

Naturally, he reasoned, it was because his human had washed and dried it on a cycle that was too hot. Shrinking it beyond comfort and measure. There was no connection whatsoever to another year of indulging in treats and lounging on the couch all day. Of course not.


“Don’t let me catch you reading ‘NOT Bedtime Tales’ tonight,” she cautioned.

Despite his mother’s warning, he simply couldn’t resist reading the book just before Halloween, and ended up scaring himself senseless, jumping at every little noise in the dark.


Feeling that preparatory test flights with new brooms would fully prepare them for Halloween’s upcoming big event, off they went across the night sky, first one and then another. And then a couple littler ones too, racing to catch up to the leaders, but on a safer, more level flight path best suited to beginners!


“Is there anyone there?” he asked politely. He was fairly certain his old pal had returned to visit once again. And it must be said, he felt quite happy about that.


“Don’t make me guard the graveyard,” I beseeched and pled.

“Simply proceed in a relaxed and confident manner,” she said.

Bats and shadows filling me with dread, while shivering past grave stones, guarding the dead. And now a Halloween blue moon has appeared overhead. Oh, I wish I could whistle or be asleep in my bed. But, instead I’m out here, alone with flying bats and the dead.


Personally, Madge thought it needed a little more salt. Though she would never say so, being the youngest of the Cat Coven, you see.


“Come on, Bill. He’s giving away bacon treats. Think about it, Bill — Bacon!”

“But we’ve already been by there three times tonight, Fred.”

“Trust me, Bill. Mr. Jacobs next door won’t recognize us this time,  dressed as Batdog and Bobbin!”


“Trick-or-Treat! Smell my feet. Gimme a bag of Milk-Bones to eat!”


“Look deep into my eyes. You will give me treats now. Because I am cute. And very fluffy!”


A big heartfelt “Thank You!” to our guest artist Susan Alison for allowing me to share some of her magical works with you! With the holiday season fast approaching, you may view and find all of Susan’s beautiful creations for sale in Susan’s Etsy Shoppe at — Susan Alison Art.

Discover more about Susan, her books, and writing work on her website – Susan Alison — Artist & Writer.

And if you are interested in learning how to create Susun’s Halloween characters yourself, watch her step-by-step tutorial on YouTube titled “How to Draw and Paint a Spooky October Picture” and more!

If you wish to share a note of thanks or other thoughts with Susan, please add them in the Comments!


“Thank You!” for visiting with us today, and for taking a few moments of your day to share with us here.

If new to the site, I encourage you to register today to be notified of every new post and feature from now on.

And please join us again next Monday, when we continue our series about living a life of gratitude leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Best Wishes for a fun, safe, and not-too-scary Halloween this year! — Jim (and Red!) 🤠 🐻 🍂 🍁 🍂 🧡

(Banner Image artwork by Susan Alison)


In case you missed it, I invite you to catch up on our weekly Monday Morning series — Living A Life of Gratitude, Mental Health Benefits, Physical Health Benefits, and It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, leading up to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

You may also enjoy — “Happy October! Welcome Glorious Autumn!”, “Take A Walk To A Park for Healthy Exercise & Fun!”, and “Sharing An Autumn Delight — Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts”


If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like — “Mitakuye Oyasin — We Are All Related,and “Walking A Mile In Another’s Moccasins; What Tracks Will We Leave Behind?”

We welcome recent visitors! Please check out “Welcome To My Writing Pages!” and “About the Blog, Jim, & Little Red Bear” to find out what we are all about. Sign up today to follow and receive notifications for every new post and feature!


In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be Kind!


When not out fishing or gathering honey, Little Red Bear and Cinnamon Charlie love to color in their spare time!

If you have little ones around or simply enjoy coloring yourself for relaxation and fun, be sure to check out “Little Red Bear’s “Happy Autumn Season!” Coloring Pages.”

Download and color as many as you like, free of charge, because that’s just how we roll here!

Happy Coloring!


 “During the day, I don’t believe in ghosts. At night, I’m a little more open-minded.” — Unknown

“Sticky fingers, tired feet; one last house, trick or treat!” — Rusty Fischer, American Author

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends — “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods”


Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.

Think Globally — Act Locally!

Tomorrow Begins With YOU Today!

There Is No “Planet B.”


This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone. We freely share all content and do not generate any income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating the site.

If you enjoy your visits and time with us, I invite you to Join our Patron Community today. Together, we can do so much!

With the help of patrons, we offer Seasonal Coloring Pages, Writing and Poetry Selections, Holiday Features and more for free, and we can donate print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” to Seniors, Libraries, Classrooms, and individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford or get a copy.

Patrons help my friend Little Red Bear and me continue this as a Non-Monetized site free of distracting and inappropriate advertisements, dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes; sharing messages of Happiness, Inspiration, Positivity, Kindness, Compassion, Environmental Awareness, and Conservation with everyone.

Will You Help Us Make A Positive Impact In The World?

We invite you to join us today!


“Halloween shadows played upon the walls of the houses. In the sky the Halloween moon raced in and out of the clouds. The Halloween wind was blowing, not a blasting of wind but a right-sized swelling, falling, and gushing of wind. It was a lovely and exciting night, exactly the kind of night Halloween should be.” — Eleanor Estes, (“The Witch Family”)

Please share this post with family and friends!
Your Likes, Shares, and Comments greatly expand our reach and encourage new visitors to our pages.
Because together, we can do so much! 
Thank You for visiting! Best Wishes and God Bless! — Jim (and Red!)

 

 

 

Take A Walk To A Park for Healthy Exercise & Fun!

Happy National Walk To A Park Day!

When was the last time you visited one of your local neighborhood parks? National Walk to a Park Day, celebrated on October 10th each year, encourages us all to visit a local park. Swing on a swing set. Play with children. Throw a Frisbee around. Kick a ball.

Or, simply take a walk thru the park and enjoy the changing Autumn leaves, feeling the refreshing cooler air on your face after a long, hot summer.

For those living in cities who may not have a large yard, local public parks serve as a community’s backyard, and offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and visit with family, friends, and neighbors. A place to play, exercise (even if merely a short walk), and visit with Mother Nature for a spell.

I remember countless trips to parks as both a youngster, and then taking my own children to have a picnic, play on the playgrounds, fly kites, play tennis and handball, toss footballs, kick soccer balls around, and play catch and Indian Ball. And hours and hours of chasing Frisbees.

Yet sadly, according to statistics, about 100 million people, including 28 million kids, do not have access to a local, quality park within a 10-minute walk from home.

I encourage to take a walk to a park today. Or this coming weekend. And if too far to walk — to drive, roller skate, ride a bicycle, hitch a pony ride, or to get there somehow to enjoy time in a green space, get some fresh, and visit with nature. You will feel better for it, 99 3/4% guaranteed. Hope to see you there!


“Thank You!” for visiting with us today! We are grateful for you taking a few moments of your day to share with us here. Because you are why we do this.

And we are grateful to have local parks to visit, walk around, and enjoy the outdoors, always being thankful for the little things in life.

Please join us again next Monday, when we continue to explore Living A Life Of Gratitude, this time the Physical Benefits of living a life of thankfulness as we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday. Register today to be notified of every new post and feature in the future!

Best Wishes & Blessings! — Jim (and Red!) 🤠 🐻 🍂 🍁 🍂 🧡


In case you missed it, I invite you to check out Parts 1and 2 in my new Monday Morning series about Living A Life of Gratitude and Living A Life Of Gratitude — Mental Health Benefits leading up to the Thanksgiving Holiday. And “Happy October! Welcome Glorious Autumn!”

(Featured image credit — “Small Town Lane, Watercolor,” created via Bing Image Creator AI)


If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like — “Mitakuye Oyasin — We Are All Related,and “Wishing You Deep Peace, Love, Happiness, and Joy; And A Very Good Day!” 

We welcome recent visitors! Please check out “Welcome To My Writing Pages!” and “About the Blog, Jim, & Little Red Bear” to find out what we are all about. Sign up today to follow and receive notifications for every new post and feature!


In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind!


When not out fishing or gathering honey, Little Red Bear and Cinnamon Charlie love to color in their spare time!

If you have little ones around or simply enjoy coloring yourself for relaxation and fun, be sure to check out “Little Red Bear’s “Happy Autumn Season!” Coloring Pages.”

Download and color as many as you like, free of charge, because that’s just how we roll here!

Happy Coloring!


“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” — Mary Davis

“A park is a love letter from the city to its residents.” — Unknown

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends — “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods”


Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.

Think Globally — Act Locally!

Tomorrow Begins With YOU Today!

There Is No “Planet B.”


This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone. We freely share all content and do not generate any income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating the site.

If you enjoy your visits and time with us, I invite you to Join our Patron Community today. Together, we can do so much!

With the help of patrons, we offer Seasonal Coloring Pages, Writing and Poetry Selections, Holiday Features and more for free, and we can donate print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” to Seniors, Libraries, Classrooms, and individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford or get a copy.

Patrons help my friend Little Red Bear and me continue this as a Non-Monetized site free of distracting and inappropriate advertisements, dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes; sharing messages of Happiness, Inspiration, Positivity, Kindness, Compassion, Environmental Awareness, and Conservation with everyone.

Will You Help Us Make A Positive Impact In The World?

We invite you to join us today!


“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” — Brene Brown

Please share this post with family and friends!
Your Likes, Shares, and Comments greatly expand our reach and encourage new visitors to our pages.
Because together, we can do so much! 
Thank You for visiting! Best Wishes and God Bless! — Jim (and Red!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NATIONAL WALK TO A PARK DAY → https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-walk-to-a-park-day-october-10?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11280287&hashed_email=41e0d9827516c019134fcde7cde3c8ea21bb4ae1&email=jamesrmilson%40gmail.com

 

Living A Life Of Gratitude — Thankful for the Early Years (Part 5 of a Series)

Happy Autumn Days!

It is a gorgeous Autumn day as I sit here to write this morning. Leaves on my neighbor’s ash tree turned a bright shade of yellow this week. In bright sunlight this morning, the yellow leaves are sparkling like jewels as they twist, turn, and spiral thru the air on brisk Autumn breezes.

And I am feeling grateful for not only the beautiful display of leaves but also for another spectacular Autumn day.

From my open window, I can hear a bird whose call I do not recognize, signaling migration is well underway. At this time of year, he may be the rear guard for his flock. Or perhaps simply late. I hope he catches up.

When not busy chasing acorns, squirrels are busy raiding my neighbor’s bird feeder for sunflower seeds. The delightful aroma of baking pumpkin muffins wafts down the hallway from another neighbor’s kitchen.

The smells, sights, and sounds of Autumn, my most favorite time of year. And I am grateful. All of them small, insignificant things, perhaps. But when you are mindful and consciously aware of the little blessings and living a life of gratitude, your awareness and world are open to so much more.


And do you know what else I am grateful for?

Continue reading

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! Enjoy Free Christmas and Holiday Features!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

This morning, I wanted to simply take a few minutes to remind everyone about all of the holiday features available here on my Writing Pages. Freely shared, as always, because it’s the holiday season and that simply is how we roll here, anyway.

I encourage you to Like and Follow my Writer’s Page on Facebook and on Twitter to be notified and enjoy all of the extra upcoming holiday postings not appearing here on my Writing Pages — New Christmas Coloring Pages for all ages, Holiday Recipes, Christmas-themed Videos, Images, Wallpapers, and more.

The listed Holiday Features may be accessed by either tapping on the individual links listed below, or at any time thru the dropdown menus at the top of the page. Please feel free to share with families, neighbors, and friends, because sharing and giving is what the holiday season and life in general are all about.


Christmas Holiday Writing Features & Gallery Summary Page
“Love’s Candle in the Night Poem”
“The General Store Christmas Poem”
“Fireside Questions for Santa Poem”
“Blue House on the Hill” — a Christmas Poem
“What To Do On A Christmas Week Night?” — A Christmas Poem?
“Christmas Thru The Window Glass” — A Nostalgic Look Back at Christmases of My Childhood
“Christmases Of My Childhood” by the Award-winning Author Kathleen Creighton
“Christmas – It’s in the Singing Of A Street Corner Choir . . .”  Featuring The Muppets
“Haddon Sundblom, Coca-Cola, and Santa Claus” — About How the Well-known Modern Image of Santa Claus Came To Be
“Christmas Trains and Memories Beneath the Tree”
“That’s What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown . . . .”
“Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus . . . . . . And So Much More!”
“Susie’s Bear” — a Holiday Season Short Story
“Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages for All Ages”
And, by far the most visited holiday season page every year, a tongue-in-cheek, fun adaptation of “The Night Before Christmas” poem featuring the Little Red Bear story characters →

“Little Red Bear’s ‘Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game”


For me, this year has raced past, and here we are already mere days before Christmas. How has it been for you this year? It seems the older I get the faster the time goes by!

December can be a very hectic month with the holiday season in full swing and so much to do. Holiday and event planning, parties to attend, shopping for gifts, wrapping, decorating, and more. Not even to mention baking cookies, cakes, pies, fudge, and all the other holiday treats and goodies to share.

It can all be overwhelming if we allow ourselves to get too caught up in it all. Let’s all resolve this year to pace ourselves, pause now and then, live in the moment, and truly enjoy the holidays, family and friends, and all of the joys and happiness they bring. And the new memories and connections we make.

We hope you can take a few moments now and then to visit with us here and enjoy the free holiday features and activities listed above. And watch for a new feature on Clement C. Moore’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem coming soon! I invite you to Register Today to be notified of every new upcoming post and feature throughout the coming new year because it is always an ever-expanding list!

Sending along best wishes and blessings for a wonderful, healthy, and joyous holiday season ahead!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!– Jim  (and Red!)  🤠🐻 🎅 ❄️ ⛄🎄


With children and grandchildren around (and for those of any age who like to color!), we invite you to visit “Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages for All Ages”  for hours of family coloring fun and time together this holiday season!


If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like — “I Will Greet This Day With Love In My Heart”  and “Wishing You Deep Peace, Love, Happiness, and Joy –  And A Very Good Day!” 

(New Visitors — Welcome! To find out what we are all about, please check out — “Welcome To My Writing Pages!” and “About the Blog, Jim & Little Red Bear” — and sign up to follow and be notified of every new post! Because really, why in the world wouldn’t you?)


Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” – W.T. Ellis

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends —  “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”


Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.

“Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united.” – Norman Vincent Peale

This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating.

If you enjoy your visits and time with us, I invite you to Join our new Patron Community today, because together we can do so much!

With the help of patrons, we are able to donate free print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” to Senior Citizens,  School Libraries and Classrooms, and to those who could otherwise not obtain a copy.

Patrons also help my friend Little Red Bear and me to continue this as a Non-Monetized site free of distracting advertisements,  dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes while sharing positive messages of Happiness, Inspiration, Kindness, Environmental Awareness, and Conservation with everyone.

We invite you to Join Us In Making A Positive Difference In The World!


 “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” – Ruth Carter Stapleton

Thank You for visiting with us!
Please feel free to share with family and friends. Likes, Shares, & Comments are truly appreciated and help greatly to expand our reach and encourage new readers and visitors!
Because together, we can do so much! 

 

Happy December and Happy Holidays! Free Christmas & Holiday Features!

Happy December and Happy Holidays!  The holiday season will be in full swing now that we have turned the calendar page to December.

Today, I wanted to simply take a few minutes to remind everyone about all of the holiday features available here on my Writing Pages. Freely shared, as always, because that is how we roll here.

I encourage you to Like and Follow my Writer’s Page on Facebook and on Twitter to be notified and enjoy all of the extra upcoming holiday postings not appearing here on my Writing Pages — New Christmas Coloring Pages for all ages, Holiday Recipes, Christmas-themed Videos, Images, Wallpapers, and more.

Holiday Features here may be accessed by either tapping on the individual links below, or at any time thru the dropdown menus at the top of the page. Please feel free to share with families, neighbors, and friends, because sharing and giving is what the holiday season is all about.


Christmas Holiday Writing Features & Gallery Summary Page

“Love’s Candle in the Night Poem”

“The General Store Christmas Poem”

“Fireside Questions for Santa Poem”

“Blue House on the Hill” — a Christmas Poem

“What To Do On A Christmas Week Night Poem?

“Christmas Thru The Window Glass” — a nostalgic look back at Christmases of my childhood

“Christmases Of My Childhood” by the award-winning author Kathleen Creighton

“Christmas – It’s in the Singing Of A Street Corner Choir . . .”  featuring The Muppets

“Haddon Sundblom, Coca-Cola, and Santa Claus” about how the well-known modern image of Santa Claus came to be

“Christmas Trains and Memories Beneath the Tree”

“That’s What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown . . . .”

“Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus . . . . . . And So Much More!”

“Susie’s Bear” — a Holiday Season Short Story

“Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages for All Ages”

And, the most visited holiday season page every year, a tongue-in-cheek, fun adaptation of “The Night Before Christmas” poem featuring the Little Red Bear story characters → “Little Red Bear’s ‘Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game”


For me, this year has raced past and here we are already beginning December. How has it been for you this year?

December can be a very hectic month with the holiday season in full swing and so much to do it seems. Holiday and event planning, holiday parties to attend, shopping for gifts, wrapping, decorating, and more. Not even to mention baking cookies, cakes, pies, fudge, and other holiday treats and goodies to share. It can all be overwhelming if we allow ourselves to get too caught up in it all. Let’s all resolve this year to pace ourselves, pause now and then, live in the moment, and truly enjoy the holidays and all of the joys and happiness they bring.

We hope you can take a few moments now and then to visit with us here and enjoy the free holiday features and activities listed above. And watch for a new feature on Clement C. Moore’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem coming soon! Actually, I invite you to Register today to be notified of every new upcoming post and feature because it is always an ever-expanding list!

Sending along best wishes and blessings for a wonderful, healthy, and joyous holiday season ahead! — Jim  (and Red!)  🤠🐻 🎅 ❄️ ⛄🎄


With children and grandchildren around (and for those of any age who like to color!), we invite you to visit “Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages for All Ages”  for hours of family coloring fun and time together this holiday season!


If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like — “I Will Greet This Day With Love In My Heart”  and “Wishing You Deep Peace, Love, Happiness, and Joy –  And A Very Good Day!” 

(New Visitors — Welcome! To find out what we are all about, please check out — “Welcome To My Writing Pages!” and “About the Blog, Jim & Little Red Bear” — and sign up to follow and be notified of every new post! Because really, why in the world wouldn’t you?)


Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” – W.T. Ellis

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends —  “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”


Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.

“Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united.” – Norman Vincent Peale

This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating.

If you enjoy your visits and time with us, I invite you to Join our new Patron Community today, because together we can do so much!

With the help of patrons, we are able to donate free print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” to Senior Citizens,  School Libraries and Classrooms, and to those who could otherwise not obtain a copy.

Patrons also help my friend Little Red Bear and me to continue this as a Non-Monetized site free of distracting advertisements,  dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes while sharing positive messages of Happiness, Inspiration, Kindness, Environmental Awareness, and Conservation with everyone.

We invite you to Join Us In Making A Positive Difference In The World!


 “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” – Ruth Carter Stapleton

Thank You for visiting with us!
Please feel free to share with family and friends. Likes, Shares, & Comments are truly appreciated and help greatly to expand our reach and encourage new readers and visitors!
Because together, we can do so much! 

 

Making the World Worthy: A Timely Reminder For Our Children and Us All — “You Are a Marvel”

Sharing an illuminating piece from Pablo Casals, applicable not only for guiding our children but for reminding ourselves, as well.

For those not familiar with the name, Pablo Casals was from Catalonia, Spain (December 29, 1876 – October 22, 1973), and is generally regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest of all time. Also a composer and conductor, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy.

His comments seem especially relevant as so many search and attempt to find their way and place in today’s world.


“Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France.

“When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them — Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel.

And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?

The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world will not be, another child like him.

You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children.”

— Pablo Casals


These instructive words of wisdom seem very applicable today, as so many in our society struggle with self-image issues, self-doubt, personal worth, learned hatreds and prejudices, resulting in lashing out more and more frequently with heartbreaking episodes of violence, with families and communities shattered and forever changed.

People the world over share a desire for happiness and a better life for their families. If we truly desire a peaceful, kind, compassionate, and forgiving world, not only for ourselves but for our children and children’s children, then it must start now with each of us taking responsibility for our own actions and for the age-old resentments we harbor, continue to nourish and pass along to future generations. No one is born with hatred and prejudices — they are learned.

Leaders and politicians may bluster, give speeches, form committees and convene hearings. But change, true change in society never comes from the top because attitudes and morals cannot be legislated. True changes in society invariably spread and percolate up from the bottom.

Peace and kindness for our children and the world begin with each of us as we go about our daily lives, starting with how we view and treat ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.  We must step up and “Say ‘No!’ to Violence”, and become a kinder and gentler people. Because violence and hateful rhetoric are dividing and ripping us apart.

You, like a child and along with each and every one of us, are a marvel, unique in all the history of the world and time to come. There has never been and will never be another “You!” A gift to the world. A perfect marvel capable of so much more than we imagine.

You and I each have within us the power to change the world for the better or worse. It is up to us. Do we choose to allow our light to shine, encourage, and show the way for others, or to keep it hidden while those around us continue to stumble thru the darkness and our world becomes ever more violent and intolerant? Our country and the world are in urgent and dire need of more Light.

Thanks for visiting and spending part of your day with us.  Brighten someone’s journey with your smile today, share a kind word or gesture, and truly be the change you wish to see in the world. Lead with your light for others to follow, and help to make the world worthy of its children. — Jim (and Red!)


“In music, in the sea, in a flower, in a leaf, in an act of kindness . . . I see what people call God in all these things.” – Pablo Casals 

“When we see God in each other we will be able to live in peace.” – Mother Teresa


Old-fashioned, Family-friendly, Multi-generational Stories and Fun for All Ages!
~ About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends ~

                           “In this world, hate never dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate.                         This is the law, ancient and inexhaustible.” – Buddha


“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” – Gandalf, “The Hobbit” – J. R. R. Tolkien


This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us, Join our new Patron Community today. Patrons help my friend Little Red Bear and me to continue this as an ad-free site,  dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes.


                            “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace . . . . ”  – St. Francis of Assisi