TOP OF THE MORNING | MEMORIAL DAY | MAY 29

Greetings All –

Memorial Day.

I have a heart of gratitude for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can thrive and live in the Land of the Free – Because of the Brave.  As I’m pretty sure we all have.

Presenting today’s 12 handpicked clicks of laughter + fascinating + heart + keepers.

Enjoy!

• Brush up on your Memorial Day knowledge with these interesting facts.  Video is really good and well done.
• HILARIOUS “must read” notes people left for other people.  All super funny – however – #2 had me rolling!!
• Phones of yesteryear that are so strange we kinda miss them
• 16 state nicknames explained … now ya know!  And so do I!
• the subtle power of kindness – small acts that make a big difference in others’ lives – hello, Daymakers
• Vocal coach says one phrase in 20 accents – this is impressive
• Grapefruit Margarita recipe – total fun twist – and delish!
• Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad – Another WINNER WINNER cool and refreshing side-kick recipe for the swiftly approaching season of HEAT
• Chile Relleno  Fan??  I am, big time.  This recipe is fabulous and a total detour from traditional Relleno preparation … however, the end result is blue ribbon!  Check it out and give it a try!
• Banana Pudding Parfaits – another fantastic recipe that bucks tradition a bit – but just WOW!
• human chain formed by Florida Biologists to save a stranded dolphin … I love happy ending stories like this!
•  This is powerful and beautiful and touching and random – a must watch …  ((sorry Mom, there’s a S-bomb in it – it’s harmless, xo ))

DEAR ANNIE
BY ANNIE LANE

FORGIVENESS CHANGES EVERYTHING

Dear Annie:

Reading the story from “Happy Adult Daughter,” whose mother was suffering from a mental illness, was like reading my own.  I suppose my mother could be mentally ill, but I look at her as severely damaged from her own upbringing.  She had no family to rely on, so she married young, and maybe once upon a time was hoping to treat her children better than she was treated.  And while from the outside it didn’t appear to be a horrible marriage, I can honestly say that I never saw my mother happy, I mean truly happy, for more than a few minutes.  I have two siblings, one older and one younger.  Of course, the older sibling was on a pedestal that I could never reach.  The younger had health problems that at times could be a distraction and other times I could be blamed for.  I also married young to escape, but all I did was start a new cycle.  Though I originally had not planned to have children, I did have one.  I then realized I married for the wrong reason and left to give my child a better life.  I moved to another state for the wrong reason and left to give my child a better life.  I moved to do better than my mother and not hit or name-call.  But I was damaged; I had no loving family foundation.  My family growing up was five individuals that lived under one roof.  The word “love” was never uttered in our house.

After a long time, I finally forgave myself and my family for everything, but I doubt we’ll ever be a true family.  I wish them no ill will and hope they wish me the same.  ~ Better Days Ahead

Dear Better Days Ahead:

Thank you for your letter.  You sound like a wonderful person who has used the power of forgiveness.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com CREATORS 2023 CREATORS.COM

“THIS IS THE DAY WE PAY HOMAGE TO ALL THOSE WHO DIDN’T COME HOME.  THIS IS NOT VETERANS DAY, IT’S NOT A CELEBRATION, IT IS A DAY OF SOLEMN CONTEMPLATION OVER THE COST OF FREEDOM.”

TAMRA BOLTON

SEE YA WEDNESDAY