Focus on light

his message of optimism

American artist Norman Rockwell was known as the artist of the common man and of common places. His models were his neighbors and family members, his subjects the plain and simple moments of life, and he depicted them with fondness. Among his hundreds of paintings, he captured the essence of human connection with all of its emotion and excitement the joy of a long-awaited homecoming, the thrill of a youthful adventure, the tenderness and insecurity of growing older, and the warmth of a sacred gathering 

with loved ones to give thanks.

"The commonplaces of America are to me the richest subjects in art," he wrote. "Boys batting flies on vacant lots; little girls playing jacks on the front steps; old men plodding home at twilight, umbrellas in hand all these things arouse feeling in me. … Commonplaces never become tiresome. It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative." Though critics were sometimes not kind, most people were instinctively drawn to Rockwell's art. Something about it reminded them of the goodness in life.

This was Rockwell's gift. Every artist has his or her own peculiar way of looking at life, and this determines his treatment of a subject or situation. Rockwell said of his own unique perspective: "The view of life I communicated in my pictures excludes the sordid and ugly. 

I paint life as I would like it to be."

That doesn't mean, of course, that he was naive about the way life really is. He had his share of tragedies, just as we all do. And the era he painted in was not idealized, either it was a time of war, prejudice, and social upheaval. In other words, it was a time when people needed to be reminded of the way life could be. And they needed to see that maybe that ideal is not as unrealistic as they thought.

Perhaps that's why Rockwell's art still resonates we still need his message of optimism within the commonplace. We need more of the love, laughter, friendship, and goodness he depicted. The more we look for life as we would like it to be, as Norman Rockwell did, the more it will 

become life as it really is.

Lloyd D. Newell

"Never let a problem to be solved become more 

important than a person to be loved." 

Thomas S. Monson

Time to repair

:D

Remember it

its the reward

your inner compass

write it well

shoot for the moon

no grey area here, pretty much black and white

keep on keepin on

the truth of the matter

the possibilities are endless

it's a good thing

every day is your life

just a little lift

it's worth it

"Push yourself because no one else is going to do it for you."

"Whatever you decide to do make sure it makes you happy."

"Small steps every day."

"She's a dreamer. A doer. A Thinker. She sees possibility everwhere. "

starting right now

and she did

Real change can only come from within

Create a life that feels good on the inside, 

not just looks good on the outside.

No matter the situation, 

never let your emotions overpower your intelligence.

 "If an egg is broken by an outside force, life ends. If broken by an inside force, life begins. Great things always begin from the inside."  Real change can only come from within. 

you can

younique

just be yourself 

because you know 

you can't spell unique 

without "U"

time for change

hold that thought

Holding on to anger . . .

holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else, you are the one who gets burned.

  

Buddha

judge not

Making the most of our mortal moments

manifest the possibilities

It's all good

You have every right to be

THE Job description

Now, and forever

"Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. ... We acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever."

 Jeffrey R. Holland

Priorities

You are

Peace be still

it's ok

a question worth asking

stop it

hear with your heart

Bigger than that

One step at a time

Be yourself

Be yourself; because an original is worth more than a copy.

In every heart it has ever touched

The desire to succeed and excel is as universal as it is natural. But what is true greatness? How do we know when we have achieved it? Some might say that greatness happens in rare, extraordinary moments when someone of unusual ability rises above his or her peers. Howard W. Hunter, himself a great man and beloved spiritual leader, offered a different definition of greatness when he said, "To do one's best in the face of the commonplace struggles of life—and possibly in the face of failure—and to continue to endure and to persevere in the ongoing difficulties of life when those struggles and tasks contribute to others' progress and happiness, . . . this is true greatness."

Such greatness—far from being unusual or exceptional—can be found all around us, though it sometimes goes unnoticed. It is evident in the humble heroes who consistently do the right thing, even when no one is watching. It's found in those who, day after day, sometimes year after year, care for their loved ones who are ill or elderly. It could be a father who never lets a teaching moment pass with his children; a mother who sees that the needs of her family are met—even, at times, at the expense of her own; a teacher who notices a struggling student and offers extra, individual attention; a coworker who takes the time to compliment others on a job well done; or a husband and wife who gently love each other and their children. In such commonplace settings, we find the makings of true greatness. 

Other kinds of success, based on worldly praise, reward, and recognition, are really just an illusion. Not loud or pretentious, true greatness does not shout from the rooftops or seek attention among the crowds. Most often, true greatness doesn't grab headlines. It's usually quiet, often unseen, and frequently unspoken. And the rewards of true greatness are without price or parallel. They include meaningful relationships, the enduring gratitude of loved ones, and the satisfaction of a life well lived. Long after public applause has died away, true greatness lives forever in every heart it has ever touched.

Lloyd D. Newell

Baked Spaghetti

1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups small curd cottage cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat.
3. Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until cheese is melted

You're all that

Edit your life frequently

Edit your life freqently and ruthlessly. 

It's your masterpiece after all.