Sassys WORD

Bathing Suit Season ;-)

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:43:19 GMT

The only reason I'm bummed is that I just finished writing a long entry for my private journal; I put the last graphic in and POOF--it disappeared and the computer restarted!! ;-( ::::::::::::::::::grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr:::::::::::::::::::::::::I was complaining and the funny thing is that I got it all out even if no one read it and I feel better. Anyhow I wanted to share this cute piece about bathing suits I found in the AARP Bulletin. I can't say I don't worry at all about how I look in a bathing suit, but I'd like to just not care one bit!

"About Bathing Suit Season, by Turlya S.A.Raheem

Most of us 50+ers don't give a darn about how we'll look in a bathing suit. we're not getting anything nipped or tucked so we can wear the latest fashions. We didn't start any special diet on New Year's to prepare for the big beach-body fest this summer. And we're not having anything custom made for our huge breasted small hipped (or visa versa) bodies.

We see bodies like ours all year long at our swimming or water aerobics classes. After class, we sit unashamed in the locker room, some of us completely naked, catching up on grandchildren, sharing cake recipes and discussing articles we're read, movies we've seen and the upcoming presidential election.

With so much to explore, we have no room for bathing suit dread. We've tried every whole-piece, two-piece, bikini and tankini on the market. We've finally found the skirted ones we really like, ordered two, and hope the catalog will carry it for years (otherwise, we might have to resort to a T-shirt over shorts).

What I really know is that most of us are too happy about being healthy enough to swim--in our bathing suits or anything else we darn please--to worry about how we'll look doing it."

I had a great time today visiting the Scott Arboretum at near-by Swathmore College. Besides the breathtaking flowers and grand trees (all with labels), the old stone architecture itself is stunning. I read that the house where artist Benjamin West was born in 1738 is on campus. I could've taken ten rolls of film, but only had one with me. I will be writing more about this later; stay tuned to Sassys EYE for the photos in about a week. I'm excited because I loved it so much I might even volunteer there. Now all I have to do is find some kind of paying job so that I can afford to put gas in my new car...

PA is the most patriotic place I've ever lived; it's hard not to catch the fever. I'm hoping to see some fireworks tomorrow even if I don't get up in time for the parade. Today I passed a huge flag and sign on a fence proclaiming; "One Nation Under God."; flags are flying everywhere you turn. I'm praying for all the vets not doing so well and our troops still out there...Happy 4th everyone!

Tags: bathing suits, July 4th, patriotism

Campagaining for Pit bulls

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:06:24 GMT

Pit bulls Make Loving Companions!

Dancer is a gentle affectionate dog with a natural inclination towards healing wounded people. One day fourteen years ago I had finished filling my gas tank at the local gas station when a black pit bull with an angel shaped white spot on her chest followed me into pay; she then followed me to my SUV and sat staring at me. It was very clear that she had chosen me; simultaneously my heart chose her. I saw that she had some open wounds and had obviously been fought and then managed to escape her evil captors. She jumped into the back seat and has been my baby ever since that day at the gas station. When we got home to the yard a butterfly fluttering overhead got her attention; she began a kind of doggy pirouette and got her name.

Her buddy, Fox, (my age ten Shepherd/Collie mix) have spent many years playing in my fenced in back yard. When Fox is out without her she will come to tell me she misses him and it's time to call him in. When my friend moved in from California with her awesome Collie/ Berne se Mountain Dog mix, Teddy Bear, she quickly accepted him as part of the family. When everybody is lounging on the bed, that is her favorite time to snuggle and kiss. If you're hurting about something or had a hard day she knows and gives you extra love and attention. Eating is another favorite part of her day; she will come to wave her right paw at me to remind me when it's that time. She is the least picky eater dog that I have ever owned; she's just grateful for all food.

Since she's gotten older her face is very gray and she has developed tiny warts on her body. Although she tends to sleep more, is stone deaf and has cataracts, she will still jet across the yard to bark with Fox at a person and/or a dog walking by, anyone pulling into the driveway or when the neighbor's dog barks at his back yard fence. Yes, she is a protector, but under no circumstances is she vicious at all. Recently I tried to introduce her to two different new pit bulls as I was wanting to add to the pack. The young male visitor, Petey, (update: Petey was adopted!) was so anxious to sniff and play; he jumped all over us kissing as often as he could reach, but Dancer on her side of the fence would have none of it. She became agitated, stiff and began shaking; she has always been afraid that she would be forced to fight. She met the other young female at a park; although she did not attempt to attack, she refused to let "Judy" sniff her butt; that was the end of that. At her age I reluctantly decided to let her be queen of the roost for her remaining years. My favorite joke was how this 98-year-old lady with warts had her mind made up that no new dogs would be allowed in. She has earned her reigning status.

Bully dogs are not bullies unless people train them to be that way. In Lancaster county, PA there is a problem with mostly Amish people engaged in the puppy mill business. In Chester county members of gangs consider dog fighting a sport; Dancer was rescued in Chester, PA. Many pit bulls arrive at the local shelter with unconscionable deep gashes and bleeding wounds and infections. Animal right groups and other community advocates are getting closer to passing laws that would prohibit this cruel practice. Just this week there was an editorial in the Delaware County Daily Times by the CEO of the Humane Society urging voters to support this legislation and also to stop them from raising puppy mill dogs. For those unaware, puppy mill adult females are kept in small cages and made to breed as many times as their bodies can take; then they are inhumanely and thoughtlessly discarded. The puppies are kept in horrible conditions with just enough food and water to keep them alive and in dirty small cages until they can be sold. Opera recently ran a show about this that hopefully was a real consciousness raiser. All dog fighting (pit bulls are by far the top dog fought) and puppy mills must be stopped!

Today the ASPCA shelter in Media, PA and animal rescue shelters all over the US are overloaded with pit bulls. Everyone is aware that if they are not given a chance at adoption they will be put to sleep. Won't you please consider adopting one of this misunderstood and stigmatized breed?

I wrote this article for a writing channel called Helium. (www.helium.com) It is an excellent place to read, write and debate on all topics. Occasionally in their marketplace you can even get paid for an article if a magazine wants to publish it.

The subject of pit bulls is near and dear to my and especially to Dutch's heart. We would save them all if we could! I hope anyone who reads this will consider getting involved in animal rights activities and adoption of pets from the Humane Society reccomended shelters. It's ridiculous today to pay for a pet or insist on a pure bred when there are so many desperate to be adopted.

Have an awesome weekend coming up...Deb ;-)

Tags: pit bulls, dogs, pets, puppy mills, dog fighting, animal rights

Happy Early Easter

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:27:08 GMT

I wanted to wish everyone a joyous Easter and Spring! Here in P-A, all I can say is, at least it's not snowing! The temperature is likely to be in the 40's or 50's; we're just happy if the sun is out! It really feels like what it is this year--early!

I have just researched my ham recipe for tomorrow's dinner. The challenge I have is how to get the pineapple slices to stay on without the toothpicks I forgot to buy! Here's the menu: brown sugar and pineapple baked ham, baked sweet potatoes and yams, fresh steamed green beans, cold beets & black olives with Edy's ice cream for desert. It'll just be Dutch & myself & our friend, Bernie; I'll be missing relatives in CT and CA--too bad they're not all coming. I really wouldn't mind cooking for a huge crowd; I'll have to make do with phone calls.

Tonight my cat, Kee-Kee, "helped" with the egg coloring. She actually managed to roll one onto the floor and smash it! Her other deal has been trying to get into the pretty blue Hyacinth that Dutch bought me. To say that she is curious would be an understatement!

I'll be getting up early tomorrow to wash my hair, put the ham in the oven and get ready for church. I always look forward to the feelings of exhilaration and renewal I get spiritually when I do church on Easter. The music literally gives me goose bumps! I can't wait until I have some grandchildren to make candy baskets for and fuss over; this is my prayer request this year.

For this Easter I have promised myself to read all of the book of John in the Bible; I have a long ways to go before I will be able to say I have read the whole Bible, but I intend to get there. In my reading so far I can see why people sa that if you have limited time for Bible study to start with John. I remember seeing people holding up posters at sports events before I was even a Christian saying "John 3:16"--

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

That encapsulates the Bible for me. I used to believe that the Bible would be too hard to understand; I further thought there was no point to even trying since there were as many interpretations of the words as there are individuals who read it. John : 3 where Jesus Teaches Nicodemus says: "In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This refers to being reborn in the Spirit; clearly and plainly, that is the only meaning of those simple words for me.

However you celebrate it, I hope you have a meaningful and fun day!

Tags: Easter, Jesus, Bible, John, Spring, celebration, Christian

Poetry Soup/Grammies/First Reactions Fun Quiz

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:51:46 GMT

Hi all~I found a great link if you are interested in Poetry reading and writing: www.PoetrySoup.com

They have contests a lot; this is the one I came up with for "inner most feelings/ free verse".

I have been writing more often in my private journal these days. If you would like to be added there simply send me an e-mail. I have not been here in so long; I decided to do one of those silly quiz's to amuse myself and I hope at least one other person! ;-)

Re: the Grammys---What did you think of Amy Winehouse running off with 5 awards? I really don't care for her and I have to agree with Natalie Cole (recovering addict) that it is sending the wrong message to reward a young addict who is not in recovery with 5 Grammys for her song, "I don't wanna go to Rehab". Just my opinion...The other most noteable part of the show for me was the duet with Beyonce and Tina Turner; it was amazing to see! Imagine a 20-something young woman and her Grandma gettin' down! Blew me away!

And now for the quiz:

REACTIONS QUIZ”. You have to type the 1st thing that comes to mind whenever you hear these 33 things. You can’t think and go back and change your answers.
e all of the other persons answers first...that way you can put your first reaction in the blank spaces.

1. Beer: Clysdale Horse

2. McDonalds: goofy clown

3. Relationships: cherished

4. Purple: my fav too and Mom's birthstone.

5. Power Rangers: Before my time.

6. Weed: don't smoke!

7. Steroids: Dangerous

8. Cartoons: Felix the Cat

9. The President: not too bright

10. Tupperware: good containers

11. Florida:oranges

12. Santa Claus: Jesus!

14. Alcohol:I don't drink.

16: Myspace: surprisingly great networking

17. Clowns: my son was afriad of them when he was little.

19. Paris: Hilton (I wish that was not my first thought; she's annoying!)

20. Redheads: Lucy

21. Blondes: have more fun!

22. Pass the: potatoes

23. One night stands: detached

24. Donald Trump: arrogant chauvinist

25. Neverland: Peter Pan

26. Dixie: Chicks

27. Vanilla ice cream: too plain

28. Vallarta ???

29. High school: Hippie

30. Pajamas: comfy

31. Woody: Guthrie

32. Wet Socks: squish-squish

33. I love: Life (most days)

Simply copy and paste into your own journal to play along. Come on if you haven't done it yet--I wanna see yours.

Tags: "your first reaction" quiz, poetry, Poetry Soup, Grammies, self introspection

Her Puzzle Pieces

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:06:36 GMT

Her Puzzle Pieces

Perched on a smooth river rock
    studying her reflection in the flow
A timeline of changing faces
   slowly drifts by...
Carefree happy child
   running, playing among trees.
Rebellious miserable teen
   banging her head against authority.
Disillusioned, deeply depressed
   escaping with her spirit broken.
New mother ecstatic in California
   memorizing his growing up slide show.
Lonely, desolate woman with wrong partners
   until near death does she part.
Empty-nesters' angst ridden face
   hidden, lost in darkness.
Unstoppable learner/teacher
   finding her pieces in lifes' school.
Evolving computer addict, isolator
   searching on-line for love.
Mostly content, peaceful now
   her heart found God and "true blue."
Freedom lover flying, watching from above
   Her lifes' puzzle face more balanced
   yet incomplete.

Tags: best Valentines gift poll

Angels/Caroling Through JLand Game

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:03:14 GMT

  Today we will look at the word angel, and learn all about
   them. Now the term angel is derived from the Hebrew word
   [ malak ] which means "Messenger of God." Also from the
   Greek word [ angelos, ] which means "messenger." The
   Bible describes four categories of angels:

   (A) Winged angels, thus Cherubim and Seraphim, who
   appeared to Ezekiel and Isaiah. (EZ 1:4-28; 10:3-22 and
   Isaiah 6:2-6.)

   (B) The Seven Archangels, without wings, of which we are
   given the names of four. Those being Michael (JUDE 1;9 )
   Jeremiel ( 2 Esdrus 4:36* ); Gabriel ( LUKE 1:19 ); and
   Raphael ( Tobit 12:15* )   [ * Found in the O. T. Apocrypha ]
   Note that they all end in (EL) which is short for "of Elohim"
   meaning God!

   (C) Angels, again without wings, who carry a message or do
   the Will of God. (GEN 19:1-22; EX 3:2-6; JUDG 2;1-5; 13:2-
   23) Also those of the Heavenly entourage who worship God,
   attend His Throne, or comprise God's Heavenly Army.

   (D) Fallen angels, also without wings, who fell to temptation,
   thus are now satan's angels. ( GEN 6:1-8; )

   Often in the Old Testament angels do appear as ordinary
   men. Remember the two angels who visited Lot; (GEN
   19:1-26 )   Now sometimes their uniqueness is very
   evident to us, as they appear clearly not human! As the
   angel did to Mary at Jesus' Tomb. ( MATT 28:2-7 )

   Also written in the New Testament is: DO NOT FORGET
   TOENTERTAIN STRANGERS, FOR BY SO DOING SOME
   HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS WITHOUT KNOWING IT!
   ( HEBREWS 13:2 ) Thus angels do sometimes walk among
   us even today.

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The reason I am a little sad today is that my special on-line friend (Merry)'s soulfriend dog, Teddy Bear, passed away from her family yesterday. Please pray for her and her husband Dave. those who have never given their heart to a beloved pet just don't understand the deep level of grief one feels...So I am doing this entry to distract myself, for my love of angels and for the caroling through J-Land game.

I have so very many favorite Christmas carols, but one I mentioned when Val invited me to join this game:

Oh Come allye Faithful

If you listen to the lyrics you can hear the words "Cherubim and Seraphim" and "born the King of angels". The Latin version is beautiful as anyone who has been inside a Catholic church at Christmas time will agree. Of course there is also:

Hark the Herals Angels Sing

"glory to the new born King..."

Off the topic of angels~ this year I absolutely adore Josh Groban's verion of :

The Little Druumer Boy

If you love that one I insist you hear this version. Even Oprah reccomends it (LOL)...

I hope you catch yourself singing or humming a Christmas tune on this Eight days before Christmas Sunday. lalala ;-)

Tags: Jesus, Christmas, Angels, Chritmas songs, Caroling Thru JLand game

Christmas Memories & Traditions

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:53:36 GMT

Merry sent me this about her Christmas traditions and memories. It got me thinking that writing about this could only improve my Christmas spirit. I hope you will make an entry in your journal about same or leave a comment if you like...

"I have never so (bah humbug) as I am this year, at least not felt this way so STRONGLY. I guess Tim, Patti and Jack are coming DEC 22 for overnight one or two nights. We will share gifts and love even if we have no Christmas Tree up. We have never gone without a tree, but I can't do it all by myself, and I don't want it done at Christmas (Tim might do it)-just for Christmas and taken down right afterwards again..... Contrary to the popular time, the season of Advent, we don't ever do it "right" actually. I always have to have the tree down the first weekend after Christmas, if not the day after Christmas even. (When it's over, it's over.) My girlfriend and I in Davenport use to have contests to see who could get all the Christmas decorations down and put away first.

As Christians we believe Christ was born on Christmas Eve, and we can't put it off having Christmas, any more than Mary could put off having baby Jesus when she had labor pains with Him! So, in many churches (and a lot of homes) the tree is put UP on Christmas Eve (& then left until January 1.)

But it was easier then. For many years, the highlight of my Christmas was cookie making with my good friend Lynn (Davenpot, IA.) But then we were, well, YOUNGER!!! LOL WE didn't have arthritis or back or neck problems (somewhat different problems for each of us). We also made cookies the week after Thanksgiving. We madeabout 8 (at least) different kinds & I am not kidding. Then we kept a few out for our families to eat but froze the rest. I frosted the sugar cookies and she decorated them. She is very artistic and each one HAD TO be DIFFERENT, unique, and they were! Simply BEAUTIFUL! I didn't care, I just put the frosting on, some colored sugar and some thingie-ma-bobs (sp??) But since it BOTHERED her, It was fine with me that she painted on each darn cookie. This cookie backing frenzy (marathon) took a WHOLE LONG DAY from early AM until about 8 or 9 PM. Then our families shared supper (although for some reason we could not eat much!) And for SURE, neither one of us could eat a one of those cookies after looking at them this long. We laugh about how we did this to this day. Cookie baking day marked the beginning of the Christmas traditions we each started in our new young families. You know, the memories were not in the cookies, but in the tradition of two friends sharing that time together and sharing our cookies around and out of town. Neither one of us have ever been able to eat a Christmas cookie since. This is at least 35+ (Or is it 40?) years ago. I can't believe it. Where did the years go? Well, they do say, "Time flies when you are having fun!" FUN? Try stirring a batch of chocolate chip cookies tripled or quadrupled!! No easy task!

I think traditions are important. No matter what you do, you make memories for your family. You will remember it for the rest of your life, and laugh about the good time you had, forget about how tired you got, and thank God for that friend or all that you share your tradition with. Oh, we also made fudge. Plain and with nuts. We tried making divinity one year but burnt out the motor in the mixer so quit that after that year. LOL And to you all my dear friends, remember, we are NEVER too old to start a "NEW" tradition! That's the "cool" part of it!

How are you my dear sweet friends?? I have not been online for a bit. That's no big deal for most people but it is for me unless I am not at home!! I have lots to tell you. But I am going to leave you with one of my favorite Christmas memories/traditions that my friend and I both still treasure deep within our hearts.

Tell me some of your traditions, or something you did many years that ended up becoming very precious Christmas memories!!! You know we could make this one of those things that go around, maybe...unless you don't want to.

Love you,

Merry

merry1621@aol.com

So it's my turn now...

I have so very many Christmas memories that I could overwhelm you and eventually sing you to sleep ;-) so I will try to keep it to special favorites. The best ones are from my growing up years and later visits to Connecticut. My Dad was a very jolly big kid every year; he was so excited about Christmas that it was impossible not to "catch" it. Every year he'd stand back and admire the tree he and my brothers had cut down in our woods exclaiming, "This is the best tree ever!" He had a very definite plan for how to put up the lights and also the tinsel, but the ornament placing was up to all of us. He got Swiss Colony gifts from salesmen at his work, but would wait to open even them until Christmas morning. Waiting until Christmas morning was a big rule in our house. We had a tradition of visiting both sides of the family on Christmas eve for partying and gifts; then we'dall go stuffed and happily (some more than others if they "had a few") to Midnight Mass at our Catholic church. The music was beautiful (Dad's voice boomed in the choir); I could actually feel the angels there. The procession when the baby Jesus was placed in the cradle in the manger at the altar just gave me goose bumps. Bright red Pointsettias (sp?)were everywhere!

If it was snowing Dad was just ecstatic! The last Christmas I spent with my Dad was when my son (then age 14 now 30!) and I flew out from California. The most precious memory from that visit is when we were driving to a restaurant and Dad said, "Look Deb--you can see snow in the headlights!" I really think he prayed that when we came home especially that it would be a white Christmas; he was one who found bad road conditions to be an adventure as my Mom begged him to slow down! We all especially think of Dad ( he passed away in '95) at Christmas time and feel him still there with us, but somehow it's just not the same...

Mom always made tons of cookies; she was busy for weeks baking, putting them in tins and then hiding them from my brother. One year my son got her a simple corsage that she seemed to love more than the rest of her gifts. My son only visited them 4 or 5 times ever because we lived in CA and couldn't afford to get back more than that--so every memory of him and my parents is precious to me. Back to when I was growing up--Mom insisted that we save our allowance and then Dad would take us to the "5 & 10" (am I old?) to buy small gifts for each other. I always got my Mom a little basket of marzipan fruit candy. One year my brother ( then about 3) got her a diary that he kept calling it a"diareeha"--we were rolling with that one. LOL.

OK the last thing ( promise) was about the Christmas cards. Isn't it unbelievablehow many cards got sent out and received back when? Did you have cards strung up all over the house like we did? We enjoyed going over to my grandmother's house and getting out the big basket of cards and looking at each one.

Well I haven't talked about my own traditions. One was spending more than I even had and being broke until March ;-( Thank God I outgrew that one! Several times I have gotten the ingredients for cookies and never got around to making them. Every year I worked at a different department store just for Christmas (believe it or not it helped to get my spirit started) I still like to go to church but not always at midnight. I have this thing about wrapping gifts; I love it and enjoy the prettiest foil paper, ribbon and doo-dads. I did my best to make each Christmas special for my son. Who doesn't love presents, but for me Jesus is center stage rather than Santa and the love put into a gift is more important than money. I'll be spending Christmas in CT--people know how to do it up there--I'm just sorry my son and his wife can't make it. Maybe next year...

Are you still with me? Guess I blew it at being brief! I'm really interested in hearing about how Christmas is/was for you!

It's a bit early, but in case I don't get around to another entry:

Have a fabulous Christmas

full of love!

Sassy's EYE

Hope you will check out my photo journal and leave me a comment.

Tags: Christmas, family, love, traditions, memories

Prayer Requests

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:39:43 GMT

Hello all~Today I am requesting prayers for Jeanette whose partner, Andy is in the hospital right now with a life threatening illness. He needs our strength and hope.

2. Penny's ("Pieces of Ohio" now with Jesus)daughter who is coping with the loss of her mother. she needs to be strong and feel the Lords support and love.

3. Sugar ("A little bit of sugar please...") who always prays for everyone else--that her health stay strong.

4. Tammy (angelrose2u) and Ginger (slimhawk)~that they will feel the Lord's love and protection as they go about their daily lives.

5. Malachi--the baby (now 2) born fighting to stay alive and his mother, Melissa.

6. Donna's(D's Designs) sister~That she become perfectly healthy.

7. Baby Peyton who was born prematurely~may he thrive. (Friend of Linda's~"Footprints in the Sand")

8. Merry's (Merry 1621) husband who is suffering health problems~that he be healed.

We know that Jesus hears our prayers and at this very moment is considering what he can do. We thank you Father in the name of your son, for all the prayers already answered and all those to come.May all in JLand who need support feel it as they read this. Never underestimate the power of prayer!

PS. Sorry I'm too lazy to spend time on links. ;-0

Not Like That

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:34:04 GMT

Not Like That : Adding your Pops to my prayers list and sending hugs to your whole family. I just wrote you a longer comment, but AOL ate it...You are so right about care takers deserving to be paid more. Dutch will tell you what a stressful, demanding and sometimes depressing job it can be to work activities in a convalescent hospital. I think we all pray to pass on before the suffering is too great. Take care~Deb ;-)

Taking the Time & Nelson Mandela

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:45:54 GMT

TAKING TIME

           Take time to think...It is the source of
   power.

   Take time to play...It is the secret of
   perpetual youth.

   Take time to read...It is the fountain of
   wisdom.

   Take time to pray...It is the greatest power
   on Earth.

   Take time to love and be loved...It is a God-
   given privilege.

   Take time to be friendly...It is the road to
   happiness.

   Take time to laugh...It is the music of the
   soul.

   Take time to give...It is too short a day to be
   selfish.

   Take time to work...It is the price of
   success.

   Take time to do charity...It is the key to
   Heaven.
   Author Unknown

"If you want the time..you must simply make room for it and take it!"

Me ;-)

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"Every time Nelson Mandela walks into a room we all feel a little bigger, we all want to stand up, we all want to cheer, because we'd like to be him on our Best Day."

Bill Clinton

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"Our children and furure generations need to understand that Mandela is not just another person learned about in history books. They need to know that his actions, his perserverance and his courage changed the course of the entire nation. He boldly and quite literally, changed history. He is living proof that one person has the power to effect positive change in our world."

Muhammad Ali

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"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

http://www.writespirit.net/authors/nelson_mandela/long_walk_to_freedom/view

Click above to learn more about his autobiography: Long Walk to Freedom.

Tags: time, Nelson Mandela, inspiration