excerpts from articles in this issue

The Repair Queen – DIY Help!

by Linda Foster

As a young girl, I was more interested in helping my dad with home repairs than helping my mom with cooking. Looking back, I should have divided my time between the two learning experiences; I can now repair many kitchen appliances, but I’m not sure what to do with them once they are fixed. Fortunately, I wasn’t asked to write a cooking column.

Speaking of columns, welcome to the first of what will hopefully be a long-running series of do-it-yourself repair columns. Learning to perform minor home repairs and improvements can save you money and add value to your home. In today’s economic climate, saving money is definitely a good thing. Doing your own home repairs can also help you avoid recurring problems that might later require professional intervention. And, if saving money and avoiding future problems aren’t enough to encourage you to learn some do-it-yourself repairs, consider how great successful projects are for the ego!

However, before you can attempt any home repairs, you’ll need a toolbox and, of course, some basic tools. There are a number of “ready made” tool kits available at most box stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wal Mart and you can purchase one of those. Personally, though, I prefer setting up my own, because many of the kits include items you might never use or the quality of tools is poor. While it isn’t necessary to spend a lot on tools, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration if you buy a decent grade. Cheap tools often break and could actually lead to injury during use. So, don’t just run out to a 99¢ store to buy them; do a little comparison shopping at your local hardware store.

If, like me, you’re willing to take the time to “do it yourself”, here, in no particular order, are the tools (with some brief descriptions) I recommend for your starter toolbox:

From Fantasy to Fulfillment: Living the Life of Your Dreams

By Diane Flynn Keith

There is so much abundant opportunity in the world, it’s hard to believe that every childhood fantasy and adult dream is not fulfilled.

Are you where you want to be in life? Have you accomplished all of your goals and dreams? Did you ever look in the mirror and wonder, “What happened?” Did you ever think “This isn’t where I wanted to wind up.”? Do you feel a deep longing or desire to do something other than what you’re doing? Do you have secret thoughts or dreams that fill your imagination’s wish list? If so, why aren’t you trying to make those dreams come true?

You can. It’s not too late. You simply have to set aside your fear of failure and your concern about what other people think, and claim your right to the life you want.

Your heart's desire is like a divine seed that has been planted deep within you. It’s waiting to unfold your innate talents and gifts, and you will not find any real satisfaction until you allow it to bloom and grow.

In order to do that you have to establish an environment that nurtures that seed. It harbors an inner truth about you and your purpose for being on this planet. Don’t let anything hold you back from developing its full potential.

When you were a child you were encouraged to fantasize about what you wanted to be when you grew up. Your family and friends reinforced your dreams of being a dancer, an astronaut, a doctor, an inventor, an explorer, an actor, a writer, an athlete, a firefighter, a millionaire, a president, or even a rock star. Right up until the time you went to school, you were told that you could be or do anything you wanted in this lifetime. Then, when school started, all that positive support for your dreams vanquished, as you were trained to settle for a life less gratifying.