Friday, October 23, 2009

Always looking up!

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery, while on a detour.


Flickr
Every cloud has a silver lining ~ as the proverb goes.
Is the cup half full or half empty?
A pessimist says " the cup is half empty " and an optimist says " it's half full."

The longer I live the more I realize the impact of a good attitude and a positive outlook on life.
Life is full of so much beauty, from the small child, a smiling face, a kind elderly person.

Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive, enjoy the day live life to the fullest, make the most of what you have.
Quote ~ Horace ( Ancient Roman poet.)




I have recently read Michael J Fox's latest book ~ Always Looking Up.
Struck with Parkinson's, a debilitating degenerative disease, at the height of his fame Michael J Fox has taken what some might consider cause for depression and turned into a beacon of hope for millions.

He writes with warmth, humour and incredible honesty about his journey. He says "it may be one step forward and two steps back, but after a time with this disease, I've learned that what is important is making that one step count ~ Always looking up!
You have to love this Guy and admire his courage and optimism.

We have a long weekend here in NZ ~ so looking forward to it!
It is Labour weekend and we have a holiday on Monday so will be great to spend some time in the garden and doing some of the chores on the list.
After having being away the past two weekends, home seems like a lovely place to be.

I hope you are all well.
Have a wonderful weekend

Hugs
Carolyn
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64 comments:

  1. DeannaOctober 23, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    have a wonderful week-end!!!
    God bless,
    d

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  2. Marsha @ Tattered ChickOctober 23, 2009 at 12:39 PM

    What a wonderful post, full of wisdom and words to live by!

    I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

    ((Hug))
    Marsha

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  3. Draffin BearsOctober 23, 2009 at 12:47 PM

    Thank you very much Deanna and I hope your weekend is wonderful.

    Hi Marsha,

    Always lovely to have you visit, many thanks.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  4. Winchester ManorOctober 23, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    Oh sweet friend...I was just thinking about you! What a lovely post and I couldn't agree with you more! It is an appreciation of our loved ones and the simple things that create a happy life.

    Love & hugs to you!

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  5. Draffin BearsOctober 23, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    Thank you for visiting Karyn.
    We must have been posting about the same time.
    Lovely to hear from you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  6. ReneeOctober 23, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    There is no place like home.

    xoxoxo

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  7. MindyOctober 23, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    Hi Carolyn, Thanks for stopping by today. I'm enjoying your blog, as well. Enjoy your long weekend! ~Mindy

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  8. Draffin BearsOctober 23, 2009 at 3:38 PM

    Hi Renee,

    I agree, Home sweet home!

    Hi Mindy,

    It was lovely to discover your blog and many thanks for visiting me.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  9. JuneOctober 23, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    Oh Carolyn, I just love this post today. Attitude is everything I think. You have said it all so perfectly here. Thank you for the lift.
    Hugs,
    June

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  10. Pamela Terry and EdwardOctober 23, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    Michael J. Fox is truly an inspiration, isn't he? Looking up is really the only way to live, and live well.

    And really.... in regards to that first photo...what girl wouldn't be looking up with Cary Grant in the seat beside her??!

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  11. DoloresOctober 23, 2009 at 4:57 PM

    Thank you Carolyn. I like this sentence and must remember it more often: "The longer I live the more I realize the impact of a good attitude and a positive outlook on life."

    ReplyDelete
  12. stefanieOctober 23, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    great post,,,, i looovvve the photo of the clouds, i feel sorry for micheal j fox, but i think he was chosen for something special

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  13. Anne LorysOctober 23, 2009 at 5:14 PM

    Hi Carolyn,
    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog tonight! Great post, it's amazing how much one person can endure with humor and grace. And love. Always love.
    Have a great weekend!
    Anne

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  14. UnknownOctober 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM

    What a lovely attitude. I have not heard of Michael J. Fox's book before this. I was a big fan of his in the 80's.

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  15. TaraOctober 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM

    I hope you have a terrific weekend as well!

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  16. Draffin BearsOctober 23, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    Hi June,

    Thank you for visiting and it is always so lovely to hear from you and your kind words.

    Hi Pamela,

    Michael J Fox is a real inspiration, and to be looking up and living well, is a good way to be. Having Cary Grant sit alongside
    would be a good thing too.

    Hi Dolores,

    Thanks for your visit and it is a good quote to remember isn't it.

    Hi Stefanie,

    It must be so hard for Michael J Fox and you would be thinking all the time ... why me.
    He is a special person and it is to be hoping that they can find a cure for this disease.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  17. Draffin BearsOctober 23, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    Hi Anne,

    Many thanks for visiting my blog.
    I enjoyed the book because of the love he had for his family. Also all the commitment he put into the Michael J Fox foundation, to raise money for research to try and find a cure.

    Hi TattingChic,

    He has an earlier book, Lucky Man, which was a Sunday Times bestseller.
    Always looking up came out earlier this year, 2009.
    I think we all enjoyed him ~ we loved him in Spin City. He was a witty and funny man.

    Thank you Sares, great to hear from you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  18. UnknownOctober 23, 2009 at 9:07 PM

    People like Michael Fox make us very humble.. how easy it is for us able bodied people to feel sorry for ourselves.. well ME anyway. I must see if I can reserve his book at the Library tomorrow. And then wash the car, put some plants in my garden, start my bag, continue with my quilt.. watch Finding Nemo on TV 2... haha good plans. Have a nice relaxing weekend Carolyn. Enjoy your garden.

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  19. C. JoyBell C.October 23, 2009 at 11:08 PM

    I like this post very much. For from this post, I have come to realize that I am a truly happy person! Now would you just think about that! I could always enjoy the scenery in detour or in traffic, or even if I was lost and I was hungry and needed to find my way home right away!!!! hahahhahahahahaha!

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  20. JeanneOctober 24, 2009 at 12:13 AM

    Blessings
    I really enjoyed your blog
    Keep up the great work

    ReplyDelete
  21. Amanda (Small Acorns)October 24, 2009 at 12:16 AM

    What a lovely post today Carolyn - very wise advice. I love Michael J Fox - I so admire his positive stance on what must be such a frustrating and dibilitating illness. Have a lovely weekend! Amanda

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  22. MargeOctober 24, 2009 at 1:37 AM

    Dear Carolyn,

    How lovely post you have made!!!!!
    So wonderful pictures, I love them, too!!!!:)))

    Carpe diem, it`s true, and that`s something, what we all can allways try!:)

    Wonderful weekend for you, my friend!

    Ps. Your daughter is very talented!!!!:)

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  23. The French BearOctober 24, 2009 at 2:40 AM

    What a wonderful post. We need to look up more often and I love to be positive. I know if I am down, I try to make one person happy and then it seems to turn everything around....
    I wanted to read MJF's book, now I am sure I need to read it, he has gone through so much.
    Have a great weekend!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  24. A Fanciful LifeOctober 24, 2009 at 2:45 AM

    Hi Carolyn,
    Well, let's hope that tea cup is half full and stays that way! I much prefer to see it that way. Life is too short for otherwise. How lucky for you to have a three day weekend - I hope you enjoy your days!
    Sharon :-)

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  25. koraleeOctober 24, 2009 at 3:14 AM

    Have a wonderful long weekend..I so agree with you about the way you look at life..love your words today! I have always admired Micheal J Fox.

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  26. Merci-NotesOctober 24, 2009 at 4:19 AM

    Thank you for the inspiration!
    AS life takes us on many twists and turns... like in your first photo~ Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in "To Catch A Thief" !

    Have a wonderful weekend! Spring gardening!!! LOVE IT!

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  27. Geralyn GrayOctober 24, 2009 at 5:33 AM

    Thanks for such an optimistic post!!!!!

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  28. ~Lavender Dreamer~October 24, 2009 at 6:51 AM

    My husband and I both read Michael J. Fox's book and we still talk about it. When we feel a little ache or pain when we get up in the morning we remember what a struggle M. Fox has every morning of his life. What an inspiration he is and an example of purposeful living! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  29. Draffin BearsOctober 24, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    Hi Karen,

    Lovely to hear from you and yes, I think we can learn from MJF, he is such an inspirational Person.
    I hope that your Labour weekend is great, good line up of things you are going to do.

    Hi Charity,

    thank you for visiting, have a great weekend.

    Hi Jeanne,

    Lovely to hear from you and I look forward to coming to visit your blog.

    Many thanks for visiting Amanda and yes, hard not to like Michael J Fox.
    He always seems so young and lovely.

    Dear Marge,

    Always great to hear from you and your kind words.

    Hi Margaret,

    Yes, sometimes a smile from another person or a courteous god morning when out walking, can really make you feel good and a great start to your day.

    Hi Sharon,

    Life is short and it is so much better to be positive and happy with it.

    Many thanks Koralee, is so neat to have found your blog and appreciate you visiting me and your kind words.

    Hi Mary,

    I love the photo of Grace Kelly and Cary Grant and the beautiful view.
    Life does have a way of taking twists and turns.
    Looking forward to getting outdoors, the weather is beautiful here today.

    Thank you for visiting Geralyn.

    Hi Diane,

    Glad that you and your husband were able to read this book.
    Yes, our little aches and pains are nothing to what he has to go through every day. Such a motivator and an inspiration, to us.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  30. ElizaOctober 24, 2009 at 9:41 AM

    now that sounds like a book i would need to read, for i'm such a pessimist one. wonderful suggestion. <3

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  31. UnknownOctober 24, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    Hello my dearest!

    2 words...

    Intersting POST and 1000 KISS a you!

    Have a wonderful WEEK-END!NI

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  32. Draffin BearsOctober 24, 2009 at 10:33 AM

    Hi Eliza,

    It is a good book and one that I hope you might enjoy.

    So lovely to hear from you dear Ni.
    Wishing you a very happy weekend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  33. Martha's FavoritesOctober 24, 2009 at 1:06 PM

    Have a great time this weekend. Love your post. Blessings, Martha

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  34. Draffin BearsOctober 24, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    Thank you Martha and I hope that your knee is coming right.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  35. UnknownOctober 24, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Hi Carolyn!!! what a beautiful post and great reminder for everyone!!!

    Have a wonderful weekend!!!

    Hugs
    Diana

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  36. Draffin BearsOctober 24, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    Thank you Diana and you have a fabulous weekend too.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  37. Melissa MillerOctober 24, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    What a coincidence Carolyn. I just watched one of his older movies today and my hubby and I got into a conversation about him. He's a great actor and person.

    Many Blessings, ~Melissa :)

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  38. French-KissedOctober 24, 2009 at 5:16 PM

    Thanks for this inspiring post. I had to pause to count my many blessings and to look up. You always bring inspiration. Hope you have an absolutely wonderful extended weekend.

    ~Jermaine~

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  39. Draffin BearsOctober 24, 2009 at 5:40 PM

    Hi Melissa,

    That is a coincidence!
    Thank you for visiting today.

    Hi Jermaine,

    I enjoyed having a glimpse of the work you do, it is really lovely.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  40. Tracie~MyPetiteMaisonOctober 24, 2009 at 6:15 PM

    Hi Carolyn,
    Have a lovely long weekend in that garden and savor it (know you will!). I too like Michael J. Fox, he's definitely one to take his lemons and made Lemonade. Saw his special about writing the book, it put me in the best mood!
    xo~Tracie

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  41. FRENCH LAUNDRYOctober 24, 2009 at 6:40 PM

    Hi Carolyn,

    So glad you stopped by to say hello. I loved your post (okay, I love Michael J Fox)-so uplifting.

    Have a lovely weekend,
    Judy

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  42. BellaRosaOctober 24, 2009 at 7:17 PM

    Carolyn, what a great post...made me think...sometimes that is a good thing right? :) Thank you for visiting me and leaving me such sweet notes...it is so nice to be thought of, makes me thankful for all the wonderful friends I have made here in Blogland :) Hope you are doing well amor, your post about seeing your dads drivers license hit home for me...while helping my mama with estate things, I often have to go into my dads wallet and get things I need and I alwaya have to stop and breath in the smell of him in his wallet and touch his license and other items in his wallet because fot just a second, I feel him there with me :) Probably telling me to get the heck outta his wallet and while I am sad..it also makes me smile :) besos, Rose

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  43. rochambeauOctober 25, 2009 at 4:49 AM

    All that you and Michael share, I believe in. One of my girlfriends works with Michael. He truly does walk his talk!!

    Have a great weekend long Weekend Carolyn!!

    xox
    Constance

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  44. MonicaOctober 25, 2009 at 7:33 AM

    I have just purchased my copy of Lucky Man, can't wait to finish it and buy this too. Thanks for sharing, and have a terrific long we,
    hugs,
    Monica.

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  45. Draffin BearsOctober 25, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    Hi Tracie,

    That would have been great to see the Michael J Fox special on writing the book. Many thanks for visiting.

    Hi Judy,

    Lovely to hear from you and saw on your blog that you have been very busy ~ love what you have been making.

    Hi Rose,

    Always great to hear from you and I hope that your shoulder is coming right and you are feeling better.
    I know exactly what you are saying about your Dad's wallet and things and it does seem that they are helping you along.

    Hi Constance,

    Thank you for visiting.
    How lovely that one of your girlfriends works with Michael ~ he is such an admired and respected person, for what he is doing.

    Many thanks Monica, you have a lovely weekend too.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  46. RostroseOctober 25, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    Thanks for your wise words! The book sounds to be very interesting - I always liked M.J. Fox and adore his way of handling his desease!
    One more connection between NZ and Austria: Monday is Holyday here, too! Enjoy!!!
    Hugs, Traude

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  47. Draffin BearsOctober 25, 2009 at 10:03 AM

    Hi Traude,

    Oh you enjoy your holiday too!
    Our daylight saving changed over a few weeks back.

    Enjoy your extra hours sleep in and have a great long weekend

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  48. BarbaraOctober 25, 2009 at 10:03 AM

    What a wonderful posting! You are so right! The simple things are best and good friends are worth their weight in gold!

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  49. Draffin BearsOctober 25, 2009 at 11:10 AM

    I agree Barbara.
    Many thanks for visiting me today.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  50. Jodie (everything vintage)October 25, 2009 at 11:43 AM

    Oh I'm so happy you are home and enjoying a wonderful long weekend! I hope you are spending time in your garden and just relaxing in the comfort of your own home!
    I bet that book is good. Michael J Fox was such a wonderful actor and it's amazing how he can keep positive with this disease. He is so inspiring.
    Have a happy holiday weekend girl!
    everything vintage

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  51. Draffin BearsOctober 25, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    thank you Jodie and I am hoping that your birthday month is going well and you are having a great weekend

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  52. MillieOctober 25, 2009 at 1:49 PM

    Beautiful words dear Carolyn. I'm an MJF fan as well - & I love how he's taking such affirmative action in championing the cause of stem-cell research in the U.S. A very hard road to travel on, as the moral majority seem intent on scuttling the passage of any Bill in the Senate. I think a few of them need to walk in his shoes for a few weeks.
    Millie ^_^

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  53. CaroleOctober 25, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    He truly does inspire us all. He has always been one of my favorites. I hope in his lifetime he is able to see some advancement in stem cell research. He's worked so hard to make a difference.

    Also thank you for my award...it truly touches my heart that you enjoy my little blog! I've been a bad blogger as of late too!
    xxx....C

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  54. Draffin BearsOctober 25, 2009 at 4:04 PM

    Absolutely Millie.
    If they were to walk in his shoes for a week they would certainly take the stem cell research on board and make it an important matter.
    The legacy of Christopher Reeve also was an advocate of stem cell research and they worked together to raise funds for this cause.

    Hi Carole,

    I really hope that in his lifetime he will see some action, with what could be such a wonderful way of helping so many and changing their lives.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  55. debra@dustjacketOctober 25, 2009 at 8:18 PM

    A really great post, we do need to remember to notice the good more often and not get bogged down with the negative.

    Hope you're having a beautiful weekend darling,
    xxx

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  56. Draffin BearsOctober 25, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    thank you Dustjacket and I hope that you are having a fabulous weekend too.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  57. Celestina MarieOctober 26, 2009 at 4:48 AM

    Hi Carolyn,
    Happy Labour weekend. I hope your days, through Monday will be very special. How fun to work around in the garden and enjoy the sunshine.
    You are so right about a good attitude and looking forward. LIfe is too short to fret. Even with challanges having a positive outlook will see you through. I admire Michael J. Fox too and understand how hard it must be at times. My Father also had Parkinson's and I watched as he struggled with the disease. Dad always looked forward and tackled each hurdle with dignity and grace. Our attitudes and positive outlook through faith can make the difference.

    Thank you for sharing you lovely post. It is an inspiration.

    Blessings and hugs, Celestina Marie

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  58. The Victorian ParlorOctober 26, 2009 at 5:33 AM

    What an inspirational post! Enjoy your long weekend!!!

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  59. TrouvaisOctober 26, 2009 at 7:04 AM

    Bonjour Carolyn. Love your thoughts, so true. Also love the "To Catch a Thief" screen shot...wonderful movie. Hugs, Trish

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  60. Draffin BearsOctober 26, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    thank you for your visit Celestina Marie, always lovely to hear from you.
    That was so sad that your Father had Parkinson's disease and the struggle that he must have faced.
    I really hope that there can be a cure soon.

    Hi Kim,

    Thank you for visiting and I hope that your weekend is going well.

    Bonjour Trish and many thanks for your visit. To catch a thief is a great movie. I do love all those great old movies.
    I hope that you are having a lovely weekend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  61. Duchess of TeaOctober 29, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    Hello darling, so nice of you to visit my cottage and for the sweet words you left behind, much appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good wishes and prayers. I am one lucky girl to have such caring and loving circle of friends, you truly are the gem in my teacup. You have an interesting blog and a new follower….me, I am now going to go stroll around your lovely blog. I am looking forward to many more visits…

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  62. Draffin BearsOctober 29, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    Dear Duchess,

    Many thanks for your visit and kind words.
    Thanks also for being a follower and I look forward to coming back to visit your lovely blog.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  63. GeissleinNovember 5, 2009 at 9:20 PM

    OH I LOOOOVE HIM SO MUCH! he must be a great person!
    Btw: thank you SO MUCH for your lovely comment at my blog - you´ve made my day today! greetings from germany, geisslein :o)

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  64. Draffin BearsNovember 6, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    Hi Geisslein,

    Many thanks for visiting my blog.
    MJF is a great Man and I think we all love this guy and what he is doing to aid in the Research of Parkinson's.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx

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