In memory of Susan Butcher

Alaska: Where men are men and women win the Iditarod.

How many women do you know that have had a T-Shirt printed in their honor? Susan Butcher did.

(Picture from San Diego Union Tribune, Monday, August 7, 2006)

Susan Butcher's name will forever be linked to Alaska and the Iditarod. She won the 1,150 mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome four times, starting in 1986. She won the race in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1990. In all, she ran 17 races, and was the first woman to finish in the top 10.

In order to train for this physically unbelievable challenge, this 5 foot 6 inch, 135 pound winner swam, skied, lifted weight, skied, ran and mushed her team of dogs every day of the year. She lived with her magnificent dogs, and raised them from birth. "When one is born, I immediately breathe into his nose, so that he knows I am part of his pack," she said.

Susan Butcher passed away at the age of 51 on August 5, 2006.
Despite conquering the blizzards of Alaska, she was unable to have her way with leukemia.
Butcher leaves behind a husband, two children, and many adoring fans. She was one of my true heroes. Because of her I strapped on snow shoes and trekked through the Colorado Rockies.
After three hours, I was exhausted, and was able to make it back to my SUV in one piece.
Well, at least she gave me the courage to try.

Susan made her own way through the blizzard. What was a time that you were able to get yourself through a challenge? (If sled dogs were involved, all the better).

Jo'el's Guide to Getting a Life

Each day, Get out of Bed Smiling
Take a deep breath
Center Yourself: You are here, You are YOU!
Approve of Yourself
Like Yourself
Look Inward:
What do you care about?
What do you worry about?
What do you enjoy?
Think about your answers, write them down, and then,
Look Outward:
Do something, anything, go somewhere, anywhere
Go alone, unannounced, say hello
Do research on the internet, read every paper you can get your hands on, listen to local television and radio stations for causes and events you care about, then GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!
Once you get out of the house, TALK TO PEOPLE! Care about other people's feelings, care about their story.
Join, help, offer and volunteer whenever you can.

Reflection:
Remember those who are gone
Honor the lessons you've learned from them
Gather strength from those lessons
Laugh about, write about, the joys you have shared
Feel free to talk to those loved ones who have moved on, let them know you are thinking of them, ask them for guidance, and move forward with your life and give to others.

Take a deep breath
Breathe out
Smile and now go out to enjoy the world..............................

Angel Hunting

I am reading the job listings in the local paper. Every company wants a motivated and responsible employee. Every ad is a laundry list of the perfect employee. These are like singles ads. "This is what you must be." Write a job posting for your guardian angel. What should he/she be responsible for, look for, pay attention to? What should your guardian angel be like? Is there much travel involved? Explain.

Inspiration is all around us

Every single thing that we can see, hear, feel, taste, touch, or think, is something to be written about. Should be written about. No matter how many times somebody else writes about it, each person has their own unique view. You are welcome to this daily journal to ponder, write, laugh, remember, cry or argue. Writing is healing. Please keep paper and pens nearby, like you would a bottle of crystal spring water. Writing in journal, or on a napkin nearby, or on the palm of the hand, is just as cleansing as a long drink of water. Enjoy.