I love these quotations! There is nothing like an inspirational lift. One of my favourites has always been " Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher
Judy H-J's Thoughts - A Twinless Twin. Jamaican Freelance writer on a healing journey after facing loss. Here I share memories, hobbies, interests, pictures and much more.
Monday, September 12, 2011
AN INSPIRATIONAL LIFT!
I love these quotations! There is nothing like an inspirational lift. One of my favourites has always been " Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher
Saturday, September 10, 2011
9/11 - FACING DEATH AND GRIEF
I can still remember those frightening moments when my twin sister and I stood in front of the television watching the horrible situation that unfolded on September 11, 2001. So many persons knew individuals who died or families, friends or acquaintances who suffered the loss of a family member or friend. The loss of a loved one is a very difficult experience to handle and especially when he/she departs in a terrorist attack or suddenly.
Recently I learnt that of the nearly 3,000 persons who were killed about 46 were one of twins. I understand that a documentary titled 'The Twins Of The Twin Towers' will be shown on this anniversary that explores the personal stories of twins who were left twinless. According to the link "The film delves into the unique connection these brave siblings shared and the process they have endured for dealing with their devastating loss and moving forward with their lives." The movie produced by BBC Wales was directed and produced by Olivia Lichtenstein and executive produced by Tim Green.
It is very difficult to find words that comfort those who grieve the loss of a loved one especially in a situation as 9/11. However I would like to share these words that I have found comforting since the loss of my twin sister:-
"Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear."
P.S. Update 2 p.m. Sunday, September 11. I listened to the midday news on one of our radio stations and it was stated that about 16 Jamaicans died. This tragedy certainly touched the world.
Friday, September 9, 2011
FLOWERS BEATING THE HEAT!
I have been roaming around my gardens taking pictures of these flowers that have been surviving our hot summer. They even made me write a poem! I had not written one for quite some time!
FLOWERS BEATING THE HEAT
By Judy Haughton-James
Sun shines brightly on my tropical isle
As flowers in my garden smile awhile.
They bravely face the sweltering heat
Somehow this they proudly beat.
With camera in hand I am ready to roam
Capturing blessings that beautify my home.
A gentle breeze is welcomed every day
The flowers seem to dance as they sway.
They come in a wide array of colours
Ginger lilies, the strongest of these flowers.
These favourites attract many an eye
And helps to make my spirit soar high.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER?
By Judy Haughton-James
I love nature and show me flowers and I am in awe. I have seen some of the most beautiful flowers from around the world via pictures, postcards, Blogs, television, magazines, you name it.
However there is always that favourite flower. Janine and I just loved roses. We have had pink, white and red roses in our garden over the years. I know that there are roses in other colours and I have seen beautiful yellow ones in other gardens.
The summer heat is on over here on my tropical island and my roses aren't doing so well now so I welcome rain. Anyway I got some shots of this beautiful red rose in our garden.
Speaking of flowers, I am getting in that mood to go and buy some packs of unusual flower seeds and plant them as soon as the weather is just right for them to thrive. Actually I am thinking of setting up a little garden in memory of my twin sister Janine. I may even put some bird figures in there. Who knows I could put it somewhere so that I could put a bird feeder high and maybe I will see a lot of birds again including our favourite bird - Jamaica's Streamer Tail Hummingbird. Of course I would have to make sure that it is protected from animals like goats, donkeys etc.
Where foreign flowers are concerned my memory went back to some pictures and postcards that we saw of lavender flowers some time ago. This occurred recently when I received the Victorian Lavender Sachet pictured below from my English pen-pal Pam. I know that this flower has also been used for perfumes. Right now I can actually picture those breathtaking scenes of lavender.
Well, there is a flower for every month and we were born in November so ours is the Chrysanthemum. Some years ago I had a lot of these flowers in our garden. Another flower that thrives well even during summer at my home is what is called the Ginger Lily. Some of them can be seen in the pictures of the rose. Nothing daunts them and we have put several of them on Janine's grave from time to time. So, what is your favourite flower? I know there are so many to choose from.
I love nature and show me flowers and I am in awe. I have seen some of the most beautiful flowers from around the world via pictures, postcards, Blogs, television, magazines, you name it.
However there is always that favourite flower. Janine and I just loved roses. We have had pink, white and red roses in our garden over the years. I know that there are roses in other colours and I have seen beautiful yellow ones in other gardens.
The summer heat is on over here on my tropical island and my roses aren't doing so well now so I welcome rain. Anyway I got some shots of this beautiful red rose in our garden.
Speaking of flowers, I am getting in that mood to go and buy some packs of unusual flower seeds and plant them as soon as the weather is just right for them to thrive. Actually I am thinking of setting up a little garden in memory of my twin sister Janine. I may even put some bird figures in there. Who knows I could put it somewhere so that I could put a bird feeder high and maybe I will see a lot of birds again including our favourite bird - Jamaica's Streamer Tail Hummingbird. Of course I would have to make sure that it is protected from animals like goats, donkeys etc.
Where foreign flowers are concerned my memory went back to some pictures and postcards that we saw of lavender flowers some time ago. This occurred recently when I received the Victorian Lavender Sachet pictured below from my English pen-pal Pam. I know that this flower has also been used for perfumes. Right now I can actually picture those breathtaking scenes of lavender.
Well, there is a flower for every month and we were born in November so ours is the Chrysanthemum. Some years ago I had a lot of these flowers in our garden. Another flower that thrives well even during summer at my home is what is called the Ginger Lily. Some of them can be seen in the pictures of the rose. Nothing daunts them and we have put several of them on Janine's grave from time to time. So, what is your favourite flower? I know there are so many to choose from.
Monday, September 5, 2011
GET CONNECTED TUESDAY BLOG HOP!
I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Nekky from Reflexions for choosing me to be the featured Blog on the Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I love Blog Hops!
Welcome to Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I'm very happy to have you here. A special welcome to all my first visitors. If you are already a part of this hop, I'm thanking you so much for your help in building Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop and making it a success. Come and Get Connected and stay Connected. With this hop, you will increase your strength, followers, readers and connect to other bloggers in which ever way you like.
This blog hop is for family friendly websites only.
Feel free to grab the button if you want.
Each week, I'll be featuring a new guest host. If you want to be featured, grab the button and send me a message and you might be my next pick.
Grab our Button:
Get Connected and Stay Connected!!!
Grab our Button:
Get Connected and Stay Connected!!!
Here are the rules:
1.) Follow Reflexions the host on Google friends connect.
3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow the ones you like.
* It would be nice if you follow at least the two blogs that are linked up before you, that way, everybody will get followed. Thanks.
If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....
Thanks for linking up and have a great week...
Sunday, September 4, 2011
WOW! MY FIRST BLOG AWARD!
Thanks a million to Itin who has a great blog titled 'MISS ACIDIC' for giving me the LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD! You have certainly started off my week in great fashion! I am happy to have over 100 Followers of this Blog which I started in March of this year. Now the rule says that it is my turn to pass it on to some of my favourite Bloggers who have less than 200 Followers. I have met so many wonderful Bloggers from many countries and they already have over 200 Followers! By the way, the word 'Liebster' means favourite in German! Well, my top 3 favourites for this award are:
CHEERFULNUTS
SERIOUSNUTS
SAKURA HARUKA
Please pass it on to your favourite Bloggers who have under 200 Followers at this time and link back to the Blog who gave you this award. Cheers!
CHEERFULNUTS
SERIOUSNUTS
SAKURA HARUKA
Please pass it on to your favourite Bloggers who have under 200 Followers at this time and link back to the Blog who gave you this award. Cheers!
Friday, September 2, 2011
BE INSPIRED!
I am a big fan of quotations and I find many of them inspirational. They often lift my spirit when I go through low moments. Here are some of my favourites from Facebook Status Shuffle:
"The struggle to get out of the cocoon is what helps strengthen the wings of the butterfly and helps her fly above the world. Struggles strengthen us to fly."
"To get through the hardest journey we need to take only one step at at time, but we must keep on stepping."
"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."- Thoreau
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt in life but we can change how we play the hand."
"Just remember when you need to talk to someone and it's too late to call a friend, God is always up!"
"The struggle to get out of the cocoon is what helps strengthen the wings of the butterfly and helps her fly above the world. Struggles strengthen us to fly."
"To get through the hardest journey we need to take only one step at at time, but we must keep on stepping."
"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."- Thoreau
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt in life but we can change how we play the hand."
"Just remember when you need to talk to someone and it's too late to call a friend, God is always up!"
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A WONDERFUL MOM!
By Judy Haughton-James
September 1 is my mother's birthday and I take this opportunity to publicly wish her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Every birthday she would get a card specially made by my twin and me. I have kept up the tradition and for sure Janine's name is still listed with the words 'looking down from heaven' beside it. This year I have decorated the card with things that Janine and I were big enthusiasts of - birds and flowers from around the world.
Here are also some pictures of Mom over the years.
September 1 is my mother's birthday and I take this opportunity to publicly wish her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Every birthday she would get a card specially made by my twin and me. I have kept up the tradition and for sure Janine's name is still listed with the words 'looking down from heaven' beside it. This year I have decorated the card with things that Janine and I were big enthusiasts of - birds and flowers from around the world.
Here are also some pictures of Mom over the years.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER!
By Judy Haughton-James
As I approach my mom's birthday on September 1, I have decided to post again this special tribute with a few changes! I wrote it earlier this year for Mother's Day. I am blessed to have such a wonderful mother.
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
From the early age of 13 years old I have only had one parent, my mother, Kathleen Naomi Haughton-James ( nee Lindo). She became a widow on August 14, 1975, when my father Harry collapsed and died of a heart attack while performing his duties as a Councillor in the St.Mary Parish Council on the tropical island of Jamaica.
Since that fateful day I have been amazed at the strength that she has displayed when she encountered what I call the valleys on this journey called life. It is not that she did not display sadness for the loss of her husband when she was only 47 years old but managed to have the strength in holding it together and taking care of her family. It was a strength noticed not only by her family. I can never forget the words that someone said to her shortly after my father's death - "Mrs. James, there are so many beautiful things about you, but probably the most beautiful of them all, is your ability to take knocks."
The person who said this died some years ago, but little did he know that come October 16, 2008 mom would have suffered yet another blow, that of the death of her youngest child and my identical twin sister Janine. Again she showed all the signs of loss and it was more difficult then as she was now a lady in her 80s. However again she held it together and was a tower of strength for me. I keep saying to her "God certainly knew how important it was for you to have been around when Janine died." We have been through our trials together and her strength has helped to pilot me through my darkest hour.
Of utmost importance is her strong Christian faith which has never faltered despite the circumstances that she has encountered. This has been such a good example for me who in turn leaned on this faith to carry me through the most challenging period of my life. I am truly blessed to have her as my mother. Every day I give God thanks for giving me such a special mother.
As I approach my mom's birthday on September 1, I have decided to post again this special tribute with a few changes! I wrote it earlier this year for Mother's Day. I am blessed to have such a wonderful mother.
 |
| PICTURES OF MOM WITH HER CHILDREN OVER THE YEARS! |
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
From the early age of 13 years old I have only had one parent, my mother, Kathleen Naomi Haughton-James ( nee Lindo). She became a widow on August 14, 1975, when my father Harry collapsed and died of a heart attack while performing his duties as a Councillor in the St.Mary Parish Council on the tropical island of Jamaica.
Since that fateful day I have been amazed at the strength that she has displayed when she encountered what I call the valleys on this journey called life. It is not that she did not display sadness for the loss of her husband when she was only 47 years old but managed to have the strength in holding it together and taking care of her family. It was a strength noticed not only by her family. I can never forget the words that someone said to her shortly after my father's death - "Mrs. James, there are so many beautiful things about you, but probably the most beautiful of them all, is your ability to take knocks."
The person who said this died some years ago, but little did he know that come October 16, 2008 mom would have suffered yet another blow, that of the death of her youngest child and my identical twin sister Janine. Again she showed all the signs of loss and it was more difficult then as she was now a lady in her 80s. However again she held it together and was a tower of strength for me. I keep saying to her "God certainly knew how important it was for you to have been around when Janine died." We have been through our trials together and her strength has helped to pilot me through my darkest hour.
Of utmost importance is her strong Christian faith which has never faltered despite the circumstances that she has encountered. This has been such a good example for me who in turn leaned on this faith to carry me through the most challenging period of my life. I am truly blessed to have her as my mother. Every day I give God thanks for giving me such a special mother.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
READY! SET! GO!
By Judy Haughton-James
It is a time of excitement for me as I am a big sports fan. Yippee! The World Games are on in Daegu, South Korea! Over the years Janine and I have been big fans of these games. You would see us seated in our living-room with our eyes glued to the television taking in the events.
As Jamaicans excelled on the track we would cheer and oh what a thrill it was when we saw the Jamaican flag held aloft by fans or making its way up a pole as our national anthem was played. I will never forget the joy Janine shared with me a few months before her death in 2008 as she watched every moment of Jamaica's exceptional performance at the Olympics.
We have always been big sports fans paying close attention to athletics, football, cricket, netball etc. We watched and listened to sports newscasts and sports programmes so much that we knew even some of the results and names of top personalities in games that we were not necessarily big fans of.
Well, there was some disappointment today when our top athlete, Usain Bolt, was disqualified in the men's 100m race. Anyway Jamaicans had something to cheer about as another Jamaican, Yohan Blake, won the race and became the youngest world champion ever over this distance.
Sports certainly teaches us life lessons. It makes us realize that nothing is certain in life and the winner is only known after the event. Anyway I hope Usain will bounce back. As one of my favourite quotations states "It is not whether you get knocked down, it is whether you get back up." - Vince Lombardi
If there is one game that I would like to learn how to play and get some good exercise in the process, it would be lawn tennis. I tried table tennis in the past but just for a little fun. If you are a sports fan, which game is your favourite? Is there a game that you wish you played or are currently playing?
It is a time of excitement for me as I am a big sports fan. Yippee! The World Games are on in Daegu, South Korea! Over the years Janine and I have been big fans of these games. You would see us seated in our living-room with our eyes glued to the television taking in the events.
As Jamaicans excelled on the track we would cheer and oh what a thrill it was when we saw the Jamaican flag held aloft by fans or making its way up a pole as our national anthem was played. I will never forget the joy Janine shared with me a few months before her death in 2008 as she watched every moment of Jamaica's exceptional performance at the Olympics.
We have always been big sports fans paying close attention to athletics, football, cricket, netball etc. We watched and listened to sports newscasts and sports programmes so much that we knew even some of the results and names of top personalities in games that we were not necessarily big fans of.
Well, there was some disappointment today when our top athlete, Usain Bolt, was disqualified in the men's 100m race. Anyway Jamaicans had something to cheer about as another Jamaican, Yohan Blake, won the race and became the youngest world champion ever over this distance.
Sports certainly teaches us life lessons. It makes us realize that nothing is certain in life and the winner is only known after the event. Anyway I hope Usain will bounce back. As one of my favourite quotations states "It is not whether you get knocked down, it is whether you get back up." - Vince Lombardi
If there is one game that I would like to learn how to play and get some good exercise in the process, it would be lawn tennis. I tried table tennis in the past but just for a little fun. If you are a sports fan, which game is your favourite? Is there a game that you wish you played or are currently playing?
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