Winning Words 12/1/11
“The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you’ll miss all you were traveling for.” (Louis L’Amour) Erin, a mountain climber, sent these words which have inspired her. Of course, they aren’t necessarily about mountain trails, or any trails. They are about life. Take time today to observe what’s going on around you. My. Aunt Nell used to tell me, “Keep your eyes peeled.” ;-) Jack

FROM SHARIN' SHARON: It's like being in love. It's the "being" that is the true joy, not the "having done it all". I'm keeping my eyes peeled.////FROM JACK: Yes, there are different kinds of trails, and the one marked, "love," is one of them. "Religious faith" is another.

FROM PEPPERMINT MARY: at school we tell the parents that learning is about the process not the product as they gaze quizzically at the day's work! we also use the phrase, "no hurries...no worries" to the children and their families. often times it's an exercise in patience!////FROM JACK: Do you ever wonder where your "pre-schoolers" will wind up as they start to walk the trail marked, "Education?" You've probably been in the business long enough to have seen some results.////MARY WRITES ABOUT PRE-SCHOOL ALUMS: i have been privileged to see many grow up in the community. there are dr.s, lawyers, a mining engineer(that would make eugene happy), teachers, musicians, dancers, wonderful mothers and fathers, and a harvard prof! wish i could take the credit, but i will admit, it does take a village i am honored and proud to be part of////FROM JACK: Wouldn't it be neat if some of them would have a Peppermint Pre-School diploma framed and hanging on their office wall?

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: At one time I had all 90+ copies of L'Amour's books.////FROM JACK: Even more than the number of your Peter Drucker books?

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I have a picture of an empty beach chair, overlooking a seascape, with the words from Gandhi, "There is more to Life than increasing its speed." It's a good reminder to savor blessings each day brings! I try to do that, amid a somewhat hectic schedule. As the old saying goes, "Take time to smell the flowers...":-)////FROM JACK: I wonder if Gandhi really said those words, but, more importantly, he really lived them. It's how we live that's the important thing.

FROM JM IN MICHIGAN: "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street", by Dr. Seuss, was inspired by such a directive to be aware, as well. The book was the first prize-winner for the celebrated author.////FROM JACK: Seuss opened the eyes of many children...and adults, too.

FROM WATERFORD ANN: I think about this. Sometimes "too soon old; too late smart". I agree and appreciate the trail more than ever. At the end we step off the trail. I have some Louis L'Amour books of Mac's. Think I will read some.////FROM JACK: Dale Evans wrote the song, "Happy Trails." She and her husband, Roy Rogers, were religious. Here's the "religious" version of the song.
Happy trails to you, it's great to say "hello".
And to share with you the trail we've come to know.
It started on the day that we met Jesus,
He came into our hearts and then he freed us.
For a life that's true, a happy trail to you.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Enjoy each day.////FROM JACK: I read in the newspaper this week that Detroit and Tampa are in the top-ten of the saddest places to live in America. Maybe, but not in my place.

FROM ERIN IN ARIZONA: Thank you for reminding me of that today :-)////FROM JACK: You've walked some interesting trails. In fact, all of us have walked interesting trails, because that's what life is all about.