Mike and I have been busy creating a vacuum in our basement to better organize our home business. Creating space through cleaning and organizing is not my favorite chore. However, I love when I find a "gem" that I have saved from the past. This quote from Maya Angelou is one of those "special finds." So, I'm passing it along, hoping it will give you the perspective of one of the wise elders of our society.

Dr. Angelou gave this overview regarding what life had taught her while being interviewed on the Oprah Show on her 74th birthday during April 2004. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. Dr. Angelou described it as "exciting." She also said: " I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Connie,

As you can see, I wrote to you last summer. I just wanted to let you know that your book and advice given was very helpful. There is a new man in my life and he is what I had asked for! Found out he was asking for me too!

Once I moved away from the community I lived in with my ex and worked with your book, is when so much good stuff started happening. Friends were amazed and waited for another story from me on a weekly if not daily basis about what was going on. (That is what got them excited about reading your book.)

I rented a condo on the lake for the winter (lots of snow) but the view of the water and sunset were the most peaceful. After that, I won $5000 on a nickel slot machine with $20 spent (taxes paid were worth what I won).

I was mourning the loss of being in the house that I loved with the ex. Well, in February I purchased on my own another home that has the things I was missing but even better! Got the chills when the realtor and I looked at the place. Friends and family love visiting.

I have a half acre of land with a house that has a terrific vaulted ceiling kitchen with motorized skylights, the deck encompassed the entire back of the house and the previous owner left the hot tub. There is a garden that takes up a third of the back yard that has a small pond, waterfall with fish, a happy croaking frog and lily pads that have the most beautiful blossoms! I have so much room that my out of town family loves to stay. We are not far from the wineries in the NY Finger Lakes area and it is nice to have friends and family come to visit and take the tours.

I broke off all communication with the ex. His pathological lying was too much for me to be bothered with. Friends were very happy with that decision and could see a positive change in me when I decided to do that.

The new man, as I said, is terrific. I thought my list was very long for what I wanted in a partner but I can see that it wasn't.

Your book has been purchased by me for a couple of friends and they too thought it was terrific. Mine I passed on to another friend who also needed a little push.

Currently I am unemployed but not worried because I have asked for the job of my dreams. Interviews recently show that I am moving in the right direction and feel that one or the other will offer me the position.

Thanks again for responding to my original email. I look back and can't imagine that I would have wanted back with the old life and ways. If you ever decide to write a follow up book, I would love to share my positive outcomes if that would help.

Thanks again for everything,

Sue Senator

I love that you would share it!