Taking the liberty to share a beautiful poem from a fellow T-Blogger and friend:

I found this beautiful poem on Talking to Myself blog.

Personally, I'm a (somewhat-unwilling) New York transplant in Los Angeles. Having lived here in the homogeneous weather of Southern CA I hardly ever think of the joys of seasons.

This poem brought back some of my favorite winter memories and made me homesick for childhood climes.

Winters slumber

The dark blue winter skies
Highlight the symmetry of stark branches

Adorning trees in winter’s embrace,
A work of art,
So common yet each unique,
Their simple presence bringing joy.

The dancing leaves

Also have their whirling song

That soothes shattered nerves,
Quieting the mind in contemplation.

Cool nights
In warm beds with covers thick,
Bring a peace not found in summer’s darkness,
Sleep, deeper, longer, more peaceful,
The gift that cold gives us,
Allowing us to partake in winters slumber.

I'm reminded one one of my favorite quotes by L. Ron Hubbard

A song can racket down the ages. It doesn't corrode. It doesn't have to be polished, maintained, oiled, shelved or put in a vault.It happens that a song is far more powerful than any blaster ever invented.

I remember my folks talking about how fast time goes by, and it was never anything I could relate to. To me it was usually agonizingly slow, especially when I was dreading something I had to do or someone I had to confront.

But then at a certain point my life went into fifth gear (or hyper drive) and now I can hardly catch my breath before it's half-way through the year.

Anyway, it's still a little more than a month till Spring - so my life isn't completely vaporizing yet.

Good story:

"It was a fantastic moment when the Boston Scientology Ministers realized that they had just received this donation to continue their weekly distribution of The Way to Happiness - A Common Sense Guide to A Happier, More Successful Life Booklet.

"From a Parent "I know that the common-sense guidance from The Way to Happiness has provided my children with a way to handle peer pressure and other negative influences they have come in contact with. I have observed the effectiveness of the book's messages and am so happy that I have found such a practical guide that I can use." — TB

"The Scientology Volunteer Ministers and local business owners distribute this booklet throughout the neighborhoods of Boston. It is just one of the many public services offered by the volunteers.

"The Ministry is best known for it's free Reading and Study Skills program and the use of the study and educational methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard. However, it offers many other services to the community and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and beliefs.

"A student originally from Somali just became a Citizen of the United States of America after studying phonics and learning to read the citizenship-exam questions twice weekly. Her tutor attended her swearing in ceremony and proudly watched as her student was sworn in as an American."

Here's how you can contact the Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry:

Boston Scientology Ministry

1783 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02118 617) 927-2247

For more information about The Way to Happiness

Foundation contact: Loralee Rechag e-mail: lrechag(at)yahoo.com

Boston Representative The Way to Happiness Foundation

http://www.twth.org" title="http://www.twth.org" target="_blank"http://www.twth.org

Way to Happiness Contests Schools receive free, easy-to-follow educational materials and guides for use in exciting nationwide contests

Essay and Poster Competition This highly effective and successful nationwide contest inspires children and teens with positive messages and instills strong moral values.

Set a Good Example Contest In this nationally-recognized contest (commended in the Congressional Record eleven times), students participate by creating projects based on any one, or all of the 21 precepts found in The Way to Happiness booklet.

It's about the Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Mumbai India. Scientology, founded by Mr. L. Ron Hubbard, means "Knowing How To Know" and hundreds of thousands have been seeing a group of people all over Mumbai in yellow shirts who have, as their logo, "Something Can Be Done About It."

At the National Fire Service College training centre in Taloja over the past two weeks there has been a training course with a difference. The Scientology International Volunteers who have been in Mumbai for the past few weeks as part of their tour throughout India, were requested to train up a group of fire sub officers who are shortly due to be posted throughout the country.

The fact that the Scientology Volunteers had already trained up the West Bengal Home Civil Defence trainers to spectacular results as well as the CRPF 73rd Bn in Delhi may or may not have had something to do with the fact that when Mathew Andrews, the Scientology Public Exec walked in to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, he was, literally within minutes seen by the Disaster Management Dept CEO Mr. Vaidya as well as the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Disaster Management Mr. Hire.

Within the next couple of hours it was approved for top men from the health, education and disaster management departments along with the Mumbai Fire Brigade to undertake the Scientology training. The Nariman Point Fire Station was given to the Scientology Goodwill Tour to use to put up their distinctive “Something Can Be Done About It” yellow tent. This is where the first of the training was conducted at the end of December and where people from all walks of life are coming daily to do a Mwww.chaplaincare.navy.mil/Scientology.htm Scientology course.

Read the rest on Jettero's blog!

Go figure? "On the 121st annual Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, which according to the folklore of German settlers in central Pennsylvania means spring is just around the corner."continued

On a related subject, did you see Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell in the movie "Groundhog Day"?

I loved that movie. I love just about anything Bill Murray does (and Andie MacDowell too, come to think of it) but what I found magical about the movie is the concept of being able to keep at it until you get it right.

One of my favorite Scientology quotes is this one by L. Ron Hubbard: "Never regret yesterday. Life is in you today, and you create your tomorrow."

This comes from the Code of Honor.