Living Out Loud

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
John F Kennedy

After much contemplation, I have come to the conclusion that I am ready for a major change in my life. I am yearning for a simpler and quieter life.
Now I've never been one to shy away from change, no I rather like the excitement of something new. I have been somewhat of an adventurer most of my adult life and I guess as age 50 there is no reason to stop yet. So in 2007, I will move from California back to my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. From the lyric of a currently popular song "You can go home" - I am going home. To share my next chapter with my family and long time friends will be a new adventure and one I am looking forward to.

I don't want to miss out on the future as I believe God has big plans for me. I am certain God wants me to be happy and live the life of my intentions. I have created my list of intentions with the things I choose to attract into my life for 2007 and beyond have you?

I will close with my all time favorite quote from George Eliot which I hope will leave you inspired going into the new year.
"It is never too late to become what you might have been"
Happy New Year, JoAnne Funch

Posted by Joanne at 06:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm an only child. Mom and Dad both came from small
families. With the exception of a few cousins and one aunt,
they've all passed on. I'm also childless. My wonderful
husband of 27 years has always generously shared his family
with me; especially his three children. The kids are now
all grown with spouses, lives and children of their own. We
have four grandchildren - wow.

What is my circle of strength? It depends upon the
circumstances, where I am, and who I'm with at the time. I'm
pretty much an I'm where I'm suppose to be, when I'm suppose
to be there person. I believe we're all connected. Take a
moment to ponder that thought. For what ever reason our
path crosses with that of another. Coincidence? Often
times, yes. However, not always, and we do have purpose in
each other's lives. Perhaps it's only for as long as it
takes to exchange a smile, or simply give someone
directions. Sometimes the meaning goes much deeper; for
reasons we may never know.

JoAnne and I started our personal "circle of strength", our
friendship decades ago. Through years of triumphs,
failures, changing life styles, joys, sorrows, career
issues, family issues, and miles of separation, we've always
stayed connected. The power and strength of our connection
amazes me. Thirteen years ago, with thousands of miles
between us, we worked together to help save the life of
another friend. It would take me pages to tell you about
that friend's life, purposes, accomplishments, circle of
strength, and connections since.

I believe appreciating what a blessing each friend is, and
treasuring each relationship is a person's beginning to
their circle of strength. Nurturing current relationships,
and cultivating new friendships are the obvious keys to
keeping your circle of strength alive and healthy.

The strength of your circle is the true measure of your
wealth - may you be rich beyond your wildest expectations
and imagination...

Jan Lapitz
Aitkin, MN

Posted by Joanne at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Christmas Greeting brings a close to a year of optimism, after losing my Mom and my husband in 2005,
I have had a year to reflect on what I have learned and in keeping with my on-line sharing, as Oprah would say, this is what I know for sure...

First, death has taught me about life, I have said YES to life this year,

I did not put off getting on a plane and visiting those I love, instead I said YES, no more excuses, so little time.

I quit work at 5:00 because more hours wouldn’t make my business better or more prosperous; it would just make me tired.

I learned that I need help with many things around my house, especially all things mechanical and anything relating to water.

I have learned to use many of the tools in my garage, even the really cool ones with names I can’t recall. (Allan would be proud)

I have learned to sell equipment, tools and other things I absolutely knew nothing about; I could probably get a job at Home Depot.

I have learned the world is paved with good intentions and that family always prevails.

I have learned to play the hand I was dealt with dignity and grace, which is advice from a very wise sage – my Dad.

I learned that other people aren’t comfortable talking about death and those that have passed, I’ve also learned people aren’t comfortable talking about life either, and what living a meaningful life is all about. Do we not know? If we do, why don’t we do it? Do we have courage to say YES more often? I have friends who had the courage to run for political office this year, now that’s really saying YES to a calling in life, regardless of the outcome.

I learned that the heartache of loss does not get easier with time, rather time has enabled me to regroup, recharge and remain steadfast in my belief that maybe it will get easier.

I learned about regrets, we know in our minds we don’t have forever, we also know we can’t do it all. But intellect does not inform matters of the heart. Regrets are of the heart; we want more time and the chance to always do it better. I have learned regrets belong to the past and death has a way of giving regrets more attention than they deserve.

And lastly I know for sure that death has taught me about life - and the hardest thing I’ve learned about love is loss. God wants us to be happy and live our lives filled with joy. So I challenge you to find ways in which to bring more joy into your lives, and do things that are more meaningful. You see, you won’t be remembered for how hard you worked, or how much money you made,
this I know for sure… JoAnne

Posted by Joanne at 04:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As I get ready for Christmas I think about all the things I love about this time of year. First people do seem happier, they have a spirit of joy.
I love baking and a family tradition in my family is a Croatian sweet bread called Poteca. - We have it each year during the holidays. And I bake the same cookies Mom showed me how to make so many years ago.
And God bless those store clerks who seem to have to report for work earlier and earlier each year. I love shopping for something special for each person in my family, I give quite alot of thought to each person, no gift cards from me!
I love seeing the kids waiting to have a yearly visit with Santa, which brings me to express my thoughts are all those Scrooges who think Santa shouldn't be in the malls or airports. I say Hum Bug! Why can't we respect each persons right to celebrate according to their customs and beliefs? Has Santa walking through the airport greeting rushed travelers every hurt anyone - really? And because you aren't a christian, can't you overlook the manger scene in town and respect that it might have meaning to your neighbor? Let's not take Christ out of Christmas, or the menorah out of Hanukkah or the seven principles out of Kwanzaa - let's celebrate out diversity. On that note, I say Merry Christmas to all. JoAnne

Posted by Joanne at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)