Sympathy Quotes
◦May the blessings of love be upon you, May its peace abide with you, May its essence illuminate your heart, Now and forever more.... Sufi Blessing
◦Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.& From a Headstone in Ireland
◦Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.& Author Unknown
◦If the future seems overwhelming, remember that it comes one moment at a time. Beth Mende Conny
◦They say love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies. William Penn
◦To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. Thomas Campbell
◦Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow. Robert Louis Stevenson
◦As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens... Author Unknown
◦Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. William Wordsworth
◦You don't get over it, you just get through it. Your don't get by it, because you can't get around it. It doesn't 'get better'; it just gets different. Everyday... Grief puts on a new face.... Wendy Feireisen
◦Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that are happy. Author Unknown
◦When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Author Unknown
◦I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia
◦For some moments in life there are no words. David Seltzer, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
◦When the heart grieves over what is has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left. Sufi
◦Each new life, no matter how brief, forever changes the world. Unknown
◦How very quietly you tiptoed into our world, silently, only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint your footprints have left upon our hearts. Unknown
◦As you danced in the light with joy, love lifted you. As you brushed against this world so gently, you lifted us. TC Ring
www.atreeinstead.com
Monday, April 22, 2013
Happy Earth Day!
Today is Earth Day! Over one billion people in 192 countries are participating!
How are YOU Going Green?
How are YOU Going Green?
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Words of Sympathy
When sending a sympathy card or note of condolence it is often difficult to know what to say or how to phrase your thoughts and feelings. We have compiled a list of appropriate and warm sympathy sayings to give you a guideline of what to write in a sympathy card. Feel free to combine phrases and write what feels natural and comfortable to you. The most important thing to remember while writing this is that your sympathy message comes from the heart. Your friend or loved one is going to appreciate that you are acknowledging their grief and honoring their loss.
We encourage your sympathy message to include a sentence or two sharing a memory of the deceased. Most people relate that receiving cards with personal memories helps them in their healing journey. They want to recall the wonderful and special memories of their loved one and when you share some special aspects of your relationship with the deceased, it brings warmth to their grieving heart. If you did not have a personal relationship with the deceased, don't worry and don't stretch to make up a memory. Just know that your message of sympathy will be appreciated. ◦You are in my thoughts.
◦Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
◦We are thinking of you.
◦We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
◦With deepest sympathy,
◦My sincere sympathy,
◦Our warmest condolences,
◦With heartfelt condolences,
◦Please accept my condolences,
◦We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of “name of deceased”.
◦Remember that we love and care about you.
◦As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of “name of the deceased”.
◦With caring thoughts,
◦With loving memories of “name of deceased”,
◦Sent with love and remembrance,
◦Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
◦“Name of Deceased” will remain in our hearts forever.
◦We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
We send you thoughts of comfort.
◦Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
◦With love and hugs,
◦We will miss “name of deceased”.
◦We share comfort in knowing “name of deceased” is no longer suffering. We send thoughts of sympathy and support to you as you begin your journey without “name of deceased”.
◦Remembering you and “name of deceased” in our minds and in our hearts.
◦With thoughts of peace and courage for you,
◦We send you thoughts of peace and courage.
◦Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about “name of deceased” death. We are here to support you in your grieving process. With sincere sympathy,
◦“Name of deceased” brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget him/her!
◦May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
◦Peace, Prayers and Blessings,
◦Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
◦May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
We encourage your sympathy message to include a sentence or two sharing a memory of the deceased. Most people relate that receiving cards with personal memories helps them in their healing journey. They want to recall the wonderful and special memories of their loved one and when you share some special aspects of your relationship with the deceased, it brings warmth to their grieving heart. If you did not have a personal relationship with the deceased, don't worry and don't stretch to make up a memory. Just know that your message of sympathy will be appreciated. ◦You are in my thoughts.
◦Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
◦We are thinking of you.
◦We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
◦With deepest sympathy,
◦My sincere sympathy,
◦Our warmest condolences,
◦With heartfelt condolences,
◦Please accept my condolences,
◦We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of “name of deceased”.
◦Remember that we love and care about you.
◦As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of “name of the deceased”.
◦With caring thoughts,
◦With loving memories of “name of deceased”,
◦Sent with love and remembrance,
◦Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
◦“Name of Deceased” will remain in our hearts forever.
◦We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
We send you thoughts of comfort.
◦Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
◦With love and hugs,
◦We will miss “name of deceased”.
◦We share comfort in knowing “name of deceased” is no longer suffering. We send thoughts of sympathy and support to you as you begin your journey without “name of deceased”.
◦Remembering you and “name of deceased” in our minds and in our hearts.
◦With thoughts of peace and courage for you,
◦We send you thoughts of peace and courage.
◦Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about “name of deceased” death. We are here to support you in your grieving process. With sincere sympathy,
◦“Name of deceased” brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget him/her!
◦May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
◦Peace, Prayers and Blessings,
◦Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
◦May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Why go green?
Why go green?
Green is all over these days. You can barely escape it on the Internet, and now with the Planet Green TV network, you can even enjoy eco-friendly entertainment 24 hours a day. While it's easy to get inundated with the theme until it gets a bit annoying, it's also simple to begin making a positive impact without looking at the big picture, when it comes to going green; setting to small goals it is really where we can do our part. A Tree Instead, a company devoted to preserve the planet one tree at a time by planting trees all over US at National Forest & State Parks, private reforestation projects, overseas in Africa and Holly Land (Israel).
Every single thing we do has an impact on the planet, could it be good or also bad. The good news is that as an individual you have the power to control most of your choices; therefore, the impact you have in where you live, where you buy, even where you vacation, has a global impact. go overboard with the green theme, just like A Tree Instead do one a tree a time, you can go green one steep at a time. Going green is not only to preserve our planet but also to improve our health and ultimately our overall quality of life. Why wouldn't anyone want to green?
Every single thing we do has an impact on the planet, could it be good or also bad. The good news is that as an individual you have the power to control most of your choices; therefore, the impact you have in where you live, where you buy, even where you vacation, has a global impact. go overboard with the green theme, just like A Tree Instead do one a tree a time, you can go green one steep at a time. Going green is not only to preserve our planet but also to improve our health and ultimately our overall quality of life. Why wouldn't anyone want to green?
Monday, March 4, 2013
10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green
1.Save energy to save money.
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
2.Save water to save money.
Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
3.Less gas = more money (and better health!).
Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
4.Eat smart.
If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.
5.Skip the bottled water.
Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.
6.Think before you buy.
Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.
Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.
7.Borrow instead of buying.
Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
8.Buy smart.
Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).
9. Keep electronics out of the trash.
Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
Recycle your cell phone.
Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
10.Make your own cleaning supplies.
Join the Million Car Carbon Campaign by purchasing your Earth-Aid kit today.
The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
2.Save water to save money.
Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
3.Less gas = more money (and better health!).
Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
4.Eat smart.
If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.
5.Skip the bottled water.
Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.
6.Think before you buy.
Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.
Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.
7.Borrow instead of buying.
Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
8.Buy smart.
Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).
9. Keep electronics out of the trash.
Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
Recycle your cell phone.
Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
10.Make your own cleaning supplies.
Join the Million Car Carbon Campaign by purchasing your Earth-Aid kit today.
The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Going Green – Yes, You Can Do It!
With global warming becoming worse every year, many people wish to start doing their part to help save the environment. Unfortunately, many people believe that going green is expensive and time consuming. Read on to find out several immediate things you can do to get on on the road to living green.
The first thing that people can do is to recycle. Although this seems very uncomplicated, there are many people who still discard glass bottles and aluminum cans into their common garbage. Nearly all American trash services now offer a special bin for recycling this kind of item. Even with these available recycling bins, people are still apt to put their glass and aluminum in with their regular trash. It merely takes a few minutes to wash out the cans and bottles prior to throwing them into the recycle bin.
One other huge waste product is newspapers. The everyday individual throws his newspaper in the trash when they’ve finished reading it. Nonetheless there are several other things you can do with an old newsprint once you finish reading it. For example, newspapers make terrific material for cleaning windowpanes. If you’re tired of finding little white fragments and streaks on your windows after you clean them with paper towels and cleaner, try replacing your paper towels with old newspapers instead. Also, many towns and villages and even boy scout and girl scout troops hold paper drives. Merely put your papers in a stack and phone the group to get them.
If you want to take one quick step toward green living, do more walking. A lot of people will go out, turn on their car for a few minutes, and drive a few blocks to the corner store to grab a loaf of bread.
If you just walk to the store, not only could it take less time, as you won’t have to try and find a parking spot, but you will be saving money on gasoline and helping to save planet Earth by not burning those fuels.
If you are looking to save even more on gasoline, take the opportunity to car pool when you can and only mow your lawn twice a month instead of each weak. Even though you may opt to keep your lawn nicely trimmed, letting it go for an additional week between mows shouldn’t change the look that much. If you’re a loyal fan of green living, try to find a mechanical push mower. You will be able to find one in your local hardware shop.
Green living need not involve big lifestyle alterations to help save planet Earth. Also, you can find lots of info online on other ways to get started living green, you just have to go looking for it.
The first thing that people can do is to recycle. Although this seems very uncomplicated, there are many people who still discard glass bottles and aluminum cans into their common garbage. Nearly all American trash services now offer a special bin for recycling this kind of item. Even with these available recycling bins, people are still apt to put their glass and aluminum in with their regular trash. It merely takes a few minutes to wash out the cans and bottles prior to throwing them into the recycle bin.
One other huge waste product is newspapers. The everyday individual throws his newspaper in the trash when they’ve finished reading it. Nonetheless there are several other things you can do with an old newsprint once you finish reading it. For example, newspapers make terrific material for cleaning windowpanes. If you’re tired of finding little white fragments and streaks on your windows after you clean them with paper towels and cleaner, try replacing your paper towels with old newspapers instead. Also, many towns and villages and even boy scout and girl scout troops hold paper drives. Merely put your papers in a stack and phone the group to get them.
If you want to take one quick step toward green living, do more walking. A lot of people will go out, turn on their car for a few minutes, and drive a few blocks to the corner store to grab a loaf of bread.
If you just walk to the store, not only could it take less time, as you won’t have to try and find a parking spot, but you will be saving money on gasoline and helping to save planet Earth by not burning those fuels.
If you are looking to save even more on gasoline, take the opportunity to car pool when you can and only mow your lawn twice a month instead of each weak. Even though you may opt to keep your lawn nicely trimmed, letting it go for an additional week between mows shouldn’t change the look that much. If you’re a loyal fan of green living, try to find a mechanical push mower. You will be able to find one in your local hardware shop.
Green living need not involve big lifestyle alterations to help save planet Earth. Also, you can find lots of info online on other ways to get started living green, you just have to go looking for it.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Talk about death is alive and well
Is awareness of all things death-related a perception thing? That once you’ve lost someone, you become more aware of the buzz around you about death and grieving? Or is it that, as part of the aging process, we are all more accepting of our mortality and others’ too? Or could it be that as we age and lose loved ones, we are all just plain paying more attention to the topic – and talking about it more?
A recent spate of death-related stories in the media – all this month – leads me to wonder where this is all coming from…and where it’s going.
* A couple of weeks ago, an acquaintance in Boston lay blogging at the same time she lay dying. Once diagnosed with cancer, she posted her journal on Caring Bridge and as her demise drew near, nothing was as poignant or personal as the parting words, in print, about how sorry she was to be leaving life and the love of her life.
* An uncle by marriage died in Connecticut. He was elderly and somewhat too far removed for me to have known he was so close to death, but I was heartened by the stellar obituary I found on Legacy.com that told the gutsy story of his pioneering of the recycling movement, long before the first Earth Day.
* CBS Sunday Morning last week featured a story about how children mourn reported by Katie Couric, whose own daughters lost their dad when they were just six and two.
* A “Modern Love” column in The New York Times on Sunday was written by a woman whose husband heartbreakingly died “a happy man” and who called his service “the best funeral ever” – words that would not have been said openly and in print not so long ago.
* Not long ago, All Things Considered on National Public Radio aired a delightful story about an Atlanta man who has been collecting obituaries for over 50 years.
* A newly published book of condolence letters sent to Jackie Kennedy when the President was assassinated underscores the elegance and empathy of a simple note – whether written by statesmen or school children.
* And hip-hop superstar Jay-Z raps about death in his current hit, “Forever Young”:
Let us die young or let us live forever
We don't have the power but we never say never
Sitting in the sandpit
Life is a short trip
The music's for the sad man…
So when the director yells cut
I'll be fine
I'm forever young
I'll be fine
Blame it on the boomers, if you must, this determination to be young forever and go out in a blaze of glory when possible. Because death, dying and grief haven’t always been an acceptable focus of conversation, much less media hype. When my mother died too young in 1968, people could barely speak the words ‘breast cancer’ much less face the truth that the end was near.
In this blog, I hope to make preparing for death – and how you want to be remembered – a more accessible and acceptable topic, too. It doesn’t have to be gloomy and morbid; nor is it egotistical and controlling. It’s a fact of life that we’ll all be gone one day, and we might as well have a hand in how that final journey is handled.
A recent spate of death-related stories in the media – all this month – leads me to wonder where this is all coming from…and where it’s going.
* A couple of weeks ago, an acquaintance in Boston lay blogging at the same time she lay dying. Once diagnosed with cancer, she posted her journal on Caring Bridge and as her demise drew near, nothing was as poignant or personal as the parting words, in print, about how sorry she was to be leaving life and the love of her life.
* An uncle by marriage died in Connecticut. He was elderly and somewhat too far removed for me to have known he was so close to death, but I was heartened by the stellar obituary I found on Legacy.com that told the gutsy story of his pioneering of the recycling movement, long before the first Earth Day.
* CBS Sunday Morning last week featured a story about how children mourn reported by Katie Couric, whose own daughters lost their dad when they were just six and two.
* A “Modern Love” column in The New York Times on Sunday was written by a woman whose husband heartbreakingly died “a happy man” and who called his service “the best funeral ever” – words that would not have been said openly and in print not so long ago.
* Not long ago, All Things Considered on National Public Radio aired a delightful story about an Atlanta man who has been collecting obituaries for over 50 years.
* A newly published book of condolence letters sent to Jackie Kennedy when the President was assassinated underscores the elegance and empathy of a simple note – whether written by statesmen or school children.
* And hip-hop superstar Jay-Z raps about death in his current hit, “Forever Young”:
We don't have the power but we never say never
Sitting in the sandpit
Life is a short trip
The music's for the sad man…
So when the director yells cut
I'll be fine
I'm forever young
I'll be fine
Blame it on the boomers, if you must, this determination to be young forever and go out in a blaze of glory when possible. Because death, dying and grief haven’t always been an acceptable focus of conversation, much less media hype. When my mother died too young in 1968, people could barely speak the words ‘breast cancer’ much less face the truth that the end was near.
In this blog, I hope to make preparing for death – and how you want to be remembered – a more accessible and acceptable topic, too. It doesn’t have to be gloomy and morbid; nor is it egotistical and controlling. It’s a fact of life that we’ll all be gone one day, and we might as well have a hand in how that final journey is handled.
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