Friend of Bill W.

[Tommi]

Friends are always here......., and kept the light on..

....Look ahead when struggling in the dark, and listen for that voice that comes from within.....or ...was that the ringing....
I am recovering....from surgery, and came through with flying colors, thanks to a little advice from a friend. Sore, but clean & sober and sane ....no anesthesia or pain med hangover.. Taking Tylenol..with NO Codeine.
...***30 years and counting

Thanks for keeping the light on...

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 23

CRUMPLED PETALS IN MY POCKET



I can’t bring back the bloom. Cohesion, lost in ripeness, is left only to memory. I carry home the parts, folded, petite, fragrant bedding for my wistful desires. I put these colored remnants into a jar of salt. I make an aromatic rub for the sweetest of wounds. Transforming the parts to useful duty doesn’t restore the flower. It doesn’t pay tribute to the past; it is survival. I have a mind filled with roses but I must make hay. Today, I live. Today, the rose is dead, its pieces in my pocket. I don’t die with the blossom, though my head blows in the wind. The rose runs its course. I run mine.


Line your clouds with anything you like.


Sherrie

[LeftWriteFemme]

Friends are always here......., and kept the light on..

....Look ahead when struggling in the dark, and listen for that voice that comes from within.....or ...was that the ringing....
I am recovering....from surgery, and came through with flying colors, thanks to a little advice from a friend. Sore, but clean & sober and sane ....no anesthesia or pain med hangover.. Taking Tylenol..with NO Codeine.
...***30 years and counting

Thanks for keeping the light on...

Tommi,

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy that you are alive and well, The right anesthetic is so very important. I hope your recouperation is filled with sweetness and healing. The lights are always ablaze for you.

Very truly,

Sherrie

[pinkyblue]

Hi Pinkyblue,

I would say read Chapter 7 in the Big Book. Obviously this person sees in you something they want. I'm guessing that you've worked all the steps with a sponsor? As the Big Book says, we're supposed to give it away to keep it. But if we don't have it in the first place, well, we can't give away something we don't have. Share with your sponsor about it. And pray!

Yes I have worked all the steps. My doubts come from being shy, and wondering what I have to offer. I have expressed my concerns. Thank You kindly o222Good

[pinkyblue]

" I pray that I may keep progressing in the better life. I pray that I may be part of the forces for good in the world"
Twenty-Four Hours a Day.
[color="Blue"]
. ((((((((((((pinkyblue)))))) seeking help here is a great sign.

((((((tommi))))) I am a constant change within myself, yet still afraid of change.
Congratulations!! I wish you a quick recovery.

[Tommi]

((((((Tommi))))) I am a constant change within myself, yet still afraid of change.
Congratulations!! I wish you a quick recovery.

Thanks pinkyblue

I feel good about it this time..No more overdoing after breaking an ankle..that's for sure.
and ,

PS: What you offer is a smile, a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and that you are giving that while sober.

[o222Good]

My doubts come from being shy, and wondering what I have to offer.

Maybe your quietness is what they need.

[toofrufru]

CRUMPLED PETALS IN MY POCKET
This reminds me of of Zuzu petals in Is a wonderful life. That so reminds of life before and after AA. I don't know why I get a tad bit squirrelly on my anniversary every year I just celebrated 14 years Saterday. 14 years I would not have had but for the grace of the program and a higher power. Yet I always think I should be somewhere I am not. Thank you for reminding me. I am just where I am supposed to be. Even more than that I am not where I could have been. Thank you for the daily inspirations.

[FireHeart]

A quick note to remind everyone how damn precious life is!
ENJOY IT ALL!

[SirWalterHere]

you can only share your experience, strength and hope.

pass it on...

Walter

I've been approached to be a sponsor. I don't know if I can. What will I do or say? Please if you will help, anyone a sponsor?

[SirWalterHere]

Hey Tommi

sending you some healing energy... hang in there my friend


Walter

Friends are always here......., and kept the light on..

....Look ahead when struggling in the dark, and listen for that voice that comes from within.....or ...was that the ringing....
I am recovering....from surgery, and came through with flying colors, thanks to a little advice from a friend. Sore, but clean & sober and sane ....no anesthesia or pain med hangover.. Taking Tylenol..with NO Codeine.
...***30 years and counting

Thanks for keeping the light on...

[SirWalterHere]

I am reminded you can have a meeting with out me...but I can not have a meeting with out others...

I just finished my 20th tax season.... and reasonably sane ..... I continue to learn as I stay sober.... I've been able to peek in and read some of the inspirations, thank you for your continued shareing....

Now I am on vacation for a few weeks and I am totally enjoying the wonderful weather here in Phila. I will soon head for Virginia Beach for a vacation and a place to finish writing....

Walk in Beauty

Walter

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 24

ESCAPING THROUGH THE CEILING


Up and away is my motto; upwardly mobile is my goal. If I can flee without leaving a track, I’m clean. No heart-wrenching walk down the aisle or the lane. No dust on my shoes. No possibility of stumbling. Grace at all cost. Empowerment through elevation. If I must leave my human plane to attain this, so be it. Give up my natural rights, such is life. But, yet, if I lose my bonds to earth what did the leaving gain me? I arise to appear better; as a result, I appear not at all.


Hold your hand then touch your face.


Sherrie

[Tommi]

Hey Tommi

sending you some healing energy... hang in there my friend


Walter

Thank you Walter,

I am improving by the hour. Good friends and fellowship help take away the pain.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Virgina Beach, and other places while on vacation. Enjoy~~Enjoy.

Tommi

[lightng]

Just checking in. I haven't been on the web site too much. I have since moved, started a new job and am settling into the country life with my dog companion. There are few meetings in my area. I am a bit nervous about going to a meeting in a small rural area where everyone can't help to be up in your business. There are 3 cities I can drive to that have meetings. 20, 40 and 50 miles away. I love being out of the crazy city, but it can be a bit isolating. I may have to mail order a wife, girlfriend or boifriend....
Still counting my blessings

[toofrufru]

Just checking in. I haven't been on the web site too much. I have since moved, started a new job and am settling into the country life with my dog companion. There are few meetings in my area. I am a bit nervous about going to a meeting in a small rural area where everyone can't help to be up in your business. There are 3 cities I can drive to that have meetings. 20, 40 and 50 miles away. I love being out of the crazy city, but it can be a bit isolating. I may have to mail order a wife, girlfriend or boifriend....
Still counting my blessings

I live in the big city people still love to get in your business. My crazy work schedule has been affecting my meetings. I have some good cd & tapes if ya pm me. I will mail them to ya. I Iisten to them on my way to and from work for serenity. Dont forget Im an alkie. Im not so quick. LOL But I do have intergrity today thanks to the program I will get them to ya.

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 25

FEEDING THE MONSTER



Who will feed the monster once they’ve made her? Her hunger burns in her like a beacon. Should I let her starve? Should I put her on rations of old crusts and tepid water? Rebuke her as if she were her own idea? Possibly bind her hands and cover her eyes? Stand her in line with the good girls and fit her in? Turn her visage from her desire and tell her to forget? Hold her hand and tell her that’s enough? When I stand in the face of her yawning hunger, what do I say?
“It’s for your own good.”
Well, that’s what ‘They’ said, too.


Round the corners and square your shoulders.


Sherrie

[pilgrimpoet]

Just checking in. I haven't been on the web site too much. I have since moved, started a new job and am settling into the country life with my dog companion. There are few meetings in my area. I am a bit nervous about going to a meeting in a small rural area where everyone can't help to be up in your business. There are 3 cities I can drive to that have meetings. 20, 40 and 50 miles away. I love being out of the crazy city, but it can be a bit isolating. I may have to mail order a wife, girlfriend or boifriend....
Still counting my blessings

Hi,
You might want to check out online AA too; some AA in the inbox can be very helpful. I live in NYC, where there is no shortage of meetings, but sometimes I have a time shortage, and find it's good to read the shares of other recovering folks that way.
Congratulations to you and your dog companion on your transition to rural life!
Hugs,
Cathy

[Tommi]

Just checking in. I haven't been on the web site too much. I have since moved, started a new job and am settling into the country life with my dog companion. There are few meetings in my area. I am a bit nervous about going to a meeting in a small rural area where everyone can't help to be up in your business. There are 3 cities I can drive to that have meetings. 20, 40 and 50 miles away. I love being out of the crazy city, but it can be a bit isolating. I may have to mail order a wife, girlfriend or boifriend....
Still counting my blessings

Helloo lightng,

I'd be nervous about going to a small town meeting the first time tooo.Maybe that leisurely country drive 20 miles away , with the CD's (see above) may feel better. Maybe you can attend meeting into "the City" , and meet someone-->save shipping costs on a mail order wife, girlfriend, or boifriend.. the on-line ones are somethong I have never done, but know others that do.

Is there still one here on , if anyone knows?

[SirWalterHere]

I live in the big city people still love to get in your business. My crazy work schedule has been affecting my meetings. I have some good cd & tapes if ya pm me. I will mail them to ya. I Iisten to them on my way to and from work for serenity. Dont forget Im an alkie. Im not so quick. LOL But I do have intergrity today thanks to the program I will get them to ya.

I enjoy listening to the tapes (now cd's) while driving.... I use to have a beach house ad 2 1/2 hrs each way every weekend I got a lot of listeig in... now it's only when I go on vacation (which is this week) so I'll listen to the 12 steps ad the medicine wheel (which is my new favorite)

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 26

HOW THINGS SEEM


Not everyone who pushes me down is my enemy and not everyone who pulls me up is my friend. I have been seduced by the closeness of people who used me as their shield. When I have been held in the place of honor, the point man of life, I forgot that made me the replacement target for the one who stood behind me. I had been offended as I was thrown to the ground. The hands that shoved me, I saw as my rejecters. I was spared the tragedy and peril of the thing that flew by my ear thanks only to the grace of a thrust in the right direction. Accurate appraisal is my weakness. Seeing things for what they are is hard. Things are rarely how they seem.


Grow tall with your grain and the years will grow around you.

Sherrie

[Tommi]

Hi,
You might want to check out online AA too; some AA in the inbox can be very helpful. I live in NYC, where there is no shortage of meetings, but sometimes I have a time shortage, and find it's good to read the shares of other recovering folks that way.
Congratulations to you and your dog companion on your transition to rural life!
Hugs,
Cathy

] What a nice offer pilgrimpoet....

April 26

HOW THINGS SEEM


Not everyone who pushes me down is my enemy and not everyone who pulls me up is my friend. I have been seduced by the closeness of people who used me as their shield. When I have been held in the place of honor, the point man of life, I forgot that made me the replacement target for the one who stood behind me. I had been offended as I was thrown to the ground. The hands that shoved me, I saw as my rejecters. I was spared the tragedy and peril of the thing that flew by my ear thanks only to the grace of a thrust in the right direction. Accurate appraisal is my weakness. Seeing things for what they are is hard. Things are rarely how they seem.


Grow tall with your grain and the years will grow around you.

Sherrie

Well placed today in the landscape of my life Sherrie. Somehow they always seem to be Write on...Thank you for the daily bread, and for the words to keep coming back no matter what time of day or night, I can come in here and read back and find just the food I may need.

Tommi

[COLOR="Red"]Bump.This is a test..Bumping to see if I get the alert....I didn't get daily "reply to post" message today? Do we have a glitch?[/COLOR

[toofrufru]

One of the most painful but most rewarding lessons of soberity for me was when my first sponsor fired me for being a lesbian. It was against her religious beliefs. I was barely over a year sober. God and I took it on the road for year going to meeting sparacatically and never to same one twice. Thankfully she had instilled some good habits of daily readings and meditations. What I learned was that I could go anywhere with my higher power regardles of what anyone else thought. It would prove to be the greatest gift I have ever received in soberity. Ouch you could not have told me that at the time. Thank you for the reading today and the gentle reminder of that treasured gift.

[Tommi]

One of the most painful but most rewarding lessons of soberity for me was when my first sponsor fired me for being a lesbian. It was against her religious beliefs. I was barely over a year sober. God and I took it on the road for year going to meeting sparacatically and never to same one twice. Thankfully she had instilled some good habits of daily readings and meditations. What I learned was that I could go anywhere with my higher power regardles of what anyone else thought. It would prove to be the greatest gift I have ever received in soberity. Ouch you could not have told me that at the time. Thank you for the reading today and the gentle reminder of that treasured gift.

I hear you. I have been to many meetings where the ice formed around me it was so cold, that I neede to get back in the car with my Big and Little books and commune there, and , I have been on the Road with Him for 30 years....one Stop sign, detour, and bump at a time.

I was reminded just today that I can clean the windows for a better view.

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 27

SERVICE AND SACRIFICE


The difference between life and death in my recovery is the equal difference between service and sacrifice. If I offer you what is in my hand, fine. If I also give you my fingertips, I am lost. Service lightens the load in my heart; sacrifice removes my tools for living. When I go into debt for your existence, the cheer and optimism is sucked from my awareness. My eyes go dead and soon I follow. The cingulotomy of obligation crucifies my future and murders true hope and love. Service feeds my heart and yours. Renovating makes space. It builds the muscles for joy and contentment, pumping and refilling my plate with spirituality.


Wriggle your toes and flex your mind.

Sherrie

[pilgrimpoet]

April 27

SERVICE AND SACRIFICE


The difference between life and death in my recovery is the equal difference between service and sacrifice. If I offer you what is in my hand, fine. If I also give you my fingertips, I am lost. Service lightens the load in my heart; sacrifice removes my tools for living. When I go into debt for your existence, the cheer and optimism is sucked from my awareness. My eyes go dead and soon I follow. The cingulotomy of obligation crucifies my future and murders true hope and love. Service feeds my heart and yours. Renovating makes space. It builds the muscles for joy and contentment, pumping and refilling my plate with spirituality.


Wriggle your toes and flex your mind.

Sherrie

What a lovely way to consider the need for healthy boundaries. Many thanks!
With many hugs,
Cathy

[SirWalterHere]

One of the most painful but most rewarding lessons of soberity for me was when my first sponsor fired me for being a lesbian. It was against her religious beliefs. I was barely over a year sober. God and I took it on the road for year going to meeting sparacatically and never to same one twice. Thankfully she had instilled some good habits of daily readings and meditations. What I learned was that I could go anywhere with my higher power regardles of what anyone else thought. It would prove to be the greatest gift I have ever received in soberity. Ouch you could not have told me that at the time. Thank you for the reading today and the gentle reminder of that treasured gift.

some of my best teachers are people I dont want to be friends withl

[BabyGirlMela]

Hey, folks! Back around now, and doing pretty well. Just wanted to pop in and tell everyone HI!!

[FireHeart]

some of my best teachers are people I dont want to be friends withl

AGREED!
Those that show me what NOT to do are just as important as the shinning stellar examples of "good".

[Dat_NYC-Guy]

Congrats on the 14 years! Not where I could have been or where I was...well said.

David

CRUMPLED PETALS IN MY POCKET
This reminds me of of Zuzu petals in Is a wonderful life. That so reminds of life before and after AA. I don't know why I get a tad bit squirrelly on my anniversary every year I just celebrated 14 years Saterday. 14 years I would not have had but for the grace of the program and a higher power. Yet I always think I should be somewhere I am not. Thank you for reminding me. I am just where I am supposed to be. Even more than that I am not where I could have been. Thank you for the daily inspirations.

[Dat_NYC-Guy]

That was one of the first things my sponsor told me when I came back into the rooms. He said to me, if someone shares and you don't care for them as a person, still go up to them and thank them for sharing - of course he said, 'you don't have to tell them thank you for showing me what not to do' - when he said that I was able to relax and feel comfortable being in the rooms - there are a lot of good folks in the rooms - and there are always those characters who are unhealthy - we can learn from everyone indeed.

David

some of my best teachers are people I dont want to be friends withl

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 28

CHAPTER AND VERSE




I remember being trained and rehearsed for finding the words which would release my soul from bondage. The scrupulous concern for detail pointed me to heaven. And yet I drank. Inside these rooms the path is wide, judgment is suspended and I have the right to be wrong. The penalties for error can be great but the privilege and risk are mine. As in all things, the extremists come. They have come to this place, too. Thumpers hound and belittle, threaten and cajole. They tell page numbers like punch lines and narrow the field at every opportunity. I can’t stay sober sitting on my old stool and I can’t maintain this desire by their chapter and their verse.


Notes are numbers, so count out your time and sing your song.


Sherrie

[Tommi]

Hey, folks! Back around now, and doing pretty well. Just wanted to pop in and tell everyone HI!!

((((((((((((MELA))))))))))))))))))))).

Hello..Good to see your Click: Enter....

TOMMI

[BabyGirlMela]

((((((((((((MELA))))))))))))))))))))).

Hello..Good to see your Click: Enter....

TOMMI

Hey, Tommi!!
Good to see you, I hope you are doing well!!

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 29

WHEN A SNAPPER CROSSES THE ROAD


What should I do? I see the soggy green/gray lump creeping the macadam too slow to survive for long. The surge in me, to aim and end the duckling eater's life, is a short-lived but palpable surge. My Disney style justice is dismissed but heard from nonetheless. Shall I pull over and assist? This turtle is as ill equipped for this stretch of road as I am ill equipped to aid in its conveyance. Should I reach with fingers or toes to something I know can extend its neck and sever me from parts I hold dear? The ever-present missionary in me has spoken and is silenced. In fact, what I can do is slow down and give wide berth. I know this creature is a danger, but never more so than me.


Plot your graph and measure your curve.


Sherrie

[LeftWriteFemme]

April 30

PINK CLOUD



When the pink cloud lands in my valley, my task is to walk. The pleasure of its presence can never outweigh the practice this cloud affords me. I walk in a haze of cherry blossom lightness; the future is a blur I do not fear. Forward motion seeds my inertia; my gyroscope is set. When dark clouds gather and the way is overshadowed, I will keep on. When the test begins and I must proceed in the obscurity of night, the lively steps of pink-cloud days will cheer and empower me. I can embed my future with right action and bank the confidence I feel today, saving it for the rain swept days that come to everyone. Progress is positive even when made in bliss.


Get a cozy blanket for the times when the answers don’t come.


Sherrie

[LeftWriteFemme]

May 1

HOLD CARD



My bottom pulled my hold card to the table top. I turned it over and found I have a bit of value. Each time I turned over my will, my value increased. After many spins, the face cards appear; I’m the Jack, the Queen, the King. I revel in the time and practice it has taken to get here. I play my hand and take my chances. I have been privileged to pair with wonderful sober partners who turn themselves over and transform before my eyes. The years raise the ante and I play close to my chest. The stakes are high and if I turn in the wrong direction, I can be the Joker once again.


Smell your meals before you eat them.


Sherrie

[BabyGirlMela]

Sherrie, as always, my friend, you are an inspiration.

[RyanCGY]

Hey all!

I just wanted to share Ive finished the final phase of the treatment program I was in and was released today. Ive got my own apartment now in a brand new building (First person to live there...hehe Im breaking its virginity lol), have an awesome sponsor, and lots of really positive plans. Much more at peace. 4.5 months and 24hrs sober.

I hope youre all doing well!

Ryan

[BabyGirlMela]

Hey all!

I just wanted to share Ive finished the final phase of the treatment program I was in and was released today. Ive got my own apartment now in a brand new building (First person to live there...hehe Im breaking its virginity lol), have an awesome sponsor, and lots of really positive plans. Much more at peace. 4.5 months and 24hrs sober.

I hope youre all doing well!

Ryan

Great news, Ryan!! Doesn't it feel wonderful to know that you, through your hard work in recovery, earned that nice, new, virginal apartment?? When I think back on all of the things that I could never have had unless I had really worked at my hardest job, staying clean, I am incredibly grateful that I found the strength to give up my crutches and work at walking upright.

You have many of us believing in you and cheering for you. You ARE a miracle!!