It’s Monday again and time for us to SPARK together! What exactly IS this Monday SPARK thing we do? Well, most of you know that Annie of McGuffy’s Reader – who started SPARKS – was hacked and has been on an extended break from blogging although her idea to spread some inspiration on Monday of every week goes on. Many of us who participated in her SPARKS Blog Hop and found value in sharing a thought on Monday continue doing that to hopefully give each other a “Monday boost” – perhaps something to think about to inspire us in the week ahead OR help us deal with something that’s on our mind. Why not join us by sharing something that SPARKS you? It might just start a spark in us too.
I’ve got a very simple SPARK today……………but even though it’s simple that doesn’t mean it isn’t important.
This really hits home with me. When I was a little girl there were always things that were to be “kept for a special occasion”……….that included everything from the best china, linen, silverware, clothing, special snacks, drinks, ON AND ON AND ON. I kind of knew it was just my way of Mom saying “not now”……….but that’s part of the reason I love this particular SPARK because saving all those things is silly – every day we’re alive is a special occasion – especially if you’ve ever gone through anything “dramatic” in your life………..traumatic OR dramatic in fact. So don’t save things for special occasions – let every single day be a special occasion. Lesson learned!
Today is also Veterans Day. My Dad was a Veteran………….he was a very proud Air Force officer who served his country and was actually SAD to retire! He loved military life and we all loved it too because we got to see the world with him. Happy Veteran’s to everyone who has served their country in any capacity.
I miss you Dad…..and was always proud of you.
Happy Monday………Hugs, Pam
Teddy says “don’t forget tomorrow is TEASER TUESDAY……the post will be live at a special surprise time” and we have a great photo for you to guess from a Guest Teaser!!”
TWO Spoiled Cats 
we always have your dad in our mind when we remember all those who served and who fought for freedom. and we know that to stay together is the key to beat the evil… and we hope the world will agree, or we are in the bucket.
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That’s SOOOOOO true…..we must stay united in spite of how so many places seem to be tearing themselves apart. Our veterans fought to keep us free and it seems a shame to be instead in conflict. Have a wonderful day remembering…………
Hugs, Pam and Teddy too
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My biped says that her grandparents had a room that was saved for special occasions, which always seemed a waste but she was told she was too young to understand!
See you tomorrow!
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Her grandparents remembered so well what those who had fought did and what kind of future SHE had because of their sacrifices I bet! Amazing memory. See you at the school tomorrow…………!
Hugs, Teddy and Mom too
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Her grandparents were the generation that fought in WWII and her great-grandparents in WWI and uncles in conflicts since. They have their share of medals and serious injuries, so she grew up knowing the sacrifices that were made.
If only the human race could learn to live in peace…
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You are SOOOOOOO right Clowie………that’s what veterans everywhere and in every generation hoped for. Wish we could give it to them.
Hugs, Teddy
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At this age it is easy to understand your quote. We have every morning a special occasion, we are alive.
My father was 18 years old when he had to go to fight in our eastern border. A young man, who didn’t know anything about guns, and he was wounded badly. I miss him.
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Oh I’m sorry Kristiina…..our soldiers sometimes are barely starting their lives out when they are called to serve their countries. They are forever changed – all of them. I’m so sorry your Dad was wounded. Also, you are SO VERY VERY RIGHT about being at our age and what every day brings to us – we wake up and realize we’re STILL HERE and we must make the most of every day we have because it is a blessing to be HERE.
Love, Pam
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We live this quote in our life! We are honoring and thanking Veterans today including SSNS who is a retired Army Aviation Officer. Thoughts of thankful to your Dad. We have a neighbor who has gone out and put flags on all our garage lanterns!
Won’t forget to be here tomorrow for the Teaser!
63 here this morning… it was beautiful yesterday and today is supposed to be the same! Had to wear my Tinykittens hoodie last night to grill!
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All of my family were in the different branches of the service. Daddy was in the Army, my brothers were in the Navy, and the other in the Marines. I think I remember correctly that mother was a WAVE. XX Teddy…love yoo.
Katie Isabella
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A huge thank you to your family for their service!
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I belong to Tiny Kittens too! Aren’t they precious?
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Yes, I love Tinykittens! I have been watching Shelly and her Tinykittens since the Firefly litter in 2013. Nice to hear that you support them too. I also follow Kitkat Playroom! Got hooked on them with Tater!
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So it’s a bit chilly down in Floridaaaaaaaaadodeeeeee? Well we have temps in the 50s today but our HIGH tomorrow will be in the 30s AND we may have a sprinkling of snow this afternoon. We’re ready – lots of firewood stacked up for the fireplace…….warm socks, sweaters, blankies………..YAY!!!!! Thanks to SSNS for his service – what a pawsome thing your neighbor did putting flags up for everyone. That’s a patriot for sure!!
Love, Pam and Teddy Bear too
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I love this spark! I can relate to, my mom always gets stuff and never uses it. I always use everything immediately because being alive is truly a special occasion. Thank you to your Dad for his service. XO
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You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO right! Every day is a special occasion!!!!
Hugs, Pam
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My peep couldn’t wait to get out.
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Many couldn’t wait….that’s true…..depends on their experience sometimes – how “bad” their time had been, etc.
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Granny has the same experience from her childhood, Teddy. Sometimes they had to throw things away, that weren’t used at all. Great spark! Peaceful Pawkisses for a wonderful Week ahead🐾😽💞
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When my Mom was growing up in an Air Force family they had to move every couple of years and her Mom would always have a big “clear out” before those moves. Mom kind of has that same attitude – use it or lose it. LOL
Hugs, Teddy
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That was a really great Spark!!! Thanks to our Veterans, heroes one and all, we appreciate you!
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Yes………..all veterans deserve our respect……..it’s the hardest “job”.
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This Spark is SOOOO true. Mom’s Mom had many beautiful Fendi handbags that she would “save” for a special occasion (which meant she NEVER used them). They all ended up drying up and splitting and OUR Mom had to throw them out which broke her heart.
The Florida Furkids
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Oh dear……well it’s kind of what we do isn’t it – maybe because we saw our Moms doing it. I had a gorgeous cocktail dress that I wore ONCE and it’s been in the back of my closer for a “special occasion” – the other day I realized that I could no longer get into it – I’d “saved” it too long but I knew that some young lady somewhere might enjoy having it for HER “special occasion” so I gave it up.
Love, Pam
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Your spark today hit home and so true. I grew up that way too. I thank your Dad and all our veterans and present military for their service . My husband serviced in the Air Force also.
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YAY AIR FORCE! It was a wonderful life and there might have been times when I wished we didn’t have to move so frequently and start in new schools, make new friends but it gave me a love of travel which I’m grateful for!
Hugs, Pam
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Today we honor your dad and his service to this country. 🇺🇸
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All men, women, and animals everywhere who have served their country deserve the honor…….it’s the toughest job EVER.
Hugs, Pam
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It sure is and they never get enough gratitude from those they protect.
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Sad isn’t it……………..
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Many thanks and hugs to Lt. Col. Johnson…
My Dad was stationed in Frankfort, Germany then entire time of his service during the Korean War.
Hugs Cecilia
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Serving their country is what our services did no matter where they were stationed….it was all about honor and pride and serving. Gotta love that!
Hugs, Pam
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That Spark is so very true.
My dad was in the air force (RAF) too during the Second World War.
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Every day is a special occasion isn’t it – WE know that…….for sure……….. :)<3
Love, Pam
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Deer Miss Pam…may yore Father’ss memoree bee fore a blessing! Hee served yore country well.
Iss Reemembrance Day here too. Wee watched ceremony on Tee V. It was a movin service fore sure!
An LadyMew says yore SPARK iss so RITE!! Shee usess speshell stuff dailee ’cause efurry day alive here iss speshell….that iss what shee told mee….
**purrsss** BellaDharma
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Ladymew is right……every day IS special and every day we’re HERE should be celebrated!
Hugs, Teddy
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Love this Spark! Every day IS a special occasion! Celebrate!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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I REALLY believe this so much…….I think it’s special every morning when I wake up. I’m still here………that’s special! 🙂
Hugs, Pam
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Beautiful post for your dad and all the veterans. Purrs
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Thanks Claire!
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boy oh boy is that quote SPOT ON!!!!!
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Thanks Karen………every day is SPECIAL isn’t it!
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I really love this one. Got lots of snow this morning. Cold is coming now. Have a wonderful day.
Sue B
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We might get a sprinkle of snow but thankfully not the few inches they originally said! Hope you didn’t get a lot……….
Hugs, Pam
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We got 2.5 inches. I think we have already had 8 inches with the other snows. Crazy weather. More coming tomorrow.
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YIKES! You’re getting “hammered” – we were supposed to have snow showers but so far NOTHING. It’s cold as heck and so windy it’s ridiculous but no snow!
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This Spark is SO true! The mom will sometimes not wear a nice sweater or something saying it’s for a special occasion. Then days, months, years go by and she never wears it! Today is a special occasion!!
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I’ve done that with clothes SO OFTEN…..I get something I really like and reserve it for an occasion (or even just going out to eat!) and WE NEVER DO……LOL I’ve stopped doing that – a couple of years ago I decided it’s NOW or NEVER.
Hugs, Pam
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Your dad was in Korea. We had friends of the family that also served in Korea. Great thanks to all those who served in the Armed Forces and those serving now.
Your Spark s right on. Growing up I was given the “special occasion” tak also. However, when us kids left home mom used the good china and I received it. It is chipped and well used. My mom!! hehe
Jean
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I have an old tea set of my Mom’s……funny thing is I’d NEVER seen it before until after she died and we were going through her things! Guess that was WAY TOO SPECIAL for us! LOL
Hugs, Pam
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Great reminder in today’s Spark. Your story is probably something ost of us “of a certain age” were told.
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Thank you……….yes I think you’re right about “that certain age” !! 🙂
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I agree. Everyday is special. So get out those fancy dishes and let’s have lunch. 🙂
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Absolutely………..and that’s pretty much what I’ve done – used all those things I kept of my Mom’s that were “off limits” to us as kids……now they are our everyday things and they are STILL special but used!
Hugs, Pam
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We agree with that one Pam. Dad says when we do that it can lead to pack-ratting too. Stuff stored for “later” Thanks fur a great spark
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“Later” may never come…………NOW is where the action is! LOL
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That is really an important Spark. I am afraid I am guilty of this; though, I try not to be. Some of it is probably laziness. To use the good China and silver means being extra careful when hand washing, and I am always afraid of breaking it. Maybe I will use it for Thanksgiving. So many of these Sparks we have posted I need to have as signs hanging on the walls. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
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I feel that way too about MOST of the SPARKS I’ve seen – I can identify with almost all of them in one way or another. And I REMEMBER them…..which must mean they “hit home” !!
Hugs, Pam
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One family i knew let the kids and everyone use the “special” items because their mom said, “No one more important than my own children will ever be in my house!”
Another lady i knew inherited her mother-in-law’s beautiful linens, and tucked inside of each unused and beautiful piece was a note: Do Not Use! Saved for Good! It was so sad that there was never an occasion good enough in the mother-in-law’s estimation to use those beautiful things. They are being enjoyed now!
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That’s what I did with my Mom’s old tea set……….it’s being used…………even if she wanted special occasions only. I think every day I’m here is special. LOL
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That is wonderful advice! We should use our best “stuff” all the time!
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Yes – what’s the point in saving things – enjoy them when you can. YAY!
Pam
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