When I was young

When I was young and innocent, full of wonder and glory

My model was; “don’t worry, be happy,” seeking trills and adventures

Friends were my mentors and I was theirs

Parents’ warnings were tossed out-of-the-way

Then, life was trouble-free and uncomplicated.

I was unscathed by danger that prowl around me

I was strong indivisible, in circle of my friends

Tough and vigorous, electrifying, and inexperienced

I wanted to conquer the world and I did, for an awhile…

In my early teenage years, I was experiencing puppy love;

“I will die if he leaves me now, don’t leave me, and don’t walk away from me, please…”

Addictive love, in my late teens; “oh, dear God let him call, why he isn’t calling me?”

Few more loves in my twenties, some were broken off, and some left me for another, and one led to a marriage.

Subsequently I had to grow up, it wasn’t easy, but I had no option

Moments in time were passing me by and I couldn’t go back in era

Serious dating period started and friends; one by one, were dropping out, of our cherished circle of friends.

Marriages, engagements, moving in together, steady boyfriends, babies

Stable jobs, constant worries, buying homes, working harder

Became our interest in our so call grown up world!

And then one day, dreadful breakups and divorces ended our lives as we knew it.

Starting over again in my middle age was very scary, feeling insecure, and my heart was broken…

Kids moved out, husband left to be with a younger woman and I was left all alone, with no place to go…  

People change, and I have obtained a great understanding of life and love, however…

To trust again, to love again, to feel free again, has been lost…

Nowadays it’s much harder to find new friends, new love…

And even harder to look in the mirror, and see reflection of a stranger who resembles me…

“Who’s this person staring back at me?” I don’t recognize her, who’s she? And at that moment I started to weep, take me back to a place where I was happy and liberated…

How I yearn, to be young again, I would give up everything, to be young again…

Humans

You seem to forget, you’re not better than anyone else

And you’re as good as everybody else!

Regardless of how beautiful or unattractive you are.

Beauty is only skin deep, and in the end, what really matters,

We are all God’s children!

Don’t you forget it; keep it imprinted, till your dying days!

And when we leave this earth, we are remembered by our integrity,

Kindness, love-not hate, respect for all mankind-regardless:

Of our disability, race, religion, or sex orientation!

And most of all, not how much money we had, 

But how rich are souls have become, 

And what kind of difference we made on this beautiful Earth of ours!

ALS ice bucket challenge

Hi I'm Maria Janik, my daughter Kim nominated me to accept ALS ice bucket challenge. I'm going to nominate my nephew Marian Panek and my niece Christine Panek to participate or donate $100 to ALS

Long road traveled

After a long road, traveled, I have become the person I want to be!

Baked Cabbage Slices

Baked Cabbage slices;

Get a large cabbage, slice it into thin slices (like a bread)

Place it on the baking sheet

Sprinkle w/0live oil, sea salt, pepper, anise seeds, 

& if you like sprinkle on some cheese (Fontina, Asiago or Parmesan)

I also topped it w/sautéed mushrooms.

Preheat oven 425* bake for 25-30 minutes...

Healthy & Delicious! Serve as appetizer or side dish!

Give me a shout

Give me a shout at night when you lonesome

We live so close and yet miles apart

I miss you so since we been distant

Many months, way too many days have gone by

And I have not heard from you, my love

Wondering if you committed to anew love?

Many thought are running through my mind

How easy for you to disregard me?

And I cry for you at night and marvel why?

Wanting to be in your arms, holding me tight

Did you overlook the words whispered in my ear?

These powerful words lingering forever in my head

“Sweet baby never leave me, for I’ll never disappear on you!”

Looking back now, these expressions were sweet nothings

Broken promises will never be made right

Beautiful days have gone by and I lost you somehow

I wish you well, but if you should miss me some day

Remembering the good old days and nights

And decide to give me one more chance

Don’t forget to give me a shout!

Homeless Man

I was walking down the street, I notice a man standing on the corner,

his hair was long and dirty, it seem like it wasn't wash for weeks.
His clothing dirty and full of holes.
He was holding a sign "homeless, please feed me".

First thing came to my mind, he's a drug attic and needs money to feed his habit.
What a dilemma I was facing? if I stop and give him money I'll be supporting his habit.
If I stop and give him money he might grab me and steel my pocketbook.
I prejudged the situation, I was afraid of unknown circumstances.

I didn't mentioned the color of his skin.
It didn't matter what color his skin was.
What mattered, I prejudged this person without knowing his situation.
I was prejudice not because he was white or black.
Because he was poor and I didn't like his demeanor.

I was afraid of him not because of color of his skin.
But the way he looked that frighten me. And I walked away without looking back.
And if I stopped maybe I would have help a homeless man in need, I was too afraid.
We are humans who are afraid of unknown and we're missing out on something beautiful,

like helping others in the moment of need.