Greetings
from Mark in Hawaii
We made it! It was painful and
exhilarating to actually make our move to Hawaii. You'd
think when you plan a move for 12 years that it could go more smoothly.
Has anyone ever had a smooth move? We sure didn't. But it's beautiful and warm. We're happy! The big move partly
explains the long drought between newsletters,
but mostly it was massive email delivery difficulties, which hopefully
this new format takes  care of. It will be shorter,
but I'm aiming for a monthly newsletter. If you'd prefer not to get it,
there is an easy way to unsubscribe later in the newsletter. There are
some especially funny stories in this issue, including the hysterical
"napkin" story. So take a peek, laugh and feel free to share it with a
friend.
PS: Even though many of my relatives think I retired when I moved to
Hawaii, they are wrong! I am still having fun speaking, so if you have
a meeting coming up, call me. I travel often to the mainland so I could
even be in your neighborhood.
The view from my new office
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 Look for Whimsy in Life
This ballerina cow was on the Square in
Madison, Wisconsin. Funny huh? Looking at life from a whimsical
perspective makes life a whole lot more fun. What whimsy have you seen
lately? Send me a photo. It may be in next month's issue! |
Hysterical Napkin Story
"My mother taught me to read when I was four
years old (her mistake). One day I was in the bathroom and noticed a
box in one of the cabinets.
I read the box. I then asked my mother why she was keeping 'napkins' in
the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen? Not wanting to burden
me with unnecessary facts, my mother told me those were for 'special
occasions.'
Now fast forward a few months. It's Thanksgiving day and my folks are
leaving to pick up the pastor and his wife for dinner. Mom had tasks
for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table. When
they returned, the pastor came in first and immediately burst into
laughter. Next came his wife who gasped and then began to giggle. Next
came my father who roared with laughter.
Then came Mom who nearly died of embarrassment when she saw each place
setting on the table with a "special occasion' napkin at each plate
with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little
tails in, so they didn't hang over the edge. My mother asked me why I
did this and my response sent the other adults into further fits of
laughter. 'But Mom, you said they were for special occasions.'"
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 COME EXPERIENCE HAWAII
The Big Island has it all! Gorgeous beaches - white sand, and black
sand, actively flowing volcano, numerous waterfalls, dramatic valleys,
13,000 foot mountains, and more. Average temperature year-round is low
80's. Click here to see interior and exterior photos and for more information.
 Experience island living in a way
you never dreamed of. Stay in these lovely, very clean guest houses for
much less than in a hotel.
These peaceful vacation guest house rentals are on the Big Island of
Hawaii on the Hamakua Coast. Laupahoehoe Point is one mile down the road from
the houses and provides one of the most beautiful miles you'll ever
walk or drive - vistas of green cliffs, bright blue ocean, white surf
 crashing onto black rocks.The rugged coastline is spectacular. Take
beach chairs any time of the day and be mesmerized by the waves
crashing onto the shoreline. |
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 One Sign and
More Funny Stories
We took a photo of this sign in Lost Springs, Wyoming. Population 1.
During Tough Times
A man I met at a conference told me that his
mother and her close friend died within a couple of days of each other.
The friend's funeral was on Tuesday, and his mother's was the next day.
At the friend's funeral, the minister used very flowery descriptions of
the woman, making her sound much more wonderful than she was in real
life..
After the funeral, the son immediatley contacted the minister
conducting his mother's services and told him in no uncertain terms
that he was not to make his mother sound like a saint. She had not been
an easy woman to get along with. At the funeral, the minister began
with, "Olga could not walk on water, but she sure could make waves."
Family
times
Another person shared this: "My two-and-a-half year-old son had been
playing "waiter Grover" all morning, walking around with a pad of paper
and a pencil, scribbling down "orders" from various family members. At
one point our six-month-old son began to cry. I picked him up and
noticed his nose had become fairly runny. At that point our "waiter
Grover" came by and I asked, "Excuse me sir. I wonder if you could
bring us a Kleenex over here?" Without skipping a beat, he replied,
"I'm sorry. That's not my table." and kept on walking. Needless to say,
we all burst into gales of laughter and even the baby forgot his
problem for the time.
Banana Nose Glasses
A conference participant wrote: "My parents came over today and I
showed them the banana nose glasses I got at the conference. My dad
loved it! Attached is a picture of my dad, Newton
Vander Woude, reading the Banana Nose Fun times
with his new glasses.
I want to share a story about my dad. He was answering questions during
his citizenship interview. He was asked who would get the job if the
President dies, and he quickly answered, 'The undertaker!'"
Insightful View
A North Shore Illinois teacher wrote: "You recently spoke to us about
using humor with kids in our class. You mentioned we could share funny
stories. A few years ago a student of mine read Born On the Fourth of July
for a book report. When he turned in his final assignment, I thought I
might actually laugh until I exploded when I read the first line: 'The
Vietnam War was an endless succession of bummers.'"
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Message
ENJOY LIFE!
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