Thursday, April 21, 2016

SNAKES ALIVE!








Since the flood this past Monday, the inside of my car has a very musty smell to it.  This morning on the way in to work, I remember something my friend Kathy told me when I visited her in February.  We were in her greenhouse.   "Be careful.  There is a snake in here."   "How can you tell?"  "You can smell snakes."  "What do they smell like?"  "Musty."


Here I am going down the freeway this morning thinking, "Maybe there is a snake in my car and it emits that musty smell when I get in it."


Of course, it is 5:30 am, it's pitch black outside and inside my car.  I can't look around.  I'm going down that freeway doing 65 (the speed limit) and trying not to be run over by the people driving 90 mph.


Sure, I could turn on the inside lights but so what? Ok, I did turn them on. But so what? I can't look around the floor, under the seats and such while I'm driving!


I think, how could a snake get into my car.  I figured through the bottom of the engine.  Then I remembered that man from church when I was a kid.  I think it was DL Freeman but I'm not sure.  It could have been Houston Davidson.  He told a story of driving and feeling something crawling up his pants leg.  He shook his leg and out fell a SNAKE!


So now I'm thinking:  The snake came in through the engine.  He might slither or fall out on my foot or leg.  What if it is poisonous?  How could I even tell?  It's dark in here!


What if it bites me?  Could I tell if it was poisonous by the bite?  I don't know!  I don't like snakes so I know little about them.  If I got bitten, what could I do?  I'm driving down the freeway at 65 mph!


I finally reached the convenience store by my office.  I got out.  Looked around the inside and saw no slithering snake.


When I returned to the car, the musty smell was gone.  I'm left wondering:  Did the snake escape the car, did it get used to me and stop emitting that musty smell or was there ever a snake to begin with?


I don't know but I'm blaming Kathy for telling me that!  If she hadn't, I would have assumed it was just some water that got into my car somehow since there was nothing wet left in my car.


Yes, this is my life and this is how my brain works.  Not occasionally.  Every day.  24 hours a day.  It doesn't save the world but it does keep me entertained.

Copyrighted 2016
Caryn Cannatella

Blog:  www.caryncann.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

LET IT GO!








Gay marriage is legal.  Abortion is legal.  Drinking alcohol is legal.  Gambling in many states is legal.


Now, you & I might not approve or believe in any of these things and that is our right.  But you don't have the right to try to impose your beliefs on others in these 4 areas.


All 4 are legal. And all 4 give you the right to:  1. Not be gay or marry someone of the same sex.  2. Not get an abortion.  3. Not purchase or drink alcohol.  4. Not gamble in states which allow it.


Once the Supreme Court has ruled, it is over baby.  Let it go.


I would be willing to guess that each of you that opposes these issues has someone in your family who is GAY, HAD AN ABORTION, DRINKS ALCOHOL & MIGHT BE AN ALCOHOLIC, GAMBLES AND MIGHT BE AN ADDICT.


I know more than a few good Christian women who have had abortions and told their families they had to have a D&C.  Go ahead, look around.  They are right there in your family and circle of friends. They lied to you so they wouldn't have to listen to the horrible things you might decide to spew their way.

Same goes for having friends and family members who are gay.  If you don't know, it is probably because you don't want to know.  Knowing or not knowing doesn't change whether they are gay any more than it would change you being straight.


If you don't believe in these 4 things, then you have the right to refrain from doing them. You don't, however, have the right to try & take these rights away from others when the Supreme Court has ruled them legal.


Copyrighted 2016

Caryn Cannatella

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

ARE YOU BLOCKING YOUR BLESSINGS?



I am a very blessed person.  Not just occasionally.  Every day I am blessed.


I truly believe in asking and you shall receive.  I believe in tithing and giving as a Law of God.  Some call it a Law of the Universe.  Either way, it works.


I have put it to the test many, many times.  When I tithe and give I always have extra money left at the end of the month.  When I don’t tithe and give, I’m broke at the end of the month.  I believe that God rewards your faithfulness and He proves it to me daily.


Over 30 years ago I went home for lunch.  My friend Kathy was with me.  When I arrived home there was no electricity, no water, and no gas.  I immediately headed to the bank.   I knew I had paid all the household bills with my paycheck, which I received the first day of every month.  Nothing had been paid.  All the money was gone.  And our account was overdrawn.  I was overwhelmed and distraught.  Later in the evening my ex-husband told me he had taken all the money out of the bank because he needed it.  All I could think of was: where would I get the money to get my bills paid for the month.   It was another two weeks or so before I got paid again.  And that money would have to pay for the next month’s bills.  I thought my brain would explode.


In desperation, I called my mother and asked if I could borrow half of it.  I sent her checks to be deposited on the first of each month.  I would have rather had a needle poked in my eye than ask my mother for anything but in this case I had no choice.   I was still short the other half of what I needed.


The next morning my friend, Kathy, came to work and said, “here’s the money you need.  If you pay me back, great.  If you don’t, it will never affect our friendship.”   I couldn’t believe it.   I swore that day that I would never ever borrow money from a friend or family member again.  And I never have.


My life being married was always plagued with money problems.  I was the more responsible one with money.  My ex wasn’t.  It kept our financial life in turmoil.  We rarely had more than a few dollars in the bank and nothing in savings.


I tell you that because I never paid my friend back that money.   And true to her word, she never asked about it, never treated me differently.  She just treated me the same as always.  I always felt ashamed.  After I divorced and was in control of all the money I was able to save the money up. 


I thought about just mailing her the money with a note.   But I just couldn’t mail it.  She didn’t mail it to me.  She cashed a check and put that money in my hand.  I wanted to do the same when I repaid her.


Not too long ago I visited her for the first time in years.  I rehearsed many times how I was going to give the money to her and what I would say.  Nothing seemed to express all of my feelings adequately.  We were sitting at the table one morning and I told her there was something I wanted to tell her.  I told her there was no easy way to do it, so I just started in.


I told her that back in those days when I had no one and I mean no one to help me, she just stepped up and offered.   I told her that I had never ever had anyone do that for me.  I reminded her of what she had told me about paying it back and how she had been true to her word.  I told her that not a day went by that I didn’t think about it.  I told her how I thought about mailing it but wanted to give it back the way she had given it to me.   I told her how sorry I was that I had never paid it back through all the years.


She took the folded bills and laid them on the table.   And then she said this:  “I’m so sorry you ever lost a minute of sleep over this.  I have never ever even thought about it.”   We hugged and it was done.  The weight was lifted.  Tell me.   How many people do you know like this woman?   Me either. 


So what does this story have to do with God being faithful to His word?  Well, I had believed for a while that I had blessings being blocked because I had never taken care of this debt.  One week after paying off my debt to Kathy, I was given an opportunity which resulted in me receiving more money than the money I repaid her.  That same opportunity has continued for 6 weeks.   Every week and still continues.


I believe even when we falter, God will still increase our blessings when we make things right.   It might be repaying a debt, forgiving someone, repairing a broken relationship, making a change in our lives or keeping a promise we never have.   Only we know where we have falter.   When we make it right, the burden will leave.  


Take a little time and reflect on your life.   Are you blocking your blessings?   If you are, make things right and let God’s mercy and blessings cover you like Blue Bonnets cover a field in Texas in the spring.  You will experience a peace and calm that you can only imagine.


Try it.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.



Caryn Cannatella

Copyrighted 2016

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

LILLY BELLE IS GROWING UP!



Lilly Belle, my cat, is going on two.  Not sure what that is in cat years but I'm assuming she's about ready to enter high school.  I'm thinking she is getting to the age where she needs to be thinking about her future.  What are her plans?   What does she want as a career?


Now, I'll be honest   She can be very loving but she has a mean streak.  Her attitude can sometimes be a, well, a bit off-putting.  She's not like those cute kittens that everyone sees on Facebook everyday.   Maybe she could be a nurse or dentist.  You know nice until they stick a needle or tube in your arm or mouth!


Sometimes she looks at us like, ummm, she is having murderous thoughts about us.   I blame Ashlie and Elroy a little.   They mess with her until she gets cranky and attacks them.  She might be good in Human Resources.


Being a cat she is independent and a bit of a loner.  She can take you or leave you and always at her discretion.  And she can be a tad possessive.  Maybe she just needs to find a sugar daddy and play the part of a scorned woman.


We've given this a lot of thought.  Ok, more me than her.  However, that is only because she is content with her life.  It is full.  She eats, she poops and she sleeps.  She sleeps in the closet, on the bed, on her blanket, on the back of the couch, on Patty's bed.  She reminds me of a teenager.  Why do I have to learn a skill and get a job?  I'm busy sleeping!


Well, Lilly Belle, I'll tell you why.  You need to start paying rent in a couple of years.  I'm getting older and I need to supplement my income.  I buy you toys, food, have your nails trimmed and get your shots for you.  


So today I am reading Facebook and come across what I think  might just be the perfect job for my little Little Belle.  I think she has what it takes to be a Cat Masseuse!


Yes!  She won't have to interact with her clients verbally.   She knows just how to pounce on the parts of your body in such a way as to make you think the pain will never end.  


Every masseuse has a mean streak.   "Oh!  (lol) Did that hurt?"  They could be alone except for working your muscles.  She will be able to use her paws like she already does.


I know you are probably thinking, what in the world is Caryn talking about (these are normal conversations I have in my head every day).  Well, I think it would be easier to show you than to try to describe it.


Click above to watch the educational video for The Cat Masseuse School!  Enjoy!  


Thanks for sharing!


copyrighted 2016

caryn cannatella



Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

A YEAR OF CHANGE – 2016








This year is a year of change for me.  I'm on a mission to save as much money as I can by getting rid of the excess in my life.  I want to convert my garage into a one bedroom house and I want to pay cash for it.  And I want it completed by the end of the year.  Big dream; Big changes.


So, here are some of my changes:


No lending money to anyone.


No charging on my one credit card unless it is for monthly bills that I pay anyway.  (That will save me $500 - $1000 a month)


Cash purchases only.   Paying with cash always makes me stop and think.


No impulse buying.   That always gets me and I find that most of what I buy is want and not need.


A strict monthly budget where every dollar has a name.


If you are in debt, living beyond your means, spending money you don't have, couldn't pay for a new car battery because you have no savings, you are a slave.  A slave to debt.


Don't say you can't do it.   The truth is that most of us don't want to do it.  We want what we want when we want it.  We are like spoiled brats.


If you have animals, car notes, big screen tv's, go out to eat, have cable, buy a new cell phone every year, spend outrageously at Christmas, then you choose to be broke.  Choose to be debt free and see how much money you really have.


I see so many people who dream of making big bucks and have no plan or desire to get out of debt.  They think when they make those big bucks, THEN they will start paying off their debt.  HA!  If that dream does come true, the chances of them getting out of debt are smaller than the chance of making big money.  You have to know you need to change and then make a plan to change it.


Anyone can do it.  You just have to want it more than you want the stuff.


Start 2016 by getting your life in order to become financially free.  Check out Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps for how to advice.


I love this quote by Dave:  "live your life like no one else (frugally to get out of debt) so you can live your life like no one else (being debt free and living abundantly)."


I am listening to Total Money Makeover to and from work.   I will finish the book tomorrow evening.  Just 3 daily commutes is all it is taking.  This weekend will be spent working on that new budget.


My goal is to save at least $1500 a month.  I’ll keep you posted!


Debt free is the way to be!

copyrighted 2016
caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

YOU ARE A WORK OF ART!




Yes you are! Yep, I'm talking to each of you!


You are an original. One of a kind!  Perfection. Just the way the artist intended for you to be. He has captured your heart, your spirit and your love! Look into your eyes. Do you see it? He does.


Great art is not always appreciated in the beginning. But over time, others come to see the beauty that the artist always knew was there.  It’s time for you to see your beauty too.


Don't let someone else set the value of you based on their assumptions and beliefs.


You, my darling, are the real thing! You are a priceless work of art.


And don't ever let anyone tell you differently!

copyrighted 2015
caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

Sunday, November 8, 2015

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!





Tonight the temperatures in Houston will dip to the low 40's.  If you know anything about Houston, we consider that a freeze.  The weathermen will remind you to bring in the pets and the plants.

And few will even think about the people who will be sleeping on the streets trying to stay warm while we are snuggled down in our warm beds.

My son, Cody, went with me tonight to hand out some sleeping bags.   We visited one of our feeding locations and gave out about 9 of them.  

There was the old man who lives on the street in his wheel chair.  He is missing one leg completely and most of the other one.   I wish you could have heard him thanking us.   The face of Jesus.

And then the vet who lives behind the brick wall of the old Sonic Drive-in.   When I called at to him, he was so hesitant to even come near us.   I asked how many were sleeping there tonight.   "Just two of us.  Just two of us."   He seemed fearful.   "Well, here is a sleeping bag for each of you.  It's gonna be cold tonight so be sure you get in your bags."

His eyes filled with tears, "You are an angel, ma'm.  Thank you so much."  

We traveled down a street in downtown Houston.   There sat a man and a woman.  She was bundled in an old blanket.  I handed them each a sleeping bag.  Her name is Rocky.   Her face lit up.  "Are those for us?" 

"Yes, ma'm, they are!  It's gonna be cold tonight so be sure you bundle up."    "Thank you so much for these."  When we drove off, she was hugging that sleeping bed like it was a luxurious bed in a fine hotel. 

And then the man that walked up to me, "Can I shake your hand?  I see you come out here and all you do for the homeless.   Not many people do that, ma'm.  Thank you so much and God bless you."

People ask me why I do these things for the homeless.   I do it for me.   It makes me so grateful for all the blessings I have.   It makes me remember what being a Christian really is.   It's about doing for others.   It's about doing unto the least of these as Jesus would.  

It is about giving to those who cannot give to you in any way.   For the first time in my 62 years, I know that I am doing God's work.  And it completes my soul.

Thank you to all who have helped provide sleeping bags for my homeless friends.  I'm ordering two more shipments this week.  As cold fronts hit, the sleeping bags will be delivered.  

I wish I had 1000 sleeping bags.   But even with a 1000, it wouldn't be enough.

Please give to those who are less fortunate.   It will bless you more than it could ever bless them.

copyrighted 2015
caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps