Oh Jan you are one lucky Birthday girl. I hope you have a lot of fun in Greece. You deserve it. You worked hard all these years. It will be an experience you’ll never forget. We are going to Vancouver next year I’m counting that as a birthday gift Anniversary will be married 31 years. I’m so excited. Thank you for sharing your story always enjoy your writings. Happy 77th Birthday enjoy celebrating your wonderful day.
Happy Birthday for whenever it is or was. I hope you have an awesome trip in Greece with lots of memories and photos. Yes we did manage a lot back in the day. We even managed to buy a house with one small wage coming in and still live in that house 54 years later. I am on my Birthday wish from a few years ago and also without my husband. He wanted to stay home - health reasons - but was gracious enough to let me come.
I bet you are in heaven right now, Teresa -- getting ready to take off for Canada!?!? And you're going to get to meet Graham. Wow! I hope Amber pops in. We're lucky to have great husbands who let us adventure out on our own. I'm getting so excited for my Greece trip I'm making myself nervous. I keep saying, "Breathe, Jan..." {{Hugs}}
I had a fire engine red Mustang convertible in the 70s and loved it.
I had travel plans to Italy for my 70th b'day in 2020 but the pandemic ground them to a halt! As you know, I realized that dream in 2022. For my 75th b'day(2025) planning a train trip through the Canadian Rockies with special visits to Vancouver Island and Alberta.
Hi, Juliann ~ Oh, the fire engine red Mustang sounds awesome. I never got my convertible! I was looking into a train trip across USA to Yellowstone, etc for my husband & me some day. But people backed me off because they said gypsies really stalk the trains??? I'm going to look into it again. Your train trip sounds like fun! I will post pictures of our Greece trip here. Keep your eyes out for them. xoxo
Happy Birthday have a wonderful trip with the girls. I just returned from Vancouver Island so I guess that is my early birthday gift to myself. I’ve never been that far away from home before. ❤️
Oh, yes, I know who Lynette Elinda is. You must really like her to travel that far for a retreat. I bet it was awesome. I have listened to all the videos that she & GW did, but I click more with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor -- that GW also had on his podcast. We are all attracted to different styles I think. Fascinating stuff! As I found out in Grad School, none of these guys & gals know the "meaning of life" for sure. Ha ha!
Another great story, Jan!! Birthday Blessings To rocking the age of 77! I am not far behind you, as I will be 76 in three days. Yep, I could celebrate with GW, as my birthday is the day before his.
I have never really traveled much before, but I did take myself on a cruise when I turned 50, and that was fun. And yes, I went with girlfriends then. I have several places that I would like to go, but I still have to work a few days a week, but I am going to get my passport this year or early next year. My granddaughter is leaving next year for Thailand, where her and her husband will be for a couple years doing missions. My doctor says I can’t fly there because of my blood clot history, but hopefully she may change her mind.
Have fun with your girlfriends in Greece. My grandson lived there for several months and loved it, and said the food is divine. Hoping to have more Humorous stories as you travel. Have fun. Stay safe. And don’t forget to laugh. Blessings.
She and GW Did the same for me, w/their audiobook, mathamagical. I would love to take one of her retreat sometime. I would love to meet her in person to just give her a hug. I am glad that you were able to go. Blessings.
Hi Mary & Cheryl ~I'm wondering if you could explain to me what Lynette & GW have done for you and how they did it ? What did you get from them that you needed? So many THC women are so enamored with these two. I really want to understand this. It's a fascinating study of human nature. I hope I'm not being offensive. I got Lynette's Mathematical audio book but didn't hear anything I hadn't heard before. Of course, I've been a counselor myself. I'm wondering if they both came along in people's lives when people needed encouragement or something else? Looking forward to your answer. {{Hugs}}
Well, for me, I’m moved out of my Home that I had lived in for 18 years. I had so much baggage. And not the good kind. I had left my husband of 18 years, and just took the bare necessities that I needed to set up another dwelling to live in. I called it, I escaped in order to save myself. I had always been independent, happy, strong, knowing what I wanted, but I had been broken down and didn’t recognize the person that I had become. I was negative, I was a complainer, I was sad, and I couldn’t make Myself get out of it as quickly I had wanted. I knew I was never going back, but it took me over a year to file for divorce. His adult children even came to me and said I needed to leave their dad. I was broken, Scared, and had so much fear. I heard about Lynette audiobook, and GW produced it, and it took me Several Times with each chapter to get through it. But I got rid of the baggage. I got strong, I believed in myself again, I became independent. I became a whole and I knew when I became captain of my own ship again!!
My daughters and other family have stated that I even became better than I had been before. I started meditating, something I have never done before, before I got up in the morning And before bedtime each night. I would say Lynette Elinda probably similar to a therapist, But, better, especially for me. She was a lifesaver for me, and I will be forever grateful.
Hope this helps answer your question Jan. Blessings.
Jan, another great story! I was reeled in instantly and throughly enjoyed hearing all about your younger years. Thank you for sharing part of your heart and personal story. Hope you had a great birthday. What a gift to see Barry M. I use to love him. Seventy-seven looks good on you 🥰
Thanks so much, Elise ~ it's hard to believe at one time we only had $3.85 in our checking account. Ha! My daughter took me to see Barry because I hounded her all the time to play "Mandy." Life is good -- hoping for 78! xoxo
Jan, you asked about birthday wishes, so I'll try to answer your question. My first choice for a birthday wish is to meet Donny Mac in person. I think that would be awesome, though I live in the U.S. which would probably make it difficult. So if that can't happen, I'd love to meet Graham while he's on tour, he's an amazing man, and my sense is that just being in his presence would be a gift. Finally, if that isn't in the cards, I'd truly love to meet Vali girl ( Valentina), Kerry's dog, and of course Kerry. I don't want much, do I? Who knows what POSSIBILITIES may open up for me, though, because if being part of THC has taught me one thing it's that taking that "leap of faith" is essential if one wants to LIVE life to the fullest. Again, have a wonderful trip...Pam...💞🦋
Thanks, Pam ~ I think Donny is in Nashville right now for a couple of weeks. GW & KJ are fun young guys. It's so awesome that Kerry is going to be making a movie with Amber Marshall. Love those two! GW's community is a blessing for so many people (especially women) who need a nudge to take a leap. It's interesting to watch him grow. Will post pics of my trip. Thanks again for birthday wishes. I hope your wishes come true. xoxo
Thanks for hoping my wishes come true (my birthday is actually not far away, Sept. 20th) , and you're welcome for my birthday wishes for you. ☺️ Since Donny's in Nashville (I really like it there) wouldn't it be a hoot if I could just hop the next plane and visit with him there? That's assuming, of course that I could somehow find the dollars and the timing worked out. 🤣
I have no idea how long Donny plans to be in Nashville, but the reality is that my sister in law died yesterday and her husband is pretty 💔 as well as anxious about how to plan a funeral , especially on a long holiday weekend. I feel that my husband and I need to be available to listen and offer support.
I didn’t realize that the rumors about Kerry and Amber making a movie together were actually true.
WOW, that will be some movie!
I feel that not only has Graham grown in his capacity to allow his creativity to flow, but also in his humility and sense of compassion. I hope this growth continues as he/we embark on the NEXT STEP in his/our journies.
BTW, I meant it when I said I wanted to meet Valentina (Vali girl). I've fallen in love with her through Kerry's pictures ( there's a whole section of his pictures devoted just to her)! 💞🦋
Sounds like a dream coming true! I am so happy for you and I am in awe of your outlook on life! My husband and I had a short bucket list to travel some when he retired but as I shared before he did not make but 7 and a half months after he retired and 5 of them were fighting cancer! I do plan to some with my brother and his wife. You have a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing all about it through your posts! God speed!
Thanks, Karen ~ my dad died of cancer at 48. I was only 20 and wasn't aware just how hard that was for my mom. I actually thought they'd been married for 27 years -- a lifetime -- so. When I got to be 48, I finally realized what a loss you & my mom have suffered losing husbands. I fear it... I hope you do get to do some trips with your brother & wife. I am definitely looking forward to Greece. xoxo
Aug 31, 2023·edited Aug 31, 2023Liked by Jan Stoneburner
Identifiable in very many ways! Many more enjoyable birthdays, Jan! Have a dynamic Grecian journey and tell us all about Santorini where I crave to view a vicarious vacation, having read and discussed with our grand daughter Love & Olives (YA) by Jenna Evans Welch. Photos mandatory!
Thanks, Vicki ~I'll definitely share pictures. Honestly, I can't believe we'll be on Santorini. Maybe we can have a lunch with Sheryl ( to share our journey) some day when we get back. xoxo
The first year I taught (1967-68), my salary was $5200. I taught summer school many years! I kow you will enjoy your birthday trip. Be safe and have a blast!
Hi Jan, We had a yellow 57 Chevy, and went to Hawaii for our 25th wedding anniversary. I will celebrate my 85th birthday in November, but I have no idea what my birthday wish would be. It was going to be a cruise, but we got COVID on the last one so cancelled it. I don't want to get that again. Happy, happy birthday and have a wonderful trip.
Oh, Janice ~ our friends had a yellow one. It was sweet. I'm glad you got to Hawaii with your husband. We still haven't made it. I don't blame you for cancelling cruise after covid. They say those ships are floating petri dishes. I'd still like to visit the New England states -- home of many Am. writers -- since I taught Am. Lit for so many years. I'm trying to remember all the Greek gods. I get them mixed up with the Roman names. Thanks for your birthday wishes. You definitely have to do something special for 85. You are amazing! xoxo
I'd like to visit the New England States as well - never been there. I might get a chance in the spring, we are talking about visiting my grandson and his family who live in New York.
Jan, wishing you a very happy 77 years young Birthday!! Your story reminds me a bit of Mom and Dad's beginnings of a lifetime together!! You and your friends have a great trip, be safe and enjoy some Soutzoukakia!!! XO (ps....pretty darn great gift, Stony!!!
Yep, we related really well to your mom & dad. xoxo Stoney's picking up his game. Ha! I think he just wants me to quit nagging him to go somewhere. Love ya' Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Thanks, Irene ~ I will be thinking about you when we're there. Landing in Athens, going north to Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka and Meteora then on to Mykonos & Santorini. xoxo
Thanks, Debbie ~ looking forward to comparing trips. I know you'll have fun too. I am envious of your Iceland trip. That might be on my agenda now. xoxo
Oh Jan you are one lucky Birthday girl. I hope you have a lot of fun in Greece. You deserve it. You worked hard all these years. It will be an experience you’ll never forget. We are going to Vancouver next year I’m counting that as a birthday gift Anniversary will be married 31 years. I’m so excited. Thank you for sharing your story always enjoy your writings. Happy 77th Birthday enjoy celebrating your wonderful day.
Thanks so much, Shari ~ I'm counting this as birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day and my anniversary gifts for this coming year. xoxo
Happy Birthday Mrs.Stoneburner! Congratulations on living your best life and thanks for taking the rest of us along for the ride!!
Thank you, Heather!!! Wouldn't be the same without you. {{Hugs}} xoxo
Beautiful birthday memories! My birthday will be soon and I'll celebrate it with family. Have a great trip! 🤗
Family is definitely the best way to celebrate a birthday!!! Happy Birthday -- soon. xoxo
Happy Birthday for whenever it is or was. I hope you have an awesome trip in Greece with lots of memories and photos. Yes we did manage a lot back in the day. We even managed to buy a house with one small wage coming in and still live in that house 54 years later. I am on my Birthday wish from a few years ago and also without my husband. He wanted to stay home - health reasons - but was gracious enough to let me come.
I bet you are in heaven right now, Teresa -- getting ready to take off for Canada!?!? And you're going to get to meet Graham. Wow! I hope Amber pops in. We're lucky to have great husbands who let us adventure out on our own. I'm getting so excited for my Greece trip I'm making myself nervous. I keep saying, "Breathe, Jan..." {{Hugs}}
Once again Jan, you delight with your prose.
I had a fire engine red Mustang convertible in the 70s and loved it.
I had travel plans to Italy for my 70th b'day in 2020 but the pandemic ground them to a halt! As you know, I realized that dream in 2022. For my 75th b'day(2025) planning a train trip through the Canadian Rockies with special visits to Vancouver Island and Alberta.
Have wonderful time with your friends in Greece.💜
Hi, Juliann ~ Oh, the fire engine red Mustang sounds awesome. I never got my convertible! I was looking into a train trip across USA to Yellowstone, etc for my husband & me some day. But people backed me off because they said gypsies really stalk the trains??? I'm going to look into it again. Your train trip sounds like fun! I will post pictures of our Greece trip here. Keep your eyes out for them. xoxo
Happy Birthday have a wonderful trip with the girls. I just returned from Vancouver Island so I guess that is my early birthday gift to myself. I’ve never been that far away from home before. ❤️
Thanks so much, Cheryl! Did you go there because of Graham & Kerry? Heartland & the boys have certainly peaked my interest in Canada. xoxo
No I attended a retreat by Lynette Elinda. Whom Graham had on one of his first podcasts.
Oh, yes, I know who Lynette Elinda is. You must really like her to travel that far for a retreat. I bet it was awesome. I have listened to all the videos that she & GW did, but I click more with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor -- that GW also had on his podcast. We are all attracted to different styles I think. Fascinating stuff! As I found out in Grad School, none of these guys & gals know the "meaning of life" for sure. Ha ha!
Another great story, Jan!! Birthday Blessings To rocking the age of 77! I am not far behind you, as I will be 76 in three days. Yep, I could celebrate with GW, as my birthday is the day before his.
I have never really traveled much before, but I did take myself on a cruise when I turned 50, and that was fun. And yes, I went with girlfriends then. I have several places that I would like to go, but I still have to work a few days a week, but I am going to get my passport this year or early next year. My granddaughter is leaving next year for Thailand, where her and her husband will be for a couple years doing missions. My doctor says I can’t fly there because of my blood clot history, but hopefully she may change her mind.
Have fun with your girlfriends in Greece. My grandson lived there for several months and loved it, and said the food is divine. Hoping to have more Humorous stories as you travel. Have fun. Stay safe. And don’t forget to laugh. Blessings.
Yes it was awesome and she has changed my life❤️.
She and GW Did the same for me, w/their audiobook, mathamagical. I would love to take one of her retreat sometime. I would love to meet her in person to just give her a hug. I am glad that you were able to go. Blessings.
Hi Mary & Cheryl ~I'm wondering if you could explain to me what Lynette & GW have done for you and how they did it ? What did you get from them that you needed? So many THC women are so enamored with these two. I really want to understand this. It's a fascinating study of human nature. I hope I'm not being offensive. I got Lynette's Mathematical audio book but didn't hear anything I hadn't heard before. Of course, I've been a counselor myself. I'm wondering if they both came along in people's lives when people needed encouragement or something else? Looking forward to your answer. {{Hugs}}
Well, for me, I’m moved out of my Home that I had lived in for 18 years. I had so much baggage. And not the good kind. I had left my husband of 18 years, and just took the bare necessities that I needed to set up another dwelling to live in. I called it, I escaped in order to save myself. I had always been independent, happy, strong, knowing what I wanted, but I had been broken down and didn’t recognize the person that I had become. I was negative, I was a complainer, I was sad, and I couldn’t make Myself get out of it as quickly I had wanted. I knew I was never going back, but it took me over a year to file for divorce. His adult children even came to me and said I needed to leave their dad. I was broken, Scared, and had so much fear. I heard about Lynette audiobook, and GW produced it, and it took me Several Times with each chapter to get through it. But I got rid of the baggage. I got strong, I believed in myself again, I became independent. I became a whole and I knew when I became captain of my own ship again!!
My daughters and other family have stated that I even became better than I had been before. I started meditating, something I have never done before, before I got up in the morning And before bedtime each night. I would say Lynette Elinda probably similar to a therapist, But, better, especially for me. She was a lifesaver for me, and I will be forever grateful.
Hope this helps answer your question Jan. Blessings.
Jan, another great story! I was reeled in instantly and throughly enjoyed hearing all about your younger years. Thank you for sharing part of your heart and personal story. Hope you had a great birthday. What a gift to see Barry M. I use to love him. Seventy-seven looks good on you 🥰
Thanks so much, Elise ~ it's hard to believe at one time we only had $3.85 in our checking account. Ha! My daughter took me to see Barry because I hounded her all the time to play "Mandy." Life is good -- hoping for 78! xoxo
Jan, you asked about birthday wishes, so I'll try to answer your question. My first choice for a birthday wish is to meet Donny Mac in person. I think that would be awesome, though I live in the U.S. which would probably make it difficult. So if that can't happen, I'd love to meet Graham while he's on tour, he's an amazing man, and my sense is that just being in his presence would be a gift. Finally, if that isn't in the cards, I'd truly love to meet Vali girl ( Valentina), Kerry's dog, and of course Kerry. I don't want much, do I? Who knows what POSSIBILITIES may open up for me, though, because if being part of THC has taught me one thing it's that taking that "leap of faith" is essential if one wants to LIVE life to the fullest. Again, have a wonderful trip...Pam...💞🦋
Thanks, Pam ~ I think Donny is in Nashville right now for a couple of weeks. GW & KJ are fun young guys. It's so awesome that Kerry is going to be making a movie with Amber Marshall. Love those two! GW's community is a blessing for so many people (especially women) who need a nudge to take a leap. It's interesting to watch him grow. Will post pics of my trip. Thanks again for birthday wishes. I hope your wishes come true. xoxo
Hi Jan,
Thanks for hoping my wishes come true (my birthday is actually not far away, Sept. 20th) , and you're welcome for my birthday wishes for you. ☺️ Since Donny's in Nashville (I really like it there) wouldn't it be a hoot if I could just hop the next plane and visit with him there? That's assuming, of course that I could somehow find the dollars and the timing worked out. 🤣
I have no idea how long Donny plans to be in Nashville, but the reality is that my sister in law died yesterday and her husband is pretty 💔 as well as anxious about how to plan a funeral , especially on a long holiday weekend. I feel that my husband and I need to be available to listen and offer support.
I didn’t realize that the rumors about Kerry and Amber making a movie together were actually true.
WOW, that will be some movie!
I feel that not only has Graham grown in his capacity to allow his creativity to flow, but also in his humility and sense of compassion. I hope this growth continues as he/we embark on the NEXT STEP in his/our journies.
BTW, I meant it when I said I wanted to meet Valentina (Vali girl). I've fallen in love with her through Kerry's pictures ( there's a whole section of his pictures devoted just to her)! 💞🦋
Sounds like a dream coming true! I am so happy for you and I am in awe of your outlook on life! My husband and I had a short bucket list to travel some when he retired but as I shared before he did not make but 7 and a half months after he retired and 5 of them were fighting cancer! I do plan to some with my brother and his wife. You have a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing all about it through your posts! God speed!
Thanks, Karen ~ my dad died of cancer at 48. I was only 20 and wasn't aware just how hard that was for my mom. I actually thought they'd been married for 27 years -- a lifetime -- so. When I got to be 48, I finally realized what a loss you & my mom have suffered losing husbands. I fear it... I hope you do get to do some trips with your brother & wife. I am definitely looking forward to Greece. xoxo
Identifiable in very many ways! Many more enjoyable birthdays, Jan! Have a dynamic Grecian journey and tell us all about Santorini where I crave to view a vicarious vacation, having read and discussed with our grand daughter Love & Olives (YA) by Jenna Evans Welch. Photos mandatory!
Thanks, Vicki ~I'll definitely share pictures. Honestly, I can't believe we'll be on Santorini. Maybe we can have a lunch with Sheryl ( to share our journey) some day when we get back. xoxo
How about an informal CommUNITY Circle presentation?
Naw, that's not what I meant. Sorry!
The first year I taught (1967-68), my salary was $5200. I taught summer school many years! I kow you will enjoy your birthday trip. Be safe and have a blast!
Oh, I remember those days, Patty. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. xoxo
Hi Jan, We had a yellow 57 Chevy, and went to Hawaii for our 25th wedding anniversary. I will celebrate my 85th birthday in November, but I have no idea what my birthday wish would be. It was going to be a cruise, but we got COVID on the last one so cancelled it. I don't want to get that again. Happy, happy birthday and have a wonderful trip.
Oh, Janice ~ our friends had a yellow one. It was sweet. I'm glad you got to Hawaii with your husband. We still haven't made it. I don't blame you for cancelling cruise after covid. They say those ships are floating petri dishes. I'd still like to visit the New England states -- home of many Am. writers -- since I taught Am. Lit for so many years. I'm trying to remember all the Greek gods. I get them mixed up with the Roman names. Thanks for your birthday wishes. You definitely have to do something special for 85. You are amazing! xoxo
I'd like to visit the New England States as well - never been there. I might get a chance in the spring, we are talking about visiting my grandson and his family who live in New York.
Jan, wishing you a very happy 77 years young Birthday!! Your story reminds me a bit of Mom and Dad's beginnings of a lifetime together!! You and your friends have a great trip, be safe and enjoy some Soutzoukakia!!! XO (ps....pretty darn great gift, Stony!!!
Yep, we related really well to your mom & dad. xoxo Stoney's picking up his game. Ha! I think he just wants me to quit nagging him to go somewhere. Love ya' Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Happy Birthday Jan! Growing older gives one, or at least me, a different perspective on Life. Have a wonderful time! Your TIME HAS COME! Pam...💞🦋
Thanks, Pam! I definitely have a different perspective on Life now that I'm older. Loving Life! xoxo
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Jan ❤️ have a fabulous time in Greece!!
Thanks, Irene ~ I will be thinking about you when we're there. Landing in Athens, going north to Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka and Meteora then on to Mykonos & Santorini. xoxo
Great story of a relationship that worked! Have fun in Greece. We will be there in October. 🌹
Thanks, Debbie ~ looking forward to comparing trips. I know you'll have fun too. I am envious of your Iceland trip. That might be on my agenda now. xoxo