Page 224 - Talents, I believe we all have them and it is up to us how and when we use them! Some have a talent for words, or pictures, others for music, some for entertaining us, some for cooking for us, the list is endless, and they are all equal talents.

I think my talents lie in my hands as I have always loved to use them and make things. I have always knitted, crocheted and sewn and throughout life I have added other skills. Now most of my time is spent with paper, scissors and glue, and I hope my efforts will bring pleasure to someone, whether it be their birthday or Christmas card, or the scrapbook albums I have made to preserve memories and family history. I have enjoyed doing it!

I am sure when my time comes I will have nearly exhausted the talents I was given.

Page 223 - simplicity, definitely more sophisticated as far as I am concerned. Not that I think of myself as sophisticated, but thinking in fashion terms, it is the simple styles which survive and come back time after time! I do wear simple clothes, no frills or flounces for me! I don't feel comfortable wearing them! When crafting I go for more simple lines, though there are times I embellish! But I have to make myself use things like glitter and bling, as they don't come naturally to me!

Today I went to the Brookwood Military Cemetary, and was struck by the simplicity of row upon row of simple white headstones, and large simple shaped crosses. They certainly told a story to me!

Page 222 - some things in life can take a lot of effort, and we may not always attain our goal, but putting all our efforts in to trying can sometimes be just as fulfilling. Like we always said to our children, "it isn't the winning that matters, it's the taking part". As long as have tried our best, that is what is important.

This applies to everyday activities too, we need to try our best to lead a good life, be kind to others. We only get this one chance at life, so should put all our effort into it!

Page 221 - how often do I sit and think about, or even acknowledge the good things? Probably not often enough! Like most people when things are going well we don't appreciate it properly, but when it all goes pear shaped, we start to moan! Even in bad times there is good, though it may be hard to see! Maybe each day I should have thankful thoughts, for my health, my family and friends, and for all that happens to me, for all this is good! More to the point, I should say so to those concerned.

Page 220 - everyone can be great, because anybody can serve. I take this quote as meaning we can all help others, it does not take qualifications, or even a great education, and certainly doesn't matter where you come from. All you need is the ability and willingness to do something to be of service to another. It doesn't have to be anything momentous, just dropping a few coins into a charity collecting box would count, or donating your no longer needed clothing to a good cause. And I feel nowadays recycling would be counted, as it is a service to your fellow man, helping to preserve this earth for future generations.

Page 219 - finding yourself in the service of others. I can't claim to have done great or time consuming work for others, but over the years I have been involved in many things. When the children were at school we spent a great deal of time on parent committees, raising funds and organising events, but it didn't seem like hard work, as we enjoyed ourselves, and the schools benefitted, and therefore the children benefitted. I also enjoyed helping my father in law with his work for our local hospital League of Friends, whether it was wielding the collection box in town, or just helping with paper work. I have done other things too, like running the Race for Life, well, more walking than running, and raising funds for other charities, but cannot say that I have ever lost myself in these activities as my family and work commitments always came first. I do admire those people whose whole lives are dedicated to helping others, it takes a special kind of person to do that. But if I can I will do my bit.

LO 31 using the quote from Pope John Paul XXIII. I have used a square of material under the blossom, and stamped with paint.