A True and Dear Friend

"

" A true friend is someone who thinks
you are a good egg
even though they know
you are slightly cracked. "

************************************************************

************************************************************


Friendship Tree


Life gives us many blessings
but there are only a few
that compare to the joy
I have knowing you

Your are dependable and true
and always there for me
thank you for everything
you do so thoughtfully

You are so very dear to me
and very special too
I am truely Thankful
that I found a friend in you


Your Greatful and loving friend,
Lisa (Lee Lu) Westberry


***********************************************************************************

***********************************************************************************

My name is Ana Maria Padurean (Anamaria to be KISS = keep it short and simple), and I was born in Oradea/Romania. The first thing I did after coming on this World, was to upset my father, because he was egarly waiting for a boy and not for a girl! But with my charm and kindness (LOL) I softened his heart and he get learned to love me very much; maybe even more than he loves my brother. He always uses to say that I’m his favorite daughter (he has none other LOL). As you could already find out I also have a brother; he is with 8 years younger than me; along my father is my mother (who would believe this!) and hope God will keep them both with us still for a long time.

I spent most of my childhood with my grandparents at the countryside, not too far from my city. My parents had a very hard time because they were working and learning at the same time, to fit into the “socialist work field”, as their origin was not “too healthy” at that time! – meaning that their families were too rich for the party’s concept! I won’t get into this too deep because this bio will be endless than. Anyway, thanks to my grandmother, I never knew anything about this until I grow up! They were always telling me that it is better for me to stay at fresh air at my grandparents than in the city where I’ve got always sick! My grandmother did her very best to educate me in a very disciplined and in a dignified manner (almost aristocratic). Latter, because of this, many people around me thought I grow up with a governess and never had to do anything in my life; even if I’ve told them how much I helped in the garden for sawing and harvesting, and kept looking for geese and everything a child could do around the household! And I was enjoying doing everything because I knew that it makes my grandma very happy. This was a very happy period of my life. I’m very sorry not being able to “deliver” for my kids some countryside grandys! They have no idea how is to run along a street without being afraid a car will crash on you any minute! I hope that one day my grandchildren will have at least a part of it. I dream about my quite, retired place somewhere to live and to listen to the birds chirping and trill.

Than when I had to go to school I’ve got back home with my parents. I become a 7 years “responsible grownup”, taking care of my lessons and my swimming, because I started to swim daily, 2 hours. Than when I was in the 2nd class, finally my brother has borne, and the family becomes complete, everybody being very happy! Especially me because I could help my mother with taking care of him. And so have passed 12 years until I graduated high school and went to the University to Timisoara (where the 1989 revolution has started from)! There, I’ve met my husband! This was very interesting because we were at the same high school, but we didn’t meet before!
When getting into our last year of study, we decided to marry. Till than I’m with him and we are living happily (hope) ever after LOL!

We have two kids: Ramona – our daughter; she is 20 years old and is a law student at Bucharest University; and Alex – our 17 year old son – who is eager to join his sister in Bucharest. He uses to say that his sister is in Bucharest learning how to become a lawyer liar! He is not yet decided what kind of “liar” to be, but the most he would love, is to become a politician, because in his opinion when it comes to lies, they are the best.

Our family is completed with Missy, our Collie dog, and Kitty the kitten that has grown up to a cat meanwhile. We love to go on summers, on camp trips, to enjoy the freedom of nature. The only occasions when Missy gets into the car by herself, without being dragged there, is when she hears the word “trip” or when she sees us putting the camp into the car. Than, she is the first there on the chair near the wheal! LOL

That was a glimpse about my family and the life we are enjoying together! Now some words about me as a “professional”
I graduated as a chemical engineer, the same as my husband – Nicu (Nick - in English!)
After graduation I came home to Oradea, and I had the chance to see my dream with my bear eyes! At first I worked as an engineer in the Chemical Plant, for about 3 or 4 years and than in a research lab (doing what I dreamed of) as research scientist. But after the “Revolution” of 1989 things has changed and research lost very much in its importance and I learned that there is no satisfaction in doing what you like best, if there is no use of your work. So, I decided to challenge myself in something radically different – marketing, selling, PR, client service, management, training. Of course not all together at once, but one by one, as I get into the area. First I was very frightened not knowing what else to do than chemistry, as that was the only thing I learned and I thought I was able to do! But, by time, I realized that actually I can do something else too; and more I’m actually able to be very good in! This gave me wings to fly in another direction and to be happy with this. For me it is always exciting to learn and explore new and unknown resources of mine. I'm sure there is hiding such “treasure” in each of us; it only needs to be discovered and put to work! Most of my colleagues thought I’m in saint! LOL Now when we are meeting on the street or where ever, they keep telling me that I was a very clever pioneer! LOL
For more than 10 years by now, I become a counselor. The last 6 years I worked as an independent life insurance and financial consultant. Now, since January I made another change and started to teach and train others how to sell financial products, being the representative of a well known European Bank, in my county. The product of this bank being rather new, both for the bank officers and the potential clients, I have a lot to travel and to work with the people; I have to teach them (the officers) how to think and approach the market. Because I’m not too sure how to explain this shortly for you to understand, I won’t get into it any further.

Last year was one full of changes and new beginnings in my life! Besides changing entirely our house (we are still living in the middle of a yard), I gave up with life insurance and financial concealing; than I adventured myself into the Internet. About one year ago, I knew almost nothing regarding the Internet; I have only navigated a few times. I found lots of sites claiming they are the ones who knows “The SECRET” and that its “easy as 1.2.3 –“ And all that without doing anything! Just sitting in the comfort of your own home! Sounds familiar, isn’t it? LOL
I was very intrigued with this because I couldn’t believe that there is something as “easy “ and there are still many pour people in the World. Than finally I’ve got to Jim Daniel’s site and Report! Reading that I begun to learn something! (a twinkle in my mind LOL) Than, looking for free advertising, I think at Jim’s recommendation I’ve ended up here at AdlandPro. When I’ve got Hans’ invite to become friends I wasn’t really sure what does that mean. Than there came those Forum invites?! I didn’t dare to post, in order not to do something wrong, or so… Than by time “stilling” from the pros, I begin to realize what is it all about. And now, look at me; with lots of friends, and here in The Spotlight! I’m not too sure what did I really done to deserve this, but I thank you so very much.

Nothing of this could have been possible without your help and guidance, my dear Adlandian Friends; I learned and I still am learning from each of you! And I just want to take the opportunity to twist the Spotlight upon YOU, because you are the ones deserving this.

There are some of you so very special to me, but because I do not want to turn this into an Oscar speech, I stop here saying a humble THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Sincerely, your friend,
Anamaria

***********************************************************************************

***********************************************************************************
Congratulations Ana Maria for being our Spotlight!!!

Just get 2!

My Cup Has Overflowed

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again..

So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people
in this world have it worse than I do.
I realize just how blessed most of us really are.

******************************
Hi Leon
... You are a very well respected and loved member of this community
Over the months that I have known you I have found you to be a very humble, carring kind of guy and your posts have always been interesting and at times quite humorous. I value your friendship and would not like to see you quit posting on these forums. Leon, you are a good person. Post away my my friend. Post away.

Sincerly, Bill Vanderbilt

******************************

Yes, this week's Spotlight is for:

LEON HORTON !!!

******************************

Hello, Once upon a time in a land far, far away... Oh, that is the start to a fairy tale, but you wanted a biography... hmmmm.

A biography won't be as creative as a fairy tale, nevertheless, here's a little bit about me as I have grown to know... ;-)

First, thank you for selecting me as the person this week to spotlight. It is amazing to me that I would be selected for any kind of recognition and I truly appreciate all of your consideration. I am humbled, to say the least!

Born November 22, 1950 in Hominy, Oklahoma, Chester Leon Horton is the son of a father who was crippled by an injury in World War II, an electronics instructor at Oklahoma State Technical School, and a mother who was a graduate of the 8th grade who was a factory worker at Corning Glass Works in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The youngest of 4 known siblings who later at age 44, found out about the last one, a total of six. Nevertheless, a family of modest means, and at times had to scrimp by as many did during those years ( and even many still do today). Mother still calls me the "baby" even after 55 years. I grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma and hated Merle Haggard after he sang that song! You know... the one about being an Okie from Muskogee. I now am a country music fan and don't care much about any other kind of music today.

Dad died when I was sixteen years of age and I became angry because he left me right at the time I needed his guidance the most. Yet, I learned the hard way how to deal with people and particularly the opposite sex. (I am still struggling with dealing with people, but I learn every day.) Mother tried her best, but I think I violated the "failure-to-do-right rule" quite a lot on my own. I did fairly well in school, but I didn't use what I learned, thus was forced to join the Army and serve in Viet Nam for a while. Upon returning, I felt a strong need to marry the young lady I met while in training in Georgia before going to Southeast Asia. We stayed married and raised three children and then I had all I could stand after finally putting her through two Master Degree programs with staying in debt and behind at the bank every payday. I finally just had to pull up my dress and scream!!

Then, late in 2002, I met my current wife and am probably happier than I have been since 1972. We met and were married within 8 months. I found my soul mate! Phyllis is the most wonderful person in my life. Then came my friends at AdlandPro a couple of years later. What a whirlwind!

I have worked in the railroad industry all of my employeed life. Twenty-two years was with the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the last nine years have been with the Federal Railroad Administration. I now enforce railroad safety laws as they pertain to railroad signaling. I make sure the railroads in my territory (Tennessee and western Kentucky) maintain their highway-rail crossing signals and train control signals in accordance with the federal guidelines.

I believe I am a good hearted person and willing to help in any way I can. I try to be friendly and inspite of my ugly external appearance, I am a good person notwithstanding. At least that is what Phyllis says. I am just a good ole country boy I guess.

Now living in Tennessee, I try to visit my mother in Tulsa, Oklahoma periodically and likewise, visit Phyllis' family in Clayton, North Carolina. We swap holidays each year... Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I have been doing as much as I can here at AdlandPro to make my time worthwhile and to get to know as many people as possible. I spend way too much time reading the forums. I should be out advertising my programs and doing all I can to get them going, but I feel compelled to answer the emails I receive from AdlandPro. I get somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty email notifications each day. I have always thought that, somehow, I will succeed online and oneday, I will come across THE online business that "fits" me. I believe I have found that "business" but it hasn't done it for me yet. It is beginning a new Phase this week, in fact. More on that a little later.

I want to take a moment to thank all of you for being my friend and for just being you. We all have good and bad sides and I try to show off my good side, but from time to time the ugly shows right on through. Nevetheless, I try to be friendly more often than not. Thank you for this opportunity to let you know who I am and what I have become... an AdlandPro Community addict. So what if I smoke too much or drink too much coffee... I am who I am... love me anyway, Okay?

I would like now to recognize Bo Tipton because he has helped me a great deal here at AdlandPro and elsewhere. He has helped me see what I have been doing wrong in my ability to recruit members to any of my programs. He basically placed me on the RightRoad and I invite you to join me on that road to success if you feel you need some help with your recruiting efforts. It involves a step-by-step training with a twist. You will be able to earn while you learn.

Now... I have been known to help all I can most of the time. I hope you won't mind my plugging another little program that I have enjoyed being a part of and watching it grow. This is a group of people who are building "follow me" teams to go into other earning programs together. The helping aspect is the fact that I am trying to help my team in that program. Please pick one of the team members' links below and check it out and see if you can see the vision that they have seen.

Linda Robertson's -- http://plan4power.org/?hlrob
Kathlene Amerine's -- http://plan4power.org/?noomiekate
Dave Cottrell's -- http://plan4power.org/?dacot
Norm Whitehurst's -- http://plan4power.org/?normw

Thank you again, everyone, for allowing me into your day and to be a part of this wonderful world at AdlandPro. sssh! Those who have nominated me really don't know me very well or they wouldn't have made this mistake! ;-)

Leon Horton

******************************

Thank you Leon for being such a great person and for having the opportunity to know you better!

Congrats,
The Weekly Spotlight Of Friends Team

******************************

Living Words

Three things of every kind:

Three things of life that once gone, never come back:

Time, Words & Opportunity

Three things of life that must not be lost: Peace, Hope & Honesty.

Three things of life that are most valuable:

Love, Self-confidence & Friends

Three things of life that are never sure:

Dreams, Success & Fortune

Three things that make a man:

Hard Work, Sincerity & Commitment

Three things of life that destroy a man:

Wine, Pride & Anger

I asked the Lord to bless you,

as I prayed for you today,

to guide you and protect you,

as you go along your way...

His love is always with you,

His promises are true,

and when we give Him all our cares,

you know He will see us through.

******************************

STEVEN REID

"Steven is a great person, thoughtful, kind, helpful and funny."

"Dedicated and unassuming. Steve's a great guy, and I'm happy to have him as my friend!"

"Steve always has a way of putting a smile on my face by sharing a kind word, thoughtful comment or humorous anecdote. "

"It's time for you due day in the sun. Steven is a good God freeing man with more heart than anyone I know. Give up is a word that's so far behind him now it amazes me.I'm proud to be Steve's adland friend.He's a hard worker and is always there to help.My friend Steve get's the top rating 10 all the way.A 10 is a 10 but a friend is numberless have a good one bud."

These are just some of what friends are saying about Steven!

God bless you Steve!

******************************

And now Ladys and Gentlemen, let's welcome

Steven Reid!

******************************

I must say this was totally unexpected. I never expected smething like this to happen to me.

I am the oldest of 3 children in my family. I was born at Travis AFB, Merced Ca in 1955. My younger sister Susan was born in Charleston SC, and my baby sister Cathy was born in Montgomery AL. Yes we were born into a military family as you are probably wondering.

I never really applied myself in my school years other than reading (something I really enjoyed back then and still do now). Unfortunately this followed me most of my life.

Completed one enlistment in the U.S. Navy, and when re-enlistment time came around, I declined. Another mistake. This set up a pattern that was to follow me for the next 8 years.

These next 8 years were spent just traveling (mostly hitch hiking) around the country. Working day labor jobs, selling blood, and very little else. There was definately no direction let alone motivation in my life at this time.
Note: the section that follows here, is taken from the about me portion of my profile here, which sums up the rest of this biography.

For years I have taken a lot of things for granted, including my faith. Since July of 1981, I have lived and worked at a local Rescue Mission in Washington PA; re-committed my life to Christ; had the opprotunity ( and blessing) to participate in and go to Liberi West Africa with New Tribes Missions , which really opened my eyes as to What "really was going on daily around the world, and to exactly what various missionaries encountered."

I was married on May 9th of 1987, and my wife Mary and I had a son born to us on 11 April 1988. His name is Joshua and he's now 17. Even with all these " Blessings" God was supplying to me daily, that old "sinful nature" was still present and soon I "drifted again". I started driving "Big Trucks" over the road and this lasted for a little over 12 years. This little "stint" not only cost me my faith, but almost cost me my wife, my family and my life as well.

On August 4,2005, I was in route to Frederick MD to deliver a load of PVC pipe for the following morning. I had stopped at a small truck stop for the night on the PA?MD state line.Was going to have dinner, then proceed the following morning to my delivery appointment. That night, however, I became deathly ill. Nothing would stay down; loss of balance; shortness of breath; I couldn't even sit on the edge of my bunk without being overwhelmed .

Paramedics arrived the following day around 1:00 pm. I'm very thankful the company I worked for had Satalite Communications installed in their trucks. I was taken to York Hospital in York PA, and it was determined that I had had a Heart attack.

I was scheduled for Catheterization that evening. All I remember was the preperation, and going under with that anestesia. I was informed later that during the procedure, they had implanted one stent succesfully, and were in process of implanting the second stent, when I went into total blockage.

All during this, as I said, I remember "nothing" Like if you are in a very deep, breamless sleep. " This was God's protective Hand in Action" at this point."He" brought me thought this and the following surgery to implant the pacemaker I now have.

This may seem a bit on the extreme side as far as God's Love and caring is perceived, but in my case, it was the discipline I needed to make me realize what I was doing, and what could have happened without it. After all this, I had to stop and look closley at "what was really important".

To put everything in a nutshell, having the means to live comfortably is fine, but the first priority in life "should be focusing on what God wants and expect from all His children". And that is what each and everyone one of us on the face of this world is, His children.

Now that my life has taken a radical change, I find that getting this message out is my primary purpose. God will provide the rest.

Please don't take this as an attack on your beliefs, because that is not what I'm intending. I have just had to change my own opinions on what's most important in life.

May the Lord continue to watch over you in all your endeavors.
Steven G.Reid

******************************

Congratulation Steven and thank you for being our friend!

The One Who Seeks The Sun!

Do angels dream? I believe they do.
There's one who surely dreams of you,
Who hopes your fitire is secure,
Was with you through challenges you had to endure.

Do angels dream? Sure they do.
The dream of an angel has seen you through.
Continue to grow and strive for the best.
This angel will help you pass the test.

Do angels dream? Of course they do.
Look up and say "Hi" to one who sees you.
When you're happy or sad or just feeling blue,
You're a special angel's dream come true.

**************************************************

The Special Guest of this week is a sensitive, strong, sweet,kind and docile fighter, our loveble and beloved friend:

Ally Brenneman.

**************************************************

Hi Everyone,

I would like to thank the Ecademy...Oh wait wrong place LOL... seriously thank you all for voting for me to be member of the week here in this awesome forum.

A li'l bit about me.

I was born in a small town called Tyrone, PA this town is so small it has 1 hospital, 1 Quick E Mart and a paper mill. After leaving the hospital and daddy bounced back into the Army.. mom and I moved in with Granddaddy. We lived there for 9 months until mom met another man, they courted for sometime. And at this time mom was in the process of a divorce, and pregnant to this man she was dating. April 11, 1983 my little sister was born. I was happy being the big sister. Shortly after that on Nov. 5, 1983 mom and her boyfriend (now my dad) married. I never knew my daddy and this man did something he didn't have to do.. He loved and still loves me as his own child. We would go out as a family he would say "This is my oldest". I was proud to be "his daughter” and I still am. Then Sept.1996 my second lil sister was born. We begged mom to come home from the hospital because dad could not cook LOL. He burnt the toast and the eggs.. And cold cereal was getting boring 3 times a day, but he did a great job of making it lol. We all got along so well. Then one day the scariest (but now funniest) thing happened to us that we still to this day laugh about... My baby sister was 3 months old, we were going out for a family thing.. Mom asked me to go get Jess's hat. I walked up 15 stairs... something pulled my hair. I looked to my right saw nothing looked to my left. I had no idea what it was, all I knew was it was BIG and BLACK and it FLEW! I slammed my bedroom door, ran down 15 stairs hit 2 going down. I tried to tell mom and dad what the excitement was all about. Dad goes to check it out... he too ran down the stairs hitting 2 lol. Found out it was a bat in my room... talk about scary lol.

In 1987, I spent the summer vacation with my Granddaddy... I loved those moments. We would wake up (like I used to as a baby with him)... at 5AM get up drink a cup of coffee, watch a preacher on TV then 6AM collect chicken eggs. Those were the good days... that summer will be a summer I will never forget. Granddaddy took me to a swimming place called Cawins Gap. I got sun poison in my eyes. I could barely see and when I would laugh or smile... I could not see anything. I went home to see mom, and she told Granddaddy "That is not my Kid"... I said "Hi mom" she was like OMG what happened... and I told her. She was in shock... I was lucky I didn't go blind. Then I went back to Granddaddy’s' house and we went fishing that evening... I fell in the pond. That was nasty water, fish and ducks lived in it UGH it was horrible. These were the good ol' days.

For some reason or another, I do not have memory of 1988...

In 1989 tragic stuck the happy house hold, and the family fell apart. I was raped by my dad's step dad. And I felt it was my fault, I pushed away never showed affection towards my dad much, because I felt I broke up his family and mom and I drifted apart as well. My sisters and I also grew apart. It was awful. But now we are bonding again for the first time in years. My name was smeared all over the papers, kids picked on me horribly about it. I hated school. I wanted to quit.

1990 -1991 I have no memory of it.

In 1992, daddy got word I wanted to see him for the first time. So we made arrangements to meet at granddaddy’s' house. We went out for coffee we talked about my school, his new love of his life and how we wanted to stay in touch. Daddy said that he wanted me to live with him and girlfriend. Daddy promised me things like a horse that I always wanted and so on. A few months later, I met this new woman in his life, and I could tell she didn't like me... but for daddy's sake I made an effort to like her. October of 1992. I moved in. Broke my family’s heart to see me leaving. But this is what I wanted or so I thought. I was, and still am, a nail biter. My daddy's girlfriend would tell daddy about it, and I got beat for it. Every time I got caught I got beat and that was several times a day. Nov.1992 Daddy married this woman and I was FORCED to call her "mom". I was not allowed to talk to my mom or dad or my sisters much or hardly see them. I became anorexic. I stopped eating. I fell in a deep depression and I wanted to go home. Daddy let mom hear my beating one night... and daddy told me "I hit you, because when I see you... I see your mother and that makes me mad"... and mom used to tell me "You are just like your father". Well I was not asked to be born and it is not my fault I am like them.

Needless to say in 1993... I was able to go back home to my family. But it was not the same. I still didn't eat, had a million excuses why I didn't want to eat and my parents "bought" my story.

1994 I was in 7th grade, my English teacher made an announcement about a poetry contest. I was really having mixed emotions of either joining it or not. Well my teacher must have saw something in me... she had me enter it. So I did. I read the poem to my mom she said "That is the most stupid poem I heard, there is no way this will win". Well I read it to granddaddy he loved it and told me "Don't listen to your mother; she is just jealous because she can not write that well. Go ahead and enter it". Well.... I entered it... 6 weeks went by and the letter came about my poem. I won a High Merit Award. Mom was shocked. She could not believe this poem, won. Here is the poem:

Kids on the Street

Kids on the street,

they get nothing to eat

no place to sleep,

and they

get beat.

Kids on the street

they ask you for love

and you give them a shove.

Kids o

n the street,

they ask you for a home,

and you leave them alone.

Kids on the street,

they ask you for a life.

and you stab them with a knife.

*Inspired by the book "Am I going to heaven"*

1996 I entered high school, I met the man whom I thought I was really in love with and it would last forever. But behind his charm and sweet smile hid a man whom I never thought he could be. When he met me I was 100 pounds. I was still very thin, but he asked me to lose a bit of weight. So I did... I went down to 82 pounds. Got real sick, passed out in school, nurse called mom, she had to come get me. He came by to visit me to see how I was. Mom reamed him a good one. I was laying on the couch with a tank top on and a pair of shorts. The look on his face I will never forget. He had no idea how thin I was due to wearing "baggy" clothes. Then one day I had enough of his control of telling me how to look, dress, wear my hair, make up etc. And at this point of school BIG Clothes were in to where the waist was passed the butt lol. And my mom and my sister helped me with this look. I wore huge pants a pair of boxers and a big baggy shirt. Wore my hair in a bun with 2 pieces hanging down and curled and my make up looked like I got it done in New York lol. I went up to my boyfriend said hi to him, he had no clue that I was LOL. HE calls my mom from school telling her "IF you can not control what your daughter is wearing... I will come dress her myself" Mom told him he was no longer allowed to see me again. But that didn't stop us from dating in school lol... that year I entered the school talent show. I sang the song "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain... well I didn't PICK the song to be darted at him, he took it personally and dumped me... I LAUGHED so hard. Mom was there to watch me…and for the first time...she was really proud of me.

So after this guy I started to date my best friend of 5 years. He was a perfect gentleman. Sweet, kind, loving and never wanted to change me... but this ended all too soon. May 29th 1996 He passed away. I do not know the truth to this story...I can only go by what his mom thinks. I was crushed, I could have skipped school that day and I should have. But NO I wanted to be there to give my friends moral support. Sadly though... rumors started saying I dumped him and he killed himself, others thought I killed him. Oh it was hell. But 2 people stood by me that day... my first ex boyfriend and my dear girl friend. Then another nightmare happened shortly after... my good friend of many years was killed in a single car crash behind my bedroom window on June 9th 1996. He fell asleep at the wheel.

1997 I entered the talent show again... singing "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper. I cried because it reminded me of my boyfriend that passed away. That is all the memory I have of that year.

1998- I took the turn for the worst... I became bulimic. Yes I was still fighting anorexia and now this on yet. I also again entered the talent show with the song "My Heart Will Go On" By Celin Dion. I also went to Boston for the first time for a Sr. Class trip. I loved it there, didn't want to come back to be honest LOL. But I had to bummer.

1999 I took 4 classes took a study hall, but used that to teach gym class... I would leave school everyday at 1:45pm get done teaching, and go to work at the day care. Every Friday I would go to school work then to my granddaddy's for the weekend. He needed me. I wanted to quit school and be with him to take care of him.
He was a diabetic; he had heart operation (5 by pass) that messed him up big time. He lost both legs from 2" below the knees down; suffered bad depression and his kidneys were failing. I didn't want to go to college, because I wanted to take care of Granddaddy. But he told me to go. So I went to college.

In 2000 I quit my job and moved 2 hrs from home. I met a man in college whom I really liked allot and fell in love with. 9 months later on my 20th b-day I got pregnant to him... YES you guessed it (if you been to my forum) you know who I am talking about. All was going down hill after that. He became controlling, arrogant, and on the 9th month of pregnancy, he became psychically abusive.

On April 27th 2001.I gave birth to a gorgeous li'l girl that weighed 5 pounds 9 ounces and 20 inches long with a FULL head of hair. But I tried to make it work for our baby's sake... only to find out shortly after I gave birth another girl was pregnant to him. So we dated off and on for 9 months when he finally made up his mind he wanted to be a daddy to summer. But the beatings got worse. I filed a PFA and was denied.

In 2002 I moved close to home, granddaddy was very ill, almost lost him a few times. Had internal bleeding but had no idea where it was coming from. I called him everyday to check on him. And stopped in when I could to go see him.

On Aug. 7th I joined a business online called Melaluca. I told the man that enrolled me about my situation and that I would be doing much with it for sometime. Aug.9th I turned 23. Aug.14 summer’s dad and I were split up again for the thousandth time...and I was seeing someone else. This new man took me to go see my granddaddy in the nursing home Aug.14. It was the saddest day for me... his liver and both kidneys were both gone, he had memory loss, he hardly knew who I was, but he remembered summer and I was pleased with that. I promised I would be back the next day to see him. But that day never came... he died on Aug.15 2003. He was 67 when he passed on. My world came to and END... I was a basket case... the only person I had positive in my life was GONE. The only person I could talk to was GONE...My boyfriend and I broke up, because I didn't want to see anyone or talk to anyone. But summer’s dad was right there for the rebound feeding on my pain and depression... he acted like he cared... so I left him back into my life. Shortly after he got tired of my mental status... I was calm one minute and snapping the next for no reason. Well I guess I snapped too may times because I received a concusion. I again filed a PFA and never got to the judge.

On Aug.3rd 2005 I married him, after 3 years of telling HIM and his pastor NO I do not want to marry I gave up fighting. He stopped beating me, but the control got worse... (you can read more on this in my forum)...

Now up to date and in closing.... I know this is getting long and probably boring... or as someone I know would put it "A tear in my beer" post... sorry if it sounds this way lol.

I met a wonderful new man who makes me smile and loves me and my daughter. He has with him 3 beautiful and sweet children. Their names are Heather age 27. Chrissy age 26 and Billy age 10. They have all including my daughter, given me something to look forward to... a loving family that truly knows the word LOVE. Never a harsh word in anger, any voices or hands rose to one another, just warm hugs and smiles though out the day.

The wonderful (Prince Charming) I am talking about is Bill Vanderbilt. He heard my situation over the phone, he knew it was bad and he did something I never expected him to do... get Summer and I out! He has built my self-esteem a lil at a time, he has shown me it is ok to be me and be the best ME I can be.

He has been wonderful to Summer and she loves him too.

Here are my Business Links...

http://www.allyscoffeeshop.bravenet.com
http://www.ineways.com/marketingqueen
http://www.telebay.com/mommyof4
http://www.ryze.com/go/ShyAlly

My forum Links

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=10106

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=11794

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=10185

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=13083

Dodadagohvi, Aisv Nv Wa Do hi ya oo
(Until we meet again, Walk in peace)

Ally Brenneman

*************************************************

Please click HERE,
and read what Ally
brought to our attention!



**************************************************
Let's all give Ally a Big Congratulations!

Warmest Regards,
"The Weekly Spotlight Friends Team"

Angels...

Friends Are Quiet Angels

Friends are quiet Angels who lift us to our feet,
when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

I'll Pray for You

One part of life is joy,
another part is grief,
And when I see you hurting,
I long to bring relief.
But while there is so little I feel that I can do,
God is ever loving and is there to help you through.
So to the One who knows your pain,
the Source of peace and care,
I pledge to kneel beside you,
before the Lord in prayer.

And now Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you our winner of this week....

William Vanderbilt !!!

Hello Friends.

First, I would like to thank you all for this wonderful surprise of being selected for this weeks spotlight. I am truly grateful for your vote of confidence and I will do my best to live up to your expectations.

So, a little about me and the crazy life I have lived. I was born in Youngstown Ohio on April 1st, 1953. Yes, April fools day. I was 45 years old when I finally stopped being afraid to have birthday parties. LOL. Anyhow, I was the first born of five children, all of whom were born quite young. Three boys and two girls. My parents were divorced when I was about 11 so I quickly became the man of the house. Well, so much for being the man of the house. Mom sent me to live with Dad by the time I was 12 and by my own stubborn choice, I did not see my mother and brothers and sisters again untill I was 18. Actually, I kind of found them by chance. I had been living with a friends family in Pa since I didn't really get along that great with my step mother. Half way through my senior year, I decided to quit school and move to California. Another friend of mine decided to quit college and go with me. Well, as we were traveling through Kansas on Int. 70 I saw a road sign that said " Junction City 2 Miles ". Well, the last I had heard, my family lived in Junction City so I decided to stop in for a visit. I had a hard time finding them since their phone was unlisted and I didn't really know for sure if they actually lived there. I went to a post office and told my story to the Postmaster and asked him if he could possibly help me find my family. He said that it was certainly against the rules but under the circumstances, he told me how to get to Mom's place. Wow, what a reunion. That is another whole story. Anyhow, I stayed with my family untill I graduated and then returned to Ohio to get engaged to my high school sweetheart.
We were married the following year. That was 1972. June 17 as I recall. Shortly after getting married I enlisted in the Air Force. Then on May 18, 1978 were blessed with the most beautiful baby girl that you could ever imagine. It worked out so well the first time we decided to go for two. Then on May 15, 1979, we were again blessed with our 2nd baby girl and she too was the most beautiful baby girl you could ever imagine. Their names are Heather DiAnn and Christina Marie respectively. Unfortunately though, there was trouble on the horizon. At nearly 17 years into the marriage, my wife and I were divorced. That is about as far as I want to go with this part of my life other than to say that my daughters and I have always remained very close. Later on, in 1990, I met the next true love of my life and on Jan 20, 1996 we were blessed with the most beautiful little baby boy that you could ever imagine. His name is William John, named after my father and his other grandfather. His mother and I are still very close friends but we have been separated for nearly 5 years now. No need to get divorced. We never got married. Tsk Tsk. I saw this one comming way ahead of time so we saved the expense and just co-habited. I still care very deeply about my past loves but basically, what I have to say to them is " Thanks For The Beautiful Children and, ahh, well, thanks for the beautiful children". This is getting to be a bit long so in summing it all up here I will only say this. I now have another wonderful lady in my life and we are very much in love. She brought along with her into this relationship, yep, you guessed it. The most beautiful little baby girl that you could ever imagine. Their names are Ally and Summer, respectively.

There is a bit of an age difference here, between Ally and I but we have really enjoyed this part of our relationship. I am always letting her know how it was and she is always letting me know how it is. LMAO and so is she.

The other main interests in my life are poetry , song writting, playing guitar, playing pool and most importantly, spending as much time as I can with my children and my new family. The one other thing that is very important to me is my mental health advocacy work.You see, I have suffered most of my life with recurring, severe depression so I know what it is like to have a mental illness.

Once again though, I have been blessed. After 25 years of going in and out of treatment, I have now finally found the right combination of therapy, medicationand life style changes that have allowed me to experience the real joy of living.

There have been many wonderful people involved in my recovery and I am grateful to every one of them. They instilled in me a sense of hope and without this hope, I honestly don't know if I would be here today telling you all about my life. So, because of the way that my life has been
touched in so many wonderful ways, I have set out on a mission of my own now. That mission is to spread the message of hope to those who still suffer with mental illness. I do this by learning all that I can about it and sharring that information with everyone that I can share it with and here I must say this. Thank You, to all of my friends here at AdlandPro that have helped me spread this message of hope. You have come to my forums and offered your support and your friendship and you will never really know just how many lives you have touched in a positive way by doing this. This is a wonderful community of friendships and I am very proud and happy to be a member of this organization.

Here are the links to my mental health forums. I would love to have you all join me in spreading the message of hope to those who suffer with mental illness.

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=8212

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=8259

http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=11791

This is my best business opportunity. It was highly recommended to me by several good friends and in my personal opinion, this is the best people helping people program that I have ever seen. I am on the verge of having my first payday in this program and it looks very nice. If you would like me to keep you informed about how things are going at OPFM.

Please feel free to contact me at billdaddy@verizon.net

http://www.ourpowerforcedmatrix.com/team.php?UID=10561

I wish you all the very best of everything that life has to offer.
Thank You All.

May a smile follow you to sleep each night

And be there waiting,,,,,,,,,,,,when you awaken.

Sincerely,
Bill Vanderbilt

*************************************************

Please click HERE,
and read what Bill
brought to our attention!



**************************************************

Let's give Bill a big aplause, and let him know why is he in the Spotlight!