OCD SUPPORT GROUP - SESSION 134 -Clay is our gold at the end of the rainbow!!!

[Moonshot]

SESSION 134 OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS!!!

Here is how we started:

Welcome, everyone to the very first meeting of the "OCD Support Group". (Obsessive Clay Disorder)

I am shy, so I walk slowly into the room and find a seat in the back. The meeting begins and there is a room full of claymaniacs. It is very quiet. I raise my hand very slowly. Pamela notices and asks, " Do you have something to share?" My knees are shaking, but I am able to finally get the words out.
"Hi. My name is Woodstock. And I suffer from OCD." The room erupts with applause. I hear so many things around me..."Welcome, Woodstock, what a great step to admit that!" "I do, too..." "We're all with you..." And I knew immediately that I have come to the right place.

We all talk about it, and joke about it, but this can be a serious subject,too. I love Clay, but quite honestly, I have worried about why I spend SO much time listening to him, downloading everything..talking about him on-line , taping EVERY TV show . And more than anything, simply thinking about him night and day. He enters my thoughts in the middle of just about everything! What is going on???
I am a 50-year-old (yikes) wife and mother of three children aged 18, 21 and 23. I have a career and am involved in many things. Then somehow, Clay has entered the picture and I fear he has taken over more of my life than I care to admit.

I realized awhile back that I suffered from OCD. But it was hard to admit to anyone. My 18-year-old son kept telling me that I was obsessed, and after awhile, I began to think he was right. And I spent night and day wondering what was wrong with me. Why are my thoughts going to Clay in the middle of a a school lesson or a church sermon? Why can't I wait to get home and turn on a Clay CD or check out claymaniacs.com to get new info on Clay? If Clay was going to be on a TV station that I didn't get, I HAD to find someone to tape it for me. I was beginning to think I was losing my mind. REALLY!!!

Then I found claymaniacs. It has been wonderful for me to talk to you. The more I got to know you guys, the more I was able to let it all hang out. And what did I learn? I'm NOT the only one. There is something about this guy that grabs you and wraps around your heart, and you're hooked. You are NOT going crazy, I have come to learn after talking to so many of you. I get pms and e-mails from people after I have posted something I couldn't admit anywhere else, and I realize I'm not alone! And it has been a great comfort to me. It took a little while, but I now know that I'm OK. And I feel much better. Now, I am enjoying Clay SO MUCH MORE, because I am not worrying about myself.

Let me make this perfectly clear: I am not over my OCD! I still think about Clay all the time (24/7?) and listen to him sing(OMG) constantly, and download, and chat about him. But I no longer worry that there is something wrong with me. I know I am not alone. There is something so very special about this man. He is the whole package. Because I was able to feel better after admitting things to you guys here, I decided that this is a thread that is needed here. Here is your place to vent. Admit your feelings, or confess something that you have thought or done. It is our hope that by doing that, you will find out that it's OK and you will stop worrying about yourself, and now be able to enjoy Clay even more. I hope this is a place everyone can come back to as needed.

Rules, rules, rules.... Everyone must promise to be kind, respectful, non-judgemental, and supportive. (Easy for claymaniacs.) Again, this is your place to get something off your chest, or just admit your OCD and accept it. So, let the discussions begin!
Just for fun, if you join in the conversation, you then become an official charter member of the OCD Support Group, and can add that to your signature if you wish. I look forward to each and every one of your posts.
Woodstock
P.S. Please feel free to pm me.

That was the beginning of Session 1.

And now on to Session 134.  WHO WOULD EVER HAVE THOUGHT??? We are moving along. I am SO happy so many of you have stayed around for the long haul, and welcome each and every new friend here. I say WOW!!!!! Good times with good friends. That is what this is all about.

I am no longer including a detailed description of our Therapy Center (just pretend, for those of you that are new.) I will just say that we meet in a Cyber Cottage on a Street With No Name. We have to continue the THUD room, as it is such an important part of our therapy. So please feel free to frequent it as needed. For more details, please read a past thread.(Located in the Archives.) And Pepe did ask for a Cybermaid to come in once a month. These girls have always been high maintenance, but worth it.

As for the rules, these are to keep the place somewhere we all are proud to come to:
I will repeat the rules, because we now have 5!!!

YOU MUST BE: 1. kind 2. respectful 3. non-judgmental 4. supportive
AND 5. YOU MUST NEVER SAY THE "s" word. (sorry). No need to apologize for thoughts and feelings.

And I am going to take it upon myself to add a suggestion (one that many people make to me), but not make it a rule. It is your choice as your time allows. But I am going to say that if you don't have time PLEASE DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO KETCHUP !!! Jump in and say hi, tell us what is up in your Clay world, and have good conversation. Yes, you may miss someone's post, but we never want being here to be so time-consuming that it causes frustration, family problems, or a cause to drive you away. We never want ANYONE to feel they need to address each person. It is simply impossible and no one expects it anymore. If some people choose to do that, it is their choice, but simply not expected. We have grown so big, and happily so!!! So, let's just jump in, read one page behind, and enjoy the conversation. Not a rule!!!! Just something that has been suggested to me many times...

And our OCD pact: No hard feelings if someone doesn't mention you in their post. We are getting far too big for that to ever be a reality again, but we are blessed by many new friends. We are a happy group here. And we intend to keep it that way.

We are a PG thread, we are "family friendly", as Clay would see it, and we do welcome in friends of all ages. If the spirit moves you, and you feel your comments may not be within PG, Claymaniacs does have threads for this.  There is the Black Leather Pants thread and the Motor City Red Thong Mafia thread in Current Community Central, and the Adult Playground forum in Communities. Thank you for understanding this.

People want to have fun here, and we do, don't we??? Let it continue, but we welcome friends of all ages, so let us keep it PG.

So, WELCOME one and all to Session 134 of the OCD Support Group. I hope you are comfortable in our home away from home. Please feel free to join in and be a part of  warm and caring group.

Thanks for hanging around so much that we had to start Session 134.  May the session begin!!!

Love you guys,
Woodstock X134

[Moonshot]

We’ve grown to be so big…one big, happy, caring family. Woodstock had asked for a description of our OCD Meetings—but with this thread, thoughts from our members:

WANT TO TELL YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART HOW SPECIAL CLAYMANIACS IS TO ME, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY OUR FAMILY HERE ON THE OCD   .  I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT THE OCD IS LIKE A VERY BIG ROUND TABLE  THAT WE ALL ARE  SITTING AT  ; LAUGHING, SHARING OUR RL STORIES OF HAPPY & SAD, SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER THRU  TOUGH TIMES AND BOTTOM LINE JUST BEING A FAMILY OF CARING FOR EACH OTHER.
I HAVE MET SO MANY OF YOU & SHARED SO MANY HAPPY & WONDERFUL TIMES TOGETHER--I ONLY WISH THAT I COULD MEET YOU ALL.
Angela
*****************

Here is a toast to all of you that we may be here for 100 more sessions.  We stick together thru sickness, trouble, happiness and we are always here to pick each other up and put a smile on your face.  I talk to more of my OCD family than I do my own blood relatives.  You are so important to me and are a main part of my life.  I have never received so many cards or gifts before and every day is exciting to see what you are all doing and who needs comforting and who needs feeding.  My heart is full of love for each of you !       

Pepe

***********************
     
Happy 100 Everyone!

Sometimes when I think about coming to Claymaniacs and finding the OCD, it's hard for me to believe that it's been over 2 years since I first started coming here.  Like many of you, I was one of those people who wasn't sure about the feelings I had about how much I enjoyed Clay's music and how I wanted to know so much about him and how I couldn't wait to see him on another show.  I felt like it was an "obsession" and that word doesn't normally have a good connotation.  When I found the OCD and realized that there were many other people with the same "condition" I was so relieved.  I felt welcome here from the very beginning.  I lurked for awhile and then I started PMing with Clandy as we were getting ready for the big North Carolina concert weekend and she convinced me to start posting more.  What a great decision that was!

I have been lucky enough to meet most of the people that post at the OCD.  I have made many, many friends here and was lucky enough to meet one of my best friends here.  It may have been Clay that initially brought us together, but that's not why we stay.  We stay for each other. 

Here's to 100 more sessions!! 

  

Heater
******************

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT ME- TIMID, SHY, RETIRING- WOULD TRAVEL SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES TO SLEEP WITH TWO STRANGE WOMEN (I MEAN THAT RESPECTFULLY, LINDA AND LORRAINE)

WOMEN WHO BECOME VERY CLOSE FRIENDS- WHO WELCOMED ME WITH OPEN ARMS, WHO LISTENED TO MY MOANS AND GROANS WHEN I WAS DOWN, WHO SUPPORTED ME WHEN I NEEDED IT

AND I FOUND, STRANGELY ENOUGH, THAT THE MORE I POSTED ON THIS BOARD, THE MORE PEOPLE I FOUND THAT WERE JUST THE SAME.
THESE ARE NOT JUST FRIENDS, THEY ARE FAMILY- WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER, THROUGH THICK AND THIN.

AND MY LOVE AND OBSESSION FOR CLAY AIKEN HAS NOT DIMINISHED IN THIS TIME, BUT GROWN STRONGER- AS EACH LAYER OF THE WONDERFUL MAN HE IS BECOMES CLEAR.
NO, HE IS NOT PERFECT, YES, HE MAKES MISTAKES- BUT HE HAS MY HEART FOR AS LONG AS HE WANTS IT.
UNCONDITIONALLY-     Marilyn

"The Starfish Story"

A little girl was walking along a beach that was covered with thousands of starfish left dying in the sun by the receding tide.  Seeking to help, she picked up a starfish and tossed it back into the ocean.

A man, amused by her action, said to her "Little girl, there are too many starfish.  You will never make a difference."  Discouraged, she began to walk away.  Suddenly, she turned around, picked up another starfish, and tossed it as far as she could back into the sea.  Turning to the man, she smiled and said, "I made a difference to that one!"

The man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had said and done.  Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing the starfish back into the sea.  Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.

Somedays this site can be hard when we come for fun but real life seems to get in the way.  But I truly believe that one of us whether it be a hug, a post, or a little positive comment that we don't make a difference in someones life here.....Lorraine


I sit here remembering janet and all of the friends we had lost.  The love we share is amazing, and I will always be greatful for my firiends here.  I know I have not been able to post as much as I used to. I have this job and it takes all my energy. It seems all I do is  work. I used to post to everyone everyday, and I miss doing that. I want yall to know that yall are my best friends. You have always prayed for me when I asked you to. Never made fun of me because of my size or because of the fact I am on medication for my depression. I sure do love yall and I remember when I was in the hospital for my depression yall never not once cared that I was being treated. All yall cared about was seeing me healthy again...Shannon


This is what the OCD is all about....caring, kindness and sharing Clay in our lives.   Thank you Woody for beginning this thread and thank you to everyone else that weaves the thread to complete the masterpiece I call friendship..XOXOXO  HER
   

[Moonshot]

PRAYER LIST

Welcome to The OCD's/Claymaniac's Prayer List. Many of our OCD/Claymaniac members have expressed a desire to share our Love, Care and Concern for each other through the Love and Faith we share in Our Lord. This has resulted in starting a Prayer List that includes the names of our members that have requested to be prayed for and therefore, reflects the needs or petitions of/for the individual.

We will divide this list into three areas for prayers.  The first will be for a general/daily prayer, next is for Urgent/"SOS's" to God as emergencies arise, and last is for circumstances that we are aware of or that the individual has they, themselves requested.

We are doing this away from the main pages as not to offend anyone who is not of likemindedness. We ask that as we respect your decision not to join us in Prayer, that you accept our need, as believers, to minister to each other in this fashion.

We do, however, invite you to read our list, and if you would like to, just take the time to think good thoughts and well wishes for those who are suffering or in need.

I hope you all bear with me in overseeing this list. If you find I have not included someone., it is either because they requested not to be included or that I am not sure where you stand on this issue. If you would like to be added to the list, please PM me with your request. If I have added you in error, my apologies and please notify me thru PM asap.

Everyone who has requested to be part of this group will be listed daily. If there is nothing beside your name, it is either I am not sure if something that you told me was announced publicly or privately to me and therefore for privacy issues, I would not take the chance to include it. Know that if it is not there and I am aware of it, as any of you may know things about one another that we ALL are not privy to....please remember to include those in your private prayers. ------------------------------------------------------------
Let us begin:

LORD,
WE GATHER HERE TOGETHER TO GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE FOR ALL YOUR WONDROUS GIFTS. WE ASK THAT YOU LOOK UPON US WITH MERCY AND GRANT US FORGIVENESS. MAY WE LIVE EACH DAY REMEMBERING THAT WE ARE YOUR CHILDREN AND ARE TO CARRY OUT YOUR WILL. PLEASE PROTECT US FROM ALL EVIL AND GIVE US THE DIRECTION TO FULFILL OUR SOJOURN HERE. WE ASK NOT ONLY FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR ONE ANOTHER........AMEN


DAILY PRAYER'S:


FOR ALL OUR CLAYMANIAC FRIEND'S AND FOR
CLAY AIKEN The Catalyst who has brought us all together:

FATHER, WE ASK FOR YOUR PROTECTION, AND THAT YOU MAY GRANT US HEALTH, COURAGE, COMFORT, HAPPINESS, STRENGTH, PEACE, AND HOPE.  MAY YOU FILL US WITH LOVE, KINDNESS AND KNOWLEDGE, SO WE MAY SPREAD YOUR WORD AND DO YOUR WILL...AMEN  


CLAY AIKEN: Most merciful Father...our prayers are for Your obedient steward, Clay.  Lord, Clay does Your work utilizing his beautiful voice for Your praise and glory and the benefit of children and all people..we ask that you guide him to where he can best share Your love and aid those without a voice.  Thank you for this young messenger you've sent to us who exemplifies doing Your will and sharing Your word.  We pray for Clay's protection...please keep him safe on whatever path he may be at the moment.  Keep Clay strong for the journey ahead.  Let his good deeds shine forth and forever change the lives of the less fortunate who have been victims of horrendous hardship.
Father, Clay is going through difficult and personal issues....meanspirited people are constantly attacking this wonderful young man.  We ask that You give him the strength to get through these vicious attacks and let him continue getting through these hurtful times with grace, dignity and a continued faith that You are always by his side carrying him through.
Also, we ask that You watch over Clay's brother, Brett, who is serving in the military. Please, keep their Mother, Faye Parker strong, in the midst of such worry for both of her beloved sons. Father, grant us, these, our urgent requests.

---------------------------------------
URGENT:

WOODSTOCK854(Debbie) Lord God,  here we are again asking You for Your intercession.  It is on behalf of one of your children and our very Speical friend.  Debbie is going through a most difficult time especially emotionally.  Her life has changed drastically in a very short period of time and she is having a hard time holding up through it all.  Please, let her find happiness, joy and peace in her new home and may she find comfort as she is so distraught over her children having all moved away.  Debbie will be working in a new school soon ...may her love and talent be appreciated by those it touches.  Bless Your loving servant with health, happiness and lots of love

[Moonshot]

CLAYMANIAC FRIENDS: 

alli_aiken/Alli:Dearest Father, Our young friend is carrying around a heavy heart....she is finding college difficult even though she graduated at the top of her High School Class.  Change is difficult for anyone, but, it is especially hard on someone at this age.  Alli also has a financial burdens.  These burdens are part of the depression she is experiencing.  Also, she feels lonely.  We ask that You comfort her, give her strength and guide her to where she needs to be in her life.  Lord, we are all here for our friend, but,  please, put her together with some wonderful people her age that she may enjoy this special time of her life.

ANGELA : Our friend Angela has been at her job for many years and is in danger of losing it...please grant her peace of mind that all things will work out for the best in whatever direction You may lead her. Also, Angela's Dad had a seizure in the recent past and there is constant concern for him because of this and other health issues.  We once again ask you to hear the prayers of so many that care, and watch over this loving father and husband. 

BOCAQUEEN/SUSAN : Lord, Please remember Susan's Mother who has suffered for 9 years with a dibiliating cough and who also has a Brain Anuerysm. Both of Susan's sons have  high blood pressure and we pray that there is no danger to them from reprecussions of this pressure. We also ask for Little Stephanie who has Hydrochephalis and numerous other health issues. Lord of Mercy, we know that Stephanie's battles are far from over but we come to You, the Master Physician, asking to please, heal this child of all her many afflictions and give strength and comfort to those who love and care for her. Also, we pray for healing for Susan's little cousin Angela who has severe Autism. We also ask that You continue to heal Susan from any and all health issues.

BOZENA : Please Father, continue to give healing to her ankle that has had many surgeries. May Bozena have success with weightloss as it is important towards getting her Diabetes under control. Lord, please bless our wonderful caring friend for her good works...she is a testament to Your way.

Clays_Buddy/Liz.... Loving Father, our dear friend Liz has lost her battle with her illness, ALS, but has now gained everlasting peace.  She meant so very much to us, and has touched all of our lives.  We now pray for her family: for Eric, her dear husband that couragiously faced this illness with Liz and was there for her all the way.  For her son, Blake, we pray that he will carry his mother's loving memories his whole life, and remember all the wonderful things she taught him raising this fine son.  And we pray for Liz's Mom, Lauretta, and the rest of her family as they deal with their terrible grief.  May memories and knowing she is now in your loving arms bring comfort to them all.

CL4CLAY/EVELYN : Lord,  Our beloved friend  Evelyn has Hyperthyroidism and is suffering from many of it's symptoms , but is most worried about the Double Vision it is causing. Please Father, we ask that You stabilize Evelyn's condition and take away this  trouble with her eyes as it is also dangerous for her to get around. May you look upon our special friend with favor and bless her with all that makes for a good life...health, happiness and love.

claydevotee/Thea : Father,  please shower Thea and her loved ones with all of Your wondrous blessings. We give thanks and praise to You for bringing both Thea and her husband Phil safely through their health issues. 

CLAYMANIAC2000/JANET : Fahter Almighty, our friend is now in Your Loving Arms, free of pain at last.  We know she was suffering and had reconciled the fact that she was going to be coming home to be with You.  May she be at peace and enjoying her CLAY from the best seat there is.

CTlovesCLAY/LINDA :Lord of Mercy, dear Linda is suffering with many health issues and her eyes are of particular concern.   Please, heal her of all these woes. Father, please give Strength and comfort to our friend as she also cares for her Mother . It is most difficult and exhausting being a caretaker, but such a pure and selfless act.  Also, we ask for healing FOR both these women who are ill. We ask that you bless Linda with nothing less than health, happiness and lots of love.

DUDLEY5 : Heal our friend from her cancer Lord, for You are the Master Physician with whom all things are possible. Thank you dear God for bringing Dudley safely out of her surgeries and we ask that you give her strength, comfort and hope to believe that she will *~*SoOoN!!*~* be through with all this heartache and fear. Also, prayers are being sent up for her beloved son who is a Pilot...Lord, You surely know the nature of what he is in urgent need of.  Please, watch over him , keeping him safe from all harm and give his family strength and comfort during this difficult time.

fhmmany :Bless our friend dearest Father, and protect this lovely person , her husband Lewis and all her loved ones, from any ill. May happiness always surround Frankie and her beloved family. Grant peace, prosperity, and especially good health to this generous, warmhearted and caring lady. May You heal her granddaughter Laney, from all her ear problems.

Geraldine/Charlene:  Father in Heaven, we come to you on behalf of our sweet friend Charlene and her family.  We ask that You watch over them always keeping them safe from harm and all evil.  We especially are worried about Charlene's son who is suffering severe depression.  Lord, You alone can lift this mans spirits and help him through these trying times.  Heal him and bring sunshine, laughter and love back into his life.  May this family be filled with Your Spirit and turn to You for all their needs.  We thank You for hearing all of our prayers . We know that You answer them in Your own time and in Your own way, knowing what is best for us.

Havinaclayaffair/Lora :  Father, thank You for sending us this special friend.  May she and her family be blessed with all the good things life has to offer...for it is through You that they come. We ask that You surround Lora with Your Love and Light , protecting her from all evil.

[Moonshot]

ILOVETOWRITE/SHANNON :Father, may You send Shannon the Support of her family when needed and remember that our friend is in need of Your Guidance.  Shannon has had many medical issues as of late and we ask that You heal her of all things that are intrusive to her wellbeing.  Also, please continue to help her with her weightloss. May she always find Enjoyment in her writing and have the talent necessary to be accomplished in it. May she always remain devoted and Continue the study of Your Word. We thank You for leading Shannon to this new job that she is enjoying so much.

JAN : Jan finds joy in her artwork and gives such joy to others through this form of expression. May You grant her Success in her business. We are all thrilled that You opened her husbands heart to Your love and hers. Also, we thank You, for helping their son, by leading Him to a good place dear Lord.  Jan and her husband have had some difficult health issues for awhile now and we ask that You in Your loving mercy, heal them and restore them to health and be free of pain.

JJ/Joyce: Father, we come to You with hearts that are both heavy and happy.  Heavy because we have been separated from our dear friend Joyce, yet happy, because she is no longer suffering.  Lord, we ask that you bring comfort to Joyce's beloved husband Alan, children, sister and family.  We know that Joyce is home at last and that You Lord, have a very eager angel recruit on Your hands.  Let the courage and grace that Joyce put forth be an inspiration to us all.  Father, this distraught family already bears too many burdens.  Lord, this family has suffered so much these past seveal years.. we IMPLORE You to heal their pain.  Joyce's Little niece Lauren remains in constant need of Your healing as well. Please, Carry them through these trials they must endure. Heal Lauren O Lord, if it be Your will, as you are the Master Physician.

KCChristianforClay/Meesa:Most Merciful Lord, our friend Meesa is another one of Your faithful stewards who lives her life according to Your will and Your word.  Meesa has suffered much heartache in the recent past and she wants nothing more than to be able to find love and trust once again in her life.  We pray for her happiness and also for her health issues for she suffers much pain.  Also, her Grandmothers are both in need of Your healing.  We pray for Meesa, and all of her family.  We thank you for always hearing our prayers and we stay steadfast in our faith knowing You will answer them in the time and way that is best for us.

LiftClayUp/Carol:  Most merciful and Loving Lord...we once again come to you with heavy hearts.  Our friend has lost the fight against her Cancer. We asked You to ease Carol's pain and hold her in Your loving arms....and You did just that....You have taken away ALL her worldly pain and taken her back home to a place that knows no pain or heartache,  only beauty resides there.  At this time though, her family is in pain dealing with their separation from their loved one.  Please, give them strength and comfort at this time of mourning and may they always remember to celebrate Carol through all of their lives.

Prissy :Lord, May You Continue to bless Prissy with the talent she has playing the violin which brings joy to so many. Heal her painful knees, dear Father, for they have been bothersome for much too long. Prissy's husband Skip also suffers with back pain and our prayers are for him as well. Father, You are most loving and kind to those who come to You and You give to all who come in the name of the Lord.

SASHA :Lord, our friend is still quite saddened over the passing of her beloved Father even though it's been a few years already.  Please, reinforce the knowledge that Dad is not gone, but just separated temporarily from his loved ones, and is "living" to the fullest in the most beautiful of abodes. Please hear our prayers and lift the sorrow from her heart. May You Bless her for the friendship she brings and may she find joy in all aspects of her life.

SPIKEE AND HAPPYHUBBY : Lord, You have created a beautiful union between these two very special people..... May you protect our friends from all ill and shower them with much joy and happiness in their lives. 

TAMMY Dearest Father, our friend is in need of your comfort and guidance, please take away the anxiety she is feeling and the freedom to be able to adapt more easily to new situations as they arise in her llife. Also, we ask that you bless Tammy with happiness and success at her job and may she excel there. Please, as for all of us, bless Tammy, her Children , her parents and all her loved ones with health and well being. Sean, Tammy's son had Mono in the past...we ask that You continue to heal him and to restore him to perfect health.  May Sean excel in his college studies and in participating in his forte which is Track.  Thank You dearest Father.

WOODSTOCK854 : We ask that You heal our beloved friend's painful leg.  Bless Debbie for bringing us all together and making this whole community of friendships possible. Please give Protection and direction to her son who now is in college,  as well as all others in her family.

ydebi/Debi:Father, You are all powerful and we give Praise to You Almighty God.   Our friend has lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Please be with her family and friends, give them strength and comfort during this time.
---------------------------------

ILOVETOWRITE /SHANNON HAS SENT US THESE LOVELY QUOTES:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).


"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).
-----------------------------------------------------

.......and from me,


Give me eyes Lord, to see hidden tears,
Help me to comfort those filled with fears.
Give me ears, Lord, to hear the plea
Of those who depend and rely on me.
Give me strength Lord, for those, weaker than I,
To share their burdens and not ask, "WHY?"
Give me courage,Lord, to forget pain from the past,
To know in Your arms, I can find peace at last.
Give me wisdom, Lord, to plant the seeds,
In those who question what this world really needs.
Give me Your grace, Lord, for it's only through You
I can find the insight to know what to do.
Give me hope, Lord, when new challenges begin,
Through a joyful life, that comes from within.
Most of all, Lord, as You taught from the start,
Just give me a kind and loving heart.

Shirley Wlodarczyk

------------------------------------------------------------------

Lord, You are kind and forgiving, most loving to all who call on You.
Psalm 86.

May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in these works!
Psalm 104:31

[Moonshot]

WELCOME TO SESSION 134!!!

May Session 134 be filled with friendship, sharing, and fun!!!! May this always remain a place to share our Claylove, and sometimes obsession.     May the path to our cottage remain a smooth one.  May past disagreements fade away and new memories and friendships be made. This is my wish for this, and for every session of the OCD Support Group.










Woodstock X134

[Moonshot]

I know I'm not Woody, Jayne, or Boca but we needed a new session. I hope no one minds that I've started it.

[claydevotee]

I know I'm not Woody, Jayne, or Boca but we needed a new session. I hope no one minds that I've started it.

  MICHELLE!  You are YOU and you are loved!!!  Thanks for starting a new session. 

Good night, OCD!

[Glory]

                         HEARD A NOISE OUT BACK TURNES THE LIGHT ON A HUGE POSSUM SITTING THERE LOOKING AT ME. HAD CALLIE CONCERNED. AFTER A FEW JUST SAUNDERED OFF NOT A CARE IN THE WORLD.  UGLY

                         WELL WENT OVER MY NEIGHBORS TODAY HAD A NICE CHAT, MY LANDLADY CAME OVER I AM DONE BEING NICE FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. I FELL ASLEEP AT 6 WOKE UP AT 10 WHEN THE CREATURE APPEARED GUESS I AM JUST GROUCY.

                            THANK YOU MICHELLE.

[fhmmany2]

Thank you for the new session, Michelle! 

Good Night, OCD - Sweet Dreams! 

[Claygirl]

Hello all, remember me? The stranger who always wishes she had more time to post, but never seems too?
I know I've been so awful about keeping up with everyone, and I hope you know how much I think of you all everyday, and feel an emptiness in my life without you when I'm not here.
I've just been in such an emotional slump lately, more so then usual even, and it's been hard to focus on much, even going online, and then I've actually been kinda busy, which has helped get my mind off of things, but also made me too tired to even go on the computer, and the one time I managed too, there was about twenty security updates to do that took forever with my dial-up, but anyway, I've been working on projects around the house, I organized and put away my clack DVD's, and our regular DVD's so they're not just laying around everywhere.
Then, (only because we had gift certificates, credits from returning things, and a couple things were on-sale or had differed payment for a couple years,) we were able to get some things for our living room, that's been neglected and kinda empty for far too long.
We had a leather armchair and matching ottoman delivered a couple of weeks ago, from Pottery Barn, (I thought I'd include a few pictures, , all from online, not our actual living room of course. Glory I thought you might like to see since I know you got some new furniture recently too. )
(clickable)

it's so comfortable and nice looking, almost too nice for our living room!
It was delivered on the best day too, weather wise, cool and cloudy, (I've been enjoying the cool spring we've been having here so much, I hope this pattern can hold for the summer! ) no heating up the house having to wait with the front door open, and no flies trying to sneak in either.
After that, we cleaned the foyer, and put down a new hall rug.
The same day, the UPS man bought a table we ordered, (it's really an entertainment center, but we're going to use it to hold our computers and other things, instead of the TV,)
(clickable)

the thing was, it was in parts!
We knew it had to be put together, but the person my mom ordered it from promised it would be easy...it wasn't!
A couple days later we put it together, and it was the hardest thing we've tried to do! Especially when I was the one holding big heavy pieces of wood when my mom screwed the parts together.
The finished project looks lovely, but I never want to do anything like that again!
This is the smaller mission style table we have in the hallway, that I mentioned before:

And this nice lamp is still backordered, but should be coming by the end of the month.

Then came the switch to digital TV...what a nightmare.
Our TV's were a few years old, so instead of getting converter boxes, for TV's that could break soon after, we decided to get two new digital TV's, one for the kitchen, one for the living room, which we got and put away months ago. They don't have VCR's, so I had to make sure if there was anything else I wanted to see on my old tapes, I had to watch then while I still had the chance. Which took a lot of time too.
(Then I had to just throw them away, since I'd never be able to play them again, and it just broke my heart, to get rid of all my Clay tapes, even though I have most everything on DVD, I had still worked hard on those and they held a lot of memories. )
Finally I had to set up the kitchen TV, hook up the TiVo, (You're right Prissy! I love it and it is amazing! ) and learn how to work everything, somehow I managed to this and was feeling pretty good about myself Thursday night, and that we had taken another step out of the dinosaur age and were really for the transition.
Until Friday when the switch happened and I lost three channels I'd always gotten before, ABC being one of them.
Of course I panicked, thinking no more Dancing with the Stars, Lost or the soap I've watched my entire life, General Hospital.
So I've spent the past four days, (four days!!! carrying TV antennas throughout the house trying to get reception.
I finally, (after setting up the living room TV too,) found ABC and another missing channel in the living room, but it's still so frustrating because the TiVo is already set up in the kitchen, and that's where we mostly watch TV, (like when I'm on the computer, which now makes me lose all the channels when I turn my computer on, )
And finally, Saturday night, after not being online due to constantly moving antennas around, I found out David Cook is coming to Chicago, (something I've been waiting and waiting for,) 20 minutes from me.
I've made no secret about how much I like him, how sad I was when rain caused me to miss his concert last year, and how much seeing him live, just once would mean so much to me.
I got all excited for about a minute, then realized the tickets had already went on sale, just...that...morning. They of course were all sold out, (good for David, not so good for me, ) there are tickets still around online, but for about triple the price.
Of course I knew we couldn't afford to go see him, but I told my mom anyway, and sure enough, not only did she say we can't afford it, she got the same attitude she always got when Clay would come near.
She looked up the venue, and found one reason after another why I can't go, especially that this would be a general admission show, standing room only, where she said there's no way she's going to stand through a show just for me.

So I did my own research, found cheap tickets on eBay, and new information on the venue that there are some seats for those who don't want to stand, so she'd have a place to sit, I even offered to put the small amount of money I've made selling our old DVD's and VHS movies in my online store, toward the car ride there, (which should cover half,) also pointing out that I am a 22 year old woman, not a child, and could go alone.
She won't even consider it. Not to mention all the speeches about how I'll be putting my saftly on the line, if I go alone. (I would prefer she came along, this being a new place I've never been too in downtown Chicago, and since I don't have anyone else,) I tried to come up with solutions for the reasons she doesn't want to go, and doesn't want me to go, and still nothing.
I don't have the energy to fight and beg, like I've had to every time I tried to see Clay, so this is one more thing to add to my emotional slump.
I had a feeling when she offered to help me see David (or Clay, whoever toured first,) in my birthday card, that she wasn't telling the truth, when I try to tell her how much this would mean, and that I may not get this chance again, she calls me selfish and basically says that since she doesn't have something or someone to think about to get her mind off problems, or that she'd want to see, like I do with David, that I shouldn't either.

So, that's what's been going on, keeping me away. Thanks for letting me vent and "listening", if you made it to the end of this message. I just wanted to stop by and say hello, :hi and say Goodnight to the OCD.
I will try, try to catch up and start posting a bit more soon.
~Kelly~

[Anniebell]

Here is a Refresher Course for Everyone .....

The liquid inside young coconuts can be used  as a
substitute for blood plasma.

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than
seven (7) times.

Donkey's kill more people annually than plane crashes
or shark attacks.

You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching
television.

Oak Trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty (50)
years of age or older.

The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's gum.

The King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache.

Turtles breathe through their butts.

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating
one (1) olive from each salad served in first -class.

Venus is the only planet that rotates clock wise.

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you
up in the morning.

Most dust articles in your house are made from dry skin.

The first owner of the Marlboro Company died from lung
cancer. so did the Marlboro man.  Remember him?

Walt Disney was afraid of mice.

Pearls dissolve in vinegar.

Dentists have recommended that a tooth brush be kept
six (6) feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles
resulting from the flush.

A ducks quack does not echo and no one knows why.

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs ... but not downstairs.

Don't forget to move your tooth brush !

[Her]

Good morning!

Thanks Moonie girl for the new Session.  We appreciate you taking the rein and taking care of us.

Woody, pop in soon.    Hope you're well.

Anniebell, good tidbits!

Thank you Frankie and Pepe.

Frankie, yeah it does take a bit for kids to find their place and grow up.  Time will tell.  How's Mr. Lewis doing these days? 

Pepe, even hostess jobs are not to be had.  Those that have them aren't giving them up or losing them.  Example, simple receiptionist job...265 applicants    not one I applied for just an example of the times.  I appreciate the concern.   How are you feeling?  Hope you're not overdoing it.   

Have a great day everyone!

xoxoxo
me

[KSChristian4Clay]

Good morning everyone! 

[fhmmany2]

 

Good Morning, OCD - Happy Tuesday!

Kelly - good to see you here! Your new furniture is really pretty - getting your house like you want it makes a big difference to the way you feel, I think. I do hope that you end up getting to see David Cook.

Carol - interesting facts!

Jayne - Lewis is doing great - this is his favorite time of year, since he loves to work. He is out in the garden every morning at daylight.

Meesa - love the Montage!

Another very hot day here - hope things are good wherever you are! See all of you later..........

[Prissy]

Good Morning!

Skip and I went out early to do some watering and planting in the yard.  I skimmed the pool and sat in the gazebo for a while.  Like Frankie, we are going to try to get up early for yard work because it is so hot right now.  I do think the gazebo thermometer said 100 degrees yesterday, or close to it! 

I am going to finish laundry and catch up on some paperwork today.  Mostly inside stuff!  I do have three weddings this weekend:  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!  :violin  :violin  :violin

Jayne,
I'm sorry to hear the job situation is so bad where you are.   Unemployment in Texas is not as high as lots of other states, so not so many problems here yet.  But we do have American Airlines and Southwest Airlines that are experiencing some financial challenges.

Kelly,
Lovely furniture and it sounds like you are having nice temperatures, too.   Why don't you see if there is a local David Cook Fan Club that will be attending the concert.  You might find someone to ride to the concert with.  I would be lost without TiVo!!

Carol,
Great and unusual bits of information.  Nice to know I am burning calories while I sleep! 

Glory,
A possum looks like a big rat to me!  I would not like to see one at my door, either!

Frankie,
Skip brought in some green and red peppers from our plants yesterday.  I know he still has onions growing and we are waiting for the tomatoes to start getting fruit.

Pepe,
I hope you have a good day today and that your eye continues to improve everyday.

Michelle,
Thanks for starting a new thread for us.

Thea and Jan,  Still thinking of you! 

Hello also to others checking in and have a Terrific Tuesday!



Come join me for some lemonade and CHOCOLATE CAKE in my gazebo!!  We'll turn on a fan so we won't melt in the heat!

(Clickable)


Then, we'll sit by the pool and enjoy the shade from the swing.

[claydevotee]

Thea and Jan,  Still thinking of you! 

awwww, PRISSY.  Thank you!     I'm still here.  Just not back into the OCD swing of things yet.  I got a lovely card from our JEANNE the other day, so I know she's alive and kickin', as well!

Today is Phil's and my 30th wedding anniversary. This morning he sent me a beautiful summer floral arrangement.  I'll try to post a picture.  It is absolutely gorgeous.

Now we have to get ready for Phil to go to the hospital to take a routine stress test.  Hopefully all will go smoothly.  Afterwards we plan to go out to a casual place for a good lunch.  We had hoped to celebrate later on in the year by taking a cruise, but unfortunately with so many family matters up in the air right now (pending move of my Alzheimer's aunt to a county facility, pending move of my mother to an assisted living facility and pending move of my California son/DIL across the country, etc, etc), we've decided to hold off until things get taken care of.  Hopefully this will happen by the end of the year. 

PRISSY, I can't believe you still even have a chocolate cake left to serve us in your gorgeous gazebo!!!  In our household it would have been looooonnngggg gone by now!    (I can't begin to tell you how tempted I am by 2 wedding cake toppers stashed away in my freezer.  )

Need to hit the showers now!

[claydevotee]

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with individual posters here.  I'll try to do better.   

[Pepe]

PRISSY, you are such a tease!!!!!    Okay we will all be there for that lemonade and chocolate cake!  Yummmmmm!!!  I have just sent you a ton of pictures for the Garden Thread.  You are so nice and kind to me and here I go and load you up with more work.  Finally have some things in bloom so I can contribute something to the Garden thread.  My monitor is still on its way out.  The color is half gone and can't enjoy all the pretty flowers.  The reds look dark drab purple and no color in some of the other flowers I look at on the computer.  So I hope the pictures turn out okay. 

Just got back from the bank and store and did not have a prescription ready so off we go again.  Maybe I can get hubby to buy a late lunch and that will take care of dinner too.   

BETTY, glad  you had a nice vacation.

JAYNE, didn't you at one time think of relocating to NC?  Although I remember when you tried selling your house.  I know a lot of people here in Michigan said they would be gone if they could sell  their house.  What can you do when your money is all tied up in your house and  you can't sell it.   I think NC and Texas are two places that don't have such high unemployment. 

[claydevotee]

Maybe I can get hubby to buy a late lunch and that will take care of dinner too.   

  SHIRLEY!  Ah yes, great minds think alike!      BTW, I'm so happy for you that the bubble behind your retina has finally dissipated.  Hooray for better vision!