Holt HotLine Blog

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2011-01-28T16:02:00.002-06:00

Holt HotLine Blog: Feelin' Blue

2010-11-18T13:11:00.000-06:00

Feelin' Blue

2010-11-17T15:19:00.002-06:00

   Sometimes life is not what you dreamed it would be,some of us strive for greatness,some for wealth,others just exist. I have been thinking about my existence and I always seem to beat myself up because I'm not as "religious" as others or as pristine (vain) as some or ambitious (greedy). I am Priscilla Irene Holt Ortiz with all the rough edges and raggedy seams and I am proud of the fact I had a Dad and Mom that were less than perfect but raised us to be proud of whatever we contributed as long as we did the best we could. I have been reminded of late of family members that have placed themselves on a very high pedestal along with their children because of their "religious" status and I am saddened that they disregard their own relatives while they are "fighting the good fight" to save the world,when family members are hurting and in need. I realize they chalk this distress up to the fact that these family members were not raised in the sheltered "Church" environment and are never going to be on the same level as they are due to this enlightened upbringing. This is where they are wrong. Your good works are not going to get you anywhere as long as you are turning your back on your own. God expects you to lift them up and not judge anyone because of how they were or were not raised. They have souls and feelings and deserve to be ministered to as well as any lost soul you are allegedly seeking to bring to salvation.
   I was raised in a church background and heard the gospel preached by many a good man,as with all religions backed by man, they are going to fail in some way and so I chose the "no church"route and I must say it has been enlightening. Being raised around church people I know how superior they think they are,especially those with "the calling" on their life. Funny thing is,God speaks to all of us if we are listening.I have found through my years that a nobody,such as myself is more willing to pray for you than a "church person" They are to busy analyzing your faults and your inability to be a dedicated prayer warrior such as themselves. I think that is the key here,"themselves" . Most people associated with religion are very selfish if they have promoted themselves to the God Level that most seem to think they are at.People fail,they are imperfect and a church and a religious practice are not going to change that.It is easier for me to live for God outside of church because I know what goes on in church. Self righteous people with attitudes because they think they are above anyone that lives a normal life,by normal I mean being good to others,praying for others and being a good example all the time. It can be done without Church,trust me. I am more sensitive to others that struggle,church folk think you shouldn't be struggling if your living right.NOT TRUE! We all struggle,it is part of God's plan to make us stronger.If your not struggling you are not living! My struggles come from the cold hearted people that stand back and watch someone drowning and don't reach out to them because they have determined them to be beneath them "spiritually". Quote your Bible sciptures all you want,it means nothing if you cannot reach out to someone and understand their pain and pray for them ,not at them.
   I have relatives I respect and admire for their stand with God. They have overcome many adversities and been an inspiration to me and my family.I do not condemn them for their beliefs. I believe they care for my son and any of the nieces and nephews,cousins,aunts,uncles regardless of their "religious standing", Their prayers would be enough but they have children and grandchildren that are of the "self-righteous" generation and cannot view life from a real prospective.We are sinners in their eyes and all they can do is shake their heads and be sorry for us because we did not get on the Jesus bus when they did. How sad. Being called of God does not mean you turn your back on your family.God does not judge us by the amount of religious time we spend in church.I am afraid he is very disappointed by the ones that hide behind the church because they have no compassion for the lost.Some people were not sheltered in a religious upbringing and have had to face life head on.Count your blessings and be more tolerant,that's what God would want you to do.

Holt HotLine Blog: Livin' life

2010-11-17T12:52:00.000-06:00

Holt HotLine Blog: Livin' life

Livin' life

2010-08-12T10:59:00.002-05:00

   When loved ones and friends pass,the meaning becomes more profound as you get older. You begin to ponder and I just returned from the funeral of our old friend Delois,I find myself thinking of my own life and what mark I have made in this life,if any. I never had great ambitions or dreams of wealth and fame,I only wanted to be a good person,not a perfect person,just a hard working person that would always be there for someone if they really needed me.I like things, simple.
   I have faults that I do admit to,my lack of patience with ignorance,which comes by watching my dad and his family come to Illinois from the backwoods of Arkansas,with barely an education and poor but they did not lack determination. I saw them struggle to survive in an environment that was totally foreign to them. They worked hard,they did not look to the government for a hand out,they trusted God and with help from each other they made a life. I saw them work regardless of their health issues,and sometimes two jobs just to make a good life for there families. They did not sit back and wait for a hand out and as tough as it was for them I admired the fact that they all managed to make a life for themselves based on their raw determination. That is something we rarely see anymore. I see so many young people these days that are just lazy and are raised by lazy parents that don't teach them that hard work and effort are rewarded with satisfaction of knowing you did your best.
This world has become a generation of selfish,greedy,uninspired,undisiplined people that are breeding another generation of future chaos. The few good,upstanding people left are greatly out-numbered and are a dying breed I am afraid.
   I am proud that my family have lived their lives still carrying on those values that our parents and grandparents instilled in us and I am thankful that we will be the generation that can hold our heads proud and say we gave it our best. So I may not be a scholar,a minister,a great orator or anyone of great importance on this earth but if I gave you something to talk about or laugh about or have a fond (or not so fond) memory about and I have lived my life doing the best I could then I am content with that.Some people are meant for greatness in this life and some are not.If you fall in that catergory there is nothing to be ashamed of,God made us all and we are equal in his eyes and our individual lives are what we make them. We wouldn't be the people we are today if the people before us had been lazy,uncaring and undetermined so be grateful for that legacy. So I say goofy stuff and embarrass my kid,I laugh at silly things with my brothers and sisters,and cousins at least I can! Some families don't even speak to each other! I have a few GOOD friends,I never was one that could socialize well so if you are my friend then you are a rare find in my life.
   Delois was a special friend on this earth that I respected and thought of as a mother figure in my life. She left this earth knowing she had lived a good life and walked with God.You don't have to have riches,high education,or anything else this world offers as long as you have been a good person with a caring heart just as God intended. I can't leave you any wealth or riches when I leave but know that I loved you and prayed for you and I only wish the best for you on this earth.
Don't let another day go by without expressing your love,let go of the self righteousness that has made you too critical of someone because you think they aren't as smart as you think you are,stop looking down on someone else because they don't have the kind of job that you think is admirable (at least they work), don't look down on someone because they don't dress the way you think they should (maybe they aren't as vain as you).Don't carry past hurts around and pass them on to your children. If someone was less than perfect,imagine that! Be a good person and love the ones your with. We don't get second chances so make this life count.

2010-06-02T17:27:00.001-05:00

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Priscilla's Parlor

2010-04-01T15:28:00.001-05:00

Priscilla's Parlor

What the heck?

2010-01-07T12:10:00.003-06:00

Okay so I know we get old. But how come I now have hair like I wanted when I was 15? My hair was always curly and frizzy and I hated it. Now its straighter,doesn't need ironing (remember the 60's when us curly heads ironed our hair!) doesn't need to be rolled on orange juice cans(yeah,I did it!) So now that my courtin' days are behind me I have the good hair I always wanted. Except now the old lady in me doesn't want it hanging in my face. I would rather have some curl back! Something is not right about this! I have young hair and an old lady face. I am not liking this aging process one little bit and I think I will be a Maxine as time goes by! Or as Maxine says:
The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket."

"To err is human; to forgive, highly unlikely."

"Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have millions of old ladies running around with tattoos and pierced navels? (Now that's scary!) "

"Money can't buy happiness--but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia."

"After a certain age, if you don't wake up aching somewhere...you may be dead."

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2009-10-06T15:46:00.001-05:00

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Facebook | Priscillas Parlor: Save our Downtown!!

2009-10-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

Facebook | Priscillas Parlor: Save our Downtown!!

Time will Tell........

2009-09-30T16:20:00.005-05:00

It is true,as we grow older we do get weird and turn into the old folks we never thought we would become. It is happening to me as I speak(blog). When I was young I thought anyone over 25 was old,now I am old and I have stopped thinking about it. (see, how weird!) I find myself talking to my inner self(A LOT) and I have very definite opinions I must say. I am not patient with today's children. I find most of the ones I come in contact with,selfish,spoiled and over-bearing. I listen to the little monsters demand,threaten and embarrass their parents,grandparents day in and day out. If I hear the phrase "Oh well,he/she is just a kid" one more time I will evaporate into thin air! Yes, he/she IS just a kid,shut them up and make them respect their surroundings. I don't want to hear the rants of your spoiled,undisciplined kid. Be an upstanding adult figure and teach them to be the same.
On to the next topic, I love autumn! It brings some of my favorite songs to mind, September Morn by Neil Diamond, Autumn Leaves by Eva Cassidy and Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy. It makes me want to bake bread,rake leaves and remember some times from childhood that warm my heart. (did you notice how my mood suddenly changed? OMG! ) Light a candle and embrace your fleeting youth. I did not expect to grow old but it has a firm hold on me now! I regret any comments I made in my youth regarding old folks,how stupid I was to think it was going to bypass me and I would remain forever young. So now for the moral of this story:
Respect your elders,they may be weird and drift from sane to insane at the drop of a hat,I believe that is because of all the wisdom and life experience that is crammed into our small craniums. We keep shifting it all around in there and sometimes it gets a bit jumbled when we share it with others. Smile at us and remember the same fate awaits you, one day you will feel a tap on your shoulder and it will be old age. It will come a callin' and will not go away,next thing you know....you're blogging about the craziest things! Growing old is not hard to do,it's hard to accept. Once you get past that it's just a matter of being you and not caring what some whippersnapper thinks(yeah,I'm old). I can be odd,say what I feel,be honest,or laugh hysterically ...at nothing! I could not do that when I was young,I was afraid someone would think I was not cool ( I wasn't,I was a nerd but I still tried to pretend I was!) So you can bank on one thing, my young friends,your degrees,accomplishments,and other self accolades will not be what you are remembered for, it's how you lived your life and the kindness,respect you have shown for others, that is the true measure of a life well lived.
How did all this wisdom get stuffed in my tiny head?

Priscilla's Parlor at iOffer

2009-06-12T11:58:00.002-05:00

Love the Ones Your With

2009-04-18T11:03:00.006-05:00

We learn so many valuable lessons in life. Unfortunately,we learn some of those lessons too late and some of them don't register with us until later in life. As a kid growing up in Northern Illinois my life was so much different than the lives my parents were raised up in. We were not rich but we had all we needed and were provided for by hard working parents that did what they had to do to give us the necessities of life. I am grateful we were not raised like most of the kids in today's world. We were not spoiled and did not think that we had to have the best of everything. We appreciated everything we had and knew that if we wanted something in this life we had to work for it. My dad worked 2-3 jobs to make sure we were dressed nice for school and church and had 3 meals a day around the table with the family. (imagine that!)
No, our lives were not perfect ( I am speaking on behalf of all my dear cousins who had a good ole Holt boy for a father) There were turmoils and hard times for all that had dealings with the Holt/Williams clan. Lots of emotional conflicts and ghost of the past that filtered in and triggered many outbursts that sometimes did not end well. We have all endured them and if I may speak for all,we have turned out to be exceptional people! I don't think you will find too many people left in this harsh world that are as loving and sensitive as us Holt's. Yes I said it,we are wonderful folks that have weathered the mental issues without the help of a psychiatrist or psychoanalyst (for that would be a sin!) I think we turned out to be pretty cool! We are generous,caring,family oriented and most of us are hard workers that are willing to lend a hand if needed and trust in God for His guidance.
So what is the point? We have learned from these things and grown. I want to give us all a pat on the back for being tough,honest and understanding despite our past. We did not become serial killer's,nut cases,or any of the other things that most people use to defend themselves of their bad behaviour. We didn't blame our mother's or father's(maybe once in awhile) we just got on with our lives as best we could and were grateful for what we had. As a result I think we have started bonding with each other more over the past few years and I know I am starting to feel a little "clingy" as our family shrinks in size. And so that is my point! We need each other! Don't let petty things come between you and your family members. It is not worth it! We need to hold on to each other and treasure our time together. We have a gift,a big bunch of great people with a wild mix of issues that have managed to still love each other!
So here is a recap,it's okay to be a little nuts,deal with it and don't inflict it on other's. Now if you'll excuse me I think I will take my medication and take a nap! Love You!

http://www.webspawner.com/users/holthotline/

How Cool is This?!

2009-04-10T17:12:00.003-05:00

I know it doesn't look like much but I think this old milk can is soooo cool! It has The Learn Dairy

Rochelle,Illinois imprinted on the front! I am dying to find out what year these were used and when Learn Dairy was in Rochelle. So I am asking for any information anyone can find to help me out! If you have any details comment back on this blog or go to our family website and send me an email http://www.webspawner.com/users/holthotline/

Family

2009-03-31T10:44:00.001-05:00

Growing older is proving to be quite a learning experience. Our family is getting smaller if you have not noticed,and I am finding with each passing day how important we are becoming to each other. Sure we have gone our separate ways in life but there is always a thread that keeps us linked and the past few months have been proof of how strong that thread is.

Uncle Ray is battling Alzheimer's and it has taken it's toll on him and the family,resulting in placing him at P.A Peterson in the alzheimer unit where Uncle Tut spent his final days. We have all dealt with the Williams/Holt personalities in one form or the other over the years and I must say what a delightful bunch they CAN be! But I have also seen the Jekyll-Hyde side as well and it can be quite frightening(ask Al)!

Charmer's,they are, those Holt boys! That is what makes these decisions so hard to make. We love the good side of them,but fear that terrible dark side that is associated with the disease. Now I don't totally blame Alzheimer's,I think if you factor in upbringing and other unknown trauma's of a tough childhood in the mix,we may be surprised they turned out as well as they did! I am saddened that we have lost Uncle Ray to this disease,but I am grateful it can be handled by people trained to deal with the situation and I pray that my cousins and dear Aunt Bessie can have some peace and comfort knowing they have done what's best for him and that is what God expects from us.

I can only hope that I can be there for any family member in their time of need and that they would be there for me as well. After all,that is why God made family units,to care for and love each other and share the burdens as well as the wonderful memories that we have all been given in this life. Maybe you cannot be by my side,but if I know I'm in your thoughts and prayers I will know that,and Uncle Ray will know that too! So say a prayer for him each day and ask God to give him a calm and peaceful spirit as he becomes accustomed to his new environment. Ask God to lead the people that care for him and let them see the Uncle Ray that is dear to our hearts. See the good,forget the bad and be grateful for a this wild mix of family we love! I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you all and if you haven't talked to someone in the family for awhile,go write a letter,send an email,post a comment on the website(yes I am still trying to get everyone to look at it once in a while!) http://www.holthotline.com

Send a comment in the guestbook or reply to this blog for Aunt Bessie and I will print them out and give them to her. If I have time to write this and you are reading it,take two minutes to send someone a thoughtful mention. It will make you feel soooooooo good! I promise.

Think About This.....

2009-01-07T14:43:00.000-06:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Weidos

2008-12-23T12:57:00.002-06:00

No I am not talking about my family. I am speaking from a merchant's point of view,a firsthand account of how strange and bizarre this world is that we live in.
I must communicate with people everyday being a business owner and I must admit I miss my 9-5 job I worked at for 15 years! At least there I could stay in my cubicle and do my work and keep to myself if I wasn't in the mood to talk. I guess you could call me an introvert (an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people). I am definetly in the wrong profession. I have absolutely no patience with petty, ingnorant people and I am surrounded by them on a daily basis.
I despise those who walk into the room and immediately begin listing all of their physical complaints. My thoughts are (this is my inner voice speaking) " You were able to get up,get dressed,and drive here,you cannot be that bad off!" If you can walk, talk and can get around on your own then please shut up and suck it up! We all have aches and pains that is the normal process in life. Those that suffer with terminal illness,strokes,heart attacks,and catastrophic sickness have my sympathy and prayers,the rest of you that can't speak a word without complaining are on my @$%& list (if you know what i mean!)
I face people everyday that literally make my blood boil. I have an anger issue I will admit that is triggered by ignorance! I want to try to address this problem and it will be on my list of New Years resolutions. But in exchange I would like for all the weirdos that come in and out of my daily life to also vow to stop being stupid and try to look at the big picture. So many people have BIG problems. Take a hard look at your problems and if they are merely an ache or a pain then you are okay,trust me. No cancer? No disease? No PROBLEM!
Live your life,share your joy, keep the rest to yourself. Do us all a favor and smile and say I'm fine,thank-you! Not only will you save yourself from needless complaining but you will also spare someone from having to listen to you!
Life is short,stop wasting it with the dumb stuff. Make a difference,be smart,think before you speak and for the love of mercy, don't bring it to me,I am reaching the Red Hat stage of life. I don't care what I say,I don't care what I wear and I will ignore you.
Whoo-Hoo! That felt good!

Christmas

2008-12-10T16:46:00.000-06:00

So it's Christmas time again. Do you find yourself loving it or loathing it? I went through my loathing phase and now after all those years I have finally rid myself of the reason for the loathing.
As children we were treated to the joys and adventure of the Christmas season. As adults we must face the ugly facts. There is no Santa for us adults so the gifts,celebrating becomes our responsibility. I accepted that long ago but very begrudgingly.
A few years back I found that eliminating the horrors of the gifting game helped relieve some of the stress. I do not give gifts,nor do I care to receive them as they are a sign of obligation and playing the well orchestrated Christmas tradition. If you want to treat me to a hug or a kind word I accept that more willingly than any gift you could offer.
I give my family the gift of my time and effort preparing my home for the holidays and sharing a good time of fellowship and fond memories. No strain on my budget,no time wasted looking for the "perfect gift"and no trip to the store for an exchange!
Besides the saving of my limited sanity I have more time to reflect on those wonderful memories of Christmas Past and I have a more spiritual feel for the Christmas Present. The gift of Jesus and his goodness that surpasses any and all gifts you could ever give.
So, with that said I am sending to each and everyone of you a heartfelt hug and a wish for peace and joy. Jesus is the reason, don't let the season be lost in a fog of dispair and debt,just share your love,it's more than enough!