What's The BEST That Can Happen?

You Know Who Likes A Good Story?

2010-11-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

How many times have you looked at something and wondered, "is there any other use for that?" Or, better yet, how many times have you been trying to create something...to improve something...and you are searching and searching for something to help and Bingo! There it is!

This is the basis for a children's book called The Waffle Story (by Natalie Kerrigan and illustrated by Ray Shilling). It was inspired by the late Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike: he created the waffle sole using the waffle iron from his kitchen! The book is told from Wendy the Waffle Iron's perspective.

The "story behind the story" is interesting, as well. To quote from the The Waffle Story website:

This book proves that when the timing is right the right things happen! In November of 2009, 6 years afters after Natalie created the initial draft of this story, her path finally crossed with Ray Shilling, the illustrator of this book, when Ray submitted an illustration of Phil Knight for a side project that Natalie was leading. Ray pushed for the initial meeting to happen sooner rather than later which allowed the book to be developed to a point where it could be shared with Barbara Bowerman just months before she passed away at age 96. (Barbara Bowerman was Bill Bowerman's widow.)

Although both Ray and Natalie are Nike Employees, they did this project on their own time and their own dime...that's how much they believed in it!

http://www.thewafflestory.com/

It's also available on Amazon . Check it out! It's an inspirational story, and a positive one, and we can always use more of those, can't we?

What Do YOU Bring To The Table?

2010-11-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

Like one big Thanksgiving Dinner, we all bring something different to the table--one person can't do it all. What do YOU bring to the table in life?

And So It Goes...

2010-11-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

To everything, there is a life.
To every life, there is an end.
To every end, there is a beginning.

Everything has a life.
Life ends.
Life begins anew.

"And so it goes, and so it goes, and you're the only one who knows."

--Billy Joel

Perseverance

2010-11-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

Perseverance. What does it take to "try and try again"? What gives you the inspiration and motivation to persevere?

I've Underestimated...

2010-11-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

...my self-underestimating problem.

No Words, Just Awe

2010-10-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Balance: Is It A Myth?

2010-10-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

We all have multiple roles in our lives. I am a mom of two young children, I'm a wife of over 17 years, I'm a daughter (and daughter-in-law), a friend, a sister (and sister-in-law), an aunt, a niece. Those are relationship roles that I juggle, and then there are other roles like maintaining the home and all that that entails.

One of the roles that has been greatly neglected in my life for some time now is that of being a writer. (My husband reminds me, however, that this blog is a writing outlet for me...and that's true...but I'm talking about something bigger here.)

When I met with a friend recently, she said that maybe I'm just not really wanting to write as much right now because of focusing on raising my kids (because if I really wanted to write, she explained, then I would find the time/energy for it). That might be true to an extent--but I realize that my relationship with writing is food for my soul. True, relationships are food for the soul, too. But, writing is different. Writing is my chocolate.

I have high expectations of myself. I am a perfectionist. Those aren't unexpected traits of a person of a creative nature. I often forget that not everyone is a writer. Not everyone looks at things the way that I do. We all look at the world through our own glasses based on our experiences and surroundings. I fall in to the trap, periodically, of questioning whether anyone would be interested in MY experiences or MY surroundings...so my writing suffers or stalls. Questioning oneself, or should I say doubting oneself, is not a good thing.

What do you do when something that is an integral part of your being (as I feel writing is to me) is being neglected?

Must we always be in complete balance and exert equal time and energy to all of our relationships, roles and passions? Aren't there ebbs and flows in life where certain things (or, dare I say, even people/relationships) are at the bottom of the list--but the key is that they are still ON the list? It's just not humanly possible to do it all, be it all, give it all, ALL the time! Somethings gotta give...and, thus, I remind myself to: give myself a break, write when I can, find other creative outlets, give myself a break again, and be prepared to be inspired because one day (maybe tomorrow, maybe 5 years from now) the flood gates are going to open and my fingers will be raw from all the typing!

One Little Step To Help The Earth

2010-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Plastic bags are estimated to take between 500 and 1000 years to rot and decompose. If you must use plastic, try to reuse them several times...recycle when you can.

The best choice, of course, is to reduce our demand on plastic. What's one little step you can take, starting today, to help the Earth?

Falling for Fall

2010-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

I love Fall. It's my favorite season. (I do realize that as each season wanes, I'm looking forward to the upcoming season with great anticipation.) One of the reasons I like Fall so much, is that I am a homebody at heart. Fall gives us permission to stay inside. It gives us permission to bake wonderful creations without as much worry of the caloric content. It gives us permission to get a little softer around our edges; insulation for winter, right? I love the crisp air that greets us in the morning, the light fog, the occasional sun peeking through--and, when we are really lucky--all of those things with a blue sky! I took the above picture outside of our house this last week. The sun was out, the sky was blue, the leaves were changing color and the wind would blow them off down the street, the air was cool, it was quiet...except for the ticking of the timer telling us the muffins were almost done!

Be A Kid Again

2010-10-16T08:07:00.001-07:00

Swim Swim Swim from Evan H. Senn on Vimeo.

This was a sweet little clip of remembering what it's like to be a kid and carefree and being goofy and having fun. Let's try it!

Who Has Seen The Wind?

2010-10-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you.
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I.
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.
--by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

What a poetic reminder that things are happening all around us, whether we can see them or not!

Sweet Song

2010-10-11T03:00:00.001-07:00

"The Show" by Lenka

Who, What, When, Where, Why?

2010-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

I love the curiosity of kids. They can make us feel like we know everything, and at the same time, can remind us that we still have so much to learn! When was the last time that you wondered something? Now, when was the last time that you actually went and learned about that something? Admittedly, going online to find answers is the quickest and easiest nowadays...but going to the library and researching there is where it's at! Better yet, find a pro and get the real scoop! We all have a bit of detective in us, don't we? (Or, at least we have a bit of Curious George!)

Being in a constant state of learning is what propels us forward. When we think we know it all, it is at that moment in which we are furthest from being a genius! Now go learn--and then share!

Happy 10-10-10!

LMAO!

2010-10-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

February 1999--the Niles character on the old sitcom "Frasier". One of the funniest clips--worth the 5 1/2 minutes! Have a great Friday and a great weekend! Find the funny!

Just Say Ommmmmm

2010-10-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried meditating? (Interesting little thing happened as I went to type the word "tried"...I ended up typing the word "tired"...hmmm, little subconscious interference at my fingertips.)

It's a little tricky at first, meditating. It can be very challenging to quiet your mind; "am I doing this right?" "I feel like a dork" "I'm hungry" "concentrate!" "oh, shoot, I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning" "now, stop it! you are supposed to be quieting your mind!" "I wonder why so-and-so hasn't called me back". You get the idea.

But if you can stick with it and find a way that works for you, meditation can be an extremely rich addition to your day. If nothing else, it gives you a few minutes to just focus on yourself, your breath, your body. Now, the next tough part is finding a quiet place to sit!

Everyone meditates differently. Make up whatever way works for you--the key is to slow your breathing (but keep breathing!) and try to slow your mind. I'd love to hear your meditation experiences!

**Update: here's a useful site to learn about meditation: http://www.how-to-meditate.org/index.php

Answers Are Not External

2010-10-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

We keep searching and searching and searching for answers, day in and day out. Books, seminars, DVD's, magazine articles, even online sources (including, dare I say, blogs) are constantly offering us answers to our questions. Of course, often times the answer is the wrong one for us specifically, but might be the right answer for the person next to us. The world is full of answers, we just have to find the right answer for US!

Here's the ultimate kicker though: You will not find the answer you are looking for in a book or in a religious gathering place or in a seminar or in another person. You will only find the answer IN YOURSELF. Answers are not external. Answers are always within.

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you just wish someone would tell you what to do? You are struggling with a decision and you hear yourself saying to someone "just tell me what I should do?" Even if that person told you what they thought you should do--that answer is coming from within them...not you. We all seek external support, external validation, external love. You have to remember, however, that those things are biased. Think about it: consciously or subconsciously, well-meaning or not--people can sway your decision or thought process one way or another by sharing their opinion on what you should do or think or feel.

But, we do need each other as human beings. We NEED support. We NEED validation. We NEED love. We also need to nurture those things in ourselves, however, before we search for them outside of ourselves. We have all the answers we will ever need right inside of us--we just have to quiet ourselves and trust ourselves enough to find them.

How Often Have YOU Been The Cigar Guy?

2010-10-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the "cigar guy"? He was in the background of a picture taken of Tiger Woods recently and he's become sort-of the "where's waldo" of the moment. It got me to thinking of how many pictures we have in our trunk of memories from vacations and other events that have "strangers" in the background...or, funnier yet, how many shots of us there are in other people's pictures.

Next time you are in the background of a photo being taken by a stranger--smile! You might become the most-talked-about part of the picture!

What's The Best That Can Happen In A Day?

2010-10-05T07:31:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the best thing that can happen in a day is to just get through it.

Are You Happier Than You Think?

2010-10-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that you are even happier than you think? Check out this article: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/lifeslittlepleasures/9-signs-youre-happier-than-you-think-2392659/

What do you do to sabotage your own happiness? If you focus on what you don't have, or even if you focus on what you want too much (because having goals is good)...instead of focusing on what you already have, you could be missing out! What are your thoughts while you are trying to go to sleep? What are your first thoughts in the morning when you wake? If you can literally "count your blessings" as you go to sleep (much better than counting sheep!) you might find that your dreams and overall sleep improve. And imagine waking up in a refreshed, positive mood!

Our biggest trap is "I will be happy when..." Fill in the blank. "I will be happy when I lose the last 10 pounds." "I will be happy when I get that promotion." "I will be happy when I get married." Whatever.

Stop. You just might be happy right now! Interesting, isn't it? Now that you realize you're happier than you think, what will you think about now?

Ed-you-kay-shun

2010-09-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

There is a documentary coming out called "Waiting for Superman". It's hard to fathom. They say this generation is the first to be less-literate than the previous generation. This is not just a problem for those of us with children--we are raising tomorrow's generation. Our nation's future depends on how we educate them.

I had some awesome teachers in my life. In my son's short school-life so far, he's had some great teachers, too! Please, share your stories of how a teacher made a positive difference in your life.

Let's fix the problem, people. Get involved. Pay attention. Mentor. Be a positive role-model.

I don't know the answers--I just know that something good can always come out of thinking positive and lifting each other up instead of throwing up our hands and giving up. Ideas?

A Fun Song To Get Stuck In Your Head

2010-09-30T10:43:00.001-07:00

Jungle Drum by Emiliana Torrini

And They Danced!

2010-09-29T07:23:00.001-07:00

Awesome. May your Wednesday be just as Awesome...and I won't tell anyone if you pull a couple of dance moves in your cubicle, car, bathroom, living room.

No Where Else But Here

2010-09-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

"Where you are right now is exactly where you should be."
--Bob Harper, Biggest Loser

How Do You Keep Sane?

2010-09-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

"My ability to recognize my not having the answers is what keeps me sane."
--Jon Stewart on the Oprah Show

Embrace Imperfection

2010-09-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in."
--Leonard Cohen's song "Anthem"

I saw this quoted in O Magazine and Nate Berkus added, "...to know that nothing's perfect and it's not intended to be."

Nothing is intended to be perfect. What a powerful realization! We try so hard, and we are only setting ourselves up to be disappointed. If we allow ourselves the room to be imperfect, what a glorious relief that would be!

Body and Soul

2010-09-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
--C. S. Lewis

Truer Words

2010-09-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."
--Marianne Williamson

Surround Yourself

2010-09-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday night, I met three of my friends for dinner. I used to work with these three women, and am fortunate to call them friends. As I was driving home, I thought about how I admire them all and always feel richer after a visit with them. Two of the women have kids around the same age (high school and above) and the other woman and myself have children about the same age (1st grade and under)...yet all four of us are having different experiences in our lives. We are all similar mothers in many ways, yet very different in ways as well. When I worked with them, we all had very similar ways of working, and yet very different ways as well. We are also wives, daughters, sisters, aunts--working women in every right who are doing our best to juggle many roles and responsibilities the best we can.

There are people who fill us up, and other people who drain us. It's an obvious preference to surround ourselves with people who fill us up. It is our commonality that initially draws us together, but our differences can enrich our relationships. I enjoy learning from people around me. I like that I have people in my life who are at different stages of their life. I feel like the luckiest gal around to be surrounded by such an array of kind, funny, complicated, earnest and truly lovely women.

Who surrounds you? What kind of energy do you find yourself attracted to? When you leave, do you feel enriched and energized? Similarly, do you enrich and energize those around you? Are you a source of light?

You Are Hereby Allotted 100 Words

2010-09-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Remember the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"?

I believe that people are innately good. We aren't born with opinions. We aren't born with hate in our hearts. Those things are taught to us either directly or by example.

I thought of this after watching the movie "Eat Pray Love" recently. Imagine taking a "vow of silence". Imagine if you could not talk at all--that you are making a choice not to talk. Then, imagine when that vow of silence ends, what would you say? Would you be more careful about your words?

Better yet, imagine that you are only given x-number of words a day to use. You are on a "word-budget" so you have to choose and use your words wisely.

Why do we talk?

Think about it. We talk to get our point across, to express our feelings about something or someone, to teach. All of those things can also be used negatively.

Words have weight. They can act as a strong base to stand on, or they can crush someone to pieces. They can hurt or they can heal. They are always intentional, and rarely forgettable.

How will you use your 100 words today? Step lightly, choose wisely.

And be nice, for goodness sake!

Miracles

2010-09-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
--Albert Einstein

A friend of mine had a photo on her FB page of an interesting plant (Hoya Carnosa). She said that she had it for seven years before it bloomed and that the flowers feel just how they look and last for about two weeks. What was most interesting, though, was she said that apparently to get it to bloom, "it has to feel a bit stressed." The metaphor wasn't lost on her.

Don't we mature when we've been challenged? When we are on the other side of a stressful situation, haven't we "bloomed"? Just as the plant didn't flower for seven years, sometimes it takes time and patience for others to see our beauty...and sometimes we require some time to feel ready to display our own full beauty.

When you look around, what miracles do you see? What causes you pause? In your busy day, what opportunities do you find to witness a miracle? What might you be looking right past, and if you stop to look at it...it just might be the most beautiful thing you've ever seen--and it might bloom right before your eyes? Life IS in the details.

Life, itself, is a miracle. And not just human life. The world is one big beating pulse. Grasp it. Be tender with it. Revel in it. Share it. Find the Awe. Find the Ahhhhhh. Find the A-ha!

Think of a Way...

2010-09-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

...to change the world.

And then act on it. Share your ideas with others. People want to make a difference; let them. Help them. You are important. You have a gift. Your voice is a song that can inspire change. You know it in your heart. You can do it.

Now sit down and think of a way...to change the world. The world is waiting, and counting on you.

Imagine All The People...LAUGHING!

2010-09-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, eyes closed, I imagined all of my friends and family laughing...I'm talking really belly-laughing. It was a nice way to fall asleep.

Outlook on Life

2010-09-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

"This year is going to suck." I saw this on a friend's Facebook page yesterday. It reminded me how many times we say things like this, ("today is going to be a bad day", "my whole week is ruined") and then, sure enough, we have begun to see things through muddy glasses.

You have the power over how you react to something. How can you put a positive spin on a negative situation? Often, finding humor in the situation works. Or, simply turning it around and asking yourself the good ol' question "what's the BEST that can happen?" Find a way to discover the lesson in the situation. Use it to your ADVANTAGE.

Get something out of it instead of letting it take something away from you!

I Miss Him

2010-09-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

"Tears and sweat often bring out the best in us."
--Mister Rogers

Things to Know About Labor Day

2010-09-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

This article from the Washington Post (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/civics-education/things-to-know-about-labor-day.html) was an interesting look at Labor Day facts.

How are YOU going to spend your Labor Day? Do you partake in an annual tradition on this day?

Daydream

2010-09-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

There are so many things to daydream about--

but the best is when you daydream about,

and wish for,

what you already have.

Daydream about your own life!

Want it.

Have it.

We Are All InterTwined

2010-09-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

Seaweed from Tell No One on Vimeo.

Each Day a New Beginning

2010-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling you get on New Years Day? A fresh start! A new beginning! A clean slate! A chance to start making new habits, and let go of the old ones.

Well, that feeling doesn't just have to be on January 1st! I find that I feel that way on the 1st day of EVERY month. But why just a monthly basis? You could feel that way each Sunday or each Monday as a new week begins. Better yet--each DAY is a new beginning. And BEST yet, each MOMENT is a new beginning. Change can happen at the snap of your fingers!

Grab the opportunities that each year, each month, each week, each day and every single moment brings you! What habits are you trying to start, which ones do you wish to retire? Let yourself be open to change. Take the time to re-evaluate your habits and decide which ones are adding to your life (and those lives around you) and which habits are just a waste of your time and spirit.

Happy September, everyone! Ready...Set...GO!

Direction

2010-08-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

What direction are you going? Do you have a goal? Many goals? How often do you set goals? Reach goals?

A fun clip from Seinfeld (ask yourself, have you given up? are you too comfortable?):

When I was working in the corporate world, goal setting was a regular occurrence. I would get my annual review by my supervisor(s) and we would talk about my goals for the upcoming year. Those goals, however, were strictly job-related.

Having been out of the corporate world for 6 years now, my goal-setting has slacked off. Sure, I have the ever-important goals of projects around the house. But, sadly, those things seem so trivial (and never-ending)...so when I reach those goals, it doesn't give me the high that reaching a goal should give.

(It goes without saying, of course, that my all-time number one goal is that of raising two well-rounded, compassionate, smart, thoughtful, silly kids. For the purposes of this post, however, I'm speaking of goals outside of parenting. Ahhhh, and there lies part of the problem. You know what they say--after having children, it's not about you anymore.)

Ultimately, it comes down to the direction you want to go in your life. But there's not a straight path to one goal, is there? There are curves along the way that you have to lean into. There is the scenic route that lends itself to enjoying the goal even more when you get there. It's about letting yourself change goals along the way--not giving up on a goal, per se, but remolding it. And making sure that those goals help you head in the direction you want your life to take you.

There is something about setting meaningful goals, and reaching meaningful goals, that makes you feel bigger than life...it makes you feel like life itself because you are actively participating in your life. Otherwise, life is just happening to you.

Sit down. Put pen to paper. Identify your direction. Set some goals. Aim high. Dream big. Show up. Take control of your own destiny. Ignite the fire that reminds you of the life beating inside you.

First the Rain, Then the RAINBOW!

2010-08-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

You can't have a rainbow without the rain. If you can't see the rainbow after the rain, then look up.

Sacred Sunday

2010-08-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Even if you aren't religious, you can make Sundays sacred.

Take some time today to connect with yourself. Connect with those who are special to you. Connect with the Earth. Find some time to be still, completely quiet, and focus on your breath. You are alive and are surrounded by life! Find some time to give some attention to the Earth--plant something, smell some flowers, take a picture of a beautiful landscape.

How will YOU spend some sacred time today?

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Saturday

2010-08-28T03:30:00.000-07:00

(Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: According to the 1964 Walt Disney film, it is defined as "something to say when you have nothing to say".)

Let today lead you. Don't dictate it. Let yourself go.

Fun and Foolish Friday

2010-08-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

Have you been working all week? Ready for a break?

Take some time today to do something FUN! It doesn't have to take much time--but something that is truly fun for you--be silly, laugh, loosen up. You deserve it!

How are YOU going to have fun today?

Thankful Thursday

2010-08-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

How many times a day do you count your blessings? What will happen to make you stop and realize how fortunate you are? EVERYONE has something to be thankful for! Sure, not everyone is financially wealthy--but in what other ways are you wealthy? And, of course not everyone has bus-loads of friends--but isn't one enough? Families can be challenging on our tender hearts because we expect so much of them--but a family isn't just about blood relation. Many of us aren't physically healthy, but we are still here, aren't we? We can make different choices to improve our health, our wealth, our well-being. And the first step is recognizing how much we already have in this life and to appreciate it and give thanks.

What are YOU thankful for?

Wordy Wednesday

2010-08-25T03:30:00.001-07:00

Books. Magazines. Newspapers. Blogs (thank you). Whatever your availability and interest is, there's always things to be read. Imagine how many people in this world have written something that other people have read. Imagine all that's still out there to be written and to be read. It's amazing to think of all the different ways that people have put together words to make a story. We all share the same words--the same dictionary--the same thesaurus. But it's how we mold those words into a story that is different. (Just like how we all share the same ingredients, but it's how we put them together into a meal that makes it different...or how we share the same musical notes but it's how we arrange those notes into a song that separates it from the rest.)

Take a trip to the library or bookstore (or peruse online) and discover a new author. Then, take a moment to imagine the time it took for that person to write what you just read. And when you are ready for the extra-credit portion of the assignment, write something yourself...and share it!

Tasty Tuesday

2010-08-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Food. It is similar to music in that it can bring out emotions, it can remind us of certain times, it can get us/keep us healthy or it can make us sick.

Take today to indulge in some amazing delicious food. Try a new recipe (I'm going to try Chipotle Mashed Potatoes). Try a new restaurant--or a new dish at your favorite place. Enjoy a meal with friends or family. Make a memory around your meals today.

What are YOU eating?

Musical Monday

2010-08-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Music is an amazing medium. It can make you feel all sorts of emotions. It can bring people together (and sometimes tear them apart.) It can remind you of a special time, or a difficult time or a funny time. It can make you think. It can relax you. It can get your behind in shape! It can help push you during your workout. It can set a mood or a tone.

Take today to enjoy some good music. Turn it up or keep it soft. You have the whole day to fill with every note under the sun! Make a musical memory for yourself and those around you today.

What are YOU listening to?

Castles In The Air

2010-08-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."
--Henry David Thoreau (via my dear friend, Joy.)

Be Extraordinary! Be Passionate!

2010-08-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

"I can't believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary."
Lou Holtz

"A different world cannot be built by indifferent people."
Peter Marshall

Cupcakes Make Me Happy!

2010-08-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

Mum's the Word Cupcakes from the cookbook "What's New, Cupcake". Can you believe these are cupcakes?

(And it's even better when cupcakes make those you love happy, too! This post is for my 6 year old who loves cupcakes! He's worth all the cupcakes in the world, and then some!)

Wanting What We Have

2010-08-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

"You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometime
You might find
You get what you need."
--the Rolling Stones

And what you need, you realize, is what you want--and what you want...you already have!

Happiness Is Yours EVERYDAY--Choose It

2010-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

"Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment."

--Swami Kriyananda, formerly J. Donald Walters,
American spiritual leader, author and composer

You Deserve What You Accept

2010-08-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

You've heard the saying, "You get what you deserve." Yes, I believe in karma. But also, you deserve what you accept! If you deserve the best, accept nothing less! This goes for your own expectations of yourself as well. If you do your best, the best you shall be! If you are good and kind to others, that comes back to you ten-fold! If you love yourself, others will love to love you!

Give more. Expect more. Accept more.

Party Like It's 2010

2010-08-12T17:19:00.001-07:00

Remember the song by Prince where he sings, "Party like it's 1999"? Who needs a reason to party, right? So why not plan a party? Nothing fancy (unless you WANT fancy), just friends and/or family, food, music...and you have a party! What's the BEST that can happen?

Music Is Universal

2010-08-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

Another find from the Starbucks Pick of the Week via itunes: Wiyathul by Gurrumul (above). Although he is singing in another language, the feeling is universal. Amazing how music can make you feel such things.

Below is Mr. Gurrumul in a duet with Sting:

Fit to be Pruned

2010-08-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday nights are usually for my elated posts about learning to swim...tonight it's about feeling deflated after showing up to swim tonight and finding that the class has been cancelled (there were 5 classes left out of a 10 class course...apparently I was supposed to have been notified via email, but I didn't receive such notification.)

I am completely bummed and disappointed. I am trying to find the positive aspect of this--and I'm sure I will figure it out, just not tonight. Tonight, I'm letting myself feel bummed and disappointed. Tomorrow, however, I will find another beginning swimming class and pick up where I left off. Unfortunately, part of the positive experience of my swimming class was the teacher and the other women students--and a new class won't have those same people. We came in as strangers and were joined in a common goal of learning to swim later in life. We were still kind of strangers, but we were bonding and I was looking forward to continuing to get to know these women.

Have you ever had the rug ripped right out from under you--how did you pick yourself up and refocus?

Support the Art(ist)s!

2010-08-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Oh Darling? They are a band now located in Echo Park, CA. You might have even heard some of their songs "subliminally" as they have been on promos for Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Volkswagon, and featured on Ugly Betty.

Check out their website at ohdarlingmusic.com and listen to a sample of their songs. They are trying to raise funds to release their newest album (I think you will find them worthy)! I have to say that it felt good to help support up-and-coming artists...even my little contribution can help someone else toward their dream. Here's a video of their song, "Prettiest Thing" with some darn cute animals:

How do you support artists? Have you been to an amazing art show recently? Do you have a favorite gallery you visit? How do you come upon new musical talent? Have you ever attended a poetry reading? Ever written poetry or music yourself? Painted? What is your artistic ability? How do you share it with the world?

Go Do

2010-08-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

Jónsi - Go Do from Jónsi on Vimeo.

I came across this song via the Starbucks Pick of the Week through itunes. The singer is very artistic and the song and words are inspirational. What do you think?

Lyrics:
Go sing too loud
Make your voice break - Sing it out
Go scream do shout
Make an earthquake...

You wish fire would die and turn colder
You wish your love could see you grow older
We should always know that we can do anything

Go drum do go out
Make your hands ache - Play it out
Go march through crowds
Make your day break...

You wish silence released noise in tremors
You wish I know it surrender to summers
We should always know that we can do everything

Go do you´ll know how to
Just let yourself fall into landslide

Go do you´ll know how to
Just let yourself give into low tide

Go do!

Tie strings to clouds
Make your own lake - Let it flow
Throw seeds to sprout
Make your own break - Let them grow

Let them grow (Endless summers)
Let them grow (Endless summers)

(Go do endless summers)

You will survive we´ll never stop wonders
You and sunrise will never fall under

You will survive we´ll never stop wonders
You and sunrise will never fall under
We should always know that we can do anything

Go do!

Who Are You?

2010-08-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Are we ever who we are meant to be, or is that what life is for...to get us there? Are you being who you think you should be...or who you want to be...or who you are? When do we know who we are? Or do we ever completely know, because isn't life about constant change?

Shed the Luxuries

2010-08-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Another article about living simply: less stuff=less bills=happier.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110275/but-will-it-make-you-happy

What do you think? Ready to shed the luxuries in your life and feel lighter? What is one luxury you WOULDN'T shed?

Money Can't Buy Happiness

2010-08-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

This was an interesting story...and seemed fitting after my previous post. Imagine having all the money you could ever want, and yet--happiness eludes you. Then that must mean that it's not about the money.

How Wealthy Are You?

2010-08-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about The Giving Pledge?

"The Giving Pledge is an effort to invite the wealthiest individuals and families in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes and charitable organizations of their choice either during their lifetime or after their death...While the Giving Pledge is specifically focused on billionaires, the idea takes its inspiration from efforts in the past and at present that encourage and recognize givers of all financial means and backgrounds. We are inspired by the example set by millions of Americans who give generously (and often at great personal sacrifice) to make the world a better place."

The article on CNN's Fortune explains it in further detail. It was the brain-child of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. It's a moral agreement, there's nothing legal about it. But it's honorable. This will be an amazing thing if it comes together and we see something from it. Imagine the changes that can be made, imagine the people that can be helped, imagine the peace that can be given, imagine the love...ahh, the love for our fellow human being that can be shown.

We have surely seen many examples over the years of people who aren't wealthy give to help their neighbor: September 11th, Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, various cancer charities, AIDS, the starving people in Africa, etc. etc.

It's yet another reminder of how extending our hand and helping our neighbor is vital to our existence. I applaud anyone who can give $1 or $1,000,000,000!

What Do You Believe?

2010-08-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

I frequently think about our beliefs. Where do they come from? When, if ever, do they change? Why is it important to have beliefs?

I wasn't raised in a very religious family. We went to (Methodist) church on Easter, sometimes, and Christmas, sometimes. I was never taught "the story" of the Bible...I barely remember those church visits. My parents, however, were (are) very honest, good, respectful, responsible people. They taught me how to behave, but what about what to believe?

How is it that I believe what I do? I don't remember anyone ever telling me about God, really. I don't remember anyone ever telling me "this is how it is."

What about you? Are our beliefs taught to us by our parents and that's just the way it is? If so, did you ever question those beliefs? If you grew up with limited religious exposure, how did you decide what you believed in?

And, the biggest question: Why is it important to have beliefs? I'm very curious what you all have to say about this one.

Page 56

2010-08-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Page 56 Game Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

For all of us writers out there, this is a good writing prompt opportunity!

Let the game begin!

Try It!

2010-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

What is something that you've been meaning to try for a long time, and have put it off or been too nervous or afraid?

Do It! Today! Go For It! You'll be amazed at what you can do!!!

Where are you today? What are you doing? Who are you going to visit? Who might you have an impact on? What are you intentions? If you are reading this at the end of the day, did you accomplish what you wanted to today?

You can make a difference to someone else in very small ways. Check in on a neighbor or friend/relative that you haven't connected with for awhile. Buy someone a cup of tea/coffee/hot cocoa/lemonade. Compliment the first person you see today who is wearing your favorite color. Let the car in who's trying to merge, and give them a wave-n-smile. Take a walk outside with a child...and go at THEIR pace.

You can make a difference in larger ways, too. Donate to a charity--better yet, donate your TIME! The next time you have a vacation, use the time to help someone else with a large project. We can't do everything alone. If you are the one in need, don't be afraid to ask for help!

I'd love to hear what you did today and how you made a difference!

Make this day about someone else...and, in the end, you will get so much in return.

**Update: after I posted this morning, I checked out one of my blogger-friends latest entry...and she made my day by mentioning me and my blog! It's funny: she was thanking me, but I thank her for her raw honesty and funny notes about life as a mom. I apparently made a difference in her day, and she's made a difference in mine! Check her out at Demanding Joy.

"Gimme, Gimme, I Need, I Need"

2010-07-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

(From the movie, "What About Bob".)

Anyone relate? Hello? Anyone? Anyone? (Now I'm spewing quotes from Ferris Bueller! Ha.)

My Lung Workout

2010-07-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight was my fourth swimming class--five left to go. After class this time, I was exhausted. Still incredibly excited and so proud of myself and falling in love with swimming, mind you, but very very tired.

My instructor told me that she has runners who come into swim class and are amazed at the lung workout that swimming will do for you. I believe it. Learning to breathe CORRECTLY while swimming is obviously still a work-in-progress for me. I am learning so much and having to remember so much (what are my legs and arms supposed to be doing? how is my head/ears/chin supposed to be positioned? should I be kicking above the water or below? hold my breath or blow under water?) I continue to be amazed each time I make it from one end of the pool to the other. Tonight I probably went from one end to the other TEN times!

I still can't believe I am swimming. I am really, really doing it! God, I really am. This old dog is learning a pretty cool new trick.

Working for a Living

2010-07-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

Today I saw an article on Yahoo Finance (click the link to the left to read) and gave it the once-over (while playing referee with the kids and attempting to pack for a trip to the zoo).

As a stay at home mom, one of the age-old questions we face is "do you work?" or "where do you work?" or "what is your job?" I caught myself saying, "I'm just a stay-at-home mom" once, and I felt like I punched myself in the gut! Being a stay-at-home mom is not "just" a job...or "just" work. It's all-consuming. It is harder than the hardest thing I ever could have imagined.

But this post isn't about that. It's about the uphill battle we will face when (or if) we decide to re-join the corporate world. I have been out of that world for almost 6 years now, and I realize every day that 6 years is an ETERNITY when it comes to the changes that have taken place out there. The techno changes alone is enough to completely freak me out.

How will I ever catch up? How will I ever be able to compete with those who will be decades younger than me. (Yup, I did just say that.) I used to be the one that was decades younger than other people I worked with--now I'll come in as the older gal who will need some serious ramp-up time.

When I think of all of this, it does start to bring on an anxiety attack at first...but then I stop and think about what a different person I am now than I was "back in the day." As a younger person, you are more focused on trying to climb the ol' ladder. If, or when, I return to work someday--maybe the kind of work I will do will be completely different than the kind of work I did before. Maybe that's part of the equation. There will be a place for me...I just have to find it--or, better yet, create it.

In the meantime, I have committed to a lifelong career that doesn't pay in dollars. I don't get weekends and holidays off. There's no such thing as a vacation or lunch break. The dress code is nothing close to fancy.

And, yet, I have never felt so accomplished in my entire life.

Freedom and Remembering We Have It

2010-07-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

One source of frustration for people is feeling trapped or bored in certain situation. It seems simple, but we forget how we are free to change any situation. Sure, some circumstances may be harder than others...then we have to get creative with our thinking and decision-making.

YOU ARE FREE.

You can decide that you want to sleep in today. Granted, that decision may have some repercussions if you are expected to be somewhere...but you are free to make that choice.
You can decide to begin the process of looking for another job. Of course, it's tough times out there right now--so pickings may be slim--but sometimes just the act of looking will help your perspective and get you out of your funk.
You can decide to say heck with the plans you had originally made for today and swap them for plans that make you feel ALIVE!

For me, I sometimes get bogged down with the "to-do's". I have to constantly re-evaluate that list and what priority it needs to have on me and my day. A dear friend pointed out to me recently that time is short and there is so much about this time RIGHT NOW that is special--so make the most of it. The to-do list will still be there...and you can make a different decision tomorrow because remember: You Have The Freedom To Do So.

Time Keeps On Slippin', Slippin', Slippin'

2010-07-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

I had this song stuck in my head today because my husband's 6 week sabbatical from work ends tomorrow...and it has absolutely flown by. We got a lot of things done (though not as much as we wanted, of course) but most important--we had an amazing vacation down to Disneyland with our kids that we will remember for a long time to come!

So here are the lyrics so that you, too, can have the song stuck in your head! Turn it up!

(Steve Miller Band, 1976)

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Oh, Lord, through the revolution

Feed the babies
Who don't have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin' in the street
Oh, oh, there's a solution

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

Getting the House In Order

2010-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am having an ugly fight with my house. Not the people in the house...the THINGS in the house. I'm constantly trying to "get organized" and, frankly, I'm getting pretty bored of doing the same thing day-in-day-out.

1. Paper. Mail comes in...mail lands on kitchen counter (even though I have an inbox for it)...mail gets spread throughout the house...mail eventually gets re-collected back to said-counter...mail eventually gets opened and placed in a stack to go up to the home office (after bills or priority items separated)...and someday, when the mail stacks in the office are getting ridiculous, the mail gets filed.

1a. Magazines. I really should just cancel all subscriptions (except my Writers Digest...love that one.) They stack up and I keep thinking that I will read them...or I might need them for some project someday...or...or...or...

2. Toys. I swear they multiply overnight. Sure, we have storage bins for them--and that is great when the appropriate toys are placed there--but there are many things that don't FIT in the bins...so thus the floor clutter of extra toys.

2a. Happy Meal Toys. Most of the time, the kids are excited to GET the toy...and they will play with it for awhile...but then it's not that exciting anymore. I really should just have a bucket of Happy Meal Toys and dump them on a regular basis. (Ahh, and then I remember that my kids happen to have amazing memories and will ask me where such-n-such is someday.)

3. Clothes. I am completely guilty of the "Just In Case" disorder. I have a certain amount of clothes that I wear on a regular basis. Then I have a section of clothes that I've kept "just in case." You know, the pants that are too big...but would be good for painting or getting dirty or stained (because I paint and get dirty and stained all the time...NOT!) The turtlenecks (do people even wear turtlenecks anymore?) just in case I'm in a blizzard. The t-shirts that have shrunk over time so they are either too short or too tight but would be good for layering...even though I don't ever use them. The few blouses that were from my office work days, even though I'm sure by the time I'm working in an office again I will need a major overhaul on my work clothes. I keep these things out of the worry that there's no guarantee that money will always be there to REPLACE those clothes.

4. Kitchen. Small appliances, dishes, cookware, random things that are only used rarely if at all--and yet I keep them "just in case."

You know, just the act of writing this gets me in a "no-mercy" mood to just go through and start pulling stuff out; only keep the things that are used on a regular basis! How wonderfully freeing it would be to have wiggle-room in drawers and cupboards, counter and floor space! I will keep telling myself, "does keeping this make you happy?" "if you let this go, will it feel freeing?" You dare me? I dare myself!

Shed. Unload. Filter. Weed. Minimize. Let go. Let in the light!

****Update: The kitchen is done and wonderful! The toys and kids books are getting there. The office is closer. The clothes are next.

Use It Or Lose It!

2010-07-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

"The longer you sit, the shorter your life span." This headline from a study jumped out at me! I have recently started running on the treadmill and learning how to swim and I love to dance and walk. It's a great reminder to GET UP! GET ACTIVE! USE IT OR LOSE IT!

On A High

2010-07-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

I had my 3rd swimming lesson tonight. Are you sitting down? I swam (sidekick style) from one end of the pool to the other! Several times! In the middle of the pool! Without stopping! And I backstroked from one end to the other. AND, the teacher had us jump in the pool in the DEEP END...and I did it!!! I left the class on cloud five-hundred-and-thirty-six! I seriously felt like I could do anything! It's a pretty darn awesome feeling to feel so proud of yourself and feel so empowered. It's the epitome of a natural high!

Then I thought, "what will be the next thing that I will overcome?" "what else have I always said 'I can't do that' and then I find that I CAN do that?"

The possibilities are ENDLESS! Watch out!

The Shot Heard 'Round The World

2010-07-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

Vaccinations. Never a fun time around this house. This morning we went to get shots for both kids. It's actually harder on my 5 year old than my 2 year old (although the drama that my 5 year old creates then makes it harder on my 2 year old because she watches his reaction.) So if you heard a lot of screaming today--it might have come from our pediatricians office.

When we told our 5 year old about the upcoming appointment, he got very upset and we spent some time explaining to him why we get vaccinations. We encourage him to focus on something else at the time of the actual shot (looking forward to visiting the toy store helps in this case.)

I wonder if "worry" is hereditary. I can tend to be a worry-wart, and although my worrying doesn't show itself in the same manner as my sons, it's worrying none-the-less.

What do you do when you are dreading a certain event? Do you get yourself worked up into a frenzy and then, before you know it, the event is over and you wonder what all the fuss was about? Sure enough, one of the questions that I ask myself when I'm worried is "what's the worst that can happen?" And then I turn it around and ask, "what's the BEST that can happen?"

Life Goes On

2010-07-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."
--John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy"

We went to my parents house this weekend and they live in the house that I lived in from 6th through 12th grades. There's always a feeling that happens whenever I go back there. I can't quite pinpoint it, but part of the feeling is like I'm right back in high school and that I'm just going to run into all my friends (or enemies...shudder.)
When I was 16, I was assaulted.
This weekend, I confronted that memory by going to a place that reminded me of that time. As I arrived there, a song came on the radio (Smile by Uncle Kracker) and that song made me think of my husband. I smiled. What I saw as I looked out at the view...was beautiful. It wasn't an evil place anymore. I appreciated it for what it was and I thought of the amazing man I married and how blessed I am in my life--and that event from 24 years ago faded for me right then and there.

Then, when we arrived home this evening, I was checking messages and learned that a friend of mine who lost her little boy to cancer last year is pregnant and due in November! This particular friend is an AMAZING inspiration to me--and she is an incredible mother to her children. This little baby is one lucky little guy or girl to have her for a mama. After getting the news, tears just came flowing down my face. My little girl came up and asked why I was crying--"are you sad, Mommy?" I tried to explain that we also cry when we are so happy...and that's why I was crying--I just was so truly happy for my friend. Then my daughter proceeded to give me the most tender hug and kiss and told me that she loved me.

You CAN go home again. And bad memories can be faced and replaced. Life Goes On. And it's as good as we make it. But life is not a guarantee--it is a gift.

Nothing Better

2010-07-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than receiving a random "I Love You, Mommy!"
There's nothing better than a fruit smoothie on a warm evening.
There's nothing better than one child making another child belly laugh (especially when their siblings...and especially when their my children.)
There's nothing better than laying my head on my pillow with a smile on my face.
There's nothing better than letting the day unfold just the way it is.
There's nothing better than that first second that the warm water hits your body as you step into the shower.
There's nothing better than looking into someones eyes...really looking.
There's nothing better than taking a minute to think of all the things that there's nothing better than!

My New Favorite Thing

2010-07-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I started taking an Adult Beginning Swimming class. I LOVE it! And I'm actually doing pretty good! But the part I love the most and I feel like I could just literally do all day long (if I didn't have, you know, a life) is back float. Tonight I learned how to do the backstroke, and I totally enjoyed it! I'm still having trouble breathing under water. Whenever I would try to blow out of my mouth, the water goes up my nose. Ick. I'm going to get a nose-clip and see if that helps. Tonight I had water stuck in my right ear after swimming...took forever to get out, I'm also going to invest in a swimming cap. One of the other swimming teachers commented to me that I was "born to be a swimmer." And the best part? Coming home to my own cheering section: I walk in the door and am greeted with "Yeah, Mommy! Good Job! We're so proud of you!" Love it.

Free Yourself

2010-07-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

What do you carry around with you each day? I'm not talking about physical weight, I'm talking about the guilt, burdens, shame, blame, traumas, dramas...the emotional crap that you carry with you each and every day.

Who has wronged you in your lifetime? What if you ran into that person on the street tomorrow? What would you do, what would you say, how would you feel? I thought of this scenario for myself earlier tonight--and there are people who have wronged me in such a way that has shaped me so much that I don't know how I would react if I saw them. They are, thankfully, not in my life anymore--and haven't been for many, many years (in fact, they were each only in my life for a relatively brief time)--but what they did to me has affected me deeply, to my core.

But at what point do I let go of it enough to be OK if I saw them on the street? I don't mean that I would greet them with open arms and invite them to my house for dinner! But can I be at a place where seeing them on the street wouldn't upset me, that it would just be like seeing any other stranger and that I could just keep walking and know that I'm OK and they can't hurt me anymore? What has to happen in ones life to get you to that point? For me, it's being in a safe and fulfilling place in my life--being married, being a mother, being a woman who is on a journey of self-discovery that leads me forward. Those things give me strength and courage to face the unknown, to face any fears of those past hurts.

The biggest realization is that if I don't let go of the past, then those people continue to harm me. They continue to have the power. I choose to retake control, retake the reigns, reclaim my own power. There is only ONE person that can dictate what my life is. There is only ONE person that can decide how I'm going to feel. There is only ONE person who determines my emotional well-being.

Me.

And I choose me. Because I don't want to carry anger or fear. I don't want it. I. Don't. Want. It.

So if I run into one of those people on the street, what will I do? I will think of who I am TODAY. I will think of all of the amazing people in my world who love and support me--the people who believe in me. I will remind myself that I'm OK.

I will think of ME. And I will let them go. And I will enjoy my freedom.

And then I'll dance my way down the street to enjoy LIVING, leaving them in the dust.

Find Not Seek

2010-07-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

"Anyone in a state of seeking can never be happy. Only those who are constantly finding are fulfilled. And finding is not something that happens to us...it is something we do."
--Alan Cohen

I had to really sit and ponder this one. What do you think? I thought of changing the word "finding" to "accepting"...but "finding" has a feeling of wonder about it. I get what he's saying about "seeking" though. If you are always looking for something, you are missing what's along the road getting there.

Trust

2010-07-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking of how many of us (most of us) take awhile to be able to trust another person. It's something that is earned, isn't it? But there are certainly circumstances that occur each day that requires a little bit of blind trust in those around us. Driving down the street, for example. We are trusting that the other drivers will stop at the stoplight/sign. We are trusting that they will stay in their own lane and drive within the speed limit. That's a large-scale sign of trust, really, because if it went haywire...everything would be completely chaotic.

Another example is public restrooms. Now this one is tricky. We trust that the person before us will flush the toilet and clean up after themselves. I sometimes have to "go to a happy place" in my mind when I think about all of the people who have gone to the bathroom in that same stall as me...but, really, it's amazing that we are all sharing a bathroom!

We trust that people will behave in a somewhat civilized manner when we are at large public gatherings. We trust that the pilot has had some decent rest before getting behind the controls of the airplane that is taking us to our destination. We trust that the taxi driver will get us to our destination safely and quickly. We trust that our neighbors will be respectful of our space while trying to enjoy theirs.

With all of the many more examples there are, it's actually an encouraging thought to think of how much we trust each other in this world--because, as we know, there are many examples of how we don't.

Home. Sweet. Home.

2010-07-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

We just returned home tonight from a 8 night/9 day vacation...a road trip down to Disneyland! It's the longest vacation (away from home) my husband and I have had since our honeymoon 17 years ago...but it also had special meaning because it was at Disneyland where my husband proposed to me 18 years ago. This time around was a bit different with our two kids in tow, obviously. They travelled amazingly well and the drive down and back (it's a 16 hour trip down from here, one way,...not counting stops) added some wonderful memories as well as the memories at Disneyland itself. (We even felt the 5.4 earthquake that was centered about 95 miles from Disneyland on Wednesday, July 7th, in our hotel room.)

It was a good chance for us to live in a child's world for awhile. It was nice to be able to let them run the show a bit--"what do you guys want to do next?"--instead of us, as parents, always dictating the schedule. It's always amazing how you just simply can't see it ALL (although we were there during 4th of July week...so crowds were probably even bigger than normal.) We are already looking forward to planning our next trip down there--and trying to add LegoLand and others to the deal. Although I do think we will give the ol' airlines a try next time 'round.

I kept thinking the entire time: "I wouldn't change a thing about this trip." It was just truly perfect. Even the imperfect parts were perfect...we found the humor in those things. I feel like the four of us, as a family, got incredibly closer through this experience of a road trip like this one. I sit here tonight and smile feeling full of love and gratitude. I am thrilled with the memories we made while visiting The Happiest Place On Earth...and am equally thrilled to be home, re-energized and ready to make new memories here as well.

After all, we don't need to go anywhere to make a memory, now do we? Our daily lives offer chances for making memories every day...and our Home can be The Happiest Place On Earth.

When You Wish Upon A Star

2010-06-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Do you make wishes upon the stars? Do you make a wish when you blow out your birthday candles? What do you wish for?

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.

Starry Eyes

2010-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

When you can't see the stars with your eyes open, then close them.

Oh, Happiness!

2010-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Repeat After Me

2010-06-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

"I will honor myself today."

"I will honor those who I come into contact with today."

"I will honor those who have made me the person I am, whether here or departed, today."

"And I will do it again tomorrow."

What Does Your Life Look Like?

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this on The Passion Project's FB page:

"Life is an illustration of what you have faith in."

It made me stop and think about that for a minute. What do you think? Does that mean if you don't have faith in anything...then you are dead? Does it mean if you believe in wonderful-ness, then your life's illustration is full of beautiful colors and textures and curves? If you believe in evil and the bad in people, then your life's illustration is dark and angry?

Discuss.

Being Tested

2010-06-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Part of the reason I started this blog in January was that I was getting so frustrated with the news starting each broadcast with stories that just sucked the life right out of me. I wanted to focus on the positive stories. I understand, of course, that the world has a lot going on. I'm not oblivious to that and I'm not expecting the news to not report on the negative happenings in the world. But it seems so out of balance. Only sometimes, if we are really lucky and it's a slow news day otherwise, we might get a positive human-interest story the last few minutes of the broadcast...but at that point, it feels like putting a nice, juicy cherry on top of a sundae made of mud.

There are surely times, however, when a story needs to be told (and sometimes over and over to increase exposure.) Locally, there has been a story that has filled our newscasts every day. Kyron Horman is a little boy who went missing from his elementary school almost three weeks ago. Watching stories about war or violence or crime or mistreatment of others is painful enough to watch--watching stories about children in any kind of trouble is just heart-wrenching. His story, and stories about other children in need, are stories that I do believe need attention.

The entire community is praying for young Kyron. We hold out hope that he will be found soon. We have to have hope. Faith. Keeping our minds focused on what's the best that can happen.

For The Loving Dads Out There

2010-06-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the men out there who love their children, big and small. I hope this day lets you soak up their love for you--because as much as you think "those kids just don't know how much I love them"...your kids think, "I wish he knew just how much we love him!"

My Father Has Taught Me:
...how to be positive
...how to be logical and realistic
...how to forgive
...how to wonder
...how to believe in my kids sometimes more than I can even believe in myself
...how to love unconditionally

I love you, Dad!

Endings and Beginnings

2010-06-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

The school year just recently came to an end. It makes me think back to when I was in school and how there was such an excitement to end the year and start the summer. Out with the old, in with the new. School was such a tired routine at that point, summer had endless possibilities. I might have been more excited for my son on his last day of school than he was, but I will also be the one who might be more nervous than he is on the first day of school in the fall. I was always nervous on my first day every fall.

How do you handle endings? What about beginnings? Any special memories of that last day of school for you?

Integrated and Conscious

2010-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Come to know who you are as an integrated being of body, mind and spirit, then express that awareness with conscious living, creativity and an ever-questing heart." ~ Will Doran

Never Too Old To Learn

2010-06-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am 40 years old and have never learned how to swim. Today I took the first step to change that--I registered for an adult beginning swim class! I intended to learn to swim before having children. Obviously, with a 5 year old and 2 year old, that didn't quite pan out. But it is really important to me to know how to swim to then help my kids in the water, too. I don't want them to live their lives without knowing how to swim and being comfortable in the water. Who knows--someday they may be Olympic swimmers! Anything is possible! Heck, I may be an Olympic swimmer! It could happen!

Taking this step today, however, was possible because I had someone who gave me the extra push. My husband saw this class available and suggested it. He printed out the registration form. He looked up the information on it. He encouraged me, he cheered me on. He was excited for me...and it's that excitement that moved me from nervous and scared to excited and pumped up!

So now it's on to swimming suit shopping...hmmm, might need to recruit a friend to help get me excited and pumped up about that! Ha.

Anything you've been considering learning? It's never too late, you know!

I start the class in a few weeks. Wish me luck!

Do I Know You?

2010-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

It's always interesting to me when I wake up thinking some random thought. This morning I woke up thinking that there is a reason that I know the people that I do. Everyone is brought into your life for a reason, I believe. Some people are there to teach us a lesson, others might be there for us to teach them something. Some people are in our lives to inspire us or to make us feel something or to help us work through something. And then there's even those people in our lives that may seem like "fringe-friends", but they are there for a reason, too--we just haven't figured it out yet.

Think about the people in your life. What drew you to them? What do you think it was about you that drew them to you? What have they given you that has enriched your life? What gifts have you given to those around you that has enriched your life? What kind of friend are you? What kind of person do you aim to be? Is your heart open to receive more people into your life--they just might have a purpose for you!

Let The Sun Shine

2010-06-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

We saw this funny thing in the sky today...it's really bright, and some say it might be yellow--though I wouldn't know for sure as it is too bright to look at for long. Either way, I'm glad to see it!

Abby

2010-06-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

Please send your positive thoughts to Abby Sunderland...she is the 16 year old girl who was attempting to sail around the world alone. I had blogged about her courage and inspiration before, and I hope you join me in sending her and her family our thoughts and prayers for a safe return.

*Update: she's been safely rescued and on her way home! Positive thoughts worked!

Forgiving Someone Who Wronged Someone Else

2010-06-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Forgiving someone who wronged you is complex in itself. Forgiving someone who has wronged someone else is a whole other kind of complex.

I have a friend who has had one doozy of a year, to say the least. I will honor her privacy and not give too many details, but I will just say that probably the worst part of her year has been a horrific accusation by her husband of over 10 years. It was the final straw after many years of emotional and mental manipulation and she filed for divorce. I have tried to be a supportive friend to her during these many months, while trying (and sometimes failing) to hold my tongue when talking about her husband. I don't do well when people hurt those that I care about. My friend, however, has a child with this man and she is now trying to reconcile the marriage. In comes the complex part of forgiveness.

Have you been in a situation where someone that you know or care about has been hurt or betrayed or wronged by someone and then when they are trying to move on and forgive...you are having some difficulty getting past it yourself? I think this happens in families when an "in-law" betrays the family member--the other family members have a hard time forgiving that person even if the family member is moving past it.

What do you think? Any words of wisdom?

What You See

2010-06-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

What you see is what you want to see...so if you want to see Beauty and Love and Light and Peace...then See It, and Believe It, and Be It.

Is, Isn't, Will, Won't

2010-06-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

It is what it is
until you decide that it isn't...or never was.
What will be, will be
until you decide that it won't...or it will be something else.

Right Back On The Horse...With Cookies!

2010-06-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

It's a good day to make homemade chocolate chip cookies. I am trying a new recipe (with butter flavored Crisco, eek!) and some new cookie sheets...here's to gaining the 3 pounds back that the ol' stomach flu took from me!
*Update: the cookies are a hit and my little corner of the world is well again!

Lemonade

2010-06-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

This cracked me up this morning:
"Unless life also gives you water and sugar, your lemonade's gonna suck."