Believe!

If one believes that they will fail, it is of good certainty that they will.
If one believes that they will get sick, there's a fair chance they'll be coughing and sputtering in no time.
If one believes that they will be abused by folks . . . guess what?

Conversely ~

If one believes that they will succeed, they will prosper.
If one believes in good health, they will enjoy it.
If one believes in the inate goodness of others, they will be privvy to it.

The power of positive thinking really works. It is not always instantaneous, as this sad world has taught us to too frequently expect, but it DOES work.

Believe, today, that this is a good day. That today you will be blessed with good news, good friends, good times, and good health. Believe that you are worthy of all those things.

No one can bring you down. No one can abuse you. No one can belittle or degrade you without your allowing it. Remember that you are a person of value. A person capable of making positive change, a positive difference, and having a positive voice.

Believe you are the difference!

Believe!

Drink it in

In the hopes of reaching the moon, men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.
~ Albert Schweitzer

Don't ever become so entangled in looking forward that you forget to enjoy the blessings that abound around you. We can get so enmeshed in the madness that creates the pathway to success that we lose track of the beautiful details of each day . . . the birds, the sky, the leaves, the smiles, the flowers, the friends, the hugs. You know . . . the good stuff!

Open your eyes! Drink it in!

Time

Time is fleeting. One cannot hope for things or wish for things to occur. Sometimes, we trust in our God and push on. You have to initiate some effort for things to happen. Time stops for no one. It just keeps ticking forward, forward, forward.

One of my favorite songs is 'Time in a Bottle'. If I could save time in a bottle; make all of my wishes come true. I'd save every day til eternity passes and then I would spend them with you.

Beautiful song, but we all know it's not going to happen.

Benjamin Franklin was once quoted, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."

The time to take action is NOW. The time to reconcile differences is NOW. The time to tell someone you love them is NOW. The time to forgive (and/or forget) is NOW. The time to try that new idea is NOW. The time to settle a debt is NOW. The time to move forward from hurtful folks is NOW. The time to start is NOW.

Tomorrow is promised to no one. Make sure that when your head hits the pillow this evening, you sleep in the security of knowing that you've made the effort to improve all things in your life today.

God bless and enjoy your day. Make it count!

Ahhhhh, Innocence!

Oh the sweet, sweet innocence of babies! You gotta love it!

With pictures of my great niece (and yes, she really IS great, but she's also my nephew's daughter) floating around Facebook, along with photos of a co-workers new nephew, and my neighbor's son's new daughter . . . i'm on baby overload. (If that's possible!)

Firstly, those precious little infants are just miracles!
They enter the world free of all things ugly and vile and bitter.
They simply exist to exist. It is beautiful!
They are love . . . in human form!

Then, there is that smell. Even better than chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, they just smell like . . . baby. There's really no equal and it's just delicious!

Then, to touch those tiny little toes and teeny little fingers, to marvel at the hair or lack thereof, to simply watch them sleep and know that this little person is a total and complete miracle of love. It is tangible divinity.

Thank you to those that share your photos. Thank you to those that share your hearts. Thank you to those that give of yourselves to create such incredible beauty in life. Thanks for allowing me to lay eyes and hands and heart upon your sweet, sweet babies. It is an honor and a privilege.

It also confirms every little thing I do for All Children's Hospital. I hope that none of you ever need their services, but thank God it exists so very close by.

Bless those little babies! Love them and hug them and squeeze them and cherish them and enjoy them. Life is far too short to not fully recognize the magnitude of these miracles!

Embrace

There are a multitude of things you can embrace.

You can embrace an idea. You can embrace a belief. You can embrace a way of life. You can embrace a passion. But the best thing to embrace is someone who embraces you back!

I've written about hugs before, but this is MORE than that. Hugs are wonderful, but an 'embrace' seems to envelope quite a bit more.

When you embrace an idea or a belief or a way of life, you are 'all in'. You give yourself to it entirely. You are consumed with it and declare it with all your heart.

When you embrace a passion, again, you give yourself entirely to it. You promote it, believe it, profess it, and give yourself completely to its mission.

But, when you embrace a person . . . you get all those things. You give yourself entirely to that person. You are consumed with that person. You are professing your intentions and your feelings. You are believing, promoting, and professing yourself toward that person. And that is all amazing stuff. What's even better though, is that it is coming back to you . . . instantly!

Today . . . go embrace someone! Not one of those butt-out, back-patting, sissy hugs. I'm talking about a full-on, feel-the-love, bear hug embrace that teeters on the brink of eternity because neither person wants to stop.

Go . . . feel the love!

'Amazing Somethings'!

We bring a precious baby home and are just in awe of what we have created.
A few weeks go by and we're wondering if we might ever actually sleep through the night again. Ever.
A few months go by and we're wondering if we might ever own a piece of clothing that does NOT have some sort of unidentifiable stain on it.
A few more months and as that wee one begins to crawl and walk, we wonder if we might ever have the opportunity to sit down again for any length of time.
Just a short while later, we're wondering if we might ever be able to use the bathroom all on our own again.
Then the talking begins and we are just amazed at how sponge-like these precious little people are, parroting everything they hear . . . which doesn't always turn out to be a good thing.
We waiting for so long to hear their sweet little voices and yet, in a few short months we're wondering if there will ever be a quiet moment again in the house, or a question-free period in the day.
Then it's off to school and we worry about them being prepared. They usually amaze us and astound us and sometimes even manage to teach us a few things.
Then it's middle school and suddenly, the people (us) they used to depend on for EVERYthing don't really know ANYthing. When did that happen?
High school begins the individualism and independence. You used to wish would for a moment's silence, and now you're hoping for pretty much any communication at all . . . a call, a message, a text, or even a tweet.
College turns them into adults. Providing their own answers and choices. We can only hope we helped to mold them into good human beings.
And then . . . you get a weekend away with them and suddenly, the worry is gone; the questions are answered; the hopes are fulfilled. The people you created are joyous folks once again who are not available for or in need of guidance, but who are accessible for conversation, laughter, fun, silliness, and love. What a warm blanket of contentment to know you have succeeded at something and those 'somethings' are pretty amazing!
I wish you all 'amazing somethings'!

Love you!

I am not sure about who this Agnes person is but . . . WOW!

It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.
~ Agnes Repplier

You are, quite literally, what you eat. Garbage in . . . garbage out. Surround yourself with negative people and you will find yourself in a very negative world. Listen to the naysayers and the haters and you will find yourself consumed with doubt and ill will.

However . . . fill your heart, your soul, and your life with light, positive, freedom, and wonder and that is exactly what you will reap. It is my choice to fill my circle of friends with folks who love life ~ even with all its ups and downs, trials and tribulations, defamation and defeat. These wonderful people who fill my days create an energy that lifts me up and makes my heart happy.

For those of you that think I'm a little nutty and have never had a bitter day in my life . . . think again! I have been down and out; broke; had nothing but Vienna Finger cookies for sustenance for more than three weeks; had to beg strangers for gas money; been abused, confused and bemused by the audacity and cruelty of other human beings. I continue . . . despite all of that and way, WAY more . . . to believe that those that would NEVER do those things are out there, awaiting my friendship, just itching for the opportunity to build me up to be the best that I can be. I have to make the choice, for me, to believe that I am worth it!

You cannot find security in a significant other. If you're not happy with you . . . no one else will ever fill that void! You are beautiful. You are magnificent! You are perfect . . . just the way you are!

Love you!

Go Big! Go Bold! Go . . . Be!

I have ALWAYS told my children to give whatever you are doing 100%. Whether you are writing a paper, cleaning your room, expressing yourself, working . . . at ANY job, or simply BEING yourself . . . do it with every ounce of gusto, guts, and gumption that you've got.

It sure is nice when your parental speeches are backed up by the likes of one Vince Lombardi!  :-)

The quality of a man's life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor.

So, for today, no matter where you are, what you do, who you're with, or your current state-of-affairs . . . be 100% the best possible you that you can be! It's really why you're here. Because we need YOU. In point and fact, YOU are the only you there is!

Go Big! Go Bold! Go . . . Be!

'Toast Tossing'

Wondering what might be a good thing to do today?
Pay-it-forward!
Ponder this idea . . .

Bread cast upon the water comes back to you.
The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time.
If you never see the deed again, at least you will have made the world a better place.
And, after all, isn't that what life is all about?

Toss your toast. pitch your pumpernickel, catapult your ciabatta, heave your hush puppy, fling your focaccia or whatever your preference might be . . . but do the world a favor and make it a better place!

Purpose

"We are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future."
~  Robin Sharma

I would think it's reasonable to say that most of us have skeletons of one sort or another hanging out in either our spacious northern closets or our cozy southern closets. We may have grown up in broken homes, been abused in some manner, had tremendous heartache, battled overwhelming odds . . . but . . .

You are still here! YOU are a survivor! You are here for some special reason! You have more to do!

Do not let your past dictate the shaping of your future. Rather, let the pain, the angst, the fire, the persistence forge and mold you into something BETTER than your past!

YOU are in charge of your future.

Build something beautiful!

No Explanation Necessary

To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one's self;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived,

this is to have succeeded.

~ Bessie Anderson Stanley

The Four P's

We are all aware of the 'Three R's" ~ Reading, Writing & Arithmetic (which is really and "r," a "w," and an "a"). But . . . today I'm talking about the "Four P's".

These are things I pray for for my children each and every night. I'm thinking that maybe if more people prayed for these things for their children and if God answered those prayers, the world might be just a little bit better.

Patience

Politeness

Prosperity

Philanthropy

I hope they realize that 'instant gratification' is NOT always the best way to receive things. In fact, when you actually EARN what you're after with grit, determination, dedication, and a little sweat . . . the ownership value rises 100 fold!

I hope they respect their elders and authority. I also hope they realize their own value and can civilly communicate the fact that they deserve that same respect. I hope they say 'please' and 'thank you' and hold doors for folks and share smiles with those without.

I hope that they are happy in their lives. Prosperity does not always mean WEALTH! I hope that their riches come by way of doing what they enjoy and having around them the people they love and cherish. I hope they have the freedom to enjoy what they work for and work for what they want.

I hope that they give what they can to those in need. Again, this is not about WEALTH! It can be time, talents, or trust. When one gives freely, what they receive in return is again magnified 100 fold.

And so . . . along with the 'Three R's' (r, w, & a) . . . let's pursue those "Four P's" (that are REALLY p's).

God bless and have a super day!

Row vs. Wade

I'll take either.
Or perhaps, just sitting in the sand.
As long as there's a frothy beverage involved!

Sorry, but yesterday was much too intense and emotional to have anything tooooooooo thought provoking and heavy today.

Enjoy what's around you and be richly blessed always!

Never Forget

Today is a day that will ~ for an eternity ~ hurt my heart. Such a sadness every year that brings so many emotions to a head. Such senseless loss that continues to fester and take its toll on so many lives and families. Such a cowardly act by such vile perpetrators.

One of the silver linings to the tragedy of 9/11 is what happened to this country. In hopes of tearing us to pieces, destroying a city, taking countless lives . . . those evil, hateful people awakened a sleeping giant. We did not fall to pieces. We did not run and hide. We did not cringe in the face of fear.

We came TOGETHER! We JOINED as one people. We saw neither race, religion, politics, ethnicity, sex, or any other dividing lines. We became, in EVERY sense of the phrase, the UNITED States of America. I hope that for one day (and am wishing for thousands more), we can put aside our debatable issues, our disagreements, our divide and come to see the greatness again in this Country.

Take into account the thousands that lost their lives on 9/11. Take into account the Police, Fire Department, First Responders, EMT's, and thousands of heroic souls who simply stepped up to do the right thing. Take into account the thousands more that have suffered and are passing every day due to respiratory ailments and cancers they contracted while helping afterward. Take into account the unity and solidification of which we are CAPABLE.

Never Forget!

God bless those that WE have lost. God bless those WE are helping to fight related illnesses and devastation. God bless US as we teach the next generation of what WE can be. And, please . . . GOD . . . bless these UNITED States of America.

NEVER Forget!!!

Swap Meet

Today is National Swap Ideas Day!

In light of this very special occasion, I thought I'd throw a few of my favorites out there. If you'd like to swap a few of yours, please feel free to share. The more, the merrier, and let's keep 'em clean and positive!

1.  This too shall pass!

2.  When nothing's going right, go left!

3.  When you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!

4.  You're never fully dressed without a smile!

5.  The strength and length of a hug speaks volumes of one's affections!

6.  Give what you are able. You cannot take it with you!

7.  Finding joy in life's simplicity makes for a joyously simple life!

8.  Laughter truly IS the best medicine!

9.  Mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!

10.  Count your blessings; for they are abundant!

Put your rose-colored glasses on today and see what's truly beautiful! Enjoy!

Keep Up The Fight!

This is one of those snippets that you have to read WAY more than once. I even had to break it apart and read sections separately and on their own. Then again, I have a hard time buttoning my shirt in the mirror!

Enough said!

It certainly is true however  . . .

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human being can fight; and NEVER stop fighting!
~ E.E. Cummings

Keep up the fight!

Your Math Lesson for The Day

I majored in math in high school. You would probably never be able to tell that if you peeked into my checkbook now. Things are correct, of course, in a positive/negative manner, but who wants to mess with change? I always round up on outgoing and down on incoming. I'm thinking Mr. Ayers would NOT like that at all! Ha! Ha!

Today's math lesson, however, doesn't really have much to do with checkbooks, income, bill paying, or things of that nature. Today's math is more about YOU.

Get out your pencils and a sheet of paper. Some of you might need a calculator. I'll wait. Go ahead . . . go find one.

OK, ready?

To solve the human equation, we need to add love, subtract hate, multiply good, and divide between truth and error. Believe to the Nth degree and when things don't work out, looking for your "X" is not always the best solution. Have a little fun. Don't ever be squared. And remember that the positive integers in your life, almost always make things bigger and better. Just be certain to mingle them with other positive integers!

Enjoy your day!

The Great Debate

If I were to state on here that, "Classic rock is THE best music ever," I am pretty sure I'd get about a billion responses telling me why jazz is better, or why techno is better, or why country is better, or why classical is better, or hard rock is better, or swing is better, or doo wop is better, or . . . you get the idea. There are merits to each class of music, with great musicians in every genre. There is worth and value to each style of entertainment. There is no DEBATING which style is better or the best because it is a matter of personal preference! You cannot debate what is personal choice. There is not, nor will there ever be, a definitive answer to a question of option.

Your personal preference may be completely different from mine. I should respect that and I do. My personal preference may be completely different than yours. You should respect that.

And, what might surprise some folks is that sometimes I enjoy classic rock. Sometimes I enjoy country. Sometimes I chill to the serenity of classical music. Acapella is one of my favorites. I am smart enough and wise enough to choose which style suits my tastes at a particular time and for a particular mood. I might dare venture to say that it's healthy to mix things up every now and again. If we walked around with blinders on, life would be sort of bland.

I choose to listen to all sorts of things. I filter out the things I don't like, absorb the things I do like, and make the best of what is left. That's my prerogative.

We know I'm not really talking about music, although . . . maybe . . . I am!

Lovin' Bob Marley

This one should make my daughter happy. She's a huge Bob Marley fan. And I thought, that maybe, in light of the furious flurry of nasty political debates going on, we should take a moment and reflect on something a little more within our control

When the power of love overcomes the love of power,
the world will be at peace.

I am entitled to my opinion. You are entitled to yours. This is fact. I will not personally attack or belittle you for what you choose to believe in. Please do not attack me. This country allows us the freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean you need to exercise it however you'd like.

I have not walked in your shoes. I do not know your trials, your tribulations, your hurdles, your sacrifices or the things that have shaped your beliefs and your ideology. You do not know the paths, or lack thereof, where I have walked to shape and forge my beliefs and ideology.

One sentence can carry various meanings depending upon how and from where you are reading it.

One Love!

Think!

Think . . . no really THINK . . . about this:

Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Now go have a good day!

Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to all!

Labor Day is supposed to celebrate the workers. I think, though, the definition of 'workers' has changed drastically over the years.

Don't get me wrong. I have done my fair of toiling. I started earning money when I was nine years old. I was proofreading and delivering my mom's newspaper. I then sold name tags to anyone who wanted one for about fifty cents each. Then I was allowed to start typesetting for my parents and doing design, layout, and graphics. When I was a senior in high school, I only went to school half-day so I could work for my parents. It was, by no means, a cake walk.

Right out of high school, I wanted to go to Germany. My brother was in the service there and my boyfriend's dad was from there. So . . . I worked half a day for my parents, traveled to Kingston to work for another graphics person, trained (without pay) to be an aerobics instructor for several hours, then worked for UPS til about eleven or midnight EVERY day. Germany was AMAZING!!! When I moved to Georgia, I worked for several printers and when I was left with many bills, compliments of boyfriend #2, I got a second job as a hostess - where I met my husband. I had my daughter and continued to work. When I was not out at a printer, I was doing odd jobs for neighbors making decent wages. After having my son, I still continued to work. I was a mad woman.

We moved to Florida and I found another print job and also a home party business. Vic and I played musical children and things were good. A little hectic, but good. When the kids started school, we made the decision that I would only ever work part-time so someone would always be home with them after school. Miles was diagnosed in 3rd grade and my working basically stopped. I tried, for a while, to work from home and do graphic things. I wrote two children's books and peddled those for a while. I began to volunteer.

This is where I learned that although volunteering pays nothing . . . it is LABOR just the same in every sense of the word. And believe me, I labored! I labored in their elementary school, their middle school, their high school, the Children's Dream Fund, and for All Children's Hospital. Motherhood in itself is a LABOR too frequently brushed aside!

I am now back in the work force. Laboring again . . . for pay. Continuing to volunteer. I applaud those who work. Who stop at nothing to keep themselves busy. Don't wait for handouts, for someone else to give you something. There is no job that is 'beneath' you. Find work and . . . LABOR! Give whatever you find 110% of yourself! THAT is real labor! The labor of self worth and self value.

Labor to be the best you you can be!

YOU

I know a tremendous amount of people. These folks come from a varied assortment of backgrounds, ethnicity, social statuses, educational variances, beliefs, religious sects, and whatnot. I find it most interesting to chat with people about their history, their upbringing, their thoughts and their beliefs. I find it opens my mind and expands my horizons. If I thought that only everything I thought was good and true and better, my life would be pretty boring.

We are all created equal; yet we grow in varied gardens. The testing of one's patience, faith, and faculties often produces a testament to those very things. Your worth is not defined by what you HAVE, but rather by what you ARE.

Today, be something amazing!