Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve

It is strange that every year, at this time, folks are hurrying the clocks ahead to put the year behind them.

I have known some folks, myself included, who have battled some serious stuff in the past.
Although I wouldn't wish my troubles on my worst enemies, I don't think I'd change anything.
What I have been through ~ the bad stuff ~ has only served to teach me vital lessons, to make me stronger, more resilient, more self-sufficient, more assertive, more discerning.
I may not have been having a party while dealing with those things, but hurdles and hardships are necessary in life.
They encourage us to enjoy and celebrate the tiny victories we achieve.
They enable us to measure our forward progress.

Life is not all peaches and cream.
I am a much better person for having survived all the nonsense that has occurred in my life.
I am more tenacious and more determined.
Don't wish your year or your time away.
Celebrate the blessings you've had.
They are for more numerous that you might imagine.
Enjoy the abundant joys around you.
They are everywhere!

I wish you a most blessed and prosperous 2014.
Make it what you want.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Resolutions

2014 is fast approaching.

Whimsical evenings are being planned with the anticipation of a fantastic year forthcoming.
Outfits are purchased.
Food is prepared.
Liquor is gathered.
Friends are invited.

Whatever occurs on New Year's Eve . . . know this.
There are consequences to every action.
Please don't drink and drive - you are risking far more than your own self.

The resolutions you make are yours to achieve.
Create attainable goals.
Take baby steps.
Tell folks - so you'll be accountable.
Reach!

You just never know what lies ahead . . .

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Be Better

As of late, it seems I have a large group of friends, from various facets of my life who are being bombarded with bullies and bs. Having waded through so much of this in my lifetime, I feel fairly and adequately enabled to expound upon this situation.

There are several very important things to take note of:

For the bullies:

1. The way you treat people says a lot about who you are.
2. Be careful. Your actions are screaming over your words.
3. If you cannot be positive, then at least be quiet.
4. Never judge someone by the opinion of another.

For my friends:

1. Surrender to what is.
2. Let go of what was.
3. Have faith in what will be.
4. Never judge someone by the opinion of another.
6. Strong people don't put other down . . . they lift them up.
7. The most important decision you can make is to be in a good mood.

You cannot change another person - only the situation you are in with them.
If the situation is ugly - remove yourself.
If the actions of others is hurtful - disregard them. They are only looking to interact.
If you don't invite or incite, the bullies will lose interest.

Be Better.

Friday, December 27, 2013

The 'New Nike'

It is better to try to do something and fail,
than to try to do nothing and succeed.
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Just do it.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Wishing you blessings

Here's hoping that the spirit of the holiday
did not get discarded with the paper and the boxes and the bows.

The joy of the season
should live in your heart every day of the year.

Wishing you blessings, always!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

 
Christmas at the Gas Station (a long one - but worth it!)
The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.
 Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." 
"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.
He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty.  Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front.. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead.

"You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ones .." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it.  "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.  
George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered that the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.
 
"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.
 As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."
 George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought.  All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.
He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."
 George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is.  Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."
George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.
 "None for me," said the officer..
 "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.
 "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."
The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop reached for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to him, "we got 1 too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time.  The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry.  "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."
 George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young man stopped crying, and looked at the cop "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer." he said.
"Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.
 "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"
"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."
 The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered,  "Why?"
Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a  break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."
 The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.
 "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."
 The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."
 George turned around & found the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you'd left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."
 The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday.  Merry Christmas."
 
 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Wonderful Christmas Wardrobe

. . . You must clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
You must take allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you.
The most important piece of clothing you can wear is love.
Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Live in Peace.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Six Gifts for Christmas

There are six essential qualities that are the key to any success:

Sincerity
Personal Integrity
Humility
Courtesy
Wisdom
Charity

I do hope that your stockings, packages, bags, and boxes are just chock full of these invaluable gifts.
The more you use them . . . the better your 2014!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Ahhh - Yes!

It came without ribbons.
It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes, or bags.
Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.

The greatest of men
is he who does not lose his childlike heart.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Peace

Very appropriately, at this time of the year, we speak of Peace!

No man can think or act clearly when his fists are clenched.

Arms are made for huggin'.
Ears are made for listenin'.
Hearts are made for lovin'.
People are made to help one another.

Give Peace a chance!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Trust

You know that 'small voice' that everyone talks about that you should listen to?
Well, it has been screaming at me for the past three or four days.
I always pray that God gives me something to write about each day. That He will put something in front of me that inspires me to rant, or inspire, or help someone else.

I had a dear friend very humbly come to me and ask for help for the holidays.
She had never had to do something like this before and it was very difficult for her.
Of course, I took on the task.
I put out the word to the folks that I know.
The response I got completely overwhelmed me.
I have no idea how my dear friend will comprehend what I'm going to give to her in the next day or two.
I've had a few donors who were blessed with a good year. They paid it forward.
One of the gracious donors popped by last night and donated.
He is not wealthy. He is not well off.
He simply trusts that his windfalls should benefit others, as he has benefitted from the kindness of others in the past.

My friend trusted me.
I trusted my friends.
My friends trusted in what they have already received.
Others trusted in what they were certain would be provided.
I must admit that I have been in tears for the past few days with the outpouring of kindness.
It has truly and profoundly touched my heart.

I trust that all those involved
will revel in the notion that their good deed will provide more good deeds.

Trust.
Wow!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A beautiful Christmas gift

You bring out the best in yourself
by looking for the best in others.

Wrap up a compliment or two
and place them happily at the feet of someone else.

It costs you nothing,
but carries with it a beautiful Christmas gift
for both the recipient and the deliverer.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Integrity

It has come to my attention, a lot as of late, that integrity is an outstanding tool.
It measures the level of folks you associate with.
It creates an arena in which your fellow players either rise to the occasion or fall away as unworthy opponents.
It defines who you are.

I am me.
I am flawed.
I am broken.
I am what I am.
But I won't ever pretend to be something I'm not.

I will stick to my guns, as they say, both figuratively and literally.
I will continue to do what I've always done because changing to please someone else, pleases no one.
I will honor the lessons my mother taught me.
I will be the same person I've always been and, like it or not, that won't change.

People amuse me with their tantrums and unfriending me.
People, we are adults. (At least most of us!)
If your opinion differs from mine ~ that's fantastic!
I welcome a good discussion and enjoy listening to alternate viewpoints.
I may still disagree with you, but that doesn't mean I'm going to 'unfriend' you.
That choice is yours - but what does it say about your integrity?

Folks - we are each created in a specific and unique manner.
We have each travelled our own exceptional and distinctive path, learning personal and extraordinary lessons along the way. This journey has carved out the most amazing person that you have become. Don't allow someone else to make you any less than you are.

Stand firm in your convictions.
Stand firm in your beliefs.
Stand firm in the knowledge that what YOU believe is right for YOU.
Those that walk away, fall away, or 'unfriend' you (whether on a computer or in 'real' life) were never intended to be any more than another stepping stone for you in your journey!

Your integrity is so vital to your existence.
Shine it up.
Wear it proudly!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Joy

This is such a tiny word with such a powerful impact.

You can be filled with joy.
You can spread joy.
You can sing of joy.
You can embody joy.

One of my most favorite joys is to assist others.
When given the opportunity to help, folks, hop on that train.
The scenery is breathtaking, the ride is definitely worth the trip,
and the destination is one you'll never comprehend unless you get on board.

Today,
be filled
spread
sing
embody
Joy.

Be joy-full!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

In The Grand Scheme . . .

If you start that phrase with either of my kids, after years of hearing it, they would finish with:

"does it really matter?"

Far too often we are irritated, bothered, dragged down, and frustrated by the silliness, stupidity, selfishness, or insanity of other people. It is only human to 'react' to situations, but if you apply just a minimal amount of patience, it is truly astounding what you are able to do.

With just a little restraint, instead of freaking out and getting even or retaliating, you can calmly remove yourself from a situation, or change the course of the situation, or create just a tiny change in the climate of the ruckus and avert disaster.

You need only ask yourself, prior to exploding,

"In The Grand Scheme of things . . . does it really matter?"

If I'm scheduled thirteen days in a row, I can choose to lose to my cool and rant and rave and behave like a lunatic, or . . . alter the issue.

If someone is saying untrue things about me, can I alter what comes from their mouth? No. I can trust in the fact that folks know who I really am.

If the idiot in the silver Mercedes cut me off only to arrive at the stop light eight seconds before me, should I be having a hissy fit? No. I will get where I'm going - eventually. They obviously have some place they need to be.

"In The Grand Scheme of things" . . . if it doesn't physically injure me, my family, or my friends, . . . does it really matter? Will it truly and meaningfully impact my life? Most of the time, the answer is a giant, emphatic NO!

If you can defuse a situation - get to work.
If you can alter a disaster - start shifting gears.
If you cannot fix other people or what they do - does it really matter?

Friday, December 13, 2013

Remember . . .

Each day on the 'right side of the grass' is a blessing.
If you're still around, that means that there is something positive for you to do.

You have a life to impact,
a smile to pass on,
someone to help,
a gift to give,
a dream to chase,
an opportunity to pursue,
love to give,
a hug to share.

We may be inundated with negatives,
or troubles,
or grief,
but

remember . . .

stop and catch, or create, the miracles!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Strive To Be First

We, as a nation, have sort of lost the will to compete.
It seems most folks are content to have all the players win because they tried.
Well . . . ugh!
This is fodder for an entirely different blog, because today, I am urging you to . . .

Strive To Be First!

First to nod.
First to smile.
First to compliment.
First to give.
First to hug.
First to offer.
First to forgive.
First to love.

Go ahead . . .
Strive To Be First!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Believe

The holiday season is all about 'believing'!

Believing in something beyond yourself.
Believing in a higher, greater, grander source.
Believing in miracles.

Believe!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Go

Where you choose to go,
go with all your heart.

Leave nothing on the table,
nothing in the tank,
nothing on the field.

Go!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Good Stuff

Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did.
Know when to let go and when to hold on tight.
Stop rushing.
Don't be intimidated to say it like it is.
Stop apologizing all the time.
Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph.
Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down.
Stop giving your power away.
Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting.
Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it.
Finally, know who you are.

Good stuff right there from Kristin Armstrong.
Good stuff!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

A Little Retail Therapy

You!
You are so special!
You are spectacular!
Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything
that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.
If you aren't being treated with love and respect,
check your price tag.
Maybe you've marked yourself down.
It's YOU
who tells people what your worth is.
Get off the clearance rack!
Get behind the glass where the valuables belong!
Sparkle!
Shine!
Glow!

Friday, December 6, 2013

In honor . . .

To honor the passing of the incredible Nelson Mandela, I will use one of his quotes today.
It is one of my favorites and something I believe in strongly.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear,
but the triumph over it.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid,
but he who conquers that fear.

In fact, I was speaking with a good friend last night who sent me a great little snippet that I will also add to this:

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Today, as Mandela lived every day, let us seek and practice peace.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Four Rules I Live By

1. Learn to love without condition.

2. Talk without bad intention.

3. Give without any reason.

4. And most of all, care for people without any expectation.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Peace

Peace on Earth! Good will toward Man!

I really should not have to elaborate a whole lot, but it would seem in this 'I want it NOW' society, we've sort of displaced this notion. The fist fights for big screens, the stealing of Salvation Army buckets, the 'discussions' of nativity displays.

People . . . did we lose sight of what this holiday is about?

Remember the Reason for the Season.
Show a little compassion, a little understanding, a little good will.

Peace!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Twinkling

I literally spent all day yesterday cleaning my house and then Christmas-izing my house.
Nearly every room is touched with some sort of seasonal surprise and hubby even put Christmas music on the TV for me so I could dance and sing all day.
Every year, I find just the greatest joys in unwrapping each packed Santa or Angel or snowman or Snowbaby or whatever might come from the crates. Each item draws with it the memory of who gave it to me or where I got it from.
These are not just items placed randomly about my house.
They are memories - twinkling - for the whole month for me to share the holidays with those who offered a piece of themselves in each gift I received.
Hubby was so excited when he got home that he went straight to the garage and grabbed the outside lights. He climbed up on the room, in the dark, and we lit up the night.
Each light - twinkling - in the darkness. Each light offering a glimmer of the Reason for the Season and each light a reminder of every blessing we have shared. It's very bright over here.

And, in that cold, clear night, all those stars - twinkling.
Some say those stars are just those that have gone on before us - lighting the way for others and giving us hope of a brighter tomorrow.

Oh - it's the holiday for twinkling!

Monday, December 2, 2013

The stage is yours

Your worth
is not a product of your intelligence,
your talent,
your looks,
or how much you have accomplished.

It is, instead, measured by what you do
with that intelligence,
that talent,
those looks,
and what you have accomplished.

To help another human being
is one of the grandest acts you could ever perform.

The stage is yours.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

For the fashionistas

During the holidays, there are those that gather up all the latest styles and parade them around like they are on a runway in Milan.
There are those that gobble up the trendiest tops and the latest leggings.
There are those with bling beyond belief.

What we need to remember ~ especially during the holiday seasons . . .

is to clothe ourselves in tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

For these are the rags of the rich of heart and spirit!

Friday, November 29, 2013

Worth Repeating

As the holiday season is now in full swing (and I can attest to this from my Grey Thursday crazy shift at work til 1 am), remember that there are many folks whose holidays are far more trying that you could ever imagine. They may be alone, or with family but no job to provide a festive holiday, or just simply trying to make ends meet with nothing left for presents or food.

If we cannot do great things,
we can do small things in a great way.

I've got a friend who just started Baggies of Blessings - a local-to-Tampa group that helps to provide necessities to the homeless or in need. Of course you know I'm affiliated with All Children's Hospital who is always looking for new, unwrapped toy donations for those that will be in the hospital during the holidays. I'm also affiliated with the Children's Dream Fund which grants the dreams of seriously and terminally ill children on Florida's west coast. They are always in need of dream makers. And that's just three that I'm part of locally. There are gobs more - everywhere.

If you have a little extra ~ consider giving to help someone else.
If you belong to a group or business that could help, feel free to contact me and I'll get you in touch with the right folks at my favorites.
A small kindness creates great ripples.

If we cannot do great things,
we can do small things in a great way.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Feast

Happy Thanksgiving!

A wonderful time of abundance.
We have much to be thankful for.
There is feasting in great magnitude.

There is, of course, the feast of food upon your table. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry, cornbread, croissants, corn, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and a million other mouthwatering delectable treats.

There is, too, the feast that is family. I, myself, am thrilled to share my table with my immediate family. To drink in the laughter and chatter of hubby and my 'babies' fills me up more than any treat mentioned above. Believe me, though, I come from a long history of no less than twenty for every Thanksgiving growing up. I enjoy both!

There is the feast of friends. Those folks who may be too far from home or to sit at the table with their own families, so they share yours. The people we take into our lives as though they were family. We love them, sometimes, more than family.

We have the feast of freedom. While we are chowing down and watching parades and football, there are those half a world away who are fighting so we can continue to do so. Freedom is a delicacy taken far too much for granted these days.

And finally, please, feast on faith! Give thanks for all your blessings. Your guests who are eating with you and those that are eating at a far better spread. Your children, your spouse, your brothers, your sisters, your parents, your cousins, your friends, your framily, your trials and triumphs, your overwhelming times and your overcoming of them, your hugs, your Angels, your talents, your gifts, yourself. There is so very much to be thankful for.

Feast today.
Fill up on ALL the good stuff.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

I am

Walk away from anything or anyone who takes away from your joy.
Life is too short to put up with fools or foolish games.
When you need something to believe in,
start with yourself!
Be thankful for you.
I am

Monday, November 25, 2013

The new math

I would maintain that thanks are thought to the nth degree,
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder
and divided only by the multitudes we share it with.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Leap!

One of THE best feelings in the world
is to take the proverbial 'leap of faith' and land on your feet!
Far too often, folks are too timid or cautious or calculating to take that first step.
To venture into the unknown is a scary and unnerving action.

But . . .

To take that step,
that 'leap of faith,'
to not go where the path leads
but to make a trail instead . . .
is a victory known to few.

Leave worries behind you.
Open the door.
Leap!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Look

In every person that you encounter, look for what is good and strong.
In every heart you come across, look for what needs healing.
In every face you gaze into, look to create a smile.
In every life that you can touch, look to make a difference.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Hide and Seek

In those times I cannot seem to find God,
I rest in the assurance that He knows how to find me.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Absurdity

Today is National Absurdity Day!

Don't you find it Absurd that there are Christmas decorations out during Halloween?
Don't you find it Absurd that stores are opening for Black Friday on Thanksgiving Thursday?
Don't you find it Absurd that I am asked to say Happy Holidays when I fully believe in Merry Christmas and Jesus Christ?
Don't you find it Absurd that I need to push #1 to hear English?
Don't you find it Absurd that we find folks guilty of serious crimes and then feed them three squares for the next thirty years til all their appeals run out?
Don't you find it Absurd that we send so much relief all around the world and yet we are a nation of great poverty and starvation ourselves?
Don't you find it Absurd that folks think you're odd if you wear white pants after a certain date?
Don't you find it Absurd that if I speak my mind, I'm a beotch; and if I keep quiet, I'm a doormat?
Don't you find it Absurd that we've allowed our children to believe that no one loses a game?
Don't you find it Absurd that we've somehow managed to take any given moment to extremes - like NFL bullies and twerking in the name of publicity?
Don't you find it Absurd that there's a far greater need for more Mayberry than Real Housewives?

Just some things to ponder.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Actions

I happened upon this quip and found it most profound.

What you do speaks so loud,
I cannot hear what you say.

I'm not sure if it's something I'm going through, or perhaps related to a few different friends, but it just seems like it needed to be out there, unleashed, and available for others to see.

Actions usually do speak louder than words.
Walking the walk is far different than talking the talk.

I have found a clear and happy path, filled with beautifully kind and gentle souls, who are eager to walk with me and support me. I choose to leave the brambles.

I know, in my heart, that my endeavors; my actions; my efforts are in sync with my voice and my heart.

How about you?

Monday, November 18, 2013

Closed Doors

We have all heard that mighty adage: when one door closes, another opens.
It is powerful and positive.

This little quote, though, gives it a different twist that may help a few timid, anxious, and concerned folks out there. It was given to us by one Katrina Mayer. Thank you, Katrina.

Some doors don't lead you where you want to go.
It's okay to close them.

Powerful and positive.
NEXT!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Care

Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles.
It empties today of its strength.
Strength does not come for what you can do;
It comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn't do.
Do not let the world make you hard.
Do not let the pain make you hate.
Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.
Life is like a camera:
       Focus on what's important
       Capture the good times
       Develop from the negatives
To make a real difference in the world
you don't have to be brilliant or rich or beautiful or perfect.
You simply have to care.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Strength and Courage and Hope

You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.
Live it wisely.
There are many things you cannot recover in life which include:
        The spoken word
        Time
        Trust
Every dream you've ever had can come true
if you simply possess the courage to pursue them.
Pursue them with passion.
Hope is humming in the darkness, dancing in the rain,
and stepping forward where there is no path.
I wish for you ~ strength and courage and hope.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Focus

I normally don't take requests, but this one surely hits home.

I have a wonderfully, kind-hearted friend who is bitterly disappointed in the human race when they react and/or respond to things with mean, disrespectful, and hurtful words and/or actions. I share her observations and have been privy to those same hurtful words and actions on many occasions.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm a hundred years old. Not quite to 50 yet, but feeling weathered beyond centuries, I have seen and felt and witnessed many, many mean and hateful things through the years. This is what I offered to my wonderfully, kind-hearted friend:

We cannot fix the world.
We can simply lead by example.
We share our hearts and our talents and lives with others in hopes that they will feel that love and pass it on.
Some just don't get it.
Some are just content to be malcontent.
Some cannot fathom why you would be nice to a stranger.
What we need to understand is that all we can do is pray for them.
We hope that God and some grace might touch and soften their soul and their heart that they might find compassion and empathy and kindness.
Until that time, their alienation of others only serves to separate them from the world around them.

Walk away from the things that make you sad.
Envelope yourself with positive, productive, philanthropic people.
Pray for the souls that are lost and hurting; low and hurtful ~ there is some reason for their pain.
Focus on the indubitably wonderful change you can be in the world.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Walk Away

Generally, I believe most folks just want to be good people.
Most folks give the benefit of the doubt and try to be fair.
There are folks, however, who genuinely get giddy over calamity and chaos.
They find great joy in bullying and belittling others.
There is sheer shamelessness in shattering others.

Here is a hard lesson to learn, but one so very valuable that it can literally save your life.

A person will only do to you what you allow them to do to you.

It is when you find the strength to believe in yourself;
to value your worth;
to understand the sadness that lies in their heart;
that you can gather the broken pieces of yourself and walk away.

It is not only healthy, it is vital to your existence.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Thankful

If you don't think you have anything to be thankful for, please check your pulse!
God sees, in you, a masterpiece just waiting to emerge.
If you think you've been thrown to the wolves, you have two options . . .
you can be devoured,
or
you can become Leader of the Pack!
You are in charge of how you're treated and what you allow to happen to you.
Find within you the makings of that masterpiece and get to work!
I am thankful every day for the opportunity to try to get it right . . . again!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Thank You

To the many, many Veterans who have served this great nation to preserve our freedoms and our way of life, I thank you!
To the many, many Veterans who gave their lives defending what this nation stands for, I thank you!
To the many, many Active Duty Military who continue, each day, to serve and protect us from all evil ~ foreign and domestic ~ I thank you!

Calvin Rider
Alfred J. Herrmann, Sr.
Alfonso Sellet
Salvatore Marinello
William Rider
James Rider
Alfred J. Herrmann, Jr.
Nicholas Rider
Robert Rider
Nicole Cyr
Lenny Miller
Kane Plate
Kevin Ferrero

And a multitude of others who are of lesser relations but no less dedicated to a higher calling ~
Thank You!

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Good Morning!

Oh, isn't it wonderful?

That moment when you first wake up in the morning.
It is the most splendid moment of the day.
Not matter how weary you might feel, no matter the day's tasks,
you possess the knowledge that absolutely anything could happen.
Far too often we focus on worrying about what MIGHT happen.
Allow the possibilities . . . the positive . . . the pleasantries to fill you.
Be enriched with a Good Morning
and follow it up with a Dare-to-Believe Day!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Hero

A true hero, it is said, is not someone who thinks about doing what is right.
A true hero is one that simply does what is right without thinking!

There's a Ch-Angel friend of mine who goes by the name of Lenny.
If folks were in the dictionary with defining 'tag lines,' the above would be his!

Be a Hero!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Insulation

Electronic wires need the proper insulation for safety purposes.
Houses need the proper insulation to keep the cold out in winter and the heat out in summer.
What makes you any different?

You need to have the proper insulation to ensure your safety and comfort.

Surround yourself with folks who build you up; who comfort you; who push you in a positive way; who lead you with love and kindness; who support you; who strengthen and fortify you; who give you the opportunity to flourish; who listen; who care; who stand by you in good times and bad; who believe in you.

The folks that do any less than that, are not worth putting in your attic or wrapping around your wiring. Bad insulation costs you much, much more than a couple of dollars at the height of winter.

Envelope yourself with smiles and joy and friendship and laughter.
It is a beautiful conductor of peace, harmony, and inner strength!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Decisions, Decisions . . .

If you are lucky enough to wake up in the morning, you have a choice.
You can either make yourself miserable, or you can make yourself strong.
The amount of work is the same.
The choice is yours.
And remember this as well . . .
No matter the task, the trial, or tribulation . . .
The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race.

So choose well and run, Forrest, run!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Will

Strength does not come from physical capacity.
It comes from an indomitable will.
Mind over matter.
If you don't mind, it don't matter.
What you believe, you can achieve.
You can accomplish anything you truly desire to accomplish.
Focus, prepare, take baby steps, or giant leaps, but always press forward.
Your will is an amazingly sturdy fiber of your being.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Let It Go

I have a dear friend who sent me a writing entitled, "Let It Go". It was written in reference to knowing what you can control and being ok with what you cannot. She gave it to me for one reason, but it has been wonderfully useful in a variety of other areas.

This weekend, I spent several days away from home.
It is always good to get away - no matter what you do - to switch things up and change your vantage point.
We took a cave tour, walked in the rain, drank really potent and bad beer, we stayed out way too late, we cheered on a favorite team with 84,000 of our closest friends, we danced, we sang, we walked and walked and walked, we spent time with our son, and we laughed.
It was such a wonderful time  ~  to let the things go that I cannot change or alter or fix.
It was so relaxing  ~  to not be worried about who is offended or how my words can be misconstrued.
It was beautiful  ~  to simple enjoy my surroundings.
It was cleansing to just detoxify my life. To sweep out the bad, mean, and ugly things and welcome in the beautiful, wondrous, and marvelous things.

If I was a doctor, I would whip out my prescription pad and write everyone a script:

Take a few days off and Let It Go!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Your mother was right!!!

Actions speak louder than words.
Your actions show what your heart is made of.
Actions, with expectations, are sad attempts of claiming something you never had.

Go . . .

Give
Share
Donate
Volunteer

Work for a cause, not for applause.

Have an eerily fantastic and safe Halloween!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Have at it!

Wherever there is a human in need,
there is an opportunity for kindness
and to make a difference.
                    ~  Kevin Heath

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Life Lesson #6,248

There is a difference between giving up and knowing when you've had enough.
There comes a time in your life when you need to walk away from all the drama
and from the people who create it.
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and appreciate life and the
blessings that abound.
Forget the bad and focus on the good.
Love the people who treat you right and pray, real hard, for the ones who don't.
Falling down is a part of life. Getting back up is living.
Life is too short to be anything but happy.
So dance like there'll be no tomorrow.
Sing like the notes don't exist.
Laugh til your stomach hurts.
And love.
And the greatest of these . . . is love!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Plant Some Trees

Sometimes, at the most insignificant or irrelevant moments, inspiration strikes.
During a conversation with someone, this phrase popped up and I was struck by its enormity.
Let me share . . .

We have all been hurt by someone in our lives.
We have had an old boyfriend or girlfriend break our hearts.
We have had a 'friend' betray us or lie to us.
We have had someone talk badly about us, or say hurtful things, or just be mean.
We have been bullied or badgered or belittled.

The normal reaction to this threat is to throw up a wall.
This is typical and common, but there is a problem with it.
We are not all masons.
Some folks just slap a few boards up, but those inevitably fall apart.
Some folks put up a chain link fence, but those are full of holes.
The masons, of course, build beautiful walls but to their own detriment.

When we build walls around ourselves, we believe we are protecting ourselves.
This, in fact, in not true.
We are, most definitely, confining ourselves.
We are cutting ourselves out of the world because someone else chooses to be mean.
Does that make any sense?

Here's an idea . . . Plant some trees!

What a beautiful way to keep out what ails you.
If the problem persists, plant more trees.
Have you ever stood in the quiet reverence of a forest?
Why remove yourself from the beauty of the world because someone else decides to be negative?

Plant some trees!
The critters will come. The birds will sing and nest. Beauty and growth will surround you.
Flowers will bloom and a productive, positive rebirth begins.
There is no longer a need to erect those walls.
Live within the harvest you create and love what you let in.

I'll get your shovel.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

MAD

Gotcha!

I'm not mad!
I really try to keep that word out of my vocabulary, and that feeling out of my emotional resources.

It's M.A.D.
National Make A Difference Day!

So go ahead!
Get MAD!
Go and Make A Difference!

Do something crazy.
Buy someone a coffee.
Pay for some groceries.
Help a neighbor with yard work.
Perform a random act of kindness.

And be sure to say, "Have a Great Day Pumpkin!" while you do it,
as it's also National Pumpkin Day!

Go Get MAD!
I'm going to leave a trail of MADness wherever I go!

Friday, October 25, 2013

National Frankenstein Friday

A little Halloween silliness.

Today is National Frankenstein Friday.

As weird as this sounds, this struck me as an opportunity to share. I know, I'm a special sort of twisted, right?

Frankenstein was a mish mash of pieces and parts, put together with the intent of making something alive and wonderful. Aren't we all a little Frankenstein?

How many scars do you carry? How many skeletons are in your closet? How many times have you managed to stand back up and carry on after someone knocked you down? How often have you polished the bolts and strutted around instead of being defeated or belittled?

We've all had our share of chipped and broken hearts, shattered dreams and injuries.
Don't let them win. Be better for them.

Be alive! Be alive!

Happy Frankenstein Friday!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Time for a Ch-Angel

Today's Ch-Angel is someone who I have not known all that long.

When I met her, I was at a charity function that someone else was supposed to be running, but I somehow got roped into leading it. Ahhhh . . . such is life! Without having been pushed into the position, I would not have been able to befriend this Ch-Angel!

She was a vendor who, when given the opportunity to speak about why she was helping out All Children's Hospital, absolutely silenced the room. She spoke of two sick boys - her only children. She spoke of the trauma of all that she has watched unfold for them and how ACH helped them and is continuing to help them - in many ways.

A few days later, she appeared at a meeting to join our ACH group, where she further expressed other family issues she is embroiled in. Hollywood could not have created a more heart-wrenching scenario.

In the midst of all the mayhem that swirls daily in her life; she spends every free and available moment reaching out to others. She's constantly conjuring up opportunities to help the needy; give to those with less; and offering her time, energy, abilities, business, and heart. She is just an amazing person to know and I am a better person for having crossed paths with her.

Ch-Angel Tonya . . . please know what a magnificent difference you make in the lives of so many folks who are in need; who are without; who lack so much. And know, too, that you make a tremendous difference in the lives of those who are not so much in need; but are truly inspired and are in awe of your daily efforts and heartfelt actions!

Thank You!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Peace

There really is a peace that comes with learning to let go of the drama; the folks that bring it, carry it, create it; and pointing your shoes in another direction.

In expressing my frustration with not having control of some situations, my wonderful daughter explained to me that she downloaded the 'Magic 8 Ball' app and she now just asks it the questions that frazzle her. I believe I may try to find that app myself!

There is peace in joy.
There is peace in simplicity.
There is peace in commitment.
There is peace in a giving heart.
There is peace in selfless volunteering.

Oh, sweet peace . . . consume me!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Self-taught

This little Ch-Angels blog was started to honor the most amazing Ch-Angel ever  ~  my mom.
I have always tried, no matter what else might have been going on, to remain positive and leave a healthy and productive note each morning that I write.
Most times, I respond to a friend's troubles or tribulations and am really trying to convey a little bit of wisdom or assistance to help them get through their day.
Yesterday was no different.

"Hang On" was written with two specific friends in mind.
What happened though, as mysterious as He usually is, is that I needed that message more than either of them yesterday.

Surrounded by folks who held no esteem for speakers; carried on conversations without care or concern for what occurred around them; focusing blankly on what THEY wanted instead of what might be best in the long run; skipping blindly toward an end goal that made them happy instead of really listening and trying to react to a current need. These things drive me completely insane! I cannot fathom the immaturity level it takes to be so very selfish and rude; yet . . . there was positive!

As I wrestled the day away feeling frustrated and frazzled; I realized I must just Hang On.
I know where I need to go.
I know where I need to be.
I know what I need to do.
I know how I need to behave.
And I will do just that.
The actions of others can only affect me if I choose to let them.
I am teaching myself to Hang On.

I hope, today, that you are Hanging On as well!
Make it a great one!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Hang On

There is nothing worse than someone who finds it necessary to belittle or degrade others to feel a little better about themselves. It is not only petty, but very sad. The fact that they think so very little of themselves that they must tear down another human being speaks volumes about their character ~ or lack thereof.

To those that have been attacked ~ myself included . . . Hang On!

The blackness of night cannot extinguish the light of just one candle.
Behold your brilliance.
Know your value and your worth.
Realize how very important and special you are.
Don't ever take a degrading word as an attack on you.
It is a mechanism of the other individual to try to lift themselves up.

Hang On to the fact that you are beautiful.
Hang On to the fact that you are loved.
Hang On to the fact that you are unique and perfect - EXACTLY as you are.
Hang On to the knowledge that we all have a place and a purpose on this earth.

Hang On!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Best Revenge . . .

We have all been in a situation where you'd like nothing more than to poke the eye of the person who hurt you, either physically, mentally, or emotionally. It is a normal, human reaction.

The problem is this . . .

The effort it takes to plan and carry out the revengeful deed robs you of the energy to create a new and better life.
The time it takes to plan and carry out the revengeful deed robs you of the time you could be heading to a new and brilliant destination.
What is worse than all of that is the fact that by planning and pondering about 'getting even,' you are actually becoming that person that hurt you. You are stooping to their level. You are lessening yourself and your ethics and your morals, to 'teach' them a lesson.

The absolute Best Revenge is being happy.
The absolute Best Revenge is smiling.
The absolute Best Revenge is moving on with your life.
The absolute Best Revenge is hoping, with all your heart, that that poor schlep figures out what a truly horrible person they have been and tries to change.

Sometimes, the reason a door closes is because there is a window open.
Go grab what is in front of you.
Don't spend so much time in retrospect that you forget to look where you're going.
The future is whatever you decide to make it.
Don't fill it with trying to rectify something that already happened.
Spend your precious minutes creating memories worth remembering; laughing with friends; travelling to unseen destinations; embracing new experiences; and loving what's before you!

The world is your oyster!
Grab a cracker and some hot sauce!

Friday, October 18, 2013

My Ch-Angel

I have acknowledged my husband on prior occasions, but I will do so again.

Last night, on the 24th anniversary of him asking for my hand in marriage, he took me to see a band we'd seen 23 years prior in Chastain Park in Atlanta. If any of you have had the privilege of attending anything in that venue, it is spectacular.

Last night's venue may not have been as intimate, but Straub Park in downtown Clearwater, under a nearly full moon with a beautiful breeze and the stars blazing to once again see and listen to Chicago was absolutely amazing!

An awful lot has happened in that 24 year span.
There have been many painful things that have occurred.
There have been many overwhelmingly beautiful events as well.

While singing along to every song, holding the hand of my most favorite man in all the world, my thoughts wandered to hearing my parents sing those songs; to hearing my brother's jazz band play their songs; to crying to those songs when I broke up with my first boyfriend; to realizing my kids would be thrilled to be where I am and how happy that makes me that they like GOOD music; to dancing with my husband to some of their best known hits. It was a roller-coaster on the inside while being one of the calmest, most peaceful nights I've had in a long, long, long time.

My Ch-Angel . . . my Victor . . . always at my side.
Always making things special.
I am so blessed!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Positive

I am definitely one who looks on the positive side of things as often as possible.
No matter the situation, no matter the calamity, no matter how dire . . .
there is a silver lining somewhere.
I spent my younger days having my heart broken.
I did not have many boyfriends - precisely TWO!
One I dated for about three years and the other for about two and a half.
I am an all or nothing sort and they decided to take all and leave nothing.
I harbor no ill will.
With each step backward, I gained the strength to take ten to fifteen forward.
Pain, and the overcoming of it, make us stronger, more durable, more resilient and better people.

Twenty-four years ago today, there was a horrible earthquake in San Francisco.
It was devastating.
It was the earth realizing that it could no longer keep me down.
It was the day my Victor asked me to marry him.
Such a revelation that the world shook!

Of course, I am joking.
But in the midst of a terrible tragedy, I became engaged to the most amazing gentleman I know.
He is my best friend, my play mate, my rock, my life.

Maybe . . . just maybe, it was all the earth trembling and falling, finally, into place!

Find the positives!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Hope

Some days, there is the anticipation of something wonderful that gets you up and out of bed.

Other days, we may lay there wondering what chaos we will face.

Those days, we must look toward HOPE!


"The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life.
It provides human beings with a sense of destination
and the energy to get started."
~  Norman Cousins


Today . . . I pray that you are filled with HOPE!
It is a vast and expansive entity.
Fill it with whatever your needs might be.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

If not you . . .

Sometimes, volunteering can be very draining.
It takes a toll not only on your spare time, and even your work time and family time, but also on your emotions and faculties.
There have been many nights of no sleep, and many days of simply running around in circles.
There have been plenty of "No's," "No Thank You's," and "Not at this time's".
There have been lots of empty pockets and empty hearts.

But one must persist . . .

If you want to make a difference, you really do have to BE the difference.
Lead by example.
Give freely of yourself.
Give freely of your time.
Give freely of your talents.
Give freely of your heart.
Expect no reward, no kudos, no grandeur. (That's what "freely" means!)

I have also been blessed with joyfully tearful stories of families we have helped.
I have been overwhelmed with thanks and gratitude.
I have been the recipient of prayers and well-wishes for philanthropic prosperity.
I have been astounded by "Yes's" and overflowing pockets and hearts so filled with an eagerness to assist, it has truly been amazing.

We are one little family.
Four little people.
We have raised tens of thousands of dollars.
We have helped bring joy to many children facing terrible odds.
We have helped bring awareness and opened the eyes of folks to a world they knew nothing about.
Who are we? We are no one special.
We just wanted to help.
If not us . . . then who?

If not you . . .

Monday, October 14, 2013

Cue the Rocky Music

For those of you who remember the 'Rocky' movie series, you'll get it.
You could also apply to Mike Tyson.
Or, perhaps, even yourself . . .

A true champion is someone who gets up,
when he can't.

Gathering and garnering the strength and tenacity to pick yourself up just ONE MORE TIME than you've been knocked down is truly the feat of a superhero.
We all have that ability within us.
It takes no training.
It takes no positive-thinking books.
It takes no special breeding.

All it takes, is the will to believe in your beautifully, amazing self.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Smile

Smile, though your heart is aching.
Smile, even though it's breaking.
Turn your frown upside down.
You're never fully dressed without a smile.
Everyone smiles in the same language.
A smile is an inexpensive way to upgrade your wardrobe.

There are so many little quips and quotes and songs about smiles.
It takes so very little to express your joy.
And, when you do . . . the world smiles with you.
When you share your happiness with a pearly grin, the ripples created are endless.
It's truly a miracle to behold!
If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine!

"Smiling is infectious, you can catch it like the flu.
Someone smiled at me today, and I started smiling, too."

Start a ripple today.
Smile! And see how far you can pass it along.

And, perhaps, the best reason EVER to SMILE . . .
it'll drive your enemies crazy!

Friday, October 11, 2013

YOU

I don't think there's a human being out there who hasn't wished, at some point, that they were a little less heavy; a little more muscular; had a better haircut; had a better smile; could have a super-stylish outfit; have a little more bling; could wear the most fashionable stilettos; could date some hunky movie star; or something along those lines.

We wish, on occasion, we could be as thin as Susie; or as shapely as Debbie; or a number of other things and we seem to knock ourselves down the peg board of humanity just a little.

This needs to stop!

What you don't realize is that there is someone out there who is wishing they could be more like YOU!

YOU are exactly who you are meant to be. YOU exist for a reason and a purpose and a value and a mission. It may be to effect just one little life. It may be to effect millions. But YOU are here to make a difference and YOU are brilliant just the way you are!

Embrace your wonderful self!
The world needs YOU!
Go be YOU!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

You are Beautiful!

Not sure if this will work, but I'm going to try to get this out there!'


http://youtu.be/C5w6uSrceo8


This really is powerful.
And, for my male friends, I apologize that this is not directed at you, but . . . it is!

You are Beautiful!

Thank you Nancy and Jamie ~ two of the most powerful, amazing, beautiful, awesome, incredible women I have EVER had the privilege to encounter!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Thanks!

Yesterday, I was in a funk.
I'm not really sure where it came from, what started it, or why it just seemed to consume the entire day with that proverbial dark cloud sort of ominousness, but there it was.

Before I left for work (which might have something to do with it - LOL), I asked on social media for a hug. The response was just delicious! You have absolutely no idea how much you all just buoyed my spirits and lifted the burden from my heart. I owe you all my thanks!

And this left me thinking . . .

How many days do folks feel this way and they go un-hugged?
How many days does this dark cloud encumber someone's life without any light poking through?
How many days does that manifestation of malevolence dwell in a life without hope?

It's sad to think about it, but . . . I am the perfect example of opportunity.

Ask for help.
Ask for a hug.
Ask for a hand.
Ask for hope.

It will come.
And then, ALWAYS, give thanks!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Matter

Every tiny grain of sand,
each unique and dainty snowflake,
every drop of water,
each molecule of air,
has a purpose, a place,
a need to make a difference.

As do you.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Good vs. Great

A good leader inspires others with confidence in him;
a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.

This is such an important concept.
Far too often, those in power simply what to impress upon others how much others should love, admire, and respect them.
In fact, if those in power enabled those with ideas, energy, innovation, and motivation ~ oh, how the world would be a much better place!

Something to truly ponder . . .

Friday, October 4, 2013

Poetic Realism

This is how my brain thinks. This is what I am all about. This is my life philosophy and how I go about each day.


It is by spending oneself, that one becomes rich!


Give it a ponder!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Determination

Persistence is key!
Determination is powerful!

There are no magic potions.
There is no fairy dust.
No one can push you there.
No one can do it for you.
It is, quite simply, just one determined foot in front of the other . . .

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

No excuses

I cannot change the direction of the wind,
but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~  Jimmy Dean

There will always be obstacles.
There will always be those that tell you no.
There will always be hurdles and hardships.

No journey worth taking was ever simple.

Set your course and get there.
Just find a way and go!
No excuses.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Quest

I absolutely LOVE this. It is so very true . . . and maybe a little sad. Too bad more folks don't learn to enjoy the moment.

Life begins as a quest of the child for the man,
and ends as a journey by the man
to rediscover the child.
~ Sam Ewing

I believe we should grab that inner child and never let go! Adulthood comes no matter what. Take a moment each day to go pick flowers, or jump in puddles, or lay in the grass and stare at the clouds, or each chocolate, or giggle, or watch butterflies, or dance, or sing, or whatever it is you want to do.

It's not only healthy . . .
it's essential!

Monday, September 30, 2013

Sometimes . . .

Sometimes, I just amaze myself with the goofy things I come up with in completely unrelated situations.

Last week, I was discussing a frustrating topic with a dear girlfriend. We were venting about folks who do good work for not so good reasons or reasons that are completely foreign to us. Now, although these persons may have good intentions, they come across all self-gratifying and self-absorbed and motivated only by 'the self'. This does not compute to myself and this wonderful friend.

So, during this discussion, I typed,

"Hopefully we can slowly get said persons to not be so abrasive and/or condescending. Maybe, just maybe, if we support them long enough, we can get them to see the 'big picture' instead of them constantly seeking that 'self portrait'."

See, now . . . sometimes . . . in the midst of an outburst, something amazing comes! This can apply to so many people in so many cases. I hope I didn't steal it from someone subconsciously. That would make me sad!

Oh, well.

Today, folks, I hope for you to paint with broad strokes, on a grand canvas, to create a big picture and not a tiny self portrait!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Learning

I saw this on an old friend's post and could not help myself!
I simply had to share!

If you are not willing to learn,
No one can help you.
If you are determined to learn,
No one can stop you.

That "old dog" adage is a bunch of malarkey!
You can do ANY thing you put your little mind to.

Go . . . Learn!

Friday, September 27, 2013

A Happy Heart

The world is full of tumultuous and trying times. There is much sadness and loneliness and bitterness and dismay. There is hurt and there is pain and there is envy and there is ignorance. There is betrayal and there are lies and there is selfishness and hatred. There is bullying and fighting and disease and filth.

But . . .

There is also joy!
Without the rain, there'd be no rainbow.
Without the hardships, there'd be no appreciation for the overcoming of them.
Without the trial, there'd be no victory.

If you knew the journey I've been on, you'd wonder how I ever got out of my teens.
Yet, I am no different than any other person out there.
The only separation between myself and the whiner, the crier, the mopey, the dopey, the angry individual; is that I have chosen to have a happy heart.

I know there are better times.
I believe the sun will shine tomorrow.
I have faith in miracles and new beginnings.
I walk, upright, knowing that I have a purpose and a value.
I have a happy heart!

I hope yours is happy too!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Ch-Angels

It has been a while since I acknowledged a Ch-Angel on here.

For those of you that are unaware . . . this is NOT about the 70's TV series or the movie series with Cameron, Drew and Lucy.

This is about those special folks out there in the world. The regular 'Joes' who take on seemingly Herculean tasks without question or hesitation. This is about those Angels who walk among us who create a positive, productive, and philanthropic change  ~  Ch-Angels!

It would seem that I have surrounded myself with Ch-Angels and I'm loving it! I am buoyed each day by their presence and their interjections in my life. I am blessed with their offerings ~ to me and to the world.

The first Ch-Angel I believe I ever acknowledged was my Mom. She cannot sit and play Scrabble with me any more, and I miss her terribly in this earthy realm, but I know she walks with me ~ always! My children and husband are the next Ch-Angels in my life. So supportive and caring and loving. They inspire me and motivate me to be a better person.

Today . . . I want to hear about the Ch-Angel in your life! I usually just use first names (Ch-Angel Fran), but feel free to acknowledge away. I'd like to expand the list of Angels that I know!

Let's hear . . .

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Just Stunning

By Friedrich Nietzsche ~

At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being,
only once on this earth;
and by no extraordinary chance
will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is,
ever be put together a second time.

Elaborate and eloquent but, simply put, YOU are the only YOU there will ever be.
YOU are amazing, magnificent, marvelous, and extraordinary!

Be YOU!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Be kind ~ Always!

Everyone you meet
is fighting a battle
you know NOTHING about!

Be kind ~ Always!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Knock Knock

I saw this wonderful tidbit on a beautiful friend's wall. It immediately screamed to me to be brought over here. It is short and sweet and wonderful and does not need a whole lot of embellishment. It may, however, require a little deep, pensive thought.

People . . . think about this . . .

Wherever there is a human being,
there is an opportunity for kindness.

See what I mean?

Enjoy your day!