Ch-Angel time

This has been a rough time of year for me for the past few years.
It was healthy and wonderful to spend the day yesterday with my mother-in-law, Inova.
Beyond the beautiful name, she is an extraordinary person . . . in fact . . . a Ch-Angel!


She has endured so very much in her 89 years on this whirling ball of craziness.
She lost her first son when he was just an infant.
Got divorced when that was not the 'in' thing to do ~ just like my mom.
She remarried Sal - probably the most positive father-figure I ever had.
She raised three children and then raised two grandchildren.
She buried her sister and her husband.
She has endured all kinds of troubles and trials and overcome every one.
She forgives. I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure she doesn't forget (just like my mom).
She may wear her heart on her sleeve, but that heart is bigger and broader and deeper than almost any I've known.
She is accepting and loving and kind and gracious and inviting and amazing with a memory as sharp as a tack and a sense of humor that just makes her all the more beautiful.
I may have lost mine, but I'll take her in a heart beat.
She's a precious soul and a dear friend.
She's my Ch-Angel Inova.
Happy Birthday and God bless you, you absolutely outstanding human being!

New Beginnings

Some things are worth repeating.


New beginnings
are often disguised
as painful endings.


Grief, anger, bitterness, and pain are normal.
Feel them.
Use them.
Make your next step the first step
toward a beautiful new beginning.

What do you think?

I had a most productive day yesterday.
Massage, haircut, grocery store, greeting card store, vacuumed the whole house, cleaned the bathrooms, made dinner but one of the best parts of the whole day was a visit from an old friend.
She's a Ch-Angel for sure!
We talked about our kids, life, work, irritants, and laughed for several hours.
It was a beautiful part of my day.
One of the discussions that took place was about the people that truly irk us.
What they do, trying to figure out why they do it, and how it could possibly be an asset to anyone.
It was a futile effort.
Afterward, I got on Facebook and immediately saw this post.
It was one of those 'billboard' moments when you're supposed to sit up and pay attention.
It certainly made its point with me.


There are over 7 billion people on earth,
and you're going to let 1 person ruin your day?


What do you think?

Mind Games

Real difficulties can be overcome;
it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.
~ Theodore Vail


There was just something about this quote that truly struck a chord with me.
Your mind is an amazing piece of machinery.
What you believe, you really can achieve.
What you put your mind to - is yours to claim.


Whether you tell yourself you can or you tell yourself you can't - you're right.

Your name

Life is about not knowing,
having to change,
taking the moment and
making the best of it,
without knowing what's going to happen next.
Delicious ambiguity.
Carve your name not in marble,
but on hearts.
Lasting, loving, laudable.

Speak and Do

I was actually going to rant about something, but was able to offer another ~ more positive perspective ~ instead.
Instead of limiting my speech and the words you might think I should use, how about we teach our children to speak kindly and generously and graciously.
Instead of telling me what words I might be 'allowed' to use or not to use, how about we teach our children that words, like stones, when cast cannot be retrieved.
We would also be benefitting our children to acknowledge and embrace who and what they are.
Teach your children that is good, or even great, to partake in leadership roles.
Let them know how beneficial it is, not only for them, but for those less inclined to partake in one.
Let them know that curves are beautiful.
Let them know that being different is exactly how we were created, and that is precisely how we are supposed to grow and evolve.
To conform, be molded, and limit . . . is about as unattractive as can be.
Don't limit each other or set comfort boundaries.
Each one of us is truly spectacular in our own unique and vibrant way.
Get out there and shine!

Aim High

Let no man pull you low enough to hate,
and don't tell me the sky's the limit,
when there are footprints on the moon.

Saturday School

I've written on this before, but it seems to keep popping up in my day, so I'm doing it again.


In case you haven't figured it out, school extends WAY beyond kindergarten through college. School happens every day, every hour, every minute . . . with every action, every word, and every thought.


What you take away from each lesson is your own to figure out.
No one can change or alter what has occurred in the past. You can, however, move forward in a positive direction. It does not mean, unfortunately, that all those folks and things from your past will be moving forward with you . . . and THAT is a good thing!


I grew up with six brothers. Sometimes, it was more a matter of survival than actually aging. One of the best lessons I learned is that I could compete, in any sport, at any level, and then go put on a dress and kill the competition . . . again!


I moved from New York all the way to Georgia with the love of life at the tender age of twenty-one. The problem with that was I was NOT the love of his life. In fact, he had many. I could have scurried my sad little self home but instead, I shared an apartment with his best friend, pawned the ring he gave me and in the midst of working a second job . . . I met my wonderful husband! Lesson: It's not always as devastating as you might think.


We make friends ~ who turn out to be less-than-desirable people. We make choices that could have been made a little better. We do things we might regret and speak words we wish we could swallow, but they are ALL teaching points. Some things need to STAY in your past. They are there for a reason. Leave them there. Some people will leave your life. Wish them well and move on. There is a reason they are gone.


A wise little quote I have recently found goes something like this:
Wisdom is knowing which bridges to cross, and which bridges to burn.


Recess! Go play!

Be your self

You may never know or see what results come from your actions, but . . .
if you do nothing, you can be assured of no result.


I saw this yesterday and it literally made me stop . . . and think . . .
It truly has the potential to mean an awful lot to many folks:


Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.


I have forever lectured my children to always be their most wonderful selves.
Those that alter themselves for whatever group they are with, are a sad folk.
It is similar to the liar who must try to remember what fibs he told to which people,
that inevitably gets caught in his own web of madness.


Work hard.
Be kind.
Be generous.
Love with all you are.
Be honest.
Be sincere.


Be your self.

Artist

Every child is an artist.
It would seem, though, that as we age, we are bogged down with school and work and chores and political correctness and social agendas and drama and nonsense.
All those things chip away at our talents and our gifts.
We suppress those outlets because . . . there is not time, there's no money in it, it serves no purpose, it's a waste of time, and a thousand other excuses.


Let me tell you something!!!


Dig deep.
Find that painter, or that musician, or that poet, or that singer, or that writer, or whatever artistic abilities you've buried deep within you.
You will find untapped opportunities waiting for you.
You will find ease of tension.
You will find release of sorrows and anger and wrath.
You will find a brand new you.


Don't ever lose that artist.
Hold tight to the beauty and brilliance that sits squelched within you.
Pick up the paint brush, dust off your piano, get out your pad and pen, tickle the ivories.
Create!
There is no value in hiding the gifts you were given.
Share them.
Share you!

Let's Laugh

Among many other noteworthy celebrations, today is National Let's Laugh Day!
What a fabulous day!


Beside prayer, laughter is the best medicine.
When we are faced with obstacles, hardships, sorrows, or pain . . . this family finds a way to laugh.


It is so very healthy and helpful.
Laughter relaxes your whole body.
Laughter boosts your immune system.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.
Laughter protects the heart.
Laughter increases vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood.
Laughter reduces stress and anxiety and fear.
Laughter actually increases the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells.
Laughter improves ones mood and it enhances resilience.
Laughter defends against respiratory infections.
Laughter defuses conflict.
Laughter improves alertness, creativity and memory.
It is infectious and when shared, it binds folks together.
It lightens your burdens and inspires hope.


So fix your day today . . . and laugh a little!

Dance

When you stumble . . .
make it part of the dance.


and five, six, seven, eight . . .

Green

In light of St. Patrick's Day, we're talking . . . GREEN!


What are you today . . .


Green with envy?
Green behind the gills?
Rolling in the green?
Getting the green light?
Searching for greener pastures?


It ain't easy being green, but it's better than getting pinched.


Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.


Get your green on . . .

Math

The only way on earth
to multiply happiness
it to subtract doubt and negativity
add faith and hope and positivity
divide all that to the nth degree
and then realize there is nothing <!

Time

This may be a repeat from quite a while ago, but it would seem terribly appropriate to repeat it right now. I have quite a few friends who might need to read this and, as always, I am constantly learning as I type.




Time
is a dressmaker
specializing
in alterations.




It is short and precise and so very, very full of impact that it truly amazes me.

Good Samaritan

Today is National Good Samaritan Day!
What a wonderful day to have opened my eyes.
What a joyous occasion to live and breathe.
You have before you the opportunity to do some good, to give of yourself, to change another person's life.
Being a Good Samaritan doesn't take a king's wealth.
Being a Good Samaritan doesn't take a president's power.
Being a Good Samaritan comes from your heart.
You own the chance to do the right thing, simply because it's there to do.


Go Be Good!

Spotlight

This is for a few very special Ch-Angels today . . . Tina and Tonya!


People who shine from within
don't need the spotlight!


Shine on, my friends! Shine on!

Exercise

There are so many rules of thumb regarding exercise, I'm pretty much ALL thumbs at this point!
What's the best to do?
Long-distance cardio? Intermittent sprint cardio?
Weights? Free weights or machines? Or perhaps just body weight?
Supplements? Vitamins?
The options are limitless and almost crazy.


I have learned the secret.
I know the perfect exercise.


This exercise makes you lighter, healthier, and happier.
The simple and quick success of this exercise makes you want to continue to do it ~ over and over.
Are you ready to learn the secret . . .


Put one arm down.
Put the other arm down.
Squat a little.
Help someone else up.


Repeat this exercise whenever you are able
and you will be amazed at the changes in your life.
See you at 'the gym'.

Optimism

Who cares if it's half full or half empty?
You have a glass and there's something in it!
Forgive those who have hurt you, betrayed you, or broken your heart;
for they have helped you learn about trust.
Forgive yourself the missteps and poor decisions you might have made;
for they have helped you become wiser.
Forgive the opportunities that you think have eluded you;
for they were merely preparing you for something better.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement and happiness.

Journey

Life.
It is a journey.
No one is ahead of you or behind you.
You are not more "advanced" or less enlightened.
You are not more special or less worthy.
You are exactly where you need to be.
It is NOT a contest.
It's Life.
We are ALL teachers
and we are ALL students.

Aim

Whether out of fear of failure or just plain fear . . .


"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short;
but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."
~ Michaelangelo Bueonarroti


Dream big.
Anyone can take that first step;
but to keep walking . . . to take that leap . . . to travel beyond your efforts . . .
THAT is when the difference is made.

Power

Today, tomorrow and always . . .
remember this:


The task ahead of you,
is never as great
as the power within you.

Keep Calm

There's nothing else.
No witty conclusions.
No snide comments.
No distasteful quotes.
No distracting rhymes or alumni banter or drinking dialogue or silliness.


Just Keep Calm.

Not always as it seems . . .

Sometimes, when your world seems shattered, unfixable, hopelessly mangled and you are hurting . . .
remember this:


"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world,
the Master calls a butterfly."
~ Richard Bach

The Awful "E"

The Awful "E"

To be human is a wonderful thing.

We seek love, companionship, comfort, acceptance and compatibility.
We eagerly gravitate toward siblings, search for a partner, are consumed by children and live to share.
It is not until you allow yourself to be chosen by a furry addition ~ a pet ~ that your life takes on a whole new meaning.


It is an unconditional acceptance.
It is a whiskered face plopped on your knee, hanging on your every word, so intent on pleasing you and giving a paw to prod you, a lick when you're lacking, a nudge when you need it. And . . . in return . . . just feed him, pet him, walk him, and come home to him.  Whether you leave to get the mail, or spend a week on vacation, that you've come back to him is all he wants, all he lives for. He exists to improve your life, to give you love, to help you move from day to day.
It is a thrumming purr to soothe your frazzled nerves. A sweet nuzzle to avert your attention from a bad day. A reminder that someone needs you that helps you move beyond your own troubles and into that world of loving another creature with reckless abandon.

And then . . .

The Awful "E"!
When you being human means you have to be humanE!

When you have to voluntarily remove all those joyful things from your own life.

When you have to let all those things you fell in love with, leave.
But you know . . . with every tear . . . that that "E" is also about all the things they have given you that you now have the chance to give back as they cross that Rainbow Bridge.

Envelopment

Encouragement
Ease
Ebullience
Elation
Essence
Emancipation
Excess
Embraces
Enthusiasm
Emotion
Enhancement
Expression
Exemption
Enormity
Enjoyment
Entirety
Excellence
Extraordinariness
Enrichment
and
Everlasting Eternal Euphoric Existence.


Thanks Maximus Mako Marinello - for choosing us as part of your family. We are better for it.