birthday giveaway!

No it's not my birthday. But it is my friend's birthday. She's 30 and she's giving stuff away. Go check out her blog HERE. You could win some fabulous prizes!

Krista

The wife of a very talented musician who takes me around the world in pursuit of excellence, the mother of two amazing children, one of which happens to have Down Syndrome, and an aspiring disciple of Jesus, defender of the opressed, photographer and domestic diva.

I'm inspired by her generosity.One of my new year's resolutions was to help others on a weekly basis. You can read about it here. To actually go out of my way to help. I'm happy to say that, so far, I have been successful each and every week. I'm looking forward to my trip to Mexico, coming up. I can't wait to see what kind of love I can spread there. And I'm also doing a road trip in April, by myself. So much I can do on that week. SO much!

Do you see how much joy that brings? Just thinking of my future "giving" is making me happy. On Krista's birthday, she is giving! And that is receiving for her! Follow along, people! To give, is to receive. Pay it forward.

I hope you find a way to do that today, and every day. Can you imagine how different the world would be, if we ALL did that?????

Love language

Valentine's Day has come and gone for another year. I have never analyzed the day as much as I have this year. I've always loved the day. Sure we have the entire year to show our love. Many do.(show their love, I mean) Some need the day. Others could care less. None of them are wrong.

All of our love languages are different. What you need is not necessarily what I need. Hopefully your love language is the same or complimentary to the ones you're with. And I say oneS, because this day is not just for the lovers, but for all of those you love.

awwwwwwwww!

I know of a couple who donated blood together. I know of another couple who ignored it altogether. I know of another couple who decided against gifts,due to lack of money. He broke the pact and purchased a gift for her anyway. HIS love language. I know of a mom who left treat bags out for her kids in the morning. I know of another who incorporated red and hearts into every meal throughout the day, including the beverages! (she ROCKS) I know of another couple who celebrated in grand style. Singing throughout the day, straightening his wife's hair, dinner and music. All followed by a passionate night, no doubt. *wink wink*

she also blogs. check it out HERE

frittatas and toast

While these days are all different, they are all wonderfully accepted. We all have different needs and expectations and as long as yours are being met, there shouldn't be a problem. The only problem I have is, with the negativeness that some bring. It's a day of love. How can anything be wrong with that? We should actually have more days like that. If you think it's a big commercial holiday, then don't buy anything. Show your love in other ways. If you don't want to recognize it, that's fine. But there is no need to bash it. No need to throw our your negative comments. Is this an attempt to tell others how foolish they are being. An attempt to show that you are above all of this? I realize some are affected by the pressure of it all. But it's so easy to show love, that I sometimes think that it's a cop out to call it a commercial holiday, and that's why you're not participating. Your loved ones are worth more than that. Cut out a heart and write "I love you" on it. Home made Valentines have always been the BEST! At least they are, with me.

I have to admit that a few of the 'nay sayers' were getting me down yesterday. I was starting to fall into the "this is a fake holiday" mood.  I'm glad to say that the love won out and it was palpable throughout the night as   all the 'social media outlets', filled me in on the days events for others. We need more love in this world. If one day a year is devoted entirely to this, then I am a fan. I will do better next year. In my defense, I WAS busy with trying to get out my Valentine letter (ex-Christmas letter), and we just got home from California a couple of days before the day. There is always next year. Always.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the day and what you did. Leave a comment, would ya? If you have the time, watch the video at the bottom of the page! Have a love filled day! :)

Busy Christmas

Such a busy time of year!!! Why do we try to cram so much into this one month? I read recently, about a family (the happiness project) who no longer send out year end/Christmas cards. Instead they have become Valentines. When I read this I thought "what a fantastic idea! I'm going to do that!" As Christmas draws nearer, I'm doubting my decision, but sticking to it. This first year will be hard because as the cards roll in for our family, so too, are people expecting one from us. I still may give a card or two as I give out gifts, but the form letter(detailing how we are doing) and picture that usually accompanies each one, will be missing. I'm ok with that. Christmas is becoming overwhelming to me and I'm glad to be rid of one expectation. And besides....... who doesn't love to get Valentines in the mail. Christmas cards you expect; but Valenitines???

I'm frustrated this morning too. I dropped the kids at school and upon noticing the beauty outside, decided to come home and get my camera. I drove around town taking pics of the beautiful trees covered in hoar frost. Very relaxing and I was feeling good about it. I came home to download said pictures, and the card reader is not recognizing the card! I'm beyond angry. I already kicked the computer, screamed at the top of my lungs and slapped the card down on the desk. I'm done now. My husband will fix it later. I'm just going to let it go................... So pictures later. (I hope)

I'm not done Christmas shopping, the real tree we got is dead already, it's cold, I'm getting my belly back,the laundry continues to pile up...................... and to top it all off, I'm tired of everyone complaining! bahahahahahahahahah  I guess that's where this all originated. So much complaining this time of year is bringing me down. Not just social media but face to face, too. People are disgruntled with what life is dishing out these days. I'm getting sucked in. I'm a firm believer that we reap what we sow. The more complaining you do, the more you solidify what it is you're complaining about. I just can't seem to get away from it though. I refuse to use the word 'hate' on my status or tweets. It just seems wrong at this time of year. Wrong at most times but Christmas especially. Such  strong connotations! Settle down people! Where's the love?

Well now that I've had my little hissy fit, I'm going to change the rest of my day! I will be the one to spread the love. I'm going to exercise with loud music. Have a shower and get all gussied up for lunch with my husband. I'll have a pedicure after that, and bring a Christmas present to my wonderful friend who fills me with hope and inspiration. Then I will approach the rest of my day with appreciation, and joy for the season! I will I will!
We'll see how it goes, but I'm gonna try! Ciao for now!

a pep talk for me

I am what I am. Not what you think I am. Not what you want me to be. I am me. ~ M. Ping

I read this quote today. I have a lot of quotes that come across my screens during the day. The sites I subscribe to, the ones my friends do, keep us rolling in the "words of wisdom"!. Some days I don't want to see any of them. Some days I drink them in like each one is only for me. Today was a day that I felt like "unsubscribing" to all of it.Turning it all off. My day was filled with words. Words of good intent but not necessarily full of wisdom.

I've been finding that most people feel like they have a good grasp of what the world is all about. Their view. The path they're on is clear, their belief system is in place and ....~ heaven forbid that should change. Change for some is a dirty word.  A four letter word (figuratively of course). As human beings I wonder how we all got so conceited. Our beliefs seem to be set in stone. We seem to have all the answers. Everyone is right and the others can't possibly know what they are talking about!!! So sure of ourselves are we! How is it that some feel that have all the answers because "this is the way it's always been!" " This is what we know from the past!" "It says here.....!" Why are we all so quick to believe everything that is taught to us? Why can't we draw our own conclusions? If it doesn't feel right to you, then it probably isn't. If it doesn't sit right in your heart, then it's not YOUR truth. But don't question that!!!! Your mind, your elders, your peers, will all tell you that you are the one that's wrong. Feeling with your heart, digging deep into your soul, you know what your truth is. You're afraid. Of course you are. How can I possibly deviate from the norm? How can I follow my own true self? I refer back to the quote at the top of the page. You CAN because it's what you were meant to do.You were meant to be YOU! We're not here to suffer. We're here to be happy. Not at the expense of others. Don't let the masses keep you down. Don't let anyone tell you your own truth. Only you can know what that is.  I say this to myself just as much to anyone else. It's not something we've grown up with. It's NOT ~  "do whatever feels right!" and then you can get away with whatever you want. That's not what I'm saying here. But for goodness sake people....you have to feel something to grow, to evolve! We are not meant to exist, suffer, make do, tolerate, our lives. We were meant to LIVE them. So few of us really do.

I could go on but I think I'm done giving myself a pep talk. Any further and I'll be getting hate mail for sure. I'm not putting down anyone else's beliefs. I just wish we were all a little more aware of what we were doing and why we are doing it. Is it really what you want to be doing?? Or is it what you think you should be doing? Unfortunately some don't know the difference. LOVE! Let love be your guide. Whether to embrace, or let go...............do it with love!

I got this today posted to my fb wall from a dear friend. I love it and thought I would share it with you! Thanks for reading my thoughts. It feels good to get them out.......~ :)

Let go of what holds you back. Let go of your fears. Let go of your inhibitions. Let go of your past. Let go of the things that you can’t control. Let go of what hurts. Let go of your insecurities. Let go of the people who are walking away. Let go of the safety cord. Let go of what ifs. Let go of guilt. Let go of grudges. Let go of your comfort zone. Let go of the sadness. Let go of painful memories. Let go of regret. Let go of what can’t be. Let go of yourself. And Let God do the rest.- Unknown

my friend Heather

I have a friend....(here we go again). Her name is Heather. She has a special ability to channel different spirits. She can decipher what they are trying to convey. This is a talent she believes we all possess. Some choose to ignore, some don't believe, some work on their abilities to make them stronger. I believe this too. If you don't, that ok. It's not a requirement.

I went to see her yesterday. This was the second time we met. I was so looking forward to seeing her again. I was giddy with excitement. She is bubbly and fun and honest. She holds nothing back and I like that. As we sat down for our little discussion, I felt a great sense of security. It felt comfortable ~ for lack of a better word.

A lot was said. I won't divulge all of it here but I did appreciate the underlying feeling of "free will". My choices are my own and my feelings are there for a reason. They are truly what I should be listening to. That was great to hear from a second party. I know it, but I doubt.

Overall it was a wonderful day. I got a new book, spent time with my children, spent time with one of my best friends and her children.(whom I love) I didn't have to cook all day.It was a good day.

Today starts the processing. Listening to my heart. Thinking about the information presented. Thinking about decisions, life etc. My past-time lately it seems! lol And so on it goes! The sun is shining. The sky is clear. I feel well rested. I'm taking all of this as a wonderful signs. Everything is going to be alright!

 I didn't post this right away. It's now Monday. I've been reading this book since Saturday night and it's absolutely amazing. I HIGHLY recommend it for all!!!! It's changing my life. Just sayin'!

affirmation

So many loving words this morning from friends (directly and on fb) that I felt the need to say how much I feel a real affirmation for my last two posts. Then I clicked on a blog I follow and got even more affirmation. Your courageous life is wonderful blog and this morning it was like she was reading my mind. Funny how things just seem to fall into place sometimes. It gives me hope that I'm on the right path. That what I choose is right for me! Feels good this morning! I'm full of love and I hope you are too! Sometimes life is hard but you have to know, that this is exactly what you need to be going through right now. Believe!

Think the OTHER way today

For the past few years I have been trying to lose weight. Health reasons are high on the list but, let's face it; we all want to look good and turn heads.  I criticize myself every day for not eating right, not exercising enough, not cleaning my face before bed, not wearing my socks to preserve my pedicure etc etc etc..... We all do it. Some more than others. I have friends,from whom I have never heard a gracious word about themselves!!!! Well not today.I'm changing the way I view myself .(even if it's only for today) I was reading a blog I follow called Express-O. She pushes the same task. What is your favorite body part? Basically....Focus on the GOOD! What do you love about yourself. As women it's a hard thing for us to do. In our efforts to be the perfect us; we forget that we ARE perfect, as is!It's ok to strive for better,but don't forget to appreciate what you have!!! What is your favorite thing about YOU?????We all have things that we are GOOD at.We all have things we love to DO! But our body image is always a thing in progress. Look deep inside and tell me what physical part of you is your fave!

looking for love

from Express-0

from Hey, Lady Grey

I wasn't looking for love, or happy things on purpose but....they were flooding my way today and I was 'loving ' it! (pardon the pun) There have been pictures and videos and kind words from friends, encouraging words, smiles. There were even a few tears but I enjoyed them because I was there to be a friend.That made me feel good. I have had such a fabulous day.I hope it's a trend. Here are a couple of fun images I saw today! enjoy!