Giving Thanks!

     As the holidays start approaching, my thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving and all that it means to me.  Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of each day, it is easy to forget just how much we are given.  I know that I am especially guilty of this, although I hate to admit it.
     I am not a morning person, by any means!  When that alarm goes off in the morning, I honestly can say my first thoughts aren't usually about my blessings.  And as I am trying to think of something that I can throw at the alarm clock, my thoughts are only of staying under the blankets as long as possible. 
     But when I can finally rouse myself enough to think whole thoughts, I find myself thanking God for waking up one more day. And for the warm, snuggly blankets and bed.  For having a job to go to when many people don't. 
     When the winds were howling outside this weekend, I was extremely grateful for our good solid house that kept us warm and dry. 
     For family and friends, new and old, close and far...there aren't enough words to describe just how thankful I truly am for each of you.
     So, please take the time this Thanksgiving holiday and throughout the year, to be thankful for all of the blessings in your life. 

Be True to Yourself...

Found this quote today and it summed up exactly the type of thing that I wanted to tell you today. 

"Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day."
~John Wooden

 http://www.brainyquote.com

     John Wooden was a fellow Hoosier that became a basketball legend.  He won 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and as a coach.  His former players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, considered Coach Walton to be an inspiration.
      But one of the biggest reasons that he was so revered is because he was also a very moral man in a competitive sports world.  No matter how successful he became, he held on to his lifelong beliefs regarding respect, success and being a good person overall.   
     The man lived a long life (passed away at 99 years), had a successful career in basketball, was a very devout Christian who was devoted to his wife and family.  He was revered by his players and made a point of letting them know that there were more important things than basketball.   

     If I could only live up to a portion of what he deemed a success in life, I would feel that I have truly lived a good life.  Please drop me a few lines and tell me what you think. 

Taking Care of Myself

     I have been sitting here in front of the computer, wondering what I should right about tonight.  As I started to get tired and began thinking of going to bed, that is when it hit me.  Even when our bodies and minds start telling us to rest and relax, we usually give in to the "well, I should really do this first" or "let me just get this done first" thoughts running through our brains.
     I am going to listen to my body and tell my thoughts to go take a flying leap for the night!!  My body is trying to tell me something, and I better listen to it.  This is the time of year that the germs start flying and I'm not going to meet them with a worn out body.  Don't wanna meet the holidays with any kind of illness, if I can help it!
     Good night, sweet dreams, and please remember to take care of yourself.  You only get one body and you need it to last as long as possible!

    

Happiness is a Risk

"Happiness is a risk.  If you're not a little scared, then you're not doing it right."

  ~Sarah Addison Allen in "The Peach Keeper"


Have you ever read a quote that seemed to be only about you?  Where it seems like the author was looking directly into your soul?  That is exactly what crossed my mind when I read this quote on Facebook.  Although "The Peach Keeper" is on my Soon To Be Read list, I hate to admit that I haven't had any free time to get some reading done.  So, when I read this quote, it just jumped out at me and demanded my attention. 

All of my life, I have had big plans and have done lots of research, but have always stopped short of doing anything about those dreams.  I think that my research was my way of taking a step forward, without ever having to actually risk anything in the process.  I could tell myself that I was doing something towards my dream by doing the research.  And even though doing your homework is most definitely an important step, there comes a time to just get stared and take that risk. 

So, even though I will continue to do my homework and get ready for any future endeavors that I attempt, I will overcome my fear and just go for it.  True happiness is worth the risk.   I will not give in to being scared, but will instead use that as my  gauge as to whether I am taking the risks that I should!

Thank you Sarah for the motivation!!

What do you think?

Life is Happening Now!

"Make treating yourself a priority and always remember your life is happening now. Don't put off all your dreams and pleasures to another day. In any balanced personal definition of success there has to be a powerful element of living life in the present."

~Mireille Guiliano



(found on brainyquote.com)

Looking Up!!

 

 

       Have you ever been in one of your favorites spots and just happened to look at everything around you differently for a change?  One morning recently, I woke up early and went outside to sit by the river.  It was earlier than usual, and very few people were in the park across the river from us.  I took some great pictures at the pretty scenery around me. 

     Then, for some reason, I decided to look up.  And couldn't stop looking.  Even though I had been enjoying the scenery around me, I had never really given a second thought to getting a new perspective on my beautiful surroundings.
     I guess that it is that way in life, too.  You get stuck in a rut or feel like there are no solutions to some of your problems.  Then, something forces you to look at life from a different perspective...and, voila!  Life isn't perfect now, not by any means.  But, it looks a little better.  You may know which fork in the road to take now.  A different perspective may have helped you to solve your problem.
     So, as you go about your day, just remember to look up, or down, or all around.  Get a different perspective.  Think outside the box.  You never know what might happen!!!



Take the pledge!

    I can't believe that it is already September!!!  Time is flying!  I have been keeping busy the last several months and time has just flown by lately.  But, as the next several months will start to speed up at work and home, I will need to force myself to just slow down and recharge my batteries sometimes. 
   So, as we start to gear up for the holiday season coming up, let's all make a pledge to take some time everyday for ourselves!  Let's help each other out as much as possible.  Keep each other sane and not feeling guilty.
   So, who's with me on this?  Who's going to pledge to take this pledge with me?  Even if it is only a few minutes or so, who promises to take time for themselves this holiday season? 

Three-Day Weekend!!!

   Woohoo!!!  A three-day weekend coming up in less than 18 hours!!!  It doesn't sound like I am counting down or anything does it?!  I plan on getting a lot done this weekend.  What are your plans for the weekend? To-do list a mile long or sitting back and relaxing all weekend? 

    No matter what's on your schedule, just remember to take some time for you. Do what you like to do...what fuels your passion!  Spend a little time on recharging your batteries!!!

                                Have a fantastic weekend!!!!!!

Inspired by Chocolat!!!

     This past month, my book group at the library read the book, Chocolat by Joanne Harris. Now that we've had the discussion, I have also taken the time to sit and enjoy the movie version, also.  Other than the fact that it starred Johnny Depp (which alone is a good reason to watch it!!!), the movie was a joy to watch!!
     Although many times, the movie versions of books don't come anywhere near the book version, I think that this one was an exception.  The movie was able to take the best elements of the book and turn it into a wonderful movie.
     But what I enjoyed the most about both was the main message that was conveyed.  The main character, Vianne Rocher, sweeps into a small French town and inspires the local residents to enjoy life.  Even though the leaders of the village try to push Vianne to be something different or to get out of town, she stays true to herself and convinces many others to do the same.
     Let's live our lives a little more like Vianne!! Be ourselves, have an inner joy of life that no one can diminish, enjoy the little things in life (like chocolate!!) and be inspiring to others!! 
     What a great way to live!! What do you think?

Making life a little simpler...

Stuff...Junk..Mementos...

I guess it doesn't really matter what you call it.  It still can take up a lot of room, if you let it. With moving around quite a bit over the years, I seem to have accumulated a lot of stuff.  Wow!

So, lately I have been going through the house a lot in the last few weeks and working really hard on decluttering. It feels like a full time job!  But like they say about eating an elephant...you do it one bite at a time!  The only problem with that is, I don't really like the taste of elephant all that much!  But it must be done, so that I can keep moving forward with following my dreams.  As I keep clearing off desks, etc., then I have more room to do the things that I like to do.

Getting to do the things that you like to do....priceless!

Pampering Time Tonight!

  The last several days, I have been working hard and my body has been definitely feeling it!  So, tonight is nothing but "me" time.  Okay, maybe a few supper dishes...but only my own!  LOL  I've already finished reading my book earlier tonight and now I have to wait for the next in the series...not happy about that, but will survive .  (sniff, sniff)
   After a little Facebook time with an old friend, I am now ready to log off the electronic world and go hide in my own little world tonight.  A little writing, a little more reading possibly, and just plain taking it easy! 
   Need some down time to recharge the batteries and hopefully, I will be back at it tomorrow!  What's the best way for you to recharge when you need some "me" time?

Getting off the merry-go-round...

     Beautiful weekend weather here...and I made sure to take advantage of it today! I made sure to get the bunny outside in the yard and, it felt so good, that I stayed out there keeping him company.  We made a point of grilling out for supper.  Only chose to come back inside when the mosquitos started coming out!  They win!!!
     This has been a very crazy month and last week was no exception. I had two programs in one week at work.  I had a great time with the presentation, because it was about one of my passions (family history).  But, it still kept me extra busy! 
     So, today it felt wonderful to just take some time to breathe.  I got some stuff done, but more than anything, I just enjoyed the day!
     Even if it feels like it is only for a few minutes, take the time to jump off the crazy merry-go-round of life and catch your breath.  Even though I have always loved riding the merry-go-round in the park, one of the best feelings was to jump off of it, get your body to come to a stop and just catch your bearings again. Time to do that more often in life, too! 
    

Inspiration from Jenna!

    There are some days that I think God manages to put just the right words in front of you.  If I find just the right words in a book, or a blog, that I'm reading; I usually, I will usually take a few days to take the words in and digest them. Today, was one of those days!
     I would like to introduce you to someone that I am highly motivated by in my quest to follow my dreams.  Jenna Woginrich has found a way to make a living and follow her dream.   I try to read her blog (www.coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com) every chance I get.  Some days, I get behind and read a few posts at a time.
     Even when you are following your dreams, you still can feel overwhelmed.  Jenna reminded me to still keep on going.  Please click on the following link (coldantlerfarm: Keep Going) and be inspired to keep following your dream, no matter your fears.  Hopefully, you will be inspired to continue reading her blog, also.  Let me know what you think!

 

Old friends are the best

"Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold."

     How many of you have heard, or sang, that song over the years? I remember learning it as a child.  Back then, that's all it was, ...a song.  But many, many years later, I realize the very real wisdom in those words. 
     I have made many new friends over the years, but nothing compares to old friends that know you better than you know yourself.   The kind that don't even have to ask what's wrong.  The kind that wouldn't believe you anyway, when you tried to say "I'm fine."  The kind that would do anything for you without asking any questions. 
     I have been truly blessed to have these amazing ladies in my life for so long.  I met one in 3rd grade, one in 6th, and one in high school. And one, I didn't actually meet until a few years ago, but we have been pen pals since the age of ten.  Now, we are on the cusp of middle-age (the very, very beginning cusp, mind you!!!! LOL) and I still can't wait to see what life has in store for all of us.  But, no matter what, I know for a fact that these ladies will still be there with me for the ride. 
     I asked my grandma one day, how long she had been friends with these two women from our church.  She told me that Gert had been her friend since they were about fifteen or so, and Pauline, since their early 20's.  My grandma was nearing 90 at that time, and the ladies were also still by her side.
      I tell you this because I want my friends to still be there with me as we all are hitting our 90's.  We are only halfway there now, and I can't wait to see what the other half of the ride will be like!!!

     Tell me all about your oldest and dearest friends, and some of your best memories...or how you know they have your back.  I would love to hear all about it!

Curiosity...the fountain of youth

"Life must be lived and curiosity kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

     I just recently came across this quote and it struck me as a terrific philosophy for how I should live my life.  I love learning new things!  Some of the most interesting people I've ever met seem to have an insatiable curiosity.  My husband is like that!  If he wants to learn how to do something, he doesn't waste a minute before he is opening up a book, watching a Youtube video on it or finding an expert on it.  Many times, we have been out somewhere and he will see something that he thinks is interesting.  He has no problem talking to the person involved to find out more.  He has made some great friends this way and has learned something new. 
     I think that curiosity, and acting upon it, is the real fountain of youth.  It keeps you young, and it keeps your brain young!  Fifty years from now, I want to still have the same insatiable curiosity that I have now.  I want to have acted upon that curiosity over the next fifty years, and have an interesting life to look back on when I'm old. 
  
 What do you think?

Life Zooming Right Along!

     Sorry, Sorry, Sorry!  Life has just been zooming along very quickly the last few weeks.  Been getting up with to-do lists and going to bed with them.  But it has been worth it. It will slow down soon, and I will have a lot to show for it. 
     But even in all of this craziness, I am still trying to stop and smell the roses.  I have a great life...wonderful husband, great kids, family, friends, and so much more.
     Please bear with me if I am not able to post every day for just another week or two.  The weekend will be here soon and I can relax a little bit more.  I will finish my episode of "Gilmore Girls" (a guilty pleasure!) as I wrap up this post.  Then, a chance to talk to the hubby after he gets home from work (very rare during weeks that our work schedules don't match).  Last, but not least, a chapter or two from my latest book.  A perfect way to end the evening!!   Good night, everyone!!!  

Quality time!

     Spring has definitely sprung!  And with it, a lot more things to do.  But it's the good things, though, that leave you well-rested for the night.  While planting strawberries with my husband, it felt wonderful to be outside again after being cooped up all winter.  The wildflowers and newly-mowed grass mixed together in a fragrant breeze and the river sparkled in the sunlight.  It just doesn't get any better than that! 
     Oh, but wait it does!  Our friend called and wanted to visit us with her daughter on Sunday.  Next thing I know, we are enjoying wonderful food sizzling way on the grill and a terrific visit with some good friends that lasted well into the evening.
     I have always been one to worry about what I should be doing and not just enjoying the moment.  This weekend, I swept the worry under the rug and had a terrific time!  I still managed to run a few errands, work a 9-5 shift on Saturday and get some laundry and dishes done as well, but spending quality time with my husband and good friends...priceless! 
    Tell me about your weekend!  Did you get some quality "me" time in, even if it was just a little?  Did you set back and just soak in your surroundings with all of your senses? 

Mother's Day

     This weekend, my thoughts have naturally turned to the idea of motherhood.  As we were growing up, we didn't think too much about what it takes to be a mother.  Honestly, we didn't even think about it at all.  Mom was just there when you needed her.  It's not until we became parents ourselves, that our concept of motherhood begins to really take shape.
     Then all of a sudden, you are trying to remember what your mother would say or do at each stage in your child's life.  You hope that you are doing a good job, but you are never quite sure.  But like I have said before, it is not just about the destination, it is also about the journey. 
     Do the best you can as you raise your child. Teach them how to become the best person that they can be.  But more than anything, enjoy the journey of raising your child. Don't wish it away, saying "I can't wait until this stage is over", or something similar.  I love my son dearly and have enjoyed all the years that I have been blessed to have him in my life.  But as a single parent who held a full-time job and went to college for much of his childhood, I feel like I just "made it through" many of those days.
     Now, he has only one year left of high school.  We have been having many discussions about planning his future.  Knowing that in a year or so, he will be "on his own" has me wanting to turn back the clock and start the journey over again.  But, I will enjoy every minute of the time that we have left together in this house.  I will enjoy this part of the journey, and I look forward to helping him reach his destination.  What a beautiful ride this has been so far!  I am very blessed to have taken this journey, and also to have been given a wonderful mother to show me the way.

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!!!

Friends!!!

     What a beautiful weekend we had here!  My husband and I got a lot of outside chores done while the weather was nice.  But we were truly blessed when our friends came over.  Sometimes, you find yourself torn between staying home and getting things done around your house, and visiting with your friends.  You would love to visit with them as much as possible, but you also haven't been home much in the last few weeks. 
     That's when it is nice to have friends that can help each other out whenever possible.  We don't always have to go somewhere to get our visits in, or spend a lot of money.  Both families have bought fixer-uppers, and can use all the help we can get.  While I was working, they borrowed my husband a few weeks ago to help with fixing up their porch.
     This weekend, as we were working outside, the family pulled up to bring back the mower they had borrowed.  Next thing I knew, the children were helping me weed, the other hubby was helping my hubby work on his truck, and the two of us moms were putting a supper together.  We got a lot of visiting in and a lot of work done,  all in one day!
     What a blessing it is when you have good friends like we do!!  We became friends because our sons did many years ago.  But we have stayed friends because it is nice to know that whether it is with your children, home, pets, tools, chores, you name it...you always know that you can trust someone to have your back!!!

Taking Chances

     This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my brother's wedding.  I am very happy for him and absolutely love my new sister-in-law and niece.  But all of this got me thinking about how important it is to  take chances in your life.
     Choosing to get married is definitely taking a chance. But choosing to do so a 2nd time around, means that following your heart is what's most important to you.  You already have been through the good times and the bad.  You know what could happen.  But you also know what is right for you and you chose to go for it!
     This is true in all areas of your life.  If you stay right where you are, you might feel safe because you know what to expect everyday.  But you have absolutely no idea how good it can be around the next bend.  It's a scary feeling, not knowing what to expect.  I've been there, I know.  I have been divorced.  I decided to take a chance on a dating website and found the most wonderful guy in the world.  Several years ago, I also made the decision to go back to college and now have a new career path to follow.
    For those of you that have known me for many years, you know how scared the younger me was to take any chances.  A younger coworker just asked me the other day if I had any advice for her. (She had just turned 25, I had just celebrated the 20something anniversary of that birthday!).  Among a few other nuggets of wisdom, I highly recommended taking chances in life and just enjoy it!

Permission to play hooky!

     Thank you very much for giving me a little extra time to take care of myself!  I needed that.  In today's rush, rush, rush society, I think that we sometimes forget exactly how to slow down and take care of ourselves. Now, I know right at this moment, you are probably laughing at me and saying that you could never forget how to do that.  Am I right?!
     But if that is the case, why do we have so many magazine articles telling us how to do just this.  I dare you to open up your Oprah magazine or Woman's Day and look for articles on 1) how to say "no" to others and take time for yourself,  2) tips on how to get more relaxed, etc.
     If you had a whole day to yourself and no immediate deadlines to meet, what would you do with your day?  Catch up on your favorite book, spend the day with a friend, doing absolutely nothing?  When is the last time that any of you have taken a day like this?
     Go ahead...I give you permission to take care of you!  I know at first, you might go through withdrawals.  You curl up on the couch to read or watch TV, and you see that your coffee table has crumbs, dust and water rings.  Next thing you know, you are heading out to the kitchen to get something to clean it!  If a whole day would throw you into shock, just shoot for a whole hour.  If that coffee table was dirty for the last 3 days, then another hour or two is not going to hurt!
     If you don't take care of yourself, then who will do it for you?  What will you do with your day? Drop me a note and tell me how you take care of yourself.  I would love to hear from you!

Taking Time for Yourself

 Have you ever had one of those days?  The kind where you are just glad that you can find a few minutes for yourself here and there, because you really need them?  It started out great...gotta spend some time with hubby, taking him out for a birthday meal.  But as the day went on, just started to feel a little more like a cold was coming on.  So, tonight's post is short and sweet, but it is a lesson that many of us forget.  Remember to take time for yourself!! So, for the next day or so, I will be babying myself...watching a few taped shows, reading my book, etc.

So, I may get on here tomorrow, but I may also just take some medicine and curl up on the couch.  Hard to say at this moment...But I am definitely going to take some time for myself! You do the same!  We can compare notes in a few days.  Enjoy your time!!

Are you genuine?

Genuine-- 1) authentic; real 2) free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy.

     Why am I quoting the dictionary, you may ask...It actually all started with a discussion with my husband.  We were talking about a friend of his family's being a good role model for his kids, and how this guy is just an all-round, good genuine person.  He loves life. He believes in his convictions, but is not in-your-face about it.  He is just "real".
     That got me thinking about the people that seem to impress me the most.  Whether they are people that I have known for a long time or have only met in the last few years, they have affected me more than they know.  I want to live each day being more genuine.
     We spend our early years trying to be popular and just like everyone else.  Even, as adults, we spend much of our time trying to be what everybody else wants us to be.  But, it is our life and we need to make sure that we are living it for ourselves.  Be there for your family and your friends, but don't be what they expect you to be. 
     Be yourself... Do what makes you happy, not what is popular....Be real, genuine, authentic.

     I am going to end this post, with a wonderful quote that I found a while back.   Mull it over a little in your mind and tell me what you think. 

"It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly,
than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection."

-Bhagavad Gita

My apologies...

    I just wanted to take a moment to apologize to all of you.  In the last few weeks, I have had several computer issues and have not been home to deal with them.  Therefore, I haven't had very much computer blogging time lately.  It looks like all of the issues have now been resolved, so I should be able to start getting back to normal.  Now, if I could just slow down the life a little bit, that would be wonderful!  But, that will come soon... 
     But in the meantime, I have lots to be thankful for today.  I have a great family, wonderful friends, a warm house, a job, food and vehicles that run.  Even though it doesn't feel like it outside, it is spring on the calendar.  I am thankful that the days will should be getting warmer soon (LOL) and everything will start blooming again. 
     So, everyone, tell me what you are thankful today.  I know that some days, we are most thankful that it is just over.  If that is the case, you can even tell me that! What are you grateful for today?
     It is late and I am tired...right now, I am also thankful for my lovely pillow!!!
   

Inspiration can be anywhere...

    You never know where you might find inspiration!  I was just watching TV and a commercial came on the air.  I won't say which commercial, but it just hit me the right way.  They said to "play the lead in all your life stories".
     A lot of us forget that.  We let our bosses, family, circumstances, etc. play the lead.   But it is your life and you are the only one that can star in it. Everyone else is either a bit actor, extra or a supporting actor. You decide which part everyone plays and who is the star!

Trust your Gut Instincts...Seize the Moment!

     Today, I am going to borrow from Paula Deen.  When she decided to start her catering business, she was a single mom and money was tight.  Even though she has admitted to suffering from panic attacks and agoraphobia, she trusted her gut instincts enough to believe in herself and her talent.  Many years later, we would all have to agree that she is a success and loves what she does!

     "I believe the dumbest mistakes we make in life come from not seizing the moment ~ even if the moment looks a little scary.  I have learned to respect my intuition and I have flown by the seat of my britches so many times, they're stretched out.

  When I first started The Bag Lady,  I had no experience-none, zilch, zero.  I was forty-two years old and I knew I had to do something even if it was a wrong move.  So, I flew by the seat of my pants everyday I got up.  I went with my gut instinct." 

~Paula Deen "It Ain't All About the Cookin' " page 269

What you do today...

What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

 ~Ralph Marston

 

     When I found this on www.brainyquote.com, it just seemed to fit my mood today.  Here it is, the day almost over, and I felt like I hadn't gotten anything accomplished today. I had gone to work today and took care of some chores, but just didn't feel very motivated. 

     However, Ralph made me realize that I had actually spent time today working toward improving my tomorrows.  I took a computer class today to improve my social media skills, which should help improve the blog and many future endeavors that I may attempt in the future...that is, if I don't just get lost in them and never come up for air!!!

     Also, for several weeks now, I have been reading Rural Renaissance by John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist.  They are a couple that have chosen to give up the "rat race" that they were living in Chicago and now live the life they want in Wisconsin.  They have found a way to make a living leading the life that they want.  I am almost done with the book and have found myself inspired to find ways to accomplish the same in my own life.

     So, let's see,...learning new skills and motivating myself by following John and Lisa's story. Even though at first glance, I didn't feel overly productive today; I feel a little better that I took some baby steps today.  Baby steps in the right direction still count!!

 

 

The Smallest Step...

 

 

Enjoy the trip!

     I have to admit to you that I almost didn't post anything today. Not because I don't have anything at all to say, but completely the opposite.  I have so much rolling around in my mind tonight, I wasn't quite sure if I could manage full sentences that made any sense. 
     In a little under a year, I have had to say goodbye to several people.  One was my father, who taught me how to be content and make the most of my life.  He kept his bills paid and made a good life for his family.  But most importantly, he always made sure to take time for his family and friends.  As children, we would go with him to visit a sick relative or an old friend. In almost 80 years, I don't think that even a week would go by without my father brightening someone's day.
    Within the last several weeks, my coworkers and I have also lost two good, caring women that had overcome many obstacles in their lives.  Both of these ladies cared very much about the people around them and would do anything for you.
    Why am I telling you this tonight?  With the loss that we are dealing with today, I have been reminded again how important it is to make sure that people come first in your life.  Everyday, enjoy your life and the people in it!  As you are travelling toward your destination, take the time to talk to your travelling companions and look out the window. 

Time for another Fortune Cookie Friday!

"Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness."

 

 



     Isn't this what it is all about?  When I found this fortune, I just knew that it was perfect for today!  Life should be enjoyed.  People are always "searching" for happiness; but it is not something that is just waiting for the perfect time to appear.  Everyday, we choose to be happy or not.  We can start by just doing what we love whenever we can.  Even if it is only an hour a day, that's a start!!

     If you just start doing what you love whenever you can, it will start bleeding into your everyday life.  I know that it can happen.  Over a year ago, I was honestly a "closet" writer.  I wrote some stuff for myself, but always just thought about it.  Never...doing...anything...about...it!  But, I started just choosing to just go for it. No big giant leaps overnight, but just always baby steps in the right direction.  Starting a writers' group at the library where I work,  starting this blog, etc. 

    I have found a way to incorporate even small aspects of this side of me into different parts of my life.  And I have found that when something interests me now, I don't just automatically go into the "someday, when I have time" mode that I used to.  I try to find a way, even if it is just barely sticking my toe into the water to do it.  I may not have the time for a full swim, but sometimes it makes you happy to just wade in the  cool water.

 

What do you think? 

    

 

    



What do you think about this?  When you get to be my age, I think that it means that I am old enough to know better and still young enough to do it!!  Seriously,  just get out there and enjoy your life today.  Don't put it off until tomorrow...remember that today is yesterday's tomorrow! Did that make sense or am I just really tired?!

Oreo and Spring...What a Combination!

This is Oreo.  He decided to come out and visit with you.  He loves to get out in our yard and eat lots of clover.  Even though I think that the snow looks pretty, I have a feeling that Oreo would love to see it disappear and get much warmer.  What about you?  Are you ready for it to be warmer?  What do you think that you will get started on once the warmer weather hits?  Is gardening your passion? Are you anxious to get outside and just take a walk, without worrying about falling on the ice?  

As for myself, I have several plans for the warmer weather.  My husband and I are trying to become more self-sufficient, so we are planning on starting a garden this year.  We are also going to start raising rabbits and chickens.  Since Oreo belongs to my son, he is actually a pet that will always live indoors in luxury.  However, the chickens hopefully will be working for us by hopefully laying some eggs.  As for the rabbits, we are looking into raising and selling them.

So, lots and lots to do soon!  Finishing the construction on our garage, building a greenhouse structure off of our house (out of reclaimed materials), getting a rabbit hutch started and the garden planned. 

I feel like I am accomplishing something, by just putting this out there in front of you!  I guess we have to get it all done now!  It honestly feels nice getting a little closer to our dream a little at a time.  What do you think?

Our dreams and fears...

     One of my favorite activities when I am on the computer, is trolling the internet for other interesting blogs.  I love reading what my fellow bloggers have to say; and many times, I look to them for the inspiration that I need.  Several months ago, I read a very good article about following your heart despite your fear. 

     Scott Ginsberg, the creator of "Hello, My Name is Blog", is an author, speaker and blogger that has made quite a name for himself.  This article of his," How to Follow Your Heart Without Losing Your Mind", really struck a chord with me that keeps me taking those baby steps everyday toward my dreams.  Although I loved the whole article, there were a few tidbits that really hit home.

     "Perhaps it would serve you better to lean into your sense of scared-shiftlessness." Wow!!!  He must have been following me around to know that's what I have been doing my whole life. As a major bookworm, I have always researched things to death, but would never take that leap because of being so scared. 

     "I think that’s the biggest challenge of following the path of your heart: It’s rarely well lit. And everybody is afraid of the dark – everybody. My suggestion: Instead of being stopped by not knowing how, try being sparked by knowing why. With purpose as your baseline, you’ll be able to gather enough momentum to sustain your efforts until how comes your way."  For myself, I know the why.  I know what I want out of life.  The how is just figuring out the most fun way of getting there while enjoying the ride!

      "Look: Life is boring when you know all the answers. Ambiguity is an exhilarating dance. Take its hand and spin it like a prom date. Are you willing to tear yourself away from the safe harbor of certainty?"

     Yes, I think that I willing to do just that!  Are you?

     Please take the time to go to the link above and read the whole article.  It will really open your eyes about your own dreams and fears.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  I would love to hear from you!

    

Some of my new heroes!

 

 

These people are my heroes. They have taken the circumstances in their lives and chosen to follow their hearts. 

 

  

 

This morning, my husband called me into the front room to watch a story on CBS This Morning.  It was about a man named Nick Vujecic.  Even though he was born without arms and legs, he has not let that stop him from living life the way he wants.  I have not read this book yet, but after getting caught up in Nick's infectious positive attitude on TV, I look forward to reading this soon.

 

 

 

 

After  tragic circumstances leave Cheryl Strayed reeling and questioning her life, she comes across information about the Pacific Coast Trail.  For some reason, the trail calls out to her and she decides to follow her intuition.  With a mixture of humor and raw feelings, Cheryl's story will inspire you to test your own limits.  I really enjoyed reading her book and would recommend that you check it out.

Fortune Cookie Future!

     Whenever I seem to be having a case of writer's block, I start looking around for anything that might inspire me.  In fact, I have even gotten in the habit of keeping my fortunes whenever my husband and I go to our favorite Chinese restaurant.  I figure that whenever I am stuck, I could pull one of these out of the basket to get my brain back in gear.
     Just the other day, we got our fortune cookies and mine said, "Choose your own path".  That was it, just those four words.  But that was all I needed.  Since then, I have been doing just that.  Working on what I can to move me further down my own path.  Rolling around ideas in my head and then committing them to paper.  It seems that once I get it on paper, it encourages me just a little more.

   What is it that keeps you motivated to keep going?

   Has it ever been a fortune cookie?!!
   
   Let me know...it might help me, too! 

Resolutions you will love to keep!

     So, we are just under two weeks into the new year.  How many of you are still doing well with your resolutions?  I know that 2013 is probably the first year that I will do well with mine  Why, you ask?  Did I suddenly discover the fountain of discipline?  Nope, not even close because that will never happen!
     What I did differently this year was to just choose to enjoy life more and follow my heart.  Each day, I try my best to fit in a few things that I enjoy.  I read a few chapters, do some writing and just try to relax more.  I also make it a point to spend more time with my family and friends. One thing that this past year has taught me more than anything is that you never know what tomorrow will bring.  Laughter, tears, good times and memories are something that I can't just  put off until I can fit it into my schedule.
   In the past, it has always been easy for me to get bogged down with all of the details of everyday life.  You know, the gotta do's and the shoulda done's!! Even though I am still getting my gotta's and shoulda's done, I try to spend a little time each day on my dreams for tomorrow.  I am not just going to wake up someday and say "Okay, tomorrow is here and time to get started!"  If I put a little bit of tomorrow into each day,  it just makes each day so much nicer!!
    It is after midnight here.  So, I can honestly ask you this question:  What are you going to do today to bring tomorrow into today?  What little baby steps are you going to take today?  Please take a few seconds to tell me your plans.  You never know who else you might inspire to follow their hearts!

What are your  "tomorrow" plans for today?



    

Small favor to ask!

     Hey, everybody...I have a favor to ask.  I am new to this blog thing and am learning as I go.  I know that several people are reading the posts here.  One person even caught me a while back when I hadn't posted as often and asked me if everything was okay.  She was worried about me, because she hadn't seen any recent postings.
    If I know that you guys are out there and that you are reading my posts, my question arises when I look at the stats for the blog. It is not showing that I have page views or followers.  I am learning as I go here, and maybe I have done something wrong.  That might be why it is not showing up in the stats.
     So, the favor that I am asking is could you please stop by and leave a comment for me (so I know that you are out there!!!).  I would appreciate it very much!  I hope that you are having a terrific week and that your baby steps are taking you in the right direction!!
  

Happy New Year!

     Happy New Year to everyone!  As I was trying to decide what to write in the first post of the new year, I ended up in a two different conversations with friends.  Both friends have had very trying times in the last couple of years and have been doing their best in keeping their spirits up when life can make it difficult to do so. 
     One of these ladies told me that she has almost given up on her dreams and that it was hard to think toward the future.  As we continued our conversation, she decided to not give up on those dreams just yet.  And from her last comments, I think she took my advice to heart to "just take baby steps".  I know from past experience that just deciding to not give up is much more than a baby step.  I don't know if she realized how big of a step that she actually took today!  I am proud of her!
     In the second conversation, my old friend just needed someone to talk to about the struggles that she has been dealing with lately.  She has had quite a bit on her plate and has been feeling overwhelmed.  It would make perfect sense if she had trouble keeping a positive attitude.  When I asked her what I should write about on here, she suggested getting a fresh start and new outlook for the new year. 
     If these ladies can take their problems for 2012 and choose to 1) not give on their dreams, 2) take baby steps and 3) get a fresh start for 2013, I am anxious to see where life will take them this year! 

What will you do this year?  What is your baby step?