Be Extraordinary Every Day

Edu-ma-cation

2011-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hello my brand new Kindergartner!

Public school, better programs, more new friends, and a fabulous teacher. Couldn't have asked for a better environment for your entry into the beginning of a long fabulous education.

You are friendly and active and funny, Emmett, and sometimes, I am in wonder at your spirit and your personality.

I started school right along with you. I'm loving the opportunity to learn and grow and use my brain, just like you. You love your family and your dog and you miss your friends back on the west side. I can honestly say that Yakima is our home and I hope it is for a long, long, time.

I love you, my wonder boy, you are my world!

The Mama Lama

1,825 days old

2011-08-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Boogles,

Tomorrow is a big day - one of the biggest for sure! You turn FIVE YEARS OLD and 12 days after that you start Kindergarten!. You humble me, humor me, hug me, and sometimes hate me. That's OK cuz your endless giggles and silliness remind me why you bring such joy to our lives.

Our family will be at Kid's Castle with us to play and run and laugh. Your cousins, uncles and aunts, friends from school, and of course me & Dave. We hope you love the fabulous presents we got you to open and play with, the Spiderman cake and time with all of us that love you, little man.

Your dog, Precious, is not so precious these days. Chewing on anything and everything including your toys and stuff in the garage that you don't know about.....however, couldn't imagine life without her, right?

Mommy loves her job more than any job I've ever had. It's challenging, engaging, creative, fun, interesting, and my managers and staff that I work with are the best around. Professional, ethical, commited, loyal, and truly take care of the customers. It makes me proud to finally have a job where I feel useful and appreciated, and that gives me the confidence I've been missing for the past year of unemployment. VERY HUMBLING.

Well, tomorrow's a big day, angel, so sweet dreams to you and keep on loving like you do!

I love you, Emmett Michael.

Mommy

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Emmett,

You are napping in your brand new bunk bed, with bookshelves and a desk for your "homework." Power Rangers and Star Wars brighten up your bedroom, and you look like such a big boy on the top bunk.

Tonight we will trick-or-treat with friends and go to a Harvest Festival with Deb, both of us in costumes. I know you will want candy, candy, candy!

Our little life is going well, new job for mom, maybe a new school for you. Mom is kind of lonely but this too shall pass. I have your smile and constant hugs and kisses to keep me happy!

I miss our family in Yakima and hope to go visit this month, maybe around my birthday. I wish we could all be closer, sometimes it's really hard to be so far away.

Well, not much more to report, except that you are amazing, compassionate, silly, friendly, and you DO love girls!

I love you, sleeping angel.

Mom

1459 Days Old

2010-08-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

My darling Emmett,

Tomorrow is your fourth birthday and I just finished wrapping up all your presents. We will bring treats to school and hopefully they will sing to you. Your dad and I will take you to dinner and have birthday cake and tell you how much we love you. You will have presents to open and smiles to share.

Thursday we will go out again and laugh and sing to you. This weekend we will see family and friends and celebrate your life.

You are the reason I wake in the morning and pull up my boot straps when things get tough. But you just need to know joy, love, laughter, sunshine, music, dancing, and your family and friends - cuz in the end....that's all we have my little Boogles.

I hope you are having fabulous birthday dreams during your last sleep as a "free" year old.

I love you my angel...bigger than the sky, bigger than the planets, bigger than the oceans, bigger than all the animals in the zoo too!

Sweet dreams, Emmett.

Your mommy

My birthday angel

2009-08-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Emmett,

Today you are 1,091 days old and we celebrate your birthday this weekend! I reflect on the beauty of your spirit, the growth of your mind, and the curiosity in your little world.

We have a big change in your life, with our beloved nanny taking a different direction in her life, and you beginning a new montessori. I have high hopes for this change, but have treasured her one on one attention in the last 18 months. I truly owe alot of your compassion, your development and your silliness to her and will be forever thrilled that we found her. The new school brings back memories of your first daycare and not the best, but I hope you will make new friends and learn new things every day.

Sunday, you will be surrounded by friends, children, my godparents. I can't wait to show you pictures of your special day and I have so much to be thankful for.

I love you my little "free" year old.

Love,

Mom

Bedtime Schmedtime

2009-06-15T21:32:00.001-07:00

Dear Darling Sweet Boy....

We are so alike! You never want to go to bed on time and I think it's just because you are afraid you will miss something! Just like me! I don't know what to do to make it easier for you to turn off the lights, close your eyes, and go to dreamland my child. Warm milk? More bedtime stories? I do treasure every waking hour with you, my angel, and I look forward to watching you grow.

Sometimes you say to me.."When I get bigger I can go on an airplane, mommy" and then 2 seconds later you say, "Mommy, I'm bigger!" - your imagination completely slays me sometimes and reminds me that you are all that matters in my world. I work to provide for you, I laugh to make you laugh, and I love so that you feel loved.

I have begun to call you during the day just to tell you I love you. The days get longer and yet you keep growing up...I don't want to miss a single moment with you, my sweet boy!

Loving you has made me a better person. Thank you for that gift!

Warmly,

Mommy

Love makes a house a home

2009-05-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sweet boy,

We have a few nights in our new home and I can't stop thinking about how much fun we are having! From the moment we get home to the moment you go to sleep, you want to play outside, ride your bike, chase ants, and play ball. What a gift we have been given with this opportunity to live here.

Next is gardening, painting, and finishing up the move. All the hard work is worth it, and our upcoming vacation will be wonderful! You get to go see some of your cousins in Yakima and the trip will be fun, over the mountains in my "race car." We will go to the zoo and the park and play as much as possible.

I love you more my sweet boy.

Your mom

Can a Tiger Be a Pet?

2009-04-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Emmett,

As I write this, we are watching a movie together, Paper Clips, and I am so thankful for your company. Although day by day you have decided to attempt to take on more of your independence and sometimes it is beautiful, sometimes it is challenging, but most of all it is endearing and exciting watching you grow up.

You're almost potty trained and love your new Spiderman and Disney underwear. Although we often end up with more tee-tee on the toilet or floor, it's still fun to see the expression on your face. You want to dress yourself these days too and that's always a fun day!

We get to decorate your bedroom and make it your own space again. I realize I am not too crafty but Leah can help with that! I just need to find some more things to read and learn with you so you keep getting smarter and smarter!

Well, off to sleep now my beautiful son. Thank you for keeping me young!

Your proud mama.

Our 44th President

2009-01-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Emmett,

I have been a bit past due and thought I would commemorate today's entry as our 44th President of the United States was sworn in today in an amazingly breathtaking, moving, historic ceremony in DC.

I have saved the Newsweek, Time, and local papers for you from the day after his election. I get emotional at the pure magnitude of this feat - we elected an African American man and his family to run our country and times....they are a'changin'.

One part of this speech, of the many, many, many, that moved me, was this paragraph - at the last sentence I had to bow my head so I would not cry at work in front of my peers:

A quote:
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

I have been willing and ready every moment of every day since August 18, 2006 to nurture you until my last breath. Your light has renewed my faith in love and life and purity. The joy you experience every day, the way your brain processes all of the stimulation around you, the way you learn from Leah and Micah and Maddy and Sean, the way you laugh with your whole body, gets me through some of the tough days. But don't worry, there aren't many tough days. I promise.

You are almost two and a half and we will celebrate with a "half" birthday party next month, just me and you. Half a cupcake, half a cup of "chaw-ko-lutt miwk", half of a nap, but a whole day of love and laughs.

As I create this entry, you are coloring me a picture and "writing" your name. Your manners are amazing and your little Emmett talk makes me smile with pride and love. You have found more joy in the .99 cent fire truck from the thrift store than the presents I got you for Christmas!!!

This weekend Constance lost her beloved Smokey dog, Heather's friend is losing her battle with cancer, Debbie's friend is suffering from addiction, one of my favorite colleagues at work is leaving, and we never seem to be able to grow your college fund. But we have faith, love, and hope. Hope for our future and the nation's future. We can be whatever we want to be, Emmett!

Yes We CAN!!!!!

I love you my dear son,

mommie

In Loving Memory

2008-12-09T15:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Emmett,

Yesterday, I attended a Memorial Service for a woman I wished I would have come to know better. She is the only daughter of my wonderful Godparents, sister to one, aunt, cousin, friend, co-worker to many. The church was literally full of people that honored her with their presence, grieved her with their tears, and laughed when telling stories about her. I cried because loss is hard. I cried because my Godparents are hurting. I cried because it was so beautiful to see all of these people from the church I grew up in, from elementary teachers, people that had attended my baptism, confirmation, and graduation. People that my parents had known when they were still with us.

Hugs and tears, an outpouring of support for the member’s of this family. It made me think about my life. Does it have meaning? Am I using my gifts to the best of my ability? While I feel like I have accomplished what I wanted to when it is my time to go to heaven? Have I made amends with those that have hurt me or that I have hurt? Do I celebrate life every moment? Do I tell the ones I love, that I love them? Do I treasure my family? Who would come to my memorial service? Would I be that loved?

These are thoughts that I will embrace as I go through the holidays and into 2009. I will create a beautiful, loving, supportive, nurturing world for my son and I believe I will have accomplished what I was put on this earth to do. Be a MOM.

With love my son,

Mom

Birthday Reflections for Emmett

2008-11-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Emmett,

I am so thankful that you are my son. Your father taught you how to sing Happy Birthday to me today, you made me pictures, and picked me flowers. I missed you so much!

I got spoiled at work today with flowers and cookies and cake, lots of phone calls from friends and family, everyone should feel like this on their birthday.

We spent the evening with a dear friend who loves you very much. You won't remember but she was throwing you around in circles and playing airplane with you as you laughed like crazy. We made a nice dinner for my birthday and as the night draws to a close, I wanted to say thank you for making this my best birthday ever.

I love you, Mr. Boogles.

Your mom

D.A.M.

2008-10-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Emmett,

There is an old saying, you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family. I gave it one more try to help a family member and was again let down by the person. I shared my home, my food, my love, my support, my son's joy, my paycheck, my car, my gas, my energy. Only to be left without a trace, without even a "thank you." You left without even being man enough to look me in the eye and admit that you can't live by my rules. You can't be sober. You can't be alone. You can't admit you are weak and shallow. You talk a good talk though, must be from the months on the road as a sales person. Taking advantage of all those people, the stories you told me - wow, I'm not proud to know you right now.

My fault for believing your words and not noticing your actions. My fault for believing in you one more time. My fault for thinking you could live up to my father's name.

Never will I let you into my heart, or me and my son's home again. I cannot handle the hurt any longer and he doesn't deserve to be left behind, asking for you every hour.

I hope you find what you are looking for. You know who you are.

Lexi

Dear Blog, sorry for the down time...

2008-10-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Emmett and cyberspace!

I am writing from our new apartment which is big enough to hold all of your toys, all of mommy's clothes and room for our friends to visit! The spiral staircase provides you with much entertainment as you scoot from one stair to the next as you laugh your way down.

I realized tonight that my family, although physically far away, are always in my heart. My nephew Donny called tonight, and it made me realize how familiar we are with each other, how we accept each other for our faults and our strengths, and how much we want the same things - stability, love, laughter, a future, and neither of us can seem to grasp that. I hope that 2009 brings Donny and I closer and helps build the foundation for his pathway to success, and my extra needed family support for me and Emmett.

Work is taking its toll on me. For some reason, September and October are deadlines for grantmking (i.e. spending billions of dollars) and it is daunting. If only I could have a little extra for me and Emmett!!!! But I wake each day and thank the Lord for all of our blessings - and the list is mighty long.

I miss my brothers, every day. Randy is thriving in his new family and I enjoy reading Jen and Serenity's blogs. I am proud of you Randy, and love seeing the pictures of all of you. I only wish I was more a part of it, but that's OK. It's your blissful life and I'm across the mountains.

Rus, I understand you have a new person in your life and her family and Donny is on the road again. I hope you find peace in your heart about this situation as I have no idea what you are going through. I only hope you don't hurt or get hurt in the process.

For my son, Emmett, you are continuously amazing me with your talk and words and emotions. Today we went to the Children's Museum and you played with Mr. Potato Head (one of my childhood favorites) and rode a motorcycle and played with sensory toys and walked through the forest. I enjoyed seeing you prance around like you owned the place.

I love you my son, and continue to learn more from you every day.

In His Love,

Your mom.

Two years and two days

2008-08-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

Hello my beautiful little boy,

Being on vacation this week has really allowed me the chance to spend amazing time with you! We still have three full days left and I want to make the most of them. You loved the aquarium so I will try to get you a fish. We have a great time at friends parties and I loved buying you gifts. Your development and growth and wisdom is beyond me! I love the way you repeat what I say, you speak in third person, "Emmett all done" "Emmett go night-night" - it makes me laugh all the time to be with you - during silly times and challenging times, you still listen and show compassion and understanding of the ways of the world.

I promise to always protect you and hug you and listen to you and give you the tools to be extraordinary every day!

I love you Emmett,

Your mom

It's almost your birthday, my fabulous son!

2008-08-11T21:56:00.001-07:00

Darling Emmett,

As you rest in your crib, I am planning a week long celebration of your birthday. We will spend time together, with friends, family, go to parks and swim and play, maybe the zoo, and I will treasure every moment.

You are expanding your vocabulary every day to my amazement. You continue to grow and flourish with your new nanny and her family, and I am even slightly envious at all the fun things you guys get to do each day. I am so blessed to have found her.

Two years has felt like ten years of love that you have given me. Your beautiful smile and infectious laughter fills my heart with warmth and pride. I am honored to be able to have the role of your mother.

All my love, all my life,

Mama

He walks, he talks, he cries - he's Super Toddler!

2008-06-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Emmett,

At almost 22 months now, you are thriving in your new daycare environment. My friends have noticed a change in you that is full of vibrant growth, even more laughter, using full sentences and sign language. I can't believe I understand your toddler language but that's a mother's love, I suppose, and coupled with your sign language, we're totally in synch, my angel boy.

Weeknights are my treasured time with you, we eat and laugh and jump on the couch. Sometimes you throw a tantrum, cuz that's what little boys do, and I let you get through it and we move on. Sometimes you don't listen very well and I explain the way we do things around here and you get through it and we move on. But mostly you are full of discovery, playfully getting into trouble by pushing your limits, and becoming more cuddly and loving every moment.

For all of these things, I continue to be astounded by your spirt and your little laugh. Your smile lights up my soul and your belly laugh gives me goosebumps. I can't imagine an existence without hearing your laugh every day, without kissing the top of your head, and without holding you while you fall asleep in my arms.

We just made plans to go to the Kite Festival for your 2nd birthday, we're gonna camp out on the front yard of some family friends and play in the sand. We're gonna celebrate your birthday like rock stars! And I'll have more pictures for your memory book that you will treasure when you are my age.

We will create fabulous memories, just me and my three-footer. I love you, Emmett.

Your lucky mom.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

2008-05-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Emmett,

You just called me this morning from your dad's and said "Mama" and "Love you" and totally made me cry! Being your mom is the BEST THING I have ever done, my angel, and I can't wait to pick you up today and squeeze you forever!

Emmett, I'm going to write a letter to your grandma - you would have loved her....and she would have adored you and spoiled you silly!

Dear Mom,

I miss you today and I decided to tell you all the things I never had the chance to say...:

You were the best mom in the whole wide world.
You always put daddy and me and my brothers first and never let us see you get mad or hurt - well sometimes you cried but that was mostly when you really missed daddy so much. I miss him every day too! Yesterday was his birthday, and Randy and I figured out he would have turned 78! And still probably would have been flirtin' with the cooks in the kitchen at church, and loving his family every moment he was here.

I want to buy a home for me & emmett with a yard like the one we had. I want him to always feel loved and safe and laugh as much as possible. Mom, he's such a bright little boy and his new nanny really adores him.

Mom, you raised me to always be early, to treat everyone with respect, to smile alot, to love my family, and to never go outside with a wet head. You paid for my guitar lessons and I still play and Emmett loves it! He really loves music! I remember playing the Organ for Christmas carols in the living room, and for some reason you thought it would be cool for me to learn how to play the accordion - now that's something you don't see anymore! You took me to cheer practice and basketball practice and softball practice and encouraged me to practice outside so I could be the best teammate. You drove us to tournaments in Portland and eastern Washington, you made me work in the summer to earn my own school clothes, and you always made my favorite meal for my birthday.

You made holidays memorable and you make me want to be the best mom ever! You worked to support our family as long as your health would allow. You tried to protect me from the world and you really did! I love you and miss you every day - when it is my time to join you and daddy in heaven - I hope my son will say "Mom, you are the best mom in the whole wide world!"

Happy Mother's Day to me - and all the beautiful mom's in my life.

Changing direction

2008-04-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

So today I decided to evolve the direction of my blog just a bit. I realize I need to capture the sweet moments of my son's life so he has an idea just how much joy he brings to me every day.

I could write it in his baby book but there aren't enough pages. Today I will begin to write you a story, my darling little boy, a Love Story.

Cuz I love you.

My foundation

2008-03-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today marks 29 years since I lost my father to cancer. While the tears are flowing, my spirit is sad, and my heart is crushed. If you were still here you would see that I am finally successful in my career and am raising a happy, healthy child - I AM A MOTHER! I know that after my divorce hearing yesterday, my daddy would have told me everything was going to be okay, I deserve love and honor and adoration and I will find it. I know he would have taken me to lunch to talk about my childhood, to reminisce about playing in the yard, riding my tricycle by the garage, playing on the tire swing in the woods. I know he would have made everything better....

I miss you daddy, and yet there still is no cure for the monster disease that took you and mom away from me. I no longer feel the anger toward this disease, just sadness, sorrow, greatness because you loved me, and the yearning to grow and find a role model like you for my son.

Today I took back the last name that you gave me, and I am honored. I carried the cross necklace you made for me the year before you died, in court yesterday and today at work. I wore mom's class ring to court, and I carried your spirits and your strength. I needed it yesterday...and through the tears it is helping me write down and acknowledge the pain I am feeling today...

I love you dad and mom and I hope you are proud of me. I'm doing OK. And I am in love, finally in love, with myself and my beautiful little boy...who looks just like me sometimes...

In His Love,

Me

Do you ever really know someone?

2008-03-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

A question to the universe...do you ever really know someone? After 20 years of marriage, I see two hearts get a divorce. After 12 years of thinking you have a soul mate, choices tear you apart. After four weeks of dating, I see separation... How does one get past the fear that the next one you fall in love with....won't just wake up one day and decide...I'm done?

I know, you never really know. A good friend of mine, who has experienced her share of marriage woes, recently got a tattoo on her forearm: Blind Faith.

I think I have faith in people, I know I have faith in myself and I want to believe in romance and commitment!!!

All I know, is that I love my life, I love my son, I love my God, and I love myself. I guess I'll just wait until the next sunrise each day and maybe I'll wake up with someone that loves me...

Peace.

My first post of 2008

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

I feel a bit melancholy today as I've been sick and so has my son. My body and my spirit are worn out. I need to recharge and reawaken myself to what is real.

I let people get to me, I don't focus on my goals, my desires, my dreams, I spend too much energy on what other people need.

What does it take to make a relationship work? Trust, respect, laughter, friendship, forgiveness, understanding, acceptance. Basic stuff. But I need something more. Due to my life experiences, I don't have the ability to fully give someone myself, I will sabotage a good thing, and of course a bad thing which is usually what I get myself into.

Not sure how to change the patterns that have continuously left me alone in this world. One day at a time....

Love yourself.

Holly-Daze

2007-12-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

The headline describes my mood these days. Not enough money to go all out and buy something for everyone that I love or appreciate.....no celebration with the family I have known for 40 years....and no one to make special plans with. However, I don't live my life this way - I count my blessings as often as possible.

How many blessings did we notice today?

I woke up healthy and so did my son.

I drove a brand new car to a fabulous job that affords me all of my needs.

I have food, shelter, laughs, friends, love in my life.

I received gifts from friends for my son and emails from old friends from my past.

I have my life.

I yearn for family traditions so I will start them with my son.

I yearn for unconditional love and I have that for my son.

I yearn for laughter, dancing, and playing and I have that with my son.

I yearn for peace in my heart, and I learned that from my son.

Merry Christmas Lexi, Merry Christmas.

Family

2007-11-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

So often I yearn for my own family. Beyond what my son and I share. I feel so blessed to be able to recognize the importance of family, and sit down dinners, and hugs and laughter. My childhood was full of love, laughs, tears, fights, frustrations, and Christmas holidays that make you forget all of the times your brothers got to "do stuff" that you didn't, and they got to stay up later 'cuz they were older, and you couldn't go on the rollercoaster in Disney World 'cuz you were too short.

My mom created a Christmas holiday to remember. She baked cookies, made crafts for the holiday bazaar, watched the classic Christmas stories on TV with us, taught me how to play the organ so I could lead our family and friends in Christmas songs, and made sure we had a new outfit for Christmas Eve at church, the candlelight service.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2007-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

I guess I have to write on my birthday. My son is the best birthday gift I could have dreamed of. Today we're going to play, sing, dance, laugh, read and hug. I've already had so many birthday wishes from friends, I am so blessed.

I wish for everyone to be able to feel as lucky and blessed as I do. That is what I want for my birthday.

Half of 40 is 20

2007-11-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

Lordy Lordy, looks who's almost 40???

But half of 40 is only 20. At 20, I was going to conquer the world, take no prisoners, live life to the fullest! Have I? You betchya'!

I am almost divorced for a second time, going back to my father's name....this makes me happy. Proud to be my father's daughter. Proud to be my mother's daughter. Proud to be me.

Each birthday I like to take a snapshot of my life....where have I been? What have I learned? What can I do better? What makes me smile? What makes me cry? Who do I love?

I have traveled the world and come back home. I have learned to admit when you are wrong, when you are scared, when you are lonely, when you are sad. I have learned to be thankful for each new sunrise, and treasure each sunset. I have learned that to have good people around you, you must be "good people." I have learned to laugh at myself and I have learned to love myself.

What can I do better? I can always be more silent. Spend more time with my son. Focus more on my goals. Eat better. Exercise more.

What makes me smile? My son's laughter. My happy socks. When I sing country songs really loud and dance with my son. When I stop to pick a flower and can appreciate the simple beauty of the color, texture, smell, and feeling.

What makes me cry? Sad songs. Sad stories. Funerals.

I have had 40 years of love, laughter, a little pain, and a lot of learning. I have 40 more to practice what I've learned.

Happy Birthday goddess, happy birthday.

Who do I want to become?

2007-11-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

1. A strong woman who stands up for what is right and true.
2. A loving mother who nurtures her son by setting a good example, giving him roots, and branches to grow.
3. A loyal friend who can be counted on.
4. A hardworking employee who goes the extra mile and can be counted on.
5. A dedicated student.
6. A healthy person who takes care of herself.

How do I get there?

Pray and give thanks
Find one thing to be thankful for daily
Smile more
Notice triggers for high emotions
Follow my intuition
Listen to my angels
Be more involved in church and community
Volunteer
Make time for myself
Read more.
Breathe slowly.
Love yourself.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

2007-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Most of us forgot to laugh at ourselves. We hurry up and get to work and hurry to get home and hurry to feed the kids and hurry to make everyone else happy....but who takes care of US?

I've got to find a place to meditate and be still, like in my earlier post. It's all we have on this planet really, our breath, our spirit, our awareness...

This post is a reminder to myself to be still, smell, look, touch, feel, inspire, create, dream, and mostly laugh. Be one with God and let Him lead the way. I took a wrong path many years ago and yet I am still running away from the truth. "Hold that fast, which thou hast, let no man take thy crown."

Have you seen my crown?

Learn to Be Still

2007-10-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Be Mighty
Be Still
Be Sacred
Be Powerful
Contradictions perhaps, but true aspects of a spirit that I want to embrace. I want to take this journey and I want to laugh, smile, love and celebrate. Celebrate choices and fears, wisdom through the years, the dreams and the tears.

"You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be." A quote from a show I am watching and a reality of the life I want to live. I will hold a wishbone, make a wish, and have it come true! Expect the unexpected, dream big, believe strong, and love forever.

It's simple really, follow your heart....it won't lead you astray.

HWP - Heart With Passion

2007-09-29T20:05:00.001-07:00

I admit it. I'm addicted to online dating. I search and search for anyone with good grammar, spiritual thoughts, sexy pick-up lines, and near my age. Yikes - late 30's....40 is the new 30 right?

A country song, "So much cooler on line" sums it all up. We can sit in our homes, hiding behind our computers, pretending to be someone we think everyone will like. How did it get so easy to dismiss our smile, eye contact, body language, the way a person smells, walks, talks, the beauty of the chase - in person - is lost. Sure, you may eventually meet for coffee and within 30 seconds each of you has formed an opinion of the other based entirely on looks. Some folks I've met online are addicted to the attention, not me. I respond to ads and usually don't hear back. I'm not ugly, I'm not beautiful. I'm just a girl that has a heart with passion - HWP.

Try not to judge so quickly, you might miss out on what could be your forever soul mate. Walk away from the computer....go to Starbucks, and try smiling at someone....you never know what might happen.

Not Just Any Old Sunday

2007-09-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today I start my blog. Its going to be a way to heal from the past 12 months, and a way to refresh my thinking and my love for life. Welcome!

It seems that my own trials and frustrations and obstacles don't surmount to much within the big picture of the world around us. I wake up each day and I have a choice - I can say, Oh Shoot, the weather is somewhat drab, I'm tired, I don't want to go to work, I don't have any clothes to wear, I am bored with my life (BTW none of these are true); OR I can begin each day by counting my blessings! I can't count that high!!! How many of us do that? We are programmed to need more, want more, have more, and we become less and less aware of all of the wonderful people, places, and memories that surround us on this journey.

Although not a fan necessarily of Mandy Moore, her song Be Extraordinary, struck a chord with me tonight. We've all heard it, "we only have one life to live..." but when are you going to start living it? I started 40 years ago with gusto - a passion for life and love and I will not stop until I've touched as many lives as I am meant to with my smile, my hugs, and my enthusiasm. My son and I are about to embrace a very happy and enlightening time in our lives and I'm going to write in this blog just how we do it - try to be extraordinary tomorrow, what do you have to lose?