Alas, we are smack dab in the middle of my absolutely, favorite, funtastic fan-tabulous time of year. Did I mention that I "absolutely love, love, love, the holidays and everything about them. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I am a December baby. My birthday is exactly two weeks before Christmas and my "Mom's" is on Christmas Day!
Starting in September, with the first blush of the leaves, my mind starts whirling and my creative "juices" really start to overflow. I drive my Husband crazy with all my chatter and babbling and excitement. He laughs at me, but (secretly, I know he loves this part of me) together we work our magic. He is a fantastic chef and I am the "Martha" wanna be so we make a good team. I also have a close friend that loves the season like I do, so we plan for the most fun outings of shopping, music, food and cheer all through the season.
Although I have a natural love for this time of year, I do understand that many, many people feel otherwise. They are overwhelmed and sad and sometimes do not seem to know what direction to go in. I feel genuine sadness for this and wish I could wave my "magic wand" and transfer my grand feelings to the entire world.
I do a lot of reading and contemplating all the greatness in my life and I want to share all the bits and pieces of wisdom that helps me. Below is a link to one of my favorite "authors-artist" that you may love also.
http://www.sarkjournal.com/
Try to find joy in the living of every moment and go forth one happy step at a time.
BE MERRY!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Visions or Dreams?
Well, I am just back from a fantastic week at Lake Ontario. I have to admit that I want to return to work Monday morning like I want to eat gum off the sidewalk. But I will go to the office as usual because I am a routine, comfort zone, oriented kind of gal.
I did learn a few things while I was away.
1. I can stand my own company and
2. My everyday life is actually pretty darn great!
Valuable lessons within themselves. However I will always be a seeker and a dreamer and I realized that the seeking and dreaming are the part I actually enjoy. So if I never do anything more than that, I have still achieved happiness, which is the ultimate goal. I enjoy reading about abundant lifestyles and I even have a dream (or vision if you will) board that I have created.
Today, I added a beautiful picture of the famous Lake Ontario sunset that I took myself. So, see, dreams really do come true if you have vision!
I did learn a few things while I was away.
1. I can stand my own company and
2. My everyday life is actually pretty darn great!
Valuable lessons within themselves. However I will always be a seeker and a dreamer and I realized that the seeking and dreaming are the part I actually enjoy. So if I never do anything more than that, I have still achieved happiness, which is the ultimate goal. I enjoy reading about abundant lifestyles and I even have a dream (or vision if you will) board that I have created.
Today, I added a beautiful picture of the famous Lake Ontario sunset that I took myself. So, see, dreams really do come true if you have vision!
 |
| LAKE ONTARIO SUNSET |
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Where does inspiration come from?
Hi There!
Today I would like to talk about inspiration, and how do you receive it? I am a great reader and philosopher (in my own mind anyway), so a lot of what inspires me comes from reading books and magazines. But today I realized that a lot of my best inspiration comes from my friends.
I am getting ready to go on a vacation to Lake Ontario, and since I am an obsessive planner, that is all I am talking about at work and at home. Probably driving everyone crazy because it is my exciting plan and not theirs. So anyway, back to inspiration. I have been looking for an item that will hold my money, ID and cell phone, so that I do not have to "lug" around a purse full of things that I won't need. And lo and behold, my friend Sue, shows me this "Vera Bradley" thing called a wristlet. I am so impressed by this silly item because it is exactly what I am looking for. So I have one on the way from e-bay right now and I am excited to receive this package in the mail.
Okay, hopefully you are still reading, because I promise I am getting to the point. Point being, this may be a bunch of nonsense to a lot of people, but to me, these moments of inspiration that come from out of nowhere are the most valuable gifts in my life. I believe that people's lives cross paths for a reason, and every person I have ever met has great value to the big picture. Every time I use my wristlet I will think of my friend and how different lives intersect. I have always done my best to try to "inspire" people to look at life in a different way and really enjoy their life to the fullest. If I have helped one person along the way, I feel that I have been of value to someone. And I only wish that all of the great friends, (you know who you are), that I have met so far can only know how much they have inspired me.
So if someone throughout your day makes a comment, or smiles, or makes you think about something in a different way, thank them, because they have added great value to your life. Pay it forward!
Today I would like to talk about inspiration, and how do you receive it? I am a great reader and philosopher (in my own mind anyway), so a lot of what inspires me comes from reading books and magazines. But today I realized that a lot of my best inspiration comes from my friends.
I am getting ready to go on a vacation to Lake Ontario, and since I am an obsessive planner, that is all I am talking about at work and at home. Probably driving everyone crazy because it is my exciting plan and not theirs. So anyway, back to inspiration. I have been looking for an item that will hold my money, ID and cell phone, so that I do not have to "lug" around a purse full of things that I won't need. And lo and behold, my friend Sue, shows me this "Vera Bradley" thing called a wristlet. I am so impressed by this silly item because it is exactly what I am looking for. So I have one on the way from e-bay right now and I am excited to receive this package in the mail.
Okay, hopefully you are still reading, because I promise I am getting to the point. Point being, this may be a bunch of nonsense to a lot of people, but to me, these moments of inspiration that come from out of nowhere are the most valuable gifts in my life. I believe that people's lives cross paths for a reason, and every person I have ever met has great value to the big picture. Every time I use my wristlet I will think of my friend and how different lives intersect. I have always done my best to try to "inspire" people to look at life in a different way and really enjoy their life to the fullest. If I have helped one person along the way, I feel that I have been of value to someone. And I only wish that all of the great friends, (you know who you are), that I have met so far can only know how much they have inspired me.
So if someone throughout your day makes a comment, or smiles, or makes you think about something in a different way, thank them, because they have added great value to your life. Pay it forward!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
"If nothing changes...NOTHING CHANGES"
Really think about the title of this post. Are there any areas of your life that you would like to change? What would it take to bring about these changes? Are they small things that would bring you joy if you made improvements, or are they major life issues such as serious weight loss or problem relationships?
The only way to bring about change in your life is by acknowledging that you want to make changes, and then take the first step to bring it about. Sitting around wishing for change is not going to accomplish anything. Start by asking yourself how your life would be better if you made these changes. The answer to that is where you start your focus. Keep your "eyes (and mind) on the prize".
Focus everyday on the outcome, not the obstacles. Do not get in overwhelm mode by thinking about all the things involved in making these changes, just focus on what you can do today to get you closer to where you want to be. If you do nothing, nothing happens.
Try to stop blaming other people or circumstances for your problems. Accept full responsibility for where you are today, and then accept full responsibility for making your life the life YOU want it to be. Always move forward and don't stay trapped in the past. If you feel that you have made bad decisions, accept that, learn from them, and look forward to making better ones from now on.
Take charge of your life today. If nothing changes.....NOTHING CHANGES.
The only way to bring about change in your life is by acknowledging that you want to make changes, and then take the first step to bring it about. Sitting around wishing for change is not going to accomplish anything. Start by asking yourself how your life would be better if you made these changes. The answer to that is where you start your focus. Keep your "eyes (and mind) on the prize".
Focus everyday on the outcome, not the obstacles. Do not get in overwhelm mode by thinking about all the things involved in making these changes, just focus on what you can do today to get you closer to where you want to be. If you do nothing, nothing happens.
Try to stop blaming other people or circumstances for your problems. Accept full responsibility for where you are today, and then accept full responsibility for making your life the life YOU want it to be. Always move forward and don't stay trapped in the past. If you feel that you have made bad decisions, accept that, learn from them, and look forward to making better ones from now on.
Take charge of your life today. If nothing changes.....NOTHING CHANGES.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
"DO ONE THING"
I love to make these little signs out of recycled items. I try to target the message to the recipient with instructions to hang it where you will see it first thing in the morning to set the tone for your day. " Do one thing every day that makes you happy" is my message for beginning my day. It is hanging on my bathroom mirror, so I can't miss it each morning. It always brings a smile when I see it.
Consider posting messages to yourself to keep you on the right track as you go through your day. They do not have to be elaborate crafted signs. They can be as simple as a post-it note. Hang a small blackboard and use fun colored chalk. Print messages from your computer using a font and color that appeals to you. Use those magnetic letters on your fridge to spell out your sayings and change them up now and then. The possibilities are endless and sooooo much fun.
Get creative today and live the life of your dreams every day!!!!!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
"Function-MeetsBeauty"
As avid collectors of antiques and junk, we needed to find a solution to our collecting habit to match our simpler lifestyle choice. Not wanting to give up entirely our love of treasure hunting, we came up with a workable solution for us. Our criteria for bringing any item into our home is, it must serve a useful purpose and we must truly, absolutely, without question LOVE it, or it is just a dust collector. We love anything that evokes a vintage "cabin in the woods" feeling
So I took a lesson from the European lifestyle. If you study the homes and villas of Italy and France, you will find that their kitchens are designed for function first, but they are also simply beautiful. They do not have rows of boxes with doors, as in our American kitchen cabinets, to hide useless clutter behind. They have open storage and shelving with all of their daily utensils on display. Everything they own, they use, but the key difference is, their everyday items are like pieces of art in themselves, function meets beauty. Visualize the copper pots so common in French cooking, and who hasn't admired the vibrant colors and form of Italian pottery. These are their everyday items, meant to be used, and beautiful to look at. Many of these items are passed down to each generation full of love and memories. They do not go to a chain or dollar store and buy plastic junk for every occasion.
We love the pyrex dishes from the 40's and 50's. They come in exciting colors and patterns and are functional for modern day cooking and serving. Our kitchen has open shelving to display these everyday items. Most of our "stuff" comes from antique shops and estate sales. We have always been "green" long before the term "green living" became fashionable. We give a home to items that might otherwise have been discarded. Our home has that cozy, welcome vibe (even the men who visit us will say this) that makes our guests linger over dessert and a glass of wine. This works for us. We can still indulge our collecting habit, while maintaining control over clutter and stay true to our lifestyle choice.
Next time you are tempted to purchase something that is not a necessity, ask yourself what purpose it will serve in your home today and for years to come? Apply the rule of "functions meets beauty" and you will find yourself buying less stuff and enjoying what you do purchase even more. A home filled with useless junk is not a sign of "success". A home filled with love and beauty is the ultimate "success"!
So I took a lesson from the European lifestyle. If you study the homes and villas of Italy and France, you will find that their kitchens are designed for function first, but they are also simply beautiful. They do not have rows of boxes with doors, as in our American kitchen cabinets, to hide useless clutter behind. They have open storage and shelving with all of their daily utensils on display. Everything they own, they use, but the key difference is, their everyday items are like pieces of art in themselves, function meets beauty. Visualize the copper pots so common in French cooking, and who hasn't admired the vibrant colors and form of Italian pottery. These are their everyday items, meant to be used, and beautiful to look at. Many of these items are passed down to each generation full of love and memories. They do not go to a chain or dollar store and buy plastic junk for every occasion.
We love the pyrex dishes from the 40's and 50's. They come in exciting colors and patterns and are functional for modern day cooking and serving. Our kitchen has open shelving to display these everyday items. Most of our "stuff" comes from antique shops and estate sales. We have always been "green" long before the term "green living" became fashionable. We give a home to items that might otherwise have been discarded. Our home has that cozy, welcome vibe (even the men who visit us will say this) that makes our guests linger over dessert and a glass of wine. This works for us. We can still indulge our collecting habit, while maintaining control over clutter and stay true to our lifestyle choice.
Next time you are tempted to purchase something that is not a necessity, ask yourself what purpose it will serve in your home today and for years to come? Apply the rule of "functions meets beauty" and you will find yourself buying less stuff and enjoying what you do purchase even more. A home filled with useless junk is not a sign of "success". A home filled with love and beauty is the ultimate "success"!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
***Happy 4th of July***
There really is a "Turquoise Bicycle"
Today it is resting in my garden, like I am.
Also, I have sent everyone reading today a cool, refreshing, fruity drink. ENJOY!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Nothing Above My Shoulders"
"Nothing Above My Shoulders but the Evening". This is the title to an album by one of my favorite new age artists, Ray Lynch. His instrumental music is phenomenal. When I really thought about the meaning of the title, "nothing above my shoulders but the evening", I realized that must be the true meaning of freedom. No proverdial weights on your shoulders, no heavy loads to carry, no worries on your mind. Nothing but the evening and the stars.
Do most people think that is a fantasy life? I hope not! When I listen to this music I can clear my mind of all worries and concerns. I can truly be in the moment. (A good glass of wine doesn't hurt either). You may think that I am using music and alcohol to escape my real LIFE, but that is not so at all. My real life is this wonderful and yours can be too. What it is, is a choice. We all have the freedom of choice. You can choose to be happy, positive, abundant and fulfilled. Or you can choose to be negative, depressed or miserable. A lot of people do not like the word choice because it implies responsibility. Yes it is a responsibility for each and every one of us to "choose" happiness or sadness.
Which choice will you make today?
Do most people think that is a fantasy life? I hope not! When I listen to this music I can clear my mind of all worries and concerns. I can truly be in the moment. (A good glass of wine doesn't hurt either). You may think that I am using music and alcohol to escape my real LIFE, but that is not so at all. My real life is this wonderful and yours can be too. What it is, is a choice. We all have the freedom of choice. You can choose to be happy, positive, abundant and fulfilled. Or you can choose to be negative, depressed or miserable. A lot of people do not like the word choice because it implies responsibility. Yes it is a responsibility for each and every one of us to "choose" happiness or sadness.
Which choice will you make today?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
SAVING FOR A "SUNNY" DAY!
We are all familiar with the quote, save for a rainy day. Have you ever stopped to really think about what this means. We are all taught from a young age to be careful about wasting our time and money because you never know when something "bad" is going to happen to you and you need to be prepared. Why is it human nature to always assume the worst possible outcome in any situation? Save your money because you could lose your job or your health. Don't waste time being non-productive. Work hard all your life and save, save, save for those proverbial golden years.
If you know anything at all about the universal "law of attraction", you know that dwelling on, and being fearful of those rainy days, will surely bring them your way! If you think that all the talk about this so-called law of attraction is baloney, then it is. But I would be willing to bet that you believe the old cliche's about the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. What do you really think that means? Plain and simple, the rich attract more richness, and the poor attract more poorness!
As for me, I feel there is no harm in thinking the good thoughts, so I am going to use my time and money for the "SUNNY" days that are right here in the now. I am going to ride my turquoise bicycle to the beach and do a-bun-DANCE in the sand with the sunshine overhead. Blessed be.
If you know anything at all about the universal "law of attraction", you know that dwelling on, and being fearful of those rainy days, will surely bring them your way! If you think that all the talk about this so-called law of attraction is baloney, then it is. But I would be willing to bet that you believe the old cliche's about the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. What do you really think that means? Plain and simple, the rich attract more richness, and the poor attract more poorness!
As for me, I feel there is no harm in thinking the good thoughts, so I am going to use my time and money for the "SUNNY" days that are right here in the now. I am going to ride my turquoise bicycle to the beach and do a-bun-DANCE in the sand with the sunshine overhead. Blessed be.Sunday, June 13, 2010
"ALWAYS A STARTER, NEVER A FINISHER"
You know the old cliche', "always a bridesmaid, never a bride". That is the analogy that best fits my life. It seems that I have started this and started that, whatever has peaked my interest at the moment, but I never seem to follow through or finish or "commit" to any thing for very long. I am never the bride, because I can't stay interested enough to commit for life.
I was born under the Sagittarius sign, which is best known as a wanderer and traveler, so maybe that is part of my make-up that always has me seeing the grass is always greener anywhere but where I am at.
I have read, studied, subscribed, purchased and on and on, every book, CD, DVD, movie, seminar, etc. that I am always sure is "The One" that will change my life. So what have I gained from all this?
I am looking for clarity and direction and the discovery of my true passion. What really drives me and excites me and gets me out of bed in the morning raring to go?????
I believe that I have a fear of finally committing to something and it will be the wrong choice. Or committing to one thing, and then I have to give up all the other things that interest me? I have taken all the tests and quizzes about likes, dis-likes, personality, but to no avail.
So, you may ask, what is all this rambling about? Do I finally get to the moral of the story?
No.
I am just going to keep on being a seeker and follow whatever the moment brings me. I am going to relax and stop worrying about "living my bliss', or "finding my passion". Frankly, I am a little bit tired of hearing the word "BLISS".. It is starting to become annoying. (but I do still like the word "passion"so I will not rule that out of my life).
If anyone out there can relate to this post or has any suggestions for me, I would love to hear from you. Until then I am just going to blog away about whatever catches my mind at the moment, and I will stop worrying about catching the "bouquet". The bouquet is probably red and pink roses anyway, and I prefer "yellow". See what I mean!!!!!!!
I was born under the Sagittarius sign, which is best known as a wanderer and traveler, so maybe that is part of my make-up that always has me seeing the grass is always greener anywhere but where I am at.
I have read, studied, subscribed, purchased and on and on, every book, CD, DVD, movie, seminar, etc. that I am always sure is "The One" that will change my life. So what have I gained from all this?
I am looking for clarity and direction and the discovery of my true passion. What really drives me and excites me and gets me out of bed in the morning raring to go?????
I believe that I have a fear of finally committing to something and it will be the wrong choice. Or committing to one thing, and then I have to give up all the other things that interest me? I have taken all the tests and quizzes about likes, dis-likes, personality, but to no avail.
So, you may ask, what is all this rambling about? Do I finally get to the moral of the story?
No.
I am just going to keep on being a seeker and follow whatever the moment brings me. I am going to relax and stop worrying about "living my bliss', or "finding my passion". Frankly, I am a little bit tired of hearing the word "BLISS".. It is starting to become annoying. (but I do still like the word "passion"so I will not rule that out of my life).
If anyone out there can relate to this post or has any suggestions for me, I would love to hear from you. Until then I am just going to blog away about whatever catches my mind at the moment, and I will stop worrying about catching the "bouquet". The bouquet is probably red and pink roses anyway, and I prefer "yellow". See what I mean!!!!!!!
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