PARTY WITH PASSION

Those crazy Elves just cannot cease to have a good time around our house!  Lilboo said "It's like you feel it, you are at a Party." If you try you almost hear the guitar being played that Elvis The Elf  is holding and tunes being sung by the singers and the dancers elated grooving to the beats. Silly as this may be, there's a strong message that is vastly appropriate for this Special Time of Year! With all the Merriment at our fingertips during this Holiday Season make sure you allow yourself to "feel" this Season. What I mean is, I personally detest doing something I do not"feel". It can be the good stuff, decorating, addressing the Christmas Cards, singing the Carols, buying the presents, baking the goodies...etc. I want to be moved while doing these things and sometimes I have to make myself start out but if I'm not getting it,  I will take a break from it and come back when I have that Passion fueling my task. Sometimes its moments due to the time constraint needed for its completion. But I will walk outside, or mix it up and usually it comes after I have put that effort in, pulling it up as a deep well that you are working to receive that which you strive for. And when I tell you it is noticed, IT IS. I have a book I have sitting in my Kitchen on display. It is Titled, An Affair With A House  by Bunny Williams, and another that was gifted to me Christmas of 1997, I was only 17. It was gifted to me by my Aunt Cathy and it is Titled, Creating A SenseSational Home  by Terry Willits. It states on the cover, "Awaken the senses to bring life & love to your home." Not only did this awaken me it ignited my passion for my Home and Life in ALL I do. If that isn't the gift that has kept on giving all these years, Mercy I don't know what is.....

You always hear of people talking about Mama's or Grandmama's Cooking, it is simmered and basted in ALL they possess, and everyone who crosses their kitchens or sits at their tables feels it. They LOVE what they do! They force feed us delicious bites that although so delicious and savoring, you weren't even hungry but they entranced us in their Magical way and so we would eat and eat it all! They continue to offer to whip up something special just for us because of their Passion. Furthermore, they desire to impart it, to delight you , share with you and give to you. This is what we need for the Happiest of Holidays. There is a distinct difference when we are moved by what we are doing and just crossing things off a list. I know, I know. I am so far behind on my tasks for this Christmas Season but I am refusing to allow it to taint my Passion, I have to make myself or allow myself  relish in it all. I have been sick for a solid week, it pained me to have to stare at my naked trees, but it would be the lift I needed to attempt at a few tasks each day. I would feel the panic and worry of what all I haven't accomplished or truly even started to sneak into my thoughts as those unwanted intruders,  and as I focused on that, I lost the spark and the Umph of what I was doing. How easily that happens, to us all... 

It is truly a Wonderment of Life to rise above the things that try to take our Passions. It can even be good things, but we need to focus in and allow ourselves to pour into what we do, it will change even the way you do it. You see the ones who possess this a lot during this Holiday Season, they have that "something" that is different as they whistle or hum out their Carol or theres a pep to their step as they Deck those Halls or almost squeal as they found that Perfect gift! It is Magical. I am moved when I see this with Delight and I invite and allow their flame to engulf me and enthusiastically  not only carry out my lists but to impart it to everyone around me. Isn't this why people would go door to door and sing Christmas Carols to strangers? I haven't done that in years, I am sad to say, however when I was lucky enough to be a part of doing it, we were so giddy and excited to see the reactions to our audience as they opened their doors to the surprise of our Hearts stirred by giving to them. That is what we must take with us in ALL we do,  that is the Christmas Spirit we have read of since little Children. That is what will be remembered. If we take this time to bask in what is meant only for the each of us within this Wonderful Season we will be changed forevermore. I am taking that time to allow myself to wander and see where my heart takes me in my gift giving as I give of ALL of my heart as I endeavor to find just that right gift that as with my Aunt Cathy will be just what was needed. I am taking the time to allow myself to offer to whip up something special for those who I entertain in my kitchen as never before, and as I stay up in those wee hours of the night baking all the goodies I can muster up I will allow my heart to pour into them even more as our finest examples have shown. As I tie that bow I may say a special prayer for the one that will receive it. Find your Passions and give like you have never before this Christmas. 

I encourage you to Custom Fit your Christmas Season, Super Size it, or as Burger King would say, Have it your way! Add a new tradition, bring one out of retirement, just whatever you do get immersed in this Wonderment and let your Passions guide you! I leave you with one of my favorite Christmas songs, throwing it back to N'Sync Days! But it is sure to  put some pep in your step and make you dance a little too if you are lucky...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKj92352UAE

JACK IN THE BOX

We all have goals or heights we are in pursuit of, or we should may I say. Whether these are Conservative or extremely Liberal, we all should have them.  If you find yourself with a pretty empty slate then I hope you keep reading and this empowers  you to roll up the 'ole shirt sleeve and embark on an uncharted course that you were destined to venture on. I sometimes wake up at night with the ramblings of things I want to do, or feel I should, or maybe it's too late and I should just go back to sleep. Nah, not me, really ever with regards to pursing my passions. Anything else, I am extremely predictable and like Norm on Cheers. But with my Dreams , I always want to go and conquer, especially that which others thought  where  or how I wouldn't trod. I am a rebel in heart. I walk to the beat of my own drum and delight to discover new sights and findings. How about you? Do you love your comfort zone or always stretching the limits of your boundaries to new levels?!  While walking this morning, one of the neighbor's dogs of three decided it was the day to go exploring as I am passing by! He yelped as he was struck with the shocking dog collar;  I was about in tears, but like seconds later he was loving his new found freedom! The other two dogs looked on as if disgusted with themselves and perhaps jealous of the one who didn't let the boundaries stop him. Is that you? It is sometimes me I must admit. Donald Trump tweeted "BE FOCUSED. KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT AND GO FOR IT."  #Trumpadvice  I absolutely LOVE it!! Here is another, They wrote, "You only live once....but if you live right. ONCE IS ENOUGH!!!" It then went "Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you." Henry Ford was quoted as saying, "You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." I finish with all these quips with this final one. I was in Chick-fil-a today and I stopped to read a quote with a picture of the founder. I even took a picture of it because it moved me. Under his picture it was written with the following; Pioneer. Inventor. Entrepreneur. Mentor. Leader. Author. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Great-Grandfather. Then at the bottom, this is what moved me and struck me all in caps it read; A GOOD NAME IS RATHER TO BE CHOSEN THAN GREAT RICHES AND LOVING FAVOR THAN SILVER AND GOLD. Proverbs 22:1 


Here is yours truly at the Fair just this past weekend in all my glory, in my what looked like a feeble attempt to climb this ladder. My daughter went further than I just moments before, you can see her looking on as I do an extremely poor job. However, I got shocked out of my boundaries to some, because this has always been my favorite thing to do at the fair! Especially now if only to show my daughter that you never stop trying. Have fun even when you don't make it, but don't be afraid to try. I asked my daughter was she upset I didn't make it to the top and she was like No way Mom, I was so proud you were my Mom because most would not have even tried! Where we find comfort today and anything beyond seems uncomfortable perhaps, however, once you flip off the ladder a time or two you find it seems to somehow suite you. 

As I am getting older, I am becoming more fearless. I have a pretty good handle on what I can and cannot truly accomplish however, I will not stop trying. I think we have to determine this within ourselves and pep talk ourselves into pursuing to try to defy what our known destiny will be. This reminds me of the Show Wicked. My daughter and I absolutely love it we have the soundtrack and relive parts, it's meaning so poignant to even her at her age. She gets it...she's defying gravity already in life - we all need to do such! The Sound of Music as well decreed of Climbing Every Mountain, Search high and low, Follow every byway, Every path you know. Climb every Mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, 'Til you find your dream. Notice the most important yet ironic point here, the last line clearly says "til you find your dream." Dreams come in all sizes and shapes especially in my life. Today is case in point something extremely trivial to many but so insatiable important to me happened. I climbed my mountain, I followed the rainbow and I am here to tell you I found my dream. Yes sir and Yes Mam I adamantly,  assuredly did with my chest bowed out as far as I can stretch with head held as high as I can muster. Not only was that itself not enough, I got more. However,  I had to get out of my comfort zone to climb that mountain, I had to step out of another area of comfort to follow that rainbow.  See, I didn't merely sign for that dream package when it arrived, I had to go get it. It was clearly mine for the taking and I am so thrilled I did.  The word was fortuitous. I am still giggling because it was used by several of the people there to describe me being there and the timing of its evolvement. It was so stunningly apparent to us all, that it was so meant to be as if I had received the most elegant, formal invitation with my place card at my seat at the table, already set just waiting on ME! Now if that doesn't have my mouth wide open catching limitless amounts of flies, I don't know what does. I was shocked! 

We all know how life is, you guessed it; unpredictable. I for one am simply appreciative that it is. Sometimes we don't strike out, we get to walk and bases were loaded and you won that game all because you went for it. The funny story about the ladder is I dated for many a year being so old when I finally married. Point is, there was a fella that couldn't have been any nicer but he was not being himself, you know trying to be impressive, or have a great date, etc. Well I just couldn't last another moment like it was so, I challenged him to race me up the ladder because I knew I would finally see the real person. Who cares if the wrong thing was done because we were both about to make complete fools of ourselves -  but it was a blast in the process. So disrobe of all the things you hide behind to protect you from ultimately getting that dream and just go for it and have fun even if you don't win that prize. Maybe in turn we will learn the Wonderment of Life was in the process of the Dream and not the actual Dream itself. Mercy, ponder on that a while my goodness and while you do, get up from your comfort zone and Declare, "I am Coming Out" it is a Wonderment of Life you do not want to  miss, I guarantee..
.

TRICK OR TREAT??

There is a Movie I adore called "The Holiday" I am sure most of you have seen it. I have seen it several dozen times over the years I am quite certain. It is ironic to me as Halloween embarks this week, it becomes the Busiest time of the Year for most of us. Like Intensely. Crazy. Stressful. Busy. Someone out in Facebook Land feels the Need to Post a Picture of The Elf with the countdown of how many more Friday's until Christmas. I mean, I literally Panic. I feel the sweat bead up on my upper lip as if that isn't enough,  I am forced to immediately wipe my brow to dry it off. The palms of my hands begin to profusely perspire  as do my feet. My entire body becomes hot and my face is instantly flushed as I am tugging on my shirt collar as to loosen what now seems like it is choking the breath out of my being. We sing This is the Best Time of The Year!!! No, No, relax, I am like the Silliest  Elf around. I absolutely Obsess with the Celebrations. No one could possibly have more fun than I at this time. I am Certain! But I do fight to keep my perspective on Enjoying it. Sometimes it is just plain silly how I stress over the smallest of details such as, what if we do not have enough merriment?! ( as if that could ever happen.) Maybe somewhere it has been programmed into me that I am to become uptight and heaven forbid "Scroogey." I gasp at the thought. I looked up what Holiday means in the Webster's Dictionary and WHOLLA! There comes in the movie I mentioned! It is defined as "A day when one does not work; a day of enjoyment:Christmas is a holiday for everyone.   VACATION." Guys, where have we missed it? Where in the world have I missed it? I Love me some Christmas, but I would never consider it a Vacation! Until Now....


Maybe I am only speaking to the two percent of Whoville's who long to Bahoom around the Christmas Tree even amidst being robbed by the Scrooge; but I help make up that two percent. Do you?  I am convinced I am going to have the Best "Holiday" this year... than Ever. I am gonna muster up my tiny amount of courage and be the First to Post how close we are to Christmas with all the Excitement I can scrounge up. Figuratively speaking of course. When I feel like the stress begins to emerge I am perhaps going to take a short break away from all of the Christmas Carols and Blast me some Madonna. That is correct. Old school Madonna. You will hear me playing loudly, "Holiday" and I will sing and dance... Here is a clip from one of my Favorite Classic Movies, Staring Audrey Hepburn who coincidently I named my daughter's middle name after  -  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-PmluGC2wk

I believe it is truly up to the each of us to decide and determine that when we overhear the chatterings of others at the water cooler we impart that Holiday feeling. You know, that feeling that you cannot contain because of the big trip or time off coming up and the Wonderment of doing whatever makes you happy... Maybe it will not be an entire week per say, but couldn't the stolen moments throughout the Seasons we are embarking on be more than suffice? I indeed say so. It worked for Audrey in Roman Holiday we saw a moment ago.  Allow yourself to relish in the  Seasons upcoming, lose yourself in the craziness of Halloween, I find it really sets the tone for the rest of the Seasons to follow if you allow it. After the Frolicking of Fun, here comes the Time of Thankfulness. The almost Somber, Serious undertones of just how blessed we truly are. Get lost in this time. Jump in a pile of leaves or lay down and just watch the leaves flutter to the ground and watch their journey as they fall. As if each single leaf is on it's own mission and follow it to the ground. Allow yourself to explore your own journey then allow yourself to be illuminated as you continue to embark  on or travel henceforth.   From there comes the Most Blessed Celebration of Christmas, is there anything more Beautiful to Behold? After the tones of Thankfulness have been stirred up I believe the Wonderment of The Best Time of the Year will ignite in an explosion within you. Like the movies of Old, where someone is presented with a journey on their past to open the windows of their souls in such a vast incredible way that you were moved. 

Some of my favorite Stolen Moments have always been and I suspect will always be, when I am all alone late in the Night, some warm beverage in hand, the aroma delightful, fire aglow embers hot and bright, lights only from my Tree softly set the tone and the music that awakens my heart with Merryment for me and I get lost. I lose myself and as on my Vacations, I don't want this moment to end and have to go back to the "real world." I have said before, my Family sing and dance on Christmas Night. We Celebrate. I truly know no other way. To you parents, what an Enchanting time to teach your children, share of your own childhood, tell the stories, whether in actions or the telling but Share these Stories, Your Stories.  This one day; as I am living proof, is the tone we set in what they will carry with them. I truly cannot recall most of the presents given, but I remember The Holidays....I feel them.  I implore you, to try this...dabble if you must, but at least commit to sticking your toe in to feel the water of these Seasons and find how deep you want to immerse yourself in them. You will always have those who are doing cannonballs while others are floating on their rafts just allowing the current to drift them. Just embrace where your Soul finds delight. These Seasons are Truly a Beautiful Wonderment of Life~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1zmktlxYoA&list=RDT1zmktlxYoA

FULL MOON

Here is Lilboo attempting to make a video for Miranda Sings that she adores

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjoy-PKN97Q

Have you ever felt like you wanted to go back and Take Two at situations in your life? Boy I sure do.  But most of the time, we are not granted second chances... Why do you think that is? Why do we not get more chances?? Is there really the One Shot at our Destiny's? I say Absolutely, Positively NO.  I say "Start Over" several times a day. But then again, I am not your Average Joe... Or Jane. Neither are you.  I want to squeeze all that I can out of every opportunity I am presented with to Hit that Mark. Leave that Impression. Impart that Knowledge. Gain Understanding. My opinion is, you have to MAKE the decision that there Will be another take, live outside the lines to determine the Take Two. How do you go about this you ask? Believe in what your situation is. I am Sales background, trust me, If I don't believe in it, I cannot, will not, be able to Sale it.  In my last job I held, there was a Customer that I wanted, it was "That One Account"  that would have been Incredibly Exillerating to have had sign on the dotted line. Yes, the Commission is One reason and there is nothing wrong with that, but I truly believe if that was my only driving force this would have been complete failure.  I worked so hard on this Contact. I approached any and all people remotely associated to making the decision to change. I brought in my Guns, every time I met a road block I would retreat and go back until I was prepared for the Take Two that previously had stopped me. Here I came again armed with the necessary armor to Succeed, however, I must admit;  I just never could close that deal. My boss even said there just wasn't anything left to unveil, we had tried it all.  I had shown them on every level that was apparent as to why they should change yet to no avail. I see this Customer still to this day that I couldn't sway and I must say I chuckle within and even though I didn't get His business, still,    I Won. It wasn't the Monetary way that this gal sure could have used, but I am Proud of myself. I feel Stouthearted when I think back. So it still is a win to me as long as we do it from our Heart with Our Best Projected. 

I am drawn to music if you haven't realized by now, and I played before school this Morning "Best Day Ever" By Spongebob Squarepants. You just can't help but feel that smile stretch far and wide from one ear to the other. I had it playing loudly and My Daughter and I  sang and sang and giggled a lot, and there was dancing too. But see I am teaching her that SHE is what controls her day, not what happens in it.  This songs lyrics say "When I'm feeling down, I want to lose that frown, I stick my head out the window and look around. These clouds don't scare me, they can't disguise. This magic that is happening, right before my eyes. Soon Mr. Moon, will be shining bright, so the best day ever can last all night." We have to tell ourselves at every age it is gonna be the Best Day Ever and then Hit it with your BEST Shot! It is the Key to Success! I send these, "Yes, you can!" Motivational quips for lunch boxes  for Camille's lunch, yesterday it said S_CCESS (It can't happen without U). BINGO!!!

I absolutely adore picking My Daughter up in the Afternoons after school because it never fails, when asked how her day was, it is described as "Incredible", "Awesome", "Fabulous" I love that it is never "fine, ok, good" blah blah blah. If she can keep that up she is going somewhere and others will follow or take note.  Our Attitudes truly dictate our Altitudes. A friend posted today, "Live your Truth. Express your Love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering." - Dr. Steve Maraboli. We all can have the Best Day Ever even when it seems the day just cannot seem to go your way.  I hope I never forget that situation with that Customer, and I hope I never lose that zeal. When you make Today Worth Remembering, you truly will. This is The Wonderment Of Life....

Allow yourself to get lost in this Song, the day is not over yet, Take Two if you must; just make sure you Make it Worth your Best...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yBnIUX0QAE

ET PHONE HOME

My DoorWay For Halloween Thanks To the Help of My Ingenious Friend (Blakely Webb) Who is Way More Talented then  I shall ever be. But we are quite the team. I pick it out and she puts it Together. Chloe' our Cat greets you here and Welcomes you.  No idea where the Boys are, (The Dogs, Two Maltese named Hunley and Jackson)  

I have raised my Daughter with such a Reverence and Connection to her Home. When we have been away or she has, seconds after walking through that door, she will almost Melt and Sigh saying, "There is NO Place Like Home." Those who Know me best know that my Home is my Identifying Entity. Regardless of Much Else that goes on in My Life, what resides within my four walls is what Defines Me. Always Has. Whether its after that long, hard day that nothing seemed to go just right, my intense longing was welling up to go Home. Intensifying as I drew closer, as if water drawn from the cool, fresh well  and partook in the driest of Deserts sipped by the parched of lips.  Once I crossed that Threshhold, I was within my borders that alienated me from all that was wrong, and emerssed me with all that was right. For Me, that is something to Celebrate.  You see, I spent a many a year, (still do) taking care of my sweet Mother. My haven, My Fortress, My Shelter had become something foreign to me. Somehow, due to circumstances beyond her control, due to her illness, there was a heaviness that would loom within my borders. If I just looked around at my situation, there truly wasn't much to Celebrate. Ever feel that way? Yet that tickle in the bottom of my soul would whisper to the very most inner parts of my being and tell me to Celebrate. Before you knew it, I could've sold tickets to come inside because there just wasn't a better place to be! See, all that had changed was ME. That is generally the Best place to start. 

So, let me ask you....what IS your Identifying Entity? If more than a couple seconds just went by and it didn't just pop up within you....you gotta figure it out! Hold all the calls, put down your phone and tune into the most important thing EVER....Yourself. Get acquainted again, realize what was perhaps forgotten or ignite that fire that might have gotten smothered out. Once realized, that will be the cause for Celebrations that you might have been barely smirking at before. Not me choosing smirking over a great belly laugh. Not. gonna. happen. I believe whether it is Faith, Stamina, Fortitude, Endurance, or a lot of each, we have to go deeper than our surfaces show.  Not in a smirking way, but a belly laugh way. My closest allides don't accept my smirks, they want me to laugh from my deepest parts... Allow yourself to Belly laugh it is Medicine to our Soul. A Wonderment Of Life to Relish in. I have hanging in My Kitchen, (as it is the Core of my entire Home) a Cross stitching Of Proverbs 31 The Virtuous Woman. It was created by My Mother as she was becoming ill. I remember watching her pour herself into this Masterpiece. Everyone knows  if ever something were going Awry in my home and we must flee, grab that piece! One of the verses states, "She laughs at the days to come." Whoa that says so much to me. Just think on that one....then allow yourself to do inventory within your borders of your being and measure by this. Are you Smirking or Are you Laughing? 

I read "It's Not the Circumstances That Create Joy. It's You. Boom!  So Here goes Me Today whether tucked inside my four walls; that all the outer parts of me are stripped and I am able to be bare with the rawest of Dreams, Ambitions and Feelings to be laid exposed in the Security of the Acceptance of Me, or Dashing to and fro around town today, Hear me Proclaim, " I will Celebrate and Belly Laugh."  Today is My Claire's Birthday, my daughter that passed. For the first time, TODAY, on her Eighth Birthday, I Belly Laugh of  my Life with her, More Importantly HER Life. Once I realized this, I couldn't stop the corners of My Mouth from turning Up! Where birthdays past I was lucky to smirk at. Moreover, I would Dread because I knew that her passing date (that I truly Celebrate) is Near.  My new favorite movie "A Fault In The Stars" talks about making Exceptional use of our time given. I extend that to every area of my life and challenge you to do so as well.  My time with Claire changed my life forever for the better. Like Garth sings in "The Dance" what I would lose without This Day! OMG! Same with you and your circumstances and situations. The good and the not so good. Its part of Life.  If all you can do is smirk, start smirking. But dig, dig deep to find that laughter, for that is the Sweetest Moments to Blossom. I am Blooming today and I am so excited to be able to have JOY today and I am living proof It Started with ME. So what are you waiting for??? 

Who says you can't go Home?? Home is where the Heart is. Go Home today, I Invite you and Welcome you...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abzbVFuxigg&list=PLBAEA63219D7C360A

QUE SERA, SERA

Have you ever went after something that you just knew you were destined for, but no matter how you tried,  it just never seemed to happen? I can say wholeheartedly YES. More times than I care to count perhaps, however - I will not allow it to stop me from reaching beyond my limits of Today. It is ironic to me how easily people give up. Whether it is me being bullheaded or refusing to quit while ahead (which would have saved me many a heartbreak over the years) I wrestle within myself to find more. Why did I think that this certain dream would come to pass anyway? Where did this come from? Where am I to go with what I have now learned and how do I use this?! And on and on and on it goes for me. I am realizing as I am getting older that I do not want the elements of reaching for my dreams to change my components. I know that as we travel through life, we will encounter situations or phases that we are challenged by. I just want us to be careful we don't lose sight of why we had those Dreams to begin with. Sometimes it is just to springboard you to where you were to go that you might not have heeded the signals, but sometimes...there is more. I think there is always more. Sometimes, if not most times, you have to look for it. The Blank Page is in  front of Us.

Allow me to please share one of my hardest dreams to see dashed, or not go the way I had planned.  I had always envisioned myself as the little ole lady who lived in her shoe, with so many children, she didn't know what to do. Yeah, that didn't entirely happen. I found out with my second pregnancy, something was wrong. Like way wrong. I really dispelled their concerns because my first pregnancy had markers too, they thought my first child would have Downs Syndrome and she was perfectly healthy.  I just basically tuned out all I was hearing....until I couldn't justify it any longer. Once I found myself in my beloved doctors office and I was hearing the most unbelievable words to fathom, it finally became reality. I will never forget that day if I live to be a thousand. I can pretty much make the most delicious glass of lemonade ever out of the lemons thrown in my life....until then. I can honestly say, it has been a journey all of it's own since then to now. One that rocked my being to its total Core. But I always pushed on saying to my best friend, " I know this is not all that was meant to be." How many of us have felt that exact same way with other areas in our lives? How many of us just threw in the towel and tried to move past that dream that seemed to not ever be able to exist? 

You find me many years later, Claire would be Eight in a week and a few days. For Eight years I have clung to the fact that there was more. More than her Eight weeks of Life. And so there is...

In this picture, you see what I was able to see and be moved to such ecstasy that I pursued more. I attended last weekend a Mother/Daughter day and our Non Profit named after Claire was very instrumental in this day. (www.claireshope.org)  I was mesmerized when I showed up and saw these Moms and Daughter's who because of Claire's life and part in this Non Profit were in attendance. I couldn't sing the words they were singing. It was like the words were piercing my innermost parts of my heart. If I were to utter one note I thought all of these years I had been holding fast that I just wouldn't accept it to be what it was, that I wanted to see more, the emotions  would have flood out of me without restraint. So I just allowed myself to be immersed in the beauty of that dream. They were singing "You're Beautiful " by Phil Wickham.  I will never be the same. I challenge you to look it up on YouTube and allow yourself to sing this with your darkest times, it will change you too. I humbly know that had Claire's Life not heeded this call, someone else would have undoubtedly done so, please know that I am vastly aware. However, the fact I have hung tightly to the fact that this dream although was gone in normal settings;  I have seen it is still alive. Oh what a Fantastic Wonderment of Life for me.          

We all are composed of Chapters that are all varied from one person to the next. No two Novels are ever the same. As intricate as each persons finger prints are, so are our stories. We will find similarities within another and how much it soothes the soul when you encounter someone whose situations can permeate us to new levels because they too know that feeling that only you thought you knew.  What is your Story? I have no idea what mine is, however I pursue to know. I have Chapters that are hilariously a Comedy, others are the can't put down Mystery, A little Drama, but I want to have that Life other's just only wished they had. At the age I sit now, so far I feel that way. Not in a haughty way, no, mere humbleness because even in the worst or best of times, I learned such invaluable lessons that I am only enriched by. I want mine to be on the Best Sellers List or an Epic Movie based on my Story.  I have books for my daughter that I fill out that share my Legacy with her.  Some ask me questions based on various times in my Life, although its books for her, I often learn a little more of myself as it forces me to  reflect back on parts I might've forgotten. The Beautiful Wonderment here is The Story of our Lives. What I find to reign as the most Alluring part is, our stories only depend on US. Situations will come, both good and sad; it is what we orchestrate and compose that will remain.

Allow this song to move you.. I would not take out any Chapter so far in my life from the Happiest to its Utter Worst. They are MY Story.  I just wouldn't, couldn't, possibly be the Person I am today without going through what I have. Let us look this way too, Today is your day to write your Story for the rest is still Unwritten... Relish in This Mind Blowing Wonderment,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH0ZgJXzlkk

THE DYNAMIC DUOS

I am in the black (as you still generally find me today,
 some things never change)
 Nancy Kelly is to my Right
in her glamorous attire.
Just Beautiful she will always be to me.

Right now, right this moment; clear your mind of all except for this. Friendship. Allow yourself to reflect on your life from your first remembrance to this very second. I did this. It was a beautiful journey from right before Kindergarten my very first best friend, Nancy Kelly. From there a beautiful tribute of all of these well wishers who have intricately and precisely shaped me just by being in my life and accepting me. Wooing me to find Clarity on my journey. I am indebted to so many people over my lifetime and my story wouldn't be the same without these unvarying confidants. The depths of each of these allies differed immensely. Looking back, I ponder over the phenomenon of if the depths  were predetermined; as if the hand of destiny had eminently illustrated and the notes and tunes to perfectly harmonize my life's story of this unchained melody sensation.  See I do not believe that people are brought across your path will no real purpose intended. My Mother raised me to be acutely aware that it is demanded with my entire being to reach out with the core of my fibers with the outstretched arm and heart wide open to strangers for we do not know when we have entertained angels unaware. I do not see it as an aimless jaunt through life. Although many portray it as such I would be hollow if it weren't for all of the characters that have inspired me to burrow to the marrow of my Existence. When I have need for buoyancy,  I am overwhelmed with the manifestation of that friend that knew the apt response as if their words were as choice apples upon silver and in that moment transcends my stability. 

I cannot recall of a Disney Movie that there was not a poignant friendship portrayed. Sometimes, if not most times, the most extreme of two as in the Odd Couple with Felix Unger and Oscar Madison  were bonded with cords that could never be broken. Amidst all of the Fairy Tale story being unveiled you walked away with the intense longing to have that "Donkey" that Shrek grew inseparable with; in your own life too.  That moment that the air is so intoxicating by the illuminating realization that this friend was now a comrade. They purged deeper and wiggled through the fibers of your outer shell and now resided within your most inner walls of your being. They were now a force to be reckoned with for they see the raw, intricate unscripted you that is as big as the Wizard of Oz. We (ok maybe the younger generation) but again I say We, strive to have as many Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Friends as we can in life. As this is good and enriching for our lives, do you have those friends that Jim Morrison spoke of when he said, "A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself." And are we allowing ourselves to be available to another(s). I mean, isn't there a difference in Friendship and Comrade? Heart and Soul of why I think or do as I do. Allow me to share some of my most treasured quips from the sweetest Winnie The Pooh. "If you live to be a hundred, then I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so that I will never have to live without you." “We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet. "Even longer,' Pooh answered.” “You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” This one is hanging in my daughter's "party playroom" "A good friend will stick with you until you are unstuck." I finish with my most favorite from Winnie The Pooh, “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh?" he whispered."Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you.” That comrade will  know what I will do before I do or know the meaning of why I respond or behave as I do.  How Incredibly, Undeniably, Irreplaceable is that?! What an Incredible Wonderment of Life!!

http://www.vevo.com/watch/corinne-bailey-rae/Put-Your-Records-On/GB0400600001

So, go ahead and let your hair down. I want you to find yourself somewhere, somehow. Put on your  record. Tell me your favorite song. I hope you get your dreams. Isn't that what we experience with those closest to us? You will find with a comrade, without effort  your deepest thoughts and desires are revealed and you are now engaged in battle with the heroic fortitude that nothing will stop you until you reach that fortress. I know this song choice may have surprised you however it ignites me, it has me dancing to my groove that only I understand. Its obtaining more than the pleasantries exchanged with your common friends and inside that secret door of your heart,  the vail of vulnerability is now lifted, the baring of your soul, no faint in heart will ever tread; meaning not all friends are called to this task for you, only the ones who have that intuitive knowledge, reside. That no matter what Life may ever send your way through the thickest and thinnest of circumstances, you will be like Dorothy, who joined alliances with the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man, together on your journey will obtain your driven desires. Hannah had written on a chalkboard in her apartment with a verse I love. It was simply written with the Two crossed off and replaced with a five, (because there are five of them that live together) are better together than alone, because they have a good return for their work. I add my own flair here but it continues, if one falls down,(spiritually, physically or mentally) the other will pick them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9  "A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud. I am arrived at last in the presence of a man so real and equal, that I may drop even those undermost garments of dissimulation, courtesy, and second thought, which men never put off, and may deal with him with the simplicity and wholeness with which one chemical atom meets another." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson That is my desire to all I come in contact with. My aim in posting is that we find what moves us and inspires us to be Uniquely "You." One of The Greatest Creations in The Wonderment Of Life is each of us. We all individually as collectively hold the necessary ingredients in Making us Superb. Be driven. Lose yourself in the Confidence of your Passions and your Friends who are there for you and with you. Here is Lucy and Ethel portraying this in it's truest form. Most of the time Ethel knew she didn't need to be involved, however, Lucy's Passion and Force of Conviction to Conquer those desires drew Ethel to be inspired  by her. May we live life this same way....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGh04BFv61o



An incredibly Huge Thank you to my "Ethel's" out there who believe in me even when I am doubtful. To those who desire to see me let my hair down and desire to hear my favorite song. I am eternally grateful as with Piglet and Pooh and cannot wait to see where this life takes us next as we travel the Yellow Brick Road. For those of you who do not have an "Ethel," my desire is that you begin to exude the passion within you, to be Lucy and capture that moment.  We are on the Journey of the Incredible Wonderments of Life and it is to be shared and savored with one another...

CARPE DIEM

You know how you are moved and inspired by someone else's enthusiasm? Regardless of the reason of why it is being exemplified, you are touched. It can be someone's team spirit for their favorite SEC College Football team, it can be watching someone dancing with all their heart to a song that moves them, it can be that person fighting for the awareness of a Cause dear to their heart.  The list goes on and on, but the same feeling is there. Enthusiasm means eager interest; zeal.  The funny thing is to me, we don't need to invite this into our lives, it is already inside of each of us. Its amazing once we add the accessory of Enthusiasm, to any ensemble  it is sure to be one for the books to remember. It is crucial to have this to achieve something notable or worthy of other's attention. It is the difference in merely "getting by" and "arriving." 

I want to share with you one of my favorite lines of a movie I adore. Camille calls it Shopgirl.  Here is Shopgirl in You've Got Mail with although short, to me,  extremely powerful words... I truly believe it is key to charging up your enthusiasm...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DN57r3-xzE

I love to people watch. I just am moved by the unspoken, representation that others project. We forget in this crazy thing called Life, that we are always making a difference. Whether you want to admit it or not, it happens even to you. What are people seeing about you whether unspoken or portrayed through your actions? What imprint are you leaving? I read that "to be without Zeal is to be without the zest of living. Zeal and Enthusiasm incite to glorious achievement in every aim and ideal that the mind conceives. The man without Zeal is like an engine without steam or an electric motor without a current." Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, without it nothing great was ever achieved." I don't think Ralph was meaning heroic greatness,   I think he meant greatness in our everyday life. That is pretty Heroic if you ask me. Taking the everyday things of life and adding the flair of the Heart and Shazam! It is anything but boring or mundane! For instance, I pack my daughter's bag for cheering, ballet, etc with "zest" and buddy she knows it. I will tuck special surprises in the toe of her shoes that she won't notice until trying to slip it on or love notes or pictures in funny places, but it is me taking it to the next level in her world. And one day she will take it and spread it in the only way she knows how to others. There's my Legacy... I am fueled with the desire of how to keep her guessing because I am making it personal to her. Anyone can pack her bag really, but I have made something mundane something that even her friends peer in to see what has been placed in her bag. Point is everyday, all day we have opportunity after opportunity to spread Enthusiasm to others. It spreads like wildfire and ignites the heart into a blaze of desire to seize the moment in which people are in. What a powerful Wonderment of Life!

Here is a very pertinent piece here to what I am saying, watch the difference when "Sister Act" tells them to step it up a notch the results are powerful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1nNdTyDZEs

We all are going somewhere, only difference is only certain will reach their appointed destination. See, I believe that we can all have a "good life" or a "great life." I believe with all of my heart wherever you are right at this moment you can make it better than ordinary. You can touch others Personally because there is something more behind what you do than going through the motions. Norman Vincent Peale said it best, "There is a real magic in Enthusiasm. It spells the difference in mediocrity and accomplishment." I will never be satisfied with Ordinary or the expected. I thrive on the Unexpected, Spectacular Moments. It just takes that decision to first be personal then strike the match to enthusiasm that is just lying dormant within you begging to crank up and look out and buckle up you are embarking on the ride of your life, and you were only off to run errands! I dare you to try it. People are placed in your life for a specific reason I believe and no one will ever be able to touch them like your imprint. 

I left the best for last may it touch you and move you to make your life personal to not only yourself but allow it to invigorate all those around you...

This picture was taken a day or two ago, My oldest godchild Hannah and her four room mates doing their girls night dinner at College. There is so much detail in this moment, how could it have been any more personal? This moves me. It inspires me as a Masterpiece of Art will do.  I can hear the music in the background playing and hear the giggles of laughter as they danced their night away.  EVERY girl I know of, at every age (namely ME) wants to be included when they see this picture. It is life. It is exactly what Dale Carnegie meant when he instructed with these words, "Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto." This is The Wonderment of Life...

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

I read this today on my Timehop app, it is from two years ago tweeted ,"Never confuse what you do for a living with your reason for living." My wise Mother raised me on Volunteering. It was her calling. To be there for the people that society might not have a place for was her gig. As a young child; I cannot remember life without this in our home. I remember so many things but one example was when I was in Middle School. My Mother worked hand in hand with The Ladies Salvation Army Home. It was something watching her that made her so very beautiful to me at that awkward age. This organization would call my Mother when women and their children would arrive with a list of items they might need. I mean the barest of necessities indeed sometimes. What a powerful example of her own lifestyle that was for me when I was becoming the greedy, want syndrome child; expecting the entitlement of the world to be handed to me.  Alas, My Wise Mother could see it starting in me, I am quite convinced. She is far too wise to ever divulge her secrets even to me at this age I find her, but luckily I know her pretty well, better than the words spoken.  She would take me with her to buy for these people, strangers. But she made it personal, like they were close friends or even family. She would recruit me with shopping for  the children, we were given ages and sizes and what was needed. I STILL to this day, remember shopping for a girl right about my age, and the realization of her lifestyle I was forever changed. I said, Mom, what about when they want to have spend the night company? What about their bedrooms? What powerful lessons that Wise Woman was teaching me without saying a word.... She would always sternly but lovingly tell me, never allow your Volunteering to take the place of your obligations. Whether your job, your family, etc. Make sure you have done all you were to do, then; and only then, do this. Otherwise it has all been in vain. 

I was raised that if I was down, or sad; maybe upset about something that happened in my day, my Mother would love on me with a hug or kiss and tell me to "give, give, give." She would whisper in my ear, "get up, up, up" and go "give, give, give." Anyone that knows my Mother, knows she has the voice of an Angel. Nothing like mine I must say. However, she could motivate the most stubborn (namely myself) with her words so sweet as if honey were dropping off her lips. I would be so entranced by her unction that I wouldn't even sometimes realize I was doing something for someone else til it was over! She was and Still is right. The moment you take the attention of your own woe's or negative situation, and place your attention on someone else and give to them out of your own need, Wahbam! You are instantly lifted. Your day has turned around and somehow the, it all will work out rises from what was defeat or hopelessness.  What a Wonderment of Life...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXBKaOkmQhw


You might be wondering why I posted the picture at the top of this page. Funny thing, I really do not know, it is just a part of me. I took this picture when I was volunteering at a local Nursing Home and when I passed this certain hallway and saw these two at the end of it, I was stopped dead in my tracks. I have never been able to erase that moment within me.  It has gone with me everywhere over the years, I would say I have had this 20 plus years. It was pinned up in my cube at work for years, it has been in various spots - just there. It is my destiny. No idea what their story is, but it burns inside of me. Do they both live there or just one visiting? What are they talking about? What IS their story??? Here they find themselves in their later years of life, what do you think they are savoring the most? Most importantly for me, what do I want to be savoring? What stories are being retold of the Passion I led MY life? There's my blueprint for now; is what I have thought. I have had and continue to have, the opportunity for all these years, since this picture,  to go after life with unapologetic Lucille Ball wit, yet vigilance to pursue and capture where my heart leads. Not all have been success stories mind you.  However, I am trying  to live out Mother Theresa's wisdom, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Zig Zigler posted on Facebook yesterday, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." C.S. Lewis. So here I go, today, NOW setting new goals and allowing new dreams to flood in to overtake my soul. I hope this, today, does the same for you and invigorates you and your Passion of and for Life.

I hope this picture stirs up your heart and you allow yourself to give, to give of yourself, in the most trying of moments to those who cross your path. They are everywhere. I bet you will hear ole Lynda whispering in your ear if you listen closely, "give, give, give." You might be surprised how the direct effects of honoring another over yourself just might catapult you to your own destiny. Isn't life Intoxicating? It just amazes me on every turn and makes me giggle. I invite you to Bask and Illuminate in The Wonderment of Life.

The Waiting Game

I have this picture framed, it is one of my most favorites...ever. It was days before having my first child and when I look at this picture, I go back instantly with every emotion felt back then, they  flood my heart and bring a tear to my eye and a smile upon my lips. Not just because I thought I was about to meet this miracle that had captured my heart, but a dream and desire of mine was finally coming true about thirty-something years later. What came to my mind yesterday when I saw this was; all of us have dreams, goals, desires that burn so deep within us that if we don't reach them we just might smother out our truest self. Not all take the allotted time, but some do. And sometimes those my friend are the sweetest. When you hear me go on and on about being a Mother, trust me I am not over obsessed with this role mind you, ok maybe I am. However, when you realize what I had to go through to get here, and the times I felt like it just won't possibly EVER come true, it did. For those of you who know me, know how terribly ill I was pregnant. Oh my, it was ugly. If I didn't take that Zofran  to help combat the sickness, I was a mess. I would still get ill, just not as severe. Couldn't leave the house. It would just be routine, me getting sick before coming in to a restaurant I would tell whoever was with me, I would see them in a moment. You would think I was the most miserable person ever, and I was on one hand, but it would just be a moment, then BOOM, that smiled popped on my face and I knew that I was willing to go through whatever to see this dream come about and I wasn't gonna miss one moment. I would still be carrying her to this day if I could. I enjoyed my pregnancy more than you could possibly imagine. Why? Because, I was living the dream. My dream. I was in a moment that besides all the sickness, every day, all day, for nine months;  I was embarking on the most surreal moments of my life and I savored it all. Oh, how if we could look at our own lives with dreams and goals we are trying to reach we could set our eyes not on the moment that isn't so fabulous, but on where we are intending to be or go. It would make it more worth while and enjoyable if we could. Perhaps, that is the truest part of the dreams coming to reality. What I mean is, let's say  you are in school to receive this certain degree. Yet for this amount of years, it is intimidating that you might ever graduate. Sometimes you are counting down the years, weeks, days but your goal is in sight none the less. But these steps to graduation are necessary. 

We all should always have goals, dreams, expectations in life I feel or where is the excitement? Where is the flair that makes your life worth anything more than bland? I feel like sometimes I am Lucille Ball, just a silly woman with no real plan to others.  But how much fun (and trouble) did that red headed woman have? I realize it was a television show, however, if you truly paid attention, she always had a plan. She was after something.... hmmmm something to ponder. 

I am just using my dream of Motherhood as one example in my life. But what stands out to me is, the nine months is there for a reason. Sometimes it is more like years or a lifetime but do not give up. There is a reason for what we think is a delay. One of my reasons for my delay I just have to share! I am "Mammy" to six children that changed the course of my life forever. Now they are impacting my daughter's life. I just know I couldn't have had what I have had with each of them had I had been a Mother myself all that time. Here is my Christmas present from them this past Christmas. Incredibly Special to me and I would like to share with you...

http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4e4445784d5455304e54453d0d0a&blogview=true

See? I am okay with the timing of becoming a Mother...now, as I look back. My daughter loves to hear this story, especially at bedtime. After having her, I would send her to the nursery to allow me to sleep at night, then they would call me, "Mrs. Cox?" "Yes?" I would reply." Your daughter is hungry, would you like to sleep and have us feed her or bring her to you?"  My response was "bring her to me! Please!" After I hung up the phone, I would sit up, fix my pillows, fluff my hair and get ready for my girl. I can still hear this now, that cart being pushed down the hallway, the thumps as it hit the certain parts in the floor. It was getting closer and the excitement within me, oh,  I just couldn't contain. As that cart came near, the beat of my heart sped up until I had her in my arms. It was like Christmas Morning as a child. Do not give up on those dreams. This story one day will be told to me, in that same fashion, with the same emphasis on just those certain words by her when I am old.  I just know that although a lot will be forgotten to me then, that feeling will permeate my being. We read a book that was given to Camille by one of our Junior Miss daughters, Marianna and it is titled, "Love you Forever" by Munsch/McGraw. I urge every parent of a small child to go purchase this book. We sing the song to one another almost nightly, and one day she will sing to me as I am old, then she will share with her child one day. This is a must have for everyone! 

This certain dream of mine will be taken with me til my last moments here on Earth and although there are other dreams that will fall away to the wayside as they should. I am still striving to obtain other dreams in my life that will perhaps take their place. Do not be afraid of our delays, remember, the nine months is there for a purpose. Try to enjoy the moments of that dream(s) becoming reality.

This is the Wonderment of Life....

Only YOU

I read that "You only have ONE life to live. Don't coast through it, make waves! I love this!! I am a rebel wanna be. If there were rules to follow, somehow I would mix up the variables and I implemented what I wanted to exist as well. Such as my sense of fashion, or therein the lack of. I feel like looking back on my life in so many situations I was swimming up stream all alone with my opinion, outlook, or moral belief tucked in close to me. I am most happy when doing this I have found. At the point in which I find myself today living, it appears that the majority are mimicking others around them. A little is good. I find it to be the seasoning as in cooking. By implementing something seen or heard by someone else is the way to spice up our own versions of ourselves; however, too many are over seasoning and they are losing themselves. If we lose ourselves, we have lost that spice that was intended to season someone else. 

As a Mother of a fast growing nine year old daughter, I want her to embrace who she is. Imperfections and all. I want her to enjoy picking up things from others she likes but I want to always see HER overall. So many of us have been so blessed to have the admiration poured into us to be that person we were destined to be. But its not to late for all of those who didn't have that. It is never too late. I want each of us to realize what is unique and different about ourselves, it may even be something we don't like too much ourselves... but let us not snuff out what was that spice that others were needing to help enhance their own lives. We ALL have something to flavor others lives. We live in a world that has us spinning; sometimes out of control, trying to be the next best thing or being like everyone else. We need to be like Muhammad Ali and capitalize on our unique qualities. Once we believe it, everyone else will soon too. 

http://youtu.be/V6xLYt265ZM

I believe that if we cultivate more of ourselves we will find that we are making the difference, and in turn; others will be spicing up themselves with what you possess. In almost everyone I encounter I see that "umph" that they possess and whether I wish I were more like them and less of myself, I relish in their uniqueness, and somehow it makes me better... Let us make that our quest, in becoming the World's Greatest YOU, understand and acknowledge that the others we encounter are inevitably launching us to come out as Ourselves in the truest form. You will never influence this world by trying to be like it. This is one of the Sweetest Wonderments of Life I think, thank you to all who have affected my life and are continuing to be the compass to steer me in the right direction... Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." 

http://youtu.be/WgcovIu3k9o?list=PLWkzay3ra3UFrWoa5gOcw6cGkINoyMlx0

Dance To The Music

Music is a world within itself, With a language we all understand. With an equal opportunity,  For all to sing, dance and clap their hands. Sir Duke by the one and only Stevie Wonder. How incredibly powerful Music is. It penetrates to our Core. Our Soul. What a  Powerful part of The Wonderment of Life it is...

My parents had a jukebox that I don't even recall, however; once they no longer had it, the 45's remained. Hours were spent listening to the roaring tunes of yesteryears.   Regardless the genre, it was Music and it was an incredible aroma that filled our home.  Now this many years later, I cannot carry a note, or play any known instrument. However, I come alive when Music is played. It is played as often as possible. And as loud too! Just as my Mother had her different genres which she would introduce me to such as The Great Boots Randolph or by playing George Beverly Shea in the mornings my favorite was Open Up your Heart and Let the Sunshine In. By doing this she taught me to be open and that has been one of the best things she passed on to me and I in turn am passing along as well. I have saturated my daughter with it all. I always say, even if you don't prefer this genre, appreciate it. She will go with me to an Opera Rehearsal as I have sat on their board, or to the twangiest of Country, and now the latest, the introduction of Prince. I believe this will take her far in her journey in The Wonderment Of Life, to be open and appreciate the different forms of Music...

I use music for all aspects. When I am frustrated or upset, there are those tunes, if I need motivating, there's another. You name the driving force of where you are going and BAM just like that there is a song that will help lift you up and usher you to where you are to be. As we are pursuing our dreams, living our lives, allow the beautiful force of Music to come in and move you. I have taught my daughter by allowing Music to be such a part of her that now when you think of her, you just cannot think of her without the  love of music. I used to take her to a Mommy and Me group some of you probably have even attended with us, Kinder Music. But living it at home is the most crucial in my opinion. When she was younger one of her favorite shows had a song that had a video and it would randomly come on as we left our televisions on her channel anyway. AH, we would pine away waiting for that song to come on. We would bait one another to be ready, be ready. See, it was a rule in our home that no matter when that song came on, regardless of who was there, or what was going on. We stopped. And we danced....even though she is too cool for that one now, there are many others that are going on and those that are yet to happen. And I cannot wait. But that song is still on her music list in her iPod and it DOES still get played surprisingly enough from time to time, as to let me know as she gets that Twinkle in her eyes and says, "hey Mama, you ready?" Then she will play it just long enough to suddenly feel one of my Most beautiful Wonderments As her Mother, then its gone. Oh, but how incredibly thankful I am that the Memory is still alive in my Heart; and its churning inside of me to strive to find more "Boinga" Memories.  See, even though certain seasons have passed,  allow those moments to perpetuate. We cannot forget where we have been if we are ever gonna get to where we are intended to be. 

I have a home video, yes I know, I know. It was filmed by my 9 year old, you will clearly be able to tell, but try to see what I see if you can...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4FQgc3afPI&feature=youtu.be

Let me tell you what I see with that video, my Mother's brothers doing what they have been doing since I can remember. This is a classic in the Lewis Clan. There is always music, there is always singing and there is always Laughter...what else do you want? 

This Happy New Year's Card came after Camille lost her two front teeth on Christmas Night, dancing and singing as she bumped into Hannah, Kassie and Sydney in their dance off and it went down in history!

Life is meant to be lived with all the zest and gusto you can muster up if you ask me. As I try to emulate our families Christmas' and get together's now -  for my daughter to be able to pass on too; there is our Family Legacy that really matters. It's what has always set us apart from the rest of the Jones' and caused us to be something more. We all have it, we just need to utilize it.  We need to bloom where we are planted while we make a difference there I truly believe it will open the door to endless possibilities....

Be Curious

I read that" CURIOSITY is the Compass that Leads Us to Our Passions. Follow it and you won't be disappointed. The future belongs to The Curious." I kind of relate Curious to Childlike. When I find myself Curious, I feel playful, energized.  When I am curious, I find I am in a state of searching or waiting to see what will become. It can be exciting, discovering the newness of something or the fulfillment of another. Children show us best how to take in this Big Ole World we live in. They are busy! They are everywhere. Exploring. Asking questions. And of course... The Why's. It is sometimes harder for us adults to stop and allow ourselves to explore. Explore our thoughts, desires, Dreams, life around us. We always hear stop and smell the roses; yet how little time do we really allow ourselves to breathe in and bask, drinking in Life around us until we are intoxicated by its beauty?

One of my favorite things about Life is; it is always changing. Always moving. I like to relate this to working out with my trainer; I am almost in tears because of what he has me doing for this certain set but I know that it will pass as soon as I complete this  and there will be something else. So I seem to find the stamina needed to move past that which I find most unpleasant so I can get to what is bearable or pleasing. So it is with life. 

I want you to call to mind, wherever life finds you NOW as you are reading this. It is not too late to go after those Passions, those Dreams. Allow yourself to be Curious. There is more than meets the eye EVERYWHERE. I like this by Will Smith from The Pursuit of Happiness, "Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can't do something themselves, they're gonna tell you that you can't do it.You want something, go get it. Period." 

Curiosity killed the cat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the metaphor. For other uses, see Curiosity killed the cat (disambiguation).

"Curiosity killed the cat" is a metaphor used to warn of the dangers of unnecessary investigation or experimentation. A less frequently-seen rejoinder to "curiosity killed the cat" is "but, satisfaction brought it back".^[1]

The original form of the metaphor, now little used, was "Care killed the cat". In this instance, "care" was defined as "worry" or "sorrow."

Here is the poem, Curiosity killed the cat, Satisfaction brought it back. Safe and sound, from head to ground, from head to ground, It was safe and sound.

After all, aren't we all wanting to be Satisfied? It seems to me, Curiosity is a large part of The Wonderment of Life... Queen sang it best, Don't Stop Me Now enjoy this video and let its words recharge your battery and get after what you are to do! I can't wait to share what I find - I hope you will join me~ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWMySZa0TzQ#t=12

The Little Things

I just have to say it. It's The Little Things that make such a difference in our lives. That moment that someone just did something that made you smile, or touch your heart in such a way to move you. At the end of the day, you remember them. Sometimes it isn't something that was done for or to you, just something you encountered or were part of in some mere way. 

I am approaching fifty in the next couple of years, maybe THIS is my midlife crisis! However, I truly do not feel it is a "crisis" at all. I read this Tweet today from one of my favorite preachers. Rick Godwin tweeted, "Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their dreams!" #livebold Are you kidding me?? This is Fab to the ulous!!! I want to stop and reflect on this. What dreams have I forgotten about or put aside due to life and or the lack of confidence to see those dreams come about????

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqJ2jYumJJo

May we all find The Little Things each day. May we also be the one who does for another to help them in some way and be the Wonderment of their day or their thing they smile of as they drift off to sleep at night.

So many dreams I have had for my own life I am happy to say have come true; however NOT in the way that I might have expected. Example, I always wanted to be a Mom. Always. Well as happy as I am to say that ONLY 38 and 39 years later it came true! ha! And if that weren't enough, my second child was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 in the womb and wasn't expected to make it full term. She did and I was able to be her Mommy for 8 weeks! What curve balls these were. But I am determined to take it ALL in and say how does this help determine the destiny of those dreams? How is this preparing me for other dreams I have or yet to have or to even  help others with their dreams? 

What I want to say is we all have had or are having or are going to have those Curve Balls thrown. But let us not allow them to call us out of the game, moreover; let us have them be what helps us make that home run! This my friends is truly The Wonderment Of Life~

There Will Never Be .....

Fill in the blank; There will never be ______________. WOW, those options are many!! At least for me I can say that changes with almost each passing thought I have! But then I stop and ask myself, what is the blank that I am the most passionate about? At the end of the day in all of the things that happened, all the people I encountered, tasks that were left undone and the things that were accomplished, what is that ONE thing that stands out?

The thing I am finding as I am "maturing" is that the sometimes most frustrating, most difficult whether  situation or circumstances or people that is the thing that seemed to stand out at the end of my day.  Sometimes the Surprise was Negative but will somehow forever change the course of this Life that I lead.  I can laugh about how I completely lost my temper at this rather frustrating individual, or smiled from ear to ear at the thoughtfulness someone showed me.  Either way from each extreme they are Wonderments. The Wonderments of Life...

Beauty is all around us and within us. Same with the Wonderments, the surprises of life the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. I read something today and it was like POW! It said, "One sees great things from the valley; Only small things from the peak." Ok,  here is a great one from one of my favorites the now Late Maya Angelou - We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely, admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. 

Life is full of Wonderments. Some of us are so busy we have to sit and reflect on each one as if it were the only  just to drink in its Awesomeness. Others are crying out for a good surprise to help sustain you through another day.  I ask you to join me and think about your day; what are the Wonderments that you almost missed? What are the ones you will never forget? And what are the ones you wish you could forget? 

What IS The Wonderment Of Life?

For a while now, the word Wonderment has been coming to me. So much so I finally stopped and pulled down my tattered and worn Thorndike & Barnhart Dictionary and looked up this word that had been haunting my thoughts. It simply said wonder; surprise. Nothing too profound, so I looked up both of those words and found wonder to mean - strange and surprising thing or event. The feeling caused by what is strange and surprising. feel wonder. be surprised. be curious about;wish to know.

Then Surprise meant - feeling caused by something unexpected. something unexpected. catching unprepared; coming upon suddenly. astonish. 

The thing about Life is, it truly  is a Wonder and Surprise. At every sunrise, every sunset. At the dawning of the new day, it  is a beautiful opportunity to be surprised. Only thing is, with Life; it isn't always the good Surprises or Wonders that we encounter. 

I am not sure where this blog will take me if even for any more than this post; but I am hoping to share and be also be shared to, as I go. I have had my share of ups and downs and I am sure there are far too many ahead of me to count. One thing remains Life is full of Wonderment. May we all open our eyes to see what we truly are to see. 

I hope you will take this journey with me!