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...