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