POWER-SURGE

Peddling along the outer streets of my Neighborhood, dodging the walkers and runners on the sidewalk. Smiling while exchanging early morning nods and greetings. There is something invigorating about being out and about before the sun awakens. It is as if you get a bolt of inspiration as if you got a head start before the gun went off at a marathon race. Realizing at this precise moment if I don't get another thing accomplished today I have this here moment of empowerment. Noting that as I organize within my mind sorting the tasks that lie before me; I have been given more than I ever could possibly need to supercede my expectations. Riding all around basking in the glorious weather we had been gifted. Giddy as a school girl, invisioning taking my hands off the handlebars drinking in this merriment. Liberated by the opportunity this moment has granted me. You see I am in the midst of early Spring Cleaning, combined with one of my New Years Resolutions of getting organized. Daunting does not even begin to describe my overwhelmed status. Somehow taking this break to fuel my soul, to clear my head in order to spark my creativity I feel my innermost parts start to arise as liken to the dawning of a new day. 

As I sit and partake in a pitstop of one of my Daughter's and my new obsessions; it is a bowl of spoonfed goodness oddly enough the establishment is named Soul Bowls. And that it is. As I am trying out for me a new delight that my Daughter highly recommended and implored that I had to try. Deliciously enthralled, I am reading someone's post (@randallswise) who always inspires me and ignites within me as if he jump starts my battery, to channel my better self. This morning he posted a quote by Tony Robbins, "where focus goes, energy flows." He wrote of recalling vividly being fully present, loving this moment in time. He challenged by asking the simple question, "where do your thoughts go?" "Are you focused on what you have or on what's missing?" He said if you are focused on what's missing you'll never find happiness and joy in life. He left it with a challenge to all of us reading and following to please share in the comments how you'll focus this weekend,how we will better appreciate what we 
have. Simplicity had never rang more true. I write of this earnestly attesting to this great phenomenon but I drank it in as if I had heard it for the first time. For each day finds me with new circumstances and life moments which I find delightful. Otherwise this life would be found weighty and humdrum. Boring. 

As I sat upon my bike I felt supercharged as if I had been overhauled both mind and body. My Spirit was on fire as I peddled back towards Home. I found clarity as I focused where I desired my energy to flow and found an imagery in my own life situation at hand. I was surged with enthusiasm to not only get back to my task at hand of organizing but relating it to my life where I likened my what earlier was perceived as unsurmountable piles of havoc. Realizing how in Life we get distracted and often times overcome by all our life moments, and before we know it our focus somehow shifted as if mesmerized by a magician we were entranced as if hyptmotized only seeing a mirage. Life Clutter. When I left my organizing, I was dispondent for my focus was on the misplaced items, you know the things that did not belong where they were or what I did not have in order. Where treasures once were showcased all I felt was smothered by the disorderly way these spaces were filled. Sensing now how I was jumbled, I quickly stopped my bike and I asked Siri to define clutter. Smiling as I read its definement as unwanted echos that interfere with the obervation of signals on a radar screen. 

Wonderment fills my being as I unveil the power of passion in the gift of Focus. To channel that energy in such a manner that is appreciative of even the situations that are currently out of place. I have that Friday Feeling that finds me full of vigor keeping perspective in it's rightful place enchanted by this moment that engulfs me. Stop and own your Life. Know where your place is, of exactly who you are and all that you are meant to be. Not distracted thus forgetting all that only you embody losing your thunder you were created to roar. Last night my Daughter called for some things to bring to her at her Dad's. Timing was terrible as I was crosseyed knee deep in disarray, paralized by all my attempts to rectify and bring order it seemed as if my actions had made things worse. However, I chose to embrace her distraction if for nothing else to run away from my situation at hand. I gathered up her items skillfully, mindfully as if I had nothing else on tap. As I handed her the things she requested, I smiled knowing full well I had fueled it with my heart and soul putting all I had within those moments. Alas my reward was when she looked at her niece smiling, proud as she inhaled her requested blanket that I had freshly lavished with her favorite linen spray and held it out inviting her to draw in it's beauty. Think not it a waste to embrace these moments that seem to be taking you opposite of your Dreams. Life is meant to be lived fully, deeply and entirely. This is The Wonderment of Life. xoxo

PARTY OF ONE

Walking into a party the dimly lit room was filled with spellbounding energy that stopped you in your tracks. Force so intense as if you walked into a glass door. That moment where your heart raced and you paused to catch your breath. Adrenaline raced throughout your being engulfing you with a surge of energy; that when you blinked weakness swept in as if fatigued after a phenomenal workout. You marvel as you gaze around the room drinking in the splendor this moment bestows. You take your time embracing the awe that has overtaken you. From the candles lit to the beautifully fashioned presentation of tapas and tidbits. Liken to being in Paris for Fashion Week amidst the couture as these models entice the room with silver trays adorned with picturesque delights that heighten the senses. Distracted by the guests watching the servers, you see their eyes light up with each step closer your attention is fixated on their meeting. Merriment sets in as they are liken to children on Christmas morning, you strain to see what entices on that next platter. The music is crooning balancing the voices that fill this room with lively chatter. A violinist walks among the room serenading the guests as they attentively smile and nod wide eyed with wonder. There is a couple slowly dancing in a corner, the gentleman twirls his companion rhythmically. It is the epitome of precision and perfection in Entertaining. It is as standing again in Paris only now, in the Louvre Museum taking in the splendor of a painting that has come to life.

I liken this to us when inspired by not only living our Life but loving it now and yet daring to Dream. We are in our element and orchestrated by the most precise conductor when we lock into that which sets our soul on fire. On Instagram I enjoy a weekly inspiration called Whole Heart which I highly recommend. Each Monday they will have a thought for the week to focus on and it is not only to better yourself but everyone around you to impact our world for the better. They give me that extra jolt needed with my cup of bulletproof coffee on the brand new start of a brand new week. This past week they focused on Dreams which ignited my soul like wildfire. You see, the first paragraph above is when we lock eyes with that Dream. As I often say our lives are the greatest party we will ever attend. It is the one Main Event that we will be both the Host or Hostess and the Invited Guest. That I have the power to set the tone on this "life party" I am attending....right now. 

This Month my Daughter turned into a Teenager. She has been gushing about it being her "Golden Birthday" (it is when you turn the age of the day you were born. In her case she turned 13 on the 13th.) since I can remember. I became rather nervous as the day was approaching but no concrete plans had been made. To add to the pressure, her age found me in an added disadvantage because normally I would proceed on my own but with her  teenage independance I was clearly at a loss. Knowing we could not let this day pass without proper recognition we got to work. We rented out and had an all night party at a trampoline park facility. I am one about celebrating the mark you are embarking on leaving in order to usher you formally into where you are going. It is in essence taking this moment of time and as taking an orange sliced and placed upon a juicer being able to drink in it's delicious juice that is the very heart of the fruit.  We held a banner that traditionally we do on the last day of school upon running through you are leaving the one grade to move on to the next. How often we get so entangled with the Tomorrow's we miss out on the Today or what is next instead of what is present and all that it is gifted to us, right now. Being all in right now. Since all of the girls that were present will be turning teenage years or recently have, ran together cheering and laughter filled that vast place warming our hearts and souls. Attesting that this is something awe inspiring, THEY are awe inspiring. Proclaiming most importantly to themselves this next phase of life NOW is one to take on boldly and to go after life with the same gusto. Shakespheare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" has a quote I absolutely adore it is, "the world is thine oyster/which I with sword will open."  Basically, this expression just implies that somebody will make the most out of life in a circumstance. How would you open a shellfish? By prying it open.

You can't simply tenderly touch a shellfish with a blade; you need to put some muscle behind it. However, we think all that diligent work is absolutely justified, despite all the trouble because there's a shot of a gigantic result inside. Not just are they absolutely delectable—once in a while there's a pearl inside.

Out in the enormous world, there are unlimited conceivable outcomes, yet you need to attempt to discover them. Also, a pearl isn't simply lounging around for the taking, yet a clam is. That implies that regardless of the possibility that you discover a shellfish, there's no assurance that it will pay off.

Once in a while clams have nothing inside (but more shellfish). The lesson? Anybody can get a clam, yet just the fortunate discover a pearl inside. In case you're citing this line, then risks are you're a hopeful person trusting that the clam you get will be one of the fortunate ones that really contains a wonderful pearl. I found this when researching what this quote meant and found it even more inspiring! 

 My Daughter has not stopped talking about how this Golden Birthday was more than she anticipated all these years while continually speaking of it often over time and she now attests she will never forget it. We sang Happy Birthday at the stroke of Midnight. We savored and celebrated this magical moment. I too shall never forget all that this milestone birthday or one of my most coveted Dreams, My Daughter taught me. This is the Wonderment of Life. xo

WISH UPON A STAR

This week we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  in all of his accomplishments, exhortations, inspiring words and philosophy.
All because, this great man had a Dream. Overcoming Doubts and Fears his life is still impacting and encouraging us all to dare to Dream. I find it extremely ironic that often times when people refer to "Dreamers" they inject notions such as they have their heads in the clouds or flighty.  In  Dreaming I would say that this is a very accurate statement only difference is to be effective, your core needs to be anchored by the weighty roots of your very being - your Heart.  As in a match of dodge ball you have to be able to move, swerve and contort yourself. If you are too rigid and lack the fluid movement of being loose and limber you will be eliminated way before your time. Dreamers have mental agility from rigorous mental training. For instance, MLK was quoted with so many phenomenal nuggets that were born in the hardships of enduring to see his Dreams come true. Such stamina is exerted when we are Dream chasing.  It is empowerment injected within your very soul that sings out like that song in the Night that Morning is coming. I love this quote he said, "Only in the Darkness can you see the stars." My mind carries me away with being in a country field away from the city lights. Darkness veils the night as you cannot see your hand in front of your face only sensing that something is near. Oftentimes this is the same in persuit of our Dreams nothing in sight only the sense that it is near. Recently, I found myself looking for the stars, literally. Self doubt, fear and fatigue all covered me like heavy blankets weighing down my spirits. I went in search of truth, debating if perhaps I were desiring too much. Perhaps I should simmer down and find contentment within the boarders I was now residing. With a picnic packed with the elements fitting for a very cold night I held my cup of toddy closely to my body as if embracing not only the warmth but the soothing aroma. I laid back on the hood of the truck and drank in the Beauty that not only surprised me but it engulfed my being with the sky so full of stars shining brighter than that of the most rare diamond. The snap of the cold air and the sounds of nature at nighttime worked harmoniously in having the stars of the show take the stage. 

I let the outside elements woo me as liken to flirtacious and playful banterings and in a moment I had fallen in love. In love with not only my Dream(s) but the dark moment that when I thought to give up or settle instead I was being lured to defend my Dream as if standing up for the honor of it. I realized the fortitude I needed to suffice my uncertainty would be found in the connection of it mattering. The no matter what type of matter. Vowing my commitment because it was the wick that sustained my flame and fire. I was enticed to persevere all because it mattered to my soul. It is where the spotlight shines when I measure it within the boundaries of my faith and roots. Throwing out the hypothetical tape measure by attempting to tailor fit my very being liken to those around me. Unleashing the vibrance of my innermost desires to soar as a bird takes flight that had been entangled and unable to fly.  Calling to mind yet another one of MLK's power punches of inspiration. "Our Lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that Matter." Right then and there I connected where only before I felt garbled, scattered, confused and ready to quit. It was if my plug had been united with that of the extension cord or socket and instantly I had power.  I saw on Twitter yesterday a video clip where a Gentleman got out of his car to give a homeless man on the side of the road his coat. It gets better. They hugged one another as he put it on him. It was such a beautiful act of humanity and of what mattered to this man. Thus inspiring me from deep within as if to high five my very soul.  It mattered to him to follow his heart and it impacted all who have been fortunate enough to view it. It was heartfelt and soulful. Most importantly imagine the surge of Hope it injected into that homeless man. You see these are the very examples of it only takes one to make a difference or the beloved song from our childhood, it only takes a spark. If it matters, you will find a way I read earlier on someone's post. I wholeheartedly agree. I was researching the science on matter and it's definement as a whole. I was searching as intently as when a dog is on the hunt for what it smells and has him spellbound sniffing so agressively we can hear it. 



Think for a moment, pretend you too are sitting on top of your truck. Cold windshield behind you as you gaze into the stars that are always there, just for most of us within the city limits they are overshadowed by the lights of other things. They are always there. Just as magically bright. Our Dreams of what matters are shining deep within us.  In moments when we abandon all restrictions and allow our soul to run free after our Heart; the power of passion is unleashed. Anyone who has ever built or reconstructed a House knows that those blueprints were never in stone as in the dodgeball analogy you have to be able to tweak and revise. Vowing that even though the blueprints are not quite as precise as hoped for we will forge on. Another quote from the one and only; “Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.”  The Wonderment of Life here is another one of MLK's quotes; “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I can imagine the thoughts that swirled in that gentleman's mind to not get out of his car and do what unctioned him to do such an awe inspiring act. Fervency overcomes me when I see someone who is free to be themselves and embraces what matters most to them against any odd; against all odds. The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find themselves in places no one has ever been before -Albert Einstein. Here is something from someone I follow on Instagram. She too was moved with such passion from the movie The Greatest Showman. We all have been given the ultimate gift of Living and building, designing custom fit our Life may we inspire all those around us as we chase our Dreams even when we have to dodge.  xoxo

PASSION PROJECT

Life is full of Wonder. That statement could complete the synopsis of my entire point of this blog in general; especially this one as I am writing it. Looking at this picture it makes me smile from the depths of my soul, it is from my sofa in my Living Room. Even when I am alone my heart is full of memories shared here and instantly it comes to life. I reflect on the word life here titling Chapter 1 of 12 of 2018. Mulling over this word my heart grasps the defining portion of the following, a way or manner of living. This bottle of wine we were discussing with friends at Dinner the other evening is a fascinating must have. Phenomenal gifting choice and Host or Hostess gift. My friends were showing us this app that goes with this wine and there are different bottles and criminals where when you place your phone in front of the label they come to life to tell their story. Fascinating presentation takes gifting to an entirely different level as the price is very friendly and it yields more than meets the eye... and palate. I liken this to Life itself and how every single second of every single day we too can yield more than meets the eye inspiring not only our very own soul but impacting others around us. With this being the beginning of a New Year, slate is swiped clean so to speak and we all have a new found confidence or added doses to our existing amount to where we are able to do much and accomplish even more. Notice in the picture several candles are lit and my fire has been started. However if you look closely if you did not already notice, my fire has yet to ignite and be all that it was designed to be and do. The gas is going and I see my logs turning red hot but the flames have not displayed the dazzling blaze I desired. Blaze defined is intensely burning fire. I am drawn to the adjective intensely here as it is something full force and not stopped at half way. 

The thing about this picture at the top are the moments that were behind this snapshot of time. My Daughter was sick with a fever and we were the three bears except there were two. She would sleep and sweat her fever off. When she awoke, I would have her fresh clean clothes to change into. Then as a doorman in disguise, I would usher her to a dreamy plush new surrounding  with delightful smelling linens where I had already lit candles before I got her so they filled the air with highly pleasing aromas where if only for a moment she forgot she was sick. I must have changed linens just shy of a half a dozen times this day. It was an honor to change them each time in spite of normally not being very fond of this task because I knew how this would make her feel. As any of you know when you have a sick one in the House it is fruit basket turnover. I must have climbed those stairs enough to count it a workout smiling as my foot went in front of the other. Knowing that whatever she was now requesting ever so great or small was my part in flaming her fire to ignite and feel better. You see by the time I was able to have a mere moment to myself I fell onto the sofa drained but eager to watch my awards show I had recorded because I was busy with her when it came on. I looked around my surroundings that are engraved upon my Soul searching for encouragement. In my mind I envisioned myself with an empty glass holding it high in the air imagining as if there were a butler to fill that emptiness to satisfy not only my thirst but my being. Interrupting my mirage jolting me back as if a herald loudly announced the proclamation reminding my being that this is Home and it is my Oasis from which I draw. In a moment as if shot with a B12 I was on my feet lighting those candles and starting a fire to suffice my weariness as in rewarding myself for my efforts. Realizing as I struck the match and it made that unforgettable sound as it came to life inhaling that distinct smell that this is a metaphor of us in our pursuit of our Dreams, Resolutions and Goals. 

Often times we get weary and grow sluggish needing our flames to be ignited or stirred up to unleash our enthusiasm. As awoken from a deep slumber rested and vibrant we are gallant as we arise to conquor. Often times we look everywhere but within for the fuel to cause our flames to burn fervently. As if the "something more" is the answer when Gratitude shines the light on the power we already possess. Think of it as being Clark Kent jumping into the telephone booth being transformed. Often times we overlook the ordinary within our midst when it is indeed the extraordinary! After appreciating and embracing within my here and now my telephone rang and it was one of my beautiful, dear girlfriends who was at Dinner the night before. She said she was dropping off a happy on my doorstep all the while not knowing that my Daughter was sick and how daunting my day had been and what impeccable timing she had. As you can imagine much to my delight when it was indeed that wine! Her reacting to that which pricked her heart to do for me maybe she thought not a big deal; resulted in a vigorous brand new woman who then found the fortitude to not only embark on another day in what felt like forever in the land of fever but to overachieve in loving my Daughter back to health with all the extras I could muster up. I believe it starts within the realm of our Hearts that our Dreams are born and as in tilling up the land, we are ready to plant our seed of a dream and then shower it with the necessary variables of life needed for not only growth but the manifestation of what was toiled after. 

I posted on Facebook last week about being blown away from the Movie Musical, The Greatest Showman. I cried from the very beginning to the very end. I went the next day to see it again with a girlfriend to see it for her second time as well. Not only inspired again I picked up on things perhaps missed the first. All ages are being inspired by it. I was playing the soundtrack over the weekend in my car and the entire fully loaded car broke out singing and attesting that this is the Best movie. I marved at how much it effected them and these songs and they are seventh and eighth graders telling of how they cried throughout the show and how moved they were. My Daughter and I went the first time seeing this together. The Theatre was packed all ages it was awe inspiring to see grown men even the elderly that I sat by and witnessed to be so incredibly moved. Most everyone stood and applauded when it was over.  It is because our Dreams are real. Life is the greatest show. We were destined for a unique purpose within these moments called life and only we can declare how far we will go and the measure by which we will be affected. It ignited within me that this message is incredibly needed and the uniting of one another is more than cruical to achieving that which we dream. My evening was made spectacular by the thoughtfulness of my loving friend. By her kind gesture fueled by her love and showing of support of Me and who I am, it allowed me to be all that I dreamed of being for my Daughter. Of being more than she anticipated. In turn I was able to pay it forward for another when they have been weary knowing how invaluable the simplist of act can mean. Uniting together as if a force field that brings not only something for ourselves but it continues to thrive as it is given again and again as in the domino effect.  I will be mindful as I journey not only in this year but forevermore how everyone is incredibly special and dreaming their own dreams. Furthermore, the importance of what truly matters for that is what Dreams are made of. The Wonderment Of Life is when we value the here and now absorbing this very moment as the air that we breathe we fully experience life as custom fit to our own unique manner of living. I leave with you a beautfiul well known quote that I believe the people she speaks of are metaphors of life moments and one of the best music videos I have posted that too was shared with me by a friend. xoxo

Yvonne Pierre wrote the following:
“For every person who closed the door in my face, thank you. For every person who told me I wasn't good enough, thank you. For every person who laughed and told me that I was wasting my time going to college, because I was going to fail, thank you. For every person who tried to break me, thank you. For every person who took my kindness for weakness, thank you. For every person who told me I was wasting time chasing my dreams because I would fail, thank you. It could of broke me. From the core of my heart, I thank you. I truly mean it, because if it weren't for each of you I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't of spend hours and loss sleep studying. I wouldn't developed tough skin. You pushed me to think about what I "really" want out of life. You pushed me to master my craft. You helped me develop the drive, passion and determination. You pushed me to not wait for someone to believe in my vision, but to find a way to make things happen. I know you didn't "intend" to, but I thank you for teaching me to believe in myself! AND you taught me to TRUST in God and lean on my faith, not man. Thank You!” 

HINDSIGHT IS 20/20

Sipping on my Bulletproof Coffee savoring as if a fine wine, the warmth soothing to my body as it is bitter cold here in the South. Pops of a roaring fire from my fireplace orchestrate a melody resounding that Mr. Winter has decided to visit a spell. Relishing in the delightful hue of lights of My Christmas Tree  as it beautifully showcases my ornaments as a work of art. I travel in time to places once visited or to moments shared with someone gifting me that particular ornament as they speak to me, moving me with more than their external beauty.  Powerful moments of reflection as these moments remind me of Hallmark times forgotten. I giggle at all the quips I have seen, those that talk of all that time between Christmas and New Years and chuckle every single time. I have also forgotten what day of the week it was or found myself in a blur of lull. Realizing in these moments of still and quiet, of losing myself in the here and now I am not thirsty and wanting, moreover;  I am basking in an oasis and find fullfilment. Lull is a hiatus, a break, a pause, an interval from the busy norm. Christmas takes it out of me every single year. I think my body is in detox from all the endorphins that were full of Merriment. Liken to gearing up for the big football bowl game you have been engulfed with it is liken to that morning after. We all experience them on different levels and contrasting variables however we all know that moment of now what?! Taking my hiatius if you will after experiencing what my days from being a teenage Daughter claims was her Favorite Christmas, I took my time and as in working out changing the interval level, I did just that this week to prep me for New Years. I have written in past blogs on Resolutions, New Years, and my favorite; my book of 2017. As Chapter Twelve is coming to a close I embrace these moments ever so tightly. Realizing the beauty and wonder these find me in, engulfed in feeling ever so effervesent as the bubbles in our Champagne flute dance with delight, so do these last moments of this year. 

Day 364 of 365 for me is a bittersweet reflection. I see before me the things I did not accomplish or excel at. I also see the things I did and the changes this year brought into my life and I marvel at these all realizing how each moment was a piece to the puzzle, of the bigger picture I was unable to see at the time.  Most importantly looking back over my life book of this past year, I am given the invaluable gift of seeing the struggles and hardships and how now I stand taller and stronger because of them.  I am able to look back as wisdom whispers ever so softly that Life is so much more than one mind could ever perceive or heart would ever be able to contain or possibly Dream. With a heart overflowing with gratitude and love for all of my moments this past year I expect at Midnight to be one of great emotion. The irony of moments throughout my life in which it seemed I had failed, now looking back gauging upon the now I am able to see how I possibly could not, would not be able to Dream the Dreams I have now without those moments I was merely wishing away.  I love seeing all the posts and I am inspired by the peoples passion I follow for living and relishing in all they experienced. Fired up and Power packed adrenaline surges for their New Year and wishes to all who read it. As I sit with my notebook examining resolutions from the past, I cannot help but react with a glimmer in my eye and a smile so mischievious that the ole sly fox is jealous. Wonderment consumes me transporting me into the vast unknown, liken to the astronauts as they take flight into the great vast world while we often times consume ourselves on the small and somewhat petty issues at hand not realizing that our focus becomes reduced and we are inefficient in not only achieving our Dreams and Goals but overachieving becomes reduced to getting by.  As my pen becomes fueled with Magical flair I am delirious when I realize before me is a blank sheet of paper waiting on me. Life is waiting on me. 

I realize I often speak of my Daughter, however her life and my job as her Mother showers me with invaluable nuggets of truth. The relevance of stages in our lives and in pursuit of our Dreams will often not come until we are ready. As I grow older, I am forced to learn to embrace this period of time necessary to allow myself to flourish in ways necessary to be responsible and equipped. How many times have we had our children beg us for things that simply was not their time and the unexplainable mystery of why it is not time is relevent to us when going after our Resolutions and Dreams as well. This picture will be framed and a given reminder for when I miss it with her and also to encourage me to keep going and never give up to dare to follow my Heart. I mentioned in a previous blog about her being on the JV Girls Golf team it was one of those moments I went all in following only my heart and gut with her challenging me all along the way. There were the moments I struggled; it was intense. I was debating and doubting myself asking close friends was I wrong to push her. For Christmas she received a new set of clubs and her High School names bag she will use on the jv team. Understanding my Daughter went out for the tennis team and I believe life would have been just fine had she had made the team. It was one of life's lessons when her friends made it except for her and she took in stride. This is where I saw her all along within the helm of my soul. It has been such an invaluable ridiculously phenomenal joy (and relief) to watch her unfold. Her reasons for challenging me and refusing this notion were figments of her imagination. Ideas and ideals that she has learned were not true and her confidence is growing emitting a beautiful fragrance as a field of flowers. My Daughter learned and taught her Mother lessons to reflect on for times to come. As I mentioned she stated this was her Favorite Christmas but what I didn't share was us on Christmas Night with my Family. While we dined on a Feliz Navidad Menu, My Daughter, Camille went around the table asking everyone what was their most special gift. Want to take a gander at what she had to say? Everyone at the table errupted in cheers, clapping and hooting with emotion so intense it was spewing from her as a gyser. 

As we bask in the last hours of this year may we take the time to look over our lists and measure them with our Hearts. May we all raise our glass and erase the negative notions that people, society itself and most of all ourselves try to sway our Passion. With a heart full of Gratitude as I sing Old Lang Syne I am overcome with thankfulness of all of life's experiences this past year and the many years before. The Wonderment of Life is what is to come and the ability to not only Dream the Impossible but to live them. 

Happy Merry New Year xoxo 

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Working out today Micheal Jackson's Don't Stop til you Get Enough came on and in a moment it is as if I appeared on the red carpet as the velvet rope was opening for me as the door opened  the door man smiled calling me by name. He said they had been waiting for me to arrive. It was my very own Studio 54 the lights were dim; allowing the inside warmth to embrace me. Lights flickered from all directions harmoniously in sync with the music that played. Everyone there was friendly smiling as if we knew one another knodding our heads some lifting their hands to wave exchanging conversations between our hearts and souls without a word being uttered. I was drawn to the dance floor moving simultaneously to the beat of the music that played. I looked up as if the melody placed a finger under my chin and the D.J. and I smiled at one another. I found myself picking up a headset, putting it on and adjusting the controls before me. Allowing the beat to drive my mood to keep this party going as to choose the given tunes to keep the energy strong within our midst. I liken this to Life and our daily drive to Dream. What is poignant to me in this instance and M.J.'s song, we have the opportunity to say what is enough.  Not our situations, circumstances, friends nor bystanders. Most importantly, our feelings alone are not in authority, liken as to be our workout partner and hold us responsible. Imagine being in the midst of an intense workout; our feelings alone might tell us to slow down or to stop because we have simply had enough. In essesence we were on the cusp of new limits and soaring new heights. 

I believe Christmas is the Grand Finale to our Year excluding New Years Eve of course. Somehow New Years got to piggy back on all this lingering Holiday embodies. I not only celebrate the birth of Jesus during this Holiday I see it as a new beginning; because of  my faith and what I believe His birth represents. I am compelled year after year to strive as the approaching New Year draws near that somehow, somewhere I am able to be more. To do more. That somewhere in the midst of it all, it no longer is able to suffice. Perhaps I have experienced growth. Maybe Laura Ingalls Wilder is correct when she was quoted as saying, "We are better throughout the year for having, in Spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." I find it an Honor to reflect upon my childhood not only with my Mom but as I stated last blog about my Grandmother's.  They presented me with that everlasting gift to enjoy and share especially during Christmas. Sometimes we reflect upon our past and want to yield a different crop. Oftentimes now my Daughter will strut her independance as the less than a month away teenager and only put a dozen ornaments on her tree in her bedroom because I pack way too many on mine. I giggle wondering how many times I must have said the same only to find myself many years later wishing I could have a manual for how these Ladies did things. All in all, may I be one of her many extremes as the points in a star for her to balance between finding what is her.  As I have overdosed this Holiday in Hallmark movies, I realize sometimes life events have caused us to close off a part of ourselves or lose our way in the Magic this Season truly holds. I think of that song It only takes a spark to get a fire going.... and soon all those around, will warm up to it's glowing. Christmas Magic is unleashed within the each of us when we emit that force to ignite all those we encounter. 

Christmas at Grannie and Papa's growing up was completely opposite of Gran and Grandaddy's. I am utterly grateful for the contrast for it found me dabbling between the two extremes in life as I am as flighty as a Bohemian gal yet grounded and rooted with the passion for depth. Christmas Eve at Grannie's was a fabulous party. My Mother is one of seven children so just their immediate family was quite the gathering. Grannie's Home was opened up to extended family friends, neighbors and friends of friends who arrived as mere strangers but always left embraced and revered as Family. I always found this utterly charming and endearing. These Grandparents lived about three and half hours away in Panama City, Florida and as we drew closer my Heart would anticipate and long for how the evening would go. As an old comfy sweater or worn in blue jeans or jacket, it was soothing not only to reminise on these times but being in the midst; for it was Home. I can still smell her Home after all of these years and hear the chatterings of the people that stood shoulder to shoulder filling their spacious home. Being led by the aroma from the foods that lined her table spilling over and flooding her kitchen. I would step up into her dining room out of the living room there was more food than imaginable. Year after Year the recipes you grew fond of anticipating beautifully displayed before you, sighing as eyes closed as that first taste of Christmas hit your palate.  Grannie always got up and performed a childhood skit from somewhere in her youth. The piano was played by an aunt where another would help lead us in carols. My uncles would gather and sing quartet. All was Merry and Bright. Laughter and Joy were in attendance in big measure. We have Dance Parties on Christmas Night with my Family it has become Tradition gifted by Grannie from Christmas with her and making it my own as I celebrate me Home. To this day I stay up til the wee hours in the morning dancing in my kitchen,  baking Family favorites from my Grannie's; each year adding to the list. In an instant I am a child again. However there is more, I am looking into the most beautiful pool of blue eyes that I am imparting this sense of Wonder. The Wonderment of Life is never stopping or believing and in this Season, in the Spirit of a child; to lose ourselves in Christmas Magic at every age. 


Amy Grant sings these lyrics and my gift to you, My Grown Up Christmas List. 
Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well I'm all grown up now
and still need help somehow
I'm not a child but my heart still can dream.
So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas List
Not for myself, but for a world in need
No more lives torn apart,
Then wars would never start
and time would heal the heart
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win 
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown-up Christmas List 
Merry Merry xoxo

PRANCE AND DANCE

Sitting on the floor of my attic drinking in the Christmas decorations that surround me, savoring as a fine wine as if I am swirling my glass then inhaling, indulging in the aroma of the wine then sipping, allowing it to slip through my lips swirling in my mouth noting the body and bouquet,  determining if it is more complexed or is there that sense of elegance and completeness which is the hallmark of a great wine calling it balanced. I gaze over all these decorations allowing them to speak to me to inspire my being as to how to showcase them; deciding what will make the cut this year and what will I leave stored. With my Daughter an official teenager next month I have a growing portion that she has undoubtably outgrown, I feel my heart tingle as I pick up a few and as if the doorman ushered me into the days of old it is liken to a slideshow playing in my mind my chest warms and the tears well up as I smile from deep within my being. Reflecting not only of my Daughter's Christmases but of my own as well as this time of year for in my world you have Jesus' Birthday, Santa Claus, Mom, my Daughter and my two Grandmother's. Gran was the epitomy of Christmas Magic in live form. These Grandparents of mine lived away, so we didn't get to see them often but when you did they were filled with moments to last a lifetime. I believe it is predominantly because of her Heart. She wore it out there on her sleeve loud and proud. She was a tiny little woman short and weighing about eighty five pounds and truly a gift to me in every way. She poured herself into me from baking with me to marathon telephone talks since I was a toddler, to letters by the truckload writing me stories of her daily things that came to mind drawing me into her world with every letter drawn. Wooing me with her playful spunky personality she made the mondane extraordinary. 

Gran's letters were mostly of walking to the market with one of her Sisters and her daily routines that filled her day but she was taking me with her all the while unbeknowst to me, she was pouring into me that desire to write because of my escapades with her through her letters. Distance was no longer an issue instantly we were drawn together in the most beautiful of ways; from our Hearts as she was sharing with me what is my greatest passion today, my Home. Not to be confused with my House, and although I love my House dearly; Home is my Heart. Gran beautifully lived out the saying, Home is where the Heart is. She was Home to me and still is today. My Daughter and I now make ornaments like Gran used to and I bake in excess having all night baking sessions dancing and singing in the kitchen and I know Gran is in every move I make. Growing up I cannot recall one Christmas present I ever received from her purchased, but she is Christmas to me and fuels my passion of this Season beckoning as she whispers within the smallest of things for they became mighty as they were fueled with all her Soul. We would receive care packages from Gran at Christmas, filled with canned pickles, jams, jellies, candies, cookies, homemade dolls and ornaments and the like of these things.  The value on her carepackages were immense and still hold high as the best gifting. At Christmas we can easily lose our way if we are not careful as in daily life itself and miss the treasure of the moment by being real and authentic while moving by the very rhythm of our own heartbeat and impact others as my Gran. 

Notice in these pictures both Gran and my Mom have their eyes on us in every picture and I find myself noting they are on either side of us, surrounding us as if by design.  They were honed in like my favorite song by Chase Rice, "Eyes on You" channeling their very souls pouring out as that fine blended wine. "I was waiting on something exceptional," is one of my favorite lines in a beloved movie.  Exceptional defined is surpassing what is common, usual or expected.  We have just a few more weeks in Chapter Twelve of the Year 2017. There is still time to dust off those Resolutions and Dreams that were inside of you around this time last year and undoubtably a few new ones. What a gift for yourself to reflect and revamp where needed. As we beautify our Homes with the glow of lights and beloved smells of the best time of the year,allow yourself to drift back to the days of old and see just what life has taught you. Moreover, what people have taught you and shaped your being without realizing you were even under construction.  The Wonderment of Life is  realizing that the exceptional are moments intensified with our very being exuding such raw and undeniable realness that transforms the common into the uncommon. People are our greatest gifts and I believe that everyone is placed purposefully in our paths liken to the journey to Oz. Dorothy while following her Dream came across the others not by mere chance. These days are full of wonder and Magic they are in all of the songs, the movies, it is the twinkle in the eye of every one you meet. My Grandmother's taught me that Christmas Magic lives way beyond childhood and they lived it out until their final days and shared with us their families the best present to believe and relish in Christmas Magic. 

I will share about my Grannie next blog irronically polar opposite but perfection implored as they graced my life and gave me the gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime. We would alternate Christmas with the each of them and today my Christmas season is intertwined with the beauty of the both of these souls. As you sit by your fire and bask in the beauty of this Season, take a trip within your own soul and unleash that force within you that was designed to run free full of meaning to be felt. What is it you truly want to feel and see this Christmas? As I always say this time of year, anything is possible if you believe....  Turn this song up to ten, I guarantee you will be dancing and showering those all around you with your own magic... the perfect gift, your very heart and soul.
                                Merry Merry xoxo