JEANIE IN A BOTTLE

I read today "you get in Life what you have the Courage to ask for" by none other than Oprah Winfrey. I love her because she has been bold in going after her Dreams and making a difference in so many other lives in the process, mine included.  It is as if she has the internal make up of Steve Austin or Jaime Sommers better known as the Six Million Dollar Man or the Bionic Woman.  She has been able to outplay the expectations of all around her and she is still at it. Recreating and diversifying her interests and talents and leaving behind yet another goal to be checked off  and  still another one made. That is someone who has my full attention on High Alert. I love that it is from the Passion within her driving her to dare.


We all possess a  Competitiveness and Zeal to surpass the "Norm." Everyone has the "Ideal" they are striving to meet at countless levels. But who has their hand up that they are exerting the energy with the tenacity that forces them to not give up? As my Best Friend will always say, "Retreat is not an option." Number one requirement is you have to know what you are driven by. Now let me share with you another example, this one more personal to me... One of My Grandmother's encompass my heart. It is as if "Polly" (this is what her Father would call her) is alive within me. What I want to share with you about my "Gran" is that she was true to herself. She knew what her talents and interests were and she imparted them into me and so many around her. That is what set her apart and made her different. Christine Cranwell Elmore lived  a life that to most was nothing more than Ordinary perhaps; but I am convinced she found at the end of her long lived life that she was one of the fortunate ones that  lived a life of effervescence and drank in the glorious riches that so many miss all because she followed her own Ideal Direction.  This meaning of Inspiration excites me, it delights me and it is delicious to my soul  : something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone

: a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something

: a good idea
My life was changed by her simply living her life. By embracing her own Ideal, her Life will perpetuate  not only in my life, but already in my daughter's and countless others yet to be discovered. 


“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt. As spring has sprung around my boarders I am continually enthralled with Nature. Returning Birds have found their beloved coveted spots and some to give life to their babies. My heart dances as I hear their chirps of unison bellowing out for their tireless parents return yet again and again with nourishment for their young bellies. It is such a Beautiful Wonderment of Life and I breathe in to inspire others and to allow myself to be inspired to nourish my own soul. As with the birds, may we chose not to Fear or Lack the Courage to leave our own Nest, but, may we strive for more Inspiration and Reach Those Goals that Life has Awaiting us.

 "Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it."
 -Oprah Winfrey 
I screen shot this picture and I LOVE IT. Try moving and grooving to some of your own "Homemade Jam" instead of dancing to someone else's song and see what happens....


 
Rock on to this Inspiring Tune....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN_pmV1Sfy4

PINK PANTHER

"Those who Dare to Fail Miserably can Achieve Greatly." John F Kennedy was quoted as saying these profound words. I don't know about you but I'm an all in kind of person. If I am going to do something, it is going to be worth the effort. What is that saying? Go Big or Go Home? Uh ha, that would be the antics of my life. To Forest Gump, life is like a box of Chocolates. To me, life is like The Great Hunt. Today it is A Scavenger Hunt. For Saint Patrick's Day, my Daughter was determined to capture her Leprechaun. We devised the Sure Fire Way if ever one was to be captured, we had it all rigged up. Alas, upon waking up the next morning, her phenomenal trap of all traps was sprayed with green silly string and as you looked at what laid before us, it was as if that Tiny, now annoying Irish Wee One was laughing at us with the mightiest of Megaphones. I think we felt smaller than He at that moment. Ever feel this way going after one of your Dreams? As She picked up her backpack out of her cubby on the way out the door that morning, she noticed the tiniest of scribbles written on the vast chalkboard wall, it read: "You tried to trap me, oh how can this be? watch out you pretty lassie....prepare for mischief and frolicking fun. Enjoy the Luck of the Irish - may it be with you, for you shall need it when I am done....xoxoxo" I do not believe that her feet touched the ground for the rest of the day. I would have paid more than a penny for her thoughts this day. First words spoken as she slid into the car at carpool with the enthusiasm as a runner dusting home plate for that winning run,  was "Had the Leprechaun done any mischief?" I played it cool and shrugged my shoulders and told her I really hadn't been home most of the day. She seemed to sink into her seat a bit. Thoughts inundating her  as if  on the busiest Speedway during a race. I interrupted her deliberations liken to the biggest crash as in Talledegah leaving turn four. Now the caution flag was flying to slow down this brainstorm. Now, I didn't take her straight home as normal, we ran a couple of errands before an after school clinic. I even brought her clothes with us to change into. *(I never do this.) You could tell the anticipation  was building as I so hoped that it would.  Here is what she walked into... Her Leprechaun left a Scavenger Hunt for her to follow....

This clever tiny green man had us dashing to and fro, He knew to take us from one end to the other! Outside, to upstairs, to find us panting for our breaths. At each place the priceless search for the next clue and there was always something at that spot as well to engage in. Something to allow us to Glean if you will and then look for the next. There were 8 of these clue bags, but it felt like 88. My daughter said running to each place made it more magical. Maybe the dizziness from the dashing had caught up to me, however, I found the similarities to be so obvious as I dash through my life sometimes in full throttle to get to the next destination....

Her room was overwhelmingly trashed, it was bewildering and not for the faint of heart. But something in her knew to keep going, somehow out of all of this chaos would her answer lie and on to another clue. She squealed and she giggled and she gasped at her findings but little boo knew to keep on and keep trying. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_weu6eMSn0

Zig Zigler was quoted saying, "Dreams are the Edges of the Puzzle of Your Life." Sometimes you have to Dare to Dream, but I truly believe your rewards will find you achieving greatly.  Keep Challenging yourself. Keep striving to Go Big or Go Home. Look for the clues in your life...to your Dreams. All the pieces believe it or not are there to finish that puzzle - Your  Puzzle. Make it interesting. Don't always start with the boarder. Mix it Up. Change up by accessorizing that go to Ensemble. Hunt for the Clue's to take that next step. Understand, it is piece by piece so you can glean; not in it's entirety. If you are like me, that is not always easy. But it can be a lifetime of excitement. You just cannot stop and become stagnate which means to cease to run or flow, as water, air, etc.
to be or become stale or foul from standing, as a pool of water.
to stop developing, growing, progressing, or advancing:
to be or become sluggish and dull. By George I think it's going to be an Unbelievable Week and as you put that morning cup of inspiration down; take note, The Wonderment Of Life is as Jack Johnson sang, " there is no stopping Curiosity, turn the whole thing upside down." 

Since it's Monday, I leave with you the Phenomenal, Soulful  Whitney Houston...dare to feel it, pump those shoulders and glean. Whatever your stage in your Dream weaving, look for all of the Wonderments Life has waiting.... just. For. You. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWa5vE4MUpU

UNEXPECTED COMPANY "THE DROP IN'S"

My latest," go to" accessory the past week has been my bird watching goggles. Tis True,  I have been entertaining a vast amount of Robin's and I am enthralled in their every motion. Like the spell bounding novel that you cannot tear your eyes from, they have me entranced in awe of their splendor.  The most Harmonious of ballads ever sung could not surpass their lyrics that speak to me and stir my heart. It goes beyond any words spoken, it transcends me to another place where I am roaming as in a field of the most aromatic, exquisite bouquets that are freely blowing in the liberating breeze of my thoughts and innermost desires. I find myself swaying in the meadow lost in the deliciousness of their chirps. My daughter ran to me in the house last week and was so excited, she squealed, "you MUST come quick to the front yard! Yes Mama, the Front Yard,(we normally feed the birds and such in our back yard) it sounds like the Enchanted Forest out front! You must come quick!" I dash to join her as we propel out of the doorway and as if we jumped down the Rabbit Hole as in the beloved Classic Novel, "Alice In Wonderland." It was like a dream. We found ourselves captivated, holding hands, mouths ever so slightly parted, barely breathing as feared to disrupt this massive  choir as they entranced us with their perfected melody. We have had more birds than I could count this year. I dare to put a number, but; when I tell you that my back yard joins a vast open area these Robin's have covered the ground as a large picnic blanket laid out for the masses. I gasp as my mind cannot register what I see or hear at times. Have you ever found yourself as this? Where you want to hit the freeze button of Time and just relish in the effervescence of the moment?


 I use this example of these birds because it had me start studying on the word Migrate and found it's meaning to be - move from one place to another, sometimes seasonally. The word move is what was illuminated to me. Oddly enough here are some quips that I saved recently, let me share, "Knowing your destination makes the journey possible." "Some may succeed because they were destined to, but most succeed because they were determined to." "Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it.The time will pass anyway." All of these show some type of movement. The Wonderment Of Life here is how our lives are made up of Seasons. Mandatory seasons we must embark on in order to arrive at our Dreams and Pursuits, furthermore, mere survival of our existing lives. Sometimes the season is not welcomed by us because we have found ourselves somewhat content even though not being true to our innermost desires, we know this is not our spot but sometimes we are not wanting to exert what it takes to venture forth. I feel this is commonly found in those whose dreams never came true...

Today, I awoke to find that these Robin's have moved on. Just as unexpected their arrival was so do I find myself with their departure. As I peer outside with my cup of coffee, no longer do I see the vast array of birds that sauntered in my yard. I find myself missing them...something lacks within me that perhaps I hadn't allowed myself to entertain before their arrival? I now miss them which I barely grew accustomed to before, I gape at the difference in my yard. The sounds are different... how do we effect those around us as we migrate through our stages of our own lives? As we move towards conquering those lofty yearnings from deep within, just as with the Robin's, there often comes opposition. For us at times it is the nay sayers; which oddly enough is sometimes ourselves! The doubts and insecurities seem to crouch in and try to choke out the enthusiasm needed to defend our cause. For the Robins, one of the things I saw were the number of Hawks that were circling my yard sometimes looking as if working as a team to subside their hungry longings. Being acutely aware is crucial if we want to succeed. I am certain I was not the only old lady buying worms from the bird store and tossing out blueberries and strawberries to help nourish and empower these feathered friends to sustain them on their journey. So it is in our own lives. How many times have we missed opportunities to reach out and say the apt word that is needed to be spoken, or deed done to that one you may or may not know what they are facing? Ole Zig Ziegler shared powerful stuff when he said,  "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want." Rock on. Be that Super Star your inner celebrity knew it was acclaimed for. Put that Spotlight on those around you today and buckle up to see what the Reviews will say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1nlgeQCcpE

THE GAMES PEOPLE SHOULD PLAY

"It's the possibility  of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." I can put this morning's motivating java down because when this person posted this mere quote,  they had NO idea how much they just super infused me in such a way that caffeine cannot compare. Such a bolt of energy inspires me and stirs my yearning to Conquer.  The word Possibly means being possible. Possible = that can be done; that can happen: that can be true or fact. Ready for this? Can defined is to be able to: know how to: have the right to. Who doesn't want a life that holds one's attention? I got my hand up! I know that we all have times in our lives that we look back and say, "Wow, I don't know how I did it." Somehow we find ourselves in situations that looking back we must be some caped crusader incognito.  Why can we not do this with the future? Our Future? Why do we doubt mostly ourselves and our own abilities where if we truly looked back at ourselves we have more than needed to meet the match of our Dreams to lasso them into existence and thrust them all into reality. It is ever increasingly important as we grow older to grasp this and live it to the fullest. That is what keeps us vibrant and youthful at every age. I want to be the happiest little pistol when I am old and grey. I wanna be climbing the Mountains of my Desires and Living a life that is Memorable and Interesting. I will because I can....

I feel I have mentioned this before but it bears the repetition. I will look at my daughter and say, "You know you can...." I am then interrupted by her with her eye rolling at times as she finishes my statement, "I know Mom, I can be anything I want to be and I can do anything I want to do." I will nod at her half approving, and then I will tell her to state it like she means it. She will be somewhat disgruntled at times when she starts as she was pouring over the latest gossip on her social status or doing anything more interesting than the topic at hand, nevertheless, without fail, before she is finished with her declaration there comes that twinkle in her eye and the corners of her mouth will curl up ever so slightly. I smile from the very depths of my heart in such an assuredness it radiates off of me and I will nod again as in Perfection has been reached. I seem to think it will continue to be said for the duration of my life to her. You see, these pictures that I share are interesting because I  scheduled this photo shoot purposely on my younger daughter's birthday that had passed away several years prior. It generally is a day to wipe off the calendar in some respects, but not anymore!  As we changed our outfits and coiffured our "do's" we giggled all day long and I would share things about Claire just to keep her memory alive in Camille's heart. I was imparting not only to myself but into her that even in the midst of hardship, you have to declare that you will prevail. You have to go on offense instead of waiting around on defense. To me, it is inevitable that life will place things in our lives in all sorts and fashions, but; I truly believe in all things we are faced with, if we continue to move and go after Life, and all our dreams and desires that go with it, as in a football game looking toward that goal to not only make that touchdown, but win the game; we will have the life that is Interesting. Just like the Super Bowl this past weekend, the same can be seen of our lives if we put the right plays in motion and allow our abilities as in that young player who helped win the game for the Patriots. Same player who was just working at Popeyes recently and is a rookie. He knew what he possessed and all the while humble the same can be said of you. Today. Everyday. Did you know you can be anything you wanna be? Did you know that you can do anything you want to do? 



Such a Wonderment of Life it is to breathe in and Conquer those Dreams and Desires.  We have done this our entire life. Taking the baby steps as a young little child, riding a bike for the first time, swimming on your own. Even when we fall off the bike, we are always told to get back on or maybe today you will help that one get back up.... Oh! How it invigorates me and exhilarates me. Why do we stop?  I have so many things I have yet to even discover to explore! Every day events take place to allow us to use our Traits and Gifts and how many times do we allow them to be overlooked instead of igniting your inner dare devil with all the effervescence to spew out as a volcano?   Come on, defy the odds, make your life interesting. Although we cannot determine the cards that will be dealt to us in life, we can strategically play the hands we are dealt, even when the chips are down, somehow you will be able to up the ante or go all in and inspire all around you just on  how you played the game. Your game of Life...

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

GET JIGGY WITH IT

I have been pondering over the word Resolution. I have always enjoyed making my list at the close of one year, proud and optimistic that there is Nothing I couldn't accomplish this year with my chest bowed out, standing tall and quite confident THIS will be THE YEAR. The words do not need to be spoken audibly because my confidence and assuredness says it better than mere words could possibly convey. Million Dollar question is WHY? Why do I feel so invincible? I have Helen Reddy bellowing in my ears, "I am Woman." Where is all that Mojo in June through August when I am wearing my Moomoo's to cover up what didn't become of that sculptured physique I had envisioned for myself. Golly, I declared it. Right? Isn't that what a Resolution is in the first place? Definition of Resolution simply is: thing decided on; thing determined. Power of holding firmly to a purpose. Act or result of solving; solution. Ok. Lets simplify here, Its pretty crystal clear to me that a resolution is without hesitation something you can take to the bank. BOOM. Given the example of me in a Moomoo on the beach in the what's to be Sexy Summertime months, appears my check was no good, it bounced. Hmmm.....

I use the weight loss, best shape ever analogy only because it's the number one Resolution year after year. Is it because just maybe, there's the tiny ant size truth that we really never intended on giving up the ding dongs and midnight raiding of the fridge? Maybe we somewhere deep down are acutely aware that we are popping zippers and splitting britches because there could be the minute possibility it truly needs to happen? Truth is; are you ready for it? We just don't want to do it. Ta Da! It is really that in your face simple. We really weren't Resolute to begin with. I am not a deep, profound smarty but I get that resolute means clearly the following: determined;firm;bold. Uh oh...

So for all the nay sayers who don't wanna even attempt at Resolutions because they never work anyway, this is for you. Me included.  Are you really where you want to be in ALL areas of your life? Are there NO goals or dreams you haven't yet accomplished or seen brought to life? Listen, I am proud for you and quite green with envy but I dare to bet you haven't unturned all the stones that lay before you. See, I believe in anything can happen. I believe that nothing is impossible. But wearing my aluminum foil sweatsuit and chasing cheetoes with milkshakes ain't no way gonna give me what I truly desire for my Summertime Soiree's .  I want to encourage you to not shrink back and not even try. Sometimes it takes not only that determination and declaration it takes time. Maybe I will look somewhat better, (one can only hope) by the end of this calendar year, but; it may be well into the next year; however this much is true, I must do my part. I must put both oars in the water and paddle. We have All we need to accomplish our Dreams, Goals and Resolutions. We just need to use them. I will no more get to shore by catching rays with my eyes closed and laying down enjoying tunes while my oars lay in the bottom of the boat. I have to exert the energy I possess to steer my course. I must be Resolute, even if windy that I WILL make it back to shore even though I think my arms might fall off. 

Bottom line, how bad do you want it? How far do you wanna go? You were created for a specific reason with the necessary ingredients to succeed. Take the time to take yourself on a date. Fall in love with you. Understand your limits than press further. Go beyond what is expected from you or anyone and surprise everyone! Then and only then will you start to see the results of your labor. I want to share a video a friend posted on Facebook, what I want to show is this person is determined, day after day, they were Resolute and I absolutely loved the result... 

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

Go sharpen those pencils and clear the cobwebs from those Dreams and put them to life. Don't settle for a Good or even Great 2015, join me and go for the Off the Charts Mindblowing Year. While studying on what Auld Lang Syne meant I fell in love with this; While this song is being sung, It is common practice that everyone joins hands with the person next to them to form a great circle around the dance floor. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbour on the left and vice versa. When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. When the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outwards with hands still joined. I am Resolute that I will do just this one day and I cannot wait!

Now take those Resolutions and embrace them as you enjoy this only song that comes to Mind at this Special Time of year by the One and Only who is only getting better... Peace Out...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQpcHIyHpk0

PARTY WITH PASSION

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

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

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

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

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

JACK IN THE BOX

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


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

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

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