Sipping on one of my all time favorite summer beverages, an Arnold Palmer, slouched down on my front porch swing just breathing in the easiness that Summer has ushered in. I feel as if I received a formal invitation to one of the most coveted Soiree's imaginable, I would like to state that this is my favorite time of the year but honestly all year is my most beloved and I realize it is in the moment that I find myself that I truly lose my senses.... and just be. As if I have opened a long awaited gift desiring to receive that this powerful truth hits me; square in the dirt covered face of mine from gardening earlier. At times I taste the grittiness of the potting soil as I sip on my concoction while beautifying my oasis and haven where my soul resides. I cannot help but smile and shake my head at the power I feel from this revelation. You see just one week prior I fell to pieces on the phone with my Daughter's Father, just panicked stricken with our Daughters lack of enthusiasm for school; I let my exhaustion of the year itself and the end of the year activities that had surmounted my world hijack my being as if I was taken out of space in a UFO with aliens. I could tell in his voice I sounded much like an alien with all my worrisome babbles and tears. The next day on the phone I was much peppier and vacation minded bound traveling far away from the worries that surmounted me the day prior. He chuckled and made the comment with me so upset yesterday he was concerned but now happy I was at ease. How is that though my mind reels with wonderment, how in just one day could my outlook be so chipper and optimistic when so glum and horrid just the day before? My Daughter did not have a personality transplant; in essence, nothing had truly changed however, the stress of the worry had lifted. Therefore, I was changed and felt anew.
This is a topic that I have delved upon since High School, I remember seeing a commercial and commenting to my Mother how that was me, it was a rocking chair and how worry is liken to this chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere. If we are not careful in our pursuit of our Dreams and Goals, we will allow ourselves to be reduced by the fear and stress of worry, when we should be relishing in the gift of the moment at hand and allow ourselves freedom in abandonment by locking in on what is to be or come. When we are freely moving we are able to embrace the change that needs to take place in order to obtain our Dreams and Goals. Often times these are not beautifully orchestrated and choreographed like the finest dance, on the contrary it is as if the volcano of life has erupted and all that spews is mayhem and chaos. It is in those moments we evolve and as in my gardening, there is the pruning away of the dead, digging up what no longer is pleasing to behold and getting dirty making complete mess of it all in order to plant what you worked at not only purchasing but researched prior to make sure the proper light would feed it and the soil would be maintained by proper watering for this to grow and flourish and be all that you desired it to be. My mind goes to me and my Daughter when we are biking, we will have a goal in mind as to where we are peddling and often times if not every single time, she will start her moaning and groaning, whining back to me that she cannot make it, voice is cracking from the exhaustion this moment finds her. Sometimes we will take little pit stops and have a refreshing sip of our waters and just that moment of reflection and pause, a mere distraction of the worry of the stress to not make it is vanished. Off we go and giggles are everywhere as we sing and coast finding ourselves able to enjoy the breeze and relax from the peddling excited about our impending destination.
Do not allow yourself to be hijacked from your Dreams and Goals, perhaps you too are as I was just one day prior to the very last of that school year, or my Daughter in her biking and right in the most challenging portion or as in my gardening and you just feel like giving up or just leaving the faded and weathered blooms from last year to become your oasis instead of the new fresh blooms your heart longs for. I have been reading a book about the Navy Seals and then watched a movie on Hallmark this past weekend about the Seals again. The conditioning is insane, it is militant and it is fierce. The book I am reading is about a retired Navy Seal and what it taught him, a part that stood out is what they called the circus. It was for whomever didn't finish their runs that day well. They would have more intense training and conditioning so much so that they would be so sore and exhausted that they knew that the next day this would inevitably have them fail again and thus be back at the circus for the following few days. They stayed with it and found themselves being the top two finishers of their class because they were stronger and more fierce. This is us in our pursuit of our Dreams and Goals, keep going my friend and do not allow yourself to embrace that which is less than what sets your soul on fire to engulf you and those around you to entrance them and envelope them in their environments to condition themselves to be spurred and inspired to keep going. This is The glorious Wonderment of Life and I am thankful to all of you who inspire me and ignite me to go for that which sets my soul on fire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwgCBRj3dn4
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Thomas Hardy wrote, "Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change" I love this statement and find it to be ever true. The word change is without thought given, it is easily defined to make or become different. I was out of town with some very dear girlfriends this weekend and our conversation the week prior kept going back to the impending bad weather we were to expect for our outdoors concert.We came prepared for whatever change may happen and I believe that is the mentality we should possess. Every time this topic was brought up unanimously without any doubt, we all attested we would have a ball no matter what the weather did. Looking back now on Monday we were correct. Weather couldn't have been worse honestly. No more than five minutes in the doors and we were eating they threw us out warning of the weather approaching. Imagine if you will, four ladies who some had on new shoes, nice hats, dresses, these ladies came with their game on and were dressed to the nines from their hair to makeup the works. I myself was melting in the heat so I was in sweat proof clothing and came prepared to wilt but not for the lightening and thunderstorms that barreled their way in on our day of fun. To say we were surprised about this weather is a stretch we were prepared for some showers perhaps, we were prepared...or so we thought we brought our goulashes and rain coats we truly found ourselves quite impressed with our plans being executed to dash about in the raindrops.
We wiped the tears from our eyes from laughter from it all, now sitting in the hotel bar; enjoying a complementary cocktail from our new friend at check in because of our woes. We drove four hours with a broken speedometer to get here mind you. Not one time did any of us complain. Not once. Awaiting the verdict on whether the show would go on or not we giggled and passed our time as if we had gone back in time as young girls although we are all middle aged. Our presence was known by all and we were having the time of our lives regardless. This is us often times pursuing our Dreams and Goals in our lives. Life just simply happens. Mishaps happen. Plans fall through or nosedive, goals often seem to have been too lofty rather then obtainable. Life is full of change. And not all change feels good or IS good....or is it? This right here is my Monday Mulling Mantra, going back to the quote by Hardy we are always surprised by change. I certainly was this day. You see, before these thunderstorms it was unbearably hot and humid, I have to be medicated because of my perspiration so this is such a party foul to dampen most spirits and if ever there was a time to take it now is it; but my friends and I agreed I wouldn't take it as crazy as it sounds because I become extremely cotton mouthed and needed to assess where the water would be inside etc as to not become sick. We got word that the concert was back on and we giggled and squealed and made our way through the bag and body search again, sliding around in the now mud covered ground and donning our baseball caps in leu of our fashionable hats and we danced the night away singing to the top of our Lungs.
To say we were surprised by the change as Hardy wrote about is an understatement beyond belief, it was as if we ordered the cool temperatures and indescribable sunset it was in fact so much better by having the thunderstorms and this surprising change. The same can be said of us in our lives pursuing our Dreams and desired Goals. Had the show not gone on, who knows what the four of ladies would have changed and done but the fact remains it would have been memorable and perhaps that saying is true about dancing in the rain. If our Dreams and Goals came so easily how savoring would that truly be? I believe I cursed myself eons ago sipping on Barnie's coffee in the mall with my still best friend, we were giggling over my outlook on life and I told her thirty years ago or so I didn't want to be this or that person as we would people watch. Heavens No, and when I would pick out couples or families I without any wavering attested I didn't want to find myself as such; they just seemed... boring. All these years later I am starting to write a book because we laugh that you just can not make this stuff up. You see, if I didn't have all of these changes and yes even the bad and not so enjoyable changes and hardships, I would not be living my Dream. In essence, I would be boring and for me that just is not an option. Nor should it be for you to settle or be reduced by Life and the changes that come your way. Set your compass locked on that destination but loose enough to be re routed to where you are truly destined to reside. Be open to change and stay surprised even by the mishaps for they make your life interesting and without these variables your life would be simply boring, and no body has ever said they desired that.
The Wonderment of Life is to Dream and to Dream the Impossible Dreams and as riding a surfboard, ride the waves of change in your life all the way to the shore all the while being surprised; alas, it is truly a gift moment by moment waiting to be experienced. All of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. Furthermore, it is anything but boring. I leave with you one of our performers this past weekend, we enjoyed three powerhouse entertainers and we loved them all and thankful for an unforgettable day that I would not change a thing. You see, what we think is bad often times turns out to propel you for the best, life is funny that way. Enjoy the ride of change and may you always find yourself in Good Company full of good vibes, good times and the dang good Memories. Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. ― Leonard Cohen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlGtyzIRm8
We wiped the tears from our eyes from laughter from it all, now sitting in the hotel bar; enjoying a complementary cocktail from our new friend at check in because of our woes. We drove four hours with a broken speedometer to get here mind you. Not one time did any of us complain. Not once. Awaiting the verdict on whether the show would go on or not we giggled and passed our time as if we had gone back in time as young girls although we are all middle aged. Our presence was known by all and we were having the time of our lives regardless. This is us often times pursuing our Dreams and Goals in our lives. Life just simply happens. Mishaps happen. Plans fall through or nosedive, goals often seem to have been too lofty rather then obtainable. Life is full of change. And not all change feels good or IS good....or is it? This right here is my Monday Mulling Mantra, going back to the quote by Hardy we are always surprised by change. I certainly was this day. You see, before these thunderstorms it was unbearably hot and humid, I have to be medicated because of my perspiration so this is such a party foul to dampen most spirits and if ever there was a time to take it now is it; but my friends and I agreed I wouldn't take it as crazy as it sounds because I become extremely cotton mouthed and needed to assess where the water would be inside etc as to not become sick. We got word that the concert was back on and we giggled and squealed and made our way through the bag and body search again, sliding around in the now mud covered ground and donning our baseball caps in leu of our fashionable hats and we danced the night away singing to the top of our Lungs.
To say we were surprised by the change as Hardy wrote about is an understatement beyond belief, it was as if we ordered the cool temperatures and indescribable sunset it was in fact so much better by having the thunderstorms and this surprising change. The same can be said of us in our lives pursuing our Dreams and desired Goals. Had the show not gone on, who knows what the four of ladies would have changed and done but the fact remains it would have been memorable and perhaps that saying is true about dancing in the rain. If our Dreams and Goals came so easily how savoring would that truly be? I believe I cursed myself eons ago sipping on Barnie's coffee in the mall with my still best friend, we were giggling over my outlook on life and I told her thirty years ago or so I didn't want to be this or that person as we would people watch. Heavens No, and when I would pick out couples or families I without any wavering attested I didn't want to find myself as such; they just seemed... boring. All these years later I am starting to write a book because we laugh that you just can not make this stuff up. You see, if I didn't have all of these changes and yes even the bad and not so enjoyable changes and hardships, I would not be living my Dream. In essence, I would be boring and for me that just is not an option. Nor should it be for you to settle or be reduced by Life and the changes that come your way. Set your compass locked on that destination but loose enough to be re routed to where you are truly destined to reside. Be open to change and stay surprised even by the mishaps for they make your life interesting and without these variables your life would be simply boring, and no body has ever said they desired that.
The Wonderment of Life is to Dream and to Dream the Impossible Dreams and as riding a surfboard, ride the waves of change in your life all the way to the shore all the while being surprised; alas, it is truly a gift moment by moment waiting to be experienced. All of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. Furthermore, it is anything but boring. I leave with you one of our performers this past weekend, we enjoyed three powerhouse entertainers and we loved them all and thankful for an unforgettable day that I would not change a thing. You see, what we think is bad often times turns out to propel you for the best, life is funny that way. Enjoy the ride of change and may you always find yourself in Good Company full of good vibes, good times and the dang good Memories. Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. ― Leonard Cohen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlGtyzIRm8
Monday, May 1, 2017
COUNTRY BACK ROADS
I was reading earlier Charlotte Bronte and came across this quote that lit my soul on fire. "The human heart has hidden treasures, In secret kept, in silence sealed; The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures, Whose charms were broken if revealed." It immediately made me think of the old saying let's get to the heart of the matter. The Free Dictionary defines this as meaning, The focal, central, or most important element of a topic, problem, or issue. I find it ironic that we have to point out to get to the heart of any matter, why isn't that what we portray on the fly naturally? It is as if we have to toil when in essence it is the reality of our beings and yet it is as if we are imprisoned within our own walls unable to exert our depth and only giving sprinkles or dabbles of our concreteness or our core. Core defined is The central or innermost part. You clearly see the utter obviousness of these two words with weighty similar meanings. I just love to be in the water during the hot summer months, I reflect and my mind takes me back to being around 6 or 7 and jumping off my dad's houseboat squealing as my little body splashed into the Reservoir. I had my life jacket keeping me on top of the water and I was and am still intrigued with the temperature difference. As my feet would dangle down below it was cold vastly cold and the closer I came to the top of the waters it became warm; wonderfully, soothingly warm. Such that I would try to float and balance my body on the top where the sun could touch my body and bring that intensity that my very being was comfortable with.
As I reflect on being in that Reservoir, the truth is I was almost afraid of the coolness down below, it was so much more soothing on top. I was uncomfortable not being able to see what was down below; my imagination raced of all that must be lurking below right amidst my defenseless feet and helpless toes. How much I can liken this back to that quote in which we started with. Our dreams and truest desires are living so deep within our beings that sometimes it is uncomfortable to connect with them. I believe often times we allow our imaginations and fears of living ahead of our Moment in time or looking back at previous attempts and without any clarity we simply walk away. It is why the intensity of living in the moment is so crucial. My devotion this morning was speaking of when you go to see an Orchestra play and if you were to walk in amongst them warming up, they would sound utterly dreadful and lack the slightest of talent. However, once that conductor walks up, takes his stick and hits the podium calling the musicians to attention and in a moment as if all chaos was stilled you are lulled by the mesmerizing talents delighting your senses. I liken this to us being directed by our Core and as Bronte wrote of the Human Heart it is our Conductor or our Compass attesting to that which there is no grey only black or white and I am entranced by those who live by this. They are never overlooked, moreover; as if a beacon that shines in the foggy night leading the ships safely back to the Harbor so as are we when our innermost part is able to shine and our outer shell doesn't extinguish the intensity.
My devotion also went on to talk about the watch and how refreshing in the day of the smart phones we still prefer to wear one on our wrist. However, when we look upon our watch to gauge the time alas it is there upon the face however; this is only possible because of what is inside of it. If you were to open your watch you would see a myriad of tiny itsy bitsy particles that are interconnected and interrelated they turn precisely in the right order so that you can see the time on the outside. You cannot tell the time by merely gazing at the gears. Life is like a watch, sometimes we see the face, sometimes we see the tiny individual pieces but we never see everything, there is so much happening behind the scenes, underneath the hood, behind the curtain in places and people that we could never see.
As you are driven to live out your dreams and purpose, just as when we exercise to strengthen and tighten our Core for we hear how so important this is as we age evermore so does this to apply to the core of our souls. My girlfriend told me the other day she was going to take up yoga for the simple reason of strengthening her core because as she ages she needs her core to be in shape to help balance her body to move around more effectively without harm. My mind instantly drew a line connecting these two thoughts and it inspired me and excited me to "exercise" my innermost Core and Heart by connecting and toning my pieces within my makeup to help me execute more effectively in pursuing that which my soul truly longs for. In a day in which the attention is so heavily highlighted about our outer body and appearance, I in raising a tweenager and myself middle aged will remind her and myself and to you reading this; that if we focus too much of our energy on the surface of our purpose and dreams, shining our cars and detailing the rims of the wheels and fail to change our oil and service our engine or fuel the gas tank we will simply never arrive to our desired destination. We may look good, stay safe from collisions life will indeed bring; but my friend, you will never be going anywhere and you will assuredly miss the ride of your life you were created to journey. So today, jump in the waters and swim deeper in those cooler temperatures to what is underneath in your heart and soul and then let your top down as if driving the sleekest convertible you could possibly imagine, turn up the music and just enjoy the ride for This is the Wonderment of Life.
Turn this up where ever you are right now and close your eyes and just feel that wind blowing your hair, admiring the view, let your mind run free, identifying with your innermost parts that fuel your being smiling as your dreams invade your being and just cruise....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMHETUufRc
As I reflect on being in that Reservoir, the truth is I was almost afraid of the coolness down below, it was so much more soothing on top. I was uncomfortable not being able to see what was down below; my imagination raced of all that must be lurking below right amidst my defenseless feet and helpless toes. How much I can liken this back to that quote in which we started with. Our dreams and truest desires are living so deep within our beings that sometimes it is uncomfortable to connect with them. I believe often times we allow our imaginations and fears of living ahead of our Moment in time or looking back at previous attempts and without any clarity we simply walk away. It is why the intensity of living in the moment is so crucial. My devotion this morning was speaking of when you go to see an Orchestra play and if you were to walk in amongst them warming up, they would sound utterly dreadful and lack the slightest of talent. However, once that conductor walks up, takes his stick and hits the podium calling the musicians to attention and in a moment as if all chaos was stilled you are lulled by the mesmerizing talents delighting your senses. I liken this to us being directed by our Core and as Bronte wrote of the Human Heart it is our Conductor or our Compass attesting to that which there is no grey only black or white and I am entranced by those who live by this. They are never overlooked, moreover; as if a beacon that shines in the foggy night leading the ships safely back to the Harbor so as are we when our innermost part is able to shine and our outer shell doesn't extinguish the intensity.
My devotion also went on to talk about the watch and how refreshing in the day of the smart phones we still prefer to wear one on our wrist. However, when we look upon our watch to gauge the time alas it is there upon the face however; this is only possible because of what is inside of it. If you were to open your watch you would see a myriad of tiny itsy bitsy particles that are interconnected and interrelated they turn precisely in the right order so that you can see the time on the outside. You cannot tell the time by merely gazing at the gears. Life is like a watch, sometimes we see the face, sometimes we see the tiny individual pieces but we never see everything, there is so much happening behind the scenes, underneath the hood, behind the curtain in places and people that we could never see.
As you are driven to live out your dreams and purpose, just as when we exercise to strengthen and tighten our Core for we hear how so important this is as we age evermore so does this to apply to the core of our souls. My girlfriend told me the other day she was going to take up yoga for the simple reason of strengthening her core because as she ages she needs her core to be in shape to help balance her body to move around more effectively without harm. My mind instantly drew a line connecting these two thoughts and it inspired me and excited me to "exercise" my innermost Core and Heart by connecting and toning my pieces within my makeup to help me execute more effectively in pursuing that which my soul truly longs for. In a day in which the attention is so heavily highlighted about our outer body and appearance, I in raising a tweenager and myself middle aged will remind her and myself and to you reading this; that if we focus too much of our energy on the surface of our purpose and dreams, shining our cars and detailing the rims of the wheels and fail to change our oil and service our engine or fuel the gas tank we will simply never arrive to our desired destination. We may look good, stay safe from collisions life will indeed bring; but my friend, you will never be going anywhere and you will assuredly miss the ride of your life you were created to journey. So today, jump in the waters and swim deeper in those cooler temperatures to what is underneath in your heart and soul and then let your top down as if driving the sleekest convertible you could possibly imagine, turn up the music and just enjoy the ride for This is the Wonderment of Life.
Turn this up where ever you are right now and close your eyes and just feel that wind blowing your hair, admiring the view, let your mind run free, identifying with your innermost parts that fuel your being smiling as your dreams invade your being and just cruise....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMHETUufRc
Thursday, April 13, 2017
DIG DEEP
My Daughter came home the other day gushing how we needed to watch this movie together, she beamed enthusiastically, voice all giddy, "you would just adore it." It is called Mother's Day, I just couldn't wait to see this with her as much as she rolls her eyes and gives me grief for crying at all my Hallmark movies, she is starting to get it and what a beautiful transformation this is to behold. Alas we sat down snuggled together wiping our tears at times, giggling at others and commenting all along it was one of those moments in time that Wonderment doesn't even begin to describe the emotion. It will be one of those priceless memories one day because I truly felt like a failure and how very much I needed that boost to get back up and try again. Right at that precise moment. She as I have mentioned is a tween and as I have found, I have been like a wonderer in the desert thirsting for just enough water at times to just wet my lips that are cracked from being so parched. I mean I am certain I now could be a contender on the Survivor show and I have merely only started to embark on these waters. Ever feel this way when pursuing your dreams and goals? I mean we are sometimes in our lives as we are dream chasing barely making it, clawing our way to the end of the day but we can attest, alas we made it. The thing I savored of this moment last night as I was laying down with her, snuggling, giggling, wrestling at times and the constant laughter but I was mulling over the depth, the beauty and the raw realness of how much we need that trueness from one another. As a beautiful bouquet of roses begins to open up, this is liken to my love wonder, my dream fulfilled, my Daughter. She has the beauty, the spell bounding fragrance and the miracle of it's blossoming but alas there too are the thorns. Such as in life when pursing our most passionate dreams these mirror in their comparison.
For twelve years I have poured my very existence into this incredible being and humbling isn't the word to describe the awe that overtakes me as I see it come back as second nature in her. Isn't this how we feel when we are amidst our dreams and reaching major goals we yearn to see fulfilled? Understanding that merely moments prior to all of this memorable movie night; she was banned to her room with utterly no contact with the outside world, I pulled out the big guns, no devices, no phone I even took her television remotes; just her and as my Mother called it, "Miss Astor" attitude where she found herself too big for her britches. She was to stay put until she could acknowledge what is not acceptable behavior and beneath her and our standard for her. I get it now when my Mother would sweetly say, "Sweetheart, this is harder on me than it is you." It is in those difficult moments of our dreams we have to have the certainty and joyful attitude even when it is most trying if we ever want to capture those dreams and succeed, and look not to what she is saying or how she is behaving but as Charlotte Bronte wrote, "I try to avoid looking forward or backward,and try to keep looking upward." What was revealed to me in my depths of pondering last night is I know I am doing what I know to be right even when I fail my heart is right, but to have that acknowledgement at a moment when I desperately needed it, gave me the gusto to inflame my heart and soul to delve deeper yet; as if I haven't even scratched the surface. As if a tape measure was showing me how little I had merely come thus far and how much more there was to yet go in exploring this dream of mine at hand and others I'm in pursuit of. The same may be said of you in the pursuit of your dreams.
For me to have this dream of mine as I have stated previously, I didn't think would ever come. You too may feel that way today. It seemed as if a lifetime had passed passionately waiting, however; once she was here I realized I am merely only beginning the pursuit of this dream. See I was violently nauseas my entire pregnancy, morning, noon and night. It was truly a nightmare when I allow myself to really remember but everyone around me was amazed at how I never complained and took it in stride and how happy I was amidst the difficulties because I was looking upward to what I was laboring towards and had waited so desperately long for. We need to be aware that many of us out there are obtaining enormous dreams, however, once capturing we merely stop toiling. I believe we should be on fire with fervency in obtaining and maintaining these dreams and goals. The funny thing, ironic really, is often times one dream comes and if cultivated, spring boards you to another one which is quite exhilarating to comprehend.
I leave with you a song from the movie my Daughter sang and danced to me giving to me as a priceless gift; I guarantee she regretted it by the end of the evening however I will sing it to myself daily if need be; no video but I find that it behooved my goal, because this is about you and your dreams. My desire is that you listen to this song and whatever your dream is let it sink in your soul that you are more than capable of achieving the goals that are on fire within you. I believe when you give with your entire being it comes back in spell bounding loads. This song is an aha moment for me I shall be using in the days to come not only with my Daughter but looking upward and believing within myself that if I pour my entire existence into achieving what truly burns my dreams within my core, my being; there are no limits to where we shall go, oh this my friends excites me for This IS the Wonderment of Life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePMuS18udVA
For twelve years I have poured my very existence into this incredible being and humbling isn't the word to describe the awe that overtakes me as I see it come back as second nature in her. Isn't this how we feel when we are amidst our dreams and reaching major goals we yearn to see fulfilled? Understanding that merely moments prior to all of this memorable movie night; she was banned to her room with utterly no contact with the outside world, I pulled out the big guns, no devices, no phone I even took her television remotes; just her and as my Mother called it, "Miss Astor" attitude where she found herself too big for her britches. She was to stay put until she could acknowledge what is not acceptable behavior and beneath her and our standard for her. I get it now when my Mother would sweetly say, "Sweetheart, this is harder on me than it is you." It is in those difficult moments of our dreams we have to have the certainty and joyful attitude even when it is most trying if we ever want to capture those dreams and succeed, and look not to what she is saying or how she is behaving but as Charlotte Bronte wrote, "I try to avoid looking forward or backward,and try to keep looking upward." What was revealed to me in my depths of pondering last night is I know I am doing what I know to be right even when I fail my heart is right, but to have that acknowledgement at a moment when I desperately needed it, gave me the gusto to inflame my heart and soul to delve deeper yet; as if I haven't even scratched the surface. As if a tape measure was showing me how little I had merely come thus far and how much more there was to yet go in exploring this dream of mine at hand and others I'm in pursuit of. The same may be said of you in the pursuit of your dreams.
For me to have this dream of mine as I have stated previously, I didn't think would ever come. You too may feel that way today. It seemed as if a lifetime had passed passionately waiting, however; once she was here I realized I am merely only beginning the pursuit of this dream. See I was violently nauseas my entire pregnancy, morning, noon and night. It was truly a nightmare when I allow myself to really remember but everyone around me was amazed at how I never complained and took it in stride and how happy I was amidst the difficulties because I was looking upward to what I was laboring towards and had waited so desperately long for. We need to be aware that many of us out there are obtaining enormous dreams, however, once capturing we merely stop toiling. I believe we should be on fire with fervency in obtaining and maintaining these dreams and goals. The funny thing, ironic really, is often times one dream comes and if cultivated, spring boards you to another one which is quite exhilarating to comprehend.
I leave with you a song from the movie my Daughter sang and danced to me giving to me as a priceless gift; I guarantee she regretted it by the end of the evening however I will sing it to myself daily if need be; no video but I find that it behooved my goal, because this is about you and your dreams. My desire is that you listen to this song and whatever your dream is let it sink in your soul that you are more than capable of achieving the goals that are on fire within you. I believe when you give with your entire being it comes back in spell bounding loads. This song is an aha moment for me I shall be using in the days to come not only with my Daughter but looking upward and believing within myself that if I pour my entire existence into achieving what truly burns my dreams within my core, my being; there are no limits to where we shall go, oh this my friends excites me for This IS the Wonderment of Life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePMuS18udVA
Monday, March 27, 2017
OFF THE RICHTER SCALE
The wind seems to be blowing this morning in gusts, almost as if someone turned up the volume on the rustling of the trees and the wind dances and swirls through the branches tousling the leaves and setting free the loose ones. I sit in awe and wonder as I drink in this new day savoring my beloved routine cup of coffee. I find myself outside as I generally will be during this moment but this morning I positioned myself upon the grass before now two graves that contains our beloved two dogs, "my big boys" as I would call them because one was eleven pounds the other seven. Our second dog went to join his brother Jackson, who we lost a little over a year ago at the age of twelve and Hunley was thirteen. Although my heart is heavy and his life leaves an unfathomable loss, my heart propels me to look beyond as I envision a mirage, as if I am watching these family members of ours run and play reunited with one another frolicking and frisky, I sense the power of their bond, the depths of their love to one another and alas I am at peace. Without hesitation or unction the tears fill my eyes and my mouth turns up with a smile that comes from my soul and floods my heart that I feel it's burning sensation as if searing these lives upon my inner conscious; forever engraved in my deepest parts. My thoughts quickly turn as they inspire me that we too have this grandioso opportunity to impact those all around us at every turn and every meeting. There is a stark difference with those you encounter who interact with the gusto that comes from deep within that leaves their mark upon your very being; they suddenly become unforgettable.
Our lives are filled with moments and they are laced with opportunities to impart change in another or be changed or perhaps both. Being swept away and knocked off your feet with Life is that you allow the moments that surround you to have their perfect work and impart Love without reservation feeling every sensation. You see our last day with Hunley was more than perfect, I left no stone unturned; as we sat in the yard one of his favorite spots, I held him as the sun warmed his body his hair was blowing in the breeze and we poured ourselves into him with all we had. By the end of the day I only uttered I wish I could have just one more day because it was so perfect but continued but that would only go on for countless days to come. We squeezed all we could into him and out of this last day we shared together and my mantra will continue with those around me. What life taught me this day was ever more so to live in the present moment, to pour my very essence into that which is at hand and those in which I find myself surrounded by. I was using this moment in our lives to teach my Daughter who found herself mostly making videos of her back handsprings and tumbles dashing over to us for a comforting hug or kiss to her Mother and/or dog but she was learning. Oh I spent many a moment kicking myself throughout the day thinking why did I have to throw all my heart into him, why not just some of it? Surely the pain and loss wouldn't be so great, but alas nor would the beauty and the overwhelming power we shared as his frail little body would stagger to get up to come and find me when I left him for a moment with my Daughter, she was shocked and moved that he would go for me when he wasn't alone for she was by his side and he was so sick. This moment stayed with her and she spoke of it throughout the night and still today days later; that powerful bond as she described it, me a total complete utter wreck face all swollen never leaving his side and him only wanting me as close as possible at all times. Isn't this what we were designed to share with one another after all?
I found myself powerfully moved as I always am even seeing it so many times over the years, the impact is always the same with the movie, Dead Poets Society. Those last moments when Robin Williams the Professor has been asked to resign, leaving behind students he has thrown his heart and soul into with such passion that it was undeniable his effect upon them. Emotions from deep within bypassed their minds and senses and went like a perfectly executed arrow shot by the skilled archer with his bow into their souls. When that first student stepped up onto his desk and bellowed out "O Captain, My Captain" and the others followed suit, you could see them wrestle with the decision but what inspired them was so powerful fueled with passion that alas they too stood on their desk and chanted. Oh that we may impart our trueness, our barest of our souls to those around us so that they are undeniably moved. You see the beautiful illumination to me is the rarest gift that this Professor received was to be given back from those he planted himself into and was effected. Do you love with such intensity that others are moved? Or do you hold back and whether to protect yourself or guard, you give a slither or a portion? Perhaps none at all? Authenticity is magical I read today and I am definitely a believer, you can tell when someone is all in it is powerful, it engulfs you and entrances your senses. I believe in what measure you give it will in turn be given and I can tell you in one of the hardest days in a very long time I was immersed with a force so powerful that through the letting go more was indeed given. The loss is great but the opportunity to have loved and shared deep companionship I will forever be grateful. I was forever changed and will continue to be as I continue to give the fullness of my heart and soul into those I hold so dear to my heart each day. This my dear friends is The Wonderment Of Life.
I leave with you one of my favorites, Mr 305 reminding us to feel this moment, today, right now. It is the beginning of a new week, make it memorable and extraordinary.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
MY PLEASURE
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. - Steve Jobs Why is it that we try to conform to life itself or to ideals that do not fit us? I love this powerful statement, in fact I could dissect it, breaking it down exploring the undefinable depth to all the truth it contains. I am delirious with how he, Steve Jobs, business guru ends it like a Romeo with likening business to the matters of our heart. What an incredibly insightful man. I am not saying that we all should pack up our desks and quit our jobs, trust me I have held many a job that wasn't satisfying per se however I put my heart into it and alas found that quench for my thirst. Take the Chick-fil-a employees for instance, they just cause me to want to be a better person, I am only going in to order my Daughter her regular same ole meal and Wham! They get me every single time. So I ask again, why do we not rise above our current situations that honestly do not define us and allow our Dreams and Heart to shine through?
My first job was working at McDonalds in the Mall, all other McDonald's employees at other stores called us the candy store because we had it easier they said, hours they were correct but not on the work. It was a tough job and I am better by holding that job, I have taught my Daughter how tough that job truly is they have my respect most assuredly. However; not until these Chick-fil-a rockstar employees hit the stage people seemed to think less of that position. Job is truly the same, it is the people and their attitude that impacts the every one of us. They are what makes us impressed and gush with how much we love that business and they truly impart that serving me was indeed their pleasure not just empty words they are forced to say. I remember at my McDonald's job my boss would walk by and if I was dillydallying because perhaps my customer was cute she would walk by and swat my behind with a towel to move it along as she held her stop watch. To him perhaps it was indeed my pleasure but on Saturday's, that line would go out the door from the sea of people and then they would order their burger with no onions, I had to tell them to go have a seat and I would bring it to them. I still talk of this to this day because it baffles my brain and left such an impact on me this many years later I giggle when I reenact the stories because this job left so many teaching moments on this sixteen year old, I thought I knew everything teenager. I would walk around this busy restaurant looking for that one person out of the multitude that ordered this burger, as I walked thoughts of, why couldn't you just scrape off the onions? For the one that we had to hold the ketchup just eat it, it is good for you. Thoughts were trying to make me grumpy at these people for being so spoiled and picky but funny thing is I chose to not allow that to shine through. I made it fun walking around and sashayed almost socializing, smiling as I passed, probably as a break to mingle with these people perhaps regardless Tammy prevailed. Ok, probably not every time, but the choice was presented to me each and every single time. The choice is there for you as well.
Cupid here is going back to that last statement because I am obsessed with it. As with all matters of the heart, you will know when you find it. Boom what a Trump statement it just blows me away with ecstasy. When we allow ourselves to not impart with our heart we have done such an injustice, not only to those around us but to ourselves. Last night I was speaking with someone that I was rather uncomfortable with because I felt stifled as if I wasn't accepted for being me and it dawned on me that The Wonderment Of Life is that we can be liberated even when there is no liberty extended. Wish it would have dawned on me earlier because my uncomfortableness was so definably awkward I giggle today of embarrassment. Just as the beginning quote; We possess the power to exude the passion of being satisfied, not settling, to do great work, loving what we do because it is bigger than our positions or task at hand, it is with our heart. I believe when famous ones are "discovered" there was something that set them apart, they were different somehow to be noticed, right? If you are being led by your Heart and fueled by your Dreams, that dead end job just landed you unlimited possibilities. Some of my simplest of jobs have been some of my most treasured memories that impact me still many years later. Wonder if I wouldn't have allowed my heart to lead me how my life would be utterly unfulfilled. Allow yourself to be overtaken with Gratitude wherever you are right now and grant your heart the opportunity to take the wheel and you take the back seat and just see how sweet the ride is. I believe when you love what you do you cannot help but do great work in every way to every one.
I leave with you a song that bears repeating, he sang it opening night of the Oscars and see for yourself the impact he made on EVERYONE around him by allowing his Heart to exude the Passion for what he was doing, it even led him to dance with his wife which just blew me away I will honestly never forget this performance. May we move as effortlessly as his dance moves as we love our lives filled with purpose and passion with our tasks we have at hand and do great work that satisfies our souls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Iu06b_Nfg
My first job was working at McDonalds in the Mall, all other McDonald's employees at other stores called us the candy store because we had it easier they said, hours they were correct but not on the work. It was a tough job and I am better by holding that job, I have taught my Daughter how tough that job truly is they have my respect most assuredly. However; not until these Chick-fil-a rockstar employees hit the stage people seemed to think less of that position. Job is truly the same, it is the people and their attitude that impacts the every one of us. They are what makes us impressed and gush with how much we love that business and they truly impart that serving me was indeed their pleasure not just empty words they are forced to say. I remember at my McDonald's job my boss would walk by and if I was dillydallying because perhaps my customer was cute she would walk by and swat my behind with a towel to move it along as she held her stop watch. To him perhaps it was indeed my pleasure but on Saturday's, that line would go out the door from the sea of people and then they would order their burger with no onions, I had to tell them to go have a seat and I would bring it to them. I still talk of this to this day because it baffles my brain and left such an impact on me this many years later I giggle when I reenact the stories because this job left so many teaching moments on this sixteen year old, I thought I knew everything teenager. I would walk around this busy restaurant looking for that one person out of the multitude that ordered this burger, as I walked thoughts of, why couldn't you just scrape off the onions? For the one that we had to hold the ketchup just eat it, it is good for you. Thoughts were trying to make me grumpy at these people for being so spoiled and picky but funny thing is I chose to not allow that to shine through. I made it fun walking around and sashayed almost socializing, smiling as I passed, probably as a break to mingle with these people perhaps regardless Tammy prevailed. Ok, probably not every time, but the choice was presented to me each and every single time. The choice is there for you as well.
Cupid here is going back to that last statement because I am obsessed with it. As with all matters of the heart, you will know when you find it. Boom what a Trump statement it just blows me away with ecstasy. When we allow ourselves to not impart with our heart we have done such an injustice, not only to those around us but to ourselves. Last night I was speaking with someone that I was rather uncomfortable with because I felt stifled as if I wasn't accepted for being me and it dawned on me that The Wonderment Of Life is that we can be liberated even when there is no liberty extended. Wish it would have dawned on me earlier because my uncomfortableness was so definably awkward I giggle today of embarrassment. Just as the beginning quote; We possess the power to exude the passion of being satisfied, not settling, to do great work, loving what we do because it is bigger than our positions or task at hand, it is with our heart. I believe when famous ones are "discovered" there was something that set them apart, they were different somehow to be noticed, right? If you are being led by your Heart and fueled by your Dreams, that dead end job just landed you unlimited possibilities. Some of my simplest of jobs have been some of my most treasured memories that impact me still many years later. Wonder if I wouldn't have allowed my heart to lead me how my life would be utterly unfulfilled. Allow yourself to be overtaken with Gratitude wherever you are right now and grant your heart the opportunity to take the wheel and you take the back seat and just see how sweet the ride is. I believe when you love what you do you cannot help but do great work in every way to every one.
I leave with you a song that bears repeating, he sang it opening night of the Oscars and see for yourself the impact he made on EVERYONE around him by allowing his Heart to exude the Passion for what he was doing, it even led him to dance with his wife which just blew me away I will honestly never forget this performance. May we move as effortlessly as his dance moves as we love our lives filled with purpose and passion with our tasks we have at hand and do great work that satisfies our souls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Iu06b_Nfg
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
ONLY YOU
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
― H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You I read this to my Daughter before leaving for a much needed Girls Weekend Away. We were traveling to such a magical city and I wanted her to go with an open heart and mind full of Wonderment to be touched, inspired, deeply moved and changed. Our destination was Memphis, Tennessee I was setting the tone on our way up playing the classic beloved song, Walking In Memphis. Perhaps I got a little carried away by replaying it so much but she could feel it and she herself was singing but she didn't know yet what it meant and I couldn't wait to see how she might sing once ignited. Our playlist was mingled in with Feddy Wap and other popular tunes we hear today but we were going to see the Broadway Musical Beautiful the story of Carol King so alas I played the soundtrack so that they would resonate during the performance; and yes of course we sang to Elvis. Her and my "thing" is Music, but not only to hear and sing; we feel the music and let it move us. Always has been. When she was just toddling I would leave my television on her channels so when we found ourselves in there it was something she enjoyed and I had one rule. One of her favorite shows had a video with a song and anytime that song came on, we stopped whatever we were doing and we danced. I made no apologies to anyone if someone was there, except to please pardon me for a moment and extend the invite to join in if they so felt inclined. She would look with eyes so full of wonderment when we were not alone as if I might not join almost hesitating even as young as she was, but in one quick moment I was on my feet and we danced high on top of the fireplace hearth, on chairs and she would get on our coffee table and sometimes we would make a train. If our guests didn't join in they had smiles from ear to ear and comments of delight after considering perhaps they too should make some "rules" of their own in their home. One of my Dreams is that my list of the things I failed to do will be small and my memories bursting at the seams of all that I allowed myself to explore, dream and discover as stated at the beginning.
We left no stone uncovered with what we decided we wanted to experience on our getaway trip, the History of this iconic city was immense, as a heavy perfumed incense that overwhelms you our times were laced with perpetual moments in time rewound and coming to life and touching us in such a way that at times we both were overcome with such emotion. The stories and people that touched our time there we have spoke of since and applied to ourselves igniting those traits and passions all our own to burn. When we took a horse and carriage ride around that Magical City after our Broadway show, my daughter sang with such raw passion Carol King's Classic, you make me feel like a natural woman and even Walking in Memphis instead of her rapper tunes or favorites. The tears that welled up from my heart it was like it had been slingshot right up into my throat can only begin to compare the emotion that overtook me. To watch my Daughters eyes full of wonderment as I did as when she toddled and would be full of emotion when our song came on, it was there in the eyes of this preteen that I sometimes barely recognize or can identify with who is stretching her boarders and widening her stance to become all that bustles within her. Any Parent will attest that is one of our greatest Wonderments in Life if not the greatest. I liken this to being inspired by so many of these Dreamers who have touched so many many of our lives and shaped our world of Music and History; all by as stated in the beginning of this blog, sailed away from the safe harbor and explored, dreamed and discovered. I think that is what the lyrics meant in Walking in Memphis do I really feel the way I feel. What I tried to drive home in my Daughter is that almost all of the History we encountered by these various people were all living out their own identity driven by their Passion and so much so that so many years later it is still touching so many around us.
I do not foresee my life being on that great of a magnitude of impact and for that I am extremely satisfied with, however; may I touch those as my Daughter, and friends I have been so incredibly blessed with in such a way that my life has been branded onto theirs and likewise theirs to mine. For me in my enthrallment of The Wonderment of Life it begins with Us. You, Me, the each and every one of Us and the Dream of what we are to be. May today we be reminded by so many of those that made the major impacts on us all to not overlook or loose the moments in which we can appreciate and hold with regard those in our lives. As my Daughter and I sat in one of the most popular venues for our favorite past time, people watching, this point was illuminated to me as I was captivated by those around me, this place was overflowing so many people so you couldn't possibly view them all. Their uniqueness, their individuality, and whatever their true sense of purpose Camille and I applauded.The thing that I brought home from my reminders of History, these people that were inspiring my Daughter and I of days gone by were breaking the mold in every way; including the Ducks of the Peabody Hotel it started as a joke over some Jack Daniels and there were over 800 in attendance to Saturday afternoon's soiree just to see these iconic ducks. What are we waiting for? Let's catch the trade winds in our sails and embark on the deeper meanings that lie at every turn, the people that surround us on every side just positioned perfectly for that nudge or dash of inspiration your life is thirsting after, longing to be quenched. May The Wonderment of Life overtake you today...
https://flipagram.com/f/155vqlgkQPd/embed
― H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You I read this to my Daughter before leaving for a much needed Girls Weekend Away. We were traveling to such a magical city and I wanted her to go with an open heart and mind full of Wonderment to be touched, inspired, deeply moved and changed. Our destination was Memphis, Tennessee I was setting the tone on our way up playing the classic beloved song, Walking In Memphis. Perhaps I got a little carried away by replaying it so much but she could feel it and she herself was singing but she didn't know yet what it meant and I couldn't wait to see how she might sing once ignited. Our playlist was mingled in with Feddy Wap and other popular tunes we hear today but we were going to see the Broadway Musical Beautiful the story of Carol King so alas I played the soundtrack so that they would resonate during the performance; and yes of course we sang to Elvis. Her and my "thing" is Music, but not only to hear and sing; we feel the music and let it move us. Always has been. When she was just toddling I would leave my television on her channels so when we found ourselves in there it was something she enjoyed and I had one rule. One of her favorite shows had a video with a song and anytime that song came on, we stopped whatever we were doing and we danced. I made no apologies to anyone if someone was there, except to please pardon me for a moment and extend the invite to join in if they so felt inclined. She would look with eyes so full of wonderment when we were not alone as if I might not join almost hesitating even as young as she was, but in one quick moment I was on my feet and we danced high on top of the fireplace hearth, on chairs and she would get on our coffee table and sometimes we would make a train. If our guests didn't join in they had smiles from ear to ear and comments of delight after considering perhaps they too should make some "rules" of their own in their home. One of my Dreams is that my list of the things I failed to do will be small and my memories bursting at the seams of all that I allowed myself to explore, dream and discover as stated at the beginning.
We left no stone uncovered with what we decided we wanted to experience on our getaway trip, the History of this iconic city was immense, as a heavy perfumed incense that overwhelms you our times were laced with perpetual moments in time rewound and coming to life and touching us in such a way that at times we both were overcome with such emotion. The stories and people that touched our time there we have spoke of since and applied to ourselves igniting those traits and passions all our own to burn. When we took a horse and carriage ride around that Magical City after our Broadway show, my daughter sang with such raw passion Carol King's Classic, you make me feel like a natural woman and even Walking in Memphis instead of her rapper tunes or favorites. The tears that welled up from my heart it was like it had been slingshot right up into my throat can only begin to compare the emotion that overtook me. To watch my Daughters eyes full of wonderment as I did as when she toddled and would be full of emotion when our song came on, it was there in the eyes of this preteen that I sometimes barely recognize or can identify with who is stretching her boarders and widening her stance to become all that bustles within her. Any Parent will attest that is one of our greatest Wonderments in Life if not the greatest. I liken this to being inspired by so many of these Dreamers who have touched so many many of our lives and shaped our world of Music and History; all by as stated in the beginning of this blog, sailed away from the safe harbor and explored, dreamed and discovered. I think that is what the lyrics meant in Walking in Memphis do I really feel the way I feel. What I tried to drive home in my Daughter is that almost all of the History we encountered by these various people were all living out their own identity driven by their Passion and so much so that so many years later it is still touching so many around us.
I do not foresee my life being on that great of a magnitude of impact and for that I am extremely satisfied with, however; may I touch those as my Daughter, and friends I have been so incredibly blessed with in such a way that my life has been branded onto theirs and likewise theirs to mine. For me in my enthrallment of The Wonderment of Life it begins with Us. You, Me, the each and every one of Us and the Dream of what we are to be. May today we be reminded by so many of those that made the major impacts on us all to not overlook or loose the moments in which we can appreciate and hold with regard those in our lives. As my Daughter and I sat in one of the most popular venues for our favorite past time, people watching, this point was illuminated to me as I was captivated by those around me, this place was overflowing so many people so you couldn't possibly view them all. Their uniqueness, their individuality, and whatever their true sense of purpose Camille and I applauded.The thing that I brought home from my reminders of History, these people that were inspiring my Daughter and I of days gone by were breaking the mold in every way; including the Ducks of the Peabody Hotel it started as a joke over some Jack Daniels and there were over 800 in attendance to Saturday afternoon's soiree just to see these iconic ducks. What are we waiting for? Let's catch the trade winds in our sails and embark on the deeper meanings that lie at every turn, the people that surround us on every side just positioned perfectly for that nudge or dash of inspiration your life is thirsting after, longing to be quenched. May The Wonderment of Life overtake you today...
https://flipagram.com/f/155vqlgkQPd/embed
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