Today I Will...

Happy Friday, all, and happy July 1st!

I am a huge Max Lucado fan! His writings are so soothing to my soul. In honor of Mr. Lucado, I'm gonna share his "Friday Story" to me from my daily "Insight of the Day:"

Today I Will Make A Difference

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble...I will get up. It's OK to fail...I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

Max Lucado ~ From "On The Anvil"

pictures by: me :-)

Pockets Full

How on earth did I end up on this desert island? Well, since I'm here, I'm glad I have the following 10 items:

1. Bible (no explanation needed)
2. iPod (to keep me sane w/lots o' jazz & podcasts)
3. cell phone (hmm... would have enuff bars to call for help?)
   
4. camera (i'm sure if i wander around, I could find something to shoot)
   
5. cigarettes (I know, I know - but if I'm bored.....)
6. lighter (see #5)
7. water (duh!)
8. food (duh, again)
9. my journal
   
10. a picture of my son (to keep me sane & hopeful)

Picture: Internet courtesy
Creativity Portal: "10 things you would want in your pockets on a desert island"

I saw you

As soon as I noticed him carrying the bag of cans,
noticing the way he scoured the ground for treasure,
I knew it was the thing to do

He didn't need to speak any words, he didn't even notice me
but I noticed him, and I knew his actions
he was searching for the lone coin that may have escaped a pocket

the piece of gold that maybe would make the difference
between something to eat or not, something to drink or not
how would that be for us? if our day or our next meal
depended upon what we found on the ground
or in the trash?

when i pulled the car up next to him & extended my hand
that held what I could spare, he jumped in surprise &
extended his own shaky hand & looked me in the eye.
I knew those eyes - they held weariness, despair, & little light
the hands were dirty, nails long, telling stories of hard life

I clicked on my biggest smile & said have a great day!
He, in turn, gave me his biggest smile, thanked me & blessed me
He couldn't have possibly known that his very existence
is my blessing.

To him, I give, I gifted & I gave. And my life feels all the richer for it.
I hope, in some way, his does, too.

Please take a sec & watch this tiny video clip produced by Shawnette Heard, called "John Doe." As soon as they showed the homeless man, tears sprang to my eyes. Let's continue to count our blessings.

Pictures: (hands-Internet Courtesy) (Daisy-me :-})
Sunday Scribbling word prompt: "Give."

"In My Solitude..."

I took myself on a walk this morning. I could feel my shoulders relaxing as I strolled thru the garden center's flower beds. I charged up both the DSLR & the point-n-shoot. I left the the house at 9:00 a.m. & returned about 12:30p. As far as I was concerned, the time flew! Letting my thoughts roam while i freely snapped everything that caught my eye.

I felt like God was everywhere. It's amazing to think that less than 6 mos ago, we were buried up to the hiney w/snow. And now it seems the colors of the greens of the grasses & trees and the colors of flowers are in competition.

There were only a hand full of people @ that hour. The sounds of the birds & squirrels were at high pitch. Taking all this in, w/my coffee & cameras, in the sweet silence, gave my soul much needed calming & solitude. I was in the moment of each picture, each sound.

Bees & bugs were busy getting' their pollen on, not giving me any notice. My soul feels richer for giving this gift to myself.

We are blessed :-)

"Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic." ~Rosalind Russell

Pictures by me ;-}

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

January 30, 2011:

June 21, 2011

Happy 'Officially Summer", everyone!

Pictures by: me :0)

I wish you fun....

When i see children today, it's very, very rare that I see anyone running around, giving play serious time, thought & energy like we used to. when I don't see children outside, i imagine they're inside, more than likely parked in front of something digital or electrical. in an age where it seems like all children want to do is be grown - now, "play" has become a lost art.

If i could grant the children of the computer age 10 things or experiences from my childhood, they would be:

1. hide & go seek
2. red light/green light
3. mother-may-I?
4. kick ball
5. four-cornered hand ball
6. good old fashioned tether ball
7. play grounds - with supervisors, art contests, bubble-gum blowing contests, etc.
   
8. long, bike rides w/your siblings
9. outdoor imagination (no supplies needed except for what you find in nature), and
10. long, cold drinks out of the garden hose

We were raised, thankfully, back in 'days of safety' where after we finished our chores - we were gone!! All day. Until dinner time. Our parents did not have to worry if we were being stalked, abducted or harmed in anyway. And if another parent saw you doing wrong, you could best believe by the time you got home, your parents knew. And you paid for it.

Ahhh.... the good old days. :-)

Pictures: Internet courtesy
Creativity Portal: list 10 things or experiences
from my childhood for children today

BFF's

I can't remember when i met my best friend. it was probably not until I was in my 30's. I also don't remember where we met. I do remember that I was amazed at how much we had in common:

• reading
• cooking
• baking
• taking long walks
• writing
• compassion
• laughing
• love stories
• card making
• photography
• music of all types (but mostly jazz)
  

Another thing that blew me away is that she, too, has an autistic son. What are the odds? Imagine the hours we spent sharing our conversation of fears, doubts, tears, guilt and just day-to-day "am I doing 'this' right?' My best friend makes me laugh. A lot.

She has the uncanny ability to make anyone laugh, anywhere, at anytime. I think what I love best about her is that she loves to laugh at herself. She gets herself into the funniest situations and will bring herself to tears sharing the stories. My best friend is also a person-magnet. No matter where she is, folks smile at her, speak to her, strike up conversations with her. If you're around her for more than an hour, you feel the strange need to tell her your deepest secrets, which she keeps close to her heart, under lock and key.

And she never meets a stranger. She steps right into the invitation from others and makes them feel like they're the most special person on earth. She's a natural & I admire that gift in her.

Lastly, my even though we are best friends, my friend loves alone-time. She can spend hours alone, lost in her own thoughts. At times, she will stop what she's doing to grab pencil/paper & scribble down ideas for later. Oh - and my friend is beautiful. She doesn't think she is, but I do. She has always been wary of her smile (she thinks it's too 'big'), but I think it's mega-watt. I have been with her on different occasions when people openly tell her, 'you have a beautiful smile.' And she gives that smile to anyone, at anytime, for free. I love my best friend forever. Especially when..... she is me :-)

Pictures by: my best friend :-} (me)
Creativity Portal prompt: "describe yourself as if you were your own best friend."

Beauty & the real Beast

Some of us either are a victim, have been a victim, or know victims of the horrible domestic violence. At some point in our lives, it has touched us, be it through a family member, a friend, or a co-worker.

I was faced with the result of D.V. when I ran into a old friend. Her 'boyfriend' attacked her violently when she kicked him out of her apartment. He knew she was alone, he knew at the time she didn't have telephone access, and he knew she would be completely defenseless when he broke into her home in the very early morning.

This brutal attack on my friend erased her life as she and we knew it. After being in a medically induced coma for nearly a month, when she woke up, she was not able to speak. After months of therapy & finally being moved to nursing home, she has the vocabulary of a 2 year old.

As I watched my friend with her wide-eyed, child-like stare, I noticed she still had the big, beautiful brown eyes w/killer lashes, & beautiful hair & face. Then, I was sharply reminded that just 5 years ago, she had to re-learn the basics of living (eating, walking, dressing, brushing.) What was I doing five years ago?

The young, vibrant woman who used to be the life of every party, was now silenced. I am still not sure how much of me she remembers. I know she certainly doesn't remember my son. She lives in the capsule of what her life became.

Because of domestic violence.

Let's all pray that if we know of someone in this horrible nightmare, that they will find the strength & courage to save themselves from the storm.

And live a life of blue skies.

Amen.



Pictures by: me :-)
In tribute to B.J. Waters. Love & prayers to you always. I add the domestic violence link to my wall for you.

Prayers for them

Sending out prayers today
for those whose lives have been changed
when the tornadoes roamed and only destruction remained

Where there was once laughter, sharing & cheers
now exists only hope & desperation tears
hold onto your faith, for God is very near
He's watching you all, & your hurt He does hear

So today as I sit, my thoughts are fully filled
of those who are frightened, those that were killed
for it is only by God's grace, shedded on thee
that our town, too, could be gone
nothing left - not one tree

I come to you, dear Father God, on my bended knee
that you will wrap those in comfort who pray,
"God, please help me!!!!

~Amen and Amen.

Prayers for everyone that are victims of the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Joplin, Missouri & victims of the flood of the Mississippi River. Never forget to be thankful for what you have. PS: Pictures by me :-)

Random Epiphanies

I used to equate alcohol with fun. I realize one has nothing to do with the other.

I realize that if I should ever want a glass of wine, or a beer - I can. And that's okay

It has taken me into adulthood to realize that our parents were once us and now we are them. And that's okay.

I realize that if you're genuinely happy with yourself and comfortable in your skin - everybody around you will know it. And that's something to strive for.

I realize that inspite of how inadequate for him I feel some days, my autistic son is growing into quite the fine young man, all on his own. And that's beautiful & something I'm thankful for. Every day.
I realize that if you just 'let go and let God', things really do turn out for the better. And that's a blessing.

I realize it's best to take one day at a time & deal with each thing as it comes. Because half the things we concern ourselves with never come to be. And that's great insight.
And lastly, I realize that if I: keep my head up, think only positive thoughts, surround myself with positive people, be kind to others & to myself, allow myself to play, stay prayerful and thankful, allow myself to give & receive love, take the high road, and smile -

That life can be pretty sweet. And that's an awesome thing :-)

Pictures by me. :-}

Beautiful Innocence

This lovely nearly 2-year old diva is Miss Amiya. I fell for her on mother's day. Hard. She's my great-great niece.

Not having been around small children any time lately, this one fascinated me! All of her sweet attitude and funny animation. I couldn't keep my eyes off her, my arms from around her, her hand not in mine, nor the camera away from her.

As I looked back over her pictures (every 5 minutes, LOL!), I smiled thinking something I read a while ago:

"Four qualities of children that adults may need in order to enter heaven are:

Children have not lost their sense of wonder as adults so often have.

Children's lives are founded on trust that their needs will be met.

Children are naturally obedient, even though they do rebel and disobey, too.

Children are very forgiving, and soon forget and move past all sorts of wrongs done to them."

The innocence of this little one walking around us in her own little world, being concerned with nothing except my sunglasses, gum from my purse, food, and her toy microphone to do a kick-ass version of "Bad Girls, Bad Girls, watcha Gonna Do?" made me realize we were all once her. We all had that innocence.

But adulthood forces you to sit that innocence aside. We know too much, have seen too much, have experienced too much.

But I bet if you let yourself, you can recapture some of the innocence. A sense of wonder, trust, obedience, and forgiveness is something that I try to obtain everyday, all day.

One day, you just might catch me kissing my reflection in a gazeball - simply because I'm amazed that it's my face :-)



Pictures by: me :-)