Serenity Sunday

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.


Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.


He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.


Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.


Friends, you and me.......You brought another friend....
and we started our group....our circle of friends.....
and like a circle.....there is no beginning or end......
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery.

My List:

1.) My kids

2.) Good friends

3.) Uplifting music

4.) Sunshine peeking from behind the clouds

5.) Kind words

6.) Fresh starts

7.) Snow on the hills, not in my yard

8.) Blackberry pie

9.) Scented candles

10.) Funny movies

Thoughtful Thursday

Here are some really simple ways to show your appreciation for those who impact your life in a positive way. 

~ A heart felt thank-you note/card.


~ Gift certificate to their favorite coffee shop.


~ Fresh baking for their early morning meeting.


~ Fresh cut flowers to be passed around the office. Include a card that says: A little something to brighten your day. I’m yours for two hours then give me away.


~ Invite your friend or co-worker out for a cup of coffee or a drink after work.


~ Lend a hand when a friend or family member is painting or remodeling their home.


~ If you know your friend wants to get organized but is having a tough time starting, buy them a book on organizing, some containers and nice notebook.


~ Cook a meal so they don’t have to after a long day at work.


~ Frame one of their favorite pictures.

~ Share a plant or a plant clipping.


~ Pick up some groceries and drop them off  to someone homebound in your neighborhood on your way home.


~ Return a favor. If your neighbor always shovels your walk way or mows your grass get out there before him or her and do theirs for a change.


~ Watch your niece or nephew or neighbor's child(ren) for an afternoon to give their parents some time off.


~ Make reservations at their favorite restaurant.


~ Make a candle light dinner at home for your spouse.


~Give a hug. Simple as that.


~ Tell them what you think they are particularly great at.

~ Write notes to leave on a pillow, a computer keyboard, or in a lunch box.


~ Give a hand made gift. 


Make a special day just for them. Plan a day for them around what they enjoy. Go with them if it’s appropriate.


Our relationships with others are what enrich our lives. Take time to show the people who make your life better how much you appreciate them and how much they matter.

Tarot Tuesday

Today's card is the Three of Cups. This is an interesting card since I must have drawn it at least three other times this last week as a daily draw...it's definitely trying to get my attention. Every morning  after I get home from taking the children to school, I light a candle and some Sandalwood or Nag Champa  incense and sit quietly (hopefully sweetie is otherwise occupied) and listen to soft music. I do this because my little rubber band has a tendency to get wound way too tight and since I am an Air sign, my rational brain does not like to relinquish control to  my creative, intuitive side very often.

Which makes this card all the more relevant. In the Three of Cups we see three women, one auburn haired wearing a reddish brown robe, one fair haired wearing a golden robe and one brunette wearing a white robe, all lifting up golden cups and doing what appears to be a dance. This card can be interpreted as pleasure, fun, entertainment, parties, family reunions, weddings, baptism, birth, success, a fun lucky turn and a gathering with a group of friends.

I admit, I haven't been in the most festive of moods over the last several weeks with having every attempt to get my tea business up and going thwarted at every turn, my car breaking down and me right after it  as I had to coast onto a side road and petty squabbles stemming from run-in's with the neighborhood bully. Festive has been the last thing on my mind but the Three of Cups keeps urging me to let all of this go, all work and no play, or so they say...

I'm reminded "Not to sweat the small stuff" because taking life too seriously can surely make for a heavy burden to carry.  Most of all, I think these ladies are trying to tell me that there is true power in multiples and I should celebrate and kick up my heels with other people for a change and not try to go it alone. I need to seek out other people to celebrate my life's blessings with (seek out being a course of action for me to take.)  It is similarities which bring us together but it is the differences which make us strong.

As you ponder this card, ask yourself these questions  "What can I do to incorporate a sense of playfulness in my daily life....? Can I accept that joy is my natural state and that I do not have to earn it...?  How can I  create or develop a network of support when I interact with others...? 

Serenity Sunday

My Best Friend

I'm not sure when it happened
But I'm very glad it did
You came into my life when
I really needed a friend

The more I get to know you
The more I know myself
And this is why I'm thankful
For you are just yourself

You and I are different
And in many ways the same
Your good ear, compassionate heart
Will always find you fame

I promise to always be here
Forever and to the end
You are the true definition of

My List:

1.) My kids

2.) My cats

3.) Reflecting pools

4.) The magical properties of stones

5.) Fresh herbs to cook with

6.) Getting rid of my grey hair

7.) Spending time with a dear friend

8.) Jumbo shrimp

9.) Cream cheese

10.) Feather mattresses

Serentity Sunday

Wow, what a beautiful day it was yesterday! The sun was shining..... the temperature reached 82 degrees.... a refreshing breeze caressed my face and there wasn't a cloud in sight. It was the perfect day for the the annual Hazel Dell parade in Vancouver, Washington. My roommate Coral's oldest daughter, Isabella, (affectionately called Bella) played her clarinet in the Chief Umtuch ( pronounced Um- tuck) Middle School Marching Band and they were enthusiastically cheered on by the huge crowd that lined the sidewalks and streets.

With the beautiful weather yesterday and today (another 82 degree day) just reinforced the feeling of what is really important in this life...a small town parade...great weather... family and friends and a very laid back weekend.

My List:

1.) My kids

2.) My cats

3.) Good friends

4.) Cool breezes

5.) Picnic lunches

6.) Lemon flavored Propel

7.) Tolerance and education

8.) Music

9.) An old rusty Weber barbecue

10.) Taking life one day at a time

Serenity Sunday

GRATITUDE:

Gratitude is an emotion that occurs after people receive help, depending on how they interpret the situation. Specifically, gratitude is experienced if people perceive the help they receive as (a) valuable to them, (b) costly to their benefactor, and (c) given by the benefactor with benevolent intentions (rather than ulterior motives).
(From WikiPedia.com)


My list for today:

1.) My children

2.) My friends

3.) WikiPedia.com

4.) Sunshine and rainbows

5.) My incorrigible kitties

6.) Cute animal pictures

7.) Fresh brewed coffee

8.) My electric blankie

9.) Ceremonial sage

10.) Good neighbors

Serenity Sunday

Last week seemed to just drag for some reason, I'm not entirely sure why but my meditation this morning cleared out a lot of the junk that's collected from everyday stuff and I feel a bit more inclined to be thankful for all the blessings in my life.

1.) My children

2.) My cats

3.) My roses that are starting to bud..."c'mon Mother Nature!"

4.) Chai Spice coffee creamer

5.) A cashier that smiles and says "Have a nice day".... while making eye contact

6.) The new wet/dry vac I just bought

7.) My tattoo is almost healed....yea! ( now for the rest of it to be finished)

8.) Pink Floyd

9.) Good friends

10.) Real butter

I know some things might make you want to question my sanity but it's real butter that just seems to make everything taste better.

Serenity Sunday

It seems as if during this week of bathroom remodeling, serenity has been somewhat elusive and as fragile as the gossamer wings upon a tiny faerie. Amidst the noise of sawing, nail guns and shop vac's, I really had to make it a point to to take advantage of the few brief moments of quiet that I could grab. As I was reflecting on those things that I am grateful for, I noticed that some were the same and there were a few new ones as well. It's very mysterious how we can develop a routine in our environment and the slightest hint of disruption or upheaval can throw one into total and utter chaos. Even my cats became restless and cranky, refusing to sleep in the webcam cat bed and wandering from room to room seeking out that one peaceful spot. I suppose that a bit of chaos does have some therapeutic benefits as I have become more sensitive toward the things I normally take for granted.

1.) My children

2.) Good friends

3.) My cats

4.) Sleeping in past the crack of dawn

5.) Sawdust free hallway floors

6.) Having the whole kitchen (minus a 40 lb.chop saw) to work in

7.) Cinnamon vanilla coffee creamer

8.) Actually hearing a television show

9.) Being the only one in the house during the day

10.) Taking a bath in my own tub and not the one at Bobbi and Danny's house (thank you for your super-human patience guys!)

My Ten Things...

I was listening to Ariel's new podcast on iTunes last night and the topic was gratitude. What a fantastic podcast, as I listened I began to realize when you sit down and simply list ten things that you are greatful for, your focus begins to shift and it becomes easier to actually change the direction and tone of your emotions. You become more positive, more grounded and able to focus on the things that really matter. Every day we run into situations that cause us to drag and dim our energy and just by listing the things that are blessings in our life takes that weight, that heaviness from our shoulders and causes us to be a more positive, productive person. I made a list of ten things I'm greatful for in my life and when I was finished I felt so energized, so positive! My aura felt clean and refreshed and I was more able to charge forth into my hectic day.

My Ten Things:

1.) My children.

2.) My health.

3.) My friends.

4.) The fresh air in my lungs when I walk outside.

5.) The feel of grass under my bare feet.

6.) My freedom to express my spirituality.

7.) My cats

8.) My electric blankie (yes, I did just say that...)

9.) The hard knocks in my past that made me who I am today.

10.) My ability to love and laugh loudly.