Hello Friends!
Okay, so, I realize I gave the disclaimer at least a good 8 months ago, that I am an "awful blogger" at best. For the simple reason I ran out of things to write about that you'd (understandably) care to read . . . or have the time to!
Well, I'm back! And I want to make it up to you, so to speak. So much has transpired in my own life since my last post that it would be 1) too time-consuming 2) rather redundant and 3) not so interesting to anyone except myself and a few folks who are very familiar with me, for me to take a trip down memory lane and fill you in completely. Thus, I will refrain!
However, I will start by saying since I last posted, I happily became the "mommy" of two adorable furbabies. Yes, you read that correctly! I adopted, from a local shelter, two puppies (a mere 8 wks old at the time!) who are sisters from the same litter of pups, last November. They are Australian Cattle Dogs. Or more accurately, I have determined they are actually Stumpy-Tailed Australian Cattle Dogs . . . . as they have literal stumps for tails, as if someone bobbed them when they were wee pups! But those little stubby tails are so awfully cute! Seriously! If you could only see them wiggle when they are thrilled out of their little doggie minds to see me at the window or when I got outside to play with them and pat their furry little doggie heads! OOooooooooh so cute! (okay, okay, enough with the mushy puppy lover stuff, I know!)
So, my puppies are nearly full grown now, well, as full grown as puppies can be at approx. 9 months of age! They will celebrate their 1st year in early September. They are turning out to be beautiful dogs, looking less like puppies every day. Super intelligent, super cute, super fun and a SUPER HANDFUL since I decided upon getting TWO at one time! Double the trouble, but also, double the fun!
I may or may not have mentioned on here that I also have two pet rabbits. Yes, I do! They are so sweet and generally the quietest pets you could find outside of a fishbowl. Seriously. Besides when they decide they have tribal roots and begin their rhythmic thumping marathons whilst I am trying to go to sleep . . . or wake me up in the middle of the night with the sound! I am not kidding. I am serious. I suppose the loud, persistent thud of their rather large back paws has something to do with a territorial urge . . . I don't understand it, as they are females and sisters, at that. But even females can exhibit territorial tendencies, I have gathered! At any rate, they are overall very quiet, very calm (as calm as rather nervous animals can be), very sweet and oh-so-soft that they make the best touch therapy EV-ER people!
They are also amusing to watch. One has a distinct habit of tearing pieces of her newspaper bedding off and standing up on her hind legs while trying to push the pieces through the tight wiring of her cage to the outside world. It's as if she wants to share her lovely one-of-a-kind bedding with everyone around her. And she does this . . . ALL the TIME. Which makes for quite a bit of cleaning up little shreds of newspaper all around her cage. Ah well. Such is the life of a rabbit. The other enjoys wriggling her way beneath her large sections of the Times Record and peeking her head out to look around, the newspaper all but covering her. She looks like a little mountain of newspaper with a bunny face peeking out, rather like she's wearing a large shawl. So cute!
Well, if you have survived and kept your interest alive this far along, I applaud you! I realize I have great enthusiasm when it comes to relaying all the information I can about my darling little furbabies, all four of them . . . but not everyone shares my utter excitement. At least, they give me ample conversational topics and I enjoy having them around! Hope you've at LEAST gotten a few chuckles out of my snippets!
Have a lovely day . . . and if you have a furbaby, go love on them . . . right now! I mean it! Just DO it! :-) They will always return your love in whichever way they can!!! (sidenote--I hope to have something else of interest to write about the next time I post on here! So be keeping your eyes open folks! thanks!)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Smell of Rain . . . .
I am an awful blogger, I know. I guess I just haven't yet gotten the hang of blogging a couple times a week or more, yet. Not that I don't want to!
Well, on to more pleasant topics. :-) The Smell of Rain. Yes, that is a pleasant topic. When it smells earthy, almost so real you could touch it. I love the smell of rain. I'm smelling it right now, though my nose is still stuffed up from a dreadful head cold! It started with a cool, refreshing breeze blowing about outside this morning. And now, it's raining outside. Rather heavily, in fact. I can hear the symphony inside, as I type this. Beautiful. One of the prettiest and most fragrant symphonies ever. I love it! Can you tell?
Do you like rain? Or sunny skies? Cool weather? Or warm? Have a lovely day, rain or shine!
Well, on to more pleasant topics. :-) The Smell of Rain. Yes, that is a pleasant topic. When it smells earthy, almost so real you could touch it. I love the smell of rain. I'm smelling it right now, though my nose is still stuffed up from a dreadful head cold! It started with a cool, refreshing breeze blowing about outside this morning. And now, it's raining outside. Rather heavily, in fact. I can hear the symphony inside, as I type this. Beautiful. One of the prettiest and most fragrant symphonies ever. I love it! Can you tell?
Do you like rain? Or sunny skies? Cool weather? Or warm? Have a lovely day, rain or shine!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
What to do when life gets you down
What to do when life gets you down???
Everyone, at some point in their life, will hit a "low." They will face a situation, a person, or a weakness that seems unmanageable and yes -- even hopeless -- and will be forced to make the choice to keep on keeping on, or to give up.
Now, I think, in our heart of hearts, we ALL want to succeed. I've yet to meet a person who wakes up and starts their day with the thought, "Today I will face an insurmountable problem and I will FAIL. I determine NOT to keep on keeping on, instead, I will give up!" Sure, some folks choose to see the glass half empty rather than half full. But the "lows" in life seem to be much stronger than the usual dose of pessimism.
So, my question is, how does one successfully deal when life gets one down? Here are a few things I've been contemplating as of late that either 1) have helped me cope in the past or 2) have been on my list of things to fall back on to help me cope and come out okay on the other side of any future lows.
1) Music. It seems there is nothing in this world quite like music. It has the power to heal, to tear down or anger, to rile up, to sadden, to gladden, to invigorate, to relax, all under one heading: MUSIC. It is truly its one language, and a fine, intricate language at that. I can't count how many times in my life music helped me through a rough spot!
2) Exercise. Be it walking, basketball, tennis or bicycling or something unique like Zumba or ballroom dancing, exercise has been studied over and over for its benefits and stress relief and the energy to cope successfully are definitely a couple of them! When you exercise, your body releases "feel-good hormones" that can lift your mood, clear your mind, and let's face it -- make you feel better about you and your self-image because you KNOW you're doing something to give back to that body you work so hard! I still use exercise as much as I possibly can schedule in, because I have found there is nothing like it. So, get going and find yourself some physical activity that brings you up! Get out there and move! :)
3) Journalling. Some folks cower at the word. But truthfully, this has been one standby that I've used since before I even reached the middle-school years. There is something innately therapeutic about writing out your thoughts, uninhibited (under the rightful assumption that NO ONE but you will read those thoughts), on a piece of paper. For me, it seems to lift a weight off my shoulders, most of all, in times of stress. But I journal in good times, too. I like to look back at the record of my life, and seeing the good things I've experienced and choosing to be grateful for those, helps me to keep an optimistic, thankful attitude! Regardless, journalling can be super therapeutic. If this means you want to type it out instead, go right ahead. For me, there is just something tactile and comforting about actually, physically writing.
4) Time spent with others. When I say others, I don't mean the co-worker who drives you batty no matter how many times you smile and try to be on your best behavior, or the family member you are sure was given to you to develop that wonderful virtue, patience. There is a time and a place for working hard to "win people over." I'm referring to time spent with people who care about you, and people you enjoy being around. Spending time around folks who share mutual respect, friendship, interests, even values can be so therapeutic, so encouraging, so enlightening. And let's face it: don't you just love the satisfaction of a great, full belly laugh shared with another person? It's so much more fun to laugh and enjoy yourself in the company of another person!
The list could go on . . . . but this is already a mega-post I think! So, I will stop here. It has been fun. Fun sharing. And I hope my little list of coping strategies that I have utilized and will utilize again to successfully come out on the other side of "awful" will help you somehow! Have a great day!
Everyone, at some point in their life, will hit a "low." They will face a situation, a person, or a weakness that seems unmanageable and yes -- even hopeless -- and will be forced to make the choice to keep on keeping on, or to give up.
Now, I think, in our heart of hearts, we ALL want to succeed. I've yet to meet a person who wakes up and starts their day with the thought, "Today I will face an insurmountable problem and I will FAIL. I determine NOT to keep on keeping on, instead, I will give up!" Sure, some folks choose to see the glass half empty rather than half full. But the "lows" in life seem to be much stronger than the usual dose of pessimism.
So, my question is, how does one successfully deal when life gets one down? Here are a few things I've been contemplating as of late that either 1) have helped me cope in the past or 2) have been on my list of things to fall back on to help me cope and come out okay on the other side of any future lows.
1) Music. It seems there is nothing in this world quite like music. It has the power to heal, to tear down or anger, to rile up, to sadden, to gladden, to invigorate, to relax, all under one heading: MUSIC. It is truly its one language, and a fine, intricate language at that. I can't count how many times in my life music helped me through a rough spot!
2) Exercise. Be it walking, basketball, tennis or bicycling or something unique like Zumba or ballroom dancing, exercise has been studied over and over for its benefits and stress relief and the energy to cope successfully are definitely a couple of them! When you exercise, your body releases "feel-good hormones" that can lift your mood, clear your mind, and let's face it -- make you feel better about you and your self-image because you KNOW you're doing something to give back to that body you work so hard! I still use exercise as much as I possibly can schedule in, because I have found there is nothing like it. So, get going and find yourself some physical activity that brings you up! Get out there and move! :)
3) Journalling. Some folks cower at the word. But truthfully, this has been one standby that I've used since before I even reached the middle-school years. There is something innately therapeutic about writing out your thoughts, uninhibited (under the rightful assumption that NO ONE but you will read those thoughts), on a piece of paper. For me, it seems to lift a weight off my shoulders, most of all, in times of stress. But I journal in good times, too. I like to look back at the record of my life, and seeing the good things I've experienced and choosing to be grateful for those, helps me to keep an optimistic, thankful attitude! Regardless, journalling can be super therapeutic. If this means you want to type it out instead, go right ahead. For me, there is just something tactile and comforting about actually, physically writing.
4) Time spent with others. When I say others, I don't mean the co-worker who drives you batty no matter how many times you smile and try to be on your best behavior, or the family member you are sure was given to you to develop that wonderful virtue, patience. There is a time and a place for working hard to "win people over." I'm referring to time spent with people who care about you, and people you enjoy being around. Spending time around folks who share mutual respect, friendship, interests, even values can be so therapeutic, so encouraging, so enlightening. And let's face it: don't you just love the satisfaction of a great, full belly laugh shared with another person? It's so much more fun to laugh and enjoy yourself in the company of another person!
The list could go on . . . . but this is already a mega-post I think! So, I will stop here. It has been fun. Fun sharing. And I hope my little list of coping strategies that I have utilized and will utilize again to successfully come out on the other side of "awful" will help you somehow! Have a great day!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I have been away for far too long . . . long post to follow!
Hello dear friends,
I find it is time again for me to post . . . . something. It seems ironic to me that the times I feel most inspired are also (more often than I'd like) the times when I am not able to share my inspiration, whether because of time constraints, or other responsibilities. So I'm attempting a few moments here to catch and gather my thoughts again and see how I can share them. If I ramble some, please forgive me and know I'm happy to be back here!
I've been reading the posts of a couple of very, very good friends of mine. They inspire me to think more than most of us tend to think -- I think. That was way too many thinks! Anyhow, more deeply I should say. I have always enjoyed thinking deeply . . . . "profoundly." It's too much for some, I've gathered, through conversations in which I confess that I think "a lot" and "intensely" and they confess that they prefer not to think so much or so intensely. I don't mind their choice to think less, so long as it doesn't hurt them or endanger anyone else. But I'm not even referring to thinking as a means of protection, or of "common sense." I'm referring to thinking more as a means to understanding, enlightenment, musing. I like to think simply to think -- although once in a while, I wish I didn't think so much or so hard. :) Part of the package, I suppose.
Anyhow, I was thinking yesterday, yet again, of how life can take such a turn. For most, a turn for the best is always appreciated. But sometimes, it seems it takes a turn for the worst. People lose jobs, lose money, or worst of all, lose someone they love. It is one thing to lose someone you care about or at least, once cared about, through no fault of your own. Yet some people choose to "lose" a loved one through their own actions, their own spite, their own selfishness, their own greed. It is entirely possible to "lose" a person through means beside the death of the natural body. You can lose a person by choosing your own way all the time, by treating them in a rude and inconsiderate manner, by neglecting them, or even, most simply and yet profoundly, by never admitting you could be wrong, never saying "I'm sorry." I think it's a fact we all have been wrong at least once in our lifetime. I know I have been. And I've been at fault for not seeing the light and apologizing promptly and authentically.
But would I want to lose someone I love simply through pride and stubborness? Absolutely not. I seek every day to look inwardly, and to check the state of my heart and my attitude. Some days I feel I make leaps and bounds toward positive growth and positive state of mind, heart, and attitude. Some days, I feel like a rotten scoundrel that doesn't deserve to be loved. It's on those days that I have to gently and yet firmly remind myself, the truth is, not one person "deserves" to be loved. We have all trespassed against each other and, I believe, against God. If we were to love anyone -- including our own selves -- based upon how "good" or how "just" or how "compliant to man's rules" one is -- we would all sink before we'd swim. It's a fact.
All to say, next time someone does you wrong, speaks ill of you, offends you, neglects you, or outright abandons or betrays you . . . . hard as it is (and yes, it is VERY VERY hard), try to remember that you were once -- or will at sometime in your life be -- that same person. The one who didn't apologize, didn't forgive, didn't put themselves in the others' place, abandoned or betrayed the one who loved them so. And do all you can to forgive them. Forgive, yes forgive, even your own self. Learn and move on. Because forgiveness, my friends, albeit the most difficult thing to do sometimes, is the key to true healing. If you forgive, somehow, almost magically I suppose, the power of evil to control you or to harm you is suddenly deflected. You may still experience hurt at times. But you will not be controlled by those who harm you -- intentionally and unintentionally. And you will be free.
Have a blessed day!
I find it is time again for me to post . . . . something. It seems ironic to me that the times I feel most inspired are also (more often than I'd like) the times when I am not able to share my inspiration, whether because of time constraints, or other responsibilities. So I'm attempting a few moments here to catch and gather my thoughts again and see how I can share them. If I ramble some, please forgive me and know I'm happy to be back here!
I've been reading the posts of a couple of very, very good friends of mine. They inspire me to think more than most of us tend to think -- I think. That was way too many thinks! Anyhow, more deeply I should say. I have always enjoyed thinking deeply . . . . "profoundly." It's too much for some, I've gathered, through conversations in which I confess that I think "a lot" and "intensely" and they confess that they prefer not to think so much or so intensely. I don't mind their choice to think less, so long as it doesn't hurt them or endanger anyone else. But I'm not even referring to thinking as a means of protection, or of "common sense." I'm referring to thinking more as a means to understanding, enlightenment, musing. I like to think simply to think -- although once in a while, I wish I didn't think so much or so hard. :) Part of the package, I suppose.
Anyhow, I was thinking yesterday, yet again, of how life can take such a turn. For most, a turn for the best is always appreciated. But sometimes, it seems it takes a turn for the worst. People lose jobs, lose money, or worst of all, lose someone they love. It is one thing to lose someone you care about or at least, once cared about, through no fault of your own. Yet some people choose to "lose" a loved one through their own actions, their own spite, their own selfishness, their own greed. It is entirely possible to "lose" a person through means beside the death of the natural body. You can lose a person by choosing your own way all the time, by treating them in a rude and inconsiderate manner, by neglecting them, or even, most simply and yet profoundly, by never admitting you could be wrong, never saying "I'm sorry." I think it's a fact we all have been wrong at least once in our lifetime. I know I have been. And I've been at fault for not seeing the light and apologizing promptly and authentically.
But would I want to lose someone I love simply through pride and stubborness? Absolutely not. I seek every day to look inwardly, and to check the state of my heart and my attitude. Some days I feel I make leaps and bounds toward positive growth and positive state of mind, heart, and attitude. Some days, I feel like a rotten scoundrel that doesn't deserve to be loved. It's on those days that I have to gently and yet firmly remind myself, the truth is, not one person "deserves" to be loved. We have all trespassed against each other and, I believe, against God. If we were to love anyone -- including our own selves -- based upon how "good" or how "just" or how "compliant to man's rules" one is -- we would all sink before we'd swim. It's a fact.
All to say, next time someone does you wrong, speaks ill of you, offends you, neglects you, or outright abandons or betrays you . . . . hard as it is (and yes, it is VERY VERY hard), try to remember that you were once -- or will at sometime in your life be -- that same person. The one who didn't apologize, didn't forgive, didn't put themselves in the others' place, abandoned or betrayed the one who loved them so. And do all you can to forgive them. Forgive, yes forgive, even your own self. Learn and move on. Because forgiveness, my friends, albeit the most difficult thing to do sometimes, is the key to true healing. If you forgive, somehow, almost magically I suppose, the power of evil to control you or to harm you is suddenly deflected. You may still experience hurt at times. But you will not be controlled by those who harm you -- intentionally and unintentionally. And you will be free.
Have a blessed day!
Monday, July 26, 2010
What to say?
I'm sure none of you ever face this impasse . . . . but once in a rare while, I actually don't know what to say. I don't simply mean what to say verbally, but what to say here. What if my life seems too ordinary to write about sometimes? Or perhaps I've got it all wrong. It seems people nowadays like to read the everyday posted by folks on blogs, or social networks. Perhaps everyday is safe and comforting like a glass of cold milk and chocolate chip cookies warm out of the oven!
So, my "everyday" this past weekend consisted of some pleasant activities and some considered rather mundane. Mundane included cleaning the bathroom. Vacuuming. Mopping. You know the routine. It's a necessary evil. (haha) I also did some very yummy cooking, but that isn't always so mundane. I enjoy cooking. Sometimes, I just get tired of the fact that humans have to eat SO often!! LOL
The pleasant included playing with my adorable pets, watching a couple good movies and t.v. episodes, playing Scrabble TWICE (bwahaha I LOVE Scrabble and I really enjoy winning!!), going to the mall, running errands that needed to be run, and just spending some time relaxing with a very special person. :-)
How was your weekend? Was it all "everyday"? Or was it pleasant, memorable, and otherwise GREAT?
So, my "everyday" this past weekend consisted of some pleasant activities and some considered rather mundane. Mundane included cleaning the bathroom. Vacuuming. Mopping. You know the routine. It's a necessary evil. (haha) I also did some very yummy cooking, but that isn't always so mundane. I enjoy cooking. Sometimes, I just get tired of the fact that humans have to eat SO often!! LOL
The pleasant included playing with my adorable pets, watching a couple good movies and t.v. episodes, playing Scrabble TWICE (bwahaha I LOVE Scrabble and I really enjoy winning!!), going to the mall, running errands that needed to be run, and just spending some time relaxing with a very special person. :-)
How was your weekend? Was it all "everyday"? Or was it pleasant, memorable, and otherwise GREAT?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Music - Therapy for the Soul
I suppose it's a given that practically EVERYONE loves music, in one genre or another. Do you?
As for myself, I have loved music ever since I can remember. I was virtually raised on classical music. It is still one of my primary loves. However, since I've had a taste of other genres, my pallete has become decidedly more eclectic, even while it's selective. Some other genres I typically enjoy include Celtic music, pop, most jazz, some folk and bluegrass, and a great deal of instrumental. I even enjoy some rock, albeit soft rock more often than not. Contemporary Christian and some rather "independent" and unique styles also factor in there.
My Ipod is a conglomeration of many genres. You can find everything from Canon in D (workout version haha) to Michael Buble to Dido to Jonathan Diaz to Kris Allen. My Itunes is even more of a mix! But I love it. Because I just never know exactly what "musical mood" I will find myself in, until I'm about ready to work out and have the accompanying music, or cook and have the music, or clean and have the music, or just RELAX with music!
What about you? Do you love music, too? What do you like most about it? Its ability to soothe your soul, or reve you up, or keep you going on the treadmill when you feel your legs are jello? :-) I love all these aspects of music. It truly is a language in and of itself. A beautiful language, at that!
As for myself, I have loved music ever since I can remember. I was virtually raised on classical music. It is still one of my primary loves. However, since I've had a taste of other genres, my pallete has become decidedly more eclectic, even while it's selective. Some other genres I typically enjoy include Celtic music, pop, most jazz, some folk and bluegrass, and a great deal of instrumental. I even enjoy some rock, albeit soft rock more often than not. Contemporary Christian and some rather "independent" and unique styles also factor in there.
My Ipod is a conglomeration of many genres. You can find everything from Canon in D (workout version haha) to Michael Buble to Dido to Jonathan Diaz to Kris Allen. My Itunes is even more of a mix! But I love it. Because I just never know exactly what "musical mood" I will find myself in, until I'm about ready to work out and have the accompanying music, or cook and have the music, or clean and have the music, or just RELAX with music!
What about you? Do you love music, too? What do you like most about it? Its ability to soothe your soul, or reve you up, or keep you going on the treadmill when you feel your legs are jello? :-) I love all these aspects of music. It truly is a language in and of itself. A beautiful language, at that!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
It's only been FOREVER :-)
Hello friends!
You probably thought I just up and disappeared from the blogging world. Well, I have news for you that I hope you consider GOOD news . . . WRONG! I did disappear for a little while, but I am BACK! I may not be able to blog as often as I'd like to, but hey, better late and little than never and nothing! :-)
So, we are in the dead-heat of summer. And I don't like it. I admit. About the only things I like about summer are these I can count on one hand: swimming, Independence Day, and (usually) a break from school! But, I'm hoping that summer will not be too treacherous and that autumn will roll around before we know it . . . .because autumn is my favorite time of year followed by spring!
I have been busy with "life" in general. So many changes, so little time. Some good, some bad. But overall, I still try to maintain a positive attitude and count my blessings. I am going to the gym. That's a positive. I am testing new recipes (I like to cook and bake, I don't love the cleaning-up part, but it's ok, it's life!) and mostly all of them are super yummy. That's a positive. I am reading good books. That's definitely a positive. (maybe I should post a couple informal but fun reviews of the books I've read on here sometime?) I'm enriching friendships and relationships with those people I can get to know better, and with whom I can share this journey called life. That's a major positive!
What have you been up to? Are you counting the positives in your life? I know sometimes, it's hard to do. I've been there a lot. Especially recently. But I've found that counting the little blessings, and the bigger ones, helps me to keep a proper perspective. It helps me face each day and end each day with a little song of hope in my heart. To keep on keeping on. And I think we could all use that hope and endurance at one point or another!
Hoping you find your life FULL of positives!!!!! :-) Talk to you later!
You probably thought I just up and disappeared from the blogging world. Well, I have news for you that I hope you consider GOOD news . . . WRONG! I did disappear for a little while, but I am BACK! I may not be able to blog as often as I'd like to, but hey, better late and little than never and nothing! :-)
So, we are in the dead-heat of summer. And I don't like it. I admit. About the only things I like about summer are these I can count on one hand: swimming, Independence Day, and (usually) a break from school! But, I'm hoping that summer will not be too treacherous and that autumn will roll around before we know it . . . .because autumn is my favorite time of year followed by spring!
I have been busy with "life" in general. So many changes, so little time. Some good, some bad. But overall, I still try to maintain a positive attitude and count my blessings. I am going to the gym. That's a positive. I am testing new recipes (I like to cook and bake, I don't love the cleaning-up part, but it's ok, it's life!) and mostly all of them are super yummy. That's a positive. I am reading good books. That's definitely a positive. (maybe I should post a couple informal but fun reviews of the books I've read on here sometime?) I'm enriching friendships and relationships with those people I can get to know better, and with whom I can share this journey called life. That's a major positive!
What have you been up to? Are you counting the positives in your life? I know sometimes, it's hard to do. I've been there a lot. Especially recently. But I've found that counting the little blessings, and the bigger ones, helps me to keep a proper perspective. It helps me face each day and end each day with a little song of hope in my heart. To keep on keeping on. And I think we could all use that hope and endurance at one point or another!
Hoping you find your life FULL of positives!!!!! :-) Talk to you later!
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