Several Things to Observe Today

I have several things to observe today:

1) Even after twelve years you can crave a cigarette as much as the day you quit.

2) Nothing comes easy. You have to work hard to achieve your goals and you can't ever, ever give up. If you're not going to work hard for yourself, no one else is, either.

3) I've been told love is never convenient. Twice today, by two different people. So, it must be true. 

5) I believe in myself, and my God. And that's a pretty good feeling on both counts.

Ha. And I skipped number 4. What was number four? I'm sure it must have been important... let's just throw in, for the record,  #4 = readers are leaders. 

Turning 40

Yes, even to me it seems a little silly to be so excited about turning 40. This birthday just feels different, as if my fourth decade is a point of renewal for my life. With a major life change just six months behind me, I'm thankful to God for making me strong, moving me forward, and bringing me blessings for which I am thankful. I'm so grateful for my family and friends, and especially my daughters, who bring such joy every day. Cheers! xoxo

Trust Yourself

Stop Blaming Me

“All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.” ~~ Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Some people will never change. They will always be difficult and they will always shift the blame away from themselves. I find it easier for me, not to look for fault. Sometimes things just are.

You have to make the choice to move forward in a positive manner. 

Mindset is everything. 

Be introspective. 

Pray. Listen.

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much -- And Don't Be Ordinary

That a man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.  

~ Robert Louis Stevenson

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

'Phrynette Married' by Marthe Troly-Curtin

                                   

Quotes for Encouragement in Dreaming Your Dreams

“There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you'd better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you'll never understand what it's saying.” ~ Sarah Dessen

If there is any point at all to life, surely it is to live out our dreams, to serve, to follow our bliss, to release the music within us, play it with joy and to share it with others? Surely we have a responsibility to finally listen to - and honor - the siren calls of our souls, which have been silenced by our egos throughout our lives? How else can we connect with our essence, the source of our calling? ~ Lance Secretan

When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion--that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet--therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code. ~ Stephen Covey

Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.  ~ Sai Baba

"If you aim for only wealth, beauty, fame, & power, you aim too low. Humility, gentleness, gratitude, & service is aiming high." ~ Lecrae

Take a deep breath, trust God's timing, and calmly embrace the journey.

Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You

Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You.

Who else can relate to this?  

At the age of (so-close-to) forty and recently out of a 17-year relationship, I can relate.

As I think of my passions as I rediscover myself, my own feelings and thoughts, I can relate.

As I consider my future, the who what when where how of it, I can relate.

Passion, focus, thought, feeling.

Right from wrong.  In life and world.

Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You.

What does this mean to you?

Soul's Code: Inspiration of Talent and Work

When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion--that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet--therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code. ~ Stephen Covey

If there is any point at all to life, surely it is to live out our dreams, to serve, to follow our bliss, to release the music within us, play it with joy and to share it with others? Surely we have a responsibility to finally listen to - and honor - the siren calls of our souls, which have been silenced by our egos throughout our lives? How else can we connect with our essence, the source of our calling? ~ Lance Secretan

French Horn: Out and Ready to Play

Dave gave me great advice -- it's out, and it's going to stay out. Not in a corner, not in a closet, not tucked away. Out and ready to play. The girls were so excited; M doesn't remember hearing me ever play. Good to know I could get through some scales and intervals... and E & M were tickled when I played Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and they could sing along. Yes, yes, yes. Jessica is slowly, but surely, coming back to life. 

Dave says, "Do not put the case near it. Do not put anything in front of it. Do not be concerned about dust, scratches, fingerprints. Let its siren song call out clearly, unfettered, unencumbered. You will get to the point where you simply cannot help but pick it up each day.  In fact... put the case in the closet. Out of sight."

He is so, so right.

My friend, he makes me smile.  

Three Different People

Who you were, who you are, and who you will be are three different people.

At the Beginning of the Symphony:

At the beginning of the symphony: 
Marilyn: Mommy, why can't you play with that band?
Me: I can. But I would have to practice a lot.
Marilyn: Do it, Mommy.
Me (in my head): I will.

Details of the Kernersville Railroad Depot

The Kernersville Railroad Depot has been on my mind lately, and the photographs I took there three years ago.  I've been thinking about the detail; the color, the rusting and corrosion and how time is taking it's toll on the hulking railroad car.

If you're local to the Piedmont Triad or are interested in the history of the depot, please see my blog post on Piedmont Triad Living here. 

These are the details of the train sitting beside the restored 1870s depot.

Ball Pit: Take A Seat & Make A Friend

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

Nurse Reveals Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Deathbed

I don't think any one of these is a surprise, but seems so difficult to change when you're in the middle of it all. It is a choice though, and I strive to not have these same regrets.

Nurse Reveals Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Deathbed | REALfarmacy.com | Healthy News and Information

Reflections of Ocean Isle, NC

We recently returned from a short visit to Ocean Isle, North Carolina.  Ocean Isle is a coastal barrier island located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC.  We were there in the second week of November and enjoyed unseasonably warm weather; sunny and 70° on our only full day there.  Warm enough that my two girls convinced me to cut off the pants we brought and we ventured into the Atlantic Ocean.  It was fine and perfect on that one day.  The next day brought arctic air and we nearly froze for our second sunrise.  

One thing that struck me about Ocean Isle was the reflection that was so distinct in the water soaked sand.  I've never seen anything quite like it.  Objects were a mirror image and even the color seemed more vibrant!  I was blessed to have captured the sight.  

soulenergy.  If there is one description for what that is, it was this trip wrapped in a bow.  Four of my favorite things, all together in one fell swoop -- my daughters, who are 9 and 5, the ocean, sunrises, and sunsets.  

Enjoy the photos!

First Sight of the Ocean, grainy photo captured by phone

My younger spent a great deal of time trying to catch a bird.

The beginning of our first sunset on Ocean Isle

The beginning of our first sunrise on Ocean Isle.

We found several sand dollars on the beach!  My first time seeing them in a natural setting.  Truly amazing -- hardly seems possible they're naturally made.

We walked until we ran out of beach!  

She would pick sand up and throw it towards the water.  She said she was "feeding the ocean".

Jumping the waves!

As we were walking the beach, this guy jumped up (nearly scaring the bejeezus out of me) and scurried quickly across the sand.  We chased him and suddenly he stopped and turned around.  Face off.  He stood still long enough to get several great shots!

And then a little further down the beach, I spotted this one, buried in the sand.  Nearly hidden, you can see, except for his eyes and just a bit of leg.

The girls teased him a bit with some sea grass.  He slowly emerged... 

... and out he was!  He ran backwards quickly up the dune and disappeared.

Older Daughter's favorite Teddy, enjoying our second sunrise.

We had a beautiful and relaxing trip to Ocean Isle.  During our off-season visit, we had the beach to ourselves.  It was rejuvinating and as you can see, so beautiful.  soulenergy