~ Hawaiian Music ~ ♫

"Hawaiian music -
beckons ... come and listen
as if hypnotizing you,
transporting you to another world."

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" - I bring to you the history of one of the most beautiful genre's of music on the planet.  Hawaiian music is assuredly very distinctive, and recognized by the world - the second a melody begins on the ukelele.  With a beautiful soothing voice and always a story in the song, you're sure to love it.

Find some Hawaiian music today - and celebrate the end of the week with it!  It will capture your heart - so be prepared!

Aloooooooooooooha!

~ Kailua ~

"If there is a heaven on earth ...

it is found along the powdered white sandy beaches

of Kailua"

To celebrate "Aloha Friday" today - I'm posting my most favorite place on earth!

Last year we had the amazing opportunity to spend 10 days in the little town of Kailua (found on the Hawaiian island of Oahu). 
It truly was a slice of heaven. 

The white sand along the beautiful emerald and tropical blue warm waters, was as soft as powdered sugar.  I walked every morning and night along the beach ... savoring every second of it.  It is also a great place for fun recreation with all of the wind-surfers riding along the waves, flying off a wave into the air and back down in the water.  We watched them for hours as we layed out, walked, played and immersed ourselves within the warmth of liquid blue.

It's a small town with a little market on the corner of the street to the beach.  And as I mentioned before has the best "shave-ice" on the island!  There is just something about this slice of paradise that still - to this day - tugs at my heart with a feeling of homesickness.  Someday ... we'll be back!  But in the meantime, enjoy the pictures of this beautiful creation on earth!  A little history of how it all started. 

Annnnnd some video entertainment!!  Enjoy : )

~ "Aloha!" ~

“A day without Aloha is just another mainland day.”

- Buck Buchanan

From the moment you step foot out of the airplane arriving in Hawaii - you hear, see and feel "Aloha" everywhere! 

Aloha holds many meanings.  Hello, goodbye, and "The Spirit of Aloha" convey's the love and warmth toward each other.

So on this "Aloha Friday" ... I bring to you the history of the word "Aloha."  

Enjoy and "Alooooooooooooooha!!"   : )

p.s.... dessert! 

~ Extraordinary Touch ~

I have THE BEST students in existence!  They inspire me every single day! : )

 

 Malia (my daughter performing "Waterfall" at the recital. 
Jon signing autographs and all of us presenting him with our gift - a candy bar poster. : )

 Beginning the concert ...

 Doing what he does best - upside down!!  : )

Jon connecting with the audience ... personal stories, humor and history of his song arrangements.

Jon asked for a random volunteer to come up and "jam" with him in the blues "key of C" ... out of everyone who volunteered, it was my dearest cousin Jonathan who flew all the way in from Missouri for the concert!  Everyone thought it was a set up, but it was the FIRST time

that Jon (my cuz) met Jon.

What a great moment! ♫

Jon's trademark smile : )

"The sensitivity of every single note

was truly taken into consideration, by his extraordinary touch."

This past weekend was without a doubt one of the top ten moments in my life thus far.  It will most likely remain there until my last breathing day.  Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it.

As many of you know, Jon Schmidt (beyond brilliant pianist) came to my private piano recital and then graced the city of Temecula with a fantastic concert!  Not only is he truly gifted and talented - but beyond that ... an incredible entertainer and one of the nicest people I've ever met.

A lot of people have asked me how I was able to get Jon here to perform.  Well.  Like many awesome things that come to pass - it all began with a thought.  Last year around April, a couple of my more advanced students really wanted to learn how to play his "epic" pieces.  So I thought, sure - why not.  They are some of the most amazing arrangements ever - would be a good challenge for my students - and a lot of fun! : )
Well, then some of my younger students, got wind of it and wanted to learn his music too.  Luckily for me as a piano teacher - this genius pianist/composer - has a book for all levels of piano students.  
 

Then, the thought came to me as I asked each one of my students: "What if we have a Jon Schmidt recital, playing only his music? ... Wouldn't that be a fun recital?"  All of them were of course 100% in agreement.  Then my thoughts continued to progress (funny how that happens along the way!), and I again asked my students: "Wouldn't it be awesome IF we could somehow get Jon Schmidt to come to our recital?"  (a total far-fetched dream of course, but asking that question sparked the same kind of impossible hope into all of our hearts).  And again they were 100% in agreement.

Well, I found him on Facebook - he accepted my friend request - I told him my little story of how all of my students were learning all of his own arrangements and how we were going to have a "Jon Schmidt Recital" in his honor, and asked him what it would take for him to come - and IF he would be interested in coming at all.  He said he would love to come, quoted me his out of state fee and then a few days passed.  In my mind I was trying to figure out how to cover all the cost's that were involved.  Jon's fee, the grand piano rental/delivery, the sound technician that Jon requires, the venue cost, etc. etc. etc.
  Then as if a spotlight (not a light bulb) instantly clicked on in my mind, with such illumination, I thought: "What if I organize a concert for him, in our wonderful town of Temecula??!!"  I presented him with the idea and he replied: "Great idea!  I am there!" : )

Long story short.  After a few re-scheduling dates, trying to secure a venue, and lining up a date that would work for both of us - it happened!  And it was a ga-zillion times beyond any of my thoughts, dreams or expectations!  Our private piano recital was so much fun as each student asked Jon a question (related to music or not), before they performed their piece, and then Jon giving them all high-fives as they went back to sit down at their seat.  He then conducted a workshop for them, demonstrating various things on the piano which my students truly enjoyed and appreciated.  I kept thinking while sitting there in awe taking it all in, a year ago what began as a thought evolved into the famous line: "and the rest is history!!"  I couldn't believe it was actually happening and that Jon Schmidt was really truly there for us.  It was so surreal.  "Pinch me, am I dreaming?" little moment for me.  All my emotions, whirlwinding around me.  Very incredible moment indeed!

Then of course his performance in the concert - was far beyond amazing!!  His humor - "magic bag trick" - personable connection with the audience - his "epic" songs - funny songs - completely out of his bench ("The Dumb Song") songs - his creative arrangement pieces ("Love Story meets Viva La Vida" - "Pachalbel meets U2" - "Terminator meets Jessica's Theme" - etc. etc. etc!!) and finally his extraordinary touch with his exquisite arrangement of "Cherished Moments" where he had such hypnotic control with every single note ... everyone was captured in the moment - you could have heard a pin drop.  Simply beautiful.  I had all of my piano students sitting in the front row.  And my most favorite thing about it, was watching their faces and expressions as they were all hypnotized by this amazing, gifted, kind artist.  What a wonderful moment.

Jon was gracious and spent time with all of his fans, conducting a "meet n' greet" session.  Pictures, autographs, questions and answers.  Very cool.  Very generous of him to do that.  We then took him to dinner and made sure everyone in the restuarant knew that Jon Schmidt was in the house! haha : )

We are planning to do this again next September with a matinee and evening concert.  I am truly - beyond any expression of grateful - for Jon and that this dream actually came true.  Time is a funny thing.  Last year when this idea surfaced and my students started on their pieces - now seems so long ago.  And now this past weekend when it all happened, now feels like a dream. I have to keep looking back at the pictures to really see if it happened! haha : )

This also taught me, that if you have any thought, desire, wish, dream - that you CAN make it happen!!  Of course there is a LOT of work, preparation, research, networking, sweat and tears, and creativity that is involved - but every single second is worth it when it happenes.  I never, never, never, EVER - in my wildest dreams - thought I would have Jon Schmidt come to one of my little piano recitals!!  Me - a little piano teacher - nobody famous ... just a wish and desire for my students, family, friends and the community to partake in his amazingness!!!  And he - thanking ME for having him there.  He, giving everything to my students, and making them feel famous and appreciated.  What an amazing person he is!

Don't EVER give up.  Whatever it is you wish for.  Make it happen.  Step by step.  With a truckload of patience sometimes.  AND the motivation to KEEP GOING when you face those obstacles in life along the way.  Look around it, get out of the rutt and find another pathway to make it happen. 
There are ALWAYS other options in life to bring  your dreams to fruition.   Don't stay stuck.  Think out of the box and put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

Here's to making what you think might be impossible - POSSIBLE today! : )

And a little something just for you!  A couple of his famous pieces recorded live from our concert.  Enjoy!  Even with the "special effects" turn of the camera that my daughter did. haha

"Waterfall" 

"Love Story meets Viva La Vida" 

♥

Some fun pictures to enjoy!!  : )

Jonathan, Jon & me!  : )

 Jonathan, Jon, me and my dear friend Julie!

 Taylor (my son), Jon & Desmarie

 Ridin' in the convertable on a perfect California day!!

 "Jon Schmidt" is in the house!!!  Having a great time at dinner!

 Hubby with Jon. 

Our best family photo w/Jon!!  : )

I had to have a picture w/Jon like everyone else was!!  I mean after all ...... c'mon! haha : )  Self portrait!

His classic trademark picture!!  Love it!  Great guy!  : ) 

Be sure to visit his website for mp3's/song book downloads.  Also for his concert schedule including his upcoming Christmas concert at Kingsbury Hall in UT (info is on his concert schedule) - and bonus ... FREE 2 hour streaming of his amazing arrangements!
♫

~ Hula ~

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" - I bring to you the wikipedia history of Hula!  Enjoy!!  : )

Hula is a dance form accompanied by chant or song. It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. The chant or song is called a mele. The hula dramatizes or comments on the mele.


There are many styles of hula. They are commonly divided into two broad categories: Ancient hula, as performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi, is called kahiko. It is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments. Hula as it evolved under Western influence, in the 19th and 20th centuries, is called ʻauana. It is accompanied by song and Western-influenced musical instruments such as the guitar, the ʻukulele, and the double bass.

Terminology for two main additional categories is beginning to enter the hula lexicon: "Monarchy" includes many hula which were composed and choreographed during the 19th century. During that time the influx of Western culture created significant changes in the formal Hawaiian arts, including hula. "Ai Kahiko", meaning "in the ancient style" are those hula written in the 20th and 21st centuries that follow the stylistic protocols of the ancient hula kahiko.

Hula is taught in schools called hālau. The teacher of hula is the kumu hula, where kumu means source of knowledge. Hula dancing is a complex art form, and there are many hand motions used to signify aspects of nature, such as the basic Hula and Coconut Tree motions, or the basic leg steps, such as the Kaholo, Ka'o, and Ami.

There are other dances that come from other Polynesian islands such as Tahiti, The Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Aotearoa (New Zealand); however, the hula is unique to the Hawaiian Islands.

Keep those hips movin! ...
"Aloooooooooooooha!"

~ Swimming ~

"When life gets you down, you know whatchya gotta do?

Just keep swimming , just keep swimming,

just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!"

~Dory ... Finding Nemo

I absolutely LOVE Dory!  She's always upbeat, a cheer leader of sorts, a loyal friend and she doesn't give up. 
Even with her short-term memory, she still conquers!

I've been swimming laps lately and I just love being in the water.  It's a refreshing sanctuary for me - relaxing, peaceful and simply my own little corner of the world for a moment in my day.

Funny thing.  There is a quote from the movie: Eat Pray Love, that has been going through my thoughts for the past few weeks that says:
"If you want to live in the castle, you have to swim the moat."

I posted that quote this morning on Facebook and one of my friends replied:
"Well, if that's the case, I'm going to swim laps!"

Ha!  It was just then that I realized why that quote has been on my mind!  And then adding the final puzzle piece of Dory ... funny how things come full circle in life.  Even when we don't realize that we have been doing something, how it all comes around at the perfect time in our life.
 Just when we really need it the most. 
And what I needed in my life today:
"Just keep swimming."

So!  Here's to swimming our personal "moat" today ... whatever that may be.  And remember to kick hard, breathe, stretch those arms out in front of you as far as you can reach ... and to
"Just keep swimming!"
><(((( *> 

~ What Matters Most ~

Out of everything we do in life.  Everything we have -

everything we are, everywhere we go. 

There is one thing that matters most .

What is it for you today?

Happy Sabbath ♥

~ The Pineapple! ~

"A most delicious fruit ...
spiny and thorny on the outside
juicy and sweet on the inside!
  Who would have ever known?!!"

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" I bring to you the Pineapple! : )

I would have to say that one of the most delicious, sweet, heaven-sent treats, has got to be the pineapple!  Our family loves pineapple and have it ever so often.  There is even a pinapple sitting on my kitchen counter right now.

If you've ever wondered about the history of the pineapple, it is very interesting - especially who first discovered it and where!

And for some really good news - pineapple is actually good for you with some pretty incredible health properties!!  Check it out!!

For a little treat on how to carve a pineapple, watch this video.

And if you're ever in Oahu, Hawaii ... be sure to stop by the Dole Pineapple Plantation for a tour and a tasty treat!

Have an "onolicious" Aloha Friday!  Treat yourself to some fresh, ripe, juicy, sweet, delicious pineapple today!  : )

~ Sweetness ~

"Dolce Far Niente" = The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

Eat Pray Love ♥

There is a scene in the movie: Eat Pray Love, where an Italian man is expressing how: "you American's make yourselves feel so guilty!  That you don't just enjoy life moment by moment and how you make yourselves feel that you 'deserve' a break to feel enjoyment in life."  When he said that I thought, "wow - he's right!" 

Do you naturally enjoy life, or do you feel like you have to get your "to-do-list" accomplished first, to 'deserve' you have the right to feel enjoyment?  Now, I'm not talking about becoming lazy and not caring about the daily task's that do need to get done ... I'm talking about 'enjoying life' even while going about our task's during the day.  The Italian man in the movie continued on by saying, "we Italians know how to enjoy life - moment by moment.  We don't need to be told that we deserve a break!"  Wow!  Isn't that a refreshing awakening??!!  So, I must heartedly agree that once in awhile - it IS okay to enjoy "Dolce Far Niente!" 

Carve out a moment today, just for you to enjoy this "sweetness!"  Even if it's simply sitting on your front porch with an ice cold drink of lemonade in hand for 15 minutes or so...or as long as you want! 
YOU DESERVE IT!  Life is meant to be enjoyed, and not feeling "guilty" about "deserving" to enjoy it!! 
Your spirit will be re-charged and you will be a much better person to be around!  Not only for yourself, but for others too.  And don't feel like you have to be told that you deserve a break.  You do. 
The Italians have it right!!  : )

Major vs. Minor

"Those who fail in love, life and relationships -

are those who Major in the Minor things of life!"

Whoa!  It's been awhile since my last post!!!  The days are flying by too quickly - and with a few projects under my wing ... my thoughts and energy have been gathered up in that!

So, quick post.  The quote above found me yesterday.  It came at a perfect time in my life right now - which quotes usually do for me - and really helped bring me back to what IS important in life!

Funny thing about "major vs. minor" is that in music, major chords are more upbeat - the "happy chords" as my piano students would say.  Now that's something to think about, isn't it?

So - today - here's to remembering the "Major" things in your life - those things that bring you joy, love, a full life ... and not dwell on the small, stupid, ridiculous - void of value - energy wasting junk ... the "Minor" things in life.

And also remember:

"Don't sweat the small stuff.  It's all small stuff!"

~ Stand up eight ~

This post was going thru my thoughts this morning -

and I felt inspired to re-post it again. 

A message I can always use myself ... hope it inspires you as well.

How is it that some mornings - like for me today - are more difficult than other mornings to get up and get going?  What happened during the night?  Did the mood snatcher hover over me while I was sleeping and put some kind of un-motivated mood curse over me?  What is it?!!  I mean, c'mon - yesterday, I was up and ready for the day before my alarm clock sounded, in a really good motivated mood!  Today ... totally different story.  Wanted to go back to bed the second I awoke.  "Just 5 more minutes ... ok, give me 10 ... how about the entire day?!" Ya!  Only in my dreams!

Well, I eventually got up.  I randomly reached for one of my little inspirational quote books that sits on my desk ... and without thinking, yet hoping to find some sort of positive immediate guidance for my tired mind today, I just "happened" to open right up to this quote which I've read before and really like - and for me this morning was just what I needed!:

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."

~Japanese proverb

Okay.  So I kind of laughed at the "God Wink" humor of it all ... and thought - this might just turn out to be a good day - with effort on my part - (more than usual) if I just stand up one more time.

  So, I went about my morning duty of preparing lunches and breakfast, a little slower than normal, taxi'd my kids to their various school destinations, and somehow by magic - the "standing up" helped me get going for the day.

I know that some days are meant for me to reach for the sky.  Other's are just standing up one more time.  And as I stand - step by step, I realize that "today is another day I've been given.  A gift really, sometimes in disguise.   And now that I'm 'up' - what can I give back?"  These are the days that make me stretch out and reach beyond myself, even when I don't feel like it.  And when I do - the reward is ten fold, then when I do reach and am in the mood to do it.  Hmmmmm ... is this a test to smooth one more edge of my sometimes jagged spirit - to help mold and create me into something more ... better ... of who I am created to become?  I can just hear the echo: "This is a test of the 'eternal' broadcast system ... This is only a test!" - lol!!  : ) 

So, days like this have a purpose beyond what I "feel like doing."  Days like this urge me to "stand up eight," and see what I'm capable of doing regardless.  Reach, stretch, grow.

Here's to standing up one more time today!  : )  

~ Create ~

“It is better to create than to be learned,
creating is the true essence of life”

-Barthold Georg Niebuhr

Do you consider yourself to be creative?  What do you create? Okay ... so ... how do you define "creativity?" 

Is it being able to play a musical instrument - or paint - or sing - dance - cook good - build things - gardening - public speaking - photography or write? ... What is your own definition of creativity?

What would you say if I told you that no matter what you believe or think about yourself in conjunction with creativity, that you ARE creative?!  Every single human being on this earth has some sort of creativity within their spirit. 
We were all meant to create.  We all have the capacity - whether you believe it or not about yourself - to give something of ourselves in a creative way, back to the world and those around us.

I love this quote that 'found me' a couple of days ago.  When I read it - it really jumped out at me with such an "ah-ha" awareness that I just HAD to share it with you!  It also pretty much helps define creativity and puts to rest any doubts  you may have about whether or not you think you are creative!

“Creative living does not mean only the creative life of the artist.  To make art is wondrous, enriching, and indispensable.
But it is just as essential to enjoy the freedom to live creatively whatever we may be doing, whether it’s slicing carrots, cutting flowers, trading bonds, baking bread, taking a walk, drawing a breath, riding a bus – or writing poems, symphonies, or novels.
The portrait of the artist is really about the creative spark that exists in each of us, young, old, and in between, that is enlivened by solitude.
When that spark is ignited, our lives feel rich and meaningful;
when it stays buried, we go about the business of living ready-made, compliant, rule-dominated lives,
wondering what went wrong and how to change it. “
-Florence Falk from On My Own~

You see?  There is something that exists in YOU.  Now your obligation to your life and those around you is to keep "that spark ignited" and share it!  Don't bury it.  Nothing good comes of shrinking or hiding ourselves from what we can give back.
Even if it's being creative in raising your kids - the way you dress - do your hair - set the table - play ball with your son - braid your daughters hair - hang out with your friends - decorate your house, apartment, work space, car ... the list is endless!!!

Here's to sharing today - your own creativity, whatever it may be.  Even if it is simply listening.

♥

~ Be Strong and of a Good Courage ~

"Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid,
neither be thou dismayed:
for the Lord thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest."

 - Joshua 1:9

I love the one flower in this picture - standing out alone amongst its background. 
Just as the scripture above says to be strong and of good courage - this one flower is exemplifying that for me.  Standing alone in the world with everyone and everything around it - with courage and facing the Light. 

Take your stand today. 
Be strong and of a good courage for what you believe to be true. 
Stand out from the crowd and know that "thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."


And remember.  YOU have power.  In your voice, example, actions ... everything you do and who you are -
whether for good or bad. 
So!  Stand with courage, goodness - and light the way.
♥

"The power of one man or one woman doing the right thing for the right reason,
and at the right time,
is the greatest influence in our society."

-Jack Kemp

 

~ Pele ~

"Pele resides in Hawaiian hearts and minds
as the supreme representation of volcanic majesty and power."

Since today is not only Aloha Friday - but Friday the 13th as well, I thought I'd bring the 2 together and give you a little superstitions from Hawaii!

This gives the best history - mythology - superstition of Pele -
"The Goddess of Fire."

Enjoy your day.  Do everything you can to keep it good luck!  And remember to watch out for those black cats crossing your path - cracked mirrors - and walking under ladders!
And remember to keep "knocking on wood!"
: )

~ Faith or Fear ~

In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt.

Choose to live by faith and not fear.

Short post today ... I've just really been pondering on Faith a lot.  And how it's one of the pinnacle values that has guided me thru my life and still does to this very second. 

It is BY faith that so many little miracles happen in my life. 
It is by faith that I know what I know to be true. 
It is by faith that my burdens are lifted because I know that someone who knows me better than myself, will always take care of me. 
It is by faith that I am where I should be this very moment.

So!  Here's to living by FAITH and not fear today. 

In this chaotic world, it's so refreshing to "let go and let God."

♥

♥ Heartprints ♥

"Send me out today

to leave heartprints."

Yesterday, my daughter was "hanging out" with one of her close friends, who she wasn't going to see for awhile because they were going out of town.  While in the car taking her to see her friend - the words just came out of my mouth:

"leave them with a good memory."

The more I thought about it, (what now has become an "ah-ha moment" for me)  ... my thoughts continued on to me - to us - the world ... that yes, indeed ... we all need to leave each other with a good memory in life.  No matter who they are - friends, family, strangers ... but especially those we love ... those we see daily  Even when you know you're going to see them again in an hour - tomorrow - a few days - or even at the end of the day. Because you never know if it might be the last time you see them - or they you. 

What would be a good last memory you left with them?

So!  Here's to leaving good memories with those around you in your pathway of life today. 

Here's to leaving heartprints and touching lives -

only you can touch.

♥

~ You Are Right ~

"I don't believe it." - Luke

"That is why you fail." - Yoda

There is so much wisdom in that quote!  Simple two-liner thought, that speaks a thousand words!!

Why is it so easy in life, to not believe in ourself?  Do we just not have a clear understanding of WHO we really are?  The divine creation we were created to be?  Why is it that just one negative thought can wash away a thousand positive ones in a second? 

I love inspirational stories and quotes about people who were looked at as failures, but proved the world wrong.  That what the world see's as a failure is in reality their success just waiting around the corner, as they continued through it all to keep believing.   Sure, it's difficult to always believe in yourself when your world around you is making you feel otherwise. 

Sometimes I wish that there was a "believe" button I could just turn on every morning and keep it going during the day!  There is one in a way - and it is the power of our own thoughts.  Re-train your brain to believe in yourself no matter what comes your way.  Another amazing and wise quote that just came to my mind on this very thought is:

"You must unlearn, what you have learned."
-Yoda

Hahahaha ... I just realized it was another Yoda quote.  Boy he sure is full of powerful wisdom isn't he?  But it is true.  Unlearn all of the negative thoughts that you have been feeding your brain for so long. 
Begin by telling yourself that you are successful, beautiful, handsome, talented, creative, inspiring, determined, full of endless potential.  Say it outloud in the mirror every morning and throughout the day.  One final quote that puts me back in my place, and one that I use quite a bit with my piano students is:

"Whether you think you can
or whether you think you can't

either way, you are right."
-Henry Ford

Our thoughts are indeed one of the most powerful influences for us - good or bad.  Feed your brain only positive thoughts today.  And believe.

p.s.... ♥

~ Happiness vs. Joy ~

"Happiness is the prelude music to Joy.
Joy is the grand symphony of it all."

~ Lisa May : )

The moments in my life, when I have completely immersed myself in "the moment" - amongst life's simple pleasures - are the moments where Joy skips right into my heart and buries itself into the very depths of my being, with such warmth and pure contentment.  Happiness, is indeed a well-liked emotion - though is fleeting.  Joy on the other hand simmers gently within for awhile, leaving its fingerprint upon the soul.

These "moments" of pure Joy that happen are not moments on a grand level, as the world might consider Joy to be found. 

And another thing that the world might be surprised at, is that money is not a factor. No, these moments are in the simple corners of life - that at times, catch the recipient off guard with such overwhelming emotions - it's difficult to contain.

Some of the moments I can recall where Joy is found in my heart, are brought back in an instant as a visual replay that awakens these joyful emotions all over again:

♥ Singing at the top of our lungs and dancing with all we've got as a family - at Lake Powell in our boat, while simply floating on the water without the engine running, under the beautiful warm sun.

♥ Watching my son help teach his little sister how to ride her bike.  They spent hours together until she finally got it.

♥ Being nestled together with all my family in our big fluffly covers in bed, reading book after book while it snowed quietly outside.

♥ Watching my babies sleep. 

♥ Hearing my kids laugh - uncontrollably - as it contageously sneaks over to me and makes me laugh with them ... and at times for the silliest, random, nothing to do with anything - moments!  : )

♥ Watching my amazing dog - Lucky - pounce thru the meadow we walk in everyday, with the biggest smile on his face.  He really has a smile - and it goes from ear to ear.

♥ Holding my hubbies hand for no reason, other than saying I Love You - heart to heart.

I could go on and on.  But before I leave you today, I ask - where is your Joy in life?  Do you even recognize it?  How do you solidify happiness into lasting Joy?

Another great thought I discovered on Happiness vs. Joy, can be found here.  They are both - without a doubt - some of the best emotions we could ever experience.

Here's to finding Joy in your life today. ♥

p.s.!!  : ) ...

Who Do You Stand For?

A few definitions for "Stand" as defined by Mr. Webster:

1. to rise to one's feet.

2. to stop or remain motionless or steady on the feet.
3. to take a position or place.
4. to remain firm or steadfast, as in a cause.
5. to take up or maintain a position or attitude with respect to a person, issue, or the like.


A couple of definitions for "Witness" as defined by Mr. Webster:

1. to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception..

2. to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.


I have always loved the above mentioned scripture.  It sits framed in our family room right next to our family picture as a daily reminder.  I love #4 on the Stand definition - to remain firm or steadfast.  To me being steadfast means staying fixed in direction, having a firm purpose, and unshakable faith.

I've been pondering the past couple of days, the word witness.  And how - being a witness - one would had to have experienced something to be able to be a witness, yes?  That thought causes me to ask myself, if I am standing as a witness of God - what exactly in my life have I experienced with or from God to be able to stand as a witness of him?

There have been many times in my life, whether it be personal revelation, specific direction in my life, a thought right at the exact moment I needed it, a friend who became my own angel at the moment for something I needed just for me that only God would have known.  Other times, overwhelming feelings while in personal prayer or when reading just one verse of scripture that touched my very being with such enlightenment - I could not deny.  Other times, journying out into His glorious creations ... walking along the beach bordering an endless crystal sea, traversing the majestic mountains, and even in the solitary desert.  Or within sacred walls of worship as beautiful music reverberated off its structure right into depths of my soul.  Even still, looking into the eyes of my own children, and others where I could see directly into heaven from their gaze.  Experiences of safety, security, answer to prayer and sometimes surprises that were totally un-expected or not even realized.  What about witnessing the "ebb and flow" of the earth - the season's, the extraordinary hand painted skies at dawn and at sunset.  The flowers, the trees, the insects the animals.  The list is endless ... but one more thing I truly need to consider is the witness of His own Spirit to mine - Spirit to Spirit.  He has testified and witnessed Himself to me, so I - in return - may testify and witness of Him.  Amazing concept isn't it?

So, again I ask - who do you stand as a witness for?  Have you received His witness in your heart and spirit?  If not - seek Him out today.  Do not procrastinate ... the time is now - to "Stand (steadfast, immovable, unshaken) as a Witness of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places."

Happy Sabbath : )

~ Overnight ~

"A mother holds her child's hand for a little while

but holds their hearts forever."

-Author Unknown

Recently my heart has been reminding me of when my children were young.  We watched a home video a couple of weeks ago when my - almost 18 year old son  and almost 15 year old daughter - were just born ... and growing thru their baby months.  
  I couldn't help but think ... "where did the time go?"  Seriously!  It happens overnight!  One day they are babe's - the next day turning 15 & 18!!  It truly pulls at the heartstrings.  And I wonder - "have I taught them enough?"  I guess that never stops - the teaching part - but "enough" to be out in the world, standing on their own two feet, with courage and kindness - integrity - honesty - confidence ... the list is endless.

I have thousands of pictures of my kids.  I am sooooooo truly grateful for that.  Their albums, home movies, scrapbooks, framed ... these memories are priceless - because the mind fades. 

I guess my message for this post today - really is one for me...but if you, the reader gets something out of it, then it's for you too!  : ) 
 

What has been pressing upon my soul, is hoping that I've spent enough quality time with them - and still try to do.  Am I sitting in front of the computer - doing dishes or laundry when they are trying to share something with me of great importance to them?  Do I look into their eyes and really listen, or just nod my head pretending to?  Do they really know how much I love and appreciate them being in our family for this moment on earth? 

The poem below sums up what I've been pondering.   So!  Here's to gathering your loved ones into your arms today, tell them you love them...take a ga-zillion pictures of them...spend TIME with them...laugh, play, learn, teach, listen.  Cherish every single moment - whether you think they are good or bad. 
Hold their hearts forever.  
Because tomorrow happens overnight.  

"I hope my child looks back on today

and remembers a mom who had time to play

There will be years for cleaning and cooking,

but children grow up when we are not looking.

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

'cause babies grow fast, we learn to our sorrow.

So settle down cobwebs, dust go to sleep

I'm cuddling my baby, and babies don't keep"

♥