~ True ~

Where is your focus today, and who do you reflect?

Happy Sabbath : )

 http://www.reflectionsmg.com/reflections-of-christ-videos.php

~ Another Chance ~

Every morning when I awake one of the first thought's that enters my mind is:

 "Ahhhh ... another day - another chance to make it right this time."

So often I feel I fall short of that quest however - of making it right.  My patience gets tested...evident in the volume of my voice - frustration sets in for one reason or another - motivation fizzles out - desire starts lacking ... all of these things at one time or another becomes my hurdle for the day.

However, if I concentrate on HOW to honor this second chance, then I feel I've accomplished something.  Every day is another gift.  What I will do with that gift is filled with endless potential.  If I stay focused on sharing this gift of a new day with someone it will be honored - another chance - and perhaps I've accomplished my purpose for a moment in my life.

"Let old dreams fade into the night,
so new ones can rise with the dawn."

What are you going to do with your new day?  How are you going to share this gift? 
Simple things hold the greatest treasure's ... small things bring to pass great things.
How you share today is what counts the most.

: )

p.s..... raining AGAIN! - lol

~ Clarity ~

About a month ago I was waiting in line at the check-out stand, another errand that was setting me back in my schedule for the day, which presented a sure test with my patience!  The cashier was moving rather slowly, with a sour look on her face - evident of a very foul mood.

She didn't say anything to the customer in front of her that she was helping, except when she announced the total of her purchase as she finished scanning.  Robotically, she went about the motions of bagging her merchandise, without even making eye contact and a
"have a nice day" as the customer was leaving.
  I thought: "what is her problem?" ... totally pre-judging her.

As I moved up to position in front of the cashier - I waited for her to greet me.  Nothing came.  She didn't even look at me as she went about her duty scanning my things.  I decided to take the initiative and said "hello - how are you today?"  She looked up at me, with a surprised look on her face as if she had forgotten a human being was standing in front of her.  Her hesitant reply: "I've had better day's to be honest."  Mine: "Sorry to hear.  I hope it get's better for you."  She looked at me with worried, concerned eyes and then opened up to me as if I were her long-lost friend of the day.  "My brother died suddenly, out of the blue yesterday and they are performing the autopsy right now to find out what happened." 

I stood there in shock - not sure how to respond to this completely un-expected response, as a feeling of shame instantly swept over me for judging her attitude beforehand.  I offered my sincere apologies and then asked her why she was working. She told me that she couldn't bear to be at home right now during this waiting period and wanted to keep her mind occupied with something else.  In that moment, this woman changed right before me -the clouds parted in my fogged up mind and clarity opened my eyes, as my heart completely went out to her. 

She was trying to be strong and hold it together during a devastating time. 

Standing right in front of me, this woman became somewhat of a hero to me that day.  Thoughts rushed in the back of my mind: "there is no way I could be as strong as she is right now" ... as empathy quickly filled within my heart for her.  She went about her work, loaded up my cart and it was I who wished her a good day of sort's ... "I am really sorry for your loss.  I hope things work out. Hang in there."  pretty lame goodbye  on my part I thought as I was leaving - but what do you say, really - at such a time like this?

That experience taught me quite a bit from there on out.  Interestingly, this thought materialized in my mind about a week ago , which reminded me of the story above - and has been repeating itself every day since:

"You must first understand, to understand."

These words have been my companion for the past week, and have really helped me to "see" with better clarity - those around me in their various attitudes - moods - crankiness - impatience.  As I have taken the time to really find out what's going on below the surface - especially with my kids lately - it gives a whole other meaning as to what's behind their annoying behavior. 

The person who cuts people off driving down the road in a hurry - who know's what's really going on in their life.  The neighbor who doesn't wave hello everytime, but instead retreats back into the house ... the moody cashier at the store ... a spouse when they come home from a very long day at work ... the boss who is on edge ... the rude customer service agent on the other end of the phone ... the parent who finds it difficult to show sincere love ... the guilty looking teenager, who aimlessly walks the streets in town every day ... All of these - most likely - have a much deeper layer and meaning underneath that if understood, could bring limitless clarity and understanding ... if we only take the time and effort to really understand.

So, next time.  Take the initiative to understand in whatever circumstance you're pre-judging. 

Who know's - you might just learn something valuable for the rest of your life - and in the process gain a friend who was judged as something else.  Life is too short to not understand each other and build deeper relationships, with your family, friends and - even with a stranger.

♥

~ When We Were Young ~

When I was young, we lived in the best neighborhood in the universe! 

Every single house on both sides of the street - except maybe 3 - had kids all around the same age as each of us.  My best friend - Buffy - (nickname) lived only 5 houses down and we were attached at the hip, every single second! Her telephone number was almost identical to mine - only 1 digit off.  We rode our bikes every day after school and during the summer up and down Lehman Ave., in - around - and thru - the adjacent field, which had the best bike trails for a kid immaginable. 

We played Barbies, made up dances, played board games, the piano, went swimming, ran thru the sprinklers, went "snipe hunting," listened to the latest music, and one of my most fond memories was playing Hide-n'Seek with all the neighborhood kids on the street. 
It would last for hours and was pure unlimited fun. 

On hot days we (with my brothers) would hook up the Slip-n'Slide on our steep front lawn and slide down, then walk back up the super steep hill - over and over again until we could no longer move.  We would play "Mother May I" - "Simon Says"  - and "Twister" for hours. 
During the winter when it snowed, sleigh riding in the nearby park, became our best-loved activity for the season.  As I mentioned in my previous post, during the summer months we would all sprawl out on our back, on the nice cool grass facing the heavens, and imagine what shapes the clouds were creating just for us, right down in our own little simple, joyful world. Ahhhhh ... t'was utter bliss as a child. 

Emotions of simplicity, no worries, and just plain joy, resurface now with a sort of homesick feeling, and a longing for those carefree days and "who" I was back then.

I sometimes wonder -  if I had the chance to meet my 8-year old self ... what would she say to me and what would I say to her?  Would she remind me to always have fun in life?  To never forget what it's like to be a kid, so that I can better understand my own kids someday?  Would she tell me she's worried about what's going to happen in the future?  How about to always remember the delightful times, when life gets me down?  I wonder if she would tell me to never stop playing Hide n' Seek, even when I'm all grown up because it was such a fun time when I was young, that I will always have that memory? Would she remind me, that she - in her 8 years of life - knows without a shadow of a doubt that God loves me no matter what?  ....

What would I say to her?  Would I tell her that even when life seems unfair, or scary, that everything always works out in the end? 

Would I remind her to have Faith at all times?  Would I express the importance and the significance of enjoying being young, and to not worry so much about growing up too quickly? To never let fear keep her from doing things in life? How about, to always be true to herself - no matter what her friends say or think about her?  Would I snuggle her close, give her a hug and tell her I love her? And would I tell her to always remember that she knows without a shadow of a doubt that God loves her no matter what, and that she can always turn to Him for anything at anytime - even when she feels completely alone? 

Today, remember what it was like being young - being 8.  What sort of things brought you joy?  Where is that 8 year old today?  He/She is still within ... nestled in the deepest corners of your being, just waiting to be found once again.  Bring him/her to the surface - and reminisce. 

Write your memories down, share them with your own kids - family - friends.  Remember the joy and awaken it, even amongst all the chaos in your life today.  Do something from your memory and welcome it back into your heart. ♥

Tag!! You're it!! : )

p.s... Ha!  "The dessert!!" hahaha  ... One of my very beautiful and brilliant friends just responded to my FB post and said that she

"every once in a while, I will write a letter to myself, usually my 5 year old self. I've created a very warm relationship with that girl, I give her hugs and lots of love." 

OMGoodness - isn't that just touching?!!  I absolutely love it.  So!! 

The challenge from this post today is to do just what she mentioned.  Write a letter to yourself - your young age.  See what comes out on paper and reveals itself back to you.  It could be quite illuminating,
healing and life-changing.  Take the journey ........

♥

~ Live In The Moment ~

This morning my son seemed a little agitated as he went thru the kitchen, mumbling and complaining about everything in front of him the moment he woke up.  I asked him why he was in such a "wonderful" mood - he had JUST woken up!! ... and he replied: "Because it's been raining all week long.  Now it's sunny, but just for today because tomorrow it's supposed to start raining again!"  I kind of laughed and said: "Well, then enjoy today - be in the moment of today while it last's and while it is here.  Don't worry about tomorrow.  Enjoy the now." 

I think he understood this amazing logic, because it finally silenced him!  And that is quite a feat for a 17 year old!  : )

It reminds me of a quote that I've heard before and goes like this:

"Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present." - Thomas S. Monson

Living or Being in the moment can sometimes be challenging.  It is for me when I unconsciously go about my day - hustling and bustling to and fro - here and there.  It's easy to get caught up in what lies ahead in the future as the moment right before you is passing you by.  Of course we need to "plan" for the future - but not dwell on it.  Living in the moment can truly bring utter joy.  It's like magic, as it allows you to be joyful with those around you!  : )

I remembered - just before typing out this post for today - something I use to do quite often.  A little exercise of being in the moment.  You can try this anywhere you are.  Can be in the mountains, at the beach, poolside, in solitude, in your home - car - with your family - wherever.  What I would do to get myself in the moment is close my eyes and try to focus how many things around me I could hear all at the same time.  Then I would concentrate on what I am feeling, (temperature - mood etc), and finally the scents around me.  It's so interesting when you really focus in on the moment right before you, how much you can pick up with merely your senses!  Try it sometime - it's actually pretty cool.

So, why be in the moment?  Well, I've found that when I am - I really have a sense of complete joy.  Whoever is around me, wherever I am - if I stay focused on that ... joy is truly my companion.  Not only that, worrying about the future before it even gets here, or dwelling on the past that has already passed by, will do you no good whatsoever.  Fear steps in and takes over.  Now what good comes from that?

Take it moment by moment and live in it.  Listen to the laughter of children around you.  The wind moving thru the trees like a giant "hush" - animals at play - birds singing - a loving comment - arms wrapped around you for a big bear hug - a wet kiss from a toddler - or a romantic one from your significant other.  So many treasures are passed by - when not living in the moment.

Another quote that I just recently came across sums this up perfectly

"If Past to Future is a on horizontal line, the present moment is not in time - it is a vertical movement - transcending time." - Osho

Transcend time, and live in YOUR moments today.  : )

♥

p.s....no more quarantine!!  99.9% better today.  It's really a miracle compared to how I felt yesterday!  I was about to take myself out back and put myself down! lol!!  : )

~ Quarantined ~

It is still raining believe it or not - going on day 5.  Not only that, I woke up this morning feeling like the entire left side of my head, brain, teeth, sinuses were in a vice!  So - I've declared a quarantine!  Not going anywhere today - or doing anything but resting and reading, perhaps watching a movie ... letting my body rest!  Piano lessons have been cancelled and so has making dinner later on.  There is always cereal in the pantry, eggs in the fridge and pancake mix to whip up in seconds for these hungry people living here.  I've come to conclusion that it really isn't the end of the world, just a hurdle in my daily schedule, which is going to just have to be dealt with.  However, this "time-out" is something I'm looking forward to today I have to admit.  Though to a 5 year old, it would be a different story - yes?!!  : ) 

It's interesting how life still goes on with it's rythmn of living no matter if you're sick or not.  Though for my hubby, the world DOES stop when he is sick and everyone and everything around him to come to his aid - lol!!  Anyway, as I lay me down to sleep in a moment - I'll leave a thought today on this very short post ... in the words of Ferris Bueller:

"Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

So, here's me stopping for a moment.  Slowing down for just a bit.  Give it a try - who know's what you could be missing if you don't? ... rain or shine!  : )

♥

Dig Deep!

I am a piano teacher for those who don't know, and I love it!  I have the best students on the planet hands down - and have learned so much from them.  Sometimes we learn other lessons, not just music - but our own personal analysis of life's gems.  One of the things I'm always in their face about (and every single one can attest to this) is not only playing the correct notes, but playing whatever piece (even warm-ups) as beautiful as possible.  The technique of playing beautiful, with feeling - dynamics - patience - grandeur - gentless, lifting the keys not pushing - playing only with the fingers not the heaviness of the hand - implementing louds & softs - tempo - passion - as if telling a story with every single note, immediately takes them from a beginner level to advanced. A voice coach also taught me:

"How you practice is how you perform."

A good practice = a good habit = a great performance.  Attribute that to living life as well. There my friends, is one of the main secrets in knowing HOW to play, not just what to play.

I often refer to Celine Dion as an example on just how to do this.  She was contracted with Caesars Palace in Las Vegas - to perform every single day for 5 years.  I'll ask my student's: "How would you feel, having to go out on stage and perform every single day - if you felt like it or not - ... knowing that the audience is expecting perfection from you - and for some, it might be the first time they've ever seen you perform?" ... "Don't you think that she - everyday - had to dig deep inside her, to find that passion, the energy, her Light to give the amazing performaces she did every single time?" 
This, is how I try to teach them to play, and to learn to love music. 

One of my most favorite scenes in the movie about Beethoven called: "Immortal Beloved" is when Beethoven is in a room teaching one of his students.  He is sitting across the room in a chair - and by this time is almost completely deaf - yet, he KNEW "how" she was playing the piece because of her sloppy attitude, posture and hand placement - he could also "feel" it.  Beethoven stands up, walks across the room, closes the lid on the piano keys - and with fire in his eyes looks at her and with gritted teeth says: "How dare you pound out the keys and not take into consideration the sensitivity of every single note?!!!"

That was such an enlightening moment for me, and has been a successful tool for me in teaching as well - though my eyes are not flaming and my teeth are not gritted when I teach this concept! : )  I've also mentioned to them, learning how to play "every single note" with beauty, and passion, does not only apply to piano - but to life itself.  That on the days we don't "feel like doing it" we must dig deep to bring out what is within.  To live our life with passion and a grand performance - so we may shine forth with our Light to the world.

What is your passion?  When you really dig deep, what do you bring forth - not only for the world, but for yourself?  Is it a hobby?  A talent? Do you like to write - travel - serving others - your family?  Is it love for music - art - photography?  What is it that gets you out of bed day after day ... putting one foot in front of the other?  Do you even know?

Today, dig deep.  Discover just what it is that gives you passion for life. 

If you don't know, take yourself on a treasure hunt to find it. 
Listen to different genres of music that you haven't before.  Walk thru an art gallery - a botanical garden - thumb thru traveling, decorating, sport's magazines - pick up your camera and start clicking away.  Sit down and write out your thoughts, or perhaps your life story.  Who know's ... it might turn into something much bigger than what's in your journal that you can bless the world with.  Take a spur-of-the-moment drive around town or to the mountains, the beach - discover something about yourself and the place that you can add to your puzzle pieces of the grand masterpiece of your life's passion.  Read a biography about someone who contributed something good to the world. Go to a school or visit the elderly and read a book to them.  Try a new recipe that you've never attempted before ... dig deep, and don't stop digging.  Find your passion.  And remember "every single note" in life matters.  Perform it with "feeling."  Find what your notes are and live them with ferver and enthusiasm!  Why?  Because you were meant to shine for the world.  And in doing so, bring joy into your heart and soul.

"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." - Nelson Mandela

p.s.... it's STILL raining!!!

"God Winks"

A little over a month ago, I was taking my daughter Malia, on a routine check up to the orthodontist. We were about 5 minutes behind schedule and upon exiting the freeway – were anxious to catch the green light to turn left that was still lit up. “Stay green, stay green” we chanted in unison. Just before our light turned yellow, a huge utility truck came barreling thru at top speed running the red light. We were only about 20 yards away - and the light turning yellow had slowed me down just in time. 

Horror immediately ran thru my veins as we slowly came to our stop at the exact instant Malia stated: “If we had been 5 seconds earlier, we would have been dead.” I was speechless.  And knew the truth in that comment as it echoed within the car. Not only that, Malia was sitting directly behind me in the back seat and that is the side of our car the truck would have crushed. Malia then – with her amazing faith – confidently declared:
“It was God who saved us.”

I have since thought of that incident and can – without a doubt – agree with what my sweet daughter said right there in the moment that yes - God saved us. I often consider such things like this happening everywhere, all around us. How frequently does this happens on a daily basis? Hourly, by the minute – the second? And are people even paying attention to these “coincidences” in their life?

I came across a book a few years back titled “When God Winks.” It is a collection of true stories by famous people with recordings of “coincidences” in their life. The main author states that there is no such thing as coincidences. It is actually “When God Winks” upon you. I’ve always loved that phrase and have since remembered it and have recognized it more times than I can even count in my life.
♥ Being in the right place at the right time.
♥ Having someone come into my life – not a moment too soon, or a moment too late – but exactly at the moment I needed them for something they truly blessed me with.
♥ Specific blessings received.
♥ Meeting someone - who feels like I have known them forever. One of my many kindred spirits : )
♥ My children being kept from harm, or danger from certain incidences in their life.
♥ Visiting a friend 6 years ago, in a certain little town called Temecula (when we were still living in Utah), on the same street we are living now. And how, by the end of the week a deposit was put down on our house (that had “just been put up for rent 15 minutes before we arrived to visit our friend), a job was secured (miracle all in itself) and we were moving to a brand new town in a whole other state!!!

To me my “God Winks” have also been simple and personal within my heart and soul as well.
♥Thinking of someone dear just at the same time I receive a text, phone call or email from them.
♥ Being guided directly to something I needed without having to spend a week looking for it.
♥ Having my wishes or prayers answered - and sometimes even better than I had imagined or asked for.

The list is endless … and minute by minute – second by second continues to happen. All one has to do is pay attention. Really become aware of the “God Winks” around you today. They don’t just happen to some, they happen to all – but you must stay alert, because what you think is nothing – really is something. It is “God’s way of staying anonymous” as Albert Einstein quotes. Start noticing, and then give thanks when it happens. God is smiling down upon you. : )

♥

p.s….Weather update! lol – Okay, so it’s been raining non stop since Monday here. I’ve never in my life seen such ominous weather change formation within seconds with a momentary split in the clouds of blue sky and sunshine … and then right back to a dark canopy looming above with so much rainfall coming off the rooftops like a waterfall – within seconds. Not only that, there was a TORNADO in San Clemente yesterday (about 45 minutes away from us) that overturned vehicles and blew out windows from buildings. The waves are growing in size, and I saw posted from a friend on FB that he literally witnessed “a beach being transformed by nature.” Crazy weather let me tell ya! I’ll keep you posted and for sure post some pictures of the beach/waves when I get to it. For fun, you can see the waves @ Pacific Beach in San Diego from a live cam @ this link: http://www.surfermag.com/surf-cams/pacific_beach/index.html?CamID=4&RegionID=8
Until then – keep your eyes and heart open for those “God Winks” in your life today!! : )

"Can"

Has frustration ever overshadowed your spirit with the dreadful feeling of not being able to do everything? It sure has for me at times, and it wasn’t until this thought manifested itself to me a couple of years ago, really help open my eyes:

“I cannot do everything, but I can do something … and that something can change everything.”

That thought, truly was a life-changing moment for me … a release … a burden lifted as my spirit awakened with an “ah-ha” followed by a sigh of relief. YES! I can do SOMETHING and it’s okay if I don’t do everything!!

Why is it that we (especially women) feel the need to do everything? … And all at once?! Yes, we have so many responsibilities and the compelling urge to do everything – and do it perfectly. But take a moment right now and really think about that quote. I decided instead of looking at the entire elephant in my life every day – to take it a piece at a time. Step by step. Line upon line. Do what I CAN – even if it is just one thing. A small thing can bring great results.

Another quote I just read last night from my dear friend of 23+ years goes like this:

“Be content to do the things you can, and fret not because you cannot do everything.”

Today, be a little kinder to yourself. Give yourself a break and remember that you don’t have to do everything. That the one or two things you “can” do is good enough … especially if it’s “high priority” (no laundry to-do-list … priority – meaningful – in the moment - lasting) and if it’s the best you can do for the day.

I’ve discovered that the dishes, laundry, vacuuming will always be there. But the meaningful things I CAN do that will make an everlasting change – might not.

Here’s to doing what you "can" today. With no regrets and with a new outlook and burden lifted! : )
♥

~ Rainy Days and Mondays ... ~

I love it when it rains.  Not only do I love the fact that the earth drinks it right up, but .... it makes for a cozy day as I've mentioned before!  : ) 

Now, as far as Mondays go ... well, I use to not like them - not one bit. 
It seemed to hold the weight and burden of the entire week's work load, and the to-do list all on one day - Monday - bleh!  It also meant for me that the normal routine was back on - school, homework, making dinner by a certain time, teaching piano ... the clock was ticking every second, reminding me when everything needed to be done by. 

It wasn't until I read a quote which taught me that Mondays are a clean new slate ... a chance to make it right all over again ... and then asked: "what are you going to do with this brand-new day of the week?"

I came across (well, it actually found ME!) this awesome video that truly inspires me on Mondays!

http://www.everymondaymovie.com/land.php

It became one of the answers I was looking for as a solution for my Monday blues!  With the ideas it gives, I knew there was at least ONE thing I could do for the day!  So now each Monday I try to perform one of these acts listed ... and let me tell ya - not only does it make a difference in my heart, but it sure is a great way to discard any negative perception I use to have.

So - the challenge!!  Do something today that makes a difference.  Begin a routine and a Monday tradition of performing something out of your norm and turn your "Monday Blues" into "Monday Joys!"  : )

Happy Monday everyone!! : )

p.s ... It's supposed to rain here everyday the entire week.  But here's the kicker!! ... we're supposed to get an inch of rain every hour, and by Friday the waves are supposed to be 25 foot! Yikes!!  Yes, I WILL post pics - how can I not?!!

~ Head Up In The Clouds! ~

WHAT is it about clouds? .... Seriously!  I LOVE clouds - sometimes they stop me dead in my tracks with such amazing awe.  I am fascinated by their constant moving shapes, color, light, dark, shadows, streams of sunlight bursting thru like the fingers of God.  I even belong to a "cloud group" on Facebook where anyone can post pictures they've taken of these glorious formations!  These are some of the many reasons I always have my camera in hand ... for the clouds!

Hypnotized is probably the closest word to describe my daily obession, with a mixture of a sort of home-sick feeling.  I remember as a child, we (my brothers and neighborhood kids would do what I'm sure all kids do and have done sometime in their life) ... would lay down on our backs upon the cool fresh grass for hours and imagine different shapes the clouds would magically be drawing out just for us - in our own simple little world.  I always wished - and still do - that I could just lay atop one of those big billowy clouds, just to see what it would feel like.  Pure delight.  Did you ever do that?  Do you remember those days?

I've often asked myself ... what is it about clouds that I am so intrigued by, as if held spellbound?  My life stops for a moment upon viewing such mezmerizing masterpieces, and my very being is captured with its overpowering awe.  I've discovered that every second changes, and sometimes - with patience - the longer you wait, the more incredible the picture ... BUT there is a point of no return.  Don't wait too long! 

So, back to the question at hand.  I believe within my heart of heart's that is is God's way of helping me remember Him.  That if I was to ever doubt His existence, all I would have to do is look up!  How can you NOT believe that He exist's?  It makes we want to shout at the rooftops, that YES! "There is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do WITNESS that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44).  And not only does the earth testify of Him - but look at the miracle of life ... our own bodies, how they function perfectly (well- for the most part) ... our Spirit's ... our heart's ... Love.  What else is there to testify of God?  This thought is what brings me back home, and truly grounds my Spirit. 

So - next time there is an artist in the sky - painting, sculpting, shaping these massive grand creations ... ponder for a moment who's hand it is by.  The Master Painter.  And if you have your head up in the clouds for a bit - remember what it was like - way back when...and make sure you have your camera in hand!

Afterthought

http://www.thedashmovie.com/My hubby and I went to a funeral a few days ago, for the father of one of our dear friends.  So many thoughts filtered thru my mind as memory after memory was shared from family members.  Learning more about this amazing man - how his kids and grandkids never heard him raise his voice, speak an unkind word to them or about anyone, and never said anything ill about or toward his wife - truly put things into perspective for me.  Am I really living a life by that example?  Do I do any good in my world around me?  Do I hold dear to my heart as he did - my family right before me?

It brings to my mind, a poem called "The Dash" ... the dash between the dates of birth and death on your tombstone. 
One of the lines says:

"What matters most of all, is the dash between the years.
For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash."

So, today on this beautiful misty Thursday morning my thoughts will be turned to living my "dash."  And making my to-do-list with my top priorities of doing the things I would regret not having done today.  Not putting my laundry, dishes etc. @ the top of my priority list, definitely holds no regrets I can tell ya!  They will always be there - but my family, friends and doing something worthwhile will not always be around. 

A quote formed itself in my mind this morning out of nowhere and this is what it said:

"Being Grateful doesn't cost a thing.  Yet it brings the most wealth." 

I believe that being grateful truly brings so much abundance to life. And Gratitude most assuredly makes it to the top of the priority list to help fulfill the dash of life don't ya think?

Here's to making it a rewarding, "prioritized" day!  : )
Cheers!

Postscript

Today welcomes my first blog entry!  I am sitting here wondering exactly what to say - what words to put out there in the internet void that might hold something of value for someone.  This blogging business is new to me, however writing is not.  I usually record my thoughts in my journals, or write letters to my life-long friends and family or correspond amazing shares, thoughts and enlightement with my dearest, amazing cousin of all time - via Facebook.  I've also had some short stories published in a couple of the Chicken Soup For The Soul series .... But here ... now - writing out into space - very new to me. 

I could tell you how it's drizzling rain today and that it's a "cozy day" - one that makes you want to curl up with some delicious herbal tea, a warm blanket and a good book or movie.  I could also tell you about my morning walk with my - loyal and amazing yellow lab/husky mix - dog named Lucky.  And how, because of the moisture in the air and on the ground, that my senses were magnified a hundred times over, emanating from the earth.  The ever healing eucalyptus trees immersed their soothing vaporous scent at every turn, as I inhaled its fresh invigoration right into the depths of my soul.  Lucky seemed to discover something new with each scent as well along the trail.  I could also tell you that by 9:30 am I had the oil changed in my car, went to the post office to deliver a b-day package and then Trader Joes to buy all the fixins for creamy chicken potato soup for dinner tonight.  Or.... I could tell you ....

My thought for the day.  I've really been pondering lately on one of the most priceless gifts we've been given.  Our God-given agency.  Every day is a CHOICE.  Every moment will either bring us closer or away from God, his Spirit, the things we know are true, right and valuable.  It is our choice whether to be happy or miserable.  It is our choice to do what we know is right.  So, my thought today - on this drizzly, cozy Wednesday morning is this.  What are you choosing with your every moment?  Is it Light or darkness that you want in your life today?  No one can choose it but you.  YOU have the true power, no matter what is happening in your world around you - by your choice - what it will be.  And like the line in the ever so popular movie, "Indiana Jones" says ...
"Choose Wisely."


That's it for today!  : )

p.s.!!  "postscript" ... p.s. is always my favorite part!  It seems to always have the last moment's concept with the most fun, random thoughts!  Like when you've kept the fork from your dinner plate, because you know dessert is coming!  p.s. is dessert!! haha