~ Time ~

"Love is spelled T-I-M-E"

I've really been thinking about time lately.  Not only what I spend my time doing ... but how time often feels like a thief in the night.  It seemed as if it were only yesterday that I was holding my brand new baby newborn son in my arms - and then overnight he is 17 1/2 years old!  Same thing with my daughter - just yesterday she was swaddled laying in my arms in the hospital bed, crying at the top of her lungs - today she is 14 - and still screaming ... hahaha ... just kidding.  Or just yesterday I was with all my friends in high school, cheering at the football/basketball games until our voices were gone, and this year marks my 25th high school reunion!!  Unbelievable. I still feel like I just stepped out through those front doors attached to that red brick school building as if it were just yesterday - and then the years added up, bring me back to reality.  

I look back on my life moments - and see the time spent doing a myriad of amazing things.  Other moments, pre-occupied with something I thought was so important at the time - which took precedence over my kids and family. And now, I realize had no significance at all, compared to the time lost I could have spent with my children and family instead.  Lessons learned ... still learning.

How do you spend your time?  Where is your primary focus?  As for me, I can tell you that I sure could focus more time - especially now - on the most important things in life right in front of me, before they are gone.  Namely my family. This video is a perfect summary of today's post.  And truly defines that Love definitely is spelled Time. 

Living in such a fast paced world that we do, quality time is slowly becoming rare.  Instant communication through texting, emailing and a handful of other technologies are indeed amazing and a blessing in countless ways ... but not when it takes place of the time we could have spent with that person face to face.

Spend time today - this weekend - with those you love and who are most important to you, before time passes you by and you've lost your chance. Make the time. "Quality" time ... not just quantity.  Make it matter - worthwhile - important - cherished - remembered forever.

♥

~ Here Comes The Sun ☼ ~

"Here comes the Sun ...

and I say,

It's all right."

There are days in my life that I "feel" the sun within my being - even on cloudy days ... and then there are days that I don't feel it - even on sunny days!  I've often contemplated the mystery of it all.  What determines the mood levels and feelings - already stirring within - that will govern my day, if I choose to allow them to do so ... the very moment I awake?  Even through all of my questioning this mystery ... it still remains a mystery. 

Days such as these, need a little boost now and again. 

And a couple of these instant mood lifters for me are photography (if you haven't noticed by now - haha) and music - another obvious thing.  Along with this amazing song - and these amazing lyrics - do it for me every time.

This song also holds a special place in my heart, as it was played at my uncle's funeral not too long ago.  It has become an instant connection to him, my dad and my dearest cousin each time I hear it or think of the title.  A connection through time and space linking each one of us, and finding itself right back into the very fibers of my heart and essence of it all - settling within my soul.

There is another thought that gives hope and it is this:

"Just remember, when you see the shadows in life, there is a Light source nearby."

So, if you're on the search for a mood lifter today - try this one out.  And to add the cherry on top, I've included the lyrics!  Enjoy : )

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,

and I say it's all right.

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter.

Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here.

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun

and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces.

Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here.

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun

and I say it's all right.

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting.

Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,

and I say it's all right.

It's all right.
☼

~ Charles Schultz Philosophy ~

"A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart."
"A friend knows the song in your heart and sings it to you when have forgotten the words."

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

Read through the following questions - and see if you know the answers:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

 
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.  These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.  But the applause dies. 
Awards tarnish.  Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.


Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..

the most money...or the most awards. 
They simply are the ones who care the most.

Remember today, the people who have either made a difference in your life  - family - friends - teachers - neighbors - children - those whom you keep close in your heart because of what they mean to you. 
And if you have the chance today ... let them know.

♥ 

"Those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."

~Dr. Seuss

~ Optimism! ~

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,
or sailed to an uncharted land,
or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."
- Helen Keller

 I love this quote mentioned.  It truly touches me, with whisperings of "You can do it!" ... "Don't ever give up or lose hope, no matter what!" ... "Miracles happen in the spirit of optimism!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's a recession when your neighbor loses his job," Harry Truman observed, "and it's a depression when you lose your own." As downturns in the economy disturb more and more households, we begin to question seriously the financial yardstick by which we have been measuring our personal net worth and therefore our happiness.

Perhaps the recession has personally affected you and yours. It's hard to believe there's anybody that it hasn't touched, at least indirectly. Millions of people are scaling down their expectations of what constitues the good life, redfining their values, reordering their priorites, and accepting the challenge of making a virtue out of necessity. But it's very easy to surrender to an emotional depression when a financial one occurs. It's easy to be pessimistic about tomorrow when today seems to bleak.

It's time we put thoughts of lack BEHIND us. It's time for us to discover the secrets of the stars, to sail to an uncharted land, to open up a new heaven where our spirits can soar. But first we'll have to make changes. And lasting change does not happen overnight. Lasting change happens in infinitesimal increments: a day, and hour, a minute, a heartbeat at a time. And the change I'm encouraging you to make with me is fundamental. Take a deep breath. We're going to learn to become OPTIMISTS!

Now be reassured. Optimism, like the "happiness habit," can be learned.  Start today with a little experiment: Smile at EVERYONE you meet and pass by. Today EXPECT something GOOD to happen to you NO MATTER what occured yesterday. Realize the past NO LONGER holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go. A simply abundant world awaits.

-Simple Abundance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Open the windows of your heart to optimism today.  Because when you do, only good things can return. 

 Remember: "Energy flows where attention goes." 

Bring your attention of optimism to the forefront today! : )

p.s...."The Optimist's Creed"

"Nobody else, not the economy, not the government, not the other political party, not the other religious groups, not the opponent on the football field...Nobody, nobody, nobody, not ever ever ever ever ever ever -- is the reason that you are not having the success that you want, because no one can keep you out of your vortex but you". -Abe

~ Pure Love ~

" If ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all,
for all things must fail—

But charity is the Pure Love of Christ,
and it endureth forever;
and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day,
it shall be well with him.

Wherefore, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart,
that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified
even as he is pure."

This video is one of the most touching I've seen, and exemplifies the true meaning of Charity - "The pure Love of Christ."

“True charity is the desire to be useful to others
without thought of recompense”
-Emanuel Swedenborg

"Charity is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands".
-Joseph Addison

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity." 1 Corinthians 13:13

May you have Charity in your heart today for all those who cross your path.

Happy Sabbath. ♥

~ Laughter ~

"Laughter is jogging inside the body!"
: )

I have found, now as an adult,  that the times I need to just let go and laugh the most, are times when I am in moments of great stress. 

It's amazing how laughter truly indeed is "the best medicine" and can most assuredly lighten your load.

Some of my most favorite memories of laughing, were when I was young and my cousins, brothers and I were assigned to the

"kids table" during holidays celebrations.  Little did the adults know - that was the best seating in the house ... and it still is! 
We would burst out in such uncontrollable laughter, that no matter what we did, we couldn't stop it.  There were even times where milk would come out of our noses as we simultaneously drank and laughed at the same moment!  Those scenes would break the table out into the highest decibles of laughter even more, you could hear us down the street I'm sure!!! : )
Even still while writing this, those memories still make me laugh.  I sometimes go back to visit those moments - during the holidays - at that little round table, even now as a mom, as I join the kids and remember how it was back in the day.

Laughter indeed - is a precious thing!  It is an instant mood lifter and truly the best therapy!

Here's to laughing a little more today.  Reminisce your childhood and remember the moments that made you laugh and still do today.  Laughter is contageous and is definitely something that invites people to want to be around you!! 

: )

♥ Valentine ♥

In celebration of the day before Valentine's Day - I thought it would be fun to learn more about this day celebrating Love - and who is actually behind it.  Here is some interesting information ...

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

According another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

(source)

"Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love. And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To... wake at dawn and give thanks for another day of loving." 

~ Khalil Gibran

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith."

~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

So - however you celebrate this commemoration of Love, may you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥

~ Kindness ~

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, the thought of kindness came to me as an addition to the tapestry of Love. 
Being kind is such a simple act - yet it speaks a thousand words. 
A smile, hug, "thinking of you" note, service performed, a kind word ... the list is endless.

No matter what is going on in your life, keep hope that there is still kindness in the world. Kind people doing the smallest of deeds can mean the world to someone.


What has someone done for you today? What are you going to do for someone in return?

Watch this touching clip: http://www.stservicemovie.com/

Here's to being a little kinder today : )
♥

~ The Mommy Store ~

I truly cherish the once in a lifetime moments, when the world comes to a standstill. When time magically slows to a halt creating a place where everything seems to move in slow motion as if the veil between heaven and earth becomes equal…..just for a split second.

This was one of those moments.

Walking through the crunchy leaves scattered about the earth on a Fall afternoon, my 4 year old daughter Malia, slipped her little hand within mine as we walked along the trail. The pallet of Autumns color bathed our eyes and enveloped us with wonder, as if every little leaf gathered became a priceless treasure of discovery for my daughter.

 In the solitude of enchantment while gathering a little armful of Autumn’s glorious clutter to toss in the air with a squeal of delight, my daughter looked up at me with her soul piercing – much more wise than her young age - chocolate brown eyes – and casually exclaimed
“mommy, I’m so glad I picked you for my mommy!” Without skipping a beat, she tossed her gathered treasure of mixed red, yellow and orange leaves into the air, throwing her head back as nature’s bounty came twirling down onto her sunlit laughing face. I watched her for a moment, sort of caught off guard by her confident statement and asked “you picked me?” Bending over to gather yet another armful, she glanced up at me as if she had forgotten I was there. “From the mommy store in heaven.” she stated as if I should have remembered. “You must remind me,” I urged her on “I really can’t remember what it was like.”

She threw her arms heavenward with an excited squeal allowing the ritual to enthrall her once again as if it were the first time she had done it. “The mommy store in heaven. All of the mommies were lined up and you were the last one. I picked you because you looked at me and smiled at me, and I liked your smile.” She casually stated, persisting in her task of filling her arms, and as if heaven and earth had no boundaries in her little world.

She left me standing speechless as she continued in her next repetition of childhood delight. The air about me became silent. I literally could have heard a pin drop. Everything enveloped my soul in slow motion, even the laughter seemed distant echoing through my head like a faraway dream. I slowly bent down facing my little angel, interrupting her next move and gathered her into my arms. “I love you so much!” I whispered nestling within her neck. She giggled and threw her head back with laughter as it tickled her. “I am so lucky to have you as my daughter! Thank you so much for picking me in heaven to be your mommy. I am the luckiest mommy in the whole world!” I told her as I helped her gather another armful of delight.

At that moment, I truly saw heaven in her soul piercing eyes and knew without a doubt that this once in a lifetime moment would be remembered into the eternities. Where heaven and earth intertwined as one, just for a split second allowing us to step into - and experience the bonds of an eternal awe inspiring connection.

♥

~ The Power Of Music ~

I absolutely love music. It is not only part of my every day work and love, but a part of my soul. Always has been and always will be. It is completely branded within the very depths of my being. I truly believe, music is a universal language that speaks to the deepest corners of the soul, unifying humanity when nothing else can.  "It is the harmonic connection between all living beings." (from the movie August Rush).  Mozart, Bach, Beethoven - among others - are still being played to this day ... melodies from the dust.  I love music that makes you want to get up and dance, music that causes you to feel a sort of home sickness, and music like what you are about to hear - touches you to the core , Spirit to Spirit - with such hypnotic awe and inspiration - it leaves you wondering what just happened to you.
  

For those who don't know Andrea Bocelli - well ... you're in for a treat. He is truly inspiring. He is world-known as one of the greatest opera tenors ever. Here is a short bio of him, and an amazing video that you must watch of his divine - straight from heaven - gifted voice:
http://god-gives-us-strength.blogspot.com/2009/12/lords-prayer.html

(Wikipedia bio):  Andrea Bocelli, born in Lajatico, Italy, in 1958, is one of the greatest singing talents in the world today. He has been blind since age 12, owing to congenital glaucoma and a blow to the head while tending goal during a soccer game.

Andrea did not begin his singing career until the late 1980s, when he began performing in piano bars throughout Italy. Before then he earned a law degree from the University of Pisa. In 1993 he was signed to a record contract after a scout heard him sing during a party. That was the beginning of a spectacular career, which saw him team with some of the best voices in the business.

Andrea has worked with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti and Sarah Brightman, and has sung for the Pope. Perhaps his best-known hit is "Con Te Partirò (Time To Say Goodbye)" a duet with Brightman. Bocelli has also done "Vivo Per Lei," which means "I Live For Her". The song has been translated many times, and Bocelli has teamed up with many different singers in the translations. He himself sings the Italian and Spanish versions, and sings in Italian on the French and German versions of the song. Hélène Ségara, Marta Sánchez, Sandy and Judy Weiss have all teamed with him on different versions of the song. He has even worked with Céline Dion, teaming up with her for the song "The Prayer." Andrea met Enrica Cenzatti in 1987, and they married in 1992. They have two sons.

Enjoy .... Happy Sabbath. : )

~ Hero ~

Hero: an object of extreme admiration and devotion.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've always had a hero in my life of some sort. Someone to look up to, to follow their example. Someone beautiful, talented, charming, classy. A good cook, inspirational, spiritual. Athletic, adventurous, brave. Gentle, compassionate, loving. Many of these hero's have been in my life as I've grown and matured. They have also changed through the years as I have, yet a part of them will always be etched with their heartprints upon my soul. Of course my mother is, and has been one of my hero's and continues to be and will be forever. However, there is one hero in my life right at this moment that truly inspires me to be better, and that is my 93 1/2 year old grandfather ... a.k.a. "Grandad!" : )

One of my fondest memories of Grandad, was going on one of the many fishing trips he would take me (as well as the other grandkids on). We would leave before any sign of dawn, because Grandad "knew" what time the fish would be out, just waiting to be caught. And 5:00 am for a young girl was quite early. He had every single lure, float, weight imaginable. Every single color of bait and every flavor. He always had a container of dirt with "fresh" worms in his refrigerator, and was a pro at getting them on the hook!  He had many spools of various fishing lines depending on the weight of the fish waiting to be caught (he was always hopeful on catching "Walter" ... the grand-daddy of them all). His tackle box held every tool conceivable, and he had more than one. He always sported his fishing vest and hat, which was also covered with flies he had recently purchased or tied himself. He definitely was - and still is - a prepared fisherman.

Well, on this imparticular fishing adventure, it was around mid-afternoon as we were heading out on foot to another location. Part of the trail was covered with hundreds of rocks and I'm not talking little rocks - these were cantelope - watermelon sized boulders to traverse over and around, holding our poles and gear with the upmost coordination possible. Well, I was doing pretty well until I slipped on one of the rocks and the next thing I knew I was flat on my face. Not only that, but an extra surprise was about to be discovered. While holding my pole with one hand and the fishing line with the other ... (WITH the hook on the end of the line) - my hand had slipped down the line during my fall, hooking the inside webbed part of my hand! The hook went clear thru one end and out the other and didn't budge. The thing was in there to stay.

I was pretty grossed out at the sight of the hook anchored in and poking through my flesh. But became completely terrified when Grandad announced that he was going to have to take me to the nearest hospital in town to have it removed. I started crying and begged him with all my young girl heart to not take me. I had the most extreme fear needles out of anyone I've ever known.  I pleaded with Grandad that he take it out. I mean after all, he had the tool box with all of the tools we needed. And the skills and knowledge of having served as a doctor in the Military - not to mention having removed hooks from the hundreds of fish he had caught in his life. How much different could this be?!!
He considered it for a moment and I'm sure my total panic, fear and uncontrollable tears pulled at his heart. He opened up one of his tackle boxes, pulled out some special cutters. Cut each end of the hook off, and then retreived some tweezers and tugged, pulled, and twisted the rest of it out. I was so relieved and gave him the biggest hug of all time. He cleaned it all up and bandaged my hand.  I didn't care about the painful throbbing my hand was experiencing - Grandad took care of everything and did it for me!

This amazing man, walks on his treadmill every day for 1/2 hour. Then works out with weights on the weight machine as you can hear it repeatedly go: clinck .... clinck .... clinck. He cooks his own meals - breakfast and lunch. Then joins my mom and dad for dinner. He takes care of himself on his own (mom helps out with the laundry), bakes his own bread and ALWAYS has a tub of "Burnt-Almond Fudge Ice Cream" in his freezer to share with anyone who loves ice cream as much as he does!! He reads a lot, enjoys music, LOVES having his family - especially the grandkids around - and me, his "number -1" (first born grandchild) as I'm known when he makes introductions. : ) I've learned so much at his feet with his keen sense of memory as he recalls so many stories of his lifetime.  At his 90th birthday party celebration he announced that since he made 90 that his next goal is 95 ... "95 looks pretty good!"  He achieved a Master's degree, served his country with honors, and has and still serves his church.
His example of love and adoration for his "beautiful bride" far surpasses all.  And it is she who patiently waits in the heavens with open arms for him to join her some day.  He constantly has a smile that lights up his face and a twinkle in his eye ... still - after all these years.  All of these things added up, make quite a man ... but the one thing that I admire most about him that makes him a hero - my hero - is his attitude. He is ALWAYS positive. He is always having a "great day!" He is always up to going on a drive, even if it's only an errand to the bank with my mom ... "Sure I'll go - Would love to!" is always his reply. He always has open arms to give the biggest bear hugs with, and welcomes anyone as family. And it's not just his positive words - but "how" he talks - his upbeat tone, always.

I told him at Christmas time that he was my hero. He asked: "Now why would I be something like that?" I answered: "Because Grandad. Look at you!! You are a stud! You are in better shape than I am, and you are always positive - no matter what!" His reply: "Well, I believe in that. Being positive is the best thing anyone can do!" My love grew even more for this amazing man right at that moment. He has been through so much in his life and has often struggled with his health in the past, but I truly believe that being positive is one of the #1 reasons he is still alive, breathing and blessing so many lives to this day.

I still have the scar on my hand from that hook.  And not only does it remind me of all the times spent with Grandad, but what he did for me that day as he became one of my beloved hero's.

Who is your hero? What qualities and attributes have they shown you by their extraordinary example that encourages you to be a better person? Tell them today. Share why they are. Bless their life as they have blessed you.

This quote sums up Grandad perfectly:

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."

This is Grandad. And if you ever have the opportunity to cross his path - your life will be blessed for the richer, now and into the eternities.

~ Perfection ~

"Perfection = Doing YOUR very best ....
not someone else's."

That quote, just happened to create itself one day at the bench of another one of life's lessons - amidst piano lessons - right there in front of the piano keys with one of my students who is an absolute perfectionist. After many attempts at convincing her that piano lesson's is just that - a lesson, learning something that also allows for mistakes - this quote jumped right out of my mouth at the "perfect" moment and lifted what seemed, a life's load of burdens off of her shoulders. After which, she played her piece flawlessly.

I've felt thru much of my life, this pressure of so-called perfection. As a mother, CEO of my household, wife, daughter, sister, friend ... the list goes one. Yet it is I who creates this perception in my mind of perfection and how everything should be - and at times according to how perfect someone else's life seems, with their perfect amazing talents and abilities. It wasn't until just a few years ago - and with this "God Wink" of a quote playing its way into my life inspired at the piano keys, that I realized - not everything has to be perfect in the sense that I had conditioned myself to believe. It is what it is - after - I've done all that I can......
Load lifted .... ahhhhhh .... the pressure lightened, such joyful release.

Our son shared with us last night, just how stressed he is, feeling that he has to be "perfect" in all he does, and feels the pressure of criticism if he doesn't live up to whatever standard of perfection the world, and even us as his parents, have set for him.
Grades, school, sports, hobbies - everything. If my son is feeling like this - how many more teenagers are feeling the same way?
At times I think that we (parents in general) put so much pressure on perfection - especially with our kids, spouses ... whoever - that in reality the "ability" of that concept, only lies within the individual himself of what he can actually do when all is said and done.

This quote, inspires me to be a little more gentle with my expectations. There is already enough pressure in the world as it is, and the last thing I want to do is fuel the fire of stress that is already constantly burning at every turn it seems. Instead, fueling with love, positive encouragement and sincere understanding will hopefully teach that doing the best they can - not someone else's - is their own definition of perfect and truly a rewarded blessing of joy. Having that load lightened will allow wings to spread for greater flight, soaring beyond one's potential.

After all - if we were perfect we'd either be walking on water or "twinkled in an eye" up to the heaven's. And I know for darn sure that neither of those things will be happening to me anytime soon.

May you have a "perfect" day! : )

~ Language ~

"February - arrives cold, wet and gray, her gifts disguised for only the most discerning spirits to see. Gentle is our path. Gratitude is the thread we weave into the fabric of our daily lives this month, giving thanks for our simply abundant lives and asking for the gift of one thing more: grateful hearts."

(Simple Abundance).


I also believe hidden "for only the most discerning spirits to see" this month is .... Love! February ... ahhhhh ... the "month of Love." For some it is quite easy to whip out the Valentine's Day decore and string it about the house. For other's, it might feel alone, empty, "another holiday" that holds no meaning.

I believe that if we really know who we are, and what we love - life can truly hold immense joy for us. You've probably heard the popular saying: "Do what you love and love what you do." This is true - and so is figuring out "what" you love - and loving who you are - to help develop the innate ability of loving others without even a second thought.

There is a book called "The Five Languages Of Love." This for me, my hubby and even kids, has been quite an eye opener. It helps you figure out what "love language" you speak - as well as what others are speaking. When people know what "language" you speak - and theirs for you ... it's like a window to the soul opening up and letting the sun shine right in. Not only is it valuable in personal realtionships with others, but your developing relationship with yourself. Who knows - your spouses #1 love language might be "words of affirmation" when you thought it was "gifts."

I'm posting this today - so you can get prepared for the next 14 days ahead of you - with your spouse, significant other - kids - parents - friends - family - and even yourself .... so that this Valentine's Day - celebrating Love - coming upon us, will be the best one you've ever experienced!


Take the short quiz and go from there. It's quite fun - try it out. It surely won't hurt and might even bless you and those around you with a change of heart - and increased love growing within it.  The trick is that once you discover each other's "language" ... is the adventure and journey to put into action "THEIR" language as they will with yours.  It's like magic when you focus on "how" to speak someone else's love language, that your own focus on worrying about yourself diminishes - because your own heart expands by loving others - and they will in return, learn how to speak yours.  : )
http://edified.org/myspace/lovelanguage

Cheers to Love and Grateful Hearts!

p.s....Even thought the test above is focused more on adults - we had our kids take it a couple of years (young teens) and it still rang true to their language.  Give it a shot - the entire family will be speaking new languages and love will abound!  : )