Dippidy-doo-dah

2009-11-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

I love this story.

A fishing boat was docked in a tiny coastal village south of the border. An American tourist complimented the local fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them. "Not very long", answered the fisherman. "Then why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American. The man said that his small catch was enough for his family. The American asked, "What do you do with the rest of your time?" The fisherman replied, "I sleep late, play with my children, catch a few fish, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar and sing a few songs. I have fun…"

The American interrupted, "Hey, I have an MBA from Duke and I can help you. Start by fishing longer every day and selling the extra fish you catch then you can buy a bigger boat. The larger boat will bring in more money and you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet. Instead of selling to a middleman, you can sell directly to the processing plants. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, LA or New York City! There you can direct your enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman. "20-25 years", replied the American. "And after that?" asked the fisherman. "That's when it gets really interesting", answered the American, smiling. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!" "Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the fisherman.

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny coastal village, sleep late, play with your grandchildren, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and playing the guitar with your friends!"

--unknown author

2009-11-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

When all your desires are distilled
You will cast just two votes:

To love more,
And be happy.

--Hafiz

That's all I have today. I'm just really feeling this quote. :)

Gratitude

2009-11-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

At church this weekend, the talk was about living a life of gratitude. I feel like I can always use a reminder of this. It's so easy to focus on the little, piddly things and not see how wonderful things truly are. One quote cited was:

"A penny can block the biggest star in the Universe if held close enough to the eye."
--Alan Cohen

It's all up to us. What we choose to focus on....is our choice. I want to live a life of love, happiness, and gratitude. Not one of fear, resentment, and lack. And since it's my choice, that's what I'm going to do. How about you? :)

Time with friends

2009-11-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

Last night I went out to dinner with some friends and then we went to see a friend in a play. For that time I was able to just be me. To talk and laugh without worrying about anything. It was wonderful. The kids had a good time with their dad and the World didn't end because I wasn't home with them. I am learning I can be a mother and wife and be myself. I've heard people say it was possible and helps you to be a better mom and wife, but I never really-and-truly understood that. I think I do now.

Back to Life

2009-11-06T06:28:00.001-08:00

I'm coming back to life!!! Both on here and in the real world. Life is good once again. We're all healthy and plan on staying that way. :)

I've also been making a point lately to truly enjoy my life. Instead of constantly thinking about what needs to be done, I've been stopping and living in the moment. When I'm on the floor, building car tracks or houses with the kids, that's what I'm doing. It's actually a lot of fun being creative....much better than planning the next cleaning task. They enjoy it a lot more that way too.

I've also been noticing how much I have and how lucky I am. I have been so blessed in life. I have a wonderful family. I have the best job in the World. I live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I have so many amazing friends. It just makes me want to give the Universe a giant hug.

Love to you all.

Crazy languages!

2009-09-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...if you checked out my blog in the last couple days, you might have been confused by the Spanish settings. lol. Goodness knows I was! I didn't even realize it was in Spanish until a friend informed me. (Thanks!) My almost-3 year-old daughter has been playing on the computer a lot...she says she's a "big girl" so she needs to work on the "puter" now. Somehow, she managed to change the part I saw to Hindi. In trying to change it back, somehow I managed to change the part you see to Spanish. lol I'm hoping it never happens again, but at least now I can find the button to change it, no matter what language it's in....I think. Aren't little ones fun? :)

Sorry for any confusion. I hope you are ready for a wonderful week!

Homemade pizza

2009-09-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

My son and I made homemade dough, homemade sausage and homemade sauce for one of the most delicious pizzas I have ever had yesterday. It was really fun to make it as much from scratch as we could. He said that next time he wants to grow all the herbs and make the cheese too. lol. It was such a neat thing to see him think all the way back to planting the tomato seeds, watering the plants and watching the tomatoes go through the whole process to ending up on our pizza. It was fun for me too, actually. :)

Deeeeelicious!!

2009-09-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

I just had to hop on here to say the homemade tomato soup we made was AWESOME!!!! I can't believe we made it from scratch. It was the best thing I've ever made from homegrown tomatoes and soooo good! The recipe is from a friend of mine. Here it is, if you'd like to try. :)

http://housewifecooking.blogspot.com/2009/04/fresh-tomato-cream-soup.html

Life at Home

2009-09-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Home. I love it. There's really no place I'd rather be. And today I'm not leaving it allll day! I'm excited.

We pulled a couple gallon bags of tomatoes from our garden yesterday (I still can't believe that!) and today we're going to put them to use. I'm thinking about making salsa, tomato soup and sun-drying the rest. It looks like we'll have another large batch ready by next weekend. I'm thinking sauce for that bunch. Yum!

I purchased some beeswax sheets through a co-op and think the kids and I might make some candles with them today. My son is itching to get to them.

I think the rest of the day will be spent baking bread and playing with the kids.

How lucky am I?

2009-08-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase just take the first step” - Martin Luther King Jr.

I like this quote. Wonder where it will lead me...

Today I will

2009-08-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

Today I will be present. I will share the joys, sorrows and love of those around me. I will be thankful for all of my blessings and find joy in all I do.

What did the Zen practitioner say to the hot dog vendor?

2009-08-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

"Make me one with everything."

lol...I heard that joke at church awhile back and just saw it in a book a friend recommended. It's titled, ConZentrate: Get Focused and Pay Attention -- When Life Is Filled with Pressures, Distractions, and Multiple Priorities. I just put it on hold at the library and can't wait to get it. I'd love to hear from any of you who might have read it. It sounds like it was written just for me. It's kind of funny that I got the suggestion right after I signed up to volunteer for a bunch of school functions. I want so badly to do everything. It's difficult to admit I can't do it all. I mentioned this quote before, but I've been replaying it in my mind so I can stay somewhat realistic.

"We must not promise
what we ought not,
lest we be called upon
to perform
what we cannot."

--Abraham Lincoln

Come on and smile!!!

2009-08-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

“Because of your smile,
you make life more beautiful.”

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

“If in our daily life we can smile,
if we can be peaceful and happy,
not only we, but everyone will profit from it.
This is the most basic kind of peace work.”

--all from Thich Nhat Hanh

“Before you put on a frown,
make absolutely sure there are no smiles available.”

--Jim Beggs

Health blog

2009-08-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a new blog I've started. I'm using it to help motivate myself on my health journey. You can check it out here:

http://dippidy-onmyway.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Happiness

2009-08-16T21:05:00.001-07:00

Happiness --Alfred D. Souza

For a long time it seemed to me
that life was about to begin - real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way,
something to be gotten through first,
some unfinished business,
time to still be served,
a debt to be paid.
Then life would begin.
At last it dawned on me
that these obstacles were my life.

I love this quote. I want to live it.

If any of you have any tips on how to live "in the now," I would appreciate them greatly. I'm not good at this and need all the help I can get. :) Thanks!

Check out this blog/store!

2009-08-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has started her own online store. She's amazing...a wonderful mother, wife and seamstress. You can see her site here:

http://xxstitchesxx.blogspot.com/2009/08/grand-opening-of-stitches.html#comment-form

You can also find out how to win a holiday apron by clicking on the link.

She's a cool kid so make sure to check her out!

Back to school this week!

2009-08-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

My son starts back to school this week. He's excited and I think it's going to be so good for him to get back into the school routine. I feel like the start of the school year is as much, if not more of a fresh start for us than the actual New Year is. I'm not making resolutions, but I do have a few big goals I'm focusing on this new school year.

1. Get the house in order and stay on top of it. I'm hoping to finish off a couple clutter areas and organize a couple more closets before school starts. Once they are done, the basement will be all that is still in disarray. I've also made a study area, complete with calendar and bulletin board. The beginning of school always seems overwhelming at first...there's always a ton of paperwork, dates, and excitement. I hope to stop the craziness before it starts. Wish me luck, please! :)

2. Create and follow a healthy routine. I have a schedule already put together. I have tried to build in healthy and creative activities for us all. I've even included time for self-care, which is something I tend to overlook. It might need some tweaking, but for the most part, I think it will be good. The main issue will be sticking with it.

3. Limit activities and groups. I tend to get so excited about all the opportunities that come in the Fall. I want the kids to be able to participate in everything and I want to help with everything. The only problem is we can't realistically DO everything. I'm going to stop and think before I overextend us this year. This is going to be a hard one!

This quote, by good ol' Abe says it for me:

"We must not promise
what we ought not,
lest we be called upon
to perform
what we cannot."

--Abraham Lincoln

Feeling good.

2009-08-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day yesterday and I am so excited that the weekend is here. There's a festival in Old Town and the forecast calls for nice, cool weather. I'm thinking about biking to the Farmer's Market this morning and then biking to the festival tomorrow. The kids will love them both. What fun!!

SAVINGS!!!!

2009-08-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have to share this, I'm so proud of myself. :) I spent $45.50 and got all of this:

I saved $102.74!!! Woohoooo!!! There are three bags of tilapia and a Santoku knife in there too. There were two donuts as well, but those were bribery for good behavior in the store and are long gone now. Wooohooo!!!!! Oh....AND I got 60 bonus box tops for school!!! Yay!

Who am I?

2009-08-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Who do you think I am? Can you see me clearly? How about your spouse, child, parent? Have they become just a persona you created? Are you able to look deeply and see who they truly are inside? Do you see them as the same as they were last year or when you first encountered them?

I have a tendency to think of my sisters as they were years and years ago. I still picture my baby sister as a five-year-old. (This particular sister is almost 30 and has 2 little girls of her own!) At times I have to stop and remind myself that she's a grown woman and see her for the wonderful person she has become, not the little girl I remember.

Sometimes I see my husband as he was when we first met...and forget what a loving, capable father he has become.

Sometimes I see my parents as infallible giants and not as normal people with the same struggles as the rest of us.

Sometimes I see what I want to see.

I think it's so much easier to see things in black & white...decide something is good or bad and then be done with it. Seeing the shades of gray...that's harder....it means you can't just give something or someone a label and be done with it...you have to stay open and receptive to change. At least you have to if you want to truly see and truly love. I think it's worth it though, so I'll keep trying. How about you?

Today

2009-08-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

For Today, Thursday, August 13, 2010...

Outside my window...is a beautiful day...it's cloudy and cool and the birds have come to visit.

I am thinking...today will probably push me to my limits, but I'm up to the challenge.

I am thankful for...having a wonderful husband for a team-mate.

From the kitchen...my son made crepes for breakfast and is planning lunch for us.

I am reading...The Chronicles of Amber, Setting Limits, True Love, and Even Firefighters Go Potty.

I am hoping...that my son stops talking long enough to take a breath at some point today.

I am creating...strong, healthy, creative, talkative children.

I am hearing...a replay of something that happened 10 seconds ago.

Around the house...I hope to clean bathrooms and attack some clutter areas.

One of my favorite things...is hanging clothes out to dry.

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow is our 10th wedding anniversary...not sure what we're going to do, but I'm planning on celebrating!

Ahhh...the possibilities!

2009-08-12T15:55:00.001-07:00

I got a new bike basket!! I'm sooo excited. It's going to hold so much more than my last one and be a lot safer....especially since my old one was on the front and the mount had broken, so it kept hitting the tire. :) Think of all the groceries I can put in here! Or library books!! So many wonderful possibilities! I am so lucky!

Here it is:

Who are you?

2009-08-12T07:57:00.001-07:00

How do you view yourself? Can you see yourself clearly? It's harder than it sounds. I mean YOU....the real you...not who you've been told you are by teachers, friends, family, coworkers....they only see parts of you and what they see is filtered through their own thoughts/beliefs/needs. Sometimes it's so easy to accept their ideas as who we really are....it can cause us to stop growing, stop becoming who we are truly meant to be. Fight against that tendency. Be yourself, the authentic you. Keep growing and changing. Don't get lazy and let others decide who you are. Become more awesomely YOU with each passing day.

These two quotes go along with this...at least in my mind. :)

"Learn to...
be what you are,
and learn to resign
with a good grace
all that you are not."

--Henri Frederic Amiel

***

"We must
always change,
renew, rejuvenate
ourselves;
otherwise
we harden."

--Johann Von Goethe

Strange

2009-08-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

So I have this sister....actually I have quite a few, but today I'm thinking of the blond one. Anyway, when I was on vacation last month she did this crazy...I mean strange thing. Early in the morning, before I was even half awake, she took my daughter for a walk. I mean, how weird is that? Waking up and wanting to get right out and moving?! Granted, a walk w/my two-year old daughter is not that strenuous....but getting up and going straight outside to start moving?!? Just seemed a little out-there to me. Not that I didn't LOVE that she did it...just kinda struck me as different.....definitely different for us. I usually have to have my alone time on the computer first and maybe a little cuddle-time or something.

Fast forward to yesterday....I was giving my Fall schedule some final tweaks. I decided to try to build in some ways to get healthier. (It can be a little tricky with the kids' activities, housework, school and all of the other excuses I always create.) My sister popped into my mind yesterday though and I put "walk and meditation" first thing on my schedule. Now I'm the strange one, huh? Well, I tried it this morning. My dog couldn't figure out why I was forcing her out of bed, I know she thought I was nuts. We walked around the block to the park. I sat on a bench overlooking a pond, with the mountains in the background. I pet her while watching the mist rise, the geese waddle and the sun come up. It was glorious.

I feel so present, grounded and joyful. My dog is happy and knows she's loved. Life is good, especially when you're strange. Thanks, Brinny.

Thank you.

2009-08-10T06:27:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for the posts and emails I received about my Depression post. Your support and understanding means so much to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Depression

2009-08-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

This is not the easiest thing I've blogged about, but I feel drawn to address it. So...here goes! :)

It seems like "being depressed" or "suffering from depression" is just an over-used excuse these days. At least that's kind of the way I used to view it. When I was diagnosed with it, I didn't really "believe" in it. I thought it was just a nice way to say I was a downer or just plain moody at times. Recently...just over the past month, actually...I've felt big changes in my life. I know it sounds hokey, but it's as if I'm coming out from under a fog..... and kind of like the gravitational pull has eased up a bit. I feel lighter and more capable. Things that seemed like huge under-takings before are now just items to check off my to-do list. I feel like I'm taking charge of my life and getting things under control. Kind of like I'm standing up and ready to be counted. I'm sure many who read this will think it's just me being silly. That's okay. For those of you who are currently depressed or have been in the past....I just want you to know, I understand.

Used Bike Lot

2009-08-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

All morning my driveway has resembled a used bike lot. That's one of the reasons I just love my neighborhood. :) Kids have been up and down the street, riding bikes, scooters, skateboards and flying turtles. They've played legos and nerf-war. The kids are just great together....my 2 year-old-daughter is always surrounded by older kids trying to help her and entertain her. I got to sit in the shade and read a cookbook while watching them. Summer is good.

Amends

2009-08-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is a follow-up to yesterday's post. Here are some ways we can make amends to ourselves and get back on track. Again, this is taken from Debbie Ford's, The Secret of the Shadow.

Making Amends to Yourself

....."Now is the time to make a commitment to honor ourselves where we have once violated ourselves. Here are some suggestions for transforming our relationships with ourselves.

Tell the truth to ourselves and others.
Take time for the people we love. Schedule time every day to go for a walk, connect, and share what is truly important to us.
Meditate every day.
Volunteer our time to causes and organizations that inspire us to help: children with learning disabilities, reading programs in schools.
Stop gossiping.
Take care of our physical bodies with nourishing food, adequate rest, exercise, fresh air, and recreation.
Honor our boundaries and listen to our inner sense of what feels good and what doesn't.
Make a daily connection with the Divine.
Process our painful emotions when they come up so they can be healed.
Keep our checkbooks in balance and clear up our past debts.
Take time to acknowledge ourselves for all we are, for the joy we bring to others, and for the contributions we've made to the world.
Eat foods that nourish our bodies, and stop eating when our stomachs are full.
Feel gratitude every day for what we have."

Violations

2009-08-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

I've found the following excerpts very thought-provoking. They're from The Secret of the Shadow by Debbie Ford.

"Many of us get alarmed and inspired into action when we witness violations in the world. When someone is mugged, raped, or abused, we feel an immediate sense of injustice. It is more difficult to catch sight of the violations we perpetrate against ourselves, for we often violate ourselves in seemingly small and unnoticeable ways. We violate ourselves when we don't listen to ourselves or trust our instincts or claim what we want.........We violate ourselves when we look for what's wrong instead of what's right. We violate ourselves when we fail to do what brings us joy. We violate ourselves by keeping ourselves small."

Some of the ways we may betray ourselves:

"We violate our bodies by:

overeating
telling ourselves we are going to exercise and not following through
not taking enough time for rest and recreation
abusing ourselves with cigarettes, alcohol or drugs
criticizing ourselves when we look in the mirror
paying more attention to our flaws than to our beauty
staying so busy that we cannot hear the signals our bodies send us
listening to our self-loathing internal dialogues."

"We violate ourselves in relationships by:

staying in relationships with physically or emotionally abusive people
doing things for or with friends that we don't want to do
having sex when we don't want to
depriving ourselves of intimacy when we want it
breaking agreements and commitments with others
gossiping about others
pretending to like people we con't
not spending time with our loved ones
withholding our feelings from others
stepping over our personal boundaries or compromising our integrity
making other people's needs more important than our own"

"We violate our financial security by:

spending more than we earn
running up credit card debt
bouncing checks
lying about our income
not saving money
being unconscious about our spending
stealing
ignoring our debts
paying bills late"

"We can read thousands of self-help books, meditate every day, and sit at a guru's feet, but if we use the wisdom we've gained only to put ourselves down and diminish our worth, we have violated ourselves. Each time we look in the mirror and see only part of who we are--every time we spend more time listening to our unconscious internal dialogues, rather than acknowledging our greatness---we have committed a violation of self."

This is something that needs to stop.

Let's have a good day today.

2009-08-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's a fresh new day, let's enjoy it for all it's worth!

Make Strong Choices

2009-08-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm back from vacation and ready to re-enter the blogging world. :) Commitment is on my mind today. I like these excerpts from Dare to Be Yourself, by Alan Cohen:

"Make strong choices. Strong choices require commitment. Choose one path or another, but don't try to straddle the fence. When you commit, you may make a mistake, but at least you will know it and you'll be able to move on with the benefit of what you've learned. If you don't act, you won't make any mistakes, but you also won't learn."

"Whatever you choose to be, embrace it with strength, conviction, and a whole heart. Be whatever you really are, and go all the way with it. If there is ultimately a higher path for you, action with conviction will lead you to it. Make strong choices. Make and be a strong statement to the world. Don't apologize for your dreams and desires. Make up your mind. Step ahead. Dive in. nd if you commit with a loving heart, your life will be different forever."

Hiatus

2009-07-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be taking a short hiatus while we go back to visit family in Kentucky. I'm going to practice being present and enjoying every second of our time together. AND....I'm going to give my new nieces LOTS of love. :)

I will return in a couple weeks. Love to you all!

Love

2009-07-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

A couple months or so ago, I sat down w/my journal and asked myself what is most important to me, what do I need to focus on the most in my life? The answer I found was that the most important thing in the world is Love. Period. So the most important thing for me to do is create more love and share the love I have with the World. I know some will think that sounds nuts, but...so what? :) I still believe it with all my heart and soul. "Radiate my love to the World." Has become one of my mantras. I do this whenever possible. When my children are hurt or upset and I hold them in my arms, I imagine love emanating from within and enclosing them in a sphere of love and peace. When I see a stranger who looks troubled, I send love their way as well, along with a smile and kind word. It costs me nothing, but I truly believe it does help the World be a better place. If nothing else, it helps me be a better person.

Love to you all.

"Demonstrate that love is the most powerful force in the universe
as it finds expression through your belief in your life and yourself."
--Alan Cohen
Dare to Be Yourself

2009-07-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

This quote jumped off the page at me this morning.

We are not being unloving or selfish when we take care of ourselves,
set limits or boundaries, and say "no" when we need to.
We are actually setting an example for others of
love and self-respect.
-Siri Bletzer

This is something I need to constantly remind myself. I tend to take it to heart when someone is upset or unhappy...thinking it's my fault and that I need to make it "all better," regardless of the cost to myself. I have a feeling some of you out there know what I mean. This is something I'm working on....not only with my children, but with friends and family as well.

Full of Joy & Miracles

2009-07-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

How can anybody doubt that there is a God when they're around a happy child? What else could create such unabashed joy? The smiles, giggles and happy little jigs are gifts directly from Him to the World. My children bubble over with it and share it so freely, it leaves me in awe and full of joy. May your day be full of love and joy and maybe even a little jig.

These lyrics are from a new CD some friends of mine just released. All of the songs are just as wonderful. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: http://colleencrosson.com/

Miracles
- words & music by Mark Sloniker ©1999

He sees miracles in the dawn's early light

He sees miracles in the first star at night

He sees miracles in the simplest of things

In a butterfly's flight, in a hummingbird's wings

In the magic that each moment brings

She finds miracles in the thunder and rain

She finds miracles in a fire fly's flame

She makes miracles with a hug and a kiss

In just holding hands through moments like this

She finds miracles in such bliss

When did I go so far astray,

That I stopped running wild, that I stopped playing free?

Searching in hopes I'd find my way

I found a child of three, with so much to teach me

'Cause he sees miracles in the marching of ants

And she sees miracles in a honey bee's dance

They see miracles in the simplest of things

In the first winter snow, in the blossom of spring

In the magic that each moment brings

She finds miracles on the string of a kite

And he finds miracles in a moment's delight

They find miracles on a warm summer breeze

In a puddle of rain, in the climbing of trees

They find miracles in moments like these

Where in the world did I lose track,

When the wonders of life, lost their wonder to me?

It's time that I found my way back

There's a child in my heart…'n'

She yells…"allee allee in come free"

Then we'll find miracles, whether young or old

We'll find miracles in each story told

We'll see miracles when we laugh or we cry

Through all of our lives, 'til the day that we die

There's a miracle, even in goodbye

For we're miracles…You and I

Blossoming

2009-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

And then the day came
when the risk to remain tight in the bud
was more painful
than the risk it took to blossom.
--Anais Nin

I've always liked this quote. For some reason I'm feeling drawn to it today. Makes me wonder what's in store for me. What would it be like if I did blossom?

2009-07-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Funnies

2009-07-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Why did Tigger stick his head in the toilet bowl?
He was looking for Pooh!

My son is full of these jokes today. Who was it that thought teaching him to read was a good thing? :) You wouldn't believe how many times my daughter has fallen for

"You know what?"
"Chicken butt!"

She gets sooo mad at him that I have to admit, it is pretty funny.

Watching my children grow and develop their own sense of humor is so fun....they're each so different and so creative. Is there anything better in life?

Today

2009-07-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today I feel the need to get grounded...when I get off my regular routine, it can take awhile to get things back in line. To help me focus on where I am, I'm falling back on my favorite simple journaling format and this quote:

If you want to be happy, be.
-Leo Tolstoy

For Today, Thursday, 7/2/09...

Outside my window...everything is a luscious green, thanks to all the amazing rain we've had recently.

I am thinking...about being where I am and being more mindful.

I am thankful for...my home and family.

From the kitchen...I hope to create something delicious for dinner.

I am reading...Living Dead in Dallas and Peace is Every Step

I am hoping...to get a lot done today and enjoy every second.

I am creating...a peaceful home.

I am hearing...Dora the Explorer on the TV.

Around the house...things are good....I can't wait to have the bathrooms finished.

One of my favorite things...is cuddling.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we're going on a playdate at the park tomorrow and planning firework fun for Saturday.

Amazing

2009-07-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Avon Walk was great. The people, the energy, the money raised, the scenery....everything was awe-inspiring. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate again. Over 1400 people walked last weekend and raised $2.6 MILLION!! It's impossible to truly convey the experience. If you ever have the chance, check it out! :)

Yesterday another wonderful thing happened. My second niece was born! Ainsley Paige weighed in at 8lbs, 6 oz; 20 inches. She has a little dimple in her chin and is as precious as can be. I can't wait to hold her and love on her.

I wonder what amazing things are in store for today.

The Big Weekend

2009-06-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

I leave today for the Avon 2-Day Walk in the mountains. I'm so excited for so many reasons. I think most of all, I'm looking forward to the amazing vibe that all of those wonderful women create. I've never felt anything like it before.

Everyone is there to raise money & awareness to fight breast cancer and everyone supports one another. There are people who have survived cancer, whose strength is incredible. There are people whose lives have been irrevocably changed by breast cancer and are there to honor loved ones. And there are people who just want to make sure future generations don't have to experience it at all. Aside from having children, it is the most awe-inspiring thing I've ever experienced.

Today I have two quotes to share, I will focus on both of them today.

Be the change you want to see in the World.
--Mahatma Gandhi

The future is hope.
--John Fiske

The link to my Avon page is: http://tinyurl.com/danagoodwin

Living

2009-06-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

"We are always
getting ready to live,
but never living."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

So...what are we gonna do to change that?!?! Any ideas? WWED? Maybe a better question for me is, what would my children do? :)

Why? Why not?

2009-06-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

I saw this quote in a magazine and wanted to share it, in honor of the smile it gave me. :)

"Some People see things that are and ask, Why?
Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not?
Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that."
--George Carlin

So sweet!

2009-06-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Is there anything sweeter than a two-and-a-half year old girl?!?! My daughter is just sooo precious right now. She's full of love and smiles. I can't imagine anything sweeter. I'm loving this girl! <3

2009-06-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

My friend, Mark Sloniker shared this in a FB note....I just had to share it with y'all. :)

My Next Life
by Woody Allen

In my next life I want to live my life backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension and then, when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol and are generally promiscuous and then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid and you play. You have no responsibilities; you become a baby until you are born; and then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa-like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then... Voila! You finish off as an orgasm! I rest my case.

Patience

2009-06-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

I think that this summer God has decided it's time for me to learn some patience. I'm really not a patient person, but since having kids, I've tried my best. Now it seems to be time for me to move to the next level. My two lead teachers are my children. My daughter is amazingly independent and fearless. She wants to do everything by herself. Her syllabus consists mostly of "Me do it....no Mommy, get back, Me do it myself!" My son on the other hand, wants assistance with everything...and then likes to go over and over the details of each second. Kinda reminds me of this SNL skit, when Chris Farley is interviewing Paul McCartney:

Chris Farley: You remember when you were with the Beatles?
Paul McCartney: Yes.
Chris Farley: That was awesome.

Chris Farley: Remember when you were with the Beatles and you were supposed to be dead, and there were all these clues, like you play some song backwards and it'd say, like "Paul is Dead" and everybody thought you were dead and, um, that was a hoax right?
Paul McCartney: Yeah, I wasn't really dead.

Chris Farley: I think we got time for one more question. Remember when you were in the Beatles and you did that album Abbey Road and at the very end of the song, it went: 'And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make'. You remember that?
Paul McCartney: Yes.
Chris Farley: Um, is that true?

When I read this quote, I realized that this is a good comparison for me. I'm raising little people here, they won't always take as much (or the same kind of) patience...this is a learning time for all of us. And I do love them so. :)

“The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.”

--Arnold Henry Glasow

Blessings.

2009-06-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been greatly blessed in life, but somedays I just don't take enough notice. Today was a day that I really felt the blessings and took the time to appreciate them. I need to remind myself more often to just stop and be where I am and enjoy all of the goodness around me. Life is good.

Something I read today that I will use as a focus:

"Don't run after your thoughts. Find joy and peace in this very moment."

--from Miracle of Mindfulness, by Thich Nhat Hanh

Love, Love, Love

2009-06-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

My daughter woke up in a wondrous mood today. She was full of hugs and "I love you, Mommy!"s. It was delicious. I would love to keep this juju going all day long w/all that I do and all that I see. Sweet, innocent love shared with everyone. mmmmmmmmmm

The Sun Never Says
by Hafiz from The Gift

Even
After
All this time
The sun never says to the earth,

"You owe
Me."

Look What happens
With a love like that,
It lights the
Whole
Sky.

S'mores Cookies!!

2009-06-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

YUM! We made some S'mores cookies today and they were delicious! I saw an article in a magazine for them, but made my own version. I just used the Toll House cookie recipe for a basis, substituted 1 cup graham cracker crumbs for 1 cup of the flour; cut the chocolate chips back to 1 cup and sprinkled some milk chocolate pieces on top before putting them in the oven. I put them in a 350 oven for 13 minutes, changed the oven to broil; topped the cookies with a few miniature marshmallows and broiled for 2 minutes, so the marshmallows were nice and toasty. mmmmmmm!

Try 'em, you'll like 'em!

ETA....I've decided these were too sweet even for me! Next time I'll cut out the white sugar completely. There will definitely be a next time though!

The Difference Between Boys and Girls

2009-06-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

Playing "kitchen" with my daughter: She pretends to cook me a five course meal, carefully displaying each course and daintily eating soup and drinking tea with me.

Playing "kitchen" with my son & his friend: They quickly throw a top on a pot and bring it to me, only at the last second to "accidentally" spill the hot soup all over me.

Practicing Listening

2009-06-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

You know how you can go forever without hearing about something, then all at once, the same topic comes at you from all sides? That's how this past week has been for me about "listening". I think it's time I stop and pay attention now. :) I'm going to do my best today to truly listen to people. This means not trying to figure out what people are going to say before they say it.....not thinking about my reply before they're even done talking.....not half-listening/half-typing an email or reading a book. Today my big goal is to truly listen.

My poem for today is:

How Do I Listen?
-Hafiz, The Gift

How

Do I

Listen to others?

As if everyone were my Master

Speaking to me

His

Cherished

Last

Words.

Cool Finger Puppets

2009-06-16T21:04:00.001-07:00

I think we're going to have to make these. They look incredibly easy for how cute they are!!

http://www.parentsconnect.com/do/craft-chick-finger-puppets.jhtml?ccc=10491&psc=10020

Clinics for the insane...:)

2009-06-16T12:39:00.001-07:00

We Might Have to Medicate You
by Hafiz, taken from The Gift

Resist your temptation to lie
By speaking of separation from God,

Otherwise,
We might have to medicate
You.

In the ocean
A lot goes on beneath your eyes.

Listen,
They have clinics there too
for the insane
Who persist in saying things like:

"I am independent from the
Sea,

God is not always around
Gently
Pressing against
My body."

Make your own rainstick.

2009-06-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

The kids made these yesterday. Easy, cheap, fun, & safe. What more could you want? :)

Here's a link to the directions, check 'em out!

http://www.parentsconnect.com/do/Pitter_Patter.jhtml

Tukaram

2009-06-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

I've been reading the section in Love Poems from God by Tukaram. They've been making me smile so much, I wanted to include several here.

I Might Act Serious

If God would stop telling jokes,
I might act serious.

(I just love picturing these!)

It's the Shell Trick

It's the old shell trick with a twist:
I saw God put Himself in one
of your pockets.

You are bound
to find
Him.

Feeling Very Secure

Some
planets rolled in
those openings on the side of my head.

I haven't heard anything for years.
Whenever I see a mouth moving in front of me

I just assume someone is saying
something brilliant

and then go on about my day
feeling very
secure.

And the one I'm focusing on today:

Certainty

Certainty undermines one's power, and turns happiness
into a long shot. Certainty confines.

Dears, there is nothing in your life that will not
change --especially all your ideas of God.

Look what the insanity of righteous knowledge can do:
crusade and maim thousands
in wanting to convert that which is already gold into gold.

Certainty can become an illness
that creates hate and
greed.

God once said to Tuka,

"Even I am ever changing --
I am ever beyond
Myself,

what I may have once put my seal upon,
may no longer be
the greatest
Truth."

What do you all think about this one? I find it very thought-provoking.

Can you imagine?

2009-06-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love Thich Nhat Hanh....I have ever since I found Peace Is Every Step on my mom's bookshelf, years ago. I'm currently reading The Miracle of Mindfulness and once again, his teachings have truly touched me. One time he talks about practicing mindfulness is when you are washing dishes. I find so much peace in the way he describes these meditations. BUT...I don't know how you can honestly do them when you are a stay-at-home mom. I would love to have him come into my home and see how he would handle the daily chores while the children alternately "help" and need help. I have no doubt he could do it with pure grace. I would just so love to see it, so I could take notes! Can you imagine?

BTW, he is coming to Colorado in August and I hope-hope-hope to be able to hear him talk. I think he must just exude peace and love. I want to be a part of that!

Peaceful Parenting?

2009-06-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Is "peaceful" parenting possible? Positively perplexing if you ask me. :) This is something that needs my focus. Positive discipline can be so difficult to practice and take so long to get the desired results. Or maybe I just don't do it the right way? I am rededicating myself to this, planning to be patient and consistent and hopefully....hopefully, I will get it right.

2009-06-15T08:07:00.001-07:00

I saw this form of journaling on another website. I think it makes it quick and easy, while helping me stop and be more mindful.

For Today, Monday, 6/15/09...

Outside my window...the sun is trying to shine through the clouds, the birds are singing and a House Finch keeps edging closer to the window.

I am thinking...about how blessed I am to have such a wonderful home, life and family.

I am thankful for...my life and all my blessings

From the kitchen...I'm hoping to make some homemade snack mixes and a chicken dinner.

I am reading...No Excuses, Love Poems from God and Little House on the Prairie.

I am hoping...everyone gets along well today.

I am creating...the life I want to lead.

I am hearing...Bree counting "1,2,3,4,6...." as Cross hides.

Around the house...things are in fairly good stead...just need to work on a few areas today.

One of my favorite things...is watching the birds that flock to our feeders in the backyard.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Bree & I have a Farm class, Cross has a couple ballgames, a playdate and lots of outside play.

Charity

2009-06-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is the poem I'm focusing on today. When I'm at a loss of what to do, I try to find a way to express my love. This poem is a great reminder for me. :)

"He Asked for Charity" by Rabia

God came to my house and asked for charity.
And I fell on my knees and cried, "Beloved, what may I give?"

"Just love," He said. "Just love."

Beginning thoughts...

2009-06-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is my first blog....I'm sure I could ramble on about that, but instead, here's a poem I've been thinking about today:

"Development"by St. John of the Cross

Once I said to God, "How do you teach us?"

And He replied,

"If you were playing chess with someone who had infinite power and infinite knowledge and wanted to make you a master of the game, where would all the chess pieces be at every moment?

Indeed, not only where he wanted them, but where all were best for your development; and that is every situation of one's life."