I find many people have told me I talk way too much, when I am either nervous, or excited. So I have been trying to slow down the talking, and say things once, then walking away, either mentally or physically, from the talking. I am waiting til the end of someone's sentence (which is difficult for me!) ...
I find it odd, but now that I am talking less... people ask me why I am not talking! "What is wrong, you aren't talking today."
Hmmmmmmmmmm...
Can't have it both ways. Either you accept my talking , or accept my talking less. I can't appease both avenues of thought. Really, I can't.
Things I have learned
Don't take life for granted.
Enjoy the day, even if the weather is nasty.
Hug someone.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Really. Don't.
Eat Chocolate. Dark chocolate.
Disagreeing for the fun of it isn't good for you.
If you think you have it bad, open your eyes. There are others that have it much worse.
Don't feel sorry for yourself. It is a waste of energy.
If you have a choice, make it a good one.
Have some fun every day.
Don't worry about what other people think, if you know you are doing the right thing.
Accept that some people are in bad moods, and need to stay there awhile, before they move on.
If you can help someone, do it.
If you can't help someone, because they need to help themselves, don't waste your energy feeling bad.
Don't put people down, to make yourself feel better. It doesn't work.
Tell people the truth, once. Just once. They will either hear it, or not. Repeating it doesn't make it more true.
Listen when someone tells you their truth. It is just as true as yours.
Live with your choices. If you can't live with the choices you make, then change them for the better. Then move forward, and live.
Enjoy the day, even if the weather is nasty.
Hug someone.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Really. Don't.
Eat Chocolate. Dark chocolate.
Disagreeing for the fun of it isn't good for you.
If you think you have it bad, open your eyes. There are others that have it much worse.
Don't feel sorry for yourself. It is a waste of energy.
If you have a choice, make it a good one.
Have some fun every day.
Don't worry about what other people think, if you know you are doing the right thing.
Accept that some people are in bad moods, and need to stay there awhile, before they move on.
If you can help someone, do it.
If you can't help someone, because they need to help themselves, don't waste your energy feeling bad.
Don't put people down, to make yourself feel better. It doesn't work.
Tell people the truth, once. Just once. They will either hear it, or not. Repeating it doesn't make it more true.
Listen when someone tells you their truth. It is just as true as yours.
Live with your choices. If you can't live with the choices you make, then change them for the better. Then move forward, and live.
Summer must be here, it is nearly the 4th of July weekend!
Waking up to rain again today, and it is the 2nd of July. Summer sun has just two days to show up! I am beginning to think our area is the new rainforest. Lush, wet greens that smell of mossy fern growth. Love that part of the new weather pattern! My bones ache each morning, before coffee and ib... but soon after the first cup, I am ready to go!
The weeds think they are in heaven, so my husband and I each fill a large bucket of weeds nearly daily. The exercise is free. The other morning I looked out our window, and realized that even in this lush world, we still have a visitor who is eating the tops of our sunflowers. One would think that with the greens and clover growing abundantly all around, the deer would not choose our garden goodies. But they must know we put some extras in the garden just for their dessert.
Evenings are calm and wonderful now. We sit outside and enjoy the quiet.
Love this part of summer! Of course, in another day or two, the quiet will be interrupted by the wonderful sky shows of the holiday! Summer is official!
The weeds think they are in heaven, so my husband and I each fill a large bucket of weeds nearly daily. The exercise is free. The other morning I looked out our window, and realized that even in this lush world, we still have a visitor who is eating the tops of our sunflowers. One would think that with the greens and clover growing abundantly all around, the deer would not choose our garden goodies. But they must know we put some extras in the garden just for their dessert.
Evenings are calm and wonderful now. We sit outside and enjoy the quiet.
Love this part of summer! Of course, in another day or two, the quiet will be interrupted by the wonderful sky shows of the holiday! Summer is official!
Choice... Keep Moving Forward
Woke up in the middle of the night, startled by a bolt of lightening, and the enormous crash that comes with such a close bolt!
The rain came, and I was lulled back to sleep with the rhythm of the drops hitting the window.
This morning, however, my father's hip joint pains attacked my hips, and I am not walking well.
I moaned, groaned, whined, and whimpered for about two hours. Coffee, and grapenuts with yogurt, with ' ib' for the pain. That was breakfast.
My choice for today: Keep moving through the pain! The bedroom walls need painting!
I am finding that moving up and down the ladder is helping the pain ease.
Funny how a positive choice can make all the difference! (Of course, the 'ib' may have kicked in too, but I CHOOSE to believe that my own choice helped!
So... I was thinking the other day...
Well, if you caught the title of this posting, you know I think most of the time, and my thoughts usually flow freely out to the world, even when the world isn't ready!
However, I was thinking the other day, about something that might be of use to someone out there... so here I am writing about my thoughts...
The 'something'... is this:
What if each of us has a gift that we are supposed to be sharing with others, to make the world better? What if we are holding on to the gift, (or even 'gifts'!) ... and we are not giving to others?
I have been thinking about 'my gifts'... and how I could share them.
I have been gifted with 'talking things out' (heaven knows I have had practice!)
I have not yet opened the gift that requires me to be silent, while others enjoy their gifts. I hope that I learn to untie the knots that hold that gift!
I have been gifted with the love of color, design, and freedom to be creative.
I am realizing that if I share this gift, others may learn to be creative, and enjoy the process, and worry less about the outcome. The process of creating frees the mind from daily stresses, and the fears, anger, hurts that humans hold.
I have been gifted with working with kids, with many needs, and have learned that all kids have their own timing, and that in the long run... all kids will be successful when they are ready. I hope to share some things I have learned as I helped children learn to read, write, and express themselves.
I have been gifted with understanding that as we grow older, we are able to appreciate the gifts others bring to us, share with us. If we listen to our elders, with compassion, and if we listen to our children with compassion, we are in a position to learn much that we have not learned.
I have been gifted with the understanding that if we meet someone new, there is a reason for the meeting. I hope that I am alert, and calm enough to 'hear' the message when I meet the new messenger. And if by chance the message is not one I want to hear, let me know it is a message I need to hear.
I have been gifted with the understanding that sometimes gifts come to us, and we don't open the gifts. They lie wrapped up, unopened for years. Then, when we take the time to unwrap them, we wish we had taken the time to receive them a bit earlier. All gifts are not wrapped in pretty papers, with colorful ribbons. Some come wrapped in brown paper bags. They are often the best gifts!
However, I was thinking the other day, about something that might be of use to someone out there... so here I am writing about my thoughts...
The 'something'... is this:
What if each of us has a gift that we are supposed to be sharing with others, to make the world better? What if we are holding on to the gift, (or even 'gifts'!) ... and we are not giving to others?
I have been thinking about 'my gifts'... and how I could share them.
I have been gifted with 'talking things out' (heaven knows I have had practice!)
I have not yet opened the gift that requires me to be silent, while others enjoy their gifts. I hope that I learn to untie the knots that hold that gift!
I have been gifted with the love of color, design, and freedom to be creative.
I am realizing that if I share this gift, others may learn to be creative, and enjoy the process, and worry less about the outcome. The process of creating frees the mind from daily stresses, and the fears, anger, hurts that humans hold.
I have been gifted with working with kids, with many needs, and have learned that all kids have their own timing, and that in the long run... all kids will be successful when they are ready. I hope to share some things I have learned as I helped children learn to read, write, and express themselves.
I have been gifted with understanding that as we grow older, we are able to appreciate the gifts others bring to us, share with us. If we listen to our elders, with compassion, and if we listen to our children with compassion, we are in a position to learn much that we have not learned.
I have been gifted with the understanding that if we meet someone new, there is a reason for the meeting. I hope that I am alert, and calm enough to 'hear' the message when I meet the new messenger. And if by chance the message is not one I want to hear, let me know it is a message I need to hear.
I have been gifted with the understanding that sometimes gifts come to us, and we don't open the gifts. They lie wrapped up, unopened for years. Then, when we take the time to unwrap them, we wish we had taken the time to receive them a bit earlier. All gifts are not wrapped in pretty papers, with colorful ribbons. Some come wrapped in brown paper bags. They are often the best gifts!
Searching...
Human flaw, this searching outwardly...
Waking up searching for validation, assurance, freedom, love...
Search within.
Waking up searching for validation, assurance, freedom, love...
Search within.
Life ... Live it Daily!
Each and every day is a gift.
Think of that, when you wake up, and open your 'gift', to see what you have inside!
Take in the sights, the colors, the sounds!
Take time to really see what is around you, and all that you have, and are able to do!
When the days come that give you clouds, and rain, remember they are there for a reason. The sun and warmth will return. It has since the beginning of time, and it will continue to return. You just have to open your heart and mind.
If you have days that are sad, that is okay. Balancing life's emotions, is part of the journey. We all need down times to realize how blessed we are, in comparison with others. Just when we are feeling low, someone comes along that is in need, even more than we are... that is the journey of understanding.We are all connected, and we all need to look beyond our own pain and need... and see how we can help others.
By doing that, we will find our own peace. Taking time to stay as healthy as possible, and having friends to talk to, will get us through the rough times. There are many possible roads to travel. Some have bumps, and that isn't so bad... After all, they are the roads that give us the beauty of nature. The fast pace highways often lead us to more stress than the bumpy roads... ! Accept the bumps, and move forward...
Think of that, when you wake up, and open your 'gift', to see what you have inside!
Take in the sights, the colors, the sounds!
Take time to really see what is around you, and all that you have, and are able to do!
When the days come that give you clouds, and rain, remember they are there for a reason. The sun and warmth will return. It has since the beginning of time, and it will continue to return. You just have to open your heart and mind.
If you have days that are sad, that is okay. Balancing life's emotions, is part of the journey. We all need down times to realize how blessed we are, in comparison with others. Just when we are feeling low, someone comes along that is in need, even more than we are... that is the journey of understanding.We are all connected, and we all need to look beyond our own pain and need... and see how we can help others.
By doing that, we will find our own peace. Taking time to stay as healthy as possible, and having friends to talk to, will get us through the rough times. There are many possible roads to travel. Some have bumps, and that isn't so bad... After all, they are the roads that give us the beauty of nature. The fast pace highways often lead us to more stress than the bumpy roads... ! Accept the bumps, and move forward...
Friendships and Time...
The other day I received an email about a high school reunion coming up... 40 years! Oh my gosh... !
Although I won't be attending, due to family trip... I loved the fact that I could connect with my past friends again! I sent my information, and requested that my email be sent off to Brenda.
Within two days, I was emailing her, after 40 years!
And within another two days, Nancy and I were emailing...
Friends from 7th grade dances, and swimming at Lake Paron!
Feels like yesterday!
UPDATE: Sue also connected! This is so much fun for me, knowing that we gals are once again connected! It is important to keep your life going in a positive direction, and circles are the earth's way ... !
Connections in life are our circles of life... The Lion King roars!
Although I won't be attending, due to family trip... I loved the fact that I could connect with my past friends again! I sent my information, and requested that my email be sent off to Brenda.
Within two days, I was emailing her, after 40 years!
And within another two days, Nancy and I were emailing...
Friends from 7th grade dances, and swimming at Lake Paron!
Feels like yesterday!
UPDATE: Sue also connected! This is so much fun for me, knowing that we gals are once again connected! It is important to keep your life going in a positive direction, and circles are the earth's way ... !
Connections in life are our circles of life... The Lion King roars!
April, Crocus, Sunshine and Rain...
Well, I thought the title would fit the month perfectly, until I woke up to a smittering of snow on the pretty green lawn!
The crocus were bent and shaking with the chilly breezes, as I sat in my jammies by the window drinking my morning coffee.
We are going to have this up and down weather for awhile, yet, I believe. It is mother nature's way of teasing us!
Meanwhile, I am planning my calendar of spring and summer events. The basement studio is looking much better, and when I have another warm day I will paint the floor, so we can go out and find a small rug to put down to keep our toes toasty warm this next year.
Life seems busier now than before retirement! Steve is umpiring, and I am beginning to have classes / art nights in the studio. We have some travel plans, with family and friends...
The never ending circle of ideas for creating paintings, crafts, and classes keep me going, for sure! The winter blues are over. Yeah!!!!
(Did you hear me, Mother Nature? ! )
The crocus were bent and shaking with the chilly breezes, as I sat in my jammies by the window drinking my morning coffee.
We are going to have this up and down weather for awhile, yet, I believe. It is mother nature's way of teasing us!
Meanwhile, I am planning my calendar of spring and summer events. The basement studio is looking much better, and when I have another warm day I will paint the floor, so we can go out and find a small rug to put down to keep our toes toasty warm this next year.
Life seems busier now than before retirement! Steve is umpiring, and I am beginning to have classes / art nights in the studio. We have some travel plans, with family and friends...
The never ending circle of ideas for creating paintings, crafts, and classes keep me going, for sure! The winter blues are over. Yeah!!!!
(Did you hear me, Mother Nature? ! )
SAD... those cloudy winter days are nearly over!
This is an excerpt from a great sight... SparkPeople!
"If you live in a northern region, where skies are normally gray from October to March, it’s not uncommon for a lack of sunshine to make you feel depressed. Research has proved that brain chemistry is affected by bright light, although the exact process is not clear. Less than 1% of the population in sunny Florida report symptoms of SAD, yet about 10% of Alaskans report severe winter depression. It is a real illness that affects as many as 6 out of 100 people in the U.S. Even 10 to 20% more people may experience a milder form of SAD. It’s more common in women and usually first appears in one’s 20s. People with SAD typically feel better when spring comes, and then experience symptoms again in the late fall.
In general, we tend to eat and sleep more in the winter and experience more ups and downs during the shorter days. Winter may bring about weight gain and a lack of energy for people in general, but symptoms are more serious for SAD sufferers. The list below gives a range of symptoms that are clues to whether you have SAD. Not everyone who suffers from it experiences the same symptoms.
If you think you might have SAD, learn as much as you can about it. Stay aware of your symptoms so that you can take action to get better. Find a health professional who is qualified to treat SAD and discuss treatments that are most appropriate for your individual needs. "
"If you live in a northern region, where skies are normally gray from October to March, it’s not uncommon for a lack of sunshine to make you feel depressed. Research has proved that brain chemistry is affected by bright light, although the exact process is not clear. Less than 1% of the population in sunny Florida report symptoms of SAD, yet about 10% of Alaskans report severe winter depression. It is a real illness that affects as many as 6 out of 100 people in the U.S. Even 10 to 20% more people may experience a milder form of SAD. It’s more common in women and usually first appears in one’s 20s. People with SAD typically feel better when spring comes, and then experience symptoms again in the late fall.
In general, we tend to eat and sleep more in the winter and experience more ups and downs during the shorter days. Winter may bring about weight gain and a lack of energy for people in general, but symptoms are more serious for SAD sufferers. The list below gives a range of symptoms that are clues to whether you have SAD. Not everyone who suffers from it experiences the same symptoms.
- Cravings for sweets and starchy foods
- Weight gain
- Heavy feeling in the arms or legs
- Noticeable drop in energy
- Fatigue
- Tendency to oversleep
- Difficulty concentrating at work and at home
- Irritability
- Increased sensitivity to social rejection
- Avoidance of social situations
- Hopelessness (including suicidal thoughts)
- Constant agitation and anxiety
If you think you might have SAD, learn as much as you can about it. Stay aware of your symptoms so that you can take action to get better. Find a health professional who is qualified to treat SAD and discuss treatments that are most appropriate for your individual needs. "
Mid-February! Spring Signs all around me!
The sunny days are a bit sunnier, and the wind is blowing the clouds away, more often now. Two signs that Spring is traveling to the Northeast!
The plant that I have in the window is beginning to grow green.(A sure sign!!!)
I started cleaning out the hall closet shelves the other day, and caught myself thinking about how much room the closet will have when I recycle all the accumulated papers, turning them into artworks. (The artworks I was thinking about were collage works of bright and cheery flowers!)
Yes, Spring is here, in my heart... the weather is just a bit behind my spring spirit!
The plant that I have in the window is beginning to grow green.(A sure sign!!!)
I started cleaning out the hall closet shelves the other day, and caught myself thinking about how much room the closet will have when I recycle all the accumulated papers, turning them into artworks. (The artworks I was thinking about were collage works of bright and cheery flowers!)
Yes, Spring is here, in my heart... the weather is just a bit behind my spring spirit!
Spring HAS to be around the corner!...
I am itching for SPRING!
Literally! My winter skin is in need of more water, and more lotions...
But more important, my winter BRAIN is also in need of SPRING!
February is so long to me... here in the Northeast.
It is when I begin to think garden, and the ground is far from ready for me to go play in the dirt!
February is red hearts, and white snow...all mixed together. I usually add the blue mood... (how patriotic is February! ) LOL!
Postcard arts... my own event... am I allowed to change it up? ???
I have to... or go crazy!!!
When will I learn... I am an instant gratification gal, who is always changing things up!!
Oh... and by the way... I HAVE To stop using the three little dots, at the end of thoughts, and sentences!
Literally! My winter skin is in need of more water, and more lotions...
But more important, my winter BRAIN is also in need of SPRING!
February is so long to me... here in the Northeast.
It is when I begin to think garden, and the ground is far from ready for me to go play in the dirt!
February is red hearts, and white snow...all mixed together. I usually add the blue mood... (how patriotic is February! ) LOL!
Postcard arts... my own event... am I allowed to change it up? ???
I have to... or go crazy!!!
When will I learn... I am an instant gratification gal, who is always changing things up!!
Oh... and by the way... I HAVE To stop using the three little dots, at the end of thoughts, and sentences!
New Year... New Beginnings!
I know, ... we always do this...
but why not?
It is the human way... this "new year's resolution" thing...
so ... call me human.
that is better than some other names...
This human's goals for this year:
to enjoy each day, no matter what mood I am in...
to lose about 20 lbs of me, maybe more... by being more active, and farther away from the refrigerator, and kitchen cupboard that holds the potato chip bag...
to paint more 'large works' in abstract style... because I happen to like them!
to try more mixed media
to walk more, even when I really want to stay in my jammies all day!
Okay... that is a good start...
Let's see YOUR list!
but why not?
It is the human way... this "new year's resolution" thing...
so ... call me human.
that is better than some other names...
This human's goals for this year:
to enjoy each day, no matter what mood I am in...
to lose about 20 lbs of me, maybe more... by being more active, and farther away from the refrigerator, and kitchen cupboard that holds the potato chip bag...
to paint more 'large works' in abstract style... because I happen to like them!
to try more mixed media
to walk more, even when I really want to stay in my jammies all day!
Okay... that is a good start...
Let's see YOUR list!
Warming up ... after putting on the outdoor tree lights!
Each year, Steve gets out the antique star...and we borrow an enormous ladder from a neighbor friend... and put the star on top of the blue spruce.
As par for the course, ... each year, the tree grows a foot or so taller!
We are thinking that Rockefeller Center needs a tree ! This one is getting too tall for the ladder!
Nature has it's own paint brush.
Just walk through the woods, or a park in your area, with camera in hand. Be observant, and look for nature's art!
Before the snow flies, my husband and I walk in the woods. I carry the camera, and he leads the way, looking for signs of deer. Thankfully, with camera in hand, I can gather many ideas for painting inspiration! Nature has no copyrights! :O)
Love that fact!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
