Life's Little Surprises

Well, it seems that this is just one of "those" days. I woke up this morning with a smile--the sun was shining and I'd had a good night's sleep. I played with my little cute puppy, Mr. Paws and we had a grand old time chasing around the house--him growling and daring me to take the toy he had from him and me pretending that he was such a big strong doggie and there was no way I could really get it. (Okay, so it wasn't all pretend, this little guy is FAST!). We finally wore ourselves out and I put him in his kennel for a nap while I took a quick shower. After I showered and got dressed, I heard him whining to get out, so took him out back to go potty. Nothing unusual there. He actually went about his business fairly quickly and I was glad because I wanted to get back inside and put my shoes on and dry my hair. But Wait!!! The screen door was locked. Huh??? I pulled, I tugged, I pulled some more and that sucker would just not come open. Hmmm...I knew the front door was locked as was the garage and the overhead was down. . . Hmmm...Here I am, no phone, no shoes, no purse, just me and my little dog...

Okay, don't panic. No need to rip the screen door from it's track, just yet--I'll run over to Willa's and see if she has any advice. Her first thought was to call my friend who works not too far from here. I did. No such luck--he's not able to answer, so I leave a message and explalin my dilemma and then hang up and try to brainstorm what I should do. Pretty soon, it dawns on me that I did leave a window unlocked and cracked in the bathroom when I took a shower! Yes! Maybe I could somehow climb through the window and return to my humble abode. By jove, it could work!!!

I borrow Willa's step stool for assistance and Willa, not being one to miss out on a good "show" decides to accompany me to "make sure all goes according to plan." What she really wanted to come along for was a darn good laugh and yes, she sure got one! Bathroom windows aren't very big, you know and once I got up there and pulled the screen out of the way and raised the window as high as it could go, we BOTH had our doubts about how I was going to fit into this little window. Hmmm...Well, all one can do is try, right? Now keep in mind, throughout this whole ordeal, Willa is being my coach, yet she's laughing so hard that I can't understand a darn thing she's saying--not that it matters anyway--I wouldn't have listened to her ideas anyhow. Her laughter was contagious though and I started laughing so hard I nearly peed my pants and then I made some comment about needing to pee and next thing I know Willa is about doubled over with laughter--the irony was just too much. Here I am with one leg sticking in the bathroom window, my foot groping for purchase on the commode, one leg hanging out on the outside of the house and my inner thighs getting brutally abused by the window sill and the track that I have to perch on as I'm trying to climb in as gracefully as I can. "OW! Man, that hurts!" I yell as I finally kind of roll myself into the bathroom via this tiny window and Willa is no help--she's still hootin' and cacklin' and finally is sober enough to ask, "are you okay in there, darlin'?" Me, always the smiling optimist quip, "oh just peachy, Willa dear!" Then I giggle and am so darn giddy because I realize I've just saved myself a hefty locksmith's fee or at the very least having to replace a back screen on my patio. I retrieve my phone and run around and open the front door and then walk back over to Willa's and give my friend a quick call to let him know I have solved my latest quandry. He was relieved to hear it and apologized for not being available to help--but hey, I figured he'd be busy with work anyway. Whew!!!

Willa is just sure that I was sent to live next door to her strictly for her amusement and entertainment. She constantly tells me what a character I am, but then she says that I remind her so very much of herself when she was a youngin' like me. I like that part best of all, I'm a "youngin'" in Willa's eyes. That and she's one of the coolest old gals I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Just one more day in the life of this crazy gal who loves waking up in her house each morning. Yes, even in spite of the fact that somehow this house locked me out, I still love living here and above all, I still feel so very blessed to be here even if it is strictly to keep Willa entertained and amused!!!

I hope all are smiling, healthy and well. Life is Good!!!

Awakening to JOY

Finding the Joy within is such an awesome discovery! Waking up to the beauty surrounding me gives me a pleasure unlike any I have known in quite sometime. It is not just the beauty that my eyes see, but the absolute magnificent beauty that surrounds my heart--beauty given to me from all those who love me and care and beauty coming from me to all those that I hold so precious and dear!
For some time now I have felt so very blessed just to be alive on this great earth of ours. What a joy and what an extreme pleasure to be able to share in the lives of so many, to be able to give as much of my heart as I can and to be positive in my new found world. I have seen true miracles happen with just a smile and a hug, a positive statement, a positive act and it always, always reinforces my belief that as long as we strive to be positive, strive to move forward with a smile in our hearts then GOOD and WONDERFUL things will happen right before our very eyes!
I do not allow the doomsayers to dampen my spirits. Whenever I turn on the news and hear the cries going out for reform, hear the awfulness of what's going on in the mid east, hear the concerns of food shortages and the rising price of gasoline almost daily--I turn it off. And then I take time out to meditate on all the good that is happening around the world and I concentrate on thinking of better times, better days and sending positive vibes out into the world and thinking of a plentiful abundance of food available for all, an abundance of resources so that our earth and all those on it may thrive. Would that all people could concentrate on sending out good and positive vibes and thoughts to all for just 10 minutes a day, I can absolutely be sure that this world would be a better place.
If I could pass along anything while I am living this life on this plane of existence, I would like it to be that EVERYONE HAS THE ABILITY TO AWAKEN TO JOY EACH AND EVERY DAY!!! We can all choose our thoughts. Our thoughts are what creates our Reality.
I choose to think of the good people on this earth who are truly trying and accomplishing making this a better place to be. I choose to think of the beauty that surrounds me and is prevalent no matter where I happen to go. I choose to think of better times ahead and refuse to dwell on what the doomsayers are constantly barraging us with.
Just look around. Spring is here--it is a time for rebirth and a time to realize that in each Season of our lives there is chance to begin again, to find Beauty and inner peace and above all, to find Gratitude and Joy.

I HAD TO SHARE THIS!

Lessons in Life By Regina Brett:

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone, everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

So much of the above is how I live, how I believe. Life truly is a Gift! Thank you for sharing this, Cathy. I love you!

Evening on the Lake

Taken Friday Evening at the Lake. Is this true Beauty or what????

Can't help it--I adore sunsets!!!

The Gift of Today

Each day is a new adventure--a new beginning--a gift. I feel like the luckiest woman on earth! In the mornings, I bound out of bed, thrilled to be in my own home--love being awakened by the church bells just down the street, love hearing the traffic rumbling by outside my window. One would think the traffic noise would be disconcerting, but it is almost a comfort to me and I have learned to listen carefully to the birds and distinguish their sweet songs in between the roaring engines and tires on pavement. Everyone in such a hurry to get to their destinations, but that's okay. Perhaps they are just as eager and happy as I am to be starting a new day!

How did I get so lucky? Surrounded by so many who love me and care and only moments away from my siblings who I treasure so very much.

I do love it here. I am so excited about getting a fresh start and spending this part of my life exploring and venturing out to find out just who I really am and finding out what lies ahead. I have finally learned to appreciate me for the first time in my life. I do have good qualities and I am a capable woman. I may not be perfect, but then, who is? I am not afraid to try, not afraid to venture out because I have no one who will blatantly point out my flaws or critisize my opinions and even if someone like that does exist in this new life of mine, I've learned that I do not have to fall prey to anyone's beliefs but my own. Now, tell me, just how awesome is that? I'm definitely a happy woman, definitely on my way and definitely thankful for each and every blessing that I am given.

The gift of today is precious. Just as all those in my life who I hold close to my heart are precious. Life is good.

Look out world, here I come!

Awakening To The Reality of Now

I have tried dilligently to keep a positive and forward thinking attitude. Most days I do very well and remember that Positivity begets Positivity and Negativity attracts just that: Negativity.

I have to admit though--as a very huge chapter in my life closes, I find myself feeling somewhat lost and just a bit frightened. Still, the inner me knows beyond a doubt that all will work out as it should. The sadness that enveloped my heart though was so very hard to bear (and still is)--but I would imagine that in every loss there is a grieving process.

My husband and I (after 25 years of marriage) have signed our divorce papers--ending the long, eventful, roller coaster chapter that was our lives for so very long. The love we always shared is still there--we came to a point that made it impossible for us to move forward in our relationship. Rather than grow to hate one another, we chose to end things as amicably as we could and are very hopeful that we will always remain friends.

Even so, my heart feels a sadness that I never thought I would feel. I carry this ache that dwells deep within. I suppose only time will heal the hurt.

But my greatest ache is wondering if he feels as sad inside, as hurt, as lost as I do and if he will be okay. I pray each day for him to find happiness, for him to be strong and to find someone who will love him, cherish him and be good to him. I pray for him to be healthy and strong and to know that even though we didn't last, somewhere out there is someone who will be his and his alone and who will be so very fortunate to find him.

But then selfishly, I pray too for me to be strong, for me to find a joy with my new life and to always remember to be grateful, to give thanks for the very many blessings that the Universe has bestowed upon me. I know this pain will one day fade into the distance and I will again feel the JOY and HAPPINESS that lives inside of me. We all have to allow time to grieve, to find the strength and stamina and courage to move on.

Sadness will not win. My new NOW is here, but so too am I and as I have discovered in the not too distant past--I HAVE THE POWER to make my life just as I need and want it to be.

GOOD MORNING HOUSE, GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE! GOOD MORNING UNIVERSE AND ANGELS AND SPIRIT GUIDES!!! I LOVE YOU! THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT OF ANOTHER DAY!!!

Sunshine, Soaring and The Wind

I love the mornings when I awaken to the sun shining into my home! Though this morning is a tad on the chilly side, there is the promise of a bright sunny day with at least some warmer temperatures making their presence known by this afternoon. Spring is definitely here and I am more than happy, though I must admit--time goes much too fast these days. I often ponder over how to capture time and make it stand still--especially when I am having such a wonderful time with friends or loved ones, but so far--no luck. Time always, always marches on. I suppose my only choice is to just continue to live, to enjoy and to BE. I am hoping that wind will be agreeable today so that I can get my trikke out and hit the paved trails at the lake. Flying on this trikke with the wind is like a dream come true--I soar and glide and exhalt in the wondrous speed that the wind allows as I work to camber it back and forth. But oh, when I have to "fight" the wind and head back from whence I came--it is a true battle of will. I push, I camber, I push, I camber, I glide a bit--the wind defies my every effort to gather speed and I find myself getting more and more frustrated, yet determined that I AM GOING TO WIN and I keep on, keepin' on and finally, finally, I am back to my starting point. Yes, back to where I started off being good friends with the wind--but the finished battle has left me feeling less than friendly with the wind. I now understand that the wind is two faced and quite ornery if and when one decides to go against the wind's will. That's okay--I can be just as determined and ornery and knowing me, I'll once again take off on my trikke, soaring with the wind only to have to fight the battle of going against that ever present will it displays whenever I choose to turn around to go back. Sunshine and Joy are on MY side--the Wind will just have to realize that and abate. Life is Good!

Later still~~~~

What a beautiful day! I did take my trikke out to the lake and I did soar with the wind and fought hard against it, as well. Sometimes a battle is just something that has to be and as I was heading south on my trikke and cambering to and fro, I fought with all my strength and stayed at it for a good mile and a half. A fight well worth the effort, for then, I was given my just reward--heading back North, I sailed, I soared--the wind at my back, the breeze whizzing right along with me caressing me gently, yet reminding me of it's strength and stamina and helping me by pushing me along. I rejoiced in the ease with which my trikke responded--each camber was a joy and a delight--the smoothness of the glide took hold and I felt the muscles relax in my legs--my quads, my glutes, my hamstrings after their hard workout heading hard into the wind.

And later still--the wind is still prevalent when I return in the evening hours. I rode against my friend and foe, the wind, for a time and again allowed my energy to revive as I sailed with the wind at my back and I stopped--this time doing my best to trick time into thinking I would not give in, not give up. I stopped to watch the sun set over the beautiful lake--I snapped picture after picture of the beauty of it's colors and brilliance falling upon the sailboats docked in their tiny harbor, the lighthouse standing along the shore, a replica of larger, more dutiful cousins that serve on the open seas.

No beauty is as great as a perfect evening of warmth, the caress of the wind, the bluest, clear skies above and the setting sun caressed and kissed by the clouds on the horizon. Will I ever tire of capturing sunsets and sunrises? No, I think not. I can't help myself. I love all of God's wondrous and glorious gifts--especially those that display the beauty of our world. Awesome.

Smiles From The Heart

Whenever I happen to meet someone new and realize (to my delight) that this person is truly a good and caring person--smiles seem to just pour from my heart. The joy that exudes from my inner core is one that carries me through even when the cold winds blow, even when rain falls down around me. Sharing this life with another who truly cares from their heart, their soul is like being given a gift of pure joy and pleasure. It is in the sharing and learning about this new and treasured friend that I become even more aware at how precious life really can be. For now, not only is this My existence and my world, but I am being allowed the gift of awakening to another existence and another world that my friend is experiencing. Learning of the adventures and happenings that my new found friend has experienced is like opening a wonderfully enjoyable book of adventures and holds my rapt attention for as long as the story lasts. And if I'm very lucky, I will get to help write some of the chapters to my friends story--but in so doing, my friend will be writing chapters in my book, as well. What a beautiful thought--two authors in life, together creating new and wondrous adventures--laughing, exploring, discovering. What better way to create true and wonderful Smiles From The Heart?!? Life is Good. Blessings abound and as long as there is honesty and openeness among good friends, there will always be joy and true Smiles from the Heart. Wow!