Need a pick me up this morning? You've found it here! Soothing yet energy inspiring; a combo that draws you in. Plus saxophone melodies....what's not to love?
The video will also give you a road trip and journey through the wilderness that will make you feel just a little less chained to your daily routine and more or less lighter on your feet, or if I can really reach, free!
Have a listen and have the best day you've had all week!
Thursday, 5 June 2014
Friday, 30 May 2014
I CHOOSE YOU
Life is made of choices, from the mundane of daily living to those big scary commitments that follow you each shuffle and step through your life.Marriage is one of those big scary commitments that is hard to shake.
Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, months into years. And on it goes. How many choices are made when that fluffy, floaty, tingly feeling from those first days pass?
Many.
Many.
Many.
Choices!
The fluffy doesn't last forever, believe me. Throw in work, bills, repairs, sickness, fights; you get the idea, it's not all a giant bed of roses.
But the thing is, even in the muck, it's great!
It's an adventure, each day! Seriously!Falling in love is what brings you together, but choosing to love is what keeps it going! And here's a juicy morsel for you this Friday; choosing to love leads right back to falling in love, it's just shaped a little differently!
That's my news flash for this fantastic day!
Love is a CHOICE!
I love my choices. I love the years I can look back on and know I fought, know I didn't always make the best choices, but in those tentative moments I fought, I grew, and now, if I trust what I hold tenderly, and with abundant care in my hands, my life, my love, my choice, is golden!
Happy Anniversary to my best choice, the greatest adventure. You are the sunshine, the fireworks that shine bright in the night sky, the pen to my paper, the laughter in a dark tunnel, my tag team on this crazy choose-your-own-adventure we call our life!
I CHOOSE YOU
Monday, 19 May 2014
T.S. Elliot and a Rainy Day
T.S. Elliot and a Rainy Day
I watched a movie today. It was a perfectly dreary day, the sort that invoked a desire for comfort and warmth. The kind that inspires snuggling, the baking of cake, cookies, or other goodies that permeate the air with all things, you guessed it, comforting!
I'd seen this particular movie before and remember not liking it all that much but I needed a distraction, and because the boys in my life have been obsessed with all things superhero recently, and watched more than their fill of explosions and fighting, I needed something that was far removed from that genre.
As I said, the first time I saw the movie I wasn't such a fan. Call it my stubborn refusal to embrace the romantic side of myself, if you will, or call it my refusal to jump on the train of commercialism. Whatever the reason, though I believe it was the latter, my opinion changed today.
SIDE NOTE: When people ask the question, as they inevitably will, what's new? I feel several things happen inside of me at once.
#1, I cringe, mostly because it is cliche and that superficial conversation always creeps under my flesh where it causes an adverse reaction that makes me want to scream, stomp and run super fast in the opposite direction. (Obviously, I have serious issues)
#2, it makes me want to laugh at the irony, and dive deep into the philosophical. Because really truly, how can you ever know if something is new until you've had time to steep yourself in it and look back, pondering its significance and know that every day is in fact new, and it is only in our expectations that we are disappointed. (See! Obvious issues here. Also, as you can see, I am a buzz kill at a party!)
Anyway, I liked the movie, it surprised me in moments how much. It made me smile. I shed a tear....or several if I'm honest. It made me ponder, and though I am not one to swoon for this particular male lead, I could see the appeal, and he made me believe in the story, which obviously was progress from my first viewing.
Things are new every day. That is a beautiful fact which I choose to throw myself into time and time again, with each day and its new beginning. I also believe that I am not the same with each passing day, and why would I be? Each moment I breathe is a moment of learning, growth and understanding that I hope I don't squander.
I can pick up my past work, read it through and still love it, though I have changed since the moment that work was conceived. I can appreciate the work and know it wouldn't be the same if I were to try to recreate it today. That is life. We change. We grow. We learn. We live. Each moment we life shapes the way we see what is in front of us in the next. Everyday, though it may seem the same and as though nothing new ever happens, is different, new, and to be explored.
One of my favorite quotes is this:
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
~T.S. Elliot~
Those words fill my heart and challenge me.
Every.
Single.
Time.
I watched a movie today. It was a perfectly dreary day, the sort that invoked a desire for comfort and warmth. The kind that inspires snuggling, the baking of cake, cookies, or other goodies that permeate the air with all things, you guessed it, comforting!
I'd seen this particular movie before and remember not liking it all that much but I needed a distraction, and because the boys in my life have been obsessed with all things superhero recently, and watched more than their fill of explosions and fighting, I needed something that was far removed from that genre.
As I said, the first time I saw the movie I wasn't such a fan. Call it my stubborn refusal to embrace the romantic side of myself, if you will, or call it my refusal to jump on the train of commercialism. Whatever the reason, though I believe it was the latter, my opinion changed today.
SIDE NOTE: When people ask the question, as they inevitably will, what's new? I feel several things happen inside of me at once.
#1, I cringe, mostly because it is cliche and that superficial conversation always creeps under my flesh where it causes an adverse reaction that makes me want to scream, stomp and run super fast in the opposite direction. (Obviously, I have serious issues)
#2, it makes me want to laugh at the irony, and dive deep into the philosophical. Because really truly, how can you ever know if something is new until you've had time to steep yourself in it and look back, pondering its significance and know that every day is in fact new, and it is only in our expectations that we are disappointed. (See! Obvious issues here. Also, as you can see, I am a buzz kill at a party!)
Anyway, I liked the movie, it surprised me in moments how much. It made me smile. I shed a tear....or several if I'm honest. It made me ponder, and though I am not one to swoon for this particular male lead, I could see the appeal, and he made me believe in the story, which obviously was progress from my first viewing.
Things are new every day. That is a beautiful fact which I choose to throw myself into time and time again, with each day and its new beginning. I also believe that I am not the same with each passing day, and why would I be? Each moment I breathe is a moment of learning, growth and understanding that I hope I don't squander.
I can pick up my past work, read it through and still love it, though I have changed since the moment that work was conceived. I can appreciate the work and know it wouldn't be the same if I were to try to recreate it today. That is life. We change. We grow. We learn. We live. Each moment we life shapes the way we see what is in front of us in the next. Everyday, though it may seem the same and as though nothing new ever happens, is different, new, and to be explored.
One of my favorite quotes is this:
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
~T.S. Elliot~
Those words fill my heart and challenge me.
Every.
Single.
Time.
Friday, 2 May 2014
Top 10
1~ A massive milestone for our family. A crazy amount of hours went into prepping for it. We
are exhausted, exhilarated, empowered and positive about the future!
2~ Have I mentioned how I adore the guy in my life? He leaves me speechless, spellbound and
utterly blown away by the love we continue to build.
3~ My crazytown princes skipped school to participate in our big day! They were pumped but
very quickly realized that a work day is much more difficult and draining than what they
are used to at school! They worked hard and I am so proud that they are becoming such
responsible young men who are not afraid of hard work and a little mud on their shoes!
4~ There are too many of you to name so I will try to blanket cover this one. A ridiculously
massive thank you to the ladies in my life! Whether it is an encouraging text or email, a
smile or pat on the back, an offer of your time - even if I was never around, or if we were
lucky, a visit at the coffee shop. You have helped to carry me this year. Also to those of
you who I haven't seen in way too long, I will do my best to get back on track! Like I said,
words don't cover the fullness in my heart.
5~ I am so thankful for a comfortable bed, warm blankets and a quiet neighborhood that
provides therapeutic shelter!
6~ To my family, near and far. You are the BEST!
7~ To the warriors in my life who pray me through each day, there are no words.
8~ The sun came out and shone its blessing in our moment of need. SO AWESOME!
9~ For this space. I am so thankful it is here, because it's an outlet that lets me be me. Outside
of the chaos that is my life, I find comfort here, in these words and in the vague idea of
anonymity I find in this page. In a way it is large piece of my sanity and one of my truest
forms of expression.
10~ My running shoes. They carry me and help me to dump the crazy from my head.
They provide so much more than a physical workout, in fact, I'd only give the physical
40% of the credit and purpose. I am a better me when my shoes carry me home!
It has been one incredible week, and indeed, I am a very blessed lady!
Happy Weekend, folks! Make a list and say thanks....
1~ A massive milestone for our family. A crazy amount of hours went into prepping for it. We
are exhausted, exhilarated, empowered and positive about the future!
2~ Have I mentioned how I adore the guy in my life? He leaves me speechless, spellbound and
utterly blown away by the love we continue to build.
3~ My crazytown princes skipped school to participate in our big day! They were pumped but
very quickly realized that a work day is much more difficult and draining than what they
are used to at school! They worked hard and I am so proud that they are becoming such
responsible young men who are not afraid of hard work and a little mud on their shoes!
4~ There are too many of you to name so I will try to blanket cover this one. A ridiculously
massive thank you to the ladies in my life! Whether it is an encouraging text or email, a
smile or pat on the back, an offer of your time - even if I was never around, or if we were
lucky, a visit at the coffee shop. You have helped to carry me this year. Also to those of
you who I haven't seen in way too long, I will do my best to get back on track! Like I said,
words don't cover the fullness in my heart.
5~ I am so thankful for a comfortable bed, warm blankets and a quiet neighborhood that
provides therapeutic shelter!
6~ To my family, near and far. You are the BEST!
7~ To the warriors in my life who pray me through each day, there are no words.
8~ The sun came out and shone its blessing in our moment of need. SO AWESOME!
9~ For this space. I am so thankful it is here, because it's an outlet that lets me be me. Outside
of the chaos that is my life, I find comfort here, in these words and in the vague idea of
anonymity I find in this page. In a way it is large piece of my sanity and one of my truest
forms of expression.
10~ My running shoes. They carry me and help me to dump the crazy from my head.
They provide so much more than a physical workout, in fact, I'd only give the physical
40% of the credit and purpose. I am a better me when my shoes carry me home!
It has been one incredible week, and indeed, I am a very blessed lady!
Happy Weekend, folks! Make a list and say thanks....
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Frank Turner - The Way I Tend To Be (Live)
Mid-Week Confessions
We all have moments where we need someone to save us. Fess up, people, we all need a hand every now and then, even you superhero type.
I tend to sentimentalize, maybe even sensationalize, many of these moments and especially those few special people who offered their hand, whether they knew it at the time or not. I am truly thankful, even if my memory truly is crap.
I remember weirdly vague moments. They are the moments that I carry with me. Those moments I know for certain have shaped who I am today. Moments I wish I could rewind and express to the other person how thankful I am and how they were game changers for me.
A specific smile.
A special delivery in the post.
A harsh and defining word of correction offered in love.
A teacher who cared enough to ask.
A friend who never asks, but always receives you in whatever state you turn up.
A friend safe enough and patient enough to listen as silent tears fall.
An altogether unexpected phone call that makes everything better.
An understanding shoulder that needs no words.
I feel fortunate enough to have encountered repeatedly throughout my life those special people who've acted as angels in specific situations, whether those people were just passing through or permanent fixtures.
Like I said I tend to sensationalize and over romanticize many of those game changer moments, especially with the gift of hindsight in play.
I guess my point is that we all need help now and then.
I confess I suck at asking. I suck at needing help, and I will likely turn down help or try to bite your head off if you push me or go ahead and do it without my knowledge...just ask my mom. (Sorry about that one mom....again.)
Anyway, we all need someone to save us. We were not created do it on our own. That's what I've come to learn, and though I know this, it doesn't make it easy going forward. It's that constant battle between the head and the heart, between your independent and rebellious will versus sound reason.
Asking for help takes humility.
It takes admitting you're not right, or have it all together, or are perhaps not fully equipped or prepared to handle what lies ahead, or at least that is what I am somehow able to convince myself....are you any different?
Accepting the helps takes vulnerability, and man oh man, that's a tall order all too often.
The thing is we need to be reminded of and to embrace these big concepts and stop thinking about them as weakness or lacking, because, in fact, they are beautiful, growth inducing and imperative character builders.
I don't know about you but I want my character built, sculpted and redefined.
If you get that lucky chance to thank one of those special "helpers" in your life, take it, say thank you. It could be a game changer for them!
Yikes. Those are all seriously big things. I guess you could say that's the way I tend to be! (Sorry, it was right there, and I am definitely dorky that way!) I couldn't decide between these two so I didn't. Good stuff!
Cheers!
We all have moments where we need someone to save us. Fess up, people, we all need a hand every now and then, even you superhero type.
I tend to sentimentalize, maybe even sensationalize, many of these moments and especially those few special people who offered their hand, whether they knew it at the time or not. I am truly thankful, even if my memory truly is crap.
I remember weirdly vague moments. They are the moments that I carry with me. Those moments I know for certain have shaped who I am today. Moments I wish I could rewind and express to the other person how thankful I am and how they were game changers for me.
A specific smile.
A special delivery in the post.
A harsh and defining word of correction offered in love.
A teacher who cared enough to ask.
A friend who never asks, but always receives you in whatever state you turn up.
A friend safe enough and patient enough to listen as silent tears fall.
An altogether unexpected phone call that makes everything better.
An understanding shoulder that needs no words.
I feel fortunate enough to have encountered repeatedly throughout my life those special people who've acted as angels in specific situations, whether those people were just passing through or permanent fixtures.
Like I said I tend to sensationalize and over romanticize many of those game changer moments, especially with the gift of hindsight in play.
I guess my point is that we all need help now and then.
I confess I suck at asking. I suck at needing help, and I will likely turn down help or try to bite your head off if you push me or go ahead and do it without my knowledge...just ask my mom. (Sorry about that one mom....again.)
Anyway, we all need someone to save us. We were not created do it on our own. That's what I've come to learn, and though I know this, it doesn't make it easy going forward. It's that constant battle between the head and the heart, between your independent and rebellious will versus sound reason.
Asking for help takes humility.
It takes admitting you're not right, or have it all together, or are perhaps not fully equipped or prepared to handle what lies ahead, or at least that is what I am somehow able to convince myself....are you any different?
Accepting the helps takes vulnerability, and man oh man, that's a tall order all too often.
The thing is we need to be reminded of and to embrace these big concepts and stop thinking about them as weakness or lacking, because, in fact, they are beautiful, growth inducing and imperative character builders.
I don't know about you but I want my character built, sculpted and redefined.
If you get that lucky chance to thank one of those special "helpers" in your life, take it, say thank you. It could be a game changer for them!
Yikes. Those are all seriously big things. I guess you could say that's the way I tend to be! (Sorry, it was right there, and I am definitely dorky that way!) I couldn't decide between these two so I didn't. Good stuff!
Cheers!
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Paolo Nutini - Better Man [Acoustic]
Here is my musical obsession for the week. The whole CD is available today and I can't wait to watch my play counts soar, because if what I've already heard through sneaky peeks on the radio is any indication, this will be a favorite for a long time to come!!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Toby Mac - Get Back Up (Lyrics)
When you face disappointment how you react matters?
For the record, I wrote this months ago, but courage failed me, and airing this grand disappointment was too much to share.
I received a piece of disappointing new yesterday. I'd been waiting to hear from a publisher for a year and a half and the news finally came via email late afternoon. I had already had a bit of a bummer of a day and I was feeling emotionally raw and a little bit wrung out.
I wasn't expecting it, that's for sure, and to be honest, most days I didn't even think about my work and its success or failure being held in the palm of another's hands. Yesterday for certain it was the furthest thing from my mind. But the ax fell nonetheless.
I will easily admit that it wasn't my best work, it was only my second attempt at telling a story after all, but there was something in this one that made it extra special, magical if you will, that had me believing in it. I guess it would be best put that this story holds my heart, or a huge piece of it anyway.
Here you go guys, the moment you've all been waiting for....I am going to spill my guts!
I wanted this, probably more than I have ever wanted anything in my life, and it's sort of bizarre because I could do absolutely nothing to help my cause; I could only wait. I couldn't perform at peak levels at a second tryout, shake hands or meet the decision makers face to face. I couldn't hand over a plan to sell the crap out of this book, I couldn't convince them of the validity and saleability of my imagination's story. I could only wait, and so that's what I did. I waited.
I saw the email and I somehow knew. You couldn't receive such wonderful news with no bells and whistles or fanfare to accompany it. It's funny, I was prepared for the rejection, it would be foolish not to be, but even so, I didn't see it coming, and certainly not on this day.
So YES! I am incredibly disappointed. I am feeling a bit wounded, raw and scraped up. I am wondering where to look, where to turn and ultimately what my next step will be.
Here's What I Know
Yes, disappointment sucks.
I will not let it define me.
Rejection does not mean failure.
There is no shame in disappointment on this occasion.
I wrote a book! I wrote a book that the publishers were interested in and held on to for a long time, but ultimately couldn't choose for whatever reason.
I wrote a book! That's what matters. I did one of those things I'd always wanted to do, something I LOVE, and that is a grand success in itself, (even if only those of you who ask are the lucky ones to hold it in your hands).
I also know I won't quit; this is just one obstacle on the journey.
I will keep writing because it is something I love, something that is inside of me and needs to be let out. I write for me and any other affirmation I receive would simply be icing on the cake!
I will not give up.
My princes love this song, they love all that Toby Mac does actually. My giant child put this song on first thing this morning; he's our morning DJ. He knew nothing about my rejection, I didn't have a chance yesterday to talk with them about it, and I honestly needed to steep myself in my feelings before I did, to understand what I felt, why and what it all means to me. But they have been on this journey with me so I will speak to them about it soon; there is a lesson in everything.
Anyway, have a listen and whether you like the song or not, you tell me if there is a lesson to be learned in the lyrics. I would go so far as to say that, for me, this morning anyway, these words are Heaven sent.
For the record, I wrote this months ago, but courage failed me, and airing this grand disappointment was too much to share.
I received a piece of disappointing new yesterday. I'd been waiting to hear from a publisher for a year and a half and the news finally came via email late afternoon. I had already had a bit of a bummer of a day and I was feeling emotionally raw and a little bit wrung out.
I wasn't expecting it, that's for sure, and to be honest, most days I didn't even think about my work and its success or failure being held in the palm of another's hands. Yesterday for certain it was the furthest thing from my mind. But the ax fell nonetheless.
I will easily admit that it wasn't my best work, it was only my second attempt at telling a story after all, but there was something in this one that made it extra special, magical if you will, that had me believing in it. I guess it would be best put that this story holds my heart, or a huge piece of it anyway.
Here you go guys, the moment you've all been waiting for....I am going to spill my guts!
I wanted this, probably more than I have ever wanted anything in my life, and it's sort of bizarre because I could do absolutely nothing to help my cause; I could only wait. I couldn't perform at peak levels at a second tryout, shake hands or meet the decision makers face to face. I couldn't hand over a plan to sell the crap out of this book, I couldn't convince them of the validity and saleability of my imagination's story. I could only wait, and so that's what I did. I waited.
I saw the email and I somehow knew. You couldn't receive such wonderful news with no bells and whistles or fanfare to accompany it. It's funny, I was prepared for the rejection, it would be foolish not to be, but even so, I didn't see it coming, and certainly not on this day.
So YES! I am incredibly disappointed. I am feeling a bit wounded, raw and scraped up. I am wondering where to look, where to turn and ultimately what my next step will be.
Here's What I Know
Yes, disappointment sucks.
I will not let it define me.
Rejection does not mean failure.
There is no shame in disappointment on this occasion.
I wrote a book! I wrote a book that the publishers were interested in and held on to for a long time, but ultimately couldn't choose for whatever reason.
I wrote a book! That's what matters. I did one of those things I'd always wanted to do, something I LOVE, and that is a grand success in itself, (even if only those of you who ask are the lucky ones to hold it in your hands).
I also know I won't quit; this is just one obstacle on the journey.
I will keep writing because it is something I love, something that is inside of me and needs to be let out. I write for me and any other affirmation I receive would simply be icing on the cake!
I will not give up.
My princes love this song, they love all that Toby Mac does actually. My giant child put this song on first thing this morning; he's our morning DJ. He knew nothing about my rejection, I didn't have a chance yesterday to talk with them about it, and I honestly needed to steep myself in my feelings before I did, to understand what I felt, why and what it all means to me. But they have been on this journey with me so I will speak to them about it soon; there is a lesson in everything.
Anyway, have a listen and whether you like the song or not, you tell me if there is a lesson to be learned in the lyrics. I would go so far as to say that, for me, this morning anyway, these words are Heaven sent.
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