A happy birthday family event.........

March is the month of spring flowers, warming weather, and lighter days. But it is also the month of my family birthdays. It starts with mine, then my middle son, my sister, my daughter and would have been my oldest son next (but he was three weeks late and was born on April 5th) but I still consider him born in March - because that was my intention.

Looking back over the years I never fully saw March as a month of celebration. I was always doing way to much for to many people and not happy about it but not ready to change. It was getting the party planned and all that included, while my birthday barely acknowledged. As the children have grown older and circumstances have become easier (because of being ready to finally change) I am feeling the hint of celebration. To embrace each person, and that would include myself on their special day and just ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!! I look forward to the years to come but for today I will bath in the WONDER of the present moment as we celebrate another birthday today. And Happy Birthday to us ALL..........

creative loafing .........

Don't overlook the importance of play.

The balance of mental and physical activity can be a powerful formula.

I am finding a balance between work and play and trying to make my work seem more like play. And then there are the times of doing nothing. I find that harder to do then either work or play. To allow my mind and body to just be, and to let everything rest in the present moment.

No children?!

This week when my son Matt came over to visit we got to talking about having children. Neither of my son's wants children. It is hard for me to imagine feeling that way because that is all I EVER wanted. The first job I ever had was working at a day care. I can respect their feelings and am glad they feel it's okay to not have children but it triggered a deep sense of guilt for the less then normal lives I gave them (afraid this may have contributed to why they feel such a deep opinion on that subject-concluded from memories Matt shared about his growing up experience). Growing up in the shadow of someones addiction is never easy and for my part in allowing it to happen is hard to swallow. I know I can't go back and change their experiences and looking back only leaves you feeling guilt and shame which servers no purpose unless you can do things differently. I am working on forgiving myself and staying in the present moment because that is where the beauty lies. I have three awesome, beautiful children whom I get to spend each and every day with. Whom I can share laughter, make good memories, try new things, enjoy family and friends, share great food, visit new place and live, laugh and love in the present moment together, for that's all we really have and all that really matters- is NOW.

Perception......

Every Minus is Half of a Plus

Its time to consider the possibility that what I thought was "wrong" with me may actually be what's "right" with me. I placed judgement upon myself and that is easy to correct - a change in perception. Here is a list to help you ponder "what's RIGHT with you"

NEGATIVE POSITIVE

apprehensive - cautious, vigilant, reasonable

class clown - tension reliever, lighten-upper

controlling - leadership, take charge, stay on purpose

daredevil - risk taker, over comer if fear

dark past - preparation for higher service,

advocate for downtrodden

demanding - claiming rights based on worthiness

disabled - over comer, shift focus to unusual

areas of ability, inspire others

dreamer - visionary, poet, mystic

judgemental/critical - discerning, discriminating

miserly - prudence, self control, wise

misfit - independent, inner-directed

naive - innocent, virginal, pure heart

non-committal - willing to live the truth in the

moment, adaptable to change

obsessive - thorough, detail-oriented

reclusive - inner-directed, contemplative

rebellious/argumentative - challenger of status quo

stubborn - persistent, demands rights

I hope this list will help you see yourself in a different light and celebrate with me!

Needed a good laugh.....

I decided to borrow someone else's joke....... Enjoy the laughter! : ) (I did)

This is the true story of George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, who was going to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the shed. George opened the door to go turn off the light but saw there were people in the shed in the process of stealing things.

He immediately phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?" and George said no and explained the situation. Then they explained that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be there when available.

George said, "Okay," hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again.

"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I've just shot them all."

Then he hung up. Within five minutes three squad cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up. Of course, the police caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the policemen said to George: "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

A Dumbledore Quote.....

"It is our choices, Harry, that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

In the past, "my abilities" seemed to equate with my value as a person and how much someone would love me. I am learning in this school called life that if I want to do something for someone or not, it does not change who I am as a human being or how much I deserved to be loved. Practising being present, brings awareness to the choices I make everyday, and reminds me they don't need a price tag on them. I can also see when I make choices more consciously the more authentic they become and that always feels right.

A welcoming breeze......

I am beginning to feel a "welcoming breeze" flowing across my life. A time to step back and be present. A time to allow good things to come, and embrace the gifts.

A beautiful friend gave my son a computer, a man knocked on my door and I will soon have a free roof and I wait in gratitude as the universe brings my hearts desire. I don't know where they come from and it is not for me to wonder - only to sit in expectancy with a thankful heart. I believe in the circle of life, and we are all connected. I love giving! Recently I gave time to my son David. We came up with a new and exciting lunch he had never tried before ( our own chicken patty sandwich -YUM), I took a ready made dinner to a friend and just yesterday I offered a cough drop to a stranger that didn't seem to be able to stop coughing.

It's like when you go to the ocean and walk down to the waters edge, close your eyes and the gentle breeze caresses you. You can't help but smile...........