Sunday night we saw Sir Paul McCartney in concert at the Amway Center in Orlando. I’ve been a Beatles fan for as long as I can remember, so this was an exceptionally big deal for me. From start to finish it was all I ever dreamed of and more. He played a lot of old stuff, a good deal of mid-range stuff, and a little bit of new stuff. I sang and clapped and screamed. I even cried a few times. I am so happy I had the opportunity to see that man do what he loves to do. If I could ever say just one thing to him, I’d thank him for sharing so much of himself with us.

So what else have we been up to? We have spent a LOT of time at WDW over the last 6 days. We even drove over from Tampa (about an hour and a half) just to see the Wishes fireworks show and Main Street Electrical Parade and the Magic Kingdom. It was after 2am when we got back to our friends house, and we were exhausted, but it was well worth the drive over. MSEP has always been my favorite parade.

We spent 3 awesome nights staying with a really amazing family that I”m glad to call part of my selected family. They gave us free sanctuary, and I am so grateful for such kind people. They fed us some really good food, and even let us cook dinner one night to repay their kindness. Their son even got me hooked on my first Anime. It’s called Zero No Tsukaima. The best way I can explain it is it’s a lot like the Japanese spin on a French Hogwarts, but with more innuendo. I look forward to watching more episodes.

We looked at some apartments today and have a few more to check out tomorrow. I think we’re narrowing it down, which is good because I really want to get it narrowed down to a short list of 3 places for us to finalize with through e-mail and snail mail. I know that we’re not going to be able to make another trip down between now and the tentative move date of Aug 1st.

We checked into our hotel tonight for Geo-Woodstock. We met a guy from Ohio and another guy from Switzerland while hitting the vending machines. It’s so weird to just look at someone and know that they accept you and your hobby. Also, there’s something like 4 24hr Starbucks in the immediate area. This is going to be a VERY nice thing tomorrow night. After check-in to Woodstock, we’re headed back over to the MK for their 24hr Disney day. I know we’re going to be exhausted, but I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.

I think that about covers it. Bed time. Say your prayers and count your blessings. I never realized how much I have. I am so thankful!

1. Walkers- to anyone “on a walker” or that has ever been “on a walker,” I give huge props!! Navigating all over the place on different terrains, in houses, businesses, parking lots, etc. is tough and requires thought! Otherwise, you end up running into a wall, getting caught on a threshold (read- slamming your body into the walker because the wheels didn’t move and you did,) getting wheels stuck in the mud, and things of that nature. So I’m told, I’d surely be better than that…..yeah, right!! ha!! Small little thresholds seem like a 7 inch step and 6 inch steps seem like 2 ft boxes from old school box jumping drills. IT.IS.EXHAUSTING!! Some places are harder to navigate than others, but no situation is anything at all like regular walking. Even going in a door is a challenge. Opening doors, keeping them open to go through, figuring out how to close them, ALL difficult. And these challenges are on a normal day- don’t get me started on navigating when there is pain involved. PAIN magnifies everything!! Seriously, we might as well be off road muddying with all the bumps and jumps and steps etc jarring you feel on your walker when you’re hurting, too. Mad props and credit to anyone who hasused or is using a walker! Seriously, impressive skills that you don’t understand until it’s you!

2. Wheelchairs- again same sensation as, feeling like you are off roading. Somehow every tiny bump or change in elevation makes you feel like the princess in the pea because they are seriously that noticeable. And I believe the the makers of wheelchairs actually hate the users they are designing for because comfortable has not be addressed, like ever….all sorts of models with fancy pedals and locks and adjustable arms etc, but a thin material seat that folds and has no padding–not comfortable. I need to invent something that is small enough to fold with a wheelchair, that absorbs the shock, and is cushioning for the bottom with lumbar support. (Anyone want to team up and invent?) On the to do list, because seriously anyone in a wheelchair for more than an hour, should get a medal and a ceremony for the simple fact that even in the hurtful/helpful contraption, they did not alienate themselves by being rude or by going postal on anyone. You laugh, but spend a few days in a wheelchair navigating steps and grass and sidewalk, while sitting on a knife so it stabs you with every movement….you will see…

3. Unloading and loading a wheelchair is hard because it is bulky and heavy. Not being able to unload and load a wheelchair close to a door is seriously a struggle for everyone involved. Not being able to do so because non-handicapped people are parked in the handicapped parking is just plain WRONG! I never realized how many people park in handicapped without a sticker. It’s inconsiderate, rude, and illegal!

4. Being unable to walk- does not mean the person is:
A. Deaf
B.Dumb
C. Able to see behind them (ie: don’t talk to a person from behind the chair or hug from behind bc they can’t see who you are and it’s like a miny assault)
D. Unable to feel their legs. (Some may not be able too- but this girl can and running in to them- hurts)
F. Going to enjoy a popping a wheelie…. (No matter how much fun the driver believes it will be)
Apparently, these are all common misconceptions….

5. Doors- even the simplest, lightest door possible is a huge challenge to open and get through for a person with an assistive device. Holding a door is such a HUGE help for a person on a walker or wheelchair. Huge help!

6. Just listening to a person when you are trying to help them, goes a long way. Lots of people, in my experience, want to help me get in a car or out etc- but more than anything, I find I need space to think and figure out what help I need. Give me that few seconds and I can tell you what you can do that might help. Picking me up or grabbing my foot/arm/leg etc is noooooootttt what I need, so I’m assuming it isn’t what other people need either. I need extra time to think because depending on how strong my legs are on a given day, depends on how I get in or out. Not something I just know- I have to feel out the situation, unfortunately it takes me a minute. Just time and listening is great help.

7. Showering or baths- We need help! Period. There is no way to reach certain spots or places to wash or dry. It may be embarrassing or humiliating, but it feels so good to be clean. It’s just a fact that you have to get in there and get it done. Offer to help someone and don’t freak out if you have to touch a boob
Or butt. They can’t help it and neither can you!

8. Melasma (aka- pregnancy mask, or irritating dark pigmentation in geometric shapes on my face, years after I had said baby-usually only gracing those of us with skin that easily tans) will go away if you aren’t in the sun for oh, say three months.

9. Recovering from a major accident is a progression and is fluid—it’s gets good, it gets bad, it gets good, it gets bad, and so on. There is no gradually getting better and better. It Ebs and Flows and the sooner I come to expect this- the better I will be.

10. Unfortunately, some people try and take advantage of you when you are down. It doesn’t say anything about you, but tons about them. Fortunately- the ones that lift you up are greater in number

11. It is humanly impossible for children to keep their eyes off of a person in a wheelchair. Children in the home or around more often seem to start to lose this phenomenon and behave normally again, but those in public and on rare occasions, CANNOT stop staring. It’s ok- no worries here. I can tell their little minds are doing a “Where’s Waldo” to spot the injury. I say stare away, ask questions, anything to keep them from being afraid.

12. People (read- me) don’t like to hear, ” I know exactly how you feel, I’ve had a hang nail that was infected or any other ridiculous comparison, and it hurt so badly the doctor said it was just like a broken wrist.” Unless you have actually had the injury, don’t pretend you know how it feels. I have to apologize because I can’t put my finger on the instance, however I have a nagging feeling that I’ve been guilty of this before. Soooo, sorry. Totally annoying.

I’m sure there will be volumes of lessons learned, but this ends my first

“See, my brother and I are homeless and I’d really like to get us something to eat.”

I stood there, feeling like an idiot.  I apologized when he said he was homeless, he shrugged it off. I apologized again, this time for not having cash.

“I don’t have any cash, I’m sorry.”   I reached into one of the bags I’d just put in the truck and pulled out the small plastic one. “You can have this though.”  I never buy deli lunches.  Never.  I don’t know what made me do it that day.  Honestly, I was probably feeling lazy and didn’t want to make anything when I got home from grocery shopping or make another stop on the way.

“Oh no.  No, I don’t want to take your lunch.”  I insisted.  I felt bad that I hadn’t bought more.  The 4 pieces of fried chicken and 20 french fries would do very little to fill those boys up.

“Please.  Take it.  I can buy more and I have no cash to give you.  Please.  Take it.” He thanked me over and over and then headed off – perhaps to find his brother.

*source*

I sat in the truck and started to feel bad.

What more could I do?  What more should I be doing?  Why is it so easy for me to forget all I have? 

I have never known hunger.  I have never been without shelter.

So the Classroom Of Life has taught me this:

There is always something to be thankful for and there is always something (more) you can do.

I feel like so often in life we only really pay attention the big things we love in life like family, spirituality, friendship etc. and not so much to the little things. It kind of hit me today of all the little things in life I love. I’m the kind of person who loves to love things because I love love! So after some thought I’ve decided to reflect on the little things in life that make me smile.
1. Days that I don’t wear makeup
This may seem odd to some. I love wearing makeup. But when I have those days when I don’t have to go out and look presentable are days I love! I really love when I can give my face a break and let it breathe. Not saying that I cake on the makeup everytime I put it on, but sometimes its good to just be free.
2. Trashy Television
I hate to admit it, but I love trashy television. I’m talking like Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Housewives of Atlana/New Jersey… Basically any show that involves a lot of drama, bickering and fighting is a show I love. Maybe deep down inside when I see others fight and see other peoples problems on T.V. it makes me feel better about myself… who knows.
3. The Sun
I love sunshine. So much. I keep my blinds open 24/7 in my room. Some people hate waking up to the sun shining in their eye. But not me. I love it. I call my boyfriend a vampire because he’s not the biggest fan of the bright sun. He says it hurts his eyes because he has very light blue eyes. He always has his blinds closed in his room. I often wonder how we are going to mesh when we’re married in regards to this area. Waking up to sunlight is almost a requirement for me in order to have a good day. And his day is ruined when he wakes up with sunshine…Well we’ll figure something out
4. When my eyebrows are the same shape
I don’t know about you girls out there, but my eyebrows have always been to different shapes my entire life. One if more arched while the other is just kinda round. So I usually try to pluck my round one to look more arched and sometimes it matches and other times it just ends up looking like a hot mess. So when I am successful in making them look the same, that it something that makes my heart happy
5. Apple Juice and Lemonade
If I got cursed to only drink these two drinks for the rest of my life, I’d be happy.
6. Driving around looking at big houses
This is a big one for me. I am seriously in love with driving around and going to the expensive neighborhoods and looking at the gorgeous houses. As a child, as a family my dad would take us all out for Sunday drives and I loved it. We didn’t look at houses but we would just drive around aimlessly without a purpose. My Dad is sadly not with us anymore so this is a memory I hold extremely close to my heart. And its a comfort I feel when I get to drive around and just be.
7. Planning my wedding.
Like I said in a previous post, I am not engaged. But I am in a serious relationship leading to marriage. But many times throughout the week I am on pinterest planning my wedding. It brings me so much joy and I have no idea why! I just love planning things in general but planning my wedding just takes it to another level.
So there you go. Some of the little things in life that I love. I could go on forever and I’m sure you could to. What are the little things in your life that you love?

© Sandy Rodgers Ministries

May 24^th

 My stepfather, Odis Brown taught me and my siblings the importance of building a strong foundation. He founded Brown and Brown Construction in Los Angeles many years ago. In his construction work he demonstrated the absolute necessity of a solid foundation. A building cannot stand for long without first having a secure and strong foundation. You cannot build anything on a weak foundation, for it will surely collapse over time. This same illustration can be used for all areas of life and living.

 Is your life built on a strong foundation? What materials make up your foundation? Did you hire an engineer to help? Have your blueprints passed IN-spection?

 My life is built on the Love and Promises of God. I believe my life is a gift. I believe I am here for a reason. I trust this is my time to flourish. I know I am to multiply and to be of good cheer. In multiplying, I add to the goodness of the Universe. I add peace and harmony. I add justice and service. In all my activities, I multiply.

 My foundation is strong, sturdy and solid. My foundation is constructed on Truth principles. The truth is each person is made in the image and after the likeness of The Creator. Each has an equal right to be here at this time. I know that all is deserving of honor and respect. I give my best at all times starting with myself.

 My foundation consists of unconditional love. I have no expectations of others loving me in return. If they so choose I am a grateful recipient. Otherwise I remain obedient to that which I am to do, love without expectations. Included in my foundation are the materials of Joy, Hope, Faith, Wisdom, Strength, Harmony and Acceptance.

 My life is built upon a solid foundation. Therefore I stand erect, knowing that I can accomplish all that I am to do. I am governed by Grace and Mercy. I Am Thankful.

All of the people that were able to pledge will always be a part of the travel trailer in my eyes. As we speak, it’s being taken apart and completely restored. The “little” bit of water damage turned out to be “ALOT” of water damage and the walls just weren’t worth saving. After spending lots of time thinking about it…if you’re gonna fix something than it better be done right the first time. So long story short, the trailer is going to be undergoing a full restoration.

If it weren’t for these generous and kind people listed below, my kickstarter project would of never been fully funded. I’m so grateful!

Dawn, Tina Whitherspoon, Rebecca Shelly, David, Cindy Munoz, Sarah Christensen, Catherine Knott, Kara Dyer and Sara Argue, vjmw, Kristen Uekermann, Kelly Spenhoff, Derek Viger, Seleste Bautista, Ceara, Helena, David Allred, Lavina Joe, Paige, KFulton, Michelle Farrington, Keith Nuki, Ethan Morgan, Scott Robinett, Shelley Hirte Riccardo, Samantha Pelkey-Flock, Rebecca, Courtney Ampezzan, Daena Ramage, Joshua D. Couch, Paige Pitzer, and Katherine Orlando.

Nicki Fazio of Nicki Fazio Illustration, Mara from Mainely Mara, Tina from glam.spoon, Kristen from the blog, Boston Fashionista, Sarah from the blog, Life of Love, Kari Chapin (author of the Handmade Marketplace), Jen from the blog, Cute Potato, Jessa from the blog, Caked Vintage, West Coast Mobile Retail Association (WCMRA), Sarah from Inspired Camping, Paige from the blog, Barefoot and Vintage, and Sarah and Jessica from the blog, Pretty Providence

I also want to thank Keith for putting up with me this past month. He has had to listen to my kickstarter project news reports on a daily basis whether he wanted to or not. He has also been very supportive and understanding during this whole thing. Same goes for Buddha the Cat…I’ve apparently turned into the crazy cat lady filling him in on all the details whether he can understand me or not…lol.

The kickstarter project has officially ended and it’s just gonna be good times ahead. I’m hopeful that the summer will be filled with warm sunny days and no more rain. I’ve also decided to get into the habit of blogging more often. I enjoy spending time writing about diy articles and other enjoyable activities that I’ll be up to this summer. It’s something I can re-read when it’s snowing and the temperature is below zero…lol. Thank you so much everyone for all your support and kindness!

-Tim McGraw, Live Like You Were Dying

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ― Oscar Wilde

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” ― Robert Frost

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein

There are countless quotes about life and how it is unfair, amazing, beautiful, short-lived, under-appreciated and incredible; all at the same time. We all know people who are miserable and unnecessarily grouchy in their everyday lives; and we all know people who are filled to the brim with positivity and happiness. What dictates this seemingly uneven scale of attitudes? Obviously everybody has some days that are better than others, and sometimes life can get you down no matter how positive you try to be; but how is it that more often than not, we let the gift of life slip through our hands? Life, no matter what your profession or path you choose should be valued and cherished as the amazing thing that it is; not repeatedly complained about due to mundane daily annoyances. So you have some past due bills? Somebody out there is sleeping on the streets and eating scraps out of a dumpster behind the store you shop at. So your friend ditched out on plans you had together? Someone out there is all alone; no friends, no family, nothing. So you had a bad day at work? Somebody, many people in fact, can’t even obtain gainful employment. There are countless more examples, but the message is clear: be thankful for what you have. In this world, we have to put our problems into perspective and appreciate the life that is in front of us instead of always concentrating on the things we are lacking. I understand that your worst problem, though it may be menial to some, is important and huge to you. I’m not denying that. However, I still think it is important to take a step back and realize that it could always, always be worse. Most of the things that we complain about on a daily basis are outright silly. I am absolutely no exception. “Ugh, I don’t feel like going to work today.” “I don’t feel like going to get groceries.” “Traffic was so annoying.”

REALLY?! If those are honestly the biggest problems in my life then I would say that I’m doing pretty well. I am healthy, I have an amazing circle of friends and family that are incredibly supportive and I have a boyfriend that I hope to somebody call my husband. Life is better than good; it is amazing. It is insanely naive and asinine to think that my life is less because I can’t go shopping at the drop of a hat, or afford my dream car. Life is so much more than material things; and while I do appreciate that the world revolves around money, my happiness and overall mood do not need to rely on it. Furthermore, if you can maintain a positive and determined attitude, your finances are going to reflect that because you’re going to bust your ass to achieve your goals.

The reason I’m going on this whole rant is because while on a mini-vacation to Niagara Falls, I streamed a video on my hotel’s WIFI (this girl can’t afford roaming charges!) about a teenager named Zach Sobiech. Zach was diagnosed with a osteosarcoma, a terminal form of cancer. Instead of lying in his hospital bed waiting for death, Zach decided to live his life to the fullest and do all the things that made him happy. He spent time with his family, his girlfriend, his bandmate and wrote an incredible song called Clouds (which is available on Itunes and Spotify). He spent his last few months like we should all spend our entire lives; with positivity and a smile on his face. Though he was only 18 years old, he was able to say goodbye to the people closest to him through the outlet that helped him the most; music. If you haven’t already seen the video through Facebook, please watch it now. It’s 22-some minutes out of your life but I promise you, it is worth it. This kid is one of the most inspiring people I have ever seen.

Zack Sobiech lost his battle to cancer on May 20, 2013. Watch the video here.

So please, take a step back and put your “problems” into perspective. It’s not that bad. Life is beautiful. As Zach stated, “You don’t have to find out that you’re dying to start living.”

If you would like to donate to the fund that has been set up in Zach’s memory, visit this link via the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

-A

So, here is my list for today. I am thankful for:

• family that love me, even from far away
• crunchy granola with my yogurt
• a wonderful, caring church family
• clean clothes to wear
• the anticipation of a long weekend
• the smell after it rains on a warm day

What are you thankful for today? Feel free to start your own list in the comment box…

(1) You cannot change the past, but the future Is up to you. 

While this might seem an obnoxiously simple concept, you would be surprised how often in your own life that this isn’t put to heart. Let me give you an example, how many times have you found yourself in a situation where instead of being open to beginning something new (ex. New Career, New Home, New Friends, New Relationship) do you find yourself stunted by something that happened in the past. Do you not open yourself to a new career because you were burned in another one and even though your not happy in your current one your comfortable. Do you not have close personal friendships because you have had your trust betrayed? Do you keep your heart closed from a new relationship because your last one ended in complete failure? These things are not from your heavenly Father.

So what does your heavenly father have to say about such things? 

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(2) Where you spend your time defines your life.

Now this is a perfect opportunity to take an account of just exactly where you are spending your time. When I actually sat down and took an account of just where I was spending my time I was actually quite appalled. The amount of time I spend texting, internet browsing, Facebook, playing video games, and watching television was in reality quite pathetic. I was spending on average a quarter of my time on these silly things. Now obviously a good amount of this time will be taken up by work and sleep for most of you, but how much of your time is being spent on things that really matter? Will how you spend today have an effect on tomorrow? next week? month? year?…. or more importantly is your time being spent on something with eternal value. Christ has something to say about this too.

James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 

life is short and you never know how much time you have don’t waste it and make it count.

(3) Be Grateful

When asked very few people will tell you that they feel they are entitled to things in life. However the way people actually act tells a very different story. Ungratefulness is a disease that unfortunately has spread to people of all ages and backgrounds. Webster’s Dictionary defines “Ingratitude” as: “Forgetfulness of, or poor return for, kindness received.” It can also be defined as not appreciating or valuing what you have, or have been given.Unexpressed gratitude is also ingratitude!  You see ungratefulness is not only not saying thank you for things when they are gifted to you, but in reality when you undervalue or don’t appreciate the many blessings you have you are in reality exhibiting ungratefulness. How many times today were you grateful for the food you ate.. not how good it was that you had food at all. How many times did you think wow am I blessed to have been gifted with such luxuries as the internet, or a car to drive, a roof over your head? Learning to appreciate and enjoy what you have will change your entire outlook on life.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalms 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

While some of these things may seem simple they truly are life changing amazing ways of changing your entire life. All of these principles are the hopes that Christ has for your life. His hope is that you may become the very best you can be. Like seen earlier in Jeremiah 29:11 He has plans for you and your future. Christ wants the best for you but he loves you so much he wont force you to do anything, but if you choose to make the first step you can be sure he will be there the rest of the way.

]]> http://crystalwalls.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/be-thankful-for-what-youve-got/ Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:48 +0000 Chile http://crystalwalls.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/be-thankful-for-what-youve-got/ Hey, what’s up. Hope you’re doing great. I would say that I am. This year (2013) has been quite awesome, minus the stress. If I ever was a work-shy individual, believe me, I’m not anymore. No days off, actually. From Monday to Friday, I go to aquire more knowledge and great skill (It’s not easy, but diligence, vision and determination all keep me going). Then on Saturday, I get so busy. So busy resting (at least I think I deserve that). And on Sunday, I attend the church service (I guess you know why I said “No days off” earlier?).

Now, let me share a little something with you…
As a normal human being, I’ve got my dreams (Yep, I know you do too). At times we want it all ( the goodies), forgetting how valuable the little ones we currently possess are. Don’t you worry, I’m not condemning you cos if I do, then what would become of me? Nevertheless, we’re all guilty of this fact. Sometimes, I think I’m more guilty. Just when I thought I didn’t have enough (perhaps because of my big dreams and aspirations), I don’t know how it happened, but somehow I was made to understand that there are so many people whose state are far worse than ours. We must be thankful for this. Yea, seriously. Dear reader (I wish to address you as that, hope you don’t mind), you’ve got to keep your head up (Perhaps you should listen to a song by 2 PAC – “Keep Ya Head Up”. Nice track with soothing inspiration). All I typed dove-tails to one message: “Be Thankful For What You’ve Got” and work to possess more.

See you when I see you, and wish you a happy weekend ahead. Adios, dear reader

I didn’t care. There was only one thing I wanted.

You.

Mine…all mine…

23 years and about 9 months ago I asked Mum and Dad for a present. The best present I was ever going to get: a baby brother or sister.

I waited, and waited.

Mum and Dad let me choose your name. I was so perplexed. I loved the name Sarah, but I had a doll named Sarah. Then there was always Penny, my favourite character on ‘Little People’. No, it had to be something really special. Something that I would always remember – Jessica after my favourite grown-up on TV: Jessica Fletcher.

I watched Mum’s belly grow larger and larger. I watched Dumbo with her and touched the shadows of your hands and feet as you reached out to touch only the skin that separated us.

Then, you were here.

My baby sister.

So perfect. So pretty. The biggest sky-blue eyes and the softest blonde hair.

You had the cheekiest grin – the devil himself couldn’t beat that smirk you had even as a little girl.

Then you would switch and your little forehead would crinkle and crunch as you concentrated on something – so serious, so business like straight away.

I idolised you. I still do in many ways. You were the walking embodiment of perfection on earth. The best present. My best friend. My baby sister.

Your first Christmas.

I crowded you, I still do. I can’t help it, you are the thing that sits the closest to the heart within my heart.

People say they can see the resemblance between the two of us. Maybe it’s the smile, (we both know it’s that ahem…nose), or maybe it’s the way we both cock our head when we are trying to figure something out (look I understand that ‘black’ mascara is a totally different shade to ‘very black’), or maybe it’s the naughty look we both get on our faces when we lick the bowl.

For years as a teenager and a young woman I wanted to look like you. I wanted to be you. Baby sister you move through the world with an impact that belies your petite stature and small gnome-y hands. You seemed to face any problem with a ferocity of intelligence way beyond the grasp of us normal humans. You still do. Only now that I am older I know that your carefully constructed façade sometimes hides a woman who is crumbling like a cookie inside.

Let me be there for you the way you are always there for me.

Me and You.

Every time I have fallen, every time I have been smashed to smithereens on the rocky ledge of life, every time my bridges have burnt at my feet and scorched my toes – you have been there. You have fished me out of the deepest chasms of my soul. Been the candle in my darkest night. Been the balm to soothe my scabs, and told me just how beautiful my scars are.

You are the hardest working woman I know. People often think that you have had such a lucky life, but those who are closest to you know the truth: when you decide what you want in your life you work to make it happen. Every dream that has come true for you has been born from blood, sweat, and tears. You are the brave young thing. The bright young thing. You are the woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. Whether it is the man you love or a home of your own I have watched you fight for what your heart desires. You deserve your dreams darling because you work so hard for them.

My favourite photo from your wedding day.

I love you Jess / chicken / Jec / boob (don’t ask). You are the sprinkles on top of my cupcake. The Romy to my Michelle. The Splenda in my cup of tea. You are the sparkliest piece of soul I could have ever hoped for cast into the sky to shine brightly into my life. I am so heart-bursting-at-the-seams proud of you.

You are my sister. My mentor. My partner in teasing Mum/Dad/Grace. My Christmas tree light detangling companion. The other half of the sing-along to every Britney song duo.

You are the only one I want to watch ‘In Her Shoes’ with because you get that sometimes I’m Maggie and I need you to be my Rose and tell me to get my stuff together. You are the one I look up to. We both know who the real older sister is in this relationship.

You are my little sister. The best present anyone ever gave me. I am grateful for you.

Happy birthday Jec, and here is to many, many more.

(P.S. I love you)

e e cummings

My surgery, for one thing, was not a fun thing to go through. But if it hadn’t have happened under the urgent circumstances that it did, I wouldn’t have gotten to spend precious quality time with my grandma in the final days of her life. I can’t think of a more perfect example of a blessing in disguise. So when life seems to be against you and pushing you down, try to gauge your perspective a bit. Blessings in disguise are everywhere, and it would be a shame to overlook one. 

I personally adore all flowers ~ as I said in a previous post, even flowering weeds are beautiful to me! ~ but I do have my faves.

I think roses, of course, especially for special occasions (if you really want to know, I love pink ones… but red will definitely strike right to my heart!), but actually and really, daisies are my number one. They are DELIGHTFUL!

As my dear friend Kathleen Kelly would say: “They’re so friendly. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower?”

Yes, Kathleen, I do!

(PS: Kathleen Kelly is not really a friend, it’s Meg Ryan’s character in “You’ve Got Mail”)

On another note, I’m also learning to not step outside the house without my camera.

This morning, for example, camera in hand and there it was.

Yep, this is all leading up to one specific thing.

This:

Let Love guide your life.

My very own Love Daisy!!

Yet another captured moment that makes my heart smile.

I admit that I thought of someone very special to me when I saw it, too ~ because it made me remember that Love is not merely a feeling; it is a choice.

“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” (F. P. Jones)

Choose Love!!

I’m feeling particularly thankful for having a rigorous Orgo professor last semester so I’m not entirely lost in my “oh my goodness we have so much to cram into 6 weeks of class” biochem lecture this summer.

Over 1000 pages of fun in 6 weeks! Whoo!

I’m also pretty pumped about the sports massage I got last night AND my new iPad mini, both of which make me incredibly thankful for my life circumstances  and being able to enjoy such purchases.