31 Days: Write.Create.Be . . . again!

What are you doing next month?

Yes, the WHOLE MONTH. All 31 days. Any plans? No? Well . . . I've got something perfect for you.

CREATE!

Yes, I said 'create'!

Not sure where to begin? Well, follow me over to my friend Leslie's blog to find out where.You see,  Leslie will take care of it for all of us. Beginning March 1st, Leslie is hosting a "31 Days: Write, Create, Be" Party.  Leslie will prompt us with some wonderful tips, ideas, and goodies to create something . . . anything. . . 6 days each week. Seriously, 6 days a week, all month long. (She's pretty wonderful, isn't she?)



I participated in Leslie's challenge last summer, when she held her last "31 Days" festival, and it was such a great way for me to sneak in a little creative fun each and every day. Her prompts were motivating, inspiring, and so helpful to my chaotic brain, that I was so grateful to participate.

And this time around, I'm look so forward to this next creative journey. Because right now, I am REALLY in a creative mood! So, not to put any pressure on Leslie . . . but I am looking forward to some FANTASTIC creative days!!!

So, click the button above to link to Leslie's blog, and join me on this great creative adventure. I'll be sharing some of my stuff here, so I'll keep you posted on the fun!

From Red to White

"Hey. . . "

"Hi," I said, "how are you?"

"Well, it's a bad day for our house today. . . " my dear friend, Kathleen replied to me yesterday.

Immediately, bad thoughts popped into my head; the dog was sick (or worse), parents were ill, maybe even my dear friend herself was suffering from something terrible.

"What is it?" I asked . . . bracing myself for the words I knew would change my life forever.

"I'm allergic to red wine," she said.

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Say it isn't so!!!

I was right.

The worst possible news I could hear.

Ok, I know I'm a tad dramatic . . . but you are my blog friend, so you already know that about me.

But, seriously. This is Kathleen. MY friend, Kathleen. You remember her, don't you? She came over not long ago for dinner with me and the girls. Remember?

Yes, this is the friend, with the two bottles of wine. RED wine.

And now, she's allergic. I feel like I should have prayer cards made up for the occasion. But maybe that's just a little overboard. (Remember, though . . . I am dramatic.)

What's funny is that to know Kath years ago, one would remember that she was always the responsible one, taking care of everyone else during our roaring 20's parties. Often the designated driver, and not much of a wine lover at all. But at some point in our 30's, my dear friend switched over and started to enjoy the finer things in life (like, red wine.) But this week . . . all of that has changed for my friend.

"Hives," she told me. A terrible rash comes over her. Dr thinks it's the red wine.

Seriously. Could it be? I mean, we get together once every couple of months - let the kids destroy the house, while we destroy a bottle of Cab. It's heaven. Pure girl friends time filled with lots and lots of laughter, some tears, and a glass . . . .

We'll make it through, Kath. I promise. I'm here for you. And don't forget . . . there's always Chardonnay!

Changing Life . . . One Quote at a Time & other thoughts

Years and years ago, I picked up a little quotation book from a local book store. The book, “The Change-Your-Life Quote Book” by Allen Klein, is filled with over 600 wise and wonderful quotes to inspire and motivate. We've all seen books like this one before - there must be thousands out there. But something about this simple little one just pulled me toward it back then. I must have felt that I needed to change my life, and bought this book to help me get the job done.

I brought it home, and I assume I glanced through a few pages of the book, and then promptly placed it on a little bookshelf in our bedroom. There it has been . . . for probably 10 years. I do look at it time and time again, as I swiftly remove dust from the shelf, and it always brings a smile to my face. Then it returns to its resting place until I next need some extra motivation in my days.

On Monday, I threw it in my bag and carried it to work. While I no longer feel the need to “change my life”, I could always use some inspiration from those far wiser than I. I spent my whole lunch soaking in the wisdom of others. It was wonderful.

I often try to live a life of happiness . . . and have written about it before on this very blog. I know that the days when I am happy are much better days than those when I am not. So, one particular quote caught my attention on Monday.

Remember happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.

– Dale Carnegie

Let that soak in for a few seconds. Read it again.

Do you live a happy life? Is your happiness based on what you have or what you do? Or, is your happiness based on a feeling from inside? Do you believe that you can make a conscious decision to live happy days?

I love little quotes like this - that help remind me of the big picture during my days, and keeps me on path for what I really want out of life. I might even turn this into a little “Changing Life . . . one quote at a time” regular post. What do you think?

And, speaking of the blog in general . . . Would you like to read words of inspiration when you stop here for a visit? What keeps you coming to my blog? What type of posts do you wish to see more of? or less of? I'm at a crossroads right now, and would love a little input from my faithful blog friends about what brings them here. Are inspiring quotes something you'd love to have more of in your life? Or, do you feel you could you get them elsewhere and come here for something different?I’d love to know . . .

The Evolution of an Artist

When I was a young child of 7 or 8 years of age, I discovered my inner artist. Not a Saturday afternoon would go by without me drawing something, and rarely would I be found without some paper and a box of crayons in my hands. Drawing and coloring, very early on, became my form of expression. And it clearly is something that I still do (hence - all the headers I draw for my blog.)

I can see Katie following in my footsteps, and I must tell you . . . I LOVE IT. Nothing warms my heart more than to see her as she works diligently on a piece of art. At 7 years old, she is turning into quite the artist. Currently, her specialty is the self-portrait. I have been secretly collecting her self-portraits and saving them for months now, so that years and year from now, she'll have them to look back at. Tonight, I spread a number of them out on the kitchen table and showed Katie. She couldn't believe I had saved them.

I love to watch how her style is developing from one drawing to the next, her hair, her nose, her eyes. But my very favorite sign is the great big smile on each picture. Seriously. What more could I ask for?

 I really love this one above, showing a bit of the sun in the corner and the words "Hi" coming from her. Friendly. Welcoming. Just as I would always hope my daughter would be. I hope she never loses that happiness. She's going to go far in this life of hers, I'm telling you.

 This one, above, reminds me most of my own 'leanne' character in my blog header. It made me smile when she showed me this one. Katie is my best admirer and I always share my blog headers with her after I have designed a new one. Many times she'll share her ideas and thoughts with me and I create my new look. I just love that about her - always thinking.

As I click away at these photos this evening, she ran to her table and chair and started drawing yet another portrait of herself. And just as I was about to put the camera away, she yelled, "Mom . . . not yet! I'm just finishing one more!"

This was the drawing she finished this evening . . . just minutes ago. I have to say this is now, officially, my favorite one. The smile, the hair, the eyes and nose . . . perfect. But the part I love most? The heart shaped peace sign.

She's a cool kid, don't you think?

That's my girl. My very own 7 year old Artist.

Life is Good.

Do you hear them?

Just a little inspiration for your soul today . . .

Last week, I sat at the kitchen table with Ella for a delightful afternoon of painting. I always feel kind of guilty when I start painting with the girls, because it seems within minutes of our adventure, I find myself lost in my own world . . . losing all sight of what they are doing. I feel bad about that . . . but it is almost as if the whisper in my own self takes over.

Last week, this painting poured out of me, with the help of 8 little crayola watercolor paints that I bought last fall for $1 and a plain piece of printer paper. Nothing fancy, no elaborate supplies or materials. Just me and my whispers.

Do you hear them? The whispers inside of you?

Stop.

Listen to them.

They have something to tell you . . .

The Life I was Meant to Live

The other night, as I did the rounds of turning off lights and checking locks on doors before making my way to bed, I  found myself in the midst of one of those rare quiet moments. This house of mine is usually one big chaotic mess . . . full of children (if not only my own, then other neighbors kids thrown in for fun), family, music, Wii games, phones ringing, giggle fests or popcorn popping sounds, you name it - it's usually going on in this home. But at 11:00 pm at night, all is still . . . quiet . . . and peaceful.

As I made my way from one lamp to another, I found myself really looking around at this place I call home and taking it all in. With my eyes traveling from one side of the fireplace mantel to the other, I was reminded of the blessing I have in my life; the roof over my head, the food on our table, the laughter of children filling my days, and the love of a very good man.

It all looks just as I always dreamed. It was as I stood there, looking around this very room where I have spent so many hours the past 10 years, it finally dawned on me . . .

. . . right in the corner were a pile of the kids toys. It was at this moment, seeing the pink princess kitchen peeking out at me, that I realized . . .  I am doing it. I am living the life I was meant to live. The life I've always dreamed of living. The life that I wished for when I was 10, 15, 20 years old. The life that I never thought I deserved, or that I never thought I'd attain. But, I did. I am here.

And it is wonderful.

It's better than wonderful.


It seems so elementary to realize that, duh . . . this is my life. But last night, it's as if a light bulb went off . . . my a-ha! moment. Not only that this is my life . . . but it truly is the life I always dreamed of. Sure, there are things I want to do in my life and places I want to see. There are goals or "ta-da's" that I hope to accomplish, of course. And I know that those things will come. They will. Right now, I am a wife and a mother, two roles in this world that I am not only most proud of but most grateful for. And two roles that I dreamed of.

Yes, I am blessed beyond words.

How do you feel? Do you think you are living the life you were meant to live? What is stopping you?

Just Having a Ball!!!

The days are going by so fast . . . it seems like the clock is in full speed mode and life is moving quickly. I'm glad to report that the winter blues have passed on by (yay! Finally!!). Although right now, my blog life has taken a back seat to . . . well... just life in general. I do have plans for some fun posts coming up in the next week or so (subjects like; Les Miserable, my New Years approach to healthy living, and some stories of inspiration). But until then, I wanted to share with you some photos of Ella's birthday last month.

We started this "Birthday Breakfast in Bed" routine with Katie years ago . . . and this is really the first year that Ella wanted to start her birthday the very same way. So, here she is . . . our 4 year old!

Of course, she didn't want to be alone! So Katie and her friend (who stayed for a sleep over) joined her!!! (I love the colors of Ellie's room. I hand painted the little characters on her wall before she was born - and recently the discussion has come up whether it is time to give her an official "BIG GIRL" room with picks and purples and flowers and girlie stuff. I think I will cry the day we paint over these walls, though.)

On to the party!!!! We decided to pull some family and friends together and go BOWLING!!! I don't know if I love the smile on Ellie's face more, or her bowling ball inspired outfit (ok, it's not really bowling ball inspired . . . but she look aDORable in this outfit!!!)

 Me with my favorite girls in the whole wide world!!!!

 PG and Ellie. Are they not adorable, or what???

Big Sister Katie . . . so so cute. I love Katie's cheeseburger earrings - they crack me up!

YUMMMMM-O!!!

Overall . . . this was really one of the most fun birthday parties we've ever thrown. Everyone needs a little bowling fun once in a while, don't you think?

Thanks for humoring me and taking a look at the photos from Ellie's special day! I almost feel like you were there with us! (Except you didn't get to have any cake...SORRY! It was WAY GOOD!)

Happy Valentine's Day

"To love another person is to see the face of God."

- taken from Victor Hugo

I watched the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables on PBS this weekend
(and I WILL be buying the blu-ray from Amazon after February 22nd.)

I sang along with the performance at the top of my lungs. 

And cried when I heard the line above,

 said by character Jean Valjean.

I had chills, I sang and I cried . . .
for over three hours.

It was wonderful . . .
and I will share more of this moment with you later this week.

For today, I just had to share this quote with you and wish you a day of love.

I hope to return to regular blog reading and writing so very soon!

Please hang in there with me.

Much LOVE to you, dear friend.

A Letter

Dear Sunday Driver,

It was Wednesday . . . what the heck were you doing out yesterday?

Ok, let me start over. That wasn't very nice, was it? I apologize.

Greetings, dear Sunday driver. I hope this letter finds you doing well after hibernating this winter. My, how brave you were to head out of the house yesterday. I was so surprised to see you on the road.

Although, I must tell you . . . I wasn't happy that you pulled out in front of me on the main road from my home . . . the one with the 45 mph speed limit. You do see that there is a 4 and a 5 on that speed limit sign, don't you? It's not a 3 and a 0. It's 4 and a 5. When you put them together . . . that's 45. And wow . . . when I am traveling at that speed, having your lovely Buick pull out in front of me going 30 is NOT FUN.

But how lovely to follow you on that l.o.n.g. trek of road this morning. I must say - your car is looking lovely. Surely you have kept up with it well and haven't had it out of the garage often this winter. It really is in mint condition, without as much as a spec of salt on it. The color gray suits you well, and matches your hat. What a fashionista you are.

No worries that I was going to Ella's Ballet class. No worries that I was on time when I left my house, but that following you ALL THE WAY almost made me late. No worries. But, you really should be careful when turning corners . . . you almost clipped that FedEx truck coming from the other direction. Although, when you are driving a boat, I guess you must make extra wide turns. I think they have signs for your car that you should consider purchasing. Perhaps this one at the right.  Hey, why don't you leave me your address . . . I'd be happy to pick one up for you! Really . . . I don't mind AT ALL!

I have to admit, when you turned down MY road (blog reader - you know, THE road ... THE sanctuary road on my daily journey that I have written about here and here.) ... when you turned down MY road, I felt rather upset that I would be forced to travel at Sunday driver speed and would be unable to enjoy the moments of peace on my road.

But, I must tell you . . . I think there was a reason you pulled out in front of my car yesterday. Not only because you had to go to the post office (which, of course, is the only reason a Sunday driver would be out on a Wednesday) . . . but because the Big Man upstairs probably realized that I needed to s...l...o...w...down just a little bit. Yes, in the middle of a hectic afternoon with a million and one things to do and a million and one places to visit . . . you, my dear Sunday driver friend, pulled out in front of me and forced me to stop. To look around at life. To reflect. To slow down.

Ok. I get it now.

So, with that, I end this letter with a note of thanks to you, dear Sunday driver.

Thank you for venturing out into the world yesterday. I think I needed that.

I may still pick up that yellow sign for you, if you don't mind. Just to warn others who may come in contact with you that they should slow down, too. See you on Sunday.

With much respect and thank,

Leanne

A relationship worth writing about

I know that this relationship isn’t normal and I really shouldn’t rely on you so much for my daily happiness.

But I just can’t help it.

From the moment I see you, my heart skips a beat. I feel a joy come over me . . . like Christmas morning and winning the lotto all at the same time. I know that soon all will be better in my world when I have you in my hands. Oh, this life is good.

There are days when I go without you. When I think that I can survive without your very existence. When I wonder what makes you so special. And I’m ok . . . for a short time. But then, something happens that makes me yearn for you. A late night, or an early morning, might send me into a state of panic if I don’t have you near me. I’ve narrowed you down to the most cost effective way, but just can’t give you up for real.

Some people may think that our relationship isn’t normal.

Some people may worry that I am too dependant on you.

Some people just don’t get it.

When I am cold, you give me warmth. When I am tired, you wake me up. When I am sad, you brighten my day. When I am cranky, you make everything ok. You were born the same year I was . . . and that alone creates a bond like no other. 

I am so glad you came to my town a few short years ago . . .

and I will love you . . .forever.

My Board of Dreams

I've been reading a number of blog posts lately on Dream Boards, and thinking about coming up with my very own board of dreams. Do you have one?

I do, now. And I kind of like it.

It pretty much sums up what I'm thinking about this gift of life I've been given. Where I am going. What I am hoping for. It was a fun exercise to sit down and put it out there. Here it is . . . for you to see . . .

I made it on Oprah's website. Seriously.

Click here to link to where you can make your own. You have to register on her site (it's free), and you can create as many boards as you'd like - saving them on her site and exporting them to your own computer, if you wish (which I did.) You can use your own images (some of the above are mine), or pick from a number of Getty Images on the site to incorporate into your board. You can choose different background patterns or designs . . . the whole thing is kind of fun.

It's a good time (over a month into the New Year) to re-focus, don't you think? To be reminded of your dreams. I like it ... a lot!

So, I encourage you do make one for yourself.

I mean, isn't it time we all DREAM a little?

Join me . . . then come back and tell me about it, so I can visit your post.

Dream . . . I dare you.

Daily Happiness - frig style

The other morning, I took a good long look at my refrigerator. The front of it. In all it's chaos.

Most of the time, my eyes just pass over all of the magnets, calendars, clips, papers, invitations, bills and photos plastered on the front of our frig - because, quite frankly, there is usually alot going on there.

Except for one little spot . . . where I am inspired daily.

The other morning, I caught a glimpse of this motivating spot, and felt the need to take a photo to remember it. And, as with most things, I want to share it with you. Here it is . . .

The first thing I saw was the heart shaped leaf that Katie picked up on her return walk from the bus stop one day after school last fall. She held it so delicately in between her fingers and gently handed it to me, telling me that it was her heart and she wanted me to have it. I immediately brought it inside and secured it on my frig with this red clip. It has been there ever since. I think I will have to keep this forever, don't you? Her heart . . . and she gave it to me. How blessed am I?

The second thing that warms my heart, is the cross Katie colored in her religious education class this year. A gentle reminder of our faith. It's perfect.

The third thing that has brought me such joy, is the red cardinal "Believe" magnet that I won from artist and blogger, Isabel, over at Oodles and Doodles Art Studio. If you don't know Isabel - you MUST stop over her blog and visit. She does such delightful and whimsical art, that I just ADORE every visit at her site. Months and months ago I left a comment on one of her give-away posts and I won (yippie!!) an awesome decorative wooden block (which I will have to share at another time), and inside the package she mailed to me, she included this magnet. You may not know this, but I have a thing for cardinals (you can be reminded of my love for them here.) And, you might also remember that "BELIEVE" is my word for 2011. How blessed I am to have this fitting reminder every single moment? Isabel - THANK YOU 1,000 TIMES for this magnet!!! It fills my soul daily!!!

And the last thing I saw that constantly brings me joy, is my little Churchill quote magnet, "Never, Never, Never give up!" It provides strength when I need it most . . . there really is no better way to put it than that, don't you think?

I'm certain that there are members of my family who look at my frig and think, "Gees, get rid of some of that junk, will you?" But me? I know that nomatter what happens, or where I go in life . . . these 4 things will stay. They bring me happiness daily. And isn't that worth it???

Totally.

What brings you day to day happiness? I'd love to know. . .

A Lesson in Plastic Bag Folding (bet you didn't know you needed this!)

This is my friend, Kathleen . . .

I adore her with all of my heart.

She has been my friend forever (or at least, for as long as I can remember).

And we both enjoy wine.

 

This is Kathleen, her daughter Mags, and me and my girls having dinner one night in December.

Having dinner with Kath and Maggie is truly one of my favorite things to do. 

 I love nights like this.

This week, I received an email from Kathleen that went something like this:

"So tonight preparing for the blizzard Storm of 2011 I went to the store. When I got back I unloaded my groceries and started to roll up my grocery bags into a tie. I need a refresher course, because my bags kept falling apart. So next time we have a pizza night, you will have to give me a lesson again."

 I really can't leave my friend out there, struggling with her plastic bags.  

And since the snow has me unable to drive to her house and give her a lesson,

I thought I'd create a special VIDEO in her honor!!! (hee hee!)

So, without further delay - I give you . . .

Plastic Bag Folding 101!!!

You all can thank Kathleen for letting you in on the bag folding secret!

Now go and tidy your cabinets and fold away!!!

(And thank you for humoring yet another silly video!!!)

Last Video ... I PROMISE!!

. . . . well . . . maybe . . .

I just can't help myself!!! I'm a regular Cecil B DeMille, I tell ya! I'm a video making fool!!!! So, just one more video . . for those of you who haven't gotten enough. I swear, you'd think we never had snow here before. But I'm just have too much fun on my day off . . . and that's what it's all about, isn't it?

What I am realizing with this video thingamajiggie is that I am a much 'breathier' talker than I ever thought I was. I mean, I'm like Marilyn Monroe herself (uh-oh, time for another photo . . . !!!

I see the resemblance, don't you? :)

Just heard from the school that they will be closed tomorrow as well. Looks like our family fun will continue for one more day! Yippie! I'll spare you any additional video footage though, I promise.

All for now . . . need to warm up with a hot shower and cup of tea. Then maybe I'll start sorting through our photos (and try to get something productive done today!) Have a great day, friends!

The Morning After . . .

We can't quite see the driveway, or the front walk way . . .

. . . and it's STILL snowing!
Remember way back when, when I said PG bought himself me a Flip camera for Christmas? 
Well, I must admit, my friends,  I am enjoying it SO SO MUCH!!!! (Can't you tell?) I'm sure I'll be back with more video later. I just can't stop sharing the snow with you! Please accept my apologies ... and sorry for the breathiness of my voice - I just woke up and haven't had my coffee, or warmed up the vocal chords by yelling at the kids and hubby yet! ;)

Happy Wednesday!

This Just In . ..

For those of you who are in the midst of sunshine and warmer temps, here's a look out my door just minutes ago...

Crazy winds, I tell ya . . . crazy crazy winds. Don't you wish you were here with me?

It's Coming!!! * * UPDATE * *

If you live in the U.S.A. and have watched any of the news the past few days, you would have heard of the massive snow storm that is making its way across our great land this week. Yes, we are buckling down for a Chicago blizzard, my friends. And expecting anywhere from 18 to 24 inches of that beautiful white magic to hit our town, starting this afternoon and continuing until tomorrow night.

Yikes.

I am most excited (if you can believe it) about this snow storm . . . well, I will be excited once I know that all of my family members have arrived safely to their homes this afternoon and are all accounted for . . . and I will be excited because my PG is IN TOWN (yippie!) and I love nothing more that to be stuck home with PG, Katie and Ella. That, my dear, is the very best ever!

I have lots planned for us in our humble little home, as we watch with great anticipation for the flurries to arrive. And having PG in town, and not on a business trip, just about warms my heart to Caribbean temperatures, for sure! So, lots of fun planned for 2 days stuck in the house. But then, as I think about it . . . I can imagine that all the members of our household have various activities and things they each are looking forward to. Hmmmm . . . I imagine our "Blizzard of '11 Lists" would look something like this:

Leanne's Blizzard of '11 List of things to do while stuck home for two days
1. laundry
2. clean our living room closet
3. clean kitchen pantry
4. clean girls bedroom closets and drawers
5. sort photos from past 13 years
6. organize kids toys

PG's Blizzard of '11 List of things to do while stuck home for two days
1. catch up on Tosh.o episodes on DVR
2. catch up on Fringe episodes on DVR
3. nap
4. play on computer for 48 hours straight
5. nap
6. eat something

Katie's Blizzard of '11 List of things to do while stuck home for two days
1. play in the snow
2. build a snowman (or two or three)
3. sled
4. drink hot cocoa
5. play in the snow some more
6. drink more hot cocoa

Ella's Blizzard of '11 List of things to do while stuck home for two days
1. watch Tom & Jerry
2. have a snack
3. paint and color
4. play Wii
5. watch more Tom & Jerry
6. drink hot cocoa with sissy

Hmmmmm . . .

Yes, now that I think about it, we may have to do some compromising in this house the next 48 hours.

But, I can't wait. For there is no other place I'd rather be than right here . . . watching Tom & Jerry, drinking hot cocoa and napping. Yes, I think the closets will have to wait.

How is the weather where you are?

UPDATE as of 3:20 PM cst:
The storm has hit, and as I sit and look out my window to white flakes blowing and doing their very own happy dances . . . all family members are in their respected homes and accounted for. And, just as I thought, PG is on the couch . . .napping.
Ah, Life is Good.