I Love You...

be still...listen...breathe it in...💝

"I am your God, I have molded you with My own hands,

and I love what I have made.

I  love you with a love that has no limits,

because I love you as I am loved.

Do not run away from Me.

Come back to Me-not once,

not twice, but always again.

You are My child...I am your God-

the God of mercy and compassion,

the God of pardon, and love,

the God of tenderness and care.

Please do not say that I have given up on you,

that I cannot stand you anymore,

that there is no way back.

It is not true.

I so much want you to be with Me.

I know all your thoughts.

I hear all your words.

I see all your actions.

And I love you because you are beautiful,

made in My own image,

an expression of My most intimate Love.

Do not judge yourself.

Do not condemn yourself.

Do not reject yourself.

Let My love touch the deepest,

most hidden corners of your heart and reveal

to you your own beauty, a beauty that you have

lost sight of, but that will become visible to you

again in the light of My mercy.

Come, come, let Me wipe your tears,

and let My mouth come close to your ear and say to you,

'I love you, I love you, I love you.' "

~The Road to Daybreak~

be well...

xoxo

💗

 "If ever you have been afraid to fly

for fear of where you'd land,

and you have struggled finding peace

in what you do not understand,

Know that trusting is better than knowing

there is ground beneath your feet

because, my dear, courage is found 

in believing beyond what you can see."

~Morgan Harper Nichols~

Welcoming Spring...

...with the house wide open, putting on the tea kettle,

as I watch hubby and Brandon

 grab shoes and clothes in the washroom as they get ready to head out to work.

(having a moment..)

Taking in all the familiar sounds of the neighborhood

as I sit in the doorway getting fur-kissed.

Kids chatting as they walk to school, the neighbor greeting his chickens

a "good morning", Otis howling somewhere in the distance,

and the trash truck making it's Friday morning rounds.

Listening to Grams (chick-a-dee) on the feeder, a jet flying over, & Mr. & Mrs.

Stanley, ummm...playing in the tree.

(cardinals)

The yard is looking a little ratty....

and for the first day of Spring...

I think I'll give it a fresh mow.

Notes to self:

"Grams on the feeder"

Life showers blessings daily.

Stillness is more audible than any sound.

'Better a patient person than a 

warrior, one with self-control

than one who takes a city.'

Proverbs 16:32

Real strength builds up;

it doesn't tear down.

Criticism attacks, love mends.

Love shows our blind spots.

Love is humble and kind.

Choose your thoughts well. Daily. Moment by moment.

What you pay attention to grows.

If you're tuned into things that don't make you feel good,

it's time to flip the switch.

You have a choice.

Focus on what you want to grow.

Love. Gratitude. Happiness. Joy. Faith. Peace.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Enjoy the little things,

for one day you may look back 

and realize they were the big things."

"You normally have to be bashed about a bit by life

to see the point of daffodils, sunsets & uneventful

nice days."

~Alain de Botton~

"Stop confusing being busy with being fulfilled.

One fills your calendar. 

The other makes you feel like you 

are living your life the right way."

~Yung Pueblo~

"You may think if you let go, 

everything will fall apart.

This is evidence of your limited understanding.

It's possible that everything is going to pieces

because you refuse to loosen your grasp."

Ordinary day...

door open letting the outside in, sunshine and

a fresh breeze blowing through ...

 birdsong and chimes filling the air.

Brandon in and out for work.

Fritz in and out chasing squirrels.

Repotting houseplants on the stoop.

Chatting with my neighbor over the fence as

 she announces a new arrival coming soon.

Goats!!💞

And a spontaneous lunch outing at the quaint burger joint down the street.

I'm happily geeking out on this last day of Winter..

Notes to self:

It's never about all the things you know & even believe;

it is what you do about what you believe.

Train your thoughts to be positive and hopeful.

If you think about good things, you'll feel better.

Be purposeful, the most important work

you have in life is to be yourself.

Recognize your blessings.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"We believe:

An ordinary life can be extraordinary,

there is beauty in IMPERFECTION,

and that magic can be found in everyday."

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly,

despairingly, acutely miserable,

racked with sorrow,

but through it all I still know quite

certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."

~Agatha Christie~

"The magic happens after you accept 

that you can't regulate other people's

emotions or experiences.

That's when you start living your

most authentic life.

Some people will get you,

but what matters is that you get you.

Be kind, help others, 

but don't forget to live for yourself."

~Yung Pueblo~

Love Text

...."listen to this after your prayer." he said.

having a moment ...

Today is his birthday....and he has

a knack for synchronicity. 

I  am so grateful to be on this climb with him.

Notes to self:

Allow the light to shine into the deepest recesses

of your being- cleansing, healing, refreshing,

and renewing you.

You don't have to be anyone other than who

God created you to be.

Focus on your provision.

Forget the "what-ifs".

'The purpose of the game is to enjoy

one another, not to win.'

"Life isn't a competition.

There is no winner or loser in God's family"

Care more about loving than being right.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Music is an experience we enter into.

The only product at the end of it 

is that you were present to it.

Oh, what a difference it would make

if we could be present in our days 

in the same way.

What if we could end each day

exhaling with a sense of peace,

saying, 

'I engaged. I listened. I was present.'

And what if that was enough?"

Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew!

Today I celebrate you!!

Much love...xo

💝

Little Shifts

'....the light of each day will only last so long,

and we get to experience that unique day

one time.'

warmth, open, closed, snow... all on a Sunday.

Slow down. Journey through this day

with intention.

you have this day, and you can choose

what to make of it.

Notes to self:

'God's will for your life in three words:

Surrender. And obey.'

Relax. Be still.

Don't take your life so seriously.

Identify where you want to grow &

start dreaming of possibilities.

Sit back and let your thoughts roam.

Create a collage of beautiful memories.

The light ahead of you may be limited,

but it's for a purpose.

Let go of control.

Let life surprise you.

"It's so easy to look around and see what's wrong.

It takes practice to see what's right."

Choose to be intentional.

'Far better to focus on what will pull you forward

than try to focus on what won't push you back.'

be well...

xoxo

💞

"Silence isn't empty.

It's full of answers."

"Somewhere amidst life's endless array 

of distractions lies it's purpose,

distinguished as one of them."

"Whatever your trying to prove,

it's good occasionally

to spend a day not trying to prove it."

 

Balance

'....if you think you can't possibly do

one more thing without screaming or crying,

you're probably right.'

little things along the way...cairn

Notes lately:

You can trust your higher power to provide for you.

 Live above your circumstances.

Distinguish what is important 

and what is not.

Fear of tomorrow keeps you chained.

You don't have to pretend you have it all together,

or that you're stronger than you are.

Take minibreaks from the world,

and find a place to be still.

'Look for the little gifts along the way...

when you feel like you are falling apart.

Life often doesn't send what you think you need,

it sends what you need.'

all is well.

be well...

xoxo

💞

"The quest for balance is universal.

Polarities exist and arise,

especially when we need to make decisions.

A pro and a con can be found for each side.

The key is to find a balance where the 

contrasts coincide.

Instead of fighting against each other,

find ways that they can work together.

Abandon anything that disrupts the balance

and build equilibrium when possible.

This is a continuous process that requires

attention and flow.

Flow will help lead you to a more 

balanced life."

'Cairn symbolizes guidance, a sacred path, 

or journey. Represents stability, meditation,

grounding and a "quiet voice" guiding the way.'

"As you wait for better days,

don't forget to enjoy today,

in case they've already started."

Love bits...

 

"Every single person deserves a love that expands them.

A love that nourishes them.

A love that never asks them to betray

who they truly are."

"You are enough. You are worthy.

Love should never be a battlefield

or a sacrifice."

"Stop settling for the minimum

and start choosing what truly aligns with your soul."

"Personal growth is a lifelong journey.

There will always be shadows to face.

Wounds to heal.

Beliefs to challenge.

But every step you take toward your truth

is a step toward a fuller, freer, more aligned life."

Notes to self:

Epiphany- a sudden grasp of the essential nature of something.

A profound moment of understanding, realization, or 

flash of insight that changes one's perspective.

Coming to my senses.

Clearly showing the madness of of trying to solve

things on my own.

Savoring these epiphany moments.

...one day at a time...

all is well.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"I asked, 'How can anyone who really knows me ever love me?'

only to discover that it was the only way anyone would."

"Let yourself disappoint people,

especially if you need to take care

of your mind because your

intuition is telling you that 

what they want does not align 

with who you are becoming,

betraying yourself is not virtuous.

Remember no one can feel your heart

better than you can."

~Yung Pueblo~

Seasons

....of change, unexpected twists, truths

and differing moralities.

Facing the challenges 

and some gritty realities.

In the midst of uncertainty, clenched fists, and

bouts of tears...

I find faces & spaces,

that comfort & sit with me in my fears.

Notes to self:

You can't avoid negative distractions,

but you can choose to let it flow by.

You can relax, and trust that the changes you

experience will be right for you.

Focus on today.

Do not be discouraged when you encounter

problems and pain along the way.

Trust God rather than yourself, or your resources.

Make the decision to believe Him.

Be careful whose words you take to heart.

Stop focusing on your problems and limitations-

and believe that the way ahead is really an open road,

in spite of how it looks.

When you are struggling, simply take the next step.

Do not worry is a command not a suggestion.

You can decide not to worry.

Pay attention to the nudges & be confident.

Learn from faith stretching situations.

Befriend your wounds & let them reveal

to you your own truth.

The pain hardest to bear is your own.

Learn what practicing peace is for you,

and what it's not.

Stop putting yourself down.

Peace doesn't mean everything is perfect,

it means you are able to find your breath

and a cushion of calm at the center of your life.

Stay present. 

Over and over.

Live abundantly today.

Pay attention to the details.

Freude (froy-da) 

German

Joy

be well...

xoxo

💞

P.S.

....for having my back, and bringing calm 

to my storms, along with a few laughs.

Thank you Dad.

I love you!!

💖

"....And whenever she starts to forget

the story of her original bloom,

the flowers of this green earth remind her

she too will spring up from the ground again.

Gravity will not retain her,

for the sun and the rainfall will propel her

up from gritty soil into open morning air,

and Light will meet her there

and she will begin to unfold in the way

she is meant to."

~Morgan Harper Nichols~

Everything I know...

I have learned from being directionally challenged.

 Remain calm.

There's always another way.

Pay attention.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Be present.

Avoid being distracted.

Take it slow...and go with the flow.

Trust your instincts.

Watch for obstacles.

Don't spend too much time looking in the rearview.

Move forward. Back up when necessary.

Make sure your tank is full.

Keep your vehicle maintained and repaired.

Have essentials on hand...tissue, wipes, water and a healthy snack.

Rest if your tired, or weary.

Stretch.

Always have a blanket and a poncho or umbrella or both for protection.

Have a bag or two....to collect snacks, nature, trash, or gifts along the way.

Take a time out. Enjoy where you are....

and the moment you're in. 

(sit in the grass, people watch, read the signs,

take pictures, freshen up. Recalibrate.)

If  you start to become stressed, shake it off, turn up the tunes & sing,

 turn off the tunes and pray. Always breathe...

ask for help, and trust in your GPS. 

Even if it doesn't make sense.

Life is fleeting...cherish the moments along the way, even if your lost.

Do your best & enjoy the ride.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Life is an exercise in the pursuit of happiness,

the actual experience of happiness confined to brief pauses in 

the pursuit..."

"Perception is a clash of mind and eye,

the eye believing what it sees,

the mind seeing what it believes.."

" A life of contentment abounds with gratitude.

When you feel that things aren't the way they should be,

find the things that are. 

Shift your attention to the positive aspects of life

to cultivate a content heart.

When contentment grows, our perception of reality

changes and things that used to bother us

don't hold much power.

Our minds are powerful, and if we focus

our attention on gratitude and positive thoughts,

contentment is a result.

What are you grateful for today?"

~Sunrise Gratitude~

Presently

.... taking changes in stride as they are...

an not how I wish they were...

moment by moment.

I chose to ditch worry, and to trust.
To believe, and accept as best I can.
It was a choice that lead me toward a
more positive outlook.

I am choosing to keep it simple. 
Slow.
Enjoy all the ordinary moments.
It frees up so much energy.
I can see what's going on, and notice more of what's right.
There's so many little, beautiful things worth noting
in the course of a day.

Yesterday....I went to the orthopedic surgeon.
I watched as the people entered and left.
I noticed most everyone was smiling, &
 how oddly comfortable it was in the
 great big mixture of us. 
Noticed the light-hearted conversations, and attention to each other.
A few youngsters were on their phones, and a distinguished man sat reading his book.
More connections being made, than not. 
Some of us (me) gravitated toward the sunlit atrium,
while others stayed close to where they'd be called.
Giggles came from a little girl squishing in between her Mom and Dad in chair built for two.
Folksy, upbeat music streaming overhead added to the appeal.
A family of Amish entered, and Mom removes her outer bonnet, to expose an inner bonnet.
The man tipped his hat and nodded a greeting.
Outside the window, a huge space is filled with smooth, round rocks...
I love rocks.
I notice that it's a fountain....and tell myself to come back when it's warmer,
to see it in action.
(Checking in earlier) the receptionist shares that my Dr. is an adorable 33 year old that acts like a big kid.
I have visions of Gray's Anatomy dancing in my head.
I get called to go back. 
I meet my doctor.
He's not "McDreamy".
  More like, McCharmy.
He's wearing an orthopedic boot on his right foot from a pickleball accident.
I like him.

He sits across from me with the X-rays,
and then tests my trigger fingers. 
(no bone spur as told by NP)
2, on my right hand. Stage 2 middle, stage 3 thumb.
Stage 1 on my left thumb. 
"Injections" he suggests.
"To fix, or to band-aid?" I ask.
He is confident it will fix.
 I order 3.
He says "we're going to play, good cop, bad cop."
I tell him I want to be the bad cop.
He tells me he is, and his assistant will spray my hand with
a cooling spray making him the good cop.
 as he "bad cop's" each of my fingers.
"Your not going to love it." he says.
I told him I might cry.

I didn't love it, I didn't cry.
It was not as bad as I had heard from
others in the past.
I just turned my head and breathed as they
shot down the perps.

"Come back in June if you're still having problems...
cancel if your good."

*smiles & *happy waves good-bye*

Today....sore and stiffy, however
quite a positive shift in mobility and the ongoing pain.
Yay!
Extra bonus:
Brandon and Fritz have been here for work...
 and bunking here this week, it has been fantastic.
All is well with my soul.
*big exhale*
Over-the-top-giddy with gratitude.

be well...
xoxo
💝


"When life takes the wind out of your sails,
it is to test you at the oars."

"Life is short,
God's way of encouraging a bit of focus."

Baking Things....

...I felt creative, so I made some massive cinnamon rolls.

 I used a slightly healthier version of the 

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting...

and thought...hmm....

I bet that would be good on a sliced apple too.

So I tried it.

And. It. Was. Delicious!

Healthier version of Cream Cheese Frosting:

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp.

1 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temp.

4 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

A squeeze of lemon or orange juice (1 tsp.)

Beat it all together, and chill for 10 min.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"There are days when I am unaccountably happy,

and, in fact,

that is usually the reason for it."

"Most happiness, like most worry depends

pretty much on small a thing you can make important."

"It is still possible to be a cockeyed optimist these days-

you just have to be a little more cockeyed."