monday monday

Yikes – it’s almost June

         Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.

~Orison Swett Marden

           

Tid bits from the homefront:

I decided to stop fighting with the pool pump – trying to get it to do its job – and break down and get another … the new one is kicking ass. Water moving rapidly – clear as a bell – loving it. My neighbor, Brad, has been so helpful … we scoped out all of the pumps before selecting … I really wasn’t sure what I was looking for … although I knew I didn’t want to spend much money … my money tree isn’t doing quite as well as the squash and tomatoes.

Yesterday I enjoyed a lovely lunch with the Hoover Fam. It was fun to see them and be with them … a little quiet though, with Taylor and Caleb missing from the table. Clearly, they were there in spirit.

I am feeling more accomplished. The weird happenings of the past 2 weeks took a toll. I didn’t even realize how tired I was. Now that Taylor and Caleb have safely arrived to Marley in Cordova, Alaska, Nelson is home and recovering from his ordeal, Eric [Angie’s nephew] breezed through surgery and is now home … yeah, Lewis [Taylor’s and Caleb’s puppy] is adjusting well to being with our fam. He and Sam aren’t loving each other YET – they are both a bit jealous, though they are cohabitating nicely – often eating out of the same bowl … yeah. My family [all around the country] is doing well [my sister is getting stronger and more sure of how important she is, each day] … We are sending much light, love and healing energy to Becky’s Dad, Butch, who is having heart surgery tomorrow. Please take a minute to ‘do what you do’ – pray, send light, think of him. Thank you. Xo

 lewis

 sam and lewis

I am so excited … going to Massachusetts in July – my 40^th high school reunion – crazy, how long ago that was. Can’t wait to see everyone – past school friends, my bestest friend Lois, and all of the fam [Donna, Carey, Jill, Brandon, Kayla, Sam, Ashlyn] … especially brother, Jimmy and sister, Cathee … whom I haven’t seen in a gazillion years … and, of course, my Aunt Kaye … she has always been my hero.

The moving ordeal is coming to an end. I still can’t get into the laundry room at the old home – baby birds galore. And, mom and dad fly right out to attack me if I attempt to enter the room. Not too much to deal with there – so, the next few days it will get finished. The school room is still waiting for me – I have parted with a few things – though much to go. If anyone needs learning/teaching materials – I have them – preschool through 12^th grade – hands-on materials, workbooks, testing materials, textbooks, research books – for all areas of academia. Send me a message/email – cpatriciaa@aol.com if you are interested. My goal is one week … and then all will be finished.

My new home, yard, garden areas … lovely. It feels so happy and peaceful here – and I do love the spiritual remnants of Taylor and Caleb. 

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

Thank you thank you – orders for 6 leashes in the past 2 days … love that. So grateful. We didn’t reach May goal – and I’m not giving up. Once you see these leashes and see how much the puppies love them, everyone will need one.

Order from my Etsy shop – or comment me to special order … thanks xo

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

Garden fun:

I know I boast often about my garden … can’t help it – I am so excited at the way this garden is going to be bursting with food. I think the tomato plants are the most amazing to me. I started them [everything] from seed – and last year, the plants I purchased from the local nursery were one third the size at this time. I believe [aside from love, nurturing and positive energy from me and from mother nature] it is the compost soil. They are loving it. Thank you so much Taylor and Caleb … our neighbors are now putting all of their great stuff in the compost …

summer squash abounds - i so love it  

What are you grateful for today?

I know I have posted/recommended her blog before – if you haven’t checked it out – please do – I think everyone needs to read her heart words … I am so grateful for the insights and reminders.

http://writingmywaysober.blogspot.com/

We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light, which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.

~Woodrow T. Wilson

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

friday

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass … It's about learning to dance in the rain.     ~ Unknown

           

Tid bits from the homefront:

The quotes I have posted for today are definitely ones that ‘hit’ me because of life’s craziness lately. I’ve been trying to dance in the rain, while also trying to feel the strength that has come from all of this. Moving is challenging enough all by itself … end of school year stuff, kids car breaking down in Canada a couple of days ago, my friend having a heart attack … I know, positive Pattie should be looking at the bright side – everyone is okay – this too shall pass – moving is almost complete – the school year was great – everyone is ‘all okay’ now … I’m trying.

Last night was our Annual Flying Up Ceremony – and Zack’s graduation. What a lovely, relaxing, emotionally charged evening at the Robert’s home. It was perfect … and I am so so so proud with Zack.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … we only have a week left in this month … please assist me in making the May goal = one hundred leashes

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

Garden fun:

The storm last night gave another good boost to the garden … look at home much bigger and brighter things are … in just one week. Blows my mind how quickly everything is growing. Last year the zucchini took over my garden, so this year I only planted 2 plants ... I think that will be good. Yellow squash and cucumber [my favs] are seeming to take over this year ... and that is all good with me. The tomato plants are full of flowers - I can't wait to try all of the different types. I love these photos:

 CUCUMBERS

 PARSLEY - BASIL

 SPAGHETTI SQUASH

 SPEARMINT

 SUMMER SQUASH

 TOMATOES

 ZUCCHINI

 

Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger. ~Lou Holtz

What are you grateful for today?

I am just filled with gratitude for everything today ... life is perfect. Hannah - please email me your address and phone number - cpatriciaa@aol.com ... xxxooo

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

'tis tuesday

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
       - William Arthur Ward

           

Tid bits from the homefront:

I have missed my blog time each time … sorry … so much to get finished around here …

Okay … I am trying to stay positive and ‘be in the moments’, as I complete this moving/settling in ordeal. The new home is looking quite beautiful – with everything in ‘its’ place. BUT – the old home … yuck … the more I do, the more I feel that there is to do. Still have a bit more to bring home, more to clean up … all of the ‘end stuff’ that seems to go on and on. I’m not really complaining – maybe whining a little bit … ha … fighting with myself – being in the moments rather than rushing through this part of the journey.

This morning it’s back to school – for our last week together. Getting ready for our Flying Up ceremony on Thursday night … that is always such fun.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … we only have a week left in this month … please assist me in making the May goal = one hundred leashes

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

Garden fun:

A couple of days ago I was so excited with my first harvest – peas [This is my first try at growing peas] – enough for dinner – yeah … love this growing stuff. Isn’t the garden looking great? Bursting with color, flowers, and growing quickly … love it.

 

What are you grateful for today?

Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life.
       - Brigham Young

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

friendly friday

If we are to have real peace, we must begin with the children.                                                                            - Mahatma Gandhi

Things I love today:

            I am in that ‘I love everything’ mode today.

            I am truly exhausted – though so grateful for all that has been done.

            Hummingbirds

            Happy dogs

            Pasta salad

            Many calls from friends thinking of me

            My sister’s spirit showing her the way

            Robin mowed the grass

            My fish made the move fabulously

            Loving life   

           

Tid bits from the homefront:

As a teacher/guider of teenagers, I am also looking for concise, logical verbiage to share … this article is a short and informative article about family planning – loved it:   http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/blog/2011/05/18/interested-family-planning

The moving job is down to the really yucky part. Lots of ‘loose ends’; cleaning and throwing stuff out, and then to the biggest job – Selling all of the school supplies, books, furniture, etc. - sorting, packing into subject-related boxes, and selling … hoping to accomplish all of this in 8 days. Do I have a chance? Making daily lists is helpful. Yesterday I checked off almost everything … had a couple of things that had to be moved to the Friday list … I’m really in need of a vacation. So, I am giving myself a bit of a break today – the list for Friday isn’t too, too long.

1.          Move/set up the pond

2.         Finding the perfect storage space for Marley’s artwork and supplies    

3.         Setting up the new wireless box that arrived yesterday

4.         Collect at least one box of rocks/pebbles/stones for the labyrinth

5.         All material and sewing supplies out of boxes and onto appropriate  

      Shelves

6.         hang pictures

7.         trash trash trash – gone

 

LIST ABOVE – finished … except the wireless box – I will try to do that before I sleep – maybe not.

My dear heart sister, donna, especially needs these today – so I am keeping them here … xxoo

8 Simple Affirmations You Should Whisper to Yourself Daily.

1.) “I am worthy.”
Worthy of love. Worthy of peace. Worthy of praise. Worthy of happiness. Worthy of pleasure.

2.) “My thoughts create my reality.”
Be aware of the thoughts that drift to & fro in your mind; they are direct reflectors of not only your inner world but your outer world. Believe in & aspire to positivity. If you believe that you are abundant, you will create abundance. If you believe you are blessed, you will create imminent blessings.
3.) “Be kind.”
Smile sweetly. Compliment a stranger. Ask someone how they are & really care about their well being. Exude friendliness & warmth, because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. Radiate compassionate consideration. Give until it hurts.
4.) “The opinions of others don’t really matter.”
Filter the words you hear throughout the day. Only internalize the ones that resonate with your natural rhythms. And when you do listen to the wisdom of others, take it with a grain or two of salt. Cherish your ability to make sound choices; rely on it. Listen to your heart; it’ll never steer you wrong.
5.) “I am stunning.”
Repeat five times more for good measure. Hammer this into your brain. Never forget it.
6.) “Life is beautiful.”
Through the trials & tribulations, through the intricate complexities & complications… life & your existence within it is beautiful. Dwell on that.
7.) “Breathe.”
Be conscious of every breath you take. Relish in the sensation of your lungs filling up with air; inflate them to their fullest capacity. And when you exhale, smile.
8.) “Be in this moment.”
Stay mindful, stay present, stay centered. And when you feel yourself drifting out of inner consciousness, remind yourself that the past & future are elaborate illusions; that the only time is now.
Write down these eight affirmations (& a few of your own) & tape them to your bathroom mirror. Make a ritual of reciting these beautiful notions throughout the day. Sing them. Breathe them. Think them out loud. Memorize each one.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

It is already the 19^th of May …

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … please assist me in making the May goal = one hundred leashes

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

Garden fun:

Weeded and trimmed in the front garden today – and planted many new plants to soon take indoors. I finally got the asparagus planted … I’ve never tried to grow asparagus before – we’ll see how that works out. There is still no green coming from the grape I planted. ???

 

The real and lasting victories are those of peace and not of war.
       - John Milton, seventeenth-century English poet

What are you grateful for today?

I am grateful, that no matter what my years on the planet age is, I feel 20.  And the wii fit agreed with me this morning – yeah!

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

working wednesday

Things I love today:

            Lavender

            The scent after a calm rain

            Things coming together

            Shrimp

            Thought-filled text messages

           

Tid bits from the homefront:

As I was kicking myself this morning for not blogging yesterday … for not reaching my Etsy and fundraiser goal … I quickly realized [that’s a big step – to quickly realize] that I was [once again] being extremely harsh with myself. And, if I heard someone else kicking themselves when, in fact, they had been moving and decorating a new home – and almost finished in just two days – I would be telling them they should be patting themselves on the back for such accomplishments. So – I dug through files and found the affirmations I need to read read read – and post in my new home.

I believe the following is worth repeating …

8 Simple Affirmations You Should Whisper to Yourself Daily.

1.) “I am worthy.”
Worthy of love. Worthy of peace. Worthy of praise. Worthy of happiness. Worthy of pleasure.

2.) “My thoughts create my reality.”
Be aware of the thoughts that drift to & fro in your mind; they are direct reflectors of not only your inner world but your outer world. Believe in & aspire to positivity. If you believe that you are abundant, you will create abundance. If you believe you are blessed, you will create imminent blessings.
3.) “Be kind.”
Smile sweetly. Compliment a stranger. Ask someone how they are & really care about their well being. Exude friendliness & warmth, because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. Radiate compassionate consideration. Give until it hurts.
4.) “The opinions of others don’t really matter.”
Filter the words you hear throughout the day. Only internalize the ones that resonate with your natural rhythms. And when you do listen to the wisdom of others, take it with a grain or two of salt. Cherish your ability to make sound choices; rely on it. Listen to your heart; it’ll never steer you wrong.
5.) “I am stunning.”
Repeat five times more for good measure. Hammer this into your brain. Never forget it.
6.) “Life is beautiful.”
Through the trials & tribulations, through the intricate complexities & complications… life & your existence within it is beautiful. Dwell on that.
7.) “Breathe.”
Be conscious of every breath you take. Relish in the sensation of your lungs filling up with air; inflate them to their fullest capacity. And when you exhale, smile.
8.) “Be in this moment.”
Stay mindful, stay present, stay centered. And when you feel yourself drifting out of inner consciousness, remind yourself that the past & future are elaborate illusions; that the only time is now.
Write down these eight affirmations (& a few of your own) & tape them to your bathroom mirror. Make a ritual of reciting these beautiful notions throughout the day. Sing them. Breathe them. Think them out loud. Memorize each one.

The new living space is coming along so perfectly. The energy here feels so great – it is quite lovely. Of course, the old living space has much to still move, and much much to sell, sort and clean … and … it will get done. Reminds me of the tortoise and the hare story … I am trying to be more ‘slow and steady’ – rather than the bull in a china shop that is often me.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … please assist me in making the May goal = one hundred leashes

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

Give-a-Way Wednesday:

and the winner is … Hannah Hoover … I will be sending your lovely leash to you this week … xo

Garden Journal – week 9

The veggies so love the soft rain combined with much thunder and lightening – they seem to grow inches overnight during such Mother Nature events. The seeds I planted, hoping for dreamy wedding flowers, have finally bloomed so beautifully – flowers all over …

 mixed greens

 garlic

 basil and parsley

 cucumber

 tomato

 spaghetti squash

 cherry tomato

 yellow squash

 zucchini

 late-blooming wedding flowers

 flowers

What are you grateful for today?

Bursting veggies in the garden - finding the perfect spot for my labyrinth

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

moving monday

Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.

Tid bits from the homefront:

Taylor Caleb departed this morning for their cross-country trip … to arrive in Cordovia, Alaska. I know they will have a wonderful adventure. Most of the weekend was spent working on their getting ready, and my attempting to keep my emotions in check. Bittersweet – these types of things are. I so want them to go … and I will so miss them.

On to moving in to my new home. I have a plan. And wonderful friends to assist. So, I am not going to get overwhelmed … going to take it slow, and calmly make things as I want them to be. I’m excited with my new living space … and, especially, the outdoor living spaces.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … please assist me in making the May goal = one hundred leashes

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

And … let’s remember … Give-a-Way Wednesday:

Message me/Comment by noon tomorrow …

PatriciaA Wearable Art for your puppy … a leash made with love and positive, happy energy. Please leave me a comment below with the perfect word that describes your dog or cat or iguana or … your pet … drawing next Tuesday, May 17^th at noon.

If life does truly begin on the other side of despair … I think I made it … it is quite lovely on this side. It has been an interesting road … soon I will share more.

One word frees us of all the

weight and pain in life.

That word is Love.

~Sophocles

 

What are you grateful for today?

My happy cat – Karma is shaved and ready for the warm summer weather.

Until tomorrow xo♥

 

Be what you want the world to be

tempting thursday

Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.

~ Robertson Davies

I will get back to ‘I love today’ soon … lately, I am so in love with everything … the list would be LONG … xo

Tid bits from the homefront:

Taylor and Caleb depart Saturday on their cross-country trip to Alaska. The past six months have flown by … I know they will have a great adventure. I’m going to miss them, for sure, though I am so excited for them.

Yikes … moving stuff … I think I keep hoping the fairies will come in the night and move all my stuff and set it up just how I have it in my mind. No, I’m not nuts – I know this isn’t going to happen. Just wishing.

I FINISHED … yeah … Lights in the Distance is ready to be sent off to the Art House Project. I am very happy with it …

Now on to the moving. The past few months have been filled with 20 hour work days … crazy … good crazy. Now I am ready to get moved in, and relax a bit … working in my garden, hanging with my friends, walking with my puppy … reading reading reading. Oh … and I also must find myself a job …

Life is good. Grateful grateful …

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … please assist me in making my May goal = one hundred leashes

http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA

And … let’s remember … Give-a-Way Wednesday:

PatriciaA Wearable Art for your puppy … a leash made with love and positive, happy energy. Please leave me a comment below with the perfect word that describes your dog or cat or iguana or … your pet … drawing next Tuesday, May 17^th at noon.

If life does truly begin on the other side of despair … I think I made it … it is quite lovely on this side. It has been an interesting road … soon I will share more.

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.

~ Robert Schuller

What are you grateful for today?

me ... my fam ... I love this photo - now we need a new one with Caleb in xo

 

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

give-a-way wednesday

Give-a-Way:

PatriciaA Wearable Art for your puppy … a leash made with love and positive, happy energy. Please leave me a comment below with the perfect word that describes your dog or cat or iguana or … your pet … drawing next Tuesday, May 17^th at noon.

I love this …

For attractive lips,

Speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,

Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,

Share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair,

Let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise,

Walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things,

Have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed,

And redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

You will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;

One for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

~Audrey Hepburn

Tid bits from the homefront:

Marley is back in Alaska … Taylor and Caleb are leaving for Alaska this Friday … much of my fam will be far away … I will miss them – though so happy that they are living their lives in such a fun, interesting, adventurous way … and … for a few years now, it has been time for me to be with me / to think about me / to grow my new wings and fly in different directions … I am very excited about the next few months, and all that it will bring.

I stayed up until 3 a.m. writing … and feel rejuvenated rather than tired. Yeah. I am going to make the deadline for Lights in the Distance –yeah -  still have some ‘fixing up’ to do tonight  - if all goes well, it should be in the mail tomorrow … send energy please … I really want to make this happen.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

I have sold a few leashes – thank you thank you – We need to sell LOTS more … please check out my Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/people/PatriciaA ,

and/or message me and I will send you whatever color/style you prefer. I put a few more up today. Help me out and let your friends know about our school fundraiser … thank you thank you.

Garden Fun:

I so love that the wild flower seeds I tossed around last year are coming up again … so pretty. And the storm last night brought with it much great energy for all of the plants. Everything looks brighter and happier today.

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

Arthur Ashe

I must use my word energy to finish this book … I’ll be filled with many babbles in the next couple of days [good and bad, right]. I hope everyone is having a beautiful week – filled with fun and much gratitude …

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be