my monday

One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.— Paulo Coelho

Tid bits from the homefront:

Such a lovely weekend … Worked in the yard and garden, helped my neighbors with the painting of their new home, went to Briggen’s graduation party, enjoyed a beautiful lunch with the Hoovers. Again, I am so grateful they are all okay – after the devastation of that tornado that ripped through their property last week. I’ve never seen anything like it. Trees picked off half-way up, other huge trees ripped right out of the ground. So scary. It seems that Mother Nature has been pissed off lately.

Lovely weekend … until the end of Sunday.  I have seen in the movies how the yellow jackets chase humans – though had never experienced it. I could have lived without that. I felt a sting on my hand, while working on the pool, and I swatted it … big mistake … the whole fam came after me … chasing and stinging me like crazy … I do now know that I guess I don’t have an allergic reaction to bee stings – that part is good, right …

I am trying to change up my daily routines [any suggestions would be much appreciated], hoping it makes the no smoking thing a complete reality. I am doing great with it … not smoking … though so many things I do [did] during the day usually involved taking a cigarette break. I started drinking tea [rather than coffee] in the morning. I’m not crazy about tea – but I don’t think of lighting a cigarette while drinking it – that is a good thing. It is strange the way your whole body changes – likes, dislikes, etc. Craving food I usually don’t think about – not wanting food that I usually love. It is weird. I’m not going to waste my time or energy anymore kicking myself in the ass for smoking all of these years [although it really was dumb] – focusing only on being finished with it.

I was feeling badly because I am behind in things I should have done – things I told others I would do – etc. etc. I decided I can’t worry about that right now – because it takes much energy to change this stupid habit … and that has to be my main focus – for me. In a week or two, I will be running full speed ahead once again … and everything will get done.

I had planned to add more photos of my wondrous garden – it will have to wait until tomorrow – Tonight Brad will wear the bee suit and get rid of the yellow jacket nests in the yard. Back to normal garden 'stuff' tomorrow.

Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn't have the courage to say "yes" to life?" — Paulo Coelho

I hope everyone is having a great start to a great week.

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

fun fun friday

It's never crowded along the extra mile.

~Wayne Dyer

Tid bits from the homefront:

Today the no smoking thing is making me crazy. I swear, my teeth hurt and my head is dizzy … I’m getting much done – little things that I normally would overlook and/or let pile up … I really can’t do too much thinking today – so, please accept my apologies in advance for the poor writing/content.

Taylor says I should do a cartwheel every time I want a cigarette – that could be funny … not too certain I want to through my fifty-seven year old body around the yard – we shall see.

I did much mindless work today … good work though. Took car loads to Goodwill and Habitat and organized the laundry room. Then – the fun part of the day – Ryan and I went out to lunch and hung out for a while. It was nice being with him. He gave me a cucumber plant – as my cucumbers seem to all be spaghetti squash – hopefully I won’t kill it … I think it will be okay.

Garden:

Finally … green, yellow and red pepper seeds are starting to sprout. The originals, from the start of the garden work, must have blown away – or they were all duds – none sprouted. Now I have a bunch of them … will wait a week or so and put them in the garden. I know I am going to have to pull some of the spaghetti squash plants out of the ground – they are taking over the garden … did I say that already?

Boring I must sound – hope it will be over soon – once this body of mine realizes that nicotine [and all of the other crap in cigarettes] isn’t good for it.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

~ Mark Twain

Have a beautiful weekend xo

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

thinking thursday

Nature gave us two ends: one to sit on and one to think with. Ever since then, man's success or failure has been dependent on the one he used most.

Robert Albert Bloch

Tid bits from the homefront:

It is lovely here in the woods this morning. Either I am fooling myself, or I am really beginning to relax. I so love getting up in the morning and starting the day with walking the puppies and working in the garden. Meditative way to begin the day.

The remainder of the moving/sorting ordeal is coming to an end – yeah. I have a few more things to make decisions about – school materials for the most part. I will do that today – and then I can get back to creating in a different way. I have some cool [I think] purses/bag ideas in my head that I can’t wait to begin creating.

And the ground [thanks to Brad] is all ready for the labyrinth. I have been collecting stones/rocks and cans for candles – still need many more. This weekend I will go collecting … can’t wait to begin creating it – excited to have drumming circles and healing circles here soon. 

The no smoking thing is going extremely well … I am excited to have this crazy habit behind me.

Did I mention that Brad and Cherie are moving into my old home? That makes me happy … I put a lot of love into that space … and am so happy that they are going to make it their new home.

My television viewing, as of late, has been netflix – The Rockford Files’ – not sure where I will go next – I am almost finished with all of the seasons. Yesterday I did catch a glimpse of Ann Coulter on ‘The View’ – maybe I was distracted with my work, but she didn’t turn my stomach quite as much as she usually does. I still don’t want to have lunch with her, though it felt as though her energy has changed a bit. What do you think?

Garden – week 13:

Love these flowers growing in the front garden:

I didn’t kill it - How beautiful is this little yellow rose bush:

Little tomatoes popping up. I just picked the first of the summer squash.

It appears the garden has been taken over with spaghetti squash – we will have enough to feed the neighborhood I am sure.

 asparagus

 basil - parsley

 spearmint

aren't these metal sculptured poppies beautiful ... taylor and caleb got them for me awhile back ... love that I have the perfect place for them now

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.

~ Charles R. Swindoll

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

it's monday

Ability is what you're capable of doing.

Motivation determines what you do.

Attitude determines how well you do it.

~Raymond Chandler

Tid bits from the homefront:

What a crazy storm we had last night. The start of it was lovely – I was so grateful for the cooler air and the much needed rain … soon it turned into a raging storm – much damage all around our little town … not used to seeing tornadoes so close to home … I hope everyone is okay.

Realized [more than ever], last night, that if we listen to the wildlife and to our domestic friends – we shall know. My dog, Sam, is really afraid when thunder starts … last night he was much more than afraid – he hid and was panting so much – I kept putting cold cloths on him – afraid he was going to pass out. And, Lewis, who usually sits on the patio with me during storms was finding a hiding place on my lap … he never has been nervous before this. Even Karma, the bold, strong cat, was nervous enough to sit on my lap with Lewis. We must listen to the animals.

Today is a calm day here in the woods … getting things more organized … getting ready for doing testing with Zack tomorrow … making my plans for Massachusetts at the end of the month – yeah – 40^th high school reunion – I am surely not that old.  I can’t wait to see everyone.

I decided that I couldn’t sell/give away all of the Montessori materials I have – my grandchildren may need them someday … so, my biggest job today is to figure out where to store [and still be able to see] all of these lovely pieces.

Emotions running rampant today … good, bad, indifferent … so happy that I am finding my centered place … life is good. My body is not liking the lack of nicotine … though I am happy to be ridding myself of it …

Garden stuff:

Okay – help – what the heck is this? I thought [I planted] 6 cucumber plants – that I was so excited were growing like wild – seems they are not cucumber plants [at least not all of them] – what the heck are they? Maybe I messed up and switched cucumber and spaghetti squash? The leaves and vines look so much the same – but ?????? If this pick looks familiar to you – please let me know … they are everywhere – they are growing like crazy.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road ... unless you fail to make the turn.

Author Unknown

Monday has always been my favorite day of the week – the start … enjoy the week … xo

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

stunning sunday

A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.                             ~ Napoleon Hill

Tid bits from the homefront:

I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend. It is quite lovely here in the woods. I got up really early this morning [trying to get back to my early rising  - and earlier to bed at night] and there was actually a cool breeze … the puppies loved that – I walk much longer with them when the weather permits.

So, the no smoking thing is going well – not to ‘no’ yet – but very close. It’s funny [not ha ha funny] how recently I have developed a growing, new level of appreciation for myself … I wouldn’t put bad stuff in someone else’s body – why mine? And I may be going a little extreme right now – and will get to a more ‘normal’ healthy medium again, but, for now, extreme is feeling good. Exercising, walking, swimming everyday, almost no cigarettes [I think I will accomplish this before my end-of-the-month goal], no alcohol, and with the exception of white [I know it’s not great for you] pasta, I am ridding myself of processed food. It may sound a bit fanatical … not really … Of course, those of you who know me, know that I will have to have an occasional convenient store hot dog [I know – gross – right – I love them], and an occasional angus burger from Macdonald’s.

I can’t wait for the veggies in my garden.

Great new pictures today … and the one I am thrilled about is the yellow rose bush that I thought I had killed in the transplanting process. Three new buds today … yeah

And asparagus is popping up – I’ve never tried growing it before …

Garden - week 12:

 asparagus

 cucumbers

 spaghetti squash

 spearmint

 tomatoes

 yellow squash

 yellow squash

zucchini

I am feeling so grateful about everything lately. Missing my kids a lot, and so happy that my neighbors, Brad and Sherrie have ‘moved right in’ to a family spot. I couldn’t have done all of the things I have accomplished here lately without their help … Last night Brad got the ground ready for the labyrinth, he has everything ready for us to build the bat house [I am very excited about both] … mosquito eating little guys – we need that here in the woods.

Sam and Lewis are getting along so wonderfully … life is so good.

Seeing Ryan yesterday was so great … he tried to get my new internet up and running – seems there is an issue – so, I’ll have to take on one of my not-so-favorite things – talking on the phone with AT&T – hoping they can resolve the issue …

Zack read this poem at graduation – we have no idea who wrote it or from whence it came – if not a creed to live by, certainly food for thought:

A Creed to Live By
by - unknown

Don't undermine your worth by comparing
yourself with others,

It is because we are different that each
of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people
deem important,

Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest
to your heart

Cling to that as you would your life, for without
them life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living
in the past or the future.

By living your life one day at a time, you live all the
days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give

Nothing is really over … until the moment
you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less
than perfect,

It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks,

It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's
impossible to find.

The quickest way to receive love is to give love.

The fastest way to lose love is to hold on too tightly,

And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't dismiss your Dreams. To be without
dreams is to be without hope.

To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget
where you've been,

But also know where you're going.

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored
every step of the way.

You are the only problem you will ever have and you are the only solution.

~ Bob Proctor

I hope everyone has a great start to the new week … busy one here …

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

friday

Sometimes things resonate so much with me that I feel I need to repeat, repeat, repeat … so, yesterday’s quotes did just that – if you missed them – here they are – if not – enjoy again … I posted this one on the bathroom mirror …  

Calm. Repeat after us: "I will be an oasis of calm in the world today. I will be a refuge. I will not add to chaos. It will wash over me and back out to sea. So sayeth the Queen." Queen of Your Own Life

And can’t we all keep learning from Mohandas Gandhi

I should love to satisfy all, if I possibly can; but in trying to satisfy all, I may be able to satisfy none. I have, therefore, arrived at the conclusion that the best course is to satisfy one's own conscience and leave the world to form its own judgment, favorable or otherwise.

Tid bits from the homefront:

Busy – busy – productive day yesterday was … I slept for 10 hours, 2 nights in a row – crazy … didn’t know how tired I really had become. Refreshed and ready to kick ass again today. My wonderful neighbors are going to assist me on Saturday finishing up in the old home [now we can get into the laundry room – baby birds are beginning to fly – so cute they are – I keep trying to take photos, though the mom and dad aren’t too keen about that]. Almost finished [really] – I know I am a week behind … cuz much happened and slowed me down. And, all is now good.  Grateful, grateful.

Job interviews lined up … new prospects with a student or two … many things coming my way … doesn’t it always happen that way, when we just get out of our own way. Yeah.

Relaxing:

For years the idea of relaxing was an anomaly to me. I always needed to be busy … not a bad thing really, though I worked on just ‘being’, not having to be busy every minute. Thought I had it down, until a few months ago, when I realized that relaxing for me was sitting at the end of the day enjoying a glass of wine. That’s not really me relaxing … so, I quit drinking wine at day’s end and noticed that I switched to another vice – coffee and cigarettes. Same thing, really. I don’t want vices to be what helps me to relax. And I really want to finish with this silly cigarette thing. Down to 7 a day … more than I should be smoking – though feeling pretty happy with the way I am paring it down.

The reason for this babbling today – yesterday, I was working like a crazy person in the new home. I found a magazine that Taylor had left for me to read. Picked it up, trying to decide where to put it  - and I quit what I was doing and went outside and sat down and read it … relaxing – no wine, no coffee, no cigarettes. To many that may seem silly – simple – but for me it was pretty great … It may be a ‘dah’ thing to some – for me it was pretty cool.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

Please click on the link and purchase a beauteous leash … 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

Love her blog – and love her seven attitudes of mindfulness –

check this out: http://www.paintedpath.org/

Seven Attitudes of Mindfulness

1) Non-judging
2) Patience
3) Beginner's Mind
4) Trust
5) Non-striving
6) Accepting
7) Letting Go

Another great ‘queen of your life’ quote today:

Gratitude. Repeat after us: "I am grateful for the opportunity to try again. I am grateful to honor today's journey by expanding my gratitude enough to crowd out the negative. So sayeth the Queen."

Few people will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all these acts will be written the history of this generation. ~ Robert F. Kennedy      

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be

more than warm wednesday

This was on facebook this morning … had to share … it is perfect.

Calm. Repeat after us: "I will be an oasis of calm in the world today. I will be a refuge. I will not add to chaos. It will wash over me and back out to sea. So sayeth the Queen." Queen of Your Own Life

Tid bits from the homefront:

I love beginnings. The first day of a new month seems to give me a burst of energy. Love that.

Energy and all, I am moving a tad slowly … it is hot outside. The past few days have been hot  - and it seems record breaking temps will last for the rest of the week. So I am setting my goals more reasonably today. A few things in the old home … a few boxes unpacked in the new home … some weeding in the garden … work on my resume [yes, this is must find a job month – any ideas?] … Etsy orders shipped …

It is hard to believe that I have been writing this blog [almost] daily since the middle of January … It was the marked beginning of my appreciating myself on a new level … working through the shit of the year behind me, and brightening all up once again. There have been some detours along the way – though I have enjoyed the growing spurt – and am finally comfortable looking out at the unknown … what is it I am doing with the rest of my life? Can’t wait for each day. One of the big goals is to quit smoking. Trying and failing [numerous times] aided in my feeling less than. I must do this. Yesterday I smoked 8 cigarettes – today 7 or 8 – and the plan is to be completely finished by the last day of June. Please send some energy my way – I am determined – very determined – and we all need [and love] help from our friends.

Mentioning again:

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.

Fundraiser – The Humane Society

Please click on the link and purchase a beauteous leash … 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:

Week 11 of my gardening fun. I ran some twine for the cucumbers to grow on – they are growing like crazy … I can’t believe how tall the tomato [trees] plants are … by the end of this week we should have summer squash – can’t wait …

 spaghetti squash

 cucumbers

 zucchini

 tomatoes

 isn't this flower beautiful

I should love to satisfy all, if I possibly can; but in trying to satisfy all, I may be able to satisfy none. I have, therefore, arrived at the conclusion that the best course is to satisfy one's own conscience and leave the world to form its own judgment, favorable or otherwise. — Mohandas K. Gandhi

           

I hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful week … thanks for hanging in here with me – as I travel to figure out what it is I am supposed to be sharing … grateful, grateful

what are you grateful for today?

Until tomorrow xo♥

Be what you want the world to be