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

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