Free Spirited, She Is!

My granddarling Anna will soon be six.  She burst into this world in quite the hurry and has not slowed down since her arrival!  She started kindergarten this year.  My biggest hope is that the system will not steal all her joy, independence and free spirit.  "They" want her to conform...she has a hard time with it.
To say she has her own sense of fashion is an understatement.  My daughter prefers not to battle over clothing, hair and shoes.  As long as she is covered and it is not a safety issue so be it.  The assistant in her classroom asked Anna if her Mother looked at her in the mornings...apparently Anna's choice of shoes did not suit her...she wore her jazz boots...leather bottom, leather tops, neutral color, very comfy not distracting to anyone except the assistant.  Yeah, several of us were ready to string her up.

Anna dances through life...she is on a competition dance team with her first performance in February.  She flew through my kitchen after dance dragging a pink suitcase on wheels.  I told her I loved her pink suitcase and she assures me that it is HOT pink.  She proceeded to do her dance routine on the breakfast bar. 

Give the child some paper and something to write with...she is busy for hours, really!  When this little girl has had enough of the world around her...she takes herself to bed and snuggles in with a stack of books.

Her Mimi (great grandma and my mom) gave her money for Christmas.  Anna decided it was time to re-do what she calls "her" bathroom.  Pink and purple polka dotted shower curtain, pink rug, toothbrush holder, cup and towel set...with a huge Justin Bieber poster (a gift from her brother).  What five year old does this? 

I LOVE this girl.  I love her spirit.  I love being reminded to dance through life...to be creative and to take yourself to bed with good books when the world is too much.  Most of us knew what made us feel good and how to just BE before we let life take over.  Yes...there are jobs, families, myriad responsibilities...in the midst of all of "that" let us not forget to just Be, to explore, to enjoy.  I have a feeling 2012 is going to be an Amazing year...how about you, what do you think?  

Word for 2012

It has been a lovely Christmas season!  I have spent the greater part of a day and a half in rest and contemplation.  I have missed writing and visited my journal in an effort to choose a word of the year.  For those unfamiliar with that concept, here is a great link:  http://christinekane.com/blog/resolution-revolution-a-better-way-to-start-your-year/  basically you choose a word for the year rather than make a list of resolutions that never stick.  This is the fifth year of choosing one word to define my year and I find that it works for me.  After much contemplation and five journal pages I have chosen (or rather I believe the word chose me)  Exploration!  A theme that kept cropping up was fun, joy, openess, adventure and exploration.
I am always trying to improve myself with some success...now I think it is time to explore new places, new paths to creativity, spirituality and yes JOY and FUN.  Often I have to talk myself into doing something...once on a certain path I am certainly happy I chose it...however it is a painstaking decision too frequently.

So I fondly (or not so much) say good-bye to 2011 and embrace the New Year with Exploration in my heart.  Several health issues and foot problems have delayed a few goals...I fully intend to explore wellness and step into my dream of climbing a portion of Mt. Ranier (for my brother) traveling to Italy and to whatever new opportunities beckon me!  

I wish each of you a fabulous 2012!  Happy New Year Darlings!

Excuses or Whatever it is that I have been Up to Lately!

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do."

Edward Everett Hale, American Author, Clergyman

My dearest blog,

I am so sorry to neglect you so...the truth is...I have been cheating on you with another website.  It's true, Pinterest sucked me right in, however it did inspire me to have a craft day/brunch at home.  Which was a LOT of fun and included my daughters and granddaughter. 

You are in good company as I have also neglected the many wonderful blogs that I love to read.  So forgive me for leaving your "pages" blank.  I do not wish to make any promises or excuses to you...hopefully things will return to normal (whatever that is) eventually.  I have the greatest ideas for posts and even compose them in the car...trouble is...I cannot remember a thing once I get to a computer.  My memory, while never stellar, fails me quite frequently.

You have my permission to hibernate or drink hot cocoa or whatever it is blogs do while their "writers" are engaged otherwise...I think of you often!

A few observations I have made lately...

Someone is clearing a huge section of timber from the road near my house...I love trees and this sorta hurt my feelings!  I love all the lush green and abundant foliage.  It is such a peaceful, tranquil drive. 

A gentlemen paid for dinner for 12 ladies because he had been very blessed in his life...I was one of those ladies and did not know until after he left the restaurant.  Carrabas - total bill $400.00

The Floozie girls (above mentioned twelve) adopted a single parent family for Christmas and had a spectacular luncheon to celebrate and wrap gifts!  Many in the group engage in numerous acts of kindness and altruism.  Those who are blessed should be willing to bless others and everyone is blessed in some form or fashion!

On the street where our business is located I pass by a strip of brick buildings, shops of various types and a church or ministry.  The ministry often has tables set up with  produce, bread and other items
that are free to the neighbors (many of which are living in poverty)  It always makes me feel good to know that at least on that day (s) people will have a meal.  A first for me, I was able to witness the prayer circle that preceded the food being placed on the tables.  It sent a jolt of indescribable peace and happiness through me.

So dear blog,

We often read or hear about the sad and bad that occurs...I know and I believe that Good People and Good Stories outweigh the bad!  As for me and my house, we will continue to lift the hurting World up in prayer, continue to express gratitude for our many blessings, do what we can when can to improve our corner of the world and we will continue to act in kindness and love.   With your help, my blog friend and those other "bloggers" out there we will spread a message of hope, goodwill and cheer!
Love ya bunches, Connie

"That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."

William Wordsworth, English Poet

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."

Aesop,  Greek Fable Writer

AND one more...

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."  Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese Poet and Novelist

P.S. Lisa, if you are reading...this post exists because you asked!  Thanks!


 
  

WHEN/THEN

Are you pining away for an exotic vacation, an exciting life, playing the WHEN _______ happens THEN I can _______.  My friend Jayne and I always have the very best conversations during dinner.  Jayne is so very well read, remembers everything and has taught psychology at the college level for a very long time.  We have delicious conversations and the food isn't bad either!  She recently joked (maybe) that she should start a WHEN/THEN support group.  Are you guilty of when/then thinking?  I certainly am.  She reminded me and several others that if you do not follow up on your dream you may see, for example, your idea for a book written by someone else.  I think she would have a LOT of takers on the when/then group.  It was a poignant reminder that each moment is significant...that once it passes...it is lost.  Do we/I really want to spend those precious moments in time playing the WHEN/THEN game? 

Two of the granddarlings recently spent the entire weekend with me...apart from a beautiful shiner and pure exhaustion...we had a lot of fun!  They remind me of those precious moments in time when a sprinkler system and a puddle of water rivals any grand resort...when the ordinary becomes extraordinary!

Children live in the moment.  Absolutely no WHEN/THEN thinking for them.  How about you?