Thought Of The Day

“Often the strongest blades were pounded the hardest, or scorched the most severely; We judge them by their strength and sharpness, not by their prior rough experiences. With our comrades it should be the same. A good blade is rarely forged in a velvet box.” 

― Orsov

Happiness Is A Choice

A few days ago a very dear friend of mine called me and we had a great time laughing and catching up as we always do.  One would never guess by listening to the cheerful banter that my friend just a few weeks earlier had lost her sister to cancer.  After our conversation it hit me.  Even the day after her sister passed she was still focusing on the positive, choosing to remember the happy times.  Choosing to stay positive.  My friend has always been this way, she is like a ray of sunshine.  Her smile and attitude  is infectious.....it is one of the qualities about her that I admire most.

Happiness is a choice.  My friend Pauline is a great example of that.  We can crumble under the pressures of life and walk around depressed and anxious or we can choose to not let ANYTHING beat us down.

I remember when my sister-in-law lost her 16 year old son in a tragic accident.  When the police delivered the news of her son's death, even though she in was extreme emotional pain, she prayed that God would give her the strength to not let this cause her to be bitter but that somehow something good will come out of her tragedy.  I was there and it was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed.  At the funeral she got up and spoke to other young people encouraging them to listen to their parents. She let them know that their life is precious and to live it well.  Today my sister in law is one of the most jovial persons I know.  She is choosing to be happy.

There will aways be something to worry about.  Somebody to tick you off.  Debbie downers to bring your spirits wayyyyyyyyy down.  But, we can choose to focus on the things that make us happy.  We can dwell on the things that makes us grateful to be alive. 
 I think this scripture best sums it up:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 I say AMEN to that! Cherio!

How Does Your Garden Grow........

Somebody please tell me, is the GREEN THUMB, instinctive, inherited, cultivated, learned or is it simply a gift?  Honestly am confused.  Seems like plants perform better for certain folks....  Case in point, my sister Shanda.  This lady is no joke.  She knows her way around a garden after years of experience but initially she was a newbie just like me and her plants still flourished. 

Recently my sister and her husband bought a beautiful new home and already once again, the place already looks like a mini garden of Eden.

 Hmmmmmm, maybe the green thumb is selective???  I tell you what though, the brown thumb is equal opportunity....lots of plants have bit the dust under my supervision. And trust me, I took good care of them but to no avail, they still died.  Sigh.  Oh well, there is still a bright spot here.  I have a sister who happens to be a guru at this so I will let her teach me the ropes.  Maybe I can finally have that little garden I crave....hey, a girl can hope.

Cherio!

Carpe Diem: Darn it!

So lately I've been pulling my hair out  just a tad bit frustrated with myself.  I have so much I want to accomplish and though I know that I am making progress, it is not near as fast as I would like to proceed.  Like warp speed fast.....now that would be perfect!  I tell myself that I'm learning patience and that this is for my further maturity and development.  All true.  I gotta tell you though, the waiting part bites!  The experience of accomplishing a dream/ building a career is like the scariest roller coaster.  It is the most exciting thing I have ever done,  I never know what will happen next.  The highs and lows, the woo hooos, and arghhhhhhhhs however all makes for an unforgettable journey.

Weeks ago I wrote a post entitled  8 Tips To Spend Your Time Wisely and since then I have been really doing my best to get the optimum out of my day.   It's the only way I am going to see the progress that I so desire.  In time I know my earnest efforts will pay off, they are already doing so............graadually.

At the end of the day I would much rather die happily and thoroughly spent than recalling a lifetime of missed opportunities, fear and regret.  No my friends, that is definitely not for me.  I am going to embrace my life.......like give it a bear hug and a kiss.  After all it's the the only way I know how to live and be happy!

Twas a white Christmas.....in Atlanta?

Well howdy, everyone!  I had a blast this Christmas and I sincerely hope that you enjoyed yourself as much as I did or more.....though am not sure if that is humanly possible.  Yep, it was that much fun!  Now I know you are curious as to what made this Christmas so special so, let me tell you.

 It snowed here in Atlanta on Christmas day for

 the first time in 128 years!

Need I say more?

  For someone like me who loves photography and just enjoying the beauty of it all, it was fantastic and the "icing on the cake" to the perfect day!  Here are some gorgeous photographs that I collected from 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Enjoy!