A Hot Minute

Sooooooo, it's been a hot minute since I last blogged.  Truth be told, I needed a break.  Time out.  

To Pause

 Rewind.........

and here I am again.

Refreshed

Invigorated and ready to go!

Again.

To be perfectly honest, it was good for me to step away from everything for a while.  If you need time out.

Take it.  


Life for me in the last year has been a world wind.

Ups

downs

turn-a-rounds

relocation

separation

divorce

and all that goes with it.

Important, life changing stuff.  And so with that being said, I move on.  Happy in the knowledge that I emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon.  Beautifully and wonderfully molded from the intensity of the struggle.

Wiser

Stronger

Determined

But most of all,

Winning!

From Strength To Strength

Last year was a year that came wrapped in challenges and surprises.  Some of them good and some of them I wish I could forget.  Along the way though, I have grown stronger, wiser and that much more grateful, especially for the little things. Little things like watching the sunrise or watching a movie with my dad and son.  In actuality, these are not little things at all but the real substance of life and our most cherished memories.

My Dad (left) and Brother

 When My father fell gravely ill the latter part of 2013 I finally understood how precious and fragile our lives really are.  We are all here but by the grace of God.  My dad is doing better now but I am forever changed by his near death experiences and stories.  I am convinced that there are lessons to be learned in everything, even in the painful moments that are hard to get through.  It is because of those moments that we can appreciate happy moments and joyous occasions.  This year I will savor the good times,.... and when bad times come I will take away whatever I can learn from it.

Happy 2014 lovelies and all the best for the new year!

Cherio

Angels Surround Us - Guest Post

Lately, my prayers have really been answered.  I've seen miracle after miracle, and I feel my faith increasing to the point where I pray for things I never would have prayed for before.
Today, I was standing in line at the Dollar Store.  There are so many people here who have fallen on hard times...so many unemployed.  The Dollar Store is a very busy place now, and there are lots of sad faces.  
As my things were being rung up, I looked at the customer being rung up in the next lane.  Her face was sad and drawn and looked gray - like she was sick.  She looked defeated and heavy with grief.  I did something I've never done before.  I asked my angels to wrap the stranger in love and lift her up, to hug her and kiss her and make her feel delightfully happy and as light as a feather.  I asked them to fill her with joy and make her laugh.  I also asked them to heal her of whatever was making her look so gray.  I imagined the angels surrounding her.
Right before my eyes, the corners of her mouth started to lift!!  I quickly looked away so she wouldn't see me looking at her, and then I heard laughter!  LOUD laughter!  I looked, and it was her!  She was positively beaming, and she said to the cashier "do you know what I'm going to do?  I am going to go out to eat!!"  She then practically skipped out of the store.  As she passed me, I saw her skin was healthy and pink.  I watched her drive away, beaming with joy, and I prayed that her angels would keep her wrapped in love and fill her with faith that everything will be alright.
My grandmother told me that every one of us has a whole host of angels from heaven surrounding us, and they will do what we ask.  I believe it is literally true!

By: fffarmergirl@gmail.com 

Cherio

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!

Peony Power (Guest Post By Shanda Neighbors)

I have developed a full blown love affair with flowers. Now, it's not to the point where I'm talking to them yet...Well actually, I did speak to one today so cancel that. I said something to the effect of "you have to get better." Hey don't judge. Besides, you'd do the same thing if you were in my shoes. One of my all time favorite flowers (and only for the sake of this post will I admit I have one) is the peony. For those of you who don't know what they look look like, see below:
Oh, and yes these happen to smell as beautiful as they look. They come in a variety of colors, coral and purple being the most stunning (my opinion). They are reasonably priced, but when you have a project the size of mine, and a limited budget, they are not reasonably priced enough, which brings me back to my story. I was out in the yard today (where else would I be on such a beautiful day) surveying my latest project (I'm landscaping a slope in the front yard). I've planted a row of rose bushes, and thought that something with lush, green leaves would add contrast, and look nice there. That's when I remembered the lone peony I inherited from the previous owner of this property. Unfortunately, it was planted in a shaded location. Peonies are not a shade plant. I also learned that they are finicky about being moved. In attempt to save this plant I actually debated cutting down the tree that was causing the shade. My husband wouldn't go for it. After a year of stalling, and with the plant near death, I was forced to make a decision. Today, and far to late in spring to transplant the poor thing, I gathered the courage, dug it up, and gave it a sunny, new location. I'm not sure if it's gonna make it, but hopeful. I'd love for this story to have a happy ending. I don't even know the color of the flower on this particular peony bush. Only time will tell. I'm hoping it turns out looking like this:

But for now it looks like this:

Pathetic. I know. I've heard that talking to plants help. I'm not saying that I willing to have a full blown conversation, but given the looks of this one,  and despite the "looks" I'll be getting when I do, I'm at least willing to say hi. I'm thinking we'll be be on speaking terms for a while...

Keep Calm And Carry On....Within Reason

Lately, I have really been struggling to keep it all together.   I am sure you can identify.   There is work, home, family life, friendships, studying and maintaining my faith, my sweet little blog and projects for my fashion line...it never stops.  

And I keep going.  

And going.

Part of me wants to just stop and BREATHE for a while. So I do sometimes.  

The old me would have never EVER taken a break but I have learned the hard way that there is no healthy substitute for a good night's rest if you are tired.

What is more important than your health?  A dear friend once said to me “It is kinda hard to achieve your dream when you are six feet under or lying on a hospital bed”.  It was a very sobering thought, one I never forgot.

Today just like any other day, my to do list is very long. I have made up my mind though that I will get it all done within reason.  If one or two things are left for tomorrow, so be it. Today, I will stay calm, carry on and just enjoy being ALIVE. 

Cherio!

Thought For Today

Craft Of The Week

All A'bloom

 When I started this blog, my intention was to post craft projects weekly.  Somehow though, mostly due to my work schedule, these postings became farther and farther apart.  I am not happy about.  At all.  And so, this post will be the first of "creation/craft of the week" which will be whatever I created for the week.  I am looking forward to learning new techniques and crafts....good, bad or ugly, I will be sharing it so stay tuned.


 Here are a few pieces I painted this week.

You Are Not Alone

As For Me And My House

These are all mix media pieces (acrylics and pastels on heavy weight paper) and I had so much fun playing with the colors.  Next time though, I will use a new medium or technique to ensure that I am challenging myself and learning something new every week.  Sounds like a plan?  I think so......let's do this!  


Cherio!

They Really, Really Love Me!

I won the versatile blogger award! Again, but hey it's great to be loved.  Ha ha, blog lovin is sweet!  Thanks to Lisa from  ifeelsounnecessary, you rock!

The rules for this award is:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you

 2. Share 7 things about yourself

 3. Send it along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So here goes...

7 Things About  Me:

1. Snakes freak me out, even large worms...

2. Love old, old movies, diggin TCM

3. Wednesday is my favorite day of the week

4. I hardly ever leave the house without forgetting something

5. If I sleep on my back, I have nightmares.  Strange but true.

6. My glass is always half full

7. Love to bake, love to eat what I bake even more

Now,without further ado, here are my nominees for this award. Some of them may have received this before and I fully understand why.  This is a melting pot of the funniest, informative, creative and entertaining bloggers out there.  Check em out!

mommydelicious

inthekitchenwithholly

themannequinmemoirs

alicelynnalfred

mindfullyfrugalmom

thegleemansbaby

mimilovesall8

mommygrowingup

barefootnparadise

gumdroppass

meanqueen-lifeaftermoney

bettermebetterworld

taracl2011.blogspot

inspire-me-heather

conceivewriting

The Power and Glory of Craigslist!

Listed for less than $50.00 on CL

It is no surprise at all that I have become such a fan of Craigslist.   After all, this site is one ginormous garage sale, and I do love a good garage sale!  What's not to like?  You can find anything on Craigslist, and I mean anything.  Need to hire a clown for your kid's party? Craigslist. Mulch for your garden? Craigslist.......what about a specific style of furniture? done!  You get the picture.  From the refined and expensive to the down right dirt cheap and preposterous, you will find it all on craigslist.  And that's the beauty of it.   Craigslist is there 24/7 in all it's cyber glory churning out new fabulous listings on the minute, and some really strange and ugly ones too............ which makes the searching even more exciting to me.  Kinda like finding a brand new pair of Louboutin's in a box of miscellaneous stuff.  Oh. Happy. Day!!!

Listed for $25.00  on CL

If there is a down side to Craigslist though, it would be arranging the pickup of an item.  My simple rule is never go alone and never let the buyer come to your home.  Always be careful when you are dealing with strangers. It's a rule I practice with no exceptions.

Having said that, my experiences so far has been really good ones. I've even made a few friends in the process so I fully endorse Craigslist to anyone who enjoys garage sales or bargain hunting.  The finds are swwweeeeeeeeet!

All the Above for $500.00 on CL

 Check out the beauties I found today. What do you think?  Do you use Craigslist?

Listed for $100.00  on CL

Listed for $170.00  on CL

Listed for  less than $50.00  on CL

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!

C'mon, Get Happy With Yellow!

If there is a color that embodies HAPPY, its Yellow.  I can tell you from personal experience that this is no myth.  

Years ago I had a work space that was painted a very dull and boring "oatmeal" shade of creme.  As an Artist, I just felt very uninspired and drained in that space so I decided to paint the room a warm color.  At the time I was in university and just happened to be taking a course called " The psychology of color".  It was then I discovered the many great attributes of yellow.  

The color Yellow symbolizes wisdom. It brings joy and happiness, and is a symbol of unrequited love.   It is said that people of high intellect favor yellow. Ahem... 

Try a pop of yellow in your decor to add a little drama.  With Yellow, a little goes a long way.  Monochromatic yellows work best as wall color, the brighter more concentrated yellows are very bold and may be too much on the eye.

  

Tip:  Use concentrated yellows on accent pieces.

Also balance this bright color with neutrals like gray, blue and dashes of black.  

      

Add yellow to your wardrobe for a chic modern look.. 

Just like a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness.  Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.  Tip: The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling.  So, exercise a little caution here.  

      Put some yellow in your life when you want:

• Relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
• Sharper memory and concentration skills
• Protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather
• Inspiration and Happiness
• Bright and airy decor
• Energy and renewal
• Stimulates Appetite

Pictures courtesy of:

Creamy life

Popgloss

Jcrew

Mail Online

Sea Find Designs

Love. Straight From The heart

If there is ever a time I thank God for being born female, its just before and on Valentine's day.  And its not for the reasons one might think.    

What makes me grateful to be a woman on Valentines day is not having the pressure and anxiety that most men feel to go beyond what they did the previous year.  To be more romantic, to buy a bigger/ better gift and to wow everyone, not just his wife or girlfriend. Especially if the gift or flowers is delivered at work.  In a lot of ways its like a competition with drastic consequences if you mess up. The gift has to be spectacular or the poor guy finds himself in the dog house, on the sofa, or enduring "the silent treatment."  Either way, there is a serious lopsided dynamic happening here that women do not experience.  

Now, I am not endorsing the inactions of inconsiderate men.   Those of you who year after year fail to let your lady know just how special she is to you, shame on you.  I suggest you get your act together and start making changes.  Like right now.  Am no Dr Phil but one thing I do know is that everyone wants to feel loved and appreciated.  If you show your spouse more love and affection, your relationship will become deeper and more fulfilling.  As a direct result, you will be a happier man and there will be peace in your home. A woman needs to feel that she is heard, loved and appreciated in her home.  Its the greatest gift you can give her.

Contrary to the commercials and marketing rhetoric, love is not measured in chocolate, red roses or karats.  Love is measured by our actions.  Our actions speak much louder than our words ever could.  I truly believe that true romance is in the little things we do for each other.  Like when your man offers to cook, do laundry or take the kids to the park just to give you a little time to relax.  Or how he remembers your likes and dislikes and tries his best to only do what you like.  Thats love. 

Some of the most romantic experiences I've had with my husband were unplanned and spur of the moment.  Like the time he stopped a public transit bus after it had already pulled off just to "kiss his wife bye" and then get right back on.  And, over the years he has surprised me with river rocks, beach glass, wild flowers, shells, sand from my favorite beach in the Bahamas and so much more.  He's a hardcore city guy and not at all outdoorsy like me so its that more special to me that he would go to these lengths to make me happy. Although I do receive expensive gifts from my husband sometimes and despite the fact that he enjoys spending money on me, I am glad that he knows that I love him.  Not the stuff.  

And Thats Amoire.