Song Of The Day! - John Legend - Love Me Now

Hello lovelies, I am a huge Legend fanatic so of course this is my fav song for the day. :)  Happy Valentine's day! Wishing you a day filled with love, and wonderful memories.

Cherio!

A Tale Of Love And Lessons

I had the kind of relationship that was iron clad.  One that could never fail or falter...... until it did. 

I had been married to the most wonderful man on earth for almost twenty years when my whole world shifted of it's axis.  We had been living long distance for a considerable amount of years when one day we both realized that we were not "as happy" anymore.  We still loved each other madly but over the years he had built his career in one country and I in another. Neither of us wanted to ask the other to give up his or her life work to move and start over, but we both wanted the same thing.  To be together. Again. 

In the main time the separation was taking a major toll on us.  We were both miserable without each other. And so one day, in a confused and frustrated emotional state, we decided to just end it.  

Our relationship had become, too hard, challenging and the separation from each other, a major source of tension. 

There was seemingly no solution to our dilemma.  If I asked him to forfeit everything he had spent his life blood building, surely he will resent me and he felt I would resent him if he asked the same of me.  What a colossal mess!  

And so, for two years, we grieved for what could have been.  We called each other from time to time, and lost ourselves in each other for a few minutes.  It was always the same, like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans. 

Dependable. 

Comfortable.

 Effortless. 

Just Right

 Two years later, we still had not pulled the trigger on getting a divorce. Neither of us had the strength or fortitude to follow through on it, though we knew it was inevitable. To make matters worse, neither of us could date another person.  He was stuck on comparing other women to me and I compared other men to him.  Needless to say, everyone we could potentially date was all wrong for us! No matter how good looking or good they were. Clearly, it wasn't them. It was us.

Eventually, my hubby and I realized that we had made a huge mistake.  It was clear to us now that what we had was rare. Something to cherish and nurture.  All we needed to be happy was each other.  To hell with all else! 

Today we are together.  My husband and I wake up every day next to each other. We are happier than we have ever been.  Over the years we have learned lessons that makes us appreciate what we have.  Ironically, our two year separation has done more for us than the best marriage therapist. 


Here Are A Few Lessons We Learned Along The Way.

Never sweat or nit pick the small stuff

Laugh and enjoy each other every day.  No excuses!

Work and set goals as a couple but never worry or quarrel about money or bills

Be grateful for what you do have

Trust each other completely 

Communicate your feelings! 

R E S P E CT each other. Period.

Never go to sleep angry or upset

Show your love by your actions!  
Give impromptu massages or cook/order each other's favorite dish

Today, while I may not be a guru of love, I have learned enough to make a significant difference in my own relationship.  I will never, ever make the mistake again to think that my career or anything else is more important than my relationship. 
 If given a choice, I choose LOVE!  

CHERIO!

Easy Peasy Yummy Recipes - Come Get Some!

I want you to meet brown sugar meatloaf, gnocchi in fontina sauce, baked sweet potatoes with ginger and honey, apple pie by grandma Ople,  and white chocolate cherry pecan cheesecake. There is more, 467 more recipes that I've tried, or saved at one of my favorite sites.

 
http://allrecipes.com

ARE

   

YOU

HUNGRY

     

YET???

 

http://allrecipes.com is the best thing to happen to my kitchen in years. If you are tired of chowing on the same old, same old checkout this site. I credit it with inspiring me to revive the Sunday meal tradition in our home. The site is thorough, with tons of recipes, step by step instructions, photos, videos, even reviews, and tips from fellow foodies. There something there for everyone. I love it. 

Take a minute to stop by plan, and a special meal for a few or your favorite people.

Bon appetit!

Guest post by Shanda Neighbors.

You Versus You? - Guest Post by Shanda Neighbors

What motivates you?  No, I mean what really motivates you? I've been asking myself this question in an effort to make sure my actions are pure. I hate the idea of doing, or not doing anything based on something or someone else. To me, that's control, and I'm not in habit of handing control of my decisions over to others. Go ahead, call me a control freak. I'm OK with the label.
I'm not saying that I don't appreciate good advice, or sound counsel. I do. I just try not to live in the bondage of another person's expectation, or action. I'm free. The hallmark of freedom is a pure choice. It doesn't have to be the right choice, just an honest one. For the most part I have been able to practice this. I try to choose the things I HONESTLY want, not what others want for me, or what others are doing. My motivation comes from me. I'm not trying to be like anyone else, and I'm not in competition with anyone but me. It's me
verses me. That's the way it should be....or so I thought.




I just read a verse in the Bible "but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12.
That verse shifted my focus back to the fact that it's not always "me versus me." There is a MUCH standard higher than my own. God's. Turns out He and I are often divorced in our views. When it comes right down to it, I can never do what He does, or did, but I'm supposed to be more like Him. That means that my actions though performed by me, should look more like Him/His. Not easy, considering He said things like "love your enemies, and do good to them that hate you." Lots of things come to mind when I think of an enemy, but I assure you "love" isn't high on the list! I've got a long way to go before 
I can get excited about doing "good to those who hate me."

Anyhow, all that to say that I'm trying ever so hard to take a backseat in my life, to get out of my way and over myself. I still conform to my "you versus you" mantra in certain areas where it naturally applies like finances, fitness,etc. It' not an all together bad idea, and I truly don't need to impress or satisfy anyone outside of myself. I'm just trying to keep in mind that there is more to this equation than me. While it may feel good, and even right to say, "I'm going to do the best I can" if I'm honest I'll say, "God do the best YOU can with me." It's a surrender to a standard higher than my own, which also happens to be the "best" for me.

Cherio!

Happy Mother's Day!

Say Yes - Michelle Williams ft. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland

I can't get enough of this song.  Yesssssss honey!!!  When JESUS says yes NO ONE can say no.  :)

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!

Inspirational Quotes Of The Week

I hope these quotes inspire and motivate you the way they did me.  Enjoy!

Cherio!

Break Every Chain - Tasha Cobbs

This song is ministering to me right now.  I hope it encourages your spirit as well.  There is nothing too hard for God!

Cherio!

Same God (If He Did It Before) - Tye Tribbett

I've been losing my mind whenever this song comes on so I just had to share it with you. This song is true, encouraging, spirit filled and just bangin!!  I dare you to listen to this and not dance if you are a believer.  I double dog dare you!

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

Tapestry In Fashion

Hola, Compadres!  I feel like a bad mama. I've been so busy, my poor sweet little blog is not getting all the love it deserves.  Sometimes it is so hard trying to balance it all but like a true soldier I keep at it.

I had a few hours of R&R this today so I decided to spend some time searching for one of the things I am madly infatuated with at the moment.  Tapestry! 

Now I know this may not sound exciting but after this post you will see why I am so hyped. Trust me, a good piece of tapestry is like comfort food.  It is soooooooo good!

Tapestry has always captivated me because of it's texture, depth and personality.  It is so much more than just a piece of fabric. Tapestry has heart. Soul. Love. And history.   Many of them are hand woven and can take months even years to complete. The hard work and attention to detail is what makes these pieces so endearing and special.  I particularly love the fact that tapestry allows for boundless artistic expression. From fashion to decor and beyond, there are no limits, only fabulous-ness.   

Enjoy.

I am still looking for a vest similar to the one pictured here but anyone of these pieces would be very welcome in my closet.  

I absolutely adore this framed piece.  So romantic and dramatic at the same time.  Pieces like these are hard to find but perfect to express one's personality and well worth the time spent searching for them.  

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...

It's All About Me

I used to think that to focus on oneself was selfish, arrogant.....egotistical.  That to do so was a not so slow march towards narcissism.  Eventually. 

It took a long for me to get here, but  I no longer think this way.

You see, I have a natural affinity to care for others, some may even call it a gift or talent.  Whatever it is, at the very least it is a nurturing spirit.  I want to heal the broken, take away what is hurting, and above all, help in whatever way I can. Sometimes I can, and sometimes unfortunately I cannot....but man do I try!  Somewhere in the middle of this though, I've learned to put my own emotional well being on the back burner.  Sure, I took care of everything else over the years, work, family etc., except this one area.  

Why?  Because I believed to do otherwise would be selfish.

 I was wrong.

Truth is, even a gift can be like a curse if not managed properly.  

Case in point. For as long as I can remember, anyone with a problem seemed to be drawn to me like a moth to a flame.  And when I say anyone, I do mean that.  It is not unusual at all for me to meet a complete stranger and have them pour out their life to me in a grocery line.  No kidding.  The point is, I love to help hurting people and they love me right back.  Unfortunately as with any thing that is wounded, one must exercise caution. The same is true.  Hurt people, hurt people.


Over the past year I have learned a lot about myself.  I know that we are all instinctually what God created us to be.  I know that I will always be a nurturer at heart but there has to be some changes in my life. After all, if I am upset, frustrated and sad, what help am I to anyone else?  For this reason, it is indeed all about me! 

 I choose to focus on being the positive glass half full gal that I am and take time to nurture myself and the things that are dear to me.  Only then will I be able to give anything back....that is worthwhile.  

Cherio!