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!

Sorry Seems To Be The hardest Word

I don't know if it has anything to do with age but as I get older, my patience is starting to really dwindle...like wayyyyyyyyy down.  I used to be a really patient person and I still am but only to a point.  Lately I have been really struggling with people who knowingly wrong another but keep it movin and still expect the relationship to remain the same.  Are you kidding?  

Years ago I would have made it my mission to make peace and smooth things over.  I did that even to my own detriment many times.  Not any more though.  You see, I realize that to condone these actions are just teaching the offender that they can get away with this.  Again. And again.  And hey, after a while this gets real old. 

Recently I had an experience in my life that made me think about the value of self respect and knowing when to walk away from a relationship.  Let's just say it was pretty enlightening.  I learned that while self restraint/control is one of the greatest assets one can have, the ability to admit one's wrong and apologise really heals a multitude of sins.  It does.  Unfortunately it does not work if only one person does all the apologizing.  It takes two to tango. Sorry may be the hardest word, but it is worth it's weight in gold in a relationship.  Just sayin.

Cherio!

Imperfectly Perfect

As Paula Dean would say, hey Y'all (in my best Southern drawl impression.....which is pretty bad).  How was Christmas?  Hope you had a blast, hope your family didn't drive you mad.  Okay, I know, too soon.

Well, Christmas for me was quiet and relaxing which gave me the opportunity to do what I love best.  Craft!  I had a ball I must say and I learned a lot. 

 I am a relentless nit-picker perfectionist when it comes to my own work and while that has it's benefits, it also comes with drawbacks as well.  Last weekend I had a mini-melt down.  I was experimenting with new materials and everything seemed to be going well then all of a sudden I realized why I was not quite satisfied with the piece.  I was playing it too safe.  I was afraid I would mess it up. Eureka! Then, my lightening fast mind reflected (5 minutes later) on all the pieces I did that I loved and got rave reviews for, most of them already sold.  They had spunk, style, daring, and in your face swag!  Why? Well, because I had thrown caution to the winds.  And when I did, my work took on a life of their own, they became something better than perfect. They became expressive......people felt something when they saw it. And that is what I want most of all.

So with this being said, it's on like donkey kong!  Expect to see this new attitude manifested in my blog.  This is a life lesson that is not just about my Art, it encompasses everything and I couldn't be happier to see where this takes me.  From now on am holding nothing back.  You may be shocked, inspired, confused, amazed or even motivated to pray for my sanity but I promise you, you won't be bored!

Cherio!

We'll miss you Oprah!

On Wednesday this week I witnessed the final curtain call of the Oprah show. And it truly was a very bittersweet experience for me. I mean no more Oprah shows?  That's a hard pill to swallow.  Though I am not a person who watched every day, I cannot even recall how many of these shows I've watched and fondly remember.  Too many to count. I've had Aha moments, Oh No! moments and all the other moments in between.  Most of all though, I have learned many lessons and was challenged by someone bold enough to shine a spotlight on the good, the bad and the ugly.  Am sure it was hard but Oprah did what she felt was her mission.  She just wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives.  I couldn't hold back the tears when I saw the millions of people whose lives she has touched in some way, many of them coming back to say thank you. Some she will never meet or know about.

From the mega stars to the heart beat of the Oprah show, the house wives, they all came forward to say thank you.  I say thank you too Oprah.  Thank you for showing us that the greatest gift we have to give the world is ourselves.  Thank you for showing us that we can love ourselves and others, idiosyncrasies and all!  You showed us that achieving greatness simply means fulfilling one's purpose, whatever it is.  And you showed us by example. Though you came from such humble beginnings you believed that God had a purpose for your life and you thrived......and thrived....and achieved the unimaginable. God speed and I know that you will continue to shine. As for us....we say goodbye to your show but we will keep you close to our hearts.

With A Grateful Heart

As we approach Christmas day every single hour the shopping and mad dash for decorations or last minute gifts greatly intensifies.  Unfortunately the stress levels for most people are becoming just as elevated and intense with each swipe of the credit card and each new receipt for items purchased. Why do we do this to ourselves every year? When I found myself venting to a dear friend of mine about my impending holiday doom, I suddenly had a moment of absolute clarity.  Is all of this really necessary for me to have a merry Christmas? 

Well, the answer to that after some thought is a resounding No!  Oh happy day!  
With this new found sense of freedom, there's a new sheriff in town. 


Yes, I still plan on giving and receiving gifts this year however, I will make an effort not to think so much about what is given but appreciate  the spirit in which it was given. Now I am not advocating giving a gift that is useless or thoughtless, in fact I am encouraging you to do just the opposite. 


















 Before you run off to the mall think about who you are buying something for, are they artistic, romantic, sentimental, adventurous, superficial? If they are the latter, off to the mall you go!, if not you may be able to give something that you can make or put together yourself. Some of the the best gifts I have ever been given have been gifts that were fairly inexpensive but totally took into consideration some of the  things I love. I have received everything from lemon meringue pies to exotic seeds, pods and beach glass, and I was just as thrilled to get them as someone who perhaps got a designer bag. It made me feel special and this is what we strive to do for others at Christmas.  I really want to celebrate this Christmas in the true spirit of the season which is love.  I figured I would make a list and check it off as I complete each task.  Well, here goes, am sharing this with you since these are all Godly deeds that cost little or no money to do but will bring joy and love not only to our own hearts but to all around you.  And that my friends as we all know is what Christmas is all about!

    Christmas To Do List

1. Give a hand written letter or handmade Christmas card to someone who I care about but haven't  spoken to in a while.  In my own words tell them how much they mean to me.
2. Bake something that one of my siblings really likes and surprise them with it.
3. Give a gift to a child whose parents cannot afford gifts for the holidays
4. Spend quality time with my family with absolutely NO computer time on Christmas day.
5. Pray and have a grateful heart throughout the holidays
6. Do a free piece of Graphic design for a new startup business
7. Hug more and be more affectionate
8. Wish the telemarketer a Merry Christmas instead of hanging up on him or her right way
9. Compliment and tell people when they are doing a good job or if they look nice
10. Smile more, especially with someone who seems to be having a bad day

No Fear Holiday Glamour

Christmas hands down is my favorite holiday! How could it not be? Once a year I get a free pass to:

• Decorate my home like a palace or mini toy land, no questions asked
• Eat all my favorite foods in ridiculously large portions of course since its Christmas
• Have fun with family and friends......tell off said family and friends, no worries since its the wine! 
• Get days off from work
• Have people shower me with gifts while looking exceptionally fierce in my new outfit.  

As you probably can tell, I totally enjoy just about every aspect of this season, even the crazed panic shopping that occurs when we forget a gift a day or two before Christmas.  As you know, if you've ever braved the "stampede" at your local mall on Christmas eve, this is not for the faint of heart. 

One of the reasons we all shop so much is to buy the items we need to create the look and feel we want for our home or residence.   This look and feeling or AMBIENCE is vitally important.  From the front door to the back you want your guest to feel welcome and full of holiday cheer!  One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to think of the 5 senses.  Hearing, Tasting, Touch, Smell, Sight. This is what stimulates the average human being and enables us to enjoy an experience.  

SMELL:  Vanilla candles, fresh flowers, cinnamon sticks, and fresh apple pies are all distinct aromas that foster a sense of well being and welcome in a home.

TASTE:  Freshly baked cookies, wine, turkey, ham and all the trimmings are definitely a favorite on this special occasion.

SIGHT:  From a wreath on the front door to the Christmas tree and other festive decoration inside your home, nothing says Christmas better than lights, sparkle and fresh pine!

HEARING:  Classic Christmas  music, I personally love anything by Nat King Cole

TOUCH:  There is nothing better than a good welcome hug!

Holiday decorating does not have to be complicated, it could be as simple as arranging a few candles on a table with some holly leaves or fresh pine.  Now how easy is that, in the end its all about the ambience.

Here are a few links to inspire your holiday decorating:

http://hellobeautiful.com/special-features/holidays-2009/deborah-bennett/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-this-christmas/

http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/7596-fresh-christmas-decorating-ideas

http://www.marthastewart.com/