Tis the season to reflect back and move forward in ones life. The shortfall on reflecting back can lead to regret and sorrow, if not done with a light hand and a sound heart. The balance of life is summed up by our mistakes and victories; our gains and losses.
I have recently learned that by applying a hefty dose of gratitude in the area of loss or in the area others would label failure; your point of view switches from negative to positive. When you feel thankful for however much you have and have accomplished you can move forward to accomplish even greater.
The morale of the story is you make the choice of having an Ebenezer heart; which is someone who has a hoarding spirit - who gives with a slack hand, or you can choose to have a bountiful heart like Santa - who lives with a spirit to give.
This year embrace the spirit of the season - Give from the riches of your heart and spread some good cheer!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
P.s. My New Year's resolution is real simple - I want to LOL and LMAO more!
ho, ho, ho!
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
New Beginnings
Perhaps the first revelation I had when I began reading "The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz which teaches us Toltec Wisdom is that 'Wisdom' is God and the teachings are based on the Word of God; illustrated for daily application. I appreciate that it is presented in a different package, for simple application.
While I am incorporating these agreements to improve myself and my relationships, I have implemented daily prayers to compliment the new agreements.
1. First Agreement - "Be impeccable with your word"- May I speak truth and show forth righteousness. Proverbs 12:17
2. Second Agreement - "Don't take things personally"- Help me Lord to resist offense and abound in the love of Christ. Phil 1:9-10
3. Third Agreement - "Don't make assumptions"- Help me Lord not judge myself or others, but seek truth, and follow peace. Show truth, mercy, and kindness to me and my family.
4. Fourth Agreement - "Do your best always" - May I stand strong in your grace, covered in your favor as a shield. For I am nothing apart from you and can do nothing without you, but can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.
While I am incorporating these agreements to improve myself and my relationships, I have implemented daily prayers to compliment the new agreements.
1. First Agreement - "Be impeccable with your word"- May I speak truth and show forth righteousness. Proverbs 12:17
2. Second Agreement - "Don't take things personally"- Help me Lord to resist offense and abound in the love of Christ. Phil 1:9-10
3. Third Agreement - "Don't make assumptions"- Help me Lord not judge myself or others, but seek truth, and follow peace. Show truth, mercy, and kindness to me and my family.
4. Fourth Agreement - "Do your best always" - May I stand strong in your grace, covered in your favor as a shield. For I am nothing apart from you and can do nothing without you, but can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
White Lace
Since I am only nine days away from getting married, I laughed when I came across this paper I wrote in College for an English assignment.
Early in life, girls begin dreaming of white gowns and wedding cakes. Long ago, at bedtime, my mother read me stories of princes and princesses, living happily ever after in a far away land. As a little girl, that is when I began to desire to marry a prince.
Today, there is more than one type of wedding to choose from. For instance, you may choose traditional, modern, or storybook. To determine which type of wedding will be best suited for you, it is wise to look at the variations of each type of ceremony and reception.
Traditional weddings bring up images of Victorian lace gowns, biblical vows, and three-tier wedding cakes. As a result, traditional weddings are the mother’s favorite. Perhaps because she has a chance to save money if she can convince her daughter to wear her old gown. Everything is traditional or old way, meaning the wedding is traditionally done according to the family’s old way. Years ago, I attended a traditional orthodox Jewish wedding. The bride appeared in a traditional white lace gown embroidered with pink roses. As the bride met the groom they grasped each other’s hands and stepped towards a floral Chupah (covering), where a rabbi stood waiting. The rabbi spoke Hebrew vows, joining them in matrimony. Afterwards the bride and groom each stepped on a handkerchief covered bottle, breaking it; symbolizing the Jews are never to forget the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem.
While I remember this being the most beautiful ceremony, it was also the longest I experienced. Following the ceremony, the celebration began. What better way to celebrate than with good food and music? As the bride and groom sat on chairs, their friends and family lifted them up over their heads while they danced and sang joyously. This is an example of a traditional Jewish wedding. Each culture has a tradition to be honored at each wedding.
Another option is the modern wedding, which is also the most casual and inexpensive to choose from. Because of this it is popular among young adults. Recently, for example, I saw a beach wedding on Sanibel Island. As the dawn set over the horizon, the couple gathered at the water’s edge with friends and family. The brides dress was a verse above a bikini. As the bride watched the tide, she sank her barefoot toes in the sand, as she entwined daisies into her sun-bleached hair. The groom arrived clothed in Speedos and sandals. A female Indian guru stood under a sun umbrella as she announced the vows and brought this couple together. The reception was a keg of beer and a clambake at the wedding site: the beach.
Storybook weddings are a little girls dream come true, all paid for by Daddy. A girl’s chance to dress up like Cinderella and have her groom (which is dressed in tights) places her tender foot into the glass slipper. The last time I witnessed this type of wedding, it was almost too perfect. Until the cake cutting ceremony arrived. With anticipation, the bride cut the cake and shoved it into the groom’s upper lip, through his moustache. The groom retaliated with placing the cake gently between his bride’s lip-glossed lips.
As time passes from early evening to late evening, all eyes are on the happy couple as they glide across the dance floor to the tune of “Cinderella’s Ball.” Towards the end of the reception, the women are anticipating two things: the throwing of the bride’s bouquet and the throwing of the rice. By delaying my reaction time, I avoided catching the bride’s bouquet. Moving outside to throw rice, I see the newlyweds run from the reception into their awaiting white limousine. As the couple settle themselves in the back seat, the bride begins to cry because she realizes fantasy life is over, and reality begins. As that thought wrestles in her mind, her husband turns to her and enthralls her in passion. A new thought enters her mind: perhaps this is when fantasy begins!
The limo disappears along the edges of the page where it reads, “They lived happily ever after.”
Monday, October 4, 2010
Inspiration
We are a people who are moved by inspiration. What sets each one of us apart is by what inspires us.
For some it is location; a landscape, an ocean, or serene surroundings. For me, it is the seasons of life.
The wisest man who lived, King Solomon, said, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." I have learned recently that just as creation expresses its' beauty differantly with each changing season, we too, express beauty in our willingness to embrace change with every season of life.
I am inspired to express my emotions and experiences of adversity to others through my writing. I can take the pain I am feeling in the present situation and create the future outcome through plot, characters, and whatever twists and turns I would like to transpire to bring forth my desired outcome. By doing this I have a creative outlet to help me see my current situation in a differant perspective and I am inspiring the reader to have a quasi-experience.
Why? Because we want to be moved. We are a people who are moved by inspiration.
As an artist success to me is when the art inspires others to feel the same emotion it was created in.
English Author, Joseph Conrad said it best, "My task is by the power of the written word is to make you hear, to make you feel, and before all to make you see. That and no more - and it's everything."
For some it is location; a landscape, an ocean, or serene surroundings. For me, it is the seasons of life.
The wisest man who lived, King Solomon, said, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." I have learned recently that just as creation expresses its' beauty differantly with each changing season, we too, express beauty in our willingness to embrace change with every season of life.
I am inspired to express my emotions and experiences of adversity to others through my writing. I can take the pain I am feeling in the present situation and create the future outcome through plot, characters, and whatever twists and turns I would like to transpire to bring forth my desired outcome. By doing this I have a creative outlet to help me see my current situation in a differant perspective and I am inspiring the reader to have a quasi-experience.
Today, we go to the movies and choose our emotion - do we want to laugh and see a comedy, do we want to cry and see a romance, or do we want to hold our breath in fright and see a suspense/thriller? And, it is no differant with our reading choices.
As an artist success to me is when the art inspires others to feel the same emotion it was created in.
English Author, Joseph Conrad said it best, "My task is by the power of the written word is to make you hear, to make you feel, and before all to make you see. That and no more - and it's everything."
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Running Shadows
We are all running from the shadows of our past. What we fail to realize is whatever we have left behind will become more than a shadow on the wall of our memory. It will become a mirror image to our present frail reality.
Broken love is like a shadow it is behind us, but we always know it is there. Similiar to the fallen petals of a rose, its fading fragrance and beauty left to be pressed between the pages of a book; to somehow preserve it.
Ultimately, when fear and trauma mingle; memories and nightmares cojele together forming a twisted reality. At that point shadow and light dance together to compose a corrupt perspective of life and death. The eternal struggle of creation itself. Light versus darkness, good versus evil. Isn't this what Disney built its animated empire on? Perhaps to somehow prepare children for this struggle and to fill our hearts with the belief good always triumphs at the end, and the wicked never win. Nevertheless, this is a real battle, not exclusive for heroes and villains; rather it is present in each of our daily lives.
Good and evil does co-exist among us. Rest assured our control comes by the wise choices we make which one triumphs today.
Broken love is like a shadow it is behind us, but we always know it is there. Similiar to the fallen petals of a rose, its fading fragrance and beauty left to be pressed between the pages of a book; to somehow preserve it.
Ultimately, when fear and trauma mingle; memories and nightmares cojele together forming a twisted reality. At that point shadow and light dance together to compose a corrupt perspective of life and death. The eternal struggle of creation itself. Light versus darkness, good versus evil. Isn't this what Disney built its animated empire on? Perhaps to somehow prepare children for this struggle and to fill our hearts with the belief good always triumphs at the end, and the wicked never win. Nevertheless, this is a real battle, not exclusive for heroes and villains; rather it is present in each of our daily lives.
Good and evil does co-exist among us. Rest assured our control comes by the wise choices we make which one triumphs today.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Heritage or History
Gold and Silver -
Commodities or the currency of life?
Oil -
A Resource, or a ransom paid by the nations?
Creation -
Created in love; by Love.
Polluted with hate, and destroyed by the created.
We will possess what our children are to inherit.
The battles we fight now are so our children can enjoy a brigher future.
Therefore, the battles we refuse to fight,
and do not gain the victory, we leave for our children to battle with.
What are you leaving behind?
Commodities or the currency of life?
Oil -
A Resource, or a ransom paid by the nations?
Creation -
Created in love; by Love.
Polluted with hate, and destroyed by the created.
We will possess what our children are to inherit.
The battles we fight now are so our children can enjoy a brigher future.
Therefore, the battles we refuse to fight,
and do not gain the victory, we leave for our children to battle with.
What are you leaving behind?
The Art of Seduction
She will find your weakness, and play with it until your eyes water.
In her hands...
soft and strong,
big and brutal.
Hold on to her,
until she lets go.
Never fall into her eyes, the color alone is brown venom.
With a grin, you will walk with her,
But she is always ahead of you.
She will smile while crying,
lie while loving.
You will cry with her love,
and smile by her lies.
You will love to hate her!
In her hands...
soft and strong,
big and brutal.
Hold on to her,
until she lets go.
Never fall into her eyes, the color alone is brown venom.
With a grin, you will walk with her,
But she is always ahead of you.
She will smile while crying,
lie while loving.
You will cry with her love,
and smile by her lies.
You will love to hate her!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Nostalgia
The other day caught in a wave of nostalgia I impulsively spent a ridiculous amount on a set of Winnie-the -Pooh checks. I choose to call it nostalgia and not insanity!
This is because it is in our innate nature to want to be comforted when we are going through a difficult or stressed time. Such as the term, "comfort food!" (Which is a whole blog in itself!)
For me, Winnie-the-Pooh congers up fond childhood memories; when I would cuddle up in bed and spend the whole day getting lost in the ten-acre wood. As for my favorite character of the bunch it would be a toss up between Pooh himself and the charismatic Tigger. Christopher Robin would be my least favorite, perhaps because he did not offer any of the animated characteristics of the others. Believe me whatever Disney could come out with that featured Winnie and his friends, I had it!
So, when I was looking through the mundane check series and my eyes caught glimpse of the ten acre wood with that beloved bear and his endearing honey pot; I failed to realize I was no longer in the free checks, but crossed over into the luxurious specialty check series. By then, it was too late; I was headfirst in nostalgia and had to have them.
This morning however, on my way to Wal-Mart to go food shopping because I could not afford the shopping pleasure of Publix this week, that warm nostalgic feeling I enjoyed has now turned to shoppers remorse!
This is because it is in our innate nature to want to be comforted when we are going through a difficult or stressed time. Such as the term, "comfort food!" (Which is a whole blog in itself!)
For me, Winnie-the-Pooh congers up fond childhood memories; when I would cuddle up in bed and spend the whole day getting lost in the ten-acre wood. As for my favorite character of the bunch it would be a toss up between Pooh himself and the charismatic Tigger. Christopher Robin would be my least favorite, perhaps because he did not offer any of the animated characteristics of the others. Believe me whatever Disney could come out with that featured Winnie and his friends, I had it!
So, when I was looking through the mundane check series and my eyes caught glimpse of the ten acre wood with that beloved bear and his endearing honey pot; I failed to realize I was no longer in the free checks, but crossed over into the luxurious specialty check series. By then, it was too late; I was headfirst in nostalgia and had to have them.
This morning however, on my way to Wal-Mart to go food shopping because I could not afford the shopping pleasure of Publix this week, that warm nostalgic feeling I enjoyed has now turned to shoppers remorse!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
New Read
I could not wait to get my hands on Lisa Unger's latest release, "Fragile," which came out on the 3rd. Frustrated that I havent been able to go into town to purchase it, I downloaded the e-book last night.
Chomping at the bit I dove into the prologue. Midway through my fiance called to tell me he was on his way home. At that point I was faced with a dirty kitchen, raw chicken, and an intense desire to turn the page to see what happens....
"Honey, on your way home could you stop at the store?"
Figuring out his location, the distance to the store in rush hour traffic, I knew I had enough time to read fast before racing into the kitchen.
Lets just say, Lisa Unger is the Prologue Queen!! I cannot wait to dive into this book, it is fantastic. If you are not familiar with her writing I encourage you to put one of her books on your shelf today!
Chomping at the bit I dove into the prologue. Midway through my fiance called to tell me he was on his way home. At that point I was faced with a dirty kitchen, raw chicken, and an intense desire to turn the page to see what happens....
"Honey, on your way home could you stop at the store?"
Figuring out his location, the distance to the store in rush hour traffic, I knew I had enough time to read fast before racing into the kitchen.
Lets just say, Lisa Unger is the Prologue Queen!! I cannot wait to dive into this book, it is fantastic. If you are not familiar with her writing I encourage you to put one of her books on your shelf today!
Ethnic Eats
I have found myself challenged in writing the sequel to "In His Love," partly because I have to incorporate facts of the lifestyle, culture, traditions of dress, religion, even food for Guatemala. While reading about the fiestas they typically hold I came across some great recipes.
What better way to embrace a culture than to partake in their food and drink? In that spirit and recipes in hand I proceeded to make a fantastic chicken taco salad with authentic spices; and it just so happened that Barefoot Contessa was making a pink grapefruit margarita that day on her show. I took it as a sign of encouragement.
What better way to embrace a culture than to partake in their food and drink? In that spirit and recipes in hand I proceeded to make a fantastic chicken taco salad with authentic spices; and it just so happened that Barefoot Contessa was making a pink grapefruit margarita that day on her show. I took it as a sign of encouragement.
I am pleased to announce that my ethnic eats and drinks were a success, both to my dinner and to my writers block!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Author Giveaway Sweepstakes
I have entered one author signed copy of my latest YA Romance/Drama novel, "In His Love," to be drawn
in an Author Giveaway Sweepstakes drawn on August 23, 2010.
Go to my web and enter to win yours today!
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/5123-in-his-love
in an Author Giveaway Sweepstakes drawn on August 23, 2010.
Go to my web and enter to win yours today!
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/5123-in-his-love
Monday, August 2, 2010
Things that make me smile
I love that new song, "Smile" dont know the artist! It inspired me to think of 5 things that make me smile: good food, great wine, even greater sex, coffee, not waking up to an alarm! What about you?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Change is Good
While imagining how to start my first blog I immediately became intimidated! Staring at the blank page the thought of "I'm just not that interesting," kept replaying in my ears. Then I came to the conclusion that despite the Hollywood reality shows we all live our daily lives. While the details and status of us may differ we all share the seasons of change in our life. No matter who you are, or where you live, you will go through good times and bad times. You will experience grief and sorrow, peace and joy, and life and death.
http://deborahbrodie.tatepublishing.net/
I have discovered creation expresses its beauty differently with each changing season. We too, express beauty in our willingness to embrace change with every season of life. For that reason relationships and seasons are alike, in their beauty being released through change.
Recently, after going through a major transition involving moving and becoming engaged I found not only was I living in a new location but my life was in a different place.
As a result of the changing season I found some of my relationships ended. Similiar to the fading flower or the withering grass it is merely an illustration of change of season, change of position, and change of relationship. The principal is the same: God orchestrates the seasons, ordains the position, and appoints the changing relationships. Throughout this season there is time, process, and growth involved.
Whatever season you are in today embrace it because change is good!
http://deborahbrodie.tatepublishing.net/
I have discovered creation expresses its beauty differently with each changing season. We too, express beauty in our willingness to embrace change with every season of life. For that reason relationships and seasons are alike, in their beauty being released through change.
Recently, after going through a major transition involving moving and becoming engaged I found not only was I living in a new location but my life was in a different place.
As a result of the changing season I found some of my relationships ended. Similiar to the fading flower or the withering grass it is merely an illustration of change of season, change of position, and change of relationship. The principal is the same: God orchestrates the seasons, ordains the position, and appoints the changing relationships. Throughout this season there is time, process, and growth involved.
Whatever season you are in today embrace it because change is good!
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