Operation Christmas Child

A Milestone Memoir... The Best Birthday Gift Ever.....

These are things I give myself......

 

I give myself Permission to Rest.

I give myself leave... of all that hinders my spiritual progress and growth.

I give myself permission to Fail.

I give myself Authority to take a stand for what is mine.

Life is too short for long pity parties...... so I give myself permission to cry and loudly if needed!

I give myself the Belief in Miracles, God is waiting for me to see him in everything!

 I order myself  to go after what I love in life,  and not take no for an answer.

 

I authorise myself to burn all the good  candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie and wear my best perfume to bed for no one else but myself! I'm worth it!

Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift .......

I give myself and others the gift of forgiveness, I forgive  everyone everything.

  Lastly I give myself permission to just live.

 

 

 

 

Sisters

Sisters, what can one say when god brings 3 women together under the same roof. Perhaps, mayham, laughter and friendships that due no justice to the name.

Photography At Its Best

The Seasons Of Change

 

Sometimes you just have to roll the dice. It’s not the “not knowing” that’s the problem … it’s the possibility that what comes up will bring us pain, suffering and some sort of  loss.

Usually its not physical pain that causes anxiety… it’s the pain of loss and change. We are comfortable in this cocoon we’ve built up around ourselves these routines and possessions and people we know and places that are familiar and safe. Losing the safe in our lives or the comforts and going into a place where we’re vulnerable and we might fail, is painful and frightening.

 

So why move ahead? We often choose to stay in difficult situations, love, marriages, careers because its simply easier and safe.Starting over might mean being alone. Changing jobs might mean starting at the bottom, or a pay cut.Why are we so willing to be unhappy, there is a possibility that change might be at first difficult but in the end, or for the long-haul so to speak we will ultimately be better for it and happier.

See the wonder and opportunity in change.

Remember, that's just life. God works all things for the good of those that love him and serve him. Trust that things are just as they are supposed to be. Start small and then take a leap of faith and embrace the new and leave the past. Say goodbye to the old and embrace the uncertain, for even in the mystery of the unknown lies a future of hope.



The Shoe Tree

I was inspired to pay tribute to an old post I wrote back in November which stirred many of my followers to contact me pens and papers in hand for the location of this old tree. As the anniversary of my fathers passing approaches, I dedicate this to him.

 

The Shoe Tree in the town of Port Bolster

It is said that a shoe tree starts with one dreamer, tossing his or her footwear into the sky, to catch on an out-of-reach branch.It is there that the shoe's journey ends. But the amazing thing about the shoe tree is that the first pair of shoes triggers a shoe tossing frenzy .

Soon, everyone from teenagers to young children and families are gathering up their shoes and driving over to have a toss of their old walking memories. The thing that I find most fascinating about this tree is, on closer look you will find that most of these old shoes have messages on the sneakers or shoes with permanent marker. Messages of love, loss and inspiration are often inscribed on these old walkers.

This weekend my sister and mother drove out to this little town and the mission became clear. My mom unwrapped the black leather shoes that had once belonged to my dad and my sister tied a little note wrapped in a plastic baggy and then tossed his favourite shoes up into that old tree with the thousands of others. My father was a wonderful man and we all miss him very much, he doesn't need those shoes any more. The thought of his favourite shoes strung up on that tree brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my lips. We wouldn't have it any other way, the Salvation Army would have just given them away and someone else would have been walking a mile in his shoes. That's what made me smile, my sister and my mother knew..... no one could ever walk a day in his shoes...and so there they remain, a legend along side of the others, their tattered state a testimony of his life.

In that picture somewhere in the middle are an old pair of black leather shoes not alone but amid some of the best old walkers in this state. "You know what, old tree, you just got another set of old clonkers but the man who wore them was nothing but a gem

The Shoe Tree

I was inspired to pay tribute to an old post I wrote back in November which stirred many of my followers to contact me pens and papers in hand for the location of this old tree. As the anniversary of my fathers passing approaches, I dedicate this to him.

The Shoe Tree in the town of Port Bolster

It is said that a shoe tree starts with one dreamer, tossing his or her footwear into the sky, to catch on an out-of-reach branch.It is there that the shoe's journey ends. But the amazing thing about the shoe tree is that the first pair of shoes triggers a shoe tossing frenzy .
Soon, everyone from teenagers to young children and families are gathering up their shoes and driving over to have a toss of their old walking memories. The thing that I find most fascinating about this tree is, on closer look you will find that most of these old shoes have messages on the sneakers or shoes with permanent marker. Messages of love, loss and inspiration are often inscribed on these old walkers.

This weekend my sister and mother drove out to this little town and the mission became clear. My mom unwrapped the black leather shoes that had once belonged to my dad and my sister tied a little note wrapped in a plastic baggy and then tossed his favourite shoes up into that old tree with the thousands of others. My father was a wonderful man and we all miss him very much, he doesn't need those shoes any more. The thought of his favourite shoes strung up on that tree brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my lips. We wouldn't have it any other way, the Salvation Army would have just given them away and someone else would have been walking a mile in his shoes. That's what made me smile, my sister and my mother knew..... no one could ever walk a day in his shoes...and so there they remain, a legend along side of the others, their tattered state a testimony of his life.

In that picture somewhere in the middle are an old pair of black leather shoes not alone but amid some of the best old walkers in this state. "You know what, old tree, you just got another set of old clonkers but the man who wore them was nothing but a gem

Taking a moment to breathe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

The Power Of A Woman

Yes, women need women! We know ourselves and we understand each other and see the world through different eyes. There are women who have met insurmountable odds in order to achieve some of the biggest dreams possible. But the real women who have achieved the most success are the ones who have inspirational stories who have overcome everyday challenges and have  grown not only in their self esteem but also in the sense of who they are and what they contribute to their world.  Today more than ever women are reaching out breaking all the molds and speaking out for other women. In today's world we  face challenges never before faced by any generation.  A very high divorce rate, high percentages of  single mothers struggling to make ends meet and leaving young children in care.The filthiness of the world that has led women to believe that "things"and "image" are more important than our emotional well being. The misconception that we as women need the perfect family,  husband and job in order to be all things to an all fallen world. We bear children we have periods we raise families while we juggle work, life, love and careers. In the most difficult times in my life is where I found all things both lost and hidden. Through darkness, tears and misfortune came a light and a hope. I did not see myself as a failed person but as a person who had been failed. I believe that we have what no man has, a gift that God gave to us. Unconditional love and courage! So leave no woman behind, when one falls we as women should not scoff but band together to pull her up. We should not be singular but universal, as Pink said in her song"were not broken just bent." If you see a woman who is slightly bent  reach out and support her and straighten her frame. Leave none behind and if your blessed, don't stop there, help to be a blessing in another's life. This blog is especially dedicated to all the women who picked me up and nurtured me when I had not only fallen, but lost my way through a difficult time. For all the women who stopped to guide and support me who lent of their time and energy to invest their love and time to pick me up. You all know who you are as there is too many to name.

Prabhath Avadhanula I wander on these crowded roads Wander through these streets Lie in fields of lonely rows Sown in empty seed. And what I need Is the power of a woman The healing of her touch Those eyes that bring redemption To every one of us. And all I need Is the summer of her solace The fall of her gaze The winter snows of her concerns That blossoms spring to change. I need her hand to guide me To a higher star And hold me back again When I have strayed too far. And when that commotion hurries This world to dissaray Give me the power of a woman And I will be okay.

Knowledge puffs us up but love builds us up......

Trials and Tribulations

“The most beautiful people I've known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

 

   Everyone experiences some form of adversity, tribulations, or times of trouble and worry. When in the midst of them we often ask ourselves if something we did or did not do somehow contributed to our circumstances as we hold onto childhood beliefs of being punished for wrong-doings.

Our hearts sink and we stumble in the turbulence of our emotions. Whether a health issue or a failed marriage or broken dream, we need not look at the raging storm.
When Peter asked Jesus if he could walk to him on the water just as he himself had done, Jesus simply bid him to come, the bible recounts that Peter did walk on the water, but as soon as Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked to the storm, he began to sink instantly.
When we focus on our troubles we, too like Peter loose focus and sink into fears and anxieties.  When we make the problems were facing bigger than everything else, what happens? It does get bigger, it consumes us, our every waking hour and our spirits fail miserably, life loses its mystery and joy is lost.

Here is a quote I happened to stumble upon and thought it was perfect for this post.

 

“If you fall-and trust me, you will- make sure you fall on your back. Because if you fall on your back, you can see up. And if you can see up, you can get up. And you can keep going and going and going.” Hoda Kotb,   

In every life there is Affliction of some kind, your not being punished on the contrary, your being re-born, re-defined and re-used. Life does sometimes spit-us-out, but choose to believe that everything happens for a reason and that in order to have fulfilled our destinies, those downs eventually lead us straight up!

When All Else Fails There Is Always Love

Don't Give Up On Love......

 

 All hopeless romantics are idealists, the sentimental dreamers, and the imaginative. A hopeless romantic, dreams of who they will share their life with. We want to be romanced with sweet things and thoughtful actions. We dream of being loved in a ferocious way, where no mountain nor snow will stand in our lovers way. We don't just want to be held on a starry night we want to be cherished with a love that surpasses all expectations. A desire and lustful, need to be first in our partners life. We are hopelessly in love with love itself.

 

Every one of us should go through life with that intoxicating feeling for something. Why settle for mediocre when we can have love for all its worth.Don't settle for luke-warm because the moments where you feel most alive will always be when you love deeply and with no inhibitions. Well I can be categorised or ridiculed for my fairy-tale beliefs but I still believe that you don’t need to love the idea of the shining night on a white horse and fairy tales to be a hopeless romantic — you only need to be in love with life itself.

This is for all the women who are believing in love in it's purest and simplest of form. You only need one man to love you in this life, but love you like crazy,don't settle for any less than what you yourself are willing to give, so love freely with no regrets.......

 

It's just Life.....

There is Power In The Words We Speak

Through every darkness ...comes light

 

When Time Won't Stand Still ....Take A Stand For Time..

“If wrinkles must be written upon our brow, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.” – James A. Garfield

Time is racing and we seem to be chasing more than the clock.We can't buy time and we can't go back to change things we can only go forward and make every bit of it count. Time is irreplaceable along with the memories. women on the go may very well be asking "where did it all go"? maybe you are hitting 40 or 50 or maybe even 60, and you feel as though the race is on but your not ready for the finish line. How many of you want to go back to the start line and make some adjustments?
 We all the know the phrase "If I Knew Then What I Know Now!" Well we didn't know for a reason and for the season. It wouldn't have allowed for our mistakes and our personal growth.

Today have the mind-set to change nothing from the past , but challenge everything for the future. Fine lines and sagging skin will not deter me from shining from the inside out. When we face the mirrors of our lives we may find some faults but it should not stop us from living the life that God intended for us.Don't put off living today because tomorrow promises an unknown future.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm not asking God to hold back the clock, I'm asking God to show me how to make every minute count. It's not the big moments in life that matter but the many smaller things that add up to a big life.

When we Wait......

 “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Sir John Lubbock
When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.

One of the most difficult things to do is “wait.” Even though God promises special blessings for waiting, most of us are bent on having our result right now. Why is waiting so hard? Because, we are so prone to taking matters into our own hands, to follow our own schemes.

In this fallen world we have forgotten how to sit still, we simply won’t wait, and when we do it is usually with a great deal of fear and anxiety, and  usually not without taking matters into our own hands. 
Here’s the truth, about waiting, we are not capable of ruling this world, that’s God's job.Waiting is putting our trust that all will be as it should be. When I wait, I realise that I cannot and do not have control over all things. if nothing more it teaches us patience and humility.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”Corrie Ten Boom



Just A Quiet Moment

 

A Time To Wait

A time and place where life is put on hold.

When we think of waiting, whether it be on the universe or God, there are a number of important questions that arise in our minds that need to be answered and understood.

 

What does it mean to wait?

How do we do it?

Who and what are we waiting for?

How long do we wait?

When do we stop waiting and take action?

If we are quiet enough and if we allow our minds to still for even a few moments, even the busiest of souls will rest.

 

Disconnected Or Re-Discovered?

Throw everything away, forget about it all.

You are learning too much.

remembering too much.

trying to hard.....

relax a bit, give life a chance to flow its own way,

unassisted by your mind and effort.

stop directing the rivers flow

Mooji

Disconnected or Re-discovered?

Sorry, everyone just got back from Bahamas and although I had plenty of time for writing and reflecting I simply chose to do neither. Shifting gears and shutting down engines is not always an easy thing to do and has been at times a challenge. Being still, is one thing but stilling your mind is quite another.

By letting go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyond the winning. -Lao Tzu

Scattered thoughts along with fragmented pieces to story lines all jumbled about in my brain along with millions of Nero-transmitters, bent on transmitting about a thousand new projects and never-ending to do lists. When does it all stop! I should have been a juggler because I could tell you without a doubt that I would have done an amazing job balancing the many facets of my life.

 But as for this trip for the first time in my life , I just shut-down. First my phone, then my mind, then my body followed suit and then an interesting thing happened. I just simply existed. I didn't shrivel away. The world didn't stop turning, and everyone survived with-or-without me.

 The busiest time in my life, a challenging business a writing career and photography classes, and I chose to do nothing? Well whats to say doing nothing is unproductive, sometimes the best of opportunities present themselves amongst the quiet.....

It's Just Life.... and I'm Living it!

 In the quiet for awhile, re-grouping my thoughts and strategies.... perhaps I'll think about tomorrow, as Scarlet O'Hara said in gone with the wind..... to my friend who knows me all to well, the quiet means an invigoration of my soul and a new beginning to a new adventure.

Pictures Taken in Freeport Bahamas with my Nikon D50  

 

The New Year ...New Life..Making It Work....

The definition of insanity is repeating the same mistakes over and over again and expecting different results," banging our heads wondering why we expected this time would be different.

 Even smart and experienced people end up making bad choices. There is of course some statistical nonsense like the above quote of insanity, that we will, like hamsters be spinning on that continuous wheel, wondering when will it stop or end. So how do we stop the cycle? When does insanity become insane?

Here's something to think about;

Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

George Santayana

This year I will stop spinning wildly and start living better. I will  understand that in order to bring about change, it must occur with me first. For my New Years Resolution this year I didn't make one, how is that different you may be asking? Every year we set expectations, we cast out the old and bring in the new with hopes of life changing experiences. If you want change , then change yourself.

That's it, that's all, I've given my life over to a higher power, one that's never too tired to hold the reins.

Here's a little declaration to my friends and family for 2013 ......

 Live , Laugh, and let Go....... It's Just Life!