Somewhere Else

I have driven the streets of Phoenix all my life. The view at the north end of Central Avenue has to be one of my favorites. There are no sidewalks, the street is lined with trees, the houses don't all look like cookie cutters in different shades of beige. You can almost believe you are somewhere else. Oh there are other charming streets in the valley, but this one is magical. I love the view, I love the trees, I love where it takes my heart to!

Sunday Morning

Windows Are Open
Cool Sunshine Pouring-In 
All Over My Bed
A Perfect Sunday Morning
Only Missing ONE Thing!
(Bring breakfast with you!)

The Things You Find At The Mall

I went to the mall with my son yesterday. Not one of my favorite Saturday afternoon activities, but the day had been great, so was the weather and going anywhere with Mark is fun. The parking lot was packed. We talked and talked till we were inside the mall, that's when he remembered the thing he needed looked at was still in the car. So we walked back out to the breeze way, I told him I would wait there for him, I had some text to return so this would be a good time to do so. As I sat on the bench texting, I looked up, I thought the man sitting across the way looked familiar. He looked like a boy I had known years ago. Mark was back within just a few minutes and my texts were sent. I asked him if I would be a creeper if I went up to the man to make sure it was him. Mark agreed that I would be a creeper, but what did I have to loose. So I walked over to him and asked if he was who I thought he was. He said he thought that was me too. He gave me a great big hug. I asked about his family. He asked about mine. We chit chatted for a minute and I introduced him to my son. He remembered him when he was very little. We walked into the mall, chatted some more. He took my phone and added his name to my FB friends. I hugged him goodbye and told him I was so happy to have seen him. I wished him well.
Funny how paths cross, I have thought of him over the years. He was such a wild teen, always made me laugh. I think it was the best mall experience in a long time, and I didn't spend a dime!!!

BLACKLIST

IT'S AWESOME!

Mac Alpine's

I had no idea this treasure was here.

Can I just tell you, this is the most enjoyable 

little place I have ever been to.  

It is an antique lovers haven. 

Some just to view but most of it is available.

I was delighted beyond words. 

The menu was simple, the desserts were also,

however the options were plentiful!

My date and I left happy, 

full and beyond pleased with the evening.

(I found treasures I had been 

looking for for some time,

I am a happy girl!)

My thanks to Groupon for bringing this
Charming place back into view.
It was worth the drive, worth the $$.
It was wonderful!

To Listen

I listened to Greg, a medical associate, explain the roll of a psychologist. "Someone to listen"

A psychologist evaluates, diagnoses, treats, and studies behavior and mental processes.^[1] Some psychologists, such as clinical and counseling psychologists, provide mental health care, and some psychologists, such as social or organizational psychologists conduct research and provide consultation services.

I liked the definition.
I have seen counselors sporadically throughout my life. In the beginning I dealt with someone else's issue and how it effected my life. Then later in life I had hoped to learn the tools needed to make my marriage work. After the divorce I looked for tools to help my children through the next steps.

Sometimes you just need someone to listen, sometimes you need someone to hear what you are not saying. Sometimes you need someone to get inside your mental/emotional closet and clean it out. Or burn it down...both work.

I am seeing Tom currently, once every couple of weeks. He says he likes to "Hear the update on my saga!" I like that he give clarity and input. He gives legal advise and emotional support. He tells me when my thought process is squed. He shares life lessons and practical applications for the issues at hand.

He isn't trying to fix my issues, he isn't diagnosing my dilemmas. He is just there to listen, to be my hall checker.

I am grateful for Greg's advice, I am grateful for Tom's time.

Sleepy Hollow

I watched this on the Fox app on my iPhone.

I love technology!

I also Love Sleepy Hollow!!

4 "S's"

Simplify: Break a task down into different components (for example, when hosting a party, one component would be to clean the house)
Small: Break down those components into smaller sections (start be cleaning the kitchen)
Short: Keep tasks short, so that they are more easily attainable and prevent burnout (i.e. take breaks)
Slow: Be present in the moment
 
Slow and steady.
 
http://www.thepracticingmind.com/tag/4-ss

I LOVE THIS VIEW

... it's the simple things that make my heart happy

PUGET SOUND

My friend was in Washington for an interview.
He sent me this!
All I can say is WOW!!!!

JAPAN

I would go there just to see this!

TOMBSTONE AT SUNSET

1980 CAPRI

This bad boy will go fast!!!
It has two seats and a role cage
sounds like fun to me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOKIE

If Today Was Your Last Day

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you're never living twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

If Everyone Cared

GLIMPSE

I have always wished that I could get a glimpse into the future. Just to make sure I am on the right path. But as I have come to see though out my life, the path started way before I was aware of it. And although life fills the path with obstacles and detours, it's still my path. Who I am, the woman I choose to be, the direction I choose to go, the life choices I choose to pursue; these are factors that I set, factors that shape the outcome of my path. 

It has been said that 'the pursuit of happiness is not is getting richer, but in living life more fully'. Having lot's of money has never been on my bucket list, but being happy always has been. 
I don't know anyone who has long term happiness because they have more money. I think the challenge for all of us is to figure out how to 'live life more fully'. 

"All we have to do, is decide what to do with the time given to us."  J. R.R. Tolkien

I love this concept. I love the knowledge that I am, in part, responsible for the direction of the path I take. 
I decide! It's up to me.

I long for the basic things in life; things I have wanted since childhood. I have learned that in order to reach my life destinations/my happiness/my desires, I need to take that first step, to take that leap of faith. 

I met a couple in their 80's. They have been married for 22 years. They were both married before. She said "I never thought I would marry again. But he is my angel." He said "She made me feel like my life was wonderful." The one piece of advice they gave me is "Don't wait to make your move. If it's to try something new, to travel, to make a career move, live in a new place or to pursue love.... Do it now! Don't wait!" 

I am coming up on the next fork in my path.
As I sat down to make out an action plan (a list of things I personally need to do before this fork can be realized). I found I only have a few things to accomplish before I can move forward. And those things have deadlines, they are already in place. I don't even have to plan them. 
This next fork will be huge in comparison to many that lead me here. There are still obstacles to deal with, but I am not afraid of them. I think complete faith is part of that first step. I have faith in me and in those I choose to journey with. 

I think the knowledge that I am happy with myself, with who I am and what I want out of life, has helped me to see... to get that glimpse, that I am on the right path. 

A Stormy Day In The Desert

My Very Favorite Story

Halloween

Cool Costume

Look.... But Don't Take One Home

Cookie and I were at the grocery check out line.
The manager directed us to a shorter line
But we opted for the longer line....
The view was so much
CUTER!!!

Mr Navram

I met a man named Mr Navram. He lives in New York. He is 91 years old. Each year he give a gift to those that make his life easier, his door man for instance. Each gift is monetary. He is a very generous man. But more than that he is a very good man. He is kind, thoughtful and caring. He is also humble. I am sure that the people in his life are grateful for the generosity he gives, but I am sure they are more grateful for the part this sweet man plays in their lives. 
I want to spend everyday being more like Mr Navram. 

 I feel like there should be something more, there should be something stable, something else. Something I haven't found yet, but that I crave. 


I want to go HOME

Love Letter

I Really Do Love Salad!!!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PURPOSE

Your life purpose involves actions and topics that you're already interested in. Usually, it is centered around activities that you'd do for free just for the joy of it! If you're not sure what you're passionate about, ask a trusted loved one. This person has observed which topics and pursuits excite you. And these are the bases for your life purpose. This purpose is so exciting and rewarding that you'll wake up in the morning invigorated about the day ahead. Abundance will flow to you because your'll naturally spend so much time on this endeavor. Your excitement will drive you to become very proficient at it.

I need to put this in action!!!

Quote of The Day

“What has happened to the world?

You have every convenience and comfort, 
yet no time for integrity.”

Kate and Leopold

Believe It and You’ll See It

http://www.healyourlife.com/tunein/video/discard-the-excuses?popup=1

Inspirational!!!!!

Though of The Day

The most important things in life

come not from the acquisition of tangible items...

but from a desire to create beautiful memories

and live life to its fullest.

A Girl Question

What's the difference between 

a rifle and a shotgun?

Rifles are designed for accuracy to hit precise points.

 Shotguns are designed to shoot a spread of shot at moving targets.

 

Rifle		Shotgun
Grooved Bore Single Projectile Long Range Front & Rear Sights		Smooth Bore Multiple Projectiles Short Range Front Sight Only

   

.22 Caliber Long Rifle Bullets

TODAY'S LESSON

If you love someone unconditionally 

Trust them with all your heart

You may go through pain.

But if you have faith in them

Give them all you have

The reward will be great!

Page One Of Our Book

BRAVE

To My Daughters and Granddaughters 
(Mine and those I LOVE as Mine)