On the first day of October, I found myself outside before the sun began its rise over the mountains. I was standing outside of the cottage, checking on some pumpkin vines, when a sun burst inched over the Santa Catalina mountains….
The sight of the sun rising over the mountains had a powerful feeling. I took some photos, and went about my business, forgetting about them until late last night.
I had not intended to share these, but I think they are worth sharing with you.
That sun rise brings me so much thought. Deep thoughts, which I will share, and more simple thoughts as well.
With simpler thoughts, October brings a relief from the intense summer heat. Summer here is not a time where you spend all day outside, enjoying the beautiful warmth. It is too hot for that. Summer here, is a time you spend the days inside, with a cooling system. Unless it is very early in the morning.
So, I find myself with butterflies in my stomach, now that the days are in the low 90's F. The time to enjoy the outdoors is coming. People from all over the world, come to live in Arizona during fall, winter and spring. It does get cold, but maybe only snows once. And during the day the sun is fairly warm, even on an icy cold day. The sun always shines.
So, that is where I think my excitement for fall comes from.
It is a reprieve from summer heat, that you can only imagine if you live in a place that gets over 105'F for days and days on end.
October brings an awakening.
Yes yes, an awakening, that is what it is.
A time to think about bike riding mid day, about sitting outside and sipping something nice. About, playing outside, hiking, exploring. About literally, going back outside.
It is a time to have glorious relief until next summer.
Time to come back to life after being so wilted, and exhausted.
It is so exciting!
That October sunrise also brings with it something greater, deeper. A peace, and awareness. Thoughts, so many thoughts.
Lately I have been thinking about how people judge one another so harshly. How people push their ideas on others. How people want others to be something else. And how, ultimately, you can not please other people.
How you have to find inner peace, and please you, yourself.
Our lives are a time to enjoy, to embrace who we are. Not to worry about making our lives what others think they should be.
A long time ago, as a 19 year old or so, I decided to start living my authentic life.
That means, living my life as I see fit for myself. Of course, when you are that young, you are still finding out who you are. But deciding that you want to get to know who you are, and love who you are, and be supportive of yourself, is the beginning of the journey. (and, it is never too late to begin)
I am lucky to have a family that supports me being me. But not everyone has a supportive family.
And I understand, through conversations with people, and e-mails I get, that some people feel smothered by the people around them.
Somehow, somewhere, we have to try to muster the strength to stand up for ourselves. To learn to say no, and to be at peace knowing that others don't agree with us. That isn't so easy all the time. Because by nature we want to please others.
And it is extra hard, when people we care about, are the very negativity we have to get away from. My Mom always says, "you have to distance yourself from hurtful and hateful people."
In order to live a fulfilled life, we have to find happiness. Simple happiness. Happiness within. A peace and a strength within. A strength that assists us in pushing the negativity away.
The strength is there……
Waiting for all of us to take a slice and hold on tight.
The sunrise, tells us so.
Hope, light, strength and beauty.
It is in everyone of us.
🖤
I will be back extra soon, but I just had to share my burning, early morning Monday thoughts. I am late to water, and I have other tidbits to share with you, maybe even today.
Love, Vanessa
ps: Thank you for all your love for my friend's Coco girl. She is still missing as of today. Her mama sends many many thanks, for being so supportive.
I can’t wait to see what you are like when you’re 50! Usually, women have to go through menopause to reclaim their authentic selves (and it isn’t pretty)……..because they have spent the first half of their life caring for others. The second half of a woman’s life is to develop their soul……..
Positive people find a way to water their own desert and make it bloom into “hope light strength & beauty”……I think you described yourself Ms. Vanessa…..
Just Awesome Vanessa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Inspiring thoughts (and photos) to start the day. Thanks!;)
A fantastic Monday morning post.
Thank you.
Dear lovely Jill,
I think I am just lucky, that I had parents who sort of grew and changed
with me, and let me find my way. Of course, they were very strict and my
father pushed me very hard, to be the best I could be. But that helped
too, at the time I thought it was awful, you know, being 16 and having strong
parents. But then over time, as I grew up, they didnt keep their stern
outlook, they softened to reveal, the true them, and in turn, changed – which
allowed me to change. And, they supported me emotionally, in a way that as
a kid I didnt really think would happen. It is nice to have parents to be
able to call all day and all night, and bounce things off of. And then
there is Mister Lovee, nurturing me, and egging me on to have a good happy
simple life.
So, it does depend on your support group in a way. In the beginning,
when I decided to be who I am, who I can only be, it was hard with the family
etc. But, everyone was open minded enough to let me be me over
time……
So, with a bit of gumption, I forged on. And still, am learning
everyday. After-all we are human, and are challenged by little life things
on a constant basis. Sometimes, when things get rough and I want to fall
apart, Mister Lovee slaps some sense in to me 😉 Figuratively speaking, of
course 😉
I fall off the wagon, throw a fit, get it out of my system, and then get
back on.
And I know, I know you so get it.
I love thinking that I water my own proverbial garden. What a
concept, brilliant Jill! Thanks for being so lovely
spirited!
Kelly, I am sooo glad you like them! Thank you for always being so
super sweet and sharing your positive vibe!!
This post has made me all teary… which is how my eyes get when something touches me way deep down at my core. ^-^
I spent the years between 17 & 20 hiding myself from just about everyone. It’s not easy being queer & Pagan in a small, self righteous community, with a Protestant pastor for a father. But I’m true to myself now, and have traveled the rocky paths of self acceptance & loving those who may not understand me.
It’s paid off, as now I have a good relationship with my family, even though they don’t neccessarily understand me. ^-^
I’m still finding myself, and I get the feeling that this will be a lifelong process. I’m ok with that. ^-^
And people like you, Vanessa, and all the others I’ve become friends with via our blogs I am happy to count as family now as well. Our great big, loving, accepting, joyful Gypsy family. <3
Love & hugs & have fun being able to ride your bike again! =D
XOXO
You were a very wise 19 year old. I am still on this journey because by nature I am a people pleaser. So I am a late bloomer, a slower learner, and am gradually breaking out of my cocoon. What a beautiful post today!
Hugs,
lisa
Annalee,
Your journey I am sure has been quite arduous indeed. We become better people for sticking to what we believe, and what works for us. And what makes us happy. I really believe that.
And of course, one thing is that, the journey never ends, with life’s constant challenges. But at least we equip ourselves to deal with things better, and to know our boundaries etc.
I fall apart sometimes, but I know that after I fall apart, have a real good cry in private, I will feel so much better. I don’t drown, I release, that is how i look at it at least.
Life is hard, but it is lovely too. So, we have to balance ourselves as best as we can, or try. At least, that is what I think?
My mom has this great outlook, when I say that I will feel bad if I say no to someone who wants me to do something that I don’t want to do. Or, if I ask someone not to do a certain thing that I don’t like. You know, I just hate being put in uncomfortable situations, but my mom pushes me to speak up for myself. She has this saying where she says, “It will feel so much worse to do what you do not want to do, than standing up for yourself.”
Keep on following the path in your heart, is my thinking 😉
A wonderful post to read…..a poignant way to start a new week…..a reminder that we only get one life….and to make it ours.
I have struggled so much in the past with guilt….an uneasiness about my choice to focus on my creativity…a sadness that my Husband works hard in a job he hates, a secret contentment that I get to stay home with our daughter…and ultimately have time to play in my studio.
Money has always been an issue for us and then…there is a general perception that an artist’s life is self-indulgent and frivolous. I used to feel this negativity all the time.
But, as I started to promote myself….my passion….my art more….and apologize less for not doing what I thought everyone (including my husband) wanted me to do, I found that the only one putting restrictions on what I can accomplish was me.
…And the more confident I became of using the word “Artist” to describe me….the more receptive others have been to accept me.
And I found that my Husband is my biggest fan.
What amazing power we are all given to chase dreams and discover the wonders inside us 🙂
You are a truly magical creature, Miss V…..sprinkling your wisdom like fairy dust over our eager minds 😀
Cameron, thank you so much for sharing a bit of your journey. It never ceases to amaze me how words get put into our heads, and we proceed to validate them, for some reason, and let them torture us. Our minds can be so easily manipulated if we are not careful.
For instance what you shared that you overcame, to quote you – something that it is often thought is that an “artist’s life is self-indulgent and frivolous.” That is a horrible thing to ever think, and no one who is creative should ever think that. I am sorry that thought is even out there.
I am so glad that you removed that from your thoughts. I think the truth is the polar opposite. People need to express themselves creatively because they have such vast thoughts and an over explosion of ideas and feelings that need to get made into something that happens to be called art.
Be it music, painting sculpture, photography. etc.
Most artists create to survive the depth of their inner emotions. And I for one, am so glad that you shared how you overcame that, and how your hubby is your cheerleader, and how wonderful your outlook and belief in yourself is. That is beyond wonderful!!! Bravo to you, truly. People work their whole lives to find themselves, and to accept their path. And you have done it. Such an amazing thing.
Love, V
Truly inspiring thoughts for life. Treat people the way you want to be treated. With love and understanding it may be a better place. No pushinng or shoving, people will be more excepting of ones art. Everyone is creative in their own way…Learn it, live it and love it. We all have to try. To be supportave is a great start.
I’m still thinking good thoughts of Coco..
Miss Linda you are 150% CORRECT, and bring up an incredible point.
Everyone most certainly is creative in their own way. Hear hear!
🙂
Vanessa,
I love all of these lovely stories everyone is posting in the comments. It makes you feel less alone, you know? I think most people have faced adversity at some point. Last year, my senior year in high school I was hanging out with some people who didn’t want what was in my best interest. And I realized I wasn’t happy. Then I read your post from quite a long time ago. The one that originally described how you asked yourself “Who am I, what do I want to do RIGHT NOW?”. Your little philosophies have had a huge effect on me as a person. In a world so often shrouded in darkness, it is such a comfort and inspiration to find such light bearing people. No pressure here Vanessa, lol, but you are genuinely one of my biggest inspirations and paragons of the kind of person I want to be.
Love and light as always,
Jenn
Lisa, I was a people pleaser forever. And I was trying to please all the wrong people. When we realize we can’t please anyone, and we have to work to make “ourself” happy, that is the beginning of liberation and finding self. At least, I think.
I am still a people pleaser in ways, but now it is to please those who respect and love me, my family and Mister Lovee, and the fur boys of course.
Also, I love the idea that you are breaking out of your coccon. How beautiful is that?
I think we are forever on a journey, learning and using what we learn. Falling, getting back up, moving forward, moving back, moving forward again.
And we become wiser along the way.
Oh, the pressure we put on ourselves without having to. It baffles me.
Here’s to your journey lovely Lisa 😉
Clink clink with shirley temples!
Thank you so much for this post. It is true and I loved hearing someone else say what I keep thinking in my heart and saying to my children. I have enjoyed the pictures of your garden very much this year and am happily amazed at the fact that you grew it in such hot summer temperature. Peace and Joy.
Such a poignant post Vanessa. It has taken me a long time, and a lot of self-work, to release the need to be something everyone else expects me to be…when people say to me “you’ve changed”, it is only because you are no longer living their lives, but your own. I march to my own beat now, and say no when I don’t want to do something, and you know what? It feels like the universe is in alignment, and magical things begin to happen, and wonderful people and experiences are attracted to me like a magnet – it just makes sense to live your life from a place of authenticity. We only get one life, why waste it living somebody else’s?
What a really lovely and inspirational post, Vanessa. Thank you so much. It is never too late to go after your dreams. I always try to remember that. And you are right that you need to find happiness first. It has been a hard year for us, and I am trying to find my happy again. It’s coming – slowly. And I am very grateful for all that I do have…the rest will come. 🙂 xoxo
Lovely post full of thoughts and words to uplift and ponder. Key concepts for me traversing this road of life are love and balance. We all have things that we have to do that are necessary but not necessarily fun. When doing even the yuncky mundane with love it brings the act to a new more pleasant dimension and opens my heart to learning from the experience.
Living in balance… saying yes when I can and no when I can’t… In all areas of life helps me weather the unexpected hard times that cross my path.
Have a great day,
Queenie
That post was EXACTLY what I needed during this glass-half-empty time in my life. And because you have said (or, written) those beautiful things, I have come to realize that the mountain of AP homework isn’t so bad compared to the hardships that the starving people in Africa experience, for example. Or that fixing the leak in our roof is a piece of cake compared to the wars happening in the world. Perspective. (Ok, just for the record, I love the rain, but I don’t want our roof to be even more damaged and there is a 90% chance of rain…conflict!!!)
Thanks for the beautiful pictures and sharing your thoughts. I can feel my glass filling up again. (I’d like to think of it as my pumpkin spice latte cup…oh, thoughts of Starbucks…)
🙂
Anyway, hugs and hexes, as always!
Jessica
A Woodland Fantasy
P.S. I posted my first real hand-drawn picture (don’t laugh) and a candy corn and leaf paper image on my blog that you guys can copy and paste to a Word document if you wish to print them out use them to decorate for Halloween. Enjoy!!!!
Oh V, why do I feel that you wrote this just for me? You surely must have on some level.
I tend to allow toxic people breathing room in my life, trying to see the good in people all the time. I do it in business, in friendships, in life. Then I’m filled with regret at having allowed someone who cares nothing for me drain me of all my joy.
Sometimes people just suck, don’t they?
Your photos remind me that I am worth something. That the sun will rise no matter what.
My days of making other people feel important are slowly coming to an end. Thank you for that. Gosh you are so wise.
Xo
dear v,
thank you so much for this inspirational message! i cant tell you how many days i just want to be myself, wear something crazy to school, say what i think, but am afriad about what my peers will think(im in high school). well i think tomorrow will be the begining of living my life for myself.it is time for me to take control of how i live my life, not live in fear of others. thank you soo much.
xoxo, Ariel
Thank you for your inspiration. I am working really hard on becoming the person that I want to be and doing what I want to do. 30 is not too late.
Betsy, 30 is so not too late, are you kidding, no age is too late 😉
That is something we should never forget 😉
I don’t know what it is. It seems whenever I need to hear something the most….there it is…so eloquently written by sweet, thoughtful, insightful you….I think that YOU give us strength, happiness and peace.
so beautiful pictures. I can understand that this time of year can almost feel like spring, a kind of awakening. Your mother gave you very wise words. I have relatives I trying to keep an armlength distance from. Not that I have quit the relations but just enough to protect myself and my family from harsh words.
I was a people pleaser too. I was a shy girl, and didn’t want to ‘rock the boat’. I had to learn to let people go who were mean to me. Because I was so easy going, I did not stand up for myself. I look back on my life at scenarios that happened to me, and I would never lash out at people when they were mean. I couldn’t stand to be mean to anyone myself. It wasn’t in my nature to be mean, and I couldn’t see how other people could be mean to others. So, I never ‘went there’ in my own mind. BUT, over the years I HAVE learned to stand up for myself, and face people with their meanness and let them know how it affected me. In school, people would ‘set me up’ to be the ‘scape goat’ if people wanted to get out of a situation they had created and didn’t want the teacher’s finding out about. They took advantage of my innocence. And then there are the mean people who are just mean, because they ARE mean. Those are the hardest people to change, and believe me, I have tried, but they just don’t seam to ‘get it’. They use other people because deep down inside THEY have fears that THEY won’t be accepted, so they actually end up driving away the very people who love them and can help them. This is how life goes. So, I say to those of you, who have been taken advantage of, if by any means you can get out of a situation that is not conducive to your survival, by all means, end that situation because, most likely, it will never change. And if a person says they are sorry to you, after you have talked to them about how they make you feel, sometimes it is because they are protecting themselves, and to them saying they are sorry, will make everything right. But usually, they only say they are sorry, because they don’t want to loose you. And they will keep doing things behind your back and they will lie to your face, and their ‘sorry’ was just to protect themselves. They don’t want to loose YOU, because they can’t live without a crutch. And they will do anything to keep you from leaving.
And the hate/love scenario will continue to repeat itself over and over again. This is not a healthy situation to be in. You can begin to be your own person and face the other person (or people) with the hurts you have lived through. Once you face the other person, they will do anything to keep you from leaving. They have been so self-centered, and you have been used by them, and they are so used to using you, that it will come as a shock to them, when they see you are becoming your own person. Have a back up plan if you decide to leave, and make sure you have support from good friends. We are meant to be joyful human beings, and if you cannot be joyful in the situation you are living in, something is terribly wrong.
I hope I haven’t said too much, but I have lived a few years more than most, and this is what I have had to figure out on MY OWN. No one was ‘out there’ to help me figure it out.
But today, I am a brave, strong woman, and I know who I am, and too bad for the people in my life who will ‘never get it’ that it doesn’t pay to be mean to others. What comes around goes around.
All I can say is ‘BE YOURSELF’ seek the company of those who support you..a close friend, a sister, a supportive brother, mother, or dad. And distance yourself from abusive people in your life. I believe that verbal abuse is just as harmful to the person on the receiving end of it, as physical abuse. Life is short and it isn’t worth it to live the rest of your life in fear or in an angry environment. And normally, the person who needs the help the most, will not get therapy, as they will think you are crazy for suggesting it. So, the only way out is to get support yourself. And do not tell them your plans, until you are confident that you have a place to go. Most of the time, the offending person will be on ‘their good behavior’ once you have let them know your intentions. Do not trust them. Trust your own instincts, be firm in your own convictions. Become your own person.
There are so many women out there in abusive situations.
We all live and learn, and hopefully we learn soon enough to keep others from having to go through the same things and we can help them out of painful situations.
Miss Vanessa, if I have said too much, you have my permission to delete this, but I tried to be careful in not saying names in my post.
All I know is, the more a person becomes who they really want to be, the happier their life will be.
I’ve missed coming here. I’ve been at my mom’s taking care of her along with some of my siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Her fight is now over but our lives go on.
The other day a hospice chaplain came to the house to talk with us. He wanted to know what each of uswould remember in 10 years about her. And one of the replies was she accepted you for what you were. That’s where I learned to be the person I am. She just loved you with all her heart no matter how you chose to live your life.
It’s a lesson I passed on to my daughter when she wanted to do things her way. And she’s passing it along to her daughter.
Your pictures always help me. Your writings always help. You didn’t know you were my therapy, did you?
Hi Vanessa and all!
Is it just me.. but in your pics the clouds looks upside down? Seems a bit odd as even in my personal home and life everything seems backwards, or up side down. I cannot wait till this stangeness ends, maybe earth or another planet is retrograde.
Love you all sweetie Happy Holiday!
Lady Grace
I think you are still wise beyond your years. What beautiful sunrise shots and thoughts that we can all ponder.
I am fully in October now, of course that easy to say because we are enjoying an AMAZING fall…still warm, season changing…color outstanding
and
Dia de los Muertos right around the corner…
x..x
Teresa,
that was the most easy to understand bit of advice I have ever heard. Invaluable words and thoughts for you to share, I must say. And I fully agree with you. You can not change people, and if you want them out of your life, they “Will” manipulate anything to get you to stay. That goes or love relationships and friendships.
I have had so many friends who are women, cross the line in the sense that, they have full blown expectations of how I am supposed to fulfill their lives. I used to fall into the traps, helping them, doing things for them, always having them call me need me, and then…. just when I thought, “well, this is my friend, this is what friendship is about, being there through thick and thin” – the person would turn on me. Start telling me things about myself. Trying to break me down.
Luckily my parents worked hard to pull me away from people like that by helping me see the light.
Eventually I realized that my life was super simple, happy go lucky. And yet, I was allowing the complexities and darkness of other suck me in and try to destroy my spirit.
Luckily, I have a breaking point that I didn’t know about. And there comes a time where I say, enough is enough. Get out of my life, forever, and don’t ever look for me or talk to me again. And that is that.
That breaking point has taken me out of a small handful of toxic friendships.
And you are right, you have to get strong from within, to be able to face the other person and know that the relationship, whatever it is, is over.
I know people who have to walk away from their own families, sisters who are abusive, even mothers. And, it is beyond hard. But one friend I know, did it. She got away from her family. She realized she didn’t actually need them to survive. She had a job a home, a life. And one day she slapped herself into reality, and said, “if these people were not related to me, I would never in a million years want their cruelty in my life.” And she realized, you don’t have to keep people around you just because they are your family.
If it is toxic, you have to get away.
Like I said, I always had friends who asked me to do 10 million things for them, all the time. And yet, I never asked anything of them. And one day, when I was helping a friend do something ridiculous, like clean her house or something, I thought??? wait, don’t’ I have anything better to do? And right then I was done picking up the pieces for other people. People ask (or used to ask), can you do this, this and this for me? And, if I know they can do it themselves, or that I simply don’t have time because I have a life too, I say no. Period. I can’t. I am too busy. And I am.
I want to live my life. And I do. And, no one, no one in the world is entitled to sucking my life away from me, so I can help them do some random thing, that I know they can do themselves.
Of course, I am not a total meanie. I help the ones I love when I can. But, my time, my life has HUGE VALUE to me now. And, I keep that as the basis for everything I do.
We have to value our lives and ourselves. If we don’t, no one will.
I loved your comment, and I responded with a novel 😉
Love, V
Renee, I am so sorry for the loss of you mom. And I have to say, what
an amazing thing, for people to look back on her life, and say, she accepted you
for who you were. What an incredible mom you have. I say have,
because you will always have her in you heart and with you, as you well
know. I love that you and your daughter are passing that trait on.
Very few people have that. Just beautiful
Miss Stephanie, my sister just came back from Denver, and said it was the
most beautiful pace she had ever been ever. And she has been all over the
world. Last night she even said she wants to think about moving to
Colorado. Oh oh, just thins morning I remembered day of the dead, and that
I needed to get checking in on your event, because it is a perfect day for me to
set aside to honor a very special loved one.
Dearest Vanessa
Well, about a year ago you said to me in an email something like ‘How is it that you ‘get me?’ Knowing that I connected immediately with YOU. And Of Course!, you are not a total meanie! You put a big smile on my face with that comment. You are a beautiful being with abounding magical qualities!
Actually, I feel a bit like one of the aunties in a Practical Magic, helping other women find themselves and getting out of toxic situations.
Thank you for agreeing, as I know you have been, there, done that, and read the book~
May you have a very creative day!
hugs,
Miss Teresa
What a depth of wisdom in these comments! This post came at the right time…I too have been letting friendships go. My issue is always helping others…sometimes too much but then when it is my turn to need help it is amazing that the same people that ask for so much do not reciprocate. Part of the issue of course when you are a generous person is knowing when enough is enough…..in a way we show people how to treat us. True friends (and family) value us and don’t take advantage of our kindness. But at the end of the day we should be thankful for every learning opportunity within these experiences…they are what defines us. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful pictures, Vanessa! I feel very fortunate to have an understanding husband who really supports my creativity. Sometimes when the house seems extra topsy turvy from my creativity, I will sheepishly apologize. My sweetheart husband will actually defend my mess. : ) He lets me know it is AOK, and he will go on and say something positive about what I have been working on. Truly, I am blessed. We have a son in his early 20’s, and he has some special needs. Sometimes art and creativity really help encourage me as I face extra challenges in caring for my son. Isn’t it interesting how expressing ourselves through art can be so uplifting?
Samantha, it is so super wonderful that you share your positivity with your
children. I was such an impressionable child, and such support an happy
words makes a huge difference in the outlook of a wee one 😉
(as you know)
Jenn, the best thing you have done for yourself, is realize that those
people were not good for you. The same thing happened to me. And
over the years, you find yourself, often, in places with people that you feel in
your gut, are people you want to either move on from, or have in your
life. Every thing we face, leads us closer to ourselves, and knowing what
we will allow into our lives. That is what I think at least. Time
really does make you wiser. But, the thing to keep in mind is that, you
are always learning, no matter what age. And that is the greatest gift
😉 You are so sweet!!!
Tina, your comment was 100% perfection, and exactly how I feel. When
you start living what works for you, the world does open up. It feels
bigger and brighter, and waiting for you with open arms 😉 One thing I
find important, that I forgot to say, which you may have encountered, is that,
when you take back your life, a lot of people dont like it. It takes
getting used to for everyone around you. I used to be so social it wasnt
even funny. Cocktail parties, going out at night. Dressing up every
single day. And then, things did a 180 for me. I started working
from home. At the country house no less. Growing a bigger garden
than at the city house. And the things I wanted out of life changed.
When people invite me places, I most often say no thanks. But not because
I dont like the people. I just, am not there in my life right now.
I am in a quiet serene space. No disco balls included 😉 And that is
now, who knows what the future will bring. But that is my choice.
And that is the bestest. Loved your words!! Love,
V
Lovely Theresa, I so get what you mean. Hardships seem to put a wee
veil over the super happy go lucky skip in our step. Sometimes, I have to
force myself to skip, and then, all of a sudden, I am like, hey, I know you, you
are the happy girl 😉 And then, I decided to spend the day with her
instead of whatever other mood I might be in. But sometimes, you have to
move through the motions of life slowly.We have tomake sure
ywe have a map to our happy place. So, that we can find our way back when
the time is right 😉 You are a beautiful
soul!
Queenie, hear hear!!! A few years ago I was running around with a
motto for my life. I was proclaiming to anyone and everyone that I no
longer do anything that I dont want to do. My Mom said to me, that is
great, but just be aware that some people are not going to understand, and they
might stop inviting you places etc. So, I had to accept what came with my
choices. And you know what, my mom was right. Saying no to doing
something you dont want to do, is so much better than forcing yourself to do
the thing that you dont want to do, and being miserable. Boy, that was
crazy wordy ;))
Jessica, from experience, AP homework does stink 😉 And you have
every right to want to be doing something lovelier. BUT, one day, you
might look back and wish to be the you thatyou are at this very
minute. If only for a day. Savor your youth. I was lucky
because everyone around me always used to make me feel so young, and so, I felt
17 until like, now 😉 Trust me on this, which I did not
believe. Your life starts moving so fast when you get into your
30s. Time just zips by, and you look back at your teenage years, and you
realize how short they were, and how it was such a fleeting time, and yet, you
carry it with you forever. So, enjoy away, homework or not. Trust
me. Make every thing last, and savor it all. You will be so glad you
did when you look back 😉 Then you can send me an e-mail in yearsand
tell me that you are 35 and you have savored every morsel, and every day tasted
better than the next 😉 and that you are looking forward to the rest of
your life being just as good. (even the stinky days are good because they
make the good times more valuable and delicious!)
Gilly Bean, oh my gooooodness, do I hear you loud and clear!!! I was
there. Lettingpeople tap dance on me. Feeling awful, and not
having the guts to stand up for myself. The good new is, you have decided
to take back your life and give some protection to that wee gal inside you, that
little girl that always lives inside of us no matter what age. We have to
love our girl and protect her, and yet, we so often forget. Trust
me, I am not a pro. Sometimes I find myself in the same situations I claim
to avoid so well. But now I can detect the problem and nip it asap
😉 Maybe this was for you. It was a wave of thought, and landed in
my fingertips 😉
Ariel, here is the thing. The greatest secret that every adult
knows. Just when you think that, after high school things will get better,
you get plunked into adult life. And guess what? The clicks and
nonsense in high school continues outside of high school. The same people
are usually up to their same shenanigans. Granted, as an adult, you have
more power to stay away from people that make you feel rotten. Than, being
forced to go to school with them everyday, but still, in the workplace, in your
neighborhood, the same nonsense might exist. So, here is why I say
that. Because, if high school exists in life in general, then there is no
point in waiting for the future to let the true you shine. Let it shine
now. Now this moment. Be the you, that you feel most comfortable
being, and that should be the true you. In your super crazy fabulous
outfits. Hold your head up high. How does that saying go? The
only thing to fear, is fear itself. Follow your heart
😉
Leslie my friend!!!!!!!!!!!! By talking about such happy things, it
really reminds me to follow that tune 😉 You are such a special
friend!!
Linnea-Maria, you are so wise. Arms length distance is sometimes the
best. We have some family we handle as such too. It is sad, but it
has to be done. Risking our own happiness is simply not acceptable
😉
Linda Diane, can I get a cheeeeer for good significant others????
Hoooray, hooooooray!! When our house is beyond messy, and I feel
completely guilt stricken, I say to Lovee well, I guess I have to clean
today. And he says, Oh no, wouldnt you rather do something lovely like
play your piano or paint? And I say ,. well yes, I dont mind if I
do. Then, I climb on top of the 12 foot tall sock pile, and add a couple
more layers to the top. Then I slide down, bounce off a pile of shirts, on
to the bed, swing on the chandelier, which I almost fall off, but all the
cobwebs work as my safety net, and then, I land on a soft pile of blankets and
fur and pillows, and move on with my day. hahahaaa!
😉
Nathalie, you are so correct. Enough is enough. And the
wonderful part is the learning. Because without that, we have
nothing. We continue to suffer. The ability to learn and change,
what an amazing thing. You are lovely, as
always!
I love, love your photos of the beautiful Santa Catalina mountains.
Here on the east coast we have had a very hot and wet summer and I am looking forward to cool autumn days.
My son always had the feeling of a new beginning this time of year. New school books,his birthday party and holidays to look forward to and good crisp sweater weather.
I have missed your blog…so little time, so much to do 🙂
I have always said that you are wise beyond your years. This post and your answers here prove me right. xoxo
Oh, what a stunningly splendid post, and your photos of the eternal sky….you are truly amazing. I don’t know how you do all this magic! I’m afraid I don’t have anything lovely to write, as everyone else did….so many beautiful thoughts and wisdom. I just wanted to say Thank You for all you do!!
Powerful stuff: your images of the sunrise, and your words. Thank you, dearly!
Hi Vanessa! I know you are busily preparing for the Halloween Party! This e-card made me think of you: http://www.care2.com/send/card/6550
You little pumpkin pixie you! 😉