Today I:
Wrote my husband an "I Love You More Than..." love note.
Saw a homeless man and wanted to help him, but he walked on by. Next time I'll have a set of clothes and a paper bag lunch at the ready.
Watched my car almost get hit by an elderly woman driving the largest car I have ever seen in my life. What a wave of relief when the impact did not come.
Sat with a purring cat in my lap for 20 minutes.
Got 20 minutes to myself which I spent reading The Birthdays by Heidi Pitlor. (Remember "Drop Everything And Read" in elementary school?)
Most amazing, I found my first ever four leaf clover which I'll write a whole post about tomorrow.
Sweet Dreams my Blogging Beauties <3
Showing posts with label Grateful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grateful. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Praying for a Puppy Miracle
Yesterday at 4:30p.m.I sent in a puppy adoption application for Neyland.
He is a 12 week old beagle mix puppy.
At 7:30 I got a phone call from Vickie, the head of Rescue Angels. She said she had been waiting for the perfect application for Neyland, and we were it. She and I talked for 30 minutes or so. I told her that because my husband has not had a dog before, we would like to meet Neyland before bringing him home. She told me to meet her at Woof & Whimsy this morning between 11 and 1. I said we would be there first thing. She said she would bring all of the papers down for us to sign. I said that would be perfect.
At 11 this morning we walked in and instantly fell in love. After cuddling Neyland for 10 minutes, we said "O.K. bring on the paper work." Vicki then informed us that there had been a mix up and that there was one other couple who had applied before us and was coming down to meet Neyland today. After meeting them, she would reassess and give us a call by tomorrow either way.
So, we are waiting and we can't stop thinking about him. He belongs with us. We just feel it in our hearts.
I know this isn't totally major in the big scheme of things, but it is major to us. If you could, please keep us in your thoughts and send good vibes our way we'd be forever grateful.
Many thanks! We will keep you posted. xoxo.
He is a 12 week old beagle mix puppy.
At 7:30 I got a phone call from Vickie, the head of Rescue Angels. She said she had been waiting for the perfect application for Neyland, and we were it. She and I talked for 30 minutes or so. I told her that because my husband has not had a dog before, we would like to meet Neyland before bringing him home. She told me to meet her at Woof & Whimsy this morning between 11 and 1. I said we would be there first thing. She said she would bring all of the papers down for us to sign. I said that would be perfect.
At 11 this morning we walked in and instantly fell in love. After cuddling Neyland for 10 minutes, we said "O.K. bring on the paper work." Vicki then informed us that there had been a mix up and that there was one other couple who had applied before us and was coming down to meet Neyland today. After meeting them, she would reassess and give us a call by tomorrow either way.
So, we are waiting and we can't stop thinking about him. He belongs with us. We just feel it in our hearts.
I know this isn't totally major in the big scheme of things, but it is major to us. If you could, please keep us in your thoughts and send good vibes our way we'd be forever grateful.
Many thanks! We will keep you posted. xoxo.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Best to Believe
Confession: I skipped Teen Voices Thursday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I was feeling overwhelmed. There were also some things on my mind regarding Teen Voices that I wasn't sure how or if I should express to the editor. Even though I know avoidance is bad, I retreated anyway. Don't worry, I am working it out in therapy! :-)
Anyway, yesterday the editor and I met for coffee near the office. She is a really great person, easy to talk to, and firm, but understanding. I was anxious because facing things I have been avoiding is a major change in behavior for me. I was not afraid or anxious about the editor, but about the change, even though I know it is for the better.
While I sat at the table waiting for the editor to get her coffee, I heard Nat King Cole crooning "Smile" over the Starbucks sound system. I smiled. Anxiety washed away. I believe the universe knew just what I needed to hear and spoke through Nat.
Everything went well with the editor. My role is more defined. I know where I fit. I have been assigned specific work. We also determined an end date for my internship. She's done the same with my fellow interns. With this structure in place, things are already getting much better. After coffee, we went to the office where I completed post-production for the online magazine and began editing my interview with Liz Funk which will be in the May online magazine. I left at 5:30 as per the new rules.
I have learned it is best to believe. Believe that if you are honest with people about your concerns and needs, they will respond positively or, at the very least, be willing to come to a compromise. Believe in yourself and your value and your ability enough to speak up. Believe in the power of the universe, even in the form of Nat King Cole's voice.
Believe what you need to believe to get yourself through the day and a day at a time it will get better.
Bye, bye blues.
Anyway, yesterday the editor and I met for coffee near the office. She is a really great person, easy to talk to, and firm, but understanding. I was anxious because facing things I have been avoiding is a major change in behavior for me. I was not afraid or anxious about the editor, but about the change, even though I know it is for the better.
While I sat at the table waiting for the editor to get her coffee, I heard Nat King Cole crooning "Smile" over the Starbucks sound system. I smiled. Anxiety washed away. I believe the universe knew just what I needed to hear and spoke through Nat.
Everything went well with the editor. My role is more defined. I know where I fit. I have been assigned specific work. We also determined an end date for my internship. She's done the same with my fellow interns. With this structure in place, things are already getting much better. After coffee, we went to the office where I completed post-production for the online magazine and began editing my interview with Liz Funk which will be in the May online magazine. I left at 5:30 as per the new rules.
I have learned it is best to believe. Believe that if you are honest with people about your concerns and needs, they will respond positively or, at the very least, be willing to come to a compromise. Believe in yourself and your value and your ability enough to speak up. Believe in the power of the universe, even in the form of Nat King Cole's voice.
Believe what you need to believe to get yourself through the day and a day at a time it will get better.
Bye, bye blues.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday Dinner
Last Monday Mr. B&B told me he wanted a boiled dinner for St. Patrick's Day. He said maybe we could go out to dinner. I told him that probably wasn't a good idea with the sinus infection he was fighting. "How about inviting your parents over for a belated St. Patrick's Day celebration?" I found myself saying. "O.K. That'd be fun!" my husband replied. I called to invite the in-laws who eagerly accepted.
During the week I looked up dessert recipes and settled on Irish Tea Cake, Potato Candies and Dessert Soda Bread (minus the Caraway Seeds).
Fast Forward to Friday. I went to Target for photo frames to hang up some things that have been sitting in a box too long, 2 nine inch round pans, and four beer mugs. Then I stopped at Russo's Market for fruits and vegis. Lemons for lemonade, strawberries to top the tea cake, potatoes and carrots and cabbage and onions were among the most important. Russo's is this vegan's mecca and the prices can't be beat. They have the most amazing varieties of mushrooms (Black Truffles anyone?), but even at the rock bottom prices I haven't yet been able to justify the cost. Some day. Finally, Stop & Shop for the corned beef and everything else. Normally I am a Trader Joe's girl, but the Stop and Shop is right next to Russo's and I doubted Trader Joe's would have corned beef.
Three hours later, I arrived home with my spoils.
Saturday I did all of my baking and prep. of the vegi's while Mr. B&B did a deep cleaning of the bathroom and picked up other odds and ends.
Sunday I got up, cleaned the kitchen, and began boiling the meat. Then I scurried from room to room making the bed, dusting, and sorting piles of my stuff that had accumulated over the week. Mr. B&B and I went through the box of art that has been sitting in our office for the past year. We decided where things should be hung, framed what needed framing, and Mr. B&B kindly hung them up. The last of the Christmas things and a couple of well-sorted, organized bins of things were brought to the basement for storage. I set the table and went outside to gather items for a Spring'y' centerpiece. Half an hour before in-law arrival, the vegi's were put on to boil. Just as I was transferring the vegi's from the pan to the Corningware for serving, the in-laws arrived.
It was a really nice afternoon. Good conversation. Good food. Good people. I'm so grateful for family.
But isn't amazing how three days of preparation is over in three hours?
During the week I looked up dessert recipes and settled on Irish Tea Cake, Potato Candies and Dessert Soda Bread (minus the Caraway Seeds).
Fast Forward to Friday. I went to Target for photo frames to hang up some things that have been sitting in a box too long, 2 nine inch round pans, and four beer mugs. Then I stopped at Russo's Market for fruits and vegis. Lemons for lemonade, strawberries to top the tea cake, potatoes and carrots and cabbage and onions were among the most important. Russo's is this vegan's mecca and the prices can't be beat. They have the most amazing varieties of mushrooms (Black Truffles anyone?), but even at the rock bottom prices I haven't yet been able to justify the cost. Some day. Finally, Stop & Shop for the corned beef and everything else. Normally I am a Trader Joe's girl, but the Stop and Shop is right next to Russo's and I doubted Trader Joe's would have corned beef.
Three hours later, I arrived home with my spoils.
Saturday I did all of my baking and prep. of the vegi's while Mr. B&B did a deep cleaning of the bathroom and picked up other odds and ends.
Sunday I got up, cleaned the kitchen, and began boiling the meat. Then I scurried from room to room making the bed, dusting, and sorting piles of my stuff that had accumulated over the week. Mr. B&B and I went through the box of art that has been sitting in our office for the past year. We decided where things should be hung, framed what needed framing, and Mr. B&B kindly hung them up. The last of the Christmas things and a couple of well-sorted, organized bins of things were brought to the basement for storage. I set the table and went outside to gather items for a Spring'y' centerpiece. Half an hour before in-law arrival, the vegi's were put on to boil. Just as I was transferring the vegi's from the pan to the Corningware for serving, the in-laws arrived.
It was a really nice afternoon. Good conversation. Good food. Good people. I'm so grateful for family.
But isn't amazing how three days of preparation is over in three hours?
Friday, January 9, 2009
In Recognition of Mr. B&B
Mr. B&B had a difficult morning.
His wife, having been busy running around to dentist appointments and bringing the cat to the emergency vet, didn't do much of anything around the house yesterday, and she was tired, very tired, this morning. So tired that she did not roll out of bed until half an hour after he did.
Mr. B&B woke up to dishes in the sink...and on the stove... and on the table... and on the counter. The only clean ones seemed to be in the un-emptied dishwasher.
Mr. B&B found some creative way to work around all of the mess, make his coffee, and prepare his breakfast without leaving a trace of any potential additional mess he may have made.
He had just settled into the couch with his breakfast, coffee, and Rachael Maddow on the t.v. screen, when his wife emerged. Blurry eyed, hair a fright, still sticky with sleep, she mumbled something and kissed him on the forehead.
Of all the things he could have said, this is what came out, "Oh, honey, I should have made you breakfast..."
Before he could go on, his wife replied, "Oh, that's sweet, but my mouth hurts too much anyway and I'm cold, so cold, is it cold in here?" all the while wrapping herself in a blanket.
Undeterred, with a smile on his face, he pressed valiantly on, "I know, I'll go get you a banana!"
But his wife would not have it, "Mouth hurts...brrr..."
So, he finished his oatmeal, took a sip of his coffee, and declared it time for his shower.
On a typical morning this declaration would be followed by his wife setting about making his lunch, pouring him a to-go cup of coffee, preparing a Nalgene bottle of ice water, and putting it all in his backpack by the front door. Today that was not the case.
Without grumbling, after showering and dressing, Mr. B&B left his wife cocooned in blankets on the couch and did it all himself.
When he was about done with everything, his wife padded into the kitchen, "I'm sorry, babe... Can I help?" "No," he replied, "I'm about done." "I suck." she replied as he headed to the front door collecting his keys and wallet along the way.
As he slipped on his jacket and slid on his boots, she appeared in the doorway to the foyer offering apologies and explanations (mouth hurts, tired, cold). He offered helpful suggestions such as ibprofen for the mouth pain, a nap, and a warm shower after which she might don her warmest and softest turtleneck sweater. "Suck isn't a word I'd use to describe you." said he.
In spite of all her shortcomings, he embraced her and kissed her mouth inside which lurked unbrushed teeth, before wishing her a wonderful day and closing the door behind him. Knowing she'd be peering out the window, he turned and flashed her a smile and a wave just like something out of a movie. She blew him a kiss and inwardly resolved to have the house clean, a meal on the table, and herself all gussied up when he arrives home this evening
Mr. B&B, thank you for being the man that you are and for loving me just as I am. I so appreciate all that you do for me, for us. Even though I may not always say it, I recognize everything you do, all of your wonderfulness, and am so proud of you and thankful for all the things you do small and large. Tonight may be a night to bust out the homemade party hats and present you with a trophy ;-)
His wife, having been busy running around to dentist appointments and bringing the cat to the emergency vet, didn't do much of anything around the house yesterday, and she was tired, very tired, this morning. So tired that she did not roll out of bed until half an hour after he did.
Mr. B&B woke up to dishes in the sink...and on the stove... and on the table... and on the counter. The only clean ones seemed to be in the un-emptied dishwasher.
Mr. B&B found some creative way to work around all of the mess, make his coffee, and prepare his breakfast without leaving a trace of any potential additional mess he may have made.
He had just settled into the couch with his breakfast, coffee, and Rachael Maddow on the t.v. screen, when his wife emerged. Blurry eyed, hair a fright, still sticky with sleep, she mumbled something and kissed him on the forehead.
Of all the things he could have said, this is what came out, "Oh, honey, I should have made you breakfast..."
Before he could go on, his wife replied, "Oh, that's sweet, but my mouth hurts too much anyway and I'm cold, so cold, is it cold in here?" all the while wrapping herself in a blanket.
Undeterred, with a smile on his face, he pressed valiantly on, "I know, I'll go get you a banana!"
But his wife would not have it, "Mouth hurts...brrr..."
So, he finished his oatmeal, took a sip of his coffee, and declared it time for his shower.
On a typical morning this declaration would be followed by his wife setting about making his lunch, pouring him a to-go cup of coffee, preparing a Nalgene bottle of ice water, and putting it all in his backpack by the front door. Today that was not the case.
Without grumbling, after showering and dressing, Mr. B&B left his wife cocooned in blankets on the couch and did it all himself.
When he was about done with everything, his wife padded into the kitchen, "I'm sorry, babe... Can I help?" "No," he replied, "I'm about done." "I suck." she replied as he headed to the front door collecting his keys and wallet along the way.
As he slipped on his jacket and slid on his boots, she appeared in the doorway to the foyer offering apologies and explanations (mouth hurts, tired, cold). He offered helpful suggestions such as ibprofen for the mouth pain, a nap, and a warm shower after which she might don her warmest and softest turtleneck sweater. "Suck isn't a word I'd use to describe you." said he.
In spite of all her shortcomings, he embraced her and kissed her mouth inside which lurked unbrushed teeth, before wishing her a wonderful day and closing the door behind him. Knowing she'd be peering out the window, he turned and flashed her a smile and a wave just like something out of a movie. She blew him a kiss and inwardly resolved to have the house clean, a meal on the table, and herself all gussied up when he arrives home this evening
Mr. B&B, thank you for being the man that you are and for loving me just as I am. I so appreciate all that you do for me, for us. Even though I may not always say it, I recognize everything you do, all of your wonderfulness, and am so proud of you and thankful for all the things you do small and large. Tonight may be a night to bust out the homemade party hats and present you with a trophy ;-)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Never Underestimate the Power of the Nie
I am always talking about NieNie and her family and spreading their story to anyone who will listen. This complete stranger and her amazing family have totally changed and captivated me and many others. I am so thankful to them for their honesty and willingness to be so open with so many strangers about so many very personal things.
Latest update?
It looks like Nie's latest skin graft is taking. Thanks for any prayers and positivity you may have sent the Nielson's way. Keep it coming <3
Latest update?
It looks like Nie's latest skin graft is taking. Thanks for any prayers and positivity you may have sent the Nielson's way. Keep it coming <3
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What My Mentees Mean to Me
This afternoon into the evening was my final mentoring session with my three Teen Voices girls. It was cut short because, due to an impending snow storm, the Teen Voices staff decided to move up our appreciation ceremony scheduled for tomorrow evening to this evening. The girls and I got two hours of work done in forty-five minutes time. A.MAZE.ING. So incredibly proud of them!!!!!
So, the ceremony consisted of speeches by the Editor-In-Chief and staff of Teen Voices. The teen girls gave "shout outs" to people they have become close to and spoke about Teen Voices in general. The heart of the ceremony was when the girls read paragraphs they had written to their mentors and the mentors read paragraphs they had written to their girls. I didn't cry, but you better believe there were lots and lots of hugs.
I will post their paragraphs about me individually later.
This is what I had to say to them (names have been protected):
I was blessed with three mentees. When this all started I knew their names, now I like to think I know even just a little piece of their hearts. _______________________________________________________________________
K---. NOT K---. K---. And, if you can’t get it right, K--- will do. Respect, y’all. Original name for an original young lady.
Original because you were the first one I met on our first day.
Original because I don’t know any other ladies who successfully rock the suspenders and pearls and polkadots all at once.
Original because I’ve never heard anyone rap out thoughts and feelings on stage quite the way you did at the Teen Voices spoken word event.
Original because there is not another person who sees the world exactly as you do which is why I hope you continue to share your point of view through writing and photography. Don’t hold back or ever let anyone hold you back from your creative expressions. You have a gift and you would be doing a disservice to the universe if you let anything or anyone get in the way of it. Live your dream.
You always worked hard, but there were times when your silence caused me wonder how interested you really were. As soon as doubt crossed my mind you would do something to show me otherwise. Actions sometimes speak louder than words and I loved that you often reminded me of that. Thank you for always keeping things interesting just by being yourself.
________________________________________________________________________
A---. Not A---. A---. As she says, “Good-ness, get it right people.” Unique name for a unique young woman.
A young women who prefers to work leaning over the table or laying on the ground rather than sitting down.
A young women who loves the word “lothario”.
A young women who thinks and speaks at warp speed and then calls me out when it is obvious by my reply that I only sort of understood half of what she was saying.
A young woman who, during a somewhat confusing conversation about the location of Planned Parenthood, once asked, “Wait? What? They moved the building? Where’d they put it?”
A---, you are amazingly, unfalteringly aware of what you want, where you are going, and how you are going to get there. Hold on to that. Stay confident and determined. The world better watch out, step back, get out the way because you have so much to give, so much to teach, and, when you are done, it will be a better place because you were here. There is nothing you cannot accomplish. You will take, you are in the process of taking, the world by storm. No doubt, you will blow us all away!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
V---. No name confusion here, but a remarkable Miss. nonetheless.
Miss. Conscientious.
Miss. Perfectionist.
Miss. Independent.
Miss. Calls Me Miss.
V---, I admire your willingness to speak honestly about what is on your mind, is going on in your life, without fear of how others might react. It is refreshing and I know that I have benefited from your willingness to share. It is beautiful. You are beautiful. As far as work goes, thank you for keeping everyone on task and staying focused when it would have been just as easy and maybe more fun to fall off the wagon into silly oblivion. Your seriousness and obvious desire to work hard completing the tasks on any given day helped me keep it together. Your honesty and work ethic will get you far. Miss. V---, you are beauty inside and out!
________________________________________________________________________
To all three of you,
I will miss gummy fruit snacks, gathering around one computer to “do it together”, and nagging you about saving your sources. I will miss exchanging big hugs, leaning over your shoulders every five minutes asking how things are going, and telling you how wonderful you are. I am so grateful for your trust, honesty, hard work, and openness to possibilities during our work together. I loved each and every minute. I love each and every one of you. And though I have said it again and again and again I must say it once more. I am so very proud of you and you should be extremely proud of yourselves! Round of applause for K---, A---, and V---!!!!!
So, the ceremony consisted of speeches by the Editor-In-Chief and staff of Teen Voices. The teen girls gave "shout outs" to people they have become close to and spoke about Teen Voices in general. The heart of the ceremony was when the girls read paragraphs they had written to their mentors and the mentors read paragraphs they had written to their girls. I didn't cry, but you better believe there were lots and lots of hugs.
I will post their paragraphs about me individually later.
This is what I had to say to them (names have been protected):
I was blessed with three mentees. When this all started I knew their names, now I like to think I know even just a little piece of their hearts. _______________________________________________________________________
K---. NOT K---. K---. And, if you can’t get it right, K--- will do. Respect, y’all. Original name for an original young lady.
Original because you were the first one I met on our first day.
Original because I don’t know any other ladies who successfully rock the suspenders and pearls and polkadots all at once.
Original because I’ve never heard anyone rap out thoughts and feelings on stage quite the way you did at the Teen Voices spoken word event.
Original because there is not another person who sees the world exactly as you do which is why I hope you continue to share your point of view through writing and photography. Don’t hold back or ever let anyone hold you back from your creative expressions. You have a gift and you would be doing a disservice to the universe if you let anything or anyone get in the way of it. Live your dream.
You always worked hard, but there were times when your silence caused me wonder how interested you really were. As soon as doubt crossed my mind you would do something to show me otherwise. Actions sometimes speak louder than words and I loved that you often reminded me of that. Thank you for always keeping things interesting just by being yourself.
________________________________________________________________________
A---. Not A---. A---. As she says, “Good-ness, get it right people.” Unique name for a unique young woman.
A young women who prefers to work leaning over the table or laying on the ground rather than sitting down.
A young women who loves the word “lothario”.
A young women who thinks and speaks at warp speed and then calls me out when it is obvious by my reply that I only sort of understood half of what she was saying.
A young woman who, during a somewhat confusing conversation about the location of Planned Parenthood, once asked, “Wait? What? They moved the building? Where’d they put it?”
A---, you are amazingly, unfalteringly aware of what you want, where you are going, and how you are going to get there. Hold on to that. Stay confident and determined. The world better watch out, step back, get out the way because you have so much to give, so much to teach, and, when you are done, it will be a better place because you were here. There is nothing you cannot accomplish. You will take, you are in the process of taking, the world by storm. No doubt, you will blow us all away!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
V---. No name confusion here, but a remarkable Miss. nonetheless.
Miss. Conscientious.
Miss. Perfectionist.
Miss. Independent.
Miss. Calls Me Miss.
V---, I admire your willingness to speak honestly about what is on your mind, is going on in your life, without fear of how others might react. It is refreshing and I know that I have benefited from your willingness to share. It is beautiful. You are beautiful. As far as work goes, thank you for keeping everyone on task and staying focused when it would have been just as easy and maybe more fun to fall off the wagon into silly oblivion. Your seriousness and obvious desire to work hard completing the tasks on any given day helped me keep it together. Your honesty and work ethic will get you far. Miss. V---, you are beauty inside and out!
________________________________________________________________________
To all three of you,
I will miss gummy fruit snacks, gathering around one computer to “do it together”, and nagging you about saving your sources. I will miss exchanging big hugs, leaning over your shoulders every five minutes asking how things are going, and telling you how wonderful you are. I am so grateful for your trust, honesty, hard work, and openness to possibilities during our work together. I loved each and every minute. I love each and every one of you. And though I have said it again and again and again I must say it once more. I am so very proud of you and you should be extremely proud of yourselves! Round of applause for K---, A---, and V---!!!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Your Personal Year In Review
Usually I reflect and make resolutions on my birthday instead of at the end of the calendar year, BUT this is an amazing year-end list! Melissa at birds.eye.view posted this listy quiz of sorts By Ariane de Bonvoisin and found on HuffPo. As Melissa says, it’s one you do yourself!
* What was the best thing that happened to me this year?
My husband and I moved into a two-family turned two condos with all the original 1920's charms and we have made it a home.
* What did I do this year that I’m really proud of?
I have always wanted to volunteer. Finally, instead of just searching for opportunities, I took action. Volunteering is more challenging and also more rewarding than I ever imagined.
I began blogging regularly and putting myself and my writing out there in just a small way. Facing that fear is something I am proud of.
Started focusing on my mental health and am taking steps to improve it.
* Who did I really help?
I like to think I have helped my fellow volunteers and the families I have begun to know at Perkins School for the Blind.
Volunteering/Interning at Teen Voices Magazine, I hope I have helped the young women I have been working with to grow and change for the better.
By sending words of encouragement, contributing to Threads of Love, and spreading their story to everyone I can, I have tried to help the Nielson Family in my own small way.
I have tried to help my friends and family by always being here to listen, emote, and love.
I have tried to help my husband by getting up every morning to make his lunch and send him off to work with a hug and words of encouragement, by thanking him every night for working so hard to take care of our little family and for all of the support he gives to me no matter what, by participating in events that his employer puts on (volunteering at charity run, making apple pie, going to the Holiday Party), by fully understanding and encouraging all of the work travel he needs to do, by keeping the house running so he can leave his stress at work and fully relax when he is at home, and by just loving him.
* Who do I need to thank and acknowledge for having been there for me?
All of the people who I have helped have in turn helped me.
The other volunteers at Perkins have been friendly and encouraging. The families at Perkins have shown me what true courage and love really are. The child I worked one-on-one with at Perkins helped me to be patient, adapt, see the world in new ways, and pay attention to and acknowledge even the smallest accomplishments.
The young women at Teen Voices have helped to recognize that "normal" varies from person to person. They have helped me to be a better leader and listener. They have helped me to see my own possibilities by exhibiting theirs.
The Nielson and Clark families have helped me to grow in faith, to cherish every moment, to be grateful every day, to find the positive in every situation, to begin to figure out what I want my family to be like should my husband and I be blessed with children, to show my love to my husband every day in every way... Just so many lessons from NieNie, CJane, AliceKind, Lizzy Writes, and Christian.
My friends and family have helped me by being there to listen, emote, and love.
My husband has helped me by supporting our family, giving me the freedom to pursue all of my pursuits to the fullest, letting me be me, loving me just the way I am... Just being the incredible man he is... The yin to my yang.
* What are the top three lessons I learned?
It is more than o.k. to seek help when you need it.
We are all the same, even in our differences.
Our strength lies in our weaknesses.
* What increased my happiness and joy this year?
Making friends with complete strangers through blogging and volunteering.
Finding time for writing in one way or another nearly every day.
An "at home" vacation with my husband during which we went to Nascar in New Hampshire, the Science Museum, wandered around Boston, and went to the Brockton Fair, among other adventures.
Spending time in Maine with my oldest sister and her family.
* What’s something I got through that was really tough?
It has been an overall easy year aside from the following two somewhat difficult happenings:
The family dog dying unexpectedly was difficult.
My grandfather passed away.
* What did I avoid that I must pay more attention to in 2009?
Conflict. I need to work on speaking my mind especially when I have anxiety built up around doing so due to fear of rejection, fear of being the recipient of anger, and fear of disappointment and/or disappointing.
* What character trait did I develop most this year?
Open-mindedness. I feel I have been more receptive to the views of others and to recognizing things in and about myself that I never have before. My mind just feels much more open to possibility and alternatives.
* What new people did I meet that are now in my life?
I met Lyle and Angela who live in the condo above us. They are friendly, interesting, and very giving people. Couldn't ask for better neighbors! We definitely lucked out :-)
I met my fellow volunteers and the families at Perkins and the young women and staff at Teen Voices magazine.
I met my postcard buddy, Melissa, who I am so happy to be getting to know. Maybe a visit to San Francisco is in the cards for me in 2009 <3
There are still memories to be made in 2008, but I am looking forward to 2009 and whatever is coming my way as I, a self proclaimed work in progress, evolve.
* What was the best thing that happened to me this year?
My husband and I moved into a two-family turned two condos with all the original 1920's charms and we have made it a home.
* What did I do this year that I’m really proud of?
I have always wanted to volunteer. Finally, instead of just searching for opportunities, I took action. Volunteering is more challenging and also more rewarding than I ever imagined.
I began blogging regularly and putting myself and my writing out there in just a small way. Facing that fear is something I am proud of.
Started focusing on my mental health and am taking steps to improve it.
* Who did I really help?
I like to think I have helped my fellow volunteers and the families I have begun to know at Perkins School for the Blind.
Volunteering/Interning at Teen Voices Magazine, I hope I have helped the young women I have been working with to grow and change for the better.
By sending words of encouragement, contributing to Threads of Love, and spreading their story to everyone I can, I have tried to help the Nielson Family in my own small way.
I have tried to help my friends and family by always being here to listen, emote, and love.
I have tried to help my husband by getting up every morning to make his lunch and send him off to work with a hug and words of encouragement, by thanking him every night for working so hard to take care of our little family and for all of the support he gives to me no matter what, by participating in events that his employer puts on (volunteering at charity run, making apple pie, going to the Holiday Party), by fully understanding and encouraging all of the work travel he needs to do, by keeping the house running so he can leave his stress at work and fully relax when he is at home, and by just loving him.
* Who do I need to thank and acknowledge for having been there for me?
All of the people who I have helped have in turn helped me.
The other volunteers at Perkins have been friendly and encouraging. The families at Perkins have shown me what true courage and love really are. The child I worked one-on-one with at Perkins helped me to be patient, adapt, see the world in new ways, and pay attention to and acknowledge even the smallest accomplishments.
The young women at Teen Voices have helped to recognize that "normal" varies from person to person. They have helped me to be a better leader and listener. They have helped me to see my own possibilities by exhibiting theirs.
The Nielson and Clark families have helped me to grow in faith, to cherish every moment, to be grateful every day, to find the positive in every situation, to begin to figure out what I want my family to be like should my husband and I be blessed with children, to show my love to my husband every day in every way... Just so many lessons from NieNie, CJane, AliceKind, Lizzy Writes, and Christian.
My friends and family have helped me by being there to listen, emote, and love.
My husband has helped me by supporting our family, giving me the freedom to pursue all of my pursuits to the fullest, letting me be me, loving me just the way I am... Just being the incredible man he is... The yin to my yang.
* What are the top three lessons I learned?
It is more than o.k. to seek help when you need it.
We are all the same, even in our differences.
Our strength lies in our weaknesses.
* What increased my happiness and joy this year?
Making friends with complete strangers through blogging and volunteering.
Finding time for writing in one way or another nearly every day.
An "at home" vacation with my husband during which we went to Nascar in New Hampshire, the Science Museum, wandered around Boston, and went to the Brockton Fair, among other adventures.
Spending time in Maine with my oldest sister and her family.
* What’s something I got through that was really tough?
It has been an overall easy year aside from the following two somewhat difficult happenings:
The family dog dying unexpectedly was difficult.
My grandfather passed away.
* What did I avoid that I must pay more attention to in 2009?
Conflict. I need to work on speaking my mind especially when I have anxiety built up around doing so due to fear of rejection, fear of being the recipient of anger, and fear of disappointment and/or disappointing.
* What character trait did I develop most this year?
Open-mindedness. I feel I have been more receptive to the views of others and to recognizing things in and about myself that I never have before. My mind just feels much more open to possibility and alternatives.
* What new people did I meet that are now in my life?
I met Lyle and Angela who live in the condo above us. They are friendly, interesting, and very giving people. Couldn't ask for better neighbors! We definitely lucked out :-)
I met my fellow volunteers and the families at Perkins and the young women and staff at Teen Voices magazine.
I met my postcard buddy, Melissa, who I am so happy to be getting to know. Maybe a visit to San Francisco is in the cards for me in 2009 <3
There are still memories to be made in 2008, but I am looking forward to 2009 and whatever is coming my way as I, a self proclaimed work in progress, evolve.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Mr. Nielson Gives Thanks
View Christian's message on YouTube here.
*Photo and writing on photo by Stephanie Nielson*
On the off chance that you ever happen upon my blog, Mr. Nielson, Thank You <3
Your love for Nie inspires my husband and I to always make time for each other, to listen, to be silly together, to always keep our love alive.
Your rejoicing in your children, being there for them, allowing them to be who they are, sharing your sense of fun with them... If my husband and I are blessed with children, I hope we can take a cue from you.
Your love and appreciation for your parents, siblings, and entire extended family is remarkable. Your example has caused me to reach out to members of my family in a way I never have before.
Your faith is awesome. Though I am not Mormon, I do have faith. I have always tried to live according to His example, but I am beginning to be aware of how much more I can do. I am more attuned to His call and more inclined to answer it.
I know that I am not the only one whom you have touched through Nie's blog and through your incredible strength and grace in the wake of the accident and on your path to recovery.
As I watched your video I cried happy tears and kept thinking, "This is beautiful, Mr. Nielson, but it is we who should be thanking you."
Thank you, Mr. Nielson, and Happy Thanksgiving!
*All images courtesy of Nie's blog*
*Photo and writing on photo by Stephanie Nielson*
On the off chance that you ever happen upon my blog, Mr. Nielson, Thank You <3
Your love for Nie inspires my husband and I to always make time for each other, to listen, to be silly together, to always keep our love alive.
Your rejoicing in your children, being there for them, allowing them to be who they are, sharing your sense of fun with them... If my husband and I are blessed with children, I hope we can take a cue from you.
Your love and appreciation for your parents, siblings, and entire extended family is remarkable. Your example has caused me to reach out to members of my family in a way I never have before.
Your faith is awesome. Though I am not Mormon, I do have faith. I have always tried to live according to His example, but I am beginning to be aware of how much more I can do. I am more attuned to His call and more inclined to answer it.
I know that I am not the only one whom you have touched through Nie's blog and through your incredible strength and grace in the wake of the accident and on your path to recovery.
As I watched your video I cried happy tears and kept thinking, "This is beautiful, Mr. Nielson, but it is we who should be thanking you."
Thank you, Mr. Nielson, and Happy Thanksgiving!
*All images courtesy of Nie's blog*
Monday, November 24, 2008
Newest Nie News
Thanksgiving is coming up in a few days. I am so Thankful that Nie is recovering near her family in Utah and the Nielson children have been reunited with their father, Christian.
Read the most recent article here.
Find family members' blogs at cjane, Alice Kind, and Lizzy Writes.
See how the quilts I mentioned contributing to are coming along at Threads of Love.
Remarkable recovering. Remarkable people. Remarkable family and friends. Remarkable blog community.
Remarkably Grateful. Remarkably Thankful.
Please continue to keep the Nielson's and their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as Stephanie and Christian soldier on through the recovery process.
Thank you!
Read the most recent article here.
Find family members' blogs at cjane, Alice Kind, and Lizzy Writes.
See how the quilts I mentioned contributing to are coming along at Threads of Love.
Remarkable recovering. Remarkable people. Remarkable family and friends. Remarkable blog community.
Remarkably Grateful. Remarkably Thankful.
Please continue to keep the Nielson's and their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as Stephanie and Christian soldier on through the recovery process.
Thank you!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Miraculous NieNie
Another article on Nie and Christian's progress, love story, and how their incredible family is coping and hoping can be read here.
This quote from the doctor brought happy, hopeful, grateful tears to my eyes:
Miraculous NieNie. Please keep sending prayers and positivity to Stephanie, Christian, their family, and their friends. It seems to be working <3 There is no arguing with miracles.
This quote from the doctor brought happy, hopeful, grateful tears to my eyes:
He looks at his patient, blinking and laughing, and is astonished, still.
Stephanie's strong, slender body has defied the complications that are expected with burns this severe: organ failure, infections. More than half the people who are burned as badly as Stephanie die, Foster says.
"I kept waiting and waiting for her to get sick," he says. "It never happened.
"I've been around long enough to know that something special is going on. I don't know what it is," Foster says, "but it's something."
Miraculous NieNie. Please keep sending prayers and positivity to Stephanie, Christian, their family, and their friends. It seems to be working <3 There is no arguing with miracles.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
WedNieNie'sDay - #3
This week I am grateful for:
1940's Furniture. With Grampy's passing this summer it came time for my father and his five siblings to clean out their parents' home. When asked to make up a list of items I might like to have it varied from animal shaped cups and cereal bowls with straws built in to the 1940's dining room set. I told my father I thought it important that he and his siblings have "first dibs" if you will and stressed that I was happy with my memories. I ended up with the dining room set. It is gorgeous in my 1920's house where it is bathed in the light of the stained glass window. The table is an oak "extension table" meaning that the extra leaf is stored under the table top. The legs of the chairs and the table are curved and the chairs have designed backs. The buffet has all kinds of drawers one of which is lined with velvet for silverware storage and it too has all kinds of curves and contours. The set also came with a corner cabinet which is with my parents for now because there is not one corner in our dining room that isn't a doorway or window. It makes me happy to look at the set and remember the past while dreaming of the future memories to be made sitting around it.
One view of the dining room (furniture is staging furniture, not ours)
Another view of the dining room (again, staging furniture, not ours)
Photography. My digital camera broke in January and I miss it terribly. It was under warranty and I sent it back, but have not received a check yet. This week I broke down and bought two throwaway 35mm cameras to photograph all the beauty of Autumn. What fun I had taking pictures of heart-shaped chrysanthemums, apple orchards, and the Topsfield Fair! How I wish I could share them with all of you... (sigh) I've really missed having photography as a creative outlet. Grateful for the reminder, for the act, and for the renewed motivation to bug the warranty people for a check so I can get back to doing something that brings me such joy.
Fall Fun. On Saturday afternoon my newly-arrived-home-from-Cali husband and I met our friends Tanya and Greg at Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA for an afternoon of apple picking. We wandered the orchards admiring the cloud-free blue sky, breathing in the fresh air, and picking apples. We picked up cider and cider donuts and candy apples at the store. My favorite part of the orchard experience? Climbing the wooden ladders that looked like they were straight out of Anne of Green Gables. Remember when Anne brought the head of the school she was teaching at home for the summer and they picked apples? Just like that, but I wasn't wearing an apron over my dress.
On Monday Mr. B&B took me to the Topsfield Fair. We visited the animals, saw the fruit and vegetable exhibits and the flower exhibit, and walked around the carnival rides part of it. We ate sweet potato fries and drank fresh squeezed lemonade. Just glorious! It was nice to walk around holding hands and laughing and talking after so many days of him being away on business. Fairs are also always a great opportunity to get back in touch with the inner child. Yippee!
Patient Husband. Our Fall Fun was not without frustration. Frustration = Traffic. Going apple picking meant waiting in a one mile long line of traffic for one hour. Going to the fair meant waiting in a forty-five minute line of traffic once we got off the highway. Mr. B&B was driving, both times. He did not make a peep, not one complaint slipped from his lips. He just rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof, and talked baseball, basketball, politics, and recollected Fall memories of yore. Watching him and his chosen reactions is such a lesson for me and deepens my appreciation and love for him. Mr. B&B, as Carly Simon sings "Baby, baby, darlin', You're the Best" <3
Nobody Does It Better by Carly Simon on YouTube
Long Weekend. This long weekend was especially sweet because it coincided with my husband returning from his business trip. Having three days to acclimate to each other and sleep in and be spontaneous was luxurious. Grateful for that quality time for that length of time anytime but especially upon Mr. B&B's return.
Ingenuity. Since I am a student and am only nannying a few times a month, it is important to me to help save money where we can. One of the things I do is try to find creative uses for items we already have around the house OR identify a want one or both of us has and see how I can meet and satisfy that want using things we already have. My latest want is Fall and Halloween decorations for the house and front porch. I have old spice jars, cloth, felt, thread and construction paper. I am thinking black and orange paper chains with paper ghosts and/or paper spiders and/or paper pumpkins hanging from them by thread, a cloth and felt leaf wreath for the door, and perhaps paper flowers in spice jars on the three steps leading up to our front porch. Ingenuity, what a gift!
Gift of Giving. My internship at Teen Voices begins next week and I can not wait to give my time and attention to the young women I'll be working with. I sent fabric to Threads of Love for the Nielson's. I also interviewed at Perkins School for the Blind yesterday and will begin working with them once my Cori form passes. Every day I am able to give my time and attention and thoughts and prayers to people I love. In giving whatever I have to give I feel I also get so much back. I feel better physically and mentally, my outlook is brighter, my satisfaction in using my gifts is so great... I just think that giving is one of the greatest gifts, it is free, and we all have something to give.
Friendly Neighbors. When we moved in to our condo this past spring, Mr. B&B and I were not sure who would end up living in the condo above us. We imagined all kinds of scenarios, but we always wished and hoped for good, friendly, reasonable people who, at the very least, we could work with to care for the house, and, at the very best, would become dear friends. Angela and Lyle are certainly a wish come true. At least once a month we meet for a movie and/or a "condo association meeting" and we always have fun. We even swap yummy baked goods frequently. When it comes to the house, we hear each other out, take every opinion into consideration and come to a decision or compromise together. If you are reading #10 Residents, so glad you are our neighbors and are quickly becoming our friends!
Mr. Rogers "Won't You Be My Neighbor" on YouTube
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
1940's Furniture. With Grampy's passing this summer it came time for my father and his five siblings to clean out their parents' home. When asked to make up a list of items I might like to have it varied from animal shaped cups and cereal bowls with straws built in to the 1940's dining room set. I told my father I thought it important that he and his siblings have "first dibs" if you will and stressed that I was happy with my memories. I ended up with the dining room set. It is gorgeous in my 1920's house where it is bathed in the light of the stained glass window. The table is an oak "extension table" meaning that the extra leaf is stored under the table top. The legs of the chairs and the table are curved and the chairs have designed backs. The buffet has all kinds of drawers one of which is lined with velvet for silverware storage and it too has all kinds of curves and contours. The set also came with a corner cabinet which is with my parents for now because there is not one corner in our dining room that isn't a doorway or window. It makes me happy to look at the set and remember the past while dreaming of the future memories to be made sitting around it.
One view of the dining room (furniture is staging furniture, not ours)
Another view of the dining room (again, staging furniture, not ours)
Photography. My digital camera broke in January and I miss it terribly. It was under warranty and I sent it back, but have not received a check yet. This week I broke down and bought two throwaway 35mm cameras to photograph all the beauty of Autumn. What fun I had taking pictures of heart-shaped chrysanthemums, apple orchards, and the Topsfield Fair! How I wish I could share them with all of you... (sigh) I've really missed having photography as a creative outlet. Grateful for the reminder, for the act, and for the renewed motivation to bug the warranty people for a check so I can get back to doing something that brings me such joy.
Fall Fun. On Saturday afternoon my newly-arrived-home-from-Cali husband and I met our friends Tanya and Greg at Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA for an afternoon of apple picking. We wandered the orchards admiring the cloud-free blue sky, breathing in the fresh air, and picking apples. We picked up cider and cider donuts and candy apples at the store. My favorite part of the orchard experience? Climbing the wooden ladders that looked like they were straight out of Anne of Green Gables. Remember when Anne brought the head of the school she was teaching at home for the summer and they picked apples? Just like that, but I wasn't wearing an apron over my dress.
On Monday Mr. B&B took me to the Topsfield Fair. We visited the animals, saw the fruit and vegetable exhibits and the flower exhibit, and walked around the carnival rides part of it. We ate sweet potato fries and drank fresh squeezed lemonade. Just glorious! It was nice to walk around holding hands and laughing and talking after so many days of him being away on business. Fairs are also always a great opportunity to get back in touch with the inner child. Yippee!
Patient Husband. Our Fall Fun was not without frustration. Frustration = Traffic. Going apple picking meant waiting in a one mile long line of traffic for one hour. Going to the fair meant waiting in a forty-five minute line of traffic once we got off the highway. Mr. B&B was driving, both times. He did not make a peep, not one complaint slipped from his lips. He just rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof, and talked baseball, basketball, politics, and recollected Fall memories of yore. Watching him and his chosen reactions is such a lesson for me and deepens my appreciation and love for him. Mr. B&B, as Carly Simon sings "Baby, baby, darlin', You're the Best" <3
Nobody Does It Better by Carly Simon on YouTube
Long Weekend. This long weekend was especially sweet because it coincided with my husband returning from his business trip. Having three days to acclimate to each other and sleep in and be spontaneous was luxurious. Grateful for that quality time for that length of time anytime but especially upon Mr. B&B's return.
Ingenuity. Since I am a student and am only nannying a few times a month, it is important to me to help save money where we can. One of the things I do is try to find creative uses for items we already have around the house OR identify a want one or both of us has and see how I can meet and satisfy that want using things we already have. My latest want is Fall and Halloween decorations for the house and front porch. I have old spice jars, cloth, felt, thread and construction paper. I am thinking black and orange paper chains with paper ghosts and/or paper spiders and/or paper pumpkins hanging from them by thread, a cloth and felt leaf wreath for the door, and perhaps paper flowers in spice jars on the three steps leading up to our front porch. Ingenuity, what a gift!
Gift of Giving. My internship at Teen Voices begins next week and I can not wait to give my time and attention to the young women I'll be working with. I sent fabric to Threads of Love for the Nielson's. I also interviewed at Perkins School for the Blind yesterday and will begin working with them once my Cori form passes. Every day I am able to give my time and attention and thoughts and prayers to people I love. In giving whatever I have to give I feel I also get so much back. I feel better physically and mentally, my outlook is brighter, my satisfaction in using my gifts is so great... I just think that giving is one of the greatest gifts, it is free, and we all have something to give.
Friendly Neighbors. When we moved in to our condo this past spring, Mr. B&B and I were not sure who would end up living in the condo above us. We imagined all kinds of scenarios, but we always wished and hoped for good, friendly, reasonable people who, at the very least, we could work with to care for the house, and, at the very best, would become dear friends. Angela and Lyle are certainly a wish come true. At least once a month we meet for a movie and/or a "condo association meeting" and we always have fun. We even swap yummy baked goods frequently. When it comes to the house, we hear each other out, take every opinion into consideration and come to a decision or compromise together. If you are reading #10 Residents, so glad you are our neighbors and are quickly becoming our friends!
Mr. Rogers "Won't You Be My Neighbor" on YouTube
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
WedNieNie'sDay - #2
This week I am grateful for:
A Good Cry. I had one on Monday night. Crying so hard I was shaking. Crying so loud the cat hid under the bed. Crying so long I gave myself a headache. When it was over, the headache subsided and I felt so good. I am a woman of words, but sometimes a good cry can be even more expressive.
Billy Elliot. I watched this movie from beginning to end for the first time this week. It is about a boy who is taking boxing lessons at his father's request, but he really loves to dance. It is a story about family, staying true to yourself, listening to your heart, and following your dreams and seeing them to fruition no matter what. Positive and inspirational without being hokey. Also, wonderful to watch a movie about a boy's coming of age because they seem so few and far between.
Internship Training. I can not say enough about this. Training was 5-9 on Friday and 9-5 on Saturday. I met the women of Teen Voices Magazine, the other Editorial Mentors, and heard the stories of teen girls who have participated in the program. It was uplifting and educational and has me all fired up for the experience. I want to do all I can to live up to this enormous responsibility and to open myself up to whatever the experience brings. It was a long evening and Saturday of training, but I loved and am grateful for every minute.
Volunteer Opportunity. Over the summer I applied to volunteer at Perkins School for the Blind. Today I heard from them and next week I go in for an interview. The minimum commitment is two hours a week for six months. I hope to be offered the opportunity to give of myself and to use the gifts I have been given. At the very least, I am grateful for the opportunity to interview.
Kid-isms. I put on my "nanny hat" twice this week and the kids are just so insightful and honest and funny. The oldest will be five in November (Didn't you just love being five!?!?) and his awareness of things is really beginning to broaden which means one never knows what he is going to say. He is the ring bearer in a wedding this coming weekend and told me all about how he is going to carry the pillow with the rings on it down the aisle and then he is going to eat chicken and shake his bum all night long in his shiny dancing shoes. Cracks me up! The youngest is 17 months and her personality is really emerging. She giggles at everything and, because her vocabulary is still limited, her body does a lot of the talking. When she is impatient she screws up her face and stomps her feet. When she wants to be upside down or see something that is behind her she arches her back and hangs her head behind her. She knows how to say "all done", but sometimes she will just put her hand in front of her face or wave her hands in front of the object and shake her head no. So ingenious and so funny.
Frozen Berries. Three words: yummy, yummy, yummy. Some how berries manage to taste better frozen. Maybe it is because we have to slow down and bite carefully or suck on it for a long time and that heightens our sense of taste. Anyway, I can't get enough.
Chrysanthemums. Fall is here! Mums produce so many flowers and they come in so many colors. Luscious! Up close there are so many tiny petals making up each blossom. Miraculous! At my local farm they also come in hanging baskets. Opulent! Mr. BrainyandBeautiful (Mr.B&B) is on a business trip, but when he returns I think a trip to the farm for mums and other fall fun is in order.
Business Trips. I am always sad to see Mr.B&B head off to intriguing destinations all over the country, but I am grateful for these trips as well. I am grateful that his employer trusts him and values him highly enough to send him off to get more training and to represent them and to return to teach others what he has learned. I am all for him taking every opportunity he is afforded. He is so supportive of me and when I have to opportunity to give that support back I do.
Why else am I grateful for business trips? On the selfish side, I must admit, every once in awhile it is nice to clean as I wish and keep it that way, have full control of the t.v. remote, and put toasted bread with peanut butter and sliced apples on a plate and call it dinner.
This week Mr. B&B is somewhere in California. So, Californian readers, if you see a tall guy with startling green eyes wearing a Boston Celtics hat wandering your city, say hello and give him a hug from Mrs. B&B and let him know he is missed.
North End, Boston. I love all of Boston, but I find this part of the city particularly magical. On Saturday Mr. B&B and I treated ourselves to a stroll through this Italian neighborhood. There is always great people watching and Mr. B&B is always thrilled when the occasional Ferrari or Porsche passes by. Open air dining, amazing aromas, gardens on terraces, musicians walking the streets playing accordions, watching cobblers fix shoes through the windows, Italian groceries, are just some of what contributes to the magic. My favorite restaurant is La Famiglia Giorgios. Saturday we ate at Bella Vista on Hanover Street which came in a close second. It was a wonderful break in our very busy schedules during which we enjoyed great conversation and uninterrupted hand holding in an always magical place.
As far as NieNie and Christian, CJane reports that they continue to improve. Slow and steady wins the race. Please continue to think of and pray for them.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
A Good Cry. I had one on Monday night. Crying so hard I was shaking. Crying so loud the cat hid under the bed. Crying so long I gave myself a headache. When it was over, the headache subsided and I felt so good. I am a woman of words, but sometimes a good cry can be even more expressive.
Billy Elliot. I watched this movie from beginning to end for the first time this week. It is about a boy who is taking boxing lessons at his father's request, but he really loves to dance. It is a story about family, staying true to yourself, listening to your heart, and following your dreams and seeing them to fruition no matter what. Positive and inspirational without being hokey. Also, wonderful to watch a movie about a boy's coming of age because they seem so few and far between.
Internship Training. I can not say enough about this. Training was 5-9 on Friday and 9-5 on Saturday. I met the women of Teen Voices Magazine, the other Editorial Mentors, and heard the stories of teen girls who have participated in the program. It was uplifting and educational and has me all fired up for the experience. I want to do all I can to live up to this enormous responsibility and to open myself up to whatever the experience brings. It was a long evening and Saturday of training, but I loved and am grateful for every minute.
Volunteer Opportunity. Over the summer I applied to volunteer at Perkins School for the Blind. Today I heard from them and next week I go in for an interview. The minimum commitment is two hours a week for six months. I hope to be offered the opportunity to give of myself and to use the gifts I have been given. At the very least, I am grateful for the opportunity to interview.
Kid-isms. I put on my "nanny hat" twice this week and the kids are just so insightful and honest and funny. The oldest will be five in November (Didn't you just love being five!?!?) and his awareness of things is really beginning to broaden which means one never knows what he is going to say. He is the ring bearer in a wedding this coming weekend and told me all about how he is going to carry the pillow with the rings on it down the aisle and then he is going to eat chicken and shake his bum all night long in his shiny dancing shoes. Cracks me up! The youngest is 17 months and her personality is really emerging. She giggles at everything and, because her vocabulary is still limited, her body does a lot of the talking. When she is impatient she screws up her face and stomps her feet. When she wants to be upside down or see something that is behind her she arches her back and hangs her head behind her. She knows how to say "all done", but sometimes she will just put her hand in front of her face or wave her hands in front of the object and shake her head no. So ingenious and so funny.
Frozen Berries. Three words: yummy, yummy, yummy. Some how berries manage to taste better frozen. Maybe it is because we have to slow down and bite carefully or suck on it for a long time and that heightens our sense of taste. Anyway, I can't get enough.
Chrysanthemums. Fall is here! Mums produce so many flowers and they come in so many colors. Luscious! Up close there are so many tiny petals making up each blossom. Miraculous! At my local farm they also come in hanging baskets. Opulent! Mr. BrainyandBeautiful (Mr.B&B) is on a business trip, but when he returns I think a trip to the farm for mums and other fall fun is in order.
Business Trips. I am always sad to see Mr.B&B head off to intriguing destinations all over the country, but I am grateful for these trips as well. I am grateful that his employer trusts him and values him highly enough to send him off to get more training and to represent them and to return to teach others what he has learned. I am all for him taking every opportunity he is afforded. He is so supportive of me and when I have to opportunity to give that support back I do.
Why else am I grateful for business trips? On the selfish side, I must admit, every once in awhile it is nice to clean as I wish and keep it that way, have full control of the t.v. remote, and put toasted bread with peanut butter and sliced apples on a plate and call it dinner.
This week Mr. B&B is somewhere in California. So, Californian readers, if you see a tall guy with startling green eyes wearing a Boston Celtics hat wandering your city, say hello and give him a hug from Mrs. B&B and let him know he is missed.
North End, Boston. I love all of Boston, but I find this part of the city particularly magical. On Saturday Mr. B&B and I treated ourselves to a stroll through this Italian neighborhood. There is always great people watching and Mr. B&B is always thrilled when the occasional Ferrari or Porsche passes by. Open air dining, amazing aromas, gardens on terraces, musicians walking the streets playing accordions, watching cobblers fix shoes through the windows, Italian groceries, are just some of what contributes to the magic. My favorite restaurant is La Famiglia Giorgios. Saturday we ate at Bella Vista on Hanover Street which came in a close second. It was a wonderful break in our very busy schedules during which we enjoyed great conversation and uninterrupted hand holding in an always magical place.
As far as NieNie and Christian, CJane reports that they continue to improve. Slow and steady wins the race. Please continue to think of and pray for them.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
WedNieNie'sDay - #1
When I was writing a Grateful post in the spirit of Nie every night it was easy to make a quick list. Now that my NieNie post comes once a week, the list would be far too long. So, the format needs to change. I am giving it a try this week (bolding the general followed by enumerations), but if you have any ideas as to how I might best format my WedNieNie'sDay posts, please make a comment and I'll take your ideas into consideration.
This week I am Grateful for:
Being Busy. This week has been a whirlwind of classes, homework, housework, nannying, and visiting with friends and family. Some view being busy as a burden, just an endless parade of places to be and things to do so one can cross those items off the "To Do" List. In one word, drudgery, I guess. I am learning to view being busy as something to be grateful for. In the past I have become crazed when busy because I was saying yes to just about everything and everyone, somehow finding a way to fit everyone in, meet the needs of everyone. Recently I have realized that in meeting the needs of others I was neglecting myself and that by taking on so much I was not able to fully enjoy, or give my all, to any of the activities or people I was spending time with. My "New Busy" is a good busy because it is more balanced and everything I am doing and everyone I am spending time with brings me joy and contributes to my personal growth, makes me a better person so that I can go out and further spread that joy and have more of myself to give.
Classes. Going to class is like an instant recharge for me. No matter how my day has gone or what is on my mind, when I get to class my energy is high and my brain is fully engaged. I get excited and I voice my ideas and talk with my hands (I am Italian) and I am continually pleasantly surprised by my capacity to learn and to expand. I am also fascinated by my professors and classmates and what they have to say. So, to be in a space where I can learn and grow with and thanks to fascinating people is a gift.
Homework. If my high school self could hear me now she would think I was a freak. "Grateful for homework?" I can almost hear her say as she wrinkles her nose in disbelief. Yes, high school self, I am grateful for homework. I love looking up math terms and realizing how much a part of EVERYTHING math really is. I love reading packets of poetry and then, of my own accord, looking up the poet's biographical information just because. I love staring at a blank page, emptying my mind, and watching my hand move rapidly across the paper as the words flow and a poem is born. Yes, high school self, I really am grateful for homework.
Housework. "HOUSEWORK?" I can hear the collective blogger world exclaim. Well, yes. Why? Well, because in a time of economic uncertainty I have a house to care for. As foreclosures abound and banks collapse and the governmental bodies struggle to agree on a solution, I have a house to care for.
Visiting Pre-School. There has been a change in my nannying schedule which means I will be taking one of my charges to and picking him up from pre-school starting this coming Monday. So, this past Friday I got to go visit pre-school to meet the teachers and learn the dropoff-pickup routine. Visiting pre-school brought back such wonderful memories of my days with Ms. Lois and ... I want to say Ms. Jan(?).
A Girls Night. On Friday I went out for dinner and a movie with my friends Tanya and Nicole. It was nice to slow down, have intelligent conversation mixed with a little teasing and goofing around, see a movie that the men in our lives would never agree to go see, and then go home to find the man I love waiting to greet me affectionately.
Grammy's 87th Birthday Party. Grammy has Alzheimer's disease, but she is still alive and aware and sometimes willing and able to speak. We have a very large family and everyone wanted a chance to sit with and talk to Grammy. I spent my few minutes holding her hand, telling her how beautiful she looked, letting her know how happy I was to be celebrating her on her birthday, and kissing her cheek which is still so soft and smooth. My father, her son, was sitting on her other side and she gazed lovingly at him the whole time we were sitting with her. I talked to her anyway believing that though she was not looking at me the words were sinking in somehow. I'm grateful for the moments I was able to share with her and hope that I will be blessed with a long life like her and surrounded by family no matter the state of my health as I age.
Sangria at the Sports Bar. I am a teetotaler when it comes to alcohol, but every once in awhile, once or twice a year, I have been known to allow myself one glass of Sangria. Sangria is citrus'y', fruit juice'y', and refreshing. I first had it at a Girl's Night my friend Jennie hosted. We squeezed the lemons and limes, sliced the fruit, poured in the wine and chilled it. She has since moved away and, sadly, we have lost touch, but when I sip Sangria once or twice a year I think of her. The sports bar my husband and his buddies go to is owned by a Portuguese man named Tony. I found this out on Sunday while we were sitting around the bar watching football. Portuguese Tony makes a mean Sangria. So good that maybe I will make it a point to visit again a year from now.
Catalogs arriving in the mail. When my husband and I bought our condo (bottom floor of a two-family turned condo) this past spring the catalogs came rolling in. I have spent the past few months calling the numbers on the backs of the catalogs to take us off the mailing lists. The environmentalist in me is soothed by the knowledge that she is doing her small part to save trees. I have a confession to make Environmentalist-Part-of-Me, the Dreamer-who-loves-the-little-things-in-life part of me can't seem to cancel the Anthropologie catalog or the Crate and Barrel catalog. The pictures are so pretty and the things in the pictures are so pretty and it is so nice to get mail that does not remind me that I am an adult with responsibilities and bills to pay. I love sitting down with my two catalogs and cutting out my favorite things, the things that make me most happy, that inspire me so I can put them in my Things That Make Me Happy binder or tack them to my inspiration board. Simple Pleasures.
CJane, Lizzy Writes, and AliceKind. NieNie's sister and Christian's sisters' blogs never fail to inspire me. Their courage, strength, faith, love, sense of family, and way they live their lives in general never fail to amaze me. Thank you, Ladies, for the example you set and for being so open with the blogging community about such personal events going on in your life and your feelings surrounding those events. I, a complete stranger, am more grateful to you than you will ever know.
Threads of Love. Candice found me through CJane and commented on my blog to let me know about this project she is doing for NieNie, Christian, and their children. A beautiful act of love. I am heading to my favorite fabric store when I go into Boston on Friday and sending a package to Candice over the weekend. Candice, thank you for further confirmation that there is so much good in people.
Fall. Foliage, cool air, warm sun, enormous moon, pumpkins, gourds, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, hayrides, apple picking, cozy sweaters, knee-high boots, scarves, apple cider are all part of Fall in New England. When seasons change I feel closer to, more in tune with the earth, more aware of and grateful for its bounty.
I could go on and on. I have so much to be grateful for.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
This week I am Grateful for:
Being Busy. This week has been a whirlwind of classes, homework, housework, nannying, and visiting with friends and family. Some view being busy as a burden, just an endless parade of places to be and things to do so one can cross those items off the "To Do" List. In one word, drudgery, I guess. I am learning to view being busy as something to be grateful for. In the past I have become crazed when busy because I was saying yes to just about everything and everyone, somehow finding a way to fit everyone in, meet the needs of everyone. Recently I have realized that in meeting the needs of others I was neglecting myself and that by taking on so much I was not able to fully enjoy, or give my all, to any of the activities or people I was spending time with. My "New Busy" is a good busy because it is more balanced and everything I am doing and everyone I am spending time with brings me joy and contributes to my personal growth, makes me a better person so that I can go out and further spread that joy and have more of myself to give.
Classes. Going to class is like an instant recharge for me. No matter how my day has gone or what is on my mind, when I get to class my energy is high and my brain is fully engaged. I get excited and I voice my ideas and talk with my hands (I am Italian) and I am continually pleasantly surprised by my capacity to learn and to expand. I am also fascinated by my professors and classmates and what they have to say. So, to be in a space where I can learn and grow with and thanks to fascinating people is a gift.
Homework. If my high school self could hear me now she would think I was a freak. "Grateful for homework?" I can almost hear her say as she wrinkles her nose in disbelief. Yes, high school self, I am grateful for homework. I love looking up math terms and realizing how much a part of EVERYTHING math really is. I love reading packets of poetry and then, of my own accord, looking up the poet's biographical information just because. I love staring at a blank page, emptying my mind, and watching my hand move rapidly across the paper as the words flow and a poem is born. Yes, high school self, I really am grateful for homework.
Housework. "HOUSEWORK?" I can hear the collective blogger world exclaim. Well, yes. Why? Well, because in a time of economic uncertainty I have a house to care for. As foreclosures abound and banks collapse and the governmental bodies struggle to agree on a solution, I have a house to care for.
Visiting Pre-School. There has been a change in my nannying schedule which means I will be taking one of my charges to and picking him up from pre-school starting this coming Monday. So, this past Friday I got to go visit pre-school to meet the teachers and learn the dropoff-pickup routine. Visiting pre-school brought back such wonderful memories of my days with Ms. Lois and ... I want to say Ms. Jan(?).
A Girls Night. On Friday I went out for dinner and a movie with my friends Tanya and Nicole. It was nice to slow down, have intelligent conversation mixed with a little teasing and goofing around, see a movie that the men in our lives would never agree to go see, and then go home to find the man I love waiting to greet me affectionately.
Grammy's 87th Birthday Party. Grammy has Alzheimer's disease, but she is still alive and aware and sometimes willing and able to speak. We have a very large family and everyone wanted a chance to sit with and talk to Grammy. I spent my few minutes holding her hand, telling her how beautiful she looked, letting her know how happy I was to be celebrating her on her birthday, and kissing her cheek which is still so soft and smooth. My father, her son, was sitting on her other side and she gazed lovingly at him the whole time we were sitting with her. I talked to her anyway believing that though she was not looking at me the words were sinking in somehow. I'm grateful for the moments I was able to share with her and hope that I will be blessed with a long life like her and surrounded by family no matter the state of my health as I age.
Sangria at the Sports Bar. I am a teetotaler when it comes to alcohol, but every once in awhile, once or twice a year, I have been known to allow myself one glass of Sangria. Sangria is citrus'y', fruit juice'y', and refreshing. I first had it at a Girl's Night my friend Jennie hosted. We squeezed the lemons and limes, sliced the fruit, poured in the wine and chilled it. She has since moved away and, sadly, we have lost touch, but when I sip Sangria once or twice a year I think of her. The sports bar my husband and his buddies go to is owned by a Portuguese man named Tony. I found this out on Sunday while we were sitting around the bar watching football. Portuguese Tony makes a mean Sangria. So good that maybe I will make it a point to visit again a year from now.
Catalogs arriving in the mail. When my husband and I bought our condo (bottom floor of a two-family turned condo) this past spring the catalogs came rolling in. I have spent the past few months calling the numbers on the backs of the catalogs to take us off the mailing lists. The environmentalist in me is soothed by the knowledge that she is doing her small part to save trees. I have a confession to make Environmentalist-Part-of-Me, the Dreamer-who-loves-the-little-things-in-life part of me can't seem to cancel the Anthropologie catalog or the Crate and Barrel catalog. The pictures are so pretty and the things in the pictures are so pretty and it is so nice to get mail that does not remind me that I am an adult with responsibilities and bills to pay. I love sitting down with my two catalogs and cutting out my favorite things, the things that make me most happy, that inspire me so I can put them in my Things That Make Me Happy binder or tack them to my inspiration board. Simple Pleasures.
CJane, Lizzy Writes, and AliceKind. NieNie's sister and Christian's sisters' blogs never fail to inspire me. Their courage, strength, faith, love, sense of family, and way they live their lives in general never fail to amaze me. Thank you, Ladies, for the example you set and for being so open with the blogging community about such personal events going on in your life and your feelings surrounding those events. I, a complete stranger, am more grateful to you than you will ever know.
Threads of Love. Candice found me through CJane and commented on my blog to let me know about this project she is doing for NieNie, Christian, and their children. A beautiful act of love. I am heading to my favorite fabric store when I go into Boston on Friday and sending a package to Candice over the weekend. Candice, thank you for further confirmation that there is so much good in people.
Fall. Foliage, cool air, warm sun, enormous moon, pumpkins, gourds, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, hayrides, apple picking, cozy sweaters, knee-high boots, scarves, apple cider are all part of Fall in New England. When seasons change I feel closer to, more in tune with the earth, more aware of and grateful for its bounty.
I could go on and on. I have so much to be grateful for.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Nienie, Poetry and Beauty
As evidenced by my less frequent posts, there are lots of things competing for my time now that school has started. I think of and pray for NieNie, Christian, the children, and their families every day, frequently several times a day. Since I suddenly find myself so busy, I have decided to write a Grateful post once a week. Grateful posts will appear every WedNieNie'sDay. Why Wednesday? Well, it is the middle of the week and I think we all need a pick me up when Wednesday rolls around and looking at the good in our lives can provide that pick me up. So, WedNieNie'sDay it is!
Poetry class was tonight. We talked about the work of Louise Gluck. Wild Iris is the poem we looked at most closely. After Gluck, we critiqued the poetry of our peers.
My piece:
He sits on his front stoop
still and alone
in the dark
letting the night settle on his skin
Resting his elbows on his knees,
his head in his hands
He collects his thoughts
then empties them from his mind
one by one
As the cars go by
one by one
Soothing him with their steady hum
Their sound the only confirmation of motion
in his otherwise stagnant world
The Man in the Moon shines down on him
and he lifts his eyes from the crack in the pavement
long enough to bathe in the light
allowing himself the danger of dreaming
of something bigger waiting
for him beyond the stoop
Comments include:
eliminate last two lines
Man in the Moon doesn't work for me (many people said this)
break this piece into stanzas
play with punctuation
great sounds at beginning of poem
like the line "letting the night settle on his skin" (many liked this)
"one by one as the cars go by" gives sense of sound, nice
nicely rendered situation
breaks at the beginning gives reader time to settle into poem
love "danger of dreaming", strong line (many said this)
strong ending
strong lines, "lifts his eyes... bathe in the light"
want to know more about "him"
In sharing poetry with others I see that no matter the level of skill, we each have a distinct voice, are developing strong voices. Being in a room full of fellow poets is powerful for me and a privilege because these people are opening themselves up to me through their poetry. I think that poems reveal so much of the interior of the poet and to be trusted with that is such an honor. I feel like my words are sounding shallow, but I am sincere and wish I could express it in another way.
Beauty. This evening I was walking to catch the bus to school when a man, a complete stranger, walking toward me looked at me, said "You are beautiful" and kept walking. I said "Thank you" and kept walking. A bit baffling as I am wearing my glasses, my hair is poofy from the moisture in the air, etc. Also, I don't really think of myself as beautiful; I feel I somewhat blend in until I open my mouth and speak; I think my voice, ideas, and intellect bring me alive and set me apart and make me beautiful more so than my looks. I was also surprised by how easily and casually I accepted the compliment. Where does my confidence come from? How much of a role does confidence play in one's beauty? The man brought a smile to my face and gave me lots to think about. Thank you, Complete Stranger Man!
On that note, Good Night!
Poetry class was tonight. We talked about the work of Louise Gluck. Wild Iris is the poem we looked at most closely. After Gluck, we critiqued the poetry of our peers.
My piece:
He sits on his front stoop
still and alone
in the dark
letting the night settle on his skin
Resting his elbows on his knees,
his head in his hands
He collects his thoughts
then empties them from his mind
one by one
As the cars go by
one by one
Soothing him with their steady hum
Their sound the only confirmation of motion
in his otherwise stagnant world
The Man in the Moon shines down on him
and he lifts his eyes from the crack in the pavement
long enough to bathe in the light
allowing himself the danger of dreaming
of something bigger waiting
for him beyond the stoop
Comments include:
eliminate last two lines
Man in the Moon doesn't work for me (many people said this)
break this piece into stanzas
play with punctuation
great sounds at beginning of poem
like the line "letting the night settle on his skin" (many liked this)
"one by one as the cars go by" gives sense of sound, nice
nicely rendered situation
breaks at the beginning gives reader time to settle into poem
love "danger of dreaming", strong line (many said this)
strong ending
strong lines, "lifts his eyes... bathe in the light"
want to know more about "him"
In sharing poetry with others I see that no matter the level of skill, we each have a distinct voice, are developing strong voices. Being in a room full of fellow poets is powerful for me and a privilege because these people are opening themselves up to me through their poetry. I think that poems reveal so much of the interior of the poet and to be trusted with that is such an honor. I feel like my words are sounding shallow, but I am sincere and wish I could express it in another way.
Beauty. This evening I was walking to catch the bus to school when a man, a complete stranger, walking toward me looked at me, said "You are beautiful" and kept walking. I said "Thank you" and kept walking. A bit baffling as I am wearing my glasses, my hair is poofy from the moisture in the air, etc. Also, I don't really think of myself as beautiful; I feel I somewhat blend in until I open my mouth and speak; I think my voice, ideas, and intellect bring me alive and set me apart and make me beautiful more so than my looks. I was also surprised by how easily and casually I accepted the compliment. Where does my confidence come from? How much of a role does confidence play in one's beauty? The man brought a smile to my face and gave me lots to think about. Thank you, Complete Stranger Man!
On that note, Good Night!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Never Far NieNie
This week has been extraordinarily busy. Homework and presentation preparation for school, nannying, and lots to do around the home has tuckered me out and sent me to bed much earlier than normal. Though I have not been very good about posting a nightly Grateful post in the spirit of Nie, she, her beloved Mr. Nielson, their incredible children, and her family have never been far from my thoughts and prayers.
So, I give you,
THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR - TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY RETROSPECTIVE
the strength and creativity and motivation and intellect to complete work on and deliver a well-received presentation that I can be proud of, courteous people with whom I shared a printer in the computer lab at school, pretty and comfortable cotton skirts, thin but cozy leggings, knee-high boots that put a swagger in my step, moisturizing lip gloss, walks around town, vegan fruit and nut chocolate chip energy bars, honesty from others, health, longish but well-kept hair on boys, sparkling eyes, elevator rides, soft scarves, arrival of new glasses, the quality of the moments my husband and I are able to spend together in spite of how busy we have both been, communication, being busy with such positive and rewarding endeavors, cat recovering seemingly well from Bartonella thanks to a diagnosis by an amazing vet and medicine that the kitty takes as willingly as one could expect, increased self-awareness, unexpected new nannying schedule that actually fits in better with my school and internship schedule, home, taking time out to do fun things that make me happy without taking away from everyone and everything in my life, steamy showers, fall foliage beginning to emerge, opening windows and sunroof and singing at the top of my lungs while driving, boys on bicycles, natural curl of my hair, deep sleep, dreams, aspirations, inspirations, the library, having a library book drop directly across the street from my front door, exciting package from Teen Voices Magazine arriving in the mail, old basset hound named Joe, friendly soccer fans, self control, patience, thinking before speaking, going outside my comfort zone, whole wheat raisin english muffin with organic peanut butter and organic apple slices, time to cook wholesome meals, becoming more aware of the little things in life and what a big difference the little things can make, Christian healing well and being pretty much out of sedation, Nie's amazingly strong body accepting 50% of her skin graft (20% more than average), CJane continuing to give updates and let bloggers into her life and the life of her family, hope, love, soft socks, towels warm from the dryer, rocking chair, memory, appreciation, tomato, garlic, candlelight, night air settling on my skin, hugs and kisses, family, communication, public transportation, swings, being present in the moment, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
IN CASE I DON'T GET A CHANCE TO DO A GRATEFUL POST TONIGHT -
Please think of and pray for Stephanie in an extra-special way tomorrow as she will be undergoing another skin grafting surgery. Thank you!
So, I give you,
THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR - TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY RETROSPECTIVE
the strength and creativity and motivation and intellect to complete work on and deliver a well-received presentation that I can be proud of, courteous people with whom I shared a printer in the computer lab at school, pretty and comfortable cotton skirts, thin but cozy leggings, knee-high boots that put a swagger in my step, moisturizing lip gloss, walks around town, vegan fruit and nut chocolate chip energy bars, honesty from others, health, longish but well-kept hair on boys, sparkling eyes, elevator rides, soft scarves, arrival of new glasses, the quality of the moments my husband and I are able to spend together in spite of how busy we have both been, communication, being busy with such positive and rewarding endeavors, cat recovering seemingly well from Bartonella thanks to a diagnosis by an amazing vet and medicine that the kitty takes as willingly as one could expect, increased self-awareness, unexpected new nannying schedule that actually fits in better with my school and internship schedule, home, taking time out to do fun things that make me happy without taking away from everyone and everything in my life, steamy showers, fall foliage beginning to emerge, opening windows and sunroof and singing at the top of my lungs while driving, boys on bicycles, natural curl of my hair, deep sleep, dreams, aspirations, inspirations, the library, having a library book drop directly across the street from my front door, exciting package from Teen Voices Magazine arriving in the mail, old basset hound named Joe, friendly soccer fans, self control, patience, thinking before speaking, going outside my comfort zone, whole wheat raisin english muffin with organic peanut butter and organic apple slices, time to cook wholesome meals, becoming more aware of the little things in life and what a big difference the little things can make, Christian healing well and being pretty much out of sedation, Nie's amazingly strong body accepting 50% of her skin graft (20% more than average), CJane continuing to give updates and let bloggers into her life and the life of her family, hope, love, soft socks, towels warm from the dryer, rocking chair, memory, appreciation, tomato, garlic, candlelight, night air settling on my skin, hugs and kisses, family, communication, public transportation, swings, being present in the moment, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
IN CASE I DON'T GET A CHANCE TO DO A GRATEFUL POST TONIGHT -
Please think of and pray for Stephanie in an extra-special way tomorrow as she will be undergoing another skin grafting surgery. Thank you!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Marvelous Mo'Nie'day
Though I did not write last night, I did remind myself of the things I was grateful for while drifting off to sleep. Tonight I am thankful for rest, inspiration, intellect, fuzzy blankets, tomatoes, beauty through and through, a way with words, catching the 9:15 bus home from school, the opportunity to finish my college degree, the support of my husband, kisses and hugs, health, a clean and cozy home, kitty talk (me-ow mroww me-ow purrrrrrrr), imagination, new friends, building an understanding of Math and its origins, making others smile, common courtesy, creative culinary skills, towels fresh from the dryer, plaid lined with hot pink raincoat, having an elastic in the bottom of my purse when I needed it, upfront and honest communication, gentlemen holding doors open for me, insight, prayer, logic, courage, blogger friends, time to read for pleasure, hot shower lit only by rays of sunshine, desire, time with my girlfriends to look forward to, husband's pride over the roast he cooked himself for dinner, opportunities offered to my hardworking husband by his bosses, stained glass windows, privacy, partnership, enthusiasm, stick-to-itiveness, lucky pennies, hope, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Life is Sympho'Nie'
fabulous in its complexities and the things it casts in one's direction. I just got home from a party so this thankfulness post is a late one. I am grateful for life's variety, new friends, old friends, deep conversation, emotional intelligence, sweetly flowing interactions, the chill of autumn in New England, trampolines, desires, home, health, love, motivation, inspiration, writing, exchanging ideas, transformation, turquoise necklace from my dearest sister, cozy sweatshirts, wraparound blankets, raw vegan cake, raspberry sauce, thoughtfulness, sleep, life giving actions from loved ones, empowerment, heated seats in automobiles, introspection, laughter, causes to celebrate, passion fruit iced tea, yesterday and today and tomorrow.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
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