MY COMPANION

In the time I have been on my so called sabbatical----I became even more dependent on our rotties—since I was home all the time with them---they were my company---along the way---we lost two for different reasons---however recently we lost my rottie----the one I picked just for me---the one that I snuggled with and talk to and played with and snuck french fries to you---My beloved Athena--

The above picture was taken this past Xmas-----she had the most gentle of spirit---so loving---so faithful—and just melted my heart.
Everyone who met her----fell in Love---just the Best Companion.
I guess her time came-----she laid down—her breathing was a bit labored---and just closed her eyes and was gone. I am still not over it. I miss her beyond words---My Companion---My Athena---Strong—Loving---so very Faithful----just breaks my Heart.

Thanks for Reading/listening---PEACE

A PEEK AT MY ART

I mentioned yesterday that I have been working on ideas --- touching bases back with my art…. So I thought I would show you a piece I recently finished---would love feedback if you want…

I Love how bright the flowers are----I digitally painted this using a mouse only-----I am still very critical of myself because i really don’t want to make mistakes—but i am learning to move with the mistakes----and be happy with them.

I seem to be drawn to painting flowers----so that is where I am happiest right now---and that gives me the motivation to keep moving forward with it!!!!

Again – Thanks For Stopping By---PEACE!!!

I AM BACK!!!!

WOW- Over 18 months I have been gone. I would apologize but to be honest-I am not sorry. I needed a total break from everything. From always feeling like I had to blog to creating art to keeping my face book up to date etc etc etc.

It has NOT BEEN EASY at all---have gone through some devastating loses in my family that have tore up my heart—to watching my grandchildren grow—to praying that my son stays safe in afgan—to getting over some major health issues—to learning to deal with many fears…I could go on and on but why bore anyone.

Slowly but surely some creative ideas have been stirring about-and I am slowly moving forward with them.

In the last 18 months—i have learned to notice how beautiful the day can be….how beautiful it is to hear my kids call me and say “I Love You”…..I have learned to become very comfortable with just me being at home….I have learned that I am getting older but it is a good thing. I guess I have used the last 18 months for self-reflection and it has helped me be okay with me a bit more…I needed that.

I may blog tomorrow or I may not----it just depends on what the day brings me---and truly I am ok with that.
I have missed so many people tho---that I do regret---but I needed this time for me—if I did not have it----I am sure I would be a mental case by now… that was the road i was heading down on.

I hope Life has treated you all well and that you are Blessed!!
I know I am!! "
We Will Talk Again Soon---PEACE!!!

VISITNG FAMILY

How has the New Year started off  for you?  Are you keeping any of those resolutions you made?  I will be totally honest here – NOPE – I have not even begun my resolutions….well not true – I am working on my word for the year – SPIRITUAL… but I am not down to a routine yet – that makes me crazy!

Last weekend my son and daughter were able to visit my Mom down south (about 4 hours from us)…she had some things for us to pick up and it was the perfect time for the kids to visit and spend some time with her.
I told my daughter to take some pics – so I will share a couple:

My Mom
She has a smile that lights up my life….it makes my heart sing when I see her smile….I soooooo Love it!!

This is one of my favorites – My Son  AJ walking down a corridor with my Mom (his Nana) just talking….I so love it!! It just says love and dreamy to me.

As soon as my daughter uploads the pics of her with my mom I will show you all that one….I know my mom had a great time seeing the kids.
So my daughter uploaded a few pics of the grandkids….so I am showing you all the latest one…she did upload also a video of the babies crawling – OMG…I began to cry…my son on the tape is calling her name and she is doing her best to get to me…she even at one point reaches out her hand to touch him…so very cool – I cried..if I can figure out how to download it from facebook and upload it here I will.

Seeing my grandbabies faces just fills me with such joy….they are just toooooo cute!! She can really hold her head up now – too cool!
My grandson just turned 3 last saturday….getting so big…and what a ham….LOL

So – I think I have pretty much updated you all on what is happening here….I hope if you all live with the snow and ice is plentiful – please stay warm – snuggle with someone or something you love….the cold again is going to hit the sunshine state tomorrow – so it is time to put the sweat pants and sweat shirts on again…I never thought I would ever say that living in Florida but it is true!!

THANK YOU for stopping by…I so appreciate the support…remember to HUG those you LOVE…because you are only guaranteed this one moment-now!

PEACE-

HAPPY 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope that the holidays were absolutely beautiful for you and yours.
The holidays were really wonderful here for us…quiet yet really fun and calm and full of surprises…just like the holidays should be.  I was going to leave a Christmas entry and then A New Year’s entry but truly I was enjoying such a relaxing time that I have become way too lazy…lol.

So have you made any resolutions for the New Year..(can you believe it is already 2011—WOW)
My goals (resolutions never worked for me) for 2011 are:
1-Blog More (keeping my fingers crossed)
2-take more pictures
3-get more organized (this is going to take all year-lol)
4-to feel good about me (this is going to be the hardest)

Do you chose a WORD for the New Year in which you make your “mantra”….I usually do and this year My Word for 2011 is: SPIRITUAL/SPIRITUALITY
I am feeling very drawn to building on my spiritual life and to become more solid, more grounded in it.

My Wishes For You My Friends: (in no particular order)
1-to be creative
2-to be Thankful at least once a day for “whatever”
3-to be spiritual – make that a priority in your life
4-to be happy
5-to always dream
6-to Love those that enrich your life
7-to walk away from drama/negativity
8-to believe in yourself
9-to laugh at least once a day (I recommend more much often)
10-to always be Kind To One Another

Well that was my first message for this Glorious New Year…I hope you find everything you are searching for in 2011…and that love and happiness surround you always!

PEACE~

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Isn’t this the best time of year. I so looooove the holidays – the music just gets my heart  happy and the foods are awesome….!
I love getting Christmas cards – hearing from family and friends….baking cookies – having family around for a big meal…and just watching everyone as they open their presents…LOVE IT!!!

So are you done with your Christmas shopping?….for the first time I think in my life – I AM!!!  There is no pressure or stress this year – it is wonderful….the secret is to plan ahead…think early on in the year what friends and/or family would like and keep an eye out for sales and special offers for what store sells for what price. Some gifts I make – such as brag books (photo books) or personalized calendars etc…and those I have to have the whole year for because you have to gather tons of different pictures and then put it together….those take me the longest. Or it just may be me because I have to pick just the right picture for just the right person for just the right moment in the book or calendar…I seem to have a problem making final decisions….lol!!!

This year I won a  big gift certificate – so I was even able to send some awesome gift baskets to my mom and mother in law…those will be delivered next week…YAY – I did good—LOL!!! I just know they are going to be a hit!!!!

As a side note – I am still trying to recover from that stomach infection – usually a very uneasy feeling hits me after I eat…no what how little or lot or liquid or actual food – my stomach is NOT happy. I truly hope that no one ever has to go through that.

Okay – Here is a pic of my grandchildren – I just could not resist at least showing one of them…..

They are just too cute……these are the most recent ones I have!
They are growing so quickly – I want them to stay small----LOL!

Now some crazy news is that the state of Florida has been battling some hard freeze temperatures. WOW – it is crazy….I usually wear shorts and t-shirts and sandals all year round—that is just Florida BUT this year – for the majority of the last two weeks…I have actually had to put on a sweat shirt and even sweat pants a couple of times – OMG – that is truly cold…now in the cooler weather I can breathe so much more easier…but that same cooler weather makes every joint in my body HURT…there is just not enough Tylenol or ibuprophen in the world to make the hurting stop.

I just wanted to check in with you all and fill you all in on what is happening in my corner of the world…I hope that the spirit of the holiday season is filling your home with much joy and love…remember to HUG those you LOVE…time is just too short~!~

PEACE~!~

RETURNING TO NORMAL

WOW…life sure does get away from me…..FIRST – I want to THANK all you dear friends who sent me get well wishes and positive healing thoughts and prayers my way….I so very much appreciate it all from the bottom of my heart. I must say I have NEVER been that sick in my life…. not to be too graphic but being sick to my stomach (throwing up) for over a week and then still not being able to eat for another ten days after that…and still recovering is crazy. There is some sort of stomach infection/virus going around college campuses here and of course my daughter caught it and sure enough I caught it from her. OMG – you feel like someone beat you senseless afterwards…. every muscle in my body started cramping..and I definitely lost at least 20 pounds easily…INSANE!!!

This is the first week I have been able to sit at the computer for any amount of time. Believe it or not – it has taken me a couple of days to just type up this much – sitting at the computer is still uncomfortable but there is NOT much I can do so I am trying to do things in small steps.

I must say that I am truly BLESSED beyond mere words…my daughter is OUTSTANDING….she took care of me, without me even asking…she saw to my every need and even slept near by so if I woke up she was there for me….OMG she is truly my angel. When she was at school…my hunnie did his best to help out…I must say he gives the BEST back rubs….now back rubs are dreamy…lol.

Just a few catch up items….Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL….OMG---my hunnie and daughter did all the cooking and it was SUPREME….I could not have asked for better company or better food…I am so BLESSED. I am totally done with my Christmas shopping – actually I was done by Thanksgiving week….Thank God for the internet…and I must say – I have out did myself this year—I just know that everyone will LOVE LOVE LOVE their gifts….I am so excited. Did I mention yet that I received my Christmas gifts this year already….it is great for me…because I so dislike waiting….lol….my hunnie and daughter bought me a brand new recliner – it actually lays back (mine was broken so it did not)…it is a dream…I LOVE it!!!! I also received a food processor (have always wanted one but there were always so expensive) but hunnie found one on sale he could not resist…LOVE it!!! We have already used it a few times…it is wonderful!!! So I have been totally spoiled…and BLESSED!!!

Well I think taking a couple of days just to write one simple entry is a bit much so I am going to end my babbling here and finally publish this entry before any more time goes by….THANKS for stopping by and saying hello….I hope to stay in touch more often…I do so miss hearing from everyone! Remember to HUG those you LOVE….time is just too short to waste!!

PEACE-