July 1, 2010 – Hopeful Thoughts

Here’s hopeful thoughts that somehow these words will convey to our dear friend how much love is being sent his way.

The loss of a parent, I cannot imagine.  The idea that someone whom I personally love so dearly is facing this right now, much too soon and with so little warning, leaves me with such a heavy heart.

I don’t always know what is best to do.  I do know that somehow, for some reason, I am able to use my words to share my heart.  And so, I will once again, use this place to so sincerely share gentle words and thoughts, prayers and wishes… for peace and any comfort you may find during this unbelievably difficult time.

Know without question that you have a whole team of friends whose minds and hearts are filled with gentle prayers for serenity and constant wishes that some kind of comfort will soon some to you and to your family.

And here’s hopeful thoughts that one day, in the not so distant future, you find a moment, if just for a split second, of peace and positivity.

With love, my friend.

~K

June 30 2010 – Fresh Memories

Baby hands….Learning to cook with fresh foods.

Spending time together.

Creating rainbows….

Laughing….

 

Spending our days loving…swimming…cooking…playing…enjoying….appreciating…creating… singing… talking…

Being together.  Making memories.

~K

June 29, 2010 – Facebook?

Yes, I’ll admit… I saw this on facebook today and knew that this was the place it belonged.  Hardly deep thoughts here, rather some cutting and pasting a facebook status, but the message is well worth being heard and remembered.   I love this….

 

Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left. ~Hubert Humphrey

Perfect thought regarding resiliency, hope, focusing on the positive.  Do well with what’s left, always.

~K

June 28, 2010- Why, thank you.

And then the tables turned on me.  Out of nowhere, a warm kind voice gave me a message of positivity and hope. 

It’s kind of funny, because it’s what I go on and on about all day and here, just for no reason, an unexpected voice took the time to share kind and reassuring words.

I will pay it forward and do the same for someone else and to my sweet person today, thank you, for making me feel special… for no reason at all.  You didn’t know I needed it, for we’re not that close.  And regardless, thank you for giving me that smile today.

~K

June 27, 2010 – And then some…

Sleeping babies, smiles and dreams.  Chinese takeout.  Healthy family.  Summer plans.   Overall goodness.  Dates with Daddy.  Tomato plants in bloom.  Sentences forming out of the blue.  Giggles.  Tennis balls.  Sprouts.  Swimming.  Friends.  Goggles.  Baseball.  Watermelon.  Awareness.  Acceptance.  Hope.  Positivity. 

…. and then some.

So much to be grateful for.  Oh, how I am.

~K

June 26, 2010 – No need to look too far

You don’t always have to look far or dig deep to find day to day happiness or notice all that is good.

My thoughts for today are, first of all, a day late.  I’m okay with that.  I spent the day smiling.  I spent the day with my family.   I spent the day with good friends.  We are healthy.  The sun is shining.   We joked together.  Cooked together.  Swam together. Shared smiles and laughter and love.

And that is plenty to be grateful for.  How could you not take notice?

~K

June 25, 2010 – Imagine

I remember a time when I was in a sad place within myself.  I think I’d just lost someone important to me and I was sitting with my mom as she attempted to console me with thoughts of Heaven.

She told me that Heaven was full of rottweiler pups, little fuzzy brown and black balls rolling in the grass.   She said to close my eyes and imagine it.  Then to imagine wildflowers growing, bright and in bloom and children laughing and playing.  She assured me Heaven was full of lots of sunshine.  

Of course, I questioned her descriptions.   Why would Heaven be full of these things, mom?   Her response was simple:  I’m certain that’s what your Heaven will be like because those are the things that make you happy and Heaven is about your personal peace and happiness.   It will be full of all this goodness, I really believe, she told me. 

She certainly made me feel better on that day and I’ve thought of this often  over the years and smiled, hoping that she’s in fact,  right.

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I was thinking of what positivity could be shared tonight and I again thought back to this conversation with my mom.  

Why not take this a step further and into our day to day lives on Earth?  Why not surround ourselves with happiness now?   Search for what it is that defines peace and happiness for you and fill your life with it.  Joyfully share it with others.  Make a difference.  Change the world with your passion.

Imagine what could be.

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Simply… thoughts for today.

~K

June 24, 2010 – Peace of Deliciousness

 

Dinner tonight.  All from local farmers or organic from the grocery. 

Delicious.  Gives me a sense of pride and peace knowing that I have a pretty good idea of all that went into not only our bodies, but especially that of the growing babies.

My Peace of Deliciousness tonight.

~K

June 23, 2010 – Weaving Worlds

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

I love this quote by Dr. King and I cannot believe I did not recognize it upon reading it. 

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There was a little Boy I once knew, one who has been on my mind lately.  He is no longer a Boy, but when he was, as a society, we failed him.   We did not guard his safety or a quality education.  He was not given love and security, ensured a warm home or held tight when he was hurt. 

I talk to people who carry different thoughts  from myself and who feel that, while they certainly possess empathy for the Boy’s situation, (how could you not!)  they cannot afford the time and or finances to take care of this themselves… for the Boy was not their responsibility to begin with.  Okay. 

And yet… as Dr King promises in his quote, what affected the Boy directly will now affect us all indirectly.   The Boy is now incarcerated and we pay for him to stay this way indefinitely.   Who did he harm?  A friend?  Family member?  Friend of a friend?  For this too, these actions will be eventually intertwined.  Interesting, the interrelated structure of our reality.

And this is where my thoughts first went upon reading this quote.  To a Boy I once knew, who will always hold a special little place in my heart.  To the hopes that one day we will do better by the Boys and Girls, so many of them, just like you.

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On the flip side, believing in educating, sharing positivity, promoting peace, encouraging kindness… this too, will be shared among us all indirectly if we choose it to affect us directly.

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Thoughts for today.  Thoughts which I believe could change our world.  Thoughts I thought worth sharing.

~K

June 22, 2010 – Ear to Ear

One I’ve said before, but believe so strongly that it’s worth repeating…. I try to do this each day.

Share a smile.  You may have no idea what the person receiving it is going through and it may be just what they need.  It requires minimal effort, has the potential to change a person’s day, or life and will make you smile, too.

It’s a great start to feeling positive about a day.

~K

June 21, 2010 – A Positive Inspiration

 

Enjoy this amazing and inspirational story.   What a positive and beautiful reminder to not be limited by our limitations.

“Never underestimate the power of a smile…”

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~K

June 20, 2010 – Happy Father’s Day

Today I’m grateful that my kids have the kind of dad who uses the 20 minutes he has for lunch on a busy day at work to instead…

Stop by and check on the progress of his little swimmers. 

I don’t know who was happier at the surprise visit, but I’m grateful for the smiles all around.

Happy Father’s Day, to a wonderful Daddy.

~K

June 19, 2010 – For my Fathers

It’s almost Father’s Day.  

My kids are bouncing off the walls, excited about the special day they’ve got planned with their dad.  It will be a  wonderful day in this house celebrating this gentle and loving man, the man I will be eternally glad my children have to call their Daddy. 

It’s almost Father’s Day. 

My card went into the mail for my dad.  It is a special card and I know he’ll like it.   I have his gift here, ready to be wrapped and sent to him, albeit late, but still crafted with care and sent, first thing Monday morning.  He’ll love it and both it and the card will be unneeded but most appreciated reminders to him of just how important he is to me.  I love him more than he knows and should make a point of telling him more often.

It’s almost Father’s Day.  

We sent my father-in-law a card and gift.  He’ll smile, seeing it is signed by the kids with hearts all over it.  He, too, has another gift I still have to send.  He always cherishes any treasures he’s given, reminding you forever that your thoughtfulness meant so much to him.  He’s a great guy, who modeled a respectful marriage and raised a wonderful son. I’m so fortunate to have him in now my life and my children’s lives.

It’s almost Father’s Day. 

We sent a card to my mom’s dad and my mother-in-law’s dad, our grandfathers, our children’s great grandfathers.  They are both getting older and I loved sending their cards and imagining their faces and hearts upon receipt, knowing that they have children and grandchildren and great grandchildren who love and appreciate them.

It’s almost Father’s Day.  

Despite all of the good happening,  the truth is that there is a void in my world today.    It is the first time in 34 years I will not sign your card or call your home to hear you on the other end while I giggle and smile, yelling the words clearer and louder on my side of the line.

It’s almost Father’s Day. 

I miss you and the loss of you in my life still hurts terribly every day. 

It’s almost Fathers Day. 

Your gift this year is not in a card or a phone call, but will have to be in my word.  And it’s going to have to be enough.

You have my word that I will live my life in a way that would make you proud.   I will work hard,  have fun and not take things too seriously.  I will talk about you often… with a smile.  I will hang my flag and stop and take notice upon hearing our National Anthem, remembering the bravery and strength of you and your generation.   I will tell my children all about you…  filling their minds with laughter and good memories.  I will feel your presence and believe it … and know for certain that I am not alone. 

It’s almost Father’s Day. 

Happy Father’s Day, Pop Pop.

With Love Always, Kristian

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~K

June 18, 2010 – Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

- Nelson Mandela

I believe in education.  I believe that education can change our world.  I intend to be a part in making this happen. Let’s begin.

~K

June 17, 2010 – Change

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”       - Ghandi

I’m trying.  I understand that anyone can whine and complain.  This is easy.   I know that  it’s better to put some effort into making the change you wish to see.  This takes some courage and some effort.   We’ll see…

~K

June 16, 2010 - Education

“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.”
-- John F. Kennedy

Thoughts to consider today.   Our local school, which is fantastic, just cut music and art to halftime positions.   Other schools don’t offer them at all.  I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit and have come to a few final thoughts as the day comes to a close.

I’m very grateful that my husband and I are fortunate enough to be able to supplement outside of the school day the arts that our children will no longer have access to.  However, I have to stop and wonder when, in our society, will we value education?  When will we realize the importance of including the arts?  When will we treasure our children as the wonderful yet often untapped creative and genius minds and souls of  which they are? 

We must change the ways of thinking for not just ourselves but for others… for I can only imagine what greatness all of our world’s children may have and what they could potentially offer to our communities and to our world…. if we only allowed them to grow.

~K

June 15, 2010 – As good as it gets

Swimming, smiles, sunshine…

Hugs, laughs, snacks by the water…

Children, friends, fresh food…

Cuddles, singing, bedtime stories.

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No complaints.  None at all.  A perfect day.

~K

June 14, 2010 – Friendships

Today I’m celebrating the magical qualities of friendship.

New friends, learning each other’s ins and outs… knowing you’re beginning the building blocks of a lifetime together with your families.  Appreciating and enjoying the newness and the fondness you have for one another.

Old friends, now in different states and even different countries , some with semi-mimicking lives, and others on completely different roads, but friends who make the time to take the time to catch up… and every time it’s like no time has passed.

Friends who you don’t talk to regularly anymore, perhaps, but  no matter what happens or how much time has passed still do and always will hold a special place in the corner of your heart.

Friends who you want more time with but take what you can get.  The friend who held my baby before  I did.  We grew up together in the sense we became mothers together and raise children together and celebrated the ups and downs of being a wife and a mother and a daughter together.   We get each other and nothing is off limits.

The special friendship I share with my husband, my dearest friend.   It is irreplaceable and special.  I value it and hope that through the day to day, year to year interactions, our children see through what is sometimes surface bickering and understand the depth of this relationship and the foundations of respect on which it is built.

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I appreciate these and so many different friendships in my life.  I enjoy watching my daughter and son also begin to navigate the magical waters of friendship and I hope that they, too, find these special relationships, that which will be the mortar of their lives.

My father once told me that if, at the end of my life, I could count on one hand my true friends, to consider myself lucky.

What a true statement.

~K

June 13, 2010 – Oh my

Beautiful babies… oh my.

I spent the day with this angel.  How could I be more grateful for anything else?  What an absolute miracle, healthy and perfect, 2 weeks old… learning all about life and love. 

~K

June 12, 2010 – Laws of Nature

"There is a wonderful law of nature that the three things we crave most- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind- are always attained by giving them to someone else. "
--Anonymous

Thoughts for today.  Appropriate for this space.

~K

June 11, 2010 – Oddities

The oddities of day to day life...

I am grateful today for recognizing the importance of balancing fear and worry with a stronger consciousness being put into the efforts of positivity and happiness.   Certainly sometimes a struggle, but in the end, well worth the energy.

~K

June 10, 2010 – Perspective

There is a young adult that I know.  She is brillant and beautiful and yet also has struggles with different things, but always pushes forward with a smile.

I saw today that she posted this entry onto her online journal and it made me think and it made me put things into perspective a bit.

“I got a job!  I know it’s not that big of a deal, but I got rejected from 17 other jobs before getting this one, so it is a MAJOR deal to me! I am so freaking excited and can’t wait to work!”

Perspective.  Perserverence.  Attitude.  Outlook. 

How many of us would have the strength to keep on applying, be so excited about working, and be so honest and upbeat?   It’s pretty inspiring.

Perspective.  While I have in the past spent time teaching her, she has without a doubt, today, taught me.

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And as for me, I’m going to head to my local grocery store.  I’ve got some things to pick up and one of my favorite young girls is the number one cashier, loving her job with a smile on her face.

~K

June 9, 2010 – Fresh Summer

 

Tomatoes.   Sprouts.  Corn. 

Giggles.  Hugs. Toes.

Swimming.  Flowers. Bookstores.

Summer fun.  Fresh foods.  Smiles all day.  Lots of good times.   Long quiet nights with babies soundly sleeping from long busy days.

Much to be grateful for.

~K

June 8, 2010 – Dream BIG!

My heart lies with people who have special needs.  It is an area where I have spent much time and where I am typically the most comfortable and enjoy spending time.  
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Today, I would like to take a moment to appreciate a local mom who with another mom who cares, has opened a facility to help children with special needs receive therapy, treatment and innovative approaches.  After years of planning and prep, inspections and hard work, they opened their facility today and four beautiful children were in attendance!

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This is not only needed but absolutely remarkable!  This will positively change the lives of families!  The idea of  two mothers who saw a need for their children and made their highest hopes for their children come true.

Thank heavens for people who dream big and who know anything is possible.

~K

June 7, 2010 – Natural Beauty

It’s really spectacular when you find something like this – untouched, natural beauty.

~K

June 6, 2010 – Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my best friend. 

Today I am grateful for you and for this wonderful life we have made together.

~K

June 5, 2010 – Enjoy.

Happy Saturday-  enjoy the summer.  Appreciate the blooming flowers, attend the parties, soak in the sunshine, splash in the water.   Hold family close and remember how precious they are.   Kiss your babies, your spouses and preserve the quiet moments.   Speak kindly to your friends and remember how treasured these relationships are.

Happy Saturday.  Be there.

~K

June 4, 2010 – Sshhh!

Ssshhh!  Can you hear that?   If I could capture it and play it here I would.  It was the sound today that made me the most grateful.

My 5 year old daughter asked my husband and I if she could have a ‘summer party’.   We laughed.   Thought about it.  Laughed.  Then thought why not.   And so, yesterday, we invited some of her friends for a playtime this evening.  To be honest, I figured most would be out of town.

In fact, they weren’t out of town.  They were in town.  They came.  Brought siblings.  Parents.   Snacks.  Juice Boxes.  Beers.  Balls and Bats.   Bikes.  Scooters.  Sidewalk chalk.   Pizzas.  Soccer.  Cookies.  Fruits.  Fun. 

It was very fun.   And then…they got hot.  More little baby red cheeks than I knew what to do with.  We hadn’t planned for this.  In fact, we hadn’t planned for any of this really.  It was just an email on a whim yesterday.

I finally looked around and asked if anyone would mind if I turned the sprinkler on.   Everyone looked relieved at the suggestion.  But no one had brought bathing suits.  I gathered as many of my children’s old bathing suits as I could and doled them all out to the kids in the yard.  Everyone seemed very okay with this.  We filled a baby pool.  Set up the sprinkler.  And let life happen.

Hilarious.   SO many children SQUEEZED into a baby pool.   Running and squealing through the sprinkler.  Hitting the wiffle ball and bat.  Kicking a soccer ball around.   LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY.  SQUEALING.

That’s the sound.  The sound I wish I could bottle and keep, not to sell, but just to be a daily reminder of how good life is.  Amidst all the madness going on in our world today, if you could imagine 15 children squeezed into a 5 foot wide plastic baby pool on a hot summer night laughing hysterically, it is perfect.

Who knew that this plan on a whim could create such extraordinary goodness.

~K

June 3, 2010 – Finding Time

Find some time today to just sit and spend time with someone you love.  You don’t have to do anything else but sit.  Breathe.  Enjoy each other’s company and the moments you’re spending together.

~K

June 2, 2010 – Wonderful Weekends

Today I am grateful for wonderful weekends spent in wonderful places with people whom I love.

~K

June 1, 2010 – Science Lessons

"Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge."  - Thomas Edison

~K