3 Words I Love

Leslie from Words of Me Project inspired her followers to join her in a 31 Day Challenge to write, create, be.  Her day 2 challenge was to choose three words that you love and create some word art with them.  My three words were Serenity, Gratitude and Dream. 
I decided to work just a little out of my comfort zone in creating the word art.  I used paints.  Not sure at all that I'm comfortable with them yet.  But this is the wall hanging I've completed. 

It will hang in my "Craft Cave" and serve as a reminder to me of what's really important.  Just saying these words can de-stress me.  So, what words de-stress you???

Practicing Gratitude

Hello again!!  Yes it's been a couple of weeks since I've posted.  I've been a little busy at work, trying to get our high schoolers registered and started!!  It's taken almost six months, but after having interaction with nearly 1700 families (with at least a third of them waiting til the week before school to register) they are in school and things have finally slowed down a bit. 

This time away has made me think about all the things I've missed when my main focus has been my job.  This morning, I had an opportunity to enjoy a video that Brene Brown has on her blog.  Brene has done research on authenticity, shame and vulnerability.  It's an interesting 17 minute video that explains why so many of us have difficulty being authentic in our lives.  Also interesting is that Leslie from Words of Me Project has chosen "authentic" as her one word for this weekend.

One of the things Brene mentions in her video is how to become authentic by practicing gratitude.  I've been a little lax in that area lately.  So I'm glad to have taken a little time this weekend to sit and ponder about the things that really ring my chimes, float my boat, give me flight...you get it!

Things like this little girl vocalizing so loudly as she laid on the floor and watched her mommy on the phone, that I was unable to hear what my daughter was saying,

and like this little guy deciding that life is moving too fast to take the time to call me "Grandma" so he now calls me "Gram" (after all, we are talking about saving the time it takes to speak another syllable),

and this not so little guy who is starting 7th grade with his new school supplies that I've happily shopped for each year (this is a joy for me...I don't want to give up the school supply shopping)

and these two who have made me realize that, in spite of what may have been mistakes in raising them, have given me such joy and pride in being able to say I am their mother,

and this man who has truly been my rock and who after watching "Juno" last night and hearing the dad say "Look, in my opinion, the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you, the right person is still going to think the sun shines out your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with." says "That's right" (hmmm...)

and brothers and sisters, their spouses, kids and their spouses, and grandkids (26 in all) who have a most special place in my heart and who can't be shown here because a) I don't have an "All In The Family" picture of them and b) I don't have their permission to post their pics,

and last but certainly not least, a very electic group of friends who, when I am at my worst, always see my best!!!

It is for these and so much more, I am grateful.  My life is incredibly blessed.  And when I remember to express my gratitude, to feel how truly blessed I am, I find serenity.  I guess you could say my cup runneth over!!

One of the challenges from the 31 Days Challenge at Words of Me Project was to come up with a list of 50 things I value.  Well, listed above are just a few.  I'll share more with you in the coming days.  In the meantime, please feel free to share with me what you value in your life.

Thanks for stopping back, and thanks for hanging in there with me!!

Another Day of Random Thoughts

I ask you... would you pay $150, wake up at 4:30 a.m., travel in fog so thick that you can't see farther than a block, to compete in a competition where you end up looking like this??? 

For 4 of the past 6 years, my daughter and her girlfriend have participated in Muddy Buddy-Chicago.  It takes place in August each year and it's a ride/run competition (As one rides a bike, the other runs, then they switch halfway thru the course).  And there's a twist...

When both team members have completed their ride and run, they meet up at the mud pit.  That's right, they need to crawl thru the mud together in order to complete their race.  Now, this is on a large farm so there's no telling what's mixed in with that mud!!  But these girls love it.  And they're good!  Two of the four years they were 1st in their age group.  I am still in awe of how athletic my daughter is.  Although I'd be delighted to say that she gets it from me but no... that would be... mmm...inaccurate! 

A couple of weeks ago, we attended a wedding out of state.  One of the things we happened upon during our drive was this:

Is it just me, or does anyone else find a windfarm fascinating??  I'm so excited at the thought of renewable energy.  I'm amazed that anyone can see this as "ruining the landscape".  A new friend mentioned that she doesn't mind seeing them, but doesn't want to hear them.  (Yes, they do make noise, depending on how fast they turn).  And did you know that in high winds, they shut the turbines down?  You get these babies moving too fast and they're likely to explode!!

It figures...I join Leslie at Words of Me Project for her 31 Days Write, Create, Be. challenge and I feel like most days, I'm coming up with nothing!!  I know most bloggers have days like this, but I feel like I can't even finish a post in a day!  Nope, not complaining.  Just looking forward to the turnaround that happens when you come out of writer's block. 

So I guess this is enough rambling.  There were more random thoughts I had when I sat down, but once again, they have now vacated this place I call a brain.  See what I mean?  I know I need to write it down.  Now where's that pad of paper??