Dont Miss Opportunities :)

It is so easy to fall back into bad habits. Isnt It? One thing I have struggled with for the most part of my life is feeling guilty about being who I am. Or doing what I want. I also know that I am not by any means the only woman out there with this issue. It's always more acceptable to put children, spouses,parents and jobs first. Sometimes you really have to. But not all of the time. This is one of the great advantages of growing older. Things change and you appear to become wiser. ( It appears to myself I am anyway. lol) At the very least you can prioritize better and it least recognize when you are not being true to yourself. But I sure can fall back into old beliefs and habits very quickly. I am speaking for myself here, I am single, both of my daughters have families of their own now and sadly my parents have passed on. So the way I see it, now is my time. I have worked very hard my whole life, raised kids, took care of ailing parents, been divorced, health issues, job lay offs etc. This list is alot longer, but I dont have to tell you how it is. You also know how it is. But the ironic thing here is the tables have turned. Other well meaning people now think they know whats best for me and I find myself feeling very guilty and doing things I dont want to do, all because someone else thinks its for the best. Somehow they all know whats better for me and my current circumstances. They appear to think I dont have a thread of common sense or the fact that I handled all of the above mentioned circumstances in my life without any help from them. OK, I am beginning to rant here. lol Thats not the purpose of this post. I am thinking outloud and I am making a declaration, here in writing to be OK with my descisions. I am smart and intelligent and want to make the most of my life experiences. I hope that you are too. Its a cliche, but so true, this is not a dress rehearsal. I have many things I still want to do, I have places I want to go and with my dissability issues who know how long I will have to take advantage of all of these wonderful opportunities. I dont want to be sitting in that rocking chair on the porch some day in the future looking back on my life and regretting missed opportunities. So, I say with the most respect to my loved ones and friends, thank you for everything you do for me, thank you for being there and most of all thank you for understanding I can make the right descions for me.

Have a great week, spring is coming. Dont miss any opportunies coming your way and have lots of fun!

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood :)

While I know much of the country is very cold, and even buried in snow, this is the time in the desert Southwest to finally enjoy some beautiful weather. As I am sitting here at 8am its 55 degrees outside and will be 70-ish later. The birds are singing in the trees outside my window and seem quite happy. The cats are sitting in the window watching them. I think they would be happier if they could get out at the birds, but you cant make everyone happy I guess! I love this time of year. Its very short too. But there is nothing better to clear your head or for your state of mind and even good health than to sit out in the fresh air in the quiet and just breath and relax. So, this is a short post to wish you a beautiful saturday, fresh air and good health...... I am on my way outsit to sit for abit.

Have a pretty day,,,,gail

I am really looking forward to 2010

Wow, I really have been neglecting this blog. I have thought about posting several times. There are many reasons but to be honest its just been a hard couple months and I really dont want this to be a place for negativity or complaining:) I am really, really looking forward to a new year and have high hopes that it will be a great year.

One thing I have learned and is something that I plan to be a big part of my new year is paying it forward. I have been so blessed and have learned what true friendship is. This is not a judgement, just an observation, but I have had some wonderful things done for me. I really have learned what friendship truly is. People that have came forward and been there for me from people I didnt expect. Others I have know for years and would have thought would always be around have bailed. I think they just dont know what to do or say. But I promise to never forget and pay their kindness forward in their honor. In these times sometimes just a phone call to say Hi and that you are thinking of someone is all it takes to make someones day. I hope to remember that each and every day of this new year.

I have had one situation that is really the hardest thing I am dealing with. With still being unemployed it gets harder and harder to pay the rent. I always have the option of putting my things in storage and staying with friends or family, but that would be me and not include my cats. Well meaning people dont think I have any choice but to get rid of them and do this. They seem to think it should be so easy. So I have really been giving this so much thought. This is something I cant do. You always here how its great to own pets because they love you unconditionally and they are always there for you. The way I see it, thats half the story. The human ego side. lol The other half is YOU get to give them uncoditional love. You can express all kinds of feelings that humans need to. You can tell you cat anything, express love, you can sing Christmas carols to your dog without anyone judging you or rejecting you. My cats have been here for me longer and more loyal than most humans I know. They rely on me and I rely on them, so no matter what it takes, I will solve my problem. I think thats why so many of the people have talked to have such a hard time when they loose their animal friends. Its hard to loose such a loyal friend who knows you better than anyone else.

So with all of that said I am looking forward to 2010. I have a good feeling about this new year. I have so many fresh ideas and ready to get to work. I hope each of you have a very Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year and may peace fill your hearts and homes. (()) gail

I cant imagine life without my furry friends.

I hesitate to write a post today. My intention has been to keep this a very positive and place for ideas and inspiration. But I have decided I think my subject today is important to me. Actually the subject of my furry friends is one of the most important things in my life. For those of you who dont know me well, I am a huge animal lover. I love ALL animals. I have worked at a wild life park, I own a pet sitting business and have owned about every domesticated pet. But cats speak to me and my heart. The strays will find my door and walk right in. Cats who supposedly hate people love me. I have one cat Lucy that I believe must have been an artist in another life. (she is also my office manager) But when I am working she is right there watching every single move I make. Its like she is taking the stitch with me or stroking the paint brush with her eyes. She loves watching me bead. So I have taken to asking for her opinion. lol But my heart is so sad this week for my little Tigger. She is almost 17. She stopped eating and she seems to be having some horrible bad dental issues. The last cat I had dental work done for was $1.200.00. And for the reason she is 17 and I am unemployed I cant do this and its the worst thing I have been through in a long time. She was eating baby food and kitten formula for awhile, but since friday I cant get her to eat or drink anything. I have given her some drops of water with a syringe, but it makes her very agitated. But I have to do that much at least. So we have just been sitting together and waiting. Tomorrow morning I will have to take her to the vet and say good bye. I have had her all her life and actually lived with her longer than my parents, my ex husband and even my two daughters. And havent gotten anywhere near the grief the others have caused me. lol :(

So,,, I have come to realize something else. Try as you may to be positive and work for the best in your life. Sometimes inspiration is sad. You have to grieve and know its ok for a few days to just go on auto pilot. Because when you come out on the other end the wonderful memories will be so worth it. Animals are so much support and happiness. Especially for people who have struggles that make their day a little harder to get through.

I Love How This Works

Thoughts become things. ?? Do you believe this? I know its become a very popular thing of late because of all of the new books out and The Secrets popularity. But I decided to give this a true test. Give it 100 percent. I chose to do this now because I am having hard and stressful times. Its easier when things in life are running smooth, everyone is healthy and happy. This was going to be hard for me. I have been in the habit for the longest time of being a negative thinker. I have lived my life as Eyore. I have been followed by a dark cloud and made sure everyone new it. Everything was easy for everyone else. But it was hard for me. But several things happened around the same time. For one, I just got sick and tired of being sad and negative. That prompted me to search out answers. I have read alot of books. I am a huge fan of Wayne Dyers books. I even saw him speak at an all day seminar. Its nice when you find that one person who seems to speak straight to your heart. He makes so much sense to me. I have always had a facination with the Tao Te Ching, the most important literay work in Chinese history. Wayne Dyer does a great job translating this to make it work in todays world and living in the west. Then third, two years ago I joined an online networking site for women in business called Make Mine Pink. I didnt know it at the time, but it was truly fate and my destiny. The owner is Joyce Lucas and I cant even put into words what knowing her has done for my life. While outside of Make Mine Pink my life was always falling apart and a mess, everything, and I mean everything has been right since joining. I actually won my website in a raffle she had. Me,, I never win anything. I have won several large and signifigant prizes. I have traveled to Chicago, Virginia and Cape Cod and met all of my great friends in person. Trips that I cant have ever imagined being able to afford to take. She has truly been my Fairy Godmother. Belonging to this group has changed my life. But not only in the way of networking and making my business happen. Its changed my attitude and the way I look at everything in life. Bad things still happen,, its life. Bad will happen, good will happen and it is truly all in your attitude how you survive it.

So,,, right here now today, I was laid off from my job in Sept., I have some pretty serious mobility issues, bad migrains and no health insurance. I am a single income household. But I decided to take a different approach to this last blow and handle it differently. I wont lie,,, that was not easy for a chronic lifetime negative person, so if I can do this, I hope it may help others to give it a try. (Sorry its taken so long to get to the point, but I wanted to lay down some background info :) ) I decided to celebrate loosing my job. I am now 51 and I decided that if I dont follow my passion now and work full time on my business creating my designs and art, its never going to happen. I want to be able to look back over my life with as few regrets as possible. Joyce suggested, challenged if you will, us to write in a gratitude journal every night. Write down everything great about the day. Even if it was just that you survived it. When I started really writing it all down. There was way more to be grateful for than to be sad about. Then every morning as you start your day, spend 10 minutes doing some serious visualizing about what you want. Everything and in great details. Very specific details. I know this concept isnt new, but her challenge was just what I needed. I also finally finished my vision board. I have been doing this for about three weeks. I cant begin to tell you of all of the good going on. I still have money struggles, but I dont know how, but its working itself out. Just as a few examples,,, I was able to get some utility assistance through the city I live in and it will pay my electric probably until close to the end of the year, I have gotten several Joann gift cards to help keep my business going, my pet sitting jobs have picked up. There is more, and I pass the challenge on to you. You really have nothing to loose and lots to gain. OH, I forgot, the best part. I went 6 days without a headache. Thats huge for me! I am a believer, I belive this works and I pass on Joyces challenge to you. Have happy thoughts....

Its Amazing What You Can Do !

I got to thinking after watching an episode of Extreme Home Makeover yesterday about the amazing talents of disabled people. There was a 19 year old young man named Patrick Henry who was in a wheelchair and blind. He was so full of personality and talent and such a wonderful person. He considers himself very blessed. He plays the trumpet for the marching band at a university in Louisville KY. His father pushes his wheelchair and allows him to be part of a marching band. He writes songs and has the most beautiful voice. Such an inspiration and it must be an honor to know him.

I was doing a little research online and found some great resources. I found a website that has many links to websites and associations for specific type disabilities and talents. If you would like to have a look, their address is http://www.artpromote.com/disabled.shtml . While on this sight I found the most interesting article on a women named Lisa Fittipaldi. She began loosing her eyesight a few years ago and is blind now. She is a wonderful painter. The above painting is one of her works of art. I am in awe of this kind of talent. You can see more of Lisa's work at her website http://www.lisafittipaldi.com/ .

I truly believe we all have talents. I wonder how many live their lives and never discover their own. There are stories after stories to be heard about quite extraordinary people with disabilities that have a gift of a amazing talent that would seem beyond human capability. I guess it is beyond human capability,,, its a gift from God. I am thankful everyday to be able to enjoy my creative talents I have been given. Its truly the icing on the cake of life. Have fun experimenting and learning what your true talents are... and happy creating.

Know Your Limitations

And never appologize for them. I have to admit I am just horrible at this. I want to be able to do more than I can. I am still not used to this limiting condition. Aaaghh But anytime I have pushed myself way to far I have paid the price. Me and no one else. I dont step up and say, I am sorry I wont be able to do that. I feel guilty for not being able to be 100 percent. But I am learning the hard way. When I am down with a migrain from a tweeked neck and really cant walk for a couple days, its me that looses out on life, not the person I am worried about upsetting. This weekend I did an artshow and decided going into this I would just be upfront and explain I had limitations. I would be more than willing to help in any and all ways I could. I wasnt asking to be excused or pardoned from my responsibilities for participating in the show. AND you know what. They were very helpful and understanding and it made it alot easier on me. Soooo, dont give up and sit in front of the TV, there is so much fun in life. Learn about yourself and push yourself to that line. Just dont cross it. It is that ever illusive fine line, but by paying attention to your body, you will learn it.

"Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere....give us courage....and the quiet mind. by Robert Louis Stevenson.