. . . the little things

It's easy to forget how good it feels just to walk in the park on a sunny day, to get a card from an old friend or have a great conversation with your grandmother over tea. As we grow older and we witness loved ones suffer illnesses or pass away, its hard not to realize just being able to go out for a picnic or enjoy your favorite food can be a luxury for one who can not.  We won't always be able to do those little things we take for granted. So enjoy those little things ~ because when we can't do them any longer ~ they'll seem much bigger.

Reflection

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest ~ Confucius.  I have been in a reflective mood lately. Really thinking about what values are most important to me and how to live my life according to those values and principles. This quote from Confucius, reminded me of the bitter taste left from those experiences in which I did not live by my principles.

Create a life YOU love!

I think its easy to look at other peoples lives and think "how lucky they are, I wish I was doing that, or had that job, etc... " But the reality is, we can do all those things we see other people doing. It is just a matter of finding ways to add more FUN to your life. Go on a little adventure. Teach yourself to do something new. Spoil yourself with exotic fruit, camp out in your backyard, sail off into the sunset ~ make your life worth LOVING!

Don't let THAT stop you!

We are constantly presented with obstacles in life. Road blocks that seem to show up out of nowhere hindering our progress or sometimes stopping us in our tracks. Just remember that its only a test, part of the grand scheme and meant to teach us something greater. So don't let it stop you, find away around or bust right through!

~ a voice within ~

Often I find myself listening to a voice whispering inside my head, that says things like "you can't do that" or "you are going to make a fool of yourself." Time and time again I have to remind myself that is just the voice of fear and the only way to silence that fear to is proceed against it's caution and prove it wrong.

So the next time you hear that voice, telling you you can't paint, or you can't sing, or you can't write that novel you've been dreaming about. Just take another step towards achieving that illusive goal and soon enough, you'll realize you could!

Listen to your heart

Nobody else really knows what is best for you. Other's can have the best intentions with their advice or council, but when it comes right down to it ~ we have to live with our own choices and decisions, so we really need to make them for ourselves. And a decision that is right for us will not necessarily be right for anyone else. 

~Imagination~

I spend a great deal of time imagining. Being a designer for so many years, it has become almost instinctual to conceptualize combinations, consider possibilities and envision outcomes. That same instinct also bled into my filmmaking forays, constantly imagining and re-imagining how the story should play out. I feel as though my imagination is my best asset. It can take me anywhere I want to go! 

California Girl

When I was a little girl growing up in Western New York, I would spend my days playing in the woods. Staring up into the canopy of trees and dreaming about fairies ~ and thinking I wanted to be a forest fairy when I grew up!

But when I got a little older, and began watching movies, I learned there were places where it was summer all year long. So I decided that when I grew up I wanted to move to California and live in the sunshine year-round!

So after college, I set my sights on the golden state, with visions of movie stars, palms trees and sandy beaches swirling in my head! And it wasn't long before I found myself in Hollywood ~ dreaming about writing a screenplay!

Well, I finally did write a screenplay ~ but for me California life is all about the endless summer. As soon as I arrived here I felt it was home and I will always consider myself a California girl! 

Fight the good fight

Nothing of value comes easy. Confidence, self respect, friendship, love ~ all come with a price ~ and that price is hard work and struggle. Ups and downs, highs and lows, whatever it takes, struggle as hard as you can for the things you believe in.



Go out fighting!  Because those things really do matter.  In the end, when all is said and done, you are who and what you have stood for in your life.

Go get it!

The greatest lesson my dad taught me was that if you want something ~ go get it. Learn about it, ask questions, dream about it, think creatively and then find a way!
I have used this advise throughout my life. From early purchases as a teenager - saving money from babysitting, creatively finding ways to travel during college when I was broke, to eventually starting my own company. It requires focus, discipline, and determination ~ because it's never easy, but with persistence ~ comes the pay off!  So think about what you want, and then GO GET IT!

dreams . . . like wine through water

I believe that our dreams, are our true selves speaking to us through our minds, reminding us who we truly are and what is really important to our hearts.

Let your soul shine!!

Happy Monday my special blogger friends! Wishing you all a splendid week and encouraging you to let your SOUL SHINE through in everything you do!!!

Inspire your work with life's experiences

I feel like society today, imposes this belief that we should be working all the time. Always accomplishing something. Well, I feel that a well rounded life has a variety of experiences to draw upon.  Experience good food, travel, adventures with friends and quality time spent alone - reflecting or just doing your favorite things. Take time out to smell the roses ~ because work will always be there!!

birthday girl!!

June 11th is my favorite day of the year!!! (of course Christmas is a close 2nd!)