Half Full & Aloha Friday Question

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"Every thought has the power to bring into being the visible from the invisible. It is absolutely necessary for us all to understand that everything we think, do or say comes back to us. Every thought, word or action—without exception—manifests itself as an actual reality." ~Ann Wigmore

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Life does not consist mainly, or even largely, of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the stream of thought that is forever flowing through one’s head." ~Mark Twain

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. 

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things every day... especially this week:

• For having time to do a Happy Friday post this week!  

• For some Great career leads!  

• For some good interviews and connections. 

• For knowing what I'm looking for.  

• For some Great conversations! 

• For my oldest son's birthday this week!

• For truly focusing on the positives! 

• For handling changes with optimism!

 "Look ahead; envision the beautiful blessings waiting on your distant shores. If you follow your personal stepping-stones with joy, love, faith and gratitude, the swiftest currents will not impede your journey." ~Steve Brunkhorst 

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence." ~Helen Keller 

My question:  What makes or gives you confidence?

My answer:  Doing my best and having upbeat conversations with positive, happy people. :-) 

"Take care of yourself and be around positive people... always brings your the confidence to the surface."~Me

Have a beautiful weekend!!
Hugs and Blessings,

~ Coreen XO

Pictures from the Past...

"Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your children's children." ~Deuteronomy 4:9 

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Recently I've been able to have some amazing conversations with all three of my sons.  Ones that each time has brought back 'pictures from the past'.  Things I had not thought of for many years and bring back so many memories.

Some of the events and stories really interested my sons, which made me wonder why I hadn't told them about some of those relatives, events or jobs before.  From the stories and history of special relatives that my sons never got to meet; to jobs I had many years ago.  Some stories surprised them while others even impressed.

It may be that my sons didn't realize that I had a life before being their mom; running a day care, and being on all the school groups and committees.  Or maybe that I had skills outside of helping with a PTO bake sale, decorating for 'after-prom' or working a concession stand.  More than likely, they just never thought about any of it before.

Because I think they assumed, which was my fault because I just had't taken the time to share what I saw as my 'everyday stories' with them.  However, telling those stories brought the opportunity to dig up and share 'pictures from the past'.  Which inspired not only great conversations; but also understanding and interest in those old pictures, our family history and even 'me'.

They actually thought I had had some interesting experiences.  So I'm guessing (hoping) that I'm not just 'mom' anymore... right?! ;-)

"There's a world of wisdom in our personal stories. Your life is a legacy, a gift that only you can give. Why waste something so precious?" ~Dolly Berthelot www.mineyourmemories.com 

Seeing the Light

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"We are each gifted in a unique and important way.  It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light." ~Evelyn Dunbar 

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The last month has been very busy with much to do, decide and understand. It has been a time when I didn't know where to turn, who to trust or what to do next.  A time of both fear and relief.  Fear from not knowing what the future holds as well as relief from knowing that some things have to change... even if it's not the timing I had planned.

I've been wanting to find the light for a while... however dragging my feet, making excuses that 'after this' I'll do 'that'.  Sometimes my well intended plans happen.. sometimes they take longer than they should.  That's when I believe that 'God' kicks us out of our comfortable 'dark holes', into the light and back into life.

I'm still not completely sure about what the future holds or what and who I should trust.  However, I am getting some very strong guidance and direction whenever I crawl into my 'dark hole' of solitude.  That is were I pray, think, meditate and listen for the answers to come to me.  For a new perspective and understanding to go along with new ideas.  Seeing the light at the top of my solitary hole... opening myself up to a new and even better life.  Of that, I am sure of!

"A sensible man will remember that the eyes may be confused in two ways - by a change from light to darkness or from darkness to light; and he will recognize that the same thing happens to the soul." ~Plato

Direction Essentials

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"Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim." ~John D. Rockefeller 

As I work to find new direction in my life, I am reminded that real change is a result of hard work, focus and direction.  I can work hard and focus when I try, but knowing which direction to take is much tougher.

I have others who depend on me.  That, along with having no one to take care of me... but Me... causes  long and hard thoughts about the direction and the decisions I must make in each and every phase of my life.

Changes can be difficult for anyone at anytime.  However for me, they are usually for the best.  So I focus on that, believing that God has a better plan while giving me a new direction.

Today I've been thinking about the 'essentials' to life and the direction I want mine to go.  Essentials don't just include food and shelter.  For me they include being honest, trustworthy and following my personal values.

That can be difficult in some environments, especially in workplaces where money and personal benefits outweigh doing what is fair or right at times.

I would rather spend my life doing what I feel is right... even if I don't accomplish as much as some people or make nearly as much money.

Directions that bring me satisfaction, peace and happiness are 'essential' to my own life!  How about you?

Essentials 

Roll up your sleeves, lad, and begin;
Disarm misfortune with a grin;
Let discontent not wag your chin-
Let gratitude.

Don't try to find things all askew;
Don't be afraid of what is new;
Nor banish as unsound, untrue,
A platitude.

If folks don't act as you would choose
Remember life is varied; use
Your common sense; don't get the blues;
Show latitude.

Sing though in quavering sharps and flats,
Love though the folk you love are cats,
Work though you're worn and weary-
that's the attitude.

Poet: St. Clair Adams  

Half Full & Aloha Friday question

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"The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings, the more he will bring to our mind other blessings. The more we are aware of to be grateful for, the happier we become." ~Ezra Taft Benson 

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Perceive and rejoice that life is abundant, that beauty and goodness are amply available . . . that your happiness is in your hands." ~Paul Hodges

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things every day... especially this week:

• For a very productive and positive week! 

• For setting goals and making plans to achieve them.

• For handling unexpected situations with grace...

 "Happiness is a grateful spirit, an optimistic attitude, and a heart full of love." ~unknown

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"To love others makes us happy."

My question:  What makes you feel complete and happy?

My answer:  Spending time with all 3 of my sons.  Looking forward to November.  I'm counting the weeks. :-) 

"That is happiness -  to be dissolved into something complete and great."~Willa Cather 

Have a beautiful weekend!!
Hugs and Blessings,

~ Coreen XO

When We Share

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When We Share...  poet unknown

When we share laughter, there's twice the fun;
When we share success, we surpass what we've done.

When we share problems, there's half the pain;
When we share tears, a rainbow follows rain.

When we share dreams, they become more real;
When we share secrets, it's our hearts we reveal.

If we share a smile, then our love shows;
If we share a hug, then our love grows.

If we share with someone on whom we depend,
That person becomes family or friend.

And what draws us closer and makes us all care,
Is not what we have, but the things that we share.

Looking for a Fiery kind of Love...

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"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable." ~Bruce Lee 

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Steel And Velvet

He loved her as steel, he loved her as velvet

And in her heart, so closely she held it,

To make her complete, was his deepest desire,

To take her inside him, to bring her his fire

She loved him as snow; she loved him as rain,

To give him her warmth, to vanquish his pain,

To make him complete was her longing desire,

To take him inside her, to bring him her fire

They loved as with joy, they loved as a dance

So deeply in love… through the endless romance.

 Author: Doug W.

I stumbled across this poem because of the title.  Pretty awesome I think!   So does this kind of 'HOT' Love  and romantic friendship really exist?   I still want to believe it does...   
Have any of you found it yet?

UPDATE: Ohio Mom Jailed for Lying About Kids' School Residency - UPDATE!!

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184,000 Change.org members believe Kelley Williams-Bolar is a loving mother who wants to provide the best future for her children -- not a felon for sending her kids to a safer school district. Ohio Governor John Kasich agrees, and yesterday reduced Kelley’s felony convictions to misdemeanors, a life-changing and rare move that you made happen.

We don't need to tell you that it feels good to win -- to have contributed to a positive change in someone’s life through this campaign (or say, through the campaign 122,000 Change.org members just won to pause a foreclosure on PFC Aaron Collette's "safe zone" -- his father's house -- while he's on leave from Iraq). But what's it like to be at the helm?  To be the creator of your own campaign to change your world? 

Start your own petition at Change.org and see how easy it is to make change happen.

Kelley's campaign was started by Caitlin Lord, a Change.org member and a single mom like Kelley, in Massachusetts. She had never met Kelley but heard her story and wanted to help. She found tips, tools and other support at Change.org to build a mini-movement behind Kelley. A movement of 184,000 Change.org members who also wanted to help, and signed Caitlin’s petition and teamed up with our friends at ColorOfChange.org to flood Gov. Kasich's office with phone calls. 

In the end, Gov. Kasich said "the penalty was excessive for the offense" -- exactly your message to him all along. Today, Kelley is again free to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be with her two daughters. Her world has changed.  

What will you change in your world? Start a petition today at Change.org. 

Thanks for being a change-maker,

Patrick and the Change.org team


Previous Post:
This case has upset me so much! I can't even begin to explain all the reasons why right now.  Except to say... How about the school district and the state to allow Quality education to those who Want it and instead of punising parents who care, how about punish the parents who don't care about their childrens' futures!!

If your children have had a quality education, please remember that not all parents have that option for their children. I had to move to a different state, giving up a house in my own hometown, friends and a job that I loved, in order to get my son an education. Long story... that some of you already know of course.

I will be writing more on this subject very soon!  For now, if you haven't already, go to the link and read the full story... including 'some' of the 4332 comments already posted underneath.  Unbelievable and senseless courtcase in my opinion!

Half Full and Aloha Friday my friends....

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"Happiness is the result of my decision to be happy. There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way. In other words, happiness is a feeling I tap into, not an outcome of events. I can be happy without changing anything in my life except my relationship to my own thinking. I decide to be happy and commit myself to making happiness my state of mind, rather than relying on a set of circumstances to do it for me." ~Richard Carlson 

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the last and the greatest of human freedoms, to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstance, to choose one’s own way of life." ~Victor Frank  

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things every day... especially this week:

• For talking to all 3 of my sons, several times this week!!! 

• For all the positive energy from family & friends! XO

• For visiting with a dear friend from 'back home' last weekend!

"Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures." ~Jackson Brown Jr.  

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"Every moment of your life, including this one, is a fresh start." ~Jean-Louis Servan-Schreiber 

My question:  Have you ever gotten a job by being in the right place at the right time?

My answer:  Yes, a few times.  Once I was at a club meeting and over heard someone saying she was covering for a person let go in her company.  I applied the next day, loved the job and it was the start to a whole new life for me.  

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." ~Bob Dylan

Have a Fabulous Weekend, Everyone!!
Hugs and Many, Many Blessings,

~ Coreen XOXO

Live a Life that Counts

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"If you're not doing something with your life, then it doesn’t matter how long you live. If you're doing something with your life, then it doesn't matter how short your life may be. A life is not measured by years lived, but by its usefulness. If you are giving, loving, serving, helping, encouraging, and adding value to others, then you're living a life that counts!" ~John C. Maxwell 

Words To Live By

It's not how much you accomplish in life that really counts,

but how much you give to other.

It's not how high you build your dreams that makes a difference,

but how high your faith can climb.

It's not how many goals you reach,

but how many lives you touch.

It's not who you know that matters,

but who you are inside.

Believe in the impossible,

hold tight to the incredible,

and live each day to its fullest potential.

You can make a difference in your world.

~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan ~ 

Can you feel me Praying for You?

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Someone, Somewhere

Life has been such a struggle for me,
Nothing is going right.
I am so weak, lost and afraid,
My days are dark as night.
I cry out to God but just can't find the words,
 This pain just won't go away.
Then hope fills my soul and I start to believe,
That things will get better today.
I know that someone is praying for me,
I can feel it in my heart.
Tears filled my eyes and I almost gave up,
My heart felt so ripped apart.
But someone, somewhere said a prayer for me,
God knew just what to do.
For He knew my struggles and sent me someone,
To pray to get me through.
I know that someone is praying for me,
Cause I couldn't do it myself.
Then in an instant I felt so free,
He took care of me by Himself.
He asked someone loving to answer His call,
Someone who really does care.
To lift me up to our heavenly Lord,
A dear friend out there somewhere.
Life is still a struggle for me,
But I get on my knees and pray.
Although I am weak I'm much stronger now,
There's sunshine back in my day.
It makes all the difference knowing someone,
Really cares about me.
For God sent me someone, somewhere out there,
To pray on behalf of me.
If the Lord leads you to pray for someone,
A friend or someone unknown,
Don't look away for God needs your help,
And to you He has shown.
Your love and kindness could change someone's life,
Although they may not know you.
The life that you helped could have been mine,
And to you I say, THANK-YOU!
I know what it's like to have someone, somewhere,
Ask the Lord to guide me.
I felt so alone, but that prayer changed my life,
And set my heart so free.
I'll keep my heart open and listen for God,
Then I'll pray to Him for you.
For I want to be that someone, somewhere,
Who God can use for you.

Nancy Burr

Heart to Heart talks...

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Heart to Heart talks are so important!  Yet in this day and age of busy schedules and technology, it seems that it's becoming almost rare.  I personally miss the days when people picked up the phone and actually talked for hours.  Communication allows us to get to know each other better.  Sharing experiences, thoughts and feelings... insights into our worlds, creates understanding and deep connections.   No technology can replace the feelings we each get from real voice or face to face conversations.

Now a days, it's too easy to quickly send an email or text, not giving the other person much more than words and facts.  We forget sometimes how much the tone of a voice or facial expressions convey the feelings, 'heart' and soul of the person speaking those words and telling the details or facts.

I had not talked to my sons recently except for emails and text messages because they have been so busy.  However this week I was able to actually talk to each of them at length on the phone and and we all got the 'feelings' and 'heart' behind the messages.  It was wonderful and even gave us all a sense of relief and understanding.  I miss having them closer and the ability to have these conversations face to face and 'heart to heart'.

There are others on my mind and in my 'heart' that I also miss and need to talk to also.  So I need to find the time and arrange the opportunities for more of those 'heart to heart' talks with them as well soon.  Either in person or on the phone, whatever works out.  It's so important, especially when we remember how short and unpredictable life can be.

I hope we all reach out and connect with someone on our hearts and minds today!

"Deep heart listening and speaking your truth generates an exhilarating "heart talk" frequency. "Heart talk" is care in action and builds friendship. As you learn to see everyone as your friend, and not as an enemy, you release judgments. Just keep your heart open to them as you speak your truth." ~Sara Paddison, Hidden Power of the Heart

Half Full & Aloha Friday Question

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"As I go through all kinds of feelings and experiences in my journey through life -- delight, surprise, chagrin, dismay -- I hold this question as a guiding light: "What do I really need right now to be happy?" What I come to over and over again is that only qualities as vast and deep as love, connection and kindness will really make me happy in any sort of enduring way." ~Sharon Salzberg

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"The amount of happiness that you have depends on the amount of freedom you have in your heart." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things every day... especially this week:

• For all the support and comfort I received this week! 

• For all the leads my friends and family gave me! XO

• For seeing 2 dear friends from high school last weekend!

"What everyone wants from life is continuous and genuine happiness." ~Baruch Spinoza

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"Every person is a new door to a different world."
~ from the movie "Six Degrees of Separation"

My question:  What 'new world' has a friend, or friends, opened up for you?

My answer:  The world of 'inspirational writing'.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." ~Anais Nin

Have a wonderful weekend!!
Hugs and Blessings,

~ Coreen XOXO