Half Full & Aloha Friday Question!

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“New day, fresh start! That's the best thing about being blessed to wake up! Claiming a day of joy, love and happiness! Dreams on my mind.” ~Unknown 

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?

“Fill your mind with light, happiness, hope, feelings of security and strength, and soon your life will reflect these qualities." ~Unknown

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 Wonderful Christmas in Chicago!  

• For our holiday adventures while there! 

• For my friend who took care of our pets! 

• For good weather and a safe trip! 

• For plans to go back this spring!

• For plans to visit Houston next year!

• For everything falling into place!

• For a new job & fresh start soon! 

• For Fun New Years Eve plans!

"Positive thinking evokes more energy, more initiative and more happiness." ~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.

“When there are difficulties and you feel down, this is the time to visualize, think and expect the positive. ” ~Unknown

My question:  What do you do when you feel down or even negative?

"Repeating inspiring quotes during the day, helps to better cope with every situation that arises." ~Unknown

My answer: It's not that often, but when I do, I re-read my favorite quotes and poems.  Visualizing all the plans I have for my life and those that I love.  I immediately feel better, happy, back to smiling, and the positive side of life again!    

“Affirm the positive, visualize the positive and expect the positive, and your life will change accordingly." ~Unknown

Have a Safe and Happy New Years Eve!!
Warm Hugs and Many New Blessings,

~ Coreen XO

Coming Home!

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"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again." ~Margaret Elizabeth

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"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."~Mother Teresa (Notice the Deer) 

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."~Maya Angelou

View from my son's home in Chicago.

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action."~Mother Teresa 

Merry Christmas from Chicago!

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"The perfect Christmas tree?  All Christmas trees are perfect!" ~Charles N. Barnard

Christmas Eve in Chicago

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Christmas Day!  I will be back home, blogging, visiting and sharing our adventures very soon!

Hugs and Many Blessings!
Coreen XOXO

Half Full Friday!!

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“Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It's lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It's higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man.” ~Wilfred A. Peterson, The Art of Living

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?

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

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 Christmas Break at the college!  

• For time off & a trip to Chicago! 

• For my house and pet sitter 'friend'! 

• For time with 2 of my boys! 

• For a friend's auto shop!  They take good care of me.

• For seeing my niece and nephew in their Christmas program last Sunday!  

• For getting so much done this week.

• For truth and honesty! 

• For Christmas and New Years plans!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~Norman Vincent Peale

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.

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” ~Peg Bracken

My question:  What has been or would be the best Christmas gift?

My answer: It's truly a gift whenever I'm with the people I love!    

“Christmas, my child, is Love in action.  Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." ~Dale Evans Rogers

Have a Very Merry Christmas!!
Hugs and Blessings,

~ Coreen XO

Christmas Gifts

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"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." ~Burton Hillis

evercoctail.com

The Christmas Gift Poem

It isn't the flowing ribbons,

draped and curled with extra care,

or the fine and fancy bows

tied with ornamental flair.

 It isn't the label on the box,

the sum of money spent,

or anything that shows the length

to which you obviously went.

The beauty of a Christmas gift

cannot be seen at all.

For the loveliness of giving

is a feeling, grand and tall.

It's the genuine offer of love,

the yearning to make a connection,

a show of honest gratitude,

a display of sincere affection. 

www.share-christmas.com

So Proud & Happy!!

"All our dreams can come true... if we have the courage to pursue them." ~Walt Disney

 Brandon's College Graduation!

Congrats to my youngest son; Chef Brandon!!

"I hope your dreams take you... to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known." ~Author Unknown

Half Full & Aloha Friday Question!

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“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” ~John Lennon

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?

“Truth and Integrity bring the purest form of Happiness" ~Me 

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 getting the job I wanted!  

• because the timing worked out perfectly! 

• For my son's college graduation Saturday! 

• For no more 'labels' on my son! 

• For finding my voice and asking questions!

• For not being a victim ever again!  

• For being honest, even if others aren't.

• For finding the answers I needed! 

• For letting things go... with ease and grace. 

"Happiness is a choice that requires effort sometimes." ~Aeschylus

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.

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” ~Thomas Jefferson  

My question:  For you, what is the most important character trait(s)?

My answer: I think it's Honesty & Integrity, because these are essential before someone can have compassion and forgiveness toward others; do their best work; and love unconditionally.    

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.   If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.   If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.   The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.   Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.   For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” ~Mother Teresa

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

~ Coreen XO

Hiding in the Shadows

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"Hiding in the shadows, makes it impossible to move forward." ~unknown

Hiding in the Shadows

by Ellen Bailey

Do not stand in the shadow of someone else When you can cast a shadow of yourself A shadow is your reflection on the ground It must be distinct if it is to be found Step out of the darkness and into the light Display your personal talents without fright A day will come when you are called to lead Do not shrink from your chance to succeed Move to the forefront and take control Seize the challenges of life and be bold Don't let someone else take your place You are a unique member of the Human Race

Just so you know my random thoughts ;-)

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"Random thoughts are received with no context for it, no pre-conceived notions or bias." ~unknown

http://diyphotography.net

Just so you know... I got a new job!!!!

... a step up and with lots of people!

Just so you know... I'm a little nervous

... that comes with any 'change' though.

Just so you know... I prayed a lot

... for the right job & in the right timing.

Just so you know... I believe 

... I got some answers last weekend.

Just so you know... some answers
... were more than a little shocking.

Just so you know... I'm not afraid

... fear keeps us from what we want.

Just so you know... I keep trying
... and learning from my mistakes.

Just so you know... I depend on me
... so I'm never disappointed. ;-)

Be Happy Everyone!!! :-)

Living with Integrity

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"Living with integrity means: * Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. * Asking for what you want and need from others. * Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. * Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. * Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe." ~Barbara De Angelia

zazzle.com

"If we believe a thing to be bad, and if we have a right to prevent it, it is our duty to try to prevent it and damn the consequences." ~Lord Milner

I've tried my whole life to live with integrity.  Although I'm not perfect and slip like we all do, I have a constant goal to stand up for those being taken advantage of or treated unfairly; those not given the opportunities they deserve; those who need a friend or just someone to believe in and fight for them.

I believe that if we all spoke up or stepped in when we see or hear someone doing something we know is wrong, there would be less abuse and more accountability in the world.  It seems that more people are concerned with their own  careers and social standing than they are with their own moral obligations as a human being.

How some people can can look away when they see someone is being abused; instead of stopping it and protecting vulnerable adults and especially children, is beyond my comprehensions.  How do those who don't speak up, doing nothing, look at themselves in the mirror or go home to their own children and families?  That is the hardest thing for me to understand.

I've been told that I care too much and that it's the mothering nature in me that brings me to help those I see hurting.  However, I feel that although none of us can control other people's actions; we should all care enough to speak up.  To stop situations we know are wrong, anyway that we can, making people accountable for their actions.

I know in my own abusive experiences that once someone was confronted, they were forced to be at least some what accountable.  Excuses for bad behavior seldom go on if others outside of the situation speak up and tell them they are abusive.  It's amazing how so many who believe they have a right to treat someone badly, can suddenly 'stop' when a peer speaks up to them.  But not when the person they are abusing tries to defend themselves.   Somehow it's always their fault according to the abuser.

An abuser has no integrity.  However the knowledge someone else has, can stop the abuse if they have the integrity to do what is right; even if it effects them negatively or has consequences either personally or professionally.  I have no respect for those who have the knowledge to change or stop a bad situations; but do nothing.

I haven't always had the knowledge in situations, where I wish I had.  However I can think of many times where someone has had the knowledge, but not the integrity, to use that knowledge to help others.  If more people lived with Integrity and didn't look the other way, the world would be a much better place.

"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." ~Samuel Johnson (Rasselas, ch. 41) 

Half Full & Aloha Friday Question!

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"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change." ~Author Unknown

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?

“Some of the greatest things in life are unseen.  That's why you close your eyes when you kiss, cry or dream." ~Author Unknown  

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 getting around safely in the snow!  

• For the company of a good friend! 

• For a great interview this week! 

• For not 'needing' anyone's help.

• For good dreams at night!

• For only '1' more day to wait!  

• For getting the answers I seek soon.

• For Christmas plans in Chicago!! 

• For nice neighbors! 

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." ~Dalai Lama

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.

"Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one's neighbor will bring peace in your relationships." ~Beatitudes  

My question:  For you, what is the most important religious message or 'traditions'?

My answer: I think the following quote says it best: Love, Compassion and Forgiveness, shown everyday; not just on Christmas or Sundays. :-)  

"All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives." ~Dalai Lama

Have a Loving Friday, Everyone!!
Hugs and Many Blessings,

~ Coreen XO