Possible!

One of my Facebook friends had posted this quote today.  I though it was so positive that I decided to post it here.  It is so apropos for my blog. Enjoy and have a Positively Blessed Day!

Daring To Drive

     Driving remains last on my “favorite things to do” list. Though I prefer someone else drive, necessity obligates me to grin and bear it.  My teen years began the propagation of the fears of driving.  My dislike of driving stems from the loss of a dear friend from a collision with an 18 wheel tractor trailer truck.  It showed inevitable, the day my mother would say, that it was time for me to learn to drive and to get my driver’s license.  The Horror!  No, I was not your typical teenager!   

     Usually, at least when I was young, teens chomped at the bit to get the keys of their parent’s car and get comfy behind the wheel.  By having their driver’s license, teens felt the power of finally having the freedom to go places on their own without the presence of parental authority sullying their plans.   All around me friends and classmates reveled in the success of passing the driving test while shaking their car keys in the air tightly grasped in their fists. 

     The knot in the pit of my stomach grew tighter with each viewed celebration. I made up excuses of why it was not the right time to learn how to drive to all who approached the subject of driving.  The delay stretched out as long as I could take it when I ran out of excuses and was finally confronted with facing my fears.  It suffices to say that with such a dislike and a lack of enthusiasm for driving, I went through three driving teachers throughout my training period.  With each practice driving session my distress of the foreseeable driving test soared.  My first two instructors, my mother and sister, suddenly became too “busy” to teach me after a few “close calls”.  I did not blame them, I was pretty freaked out too when I almost hit those two cars while trying to make a left turn.   Disheartened and petrified my third and final coach came in to the mix. 

     My sister’s boyfriend braved the following sessions brilliantly.  Though I never saw him flinch or heard him scream at me in terror, I know I was a horribly lackluster and scary student.  His patience and consistent schooling in the art of driving eventually gave me more confidence that I could pass the driving test once and for all.  The days leading up to the fateful test day were full of prayers and tears.  The terror of driving surpassed that of not passing.  Finally the day arrived; of course it had to rain! 

     So rain would be my undoing!  My mother drove me to the test as I sat in the car frozen and staring at the rain drops snaking down the passenger window.  I just concentrated on the drops and said prayers the whole way to the test center.  Once the tester joined me in the vehicle I took a deep breath and just imagined my coach in the seat next to me and went on my way.  Before I knew it I was back at the test center successfully parallel parking.  It was over.  I glanced over to the rain soaked sidewalk where two women jumped up and down under umbrellas with wide smiles on their faces; my mom and probably some other teens mom.   The tester handed me a paper and said, “Congratulations!”  It was over! 

     Following the driving test I remember my mom getting in passenger seat asking me to drive home and I responded by saying “no way”!  It is so funny now thinking back to that time in my life.  I say funny because now my daughter and niece are at the age where they are preparing for the driver’s test.  My daughter, very much like me, is very reluctant to practice driving.  My niece on the other hand, whose father by the way was my last driving coach, cannot wait to get behind the wheel.  My daughter has in no way the same reason for disliking driving as I did but dislikes it just the same.  It gets me to wonder if the reason for the disinterest in driving is due to real fears or lack of interest in driving due to the rising of the use of modern technology to do everything.  Most teens in the modern era prefer to study, shop, interact and play on their computers rather than drive to the mall as I did when I was young.  Either way my work is cut out for me with teaching my daughter how to drive.  I never imagined that I would ever have to teach someone else how to drive!  The wisdom I hope to impart to my daughter and my niece is that whatever it may be, driving, school or work, take a deep breath, say a prayer, give it your all and give it a chance!  You may not initially be good at it but practice makes perfect and you will be a better person for having tried!  Have a positively blessed day!!

I'm a College Student!!!

   The new Monster's Inc. movie stands as one of my favorite animated movies this year.  Mike, the one eyed monster with high self-esteem, is the character I can most relate to.  It cracks me up that he goes through life not even seeing the obstacles to his dream of being a scare monster; I love Mike's positive motivation.  Nothing will stop him from reaching his goals.  Meanwhile, other monsters are negative and cannot understand Mike's vision of success as theirs are so muddled and lackluster.

     I can relate to this character 100%.  Almost seven months ago I embarked on finally achieving my goal of returning and finishing my college degree.  I am not your average aged college student, so returning to a place of education that houses students roughly the age of my own child made me feel out of sorts to say the least.  The age disparity was the least of my worries.  My stress stemmed from the class subject matters.  I had not been back to school in so many years and was worried about not understanding the modern day concepts taught.   Once the classes started, my stress was unfounded.  My mind casually nestled itself into the subjects easily and absorbed every ounce of knowledge.  It was as if it soaking the knowledge in was quenching my minds long standing thirst.  My surprise was one of happiness and fulfillment.  Returning to college revived me in a way I never thought would happen. 

     Returning to college opened up doors in my mind that had long been secured and left dusty and cobwebbed.  Once these doors were cracked open, floods of creativity poured out of them.  I realized that I had strengths in activities I had always shied away from, like poetry.  Now writing, poetry, photography and other creative processes exude out of my mind.   It was a difficult journey to decide to return to college.  I struggled within myself to find reasons not to return.  At the time I was living through my doubts and negative thinking.  Once I snapped out of the destructive thinking phase, I got back on the track to my goal of gaining my degree.  Returning allowed me to find myself once again and pursue avenues I had not dared to in the past.

     My happiness at returning to college pervades my life daily.  It is not possible for me to contain my pride and happiness since I am finally where I want to be.  My family is proud of my excellent grades and I am proud of myself too.  My gratefulness at being able to attend college is beyond measure and I daily encourage my kids to reach for that goal too.  I think the only thing that my entire family is not thrilled about is that, like Mike the Monster, I am constantly running around yelling “I’m a COLLEGE STUDENT”!!!

 Remember your long forgotten goals?  Pull them out of the dusty cobwebs and start toward them again! Have a positively blessed day everyone!!!

Golden Worries

In the past I have written about my positive hobbies (hobbitives).  They are positive outlets for my creativity and enjoyment.  My creativity is such an awesome gift from my savior as it helps me to express myself in different ways.  My most precious gift from God is my family, which includes of course my four legged babies.  Why am I mentioning my hobbitives?  It so happens that I enjoy writing poetry.  Today I want to combine my enjoyment of poetry and a day with one of my four legged babies.  My golden retriever, Riley, recently took a trip to the veterinarian.  I took this photo as he was waiting nervously for the doctor.  He and this picture inspired me to write this poem.  Riley is a sweet and gentle giant who has some funny ways about him.  Enjoy the poem and have a positively Blessed day!

"Golden Worries"

Tan and golden hues of hair,

sits upon the onyx chair

Restless and worried eyes,

thinks about a slow demise;

of the bright morning sun,

in which one enjoys a nice cool run

Shifting in the leather seat,

the patient starts to feel the heat

He dangles one leg off the chair,

seemingly without a care

The door slowly opens wide,

the doctor casually walks inside;

to the patient he proceeds

to check upon his tender needs

The golden hued patient stares,

to the heavens and says his prayers;

"Oh heavenly father up above,

the one I so truly love

Let my health be good and strong,

so that it may not be so long;

Before I may leave this room,

that has in the past brought me doom"

Now to the doctor he shifts his eyes,

and to his horror he quickly spies;

The shiny needle he holds strong,

The golden wonders what he did wrong

He braces himself against the chair, 

With his long nose up to the air

His crescent eyes shut real tight,

he does not put up a single fight

The doctor pats his golden crown,

and says to him with not a frown

"Now see that was not so bad,

later you will be so glad; 

that you came to see your favorite vet,

to get those ears thoroughly checked!"

Once the doctor says goodbye, 

the golden retriever gives a sigh

Now his mama waves at him to hurry,

as she says to him, "there now golden see, no worries!"

Thankful for the Freedom I Enjoy!

As evening falls, the sounds of rockets and the flash of colored lights fill the darkened skies.  Squeals of children screaming at the spectacular vistas bring smiles to all around.  At times loud "kaboom" sounds startle those caught off guard, though giggles follow the momentary fright.  Looking around, you see families gathered at the end of their driveways looking in every direction of the sky for glimpses of the half a dozen firework displays in the immediate area.  The festivities of the day are culminated by these joyful shows of colorful splatters in the sky.  Earlier in the day families and their friends gather to eat bar-b-cue, swim, play games and enjoy each others company.  The theme of the day shows enjoyment of the fundamental freedoms our forefathers fought for in the Revolutionary War.  Today we reflect on those brave individuals who took, in the past and still take today, a stand for their freedom and for the freedom of future Americans.  As we see the rockets red glare and hear the sounds of bombs bursting in air above our heads,
we should all be remembering all veterans past, present and future who make this a possibility.  I for one remember and pray for our veterans daily and am truly Thankful for the Freedom I Enjoy!!! God Bless America! Happy 4th of July!!  Have a positively Blessed day!!

The Universe Makes It Right

     Yesterday my son asked me about a situation in which I had a loss of funds. He was very concerned over the loss since it involved his lack of enthusiasm and motivation that made me lose the money.  A little background on me, I have been unemployed for a year and a half and am currently in college.  Funds are tight at the moment and my son is concerned about money we could use.  Anyway, I told him I was not worried about it and neither should he.  He asked me why I had such a nonchalant approach to the loss.  I relayed to him my belief that "The Universe makes everything right".  He looked at me very baffled.  I explained to him my theory.
     I began with the theory of energy.  Energy is finite.  You cannot make it or lose it.  Energy is transferred not lost.  Energy is recycled over and over again throughout the world and universe.  I feel the same about everything that happens in our universe.  When I have a loss, someone else has a gain.  If I feel ill, maybe someone feels better.  If I am feeling sad and lonely, someone out in the universe is happy and loved.  I truly feel that everything and everyone on the planet and the universe are interconnected.  With that, I believe that my loss of money is someones gain.  When the universe is ready I will have those funds returned to me in one way or another.  My son looked at me like I was a wacky hippy and shook his head while he walked away.
     My belief comes from my desire to be positive.  Maybe the need for me to believe that through my negative experiences  someone on the opposite side of the world could have a positive experience drives this belief.  I would certainly hope it to be true. I really hope that my children take this theory with them throughout their lives so they will know that every action or inaction they make affects others.  Hopefully this will drive home the point that all humanity is interconnected and dependent on one another.
     So today I took my golden retriever to get groomed.  He was pretty stinky and needed some pampering, as he has been recovering from an ear infection.  Long story short.....his expensive grooming tab turned out to be free!  The universe is awesome!  I told my son when I got home and he was shocked.  I said, "I told you the Universe would make it right!"  So I hope someone that may read this blog, who is experiencing a difficult time in their lives, take from it that patience and positive thinking will see you through until the Universe makes it right for you!
     Have a positively blessed day!

To Remove or Not To Remove: A Tattoo's Fate

     For thousands of years people from around the world have been marking their skin with sometimes intricate and at times simple personalized symbols.  These tailored works of art initially portrays the wearer’s inner desires, loving tributes, social memberships and various other reasons.  The word tattoo partially originates from the Tahitian word “tatau”, meaning “to mark something”.  In marking their skin, some tattoo garbed individual’s, express themselves in extremely unique ways. 

     Unfortunately, in the modern world, these unique tattoos bring with them, and the wearer, a stigma.    Society’s views on tattoo clad individuals, at times, brings the art wearers unsolicited negative views and undue suffering that results in a desire to remove their once loved skin art.  These disillusioned individuals often turn to laser tattoo removal as a resolution to their tattoo woes.  The method of laser tattoo removal proves to eliminate most if not all traces of disillusionment, remorse and social pressures.

     My opinion of the societal impact of laser tattoo removal is that if an individual feels that they no longer wish to bear the signs of the ink markings in their skin then this is an acceptable resolution.  I do however feel that a person should wholeheartedly contemplate the permanent removal of their skin art, for it will be erased ever after.  Although the ink will be removed there is not guarantee that the removal of the ink will negate the stigma felt before the erasure. 

     Although most of society feels that tattoos are taboo, the proponents stand by their artwork.  Upon expurgation of the ink, the laser removal patron may also have to face the negative social pressures from their former tattooed brethren. http://www.newlookhouston.com/TattooRemoval.html

A Poem for My Son-"Maturation"

Maturation

By Positive Lulu

~Of the first our eyes fell upon you,

We knew the wide world you would pursue

~You are smart, unique and absorb all knowledge,

Our pride you raise for deciding on college

~Through this transition and growth to maturity,

Our support, advice and guidance again you’ll see

~So go forth and achieve your dreams of animation,

But first let’s enjoy the day of your graduation!

*I wrote this poem for my son who will be graduating High School this week! 

What the words to America the Beautiful mean to me?

“What do the words to America the Beautiful Mean to me?”

As I read the words to America the Beautiful, my mind conjures up all of

the sights and sounds created by the flowing verses of the poem.  I

imagine I am there, in that time, looking out into the spacious skies from

high above on a mountain top taking in the breathlessness of the wheat

fields blowing gently in the breeze.  The sea of farmlands all around and

below me fills my heart with pride for I know that God has truly blessed me

and the rest of my country people from the East Coast to the West Coast

with hallowed sustenance.

I see the pilgrims arriving and setting first foot on the land not knowing

what is ahead for them but still pressing onward.  As they struggle through

difficulties of the wild new country, their inner passion for freedom beats

deep within them. Though they make mistakes they embrace their religion

and rally to put together laws that would be righteous towards all.

My day dream enlightens me as I read on.  The patriots prevail in their

search for liberty.  They have found a country they truly love more than their own

lives.  I find myself amongst them as my love for this country is as powerful as theirs.  A comfort washes over me knowing that my desire for a great country is not so different than theirs.

I see that the hopes and dreams of these people are for a free country,

and that they foresee it to be unspoiled, full of grace and pledge no suffering. 

They believe that all who seek independence shall find brotherhood within this

blessed land. They know that it will be a long road to achieve all their visions but

are committed to realizing them.

            Again I see myself amongst these people of this new nation fighting

through the hardships and pains to make a path for those in the future.  They face the unknown with the Grace of God and with the passion in their hearts.  Nothing, not even harm to themselves will stop them from realizing their freedom.

            As I finish the last verse of the poem I feel pride.  The words personify to me what our military men and woman have done for America throughout time.  They have stood side by side fighting to keep our freedoms intact.  I know that our forefather’s dreams live on!

Memories.....Like the Corners of My Mind

Over the years I reflect on times gone by and remember all the good and bad times I have experienced.   I don't ever wish that bad experiences never happened because that would in turn change who I am now. No I don't wish they never happened, I just try to extract from them whatever lesson I can and move forward and make sure that I don't repeat that experience in my future. After all I wouldn't be the person I am today if I had not experienced both the good and bad.

Memories to me are like so many books I have up in that library I call my brain.  Every once in a while it is nice to dust off one of those books and relive a time in your life that made you happy to be a kid, excited that your first kiss was so thrilling, nervous that you won't pass the driving test the first time.  Of course sometimes dusting off those scary books isn't as tempting but you need to at least read a few pages of that book so that you aren't haunted by the things you fear.

Every once in a while I get reminders of books hidden way in the back in the corner of my mind that have several inches of dust on them. I dust off the cover and barely recognize it.  I think to myself...is this even my memory? Did that get re-filed in the wrong library? Of course once I open the cover long forgotten memories start to trickle back to the fore front.

 It's fun to relive long forgotten times in your life and think back to how you felt and how the world was around you.  Just today I was able to relive a time in my life that was fun and carefree.  I was on facebook just looking at pictures on different friends pages when a face came across my screen.  I had not seen this face in about 36 years but I just new who it was!  I couldn't believe my eyes! It was my best friend from first grade!  She had moved away back then and I was heartbroken.  She was the sweetest friend I had ever known and she was gone and I didn't know whatever happened to her. 

I thought about my best friends many times over these 36 years very fondly and wished her well in whatever she was doing with her life.  I always pictured her in my mind as the petite, blond girl with a sweet smile.  I never in a million years expected her to suddenly come up on facebook on another friends page and smile at me like she did so long ago.

Of course I did not delay!  I sent her a friend request and hoped that she would at least remember my name and where I new her from.  I didn't think she would have the same cherished memories I had from my childhood.

Not long after my friend request I received confirmation of her friend acceptance and she wrote me asking if I was the person she new in first grade.  That made my day!  She remembered me!! I hope to continue my corespondence with my best friend from first grade in the future.  She was such a positive person to me at that time in my life when other things in my life weren't as bright and happy.  I will always consider her a blessing to me.

I used to fear my old library of memories but as time moves on I have learned that dusting off those old memory books can sometimes lead to some wonderful new memories and can also lead to positive revelations from whatever good or bad experiences you may have had.  But you know me I think that all memories can only bring positive things if you let them and see them in that light.

So I hope these few words will help you to want to brouse through that library in your mind and dust off a book of memories or two and delve into those forgotten memories.  You never know who you might reconnect with!
Have a positively blessed evening!

Every Day Is Your Birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday!  I remember when I was growing up as a child I was always so excited to have a birthday.  I was the type of girl who would rather have a party which included family and friends instead of getting presents.  There were always balloons, decorations, food, family, friends and music.  I didn't like to be singled out but enjoyed everyone playing games and having fun.

As I got into my late 20s that seemed to change.  I didn't want to party as much and then in my 30s I started to cringe when anyone mentioned my birthday coming up.  I am not sure why I felt that way.  It could have been that I saw some grays in my hair or wrinkles on my face that made me sort of fear each year I got older. One year, on my birthday, I spent the whole day in bed trying to avoid anyone celebrating my birthday.

Yesterday was different.  In the weeks leading up to my birthday I ended up in the hospital a few days for observation and it was hell.  You ever try to get some rest in the hospital?  It is impossible! Every hour it seemed someone was coming into my sardine can sized room to take blood, blood pressure, check pulse, temperature, check to see how much urine was in the little specimen hats they put on the toilet.  Long story short all is well with my health but that time I spent in the tiny room gave me some time to appreciate all my Blessings!  I have so many things to be positive about and a birthday is definitely one of them!

So Yesterday I jumped up and out of bed and ran around the house singing, "It's my birthday! It's my birthday! Happy Birthday to ME!  It felt good  and right. I don't want to deny my birthday anymore. That is such a waste! I want to enjoy every minute of my life.  Take the bull by the horns, seize the day, live every day like it's my last and every positive saying I can think of! 

It's funny because today I did the same thing.  I jumped up and out of bed and ran around and said "It's my birthday today!"  My husband promptly corrected me and said "No, yesterday was your birthday.  It is Sunday today."  I smiled and thought to myself, "nope, today is my birthday too!"

I want to live every day like that from now on.  I want to live like every day is my birthday.  Happy, grateful, with joy and a positive outlook on life! 

Have a Positively Happy Birthday!

Autumn in the Air

It is October first...can't believe summer swimming, sun bathing and sweat stains in shirt armpits time is ended. LOL I know not everyone has armpit sweat stains but down here in the humid south you tend to see that in the summer! The air is cool and crisp and the feeling of autumn is in the air.  I love this time of year!  It means that the Georgia National Fair is coming to town along with the sweet smell of candy apples, funnel cakes and fun!

The fair reminds me of my young, carefree days when all I had to worry about was if I looked cute and my homework was done.  Oh how I miss those days.  Life was so much simpler then. Not like now when you have to worry about bills, the economy, bullying in schools, finding a job in a horrible economy.  I digress, gotta keep it light.  I do get a bit nostalgic during fall.  I guess the coolness in the air and the smells of the season trigger all these things to flash back into my mind.

I guess if something is going to be triggered by your senses it should definitely be something that made you feel good and carefree!  Well I am going to go ahead and go with that flow and relive all those old good feelings by heading to the fair next weekend!  Gonna have me a Gyro and maybe share a funnel cake with the family.  After all instead of focusing on all the negative things going on around us we need to harness the good things and keep them in a pocket of our memories so that we can someday relive it when we need it most and feel good about things.

I have many good and many bad memories of my childhood but I forced myself to let go of the bad and nurture the good.  I remember when I was young my Mom was raising us as a single mom for a while.  We didn't have much money but she always seemed to find creative ways to keep us fed, clothed and happy.  She worked hard to do the best she could to take us places for us to enjoy our childhood.  I really can appreciate what she did for us now as a parent myself.  It is difficult enough as it is to care for our own children with both mother and father let alone with just one parent.  I think my Mom did and excellent job and I appreciate that.

I remember that one year we saw that the fair/carnival was in town and we so wanted to go.  Everyone we knew had gone or were going.  My mom squeezed out what she could from her already squeezed budget and put together a few meager dollars to take us.  Me and my two siblings were so excited! When it came to the day to go we were told by my mom that the money she put aside had been lost.  We were so sad!  She told us that we could still go but could not ride anything or have any treats.  I think we were sad about no rides or treats but excited that we could still be walking around in that atmosphere and take in all the sites and smells for free.

We all made the best of it and I knew it hurt my Mom that she would not be able to give us the extras, but we were fine.  I remember that we wandered over to one of the carnival games with the big spinning wheel and I was eyeing a plastic tea set with little rosebuds on them.  Oh how I could picture in my little mind drinking fake tea out of it with my little pinkie sticking up just like I had seen on TV.  I just stood there dreaming when someone put down a quarter in front of me.  I don't even know if it was my mom or someone else I just stared at it.  I was urged by the Carney game worker to place my bet on a number.  I slowly pushed the quarter on a number and then stared at the tea set hopefully.

The man spun the number wheel and I held my eyes on the wheel.  PLEASE fall on my number!  Oh man it just stopped short of my number.....my eyes fell in sadness.  I heard........WE HAVE A WINNER!  Oh great someone else won. Oh well......WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUNG LADY?  I looked up and the man was looking at me!  I look down to where I pushed the quarter and saw the man pushing it to the right number.  I looked right at the tea set and the man was already bringing it to me!  I told him thank you like a million times.  I looked over at my Mom and she looked like she was about to cry.  She thanked the man quietly and nodded her head at him in appreciation.  I looked back, as I walked away with my prize, and waved one more time at the man who had made my year. 

That evening all three siblings played with that tea set.  We were all so excited that we had won.  We played with that tea set for months and never tired of it.  I always remember that tea set and the man who helped me win it.  It was such a kind gesture he gave us. It really touched my heart .  That tea set meant so much to me.

To this day whenever I go to a fair and smell the cotton candy, corn on the cob and other various fair foods I think of that carnival at St. Mary's and think of that carnival man and my tea set and I feel like a kid again.  I love the Autumn and I love the fair.

I hope you all enjoy the Autumn and it helps you to remember good things, happy things and most of all Positive things.

Have a Positively Blessed Day!

The Blessing of Patience

In two days it will have been three months since I stopped putting myself through hell in a place that didn't deserve my positive energy.  I still miss those individuals who appreciated my odd, quirky ways though.  It is strange even now, after the time that has passed, when I speak about the place I worked at and refer to it in the present tense. It's as if my mind thinks I am still there.  I guess after six years of working somewhere, it will take a little longer than mere months to dismiss it from my immediate thoughts.

These last three months have renewed my positive vibes and sense of quirkiness!  It has been like coming out of a dark cave after a long hibernation and smelling the fresh air and hearing the sounds of nature.  There is a bright light that I have missed for so long surrounding me and I feel re-energized.  It hasn't been all cotton candy and cracker jacks during this time but I have had the time to reflect and recharge.

Through out my time out of work I have re-discovered the simple pleasures I have been setting aside.  I have made so many excuses not to relax and do my hobbies because something came up at work or this important thing has come up that I need to do instead.  I was able to re-connect with my family, my hobbies and me!

The one thing that I encouraged myself with, throughout this time, is to have patience!  It is difficult, believe me I know, to sit and search for a job in site after site and wonder when the day will come that I will get the call for a new job.  It can be disheartening at times but you have to remind yourself to be once again patient. Your time will come. 

Don't be discouraged!  I am not just talking about getting a job, that just happens to be what I am needing at the moment.  You might be searching for your perfect someone, friends, a baby, a pet, a car, a home, inspiration, a dream to come true....be Patient.  It may take a while but in some shape or form it will happen for you......it just might not happen how you picture it happening.

I really do believe that there is a specific plan for each and every one of us.  There is a time, place and way things will happen and we just need to keep ourselves on task until our specific plan comes to pass.  There is a reason for everything that happens to us in our lives.  Yes, I truly feel and believe this.

I mean no, we don't want bad things to happen to us of course.  Without negative things there would not be positive. Without black their would not be white. Without up there is no down. No Ying without Yang.  You get the point!  So acceptance and patience I believe are key to moving on and moving up!

That all said, I did finally get a call for a position!  Now it wasn't exactly what I was thinking but like I said there is a plan out there in the Universe for me and I just need to take it day by day and go with the flow.  It is a true blessing that came when I least expected it!

It is a temp job and that is cool, someday I hope to have a permanent job again but for now I am grateful for what I have and celebrating my re-entry into the workforce.  I know it is more than what many people have in the country at the moment and I truly truly appreciate my blessing.

I will continue to keep positive and pray for those seeking for what will help them be more positive. Tonight I will Pray once again that I will continue to receive the Blessing of Patience and that all of you do to!

Have a Positively Blessed night!

Let It Go

The air was cool and crisp as I watched the leaves fall from the neighbors pecan tree and into our pool this morning.  Autumn is finally in the air, which is unusual for Georgia. Normally we are still hold up in our home with the air conditioner full blast. Not today though.  I welcome the brisk air, it helps you to forget how stifling the past heat was.  Isn't it strange how a sound, smell or the site of something brings you instantly back to moments in your life, both good and bad?

Autumn always makes me nostalgic. It makes me think of things long past....the good things....the bad things.  Like the leaves changing up north, going to the fair, growing up, school days, Halloween as a child.  I of course like to remember only the good positive times but with reliving the past come the negative experiences too.

I used to really let the past negatives affect me but as I have gotten older I have learned to use experiences as lessons learned.  That is what I try to do anyway.  It wasn't always that way of course...but you have to start somewhere. 

Not long ago I would react to situations by bringing up the past to remind those who upset me that they had once hurt me the same way before.  I felt, at the time, that I was right to throw this back in their faces. What it really did was keep me from moving forward in my life.  Nothing good ever comes from reliving the past.  It has been a difficult journey for me, one that still continues. Forgiving those who have  trespassed against me has been a chore but I continue to work towards that goal.  Of course I relapse and get so upset  sometimes that I even cry, that is how I react to things that upset me. I usually talk myself through these times and remind myself that it is the past and I need to move forward.  When you let the past get to you that means that your joy is being taken away from you.  Don't ever let anyone or anything take your JOY away!

I feel that anything that seeks to take away your JOY is negative and evil.  This can come in the form of a person, words, emotions, experiences anything animate or inanimate.  Evil and negativity can transform itself into any form.  That is why I make sure to surround myself with only positive, happy, Good vibes, feelings and memories.  You have to let go of those sad, bad, mad, evil memories and things from your life.

If you continue to dwell on the negative, evil things you can't move on and forward.  They will consume you and pull you back and keep you in the negative revolving door.  You will be spinning around in the circle of hate, betrayal and evil.  It will suck the life out of you until you are spent, depressed and despondent. Don't let it!

Take a step back from the evil that keeps you prisoner! Look at it for what it is.  Evil doesn't want you to succeed or be happy. So turn your back on it!  It wants to keep you down in the depths of despair and keep you it's prisoner.  Take your life back! Pray for strength and guidance and you will receive it!  As hard as it is, forgive those who have forsaken and thrown stones at you, for only then will you be able to turn away from the evil and regain happiness and success!

It won't be easy and you will have to constantly remind yourself to be positive, forgive, love and be loved. Embrace the small things in life! You can do it!  You just have to make the commitment that you will turn things around in your life and have a plan to do it.  Start off small and work your way up.

What do I mean by having a plan and starting off small?  To get the ball rolling in changing your life for the positive you may want to  write down the first thing you could do to change things.  One of the changes I made recently is to plan and put together this blog. I had always enjoyed writing and considered doing a blog.  I never thought I could.  It was an unknown for me and it scared me to try. I haven't done all the things I have always wanted to do and I decided I was going to start.  It wasn't easy for me to get out of my comfort zone but in order to change I would have to face my fear.  Without leaving your comfort zone there can't be change.

Still I don't expect this blog to become popular or make a difference to millions.  I just wanted to make a change in my life and try something new and I have.  I have other things on my list now that I want to accomplish.  Some are small and some are very large but they are the goals I have set for myself to get to the positive happy, feelings I am seeking.  I know it is going to be a long road but I am looking forward to accomplishing them.  In accomplishing them I feel I will be able to let go of the things and negative memories that hold me back.

Trying new things is just a beginning for me.  I still have to work out the big things that hold me back. Forgiveness is one of them.  I need to forgive someone and then let Go of the negative memories in order to move on.  This is a hard one for me.  I know I will be able to do it............but it is just a matter of time.  It can't all happen at once, I am realistic of course.  I keep praying and asking for guidance and strength.  I know one day it will happen and then another door of positivity will open up to me.

As I look out my kitchen window the  daylight is gone now and I can't see anything in the pitch black of night except the green glow of my sunpowered night lanterns situated in my prayer garden.  I say a prayer through my window......"Please give me strength, help me to forgive and help me to Let It Go......Amen."

Have a Positively Blessed Night!

Live As Though You Were a Child Again!

This time of year always gets my creative juices flowing.  I LOVE fall because it brings my favorite day to be carefree and act like a child again.  Well really I kind of act goofy every day of the year but on this day I have and Excuse to act silly and childish!  So what is my favorite day in fall?  HALLOWEEN!!!

So why do I like Halloween so much?  Well first let me tell you that I am not a witch, I don't worship the devil, I don't perform seances on Halloween because the spirits are more powerful on that day or whatever evil things people think are done on that day.  I just like it because it reminds me of having fun, enjoying life, good times, friends, candy and being something you wish to be for one day besides just being Me!

Ever since I could remember my mother (love that I am like her. She is funny, creative and wacky)  would ask us every year what we wanted to be on Halloween and she would find a way (since we didn't have much money for things other than necessities) to make the costume or find different pieces to put the costume together.  She would start checking the closet, shopping the second hand shops and looking through the Salvation Army Store to see how she was going to make our costume come to life.

I remember one instance when my sister didn't have a costume to wear.  It was amazing how my Mother would look at an old Grandma Plaid Skirt and Suit Jacket for five dollars and immediately a light bulb would go off in her head for an idea for a costume.   I witnessed this first hand this same year since  my sister had no idea what costume she was going to wear that evening for the local church Halloween Party.  It was only hours away from beginning and here my Mother was grabbing the suit, finding an old straw grandma hat,( it reminding me of the one Aunt Bea wore on the Andy Griffith Show), a granny hand bag with a giant clasp, pointy buckled church lady shoes and a rickety cane. Wow that was all found in less than twenty minutes flat! She definitely had a picture in her mind of the costume!

Upon completion of her twenty minute and under ten dollar shopping spree, my Mother instructed my sister to run and grab one of her taupe stockings out of her dresser drawer and start putting them on.  In the meantime I was to run and grab hair pins, baby powder, pressed face powder, red lipstick and some hard candy.....OKAY then.

As soon as all the components were gathered my Mother went to work on my sister.  She teased my sisters hair and put it in a loose bun on the top of her head, she powdered her face with the white face powder and used brown eye pencil to draw on some wrinkles. On went the bright red lipstick. She squeezed the baby powder on top of my sisters hair and it looked like it was snowing all over our bedroom. Next the straw hat was pinned to her bun. My sister then was then dressed in the granny suit with the shoes and hat. WOW is all I could say when my Mom was through. It was insane that my Mom could make my sister look so old in such a short period of time!

After a few short pointers on walking like an older person and being a sassy granny my sister was given her cane and handbag filled with candy and Tada! Her last minute costume was complete!  I guess I failed to mention that I was another reason for my sisters last minute costume too!  I had monopolized my Moms time with my costume.  She had been making my from scratch without the aid of a pattern and it was not that easy.  I had wanted to be Bat girl with her tight outfit and mask with ears.  Of course I was totally the best Bat Girl ever sincy my Mom had finished my costume that morning.  I was soo happy.

Anyway we all headed over to the Halloween Party and enjoyed the fun times with our friends.  Then it was time for the Costume Contest.  I tell you what, I strutted my Bat Girl stuff when it was my turn but guess who really stole the show?  My Sister that's who!  She was sooooo hilarious when she hobbled out and did a comical old lady interpretation, but she didn't stop there!  She started girating, and laughing and jumping around all exited. She put her hand on her  heart when she felt that she overexcited hereself and then to top it all off she started hitting on one of the young guys that was there!  OMG she had everyone bending over laughing.  She was a hit, a talk of the town! 

During the costume awards I recieved third place for my costume.  Second place went to a set of triplets who were dressed in some cute little baby costumes and the First Place trophy went to.......MY SISTER THE DIRTY OLD LADY!!! YAAAAAAY!!!

That was the best Halloween ever!  My mom was so proud and we were proud too!  She was proud of us, but we were so proud to have such a creative person who loved us and wanted us to enjoy life.  To this day I never forget how my Mom instilled the joy of Halloween, sewing, creativity, fun, frugality, laughter and friendship.  I try to instill that into my own family life with my husband and children.

Even today I hear from some people that say that Halloween is evil and I just tell them that is not what I take from the day.  I just feel that it is the one day a year that brings me back to those days where life was about having innocent and childlike fun.  It was a simpler time with precious moments that should never be forgotten.  This is how I get the joy back for one day a year, I dress up like Frankensteins Bride, Princess Lea, a Flamenco dancer, a Mouseketeer, Octomom or Marie Antoinnette and spend that whole day non-stop living that day as someone else!

So now you see how this time of year makes my thoughts conjure up the most fun costumes I can think of as I run to the fabric store to pick out my costume pattern for this years day fabulous fun and frolick! Now I never reveal what my costume is until everyone sees me on Halloween! So this is to be continued until October 31st when I will post a picture of my costume!!!

Now if living one day as though you were that young child again dreaming of Halloween and acting out your dreams through a costume doesn't make you feel good and Positive.......then I don't know what will!

I wish you a Positively Blessed Day!

Lola as "The Octomom"

Movie or the Book?

Reading a book to me is so relaxing and helps take your mind away to another time where your problems have no business edging its way in.  I have always preferred reading to movies because I think my imagination takes the subject to a far better extreme than any movie could. Besides I don't think any screenwriter could come up with some of the things that go through my head.  Reading as a child helped me to escape the issues of my family life and helped me to deal with stress that I had no control over.

So anyway, I finally finished reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I kept seeing the darn commercials for the movie and it kind of irritated me.  I didn't want to see the commercials because they might give something away that I had not read in the book yet.  I thought the book had some pretty funny parts in it.  I found myself laughing out loud and nodding my head in agreement with some of the characters in the book.  It was thought provoking to me as I thought about how some of the black characters felt during some of the difficult parts in the book.  Difficult to me because I couldn't understand that someone could treat another human being without kindness, courtesy and humanity.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I was kind of sad when it was over because I wanted to know what happened to certain characters at the end.  The ending wasn't exactly a happy ending but it was realistic.  I hope you consider reading this book.  It is worth it to read what happens in this book based in Mississippi when integration in the South was a hot topic.

So you know if I liked the book I just HAD to see what the movie was all about.  I did enjoy the movie! For being out for two weeks the place was packed. I had to sit in the rows close to the front which is not optimum but tolerable.  Anyway, the movie did alright in capturing the main topics of the book but I felt that it left out several small points that really contributed to my appeal of the book.  The movie is worth seeing for sure but I definitely would not say it is better than the book!

If you have the time and enjoy reading I recommend the book but if not I say go for the movie!  After all movies  help you to get away from the trouble of everyday life and relieve some stress too.  Remember relieving some stress helps you to feel better.  Feeling better gives you a positive outlook, which gets you thinking Positive! Have a Positively Blessed Day!

Exercising=Happiness=Positive thinking

I have decided that I need to get up and help myself be more positive by Exercising! I am by no means a regular exerciser but I remember how I used feel when I did. It reminded me of how good I would feel after I worked out. It always put me in the best mood. I was always......HAPPY!! Wow, so why am I not running out to exercise at this second? Well I need to start slowly and work my way up to that level. It will take me a little while to get over the aches and pains of starting to exercise again. So I decided I am going to do what I like for exercise. I LOVE to dance to Latin music so I am starting my rebirth into exercising doing none other than Zumba! I know it isn't the standard exercising routine but each person has to pick what will keep them motivated. So I invite you all to click on some of the Zumba videos below and get a feel for what I am getting myself into! I am honestly looking forward to getting fit, healthy, happy and of course more POSITIVE!

Take a look at this link for an article called "Supercharge Your Life with Exercise" http://www.helpguide.org/life/exercise.htm

Is laughter the best medicine?

Remember that old saying "laughter is the best medicine"? Turns out it is true! Laughter strengthens the immune system, boosts your energy, helps with pain and stress. Laughter is like a therapy. It helps you forget your troubles, fears and helps you go out of your current situation so you can let your hair down for a little while. The best thing of all is that laughter is FREE!! So let's see how are we going to get ourselves laughing?

If you are like me it does not take much! I tend to be silly, wacky, fun loving, and usually try to be carefree. What I do to laugh is think of funny things that have happened to me, watch funny movies, hang out with funny people, play with my funny dogs and joke around with my family and friends. Generally I try to seek out funny environments and situations. I try to avoid negative things at all cost. Laughing makes me feel good and I crave that when things seem not so great.

The next time you need a little pick me up try laughing by yourself or with the one you love. It will lighten your worries, enhance relationships and make you physically and emotionally healthier! What happens when your healthy and happy? You have a more POSITIVE outlook on things. So hey go on now and laugh......it's contagious!
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm#authors

8 Ways to Use Your Mind to Live Longer

Check out this article!
8 Ways to Use Your Mind to Live Longer

Teaching Teens By Doing Yourself

A few weeks ago my teenager Sabu came home and told me that one of her "besties" was moving across the country.  I could tell by just looking at her she was very sad and teary eyed and distressed that she would never see her "bestie" again.  I was thinking to myself.....what the heck is a bestie? Then I thought.....what can I tell her to make her feel a little better?  When it comes to teens you just never know what is going to send them off to their room slamming the door so, I thought very carefully before I spoke. 

Lulu: Where is she moving to?
 Sabu replies with great distress:UTAH!
Lulu: When is she moving?
Sabu: IN TEN DAYS!!
Lulu: Why is she moving?
Sabu: Her DAD got a JOB OFFER!
Lulu: Are you and her other friends going to throw her a party?
Sabu: Yeah and we are going to have a pool party here at our house. Okay?
Lulu: Oh okay sure just let us know when you want to do it.
Sabu: OK thanks Mom.

Phew made it through that!! So I tried to calm her down by trying to help her communicate what the details were of her "bestie" moving.  She slowly calmed down as I reminded her of a few things. 

1.  That it was a positive thing for her father to get a good job to support the family in this economy where so many people are jobless.  (Including me!)
2.  Families have to stick together and do what is best for the "whole" family.
3.  Her bestie has family already living in Utah so it is good to have the support of other family members when you move somewhere new.
4.  Utah has great skiing and you have always wanted to learn to ski so why wouldn't we able to sometime take a plane ride to Utah and go skiing?  Besides I lived there for five years and know it like the back of my hand!
5.  You can always keep in touch by celly, text, IM, FB and Skype! Or you can go the slow snail route, that is still an option.

So instead of focusing on the negative aspect of  her leaving, why not think of positive things that are coming out of it?

Well I couldn't expect to keep her attention for too long!  She agreed with me on the points but then said, "Gees why do you ALWAYS have to bring up the positive side of things?  Why can't you just let me be sad once in a while!"

Okay then.  Cut to a few days later.  We are having the Pool (not a party because it is sad that they won't be together for much longer because she has to go to darn Utah!) Get Together  for her "bestie".  I am of course in attendance because after all I am the life guard and must be present.  All are enjoying the swimming, the virgin pina coladas I prepared and the snacks.  No one is talking about the move, just enjoying the warmth of the sun and friends.  XKEA6XX2S2HR

 Then I decide to get in the pool and float on my Sponge Bob float.  Of course I can't just float I have to TALK!   I go over to where the girls are all congregated and ask the "moving bestie" where in Utah she was moving to.  Sabu flashes a quick cat eye look over to me say, "STOP IT, NO MOVING QUESTIONS! Yikes, I felt all those daggers hit me in the mouth, lol.  I didn't let it stop me.  I told the young lady that it was a really nice area she was moving to and that there were so many things she would be able to enjoy in her new home.  The other girls were not appreciating me at that moment! I continued on to tell her friend that she needed to really think about the positive things associated with the move because there were so many.  She kept listening to the list of possibilities I had to offer nodding and smiling throughout. 

After my little speech to the "moving bestie" I focused on the ones being left behind.  "You all should be happy that she will have things to look forward to, after all she is the one having to start all over and you all will still have each other for support.  Besides like I told Sabu, who says we all can't go to Utah and visit and go skiing?"  They all smiled and agreed and we continued on with the fun in the sun.

Another week passed and I heard from Sabu that her bestie had moved and could she please use my web cam to keep in touch with her Utah Bestie? "Of course, with supervision", I say and Sabu nods gratefully.  I was happy to see her feeling better about her friends move. 

I always try to talk to my kids about being more positive but I think it is more effective when they actually see you be more positive.  That is why I decided to start writing this blog about a week ago.  My kids are now seeing me be more positive, productive and proactive through my blog. 

A week ago-I was picking up my teens and one Sabu's friends from school and I overhear them talking and laughing. Sabu's bestie had tripped in PE class while they were all running together.  Sabu says to her:

Sabu: "Well the POSITIVE thing from the fall is that no one else saw you!
Bestie:"Well the other POSITIVE thing is that I didn't get hurt.
Sabu: "Another POSITIVE thing is that you fell pretty!"
Bestie: "Well I am POSITIVE that I don't trip as much as you do!

It continued that way back and forth for the rest of the drive home.  Oh boy, well at least they are talking about being positive....that is a good start!

Remember the best way to teach your Teens to be more Positive is to Do it Yourself!
Have a Positively Blessed Day! :)