Life's Little Surprises

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it."

~Helen Keller~

Well, life has given me yet another little surprise, this time in the form of several weeks of constant pain.  Not what you were thinking, huh?

Yeah, I wasn't really prepared for this either, it has put a real kink in my Spring plans.  As you can imagine, on a 1/3 acre, I have lots of yard work at this time of year.  It's when I put in most of the work, so that I can enjoy my garden all summer.

I woke up one Sunday morning, if you can call it that at 3:20am, almost three weeks ago, with excruciating pain in my left shoulder blade/back area.  Now, I had actually been feeling a little pain in that spot every morning for a few days prior,  but I took some ibuprofen and ignored it.  I had started working in my garden earlier that week  a couple evenings after work.   I had also worked on Saturday at my friend's Tux shop as I had been doing for the past couple months. Then, POOF!  I go from a week of hard work and accomplishment to flat on my back.

I have been to the Dr. several times, been given a cortisone shot (no help at all), been X-rayed, medicated, and lucky enough to receive free chiropractic services...some of which has helped, and at least gotten me mobile again.  Sitting here at my computer is probably the hardest...I imagine my time at work in front of a computer 5 days a week has contributed to the bursitis and arthritis that I've now been diagnosed with.  Sleep position also plays heavily as a factor.  I've researched a lot, trying to find healthy, easy solutions to my new found problem.

I've also learned a lot about pain, and the emotional and physical toll it can take on a person.  I've always been pretty healthy, so dealing with this kind of debilitating pain, that literally stopped me in my tracks, has been a humbling experience.  Oh, how I appreciate a strong and healthy body!!  I am trying hard to learn from it.  To learn to listen to my body when it is trying to say "ENOUGH!" and letting things go.

The most important thing I think I learned from this though, is the gift of friendship (& family) that I have.  I missed a whole week of work, and the past 3 weeks of my second job, a first for me due to illness/injury.  My boss and co-workers were there to provide dinners for my daughter and I, so sweet and generous!  Another friend had her husband come over and mow my much overgrown lawn...no small task if you've ever seen my front yard.  Mowing the lawn was the task I had planned for the day my shoulder gave out.  The Dr. gave me a firm "no" when I desperately told him of my plans for the day.  Little did I know at the time that I'd be down for so many days and lose so much sleep.  My mother was there everyday day to  bring us food and drive me to the various Dr. appointments I had all week.  I am blessed to have her so close.

I am still in some pain everyday, but I am at least functional now. My youngest daughter and I were even able to make a quick trip to visit my daughter, sister, and precious nieces in Southern CA over this past week while we are on Spring Break. I drove down with ice on my back the whole way and a good supply of 800mg Motrin.  I probably shouldn't have pushed myself, but spending time with beloved family has a way of healing the spirit.

Our days with my daughter, sister and nieces were spent visiting, eating home-cooked meals and making cake pops together (above pic).  It was such a joy to have all 6 of us girls together for a few days.  I love them all so much!

I have yet to get back in my garden, something that bothers me everyday.  I plan to do a little work over the next few days, but I will jump back in gradually and take breaks often.  I am still learning my limitations.  Ugh, "limitations", not a word I'm fond of.

So, for now, I will keep dreaming of a personal masseuse, a pain free body, financial stability, and homegrown tomatoes....

Free flowers from my garden, one of my favorite simple pleasures!

Happy Thoughts & Happy Easter!
Lisa

Join me...

Come check out my new cooking/baking blog over here, I have a quick and easy recipe to share...

Checking in...

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see. -John Burroughs

Life has been so busy, I miss my blog...last weekend I had full intentions of writing a post, but I never found enough time to sit and do it.

I've been checking email on my phone, haven't even touched this computer keyboard in a week.  I miss visiting all of my favorite blogs.


I thought I might have some time to really write something good today.  But, nope, not going to happen.



I'm trying to get motivated to do yardwork with pictures from last year.  My garden looks nothing like this right now!! :(



It has finally stopped raining here in Norther CA,  and my poor neglected yard awaits...as do the bathrooms, which are screaming to be cleaned.

So for now...yes, I am alive.  Life is busy, but as always, I'm staying positive.  Working 6 days a week leaves only Sunday to catch up on the house, yard, etc.
 
Weeknights I have been baking and crafting when I can, but sadly, I don't have a picture to show for it. 
Oh well, there will be more baking and crafting in the near future.

Been hanging with my college girl this past week, but she's back on her way to school now...always a funky day on the day she leaves.

Write more soon...I hope!

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

It's all about Birthdays...

A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip. ~Author Unknown

I am not one of those people who dread their birthday each year. 
I love birthdays.
I love celebrations, and birthdays are little celebrations of the day we were born.
I can't say I am crazy about getting older...but then again, what's the alternative, right?!

I think it was perfect that my birthday landed on a Sunday this year.
After all, it was my only day off all week.
It was the finale to a week filled with good things.

To start...the little second grader at my school. 
He gets to stay!
I'm so thrilled for him, you can't even imagine.
It's just temporary at this point, but he is with a family who truly wants him!
And they live in the neighborhood of our school. 
I love when life works out like that...when people who truly deserve goodness in their lives receive it.
It's funny how a few days can go by and things can turn around in such a positive way.

Friday night I was treated to a delicious dinner out by my parents.  I also got a very special present that night.  My girls and parents all pitched in and gave me a gift card for this...

Something I've been wanting for a long time!

I LOVE the Apple Store...I wanted to buy it there as opposed to ordering it online.  Well first, I didn't want to wait for it to ship.  You don't even have to wait in line there, they ring you up right there wherever you are standing, so COOL!

I had a hard time walking down the street after my purchase, I couldn't keep my eyes off my new little friend...actually it's more than that....I think I'm in LOVE!

I think that whenever your heart desires something, the longer you have to wait for it, the sweeter the satisfaction when it finally becomes yours. 

Such a good weekend, filled with good food, my family, friends, some work, and a little splurge. 

Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest. ~Larry Lorenzoni

It turned out to be raining, so I couldn't work in my yard today as planned, but maybe that was a little gift from Mother Nature, so that I would relax a little :)

I'm a happy girl right now...Birthdays are pretty awesome! 

Age is pointless, no way do I feel the 44 years my birth certificate says, in my heart I'm easily 25!

Next week I hope to have some more great news to share, but for now I won't jinx it ;)

Wishing you MANY birthdays and Happy Thoughts EVERYDAY,

Lisa
 



Life and other random thoughts...

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts." Charles Dickens


It's really cold here again. 
Every time I hear the heater go on, I think of all the money I already owe PG&E, ugh...


There is a boy at my school who is leaving. 
He's going to live with a new foster family. 
It is breaking my heart. 
He is the cutest little guy. 
A sweet little second grader.
He likes the "panacakes" at McDonald's. That's not a typo-that's how he says pancakes :)
How could his mother not want him?
Life is so unfair sometimes.
How could I ever complain of anything, ever again?
I have even considered becoming a foster parent, just so he could come live with me and my girls. 
It's a big decision. 
I'm not sure if it's the right time in my life, but someday I think I might like to do this. 
I love kids. 
Everyday they make me smile at work.


Tonight I'm spending the evening chaperoning my daughter's high school yearbook class. 
It's one of their deadlines, and they work til 10pm getting their pages done once a month or so.
Their advisor/teacher is out of town and they needed a parent chaperone. 
I'm really just here playing around on the computer and reading. 
I enjoy it though. 
They are good company.
They play good music.
The kids are totally self-sufficient.
I baked them chocolate chip pan cookies and popped them some popcorn. 
They are so appreciative.
They even bought me Starbucks :)
I love being a mom.


I miss my big girl. 
I am so proud of her, it makes my heart swell.
I can't imagine what it will be like when my baby girl will be away at college too.
I would never hold them back. 
As hard as it is for me, I encourage them to spread their wings and fly...
I want them to do everything in life I was too afraid to do.
I think that's what we all want as parents.
I am raising smart, independent girls. 
I learn from them everday.
I love them so much.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I will be working job #2.
Then some fun times with the gang at job #1, pizza and bowling.
The weekend is going to fly by.
But life seems to fly by, doesn't it?
All we can do is hold on and make it the very best we can.

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Little Blessings

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -Thomas A Edison

I've missed blogging the past few weeks, but there just hasn't been enough time in the day. 

These past weeks I am thankful for the little blessings in my life.  As you know, I've been trying to find a second job.  Life always seems to offer opportunities when you least expect it. 

After work one Friday, I stopped by to visit a dear friend of mine from high school.   She happens to own her own tuxedo rental/prom dress business, in fact, the most popular one around.  This visit turned out to be just one of those little opportunities.  My friend, G, has always been a supportive, giving person.  Even if we go months without talking, I know it won't make a difference in our friendship.  We had many fun and crazy days in high school, there was never a dull moment with this girl around.  Some of my best and most vivid memories involve G. 

 When I casually mentioned I am still looking for a second job, she immediately asks if I'm available to work on weekends, now is her  busiest time of the year, as it is officially "prom season", so she is even open Sundays.  She lets me know she will get back to me,  I had not been home 15 minutes before she called and asked if I could come in the following day.  Her shop is right down the street, so the convenience could not be more perfect.  The gals she has working are a fun group of ladies and the atmosphere is always upbeat.

So at least during prom season, my Saturdays will be spent helping young girls select just the perfect dress for one of the best high school memories they will hopefully have.

Working 6 days a week does not come without sacrifice, of course missing time with my daughter is the biggest.   Trying to get all the errands and chores I usually spend my weekened doing, will be a little more challenging to accomplish.  The past two weekends I have been lucky enough to have Monday off due to the President's Day holidays, so the real test in organization has not yet been passed.

In addition to my work away from home, I also recently completed a little project for my boss and friend at the school I work at.  I loved doing this for her, I feel blessed to work with such a wonderful lady.  She threw a shower for her sister who is having her first baby, so I was honored to be asked to be a part of her special day, by designing some candy bars and a banner.  I can't wait to hear how it all turned out, and hope her sister will know how special she wanted to make her baby shower.

A fun banner welcoming baby Noah!

Little placecards to set at each plate for the guests' selected entree.

Love the color combo!

I hope your life is filled with wonderful little opportunities as well! 

Happy Thoughts,

Lisa

Sharing the Love...

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”-Robert Heinlein

I was planning on writing a post today about what I've been up to the past week or so, since my last post.   I will fill you in briefly, but now, in just the last few minutes, my direction has changed a bit.

Rebecca, from Walnut & Vine, left me a comment suggesting I check out another blog, called Blondie'N'SC.  I was intrigued, and clicked on the link.  I was so moved by her post, her words were emotional, honest, and from the heart.  I related to so much of what she wrote about, it brought me to tears.

So first, I want to thank Rebecca, and I want to suggest you check out both of these wonderful blogs.  There are so many amazing women out there in this world, I am constantly thrilled and surprised by them.

This past week and half, I have had such a tremendous load off my mind since the trial, but also the burden of trying to make up for another huge cut to my income.  A couple  friends paid me to make cupcakes for them, I took a small order for Valentine Candy bars from an old friend from high school, and I even worked at buying gold this past weekend with a friend.  None of it has proven to be super lucrative, but every extra dollar or two helps.   I also got my taxes done earlier than I ever have, and the small return coming will definitely help.

I love being creative, so the candy bars fill my creative soul more than my pocket book.  Valentine's day has kind of snuck up on me, so here I am at the last minute making up inexpensive little care packages for my sweet nieces and daughter.  I love the idea of them getting a mail delivery with little surprises from me, letting them know I am thinking of them.

Thank you Traci, hope your kiddos have fun handing them out!

This coming weekend, I wish you a Valentine's Day filled with love, whether it be from your husband, boyfriend, children, parents, or friends...just sweet, simple LOVE.

Happy Thoughts and Warm Hearts,

Lisa

Relief and a New Challenge

If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. ~Mark Twain

Some of you that follow my blog may know that I have been in the middle of court issue with my ex-husband.  It has been dragging on since last August when I was first served papers at work.   Not exactly how you want to start your day, but there is was.

Due to this and that, our court date had been postponed until this past Wednesday, Jan. 26th.

So, after months of trying to prepare my own paperwork (I did not  have money to hire a lawyer, he did),  taking a deposition, and having my bank records subpoenaed, we finally had our "day in court" so to speak.

As you can imagine, I was VERY nervous.  I have never done anything like this before.  When we divorced, we each had lawyers and settled everything outside the courtroom, so we never had to face a judge.

My ex had been trying to show that I had all this "extra" income that I was not disclosing,  and since he became unemployed last May, was asking for a termination of the life-time spousal support which he had agreed to pay when we came to our final Marital Settlement Agreement when we divorced.  We were married for a long time, over 16 years at the time of our separation, and almost 20 by the time the divorce was final.   I gave up any rights to his pension and took half of our debt.  I also paid all my lawyer fees that he was supposed to help pay, and eventually I bought him out of our family home.  In turn, he agreed to pay the spousal support, which I was entitled to based on how long we were married.  He asked that I have to start working full-time, and I did. 

Now, let's remember that I was completely devastated at that time, I had been in love with this man for 18 years when we separated.  I thought I would truly die of a broken heart.  Little did I know that time and maturity would become my friend, and I would learn to live on my own, be happy and come to realize that everything happens for a reason, even things that can hurt so bad.  I put up with so much bad behavior back then, I don't even know what I was thinking.  Love can really make you blind.  It's hard to even imagine that was me back then, but in time I realized that I fit the exact definition of "co-dependent".

I have worked very hard to keep my home and give my girls everything they deserve. My marriage did not work out, but what did come out of it are the most amazing children.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about how blessed I am to have them.

As you know, and I've been very open about this on my blog, I have tried to make some extra money since I lost the income I was receiving from child support for my oldest daughter, when she turned 18.  She turned 18 during the same week I moved her into college and we have been struggling to make ends meet since then.  I have been very "creative" with my finances, we have cut back on a lot of extras,  I sold all my gold jewelry, had a garage sale, tried selling crafts and baked goods, cashed out vacation time, used savings, etc. to get through the past 15 months.  Basically, I've tried everything short of actually getting a second job away from home, mostly because I don't want to leave my younger daughter home alone at night and want to try to maintain a decent quality of life.  No amount of money can replace the time I have with my kids, I have chosen to be with them and cut back a little, rather than be away from them by working a second job so I could buy more.

So, back to the trial.  I brought one of my best, most dear friends with me.  She has been with me through the best and worst times of my life for the past 14 or so years.  She is my rock, and I knew she was the one I wanted there with me on this day.  We have been friends since our daughters were in 1st grade together, they are now in college.

We tried to temper my nerves by joking around, and it definitely helped.  There is nothing like a little laughter to lighten things up!

The judge was a little intimidating!!  What I mean is, she did not mess around, but this turned out to be in my favor.  She saw right through all my ex's BS.  You cannot imagine my relief when I realized she was not going to consider even a bit of what he was trying to prove.  He was actually reading my blog posts in court!!  She told his lawyer that she was perfectly capable of reading them for herself, and made him stop.  His lawyer tried to object to many of my questions, she told him OVERRULED!!  I loved it!!  I was so worried about some of his false claims, and equally worried the judge wouldn't see the truth, but she did!!  Not only did she refuse to add to my income, as the ex and his lawyer were trying to do, but she scolded him for trying to make it look like he had nothing, because he was hiding it all in his wife's name.  Boy was he rattled!  I felt so good when I was questioning him, I kept thinking of more things to ask and when it was my turn to be questioned, his lawyer only asked 2 or 3 questions and then I got to give my testimony!!  I cannot tell you how glad I was that I did not hire an attorney.  I didn't have the money in the first place, but if I had borrowed it from someone, it would have just been a big a huge waste of money.  The end result would have been the same.  The judge did not terminate the support, she gave him 3 months to get a job.  She did have to temporarily suspend the spousal support, the key word being temporary.  She issued a "Seek Work" order and he has to report to me monthly, showing that he has contacted at least 20 companies a month. 

So, yes, things are going to be very difficult financially the next few months for me and the girls.  I have already applied to two different places for a second job, and we will be trying to find more ways we can cut back.  I will be working on my taxes this weekend, hopefully I'll get enough back to help out with the money I'm going to lose.  The judge was sympathetic in the end, telling me, unfortunately, she couldn't consider his spouse's income in factoring the support, and because he is currently unemployed, that had to be considered. The law says that if the paying party's ability to pay has changed, that has to be considered.  Basically the numbers are punched into a computer program, and the judge has to go by those numbers.   But, she reminded me this is just temporary, and he will have to notify me within 48 hours of re-employment when he does get a job.  She acknowledged that she could see I was just squeaking by on my income and the support I have been receiving and with this reduction, it will put me below my standard of living.  The vindication alone made me feel so happy and relieved. 

The bottom line, we will survive. 

I do wonder how my ex can live with himself.  He must know, that he is not just taking money away from me, but also our kids.  He lives in a large house with a pool, and drives a BMW, it's a little hard to feel sorry for him.  He doesn't help with our daughter's college expenses and pays nothing more than his court ordered child support for our younger daughter.  That must be a very lonely home.

But, it is time to once again move on, and I have no plans to write of this again.  These past few months have been filled with stress and anxiety, to the point that I didn't feel like myself.  That is now gone, and I am ME again!  It ain't gonna be easy...but we do what we have to, right?!?

I also want to say thank you to all my friends, co-workers, blog-readers,  and family who have been such a wonderful source of support to me, especially these past several months.  I truly feel loved!

Wishing you love and happiness!
Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Worry and something new...

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. ~Leo Buscaglia


The stress and pressure of life has been getting me a little down lately...maybe it's this gloomy weather we've been having lately here in Northern CA...or maybe it's just January, my least favorite month of the year.

The whole purpose of this blog is to stay positive and find happiness...so bear with me here while I feel sorry for myself...I'll snap out of it soon! 

I still have a personal issue coming up in the next week or so that I've been worrying about, but I'm trying to remember that I can only do so much.  I am comforted by the encouraging words of my friends, family, and co-workers, the people who really know me and know that my first priority is and will always be my children.  Without this support, then I'd really have something to worry about.

On a positive note...I am still looking at several different volunteer opportunities.  One would be my dream job, but will require a large amount of training and time, so I'm not sure if this is the right time for it, but it's something I would really like to do someday.  The program is called CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate.  Here is a description I took off the website to best describe what a CASA does:

          The goal of Court Appointed Special Advocates is to prevent abused and neglected children from becoming lost in the Juvenile Dependency system. When matching a CASA Volunteer with a child, the objective is to ensure that the child's best interest is represented. The volunteer has four essential roles as an advocate:

1. To be the child's voice in court, representing his/her best interests.

2. To assist the Juvenile Court by researching and assessing the circumstances of each case and report their recommendations and findings.

3. To continue to monitor the progress of the case as it moves through the system.

4. To become a source of support for the child.

The CASA volunteer's ultimate goal is to move the child out of temporary placement into a safe and permanent home. This could mean return to the parents, adoption, the appointment of a legal guardian, or some other permanent living arrangement that satisfies the Court and fulfills the child's needs.

CASA volunteers are not attorneys, but rather they are citizen advocates. They are ordinary people from various walks of life who do extra-ordinary things in the lives of abused and neglected children in our community.

Doesn't this sound amazing?  Definitely something I would like to do at some point in my life.  For now though, I am joining forces with a local group that started up on FB in to help fight crime and the blight that is increasingly taking over here in my city.  The city that I live in has faced many changes over the past several years, and very few have been good ones.  Crime and violence have increased at a rate that is downright scary.  With the poor economy, it's only gotten worse.  Most of us have considered moving away, and many have, but that's really not the solution and for many, like myself, I can't afford to sell my home in this low housing market anyway.

So, what's the alternative?  For me, it's a no brainer...we have to find ways to improve our city, by coming together and fighting back.  I am excited to be a part of this group...my children grew up here, I own a home here, and I still have a lot of friends in this city.  I can't just give up, I have to have the faith that things can get better.  I have seen before the amazing things a community can do when they pull together. 

One more note...I am starting another blog that is focused only on my cooking/baking passion, so come on over if you love to cook (and eat) like I do!
http://www.dreamgirllisa-adventuresincooking.blogspot.com/ . On this culinary journey, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes, working on my own recipes, and trying new foods along the way.

You know, I feel better already!

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Passion

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”-T. Allen Armstrong

I love this quote, it really fit what I wanted to write about today.

My favorite brownie recipe from Baked, New Frontiers in Baking.

If you've gotten to know me at all through my blog, you know that I have many passions.  My children, home, cooking, baking, gardening, decorating, crafting, all things I love and feel very passionate about.

The passion I am writing about today is cooking and baking.  It is a passion I learned from my grandmother and mother, who were and are, both amazing cooks. 

I grew up eating wonderful food, so it's something I know a little bit about.  My mom never served us canned pasta, or packaged noodles.  Not to say say we didn't eat Campbell's soup once in a while, but it is my mom's homemade minestrone I remember the most.  My Grandmother started up her own bakery in the early 70's, which is still open today and run by my Aunt & Uncle.  Mazzetti's Bakery, in Pacifica, CA.

I truly believe cooking and baking are gifts from the heart.  You cannot really cook a delicious meal without putting your soul into it.  I love using fresh ingredients and making everything I can from scratch.  I make all my own salad dressings and do a mean Ceasar salad with homemade croutons, one of my kids' favorites.

I love cookbooks and trying new recipes, but I often don't follow them exactly.  I use them more as a starting point, or a basis for something I have in mind to make.

One of my favorite salads:   Roasted butternut squash, feta, and spinach, with homemade balsamic viniagrette.

It goes without saying I am addicted to Food Network, and love that cooking has become so "in" these days.  I've been watching cooking shows since I was a kid on PBS.  I was a fan of Julia Child  and Jaques Pepin growing up.

I dream of having a little cafe, open just for breakfast and lunch, where I could have a standard selection of salads, sandwiches, hot dishes, and baked goods, but also have a seasonal menu using what is fresh and in season at the time.  I'd also have daily specials, so I could constantly try out new recipes.  I love cooking for other people, trying out new recipes on my friends and co-workers.

My youngest daughter has shown an interest in cooking as well, and is often right beside me in the kitchen.  She has even started making dinner for us on her own.  Last night she made a recipe out of Giada De Laurentiis' latest book Giada at Home.  She only allowed me to grate the parmesan cheese and prepare the steamed broccoli on the side (:

This was the past we had for dinner last night, courtesy of my 15 year-old daughter.  Giada's recipe for  Pasta with mushrooms and mascarpone cheese.  We improvised just a little.

I love being able to share this passion with my daughter. I hope to find a way to make this passion more a part of my life, or  maybe someday I will get to watch my daughter on Food Network?

Wishing you a life filled with all your passions!

Happy Cooking and Happy Thoughts,

Lisa



Caramel Apple cake from Paula Dean's The Lady & Sons cookbook.





Zucchini Cakes, something I make every summer from our homegrown zucchini.



New York Crumbcake




Salmon

*All pictures cooked, baked, and photographed by me.
Edited- oops, I originally listed the wrong link to Giada's recipe, the recipe actually came out of her book, Giada at Home.  It's fixed now :)

Happy New Year

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.
~Maria Robinson

Just a few quick words to say "Happy New Year". 

I'm feeling a little blue today, my oldest daughter had to fly back to San Diego for school, and my sister and nieces left on Thursday.  Needless to say, that was two sad goodbye's at airports for me this week.




My sweet little nieces, I love them so much!
Photo credit - Me

 I thought I'd be more used to having my daughter living away at college by now, but it actually seems worse.  In the beginning it was new and I was so excited for her...now I'm still excited, but it's not so new and I know it will be a while before I see her again. 

Luckily, with technology the way it is, we can chat and skype to keep in touch.



Photo credit - Meric Velasco



I spent most of the day, besides a drive to the airport, taking down my Christmas decorations, so all in all, it was not the best 1st day of the year I've had.  My youngest is sick on top of everything else, so it's been pretty quiet around here.

I have had some time to think about what I want to accomplish this year, and even research some volunteer options...but I'll be talking more about that in upcoming posts.

For now, I'm considering my options and dreaming, as any good Dreamgirl should be doing in celebration of a new year.

Wishing you peace, love, and...



Photo credit- Meric Velasco



new endings!

Happy Thoughts and Happy New Year,





Lisa





Christmas and thoughts for the New Year

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

I hope that everyone had a Christmas that was everything they hoped for.

Mine was nice and low key,  spent with family, my parents and my girls.  On Christmas Eve I made visits during the day to my closest friends to deliver my Christmas cookies.  Later that night I hosted dinner at my house for our small family, we had a delicious dinner, and later watched A Christmas Story and White Christmas in front of the fire, it was a nice quiet evening. 



Cookies just before I started boxing them up for delivery.



Tonight I will be picking up my sister and nieces from the airport, they will be here visiting for a few days, and I am really looking forward to this, I love these girls so much.

I spent most of today raking leaves and cleaning up (again!), but also thinking of what I want out of the new year.  Most of all, is just to be happy.

I've been thinking of what really makes me happy, and without a doubt my family is first on the list.  I tried to think of the times in my life when I felt most happy, and love and financial comfort both come into play as well.  But something that really sticks out is GIVING.  Giving of my myself, through volunteerism.  One of the best weeks of my life was probably helping with the Park Playground project I got to work on that I've mentioned before. 



The table for Christmas Eve dinner.  The girls set it for me.

My challenge to myself for 2011 is to find an organization that I can feel comfortable with, to consistently find the time to volunteer.  I will have to do some research, I want to make a commitment and stick with it, and to do that, I must find something I can feel  passionate about, but that will also fit around my work schedule.  I rruly believe we all have a purpose in this life, and I feel it's important that we try to figure what that purpose is.

What are you hoping for in 2011?

Happy New Year & Happy Thoughts,

Lisa



Christmas Spirit

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

~Burton Hillis

So I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit...I finally got my decorating done, started playing the Christmas music last night while we finished up the tree.  Now that my daughter is home from college, it's finally feeling like the holidays.   Every year I go on the annual Christmas Home Tour in our town, it's a tradition for me and my best friends, sometimes it's the only chance we have to get together all year.



I love these pictures my friend and co-worker took for me.



Last week I made some Chocolate and Peppermint cupcakes for work and that started getting thinking about the baking I will soon be doing for friends and family.  Over the years, I have cut back on the gift-giving, so that now I only exchange with my immediate family.  Most of the gifts are bought for the 4 girls in my life, my two daughters and two sweet little nieces.  I package up little boxes and plates of cookies a few days before Christmas and deliver those to my neighbors and friends and we snack on the rest throughout Christmas Eve and after.  My cookie baking has become a tradition in our home, and my girls look forward to it, wondering what favorites I will bake each year.  Baked goods and handmade gifts are such a special, inexpensive way to show someone you are thinking of them.  



Photos by Meric Velasco, cupcakes by Me!



The past few years, especially since my girls are older and my budget smaller, I have tried to focus on feeling of Christmas spirit over the amount of gifts that are purchased.  Spending time with family, baking cookies, decorating, watching the Christmas classics, and listening to Christmas music by the fire are the things I really look forward to during my time off at the holidays.



Family traditions are so important, even if they have to change a little as time goes on and the family dynamics change, it's important we hold on to the little things that mean so much.

What are your family traditions? 

Wishing you Happy Thoughts and the magic of Christmas,

Lisa