Wishcasting Wednesday

Today's question over at Jaime's Wishcasting Wednesday is 'What do you wish to share?'...where to begin??? Would I share love, kindness, empathy, wisdom, wealth? If I could share one thing it would have to be my faith in God, the knowledge that He is and always will be my comfort and strength. The knowledge that regardless of how many times I fall, He lifts me up, now matter how great the burden, He shares my load, the peace I get from knowing that His love for me is unconditional, as a parent for a child. I would share the amazement that I carry each day the He care's about me and my little problems, that He is always available to hear me. I would share that whether I understand how or not, He will use  the circumstance in my life to help me grow. There is a great deal of comfort in knowing that I am not in control and I don't have to be. It saddens me when I think of people struggling to get by on their own, thinking they are alone in their sorrows. I would share that God doesn't give us the people in our lives that we want but rather the ones we need. Whether they help us, hurt us, leave us or love us...they help us to become who God created us to be.

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If you love Williraye Studio pieces you have to stop by Pumpkin Patch Primitives to see a video of how these artists create, and while you are there enter the giveaway!!! Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: I Love Folk Art!#links#links

Spiritual Sundays

   I had a great deal of difficulty this week as I was trying to follow the first 'menu' option on "The Joy Diet" (please see previous post).  I wasn't sure if my time spent in prayer or praise could constitute doing nothing...especially since my mind seems very engaged in those moments. Then I remembered the quaking aspen tree that stills my heart, soul and mind whenever I spend time in it's prescence. I could no 'nothing', just simply be. When my copy of the book finally arrived in the mail yesterday I spent time catching up on the reading and realized that my time spent with God could qualify as time spent doing 'nothing' as when I sat before my tree. You see when I sit in nature I can empty my mind of all the noise because I feel as if I'm sitting in God's glorious creation and I simply let gratitude for His work fill my heart. Much the same thing happens when I truly seek His guidance and instead of asking and pleading for some outcome I desire I simply sit in His presence and wait for Him to speak to me. I wait and listen. If we cannot and will not quiet the noise in our lives how are we to hear Him when He speaks to us. So my spiriutal advice for you today would be to follow the Lord's command to "Be still and know that I am GOD".

                               In His Grip,
                               Diva

The Joy Diet...a week of nothing (or not)

   Before deciding to write this post today I have to admit I cheated and went to visit my fellow bloggers to see how their week of 'Nothing' went. It gave me the courage to write today's post because you see I was  sure I had failed miserably at doing 'nothing' this week.
   I am one of those people that can honestly say I don't think the words 'I'm bored' have ever crossed my lips. I always have something to do, something I want to do and mostly stuff I have to do! Sitting and doing nothing is not something I am accustomed to, even when I am sitting, I'm either reading, writing, stitching or doing some type of art. Forget about doing 'nothing' when standing or moving, if my hands aren't engaged, my brain is! I even have trouble turning down the volume in my head when trying to fall asleep, constant thoughts and ideas keep the synapses in my brain firing at all times. Even in sleep the craziest dreams seem to occupy the grey matter.
   On Monday I drove over to the beach to walk, should be easy to turn of the brain at the beach right? Not so much...I even went so far as to attend a yoga class on Tuesday, 90 minutes later I felt great but still hadn't really done nothing, after all, those poses and movements had to be thought about as they were relatively new to me. By Wednesday I was confined to the house with a ghastly head cold that plagues me still today. Even with my head feeling like a concrete block I couldn't manage to do 'nothing'.
   Pretty much I figured I had failed at this little exercise, that was until I started reading everyone else's posts. I wasn't the only one having difficulty with this...it turns out it's not so easy to turn off your brain even if you do manage to stop the physical movement of your body. Some people had success at meditation, never one of my strong suits. The closet I come to meditation is prayer, however my brain is still engaged when I praise and worship my God. I can also zone out, as it were, when making art, or gardening, or ironing. If my head is quiet and my hands are busy is that doing nothing??? I wasn't convinced that qualified.
   Then I had an epiphany...I have been wanting to go to my cabin, I always feel a longing to do so when I feel the day to day pressure getting to me here at home. Certainly my time there is often spent, antiquing, cooking, visiting friends...not doing 'nothing' but I can do 'nothing' if I choose to when I'm there. All I have to do is sit on the front porch and gaze across the yard and stare at the quaking aspen tree that sits in clear view. I love that tree...I can sit and watch it for hours, just watching it wave it's leaves at me as if greeting me, welcomimg me back to my cabin. So my vision card today is a picture of the quaking aspen tree...I have to get back there soon to visit it, before long, winter will take it's leaves and I will not see my friend waving until next spring.

                        Diva

Wishcasting Wednesday

    The question for today over at Jaime Ridler's 'Wishcasting Wednesday' http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/ 'What luxury do you wish for yourself?' was one I almost passed by. I have to admit that when I first saw the question for today I really didn't feel the pull to participate that I usually do each Wednesday. I didn't feel as if there were any 'things' that I could possibly wish for that would bring any more joy or satisfaction into my life. I have too many 'things' as I am often reminded on cleaning days and laundry days...I have all the basics, food, shelter, clothing even loving relationships.
   Then I remembered a lesson we tried to teach our high school youth group at church last spring. We can donate clothing and food, we can throw money at our favorite charities but the most valualble thing we can give is our time. Why??? because our time is finite, we have a certain amount of it and no amount of riches will buy you more. It is our most valuable possession, making it the greatest thing we can share.
   My dear sweet husband, a very loving man, is a 'workaholic'. I have to practically stand on my head to get him to take a break and give in to spending down time with his family. Vacations are always a struggle to take, even his weekends are filled with 'chores'. I have tried to tell him that we would rather have his time than all the riches he can bring to us by working harder but it's a difficult idea to instill in a man who believes his primary function is to provide for his family. I often hate to approach the subject with him as I know he feels he is giving everything so that we may live in this comfort he feels we 'need'.
   Five years agao my older and only brother suffered a brain aneurysm and survived three brain surgeries. We are blessed to still have him with us but he is not, nor will he ever be the same man again. He is permanently disabled and legally blind. He too was a workahloic, never taking time off and now he will never do the things he thought he would get to 'someday'.  He is the same age as my husband, you would think this would have had an impact on hubby's work habits, it didn't.
   Last night I received a phone call from my older and only sister, she has been diagnosed with lung cancer. I feel numb, heavy hearted, lost. My sister was much older than I when I was growing up (more of a mother figure than sister) so it's only been recently that we have really reconnected and started enjoying each other's company. We laugh, talk, antique and shop together. She taught me how to sew last fall. This cannot be happening, my heart screams! I just found her again, I can't lose her now! I am thankful that we have connected the last few years but I want more, more days sewing together, more days shopping for vintage things, more times sharing meals and laughter, more time!!!
   So if I could wish for a luxury, it would be TIME. Time to love more, laugh more, connect more...but remember where I started, our time is finite so time cannot be wished for. We simply need to cherish each and every moment we have been given.  Never postpone joy, kindness or happiness. Live each day as if it's your last, or your loved one's last, squeeze every possible second to show love, share love, give love, deserved or not, unrequited or not. Simply love...

Oops...I did it again!

Sorry everyone, I really need to learn to type or start previewing my posts before hitting send! The correct link for the Joy Diet is http://www.tnc-thejoydiet.blogspot.com/  , I hope this works!

New Corrected Link for The Joy Diet

Sorry for my typo in yesterday's link...here is the corrected address: http://www.tnc-thejoydiet.blogspot/

A New Journey

  Well they say that every journey begins with a single step so today I took that step! I'm not sure where I'm headed or who I shall meet along the way but I eagerly anticipate this opportunity to grow...funny how odd to say 'grow' when I say the word diet but that's exactly what I plan to do. I will be participating in 'The Joy Diet' with many great women under the direction of Jamie Ridler at http://www.trc-thejoydiet.blogspot.com/ . Now any of you who have ever visited Jamie's blogs or participated in 'Wishcasting Wednesday' know that this is going to be extraordinary!
  This is being done with a complete leap of faith on my part for I have not read the book and actually didn't order it from amazon.com until this morning. So I may be running to catch up to the rest of the gals but that's okay, I can handle a short sprint. If you'd like to join in check out Jamie's blog or if you'd rather watch from the sidelines simply stay tuned to my blog as I'll be keeping you posted on our progress. On second thought, forget about the sidelines...jump in with both feet, the water's fine!!!

Giveaway at Carol Anne's Boutique

Be sure to stop by Carol Anne's Boutique today and enter her lovely giveaway! She has a beautiful blog and so much eye candy you're sure to develop a "sweet eye' for her blog!!! Her link is http://carolannesboutique.blogspot.com/

Spiritual Growth

     I'll be spending some time on my 'spiritual growth' today...heading out to meet with friends as we begin a new book study, "The Prayer That Changes Everything". There will be some women I know well and some 'sisters' I have yet to meet...past experience has taught me that when you gather a group of women for the purpose of learning more and connecting to our Lord that incredible things happen! Women are such strong, incredible, insightful people that when we gather we are capable of great things. We are a strong support system for each other, we speak the same 'language' and we rally around the ones who need us and get into action doing whatever we can to help the ones in need. We will be meeting weekly so I would like to offer to anyone in need of prayer the opportunity to share your need with me here or privately via my email link and I will take your prayer concerns to the group so that we may all pray for you, there is power in numbers! I realize that I am taking a risk here by possibly alienating some, but I sincerely hope not. My beliefs are mine and I am in no way criticizing those whose beliefs differ from mine, we each walk our own path and your journey is your own. Just wanted to offer the opportunity to help 'carry' whatever you may be dealing with.

                                                                Blessings to all of you!

                                                                  Diva

Wish Casting Wednesday

I wrote my post this morning before hopping over to Jaime Ridler's blog and reading her question for today(see previous post)...funny how that sorts of gives segway to my post. I wish to stretch beyond my view of my physical self to embrace the awesome woman living inside my soul!

Hide & Seek

    I have a confession to make...I've been playing hide and seek all summer! Hiding out in the comfort of home & cabin, avoiding public functions as much as possible and turning down multiple invitations to BBQ's etc. Why??? If I am to be totally honest it's because I've been 'seeking' my younger self. At 53 years of age and in full menopause I can tell you that this body has undergone some major changes since my youth. I can also tell you that I am not happy about any of them! I know that this is the natural cause of events and that many others are all in the same boat but that did little to make me feel better. I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize the woman staring back at me, although she did bear an uncanny resemblance to my mother!
   I won't bore you with the details of what I know see as my mid-life crisis, suffice it to say that I have had an epiphany of sorts in the last several days. On Sunday I attended a my best friend's party, a celebration of her daughter's sweet 16 birthday! Now I can tell you right off, and she will testify to it, that I have been grumbling about attending since the invite arrived. I just didn't want to go and be in the presence of all these people I'd been trying to avoid all summer. I really didn't want anyone to see what I deemed to be the downfall of my physical condition! I did go of course, she is my BEST friend after all.
   She knew I was there out of my love for her and her daughter. Did I have a great time? Well not really, but it wasn't as bad as I imagined and my husband seemed to have a great time visiting with all his buddies (men never worry about these things). I was glad to be there for my dear friend and took my mind off my insecurities by helping her to serve, clean up etc. so that she could spend more time enjoying her guests & family. It all worked out in the end.
   So where may you ask is the 'epiphany' part of this story??? Well yesterday another very dear friend called me bright and early and asked me to join her at the beach for a few hours while the kids were in school. I knew it would just be the two of us (a fairly safe environment) and since we hadn't had many opportunities to spend time together, I ditched my housecleaning and went. We had a beautiful day, the beach was filled with shells and starfish that had washed up from last week's storm. We walked, talked and combed the shore for treasure. We spent some time painting seashells and just laughing and enjoying ourselves. This friend will be hosting a weekly Christian book study next week that I will be attending with a few other women. She talked about how she wanted to get us all to recognize the beauty within us, how we should be as kind and gentle with the words we speak to ourselves as we are with the words we use for others. Why is it we can support those around us with encouraging words but find it so hard to do the same for ourselves? That was my light bulb moment...how dare I speak to myself so badly, why I would never allow anyone to speak to a friend that way.
   So I will be kinder to myself, recognize that while my young slim body and unwrinkled face may be a thing of the past, this body has served me well. I have given birth to my beautiful and precious sons, my husband still finds me desirable despite my flaws and I hope and pray that this 'house' my soul resides in will hold up for a long time to come. I still have so much life to live, wisdom to share and lots of love to give!

"Where Were You ?"

In the words of Alan Jackson's musical tribute to 9/11...'Where were you the day the earth stood still?' I dare say most of us have the memory of that day permanantly etched in our brains and our hearts, as it should be. Despite the rain and wind blowing here in the northeast I can still remember that beautiful crisp fall day as if it were yesterday. The beautiful sky day belied the horror that would take place that day. May we all continue to pray for the families of those lost on 9/11 and those responders who today are so ill because of the failout as they worked to rescue and recover. It hardly seems possible that it has been eight years since that fateful day, so much has changed, and in some regards so little. As a nation we need to ask God back into our lives, back into our schools and our courthouses...this country is in need of prayer now every bit as much as it was on 9/11. I am sure there are some who may take offense at my words and I'm sorry if you feel offended but I cannot and will not deny my beliefs, especially today.

Drum Roll Please...

...And ladies we have a winner!!!   The lovely recipient of my giveaway is Lori Vliegen of 'Elvie Studio' !!! hoohray for Lori, as soon as I recieve a mailing address for Lori my surprise package will be on it's way to her. This has been such a fun experience for me and  I loved hearing from all of you, this blog had opened doors to new friendships, served as creative energy, offered words of support and I cannot thank you enough. Last night I realized that it was going to be difficult when only one winner was announced ( I don't know how you gals do it) . So I got to thinking that if I had a party at my home the guest of honor would likely recieve a special gift...but I would have planned for 'party favors' for all my guests...so if you're willing and would like to send me your mailing address I would like to send you each a small token for coming to my 'First Giveaway Party' . If you click on 'view my complete profile' on my sidebar you will be able to hit the email button and be able to send me your snail mail (postal) address that way. I hope to hear from all of you so that you will have a momento of my party! May you all have a blessed day.

                      Diva

Celebrate Good Times !

   Well after reviewing my last few posts and noticing how serious they were I 've decided it's time for a little fun! So what are we celebrating you ask??? Why the fact that it's a beautiful day here in the northeast...the air is cool and crisp, you can hear the arrival of fall in the rustle of the leaves, even the birds' seem to be singing a different tune today, so why shouldn't I?
   I am celebrating the joy of 'meeting' so many remarkable women through this little blog of mine. You are all amazing, strong funny, talented women and you share your lives with those of us here in blogland. Some of you shares joys and others share sorrows or worries but you all share and that alone is reason enough to celebrate our sisterhood so here we go...
   I have decided to have a 'Giveaway', there I've said it! I've been wanting to say it but thought I needed a special occasion. Well I haven't reached any magic number of followers, no special number of posts and it's clearly not an anniversary. I'm having one simply because I want to and because I can! I'm almost giddy with excitement over this...can you tell?
   So if you are already a follower of mine you automatically get an entry (for believing in me enough to follow me). If you send someone my way and they post a comment you both get an entry, they have to be sure and tell me who sent them! Sounds easy enough doesn't it?
   So what is this giveaway  for you ask, well it's a surprise (mostly because I haven't really decided yet). Let it just suffice to say I love all things vintage, I love fabric and anything artsy and cute. I'm sure you'll be delighted when you win! I must say this is rather impulsive for me (not typical) and since I can't wait too long I'm going to pick a name by the end of tomorrow so you have to hurry! Let the party begin...


                   Hugs & Kisses
               Diva