TRY, TRY, AGAIN....

HELLO OLD FRIENDS!!

Well, after a year (actually - it's been OVER a year!) I'm back....  at least, I think I'm back! (insert smiley face here!)

Alas, what BETTER time of year - when making New Year's resolutions - to re-start, jump-start, RENEW my outlet for self-expression and optimism?  Due partly to just letting LIFE "get in the way," I've also experienced some major set-backs within my life - I think I've spent the last few months of this year just reflecting on all that has happened in that time-frame.  Both good and bad, it's definitely been a roller-coaster of a ride!

One thing I've discovered in my absence from this page, is that I was experiencing a tremendous amount of guilt during those less-than-stellar moments in my life when I attempted to sit down to spread a positive thought out into the world... I mistakenly felt that I just couldn't do it.  I've always known deep within me what I wanted this blog to represent.  During all these lower points, I took a (probably) too-deep look at my current situation and ended up developing a major pity-party for myself in the process!

Besides a major health scare and another open-heart surgery for my husband, ailing parents, financial issues, job searching... I previously thought the year was just going down hill all the way.  But believe me, I've also had PLENTY to be happy and thankful for as well this past year...  So then, what about those moments that weren't so bad, or so ugly, or so horrible?  Simple.  Laziness.

I let myself slip out of the habit of writing  - and sharing.  The next thing I knew - three months had gone by - then six, then twelve.  Isn't that how we let most bad habits take over?  Without thinking - without focus  it . just . happens .

And so - my "theme" this evening, if you will - in keep with our traditions of renewal during the month of January - is that it's o.k. .....

• TO GET BACK UP
• TO TRY AGAIN
• TO START OVER
• TO SET A NEW GOAL
• TO DREAM A NEW DREAM

My mission statement within this blog has always been - and will continue to be - to spread a positive word - or smile, if you will.  I hope you will continue to walk with me in that endeavor, while I learn to cut myself some slack in my self-expectations! 

I might not be able to write each and every single day, but I'm going to set a NEW goal that I start by trying to post at least once a week - and hopefully, the good habits return, and I post more than that! And if I don't - I don't.  But I won't get all "hung up" about it!

I sincerely pray that all of you are looking UP at this time - looking ahead to the possibilities, and taking the time to re-charge and re-kindle your batteries.  Happy New Year to all of you - I look forward to renewing some blogger friendships, and making new ones!!!

Pay it forward - spread a smile!!!

-Pam

(photo courtesy Google Images)

Personal time....

Sorry for the absence, friends.... still dealing with some personal issues.  I will be out-of-town for the next week, and hope to return to you (and my page) with bells on as soon as I return.

Thanks for the understanding, and good wishes -  it's appreciated!

-Pam

"Wordless" Wednesday: Craving....Sand & Surf !

Do you ever get the feelin' that you got to get away?

It's a sympton of the fever all across the U. S. A.

My family doctor told me "son the flu is what you have!"

But I know it's island fever, and I got it real bad.

Hey doc I need a pain reliever!

(Oooo I got it bad) I got the island fever!

I got it bad, I got the island fever!

(Oooo I got it bad) I got the island fever!

from the song: "Island Fever" by The Beach Boys

(Tom Melcher & Mike Love)

Well, we're not getting any beach-time soon...but I have amazing memories of previous vacations spent on sandy shores. 

Watching the waves roll in, clouds drifting in endless shapes and sizes, the sun warming my skin and healing my soul. 

Just looking at these pictures brings a smile to my face, and Joy to my heart as I recall those sensations.  Craving?  Yes.  But happy that I can always return another day....

Pay it forward - spread a smile!

July 5th - After the Fireworks

Upon visiting a new site for fellow bloggers and writers this morning, I discovered this picture.

It wasn't until after I had been staring at the photo (for several minutes!) and then left a comment for the host that I realized what the subject matter was, and then what I was supposed to do!

It took me a minute, but it hit me - it's a close-up of firecrackers!  Cool. Still feeling the "glow" of our 4th of July festivities and fun, I really liked this picture.  It just tied in beautifully with all that our family did over the long 4th of July weekend!

Magpie Tales  instructed us to write a "short vignette or poem" on the basis of this photo.  Today being Monday, July 5th, I have to say that it still feels like we're on the holiday!  Although many businesses are closed today - in honor of the holiday that fell on a Sunday this year - the "hullabaloo" is over, the cloudy haze from thousands of fireworks has cleared, the frantic last-minute grocery shopping is over, and even the traffic isn't as bad.   We are filled with great memories of another celebration of our country's independence and freedom.  Spent with family and dear friends, I couldn't let the day go by without remembering why I'm glad I'm an American.

We are Blessed and fortunate to live in a nation that - although it has it's flaws and failures - still continues to offer us so much more.  In that regard, I decided to keep today's posting simple. (and sometimes, "simple" is better!)  Thinking of all those reasons I'm glad to be an American, I actually started making this list last night while watching even more fireworks - way off in the distance - from the top of our front-porch roof!  (we have quite a "view" from that perch!)

Top Ten Reasons I'm Glad to Be an American

(in no particular order)

1. My Catholic family and I can worship as often and where-ever we wish, with no repercussions.  We can worship in any faith that we choose.
2. We can travel and participate in vacations anywhere within this great country without issue.
3. We can even travel outside the country, visiting neighbors world-wide, knowing that we can always return home.
4. My children have always been guaranteed an education.
5. Regardless of the paperwork, red-tape, and hassle, we have always been able to find health-care.
6. Even though we may not always choose to voice an opinion, we have the ability and the right to do so.
7. Even though we may not always choose to do so, all citizens have the ability and right to vote for their governmental representatives. And we can do (or not do) this without fear of reprisal.
8. If we don't "like" our current life and circumstances, we have the freedom to pick up and start over elsewhere.
9. We have the privilege and ability to choose and participate in many forms of recreation and entertainment - from sports activities and clubs, to movies and concerts ( and yes, even neighborhood parties with fireworks!) -  without excessive censorship or interference.
10. We can be anything we want - or dream - to be!

After the fireworks, picnics, sitting  with family, drinking with friends, playing with the kids, what better way to contemplate what this country stands for?  I also thank and honor all of those who have ever given the ultimate sacrifice in support of this belief and cause.

"In the truest sense,

freedom cannot be bestowed;

it must be achieved."

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

What are your Top Ten? 

Pay it forward - spread a smile!

A Pat On The Back!

I know deep within that we aren't always going to get to witness the outcome when we've offered "good deeds," words of encouragement or moments of support to others.  Faith teaches us that we continue on "just because."

My blog is an effort to just spread a small amount of happiness, in a small space, in a short amount of "time." Reaching out to whoever happens to cross this path.  But ocassionally, it does feel good when someone turns back to you and says "thank you," or "good job!"

We all need to hear and feel those words from time-to-time.  I received a little award last night from a new blogging friend, and I must say, the name of the award says it all.  I'm glad Suzie believes I truly have something substantial to offer.

In receiving this Blog of Substance Award, I am to describe my blog's purpose and "philosophy" in 5 words:

a little ray of sunshine

And in that same spirit, I'm to share this award with 10 additional bloggers:
(in no particular order)

1. Lessons From the Monk I Married
2. Fake It Till You Make It
3. The Joy of Birdwatching and Living A Simple Life
4. Crimson Covered Farmlife
5. I'd Rather Be Blogging
6. Butts and Ashes
7. Healing Morning
8. Daily Coping Skills
9. Random Recycling
10. My Daily Spirit

I'd like to personally thank each of the above-mentioned writers for continuing to bring me  a bit of inspiration (and motivation!) each day - each of you write with conviction and faith.  Be sure to check them out!

Pay it forward - spread a smile!