On My Mind

 A wrap-around porch that needs rockers to sit on, long into the evening hours...

 Seemingly endless acres to explore...

A new studio, begging for tables and chairs and paper and paint to be added.

Yes, I am dreaming for now. For now...

Peace, Love, and Chocolate



Ready for the Fall

In these last few weeks of summer - when everyone else is trying to get their last bit of sun worshiping in - I start dreaming of Autumn...

When the leaves start to change and the air becomes a bit cooler, crisper...

When it's time to get out all those comfy and cozy sweaters, even for our four-legged friends...

And when Mother Nature offers up her bounties of the season.

I can already smell the apple cider and cinnamon in the air...

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Joy for the Journey

I'm so excited about today's guest post with Robin Norgren of Well of Creations!  {Please be sure to read all the way to the end - there's a special announcement}

Photo Credit

I just celebrated my 43^rd birthday.  My 40’s have not felt like the doom and gloom I was anticipating.  I prepped for some sort of feeling of a settling in.  Instead I have tapped into a sense of courage to transform and evolve into the girl that lives inside of me that no one has really known about but me.  I decided to not only let that girl come out and play every once in a while but to have her completely permeate my existence.  So much so that the outside FINALLY matches this girl on the inside.  43 feels more like taking a moment to recognize the changes and CELEBRATE the journey I am on.  And in turn a birthday becomes a tribute to living life to its fullest. 

So let’s begin shall we?  Here are some things I am celebrating:

Taking time out with a girlfriend at a pottery painting place…

Little girls who have the joy permeating through their very PORES…

Spending some time this month with my military guy on leave in San Diego.

Robin is generously offering a GIVEAWAY - one of her crocheted backpacks from her Etsy shop, Well of Creations!!!

Simply comment below and you'll be entered into the drawing. I will close comments next Wednesday evening (8 pm EST) and announce the winner in next Thursdays post.

Thank you Robin for the inspiring guest post and the beautiful backpack! I look forward to following along with you as you continue on your journey...

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Life as Art

"Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we will

be able to treat life as art."

~ Maya Angelou

Thoughts on Art

I’ve learned a lot about art in the last year…

I’ve learned anyone can be an artist, if they have the desire

I’ve learned that I’m an artist!

I’ve learned that art can be inspired by anything and everything

I’ve learned art can teach

And art can heal

It can inspire,

It can soothe

I’ve learned that art can change the world

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Thoughts on Success

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love the above quote, but this hasn't always been how I viewed success. In my 20's I thought that it was all about making money and getting stuff. I worked hard for promotions and although working hard is a virtue, I did it for all the wrong reasons. I gained material things, but still felt empty. And I never took the time to figure out why, I just kept "shopping". Then I lost it all.

What a wake-up call! I had a very difficult year and when I started to recover, I realized what was really important; and it had nothing to do with the car I drove or how big my house was. I discovered that everything I thought I'd wanted before was not really all that important. What is important? The relationships that I have with the people I love and care about. Finding work that fulfills me. (Side bar - I know that this isn't always possible - that there are times when we have to do ANY work to survive - to take care of our family. In that case, I would seek fulfillment in my hobbies.) Seeking joy in the little things. Simplifying life.

I work hard now to take care of my family and I am proud of that. It's a different life than I've ever lived, but it's a good one. I have my priorities straight. And to many people I'm sure I look like a failure - but they don't define my measure of success. Not anymore. Not ever again.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Thoughts on...

Aging With Joy

Originally I was going to post on something else, but the above topic is what's weighing on my mind lately. Mostly because my parents have been visiting the last two weeks. They're both in their 80's. And I can tell from this visit that this will probably be the last visit that they'll both make.

Since I've been able to spend their whole visit at home with them, I've been able to observe a lot. How much each of them have changed, slowed down, the memory loss ... it's sad really.  So how can one remain joyful with so much against you?

I think it's the same as any challenging time in life. It's all in your head - what you think and how you view your 'glass' - half full or half empty?  And there's also a certain level of acceptance that has to be made. Accept the new limitations, but continue doing the best you can. I'm a firm believer that a positive attitude can do a lot! But dwelling on the past and what once was had is futile and does nothing, but lay the foundation for depression and despair.

So that's my goal as I continue aging, although I'm far from eighty! But even now, I don't have the same body I had in my early 20's, I have a few wrinkles and some graying hair. But I have my health, a beautiful family and friends that love me even with all my faults. True blessings.

I better go now. I have a couple of days left to spend with my favorite octogenarians!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Thoughts on Motherhood

Sunday is my sixth official Mother’s Day. I have to say, motherhood has been the most surprising change to my life. I’ve felt the most heightened joys, watching my son grow from a little baby blob to a walking, talking, READING little boy! And, the same little boy can bring me such intense frustration as he grows into his own, challenging and testing my authority. I wouldn’t change a thing about becoming a mother.

I feel that it’s an honor and a privilege.

This year I’m thrilled that I get to spend Mother’s Day with my mom, who is visiting from Washington State. We haven’t been able to spend this day together since I’ve become a mother. My husband and son will go out and buy flower bouquets for both of us and we’ll spend the day hanging out and enjoying each others’ company. A simple day is all we need to celebrate!

I hope you all have a blessed Mother’s Day too!

Peace, Love and Chocolate

Thoughts On Thursdays

A piece I've been working on, Breathe

I'm starting a new series on Thursdays, called 'Thoughts On...', featuring topics that will hopefully uplift and maybe even inspire.  My goal with this series will be eventually have guest writers contribute, to mix it up a bit and keep it fresh and lively.

For this Thursday, I'm going to write on my journey so far. I started this blog almost a year ago; it's become more than I ever expected and introduced me to some amazing people! It's a comfort to know that there are other women out there on similar journeys. I've learned so much from them and look forward to learning more as I continue to connect.

I don't know what the future holds, but if I stay positive and continue seeking Joy, it will be awesome!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate