As of late last night, I have read TWO books on my Must Read list.
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman
The bestselling author of Practical Magic and Turtle Moon now tells her most seductive and mesmerizing story. After nineteen years in California, March Murray returns to the small Massachusetts town where she grew up. For all this time, March has been avoiding her own troubled history, but when she encounters Hollis -- the boy she loved so desperately, the man who has never forgotten her -- the past collides with the present as their reckless love is reignited. This dark, romantic tale asks whether it is possible to survive a love that consumes you. The answers that March Murray discovers are both heartbreaking and wise, as complex as they are devastating -- for in heaven and in our dreams, love is simple and glorious. But it is something altogether different here on earth...(from Good Reads)
and
Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Meredith Martin Delinn just lost everything: her friends, her homes, her social standing - because her husband Freddy cheated rich investors out of billions of dollars.
Desperate and facing homelessness, Meredith receives a call from her old best friend, Constance Flute. Connie's had recent worries of her own, and the two depart for a summer on Nantucket in an attempt to heal. But the island can't offer complete escape, and they're plagued by new and old troubles alike. When Connie's brother Toby - Meredith's high school boyfriend - arrives, Meredith must reconcile the differences between the life she is leading and the life she could have had.
Set against the backdrop of a Nantucket summer, Elin Hilderbrand delivers a suspenseful story of the power of friendship, the pull of love, and the beauty of forgiveness. (from Good Reads)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Here are a few of my favorite things...
You must image The Sound of Music and Julie Andrews singing when you read my title today. If you don't, go read it again and again until you hear it!
This may be over used, but it is February, and I am going to go ahead and write about love. Of course my family and friends are on my list of loves, but this is my top ten love of THINGS list.
1. Wrapping a warm towel out of the laundry around me.
2. Reading in the rain.
3. Running with a friend and talking so much that you have no idea what mile you are on.
4. Smelling used band-aids. Gross I know...
5. The smell just mowed grass the first mowing in the spring.
6. Sunlight streaming in my windows.
7. Sound of waves from the ocean.
8. Babies laughing.
9. Signing up for a new race.
10. AND, hearing that someone read my blog :)
What are you favorite things?
This may be over used, but it is February, and I am going to go ahead and write about love. Of course my family and friends are on my list of loves, but this is my top ten love of THINGS list.
1. Wrapping a warm towel out of the laundry around me.
2. Reading in the rain.
3. Running with a friend and talking so much that you have no idea what mile you are on.
4. Smelling used band-aids. Gross I know...
5. The smell just mowed grass the first mowing in the spring.
6. Sunlight streaming in my windows.
7. Sound of waves from the ocean.
8. Babies laughing.
9. Signing up for a new race.
10. AND, hearing that someone read my blog :)
What are you favorite things?
Friday, January 20, 2012
Change
To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. ~Henri Bergson
I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about change. I used to hate it. I would panic and worry at any major change in my life. I liked stability, predictability, sameness. I felt confident in that world...one where I knew what to expect.
As I get older, and yes, I am doing that, (funny...change, right?) I am getting a little more comfortable with change. (I did say a LITTLE) I get bored with the same ole routine day after day. I notice with exercise I get unmotivated if every week is like the week before. I also know my body reacts better with change in the routine. I used to stick to one genre in literature, so I joined a book club to be forced to read outside my little box. Yes, there have been times I have been stubborn and refused to try to read a book! (Who me? Stubborn? Sorry, I'm a Taurus...comes with the label!) When I was creating the list of books I want to read, I placed many titles on my list that I am pretty sure will be hard for me to read. BUT, it's good for me, right? At restaurants, I have been really trying to order different items off the menu. Surprisingly, I have found many new favorites at our usual restaurants. Who would have thought there were better things out there than bacon cheeseburgers?
I also notice that I look for ways to change me. How can I be a better person? How can I motivate others to feel good? How can I give back? Those can be some scary questions to ask yourself. If you ask them, and really want to know the answer, you have to be ready to change.
I do have answers to my questions, but I'm keeping those to myself. I'm not ready to give out all my inner thoughts! Just be on the look out and see if you see any changes in me :)
So, now it is your turn. Take a peek inside YOU and what do you see? Do you like what you see? If not, what can YOU change?
Change always comes bearing gifts. ~Price Pritchett
I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about change. I used to hate it. I would panic and worry at any major change in my life. I liked stability, predictability, sameness. I felt confident in that world...one where I knew what to expect.
As I get older, and yes, I am doing that, (funny...change, right?) I am getting a little more comfortable with change. (I did say a LITTLE) I get bored with the same ole routine day after day. I notice with exercise I get unmotivated if every week is like the week before. I also know my body reacts better with change in the routine. I used to stick to one genre in literature, so I joined a book club to be forced to read outside my little box. Yes, there have been times I have been stubborn and refused to try to read a book! (Who me? Stubborn? Sorry, I'm a Taurus...comes with the label!) When I was creating the list of books I want to read, I placed many titles on my list that I am pretty sure will be hard for me to read. BUT, it's good for me, right? At restaurants, I have been really trying to order different items off the menu. Surprisingly, I have found many new favorites at our usual restaurants. Who would have thought there were better things out there than bacon cheeseburgers?
I also notice that I look for ways to change me. How can I be a better person? How can I motivate others to feel good? How can I give back? Those can be some scary questions to ask yourself. If you ask them, and really want to know the answer, you have to be ready to change.
I do have answers to my questions, but I'm keeping those to myself. I'm not ready to give out all my inner thoughts! Just be on the look out and see if you see any changes in me :)
So, now it is your turn. Take a peek inside YOU and what do you see? Do you like what you see? If not, what can YOU change?
Change always comes bearing gifts. ~Price Pritchett
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Inspire
I started this blog to get myself writing again. Then, I decided it would be good to inspire others to make goals, become a better person, or just feel good. I wanted to keep this a positive, feel good place. What I learned this week is that through this blog, other people have inspired me!
Since my last post, I received several emails and messages saying nice, sweet, and inspiring things to ME! Specific words of inspiration that were dedicated to ME...not basic, generalizations that could go out to anyone listening. In high school, we learned these types of actions were called warm fuzzies, which, I think, is a very worthy title for things that make you feel GOOD!
Too many times all you hear are the downers, the whiners, and the negativity. Work can turn into a place where you feel you can't do anything right. Family pulls you in so many directions. Sometimes we forget to tell the ones we love the most that we simply do love them. It can pull you down very easily. So, I'm keeping this post short and to the point. (kind of!)
I want to inspire you to give at least one warm fuzzy to someone this week. Reach out, make a positive statement, and most importantly...MEAN IT! Don't do it just to say you did it. Find someone in need and make their day with one positive comment.
Make it specific. Make it meaningful. Make someone smile.
You know what? The person with the biggest smile might be YOU!
Since my last post, I received several emails and messages saying nice, sweet, and inspiring things to ME! Specific words of inspiration that were dedicated to ME...not basic, generalizations that could go out to anyone listening. In high school, we learned these types of actions were called warm fuzzies, which, I think, is a very worthy title for things that make you feel GOOD!
Too many times all you hear are the downers, the whiners, and the negativity. Work can turn into a place where you feel you can't do anything right. Family pulls you in so many directions. Sometimes we forget to tell the ones we love the most that we simply do love them. It can pull you down very easily. So, I'm keeping this post short and to the point. (kind of!)
I want to inspire you to give at least one warm fuzzy to someone this week. Reach out, make a positive statement, and most importantly...MEAN IT! Don't do it just to say you did it. Find someone in need and make their day with one positive comment.
Make it specific. Make it meaningful. Make someone smile.
You know what? The person with the biggest smile might be YOU!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012...Courage
"All it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage and great things will happen. I promise." Benjamin Mee in We Bought a Zoo
Courage: the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc.
I love this quote! It's so true. 20 seconds is all it takes to decide to do something new, something awesome, something for you.
2011 brought many new things out in me. Looking back on the year I am proud of my accomplishments, the friendships that grew, the new things I tried. I started speaking up for myself. I'm not accepting apologies that are just words with no actions to support it. I've realized who my true friends are, who my support team is, how important family is. I've accepted me for who I am. So, what next? What will I chose to do? What do I need courage to do this year?
I can think of two things. One, I'd like to begin working on my Doctorate. I really, I mean REALLY want to teach at the college level. This is my dream. I've wanted to do this for a few years, but I am nervous. I don't like to do new things by myself. I rely on others to lean on. BUT, I cannot seem to talk anyone into jumping into the venture on my own. (So, are YOU interested in joining me???) Plus, I am not sure what I want to concentrate on. Plus, all that time...am I ready to devote all that time to studying, research, and writing? PLUS, do I have the courage to do it? Will I be good at teaching that level of education? Where will I find a job? STOP. Courage, right?
The other thing is running a full marathon. I have been playing around with this idea for a bit, but I honestly don't know if my body is capable of such a task. Plus, the training. Do I have the time? Plus, again...who will do it with me??? (Again, I need the support. Can NOT imagine running 20+ miles all by myself.) Do I have the courage to try? So what if I end up walking part of it, right? Like NIKE says, "Just do it."
I know there are several other things I will need courage to accomplish this year. As they come up, I am sure I will write about them. IF I decide to use that 20 seconds of courage to go back to school or sign up for a marathon, you will know. I will need YOU, your support, your push!
Let 2012 be the year that you decide to act on that courage and do something! What will it be for you?
Courage: the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc.
I love this quote! It's so true. 20 seconds is all it takes to decide to do something new, something awesome, something for you.
2011 brought many new things out in me. Looking back on the year I am proud of my accomplishments, the friendships that grew, the new things I tried. I started speaking up for myself. I'm not accepting apologies that are just words with no actions to support it. I've realized who my true friends are, who my support team is, how important family is. I've accepted me for who I am. So, what next? What will I chose to do? What do I need courage to do this year?
I can think of two things. One, I'd like to begin working on my Doctorate. I really, I mean REALLY want to teach at the college level. This is my dream. I've wanted to do this for a few years, but I am nervous. I don't like to do new things by myself. I rely on others to lean on. BUT, I cannot seem to talk anyone into jumping into the venture on my own. (So, are YOU interested in joining me???) Plus, I am not sure what I want to concentrate on. Plus, all that time...am I ready to devote all that time to studying, research, and writing? PLUS, do I have the courage to do it? Will I be good at teaching that level of education? Where will I find a job? STOP. Courage, right?
The other thing is running a full marathon. I have been playing around with this idea for a bit, but I honestly don't know if my body is capable of such a task. Plus, the training. Do I have the time? Plus, again...who will do it with me??? (Again, I need the support. Can NOT imagine running 20+ miles all by myself.) Do I have the courage to try? So what if I end up walking part of it, right? Like NIKE says, "Just do it."
I know there are several other things I will need courage to accomplish this year. As they come up, I am sure I will write about them. IF I decide to use that 20 seconds of courage to go back to school or sign up for a marathon, you will know. I will need YOU, your support, your push!
Let 2012 be the year that you decide to act on that courage and do something! What will it be for you?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Good-bye 2011
Today is it and 2011 will be all but a memory! Years seem to go by faster and faster lately. That being said, it is the time to make plans for the upcoming years. Notice I said YEARS...with an S. Meaning I want to work on something in the years to come.
I've been seeing lists lately. 100 things to do before you die, 100 must read books, top 10 of this and that. I was curious about the book lists, so I printed off quite a few of them last night. I decided to make a list of 100 must read books for myself. First I pulled titles off of the lists I found last night, from various sources I will add (amazon, Oprah, random sites etc)! Then, I added some books that are sitting on my bookshelf mocking me and collecting dust! Of course, to make the challenge a little less daunting, I included books from those lists that I have already read. There are also quite a few books on this list that I started, but I never finished. Now that I have a purpose, I hopefully will get through them!
Now, before I include my list, I must say that I am not overly excited to read every single one of the books listed. BUT, I also have to say, I didn't enjoy every one of the books I've read already. I will admit to the fact that all of the books made me think, sometimes in ways I didn't want to. Sometimes it's good to do things you don't like or want to do, right? Makes you grow? At least that's what I'm going to tell myself!
So, here goes, the list of 100 books to read! (I will highlight the ones I have already had the PLEASURE of reading!)
1. To Kill A Mockingbird
2. The Book Thief
3. DaVinci Code
4. Jane Eyre
5. A Child Called It
6. A Catcher in the Rye
7. My Sister's Keeper
8. Twilight Series (I know...but it really was on a list made by others first!)
9. The Great Gatsby
10. The Lovely Bones
11. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
12. A Time to Kill
13. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
14. Great Expectations
15. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
16. A Separate Peace
17. Blubber
18. Lord of the Flies
19. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
20. Charlotte's Web
21. Bridget Jones' Diary
22. The Notebook
23. Phantom Tollbooth
24. 11/22/63
25. 1984
26. Gone with the Wind
27. Power of One
28. The Kite Runner
29. Anne of Green Gables
30. Catch-22
31. Eat, Pray, Love
32. Life of Pi
33. Fortunate Life
34. Alice in Wonderland
35. Angela's Ashes
36. One Hundred Years of Solitude
37. Eragon
38. Little Women
39. Animal Farm
40. A Clockwork Orange
41. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
42. Lion Called Christian
43. Marley and Me
44. American Gods
45. The Godfather
46. Interview With the Vampire
47. Stand
48. American Psycho
49. PS I Love You
50. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
51. The World According to Garp
52. The Movie-Goer
53. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant
54. Love in the Time of Cholera
55. Treasure Island
56. The Book of Lists
57. James and the Giant Peach
58. The Shining
59. The Lady in the Lake
60. To the Lighthouse
61. Beloved
62. Excellent Women
63. And Then There Were None
64. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
65. Diary of Anne Frank
66. A Small Hotel
67. The Sixes
68. Untold Story
69. The Year We Left Home
70. The Borrower
71. Stiltsville
72. The Tiger's Wife
73. Hunger Games
74. The Leftovers
75. Ten Thousand Saints
76. Rules of Civility
77. Ed King
78. The Marriage Plot
79. Swim Back to Me
80. Tuck Everlasting
81. Silver Sparrow
82. State of Wonder
83. Prince of Tides
84. Night
85. Anna Karenina
86. House of Sand and Fog
87. Where the Heart Is
88. What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day
89. A Virtuous Woman
90. Here on Earth
91. Where the God of Love Hangs Out
92. The Invisible Bridge
93. Little Bee
94. Blame
95. So You're One of Them
96. Number the Stars
97. Bridge to Terabithia
98. Last Night I Sang to the Monster
99. The Outsiders
100. Fahrenheit 451
Additions:
101: Mayflower
I've been seeing lists lately. 100 things to do before you die, 100 must read books, top 10 of this and that. I was curious about the book lists, so I printed off quite a few of them last night. I decided to make a list of 100 must read books for myself. First I pulled titles off of the lists I found last night, from various sources I will add (amazon, Oprah, random sites etc)! Then, I added some books that are sitting on my bookshelf mocking me and collecting dust! Of course, to make the challenge a little less daunting, I included books from those lists that I have already read. There are also quite a few books on this list that I started, but I never finished. Now that I have a purpose, I hopefully will get through them!
Now, before I include my list, I must say that I am not overly excited to read every single one of the books listed. BUT, I also have to say, I didn't enjoy every one of the books I've read already. I will admit to the fact that all of the books made me think, sometimes in ways I didn't want to. Sometimes it's good to do things you don't like or want to do, right? Makes you grow? At least that's what I'm going to tell myself!
So, here goes, the list of 100 books to read! (I will highlight the ones I have already had the PLEASURE of reading!)
1. To Kill A Mockingbird
2. The Book Thief
3. DaVinci Code
4. Jane Eyre
5. A Child Called It
6. A Catcher in the Rye
7. My Sister's Keeper
8. Twilight Series (I know...but it really was on a list made by others first!)
9. The Great Gatsby
10. The Lovely Bones
11. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
12. A Time to Kill
13. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
14. Great Expectations
15. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
16. A Separate Peace
17. Blubber
18. Lord of the Flies
19. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
20. Charlotte's Web
21. Bridget Jones' Diary
22. The Notebook
23. Phantom Tollbooth
24. 11/22/63
25. 1984
26. Gone with the Wind
27. Power of One
28. The Kite Runner
29. Anne of Green Gables
30. Catch-22
31. Eat, Pray, Love
32. Life of Pi
33. Fortunate Life
34. Alice in Wonderland
35. Angela's Ashes
36. One Hundred Years of Solitude
37. Eragon
38. Little Women
39. Animal Farm
40. A Clockwork Orange
41. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
42. Lion Called Christian
43. Marley and Me
44. American Gods
45. The Godfather
46. Interview With the Vampire
47. Stand
48. American Psycho
49. PS I Love You
50. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
51. The World According to Garp
52. The Movie-Goer
53. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant
54. Love in the Time of Cholera
55. Treasure Island
56. The Book of Lists
57. James and the Giant Peach
58. The Shining
59. The Lady in the Lake
60. To the Lighthouse
61. Beloved
62. Excellent Women
63. And Then There Were None
64. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
65. Diary of Anne Frank
66. A Small Hotel
67. The Sixes
68. Untold Story
69. The Year We Left Home
70. The Borrower
71. Stiltsville
72. The Tiger's Wife
73. Hunger Games
74. The Leftovers
75. Ten Thousand Saints
76. Rules of Civility
77. Ed King
78. The Marriage Plot
79. Swim Back to Me
80. Tuck Everlasting
81. Silver Sparrow
82. State of Wonder
83. Prince of Tides
84. Night
85. Anna Karenina
86. House of Sand and Fog
87. Where the Heart Is
88. What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day
89. A Virtuous Woman
90. Here on Earth
91. Where the God of Love Hangs Out
92. The Invisible Bridge
93. Little Bee
94. Blame
95. So You're One of Them
96. Number the Stars
97. Bridge to Terabithia
98. Last Night I Sang to the Monster
99. The Outsiders
100. Fahrenheit 451
Additions:
101: Mayflower
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Inspiration
CONSIDER: to think carefully about, especially in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on
Inspiration is everywhere. Yesterday we were driving down the highway, and the car's license plate next to us said CONSIDER. What a cool word to post on your car...so much better than the random letters/numbers we have on ours!
CONSIDER...What does that bring to mind for you?
For me it can go many ways. The first thing I thought of was exercise. Consider something new this next year. What do I want to do that I have not done before? Let's see...I would CONSIDER a full marathon. I have done two halves and signed up for two more already in 2012. Why not just double that? I'm NOT to the point of signing up for one, but considering it-yes. Another opportunity: A duathalon. I have taken part in a triathalon as a member of a three person relay team. Why not try one on my own? And, it's for a great cause to boot! Third, I'd like to consider putting some trail runs into my training routine. If only I can guarantee an injury won't result! I am not the most graceful swan in the pond!
Another way my brain took me when I saw CONSIDER was to reach out and try new hobbies or just to spend more time growing in the ones I already enjoy. Consider spending a day each month with my camera in tow, taking pictures of things that inspire me. Consider signing up for a painting class. Consider reading a book that I wouldn't normally choose. Consider getting back to trying to write my book...
One final thought. Consider what I can do to be a better person. A happier person. A thoughtless person. Could be I need to volunteer somewhere each month with D...give back to the community I am blessed to be a part of. Or, go back to school and study something I've been interested in tackling for years-Art Therapy. Spend more time at home with family where we can really enjoy each other's company. Try a new recipe once a week. Go to church more often. I could really go on and on here!
So, let me leave you with this thought. As 2012 begins, what things will you CONSIDER? Write them down to remind you of your hopes and dreams. Then, take a step to doing one thing on your list!
CONSIDER.
Inspiration is everywhere. Yesterday we were driving down the highway, and the car's license plate next to us said CONSIDER. What a cool word to post on your car...so much better than the random letters/numbers we have on ours!
CONSIDER...What does that bring to mind for you?
For me it can go many ways. The first thing I thought of was exercise. Consider something new this next year. What do I want to do that I have not done before? Let's see...I would CONSIDER a full marathon. I have done two halves and signed up for two more already in 2012. Why not just double that? I'm NOT to the point of signing up for one, but considering it-yes. Another opportunity: A duathalon. I have taken part in a triathalon as a member of a three person relay team. Why not try one on my own? And, it's for a great cause to boot! Third, I'd like to consider putting some trail runs into my training routine. If only I can guarantee an injury won't result! I am not the most graceful swan in the pond!
Another way my brain took me when I saw CONSIDER was to reach out and try new hobbies or just to spend more time growing in the ones I already enjoy. Consider spending a day each month with my camera in tow, taking pictures of things that inspire me. Consider signing up for a painting class. Consider reading a book that I wouldn't normally choose. Consider getting back to trying to write my book...
One final thought. Consider what I can do to be a better person. A happier person. A thoughtless person. Could be I need to volunteer somewhere each month with D...give back to the community I am blessed to be a part of. Or, go back to school and study something I've been interested in tackling for years-Art Therapy. Spend more time at home with family where we can really enjoy each other's company. Try a new recipe once a week. Go to church more often. I could really go on and on here!
So, let me leave you with this thought. As 2012 begins, what things will you CONSIDER? Write them down to remind you of your hopes and dreams. Then, take a step to doing one thing on your list!
CONSIDER.
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