Happiness is a Choice

This blogger has moved - to Journella.com

Though I have enjoyed writing here on my "Happiness is a Choice" blog, it was time to move on to "greener pastures."

In case you are wondering where I am posting now - you can find me on: journella.com

If you have any thoughts of keeping an online journal or diary I hope you will join me there.

Photography

I love to poke around on the National Geographic site. The photos amaze me and I always learn something new. Did you know that in British Columbia, Black Bears are born with white fur?

I didn't know either - until I saw this image.

Celtic Dance

Took a few photos of Alexis and her dance class mate yesterday in their recital outfits. The instructor asked all the girls to wear their costumes to class. After the parents took pictures the girls went over to the iDance studios to share their dance with girls in other classes.

I used a flash for this photo. I had to say one, two, three, open to Alexis to get this shot because she kept closing her eyes. I usually like to take pictures of my children without a flash for that reason. They always seem to blink.

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Stonehouse Stables

Alexis has wanted to take horse riding lessons for a very long time. I think she may have finally convinced Kevin and I to let her take a "beginner" series  - 5 lessons that will teach her the basics.

After that we will have to see how it goes - the lessons are quite expensive and located about 30 minutes away. She is going to have to really LOVE it and we will have to feel like we can somehow manage paying for the lessons and getting her to them.

The stable teaches English riding - very different than what I grew up around (western riding.)

A little blurb from the website:

Stonehouse Stables is a hunt seat equestrian center located near Colonial Williamsburg with easy access from I-64.   Our 15 years of experience providing lessons, boarding, sales and trails - all contribute to our reputation for excellent horse care, exceptional lesson and trail programs,  and family friendly atmosphere. … [Read More...]

Typical Morning

A typical morning at our house is pretty quiet. I often take advantage of the "quiet" as time to write. This morning is no exception - though a few minutes ago the stillness gave way to a distinct wooshing noise in the background. It seems that Cole may have inherited my "early bird" genes. He is in the loft playing Wii.

Too much to write - not enough time to write it

We put our website up on the "Live" Journella.com site on Friday. Friday the 13th to be exact. I suppose some people would be concerned about taking such a big step on a day considered to be so "unlucky;" however, for some of us, 13 has proven to be a great number.

I, for example, was born on the 13th. My Dad always told me I was born on Friday the 13th.  He remembered being called to the hospital late Friday evening. I was born a little after 2 AM - on Saturday. As it turned out, he was confused by the timing. My birth certificate said I was born on the 13th. He remembered it being a Friday night... and so the myth was born, and for many years I celebrated Friday the 13th as my special day.

I admit I was a little disappointed years later when I looked at one of those big multi-year calendars and I discovered that I was actually born on Saturday the 13th. That seemed a little less special.

I still think 13 is a great number.

Happy Mother's DAy

Kevin has been away (in Novi Michigan) this Mother's Day weekend. This morning, when I opened my e-mail, I found this message from Kevin:

Sweetie,

I’m at the Detroit airport.  I’m sitting here at the terminal.  I’m waiting for the plane to load.  I’m waiting to get home to you.  I’m thinking about you.  I’m hoping you have a great day.  I’m feeling in love with you.  I’m happy to be with you.  I’m thankful you are the mother of our children.   I’m in love and nothing can ever change that.

I’m on my way home to see you.

XOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXXOOXOXOXOXOXO

Kevin.

 

That beats any pre-written message in a Hallmark card. :)

Handwriting

When Cole started school I was a little concerned about how to get him to enjoy writing. I purchased work books and alphabet practice pages but he didn't seem to be very enthusiastic about them.

About a year ago I came across a series of books called "Draw Write Now" a drawing and handwriting course for Kids. I love how each lesson shows a picture with sentences to copy and a simple step by step drawing lesson. (See images below) 

Cole looks forward to each lesson and is excited about what he will learn to draw next. He finished the first book (On the Farm) and is working on the second one that includes information about Christopher Columbus, autumn, and the weather.

 

They offer a companion "work book" that has an area for drawing and an area for writing on each page.

Before Cole starts I ask him to read the sentences to me. We talk a little about the subject and I remind him to write neatly and include the punctuation.

(I am not sure what the underlining is all about; but, this is Cole's latest page.)

As he finishes each sentence he brings the book to me and asks me to read what he has written. I always praise him for doing a good job.

I remember doing "sentence copy" when I was in second grade. I decided to look in my old file box and compare my work to Cole's.

I remember my teacher telling me I needed to watch my spacing (too tight between words.)

After comparing, I'd say in first grade, Cole is doing a bit better with handwriting than I did in second grade. May be it's the nifty drawing books. :)

Kevin's 50!

Saturday (March 12, 2011) I woke up early and asked Kevin to join me for a walk. He took a look out the window and said, "It's still dark!" I told him it was light enough - and convinced him to get up. By the time he got out of bed and put on his clothes and shoes there was plenty of light. It was a warm morning, but it was breezy (great weather for walking.)

We walked a little over two miles - a couple of times around our neighborhood loop and then as we got to the drive way we started pulling weeds in our yard. There are a ton of weeds this year - probably because we didn't mulch last year. We filled about 10 large bags with weeds and dried leaves that were stuck in the  ground cover. It was a lot of work.

That evening I had planned a surprise party for Kevin's 50th birthday. He was very surprised and he had a lot of fun with the good friends who came to celebrate with us.

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Pressure

Last night I watched a movie about a 15 year old boy. He was so stressed about how his current accomplishments (or lack of) were going to effect his future, that he felt like he wanted to jump off a bridge. His desire to jump off of a bridge scared him, because he didn't really want to die, so he checked himself into a mental ward.

There have been times in my life that I've felt pressure. I've felt the weight of a bad decision to the point I have thought, "I've ruined my life." But, thankfully, those feelings didn't take place when I was 15.

At 15 my biggest worries were about trivial stuff like clothes and boys and making it on the cheer squad. I didn't have the kind of parents who pressured me to get into a superior college. Truth be known, they didn't seem to have any expectations. They did the best they could to support my goals. Whatever pressures I felt, I can only blame on myself.

Many things are said about youngest children. (I am the youngest child.) I suppose, somewhere in all of the birth order studies, there must be some explanation for paths I have chosen. They say a lot of youngest children want to be the center of attention - they become actors like Jim Carey did. I am not interested in having a literal "spot light" shine on me; but, just as an actor or singer has to be driven to succeed in a competitive environment, I find myself driven to accomplish.

It has taken me awhile to find the "what" I wish to accomplish.

When I was in my high school and early college years I thought I wanted to be a greeting card artist. Creating greeting cards doesn't sound like a "great accomplishment" for an artist. Most artists have bigger aspirations - like having their work displayed in galleries and museums. But, I didn't want to create something that could only be enjoyed by a few people. I wanted to create something that would be printed and enjoyed by thousands of people (while I was still alive).

Fast forward a few years. After relocating to Washington, and having our first baby, I took a break from school. I tried to get into the freelance market with some simple illustrations. However, my dream of making it "big" as a greeting card artist changed when I learned that Hallmark was located in Kansas, and they didn't really take on free lance work.

A few years and another relocation later, I was asked to create a potato bag design for a local farmer's brand. It was exciting to see "my bag" displayed in the fresh produce sections at grocery stores. I enjoyed the work but realized I needed more skills; so, I went back to school to study graphic design. I wasn't really sure what I'd do when I finished school; but, I enjoyed what I was learning and I was determined to be really good at it.

It was during that time I discovered what it felt like to be one of the best. My work was praised and displayed in showcases. It was thrilling - and addictive. If I could do that, what more could I accomplish?

After art school, another baby was part of the plan. I didn't think about designing or having a career; but, that inner need to "accomplish" didn't give me a break for long. When Baby 2 was still a toddler, I found myself diving into another project - one that took me, unwittingly, into a whole new "high stakes" environment. Before I knew it, I found myself drowning in the retail business. (This is where the real pressure began - along with the worry that "I'd ruined my life.")

Before digging myself into a deep (retail disaster) hole, everything I did felt like a hobby. I could do it or not. No real need and no pressure. Suddenly, my skills were a matter for survival. I had to come up with a design that would actually create income - and it had to take virtually no investment because I was out of money, and in extreme debt. I was determined. I researched and I created. That is how my first product, Alphaduets, were born.

The Alphaduets were a successful spring board to many other products. One of those products, Mosaic Moments™, has allowed me to influence the lives of thousands of people. (I guess I didn't need Hallmark afterall.)

Of course, the successes have not come easily and I haven't always appreciated my role in scrapbooking. There have been times when I felt it was getting in the way of more important things in my life. But, without the experiences I've had doing business in the scrapbook industry, it is unlikely I would have ever recognized the inspiration or felt capable of persuing my latest venture - the "What" I wish to do.

I've learned much about myself over the past 10 years. I am determined. I am resourceful. I can adapt. I can endure. I can push myself to do hard things.

The hardest thing I've had to do? Learn to forgive myself for making mistakes. The next hardest has been to embrace a "new life" - not the life I thought I was supposed to live, but the life I am actually living.

"Accepting" yourself is like a valve on a pot. It relieves pressure.

 

 

Breakfast

Last spring I made a goal to cut all white sugar and starches from my diet. It was hard - being the sugar addict that I am; but, I managed to stay sugar free over 50 days.

Hoping to cut back on my sugar addiction again this year; but, not having as much luck with it as I did last year. I did make it for a full week. Then I totally blew it on on a trip to Louisville.

Try try again...

2011 Goals

The end of the year is usually a time for reflection. I consider what I've done during the year and look forward to what I'd like to do - and things I'd like to do better.

This year our family was engrossed in wedding plans through the holidays. My mind has not been on what I've done this year or what I will do in the coming year. It was time to be present - to enjoy the moment.

photo above © Garrett Ross Photography

The wedding was wonderful. The reception was fun. Once it ended Kevin and I put our exhausted bodies into bed and stayed there most of the following three days.

I have so many people and blessings to be grateful for. I love the people here in Williamsburg. They were so loving and supportive. We were very sad when the airports closed and Stan and Carla and Bob and Bonnie couldn't get to the wedding. It was such a blessing to have the support of our LDS ward family here.

So, it's January 3. May be I'll begin to find a moment to reflect on the past year and make goals for the new year...

The first things that come to mind is to be a better friend, give more service, and to pay more attention - recognizing the blessings in my life.

I love the article from the October General Conference "Of Things that Matter Most." President Uchfdorf gave such good advice:

"Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions."

I am beginning to think "Life" is an adverse condition. There are constant challenges. It is a challenge to slow down. It is a challenge to focus on the essentials because there are always "urgent" matters getting in the way.

So, again this year, I hope to simplify and to slow down the pace enough to find time for the important things instead of always letting myself be distracted by the "urgent" things.

 

Photo Memories of Ruth Palmer

Evidence

Probably not the best idea to sign the "graffiti" after you create it...

Cole followed Alexis into my office with a big pouty face.

She was there to "turn him in." He had written with orange crayon on the baseboard.

Cole was even more unhappy when I told him he needed to wash it off.

I asked Alexis to help him get a Mr. Clean sponge. While they were busy I ran and got my camera.

"Why are you taking a picture?" Cole asked.

"Evidence," I claimed.

Alexis said, "I think you just want to save it."

She knows me too well. :)

Cole's Birthday

Six is a big year. May be not as big as 8 or 13 or 16 or 18 or 21... but to me it is a big year because I have adored being the mom of 6 year olds. Six year olds are adorable. They say "the darndest" things. Their minds go a hundred miles per hour and so do their feet. Six year old's love their parents and teachers and they make friends easily. They like hugs and kisses and aren't afraid to cry when life isn't going their way. 

Cole on his 6th birthday. Photo taken by Nicole Pasquini.

Cole just had his sixth birthday. I am probably looking forward to this year with him more than any other so far. (Though I can't say I won't miss ages 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.)

Life is a Highway

How many miles per hour are you driving?

During the past ten years, the old saying about "time flies" has taken on new meaning for me.

I admit, at times I have been a little disturbed by how fast time seems to be passing. I mean, I've always heard people talk about how fast life goes by; but, I feel a bit like mine is in hyper-speed!

I watched the video The Secret Powers of Time (on the previous post) and I became more aware of something, that I all ready knew. This "warp speed" life style is all an illusion that I've created.

When Kevin and I started traveling as part of our business we became part of a system that requires that we plan our entire years schedule in advance. Each fall the convention schedules come out and we determine which of the conventions we will go to. We sign contracts that say we will be present on certain dates in certain locations during the following year.

To be so "scheduled" seems to come with a unique awareness of how much time has passed. One day we are planning the year, in the blink of an eye, it seems it is half over. My future looks shorter - while my past "stacks higher and higher."

It's like speeding down the highway. The atmosphere in the car stays the same. The things in front of you are always at a distance. Sometimes it might even seem like you are going slow relative to other cars. However, if you look out the side-window you can see how fast you are really passing things by.

I guess it is when I "look out my side window" that I get a little distressed over the passing time.

I suppose the only way to slow down is to get off the highway. Take a scenic route here and there - may be even try walking.

What I like to do is keep all the important stuff with me - in that "interior atmosphere" that seems to stay the same. That way even though I am "flying past so many things" - at least I don't miss the most important things.

The Secret Powers of Time

Tears of Joy

There have been many tears of joy shed in our family over the past couple of days.

Lisa and Mason were surprised this week with a wonderful blessing. A new baby boy. 

Mason's sister, through a friend, connected them to a young lady who had decided to give her baby up for adoption; but, had not found the right adoptive parents. Lisa and Mason met with her and a couple of days later she went into labor and little Cyrus Everett Rock was born. Lisa and Mason got to be present at the birth and hold their precious new baby after he was born.

So much to be grateful for today!

When the cars are away...

The kids will play!

4.5 years ago we moved part of my business into our house. Storing business supplies took up pretty much the entire garage and most of the basement.

Last December we moved my business out of the basement and out of the garage. It was exciting to get most of my garage back. (For the past 6 months we were able to park one of our cars in the garage.) This weekend we finished the job (with a neighborhood yard sale.) Now I can finally park both of our cars in the garage again!

There was only one mishap during "project - park the cars in the garage." My toe paid the price when a large sheet of slat wall landed on it. (Unfortunately, I was wearing flip flops.)

2010, Reason 6

Did you ever ride the Round Up at a fair or carnival? I believe I got on one of those things a few years back. The problem is, the attendant keeps forgetting to let me off.

At least that is what I think when I look at our calendar and it seems like a never ending round of conventions and work related events.

Reason 6  Why I love Kevin... He stayed on the ride with me!