Category Archives: journal

ㄥ❀∨モ criticism ♥

I have control over three things in m life: The thoughts I think, the images I visualize and the the actions I take.  ¸¸.·☆

A couple of things on my mind

that I’d like to share today that have to do with reading, writing, creativity and comments.

I am thankful for the positive comments and encouragement I get from people who read my blog. When I started off blogging, the idea was to share. I have written since I can remember.

In fact, I remember a time in my life where I would fill my days writing.

Everyone is a Critic

When I made the decision to share my words with the world it wasn’t based on a self satisfying idea to could help one person out there. It was more the idea that I wanted to learn how to blog. I thought of instead of writing in my journal, I’d do it online.

It’s actually a bit of a risk, if you ask me, putting yourself out on the line to be judged by your peers.

I'm okay with rejection.

►ㄥife is nσt abσut waiting fσr the storms to pass. it’s abσut ℓearning hσw tσ dance in the rain.►

I like the idea of learning by doing.

It’s one thing to think about doing something and a whole other ball game to put yourself out there and actually do something.

—What inspired this post was seeing the amazing things that are going on in your lives. I feel each one of you reading this is successful in your own way.

I’ve seen my friends overcome numerous obstacles to achieve their goals. I’ll give you some examples. One friend overcame the death of her parents at a young age to go forth and have a beautiful big family of her own.

I can make a living doing what I love and enjoy.

I can make a living doing what I love and enjoy.

She figured it out. Others have dreamt of becoming writers, business people, dads, teachers, artists, musicians, you name it. They haven’t given up and they are doing it — pursuing their dreams. Doing it. Loving it.

I have a friend who is scared of making a change in her life. Her entire family is relocating to a new city with completely new people, streets, smells, schools, every little thing in her life will be new.

But she did it. She said yes to life with the insecurity that comes from the future and not knowing what it would hold. Good for her.

Life is a journey. ♥ Set yourself up to play a winning game.

Another fantastic woman is traveling the world on her own. Such courage. Others dealing with heartbreak, love, life, raising families and work. They are figuring it out.

The more people who read my blog, of course, there seems to be always someone who doesn’t like it.

That leaves the question to me of how to deal with it. I either forgive, forget, overlook, pretend they aren’t there, or accept it.

Between saying and doing is an ocean of difference.

While I was on vacation for a week and didn’t have internet access I found myself missing my online community. I have made friends with unbelievable people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. We share videos, stories, pictures of our lives, you name it. For me being so far from my family I find it a great way of knowing what they are up to.

I have also met people from all over the world. I love that. Our world truly is getting smaller. So on a spiritual path to enlightenment, I believe we are all interconnected. All of our actions effect each other.

I’m working through these questions with the help of my friends and I am so thankful for them.

How do you deal with the critics? Is it better just to not share? You are welcome to leave your comments.

Thank you for visiting.

As always I hope this post finds you lucky and in love.

Julie
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6 Simple Rules to live by: Be happy, be nice, be a leader, be organized, be a lifelong learner and be healthy.

6 Simple Rules to live by: Be happy, be nice, be a leader, be organized, be a lifelong learner and be healthy.

6 Simple Rules to live by: Be happy, be nice, be a leader, be organized, be a lifelong learner and be healthy.

Hi friends. Welcome back. New visitors welcome.

6 Simple Rules to live by: Be happy, be nice, be a leader, be organized, be a lifelong learner and be healthy.

I started out the new day with gusto thankful that I have been able to laugh.

It’s a nice thing.

I like to making changes slowly, one step and a time, then implementing them into my life—much like getting into a swimming pool. I’ve always liked to take my time.

For some reason, I feel full of hope, full of possibility. Life is good.

I thinking writing down goals in specific terms is important. I know that when I have a list in front of me I tend to get it done. That does not exclude the fact that I at time goes for long periods of time without lists and still life goes on, doesn’t it?

For the sake of adventure, I’m going to attempt to make sense out of my goals and write them down. Here they are in specific terms.

My goals are to

1. Obtain a healthy balance of body, mind and spirit.

2. Continue with my walks. Do yoga, stretching and bike rides on a regular basis.  I love how walking clears my head. The most difficult part is just getting out the door, but I’ve noticed how simple life is on a bike. There are no keys and no cell. You just get the bike and ride.

3. Spirit. I belive in the power of prayer. I’ve also been doing some really nice healing meditaitons I found online. I love the way it calms me. I usually google Guided Healing Meditations.

4. Mind. The only way I know how to keep my mind healthy is to focus. I focus by pushing my limits. I love a clean house and that keeps me busy going room to room.

I’m also working hard on my house. I’ve made a list of things I need to accomplish around here, being a strong animated restructured house and all, and I’m just tackling it. We’ve been here now for quite some time so most of the hard work is out of the way.

Still, I enjoy keeping it in order and that takes time and dedication.

Well, as always I thank you for visiting. I pray this post finds you lovely, lucky and in love.

Julie

Change Your Thinking – Feel free to share.

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.
‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.’

The origin of this letter is unknown, but please pass it on.

Our eight page #newsletter went to print!

I am safe in the universe and all life loves and supports me. Thx LH.

I am safe in the universe and all life loves and supports me. Thx LH.

Hey! How are you guys? Thanks for stopping by. Today I’m sharing with you a project that my graphic students have just completed. My awesome co-teacher and I asked each of the 20 students to write an article on whichever subject they wanted, be it sports, music, technology, whatever.

Then came the corrections and the layout. It took us about a month to do and I’m certain we can find errors in this but it is a student project. It prints onto A3 paper which is European large size copy paper and then folds in half. If you can imagine taking two large pieces of glossy paper then printing on both sides.

Then flip it horizontally and fold in half. Put the center pages inside. It’s like a mini book. It comes out in eight pages. Get it?

I’m making it available to you for free here for your reading pleasure. Hope you like reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Julie

It’s 5 megabytes so make sure you have the hard disk space before downloading! 

Clicking here now will begin your free download. Thanks for reading!




Is your blog bloggalicious?

~ ~ ~

The wind longs to blow in your hair.

If someone is meant to be in your life, they will make sure they are. It is really that simple.

I saw a friend the other day. She asked me how I was. As a joke I said,

Haven’t you read my status update? Ba da bum.

We know we are in lives our changing and being enriched when every real conversation we have ends with I’ll send you a link.

Are bloggers the new journalists?

Now that I’m a blogger, I approach life a little bit differently. When I go out and about I notice more details. I started to talk to people and I’ve started to listen to them as well. I’m thinking I’m just basically scouting for stories so I don’t run out of things to write about.

Lord knows it’s hard to get me to be quiet so I don’t know why I would run out of ideas. The point is it’s time for me to zip the gab smacker known as my mouth and start listening.

I’m learning this from a blogger friend of mine. The way it works is this. You offer your story and then you ask to hear their story. So, letting caution to the wind, I say, hey, why not? I’ll give it a shot. Is your blog bloggalicious? Is your life life-alicous? Is your booty bootilicous?

Do you start every real conversation lately with I read your blog post or I saw your video on line?

Here’s a good one. When someone says they read your blog, do you sort of smile inwardly and think yeah, but did you leave a comment?

What do you think? People are reacting to me as if I were a writer. Now because I’m publishing a blog all of the sudden I’m a writer?

I’ll whip out some stories in the garage that I’ve kept for the last twenty years if you want to know that every day I’m a writer. The difference is that I’m now ready to share.

Did she just write what I think she just wrote?

Where’d I put the darn answer?

Joy. us.

Let your heart sing. Smile with your eyes.

I’m thinking Oscar buzz peeps.

I’m thinking Oprah’s on the phone spectacular.

I’m thinking out of control spectacular.

Did any of this make sense? Beuller? Beuller? Am I writing to myself again? Where’s my editor? Where’s my teacher? Anyone checking this for factual information?

Can I let this go? Will I let this go? When? Now. .•*¨`*•♫

Can I let this go? Will I let this go? When? Now. .•*¨`*•♫

If any of you are returning visitors here to my site I’ve been working hard updating it. If you are new here, well then *welcome*.

I’ve learnt a ton doing this blog about peer to peer marketing and overcoming fears. It’s actually increased my confidence as a writer. What do you think? Leave me a comment.

My friends have texted me that they find my blog and what I’m doing over here inspiring. If I had a dollar for every time.. ha ha ha.  That’s a good one.

I keep thinking about my blogger friend in Singapore who told me in a comment she thinks I’m technically gifted. It just makes me laugh.

I don’t know what happens but sometimes I am blogging and I get in a total programming zone where I have to get from point A to Z and until it’s there I don’t stop.

I’m super satisfied that I linked to five awesome charities in my right column. The one I hold dearest to me is for my high school friend Kelli, Living in Grace.

As always hope this post finds you lovely, lucky and in love.

Julie

My Amazing Students Success Stories also known as #MASSS presents Elena Tommesani | Sculpture Artist

Anna Maria and Elena
Anna Maria and Elena

I’m sitting down next to my student Elena reading through her résumé when two little words jump off the page: Sculpture Artist.

If you guys didn’t know, my mom is a sculpture artist and has her work shown in a museum in Los Angeles, AMOCA.

I ask Elena, Do you make sculptures? Can I see a picture?

She tells me sure. Then, she hits a few keystrokes and I’m looking at the picture I’m sharing with you here.

Tape Person on the Bus by Elena Tommesani

Tape Person on the Bus by Elena Tommesani

I told her about my mom and my blog and I asked her if it was okay to do an article on her. She was happy to share her work with me and granted an exclusive interview.

I thought, gosh, this girl is so creative.

She later emailed me higher quality pictures. So here you are. Here’s our interview.

Meet Elena Tommesani | Sculpture Artist.

Elena has recently graduated Accademia delle Belle Arte in Bologna.  She started making sculptures together with a friend when she enrolled at University five years ago.

Her idea to make people out of scotch tape came after she and her friend made a recording of the actual sound tape makes when ripping it.

They asked themselves what it would be like to make a person out of tape and so the idea was formed.

After completing her thesis, she walked through town with her friends and her life size people and took some pictures in various settings — a fountain, a bus, laying down. She told me people would ask her if they could take pictures. I could only imagine!

Two Tape People on a Swingset by E. Tommesani

Two Tape People on a swings by E. Tommesani

What inspires you? I’ve always liked drawing ever since I was a young kid.

Why tape? My friend and I started and we were fascinated by the sounds tape makes when you pull it off. We even made an audio recording.

We were so impressed, we asked ourselves if we could take it a step further. We then decided to make the tape into a person with muscles. The structure was formed including the person with all of its defects.

Tape person lying down.

Tape person lying down. Perhaps this is Ophelia?

So it’s a collaboration? Yes, I made some of these together with my good friend Anna Maria Muscaridola.

How many have sculptures have you made? About 15.

Where are they?  Some are stored in my basement and a couple of them are at my father’s store.

Have you sold any? Yes. We have.

Are they hard or soft? Hard but you can also move them. I’d say they are structured.

Tape Person Swimming by Elena Tommesani

Tape Person Swimming by Elena Tommesani

I saw there was one in the water. Don’t they ruin? Only the foot is submerged in the water.

After the picture, we hung the tape person out to dry without any problems.

Is your friend the one in your facebook page? Yes. We have been friends since the first year of University. We are so different but we enjoy working together.

Now she is attending the Erasmus program in Barcelona. When she comes back, we look forward to working again together.

What are you working on? For now, we are just taking a break. We are celebrating the fact that we have received our degrees!

Do you name your sculptures? Yes. Actually. I’ve called one of them Ophelia. Here Elena tells me a funny story about Shakespeare’s Ophelia who dies yet, luckily, her Ophelia lives.

Talk to me about color. You wrote that color is very important to you. Yes. Only the last sculpture is about color. In my thesis I wanted to represent how color effects man in everything, not only aesthetically. For example, yellow can mean joy.

Other sculptures are based on transparency so you can see inside.

Breaking Through.

What I find interesting is that you talk about color but your work is transparent. Why is that? I don’t know why but all of my work has always been transparent.
Here we both smile because of how funny that seems, the contradiction of it all.

Maybe you have seen my man who was laying down lit by blue light? He is peaceful, she tells me.

Calming Blue Light

Calming Blue Light

My favorite is the one on the bus. Yes. Thank you. He’s thinking.

What was your response to the attention? My face went read and I was blushing.

Why did you bring him around with you? He’s not static. He’s travels.

I say goodbye telling her I think she has incredible talent and I that she will have enormous success as a sculpture artist.

She thanks me and I say goodbye to a very sweet, charming talented artist whose hair matches her eyes. She blushes and says,

Thank you. I’m happy.

If you would like more information on Elena’s sculptures, to see what she has available for sale or to commission a sculpture, please write e.tommesani@gmail.com

#jbuliesblog supports #oohlabra w/@ideavillage at #NOEW2013 @silverlinecrm 18 Mar Wonderful job! Congrats @OohLaBra on #Leader $10k @salesforce @silverlineCRM Challenge!

How can you show your support? By sharing on pinterest, facebook or twitter. Thank you.

How can you show your support? By sharing on pinterest, facebook or twitter. Thank you.

Congratulations Lisa!

jbulie’s blog would like to extend a huge well earned mega congratulations to hardworking real life sister, Lisa, at OohLaBra.com. Lisa McKenzie is supported by family and friends when awarded the first prize for the sales challenge presented by multinational player Silverline.

In March of this year there was a conference for entrepreneurs called NOEW that stands for New Orleans Entrepeneur Week. I was thrilled when my sister called me a few months ago to tell me that her company, Ooh La Bra was selected as a finalist for more than three contests as the most innovate product. That call put her into the top five contestants as an entrepreneur.

In the following months, I watched my sister practice her pitch down to the last detail, including hair, makeup, market share and future projections.

Lisa McKenzie with her partner Susan Bopp, and members of the Salesforce and Silverline teams at yesterday's "Salesforce Challenge". Ooh La Bra was awarded the top prize of a customized software application, valued at $10k. Thank you Salesforce and Silverline!

Lisa McKenzie with her partner Susan Bopp, and members of the Salesforce and Silverline teams at “Salesforce Challenge”. Ooh La Bra was awarded the top prize of a customized software application, valued at $10k. Thank you Salesforce and Silverline. #NOEW2013

She’s truly amazing to watch as her friends can attest.

To read more about the contest, follow my twitter feed by clicking here.

Right after winning she was contacted by ABC to be interviewed. You can read and see the interview by clicking here.

http://landing.newsinc.com/shared/video.html?freewheel=91064&sitesection=wgno_newswithatwist&VID=24656069

Here’s the official press release.
Global Corporations, Investors, Startups to Convene in New Orleans for 5th New Orleans Entrepreneur Week

PR Newswire | February 25, 2013 | 12:52 AM EST

National business executives, entrepreneurs, MBAs, and globally renowned venture capitalists will meet for the 5th Annual. New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, NOEW, on March 16-22, 2013 to share best practices and celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship.

Event headliners include Walter Isaacson, President and CEO of Aspen Institute,  Hamdi Ulukaya, President, Founder and CEO of Chobani Yogurt and Dana Mauriello, Director of New Business Opportunities for Etsy.

Additionally, representatives from Fortune 500 companies, the most prominent venture capitalists, and notable entrepreneurs will be participating, including:

  • Lisa McKenzie: Founder, President of Ooh La Bra
  • Jim Coulter: Founding Partner, TPG Capital, L.P.
  • Donna Fenn: author; contributing editor, Inc. Magazine
  • Nick Friedman: Co-Founder, College Hunks Hauling Junk, College Hunks Moving
  • Patti Greene: Professor Babson College; National Academic Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
  • David Hall: Revolution Ventures
  • New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu
  • Mary Matalin: Political Consultant
  • Kathryn Minshew: Founder, The Muse
  • Wendell Pierce: star of HBO’s hit show Treme
  • Bridgette Sexton: Google for Entrepreneurs
  • Margaret Spellings: Former U.S. Secretary of Education; Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Advisory Council
  • Alan Weinkrantz: Global PR Expert
  • Tina Wells: Founder, Buzz Marketing; Huffington Post blogger; Black Enterprise columnist
Lisa McKenzie, Founder and President of Ooh La Bra an amazing person. We support her as she is a finalist at NOEW2013.

Lisa McKenzie, Founder and President of Ooh La Bra an amazing person. We support her as she is a finalist at NOEW2013.

New Orleans has one of the most dynamic and engaged entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world and NOEW is its premier showcase event. NOEW is hosted each year by The Idea Village, a 12 year old nonprofit that identifies, supports, and retains entrepreneurial talent in New Orleans. The week-long event is the culmination of The Idea Village’s nine-month Entrepreneur Season, attracting thousands of attendees.

This year, NOEW is expected to gather 3,000 of the nation’s most innovative business leaders, financiers, entrepreneurs, and students to support New Orleans entrepreneurs through over 55 events.

Highlights include Capital Pitch Competitions, which will award prizes ranging from $100,000 to a personalized, guided tour of Silicon Valley’s investment community, and an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Summit that will engage global partners to discuss best practices for sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystems.

All seminars, workshops, and keynotes are free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis.

These events range from one-on-one counseling sessions to specialized workshops on legal and marketing practices. Registration is open at http://www.ideavillage.org

SOURCE The Idea Village

Lovely #KateMiddleton!

The Lovely Kate!

I’m absolutely fascinated by Kate Middleton. I ask myself what role she will take on as the future Queen of England.

Is there anyone out there who knows what that entails? 

I think I read somewhere that the Queen’s wealth is the highest in the world. Is that right?

I’ve also heard she is the most powerful woman in the world. Do you think that is true?

I think she is just beautiful. Her hair looks like a model’s — her eyes are brilliant. I also love the way she speaks.

Brittain has every reason to be proud.

Like many of my readers, and probably most of the world with access to news, they watched the royal wedding.

I loved so many things about it. I loved the crazy hats. I think they are just fun.

30 things about the lovely Mrs. Mountbatten-Windsor:

1. Her official title is now Catherine, Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Cambridge.

2. She is the future Queen of England.

3. She was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9th 1982 in Bradford, England.

4. In April of 2011, Prince William, born in 1982, the eldest son of the Princess Diana, married Kate, or Catherine Middleton, in a highest ever ranked in person, television and internet viewing audience, 24.5 million people.

Flags at Royal Wedding

Flags at Royal Wedding

I loved the pomp and circumstance. I loved the crowds waving the flags and the flowers. I loved the uniforms, the hats and just the general excitement and buzz that was in the air.

We all remember Kate and William’s balcony kiss. Does anyone remember the sweet little girl on the balcony holding her ears due to all of the noise? It was precious.

5. Her mom, Carole, was an airline hostess and her dad, Michael worked at the airport.

The Middleton Family

Her mom is absolutely beautiful too as well as the rest of their family. In fact, what strikes me about their family is how downright lovely to look at.

They seem so approachable. The Middleton’s have three children, Catherine, or Kate, Pippa and James.

6. Kate goes running every morning around her palace, Kensington.

7. Kate likes photography. In fact, she had some of her own photos on her walls at University.

8. There was an untrue rumor that Kate had a picture of Prince William on her University wall. Kate smiles in interviews and says the picture was of the Levi’s model.

9. When Kate was younger, her mom ran a  successful online business called Party Pieces where they sold assembled party bags.

Pippa attracted quite a bit of buzz.

Pippa attracted quite a bit of buzz.

10. Kate and her sister Pippa attended Saint Andrews a private girls school for girls 3 to 13.

11. Kate was good at high jump.

12. Pippa’s bum has her own facebook page.

13. Kate later attended Downe House where she made fun of for being a good student, then her mom took her out and she attended Marlbourough College.

14. Kate was thin and shy.

15. At Prince Andrews, she first studied Art History, then changed to Geography.

16. She hadmet her future husband, Prince William, at a party.

17. She and Prince William were friends for a year before their love grew.

18. Kate met Will at Saint Andrews in Scottland while studying Art History.

19. Prince William’s last name is Mountbatten-Windsor.

20. When Kate first saw Will, she reportedly got flushed and walked away. Rumors say she went to Saint Andrews because she had a crush on him.

21. Kate befriended an American called Warshauer who says on November 1st, they met at a Harry Potter Castle Party and William bet 200 pounds to dance with him. Apparently  girls would relentlessly flirt with William.

22.  In 2002, sophomore year, they moved into an apartment together after a courtship, where they led a normal life that included cooking.

24. Prince William was the guest of honor at Kate’s 23rd birthday party.

25. They were first photographed together skiing in Switzerland at Klosters.

Wills and Kate

26. In 2005, they were young and love. They split and then gone back together through a defining period.

She says she wasn’t happy about it, but she learned something about herself and grew in that period.

27. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge. graduated with honors in Art History.

28. After University, prince William joined British Royan Naval Academy and Catherine worked for her parents.

29. She briefly worked at the high street store named Jigsaw as an accessories buyer but it didn’t work out — maybe because of being followed by paparrazzi.

30. She is currently a chic stylish lady with a model’s hair, charming hazel eyes and grace that are certain to win over fan after fan.

Thanks for reading. As always, I hope this post finds you well.

Julie

My list of 100.

Feb 10, 2013, September 8th, 2011, April 20th, 2011, reposting.

August 8th, 2010 Reposting my first blog entry. ~ J

This chick is so cool. She's thinking about you. ❀

I can see you. Just tell me everything is going to be okay. It will! ´¯`»¸¸.·☆

I’ll be perfectly honest, this is my first post and my first blog. I have been faithfully reading some excellent blog sites and came across a nice guy who recommended some list making to help with decisions. This is a challenge to help you get your thoughts straight. The way it works is this: you write a list called 100 things, then you write something that has been on your mind lately, that is a decision you have to make.

There are only two rules. First you must start and complete the list all with in one sitting. Next you must start all of your 100 entries with the number 100.

I’ll give you an example of one I just made. Good luck and have fun.

I called my list 100 reasons

    1. 100 new flowers
    2. 100 houses to see

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

  1. 100 reasons to be happy with what I have
  2. 100 ways to do more yoga
  3. 100 excuses on why I don’t feel like it
  4. 100 times I have cheated on my diet
  5. 100 ways to be positive
  6. 100 things to teach
  7. 100 ways to be silent
  8. 100 ways to be kind
  9. 100 ways to learn
  10. 100 kisses for my family
  11. 100 papers to correct
  12. 100 meetings to attend
  13. 100 breaths to take
  14. 100 comments to make
  15. 100 pages to read
  16. 100 pages to write
  17. 100 rooms to clean
  18. 100 roses to smell
  19. 100 ways to fix your house
  20. 100 ways to make yourself happier
  21. 100 ways to think happy thoughts
  22. 100 ways to build your character
  23. 100 ways to avoid actual work
  24. 100 smiles
  25. 100 gifts to myself
  26. 100 things to throw away
  27. 100 friends I want to see
  28. 100 friends I want to hug
  29. 100 friends I’ve left behind
  30. 100 friends I have in my heart
  31. 100 days I’ve spent alone
  32. 100 times I’ve said I’m sorry
  33. 100 times someone has hurt me
  34. 100 times I’ve become a better person
  35. 100 calls to my mom and dad
  36. 100 thoughts about my sister
  37. 100 wishes for my brother
  38. 100 hearts filled with love
  39. 100 days of gratitude
  40. 100 days of eating well
  41. 100 days of running strong
  42. 100 positive thoughts
  43. 100 friends on facebook
  44. 100 places to go
  45. 100 silent moments
  46. 100 flowers to paint
  47. 100 possibilities
  48. 100 jobs I don’t want
  49. 100 jobs I do want
  50. 100 ways to be peaceful
  51. 100 times I’ve kissed my husband
  52. 100 times I’ve hugged someone
  53. 100 things to put away
  54. 100 trips back and forth
  55. 100 times happier
  56. 100 times believing in myself
  57. 100 times I do it alone
  58. 100 times I know I have help
  59. 100 times I don’t ask for help
  60. 100 times I cried myself to bed
  61. 100 places I want to go
  62. 100 smiles in 100 days
  63. 100 smiles in 100 ways
  64. 100 cities in the world
  65. 100 miles in a day
  66. 100 pictures that I cherish
  67. 100 what am I doing here now self doubts?
  68. 100 deep deep breaths
  69. 100 rants
  70. 100 things that make me laugh
  71. 100 perfumes to make me happy
  72. 100 deep tissue massages
  73. 100 feet massages
  74. 100 times I’d listen again
  75. 100 times I wish I had learned the first time around
  76. 100 things I want to accept
  77. 100 years is all I have
  78. 100 soft things like jelly, silk and cashmere.
  79. 100 dinner parties
  80. 100 things that I regret
  81. 100 things I think I deserve
  82. 100 things for which I am truly grateful
  83. 100 phone calls to make
  84. 100 worries I shouldn’t have
  85. 100 times I’ve told myself
  86. 100 times I’ve felt alone
  87. 100 times I’ve felt complete
  88. 100 toys to put away
  89. 100 investments I should have made
  90. 100 investments still to make
  91. 100 best cities to visit
  92. 100 best places to eat
  93. 100 illuminations
  94. 100 good things I’ve learned
  95. 100 things I want my children to know
  96. 100 ways to say yes to life
  97. 100 ways to share

100 miracles I see now.

I just want you to know.

I just want you to know that I’m thinking about you.

I just want you to know that I know you are going through a difficult time, at moments.

I just wanted to tell you that I’m thinking about you at this moment and at this moment I’m saying a little prayer of healing for you.

I just want you to know that I know you have worries. I do too. We all do.

I just want you to know that God is smiling at you right now.

I just want you to know that He is ready to listen to your prayers.

I just want you to know we all go through moments where we question God’s existence.

At this moment I want you to know that I have faith HE exists. I have faith that God loves us and God is a good God.

I’ll tell you why. I look in your eyes and I see that your glimmer of hope is alive and that your heart has that flame that wants to shine God’s love.

I just want you to know that even though you might be reading this and it seems like more than you can handle, it isn’t.

I want you to know, that I think you can handle it all. I want you to know that you have strength beyond the strength you might think you have.

I want you to know that everything is going to be okay and peace and love will be restored and your heart struggles will be released and good and God will come in.

 

Rain out early morning birds tweeting.

The changing of seasons is no doubt one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed. It’s the changing colors as if life is alive outside of you.

The thoughts we think and the words we say are constantly changing our world around us.Today my son’s team is scheduled to play baseball. It looks like the game will be cancelled. Still, as a team, we have to drive over to the field, show up, so we can be marked present so we can turn around and go home. It’s not so fun considering it would be so nice to stay in today and watch the rain.

I’ve never liked driving in the rain. I grew up in California where it only rained about ten days a year. If it would rain I would look out the window and literally have to convince myself it would be ok to go out. Sometimes I wouldn’t be so convincing.

As I get older, I’m getting more used to it though. Maybe I’m a little bit more adventurous. I certainly WAS fearless when I was younger.

Do you think people get more fearful as they get older?

I’m not so certain. Perhaps it depends on the day.

So much has been going on in the last few days that I feel completely spent. I get a lot of encouragement from friends as I approach projects, like writing, translating, teaching, help organizing events and painting.

Today, all I feel like doing is nothing.

♥ You’re beautiful. Seriously ♥

Do you ever feel that way? Just like doing nothing?

With so much on my plate, it’s easier to disappear into my words and into my thoughts.

Last week I decided to close the blog for a couple of days. My students at school said well done Prof. It’s so true. You write a blog and suddenly your life is public. Well not all of it is public. It’s ok to have a down day too. A day of rest.

Nulla si crea, nulla si distrugge.

At least my blog and life is available for commentary. As you guys know I don’t take criticism well at all, so when someone says something negative about the blog I think well then forget it. Why am I doing it? For you? or for me?

Sometimes things just seem to want to create themselves. Like spring. Like children. They grow out of nothing. God is so creative.

♥Today I will very consciously do one thing at a time.♥

There’s a beautiful saying in Italian that says ‘nulla si crea nulla si distrugge’, which means nothing can be created and nothing can be destroyed. To me, it means anything I have created can easily be destroyed.

The opposite is always true. They are all just words, recycled reused, turned around and tweaked to make new meanings and then to clear away with a swipe of an eraser, the tap of a delete key. There they go. Goodbye.

Oh you certainly are being philosophical today, aren’t you? Yes. well. People aren’t just straight forward all the time, are they? What you see is what you get? Hmmm. Perhaps. I think there is more.

Not like donkey on Shrek who says we all have layers like an onion. The onion layer is a bit cliche. I can’t describe them.