Tag Archives: motivation

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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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

How and Why I Self Published a Book

I remember one day sitting at a trade show booth in Las Vegas with my awesomely successful and lovely sister. Clients would come up to us and ask if we had any number of objects from Velco to copies, to faxes to signs.

We’d look at each other with a knowing smile, pretend to bend down and change hats.

One hat said Designer, one said Electrician, on said Copy Girl. Today my hat says Blog Writer.

i shall be calm in this moment. ♡

i shall be calm in this moment. ♡

I think that flexibility in skills in today’s marketplace is absolutely key to being successful.

One day I decided to write a book. It was so easy. I was sitting next to my fire while my family was either watching TV or playing cards and I was surfing the internet for interesting things to read.

Then I thought to myself, hey, if that person can write a blog or publish a book, then what is stopping me. So I did. I opened a blank document up and started to type. Before I knew it I was looking at my guide book called Zero to Blog.

Basically, it explains why I started a blog and how easy it is for you to do the same.

The steps I took to get my book available to the public were so easy. After you type up your book, you just need to design a cover. I had read about lulu.com where you can upload a book and name your price. I think I make half of book sales. I can’t remember exactly.

I designed the cover according to their requirements. They needed the cover to be a certain exact size, so I did that following their directions.

Then, all I had to do was upload it and there you go. I linked it to my blog so anyone who is interested can download it.

You don’t know actually need any authorization or approval from anyone in particular in order to write or sell a book.

You just do it.  Simple, right?

I also like to go the extra mile so I’m sharing some adjectives here you can use to spice up your writing. Have fun and let me know how your projects come along.

Here are 9 rockstar blog words for dummies smart people.

1) Barbra Streisand She’s amazing. She’s everywhere. If you don’t quite get it, neither do I. I am almost sure it’s just playing around. I love people just like to say it. If you know why they do, please tell me. :)

2) Life Hacks I’ve noticed a lot of the seriously smart blogging blogs are using Life Hacks in a positive way. Life Hacks offer simple solutions to every day problems.

3) Wicked As old as this seems I’m still coming across Wicked in in well written headlines. It’s still works. At least on East Coast it was big when I was a wee tot. On the west coast we used a little bit more surf slang. You tell me, do people still use this? I try to use words that I say. I’d never say killer buzz words. It sure looks good in a title though, doesn’t it?

So I heard you been jammin’ down some gnarly tunes on your guitar?

That is just so wrong on so many levels. This gem was offered up last summer at a barbeque.

Be a free thinker.

4) Zen Whether it’s Zen Motorcycles or Zen Journey or Zen Habits people love anything that will make their lives more zen like. It’s an art. It conjurs up images of peace. Oaahhhhhmmmmmmm.

5) Simplicity I like any website that promises a simpler better life. I remember reading one day less is more. Or was it every day one thing less? My goal in my life is to get everything put away before I die. One thing less. Simple Life, Simple Pleasures, Simple simpleness. Simplify your life. It’s simple.

6) Social Media I don’t truly love this term. I bought a book at a garage sale in Pacific Palisades, California from a nice lady. I wanted to keep in touch with her so I asked her if she was on facebook. She said, no I don’t like social media. It was the first time I heard the word. Now it seems to be everywhere and growing. I still can’t use it in a sentence though.

Take the road less travelled.

7) Non Conformity If we are living parallel lives as avatars in another planet, I think we’d all be driving Prius’s and living in solar powered houses. The idea of non conformity offers you the possibility of changing your life for the better by choosing to do what you love.

Be a non conformist. Be a free thinker. Turn off the news. Get informed. Read. Stay informed. Make up your own mind.

~8)  Trending It seems like people say Trending and then whatever new thing is out. I don’t know because I’m not trending anything!

*9) Boomz Thanks to one of my super cool blog writer friends like Tiny Island who shares with us some Singaporean coolness from their beauty girl Ris Low. I love they they just have fun and play with language. I used to do this when I was a little girl. I wonder why I no longer do. That’s just Boomz {hands out}.

It’s time for reader input ~ what are your thoughts?

What do you think? I think these words are on their way out: Dude, Alternative, Rad, Stoked, Factoid, Gnarly, Social Media and SEO. Those are lame in my opinion.

I think these words are up and coming: Blog, Boomz, Fluffy, My Bad, Hiney, Smile and Nod, Shiny, happiness, writing and Talk to the Hand.

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.

Here’s to new beginnings.

Tulips

These are my tulips from my garden. They don’t bloom every year but when they do, well, there you go.

I think most people who are reading this can read between the lines and know exactly what I’m thinking. I may be wrong on that I may be right but generally speaking I think people are smart enough to tell if I’m being a true person over here expressing what my heart feels or if I’m trying to make it all look lovely with a bunch of pretty pictures and smiles.

I think you know. Then sometimes I think you know but then how could you know if I don’t tell you what is going on in my life? How could you know? Tell me. Use your words.

Words. Here they are. Ready? Since starting my blog, I’ve had a lot of fun with it. I’ve learnt that the most rewarding parts are when you receive compliments that turn into long conversations of people actually helping each other. I’ve met people I didn’t expect to meet. Hello. Nice to see you.

I’ve also learned that if I don’t say how I’m feeling you aren’t going to know. So I’ll tell you.

I’m doing well, and you? How are you?

All things considered. I’m making a decision now in this moment to be nice, to be kind, to have integrity, to be a whole person and hopefully to have a cheerful disposition.

Love you mom. ♡

Love you mom. ♡

I’m choosing to publish this article and then spend some time around the house that desperately is calling for love and attention. It’s a lot to handle. It’s a lot to balance.

Life is just an act, isn’t it, an act of balance, give and take. Who would have ever imagined that by publishing a blog I would have heard some of the comments I have heard, met the people I’ve met.

I miss my family abroad. I miss my friends who are far away.

I feel connected with them here on facebook and over the internet. Thank you for that.

I love my house — so call me a pentofola if you will. A pentofola is a house shoe or slipper generally regarded as something you wouldn’t go out in. It’s not a compliment. It’s just me being lazy and enjoying my garden.

How are your days passing? I’m working on spiritual and physical health by exercising, reading, eating well but more than anything trying to put into practice the ideas of love and forgiveness.

Each day is a new challenge and I fall short of God’s wonderful mercy and love but I pray and I start again. For the most part, it seems to be working.

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

God bless. Thanks for visiting.  Also on a special note, I would like to say hello to my friends who have been reading this blog since I’ve started it. It means a lot to me.

Julie

If I can figure out how to write a blog, anyone can.

 Would you like to write? Please do.
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.

If you would like to be a published writer, it’s easy, just do it. I started writing as soon as I got a crayon in my hand.

When I was 11, I started keeping a small lock and key diary with a bright yellow and red Snoopy picture. I would write whatever came to an 11 year-old’s mind.

I have entries in my diary about what I would do for my birthday party, where my family went and who I liked and didn’t like at school. The diary entry that makes me laugh is My sister hit me. Now I realize the importance of those four words.

I found a place for myself, a place to put my own thoughts but most importantly I have proof 30 years later that my sister hit me. ;)

As I got older, I started writing travel diaries. I have about 15 handwritten diaries in my garage that I wrote when I was between 19 and 30.

I like to keep a journal while I’m travelling. I like reading them after a number of years has past as reading the words brings me right back to the place I wrote them.

If you want to write, do it. Just take out a pen and write. 

How to get published.

The first time I got published as a writer I was in high school. It helped to have friends. I was president of my high school so the job was sort of just assigned to me. One of my teachers came up to me and said Julie, you are going to have to write a weekly article for the school newspaper.

A couple of weeks later, I saw my name in print for the first time with a headline saying Howdy Cowboys. What a laugh.

From then, I moved to Europe and remained one of the few people who actually knew English so it was pretty much certain that I would get published in the first English magazine in our city. Luckily for me, the publisher was a good friend of mine. She had great taste in style and the magazine was a big success in my humble opinion.

From there, I just continued writing. I would write or suggest stories to my publisher and she usually printed them. Sometimes, my publisher friend, Ali,  would give me assignments, for example she’d say Julie, there’s a new art opening on Friday, can you cover it? I continue to write for pleasure just as I continue to paint pictures of flowers, just as I love reading other people’s stories.

Also, I would suggest you write from the heart and write as you speak. Finally the easiest way to get published is to publish yourself — just as I am doing here.

Thank you for visiting. Comments are appreciated. Have a great day.

Have you ever been published? What sort of things do you like to write about?

I’d love to hear if you’d like to leave a comment below. Thanks.

Swim away from the cake — updated motivational technique.

Hi friends. Welcome.

I am putting every ounce of myself to becoming a better blogger, writer and communicator.

Swim away from the cake!

More importantly is that I am trying to make a positive change in life.

Thank for visiting if this is your first time here. Welcome back visitors, feel free to leave comments, I truly appreciate them. 

What motivates you?

My best friend kicks my bum in tennis and probably anyone elses. When we were playing at university we were great partners. We spent our time between matches actually doing cartwheels on the court.

We were paired up with a couple of strong guys who were so serious about tennis. One day our coach pulls us aside and assigns us new partners. Not those guys, Not those guys, we chanted — they’d kill us at tennis.

Sure enough, we  found fantastic new partners, the super strong guys.

I’m building bridges here.

Stay with me folks. There IS a reason I’m telling you this.

The reason is this. I like to find what is behind someone’s motivation. Is it someone who comes over, puts your hand on your shoulder, smiles, and says good job, or is the person who gets behind you and yells ‘DO IT!’?

Ti voglio TANTO bene.

Ti voglio TANTO bene.

When I was on swim team in high school, my sister was my best motivator. She’d follow me back and forth across the lanes and scream ‘Go, Go!’ Her coaching strategy was swim toward the chocolate cake and away from the shark.

Just pretend

Be a kid and pretend you are the best. Walk across the room at this moment as if you have a cape on your back, I don’t care if anyone’s watching — all the better. Our mind will literally follow suit.

When my best friend and I were back playing singles tennis, she’d say Julie  — You’re going down with such conviction, I had no other choice then to believe here. Guess what? She usually won. She still does.

The point is, get out there, do your best.

Go! Go! Just get out there and do it! Be the positive change you want to see. That’s all we can ask, isn’t it?

Have a positive mental outlook and a strong belief that you can win. If you don’t believe in yourself, well then, I do. Go!

Have a nice day and thank you for visiting.

10 Insider Tips to Start off your Day Right.

All year long flowers.

All year long flowers.

1) Put your best foot forward.

Regardless of how many mistakes you have made in the past today is a new day. Just by making a decision now, you can make your dreams come true by believing in yourself. Think of the adage of the train who said I think I can I think I can.

Before you know it you can overcome any obstacles.

2) Overcome obstacles.

It’s all about the way you view them. There is always a good side to every story. When a door closes a window opens. What could be good? Opportunity. The world is your oyster. There are infinite possibilities. Look at your obstacles as stepping stones to your future.

3) The world is your oyster.

God gave us this wonderful life so we could live it to it’s fullest. Now is your opportunity to live life to its fullest, love and learn.

4) Make attainable goals.

Simplicity

Out with the lists of stopping smoking, losing weight and getting rid of old habits. In with the lists of positive choices. Choose a healthy lifestyle that includes rest, relaxation, good food, exercise, abundance, lots of water and happiness. Make your goals to be state driven.

That means desiring what you have.

Set yourself up to play a winning game.

5) Have state driven goals.

It’s not the money that makes us happy, it’s what that money can buy. Let’s just jump over this hurdle and stop wanting more money. Start to have happiness in the terms of joy, love and peace of mind. You have all that you need in this moment.

6) Be the change you desire in the world.

Instead of complaining about what is wrong, start finding what is right and then start acting how you want to be. Decide to avoid any self negative talk. Your mind can hear you and it might just believe what it hears.

7) Model good behavior

So your not perfect, neither am I. But I do try. I set myself out to be the best I can be. At times I don’t know what good behavior is like so I find someone who I think is doing it right and I try to do it just like them.

*8) Be sensible my dear child

Get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water, do some exercise, eat well and hug someone.

One thing I’ve learned is to moderate behavior. Make good choices because you think they are sensible, not based on desire. Be thankful for what you have and try to want less.

9) Go green.

Go green.

Start talking about recycling and then do it. Start dividing your trash into paper, plastics, glass and organic waste and then deposit them in the appropriate bins.

10) Laugh

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Dedicate some time of your day to things that make you happy, like love, family and friends.

Remember, live life with passion as if it were your last and first day. Live life as you were looking through the eyes of a child. All things are possible through God.

What do you think? What would be your insider tip to having a good life? I would love it if you left me your ideas in the comment section below. Thanks!

‘Let’s eat Grandma!’ or ‘Let’s eat, Grandma!’ Punctuation saves lives.

Hi guys and welcome back to my blog. Thanks for dropping in.

Do you often check your stats?

I was humbled when doing my internet research and came across blogs that have a reported reader base of 300,000. I was so excited about my first 1,800. I went into the kitchen and told my husband. He was lovely and supportive. He said Julie, give it a chance, you have only just started.

Time to reflect.

Time to reflect.

He’s absolutely right.

I am reminded to thank God for my many blessings.

I spend a lot of time figuring out the basics, how to choose a picture, how to get my categories and my archives visible.

There’s a lot of behind the scenes work going on that I don’t know if my reader is aware of.

Here’s a little award going to the behind the scenes workers at this blog. Someone needs a little love and appreciation today. Smattering of applause.

Some people added me to their lists of blogs they like to read. This brought new visitors. Thank you. It is a nice friendly surprise ~ sort of like a present you didn’t expect.

More Readers Comments.

I set you free now and every moment.

Be young. Go ahead do something impossible. Could anything be more sweet?

Most comments are super supportive and positive. Thank you! A guy left a comment saying anyone who writes their biography in the third person is a dork. I deleted it. I reserve that name for me from people I truly love like my sister, my husband and my best friend – who by the way also call me Mutt, Monkey, Jules, Julie Bulie and JB.

Each Word You Say Represents Who You Are

Often when my younger students use questionable language, I sometimes give them a tiny note, a wink and a smile.

Give.

They told me in person It’s not our fault.

I told my sweet and smart students I’m going to buy you a shirt and write It’s not my fault on it for the amount of times I’ve heard that. I love that they have added me to their facebook accounts and include me in their lives. Hi guys! :)

They gave me a couple of toys to play with at school: a spinner top, a stand up Winx as big as my index finger and a poofy top Cars pen.

Smiles. Silliness. Wonder.

Just how cute this is? Wouldn't this make a great gift?

Everything is going to be okay. Really!

Life is Participation.

I walked into class and some of my students noticed I got a new hair cut. They gave me compliments. I think were sincere. Although at the moment my hair is getting really long.

I’ve learned so many things from people and living lately. I would say the number one thing I have learned is how to be a nicer person. I mean it. I surround myself by lovely people and I thank you for being here right now in this minute reading these words. Hi! Welcome.

I’m Still Smiling.

I received a ton of stuff from my loved ones. Thank you so much. They continue to spoil me. I don’t know what I have done to deserve such wonderful treatment but I try to be humble and thankful.

My kids got a lot of clothes, toys and candy. I get love.

We talk about health, not smoking and going the extra mile – and flossing. how knowledge will make you a better people. We talk about how making decisions now effect the rest of our lives.

Miro. Love it!

Miro. Ha!

I feel privileged to be a writer and a teacher, to talk to them and to you too. I’m also enjoying every beautiful minute of this glorious day. Thank you.

I know I got through to my class because they got real quiet and started listening, eyes transfixed. We talked about health we talked at length about existentialism, fatalism and Christianity and dreams. They get it. Kids are smart. They are our future.

As always, I hope this finds you well, happy, lucky and in love. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read and visit. Have a great day.

Julie

Be inspirational. Be inspired. Note to self: Try harder. And smile. Everything is going to be alright.

A Sweet Afternoon ~ Semi Abstract~Fine Art Canvas print

Bl❀ggity bl❀g bl❀g.

Hi friends and welcome back. Nice to see you. Welcome new visitors.

Hello Africa! Hello Asia! Hello Europe! Hello Australia! Hello Canada! Hello south America and above all hello U.S.A! Did I leave anyone out?! Hope not!

What motivates you?

Key kitty kitty kitty. That's me talking again to my cat. : )

Key kitty kitty kitty.

My best friend kicks my bum in tennis and probably anyone else’s. When we were playing at university we were great partners.

We spent our time between matches actually doing cartwheels on the court. Sometimes we’d do them during matches. :)

One day our coach pulled us aside and assigned us new partners. Not the Chinese, we chanted. They’d kill us at tennis. They were serious players.

Sure enough, my best friend and I found ourselves paired up with fantastic new partners.

I’m building bridges here.

Stay with me folks. There IS a reason I’m telling you this.

The reason is this.

I ask you, What motivates you most? Is it someone who comes over, puts your hand on your shoulder, smiles, and says good job, or is the person who gets behind you and yells ‘DO IT!’?

Can I let this go? Will I let this go? When? Now.

Oil Painting I made for my BFF.

When I was on swim team in high school, my sister was my best motivator. She’d follow me back and forth across the lanes and scream ‘Go Julie!’ Her coaching strategy was swim toward the chocolate cake and away from the shark.

The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.

I prefer swimming towards the chocolate cake. But I think both motivators will work.

When we were back playing singles tennis, my best friend would look me in the eye and with a sly smile say You’re going down.

She’d say it with such conviction she would win! I think this is called psyching me out.

She’s an awesome tennis player.

The point is, get out there, do your best, don’t be afraid of things that are new, go towards your goals and model good behavior hopefully doing cartwheels inbetween.

Have a nice day and thank you for visiting.