Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

January 13, 2014

Twenty-Fourteen – Sparkle and Shine

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Home,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 7:45 am

That’s my theme for this year – Sparkle and Shine! That’s exactly what I plan to do- sparkle, shine and focus entirely on living my best life. Stepping outside of my comfort zone- taking lessons where there are lessons, and running with them.

It’s a process- just like anything in life, but I’m kicking bootay and taking names- one thing at a time. My business is going well, but I’m working on how to make it even better.

My health- I am healthy, and my focus is to stay healthy- and doing that by getting back into a regular exercise routine- eating well and giving my body what it needs- be it enough sleep, or a heart-charging work out.

Marcel and I are doing so great- probably the best we’ve ever done. It seems that the struggles we’ve had with his health and a few other things last year have made us closer than ever.

Friendships- How can I even begin to express how joyous and grateful I am for each and every one of them. When I look at the big picture- I know just how blessed I am. I plan to continue to nuture my friendships- and I look forward to all the adventures and fun we have planned, and have yet to plan for this year.

Yes- Life is good- and sparkle and shine is happening!

December 27, 2013

Christmas Gifts

Filed under: Holidays,Life,Shop til ya Drop — gardener @ 8:27 am

Marcel and I decided that since we had bought a Smart TV in November, that it would seem somewhat silly to really go ‘all out’ and buy gifts for each other. Neither of us really needed anything major, and as much as I know he loves buying me jewelry, I have more than I need. So we decided that we would buy each other one gift and roll with that. After all, Christmas isn’t about the gifts.

I ended up picking up a shirt for him that he loved, and when he asked for suggestions of things I’d like- I knew there was one thing I ‘really’ did need, a new hand mixer. The one I have has seen better days, to the point of not always turning off when I turned it off, and sometimes getting ‘stuck’ in high speed.

I’d seen one a loved at a local retailer, plus it was twice the HP as the one I currently had, and the price was right. So that was my gift. I know some people may gasp at the idea of not having a ‘romantic’ gift under the tree- but the thought that he listened to the little thing I needed speaks volumes to me. On top of that, it’s a gorgeous sunny yellow, so everytime I look at it- I will smile.

How was YOUR Christmas?

December 25, 2013

Merry Merry

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 1:03 pm

I can’t believe it’s been several weeks since I’ve last posted here. In spite of buying very few Christmas gifts this year, I did do shopping for others- and also spent a lot of time with work. Since this is the year that we spend away from my family, it’s always one of those bittersweet things, but because of some really amazing friends, this is probably my best Christmas ever being away from family- so rather than my general melancholy feeling, I feel happy, joy and generally blessed in a big way. Sure, I miss my family, but the great thing is- I have family in both places- one I was born with, and the other I’ve chosen as my own.

Tomorrow is another day of fun and festivities and then I’ll have a couple of days of rest- then fun with friends. The end of the year is coming soon, and the beginning of a new year is upon us. I am pretty certain it’s going to be the best year yet!

November 30, 2013

On the Eve of December

Filed under: Food for Thought,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 11:11 am

This afternoon, as the sun was sinking and the air starting to get cooler, I decided to brew myself a cup of coffee, and go sit outside. It was that quiet time of the afternoon, where darkness isn’t far away- a great time for quiet reflection.

As I sat and sipped my coffee, I couldn’t help but smile thinking about how great life is. Is everything exactly how I want it to be? Nope- but I know that I have the power and will to set change in motion, so I am grateful for that. I know the power lies within me, and me alone. I know that no one else can make me happy, that it’s a do-it-yourself project. There are those who bring a ray of sunshine to my life, but they enhance the happiness I already have. I’m happy and content, plus so excited and grateful for all that is to come.

Tomorrow is the first day of December, and while I see people rushing out to get the perfect gift, and already feeling the crunch and stress of the holiday season- I find myself smiling knowing that every moment I spend with people I love will not be based on what I can give them that they don’t need, but rather sharing moments together that is authentic and ‘real’. I will surprise a few strangers- and spend time with the people I love.

That is what the Christmas season is all about.

Visions and Goal Setting

Filed under: Food for Thought,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 9:12 am

Now that the ‘busy’ of November has passed and the Christmas season is upon us, I can actually kick back and enjoy this time of fun and festivities. It’s also a time for me to think about my business and what I would like to accomplish next year- a little goal setting and tossing around ideas with people I care about. I want to best utilize what I have already done, but optimizing Web 2 Print and other services are great options for me in 2014.

On my ‘to do’ list for December is make a business vision board for next year. Let the fun begin!

November 28, 2013

Wedding Bells

Filed under: Life,Things I Love,Women — gardener @ 7:27 am

There are few things that excite me more than to see people that I love filled with happiness and joy. Recently, two of my dearest friends have decided to get engaged, and the wedding plans are in full swing. I’ve been blessed enough to be asked to be a part of the planning and celebration, which has inclueded the discussion of rings- both are leaning towards the idea of platinum wedding bands, which I think will be perfect with the engagement ring.

I can not wait to hear the date- which is yet to be decided, and then the planning really begins. I love weddings, even more so when it’s between two people that I adore.

November 24, 2013

Fall Beauty

Filed under: Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 10:47 am

beautifulYesterday was one of those days when the weather couldn’t be better.  It was cool out-   and the skies were a gorgeous shade of blue, that I only notice this time of the year.    Rarely can I come close to capturing it in an image, but yesterday I came pretty close.

The sunset that followed this photo was as magnificent as this particular shot.    The blues became gorgeous shades of yellow, orange,  red and even purple.  It was breathtaking to say the least.

Many people dispise this time of the year, because it means cold weather is coming and the ‘death’ of summer, but I see it so much differently.  I see it as a resting period-  a time to rejuvinate, to pause and reflect.  Fall is one of the seasons where I find myself the most energized, in spite of the shorter days.

It could be days like this year round and I would be thrilled, but instead, I’ll be grateful for the ones we have, as I know it makes me appreciate the beauty of them even more.

November 7, 2013

Happiness: A Do-It-Yourself Project

Filed under: Food for Thought,Life — gardener @ 10:52 am

key
The photo to your right is of some antique keys that I took at a museum while mom and diddy were here visiting.    I  have this unexplainable love of door knobs and keys.   I’d never seen any like these, so they were particularly fascinating to me.

Keys are important in life-   they open things.   Doors, cabinets, chests and the list goes on.    They even have a place in opening hearts, at least that’s how the saying goes.

I had someone ask me the other day- what the key to happiness was.    This person isn’t someone I know well, but they have shared a few of their personal struggles with me, and I consider it a gift that they would share personal things with someone who is technically a near-stranger.

It was something I’ve never been asked before, but I did pause to think about it.    I am a happy person.   My life isn’t roses and sunshine all the time, but my choice is to focus on the good in my life, and that brings me a great deal of happiness.

I believe where so many of us go wrong (myself included in this, once upon a time) is that we think ‘people’ or ‘things’ can bring us happiness, when in reality all that does is guarantee that we are chasing the ever elusive mistress.

Happiness is a do-it-yourself project.    No one can want you to be happy enough for it to ‘happen’.   No one can do enough for you to bring you happiness.   Sure, it may bring you joy and may a sprinkle of happiness to your life, but those are like toppings on a cupcake-   the extras.    Real happiness comes from loving and accepting yourself.   Happiness comes from within.

 

October 21, 2013

All Good Things Have their Time

Filed under: Life,Travel — gardener @ 3:18 am

I’ve had a fantastic time with my family and Marcel, traveling, making memories and loving every moment. I have had some time to reflect and I’m excited about the changes that are happening in our life- Positive changes, that will mean great things for us both.

I feel a certain sadness that this family time is coming to an end, but I also know that as this time closes, we are already planning for other great things- new travels and new adventures with people we love.

Expect to see more from me in this space- on a regular basis as I resettle into a regular routine- which is going to be quite different than the one I had pre-travels.

Helping Friends

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 1:19 am

I was talking to a friend who lives in southern California last night and she was asking if I knew of anyone who could help her with employment law san diego. She had a few questions based on a situation she had with a former employer and even though she lives in the area, she wasn’t sure of who to contact. I love that the Internet allows us to find information for people across the globe with a few key strokes. I don’t know how we ever managed without it.

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