Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

October 18, 2014

Oh Happy Days

Filed under: Gratitude,Life — gardener @ 12:08 pm

When I look at the title of this post it makes me smile. I’m grateful for everything. The pleasant and the ‘not so pleasant’ because it all serves to teach me something.

We spent some time earlier this week with Marcel’s aunt- She recently turned 80, and we were unable to make it to her party, so we decided to go spend some time with her this week. Our intent was to stay only a few hours- but it was so great, and we were having so much fun that the time flew and when I looked at my watch- four hours had passed! Needless to say- we definitely plan to go again. She’s such a joy and I adore spending time with her. I also enjoyed hearing some of her stories, plus her sharing some of her wisdom with us- at 80 one has compiled a lot of wisdom, you know?

Work has been great- my column is going great- I continue to learn and challenge myself outside of the box- and by doing so- I continue to grow- that makes me happy.

With the challenges of this year- it took a while for me to find my balance- but once I did- I haven’t looked back- I count my blessings every-single-day. Are all days perfect? Not even close- but what I do know, is that I’m blessed, WE are blessed and I don’t take one single moment of that for granted.

July 22, 2014

Gratitude

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 11:17 am

I share my daily gratitude’s on Facebook, but I don’t always think to share them here, but today I’m doing just that.

If you want to exponentially change your life- take the time to notice a few things in your life daily that you’re grateful for. It doesn’t mean that your life will be perfect, but what it does mean is that with a changed perspective, life can change. So without further adieu: Today’s bits of gratitude.

1- Sunny days with a cool breeze.

2- Time spent with friends.

3- Fresh nectarines.

4- The importance of contrast.

5- Late birthday celebrations.

May 1, 2014

Happy May!

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 11:13 am

Here we are- The first of May, and life continues to surprise and amaze me. I love it, and wouldn’t want it any other way, to be honest.

The time that my arm has been healing- has given me a great deal of time to really stop and think about so much, things that are working great in my life, and also things that aren’t necessarily working the way I’d like them to, but rather than just getting ‘stuck’ there- I’ve taken some time to think about the changes I would like to make, and how to best implement those changes.

That in itself was a lesson in learning that sometimes the ‘pause’ is necessary to continue the growth. It’s a beautiful thing in many ways.

More than ever lately- I have realized just how very precious life is- and I plan to continue living, learning and growing to be the best me possible, and I’m so grateful for the people in my life who share the journey.

April 9, 2014

Party Planning

Filed under: Gratitude,Holidays,Inspiration,Life,Shop til ya Drop — gardener @ 8:16 am

One thing is for sure- this ‘free time’ I’ve had because of my arm, has given me an abundance of time to party plan. This year is composed of many wonderful elements, and one of those is that this year is the year of parties.

Not only am I hosting a few myself (which I can’t wait for), but we’ve also been invited to several, which I know are going to make the year even more fabulously fun than it already promises to be. After all, who doesn’t love a good party?

Something that also excites me, is the fact that plans are already being made for gatherings and parties when we get home later this year for the holidays The fact that people want to see and spend time with us makes me happy enough, but the fact that they want to have special gatherings in our honor, makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside- beyond words.

My upcoming party- I’ve finally got the cake idea sketched out and ready to ‘create’. It’s going to be interesting to see if the sketch and idea I have in my head matches the actual finished product.

Sometimes, like this morning- I was feeling a little down, but I need not do more than look around me to realize just how blessed I am and how awesome life really is. That, in itself is worthy of a party- of gratitude for the awesome people in my life. Thank you!

April 5, 2014

April Showers

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 12:49 pm

Almost a week into April, and so far, not a shower in sight. Granted, you won’t hear me complaining, as I know they will show up all too soon.

Life- it’s so fragile, yet when you stop to think about it, also so amazing. I am blessed beyond words, and so are you!

It goes without saying that there will always be obstacles, speed bumps and sometimes even road blocks- but that’s just part of the learning process- part of the beauty of the journey. Enjoy every step of the way. I know I am.

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March 25, 2014

Whole Lot of Gratitude

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 8:35 am

I’ll admit that I am not the most patient of people. This will come as no surprise to most people who know me on a deeper level, and to those who don’t- you may be sitting there thinking to yourself, “No way, really?” Trust me, it’s true.

When I was much younger- someone very wise told me never to pray for patience, because you would find yourself tested to the max, and you know what- I have no doubt, that they’re right.

Sometimes though, things happen. We find ourselves in situations that will not only test our patience, but also test our resolve. Knowing that ‘not being patient’ will have a consequence. I know- We live in a world that has become so filled with instant gratification that patience has become a thing of the past. Truth is- I know that I definitely fall into some of the trappings of instant gratification world- which doesn’t always mesh well with the journey to patience.

Until non-patience has a price, as is my case now.

Another thing you may not know about me- is that I’m really stubborn. Granted, I like to call it ‘strong-willed’, which in some circles may be a horse of an entirely different color, but the truth is- they are one in the same. I’m open to ideas- and always open to learning, but when I have an idea, I want to be able to run with it- yesterday. (Enter lack of patience 101. haha) Yes indeed, stubbornness and lack of patience can be fast friends, until they are challenged- then look out!

I’m on the mend, but I’ve been unable to do almost anything. Now generally, I would love the quiet time and the ‘do nothing’ time- but what I’ve learned is that I don’t do ‘nothing’ well. Even when I’m sick, I still do my thing, so being forced to do nothing- (without consequences if I don’t listen) has been a huge lesson in patience.

The sun is shining- I have massive amounts of energy, and things do to- but at this point- rest is the order of the day- the only order of the day.

So I’ve learned to let go, which hasn’t been easy- and not without one temper tantrum, and a few days worth of tears. But it has been a huge gift on many levels. I’m learning (then again I’m always learning) to rely on other people- something I don’t necessarily do well.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for those whom I call my tribe- who have offered to come from near and far (literally) to be here for me. Truth is- in the grand scheme of things- this is minor, and shall pass, given time. It’s not serious, and for that, I’m beyond grateful.

I honestly couldn’t manage without Marcel, (at leat not without hiring someone). He’s been the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’, around here- taking care of everything. Cooking, cleaning, and even offered to feed me AND wash my hair. That’s definitely love times a thousand. I’m so appreciative of him- and this has also turned into a little learning experience for him with cooking. So it’s a good thing on many levels.

Patience- I’ve learned that isn’t such a bad thing after all, and my body is thanking me- on many levels.

March 15, 2014

Diagnosis and Insurance

Filed under: Gratitude,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 7:09 am

Some people know (and some don’t) that Marcel has been diagnosed with a medical condition that is degenerative, but can be controled with medication to keep from progressing. It’s one of those things that we didn’t see coming (unlike some diseases), but thankfully the doctors have been amazing. It’s not something he can be ‘cured’ from, but something he’ll live with for the rest of his life. On the grand scheme of thigs- it isn’t ideal, but it could be much, much worse.

Thankfully our insurance plan is also a really good one and covers a lot of the procedures and tests that he’s going through. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be able to afford insurance and good coverage. Finding places like health insurance of burlington nc can make all the difference in having peace of mind- especially when dealing with unexpected illness. Insurance, definitely something that everyone should have, without question.

March 8, 2014

Gratitude

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration — gardener @ 12:49 pm

Today’s bits of gratitude.

1- 59 degrees and sunshine in March.

2- People who are there for others when they need them.

3- Propping up my feet and soaking up some vitamin D after a productive day.

4- Watching the grace and seemingly effortless manner in which birds fly.

5- The sound of mallards landing on the water.

February 28, 2014

Making a Difference

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 9:18 am

Someone once told me that even though we may not realize it, that people are watching us, and our actions have an impact on others. I’ll admit- I don’t give a lot of thought to that idea. I live my life, stumble, learn lessons from my stumbles and mistakes, pick myself up and continue moving forward. Sometimes I pause in one spot because some things require that, but I try not to keep the forward momentum going. My intents are never with malice and I really like who I am. Does that mean I think I’m perfect? Far from it, but I accept myself, flaws and all- and try to stay open to the lessons life sends my way.

What you see is what you get with me. Love me or not. I am who I am- (I think Popeye said that once upon a time.)

A few days ago my mom and diddy visited a friend of theirs. It’s someone that I’ve known for a long time, but I haven’t spent a lot of face-to-face time with her in many years. We are friends on Facebook, yet we never ‘chat’.

Yesterday, mom said that when they’d stopped at her friends house- she told mom that she was always inspired by my lists on Facebook, and my general positive outlook in life. She said it was always a day brightener to her- and it really lifted her spirits quite often.

Those words really meant a lot to me.

Mom said, “Well, you really just never know when you’re making a difference to people, even when they may not voice it.”

She’s right. It made me pause and think about my life- about the things I say, and also the people who are a daily part of my life. They are people like me. People who encourage and inspire. People who are energetic and who aren’t jealous of seeing others succeed or do well- in fact they celebrate those moments.

It made my heart swell with happiness, joy and mostly gratitude. Why? Because they make a positive difference in my life each and every day. I know when they reach out to me that it’s sincere and never met with jealousy or contriteness, but with love.

Thank you Ms. D for the words that not only made my day, but also caused me to press pause and take a look around the people in my life. I’ve done that a lot in the last year- and I realize more than ever just how blessed I am.

Everyone makes a difference in our lives. Even those who could be deemed as having a negative impact, if allowed- they also serve a important purpose.

I’m grateful for the pause to ask myself what kind of difference I’m making. What about you?

February 10, 2014

Life of Gratitude

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 1:22 pm

Today’s bits of gratitude.

1-  The beauty of friendship.

2-  Finding a seat on a busy train.

3-  Those who walk the talk.

4-  The joy of service to others.

5-  The ‘little’ things that make a huge difference in the lives of others.

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