Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

October 7, 2012

Motherhood

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 6:05 am

I think one of the coolest (and sometimes not) things about Facebook, aside from the fact that it’s easy to keep up with what’s happening with some of your favorite people- all in one space, is the fact that you can also get great news early on- (provided people share it) when it’s regarding people you don’t get to see often.

I’ve read about several friends back home who are expecting little ones and so excited for them. I am even planning a couple of surprise showers- and maybe even offer a few suggestions for duematernity.com for maternity dresses. A new life is such a wonderful blessing and I know all the girls will make amazing mothers.

September 23, 2012

I’m Melting

Filed under: 5k Training,Gratitude,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 11:00 am

Ok- Not really in the literal water on the Wicked Witch of the West sense- but in the shedding pounds sense. I finally decided to step on the scales a week into working on my new routine- and what do you know- the scales had started spiraling downward. Yes! Oh Yes~! Needless to say- I’m doing the happy dance about that one. I have a long way to go- but it will come. I feel, finally like I’m back! Look out world!

September 20, 2012

September 20, 2012- Gratitude List

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude — gardener @ 12:34 pm

In spite of not sharing these here every single day- I do share my daily bits of gratitude on my Facebook status- and also to a gratitude group that I’m blessed enough to be a part of. I’ve noticed that since I’ve been more conscious about these things around me that I’m so grateful for- that more beautiful things are happening. Or- maybe they were happening all along, but I have a higher level of consciousness and I’m seeing more.

It doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days- because I most certainly do, but even in those dark moments- I still know that the sun will shine and that there is always a lesson to be learned and I just need to be open and willing enough to see it.

Gratitude List for September 20, 2012.
Today I’m Grateful for:

1. My diddy- who has taught me so much in life- and who is celebrating his 72nd birthday today. ♥ YOU!

2. Small victories- Once again proving that often times the only thing holding me back is me.

3. Late night fun and laughter tech iOS6 discussions.

4. Finding a running pace that I think will work for me.

5. Long-hot bubble baths in combination with cool Fall evenings.

Home Improvement Goal Setting

Filed under: Home — gardener @ 10:35 am

While Marcel and I were out walking today- we started discussing our goals for next year in terms of what we’d like to do in our home. We’ve been talking about how we would like to move- but with the market as it is- we’ve decided it would be better to do some improvements here and enjoy our space even more. One of those projects looks like it will include leather seat repair on an old chair that is in our storage shed. It’s an old family piece and I think Marcel would really like to have it displayed in the house again and personally, I think we can make it happen. In addition we plan to paint the walls (if we can agree on a color) and do some changes in the kitchen, which are needed for my business.

We have a few ideas, but first- we plan to get past our vacation and then start planning home improvements.

September 17, 2012

Lazy Monday

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 10:56 am

Today has been one of those Monday’s that if I was a director in a movie- I would say “CUT” and start over. It hasn’t been a horrible day by any stretch of the imagination, but one of those where I would really like to just have a remake.

I was actually feeling a little struggle of guilt when I couldn’t seem to find any energy today- not even in three cups of coffee and a cup of green/mint tea, so I set about doing a few things around the house. It seemed when I did that one little disaster after another happened, and a sure sign that I should listen to my body and just ‘veg’ today. So, by most standards that’s what I did.

I did manage to get some cooking done for a food challenge, plus I made some candied pumpkin seeds- did some cleaning, and some writing. I’m definitely going to start taking those little cues and just do what my body says and not feel guilty about it. Tomorrow is a new day.. Right now- I’m going to put away my candied pumpkin seeds now that they’re cooled and plan to relax and watch a few of my favorite Monday night Television shows.

September 13, 2012

Gratitude List for September 13, 2012

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 10:36 am

Thursday’s bits of gratitude.

Today I’m Grateful for:

1. A quiet and peaceful walk today- Seemed like everyone had other things to do and the paths were quiet. Loved it!

2. Structure.

3. Every breath I take.

4. Small talk with strangers over things like BBQ sauce.

5. Hope.

September 10, 2012

Choices, Choices and More Choices

Filed under: Food,Gratitude,Health/ Fitness,Inspiration — gardener @ 6:50 am

Not too long I read Bob Harper’s book called “The Skinny Rules“. I’ve been on a quest to live a better and healthier life since 2008 where I shed around 100 pounds, but in 2010 when I hit some extremely difficult times- I lost the focus. I still continued with very many of the healthy habits that I’d made an everyday part of my life, but some of them (important ones) fell by the wayside.

I’ve gone back and forth with getting to a place where I can ‘just do it’ and make the big picture a regular part of my life and I take inspiration in any manner I can find it. That’s why I got Bob’s book. I love him on the Biggest Loser- and I thought I could use the extra inspiration. It’s great principals and pretty much how I was trying to live anyway- so it made it easier to see it in black and white. It’s a way of life- not a diet.

One thing that I didn’t do- that I’m now doing- is skipping carbs after lunch. I’m also a huge fan of potatoes- but potatoes make me crave more potatoes- and at the end of the day- even when eaten plain- they pack a punch of calories, so I’m kissing them goodbye. I didn’t eat many anyway- so it’s been easier than I thought.

Sugar is probably my worst nemesis, and with me owning a cupcake shop- it makes it even harder, since when I try new recipes I NEED to try them. But- I’m learning balance and realizing I don’t have to eat two to test a recipe- A bite- or two is enough.

The biggest thing has been exercise- I’ve not been consistent and I see that in my legs and butt- the muscle mass has depleted, so I’m working on a regular routine with added strength training. I’ve only been at it a week, but I’m already feeling different. Stronger- Healthier.

I have the choice each and every day- and I choose to be healthy.

Branding

Filed under: Gratitude,Life — gardener @ 6:41 am

As one of my goals for next year- I’m really going to be working on getting my name out there in the public more. I guess you could consider it small-scale branding. I’ve got ideas in the works for big things, things that I won’t start until next year- because of our upcoming two month vacation, but I’m excited. The idea of custom made shirts to use at markets so I can easily be recognized, along with a few other things really excite me.

I’m curious to see how at the end of next year- when I look back over the year- how I’ll feel about how far I’ve come. In the meantime- I’m having a blast and so blessed to be able to do what I love and make it my work.

101 in 1001 (Visit the Heineken Experience)

Filed under: 101 in 1001 days — gardener @ 6:38 am

   As part of my Day Zero List for 101 things in 1001 days- I added the “Visit the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam”.   I honestly don’t know what I was thinking about at the time- other than I thought it may be a fun thing to do, because anyone who knows me knows that I am not a beer drinker in any way-shape-or-form.

I actually considered removing it from my list but then the opportunity presented itself for me to go- AND free.    So off I went last week.   It was fun- and I even spent some time in a simulator pretending to be ‘beer’ and going through the entire brewing process.   That was quite the experience.

 

So, yet another item checked off my ‘list’.    The question is-  will I complete my list at the end of those 1001 days?   That remains to be seen, but I’m trying.

August 31, 2012

Contentment

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 7:25 am

A lot can be said about being content- and in spite of a lot of swirling turmoil around me- I’m happy and content. There are changes happening that are positive and I find myself surrounded more and more with talented, encouraging and creative people. “Gallon people” if you will. The thing I love most about these kinds of fiends and acquaintances is that often without even knowing it they encourage and inspire me to be a better me. We can be each others soft place to fall- sounding boards of ideas and motivation and encouragment. It’s always building each other up- never tearing each other apart. It doesn’t mean we always agree on everything- because we most certainly don’t- but we treat each other with love and respect and are genuinely happy with each others successes. It really doesn’t get better than that.

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