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.

September 18, 2014

Moving Right Along

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 10:42 am

My last post was a few weeks ago and I talked about getting back into a healthier lifestyle change, and it has made a huge difference in how I feel, not only physically, but also mentally. It has been challenging at times, because I still fight the urges to snack in the evenings, and sometimes I do have those ‘junk food’ days, but I’m moving more- and even starting to do a little running, and it feels good.

This amazing weather we’ve been having has definitely added to the incentive to get out and enjoy- so much so that I’ve let a few things go- such as writing here more often. But I’m working on finding that balance that works perfectly for me.

Today for dinner- I had some steamed broccoli, green beans, half an avocado, tomatoes from my garden (which is oh-so-good) and some grilled shrimp. It was delicious, and filling. Plus I knew that when I was finished- that even if I was not ‘stuffed’ (which I am learning all over again that I don’t ‘need’ to feel full all the time) that my body was being given what it needed nutrition wise- and I would not have that evening sluggish feeling from eating junk.

I haven’t looked at the scale, and honestly- I’m not sure if I will. It’s secondary to good health and feeling good. That’s what matters- not a number.

Best Lives

Filed under: Food,Inspiration,Life,Things I Love — gardener @ 8:42 am

Some of you who read my site regularly- or who know me in real life know that I own a small baking business. Sharing happy moments with others and doing that through baking is one of my passions, so I decided to make it an official business. I love it- and have learned a lot along the way. In fact, I continue to learn, which is another one of the things that I love and adore.

I’m part of a cake group- and I love how people come together and not only share cake ideas, business thoughts, but also the simple things like wedding venues and wedding dj contact information for certain areas. It is so inspiring to see people co-creating and living their best lives.

September 5, 2014

It’s Never Too Late

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 7:09 am

Have you ever noticed just how graceful ballet dancers are? I have- and I can’t tell you the number of times that I wished I had taken ballet lessons when I was younger. The idea of starting at the young age of 47 seems a bit much, but I do think it would be a great work-out in addition to fun. Something tells me I wouldn’t have the grace though, even if I spent the next years taking ballet classes in los angeles with great instructors, because some things are learned at a young age. I still think it would be fun, and I guess it never is too late.

July 31, 2014

Choices and Consequences

Filed under: Life,Women — gardener @ 11:09 am

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about choices- and how when we make them, we don’t always take the time to consider the consequences. A while back I watched a TED talk about ‘unintentional consequences’- which is what happens when we make choices without thinking about the potential long-term consequence.

It has happened throughout history with so many instances, and it continues to happen today. Have you ever thought about your own unintentional consequences based on choices you’ve made? Meaning- that you chose x- and while it may have given you the result that you had wished for in the short term, when it came to the longer term- it started a domino effect that changed many other things, which weren’t necessarily what you would have wanted for yourself. Then again, sometimes the unintentional consequence turns out to be far greater than we ever imagined.

I’d love to hear your thoughts of those unintentional consequences in your own life.

Plans and Growth

Filed under: Life,Women — gardener @ 11:04 am

I’ve been doing some planning as to what changes I would like to make within my little company in the coming months and year. Rather than doing my taxes myself, I’ve hired an accountant to take care of everything. Someone like russalleninc.com who can give me the answers I need, and yet also make my life a little easier by taking care of something that I really don’t know all the ins and outs of.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to do everything myself- that finding the right people and delegating those tasks, not only makes my life easier, but it also frees up time for me to focus on other things that will help my business continue to grow.

July 22, 2014

Birthdays and Beyond

Filed under: Food for Thought,Life,Things I Love — gardener @ 11:12 am

My 47th birthday came and went. You know what I felt? LOVE. Granted, I feel love every-single-day, but for some reason, this year I really felt it to a greater degree.

Marcel surprised me with a wonderful dinner at a restaurant we haven’t been to in several years. It’s situated right on the lake, and the weather was perfect, which allowed for us to eat outside on the terrace.

I asked Marcel not to give me a gift- since it’s our year to go for vacation, and truth is- I don’t have anything I ‘need’. I was happy that he actually listened, and that dinner and the huge bouquet of sunflowers he gave me at midnight to start my birthday were gift enough. We were together, we were happy and healthy- what else could a girl want?

Today I spent the afternoon with two good friends- in a late birthday celebration. I hadn’t seen either of them in quite some time, so it was great to be able to catch up and just enjoy their company.

I’m grateful for the people in my life- and also knowing that there is nothing but more blessings coming my way in this new year of my life.

July 10, 2014

Quiet Evenings

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 2:11 pm

Marcel is working this evening- so that means after a busy day- that I actually have the evening to myself. I know- some people think it’s horrible to actually relish in the alone time- but truth is- I need it. Without it- I would probably be impossible to live with.

Since Marcel hasn’t been doing great- the doctors actually have him working half days now- so he’ll be home at 2 a.m.- long after I’m in bed (or that’s the plan, anyway). I spend some time working outside today- after doing my ‘paid’ job- so I’m ready to take a cool bath and curl up with some mindless television.

First- I’ll give mom a call. I talk to them daily- and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There will come a day when that luxury isn’t available, but for now, I’m cherishing every moment.

June 24, 2014

Simplifying

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Life — gardener @ 11:07 am

I love when weeks are a great mix of work and pleasure. That’s what this and the coming weeks are full of- and that’s a lot of happy in my world. In spite of a health scare from someone I love back home- which landed said person in the Emergency Room of the local hospital a few nights ago- all is bliss in my world.

Marcel has stopped smoking and is doing amazing. Thus far he’s been a week smoke-free, and I’m so grateful he’s made this choice for his ultimate health, in addition to the amount of money it will save us annually. (Enough to take two small week vacations- yay!!) We’ve already decided to save the money and use it for a few localish trips. It’s like having free travel and who doesn’t love that?

I’ve also really been simplifying and streamlining many aspects of life. I’ve started going through my Facebook friends lists- when I have some time to do so- and deleting people that I don’t talk to on a regular or semi-regular basis. I know people tend to get touchy about these things- (something I don’t quite understand, but I don’t have to) but it’s not that I’m ‘mad’ at anyone or ‘dislike’ anyone, but it’s all about keeping things simple. It works for me, and I love it.

Life After Divorce

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 9:07 am

I saw on Facebook (that seems to be my only source of news) that friend of mine changed her name and ‘status’ to single. She had posted a few ‘vaguebook’ posts about relationships- and letting go, but I’m not one to ask people about their personal situations. I figure if they want to share, they will. (Unless it’s Samantha, and I’ll ask her. haha) Sadly, a few days later this person was asking if anyone knew of lawyers in raleigh nc and said she was about to embark on a divorce that was going to get nasty. I felt bad for her- but I do believe that some things shouldn’t be on Facebook, but that’s just me. I still haven’t reached out to her, but I do hope that someone was able to help her, and that things won’t be nearly as nasty as she anticipates. Sadly, sometimes divorce is the only way, but having been there- it’s definitely not the end of the world.

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress