Soul Energy

Several Things to Observe Today

2014-10-28T13:17:00.000-04:00

I have several things to observe today:

1) Even after twelve years you can crave a cigarette as much as the day you quit.

2) Nothing comes easy. You have to work hard to achieve your goals and you can't ever, ever give up. If you're not going to work hard for yourself, no one else is, either.

3) I've been told love is never convenient. Twice today, by two different people. So, it must be true.

5) I believe in myself, and my God. And that's a pretty good feeling on both counts.

Ha. And I skipped number 4. What was number four? I'm sure it must have been important... let's just throw in, for the record, #4 = readers are leaders.

Turning 40

2014-03-28T23:36:00.001-04:00

Yes, even to me it seems a little silly to be so excited about turning 40. This birthday just feels different, as if my fourth decade is a point of renewal for my life. With a major life change just six months behind me, I'm thankful to God for making me strong, moving me forward, and bringing me blessings for which I am thankful. I'm so grateful for my family and friends, and especially my daughters, who bring such joy every day. Cheers! xoxo

Trust Yourself

2014-03-24T22:00:00.001-04:00

Stop Blaming Me

2014-03-23T12:03:00.001-04:00

“All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.” ~~ Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Some people will never change. They will always be difficult and they will always shift the blame away from themselves. I find it easier for me, not to look for fault. Sometimes things just are.

You have to make the choice to move forward in a positive manner.

Mindset is everything.

Be introspective.

Pray. Listen.

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much -- And Don't Be Ordinary

2013-12-09T21:10:00.001-05:00

That a man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

~ Robert Louis Stevenson

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

2013-12-09T21:02:00.001-05:00

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

'Phrynette Married' by Marthe Troly-Curtin

Quotes for Encouragement in Dreaming Your Dreams

2013-12-08T22:15:00.000-05:00

“There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you'd better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you'll never understand what it's saying.” ~ Sarah Dessen

If there is any point at all to life, surely it is to live out our dreams, to serve, to follow our bliss, to release the music within us, play it with joy and to share it with others? Surely we have a responsibility to finally listen to - and honor - the siren calls of our souls, which have been silenced by our egos throughout our lives? How else can we connect with our essence, the source of our calling? ~ Lance Secretan

When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion--that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet--therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code. ~ Stephen Covey

Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it. ~ Sai Baba

"If you aim for only wealth, beauty, fame, & power, you aim too low. Humility, gentleness, gratitude, & service is aiming high." ~ Lecrae

Take a deep breath, trust God's timing, and calmly embrace the journey.

Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You

2013-12-08T11:50:00.000-05:00

Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You.

Who else can relate to this?

At the age of (so-close-to) forty and recently out of a 17-year relationship, I can relate.

As I think of my passions as I rediscover myself, my own feelings and thoughts, I can relate.

As I consider my future, the who what when where how of it, I can relate.

Passion, focus, thought, feeling.

Right from wrong. In life and world.

Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You.

What does this mean to you?

Soul's Code: Inspiration of Talent and Work

2013-12-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion--that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet--therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code. ~ Stephen Covey

If there is any point at all to life, surely it is to live out our dreams, to serve, to follow our bliss, to release the music within us, play it with joy and to share it with others? Surely we have a responsibility to finally listen to - and honor - the siren calls of our souls, which have been silenced by our egos throughout our lives? How else can we connect with our essence, the source of our calling?  ~ Lance Secretan

French Horn: Out and Ready to Play

2013-12-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

Dave gave me great advice -- it's out, and it's going to stay out. Not in a corner, not in a closet, not tucked away. Out and ready to play. The girls were so excited; M doesn't remember hearing me ever play. Good to know I could get through some scales and intervals... and E & M were tickled when I played Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and they could sing along. Yes, yes, yes. Jessica is slowly, but surely, coming back to life.

Dave says, "Do not put the case near it. Do not put anything in front of it. Do not be concerned about dust, scratches, fingerprints. Let its siren song call out clearly, unfettered, unencumbered. You will get to the point where you simply cannot help but pick it up each day. In fact... put the case in the closet. Out of sight."

He is so, so right.

My friend, he makes me smile.

Three Different People

2013-12-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

Who you were, who you are, and who you will be are three different people.

At the Beginning of the Symphony:

2013-12-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the symphony:
Marilyn: Mommy, why can't you play with that band?
Me: I can. But I would have to practice a lot.
Marilyn: Do it, Mommy.
Me (in my head): I will.

Details of the Kernersville Railroad Depot

2013-11-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

The Kernersville Railroad Depot has been on my mind lately, and the photographs I took there three years ago. I've been thinking about the detail; the color, the rusting and corrosion and how time is taking it's toll on the hulking railroad car.

If you're local to the Piedmont Triad or are interested in the history of the depot, please see my blog post on Piedmont Triad Living here.

These are the details of the train sitting beside the restored 1870s depot.

Ball Pit: Take A Seat & Make A Friend

2013-11-23T22:31:00.000-05:00

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

Nurse Reveals Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Deathbed

2013-11-23T20:10:00.000-05:00

I don't think any one of these is a surprise, but seems so difficult to change when you're in the middle of it all. It is a choice though, and I strive to not have these same regrets.

Nurse Reveals Top 5 Regrets People Make on Their Deathbed | REALfarmacy.com | Healthy News and Information

Reflections of Ocean Isle, NC

2013-11-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

We recently returned from a short visit to Ocean Isle, North Carolina. Ocean Isle is a coastal barrier island located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. We were there in the second week of November and enjoyed unseasonably warm weather; sunny and 70° on our only full day there. Warm enough that my two girls convinced me to cut off the pants we brought and we ventured into the Atlantic Ocean. It was fine and perfect on that one day. The next day brought arctic air and we nearly froze for our second sunrise.

One thing that struck me about Ocean Isle was the reflection that was so distinct in the water soaked sand. I've never seen anything quite like it. Objects were a mirror image and even the color seemed more vibrant! I was blessed to have captured the sight.

soulenergy. If there is one description for what that is, it was this trip wrapped in a bow. Four of my favorite things, all together in one fell swoop -- my daughters, who are 9 and 5, the ocean, sunrises, and sunsets.

Enjoy the photos!

First Sight of the Ocean, grainy photo captured by phone

My younger spent a great deal of time trying to catch a bird.

The beginning of our first sunset on Ocean Isle

The beginning of our first sunrise on Ocean Isle.

We found several sand dollars on the beach! My first time seeing them in a natural setting. Truly amazing -- hardly seems possible they're naturally made.

We walked until we ran out of beach!

She would pick sand up and throw it towards the water. She said she was "feeding the ocean".

Jumping the waves!

As we were walking the beach, this guy jumped up (nearly scaring the bejeezus out of me) and scurried quickly across the sand. We chased him and suddenly he stopped and turned around. Face off. He stood still long enough to get several great shots!

And then a little further down the beach, I spotted this one, buried in the sand. Nearly hidden, you can see, except for his eyes and just a bit of leg.

The girls teased him a bit with some sea grass. He slowly emerged...

... and out he was! He ran backwards quickly up the dune and disappeared.

Older Daughter's favorite Teddy, enjoying our second sunrise.

We had a beautiful and relaxing trip to Ocean Isle. During our off-season visit, we had the beach to ourselves. It was rejuvinating and as you can see, so beautiful. soulenergy

Thankful November

2013-11-06T23:10:00.001-05:00

Day 1: Thankful to my parents, who are such good role models for my girls. I am grateful for the close relationship they have.

Day 2: Didn't take me long this morning to find my thing to be thankful for! I was grumpy because my 9-year-old brought the only stick of deoderant with her on an overnight. I discovered it this morning, after searching for too long and in a rush to get to work. I had to stop at Walgreen's to buy some more, and as I was paying, the cashier said, "wait a minute, let me see if you can use this coupon now." It was a $3 off coupon for the $3.96 stick of deoderant. Now THAT made my day, and I let the cashier know it! Thankful for the little things... the small things that can turn your whole day around.

Day 3: Today I am thankful for friends both old and older, the man behind me in line who was able to produce a penny faster than I was, and the complete understanding of generosity with both giving and receiving.

Day 4: Today I'm thankful for my Dad, who celebrated another birthday. I'm thankful for long lunches and pretty dresses, connections with friends from long ago and family with which it took too long to begin to connect. I'm thankful for the choices I'm allowing myself to make, for myself and my children. I'm thankful that I have so much to be thankful for.

Day 5: Today I'm thankful that the day is almost over. Thankful that I start tomorrow with a clean slate and a fresh start. Thankful that it's okay to not always be perfect or right and that I always have the opportunity to strive to be better.

Day 6: Today I am thankful for the house that I am continuing to make my home.

Day 7: Today I am thankful for strength and honesty. And I'm thankful for strength *in* honesty. Actually, I think I'm praying FOR strength in honesty.

Day 8: Today I'm thankful for a fun evening with my girls filled with laughter and hot fudge sundaes.

Day 9: Today I am thankful for good company and good times.

I'm Not Lucky... I'm Blessed

Day 10: Today I am thankful for the baptism of my girls. I am thankful for Pastor Jeffand Pastor Bev. I am thankful for my family and friends that were here to celebrate with us.

Day 11: today I am thankful for our first real family vacation ever, precious time spent with my girls (without the chaos of life interfering), the magic of the ocean, and the generosity of Jack and Marilyn. I feel so truly blessed.

Day 12: oh no, I skipped a day! Yesterday I Was thankful for sunrises, sunsets, and everything in between

Day 13: Today I am thankful for my daughters, sunrises, sunsets and the ocean... all of my favorite things rolled into one grand and super-quick vacay. Thankful for good traffic and good travellers, and thankful to Jack and Marilyn for inviting us. Thankful to God for putting me in this good place in my life!

Day 14: today I'm thankful for my girls' love for school and learning, and their good grades that reflect it.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Day 15: Today I am thankful that when I need it, I allow myself to cry. And thankful that I can then move on.

I never met a bitter person who was thankful. Or a thankful person who was bitter
― Nick Vujicic

Day 16: Today I am thankful for Daniell. My pal and confidant. "Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say."

Day 17: today I am thankful for the super long nap from which I just awoke. ((Stretch))

Day 18: Today I am thankful for the beautiful days I'm enjoying during the walks I take during my work breaks. I'm also thankful for loud disco music and the ability to dance in my head.

"Annnnd, poof!... all my patience is gone... Ta-Daa!"

Day 19: Today I am thankful that I can laugh about this (meme above). I'm thankful that I work with a group of people that care about me. And I'm thankful that we do our best to bring each other up and encourage each other.

Day 20: Squeeeeeee! Today I am SO THANKFUL that my employer had 18 voucher tickets for the Winston-Salem Symphony Christmas Spectacular AND vouchers for any regular season performance. I was able to snag three of each and I get to bring the girls to the symphony for the very first time. I am soooo excited!

Day 21: Today I am thankful for Karla, whose whole family is pretty darn amazing. Every one of them has gone out of their way to help me out of a bind this week and I am so appreciative.

Day 22: Today I am thankful for the dinner the girls cooked for me with the sitter and the flowers that were on the table. I'm thankful that I didn't fall once when I went rollerskating tonight. And I'm thankful that I'm off this weekend and tomorrow is a sleep in day.

Day 23: Today I'm thankful to have the love of my children, each and every day. They are unconditional and so free with expressing it. I am truly blessed.

Day 24: Today I'm thankful that my month long stint with children's Sunday school has ended and I can again join my ladies upstairs. And I'm thankful for my hot cup of tea.

To the barefoot man, happiness is a pair of shoes. To the man with old shoes, it's a pair of new shoes. To the man with new shoes, it's more stylish shoes. And of course, the fellow with no feet would be happy to be barefoot. Measure your life by what you have, not by what you don't. ~~ Michael Josephson

Day 25: Today I'm thankful that my aura is blue. Purpose of Life: Showing love to other people. Loyal, honest, trustworthy, reliable and sincere. Valuing the truth above all else. Emotional, sensitive, connected, experimental and deep. Okay, the part about thinking before I speak may not be quite spot on... but the rest I'll take with pride.

Wow. This is actually so accurate it seems a little bizarre. What's your color aura?

What is Your True Color Aura?

quotev.com

This Is the real deal right here! Also check out my other quiz! Also An Aura and your favorite color are two different things, so dont get butt hurt if you do not like the color or dont get your favorite color. ;D WARNING: If you end up having a WHITE aura, please give me some time! I have been g

Personality: Blue’s are very loyal and can be the truest friend any aura could hope to find. On the inside, blues tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that other auras depend on you, so you put on a strong front. They tend to live a quiet but enriching life. Blues are very giving of them and is hard to let go of relationships. They believe the key to living a good life is simple: Be as honest with yourselves and others as possible. They value the truth over everything else.Blue will remain loyal to those who are honest with them, even if their honesty hurts. Compared to most other auras, blues handle the truth very well. They take every event into stride. Blues are the calm spot in a sea of chaos. They think that the solution to most problems is open communication; they wish that people would be more real with each other. A Blue personality uses its five physical senses to access information. An emotionally driven personality, you need to be liked and accepted. It is one of the "needs" that can cause apprehension in your personality. You are a polite, cooperative person who seeks to create conflict-free surroundings. You possess highly developed powers of observation. Family is important to you and you sometimes find yourself in the role of being a caretaker. You are conservative, reliable and trustworthy - you are quite trusting of others although you are very wary in the beginning until you are sure of the other person. You are not impulsive- you always think before you speak and act and do everything at your own pace in your own time. You take time to process and share your feelings. You are genuine and sincere, and you take your responsibilities seriously. You have a deep need for peace and harmony in your everyday life. You appear to be confident and self-controlled, but may be hiding your vulnerable side. You are generally fairly even-tempered, unless your emotions take over - then you can become either moody and over-emotional, or cool and indifferent. You are sensitive to the needs of others. While you are friendly and sociable, you prefer the company of your own close group of friends. You are a rescuer and love to be needed. You can be rigid - you like to stick to what is familiar to you- you stubbornly do things your way even if there is a better way. Untidiness and unpredictability overwhelm you. You don't like to draw attention to yourself. While you don't like to have discord or conflict in your life, you are often the cause of conflict with others; you can be quite manipulative but in a very subtle way.
You make a loyal and faithful marriage partner and you are an honest, trustworthy and sincere friend. You are aware of others feelings and sensitive to the moods of others. You are approachable and friendly, always making people feel welcome in your life. You have a thirst for knowledge in order to gain wisdom and appear knowledgeable in whatever area interests you. You can be too cautious and worry about every little thing.

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Love Life: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone.

Yellow: Too annoying to even take a liking to

Pink: You are very lucky if Pink even pays attention to you, their reputation may be in the way to start a relationship with them

Green: Another perfect match for blue! They have one of those personalities that make you want to be around them all the time.

Orange: They believe they are way too good for blues, which is not true at all!!

Purple: Without Blue there would not even be a purple, they are the best bet at finding your soul mate

White: Their studies get in the way from every flirtatious move you make to them

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Perfect Color Love Match: Red: Committed and Passionate they are definitely a good mate
Friendship Color: When you and purple are together no one can stop you!
Color Opposite:Your color wheel opposite is Orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying

Words that Describe Blue: Emotional, Affected, Sensitive, Peaceful, Tranquil, Connected, Spiritual, Experimental, and Deep

Purpose of Life:Showing Love to Other People

Day 26: Today I'm thankful that I won't melt if I get wet. It has seriously rained ALL DAY!

Day 27: Thankful for a quote like this "I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." -Audrey Hepburn

Day 28: Today I am thankful to have hosted my first Thanksgiving, which went well enough that I'd like to do it again. I'm thankful that my family gets along well enough that we can get together and enjoy each other's company. I'm thankful that I'm strong and focused and brave. I'm thankful that I believe change is possible, in myself and the world... and I'm thankful that I'm excited to see what comes next.

Day 29: I have had so much to be thankful for this month, it's almost overwhelming.

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December 1: I realized late last night (very early this morning) that I did not list a Thankful November for Day 30. I think that is perfectly fine because on Day 29 I proclaimed that I had so much to be thankful for it was almost overwhelming, and how can I top that?! Besides, the 29th is a special day for us -- I was born on the 29th of March, Elizabeth was born the 29th of August and Marilyn was born the 29th of July -- yes, really! I continue to be thankful each and every day. Happy December!

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If you did your own Thankful November, please include a link in the comments. I would love to see what other's are thankful for, both big and small.

May you have an abundance of blessings!

Etsy Treasury: Just a little EVT Hocus Pocus

2013-10-29T22:21:00.001-04:00

Love this cool treasury featuring my photograph of the

Historic Miksch House

in Old Salem, Winston-Salem, NC

'Just a little EVT Hocus Pocus' by MyVintageMommy

I could watch this over and over.

antique cast iron cauldron /... wretchedshekel... $99	1975 Troll Book Club softcov... Nickadizzy $3	Orange Candle Flame Study No... IntheWoodsStud... $7	Halloween Pumpkin Renzi Buck... VintageJunkInM... $15
Full Moon Through Bare Tree ... TheOldBarnDoor $4	Green Cape Cloak Fleece Hood... MWestDesigns $89	HOCUS POCUS Halloween pillow... CedarStreetCre... $20	SALE Victorian CORSET OVERBU... KarybdisAtelie... $99
Hocus Pocus Book Replica Lin... CuriousCircus $195	Broomstick (C) - WITCHY RANG... PixieDustMinia... $25	Clark Bar VINTAGE Embroidere... JSSShepherd $4.99	Vintage Black Siamese or Bur... beppiebags $9
Historic Miksch House, Old S... soulenergy $20	Hocus Pocus Bette Midler Win... magicwardrobe $2595	Halloween Digital Download &... Lurvely $5	Halloween art, "Watcher... onelizziemonst... $20

Sponsored by send bulk email from excel.

Lilies and Roses Up Close and Personal

2013-10-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

Water Lily in Autumn

Walking on Sunshine

Love and Peace

Crafts to Try: Denim Bracelet and Boot Birdfeeder

2013-01-24T19:22:00.000-05:00

Two more things that I must try. A bracelet made out of the seam from a pair of jeans (looks like it's wrapped in memory wire, which I've got plenty of) and a birdfeeder made from an old boot. Love the look of both!

Shelf -- Old Chair Gets New Life

2013-01-22T15:47:00.001-05:00

I love this idea!

Now I'm going to have to seek out old chairs.

Who invented hugs?

2013-01-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

Who invented hugs? Imean the first hug would have been sooo awkward. "What are your doing, why are you holding me??"

"Shhhh, just trust me."

DIY (Gift Idea): Bubble Wrap Stress Relief

2013-01-04T08:46:00.001-05:00

Found this cute gift idea on Edith & Elizabeth's facebook page. Funny, right?

Inspiring Memes: Intuition, Good in the World, Positive Thoughts and Getting Even

2013-01-03T08:41:00.000-05:00

Intuition literally means learning from within. Most of us were not taught how to use this sense, but all of us know well that "gut" feeling. Learn to trust your inner feeling and it will become stronger. Avoid going against your better judgement or getting talked into things that just don't feel right.

Be Someone Who Makes Someone Else Look Forward to Tomorrow

Believe There is Good in the World

The Only People with whom You Should Try to get Even Are Those Who Have Helped You

One Small Positive Thought in the Morning Can Change Your Whole Day

Steel Wrapped Ring with Round Glass size 5

2013-01-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Crimson red glass bead, nearly translucent (but not quite). Wrapped in 18ga galvanized steel.

Now available in my etsy shop