"Stoopin It" In the Suburbs

A Blog Award and I Was Chosen- Yipee

2012-02-01T12:09:00.006-06:00

I am so very honored. I was chosen for this lovely award by one of my favorite bloggers mojowritin. You can go to her blog by just clicking on my title. I am to put down seven things about myself that characterize who I am, then in turn, select seven more amazing bloggers. That will not be tough since I write with so many talented bloggers each and every day.

1. I love Angels
2. I See Angels
3. I facilitate Healings
4. I met President Carter and The First lady
5. I worked at Gedney Pickle Factory Two Summers and I liked it.
6. I grew up on Lake Minnetonka
7. I have para-sailed in Mexico and Felt Like I Was In Heaven.

Now, to select the seven blogging favorites: Drum Roll Please..............

Twincess Diaries- http://www.twincessone.blogspot.com/
Wine-n-Chat- http://www.wine-n-chat.com/
My Distant Husband- http://mydistanthusband.blogspot.com/
My Shabby Blog- http://shabbyblogs.com/
Paula Martin- http://paulamartinromances.webs.com/
I Never Wanted To Be a Fireman- http://ineverwantedtobeafireman.blogspot.com/

The Blues

2012-02-01T01:28:00.015-06:00

I Spoke to the group
Violence is never OK

She sat silent and still
Tears rolled down
Fast
Hard
Eyes Red
Sunken in

Kleenex in hand she wiped
Wept
Walked out of the room
Excruciating

Pain
Crushing
Head Hanging

At break she spoke
One on One
To me
Softly.......
I Killed Him
I had to
Knife to my throat

Truth is.......
I still love him

We held
Cried
Connected Soul Deep

You will live again
Hope
Love
Life

Forgive but........
Never Forget..... you can't

Misty eyed, I walked Out
Only to return next week
To Teach,Train More on....
The Cycle......
That breaks spirits
Hearts

I will never be the same
I am humbled

Humbled

Holy Spirit Power

2012-01-26T22:11:00.002-06:00

Have you ever been in a room and felt the synergy and power of the Holy Spirit? I can name different scenario's in my life where it has been palpable. Last night was one of those nights. As a Director of Volunteers and Catering Guru, I supervised event volunteers, chefs, and servers in our charming Kids Cafe'. We host a very special recognition night twice per year at Perspectives.

On this night, our ultimate goal is to recognize the women in our housing program. Fifty two women are literally saving their lives and the lives of their children. These hard working women are in recovery from addiction. Myself, the staff and the volunteers are all here to make them realize the pride we have in them for saving what is golden, Their family.

Buzzing in the background of our Kids Cafe' one could hear the smooth jazz playing over the colorful room. Candles were lit on each table neatly decorated with Healing Plaques. Behind the scenes you could observe the volunteer chefs, servers and staff working diligently to put out a fabulous Mediterranean Baked Chicken meal.
The theme for the night Comfort The Soul. Food- Soul Food-
Menu: Mediterranean Baked Chicken, Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese, Buttery Corn Muffins, Mixed Vegetables, Chocolate Mousse Cake.

The night began with a poetry reading, a piece on strength, hard work and struggle that can be turned into gold. Following the poetry was an African American Speaker who had endured the same hell in the addiction realm, now sober twenty five years. A poignant speech on the climb back to mainstream society after the isolating life of addiction. Now a corporate, community motivational speaker with confidence that could fill the globe, one would never guess her life was unravelling just years before.

It is hard to describe the energy in the room as this person spoke. It felt as if the darkness and ugliness that was here in the room from past pain and struggle, melted. Spiritual warfare was unveiled and witnessed in this softly lit cafe. The light won out as it does when love over shadow's evil.

Something bigger than ourselves took place on this night. Women hardened by life's brutal past, cried, and told the group they were sorry. Women heard the poet, and let the poetry soak into their soul. They let the speakers words stick and cried to their core. Women afraid to show the world that this journey through addiction was scary, said it out loud and wept. Women that had good reason from their past to fear being touched, held each other. Women held hands in a circle and vowed that they would survive. These women all agreed they are lovable and worthy.

I am humbled.......

Time To Speak

2012-01-24T22:31:00.008-06:00

The prompt in my writing group called GBE2 is time. I could talk ad nausea about how time ticks on. I could also discuss at length about the fact that time goes by so very very fast, especially the older one gets. I am in a place where I just don't want to do that. I have lost too many people in my life lately so..... I will take this topic on a detour.

I will discuss the time and energy I have put into public speaking in my life. I adore public speaking. This is not the type of career one wakes up one day and says, " I want to be a speaker." For myself it kind of just fell into place, it just happened. I do believe though, that everything happens for a reason.

My first speaking engagement was speaking to my own peers. Wow, was I nervous. I spoke at Lord Fletcher's restaurant in one of the large special event rooms. I was the only senior in high school, nominated and selected to go on a weekend for Distributive Education seminars. I was a straight 'A' student in this class and well....... the rest was history. Once I returned from this trip, I was asked to speak to members of the 'Rotary club' and peers. I was so anxious in fact, I couldn't eat the wonderful plate of food that lie before me. I actually ended up giving it to my teacher, Mr. Furlong (or Furl's as we use to call him). My father and twin sister came to watch me speak. They said I did pretty well. No one knew that my innards were, 'a shakin and a bakin'.

After college, I took a position as a Behavioral Counselor at a Nutri-System weight Loss Program. I facilitated groups for those on a weight loss journey. I taught many different topics on weight loss and helpful strategies. I enjoyed this position tremendously. I learned a lot about myself, the reasons why I ate when I wasn't hungry and I met amazing people. Most of all, I liked being up in front of a group and teaching something that I thought was worthy.

Once I received my masters degree, I took a position at an agency called Perspectives. I was there for a couple of years working as a Group Coordinator, where I ran a variety of groups. I taught parenting skills to community participants and those that were court ordered. It was at this agency that my boss handed down her community speaking gigs, to me. She was moving on to a mental health agency where she would be working as a social work therapist. I was honored that she had the faith and trust in me to put her reputation on the line. These are the speaking engagements I presently facilitate today. I have been speaking every few months, for many years now, to: recovery centers, shelters, food shelves, corporations, colleges, churches, staff retreats, non- profits and more.

The picture I've uploaded on this post, is me at Cargill Corporation, this winter. They asked me to do a motivational speech to help pump up staff for a fund raiser. The money would go to help end homelessness.

Believe it or not, when I am out speaking, no matter how heavy or serious the topic, I am in my element. God gave me the gift of speaking and I've learned how to hone this skill through experience. I feel so blessed to share this gift because I see how it affects people. Speaking can educate, inspire and touch.

I have been speaking in public for almost thirty years now. Wow, no wonder it seems so natural to me at this point.

Jack Jablonski forgives

2012-01-22T22:19:00.007-06:00

jabby13.com
A check during a high school hockey game leaves Jack paralyzed. That is the news blaring all over the TV stations here in Minnesota, but also nationwide. As a public speaker, I have the honor of recruiting volunteers from Benilde St. Margaret's catholic school. I was personally affected deeply when hearing about the sad news of the young high school student who was hurt permanently from the sport of hockey.

The outpouring of love and support from all over the country for Jack has been an inspiration. Jack forgave the young man that checked him during the hockey game that had him injured. He came to visit Jack in the hospital and felt relieved after doing so. He has struggled with the fact that Jack will never walk again. The Star and Tribune shared that it was not on purpose. We can all learn from Jack about the power of forgiveness.

I am currently helping to fund raise for Jack and his family in hopes of helping them pay for Jack's medical expenses. All of you that are interested in donating to Jack's fund can do it on-line at the link I have added to the title of this blog.

I thank you in advance for helping his family in their time of need. Please know that your prayers are needed at this time.

Hungry like the wolf

2012-01-21T23:05:00.004-06:00

Have you ever been so hungry, you could not stand the smell of food? Today my son, sister and I went to eat out at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. It is a burger joint that drips with tantalizing, taste. My son and I had a good belly laugh while standing at the front. We waited at the counter impatiently watching them put burgers,fries and bags of food together. My son and I talked about the fact that it was pure torture. Salivating like dogs, we watched every move they made, praying that the next bag of burgers were ours, number 80.

We both mumbled in harmony saying "number eighty, number eighty............ Where is number 80"?

Time seemed to crawl at a snail pace. Every batch of fries we saw thrown into the bag, we prayed was ours for the eating. But NO..................... Time ticked by, And we waited..............And waited....

Until.... At last.......... Two bags were so beautifully mastered and created. In slow motion it seemed......... They came toward us bags in hand...................Number 80. Our hands reached toward the bags as our feet moved so fast, we could hardly stand.

Got it.............

We smelled........
We ate...........
We moaned..........

Days are longer........ Spring Can't Come Soon Enough

2012-01-20T00:24:00.000-06:00

Intimate Partner Violence

2012-01-18T01:16:00.005-06:00

Today I was honored to speak to Social Work students at the University of Minnesota. The class I spoke to was called " Adult Intimate Partner Violence. That's a mouth full I know, but a cause unfortunately very close to my heart. Each and every semester I go out to colleges, Universities, Faith Based Organizations, Recovery Centers,Corporations, High Schools and more. I recruit volunteers, teach the cycle of violence, educate healthy ways to vent anger, present on the practice of violence and how to stop the cycle.

I feel blessed that the Lord gave me the gift of gab. I love to present in public, but there were years where my voice was silenced. Most people don't believe it when they meet me, but it is true. That is where my passion and education cross. I know how every woman or man feels that has been in a violent relationship.

Violence in a relationship is not limited to physical violence. I think this is where many of us get stuck. More and more women or men come into therapy because they feel really yucky emotionally and they don't know how to name it. They feel paralyzed, confused, guilty and shameful. Once they learn violence is much broader and they talk about their own stories, they feel like they can start rebuilding their life and put the puzzle together. Violence is any act, word or behavior that inflicts emotional, psychological, mental, spiritual or physical pain. The fuel that keeps the cycle of violence going is Power and Control.

Red Flags in Behavior
Possessive
Tells you what you can wear
Keeps you from family or friends
Isolates you
Verbally Barrages You
Hurts things you love - Pets, family, photographs, custody with children
Economic Abuse- Having all the power over the money
Mental abuse
Controlling
Limits your social life/work life
May make you quit your job
Tells you everything is your fault
Confuses you with words
Spiritual Abuse
Mind Games
Stalking Behavior

There are crisis centers in most cities. The world has much to offer women and men in these situations. We all have to be the bridge and build better communication and openness about the cycle of violence. Every two minutes a woman in the United States is killed. In hard economic times such as we are in now, violence only escalates. We all have to work together to fight this horror. All systems have to do it united.

Just as these young students in the Social Work field are pining to learn more about the dynamics of violence and how we can make a difference, we should also take a step forward. Please, just think about one way you could make a difference in reference to violence in our world.

I thank God each and every day, that my voice is no longer silenced. In fact, My once soft whisper, is now a LOUD ROAR.

Please click the link on my title and you will see a poem I wrote on my own violence that I survived.

Love Laura

Home-Ade Pizza- Well Mostly

2012-01-17T23:29:00.001-06:00

OK. So I do use a pizza dough from the dairy section. Who's watching anyway? Seriously, as a single mother, this recipe has saved me so many times. My kids and I have been having fun with this since they were just five years old. It is so fun to have the kids be a part of the creation. I am a foodie and work at a human service that teaches youth to cook in our charming cafe. I know how important it is to get into the kitchen as a family and just have fun. I bought aprons at a craft store with design pens. Each child makes their own apron.

Ingredients

Make your own crust or buy one at the dairy section- Don't feel Guilty
Can Tomato Sauce
Italian Spice
Diced Tomato's (Optional) - Some kids love it and some just don't.
Lots of shredded Mozzarella Cheese mixed with cheddar
Pepperoni

I give each child a spatula
Each has a bowl with sauce, a bowl with cheese, and a bowl with pepperoni- Fairness is Key

Yesiree, they spread the sauce over the crust
They sprinkle the cheese
They add Pepperoni and any other fixing they love

Bake at 425 for 12 Minutes

Vwala, you have your self a great family/or friend connection project that is so much fun and tasty too.

I Got Punked By My Teenagers

2012-01-16T23:51:00.006-06:00

Walk with me as I take you through my most interesting day. Ah, a day of rest for me from work because of the special holiday so named, Martin Luther King Day. My kids and I have as our goal, to run a variety of errands. Goal in mind and holiday gift cards in hand, we go store hopping.

First stop, Kohl's, where I (mother, mom, mum, child automaton, servant to all my children's needs....) need to exchange holiday coats that my kids hated. Yes, you heard me, hated!! We did have a good laugh in the store though. My son J said, "mom, next year I will give you a list like you asked me for. Most everything you bought me I didn't like." Still holding my ego intact I laugh, ha. My daughter E also says she must concur. Still feeling my confidence strong, I battle with the customer service representative who does not want me to take the in store card that I received from exchanging the coat for J and using it on the AppleBees gift cards that hang on their wall. "I would like to speak to your manager. I think it is just ridiculous that I can't take this card from Kohl's and use it on a gift card that you have right here in your store." OK, so I didn't get the gift cards I wanted, so I, the bigger person walk away with dignity still mighty.

As I pull into the Target/Barnes and Noble parking lot, my kids both shriek. "Mom, why are we here, we don't want to be here?" I let them know in no uncertain terms, that I want to be here and I am just as important as they are. In fact, I am here to spend money from my Barnes and Noble gift card that I received as a Christmas present. I shrug my shoulders and tell them to stay in toe.

My darling teens watched me as I roamed the store in hopes of finding some special treasure. I must admit I kept finding ways I could spend my gift card on them. "Oh No mom, we want you to spend the card on you. It is not often you buy for your self. " Hmmmmmmm...... "There is something so wrong with this affirmation. But I must..... I must believe in them for they are my children that come from my loins."

My daughter decides she needs a fruit smoothie. "Oh, do you have money honey?" "No mom, but I know you have your card and you can use it at the Star Bucks here. " Laughing, I go to the counter and purchase a hot mocha for myself and a fruit smoothie for her. We both start drinking our beverages and to my chagrin, I hear a loud ewwwww. "What's wrong sweetie, what did you make that noise for?" "Mom, this drink is terrible, it's so bad. I hate it." Wow, this hate word is pretty popular today. I just do what mom's do. I go to the counter with her drink and let the young cashier know she does not like it. "Can you just switch it to a hot cocoa for her." "Oh sure, no problem. It will be up in just a few moments." I thank the young lad and glance at my daughter who is rolling her eyes at me. "Mom, I am so embarrassed. Why did you do that? Now he thinks I don't like it." As we walk out of the store I go through a check list. Hot mocha: Check, Purse: Check, Gift card: Check, Self Confidence: Check, Still love my kids: Check.

Whew, we made it, now to their dad's place of work where we can ask for office products my kids need that we could not find at any of the several stores we frequented earlier. Oh, how organized my wee ones can be. Before we step foot into their father's place of work, my daughter screams, " Mom, did you see it? Look at your cup." "Did I see what my dear?" "Mom, there is a note on your Star Bucks Cup." I think to myself, "So many drama's, so little time." "Sweet child, what is it your trying to tell me?"

Grabbing my hot mocha cup, I see it for myself. Plain as the large nose on my face, I see it. There on my cup reads: CALL ME. Then I see a heart or lips, not real sure which it was. Then, a cell phone number. My kids look at me for a reaction. I ask what is it? I don't get it? "Mom, you were just asked out on a Star Bucks Cup. A bewildered mom, yes, it took me waaaaay too long to understand what the kids were telling me. "Kids, that young male cashier was not much older than 20. " Mom, are you going to call him?" Now, finally understanding the crux of this matter, I say " Creepy, why would a young man that age put his number on my cup? We are all laughing now. Laughing, snorting, reeling from this funny drama. I am so perplexed. Such a proud moment for a single mother who just turned 49 just days ago. Yes, I can relish in the thought that my kids know I am still attractive to the other sex. Great fun way to bond with my kids. We don't often laugh this hard with each other. As a psychotherapist, I am thinking how connecting this is, even if it is a silly scenario. See kids, mom is not dead. Mom is a real person. Men love me. Yes, men love me.

We pull into the driveway still laughing and going through each and every nuance of this scenario. My daughter runs in the door to share this funny trivia with my twin sister. Guess What ................

I HAVE BEEN PUNKED.

Oh well, a girl can dream can't she? Ugh............

Love Knows No Bounds Poem

2012-01-14T23:24:00.007-06:00

Life pages turn and turn swiftly by
Each day and moment seem shorter; they fly to the sky;

Pay close attention, hold them most dear;
All those you love, keep them quite near;

Life is all about love,connection and stages;
Be brutally honest in each moment; feel everything as you turn the pages;

Be there in the moment for those you love most;
Pray to God the father,son and the Holy Ghost;

Know our energy does not stop when we die;
We don't lay in our coffins and sit idly by;

Love knows no bounds, does not end when we do
It's not like were ghosts and haunt and say boo;

Love does live forever not end, that I know;
Those we love pass for now, but leave signs so.....

Be not afraid of those that leave this earthly plane
when you see them, hear them or feel them; Trust, your not insane

The spirit lives on, I have seen in plain view;
Most make visits to heal and strengthen you

Ambition

2012-01-12T22:41:00.001-06:00

Ambition. What drives our ambition? What does our culture teach men and women alike, about ambition? Some call it "blind ambition." I think it wise for all of us to pay heed to this quote. Blind ambition? I think not. I think from a tender age, we are consciously,unconsciously geared toward a guiltless ambition in a harmful, negative way. The world is something to conquer. A perspective not kind to the heart, body, mind, or soul.

As a child into adulthood, my head spun from the endless imagery of success and it's definition. What I thought I wanted was to be successful, make money, own a great ride and so on. Why are we so purposeful about teaching our children to be the best at everything and that everything important is material? It is OK if you don't agree with me. I know in my experience I learned more about how to be the best, the smartest, the prettiest, the wealthiest, in place of.........

How can I attain the goal of displaying and showing to the world the best human being I can be? How can I learn to be honest, role model honesty? Care. Love. Critically think. Have my yes mean yes and my no mean no. How can I? Who is there to teach me what it really means to smile at someone, look people in the eye, be upfront and honest. Love. How do I learn what it means to give back to community, have a loving heart and "Do for others as I would have them do unto me?"

I thank my loving God that we have free will. We can make wise choices instead of faltering in the muck. We can learn from one another. We can love, feel, heal and move mountains. I do not define success in life by materials or what the world has taught me. I do define success and ambition as using the gifts God has given me and using those gifts to better human kind. We can live our lives by taking the higher road even if it is difficult. Being open to a new paradigm.

I used to pray that God would give me the "Big Corporate Employee Assistance Job" that we all yearned for in my mental health field. Life is funny. I worked at corporate and felt a deep lack of life,individuality, soul. Yet, we were to help others by way of mental health calls. What was called "helping" was not. "Be careful what you pray for, you just might get it." I dreaded every moment of it. I could not breathe.

I turn forty nine years old tonight at midnight. I am blessed to turn forty nine with my identical twin sister. The definition of ambition and success has drastically changed for me over time. I feel comforted that in this hour, this moment, I am proud of who I am. I am proud to be a mother. I am proud to live each day with the power of the holy spirit living in me. I am a success. Perhaps not in the worlds definition of success, but my power is in him. And. I am OK with that. In fact, I am filled to overflowing.

"Lift your being up to the highest plane and you shall live in abundant happiness." Laura Rogers

Twinner and I are 49 Years Old Friday-----

2012-01-11T21:56:00.003-06:00

Making Holiday Wishes Come True- My Dynamic Duo

2012-01-11T13:07:00.002-06:00

Two women who get things done for the good of others are Val Carver and Jennifer Montillino. This amazing power house duo lead the “Cargill Holiday Adopt -A –Family Gift Program” for Perspectives’ Supportive Housing residents. This is the third annual gift program from Cargill employees! It is not an easy job coordinating gifts for 52 women and over 120 children during the holidays. However, Val & Jennifer made it look so easy…all of our families were adopted by Thanksgiving.

They were able to secure a pod that was housed in Perspectives’ parking lot throughout the holiday season. What a sight to behold, watching Cargill employees dropping off gifts and Laura Rogers, Director of Volunteers at Perspectives’, effortlessly loading them into the pod. Each year the process of gift coordination and gift delivery becomes easier. Val & Jennifer’s passion, organizational skills and patience are greatly used and help to make this program sail.

Laura Rogers, who manages this partnership each year said, “Val and Jennifer,your hard work has put so much joy into the lives of our families living in our housing program. I have personally had clients here at Perspectives tell me that they could not believe the fantastic gifts they received over the holidays. One client said, ““Laura, every gift I put on my wish-list was wrapped and given to my family and even ones I had not asked for. We are so very grateful.””

Cargill employees were also touched by their experience and here is what some Cargill employees had to say after the gift program experience.

“This was a rewarding experience. I was humbled by the simple gifts requested by the family member that I adopted and more than happy to purchase the things. I nearly cried when I read her list because so often the world is filled with elaborate “wants” and her wish list was quite simple. I welcome the opportunity to participate in the Adopt-a-Family again next year.”

“My group used the “Adopt-A-Family” program as an opportunity for a team building event. In the face of growing economic concern and instability in the world around us, it was very grounding to be able to pull to together as a team and make the holidays a little better for some local families. It reminded us of the spirit of holiday giving and the gift you get in return.”

“At a time when Cargill was faced with lots of changes related to the economy, we were able to support a fellow team in helping them fulfill their commitment to ‘Adopt a Family’ by providing them with money; based on us exceeding our fundraising goal/need. This was a testament to the Cargill family helping out one another in fulfilling our commitments.”

Val and Jennifer are a testament of how hope and love survive in the lives of at risk families. It is because of their strong passion and commitment that Perspectives’ families can say, “I had Christmas for my family.”

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” Cahill Gabran

Laura Rogers

Director of Volunteers

Perspectives, Inc.

Sunrise On January 9, 2012

2012-01-10T00:12:00.000-06:00

Lunar Lunacy Effect

2012-01-08T22:36:00.000-06:00

Tonight in Minnesota, the news casters' relish in our full moon. I had to take pictures of it of course. Lunar lunacy, that's what they call the syndrome. Fact or fiction? You be the judge, but I for one believe. The "lunar lunacy effect" is how the moon and it's cycle, effects human behavior in a negative way. The term lunatic comes from the latin word Luna, meaning moon. Wikipeda states, that insanity or temporal insomnia can occur monthly when the moon is full.

Let me take you back to my externship I fulfilled at a place called Crisis Connection. Crisis Connection is a short term phone counseling service. All of us working at mental health agencies saw a definite correlation to the full moon and our phone call percentage taking a big hike. In fact, you ask anyone in the mental health field the difference in behavior in patients when there is a full moon. Most likely you will get a stuttering giggle because it is eerie. Suicide rates attempted and accomplished sky rocket when the moon is full.

Do you believe that the full moon can create accentuated negative behavior? I want to know if you believe.

Hostile Haiku-History of Violence

2012-01-08T20:10:00.003-06:00

Your Mind Games No Lack
Fills The Soul With Dark,Sterile rubbish
Are you filled with black shame
I think not, since no empathy within
I feel pity for you
Mostly for your kids that wonder why
The charade lives on daily
you pretend your alive, understand love
The animal you symbolize
A wolf in sheep's clothing you are
Playing the actor role
Shame on you for who You've become
A terrible actor lies
The debauchery sadistic evil and mud thick
Clouds of black hover
Evil energy abounds in your perilled wake
Automatons are devoid, non-human
Pretending to heal; fake
Doth slumber abandon with whispers and moans
Grinding teeth loudly heard

On low energy frequencies black hole deep
Repent I say Repent
Leave us alone forever, no more deceit
Women are dime a dozen
You think we are cheap, like cars?
May God Help You
Gems you don't see in your world
May God's Love Heal You

How To Make 2012 Count

2012-01-02T22:36:00.001-06:00

I love new beginnings. I am so looking forward to a new year. I have had many joys in 2011, but also plenty of stress. I am sure most of us can point to the good, the bad and the ugly back in 2011. Cheers to a great new year and many great healthy changes. Let me list some of the ways that we can make changes stick in the new year. Researchers say to:

Make Change Doable & Realistic- Perhaps you pick MWF to work out and the rest of the week do other activities. Park farther away and walk into the mall. Take the stairs not the elevator.
Self Care/Self-Love- Treat Your self and Pamper yourself once in a while. I did today and got my nails, toes and hair done.
Stay Consistent
Be gentle with yourself. Try to stay away from black and white thinking. I failed my diet because..... Instead say " Today I made a choice that I don't like, but I chose it and will keep trying."
Try To Make Your motivation intrinsic not extrinsic. " I want to feel healthy" Not," I want to lose twenty pounds in four weeks."
List Out Your Goals and Put a picture of you that you like on the Fridge with a motivational or spiritual quote.
Do it for health so you can hang around your family for years and years to come.
Motivation is: The act or process of motivating. The state of being motivated and something that motivates or incentive.

" The state of being and staying healthy is about listening to your heart, body, mind and soul. We need to be in balance and feed our souls with whatever it is that brings you peace and happiness." Laura Mary Rogers

New Years Eve

2012-01-02T00:31:00.009-06:00

What a lovely way to bring in the new year. Let me take you through my day and night. Ok, so I am a single lady, but what does that have to do with the equation? One can have a fun New Years Eve celebrating with a friend or twin sister and or kids or a Fake Fireplace.....Bahhh.

The day starts out as my children, Auntie and I, go to a consignment shop to look at an electric gas fireplace that is 50 percent off. I want it sooooooooo bad. My daughter pulls me away from it saying " Mom, we have everything we need, and Aunt would kill you if you bought it." I try to appeal to her sense of fiscal discounting and tell her it is on sale and Jacob and I have been talking about having an electric fireplace for about three years now. I tell her it is only $141 dollars. She pleads with me as auntie Linda and Jacob approach the scene. I say, "Jacob, this is THE fireplace, plug it in and lets see what this baby can do." Jacob plugs it in as we watch the blazing fire on the fake logs light up. We also feel and enjoy the warm heat that it gives off. Linda says, "No way Laura, we are not getting it, we don't need it. Ellie is right, we have everything we need." I say "Jacob what do you think of it?" He loves it just as I do and we do our best to make valid arguments of why we need this classic fireplace in our upper living room. OK, I am digressing at a rapid pace.

We leave this store called TurnStyle without this beautiful oak engraved masterpiece. We all go to Ridgedale mall to eat at Chipotle. I drop Ellie off at the door as she insists that her friend is waiting at the door for her. I tell her we will all be in after we park and then we will take in lunch. I park the car and half way into the mall, I notice I forgot my purse in the car. I stroll out to the car and discover, I left my purse at TurnStyle. Wow, this day is not going the way I planned. Ok, now aunt says "can you drop me off then at Target while you go back for your purse"? Sure I say, so Jacob and I toddle off to TurnStyle. "Oh no, will I be able to go in there and not purchase my dream fake fireplace???? "Its' Ok Laura, just breathe, you can do it, just act as if...... I walk in the doorway of TurnStyle with powerful confidence. I see my purse behind the counter. The cashier walks up and says..... Here is your purse, it was sitting on the chair next to the fireplace. Oh No!!!!!!!! How could she say that word, FIREPLACE.........I grab my purse and run out....

Now the day gets better. We pick up Auntie at Target, drive right on over to the mall and take in a great lunch at Chipotle. A great gift indeed, we see my nephew, my children's cousin. My nephew is the store manager and even comps some of the food for us. Now things are looking up. We end up seeing many acquaintances and have a nice time.

After lunch my daughter leaves to go to her buddies house for New Years. My fifteen year old son says "mom, Kevin wants me at a movie that started ten minutes ago." OK, lets just run you to your friend my dear boy." This is my life and I am here to say it. I get Jacob to the theatre and go in and pay for him. Now, Linda, my twin sister and I are free for the night. My kids are both getting picked up by their dad later from said movie and said friend's house.

At home, we breathe and say, wow, another day at the Loud Families House. We call our home the loud family because well..... were loud. Now Linda and I go to our respective corners of the house and or bathrooms and shower and freshen up for the night. We know we have food to buffet for later on but what to do now, what to do???

Linda I say, "You know that gift card you received at Christmas from our brother? Perhaps we can use that and enjoy a fabulous evening out at Redstone." Hmmmmm.... Thats a great Idea Laura, lets do that and then later in the night we pull out our buffet fixin's and watch Dick Clark like we do every year since I moved in."

To sum up my New Years Eve, great eats, great company, my first ever Cosmopolitan, and snow that started before midnight. .....and then, Dick Clark, beautiful Dick Clark brings us into the new year with his rockin' eve special. For a single mother, this was my idea of a perfect New Years Eve. Happy New Year To All.

Work

2012-01-01T20:10:00.001-06:00

Well, Christmas Holiday and New Years Eve is now over. It is January 1, 2012. I have been on vacation from work since December 20th. A two week vacation was very much needed and appreciated. I am now refreshed and ready to go back to work tomorrow. I love and am so very passionate about the work I do at Perspectives. I am a Director at a human service agency serving at risk families and children. Our social issues we address is not limited to: poverty, homelessness, abuse, Chemical Dependency, education, mental health, employment.

I have been so fortunate to be an employee at Perspectives since the 1990's. I actually started at Perspectives as a student pursuing my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. I was a student working on my internship. I fell in love with Perspectives' mission: To help at Risk Families Break Negative Cycles. I did short term counseling at Perspectives working with clients who I then referred on to other agencies who offered long term therapy. We did more crisis phone counseling, short term counseling sessions and groups like Women and Self Esteem.

Once my internship was over, I was brought on as a part time staff member. I supervised the volunteers that did the short term therapy, processed with each volunteer making sure all referrals were given out due to the issues that the client presented. I enjoyed this very much but it was only part time so I also volunteered at the Crisis Connection in the Minneapolis area as a counselor.

Later, Perspectives' hired me on as a group facilitator coordinator. I led groups on parenting topics that came from the University of Minnesota. The curriculum was called Positive Parenting I and II. Topics included: How to Catch Your Child Being Good, Discipline, Rules and Boundaries, Tools of Prevention and more. I also supervised volunteers who co-led the groups with me. I met some amazing people and trained them in group facilitation.

As human service agencies or non-profits change rapidly, the grant money was no longer supporting community parenting education classes. That is when I ended up leaving for about five years working as a hands on healer, teacher and speaker.

I was then told about an opening at Perspectives in 2004 looking for a Community Affairs Associate. I interviewed for the position and secured it. I did volunteer hiring, marketing and public relations work. One year later I was promoted to Director of Volunteers.

So that is my Perspectives story and I am still here. I truly feel honored to work with those that just need a little help getting back on track.

Family, Love, Happiness, Home

2011-12-28T17:11:00.001-06:00

Tasty Tuesday and Little Weenies

2011-12-27T23:37:00.003-06:00

This will by far, be the easiest most well loved recipe you will ever see, make and eat. All you have to do is buy the little wieners in a grocery store.

There are a few types of little wieners. There are the little plain ones, the sausage ones, and one other freaky type. Wow, I feel bad writing this even though they do taste smashing. Eww Eww......
Ok.. Now, put bbq sauce in a chafing dish like the one I have shown here. I use the sassy Famous Daves BBQ sauce after I boil the weenies. Add weenies with bbq sauce and vwala, you have a guest favorite. I cook three bags for my huge family of 20 on holidays. I love my chafing dish and my sterno. It makes me think of the holiday season. I am so easily pleased just like my kids say....

Fifteen Minutes Free Writing Oh My

2011-12-27T12:39:00.003-06:00

OK. So I am supposed to free write for fifteen minutes and see what my creative mind has to say. What will this stream of consciousness free to roam say, teach, grumble.......

I have set my clock to fifteen minutes so bear with me now. Carl Jung Swiss Psychologist believes that our conscious and unconscious mind balance each other out. How you ask? Well, one way is to free write and see what lies in the ole' beany. Dreams help us balance out our psyche too. Oh, the stories I could share with you on how my mind is unveiled in dreams. See, sometimes it is the real wacky doodle dreams that we have to pay attention to. Now one, might dream of being with someone who one despises, but see, the whole matter of the balancing act of the psyche is just that. We may dream we are in a full fledged love affair with one we actually do not respect at all. One may venture to say that we learn much from our moral compass and how we view the world then, with such dreams.

I have done free writing before as a spiritual exercise. What came out of my soul and out of my free range hand was no more than amazing even to me. I do healing work and so for me to be in deep connection to my higher self is important. One time I was writing and was told how I was to write a book which would help the world. Well, I have been writing that book and it has been shared in my writings that I do online. I will publish all of these at some point.

One time as I sat in my home free writing, an archangel wrote through me and more than anything, this angel said " Love is All." Now how cool is that and do we not know that the biggest lesson in the bible is to love and be loved. Love is all that matters and if you think about it, what is life without love? Now I don't have a love in a marriage partnership anymore since I am divorced, but the love I give and receive is deep, profound and life changing. See, now that I am free to be who God wants me to be, I can now be of service in love in so many ways. I don't have someone telling me what I can and can't do. I know my love partnership is not like all of you in that you have someone who supports you and helps you to strive to be the best you. I did not have this and now that I am free to be the "Real Me", I have blossomed in what God calls Agape love. To me my life is all about giving out love in ways that even I did not know possible.

Wow, I have only one more minute to write in this fantastic free writing. It just flows once you start. If there is a point to my writing here today, it is about being open to love and sharing it in whatever way God gifted you. We all have gifts and all I do is use mine now as a light worker or healer, just the vehicle to give out Gods love to the universe. So with that and now that I am actually one minute over, thanks for listening to my non stop stream of consciousness. Remember, we all have a purpose here, be wise and use it, for life will be that much more abundant for you and the world.

New Years Resolutions???

2011-12-27T00:17:00.001-06:00

My New Year Resolutions?? Researchers state that our new years resolutions

last a whopping month. I therefore won't set myself up to fail. I know what I need to change, but I don't think it wise for me to blog it since I want to succeed. I also know that it is hard to share what the resolutions are and people will ask me how I am doing. So with no further ado, I will just say...................

Good luck to us all in what we know we need to change. Hee Hee.

Laura

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T21:19:00.003-06:00

What a lovely Christmas holiday it was this year. In Minnesota, there was no snow to speak of, but who needs snow when you have all that you have ever wanted. I am so blessed with my family, home and food on the table. I may not have extra, but I have all I need.

This year was extra special since many changes have taken place in my family. We have a brand new addition to the family. My niece had a baby boy named Amery. I will post pictures here of this perfect ball of joy. Also, my older sister is in recovery and it really did make Christmas Eve at my house, free of drama.

I know how lucky I am having people in the world that love me. I have seen so many families that had no one to turn to or count on, in my field of work. It is such a gift to be surrounded by those that love and care about you. I also feel so happy knowing that with age comes wisdom. I do not have an agenda at my age about Christmas and how it will turn out. I know when I was young I suffered greatly with let downs, because I put expectations on myself about what Christmas would be. This year I just let go and let God fill me with the holy spirit and enjoy the love all around me.

Life is a gift and we just have to be open and let the joy spill in. I hope all of you had a lovely holiday and know how very blessed you are in this life.