I wrote this poem for my grandmother for her 90th birthday.
Grandmother’s Love
By Jessica Chase
My grandmother stitches love into everything she does.
Into blankets and poems, and songs and raspberry jam.
My grandmother’s fingers are callused from giving love.
I don’t think she’ll ever understand how grateful I am.
My grandmother plants love into everything she does.
Into cooking and baking and flowers and crystals.
My grandmother’s lips are callused from giving so many kisses.
I don’t think she’ll ever understand how grateful I am.
My grandmother writes love into everything she does.
Into books and lullabies and hugs and hearts.
My grandmother’s feet are callused from walking through 90 years.
I don’t think she’ll ever understand how grateful I am.
I don’t think my grandmother will ever understand how grateful I am for
Her wisdom.
Her strength.
Her spirituality.
Her friendship.
But most of all – her LOVE.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2015
Friday, June 05, 2015
SJ is 3-Years-Old
SJ turned three in March, so I wanted to write down some thoughts about his cute little personality at 3-years-old. He's got a great sense of humor, loves the color green and talking about colors in general. He has assigned a different color to everyone he's close too. I'm pink and Scott is blue and apparently no one can have the same favorite color so we run out of colors to assign to people pretty quickly :)
SJ knows most of his letters and we are working on the sounds of them. He loves Little Gym, which is gymnastics class. He can do a forward role, donkey kick, assisted back hand spring and assisted bar/beam exercises. He loves crafting, painting, playing with cousins, playing with grandparents and jumping on the trampoline. His best friends at school are Dylan and Eve. He likes to tell us about his adventures with Dylan and Eve every time he gets home from school. He says Eve is "the pretty girl at school". He starts official preschool at Summit Academy in August of 2015. I think he's ready to be in a more structured school environment.
He is still obsessed with the ninja turtles and every time we see a sewer in the ground he calls it a turtle hole and genuinely thinks ninja turtles live down there. His favorite ninja turtle is Mikey because he's a "party dude".
He's definitely got a case of the why's and what's and literally asks questions all day every day. He's afraid of bugs for some reason (maybe because his mom is haha), but he's even afraid of rolly-pollies and ants. Now we've moved on to spiders and bees which is at least more rational :)
I love him so much!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The Raw Truth About Equal Rights
All my life I've studied about all types of fear and segregation. Whether it's the the Holocaust or The Civil Rights Movement or Women's Rights...we've all been told not to speak of these things on our blogs or we won't get hired for jobs, or won't be accepted by our families/religions. There are a lot of fear-based suggestions of why we should not express our true thoughts and opinions. God forbid anyone stand up for what's right - right? Can you imagine if there weren't people that stood up for what is right in our history? We would live in a scary, scary world. Would our world and the people in it even exist?
Fact is, I am not black, or gay - but I am a woman, so I have felt some segregation and intolerance in my life. In the grand scheme of things, however, I haven't been discriminated against nearly as much as many people in this world are, and I am grateful for that. All labels aside, I am human. And as a human, I have a duty to stand up for other humans regardless of age, rage, gender, religion, sexual orientation etc. I don't know a lot of things for sure, but I do know that making other humans feel less than equal is WRONG at a fundamental level.
I recently had the opportunity to walk for an organization called The Trevor Project at the local Gay Pride Parade. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people ages 13-24.
Did you know that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24? Did you know that LGB youth are 4 times more likely, and questioning youth are 3 times more likely, to attempt suicide as their straight peers? Did you know that LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGB peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection?
How is this happening? Why are we allowing this to happen to our fellow humans?
I thought about this today because I watched a movie called "The Normal Heart" about the 1980s timeframe when American's in New York were trying to identify the cause of the aids virus. It is a heart-wrenching story about a gay community that is dying off in New York. They created an activist group that keeps encouraging the government to find an answer on what the virus is and help with treatment. The amount of time and effort it took these people to get any bit of reaction from the government is baffling to me. There were roomers that the government created the virus to "kill off gay people" and the government wasn't denying it. Sound like the Holocaust at all to you? Granted, that was a rumor, but who knows what really happened. It was such a sad time, and it makes me happy for how much progress has been made since then.
We still have a long way to go so SPEAK UP and STAND UP for the underdog. That's the only way we are going to make progress as humans.
If you are a believer in equal rights, this movie is a must see. Here are just a few reviews about the play that won Tony Award and the movie from Wikipedia - "In the New York Daily News, Liz Smith said, 'An astounding drama . . . a damning indictment of a nation in the middle of an epidemic with its head in the sand. It will make your hair stand on end even as the tears spurt from your eyes.' Rex Reed stated, 'No one who cares about the future of the human race can afford to miss The Normal Heart,' while director Harold Prince commented, 'I haven't been this involved – upset – in too damn long. Kramer honors us with this stormy, articulate theatrical work.'"
Also, some great quotes from the movie, "Weakness scares the shit out of me. My father was weak and I'm afraid I'll be like him. His life didn't stand for anything and then it was over. So I fight constantly. And if I can do it, I can't understand why everyone else can't do it too." - Ned Weeks, Gay Activist
"I scare the shit out of people. The holy terror in a wheel chair. Learn how to use it, you don't need everybody's love and approval." -Dr. Emma Brookner, a physician and survivor of polio who helped with the virus research with little to no government funding.
And a quote, that, of course, I love -
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." -The Declaration of Independence
Peace and love,
Jess*
Fact is, I am not black, or gay - but I am a woman, so I have felt some segregation and intolerance in my life. In the grand scheme of things, however, I haven't been discriminated against nearly as much as many people in this world are, and I am grateful for that. All labels aside, I am human. And as a human, I have a duty to stand up for other humans regardless of age, rage, gender, religion, sexual orientation etc. I don't know a lot of things for sure, but I do know that making other humans feel less than equal is WRONG at a fundamental level.
I recently had the opportunity to walk for an organization called The Trevor Project at the local Gay Pride Parade. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people ages 13-24.
Did you know that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24? Did you know that LGB youth are 4 times more likely, and questioning youth are 3 times more likely, to attempt suicide as their straight peers? Did you know that LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGB peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection?
How is this happening? Why are we allowing this to happen to our fellow humans?
I thought about this today because I watched a movie called "The Normal Heart" about the 1980s timeframe when American's in New York were trying to identify the cause of the aids virus. It is a heart-wrenching story about a gay community that is dying off in New York. They created an activist group that keeps encouraging the government to find an answer on what the virus is and help with treatment. The amount of time and effort it took these people to get any bit of reaction from the government is baffling to me. There were roomers that the government created the virus to "kill off gay people" and the government wasn't denying it. Sound like the Holocaust at all to you? Granted, that was a rumor, but who knows what really happened. It was such a sad time, and it makes me happy for how much progress has been made since then.
We still have a long way to go so SPEAK UP and STAND UP for the underdog. That's the only way we are going to make progress as humans.
If you are a believer in equal rights, this movie is a must see. Here are just a few reviews about the play that won Tony Award and the movie from Wikipedia - "In the New York Daily News, Liz Smith said, 'An astounding drama . . . a damning indictment of a nation in the middle of an epidemic with its head in the sand. It will make your hair stand on end even as the tears spurt from your eyes.' Rex Reed stated, 'No one who cares about the future of the human race can afford to miss The Normal Heart,' while director Harold Prince commented, 'I haven't been this involved – upset – in too damn long. Kramer honors us with this stormy, articulate theatrical work.'"
Also, some great quotes from the movie, "Weakness scares the shit out of me. My father was weak and I'm afraid I'll be like him. His life didn't stand for anything and then it was over. So I fight constantly. And if I can do it, I can't understand why everyone else can't do it too." - Ned Weeks, Gay Activist
"I scare the shit out of people. The holy terror in a wheel chair. Learn how to use it, you don't need everybody's love and approval." -Dr. Emma Brookner, a physician and survivor of polio who helped with the virus research with little to no government funding.
And a quote, that, of course, I love -
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." -The Declaration of Independence
Peace and love,
Jess*
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Some stuff I believe :)
1. I'd rather wear flowers in my hair than diamonds around my neck.
2. I like the smell of the earth, the touch of the waves, the taste of berries, the sight of trees, the sound of laughter, and the feeling of being alive.
3. I believe that there is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.
4. I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends [and family] I want to see.
5. I believe in "The Secret" and have given the book to many people. "All that we are is a result of what we have thought." - Buddha
6. I am passionate about helping people feel loved, find their passion, be happy. I genuinely want good things for people and am not fake.
7. I believe that *love* and gratitude are always the answer(s).
8. I think it's important to set long / short term goals and be on a constant path to improve ourselves because if we don't try to improve ourselves ( all of us ) how can we evolve and make this a better place?
Kudos to Pinterest and the Pinners for helping me compile these thoughts.
Monday, March 26, 2012
39 Weeks of Pregnancy...
I saw this cute idea on Pinterest and decided it would be a good way to document the memories of pregnancy throughout the 40 weeks. I took a picture every couple of weeks to show the progression. I can't wait for little S.J. He will be here any minute!!! : )
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Emily Ann Faulkner Jones - My Sweet Sister.
I just wanted to take some time to write about someone that inspires me on a day-to-day basis and someone who has shaped a lot of who I am and who I strive to be.
My sister Emily has been one of the people in my life that’s inspired me most. She’s always been there for me since I was a wee little lad and I’ve always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her.
Sure, there were times when she would torment me (because that’s what sister’s do) – but how can you no forgive someone who makes you suck your toe when you are two (it’s funny!) or who wouldn’t let you hang out with their teenage friends when you were eight?
My sister has had a lot of patience with me throughout the years. I always looked up to her, wanted to be just like her… wear her clothes, her makeup/jewelry, read her journal, etc. etc. I guess that’s why she gave me the name “Jess the Pest” for a while : ) but as we’ve grown older – we’ve developed a friendship and relationship that means more to me than most in this world.
She is one of the most giving, kind-hearted individuals I’ve ever known and she’s always taken the time to help mentor me to be a better person. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said “What would Emily do?” throughout my lifetime.
Throughout the years she’s inspired me to be a better wife, cook, scrap-booker, sibling, photographer, organizer, giver, worker, leader, mentor, multi-tasker, etc. – the ultimate woman in 2012 society requires a lot of balance… and she’s helped me to find this balance throughout the years.
As of late, Em has inspired me to be a mother… one of the biggest decisions of my life. But, watching Emily as a mother over the past four years has been so enlightening, inspiring and most of all CONTAGIOUS. She makes it look so fun and her children have lit up my life in ways nothing else can.
I wonder sometimes where I’d be without such a strong older sister to guide me through the ups and downs of life. In a world where sisters often annoy each other, compete, and backbite – I feel lucky to have a sister with whom I have a close loving relationship and with whom I have so much in common.
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James
My sister Emily has been one of the people in my life that’s inspired me most. She’s always been there for me since I was a wee little lad and I’ve always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her.
Sure, there were times when she would torment me (because that’s what sister’s do) – but how can you no forgive someone who makes you suck your toe when you are two (it’s funny!) or who wouldn’t let you hang out with their teenage friends when you were eight?
My sister has had a lot of patience with me throughout the years. I always looked up to her, wanted to be just like her… wear her clothes, her makeup/jewelry, read her journal, etc. etc. I guess that’s why she gave me the name “Jess the Pest” for a while : ) but as we’ve grown older – we’ve developed a friendship and relationship that means more to me than most in this world.
She is one of the most giving, kind-hearted individuals I’ve ever known and she’s always taken the time to help mentor me to be a better person. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said “What would Emily do?” throughout my lifetime.
Throughout the years she’s inspired me to be a better wife, cook, scrap-booker, sibling, photographer, organizer, giver, worker, leader, mentor, multi-tasker, etc. – the ultimate woman in 2012 society requires a lot of balance… and she’s helped me to find this balance throughout the years.
As of late, Em has inspired me to be a mother… one of the biggest decisions of my life. But, watching Emily as a mother over the past four years has been so enlightening, inspiring and most of all CONTAGIOUS. She makes it look so fun and her children have lit up my life in ways nothing else can.
I wonder sometimes where I’d be without such a strong older sister to guide me through the ups and downs of life. In a world where sisters often annoy each other, compete, and backbite – I feel lucky to have a sister with whom I have a close loving relationship and with whom I have so much in common.
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James
Friday, December 30, 2011
Anchors or Motors? Your choice : )
I’ve been lucky to have a lot of friends in this lifetime. Some of my friendships have remained intact throughout my lifetime, some have fallen by the way-side, and some are more casual friendships where we only chat a couple of times a year. With the new year coming, it’s got me to thinking about all the friendships and relationships that I’ve had in my life. I truly do value all of the friendships and relationships that I’ve had because they’ve all taught me something new about people, life, love, etc. etc. The new year also got me thinking about those relationships that have fallen by the way-side and why that’s happened.
There’s a quote that I have posted on my computer monitor at work -
"There are two types of people--anchors and motors. You want to lose the anchors and get with the motors because the motors are going somewhere and they're having more fun. The anchors will just drag you down." ~ Wyland Quotes
and as much as I’d say I like to live by it… it truly is hard to let go of those anchors, energy vampires or toxic relationships in your life. Everyone has encountered a toxic person in their life – whether it’s a friend, co-worker, or family member that can’t ever stand to say a positive thing about life, that is always taking advantage of others, or is generally abusive to themselves or others over and over again… everyone knows that person and wonders if they will change. I’ve always been the type of person to hope for change, but the reality is…. Some people just won’t change. If they do – great for them! But how long can we all wait around for that to happen?
“Better to lose the anchor than the whole ship.” ~ Dutch Proverb
The older I get, the more I start prioritizing where to give out my energy… I think of my mental, physical, spiritual and emotional self as a ship as the quote mentions above. Many of the times that I have felt the most down in life are because of anchors in my life (whether it’s a person or a negative thought) and the older I get, the more I realize that I have no choice… I HAVE to let these things go out of my life…especially now that I am bringing a new little baby into this world.
It’s funny how the world works too, because just in time for the new year, my forecast on astro.com sent me the following message about reevaluating my relationships…
“This influence signifies a time of severe testing in your relationships with others. The demands of your life will force you to reevaluate which relationships in your life are worth keeping and which are not. If you do not face this challenge consciously, the pressure of events will force you to do so, because people who have been with you for a long time will leave against your wishes. This may represent a temporary state of affairs or a passing mood. Or it may represent a serious breakdown in your relationships because of misplaced priorities in the past or because of associating with people who were wrong for you in terms of your personal goals and needs. The problem is that in terms of your direction in life, the people you associate with are a distraction or are actually opposed to your interests. In this case, no matter how much you love them, walls will form between you and them, and you will have to begin a new life without them. With this influence several significant relationships will inevitably end. But if you have a clear idea of where you are going, this will not be a great disadvantage. Whatever remorse you feel will be quickly displaced by a new sense of freedom, because you are no longer wasting energy in trying to maintain inappropriate relationships.”
Very interesting – eh?
Whether you decide to get rid of the anchors and stick with the motors in 2012, or not, I hope you have an amazing new year and hope that I can be a positive “motor” in your life in 2012. Love to you all!
This blogpost was inspired by this great blog http://montyrainey.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/anchors-away/ – thank goodness for good bloggers!
There’s a quote that I have posted on my computer monitor at work -
"There are two types of people--anchors and motors. You want to lose the anchors and get with the motors because the motors are going somewhere and they're having more fun. The anchors will just drag you down." ~ Wyland Quotes
and as much as I’d say I like to live by it… it truly is hard to let go of those anchors, energy vampires or toxic relationships in your life. Everyone has encountered a toxic person in their life – whether it’s a friend, co-worker, or family member that can’t ever stand to say a positive thing about life, that is always taking advantage of others, or is generally abusive to themselves or others over and over again… everyone knows that person and wonders if they will change. I’ve always been the type of person to hope for change, but the reality is…. Some people just won’t change. If they do – great for them! But how long can we all wait around for that to happen?
“Better to lose the anchor than the whole ship.” ~ Dutch Proverb
The older I get, the more I start prioritizing where to give out my energy… I think of my mental, physical, spiritual and emotional self as a ship as the quote mentions above. Many of the times that I have felt the most down in life are because of anchors in my life (whether it’s a person or a negative thought) and the older I get, the more I realize that I have no choice… I HAVE to let these things go out of my life…especially now that I am bringing a new little baby into this world.
It’s funny how the world works too, because just in time for the new year, my forecast on astro.com sent me the following message about reevaluating my relationships…
“This influence signifies a time of severe testing in your relationships with others. The demands of your life will force you to reevaluate which relationships in your life are worth keeping and which are not. If you do not face this challenge consciously, the pressure of events will force you to do so, because people who have been with you for a long time will leave against your wishes. This may represent a temporary state of affairs or a passing mood. Or it may represent a serious breakdown in your relationships because of misplaced priorities in the past or because of associating with people who were wrong for you in terms of your personal goals and needs. The problem is that in terms of your direction in life, the people you associate with are a distraction or are actually opposed to your interests. In this case, no matter how much you love them, walls will form between you and them, and you will have to begin a new life without them. With this influence several significant relationships will inevitably end. But if you have a clear idea of where you are going, this will not be a great disadvantage. Whatever remorse you feel will be quickly displaced by a new sense of freedom, because you are no longer wasting energy in trying to maintain inappropriate relationships.”
Very interesting – eh?
Whether you decide to get rid of the anchors and stick with the motors in 2012, or not, I hope you have an amazing new year and hope that I can be a positive “motor” in your life in 2012. Love to you all!
This blogpost was inspired by this great blog http://montyrainey.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/anchors-away/ – thank goodness for good bloggers!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
A story that totally made my day - great for the holiday season.
This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast , cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.
At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.
I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying 'I don't want my kids to see me crying! ,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.'
I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.
She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spok en in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.
So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.
I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?'
This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'
It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.
Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings....
Psalms 55:22 ' Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved'
'Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen.'
'Friends are God's way of taking care of us.' Psalm 55:22 ---
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast , cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.
At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.
I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying 'I don't want my kids to see me crying! ,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.'
I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.
She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spok en in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.
So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.
I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?'
This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'
It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.
Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings....
Psalms 55:22 ' Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved'
'Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen.'
'Friends are God's way of taking care of us.' Psalm 55:22 ---
Thursday, February 03, 2011
I woke up in the Bahamas and had a "Happy Face"
I woke up in the Bahamas a.k.a. PARADISE! this morning and went for a run. I was listening to one of my favorite songs and truly enjoying everything there is to see and experience about life... I feel so blessed to be happy, healthy, loved... I am also reading an amazing book called "Jesus Career Counselor". It's truly inspiring me to evaluate every part of my career (and life!) and make sure I am putting my energy in the right place. What a great book - highly recommend it (even for non-religious people).
Here are the lyrics to the song I was listening too - if you haven't heard this song, I highly recommend you listen to it.
Destiny's Child - Happy Face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
Woke up and realized
This world's not
So bad after all
Looked at it through
A child's eyes, and
I saw these beautiful
Things that you
Never think about
Like the ocean, moonlight,
Stars and clouds
It's amazing how
We don't appreciate
Our blessings
There's plenty of people
Who don't like me
But there's ten times more
Who love me and
I love myself
Sometimes, it gets tough,
It gets tough
But I can't give up,
Can't give up
Just take a deep breath,
Close my eyes
Feel the love and
Give a smile
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
It's me,
I just wanna be happy
Uh, just be happy, uh,
Just be happy
Today is the day
I am willing to say
I will put all the
Past behind me,
No more enemies
Ready 'cause
(Ready 'cause)
I'm living in this world
(Lving in this world)
I wanna make a change
(Wanna make a change)
Gonna make a change
(Gonna make a change)
Put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning
With a happy face
I'm flying
Here are the lyrics to the song I was listening too - if you haven't heard this song, I highly recommend you listen to it.
Destiny's Child - Happy Face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
Woke up and realized
This world's not
So bad after all
Looked at it through
A child's eyes, and
I saw these beautiful
Things that you
Never think about
Like the ocean, moonlight,
Stars and clouds
It's amazing how
We don't appreciate
Our blessings
There's plenty of people
Who don't like me
But there's ten times more
Who love me and
I love myself
Sometimes, it gets tough,
It gets tough
But I can't give up,
Can't give up
Just take a deep breath,
Close my eyes
Feel the love and
Give a smile
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
It's me,
I just wanna be happy
Uh, just be happy, uh,
Just be happy
Today is the day
I am willing to say
I will put all the
Past behind me,
No more enemies
Ready 'cause
(Ready 'cause)
I'm living in this world
(Lving in this world)
I wanna make a change
(Wanna make a change)
Gonna make a change
(Gonna make a change)
Put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
Gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right,
Everything's gonna be okay
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning,
The sunshine was shining
I put on my happy face
I'm living, I'm able,
I'm breathing, I'm grateful
To put on my happy face
I woke up this morning
With a happy face
I'm flying
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Prague Day 3/4, Holland Day 1– “I Don’t Speak Freaky Deeky Dutch.”
We started out the evening going to a really nice restaurant in downtown Prague. I had the vegetarian risotto and Scott had the lamb. We had great conversation and laughs with the people we were traveling with then went out to hit the town for a couple hours.
The next day, we decided to take the advice of my friend Teri and go see the Lennon Wall. While on our way we passed over the Charles Bridge and looked at all of the souvenirs on the bridge. The first day when we saw the Charles Bridge, it was raining so not very many vendors were out. When we saw it for the second time – the bands, musicians, vendors were out and it was a truly beautiful experience. There was a musician who was playing us Mozart on crystal glasses. It was pretty brilliant.
We then made our way to try to find the Lennon Wall and found a beautiful, quiet little area by a river. The fall leaves were falling over the river with perfection. We found a wall of “locks” near the river and found out later that if you have found true love, you are supposed to add a lock to the fence (to bad we didn’t have a lock with us!). You are also supposed to carve your names near the locks and throw a key in the river/canal behind it. Apparently there is something similar to this in Paris.
Right after we saw the locks, we made our way to see the Lennon Wall. It was a truly great experience and one of my favorites in Prague (got some great pictures! – thanks Teri!). It is a tribute to love after John died. It has lyrics from The Beatles all over it and represents peace and love in Prague. When Prague was run by a communist dictatorship, the leaders did not like the wall because they saw it was their citizens being hypnotized by western capitalism/mental derangement. Isn’t that ironic? All these people wanted was the word of love to be spread. Does that make you mentally deranged? If so, I am proud to be mentally deranged! : ) I loved that no matter who you met at the wall, you were instant friends because you could sing Beatles songs with them and you instantly had that in common. Even if you spoke different languages, you could still connect through the lyrics.
After the wall, we decided to climb a bell tower near the castle (with about a thousand steep steps). Apparently Prague was one of the main places where bells were made before WWI and WWII. They melted down all of the bells to use for the wars, but before that time – they had 256 bells that sounded off all over the town to alert citizens of what was going on around the city. All of the bells around the city sound different and mean different things.
We got pizza in a realllly weird little place that had “Neverending Story” like fantasy paintings. The place was supposed to be a cave… it was weird, but had great service which is rare in the restaurants in Prague. By the time we got out of the restaurant, it was sunset and a beautiful time to cross the Charles Bridge again to take pictures.
We tried to find the Communist Museum for a couple hours while shopping, but couldn’t find it and couldn’t find anyone who spoke English to tell us how to get there. We decided to climb the clock tower that has the Astrological Clock in it and when we go to the top, both of us found that we were afraid of heights with how high it was off the ground! The view was beautiful at night though and we are happy we did it. We then decided to go get a massage near our hotel. The massage was just what we needed to rejuvenate ourselves for a couple more days in Europe (especially since you walk everywhere – our legs were killing us!). We decided to go out for a night on the town (it was our last night in Prague), so we met up with the people we were traveling with and went to a couple night clubs.
We met an Irish couple there who we totally clicked with – Joe (Josephine) and Liam. Liam and Scott had an instant “bromance”, and Scott said that if Liam lived in the states that they’d be best friends. We found out that they are both Leos (of course I asked) and then it all made sense as to why they were getting along so great ; ) We danced, walked the streets, and had generally just had a great time with them. We were very sad we hadn’t met them earlier. Anyway, Liam and Joe said we can come visit them in Ireland anytime (and vice versa) so we may just take them up on that offer!
We traveled about four hours on flights through Warsaw, Polland yesterday and arrived in Amsterdam, Holland late last night. We went out to a place called WagaMama for some Japanese noodles (weird pick eh?) and checked out the city late last night, but for the most part – we were exhausted and decided to get our first eight hours of non-jet-lag sleep. We are now plotting what we will do today, but we are for sure going to go on a “bike tour” which I am VERY excited about. Everyone rides bikes here and I absolutely love it.
I keep watching out for Gold Member (you all know what a big Austin Powers fan I am) and “the very toit” Austin Powers “Fasha”. I think I may run into Dr. Evil at any moment and here him say “I don’t speak freaky deaky dutch.”
“I vant everyone to have an Amsterdam good time.” - Goldmember
The next day, we decided to take the advice of my friend Teri and go see the Lennon Wall. While on our way we passed over the Charles Bridge and looked at all of the souvenirs on the bridge. The first day when we saw the Charles Bridge, it was raining so not very many vendors were out. When we saw it for the second time – the bands, musicians, vendors were out and it was a truly beautiful experience. There was a musician who was playing us Mozart on crystal glasses. It was pretty brilliant.
We then made our way to try to find the Lennon Wall and found a beautiful, quiet little area by a river. The fall leaves were falling over the river with perfection. We found a wall of “locks” near the river and found out later that if you have found true love, you are supposed to add a lock to the fence (to bad we didn’t have a lock with us!). You are also supposed to carve your names near the locks and throw a key in the river/canal behind it. Apparently there is something similar to this in Paris.
Right after we saw the locks, we made our way to see the Lennon Wall. It was a truly great experience and one of my favorites in Prague (got some great pictures! – thanks Teri!). It is a tribute to love after John died. It has lyrics from The Beatles all over it and represents peace and love in Prague. When Prague was run by a communist dictatorship, the leaders did not like the wall because they saw it was their citizens being hypnotized by western capitalism/mental derangement. Isn’t that ironic? All these people wanted was the word of love to be spread. Does that make you mentally deranged? If so, I am proud to be mentally deranged! : ) I loved that no matter who you met at the wall, you were instant friends because you could sing Beatles songs with them and you instantly had that in common. Even if you spoke different languages, you could still connect through the lyrics.
After the wall, we decided to climb a bell tower near the castle (with about a thousand steep steps). Apparently Prague was one of the main places where bells were made before WWI and WWII. They melted down all of the bells to use for the wars, but before that time – they had 256 bells that sounded off all over the town to alert citizens of what was going on around the city. All of the bells around the city sound different and mean different things.
We got pizza in a realllly weird little place that had “Neverending Story” like fantasy paintings. The place was supposed to be a cave… it was weird, but had great service which is rare in the restaurants in Prague. By the time we got out of the restaurant, it was sunset and a beautiful time to cross the Charles Bridge again to take pictures.
We tried to find the Communist Museum for a couple hours while shopping, but couldn’t find it and couldn’t find anyone who spoke English to tell us how to get there. We decided to climb the clock tower that has the Astrological Clock in it and when we go to the top, both of us found that we were afraid of heights with how high it was off the ground! The view was beautiful at night though and we are happy we did it. We then decided to go get a massage near our hotel. The massage was just what we needed to rejuvenate ourselves for a couple more days in Europe (especially since you walk everywhere – our legs were killing us!). We decided to go out for a night on the town (it was our last night in Prague), so we met up with the people we were traveling with and went to a couple night clubs.
We met an Irish couple there who we totally clicked with – Joe (Josephine) and Liam. Liam and Scott had an instant “bromance”, and Scott said that if Liam lived in the states that they’d be best friends. We found out that they are both Leos (of course I asked) and then it all made sense as to why they were getting along so great ; ) We danced, walked the streets, and had generally just had a great time with them. We were very sad we hadn’t met them earlier. Anyway, Liam and Joe said we can come visit them in Ireland anytime (and vice versa) so we may just take them up on that offer!
We traveled about four hours on flights through Warsaw, Polland yesterday and arrived in Amsterdam, Holland late last night. We went out to a place called WagaMama for some Japanese noodles (weird pick eh?) and checked out the city late last night, but for the most part – we were exhausted and decided to get our first eight hours of non-jet-lag sleep. We are now plotting what we will do today, but we are for sure going to go on a “bike tour” which I am VERY excited about. Everyone rides bikes here and I absolutely love it.
I keep watching out for Gold Member (you all know what a big Austin Powers fan I am) and “the very toit” Austin Powers “Fasha”. I think I may run into Dr. Evil at any moment and here him say “I don’t speak freaky deaky dutch.”
“I vant everyone to have an Amsterdam good time.” - Goldmember
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Prague, Day 1 and 2 - Manifesting Happiness
I cannot even tell you what an amazing year it's been so far. I am a true believer in manifesting your own happiness through the power of positive thought and sending positive energy to the universe.
It's been one of the luckiest years of my life, and let me tell you how that started.... My mom and step-father brought me up going to all different types of churches (which I am very grateful for because I feel blessed to have a background in all different types of religious faith and truly have a respect for all). One year, they took me and my little brother to the Unitarian church on New Years Eve to a ceremony called "The Burning Bowl". I know that may sound a little "shady" to you all, but it was something that has changed my life for the better.
What you do (and what I've continued to try to repeat with either friends or family each year on New Years)- You write down all of the things you want to get rid of about yourself and your life from the past year on a piece of tissue paper. You then burn it in a bowl of fire with all of your friends, releasing that energy and putting that energy behind you. Then, you write a letter to God (or whoever you believe in - heck, it could even be one of your mentors if you don't believe in a higher power), it's all about getting out what you want to manifest for yourself in the next year... To be clear - you write a letter with what you want to accomplish in the next year and try to be as descriptive as possible.
I invited some friends over to my house for this ritual last New Year's and let me tell you the things that have come true for me...
1. I have a new job with great co-workers and leaders that mentor me, believe in me, and want me to grow professionally and personally.
2. I got a new car (I've been avoiding this for years... what a cluster experience!).
3. I am happy, genuinely and fully. I feel full of life, love, energy and health.
4. I've been doing more service for our community. Be it volunteering for races raising money for different charities, donating for causes, helping friends and loved one's move, and have a plan to make blankets for Primary Children's in Nov.
5. I'm traveling to a country I've never been to with Scotty (something I thought wouldn't come true, but I've recently been blessed to have this come into my life).
So...this brings me to where I am at now - Prague.
I won a free trip to Europe through work. I know, how does that happen right?! Well, it has been a true blessing and one of the funnest experiences of my life so far.
Day one was filled with a lot of travel. 13 hours on a plane and about an hour car ride to our hotel. We are staying in a hotel near Old Town Square right by the Astrological Clock. If you haven't researched the clock, you must. It's one of the coolest things in this world (in my opinion). It's nice that we are in they city, because last time I went to Prague (which was also an amazing experience), we were out of the town about 20 minutes and had to take a train in.
I REALLY tried to sleep well on the plane so I wouldn't be jet-lagged, but that didn't work very well and I made the mistake of taking a nap in my hotel room when I got to the hotel so I didn't sleep at all last night. Oh well, hopefully I will sleep better tonight? ; )
Even thought I didn't sleep well last night, the first night before I tried to sleep was a success. We are here with a great group of people (five of us).
We all made a bad tourist mistake right when we got in (because we were all delirious from the time change and long flights). We dropped a lot of money on bottled waters at an Irish, yes, I said IRISH pub (why we decided to go to such a place in Prague for breakfast versus an authentic Prague pub or restaurant, I do not know). Oh well, we learned from it and the food wasn't that bad.
We took a tour of the city today and saw the beautiful Gothic castle/cathedral. Our tour guide was a doll. She said that people on average only make $18,000 a year here. Us American's are blessed whether we'd like to believe it or not. As mentioned, the astrological clock is one of my favorite landmarks that I've ever seen (you know what a geek I am about astrology) ; ] Our tour guide was a Libra by the way and she got a kick out of the fact that I knew all about the clock. She kept saying "you are so smart with this stuff and looking at me funny". Well, that's what most people do when I talk to them about astrology, so I am used to it : )
It is a bit cold, but we are making the best of it. The fall colors are beautiful and I feel very blessed that I've been able to see Prague in the spring AND in the fall.
I am also very lucky to have Scotty here. I came to Prague without him last time (when I went for school), and it was very hard to be in one of the most romantic places on earth without him.
We are off to Amsterdam soon, I've never been there, but I am looking forward to see where Ann Frank lived (she's one of the only historical figures I know of that has the same birthday as me and her story is truly inspirational). I am also looking forward to seeing Van Gogh's art gallery and more Gothic/Baroque architecture. Pictures soon.
Much love - J*
It's been one of the luckiest years of my life, and let me tell you how that started.... My mom and step-father brought me up going to all different types of churches (which I am very grateful for because I feel blessed to have a background in all different types of religious faith and truly have a respect for all). One year, they took me and my little brother to the Unitarian church on New Years Eve to a ceremony called "The Burning Bowl". I know that may sound a little "shady" to you all, but it was something that has changed my life for the better.
What you do (and what I've continued to try to repeat with either friends or family each year on New Years)- You write down all of the things you want to get rid of about yourself and your life from the past year on a piece of tissue paper. You then burn it in a bowl of fire with all of your friends, releasing that energy and putting that energy behind you. Then, you write a letter to God (or whoever you believe in - heck, it could even be one of your mentors if you don't believe in a higher power), it's all about getting out what you want to manifest for yourself in the next year... To be clear - you write a letter with what you want to accomplish in the next year and try to be as descriptive as possible.
I invited some friends over to my house for this ritual last New Year's and let me tell you the things that have come true for me...
1. I have a new job with great co-workers and leaders that mentor me, believe in me, and want me to grow professionally and personally.
2. I got a new car (I've been avoiding this for years... what a cluster experience!).
3. I am happy, genuinely and fully. I feel full of life, love, energy and health.
4. I've been doing more service for our community. Be it volunteering for races raising money for different charities, donating for causes, helping friends and loved one's move, and have a plan to make blankets for Primary Children's in Nov.
5. I'm traveling to a country I've never been to with Scotty (something I thought wouldn't come true, but I've recently been blessed to have this come into my life).
So...this brings me to where I am at now - Prague.
I won a free trip to Europe through work. I know, how does that happen right?! Well, it has been a true blessing and one of the funnest experiences of my life so far.
Day one was filled with a lot of travel. 13 hours on a plane and about an hour car ride to our hotel. We are staying in a hotel near Old Town Square right by the Astrological Clock. If you haven't researched the clock, you must. It's one of the coolest things in this world (in my opinion). It's nice that we are in they city, because last time I went to Prague (which was also an amazing experience), we were out of the town about 20 minutes and had to take a train in.
I REALLY tried to sleep well on the plane so I wouldn't be jet-lagged, but that didn't work very well and I made the mistake of taking a nap in my hotel room when I got to the hotel so I didn't sleep at all last night. Oh well, hopefully I will sleep better tonight? ; )
Even thought I didn't sleep well last night, the first night before I tried to sleep was a success. We are here with a great group of people (five of us).
We all made a bad tourist mistake right when we got in (because we were all delirious from the time change and long flights). We dropped a lot of money on bottled waters at an Irish, yes, I said IRISH pub (why we decided to go to such a place in Prague for breakfast versus an authentic Prague pub or restaurant, I do not know). Oh well, we learned from it and the food wasn't that bad.
We took a tour of the city today and saw the beautiful Gothic castle/cathedral. Our tour guide was a doll. She said that people on average only make $18,000 a year here. Us American's are blessed whether we'd like to believe it or not. As mentioned, the astrological clock is one of my favorite landmarks that I've ever seen (you know what a geek I am about astrology) ; ] Our tour guide was a Libra by the way and she got a kick out of the fact that I knew all about the clock. She kept saying "you are so smart with this stuff and looking at me funny". Well, that's what most people do when I talk to them about astrology, so I am used to it : )
It is a bit cold, but we are making the best of it. The fall colors are beautiful and I feel very blessed that I've been able to see Prague in the spring AND in the fall.
I am also very lucky to have Scotty here. I came to Prague without him last time (when I went for school), and it was very hard to be in one of the most romantic places on earth without him.
We are off to Amsterdam soon, I've never been there, but I am looking forward to see where Ann Frank lived (she's one of the only historical figures I know of that has the same birthday as me and her story is truly inspirational). I am also looking forward to seeing Van Gogh's art gallery and more Gothic/Baroque architecture. Pictures soon.
Much love - J*
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Movie Review: The Men Who Stare at Goats - 3 1/2 stars
"Mother Earth... you are my life support system. As a soldier I must drink your blue waters...live inside your red clay and eat your green skin. Help me to balance myself as you hold and balance the earth, the sea and the space environments. Help me to open my heart, knowing that the universe will feed me. I pray my boots will always kiss your face, and my footsteps will match your heartbeat. Carry my body through space and time. You are my connection to the universe and all that comes after. I am yours and you are mine. I salute you."
This movie seriously surprised me. Although it wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, I thought the concept of the movie was original and inspiring. I've never thought about joining the army, but I wouldn't mind being part of the army division of psychic intervention a.k.a the New Earth Army. A job where being competent in energy work, karma/aura work, and yoga practice are the main requirements sounds great to me!!
Loved this quote: "We are Jedi's man! We don't fight with guns. We fight with our minds." - George Clooney
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Review of Rachel Getting Married Movie - 4 out of 5 Stars
Even though this movie was different (original topic/original storyline) ... I really liked it. What it meant to me: what matters in life is your family. No matter how crazy and dysfunctional life is or family members are or family situations are - you are there for each other through thick and thin. If a tough situation comes up - you get through it and your honest with each other the whole way. I liked that it brought out the fact that no family is perfect and no relationship between siblings or parents/children is perfect - but you get through the hard times because you love each other, and well, in order to survive (and there's nothing that makes your relationships stronger than getting through the hard times).
Also - you have to forgive people (especially family), and you have to forgive yourself... no matter how hard it is.
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