by Sharon | Mar 26, 2016
Life is truly precious. And beautiful days are days to celebrate.
I love being outdoors with my precious Yorkshire Terrier Diva. There is something about being outside, enjoying the flowers, blossoming trees and my vegetable garden.
It is important to dig in the dirt from time to time and to thoroughly enjoy the abundance nature has to offer. Diva enjoys being out in the sunshine and sniffing around. Also sitting with me on the patio.
I like to work on craft projects. Gluing paper together to make 3-D houses or pop-up pages for mini albums. I never outgrew that need to make stuff. Or the fascination of opening up a page that pops up.
I wonder if this comes from wanting things to be life-like. I find when looking at pictures, i want to go beyond the flat surface and make it third dimensional so I can actually see around it. I know many people put those dimensional dots on cutouts to make them stand out . . . and doors and windows are able to be opened . . . and there may be a scene behind it . . .
Spring is a wonderful time of year . . . it’s not too cold and it’s not too hot . . .
After Easter, we’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day . . . then we get into summer . . . and the Fourth of July . . . then we anticipate fall . . . and all the fun that season brings . . .
As many of you know, fall is my favorite time of year. I feel it is a new beginning, but it truth spring is that new beginning with the budding of fruits and vegetables that we’ll be enjoying through the summer and into the fall.
I guess we’re all geared a bit differently . . . . having a preference for different seasons and holidays. I do know many people who love Halloween and come alive with their creative genius in making mini albums and related craft projects. Some go with the spooky while others go with the sweetness of youth and the wonder of it all . . . and others do a bit of both . . .
And those who adore Christmas . . . that magical time of year . . . with the carols and the anticipation . . .
But, spring, I’m now beginning to appreciate more . . . the beauty of all the flowing trees and plants . . . the abundance of color springing forth . . . mild temperatures . . .
Then come the vacations of summer . . .
And that anticipation of fall . . . Sorry . . . that’s where the seasons seem to take me. I do enjoy the moments of each season . . . but my true love is fall and winter . . . those two popular holidays of Halloween and Christmas . . . and I do love Thanksgiving that it squeezed between . . . and I’m very fond of Easter, too.
Those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” with beach outings . . . picnics . . . camping . . . being carefree and fancy free . . .
Yes, each season has its advantages and its special moments . . . which you’ll notice centers around family . . . and friends.
Spring and summer seem to be the seasons of S’mores . . . but I make them the treat of all seasons . . . but there is something special about making them over an open fire . . . things “cooked” in nature seem to taste so very much better.
Whatever season is your favorite and however you celebrate traditional holidays and seasons, I would like to leave you with some links of jigsaw puzzles you and your family may enjoy:
Yes, I do go for the nostalgic . . . there are jigsaw puzzles available for all seasons and all things that are meaningful to you and your family. I find having a puzzle out, brings people together. It is a relaxing activity where you can visit, have a conversation and find pieces that will fit in completing the puzzle.
I do find them relaxing throughout the year.
Have a fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 12, 2016
My Yorkshire Terrier Diva and I have been together one year today!!!
This bundle of love arrived to her “forever home” a year ago.
This is truly cause for celebration!!! She’s still training me . . . I can’t imagine my life without her.
This first year has been a joyous adventure . . . with many more years to come. She’s a California girl . . . she doesn’t like the rain . . . she loves the sunshine . . . she loves her walks and her backyard explorations.
I’m sure everyone believes their dog is the smartest and the best . . . and this is how it should be. We are very blessed to have such loyal precious companions.
Diva has been very supportive with my blogging and my crafting. She gets in the thick of things when I’m decorating for each season and holiday. She likes to see what’s in boxes and selects what appeals to her. She prefers the bright colors of Christmas . . . and the smell of toys and goodies in her stocking . . . she does like ribbons and bows . . .
When I’m crafting and discover something missing, I can usually find lace and ribbons in her bed. She does have the decorating spirit.
As I said, this first year has been a joyous adventure for both of us . . . and we look forward to many more to come . . . I believe Diva is a blogger . . . and when I begin doing videos of my crafts . . . Diva will be part of that as well.
My life is truly enriched by having her.
I need to plan a special treat for us . . .
Sharon
by Sharon | Feb 13, 2016
Did You Have A Tree House When You Were A Kid?
I guess tree houses aren’t just for kids . . . but the one in the picture is awesome.
It seems to be designed for kids.
With a little imagination you could make it into quite a spectacular “get away” for the whole family. No long drive to get somewhere, just pack up a few things and go into the backyard tree house.
You would definitely have a spectacular view. You may not have modern lighting and plumbing . . . but you might be able to add that, too.
People definitely go all out in their creations of tree houses and play houses for children.
You could add a slide for a fast exit.
This is definitely “food for thought” when you’re thinking of building a tree house for the kids . . . or for the whole family to enjoy.
It may make a great home office, but you’d like to have wifi and electricity and plumbing. You’d need a refrigerator and maybe even a small kitchen. And don’t forget about heating and cooling.
I’m sure every family member would find a good use for this tree house. It may be a good place to unplug from all the gadgets and gizmos and enjoy star gazing and conversation.
I know the kids would love a “sleep over” in the tree house . . .
It would be impressive to invite people over and spend a quiet evening.
I can definitely see the value of having such a magnificent tree house structure in my yard.
I hope you enjoyed this post . . . Let me know if you’ve designed a special tree house for your family.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Feb 6, 2016
Did You Make Any New Year’s Resolutions?
Have you kept them . . . or have you already broken them?
Most of us don’t make New Year’s Resolutions . . . and for good reason. Then, again, there is something to be said about getting more exercise, eating right and stop procrastinating . . . among other things.
But, it does seem, about now, many resolutions have been broken . . . maybe revised . . . or completely forgotten.
I’ve Been Doing Re-Evaluations Of My Goals
I believe resolutions are merely goals we want to attain within the coming year.
You can make them New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day . . . or any time you choose. It’s usually when you find there are things you’ve neglected and need to make some changes to make your life easier. Or your plans for a vacation this summer and you want to get into shape . . . There are always goals we have for a particular time or event.
And life also gives us other things to take our time away from our goals.
As I said, I’ve been doing some re-evaluating of my goals. Some have been completely abandoned . . . others, I’m rethinking. And, of course, there are some, after more research, have been found not to be something I want to delve into at this time.
I love my websites and TwoCansOnAString.com in particular. There are no changes I plan to make here. This website reflects what is important to me.
Then, there are my other websites. Some I had thought of letting go . . . then, I started thinking . . . but depending upon the time of day . . . I have a different thought process. I wonder if decisions should be made in the morning or evening or sometime during the day.
I read the best time for making decisions is when you’re fresh and alert. So, when you’re not feeling well, it’s best to not make decisions other than doing what is necessary to feel better. Then tackle those other decisions when you’re feeling fresh and alert.
As with my other websites, I’ve been taking my time making a decision about them. There is no rush . . . but I do have a better idea of my priorities.
I do love paper crafts.
I’d love to make my own designs. So, I’ve been studying about that. It does take time away from my other websites . . . so, it should be an easy decision for me to follow my interest and allow me the freedom to concentrate upon what is truly important to me.
I know at one time, I thought having many websites would be a great thing. Then learning how to write for the internet and do guest blogging . . . and then just writing and being true to myself . . . and by being true to myself, that means that I need to pursue paper crafts and learn as much as possible.
It works with playing a musical instrument or learning a new skill. It does take a lot of practice and understanding of what you’re learning. It takes time to master . . . or at least to become better at it than you were before. Maybe baby steps is the process.
It’s best not to get over your head too soon.
No matter whether you made New Year’s Resolutions or not . . . are keeping them . . . or not . . . revamping them . . . or not. There are always things we want to do or learn to do better . . . or have a goal to accomplish by a certain date.
I may have the wrong attitude about things.
I know I will get to them when I have to. It’s a motivator to clean the house when company is coming!! And the thought does come into our heads that it wouldn’t be this much work, if we a did a little each and every day . . . or hire someone to come clean once a week or twice a month.
There are options and solutions.
And when you think about it, there are options and solutions to every goal or resolution you’ve made or didn’t make . . . but are now thinking about accomplishing within a particular time.
Goals are definitely a personal thing you have to be committed to accomplishing.
Don’t feel forced into doing something . . . anything you’re not ready to tackle.
It usually doesn’t work out well.
I’ve found, it best not to depend upon someone else to help you. It’s your goal . . . and you have to be self-motivated to achieve it.
I’ve read that it’s best not to let others know your goals . . . too many like to burst your dreams. But, someone you can trust and value their opinion may help you figure out exactly what you want to accomplish . . . and can achieve.
When You Find Yourself Running In Circles
It’s best not to make any decisions until you have to time to sit down quietly and think things through.
It may appear to others as procrastinating, but it’s not wise to make any serious decisions in haste . . . just to please others . . . or save yourself from not making a decision hastily.
As we get older, the opinions of others means less and less to us. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s that we don’t worry about insignificant things.
I remember a co-worker would always ask . . . “In 5 years, how important will this problem be?”
Depending upon your age . . . 5 years seems so far in the future . . . or just a snap of the fingers . . . and through personal experience we’ve learned that some decisions could have a significant impact 5 years down the road . . .
Life is strange, but it is definitely worth living to the fullest. We may get bogged down with the daily stuff . . . and need to take care of some old business . . . and in the end, we’re better off by putting forth the effort.
This isn’t an advice column. It’s just a forum I use from time to time to think . . . and to get others to think, too. We all have decisions to make . . . and we give it our best shot . . . but there’s nothing wrong with finding we made a bad decision or we need to do some re-thinking from time to time.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sharon
by Sharon | Jan 4, 2016
No, I’m Not Getting Preachy On You
I was watching a movie.
A Thousand Words with Eddie Murphy. What I got out of it was all the useless words we spout regularly. How much of it is truly valuable?
As a blogger, it got me thinking. A thousand words for a blog post is normal . . . and for some much too long, but it is usually a goal.
The Essence Of The Movie
Eddie Murphy is an agent for writers.
He was excellent at his job and was top in his industry. Then one day, he connected with this tree. And with every word he spoke, leaves would fall from the tree.
Once the leaves were gone . . . so would the man, played by Eddie Murphy.
So, once he realized what was happening, he was forced to stop talking. He tried to get help from a spiritual guru, but to no avail . . . but it had to getting his life right . . .
And, once he did . . . the “old” man became a “new” man . . .
Yes, that was a movie . . . but is there at least a grain of truth to be gathered from it?
The New Year Is A Time Of Reflection
It’s about Resolutions.
That we’ll either keep . . . or forget about after a few weeks or months.
We always want each year of our lives to be better than the previous one . . . or build upon previous ones. We aspire to success is many areas of our lives.
But, do we need to forgive?
Could we be happier by forgiving?
I believe I could be a happier person by forgiving. I can’t speak for you.
I Try To Be More Positive In Word And Deed
Of course, I’ll have opinions . . . I’m endeavoring to be more positive and less negative.
Now, when it comes to making a review . . . it either works or it doesn’t . . . I may enjoy it or I didn’t find it worthwhile — in the case of a book, game or movie, for example.
Those latter categories are subjective. And an opinion is merely an opinion . . . unless there is an intention to hurt others . . . that, I try not to do.
Yes, there are definitely gray areas that make a general discussion difficult.
In my everyday interactions, I’m trying to be more positive. When I think back to old hurts and disappointments, I strive for forgiveness. It doesn’t mean the other person may forgive me . . . that’s not the point . . . it’s what I can do for making me a better person . . . and forgiveness is sometimes necessary.
It does sound a bit selfish on my part . . . this gives me more to think about and understand.
I just don’t want to harbor negativity within me. I never set out to make enemies. But, the truth is, not everyone is going to like me. And I must accept that. I’m not out to changing minds.
This Discussion Started From A Movie
I thought it worthwhile to discuss here . . . just in case it would ring true with you.
If it does, wonderful. If not, that’s wonderful, too.
This was basically written to give you some food for thought. And maybe suggest a movie, you may enjoy.
I enjoy learning something new in an entertaining way . . . and think about how I can apply it to my life . . . to make me a better person.
Thank you for stopping by. I do hope this post was informative.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Jan 1, 2016
Yes!!! 2016 Is Finally Here!!
We have such grand hopes for the year ahead . . . as we always do this time every year.
Throughout the year, we’ve been able to count our many blessings and be truly thankful . . . then giving and the spirit associated with that . . . and throughout the year we’ve been filled with love and appreciation for so very much.
Then the New Year comes . . . a time of reflection . . . a time to make goals for the upcoming year . . . or not officially, but to take a bit of an inventory.
Of course, I think about my websites and how to use my time more productively. This applies to more than just my blogging. There is so very much to life that I don’t want to take for granted . . . which I may have in the past.
This Christmas season has had an impact upon me.
It made me think about what is truly important. Also to keep that wonderful feeling of Christmas linger throughout the year . . . no matter what is going on in the world . . .
It’s not hiding my head in the sand, but realizing that there is only so much as an individual I can do. So, if I can be upbeat and positive throughout the year, I can accomplish so very much more and perhaps help others. I do want TwoCansOnAString.com to be a place where worry and frustration are not to be found. It is a place where we continue on no matter what . . . unless the internet crashes . . .
Worry Doesn’t Accomplish Anything
Have you noticed that?
Yet, I find myself worrying about things I can’t change. I know I can change myself . . . not by a snap of the fingers or a twitch of the nose . . . but through consistent effort I can change my behavior.
Worry is something I no longer need to do. It also does me no good to be upset or frustrated by the behaviors of elected officials . . . local, statewide and federal . . . I can voice my concerns to those individuals, but besides that I must continue living my life the best way that I can.
We must be strong for our family . . . I want to be strong for my many visitors, by giving them a safe haven to come to and learn something interesting that doesn’t have to do with the affairs outside of your own home or circle of friends and family.
I won’t be able to eliminate worry entirely . . . a bit of it is necessary to make sure I get my bills paid and continue to function as part of a community. But I don’t have to allow worry to consume me.
I don’t know if it was the books or movies that gave me this food for thought. Perhaps a combination of the two. I am grateful that I no longer need to hold on to this burden.
A friend of mine would talk about having a donkey in a box. It’s there wherever you go no matter what. And, there is a time to let go of it . . . allow it to be free and in the end, you free yourself.
It’s also true about “living in the now.”
This seems such an easy concept, but in reality it is difficult to do. We’re always projecting to the future and dwelling on the past . . . I’m going to appreciate what is before me. That is my moment. It could be the beautiful day before me . . . or that stack of mail I need to go through . . . Or taking down the tree and all the decorations throughout the house . . .
It doesn’t matter what . . . that is one way I’m noticing if I’m in the “now” or soaring into the future or into some nebulous void.
Life is to be experienced and enjoyed in a most positive and loving way. It’s to express how wonderful things are and the abundance around you . . . look at things in a more positive perspective and you’ll find you have a bit of a bounce in your step and a smile on your face.
Things won’t bother you as much as they once have. Your perspective will be more positive and you’ll have nothing but goodness to give to others in thought and deed.
Yes, there will still be disagreeable people and events that are upsetting . . . but by sidestepping them, and continuing on with a positive outlook, things won’t seem as horrible.
Yes, tragic things may still happen . . . you’ll be able to deal with them appropriately . . . by taking a brief break from your grieving to notice a sunrise or sunset . . . the sounds of nature around you . . . just those little things to remind you that you’re still alive and have things to do. And to appreciate those who have been in your life and how much you still love them.
Grief can be concurred with love. Just as fear and many other emotions. You’ll still be down and in the dumps, but you’ll also have moments of wonder and happiness when thinking about those who are no longer here.
I guess we still have things to accomplish here . . . and we need to make it all as pleasant as possible . . . even when our personal world seems to be crumbling down around us . . . It comes down to what you choose to focus upon.
Many people move on knowing that their loved ones would want them to do so.
On Holidays There Are Too Many Accidents That Impact The Lives Of So Many
It’s difficult for me to hear about traffic accidents . . . and other tragic events.
I don’t understand how this could all be avoided. It seems inevitable. I may not like to accept it, but with years of this happening . . . there is a time to accept what is and to learn something value from these events, then move on determined I’m not going to be the cause of anything harmful to others.
It comes down to using common sense. We all have it. We need to employ it more over our needs.
Every life is precious and worthwhile . . .
I suppose that could be debated, but the lives of those around me seem to be valuable . . . outside my circle I can’t judge for lack of information. I’m not going to draw unfounded conclusions that are not my place to comment.
I know what I can do for myself . . . and you know what is best for you. That’s what is most important. And in the end, it may be beneficial for others as well.
Happy New Year . . . may this year be better than the last one . . . and may your future be bright.
Sharon
