by Sharon | Dec 31, 2015
Not Unusual For Christmas . . .
It’s time to regroup a bit . . . in anticipation for the New Year . . .
Yes, time is going by quickly. It will be spring soon . . . and summer . . . and then fall . . . and it all begins again. It is definitely like clockwork.
The seasons and holidays come . . . and go . . . blending together into a beautiful collection of memories . . . and plans . . . and celebrations . . .
Your very own “fabric of life.”
There are the good times . . . sad times . . . and so-so times . . . which all come together with wonderful memories that you can cherish and share for many years to come.
I’ve Been Thinking About The Christmas Spirit . . .
All that magic and merriment.
And how I can hold on to it throughout the year . . . not as a New Year’s Resolution, but as something I truly feel within me . . . that anticipation . . . the joy . . . the wonderment of it all . . .
For quite some time I’ve been reworking my other websites . . . and eliminating quite a few. And thinking of eliminating a couple more . . .
We do grow, no matter how old we get. What was once important doesn’t seem to be as much as before.
It’s about being true to myself . . . and to others . . . but to make what is within me shine forth for others to see. It is that inner joy . . . the thankfulness you feel . . . the desire to make others happy . . . and to be happy yourself . . . Allowing the true you to be visible without being timid . . . or seeking approval.
It has nothing to do with showboating, but being authentic . . . sure we put our best foot forward, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that as who we truly are?
Just being who you are without giving it any thought . . .
I Did Get Caught Up In Trying To Impress Others
And not being who I truly am . . .
It’s about feeling comfortable with yourself and how that can shine through you for others to see. It possible others won’t see it . . . which isn’t your problem — it’s their problem . . . the more authentic you can be, the easier and more joyous your life will truly be.
I thought having a whole bunch of websites would be my ticket to fortune . . . no, it didn’t work out like that. And, to be honest with you, it wasn’t me or what I really wanted.
So I took some time off to think and dig and search . . .
And I had to make some difficult decisions . . .
I have 5 of the eight websites remaining. One I’m ready to let go, but there are two others . . . one has become an “old friend” but one I’ve ignored . . . I can handle two websites . . . even with taking a necessary break now and then . . . but the need for a break was because of the “burden” I felt with the decision I was to make with my other websites.
I Know I’m On The Right Track When I Wake Up In The Morning And Get Excited About What I’m Going To Add To My Blogs
It’s what makes me happy and hopefully my visitors, too.
I have read the theories and practices of having a successful website . . . but heart seems to be missing . . . and I don’t want success without heart.
So, maybe success isn’t meant for me . . . or things will come around and people will realize how important heart is to everything you do . . . including blogging.
And, thinking back to those two cans on a string . . . and how as a child I lived in the “now” . . . everything had to do with what I was going to do “now” and to thoroughly enjoy it . . . playing with friends or reading a book or jumping rope . . . or just enjoying nature at the moment . . .
As adults we forget sometimes what is truly important . . . we do fret and worry . . . we do dream and anticipate . . . we plan for the future . . . but when that apple pie is calling our name, we drop everything to answer that call.
Nothing else matters . . . it’s digging into that pie and savoring the delicious essence of it . . . truly being in the moment and holding on to it . . . allowing it to linger into the next . . . and the next . . . bite after delicious bite.
I’m sure you know that feeling.
I experience it when I’m sharing quality time with my precious Yorkshire Terrier, Diva. I do love her and appreciate her more each day. She is truly a blessing to me.
Being True To Yourself And Those You Love
Embrace your limitations.
We can’t do and be everything . . . we do, at times, need to step back and find what is truly important.
In blogging, it’s about spreading happiness and giving your visitors something of value . . . which is the spirit of Christmas that we can share throughout the year. And it’s knowing that we have had a truly honest productive day of spreading good cheer and goodwill to all . . . not self promotion and making sales . . .
I do love making sales, don’t get me wrong, but I want you to truly buy only when you want something. I may not give the best reviews of products. They either work or don’t. I either like them or don’t. They serve a benefit to me and may be something of value for you . . . only you can decide that for yourself.
I do love this time of year. I’m looking forward to the New Year. We all say it, “I hope this year is better than last year . . .”
We make it a good year . . . or not so . . . Yes there are circumstances beyond our control, but basically I believe we can either draw goodness or sorrow into our lives by our attitude. Sorrow of losing loved ones is inevitable at times, but other sorrows and problems perhaps could be avoided with a positive outlook.
There are always those who spout doom and gloom . . . I choose to be one who has a more positive outlook. We may be in a drought, but this year we’re going to be getting more rain . . . not that it will be turning things around, but it is a start. It is forecast to be a wet weekend and perhaps a wet New Year’s Day.
I love listening to the rain while writing my blog. I love the colder temperatures. It’s always good to bundle up beside the fireplace . . . this is my ideal with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee or tea. I try to think of the more positive things of life . . . and honor those who have passed and I miss. I do get a bit melancholy this time of year, but I try to acknowledge it and then move on by being busy.
I do wish all of you a very happy, prosperous and joyful New Year!!!
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 24, 2015
Have You Noticed That Most Of Life’s Major Decisions Are Made When We’re Young And Inexperienced?
You start school at a young age.
You either apply yourself . . . or don’t. That’s why it’s so important to have a family with parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles who can give you the advice you need . . . and teachers can explain why this is important for you to know . . . and how each lesson is built upon another and another . . . broadening your knowledge base. It’s building a solid foundation that will help you determine what it is you’ll be when you “grow up.”
I do marvel at those who know what they want to do.
Most of us stumble upon it.
The majority of us don’t have a wealthy family or a family business to join during high school and after college.
Too often we find things we don’t want to do. Or there is a limit to what we can do . . . given our education and the choices we’ve made.
So, success doesn’t come easy.
Many Books And Movies Have Been Made With This Concept In Mind
If you turned right instead of left . . .
If you went for that job interview instead of staying home . . .
If you participated in that Christmas Play instead of staying home with a bad cold . . .
How much is based on circumstances rather than actual choices?
There are also times when it would have been better for you to stay home than to attend a particular party. It sometimes works both ways. You may be in the right place at the right time . . . or in the wrong place at the wrong time.
One story I encountered recently was about a woman who decided to pursue her dream, leaving behind her boyfriend.
She was very successful . . . but lonely. She learned that to succeed in her particular career, that took up 100% of her time . . . no visiting family during the holidays, no vacations and no friendships outside of work . . . and even then, she had to be careful with backstabbers.
But, the old boyfriend from years earlier decided to contact her.
And, since it was a Christmas story . . . strange things do happen . . . she found herself with the boyfriend, now her husband with two great kids. She was an instant Mom who didn’t know anything about being a mother or a wife for that matter.
Of course, she wanted her old life back . . . but along the way of being stuck in her new circumstance, learned some valuable lessons about herself, her then husband and her then children.
Then, boom! She’s back in her old life.
This was quite confusing for her . . .
She liked the “family” . . . but it wasn’t so much that she had to choose between the two lives she experienced . . . but to see how things could play out for her future . . .
Valuable Lessons And Opportunities Come Our Way
You may have noticed how you make adjustments regularly in your life.
I know I just decided to delete some websites and continue on with the ones that gave me the most enjoyment. And one of those is one I just started. So it was an “out with the old” and “in with the new.”
We do learn and grow throughout our lives. We may re-evaluate our priorities from time to time. We could make some major changes or little ones along the way.
I had a friend a long time ago who received an opportunity to buy out a shoe repair business. He had no idea what he was doing, but he learned quickly. And he enjoyed what he was doing. He also moved to an area where his new skills and business was in demand.
It wasn’t a success right away . . . he worked hard for little pay . . . fortunately, some people would pay him in food. Barter got him through some rough patches.
I’m sure there are some who experience success right away. It hasn’t been my experience or those I know, but eventually things work out.
As I’ve said in many of my posts before, it’s all a matter of perspective. We can choose to view the glass half empty or half full.
It does take practice to be more optimistic about life and change.
You see, deleting some of my websites could prove to be a major mistake . . . but I’m not going to get upset about it . . . it’s best to move on and learn from my experience.
We’re usually told we gave up to fast . . . but in reality we do what we do for however long we do it until we decide to move on. No one knows the future or knows completely how you feel and why you made the decision you made. Sometimes the truth eludes us from time to time, but one day it does dawn on us.
I think things have to do with timing . . . and knowing what opportunity is the best “fit” for you.
I Have No Magic Formula
It is what works with your priorities . . . and to a large degree with the opportunities you choose to take or pass.
I don’t dwell on it. From time to time I do wonder.
I’m pleased I haven’t been swooped away in a real life fantasy to experience all the confusion of seeing first hand “what if” . . .
It’s entertaining for books and movies, but experiencing it first hand . . . no thank you.
It is human nature to look around and wonder . . . seeing people out and about in malls and super markets. It’s interesting to watch people as they’re watching you . . . wondering what your life is all about. We’re always making comparisons to some degree.
During this Christmas season, it is wonderful to get out and about. It’s fun to gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and make wonderful new memories.
Please be safe and joyous. I wish you great tidings of joy.
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 21, 2015
What Does Christmas Feel Like To You?
For me, Christmas is colder temperatures . . . not snow cold, because I don’t get snow regularly during the winter . . . just at odd extreme times.
There is something about having a wet Christmas rather than a white Christmas. I doubt “I’m Dreaming of a Wet Christmas” would be a very good song. But this may indeed be what I’ll be experiencing this year.
It’s mainly about the sharing, caring and giving to family, friends and even neighbors. Also about greetings of goodwill for all. Having a happy disposition. And spreading good cheer to all we encounter on our rushing around this Christmas week.
Life does feel wonderful when we’re out and about on our various errands. My thoughts go to family and friends who are no longer with us. I do believe they are celebrating this glorious Christmas season together and with me.
My traditions are their traditions . . . taught to me and practiced when we were all together. It is a good time . . . even remembering those who are no longer with us . . . it doesn’t have to be sad and taint our Christmas celebration.
We all have precious memories we do cherish and honor not just at Christmas, but all year round. It may be a bit melancholy, but it doesn’t have to be . . . it is all a matter of perspective.
This Is The First Christmas I’m Sharing With My Precious Yorkshire Terrier Diva.
She’s a great little girl that I absolutely adore. So loving and funny in her excitement of every day being special. She may not understand Christmas, but she knows something is different with a Christmas tree and decorations . . . she may feel the excitement of what is hiding in her stocking . . .
I believe we can learn a lot from our pets. It’s mainly universal love. Loving no matter what. And also seeing a new adventure in every single day. Each day is a wonderful gift . . . we must enjoy it and recognize it for what it is.
I know that some people experience loss during Christmas and at various times throughout the year. It always seems worse at Christmas.
I wish I had something wise and memorable to say to you . . . to give you comfort while you’re grieving . . . but although your heart is aching remember the good times . . . the journey you’ve shared and how you’ve grown and prospered because of knowing them.
We are loved. And we do love. That is special in and of itself. Love is very powerful. That’s what makes our pets seem human to us. It’s what the Christmas season is all about.
Take a moment to look back in loving memory . . . allow the love to come forth into your life . . . and live and thrive and give and enjoy this Christmas.
Think of all your blessings and how fortunate you truly are . . .
Every holiday is what you make it. And creating new memories that will brighten your life for years to come.
I Wonder Why People Watch Sad Movies At Christmas
I’m beginning to believe that with tears . . . our hearts are opened a bit wider to give more and to feel more.
That may seem strange. Just ask around and discover for yourself. Many people have a favorite Christmas movie they watch each and every Christmas. Ask them why . . . some will just say, “It’s our family tradition.”
But delve deeper, if you can . . . don’t be disappointed if they don’t know . . . but their tears are not negative at all . . . that seems to be a miracle. It could be a cleansing to a degree. I guess a good cry is healthy.
Maybe similar to laughter.
Have You Noticed The Number of Vlogs On YouTube?
There’s also that new vlog people share while driving home from work or just driving around.
It seems many of them are in their car . . . some may be home and sharing what they’re doing. Why is this “reality” thing so popular?
Do we really want to look into the homes, cars, errands of others?
What is fascinating about them?
They are fascinating with the number of subscribers they get . . . are these lives so different from yours?
Would you want to vlog your life?
Yes, I’ve watched many of them . . . just to see what they’re about. Some have interesting moments . . .
Maybe it is an escape from your life . . . or the sense of wanting to be part of something different . . . I don’t really know. I just admire people who sustain their vlogs for years . . . sharing their home life . . .
I couldn’t do it. I have my hands full with my blogs . . . and is this any different, really?
It does give me something to think about . . .
I’ve rambled on for quite some time with my random thoughts during this Christmas week. I hope yours is much more exciting . . . you may even vlog about it . . .
I wish you a very productive and delightful Christmas week,
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 19, 2015
Christmas Week Is Coming!!!
Yes, excitement is in the air!!!
I’ve been having dreams of candy canes and elves and a jolly fat man dressed in red with a long white beard. A huge sleigh and eight reindeer . . .
Families are gathering . . . the stores are bursting with activity with excited customers buying, buying, buying!!!
Everywhere you go there are happy smiling faces . . . children jumping, hopping and running . . . so full of energy and merriment. This is an exciting time for one and all.
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Along With Family Members
Houses are decorated inside and outside.
Everywhere you look there are hints of what is to come for the whole family . . . good food and good company . . . and the anticipation of Santa’s visit.
It’s good . . . all good.
Toy Drives are in full swing for needy families . . . also Food Drives to make sure there is a nutritious Christmas meal for many families who would go without . . .
A feeling of goodwill towards all is abundant . . .
I do wonder about this Christmas Spirit that comes around this time of year. It would be nice to have it year round, but we do get caught up in our own family matters.
Does it really matter that children receive gifts? Does it really matter that a family have a grand Christmas dinner?
Isn’t it about family and spending quality time together . . . trimming the Christmas tree or the fireplace . . . and remembering the reason for the season?
Have we forgotten?
For many it is a myth. For others it is all too true . . . taking a leap of faith.
Are we caught up in the gift buying?
Looking Around My Neighborhood
Merry Christmas Wallpapers
Yes, the neighbors have put up their lights and light displays on the lawns.
All telling the arrival of Santa’s visit. This is great and wonderful for the children. I do get a kick out of it, too.
Tucked away is a manger scene or two . . . yes three, four . . .
There is a combination of the true meaning . . . and the commercialized version of Christmas.
Is there the celebration of Jesus’s birth . . . or is it about what’s under the Christmas tree?
It’s not my place to tell you how to celebrate Christmas. It is your holiday as much as it is mine. Celebrate it with your family however you wish. Or spend it alone and treat it like any other day of the year. It is your choice.
I do value the excitement. The lights and the outdoor displays. People have gone to a lot of work.
It is the last big celebration before the New Year.
Yes, We All Deserve A Grand Holiday
For many, this is the beginning of Christmas vacation.
Yes, there are politically correct labels placed on the season . . . but it is Christmas . . . and all that goes along with it . . . lights, a tree, presents, family and friends gathering . . . baking . . . cooking . . . all in anticipation of Christmas Eve and Santa’s visit . . .
Lots of preparation went into this celebration . . . all the planning and labor that went along with it . . .
We do it every year . . . so it is definitely worth it.
May this Christmas be everything you’ve thought it would be.
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 17, 2015
Winds Gusted Through My Yard
I was hearing bumps and bangs.
I knew it was my new neighbors next door. I listened as the sound moved around to the front of the house.
It sounded like footsteps, but more of a dragging . . .
Before my imagination could switch into high gear, I heard the first drops of rain on the roof.
The wind is still blowing, but I’m no longer concerned . . . it’s no two legged culprit out running amuck in my yard.
I Do Love Rainy Days
It’s my excuse to stay home.
But I do have groceries to buy . . .
I guess they can wait. Check out the pantry and freezer.
There’s a big boom of thunder. I jumped. Then the roar and rumble that seemed to go on and on . . . and the major flash of lightning . . . more thunder . . .
I shut down my laptop. I didn’t want to be involved with any electrical phenomenon.
The weather has calmed down considerably and we have some clouds, but mostly sunny.
As much as I love the rain and cooler temperatures, I do play it safe when there are electrical storms. I do love the sound of the rain and the rumbling of the thunder, but the lightning makes me a little nervous and I allow Mother Nature to do her thing and I’ll stay off line.]
It’s a good time to dig into a good book. There are plenty for all ages. And maybe doing a jigsaw puzzle will pass the time nicely and allows for conversation.
Of course I have a selection of good books and jigsaw puzzles for your family enjoyment. Reading aloud a favorite story is always fun. It may be interesting to have a jigsaw puzzle out, too. That way you can take turns reading and working on the puzzle.
Here are some great before Christmas rainy day stories and jigsaw puzzles for your family enjoyment:
These are in Kindle format so be sure to click hardcover or paperback if you want a printed book.
Now, for the jigsaw puzzles:
Some of these puzzles won’t be available until closer to Christmas. But there are plenty that are available now you can select. These are only my suggestions.
I don’t mind if my order comes after Christmas. It’s a way of keeping the season going a bit longer. And they’ll be available for next Christmas. These aren’t gifts. They’re to have around for my family and friends to enjoy while they’re visiting. And for rainy days in winter . . . and any time of year, actually.
This may seem strange, but sometimes during a hot summer day I like bringing out a jigsaw puzzle of snow and cold weather — even a Christmas theme . . . or Halloween . . . or any holiday for that matter. I don’t need to go along with the season. It’s all in the fun of reading a story or doing a jigsaw puzzle.
I have a friend who always does Christmas in July. She can’t wait to throw a party . . . she puts up a tree and we bring gifts and have a great feast with Christmas goodies. It’s fun and gives us two Christmas celebrations.
It’s always fun to create your own traditions.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!!
Sharon
