All Things....Big and Small

Sometimes life throws out a curve ball. Something happens that makes us re-evaluate everything. Things that once seemed important, suddenly lose their priority in the daily routine. Things are just different.

The day after Valentine's Day was that kind of day. After spending two great days celebrating love and the little things in life, my family was dealt a BIG thing. We received the phone call no one ever wants to get. The one saying one of your family members is suddenly and unexpectedly....gone. Forever. Just like that. No time to say goodbye; no time to remember to do or say the things you were thinking. Just gone.

Suddenly the things I write about here seemed trivial and unimportant. I couldn't bring my fingers to the keyboard without thinking there just isn't anything I can say that is significant enough in this moment. So I took a hiatus. I needed time to let my heart grieve and for my head to try and make sense of what was happening. And now a month and a half later, my fingers return to the keyboard and I pay homage to the little things.

My cousin was an avid reader; a lover and collector of books. She had great passionate for what she believed in. She was a strong advocate for her children. She dared to travel her own path in life; to be her own person. She loved to roller skate in the living room when she was little. She gave a smile to you every time you saw her. These little things made up who she was and how she will be remembered.

And so, in her honor, I will return to writing about the little things that make up my world and who I am. Living life doing the things I want to be remembered for. Organizing, writing, scrapbooking, and decorating might seem trivial to others.....but these truly are the little things that make up who I am. And I owe it to the girl who wouldn't let others dictate how she should live her life, to live mine doing what makes me feel fulfilled.

Rest in peace, Carole. I hope heaven has a really big library, an endless-supply of homemade cinnamon rolls, and maybe even...a place to roller skate!

enjoy the little things and the people you love everyday.

-dw.

Where's the time gone...

"Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act." ~Paulo Coelho

I put writing in my blog on hiatus when my ex-husband decided to follow my posts, trying to find something to use against me in our divorce proceedings. While writing relaxes me and makes me happy, I decided I wasn't going to give him an open door back into my life.

Now, however, the divorce is over, the dust has settled, and I can once again speak freely. If he chooses to stalk my life through my blog, it will merely prove he is the one with deep, dysfunctional issues. For we all know he doesn't scrapbook, doesn't follow the latest decorating trends, doesn't worry about saving money, or have MS. So there is really nothing here for him. With that said....it's time for me to return to talking and sharing about all those things...as they do all fill my life and make me who I am.

In regards to scrapbooking:
After having the majority of my much-loved studio packed away in boxes for nearly a year and a half, I have been unpacking, re-decorating, and trying to decide how best to use the space I now have. I am fortunate enough to still have a dedicated room to play and create in, however, the size and layout are different enough that it is creating some obstacles. Creative thinking is always the answer and I have found some new options and benefits that I will share in later posts.

In regards to my move:
I am getting the retreat house ready to go on the market on spare weekends and am looking forward to some fun time there soon with out-of-town family before I completely close that chapter of my life. I found a great rental house that I love with plenty of backyard for the dog and entertaining. I bought some plants and flowers yesterday and am excited to bring to life a private, backyard beach area complete with fire pit and sand to dig my toes into! Life here is good! I am surrounded by water and am relishing in the tranquility of less traffic, incredible views, and enough shopping and entertainment options to keep me satisfied. While there is no PF Changs or Cinebarre here, I am only a short trip back when I feel the need. I am blessed with incredible friends and family that helped tremendously with the moving process and I am so thankful for each and every one of them!

In regards to life with MS:
I have good days and not-as-good of days, but with the divorce finally over I can move away from the constant stress in caused and look ahead to more peaceful days. Since heat, as well as stress, are two conditions I must avoid, I am fortunate to have an office with air conditioning during this sudden blast of summer in Seattle. We went from record lows to record highs in a matter of a week.
I was excited to participate in Seattle's Walk MS fundraiser earlier this year and, along with a fabulous crew of friends and family, raised over $1,000 for the MS Foundation! It was a truly incredible day for me. "I walk for...........my future."

In regards to the divorce:
They say, "What does not kill us makes us stronger." If only I could count the times I've had to tell myself that over the past year and a half! But it is true. After the endless lies (even under oath) and deception, why should it surprise me at all that the ex still won't follow court orders?! I thankfully believe in Karma and am comforted knowing his will come back around.
My advise to anyone whose marriage is ending....whatever you do, DON'T move out of the house! Apparently possession really it nine-tenths of the law. Items were awarded to him that I owned prior to even KNOWING him! Truly exasperating, but when it all comes down to it...stuff is just stuff. The things that matter most in life aren't the things, they're the people who love you. The ones whose shoulders were strong for you, the ones whose ears listened endlessly, and helped cheer you on when you thought you couldn't take it another day. The ones who stood by you, knowing your story was true, your heart was broken, and your world needed help to keep spinning. The ones that never turned away in the darkest moments, but brought light back into your world with their encouragement and laughter. The ones I am lucky enough to call my friends and my family. The many, many people I love so dearly.
While I walk away with so much less than I came with, I walk away with all that is most valued....My honor. I can live my life with my head held high, knowing when push came to shove, my moral compass never faltered. I am the person my family raised me to be. Win or lose, nobody anywhere can take that away from me.

"How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser." ~Lou Holtz

So here's to looking ahead to the second half.......and coming out a winner!

Enjoy the view ahead,
-d.

I love July!

Could be because it starts with a holiday and ends with a birthday...could be all the summer sun we get...or maybe it's just because life seems to be moving in the right direction again finally!

I've found which way is up... And I won't quit climbing the mountain until I reach the top!

I'm settling into the house, getting out lots with friends and family, and feeling really good again!

I hope your July is filled with fun, sun, and good times too!

enjoy the journey.
-dw

My Time Away....

I have all but disappeared from Blogging....sorry....due to many personal issues currently on my plate. My husband asked for a divorce ten days after Valentine's Day and two weeks later I was diagnosed with MS. I've been through a battery of tests to discover what is causing my months of dizziness and vertigo and it is taking a toll.
I am blessed with incredible friends that have rallied around me, providing the much needed strength and laughter I need in my life right now. For that, I will be forever grateful.
You can find me on Facebook (Deanna Wentz) until I have time to get back to blogging. I really do miss it and plan to be more diligent in the near future. I just have to figure out which way is up first.
enjoy every moment....
-d.

Word of the Year

Every year I, along with millions of other scrapbookers, select a word to focus on throughout the coming year. A word that embodies how I feel, what my goals are, and what I strive to accomplish in my life. It is different for everyone. There really are no rules of selection other than it should motivate and inspire YOU. And like most goals, you are asked to write it down, keep it in sight, and weave it into your life throughout the months ahead.

This year I had completely forgotten to select my word until I received an e-mail from my local scrapbook store. Seems they were holding a contest. A contest all about our word. After choosing the word, customers were asked to put that word into an art form...a scrapbook page, wall hanging, etc...and bring it into the store where it would be voted by other customers. I read this e-mail at 11 o'clock on Friday night. The deadline was the following day.

This year's word came to me easily. I had a pretty rocky 2008 and over the past few years I had somehow allowed myself to move away from a lot of things that are important to me: friendships, faith, my health...the list goes on and on. This year my goal is to work harder on those things.

I want to Regain my focus. Refresh my friendships. Improve my health. Lift my faith. Re-ignite my passions. Strengthen my soul. I want to re-prioritize my life.

I want to RENEW all that is good and important to me. So, I decided to enter that contest at my local store. Something I haven't done in nearly 10 years! I rarely ever submit my work to any public forums except this blog. But this time I felt compelled by a force I haven't felt in YEARS! A passion not only re-ignited but on FIRE! I wanted to shout my word out and let everyone know...I'm back! So I stayed up till 1 am creating this wall hanging declaring my word for the world to see.

Now it's in your hands. The contest voting runs throughout the week so if you happen to be in the area of Lasting Memories, stop in and cast a vote! And vote honestly; don't just vote for who you know. There is a temporary position on the Design Team at stake for the winner so it needs to be an artist you find inspiring.

enjoy the challenge of breaking out and going for it!
-d.

Wishing everyone a very, merry Christmas!

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to blog, but I didn't want to miss the chance to wish everyone a fabulous holiday season full of magical moments.

We have a snow on the ground, wonderful foods being prepared, and lots of family and friends coming over to celebrate with us this year....what more can I ask for?

Even in these hard times I feel so incredibly blessed. This year has brought its struggles and sadness, but it has also brought joy and laughter. Thanks to all of you who have been there for me. The gift of your love and friendship is the greatest gift of all.

God Bless!

enjoy the twinkle in the eyes of your loved ones while you make memories that will last a lifetime.

-d.

What I've been doing while away...

I thought with the end of summer, I would find myself more freed up for staying in touch. Boy, was I wrong! Life just keeps moving full steam ahead and time in the home office has been hard to get. So what has kept me so busy?

I have traveled to Florida and Colorado on business. Florida was so busy we barely had time to realize where we were, but we did manage to get a little pool time and a quick trip to Downtown Disney for dinner at Bongo's - the restaurant owned by Gloria Estefen - and I LOVED it! We ate outside on the deck as the sun set; both the food and the atmosphere were awesome!

For the Colorado trip, Roger was able to join us so I had much more fun (and a little more time off as well). Rog lived in CO for years so we visited where he grew up, went to school, etc. While we were there we also looked for Rog's biological son (now 19) that he had never been able to know. We found him, they talked, and now they are continuing getting to know each other. After nineteen long years Rog has been able to fill a huge void in his life. Could there be a better trip than that?!

And the newest thing on our plate....

Gracie. We adopted an 8-week old Dobie last week! She is bundle of energy and cuteness!

So between the Retreat House work, the book project, the Weimeraner pups, my day job and the traveling it requires, my family, and household duties, I now have a baby in the house again. Am I INSANE?!!!! No....but I am a bit tired.

enjoy the quiet moments of peace at the end of a frenzied day!

-d.

Rain, Rain Go AWAY...

I can handle a little rain, but in the middle of AUGUST!? Come on!

I guess it's our own fault; everybody I knew was complaining about the heat! (We Seattlites don't take the extreme heat too well!) From 92 degrees and sunny to gray and rainy is a bit too much change in 24 hours though. The lawns and flowers have all been watered now, so it's time to come on back Mr. Sunshine!

We now return you to your regularly messed up traffic.....Ugh.

Why is it for a town that is "known" for its constant rain...nobody has YET to figure out how to drive in it?! Just curious...

enjoy the sunshine while you've got it,

-d.

Another Year Older...

"You don't get
older,
you get better."

-Shirley Bassey

I like to think the words above are true and that with each passing year we not only grow older, but become better people as well.

Our life experiences teaching us throughout the years and molding us into the people we are.

I celebrated my 43rd birthday yesterday...well, I've actually been celebrating for a couple weeks now! Girls' weekend in Vegas was a joint birthday celebration for my cousin and I, Rog and I met up with friends last weekend to celebrate together, and we went out to dinner with the family yesterday. I love making birthdays last longer than a day! Although all those opportunities to eat cake have seriously unraveled the diet program. Luckily, the memories will far outlast the calories!

6 Quirky things About ME!

When my friend Nicole tagged us all to list 6 quirky things about ourselves, I thought, yeah I can do that! But then, as I started listing my quirks, I realized rather quickly stopping at 6 may prove difficult. Apparently, I'm pretty darn quirky! I know, I know...YOU already KNEW that, and I guess deep down I did too, but this really cemented the fact for me.

So here are the top 6....

1. I'm a hair twirler. I have tried and tried to break the habit, but the only thing that stops me is having short hair. For seven years I kept my hair short and my habit (fairly) under control, but as soon as my hair once again reached my shoulders, my twirling picked up where it had left off years before. Oh well, I'm sure there are worse habits to have. Right?!

2. I cannot listen to "crinkle" noises. Rustling popcorn bags in movie theaters, chip bags at snack time, shopping bags in the mall...they all drive me over the edge. I'm not certain why, but the noise seems to amplify in my ears and it is more than I can bear. So my kids know if you want to eat chips at our house...you'd better find a bowl!

3. I do not eat m&m's out of their bag (probably due to quirk #2) so when they aren't easily accessible in a candy dish, I pour them out on the table, desk, etc. and begin organizing them by color. There is a certain unconcious order in which I eat them as well. They are lined up in rainbow order, then all rows are brought to equal lengths, before I begin picking them off color by color. I never realized I had this quirk until years ago a co-worker pointed it out to me by asking me why I did it. I didn't know then, and I'm not sure today! But last week (while totally cheating on my diet) I realized I was doing it and snapped this picture. Who knew I'd be asked only days later to list my quirks! LOL!

4. I might be considered a compulsive organizer. That is not to say that everything in my house is clean and organized at all times...it isn't. But when I do organize I tend to be what some say is a little over-the-top. The shirts in my closet are all hung in color order on matching colored hangers (white shirts have white hangers, black shirts have black, etc.). All the foods in our pantry face "label forward" and are always placed in neat, straight lines. I spend more time organizing my scrapbook supplies than I do actually scrapbooking. My books are categorized in different bookshelves around the house by category (bibliographies here, novels there, etc.).

5. I love to wrap gifts, but admit I'm a bit picky about how it's done! I have to crease all the edges after wrapping so that the gift has a very crisp look. And at Christmas time I have to use real ribbon for bows.

6. Like Nicole, I believe cake and ice cream should never be allowed to share a plate. I love both things, but HAVE to eat them separately! I hate wet, soggy cake...ugh! I also order my strawberry Belgium waffles with the berries on the side so as not to have a mushy, juice drenched waffle. I almost always prefer my toppings on the side...even salad dressings! I guess I'm more of a "dunker."

You may have noticed (or maybe not) that I disappeared for a bit. Seems in summer all bloggers fall off the radar a little, and I am no exception.I got busy, my diet (aka: healthy living plan) was in ruins, and I just needed some time off. I am happy to report: I'm back, my diet is *getting* back on track, and a little R&R in Las Vegas with the girls gave me some much needed down-time!

Like most gals alone in Sin City without spouses for four days...we stayed up way too late, drank way beyond moderation, and lounged by the pool a little longer than we should have. But we had a fabulous time and I am now sporting the best tan I've had in over ten years!!! And after all was said and done I was only down $55 in gambling expenses (thanks to a turn of luck on the last evening!). Heck, I spent more than that on cocktails!
We saw Jersey Boys (LOVED IT!!!), ate at Margaritaville, scoped out the beautiful, new Palazzo Hotel & Casino, experienced habenaro chile dip (I barely survived!), went downtown and watched the Fremont light show, shopped at the outlet mall, walked until I had blisters, and (as noted earlier) drank and ate way beyond my allowed caloric intake!!! But I had a BLAST!!!

I gained 5 pounds in Vegas!!!!! Luckily, I have gotten all but one pound back off, but still have three to go to get back to my former diet success status. It is amazing how letting go of the Points/calorie counting, even for a short time, really makes a difference!

But dieting in Las Vegas is against the law, I think! Isn't it?! Well, It SHOULD be!

enjoy getting away and letting go of all rules!

-d.

A Tourist in my own Hometown

With Roger's family in town visiting from Arkansas, we spent the weekend touring the local sights. Here are a few shots I captured along the way...

We headed to Vancouver, Canada to ride the gondola up Grouse Mountain (a mere 3700 feet above sea level).

Then headed to Seattle to check out our own scenic views atop the Space Needle.

Then off to the Pike Place Market to see if we could spot any Flying Fish...

(Notice the receiver behind the counter is a tourist? Now she can say she caught that fish dinner herself!!!)

Even though I was born right here in Seattle, I never tire of seeing my city full of life and energy. The blue skies and sunshine were just what we ordered and the breathtaking views and people watching opportunities never disappoint.

enjoy touring your own town now and then,
-d.

Losing to Win...

I have LOVED this season of The Biggest Loser!!! Rog and I have been inspired, we have been motivated, and most importantly, we have learned a lot about what to do to get ourselves in better shape.

We have already began eating differently, and are now planning to purchase some exercise equipment and turn the loft into a workout area. It is amazing how much weight they lost on the show -naturally - simply by changing their lifestyles and their thinking.


Check out Ali's transformation - She lost 112 lbs and became the first woman in five seasons to win The Biggest Loser title!!!

Way to go, Girl!!!

Sometimes we all need a little reminder that the only race in life we are running is with ourselves. There is no time to look back and judge where others are at in their race; for they are not racing against us. We must watch only our own steps...forever keeping our eye on the goal that lie ahead.


So I will set my own personal goal as to where I want to be, and I will race my own race. I will not compare my successes or stumbles to anyone else. I will keep my eye on the goal. And whatever the outcome, or how long the journey, I will be proud of what I accomplish. Because with weight loss the most important number is truly, the amount of years you add on to your life!

"There is no need of any competition with anybody.
You are yourself, and as you are, you are perfectly good.
Accept yourself."
-Osho

enjoy the journey as you race toward your goals!
-d.

Family First...

It seems like I have been away from blogging for months! I have been so busy during the week working at my new job (which I love!) and working at the retreat house getting ready for each weekends' new guests. Then during the weekends, if I'm not at the retreat house hosting events, I am working to help finalize my Grandmother's estate.

My parents, my kids, and Rog and I have been working for months now to get her settled into a great assisted living facility and completely out of her house. She is adapting to the change as well as can be expected, although she misses living in her own house and gazing out at her flower garden. Unfortunately, she has just got to the point that living alone is no longer a good idea. Now she is surrounded by other people, has many more opportunities to do day trips and social events, as well as living only 15 minutes from all of us! (She used to live an hour away.) With every difficult change comes some advantages.

Sorting through years and years of her acquired stuff has been quite a challenge! We have been sorting, moving, purging, donating, storing and selling all that she has amassed in her 87+ years! The amount of stuff was quite overwhelming! She has been a "saver" her entire life! We discovered dresses that my mom wore in high school, news clippings from every major event in Washington (okay, so the scrapbooker in me saved them as well!), magazines dating back to the 70's, vintage clothes and furniture from the 60's, more gift wrap than she could use in TWO lifetimes, etc...etc... It was amazing what all she fit into that little, three-bedroom house!

Now we are ripping up carpet to expose the incredible hard wood floors, painting the inside and out, and getting ready to put the house on the market. It has been a long process, but I can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

So as the schedule winds down a little I hope to return to blogging a little more regularly again!

enjoy the feeling of the finish line drawing near!
-d.

Friends...

I was tagged by Shannon a couple weeks ago and haven't had time to respond yet (I will), but today saw a quicker quiz on her blog to play along with so here goes....

1. Who was your very first "best friend" growing up?
My neighbor, Shelly. We were inseparable for years!

2. Who was your favorite junior high friend?
A new girl transferred into our school named Kim...we became very close and would go on to be best friends all the way through High School.

3. What is something nice a friend has done for you lately?
Debbie is always doing something nice for me so it is hard to pin it down to one thing! And De Ann is helping me a ton, by helping my mom with her taxes! You girls ROCK! Both of them are always plugging the new retreat house for us too!

4. What is your favorite thing to do with a friend?
Depends on which friend....Get together for scrapbook weekends covers most of them. Go to D Thai with De Ann and Katrina. Go to the movies or tropical getaways with Deb and Jim. And there are too many things to list that I love to do with my very best friend....my husband. Play Scrabble, go camping, snuggle on the couch watching movies, the list is endless!

5. What is one topic of conversation you and a friend talked about recently?
Politics. With true friends you can talk about anything. You teach each other and gain better perspective by seeing the other's views from their vantage point.

6. If you and your friend went out to dinner tonight where would you go? What would you order?
If it was De Ann it would most definitely be out for Thai - Thom Kah Soup - as we are both craving it like crazy!!! If it was Debbie it would be somewhere casual for appetizers. She'll order Nachos or Fried Mozzarella and I would order Chicken Strips or Bacon Wrapped Prawns. With Rog, it would be The Keg for a nice, juicy steak or Tony Roma's for ribs!

7. Who is your closest friend that you've never met in person?
Fortunately, I get the chance to meet most all my friends in person. The one person I haven't gotten to meet face to face yet is Jolene in Arizona. Someday....

8. What is one gift you can give to your friend today that cost nothing? Will you give it?
My time, my support, my love. Whenever a friend needs me I try to always make time for them and they have my love and support everyday without question. I most likely will not see any other of my friends besides Rog as I am working all day, then it's off to the comedy club with him and his friends tonight.

It is hard to answer a quiz about friends and only specifically mention a couple. I am very blessed to be surrounded by many friends in my life. We talk, we laugh, and we support each other through life's ups and downs. And while some I talk to everyday and others only once in a while, they all hold a special place in my heart. They each bring something unique into my life. I know at the touch of the dial they will be there for me and I hope they know that I too, will always be there for them.

They have strengthened me in my darkest days; they have celebrated with me in my happiest moments. They keep me focused when life fogs my path and they are always the rock on my shore keeping me anchored. I cannot imagine life without them.

So, girlfriends...and you know who you are...thanks for just being YOU and bringing your perspectives, your passions, and your personalities into my life! If I had a dollar for every tear we've shed or laugh we've shared I'd be a bazillionaire. You make every day of my life feel richer! The love you fill me with is immeasurable! Thank You.

I want to include some pics, but will have to come back and add them later...gotta go to work!

enjoy the friendships that allow you to be yourself and fill your life with love!
-d.

Busy Week!

This week has gone by soooo fast! Probably due to the fact that there is soooo much going on.We headed out Friday to the mountains, and we couldn't have picked a better weekend to ride! It was gorgeous! It felt more like April than the middle of February!
While I have a few more sore muscles than usual, it felt good to be out in the fresh air, riding through the trails. Unfortunately, Rog acquired more than a few sore muscles...he compressed his back and is still suffering.

Upon returning home we found our smallest, and oldest, dog in bad shape. After 16+ years she had reached the end of her road. We had to say goodbye on Monday. It was very sad, but it was time.

She joined our family when Melissa was only two years old and has helped watch over the girls and I throughout her years. For a small dog, she packed a large bark. Behind closed doors you wouldn't guess she was merely a petite Beagle/Poodle mix. I will never forget how she paced back and forth and cried the day Jessica moved out. She was always so in tune with the families emotions. She was a lot smarter than most people realized. She was a true member of our family and she will be missed.


enjoy the companionship your pet provides!
-d.

A Nest Near Empty...

Every Mother faces it.

Some Mothers dread it. Some Mothers rejoice in it.

I stand somewhere in the middle.

My youngest daughter is moving out on her own this week. While I am happy for her and excited to see her excitement, I cannot say that it comes without great sadness.

I will miss her daily ritual of popping into my office each morning to say hello. Her whimsical ways and bouncy nature filling the house. Her smile lighting up each day. Her endless chatter. Her help whenever I need it. Her laughter. Her presence.

But I know she won't be far away and she'll still call...a lot. And she'll come by for food...a lot. And we'll still do our lunches and pedicures and shopping trips. It will just need to be a little more planned out.

I realize after she's gone her presence will still linger in many ways. Her fuschia bedroom walls will remain that color with some of the decor left in place; her award winning photo will stay behind; her mementos of high school, competitive cheer and growing up will remain in my studio waiting to be scrapbooked; Her spot in the driveway will still have those pesky oil spots. So much of her will be here even when she is not. Little things to remind me of all the incredible joy she has brought me over the years. Little reminders of the way life used to be before this new chapter arrived.

I often find myself tearing up, wanting to push back the hands of time and go slower. I want another chance to do all the little things I didn't make time for or do well enough, to soak in every second that I may have wasted thinking I had more time.

And then I remember how it felt when I moved out. Feeling so grown up; like I was suddenly in charge of my own destiny. How excited I was to decorate my first place and make my own rules. And I smile at the memories and realize this is the moment she'll look back upon.

It is scary to think of the steps that will follow....a wedding, babies. But then I realize how much joy those future steps will bring. That we must make this step in order to reach those. And I am excited.

The hands of time will not spin backwards; they will move forward at rapid fire pace. We must remember to savor each second. Take time to live in each moment. To be grateful for each joy we encounter in this new chapter.

enjoy the new chapters in your life,
-dw

Word of the Year.

Ali Edwards fans everwhere know she faithfully selects a word each year and keeps it present in her world for the next 365 days. She surrounds herself with it and strives to incorporate it in to everything.

I decided to give it a try this year.

Now, I just need a word. Obviously, the word needs to be seriously thought out. It needs to have deep meaning and, in my case, multiple meanings. It needs to have the ability to inspire me, ground me and remind me of who I want to be and where I want to go in this coming year.

So, how does one go about narrowing down through bazillions of words to find that one magic word? Well, Ali and her mass of readers helped me quite a bit. While I used to love reading the dictionary as a child, it is a little harder thes days to spare the time. So I used cliff notes. I read Ali's list of words people had submitted to her blog. In true editor fashion, I started from the bottom of the list and read upward. I made it all the way to the "F" words before one jumped off the list and screamed at me.

My 2008 word is .....Forward.

Simple enough. Maybe too simple, I wondered? Nope, it fit just right. It can be applied many different ways. All of which will lead me upward, onward, and most importantly....forward!

I want to achieve new goals and sucesses, without dwelling on the failures of the past. Look forward.
I need to move steadfast and dillegently on my path. Keep the forward momentum.
I want to excel and arrive at the finish line ahead of the pack. Be in the forward position.
I want to be heard. Be bold and forward.
I want to lead with creative new ideas and designs. Be forward in my thinking.
I want to help others reach up and grab their stars. Help forward others on.

for·ward (fôr'wərd)
At, near, or belonging to the front or forepart; Located ahead or in advance.
Going, tending, or moving toward a position in front.
Moving in a prescribed direction or order for normal use.
Ardently inclined; eager. Lacking restraint or modesty; presumptuous or bold.
Deviating radically from convention or tradition; extreme.
Exceptionally advanced; precocious; progressive.
Of, relating to, or done in preparation for the future; In or toward the future.
In an advanced position or a configuration registering a future time.
To help advance; promote.

So, one resolution down. I picked my word. Now I have 351 days to act it out, achieve it, live it.
What is your word? Why did you pick it? What will you do with it?

enjoy the words that inspire you!
-dw

This is My Life...

Melody Ross challenges everyone to take pictures of the things that they encounter in their day. Things that represent the moments that make up a life. Well, here is one of mine.

It is a testiment to my life on the run.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so this cup is my only-once-in-a-while indulgence of Starbuck's hot cocoa...I love it!

My iPod, because I cannot drive without music (although I'm loving the XM radio too!). Both of these things relax me and calm my world.

And my new truck, which brings me so much joy. That tiny red light you see...yeah, that's my heated seat light. That little light means I feel good! And yesterday as I hopped into the truck, I noticed the "new car smell" was still evident and it made me smile. My very first brand new car. It makes life on the run sooooo much more enjoyable.

enjoy the comforts of your journey,
-dw

Changes...

I saw this quote and had to share...

When you are through changing, you are through.
— Bruce Barton

In the midst of New Year's resolutions and goal setting, I thought this was a message that I needed to take to heart.

We change every day...we grow every year...we continue on our path of learning and improving until the road ends and our mission in life is complete.

We strive to do better and we get better. We aim higher and we raise ourselves and others up. We take in so we can give out. We share so we can learn.

We get new chances every day to be the people we want to be. How awesome is that?! With every new day comes new opportunity. A new chance to make a change. Just waiting there. We just need to see it, reach up, grab on, and follow the dream.

Where will your dreams take you? What new opportunity is waiting? What will you change today?

enjoy the opportunities today offers...

-dw