My Sweeties...

The past two weeks have been kind of hectic... in both good ways and bad ways. Amongst the hectic, there was an opportunity to get a few photos of my sweeties. They wouldn't pass muster in the photography class Amanda and I are taking; but, I like them anyway. Because I love the subjects? Yeah, you could definitely say that. =)

Mission: THRIVE II

If you weren't around last month, there are a few of us who are taking on a mission to thrive. We are doing some soul searching to find what it is we need, as individuals, to live our lives in the best possible way. To have more joy, more passion, more zest... more life in our living. Or just whatever. It is different for each of us. We are checking in the last Thursday of the month to support and encourage each other. We welcome any new thrivers. =)

Reporting in on Mission: THRIVE

I'm reporting in on my Mission: THRIVE project. Last month, I listed that:

"To thrive, I need to feel fit. I need to feel connected to kindred spirits. I need to be close to my family. I need to enjoy my marriage. I need to create. And, most of all, I need to be close to my Creator."

And, for the month I resolved to:

MOVE five days a week.
Sit with God five days a week.
Pay attention to five things a day that make me smile... that I am grateful for... write 'em down... SEEK those things, if necessary!
Read the rest of How We Choose to be Happy
Keep this Mission: THRIVE working for one more month
Keep my intention focused on thriving

MOST weeks I exercised five times.

The number of times I enjoyed just sitting with God to appreciate His Presence in my life correlates highly with the number of times I run a week. I'd say that my running, or not, is statistically significant with regard to my spiritual, mental and physical well-being. More on that another day.

I confess I have NOT written five things that have made me happy over the course of each day. I realized quickly that I didn't like doing that. I have, however, been much more attuned to the multiple times I enjoy even really small things throughout the day. I savor them in the moments I notice. Even in the deep sadness of losing Tony, there was joy sown here and there throughout. I appreciate those moments.

I have four more days to finish the book... =/

I've made one month down... and am committing to month two on this project.

And, my focus has been pretty dang intent on thriving. =)

Bottom line is that I have ditched some of the things that were not getting me closer to my ultimate goal of thriving. I have not beaten myself up over not meeting others, such as exercising five times a week when I could spend time with Alex. It is about priority. Family supersedes exercise plan. And, I'm actually quite gleeful about the flexibility of all that. In my "all or none" compulsions of the past, I would just give up if I could not meet every criteria perfectly. Not so this time. Maybe that's a good point of "maturity." LOL! I will say that even though it was not on my "list" last month, I have been very successful with maintaining the diet I started Jan. 4. Woo Hoo! I haven't weighed, but I'm feeling better!

That said, for this coming month, I'm going to focus on paying attention to the paths that open to me and to enjoy (or at least give thanks for) all that God sends. Keep up the moving. Exercise is critical for me. Focus on connections to God and to my loved ones. And, thrive on, Baby! Thrive on!

Committed

Today, you are committed to something.

What is it? Are you committed to just getting by, to just getting through the day with as little effort as possible? Or are you committed to something greater, something magnificent and exciting and fulfilling?

Whatever you are truly committed to, is exactly what you will achieve. Whatever you are truly committed to determines the kind of life you lead.

Within you is a vision that longs to be brought to life. It's a vision that deserves your full commitment.

Commitment to your most profound vision is not easy, and will ask much of you. Yet, you know it is the best choice.

Make that choice, make that commitment to the best that is within you, again and again, each moment of each day. And, the life you create, your own life, will be nothing short of outstanding.

~ Ralph Marston

See ya later, Tony...

Our good friend, Tony, passed away last night after a long struggle with multiple health problems. He fought valiantly and with good grace. As much as I hate for him to have gone on, I hated more for him to have had to suffer any more.



The first time I met Tony was at Hunan's at an after work de-briefing (a.k.a. having a drink and venting profusely) with his wife, Barbara, and others from the O.R. where Barbara and I had just started to work. Barbara and I were young and idealistic. I was full of piss and vinegar. She was full of grace. We became fast friends, an unmatched team. Our love for the O.R. brought us to a theater of many triumphs and tragedies. We could work wordlessly with intense focus and efficiency. We laughed... a lot. Tony may have come to rue the day we became best buds at times. But, he was always there with his good humor, wit and "discussions". Lord, I loved a good and, particularly, controversial conversation.

Through the thirty plus years, we shared a lot of seasons... lots of fun vacations... lots of bread broken... coffee drank... miles run... choices made... rivers rafted... slopes skied... concerns shared... all with love. Tony taught me to ski (no task for the feint of heart). He loved everything I ever cooked. But, the greatest thing I have to be grateful for was a deed he shares with Barbara...

I had turned my back on God a few years before meeting this couple. Today, I read a quote on a blog (sorry, I wish I could remember which one) that says, "Our lives may be the only Bible some people ever read." Well, I read the Bible, but I had come from a harsh, hell-fire and brimstone background. Tony and Barbara showed me God's love through their unconditional love and acceptance. They lived God's love. And anyone, who knows Tony at all, knows the Grace Lecture. I finally got over the notion that I needed to earn God's love and forgiveness... a prospect I had found impossible... because it would be impossible. How do you thank a person for that? How do you thank God for giving that kind of grace and love... and for sending those people into your life that mapped a road home to Him?

I am glad we had this vacation last spring. I am glad I had a hug from Tony last Friday. I am so glad to have had the blessing of knowing him and the privilege of calling him my friend/family. Tony, I will miss you. I figure by now you have arranged a tee time with the Big Three. Can't wait to hear about it. Love, Tanna

Letter to My Noni

Dear Noni,Mommy keeps telling me that I get to see you on Friday. I keep trying to get to you faster. I even tried to pack myself up for shipping, but Mommy wouldn’t let me go. I can’t wait to see you!Love, Little Man

Imagine the smile on my face right now... =)

The Survey Says...

Just checked my blogs... Solar had had two posts that made me smile. The first was listing 10 things that made her happy. I always love to read about what things brighten the souls of kindred spirits. And, the second, was a survey. Take it, too! It'll be fun. ;)

Solar says, "You know I can't miss the chance to complete a survey. They were my favorite part of Seventeen magazine and to this day I love a good survey. I've been seeing this 2009 recap all over the blog world and just had to play. Hope you will too and let me know so I can come read it!"

1. What did you do in 2009 that you had never done before? Knitted a baby sweater... my very own, sweet grandson's sweater! And, started a blog!!

2. Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions and will you make more for next year? I didn't make any for 2009 but I'm on it for this year. See Mission: THRIVE.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My daughter. I cannot tell you how precious that event has been.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Does Tess, our Scottie, count? Yes, I think she does.

5. What places did you visit? Roanoke, VA; Southern Pines, NC, and Blackberry Farm.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Fitness!

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched in your memory and why? July 8, 2009... Alex's birthday... first grandson, need I say more?

8. What was your biggest achievement this year? Making totally unexpected and wonderful connections with blogging!

9. Did you suffer illness or injury? No illness for me... does menopausal mania count???

10. What was the best thing you bought? My hubby's FAVORITE Christmas present. LOL.

11. Where did most of your money go? Investment properties a.k.a. My Old Girls.

12. What song will always remind you of 2009? You know, when I was younger, every year could be identified by the songs that were playing... I find that the older I get, the less I listen to music... and prefer the quiet. But, Ain't No Sunshine will hold a special place in my heart for this year. =)

13. What do you wish you would have done more of? Exercise. Eat better. Focus on the positive.

14. What do you wish you would have done less of? Worry...

15. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy, House, or The Good Wife.

16. What was the best book you read this year? Glass Castles.

17. What was your favorite film of the year? The Blind Side or Grand Torino

18. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Hosted the rug hooking group

on the porch, lunch with my dear friend, Milha, and dinner with hubby at Jake's. 53

19. What political issue stirred you the most? Bailouts of the financial institutions.

20. Who was the best new person you met? Solar and her dear Mom, Nanny. How incredible is it to cross paths with people on the internet and then find that they are actually more wonderful in real life than they seemed on their blogs! A great blessing of 2009!

As far as happiness goes... this Little Man takes the cake! ;)

One Week Down

One week down on the Mission: THRIVE. All is going fairly well... haven't been as good about writing down the five things that make me feel happy over the course of the day... but, I have been thoughtful about what makes me happy... grateful... content throughout the day. It is a conscious focus on a positive direction... Intention!

Today, I am happy to report I made it out the door to run (in the freezing cold... NOT a fan of the cold). Made it into and out of The Village, my favorite bakery, to pick up treats for rug hooking... didn't touch a bite!! But, my best thing I have to report is an excited phone call from my daughter this morning! I cannot tell you how much it lifts my heart to hear her excited. It has been a difficult year for her. She is normally my best little thriver! I don't know many things harder, in being a mom, than to see, feel, know, sense that one of your children is struggling. I just don't. Her intent to thrive has lead her to make some hard decisions. I applaud her!! I applaud anyone who takes the time to determine what it takes to allow them to thrive and sets the intention to make that goal a reality!! You go, girl!! I'm cheering you all the way!

Just FYI, from an article in REAL SIMPLE magazine January 2010 issue by Lesley Alderman:

"Nine Secrets of Motivated People

'Tis the season for setting new goals. Want to actually - gasp- accomplish them this year? Here are some real-life strategies that really work.

1. When you make a plan, anticipate bumps.
2. Channel the Little Engine that Could.
3. Don't let your goals run wild ... but, work on them every day.
4. Go public with it.
5. Lean on a support crew when you are struggling.
6. Make yourself a priority.
7. Challenge yourself -- and change things up.
8. Keep on learning.
9. Remember the deeper meaning."

I've been asked why I chose no/low carb. I read this book. What can I say? My metabolism feels different. I'm looking to shake it up. I can manage eight weeks. ;) Then, I'll be adding the carbs back slowly... just not to the point they take over again! I'll let you know how it goes. So far, so good.

Would love to hear from you others who are taking the challenge! Solar, how do you do this low carb stuff more? Tammy, how is your focus on LIVING LIFE to the fullest going? Amanda, I know some things are going to change in your plan. Onward, ho!

Day 2 - No Carbs

The candy dish is empty. Took them all out, zip-locked them, and put them in the freezer!



I'm on Day 2 of almost no carbs. Grrrrrrr.... I'm really, really, really wanting some chocolate and almond Hershey's! Good thing I stuck them all in the freezer first thing yesterday morning!



Evan's daughter, Audra, surprised me one afternoon with an invitation to paint pottery. We had fun. She was much more creative than I was. I do like my little dish though... just wish it were full of my chocolate and almonds! ;)

Prize!

Last night when we returned home from a trip to Dallas, there was a package for me on the porch. I was delighted to find the platters I had ordered from LaurieAnna's Vintage Home.



Just a couple of weeks ago, I saw one of these platters on Rhonda's Blue Creek Home. She had won one in a give-away. I went straight from her post to order one for myself.




I saw there was a small one, too! I just LOVE THEM. Thank you so much Rhonda for leading me to LaurieAnna's!

Happy New Year 2010!

It has been a beautiful, crisp day here in East Texas (photo is in West Texas)! Our gym was open today and we enjoyed starting the new year with a good work out! Then on to breakfast at The Egg and I. Enjoyed a visit with folks we love. Ate pork roast, collard greens, black-eyed peas and cornbread! THEN, we enjoyed a Skype call with Little Man and his Mom and Dad! It has been a very good start to a new year.

Things that made me smile today:

• Drinking coffee in bed with my hubby.


• Seeing freshly painted toenails (my own)!


• The sunflowers on Amanda's post (and, her post... of course).


• Getting a hug from Zack.


• Skype with Little Man and his folks.

I am most grateful!!