Time

This is printed on a clock that I gave to Morgan before she went to college. It's been one of my favorite quotes for a long time. Actually, the first part is not written here. It should read: "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." It's a good question to stop and ask yourself. Am I loving life? Since Morgan has gone on to heaven I am more aware that we are not guaranteed to have tomorrow. I've always said that my plan is to live to be 100, and I'm not changing that plan. But, my focus has shifted so that I cannot take any day for granted. I don't want to sqander my days just because I plan to enjoy about 18,250 more of them. I'm guilty of living as if I have an endless supply of days and I don't want to do that anymore. I am still experiencing sadness because I really miss Morgan, her smile, her hugs and that infectious laugh! I don't really expect for that to ever completely go away, but it would be ungrateful to God to allow this sadness to define me. I believe His desire is for me to live an abundant life and that is what I want also. I did not lose Morgan. I know EXACTLY where she is, and there will be a time when we will smile and hug and laugh together again. In the meantime, I will look for the joy in each day and be thankful for each one. May it be so for you also.
Love,
Venessa

Happy Sweetie Day

I just had to show off these gorgeous berries that Mary sent us! They are delicious -and no, they are not on my Nutrisystem plan, but boy are they yummy. : )

I'll be back soon for more yap-yap, but for now, I'll just let you feast your eyes on these.

Love and kisses!

A Few of My Favorite Things

This is a picture I took on our first food stop after landing in Oklahoma at Christmas time. Who can guess where we stopped? I think 2 of the places we miss the most since moving to Montana are Sonic and Braums. Oh the lovely treats. . . sigh... However, I'm pretty sure none of those treats are on my Nutrisystem plan, so it's probably a good thing we have to travel clear across the country to get to Braums ice cream!

There's something about a sweet treat that just makes your face break into a big grin. : ) I can still imagine the excitement of hearing the ice cream truck that played LOUD circus type music announcing that any moment it would be driving down our street with frozen goodness for sale. Seems to me that the push-up pops were a dime and banana-fudge bombs were fifteen cents!

I mentioned to someone the other day that sometimes I sit here at the computer with the intention of blogging and I can't think of one happy thought. Just like Peter Pan when Tinkerbell (Robin Williams and Julia Roberts in "Hook") was trying to teach him how to fly. On those evenings I just shut it down and retreat to my room to read or call it a day and turn out the lights. But I don't want that to be my habit, so, in the words of Jimmy's hero - the outlaw Josie Wales, I shall endeavor to persevere. : )

My happy thought for today (besides ice cream, of course) is realizing how blessed I am to have such a fantastic family and friends who hug me and hold me up. See, with that kind of treat I must just sit here with a grateful grin on my face. : ) I love you guys.

Resolution Number Three

Be brave.

You know that saying, "Life is short, eat dessert first"? Well, the fact is... life IS short. I have enjoyed a great life, but I have not accomplished all that I want to accomplish. I have also expended a great amount of energy getting bogged down in plans that I've never carried out.

I'm going to bare my soul a little bit here. My usual operating procedure has been to become interested in a subject, ie. event planning, weddings, writing, speaking, marketing, photography, etc., etc., etc..., then accumulate a library on that subject to learn all I can about it. However, I don't ever seem to reach a point where I feel qualified to put that knowledge into action. Yup, chicken behavior.

My next step is to consider my dreams, pick one to build a foundation under and move forward. I am resolving here and now NOT to be a chickenhead! : )

So, here it is... my shelf stacked with Nutrisystem foods. My present method of gaining control over the weight issue. I've been on the system for a week now and have to say it's been really easy. The meals are so quick, that I'm not tempted to snack while cooking and adding fresh salads and fruits make it seem like I'm eating LOTS of food. So far, so good. : )

Resolution Number Two

Be healthy.

I know that "losing weight" is on the majority of resolution lists. At least I know it's usually on mine. But even though it's common that doesn't make it any less important. More than losing weight, though, is the need to have a balance physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I've experienced emotions I never thought I'd have, but the great thing about emotions is that they have an expiration. I'm pretty thankful for that setup. Any success I've acquired in the area of handling the emotions I've experienced in the last few months, I HAVE to attribute to the amazing and awesome support of you, my family and friends and the prayers that you have offered for us.

As far as my spiritual journey goes, I'm thankful for God's patience with me and His ever present comfort.

Resolution Number One

Show Love.

I have this great plant in my bathroom. It sits on the edge of the tub so I can admire it while I take a bath. Do you see why I love it? Heart shaped leaves! How great is that? I'm reminded every day by this little potted plant that the Creator of the universe loves me, and I'm encouraged by that little plant to share that love with others. I am learning that the more I show love to others the less I'm thinking about myself and that's a great benefit. The less time I spend thinking of my own sorrows, the less sorrowful I feel, so it's a win-sin situation. Let me encourage you to add this resolution to your list. : )