Nature as an Inspiration!

I find that there are so many inspiring things in nature....check out this very lovely slideshow and music from Simple Truths. It is a smile and a rest for the soul that I cannot avoid sharing with you! Don't worry about the ad at the end..it's not at all required......I didn't know how to remove it...but it doesn't hurt any thing....oh yes, and turn up the sound after clicking on the link.
http://www.naturesinspirationmovie.com/

The bird photo below is from last year's trip to Mexico..the wingspans were enormous and I never did find out what these birds were called...:)

Thinking Better....

We all make a difference! Graphic by Chris: http://cabscreationschatter.blogspot.com/

Thinking better is always a good goal. If you would like some tips on this check out this intro to the Positivity Blog:

Article by Henrik Edberg. Follow me on Twitter.
”Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” Winnie the Pooh
”The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Albert Einstein
When I was younger I used to think that thinking was the best thing since sliced bread. So I thought. And though and thought. And then I thought some more. It had some wonderful and positive effects such as helping me to get good grades in school.
But on the other hand this thinking was also trapping me and limiting me in various ways. One of my biggest insights in recent years is that there are a lot of both positive and negative sides to how you think. So learning to use my thinking in a better way has become a main focus and also one of the most beneficial things I have ever done.
Now, this may sound a little vague so I let’s explore some of the facets of thinking with the timeless help from clever people that have gone before us.
1. You are what you think.
“As you think, so shall you become.” Bruce Lee

Then go to this link: http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2009/01/30/how-to-think-better-the-top-8-tips-from-the-last-2500-years/

This is not a fairy tale! I promise...special thanks to my sister and mom for the garden fairy. :)

Roses in a Smile

This entry is just some Roses in a Smile....or is it a Smile in some Roses? You decide...:)
It's hard to find anything more positive than a genuine smile..which is what I do when I get flowers! Here are some for you!

Some reasons to get rid of Negative Thinking!

I've mentioned this site before but I just got a feed today that I thought was a really good one from the Positivity Site and want to pass it on...go to this link: 8 Awesome Reasons to Blast Negativity Out of Your Life, and How to Do It to find out more. I thought it had some great quotes and ideas as usual. I'm never dissappointed with this blog. It is like a very bright spot in my journey to see how others handle thinking positive!

Below is a bright spot for you! One of my favorite sunset shots of the Ixtapa, Mexico sunset. You've seen this photo before but I decided to make it a little bigger this time:

Heart of Stone

How can a heart of stone be positive? I'll tell you how...when you find it among a bunch of other stones! Every notice how easy it is to find heart shapes in a pile of rocks? I have...I'm always finding them. They always make me smile...even though they are made of stone....now that's a good thing. Next time you are out and about keep an eye out for heart shaped stones. It's such a delight to see one amidst all the other shapes...somehow it softens the view of all those hard rocks. So remember to look for the unexpected heart amidst all the stone and you will find it...I'm sure of it....in the rocks that is. ...and smile away.

Unseen Angels

From my earliest days I have believed in positive energy. I think it surrounds us all and all we need to do is tap into it. Maybe that is why I believe there are unseen angels around us too. Now that may seem a bit odd...a lot of people think angels are for little children. I disagree. Angels are everywhere. They may not look like they have wings but they do. Whenever someone does something nice for you..that is angelic. Imagine them with a halo and white feathery wings. This may seem funny but why not? That imagery is so...shall I say it? Heavenly! Here is photo of a statue that I have posted before of a baby in the arms of an angel...and I'll be adding a few others as time allows....how's that for a Sunday posting?

Remember this post and be an Angel!

Take time to Play

It's important to take time to play periodically because it can have a great effect on your attitude. Remember the days of carefree playing outdoors? Didn't it feel great...remember not being able to wait until you could just get outside and play in the park or the woods? The physical activity is what I'm talking about! It is good for your endorphyns (...I'll have to check the spelling on that word..). This snowy playground reminded me of those days of fun and frolick. I used to love to climb and was sorely tempted to do some climbing on this little playground equipment but it was pretty cold so I opted out and took a photo instead. So, I just have to remember to take time out for a little Playing each day....it's a quick easy way to boost your attitude!

Operation Nice - Create a Mantra for your Resolution

Check out this link to Melissa's Operation Nice blog (you can also see it anytime on my sidebar link): http://www.operationnice.com/2009/01/nice-assignment-create-mantra.html

I love her entry about resolutions and an idea of a different approach this year. Create a mantra that captures the essence of your resolutions for the year..captures the essence of you...or at least tries to do that...:)

I love the idea of creating a mantra for my resolutions…..I’ve also had the idea of doing things in categories of threes..top 3’s to speak…but let’s stick with the mantra thing. A great site I have visited is produced by one Melissa called Operation Nice.

She had the entry at this link: NICE Assignment: Create a Mantra which is all about creating a mantra for your resolution..something simple that you can repeat to yourself…her example for the year was: Be Nice and Have fun…
Now I may have to create several mantras to repeat because I have a lot of ideas for improvement but looking at my key goals for the year so far and last years topics…it is a dilemma on what to choose for my top mantra…and then it struck me..it has to be about being positive and optimistic, kind, smart and quick thinking, clear minded and with focus and conviction on whatever I may strive to accomplish…these must be in my mantra!!!!! How will I boil it down to the essence of what I want to do this year? …..I saw a quote the other day on one of those PPS slideshows that come around via email that said: “Aspire to Inspire – before you Expire”…..I like that one…I want to be more than just a success I want to do something of significance….

my mantra for 2009 is: “Aspire to Inspire – before I Expire”…this will help me to remember that time is short, that what I do must be kind and focused, I must have conviction and strive to be clear minded and quick thinking, optimistic and positive so I don’t waste time brooding…..

now for a photo to go with it….hmmmmm…..ASPIRE TO INSPIRE – BEFORE I EXPIRE - These bright sunsets in Mexico should work as my reminder…..life is short, beautiful, brilliant and inspiring.

What are you Thankful for Today?

One wonderful way to accentuate the positive is to start keeping track of what you can be grateful for each day. Here is a little site that has a great idea:


http://mashable.com/2009/01/01/what-are-you-thankful-for-today/


This is a little application my friend, Theresa, sent to me as an application for my Iphone. I plan to list 5 things each day of the week that I am thankful for and then post them. This time of year, we're grateful for family, friends, fresh beginnings, holiday memories, and seasonal treats. So we really want to know: what are the five things you are grateful for today? I will post a little photo for each day! 7 days in one posting..updated each day..starting with Monday..you can play too just add a post in your journal and link back to it in my comments box and link back here in your posting! My plan is to update it daily so there will be changes all week to this posting. Let's just see how it goes.....


This is the week starting with January 5:

Monday: Jan 5
Today I am grateful for:
1. my husband for being such a good driver in the snow
2. my sister-in-law for her hospitality
3. my little hairbrush
4. air freshener
5. my computers

Tuesday: Jan 6 -
Today I am grateful for:
1. Yummy salads
2. Church Handbells
3. umbrellas
4. a warm house over my head
5. my husband's humor

Wednesday: Jan 7
Today I am grateful for:

1. Racquetball
2. My Iphone
3. Music to hear in the morning
4. Paper
5. My warm robe





Thursday: Jan 8
Today I am thankful for:
1. Dinner by Ron
2. Beautiful flowers by Myra
3. Crazy dice throwing by Chris
4. Beautiful smiles by Jasmine
5. My 6 cubes dice board game









Friday: Jan 9
Today I'm thankful for:
1. Kell's restaurent in Seattle
2. My car
3. My daughter's friends
4. The Internet
5. Cat food for my Kitties


Saturday: Jan 10
Today I'm thankful for:
1. My sister, Kathy
2. The break in the weather
3. The safe drive home Saturday night
4. Seattle University Soccer
5. Lemon cream tarts with blueberries and a raspberry

Sunday: Jan 11
Today I'm thankful for:
1. Girlfriends
2. Margaritas
3. Mexican food
4. Sundays
5. Aunt Dottie and her show

Monday: Jan 12
Today I'm thankful for:
1. Jenny Craig food
2. warm socks
3. almond roca
4. my backup camera
5. usb connectors

Tuesday: Jan 13
Today I'm thankful for:
1. Photobucket photos of Jasmine and Chris from New York
2. My Church bell playing friends
3. Jane's great banana cake
4. Shad's birthday
5. Clear roads tonight driving home from Bellevue at 9:30!

Decided not to upload more photos...but this was a good exercise!...:).....