Christmas miracles

3 days until Christmas!  I love this time of year, with all of its beauty of the season and the joy that it brings and just the refresher of knowing another time to renew and start over.  I had a few pleasant surprises from some people offering to do things that I wasn't financially able to do and just took care of it, and for that I am ever grateful. Its a great reminder when you know sometimes a tough time hits or a small nuisance yet somehow a little miracle comes about from either a kindness of a loved one, or friend or stranger.  I went to the eye doctor and have to go back in a few months as they found the beginning stages of diabetic retinopathy in one eye.  They believe it was due to the stress I had going back aways through divorce etc and that since I have come down on my meds and have been losing weight that in three months it may very well be gone, however it still is a wake up call and make you work even harder on something you already are working hard on.  Blessing in disguise if you may.  I started back at the gym, looking forward to water aerobics again and weights, and for the first time today I took a ZUMBA class and WOW.  It was fun, great, had some pains I wasn't used to, had to ice my back, but you really work up  a sweat, and I felt great (other than the back part LOL).  I plan to do that now regularly at least once a week while I cross train the other days.  This time of year I am really appreciating the little things more.  I realize a year ago so much had happened in a short time and through it well what doesn't kill you certainly does make you stronger!  Strength comes in many forms, a lot of people don't realize this...I know I didn't.  It is baby steps, sometimes a few steps forward and back, but one day you wake up and see where you are now, who you have become and where you were and who you were, and you see a difference in yourself.  I see it now more than ever.  The changes that came out of some tough situations have been for the better even though you never see it during the moment it is happening.

This magic moment....

I being a child of the 80s and teen of the early 90s still appreciate some of the old songs from the fifties, sixties and seventies.  The song playing in my head tonight over and over again tonight is the old song...this magic moment so different and so new...by the Drifters.  How ironic that this song plays in my head as I drive home from work this evening to see beautiful Christmas trees lit in the windows (yes even before Thanksgiving), and lights and shows in the yards of those who go all out.  There is one house down the street from where I live that reminds me of the Griswalds Christmas movie with Chevy Chase LOL.  Anyways I digress...  This really is a beautiful time of year to stop and look around and be thankful for what you truly have.  I have lost a lot in life (as so many have), divorce, a daughter who passed away 12 years ago, and more things...but it has only made me appreciate what I DO have all the more.  I have a lot to be thankful for.  I have watched my mom battle breast cancer last year and become a greater survivor than she already is.  I have been a greater survivor from what I have overcome in my own life. I am learning more and more every day who Jean is..and what I will accept and what I will not allow.  It is a good place for me.  One in which I don't fear the unknown anymore..I face it head on, daring it and embracing it.  I watch my three pets tonight, my dog, and my two cats, and boy animals love unconditionally, always wanting to please and demand attention that they crave just to know you love them.  They don't ask much, just to be fed, to snuggle, to be held or petted.  It is a simple peaceful approach that I wish in this busy life more people would embrace.  So many including myself have got caught in the busyness stopping to realize the beauty that surrounds them.  If we would take but a moment to embrace all that is before us, happiness is not only at your feet but within you.  This time of year, during the holidays it is a great time to remember what is important, who is important.  If I don't blog anymore before thanksgiving, I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

How many days until Turkey Day? and other creative things.

Here are some really neat cards I made today with friends.  Love stamping, its a real good creative outlet that I think we all need in this busy world!  I being the artist I am love to draw, paint, etc, but the one thing I seem to like to do regularly and do not necessarily have to be inspired (like when I draw or paint) is to make cards, as you can see in this blog.

I was busy organizing myself earlier today with some new thirty one products that I got for FREE for having a party and noticed that we are only a little over a week or so before THANKSGIVING!  SO..that being said, I need to start getting on the ball with a lot of things and soon.  CHOW!

Well it is hard to believe we are at the end of the year! I have never really blogged before, but I hear from so many how interesting and therapeutic it can be.  I see I blogged before when I used to sell Avon, and then stopped after one post, and of course I also stopped selling Avon!  I decided I needed to simplify things in my life. I have been through so much in my life, and have learned how simplifying things is so much less stress.  I don't want to say a lot here, I am rather a private person, and maybe in time I will open up a little more, but for now I am just trying out blogging and maybe keep it on discussion topics rather than anything else.  I was thinking the other day how we are so advanced with technology and its such a wonderful thing and I love playing around with computers, smart phones, I love to learn.  One thing I find though that is a downfall is so many people are starting to lose touch with not only themselves but with each other.  It is almost unheard of for some people to talk on the phone, everyone skypes or texts.  I think the skype idea is wonderful, but texting is good, but not at the cost of not being with someone, looking them in the eyes and connecting.  True connection in its finest form is eye contact.  Think about when you are in love with someone what is more beautiful than that lost in your eyes moment eh?  Well same with friendship, you can connect with someone on a much deeper level speaking to them, not at them via texting.  I am not saying I am against it in any way, I text quite often, but I also pick up the phone and call, and I also make time to have family time or friends time spending time with that person or group.  I don't want us to become a world that no one talks anymore, debates, jokes...and I am afraid some days that is where we are headed and its rather scary.  If anyone is reading this, take a few moments this week, call a friend, or a family member that you have not spoke to for awhile. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!