The Lazy Gourmet Mutts

My 12-year-old son is currently working on a school project for his IT class, where he has to create a slideshow of pictures, all of people, places, or things that are special to him or that he enjoys.  So far he has photos of the dogs, his Pokemon cards, and some X-Box games. These are the "important" things in the life of a 12-year-old.  I am hoping a photo of his mother will rate at some point. *wink* 

So this project of his got me thinking about the thousands upon thousands of pictures I have taken over the years, and I thought I would share a few with you on this chilly Saturday morning in May.  And by the way, Mother Nature, what up?!?!  It is not supposed to BE chilly in May! 

The Surprising Gifts Relaxation Will Bring You

Recently, my husband and I drove 3 hours north for a peaceful 4-day vacation, free of children, dogs, and technology.  It was heavenly!

OK, let me address what you are all now thinking.  Husband?!  Say what?!  When did THAT happen?  Well, it didn't.  But it did.

The Lost Art of Kindness

My grandmother taught me this the minute I could talk.  I can still hear her voice telling me to treat others the way I want to be treated.  In fact, this pillow looks like something she would have made and had in her home.

"If you don't have anything nice to say.....don't say anything at all."

"Treat others the way you wish to be treated."

OK So I Have Clarity.......Now What?!

Clarity is a wonderful thing.  And it took me 40 years to get it!  Clearly I am a slow learner!  But here's the thing about clarity.....now that I have it, I don't know what to do with it.

As I sit here on this rainy Monday, sipping tea and listening to the dogs snore on their beds, I have a very clear picture of how I got to where I am.  How I became this person that I have become.  The way I was raised.  The choices I've made.  The inevitable mistakes I've made. (sometimes more than once, just to be sure)  

I Am Enough!

Why is it that such a simple statement - "I am enough" - is so difficult to digest?  Why is it that even though we KNOW this to be true, we still crave the attention and the validation of those around us?

Why, at 40 years old, do we still wish for the day our parents will respect us as an adult?  Our choices, our opinions, our mistakes and our triumphs.  When will they be enough?  And if they are never enough, why do we care? 

Exactly How Long Is This Gonna Take?!

Getting your thoughts down on paper (or screen, as the case may be) is therapeutic, as I'm coming to learn.  But sometimes, as some things become clearer, others become a little more muddy.

So I'm sitting in a bit of mud right now.  Having learned over the past year or so, that I no longer want any part of one way friendships and relationships, I have the gained the backbone and the self-respect I need to ensure I teach people how to treat me.  And twice this past week I had the opportunity to do just that.

Less Than.....

Oh how I know this to be true!  I referenced in my last post a quote by Dr. Phil - "You teach people how to treat you" and I believe this to be true.  Sadly, I was close to 40 before I realized I had collected a lifetime of people who I was allowing to treat me as "less than."

Yeah, that's right.  Less than!