IN HONOR OF GIRLFRIENDS

This morn I was feeling the need to call someone to hang out with on my morning walk. I wanted, no, needed, some girlfriend time. As I thought about it my phone started humming letting me know I had received a text message. It was from a woman, a neighbor, whom I had met and had known since I moved to this area. We'd talk on and off. I've supported her in some of her " I Love Lucy" schemes and she'd support me when I wanted to go off on some uncharted not well thought out plan. But, all and all, we'd laugh and generally kept one another in check. I was happy to see that she wanted to go walking - even though the temp was at 100 degrees! Well, this turned out to be a BAD idea - I almost passed out from the heat!!!! Whew. Yet, even in this heat, she and I started a conversation about life. We talked about our upbringing, our families, understanding now how what was modeled to us by our family created the persona we see and are today. We compared our our lives and came to know that we both came from similar socio - economic backgrounds. We were in awe of how we went from an environment of struggling economically to a life that our parents could only dream of - nice homes, nice cars, air conditioning, not worry about food - to name a few. How we need to say prays of gratitude each and every day - not just for STUFF, but for all we have in our lives. We talked about our hopes and dreams - our worries and concerns. We talked about what we wanted for ourselves and for our families. We discussed how our mindset about money was formed and strategies we've had to create in order to "make that change" to understand, appreciate and control money and not let money control us. We talked about successes and some "not so successes" , and were able to place them in a proper perspective. She talked me thru my fear of an upcoming unknown . I smiled and talked about how life is about creating - we create it as we go along. We spoke about how we use to have the mindset that we would do something "when the time was right" and that we now realize that the time is right when WE say its right - you just have to just do it. Our 45 min walk turn into a 2 hour "girlfriend" therapy session. It was well worth it, almost heat stroke and all - lol. A male colleague recently told me that August 7th is national girlfriend day. I had not heard this but if its true I started the celebration early. Hug, love, and appreciate a girlfriend today :0). OH, BTW - THE WOMAN SITTING IN THE CHAIR - MY GIRLFRIEND, DIANN. WE WENT TO ELEMENTARY, JR AND HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER. AND, WE'VE BEEN GIRLFRIENDS FOR 45 YEARS.

BE CAREFUL WHAT U SAY: WORDS HURT

I used to belong to a weight loss group where we would repeat the phrase, "I will control my emotions, and not let my emotions control me". I know, from personal experience, there is pure turth in this statement. There are times when emotions get in the way of common sense - where the tongue is contolled by unbridled emotions. The result - hurt feelings, crushed confidence and self esteem. Emotions, left to freely flow, can leave a path of tears, anger, and create a sense of unworthiness and disbelief - just break your heart. And, statements said in the heat of an emotional storm, once made, cannot be undone. Once the damage is done - it just cannot be repaired - even if you want to forgive the person. No matter what - be careful what u say: words have power - words can....hurt. The saying" If you can't say anything nice, dont say anything", rings so true. When in doubt, when at all possible, strive to protect the heart, spirit and soul of another. You reap what you sow - sow good seed.

WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE: PART ONE

I am routinely asked to become a member of various organizations. And, I admit, I would routinely joined them all. I'd go to this meeting or that meeting - giving the appearance of being sooo busy, being actively engaged and showing an interest. But, truth be told, I was not interested in 99.9% of the ideals put forth by these organizations. Actually, when I stopped and examined the mission statements of these organizations, I realized that their statements did not line up with my life mission or purpose nor did these organizations add much substantive value to my life. I found out, like so many others I've encountered in my life, that I was seeking to fill a void - a void of, well, not being comfortable with me and who I was. Chock it up to a lack of self esteem, a feeling of a lack of worth, the need to be accepted and feel appreciated by my "peers" - whatever, it just became part of my daily existence. Yet, it had become a vicious circle, one that I was so deeply entrenched in that I hadn't even notice I was allowing myself to be slowly and systematically drawn into. One day I happened to be talking to a young client about her case. I went over the various program resources available that could assist her in overcoming some obstacles. She looked me in the eye and said, " Do you know any of the people running these programs?". Well, no, I responded. Then she said. " I don't know them, either. If they don't know who I am, how can they help me?" For a moment,I was speechless - it was like - great question. I then asked her questions about what her needs were, if she had a support system that could meet those needs and learned that her church actually had a recovery program and that she knew many of the people involved with the program. After some investigation and a background check I learned that, in fact, the church program was a great fit for her. Her question " if they don't know who I am, how can they help me", was an aha moment for me. It was the catalyst I needed to take a long hard personal look at who and what I had allowed to enter into my daily life and what value these entities brought to my "table of life". That is when the purging began -the moment when I came to realize and understand the "what I knew for sure" realities that actually fueled my life: that I have a hubbie and children who love and protect me - and who I love and protect as well. That my family loves me - even when we don't say it - even with all the drama :0) - we show it. That my friends of 40 plus years have my back and will support and cheer me on, will correct me when I'm wrong and still love me no matter what. That being a "sister" goes beyond race, color, creed or religion. That life for me its not about accumulating more "stuff" or fighting for a title. That God is no respecter of persons - the same love, blessings, favor and forgiveness he has for me is also available to you. That I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me and finally, as a man thinkest, so is he. All of this is what I know for sure. How about you?

The Amazing Body

I have discovered that the body is absolutely amazing - God has given it the ability to heal, to heal itself, even when we aren't aware of damage that has happened in the past. I'm just in awe at how it can save us from unknown, unseen dangers and harm. I've learned not to take it for granted, to take care of it - to honor and appreciate it. God is good.

LOVE

What is this thing called LOVE.

To have and to hold..

to love and honor...

unconditionally.....

fun, excitment, wonder and awe

friend, lover, supporter,

a safe place for the heart, spirit and soul

in good times and bad

sickness and in health

hero, shero

kiss, hug

love......

FACING FEAR

Not many people know this but, I'm deathly afraid of heights. Seriously. So when a friend planned a trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon my initial reaction was - ummmm - no. Sedona I could do as long as I could just enjoy the beautiful red mountains terrain. No climbing for me. But, the Grand Canyon - I didn't think so. Yet, something inside me kept gnawing away. The truth of the matter was I really wanted to see the Grand Canyon. It was on my list of places I always to see. I was shaking in my boots. Thank goodness my nerves where calmed by a group of pretty funny women. We laughed along the way to our destinations and took pictures of the beautiful scenery. First stop was Sedona . It -was - beautiful. Yet, my mind was still on the Grand Canyon. I got nervous just thinking of it. I had time to really think about it. We were spending the nite in Sedona and would leave for the Grand Canyon the next morning. Morning came ( a bit to quick for me!) and, after some good nature ribbing from the others, I reluctantly agreed to go. It was a quiet ride for me. I almost baled out at the entrance to the Canyon. My mind was racing. But, I took a deep breath, and knew I had to do it. Pulling into a parking lot I glimpsed around me and my eyes came to rest on a scene that looked surreal. I stepped outside the car and there it was - the scenery was so spectacular it took my breath away! Although the others made their way to one of the railings I stayed behind. But, the beauty of the scenery pulled me in. Slowly I made my way to a railing. I felt sick, dizzy and excited, all at the same time. When I finally made it to the railing I reached out and held on for dear life. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly opened my eyes. As the beauty unfolded before my eyes the fear I originally felt begin to give way to awe and wonderment. It was beyond beautiful. Oh, I was still a bit queasy, but, I knew that I had taken a huge step in my war against fear. Fear - false evidence appearing real - had suffered a major blow. More importantly, I knew that when you do the thing you fear, the death of fear is certain. Note: I've been back to the Canyon 3 more times and plan to go back again and again.

LIFE: TAKE TIME TO NOTICE BEAUTY

I recently discovered an area where renovations were taking place to restore some historic buildings in a downtown area. I took pictures of the renovations and started looking around. There was a little "park" across the street and I decided to check it out. It was composed of a hodge podge of " stuff". The area was a bit overgrown with weeds - and I thought - what a shame no one had taken the time to clean the area up - it would be really nice if the weeds were gone. Yet, upon closer examination, I saw that the place was chocked full of beauty: beautiful murals made out of broken glass, odd pieces of stone cemented together to create sculptured master pieces, a bench made out of rock, broken bottles and wood. It was a fascinating collection of art. Just as I was taking in all in - a little color caught the corner of my eye. Initally, I was so busy observing things that made the park look unkempt, I hadn't noticed it. But, there it was, for the eye to see, a beautiful yellow flower. It looked like a variety of a sun flower. It just grew out of the concrete. I looked around and didn't see any place where a seed could have originated from - the flower was just there. I realized that I had almost missed the sheer beauty of this place - and this beautiful flower - because my focus was on what the place lacked rather than taking the time to look for things of beauty. How about you - do you take time out each day to notice beauty in your everyday walk in life? You'd be amazed at how just this seemingly innocent small act will change the way you view and live life. Look for "sunflower" moments in your life and I promise - you will never, ever regret it!

INSPIRATION

I read a fellow blogger's post about inspiration. The question: what inspires you? I had to give this a bit of thought. God has provided a world full of so much beauty - how can one not be inspired. And while some may look high and low for it, for me inspiration comes slowly and gently in the form of simple quiet moments. Like when I'm awaken in the wee hours by the sweet serenade of a little bird outside my window, saying hello to the morning moon as I step outside for my daily walk in the cool desert morning air, a soft gentle kiss on my sleepy eye lids by someone I love. Walking through a beautiful rose garden and enjoying the fragant smells. Its hugging a 85 year women who loves and lives life to the fullest. And, biting into a peach, and loving its sweet juicy goodness as it bursts in my mouth. Or that choked up feeling that overcomes me when my child tells me how much I mean to them. Take time out every day to find your "sweet spot " of inspiration. And remember, even though you may not know it, YOU are an inspiration to and for someone else. Be inspired!

Photography has a way of bringing out the best in us. Even the most harden person tends to lighten up when there's a camera around. What is it about being photographed that makes us so, well, giddy? I think its the feeling of being the center of attention - of being the focus of the moment - that excites the heart. Have you ever watched how people react when you take their picture and instantly show them the end result ( I'm taking digital ). They will look, ponder, consider whether or not the image captures a true depiction of them. Its an interesting "dance" I think we all go through when our picture is taken and presented to us. I find this to be a fasinating process. I always feel so good to see my picture - whether its be a candid or posed shot. I look at my smile, my expression and re-live just how I was feeling as the camera clicked away. I love this picture. I can see the power, confident and see the pleasure I felt being in such a beautiful environment. The next time you're feeling a little down and out, take out a picture that recorded an image of you when you were feeling on top of the world. Believe me, it will refresh your heart, soul and spirit - I know it does it for me. Man, I look HOT in this picture lol!

LIVING LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

I didn't mention this early: This blog is dedicated to my love of photography ( I have another blog in the process of being created to encourage, support, nuture and, ultimately, manifest the dreams and aspirations we all hold within ). For me a photograph is meant to tell a story. And, as such, I've come to understand that there are no good or bad images. As I can attest, a photograph can open up one's world to new beginnings. It can gently hold and nuture a dream, or it can just make us smile - the possibilities are unlimited. On of my most favorite images of those of children. Children have the most amazing sense of wonder and adventure. When I take pictures of children I find myself re- energized with a sense of awe and wonder. Their innocent approach to life is so refreshing. The photo attached to this post shows my little friend, Kendall. After searching and searching for the "perfect" shell she came across this massive mass of shells and sand. She was so excited - you can see it written all over her face. She said " this is the best thing that ever happened to me - I'm so happy!!" As I looked at her treasured find I couldn't help but think how little it took to make her so happy. As she handed it to me the biggest smile came across my face. Imagine, something as simple as sand and shells making someone so happy. "Mrs. Umbreit, don't you just love it", she asked. I gave her the biggest hug and said, " I LOVE it, its soooo beautiful. " She said "yeah, it is". How much more would we enjoy life if we allowed ourselves to enjoy such simple moments. Living life - through the eyes of a child.

Dream Big At Any Age

When I was in 5th grade I went to the library. I always loved the library - you could lose yourself in a world of make beleive - create a world of wonder. The library held the tools I needed to daydream. I love going there and I loved to read. It here that I first started reading National Geographic magazine. Boy, did they have some beautiful pictures of exotic places, places no one in my family had ever gone - nor had any of my friend's family ever gone to visit these far away places. The farthest my family ever got to visiting another "land" was family vacations to St Louis - and we were grateful for that. Yet, even as a young child, I knew there was a world out there, one that I wanted to see, to explore. One day, while I was going through a National Geographic magazine, I came across a picture of a something that took my breath away. At that time I had never really heard of the country of Italy. Oh, I saw the name on one of those old fashioned globes we had in the classroom - but didn't know anything about it. As I scanned the pages of pictures my eyes fell upon a photo - one that would define and create the foundation of a dream. The photo-the leaning tower of Pisa. I vowed, that one day, I would go see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. An interesting thing about dreams - be careful who you tell. People made fun of me - laughed at my dream. Know what - I didn't care - I knew I would see the Leaning Tower of Pisa - no matter how long it would take - no matter waht others said. Some 40 years later - my dream came true.... Even though I didn't know it the time - my strong belief in knowing what I wanted set the stage for this as well as many other dreams. Looking at that picture still brings tear to my eyes.. dreams do come true. I did it :0)