Twenty Years Ago Today

Time is such an interesting concept as sometimes it goes by very quickly and at others, it seems to plod along slowly. As with many anniversaries, today is one of remembrance and I wanted to honor those who we lost on September 11, 2001 and those who we lost subsequently because of this heart wrenching tragedy.

Many of us know exactly where we were when we first heard the unbelievable news. Especially being a Jersey Girl and so close to NYC, we felt the fear, the grief and the hole in our lives in different ways. As I gazed up at the clear blue sky this morning while drinking my coffee and listening to the peaceful sounds of nature, I prayed because it was a morning such as this that changed so many lives in ways that nobody could have dared to imagine.

Even so many years later, I am stilled by this anniversary. Does it affect you as well?

One of my favorite songs we sang at church when I was growing up was Let There Be Peace On Earth. While I was sitting outside this morning, the song came to me and the words nestled into my heart. So I had to share them with you in case you feel as if you’d like to sing along.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin 
With me (me)
With me

I’m sending heartfelt hugs to all of you. Please continue to shine your heartlights and share your loving kindness with those around you. Our world feels mighty heavy lately. Your beacons of heartlight shine so brightly and help us all to remember that we are not alone.

God Bless.

Shine On!

xo

Jersey Roots

As you may remember, I’m a Jersey Girl. Born and raised in New Jersey. Bruce (Bruce Springsteen) is pretty famous here. He lived in my town for awhile. I’ve met him a few times. We’ve actually got a few friends in common. Whenever we’ve met he’s been nice and not pretentious at all. A normal man who doesn’t act like he’s a celebrity or deserves special treatment. Just a kind person…and that counts for a lot in my book.

It’s been a few years since I’ve watched the Superbowl, but I’ve always loved the commercials. This one was no exception and in tribute to my Jersey roots (and to Bruce’s), I wanted to share it with you. Because there’s a feeling of hope, calm, caring and even love in this commercial. What do you think of it?

“There’s a chapel in Kansas standing on the exact center of the lower 48. It never closes. All are more than welcome to come meet here in the middle,” Bruce says. “It’s no secret, the middle has been a hard place to get to lately, between red and blue, between servant and citizen, between our freedom and our fear.”

“Now fear has never been the best of who we are. And as for freedom, it’s not the property of just the fortunate few. It belongs to us all, whoever you are, wherever you’re from. It’s what connects us, and we need that connection,” he continues. “We need the middle. We just have to remember the very soil we stand on is common ground. So we can get there. We can make it to the mountain top, through the desert, and we will cross this divide. Our light has always found its way through the darkness. And there’s hope on the rode up ahead.”

Our light has always found its way through the darkness.

Shine On!

xo

As The Wind Blows

I’m a Jersey Girl, never far from the beach even if I don’t frequent it as much anymore. My happy place has always been by the sea for its power of calm, strength and beauty.

But the winds have kicked up today and the temperatures have dropped significantly. I was recently gifted a wind chime and I can hear its melodious tune, never ending in this wind. It’s a sweet reminder on the day after All Souls Day to honor those loved ones who have passed away.

I feel as if these winds are blowing away the remnants of whatever each of us still clings to that is not for us anymore. Releasing feels key here, especially with the helpful winds. Letting go and finding peace within, centered and calming will certainly help us in the coming days for there seems to be a building of emotional uncertainty that may affect those of us who prefer peace.

I wish you all peace. I wish kindness, caring and patience to surround you. I am grateful to see your heart lights still shining. That in itself keeps mine shining as well.

Shine On!

xo

Happy 4th of July!

Being a Jersey Girl, the beach has always been important to me so when I saw this photo on FaceBook, I copied and pasted it here.  I wish I knew who the photographer was so I could give proper credit, but I don’t.  So thank you whomever you are!

We are in strange times here, aren’t we?  The laws (rules) keep changing so I’m never sure where we stand.  I guess that’s what the pandemic has started.  It’s made a lot uncertain in the world.  It’s brought fear, escalated emotions and a wide political divide.  But I’m not here to talk about that because that’s not what my blog is about as you know.

Instead, I want to go back in history and remember how our country was founded and the unity that breaking off from England to establish the USA resulted in a firm foundation.  I wish that unity again for all of us.  I wish we could see eachother as the same, yet different.  To be united as human citizens of our country and to celebrate what each person has to offer.  Because we all have goodness to offer and talents to share.

I’m reminded of hearing how we all bleed the same color and when we die, we all turn to the same dust.  What if we could remember that?  That yes, our skin may be different shades, our backgrounds and childhoods may vary, our socio-economic levels may not be the same, but…what is the same?  We are all humans on this planet who need the same things – food, shelter, clothing, air, water and love.

Love is what brings us together.  Love heals.  Love unites.  Love is a universal human emotion that grows when shared.  We can exponentially expand love without lessening it.  Love is essential.

I wish you love today and always.  Keep shining your heart lights dear friends!

Shine On!

xo

My Hometown

I’m a Jersey Girl in case you didn’t know.  At one point in my life, Bruce Springsteen and his family were actually living in my hometown.  I’ve met him and talked with him over the years.  I’ve seen him play locally numerous times and I was even at a spontaneous birthday party he had at a local restaurant where he gave an impromptu mini concert with his band and danced with his Mom on the dance floor.  That was such a memorable night!

What I find special about Bruce is how he weaves his stories through his music in a way that touches so many of us.  Around town, he didn’t display his celebrity status.  He was just Bruce, without pretensions which is such a lovely way to be.

So when he played at the Tony Awards, the man playing the piano was so real to me.  While I didn’t grow up in his hometown, the nostalgia in which he paints it was real to me as I know his town too.

If you care to take a listen, maybe this clip will remind you of the beauty of your hometown as you take a walk down your memory lane along the streets of your childhood.

Shine On!

xo

 

I Love Snow!

It’s snowing here and in my excitement, even though I didn’t have to get up early, I was up early.  Silly I know for me to not sleep in, because going out today is not a viable option, but the child-like wonder in watching snow fall has never left me.  So here I sit, coffee in hand and snuggled under a blanket in our warm home, watching the snow fall outside in what is being called a blizzard.  Ah, the benefits of being a Jersey Girl!

Especially when snow is falling at night, I am entranced by the wonder of each individual snowflake being unique, much like human beings.  Collectively they fall from the sky to pile up together, nestled on the ground, and then blown by the winds to be swept up again into drifts.

I love snow like I love people – I love their uniqueness, their quirky ways and their ability to bond together to form a cohesive snowball!  LOL  I know I’m being silly here, but I can’t help it.  I’m giddy today.  I just can’t help myself from smiling.  I don’t even care that it will take me a long time and much effort to clear a path, clean off our cars and get out after the storm has ceased.  But for now, the winds are blowing, the snow is falling and since we have no place to go – so as the song goes – Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

I am feeling innately sated today and I’m counting my blessings.  We have homemade chicken soup all ready for lunch (and maybe even dinner?) if the mood suits us.  Plenty of snacks and some movies to enjoy watching together.  There’s no school and no work to attend today so we will just enjoy being together, safe and sound, watching the outside world be covered in a mantle of white lace.

Life is good friends.  Shine your heartlights.

Shine On!

xo

 

A Magical Morning

I experienced a magical morning which I have to share with you.  Above is a photo of the sky this morning, full of sunshine with a blessing of blue (and an angelic orb in the top right corner?).  The sun is actually behind the sand photo (please notice that I made the photo into a sun shape) and the leis and Jersey Girl plaque are gifts.

I don’t know where to begin except I guess at the beginning, but my words may fall all over the page as I try to keep up with the whirring in my brain.  What could have me so excited, you may ask?  Well, two blogging souls met this morning at the beach for the first time and bonded.  Two complete strangers walked in the sunshine, excitedly blending hearts quickly and easily with much trust, presence and Blessitudes.  I am grateful to be one of them.  Just check out Lorrie’s post about our meeting ~ I love how we intertwine our friendship and our morning so easily Shine On Meets Blessitude ~ WOW!

Do you believe in magic?  Have you ever experienced the instantaneous bonding with a person quickly, easily and dare I say, magically?  As Lorrie and I walked the boardwalk this morning, having met in person for the first time (it is a first for each of us to meet another blogger in person), we bonded.  Granted, we have been following each other’s blogs for awhile, so we had a special friendship already blossoming, but this morning, it was as if magically we connected angelically.

As we were walking, excitedly chatting away like old friends, we came upon the 2 leis in the photo, right next to each other, in our path.  As I bent to pick them up, I handed the blue one to Lorrie.  We smilingly accepted the Divine gift with much enthusiasm.  We didn’t even question why they would be there for us or why nobody else had picked them up already.  We just knew they were for us.  After all, a lei is a welcome celebration of affection of one person’s affection to another.  How wonderful that the Universe knew we would find them to be so special!

Have you ever had the opportunity to meet another blogger in person?  Have you bonded with other bloggers and wished to meet?  Our amazing virtual community of bloggers is such a blessing to me in my life.  I am forever grateful to each and every one of you for connecting with me.  I hope that you experience the instant bonding when you get to meet others with whom you’ve enjoyed an affectionate connection through blogging.  It is truly magical.

Shine On!

xo

 

P.S.  I’ve written about magic before in case you’re interested…Do You Believe in Magic?

 

 

A View of the Beach by a Jersey Girl

So as you may remember, I’m a Jersey Girl through and through.  Not the Jersey Shore type of gal, but a Jersey Girl which means that I grew up by the beach.  The ocean beckoned me every summer’s day and even when the weather wasn’t delightful, she beckoned and I answered, surrendering to her call.

To me, the beach is my only drug.  It soothes my soul.  No matter whether the weather is sunny, bright and warm or blustery, cold and cloudy!  The tranquility of the waves, the beauty of the sky as it meets the ocean, the way the waves draw on the sand, soothes my heart, my mind and me.  Even when the storms come and the waves thrash against the shoreline, rising up with their powerful swells, the beach is still my favorite place to be.

Because to me, the beach and the ocean are like life.  Some days are filled with sunshine and with rhythmic waves that we ride along with ease!  Some days are blustery, cloudy and the uncontrollable swells sweep across our lives and take with them everything that we know.  Even when tragedy strikes, it is to the beach that I return, finding my compass again to build another sandcastle baby step by baby step in my life.

With Hurricane Sandy, so many were devastated by her wrath.   Familiar buildings nearby were demolished, swept away by the sea.  The landscape changing completely by the power of the storm.  Destruction that will take years to rebuild has changed so many lives and it is with a tear-stained face that I witnessed so much.  However, months later, we are a part of Restore the Shore, starting over again, rebuilding and changing and making stronger.  It is to the sea that we all are drawn here.

We acknowledge her power, her beauty and her will ~ we bend to her, but we never break completely for we are Jersey Strong.  Time heals us and it takes time to heal, but with strength, love and will, we can rebuild her and enjoy her once again!

Mountains and forests are beautiful but simply don’t hold that magical, powerful draw that the beach has for me.  Perhaps if I weren’t born a Jersey Girl it would be different.

I am forever a Jersey Girl.

I simply can’t be far away from the sea ~

her beauty, her power, and her saltwater flow forever in my veins.

What about you?  Are you a beach, a mountain, a forest or another type of nature admirer?

Shine On!

xo

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/daily-prompt-places/

Daily Prompt: Places

Beach, mountain, forest, or somewhere else entirely?

Who’s to Say I’m Normal?

Daily Prompt: Far From Normal  Many of us think of our lives as boringly normal, while others live the high life. Take a step back, and take a look at your life as an outsider might. Now, tell us at least six unique, exciting, or just plain odd things about yourself.

I saw this Daily Prompt this morning and I figured I’d hop on board to do this one as well!  Since I love hearing about you, take a moment and give me a glimpse of you in the comment section or better yet, join me in the Daily Prompt!  I love connecting with you!   In the meantime, here are 9 things about me!

I AM A….

1.  Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Jersey Gal.   I love all the roles that encompass my life!  They make me happy to be a part of so many people’s lives whom I love!

2.  Writer  ~ Blog, E-book and Book (all in progress).   This is going on for awhile now and I have to really begin to pay more attention to these works in progress so I can finish them!

3.  Breast cancer survivor ~ 11 years and counting!   I love helping others who are enduring breast cancer and I am very grateful that I am healthy!

4.  Princess ~ affectionate nickname given by my Mother-in-Law (who really is a very good friend!)   My MIL and I are really close…she’s a blessing in my life!  When people meet us, they often think that I’m her daughter and not her DIL ~ so we allow them to think whatever they want because the In-Law part is just a title…she’s my Mom as well and I love her!

5.  Traveler ~ I love experiencing different cultures, places and foods!   I’ve been all over the world, but there are still many places that I would love to visit!  I’ve got a big Bucket List!

6.  Short gal ~ 5’2″ tall ~ haven’t grown since I was 14!   My one son towers over me now and the other one is almost taller too!

7.  Very Affectionate Person!   I can’t help myself so my family gets lots of hugs and kisses daily!

8.  Birthday~aholic because I LOVE my birthday!   I try to celebrate for at least a month every year!  There was nobody who didn’t know when I hit 40!  I was so excited to be alive (and still am!)

9.  Grateful gal who lives a blessed life!   I can honestly say that I love my life!

I have had more than my share of crazy drama in the past, but today my life is happily peaceful ~ as much as it can be!  I wanted to say something outrageous like I’m a former spy, but I just can’t lie to you!

Be Happy with Your Life!

Shine On!

xo

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/daily-prompt-abnormal/

Hurricane Sandy Help from Faraway!

So many people have helped those affected by Hurricane Sandy!  Recently I saw that a friend who moved to Ocala, Florida, inspired her children’s school and community to donate items to help those in New Jersey ~ her childhood home.  On FB, I watched as she asked and got help and donations and even got a truck to bring them to N.J.!  The power of one person ~ multiplied by hundreds of other like-minded hearts ~ can change lives!

I was inspired by them and so in just a few minutes, I made the following 3 panel card to thank them!  I thought I’d share to show you that sometimes I simply send one of our cards from our catalog and other times, I make the card myself.  It doesn’t take talent, or skill…it just takes a few photos or logo and a few minutes of your time.  There’s no limit to what your imagination can do with SendOutCards! (Green dotted lines that you see are not on the cards, they are just to show you the edges of your card ~ whatever is outside the green dotted box is not printed.  Because these are pictures of what I did, you will sometimes see the lines, but I can assure you, they are not on the cards received through the mail! 🙂

I chose a 3 panel card (see above) as I had a bunch of pictures and I wanted to send a video so I wanted a bunch of panels to fill up.  The 3 panel card cost $.93, all of the pictures cost $.31 (I could have had 100 pictures or just one ~ the price was still the same) and to add the video to the card cost $.31, postage is $.45 for a stamp so…

it costs exactly $2 with postage included

This is why I love what I do!  I just uploaded their pictures from Facebook and their website to my free SendOutCards (SOC) account, then I decided what backgrounds, fonts and colors I wanted, I then wrote a note from my heart and finally I found their address, filled in the blanks in the virtual envelope provided by SOC and voila!  I clicked send ~ within 24 hours, my card was printed, stuffed into the envelope, licked, addressed, stamped and mailed for me!

There is nothing easier, nor more fun, nor less expensive and yet priceless!

I had to share…so please indulge me!

Do you need to thank someone?

Click below…you’ll be glad you did!

Got Gratitude?

xo