Friday ponderings

Bought my 7 year old daughter a video camera last night. Too funny! Can't wait to see what she thinks is worth making a movie of!

This morning my great pyrenees was a big playful love sponge (more so than usual). He kept rubbing my hip with his head and looking at the back door, so I opened it for him to go out and he immediately turned around with that "come on mom-play with me" look. So I followed him outside, and he chased around me a few times and was ready to go back inside. I just had to hug that big fur ball. I wish it was easier for me to feel that unconditional dog love for humans! Or maybe I wish humans did more stuff that made them worthy of unconditional dog love.

Being mindful of little things I take for granted today-indoor plumbing, 24 hour electricity, telephone service, and internet service.

Bring on the soccer tomorrow, and a weekend to use as I please.

http://www.abolishslavery.org/

http://www.forthesilent.org/

http://www.buckup.org/

http://www.thesoldproject.com/

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

http://redlightchildren.org/

http://www.thehomefoundation.net/facts.html

grassroots

I've been reading about human trafficking via people and groups I've started following on twitter. There are several websites where you can donate money. Unfortunately it doesn't make you feel like you've really done anything. Since I now have 400+ friends, I'm going to post some links on my facebook page. At least I can spread the word, since I'm not really at a place in my life where I can quit my job and go help rescue these people.

I truly believe that if we all do just a little more each day to improve the world we share, we can have a huge impact!

Focusing on the positive

I am reminded today of just how powerful attention is. For no other reason than I have made a conscious decision to focus on the positive aspects of this human experience, I am feeling really wonderful. I'm learning this new web wonder "twitter" and absolutely loving it! It is a glorious day outside, and my work environment is pleasant and comfortable. My husband and I are blessed to have continuing employment, a safe, warm house, in which to raise our daughter, and our plethora of pets. We are surrounded by family members who would drop everything to help us, if needed, and they're happy to drive an hour to watch our girl play soccer!

I have found over and over again in my life that what you seek, so shall you find. It is so so so true. So I am keeping with my search for things to be grateful for, and sucking enjoyment out of this juicy orange called "life". I keep finding more inspirational people and stories on twitter, and happy news on facebook. It has most likely been there all along, just waiting for me to overturn the leaf of my outlook.

Thank you benevolent universe for so many gifts. Thank you for elevating my conscience. Thank you for taking care of my every need, even when I despaired.

Recently Read

I am a voracious reader. It quite frequently annoys my husband. I've had a love affair with reading since early childhood. My stepmom and I would take turns reading a chapter to eachother before bed every night. We tackled Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, The Secret Garden and hundreds of others throughout my childhood and pre-teen years. I still seldom fall asleep without a good 30+ minutes of reading. Warning: if you're a book snob you won't be interested in my recently read post, as I decided long ago, that I read for pleasure, not to impress people with the wittiness or technicality or difficulty of my reading list.
currently reading: Atonement
last week: From Potter's Field (Patricia Cornwell)
week before: The Other Boleyn Girl (FANFREAKINTASTIC)
last couple months: The Gabriel Method, It's All Too Much, Total Money Makeover, A Complaint Free World, The Shack, Merrick, Queen of the Damned, The Artist's Way, Money Drunk; Money Sober, Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?, The Life Organizer, and many more.

So on I tarry always looking for the next delicious read. Always open to suggestions!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

It is an absolutely glorious day in my little corner of the world!
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the snow has melted, and I discovered some rogue tulips on the South side of my house!

A dear friend of mine encouraged me to find things about which I should feel gratitude, in addition to mentioning that I am a "negative Nellie" about 70% of the time. At first I was mad, and now I realize she is right. SO in that vein, I am challenging myself to write a positive blog, and "count my blessings" everyday.

A while back I read A Complaint Free World, and while it resonated deeply with me, I have failed to implement the plan into my life. It seems I enjoy being a curmudgeon. But I firmly believe I can change, and have committed to following that path.