Past Thoughts

Is This The Real Deal....I Don't Think So!

Besides the funny lead-in this morning... what the heck did I want to talk about today? Oh...I know...be "genuine" in life! So what is the definition of "genuine"? Well... web definitions include:

genuine emotions - not pretended... sincerely felt or expressed

genuine character - being or reflecting the essential

genuine article - not fake or counterfeit

Do you carry a pocketful of genuine with you in life? How great is the world if everyone in it becomes genuine? We are all unique living beings with a mindful of imagination and possibilities. Are you genuine with your thoughts...with your words...with your actions? Do you say what you mean....and mean what you say? I just want to say "thank-you" for I am blessed with genuine family, genuine friends, genuine acquaintances.

I write at 5:30am because it is important to me that I write genuine thoughts. And when I receive encouragement from genuine friends about my writings, I am filled with renewed positive energy and I feel blessed if I am able to make one other person smile.

So special thanks go out to my friends who so graciously support what I do. And to all, fill your thoughts with genuiness... fill your life with genuiness... and in return you will smile knowing you have made a difference! ENJOY!



Imagination Is A Flowing Life Energy...Believe In It's Power

Albert Einstein stated

"I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited...Imagination encircles the world!"

Mark Twain Said...

Debbie Gruss Says...  "Never lose your childlike sense of wonder...Imagine all possibilities and live a great big beautiful life!"

Recently I have been listening to others in the workforce and many are on the great chase of "paper power". What I mean is they are trying to juggle life, work and the pursuit of an advanced degree.  I am not knocking down education by any means. But the stress and worry on their faces thinking about one more thing they have to do just isn't worth it to me. I think corporate America is missing the boat. I think our education system is missing the boat. They are forgetting about a very key element to growth both personally and professionally. IMAGINATION! You need imagination as a foundation for all growth. Where are the next big ideas coming from? Well...it has to start from the imagination of someone who believes and then achieves. It's not going to be found in a textbook. Use your education as a base to expand your own unique possibilities which are found within your imagination. Now that is a winning portfolio. Be free with your thoughts...share them with others and together the world will be a better place. ENJOY!

Everytime I look out the window these days, I am greeted with grey skies and falling snow. The visual alone send chills down my spine. I grumble as I put on my hat, scarf, coat, boots and gloves every morning...every afternoon...every evening. This weather pattern has been repetitive for around 3 weeks now. Why does this bother me now and it didn't when it first began? Well.. it seems to me, I have let the chill get down into my soul and it's leaving today :) You know the old adage... "You Can't Control The Weather". Well maybe somebody is.. but it certainly isn't me so it will be what it will be.  My greatest defense to feelings like this is to remind myself over and over and over again... "All Is Well"... 3 simple words that can mellow the soul. Everyday, I go to places on the internet that show me the ocean. Everyday, I know it is not snowing in Myrtle Beach and so I go to a webcam and watch the ocean. Everyday now I go to a utube clip of a collection of ocean scenes and sounds that my dear friend Nora brought to my attention and I find a sense of calm knowing even though the weather has been very challenging ...this too shall pass! And do you know where I find this peace? I find it deep down in my soul and I say to myself over and over and over again
"All Is Well". Find your peace, find that place that mellows your soul and smile knowing
"All Is Well". Throw caution to the wind... make an angel in the snow...catch a falling snowflake...imagine all possibilities....ENJOY!

Nostalgia...Remember When
"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward" ~Barber, Margaret Fearless

When the word "nostalgia" entered into my mind this morning, I thought it would be easy to find a great quote about this word. But instead I found alot of negative sayings and it surprised me. At first, I thought that I would change the topic but then decided to take on the challenge and as I moved along I also found a very meaningful quotation.
As I drift back into my memories, I can find strength needed to move forward. Often moving forward means challenging doubt and insecurities along the way because taking your dreams into reality is a big transition. It is like bringing the vision of a production to the stage. You have to take your direction, your vision to others and even when there is doubt and uncertainty you have to believe in the vision and you have to follow thru.
For me, dreams have always been to make others smile. I think I have it down almost to an art and yet I doubt my abilities when transitioning the ideas until I hear people laugh. So, when faced with fear as I move towards my dreams, I will go down memory lane and remember those times when I helped make others smile. And then I will move forward with the renewed confidence of knowing I CAN follow my dreams! ENJOY!

CAN I GET A

What The Heck Are We Talking About Here?

Keeping it on the light side today... I know I am not an expert in grammer, but I am so tired of hearing the English language just absolutely destroyed. I've been looking at lyrics within today's popular music and I'm sorry, the intelligence level of what they are producing for our youth to hear is just ridiculous.

Have you heard the popular term used today... "MY BAD?"

I would rather hear Beaker say

Than listen to one more adult say...

I think I am going to read a "CLASSIC" today...maybe some Shakespeare.

Because when I'm 80 after gaining a lifetime of intelligence, I don't want to forget the English language and have to  communicate by saying...

"My bad...can you "bounce wit me" to the ladies room so I can make a "woop, woop"?

That just doesn't sound right to me....

If you are a parent, teach your children the art and beauty of language. Teach them at a young age to enjoy reading. It is a path to their imagination. My favorite childhood story was "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe". It sparked my imagination...it is a gift we should share with future generations.

I think I need a vacation....there has been too much snow and shoveling going on. My imagination is very active today... I hope I made you smile ... ENJOY!

Here are a couple of quotes appropriate for today's thought.
I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something, than educate people and hope they were entertained.~Walt Disney

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. ~Nelson Mandela

Now, here is a quote from my own perspective...

I learned that I am a people pleaser, yet I can't please everyone ~Debbie Gruss

I've experienced all of these emotions as I closed our production of "Knock em Dead".
I loved the experience...yet I didn't love the experience. It resulted in changed relationships. It helped me triumph over fear and find confidence in what I believe in
It brought me to tears when I received a note from someone who didn't know me before this production and yet she saw my mission in life. She said that I have made the world a better place by supplying it with joy and laughter. I will carry her words with me for a lifetime. Now I can walk away from this experience, move forward in life with greater confidence and with a great big smile. I hope all of you find experiences in life that are treasured moments...the good, the bad...all of it. Enjoy life, find your passions, face your fears and for goodness sake ENJOY LIFE!

I'm Three Sheets To The Wind...What Were You Thinking?
Sheets actually refer to the ropes that are used to secure a ship's sail. If the 3 ropes used were loose in the wind, the sail would flop around, causing the ship to wobble around!
See how quickly we judge? :) Just teasing... Now...where I am going with this is? Well, this week I have felt like 3 sheets to the wind...my life has been flopping around because my ship's sail (inner compass) has been scattered by elements. The weather has been quite challenging and has kept me off balance. My car is on it's last leg, it is surrounded by a wall of snow... with a flat tire. I go to get a car rental and 1 1/2 hours later...I get the car rental after much confusion. My work keeps increasing with no relief in sight. My online classes started while I am in the middle of directing a show which is being effected by the weather etc... etc... etc...I seemed to be in an endless loop of "How am I going to get all of these unsettling tasks accomplished?" Well... I'm not going to rock the boat anymore! Instead I am going to...
1) Take on life one task at a time!
2) Smile! Have a sense of humor!
3) Repeat!
Be calm and learn to sail calmly into the winds of life! Enjoy the weekend!
And now for your listening pleasure "Rock The Boat"...by the Hues Corporation. Oh and don't forget to DANCE! I love this song! Happy Valentines Day!
"Sail with a cargo full of love and devotion! Woo Hoo!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dndAXxqJbc0

AMEN...
I am intrigued by the word "AMEN". I have said this word ever since I was a child after prayer and for some reason, today I feel like looking at this word a little closer.
Wikipedia definition is common English translations of the word amen include: "Verily", "Truly", "So say we all", "So be it", and "Let it be." It can also be used colloquially to express strong agreement, as in, for instance, amen to that.  There are references to "AMEN" in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Many Buddhists and Hindus also use Amen at the end of prayers. So I would have to say AMEN is a pretty powerful word. And along with this word, I have included a very strong believe "Be still and know I am God". I would imagine for as many religions that use the word "AMEN" , there is also many interpretations of a higher being..."God" that differs from religion to religion...from culture to culture.  What is the common thread that brings us all together?  Times of reflection can bring us all a little closer. Be still and find peace in your world.  Be still and show respect to all life. Be still and show gratitude for your blessings.
Amen to that!

Put Your Heart Into Life!
As we face the next round of winter snow storms, it's time... time to turn up our internal heater which is fueled by the thoughts and emotions we generate from within. The first thought I had this morning as I got up from my warm bed, put my feet on the cold floor, in a dark room was... "That's alright, that's ok, I'm going to go have fun and play!" I've realized something as this first thought flowed in.... I've regained my SENSE OF HUMOR...YAHOO!! That is the "heart" of who I am! I've got to tell ya...I've missed it! And the truth is, I allowed other influences to bring me down. The cold weather, grumpy people...I mean ALOT of grumpy people are surrounding me. I've allowed myself to feed into negative energy and that my friends isn't going to happen anymore. How am I going to change this? First, I'm going to my happy place...YEAH BABY! A great big heaping visual of the ocean!

I feel better already...alright, now what else am I going to do!
I'm going to see the world again with childlike wonder... even when it snows!
I'm going to step away from those who choose to live with negative energy and light!
I'm going to speak my mind more often...with a sense of humor!
I'm going to smile and say WOO HOO to LIFE!
It is all about how YOU choose to wake up and live YOUR day... What are YOU going to do to make your day, your week, your LIFE better?  If you start your day with a little humor, filling it with positive energy and light...your life will grow and grow and GROW!
YAHOO!

A Spinning Compass!

Whew...what a weekend!  My thoughts and emotions were tossed around like a ragdoll!
My inner compass needs a reset button! :) I was contacted out of nowhere for a temporary contract position with a high salary, which I could do along with my full time job. I had the excitement of an opening night performance and disappointment over 2 cancelled performances due to ridiculous snowfall. I've been on the phone for hours realigning things for next week while stuck in the house for two days. My compass is spinning round like a record baby!  I'm honest when I say my emotions are running amuk! I did make a decision though about at least this unexpected opportunity. Just when I talk about money not being everything...wham a position is tossed at me that really tested what I talk about. I decided to go with a leap of faith ... not choosing to pursue this opportunity thinking instead I am already on the right path and this was thrown in to steer me away from it.  Instead I concentrated on adding a performance next Thursday night, will hope for good weather and great audiences next weekend. I will continue down the path of co-authoring and continue on my creative path which is the direction I keep wanting to move forward in! Sometimes it seems like your inner compass is spinning out of control. But really, it's just a matter of releasing unsettling emotions, which in turn clears your thoughts that help reset your inner compass. I will regroup this week and will keep on keeping on. Enjoy!

What's Behind Door Number 3...Bob?

I don't know why the show "Lets Make A Deal" came to mind this morning with that particular common phrase... but it did. I suppose the message is about life choices and choosing free-will when opening to see what is behind the doors of life. Acutally any door can be opened and you don't need anyone to open them for you! :) There will always be a crossroad, a window, a door that can open if YOU see the possibilities. Sometimes opportunity channels flow and sometimes they run dry. When they flow, you need to take the time to decide what is behind the choices being presented...will it move you forward on your path? How can you tell? Well... how does it make your energy flow? Does the opportunity fill you up with so much positive energy and light you feel like you are going to fly away? Or does the thought make you anxious or afraid which brings down your energy. Energy will always be a wonderful gage for determining life choices. It's all about the energy... don't let choices be made by money and money alone. I know these are difficult times and money can play a major role. I want to share this story... I have a very good friend at work and we have talked about our financial burdens over the years trying to support our families. He came up to me the other day and said "Well, I'm in financial crisis once again". And I said to him trying to lighten his worries..."We don't have any money anyway... why not give up the stress and worry of jobs, money, etc. etc. etc. and take it back in the day when the sun rose, when the land was tilled for food, when comfort and warmth was found within nature and families were provided for! I thought about that for a brief moment and I felt a tremendous sense of peace. We kidded about the possibility and then went back to work!  Always stay true to your free-will, Let inner wisdom guide your direction, make choices...move forward...make choices and move forward for a lifetime!  Now, where do we go when the opposite channel is flowing? The one that is currently running "dry"? Well these are moments of reflection and a time to plant your feet firmly on the ground. Gage your energy level...maybe you are entering a time when you need to step back and regroup. This isn't a bad thing...it's just a time to explore what is your purpose in life? Are you moving in the right direction? Maybe you need to reset your inner compass. Are you making choices with free-will? Who is influencing your choices? Should they be? If the answer is "yes" then bring them along for the ride when possibilities and opportunities begin to flow once again. If the answer is no, release them from your decision making, fly and be free! YAHOO!

Balance Is The Key To Life!

There is good and bad, light and dark, yin and yang, ups and downs and everything in between! So what is the key to life? The key to life is to find balance between all the pages of life and within the palettes of our emotions. I would be mistaken if I didn't mention the fact that we have a wide-range of characteristics and emotions within us and there will be times when thy will paint a picture within the pages of life. There are days when I am off the charts happy and there are moments when I feel sad, angry, hurt etc... The key is to process the emotions and find solutions with balance. Emotions help us process experiences and if we "balance" our thoughts we will continue to move forward in life.  I change my mind more often than anyone I know. I appreciate my friends who know me all too well and accept this fact about me.  It is a part of my personality that moves me forward in life. When I was little I use to rant and rave when my mom wanted to cut my hair. Big tears would fall from my eyes and then the moment she was done, I would look into the mirror with a big smile and say... "oh mommy, I love it". Even today, I change my mind...oh I don't know... OFTEN! But for me, it is how I deal with life changes. It is how my emotions make me feel in the moment. I figure it is my method of processing changes in life and at the end of the day... it's all good.   current day example is the thought of getting re-married. One day I want to and then there are moments when panic and fear creep in and I don't think I want to. I move things in the house and then I change them back... I am happy when I direct a show and there are inevitible moments when I crash and burn within the process. But with each change of emotion that I experience I always come thru the process with feelings of growth and accomplishment.
Here are things I know for certain.....
I don't cry when I get my haircut anymore... growth
I do love the man I am engaged to very much...love
I love being a parent and watching my sons grow into adulthood...pride
I will continue to share my dream of making others smile...accomplishment
In conclusion I am a very happy person who lives with positive energy and light. I accept that I will sometimes be sad or angry. I will process these emotions and find the path that leads back to a very happy person who lives with positive energy and light! I wish the same for you.... ENJOY!

Gotta Keep Those Lovin Good Vibrations A Happenin!

Ok, the Dairy Queen opens this week and I've noticed more light in the morning and evening. I don't care what the weather report says, I don't care what the ground hog says...Spring is around the corner in my world and it fills me up with excited anticipation. Is it possible to have Spring fever this early? Sure I can... There is no reason I can't pick up on those good vibrations and choose to include them in my day. It's my rose colored glasses and I wear them proudly.  Here are some definitions of "good vibrations"

48 Moby Thesaurus words for "good vibrations":
     accord, accordance, affinity, agape, agreement, amity,
     bonds of harmony, brotherly love, caritas, cement of friendship,
     charity, communion, community, community of interests,
     compatibility, concord, concordance, congeniality, correspondence,
     empathy, esprit, esprit de corps, feeling of identity,
     fellow feeling, fellowship, frictionlessness, good vibes,
     happy family, harmony, identity, kinship, like-mindedness, love,
     mutuality, oneness, peace, rapport, rapprochement, reciprocity,
     sharing, solidarity, sympathy, symphony, team spirit,
     understanding, union, unison, unity

I know I can have a great big heaping of these definitions, but I don't always see it in others. When I write on this website I talk alot about moving forward in life. But there is one thing I hope to convey even more. You see, it's not always about "me"...it's about personal growth, growing circles of positive energy and light, and doing all of this with appreciation, kindness and respect. I grow because I give back. I give back and I grow...those are good vibrations that should be repeated over and over again.
The best example I can give today is with the 27 years I have been involved with theatre. In the early days I appreciated every moment of experience and advice received. Even today, I keep in touch with my acting mentors because wonderful friendships resulted from those experiences. And now, I want to give back to others who want to start this journey. Also, I perform not for my own self-gratification or looking for what someone owes me, I perform because it generates good vibrations. I perform as a volunteer because it is my passion to see others smile and it makes me smile and I fill up with positive energy and light and so does the room. Do you see where I am going with this?
Too often in today's world I see the "I want to" but it seems to be tainted with "but on my terms and oh by the way, what's in it for me" kind of attitude. Sometimes it's just good vibrations to act on your passions expecting nothing in return. If you can slow down and take yourself to that place, take on your true passions in life, feel the good vibrations flow within and around you, it is a beautiful place to be.  o, I'm putting on my rose colored glasses today, taking in a deep breath of (cold) fresh air that I know will soon be (warm) fresh air because Spring is around the corner AND I will move forward with good vibrations.  Of course I've included the song! ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCeD_6Y3GQc

And The Winner Is...Actually Quite Unassuming!
Do you know what I really enjoy? When you move forward on your path in a down-to-earth fashion. This picture describes my meaning. This daily thought is about those moments
when you move forward in life and send positive energy and light throughout. In return, not only do you find growth but so do those around you. I'm thinking your saying to yourself... "details Debbie"! :) Ok, last night I had a call from my son's baseball coach. I'm thinking practice and game schedules for this year's teener league. To my surprise the conversation went in another direction. I felt my energy go through the roof as he recognized my involvement with theatre and asked for my help after the production I am currently working on is over. It is a very interesting idea and I am very interested!
I know my life path is very busy these days. But I also know I am moving towards changing my career from the analytical to the creative and that makes me feel like such a winner. It is what I have wanted since I was a child. All of the little pieces of my life are starting to come together and I feel great! But I feel like a winner most of all because of the wonderful friends it has brought into my life.  I'm just going to give you glimpses of this... I am thrilled beyond belief to be given the opportunity to help write a book...along with this, I have found a wonderful friend. From my childhood, my dad use to say I was a reporter from sixth street on up because I knew everything going on in town! :)
I use to do radio commercials when I was involved with one very special theatre. We bartered advertising for our theatre by using our actors to help create their local commercials. And now, I am being asked to help with something that pertains to radio and found out this past summer, this coach grew up in the same small town as my family and his wife and family have become very good friends.  So the best of all when recognizing being a winner in life is not only moving forward with your path but appreciating all those who come into your life on your journey! ENJOY!

Open Up The Door And Let The Good Times In!

Don't let nothing stand in your way...it's a brand new day! What are you going to do with yours? Do you know how exciting it is knowing anything is possible? Do you anticipate the very best for yourself? You better! :) Because you have to believe within yourself first, before changes can happen. Yesterday, as I talked about fear, I set out to get past one of them and I knew I needed to go back...back to a dear friend who was my acting mentor now retired in Tennesse. You see I am at a point in a production as a director you start to doubt your vision...is it possible to transition into reality your vision onto the stage. It was an opening door moment as I first heard this wonderful, friendly voice light up when she answered.  For a moment I also talked to her equally talented husband who filled my soul with joy and laughter. I'll tell you one thing, these were two of the greatest actors I have ever had the pleasure to be mentored by and to work with. Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman...move over...that's all I can say.  Anyway, I talked to my friend for almost an hour and she made me believe once again..."yes I can"... I can have my vision and I can bring it to life on stage. So last night my confidence level was high and I believed. I believed in my vision...I believed in my actors and crew and I saw my vision on stage last night for the first time since we started all of this one month ago. I know these are simple things that I talk about. I know there is alot going on in the world. But I also know it is the small changes in life that add up to big ones. When I brought in last night my confidence, it carried over to others and they in return gave their very best and I am very proud!  Choosing to conquer fears removes shadows of darkness from within. And once your life shines with positive energy and light, you begin to share it with others and the circles of light grower larger and stronger and then before you know it, bigger changes will start to happen. Now is the time my friends, to overcome your fears and grow circles of positive energy and light every single day! ENJOY.... shine in your own light and it will shine on others...BELIEVE!

"Be Very Quiet.... I'm Hunting Wabbits!" Translation? I'm Facing My Fears!

We all have them...fears....fears that keep us from moving forward. So what are you waiting for? Go out and hunt for the reason why these fears exist and get over them.
Whew, I have a laundry list of fears. Some are obvious, some are hidden and sometimes I have to go into deep thought to determine their origins. I realize something... fear has been a part of my life since childhood. I'm telling you now... I am going to change all of that!  I'm going on 51 years of age... what the heck is my problem? Well, I guess it's that I have never faced them to get past them. My fears range from amusement park rides, to issues of swimming underwater, to worrying about the health and well-being of those closest to me and also me :) , to thoughts of am I good enough to write, act, direct, sing etc...etc.. etc..and why? Because I let them creep in thats why!  I was told some very good advice yesterday. You know I want to write about living with positive energy and light and yet I live in the darkness of fear sometimes. Fear is negative...Fear is dark and if I want to share positive energy and light... I have to get past the fears. I have to BREATHE, BELIEVE and LIVE with positive energy and light. I have to practice what I preach!  So listen to your own chatter...be very, very quiet and start hunting your own wabbits (fears). I am...let's do this together and let's enjoy this great big beautiful life! YAHOO!

Today I Am Going To A New Environment Called Peace And Serenity!
When life becomes frenzied...it's time...time to take an exit towards peace and serenity. Slow down, enjoy the experience, leave daily worries behind by conciously releasing them and move towards a new approach. One of calmness, one of joy...the path of peace and serenity. You create frenzied worries, you can also release them...
As you begin your day, take a new approach...take in all the beauty your eyes can behold... share what you see and feel with passion. Take in and release positive energy and light!  Inhale the serenity of life...exhale positive visions...and find peace! ENJOY!

A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That
The picture on the home page is a parody...these framed messages are today's daily thought

But when you wake up with these words
You can see how I sometimes begin my daily thoughts. This morning I ran out of ideas and started playing with words, ended up with a parody on the home page and now will the real message...staying calm.

This is a tough one for me. I can't say I always stay calm in life... I do however always carry on. Somtimes my life is like a parody...I can be calm...I can panic. But these are life lessons to study, grow and change. Yes, I am working on steadying my path, finding the calm in situations as I carry on.

I don't know what the future holds. The fears of 2012 will generate more and more and more as time passes. All I know for certain is this. I believe we have a loving God, I believe in the power of positive energy and light, I believe in the power of grace and appreciation for all living things in nature and I believe I will stay calm and carry on. Is there really any other choice? My calm is nature, especially being near an ocean. It can send an immediate feeling of peace over me as I listen to the sounds of the surf, take in the scent of the salt water and stand in awe of the power of mother nature.

So when you are panicked, find your peace in nature that allows you to find your center, your calm once again and by all means...carry on with positive energy and light. ENJOY!

Oh Great...Look What My Path Dragged In!
Ok, so this is what my path looked like yesterday! Where do you go with positive energy and light when a great big road block occurs? All of a sudden my creative path came to a screeching halt and you can see why in this picture. Ok, I know you want more details. :)

Well, where to begin... I have to bring in an understudy for a show I am directing 1 1/2 weeks before opening. Along with this, another creative path circled around that I don't know what to do with. It is a building for rent that I wanted to use for Parallelvision events, include a natural skin care line and connect with a massage therapist that is 2 buildings away. This is the most reasonable main street property you could ever dream of, but I don't know if I have the time or resources to consider this...but then again, why is it presenting itself now? There is a path brimming around the edges of my reality, an unchartered path that my positive energy and light shines the brightest for, but my worry channel consumes.  It is a new path and I hope what I intuitively feel is the right direction for it. And then there is my day job and that consumes my time.

Do you know what all of this makes me? TIRED!  I am going out for a nice dinner tonight, get tucked in on my couch and enjoy the company of my fiance who makes me feel safe.

And then tomorrow? Well, I am going to consider, resolve, have faith and keep on ...keeping on! That's what I am going to do. Because in another 3 weeks, one weight will lift. I am going to take the time to consider if this available space is the right path. I am going to continue following the direction that provides in return my greatest resources, positive energy and light! I'm going to put faith in believing my path is once again moving forward!

Wow, can you see how my path just cleared? Here is a visual!  Just remember, move in the direction that gives you the greatest energy and light! ENJOY!

You Can't Judge A Book By Looking At The Cover!
You can't judge an apple by looking at a tree, you can't judge the honey by looking at the bee! I won't judge You please don't judge ME!  YAHOO! You can't judge a fish by looking in the pond, you can't judge the right by looking at the wrong. Yes you got it, I'm singing another song! WOO HOO!  And now with all of this....it's time for our daily thought.  Sometimes life can be tattered and torn, but like an old ragged edged book, treasures can be found deep within the pages of life. Maybe the story is hidden but it is never forgotten. You can rebuild positive energy and light externally by finding your beacon of light within. Find moments where you experienced peace and joy... remember... turn the pages forward and find that peace again. And as you rebuild from within, show kindness and don't judge others by their cover.
Someone who is is different... just might by shy
Someone who is loud...just might be worried
Someone who is angry ...just might be hurt
Someone who boasts...just might need reassured
So highlight the pages of life and don't judge the book by it's cover! Enjoy!

Helping With The Sound Of Silence
You can say one word "Haiti" and immediately your mind fills with images of strife. It is indeed a time to reach out and help others in need. We live in a world filled with contradictions. I really was bothered the other night watching the Golden Globe Awards when the host chose to talk about "those in need" and what excitement it brings them just getting a chance to see an actor's face. He also talked about an Asian child with no belongings seeing a picture of Angelina Jole and saying "mommy". Laughter filled the room. The next person who reached the podium, then talked about the "ribbons" in support of Haiti and about fundraisers being conducted. These kind of parallels are bothersome to me. I want to know what goes on after the "cameras" are off. I hear the talk... I hear the inappropriate laughter... I hear the talk. As I mentioned, if you can give money to this effort, then please do so. If you have lots of money you can afford, do so with grace and appreciation for what you have. If you are unable to provide money, then provide another great resource, prayer. Help with the sound of silence and pray, strengthens positive energy and light. There is a path to recovery...helping, sharing, believing,caring.  Another important transition is showing respect. Helping others achieve quality of life is showing respect. Repairing the Earth after major transformations is showing respect. Helping with the sound of silence (prayer) can change the world.

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin...
Sometimes when you are on your path, you have to slow down whether you want to or not! Sometimes, it is out of your control. Sometimes you feel like this...
If this is where your thoughts are right now, you are grid locked and going nowhere.  Take a break, look at your path, decide if it is moving in the right direction, if not, recalculate your life GPS and resume cruise control.  Then you will once again be rollin, rollin, rollin on your own personal journey called "LIFE"! ENJOY! Here's the  Blues Brothers version of RAWHIDE!   YAHOO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCRae5mRoRE

In Moments When Good Times Start To Fade...You Make Me Smile!

This is a lyric from the song "You Make Me Smile" by Uncle Kracker. I love this song, I love this guy's name :) and yes, you can listen to this song at the end of today's thought. In all of our lives, there are those who brighten our lives...even when the good times start to fade. This thing called "life" is amazing. It is full of wonderful surprises, quiet moments, highs, lows and everything inbetween. But do you know what is cooler than the flipside of my pillow? (yeah...that line comes from the song too) When you appreciate those who make a difference in your life... your family, your friends, those who make you "buzz like a bee", "spin like a record", "dance like a fool", "shine like gold". You feel "lucky to linger in their light". The lyrics in this song are very clever and were very helpful creating today's thought. I heard this song yesterday and knew it was my choice today. Thank you for being who you are, for sharing your positive energy and light! Feel the JOY, share it with others! Walk up to everyone you appreciate and tell them "You Make Me Smile!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaIpdMZN3E0

Resume Your Regularly Scheduled Programs...(For Now)

Did you ever notice how life is really all about patience? My mom use to say to me over and over again... "Patience is a virtue". I believe she knew me all to well and understood this is a life lesson I need to learn. I still carry her words with me as an adult. My mom was a very wise woman.

Why am I bringing up this topic? Do you ever get "flashes" of your dreams? Do you ever see your "purpose" in life from time to time? Do you wonder why life takes you in other directions along the way? Well, I believe each passing moment is a lesson learned, a gift to receive, a period of growth towards your "purpose". Here's what I know for sure. I am both analytical and creative... I need my analytical "anchors" in life to help keep balance with my creative "tsunami's" :) Sometimes I feel these moments of purpose in life... I can sense the passion it creates, the creativity it stirs and yet I get up in the morning and I resume my regularly scheduled programs but it brings a smile on my face to also include ... "for now"! Each passing day that I am able to be patient, I believe I grow stronger with my virtues of what I want to personally accomplish... bringing positive energy and light to others ... one thought, one smile at a time. So I will share what my dear mom repeatedly shared with me...4 simple words.... "patience IS a virtue"....take these words with you and smile knowing the best is yet to come! ENJOY!