Flooded with Blessings

Posted by admin on Aug 4, 2010 in happiness | 1 comment

Last Friday night we were hit with a big storm that dumped over six inches of rain in a couple hours. Our basement never floods, so it didn’t even cross out minds to check it out. Shortly after lunch we noticed most of our neighbors had half their house contents sitting in their driveways. So we rushed down to find our own little swamp.

It wasn’t long before most of my family was here to help us move all the furniture, rip out the padding, prop up the carpet and locate dozens of fans to blow it all dry. It was Friday night and they all put their weekend plans on hold to help out. The cold beer afterwards didn’t seem like a big enough thank you.

Almost everyone pitches in to help.

The next day we hauled the padding to the dump in my brother’s truck that he so graciously gave us. On the way there, stopped at a light the man next to us yells over saying we can save some money if we put a tarp over our haul. So we pull into the next hardware store to buy a $5 tarp and spend $250. But we also discovered a well prized dehumidifier. A rare commodity in town.

Returning from the dump, we decided to get rid of the carpet. So we set out to cut it in strips to make it easier to carry out. And just then, our friends came by to help. It took us less than an hour. Another cold beer thank you.

The biggest blessing is that we have insurance and they were wonderful about providing the full amount of our coverage. There’s a lot of stories brewing about some companies with crazy clauses that make it next to impossible to get a check.

Putting it back together again means moving some built in cupboards so we can install new carpet, changing out all the doors, trims, and while we’re at it, let’s put on a new color of paint.

This little disruption reminded me just how lucky we are in so many ways. Our family and friends are amazing. As well as living in such a friendly town.

Yes, he has that look all the time.

On another note, I’d like to introduce you to my main man, Castro. He’s a real charmer. Be careful, hang out with him too much and he’ll have you wrapped around his little paw!

Wishcast Wednesday: What do you wish to envision?

Posted by admin on Jul 21, 2010 in happiness | 11 comments

The talented Jamie Ridler asks, “What do you wish to envision?” This week I decided to participate in her weekly wishcast by sharing my secret wish with you.

I wish to envision a world where adults are kids again. At work we get a recess breaks three times a day. Everyone stops what they’re doing and gets together for a game of kickball or skipping rope. At 3pm we’re done for the day and it’s tim to play on our sports team, practice an instrument, or scribble on the sidewalk with chalk. We are encouraged to get messy, experiment with paints, and wander through forests like great explorers.

Adults wake up happy and curious and sing for no reason. We are oblivious to race and gender and everyone is equal. We share their toys nicely and make up the rules as we go. Our creativity is bursting and there are no limits to what we believe we can do.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

Inspiration: Selfless Giving

Posted by admin on Mar 1, 2010 in happiness | 5 comments

The talented and amazing Candy from Candied Fabrics tagged me in the Blog it Forward mashup — there are 300 bloggers taking part writing about what inspires us the most.

Ever since I signed up for this project weeks ago, I’ve been pondering this thought and always came full circle back to one thing — people who selflessly give of themselves and their talents inspire me the most.

This includes bloggers who openly share the details of their lives letting us know we’re not alone, like Susannah Conway. Or friends I met over the past year who give me encouragement and support through emails, twitters, letters and blog posts (you know who you are and I love you!). And my developer, David, who always has the time despite his busy schedule to provide me advice and help out.

Then there’s folks like Maggie Doyne who at the precious young age of 19 built an orphanage in Nepal. Or Danielle LaPorte providing her no nonsense wisdom and advice daily. And the hilarious Moggit Girls who combine their sense of style with their sense of humor making me laugh everyday.

Each of these people give without expecting anything in return. And the universe will keep providing to them so they may continue sharing their talents. Give thanks and give back. These are the two main ingredients to peace and prosperity. And inspiration.

Looking back, looking ahead

Posted by admin on Feb 23, 2010 in happiness | 3 comments

Five years ago this very moment, I was standing by a beach in Bali wearing a white sun dress. There was a full moon and I was getting married. It was the smartest choice I ever made.

If our next five years together are anything like the last, I know I’ll love him even more. We’ll laugh everyday. And our life will far exceed our wildest dreams and expectations.

I’ve been blessed and lucky many times in my life. But sharing this journey with this cool, handsome, wise and witty man is by far the jackpot. Life is good.

ps: To celebrate, I’m making a Balinese dish called Gado-Gado. It means “mixed” because it’s an variety of vegetables. It’s also that’s what the locals called us there — “Gado – Gado”.

The Day My God Died

Posted by admin on Feb 3, 2010 in happiness | 2 comments

Please invest at least 10 minutes watching this heart-touching PBS documentary about Nepalese women being sold into sex trade in Bombay for a few hundred dollars. They endure the greatest violation of human rights I can imagine. This isn’t easy to watch. I sobbed all the way though it. What I saw really rattled me.

The sad truth is that trafficking and slavery happen every day across the globe. Post earthquake Haiti provides the perfect conditions for this to occur. Our purpose is to help others less fortunate than ourselves. Not to help ourselves because others are less fortunate.

How you can help

• International Justice Mission is featured in this film. You can make a donation through their website.
• GlobalGiving.com has a project to build a new shelter for women victim to sex trafficking.
• Pray, light a candle, meditate on positive intentions for these innocent victims

Namaste

Bon Anniversaire Gratitude Journal!

Posted by admin on Dec 12, 2009 in happiness, wealth | 6 comments

A year ago today I woke to an email that changed my life completely. It was from Apple saying that my iPhone app, Gratitude Journal, was approved.

Like all anniversaries, I like to reflect on the year and note how far I had come. And nothing compares to this past year with my little buddy, Gratitude. This little app has put me in touch with people all over the world, all walks of life. People who are passionately sharing their artistic talents. And others who just wanted to let me know that the app has helped them through a particularly hard time.

It has expanded the opportunities in my life profoundly. I’m working with amazing talent who teach me something new everyday. I’m honored to be on their team.

But mostly, it has given me a confidence I never had before. Or perhaps it’s a feeling of peace rather than confidence. Sure, I still want to get a nose job and shed a few pounds. But that’s not it. For the first time I really, truly like who I am. I accept my mistakes as learning opportunities and know that the universe wants the best for me. For all of us. And I discovered how happy I am when I’m sharing my talents with others helping those I meet get ahead.

I have each and everyone of you to thank for making this past year one of the best ever. Your encouragement and friendship was an unexpected blessing that catapulted me out a slump and into a new way of thinking. We all have a gem inside of us. And by sharing yours, you changed my life. Thank you.