Do Unto Others as You'd Have Done to You

Hello Everyone!

This week has been a crazy week for me, but a good week! I have been busy with business as usual at my design firm and also loving my new part time job at the garden center. In my life, busy is good, as it takes emphasis off TTC and the uncertainties of what's to come as I await my RE appointment in June. So, things are pretty good at the moment.

However, to change the subject a bit, I read a dear friends blog this morning and my heart hurts for her struggles. My sweet friend Angie and I met in an online miscarriage support group and have been friends ever since. Angie lost her precious baby, Adam, at the same time I lost Christian and she has been a wonderful source of strength to me ever since. Compassion and love know no distance to baby lost mother's, as she lives in Sweden and I in the US. Yet, we've forged a strong friendship across the seas :)

Today, as I read her blog, my heart filled with sadness, as she shared the news of the results of her Husband's SA. As we all know, when you receive unexpected news and un-kind test results fear and uncertainty build. She may soon be facing IVF and is scared and needs reassurance and a little extra love.

None of us knows what we may face along this journey, but I am always reminded of something my precious friend, Nan, said to me "Do Unto Others". So, I ask you to Do Unto Another and open your wings a little wider to comfort Angie. Please take a moment and Visit her blog, Living Life, and reassure her things will be well. I pledged to be her personal cheerleader and rally her along to success and I know you will too. I've said it on many occasions and I will say it again, MY BLOG READERS ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!! You Rock!

Happy Sunday and I hope your week is Fantastic!

Today's Verse:

Luke 6:31 Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

Today's Thought:

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You.

XOXO

My Week at a Glance....

Random thoughts and "My Week at a Glance"

First off, thank you sweet blogger friends for dashing off to Britt's blog and showing her love and support. You simply are the most wonderful, compassionate, souls and I am ever so grateful to have you as a part of my life.

So, what's been happening in my neck of the woods this week....

Humpty Dumpty's Mini Meltdown
It seems as though I hit a wall and had a mini-meltdown of sorts. Yes, once again this has happened. As always, I have a pretty good run and then things bottom out. I do believe much of this is triggered by hormonal changes. Not to mention uncertainty and outside triggers. Grrr....it's called a JOURNEY for a reason! I just wish I could "live" in the happy moments, as they do find me, I promise :) If we could only bottle happiness! Anyway, I feel much better and am willing myself along and trying to "walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT", allowing "him" to direct my steps.

Nan and Angie, thank you for once again putting Humpty Dumpty back together again! Please stop by Angie's blog and share some love with her, as she is new to blogging and a wonderful friend to me. You will love her just as I do!

Potting Fest!
My Hubby coined this phrase, as I have been feverishly planting porch pots all week, as well as perennials in my garden. I've had such fun scouring the various plant nurseries for all things beautiful and blooming! Yesterday, I found a wonderful "hidden" treasure at one of my favorite nurseries. A lonely little pair of Cherub statues seemed to call out to me. You see, I visited these little guys last year, but would only buck up for one of them! Thus, I left their friends behind and low and behold no one rescued them. They need a GOOD HOME I thought. So, I asked the owner how much they were, as I had forgotten what I paid for the other last year, but knew it was pricey. And, to my dismay she said you can take them home for $20 each. I nearly fainted! "How much, I said?" She said $20 each....done, SOLD, load them up! They are perfect, make me happy and are right where they belong!

A NEW Feel Good Part Time Job
Being the gardener lover that I am, I often stalk garden statuary and antique garden artifacts. With that said, there is an amazing statuary and garden art shoppe just minutes from my house that I frequent. Well, when I visited this week the owner suggested that I work there part time, a few hours to give her a break. SIGN ME UP! Garden Design here I come! What a wonderful diversion a few hours a week. As an Interior Designer this job gives me the opportunity to create in the Exterior setting...a nice change of pace from designing draperies all day :)

Acupuncture
Thursday was my first rodeo with Acupuncture! Apprehensively, I walked into a very zen like clinic and met Dr. Ly, who told me he's had success in treating those with infertility. Let the needling begin, I thought! Well, it was interesting to say the least and did not hurt one bit. There I lay, a human canvas, as Dr. Ly created a work of art with needles as fine as a strand of hair. It was mesmerizing and intriguing! Next, came the electrodes that were hooked up to 4 of the needles, 2 on my legs and 2 on my stomach which sent electrical pulsing sensations to various points for 15 minutes. Then, the needles were removed and I rolled over to my back and was massaged in Hemp Oil followed by some the cupping technique. I was JELLY!

Was the time really up? It was total relaxation! Now to pay the bill and see what Dr. Ly's course of treatment consist of. Treatment: 3 x per week @ $75 per session = $225 per week, for 2 months. Pricey! But, I would consider...

Until, I arrived home and went to take my bath and discovered a dark purple bruise the size of a quarter on my tummy. Alarmed, yes! However, it can happen and does sometimes happen, so be not afraid :) At the moment, I don't know that I am committed to the financial aspect of this ancient Chinese medicine, but it was great to try something new!

Random Act of Kindness
I truly believe that helping others also helps feed the soul and provides inner happiness. Sometimes the things that give us the greatest pleasure evolve from unconsciously helping another. This week I took an older neighbor with many health issues and a bad back to gather plants for her garden. I selected all of the plants and coordinated flowers for her porch pots and then took them to her house and planted them. Her smile was worth every ounce of effort! Mission Accomplished :)

Starbucks Ah Ha Moment
I had one of those Ah Ha moments as I was in Starbucks. I went through the tounge twisting routine of spouting off my order "one, tall, non-fat, no-water, chai please". The lady obliged, then freaked out...she had use 2% milk and not non fat milk! I said "no worries, its fine, I'll take it with a smile" She said "you've obviously learned Life Lessons along the way" and thanked me for being kind. I pondered what she said....

Life Lessons...yes! This journey has taught me and continues to teach me just that. I'm kinder, more gentle, offer compassion and have a greater depth of understanding for those I meet, as you never know what path someone "secretly walks". Do Unto others :)

Dinner Al Fresco and Friends!
Last night, hubby and I had another couple over for dinner. I'll just say that we've not done this in a very long time, as my "social butterfly" wings have been a bit wilted. However, this couple has been so sweet through our struggles and provide support and want to rally us along. They are quiet supporters that know how to send subliminal vibes to let you know that you are on their radar without being intrusive or invading personal privacy. We had a great meal, sat outside in the low 70 degree weather and laughed...it felt so good. And, I felt NORMAL. Not on guard as to what someone would say, do or ask, but at peace and comfortable. It was nice.

Carefully Placed Angels on Earth
My Toe Twin in Life, Nan, also happens to be "My Carefully Placed Angel on Earth". She always knows just the right word or thing to do to lift my spirits, soothe my heart and bring a smile to my face. Thank you for the "twin-bow" precious friend. You will never know how much you mean to me. xoxo

Today's Thought....
"Always leave room in your Garden for the ANGELS to dance" author unknown

Today's verse: Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

XOXO

Open Your Wings a Little Wider...

Hello Friends,

On many occasions I have mentined how much this wonderful community of women contnues to touch my heart in profound ways. You are always there to lend a listening ear, soothe my aching heart and lift me up when I fall. Now, I ask you to "Open Your Wings a Little Wider" and show your love and compassion to Britt, mommy to Ella Grace, born safely into the arms of Jesus at 20w1d. Britt's blog is Peace B.E.G.A.N. Please stop by and share your love with her.

I'm continualy reminded of what my dear friend Nan says..."Do Unto Others"

The photo is of my dear sweet friend Lisa. She is an artist and sent this photo to me when I lost Christian. Lisa is just as sweet and thoughtful as she is beautiful. When I was grieving the hardest she managed to send me a card with "ALL the RIGHT calming words" and this photo. She is another of "my angels on Earth". Since she couldn't be with me in person she "found" a way to show me that she would be praying for my survival and healing...how amazing is that! She is truly wonderful and we met while we were both living in Belgium and became the best of friends. I refer to her as my Little Sis and she refers to me as her BIG Sis...she's a bit younger than I :) I do miss her, as she and I survived many storms together living in a foreign country, speaking a different language and navigating life on another continent. But, we made it and gained the greatest gift...a precious "friendship".

Wishing you all a wonderful week! Thank you for always "Lifting Me Up". Pass along this love to sweet Britt....

Today's Thought:
"For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another."

~1 John 3:11~

Much Love,
xoxo

Relaxation Techniques Revealed....Ahhhhh

In the previous post I asked the question:

What's Your Relaxation Technique?

Here is what you had to say...along with some of my random, quirky thoughts :)

*Meditation
This I have to admit is one that I am working on. However, I have read that its great if you can train yourself to take 10 minutes each day to isolate yourself and meditate with no distraction. Hummm, need to start working toward this! Don't we owe it to ourselves to indulge in our thoughts and ourselves for 10 measly minutes?

*YOGA
Love Yoga, as it proves to be a challenge for me. My first Yoga class was in Bruxelles, Belgium and was taught in French. Thus, I had to learn by sight until I became fluent enough in French to understand. I got an A+ for sitting on my mat while everyone else turned themselves into a pretzel!

*Acupuncture
I've not been for acupuncture, but come Thursday I will be able to give you a full report. So, Bring on the needles! Stay tuned....

*Reading a Good Book
I do love to read, it comes in spurts! At the moment, I have the book "The Help" sitting on my night table. The last book I read was "The Art of Racing in the Rain". Also, I do love to indulge in any Interior Design Magazine or any Fashion Magazine...takes little thought and is a great escape. Others said they enjoy the guilty pleasures of People Magazine, US Weekly, etc...Oh and my favorite books, "The Kite Runner", "Night" and "Guess How Much I LOVE You".

*Massage Therapy
Hello! This is an absolute favorite! I can get lost in a massage and forget all my worries in mere minutes. The hot stone massage is the absolute bestest! And, nothing compares to a salt glow treatment followed by the Vichy Shower. Oh, and Did I mention Facials are another of my weaknesses? Spa Diva, yes I am!

*Prayer
I think this one stands on its own...

*Gardening
My love of loves! I absolutely love gardening and find such enjoyment in digging in the dirt, setting out little plants and then watching them grow and bloom! Makes me think of the quote "Bloom Where You are Planted". Attached are some Spring photos of my little garden :)

*Baking
I love to bake! There is something special about creating something from scratch. Hence, why is it called scratch? Just this week my Mom gave me a little hand mixer that belonged to my Grandmother. Awww, I have been looking for this little lost tool for 8 years and my Mom found it! Mom's are the best finders :) And, Grannies are the best bakers and memory makers :) And, did I mention my sweet obsession of the moment is Cup Cakes? Yep, there is nothing better than a trip to Muddys Bake Shop for a Mocha Madness or Pucker Up Cup Cake...Yummmm!

*Indulge in a Good Movie
This is where I would say that I revert back to my old favorites. I always seem to pull out Steel Magnolias, Pretty Woman and Top Gun. Steel Magnolias, as I love the cast in this movie and Pretty Woman, the ultimate love story, sans the fact she was a "lady of the night", but I seem to overlook that part :) And, of course Top Gun! It's funny, as my brother is a Top Gun guy and when I visit him I am truly amazed at what these "real" NAVY pilots do. On a serious note, I'm grateful to all those who serve our beautiful country.

*Music
Whether Gospel, Country, Pop, Jazz, Contemporary or R&B, music brings so much to my life. I can feel inspired, soothed or be reduced to tears...Some of my favorite artists are: Lionel Richy, Rascal Flats, Kenny Chesney, PINK, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, Mercy Me, George Jones, Usher, Abba, Norah Jones, Adelle, Etta James, Rosemary Cluny, ELVIS and MANY More, as these are just a few off the top of my head :) At the moment, I'm loving the Zac Brown Band!

*The Beach
Can we just say the beach is my sanctuary! I love the sun, surf and sand...and there is nothing like your toes being tickled by the sand! One of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen is the sun setting along the Italian Coast while I was visiting The Cinque Terre. And, of course I LOVE the way the salt feels on my skin after walking along the beach and the sound of waves crashing! Other favorite beach hangouts are the Isle of Palms, SC, nothing beats the Low Country and Rosemary Beach, FL. Okay, I give CA credit too...but sadly it's a bit far away for us Southerners :) Oh, and someone mentioned enjoying laying in the sun, despite it being bad for her. My thoughts on the subject...we all need that Vitamin D, so indulge, feel good and relax!

*Drinking Herbal Tea
Green Tea is a morning favorite...decaf please with a little Agave nectar to sweeten. Then, there is the old stand by, Chamomile, to induce sleep. My current favorite is Yogi Tea, which I buy at my favorite market, Whole Foods...did I mention this place makes grocery shopping FUN?

*Hot Baths
Bubbles please, and lots of them! My favorite soak is the Eucalyptus or Lavender salt soak by Dr. Teals, it's FAB and can be found at good old Wal Mart! I also indulge in wonderful goat's milk soaps and happen to love any L'Occitane product. And, once the bathing is done, you can't beat good ole peppermint foot cream and a pair of cotton socks! Pampering those tootsies is relaxation at its best!

SO, that's the list I've compiled with your help. Now, I challenge you to put these "techniques" to work! Have a GREAT week RELAXING!

Thought for the week:
~ If I'm losing balance in a pose, I stretch higher and God reaches down to steady me. It works every time, and not just in yoga. ~ Terri Guillemetes

What's Your Relaxation Technique?

Tonigt, as I was researching acupuncture, I pondered ways to achieve relaxation. Which prompts me to ask you...

What's Your Relaxation Technique? Share your thoughts and I will follow with mine.

Acupuncture

Yoga

Meditation

Exercise

Bubble Bath

Others?

Do tell, as we can all benefit from your thoughts :)

Sending Happy Vibes your way!
xoxo

Rain On My Easter Parade

Holidays....they come and they go, but they do leave scars. So, chalk this one up as another "fake it till you make it" event and add one more scar to the body's battle ground.

Against my better judgement, my husband and I accepted a lunch invite to a friends Easter gathering. Given the fact they knew we were not going out of town for the holiday we were cornered into going. Did I mention this was a big mistake? For the record, it WAS a mistake.

Less than 10 minutes after arriving and saying hello we were met by Mr. Smiley Pants who said "guess what?". Oh dear me, I said to myself "buckle your seat belt, as I knew what was coming next". He exclaimed "we're pregnant...again!, baby number 2 is due in October and we've hit the 11 week mark". Congratulations I said, you must be so excited. My heart hit the pit of my stomach, once again. I swear you think I would be immune to these announcements by now. Yet again, I stood there and played the part. And, I am convinced I missed my calling to be an Actor, as my talent even amazes me!

You see, this was not the only announcement this weekend. Last night as hubby and I were taking a nice walk in our neighborhood we were approached by a neighbor who found it necessary to share his good fortune as well. He and his wife, married less than a year are knocked up as well! By the way, do I have a sign on my forehead that says "please tell me you're pregnant!" I'd swear its in the water if I didn't know better. Again, I smiled on the outside and died on the inside. I Even scolded myself for allowing this to affect me, but how does it not? For some it just happens so easily...

For me...There was RAIN ON MY EASTER PARADE

In the future, I pray that I can learn from what life after loss is teaching me. I pray that I will someday be able to embrace these announcements with Joy and a happy heart and that the emptiness that I feel today will be made whole. I pray that I will someday be able to look forward to what I have gained and not backward at what I have lost. Lord, I continue to pray....and ask you to direct my steps.

HOPE

Where hope grows, miracles blossom.

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY...
xoxo