A Rose by any Other Name Still Smells as Sweet...

When i was a child, i absolutely hated my name.  Memory was not your everyday run of the mill jenny or susie. I was jealous of all my friends getting this or that with their names on them. Notepads, pens, stickers, t-shirts and anything else you can possibly imagine growing up in the '70s and '80s.
Then as i grew older, boys started calling me different versions like memorex, memo, one of my favorites "memo the limo". Now what The hell does that mean? More greats...mercury, misery and people  who just couldnt remember.  They would say, "i know its something really weird or strange and start spouting out Melody or Melonie or Mandy. I would try to tell them, but it ine inevitably turned inro a game for them.
On and on this went until I  realized what A blessing i had been given. The name Memory.  I am no run of the mill person. I have my quirks and i love it. I like so many different things. Art, history, creating just about anything makes me fulfilled. I can find beauty in the most mundane objects. Photography my favorite hobby along with creating collages out of things many people would look at and think "ugly". I don't See ugly very often unless its someone's behavior.  Or maybe politics or litter on our beautiful land.
Names are very special, all of them. They are often the first impression. I couldn't See my children with any other names. Or my friends and family. I am so proud of my name and yours and being a mom, i know how hard it is to choose.  Wow, talk about pressure.  Its funny.
Hope everyone carries their name with joy and dignity. I know I do. James and Aidan are fairly common, but I hope Magnolia Jane  appreciates being named after herr great great grandmother and her great Grandmothers.
Eveyone give someone A hug today and spread a bit of happiness around. In these times we need it.
As i always say...make it happen, noone else will for you.
Enjoy the rolling stones song Memory Motel. I just heard it for the first time today. And i thought I'd heard all the "memories" songs!!

Just an aside...my beautiful sister, five years younger than me is named Stephany after the dancer in the movie "Saturday Night Fever". Oh, did i love that movie!  I was a boogie machine! 
Life is good.

Watch "The Rolling Stones - Memory Motel (Live with Dave Mathews)" on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cowl02DXx3A&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Making It Happen

I have started a major project. My boss whom I like to call my partner in this is putting faith in someone and something that has cost him a lot. I know this is what I've been dreaming of for years and because I was able to share this dream with a friend, I have found it coming true. The delima is he is, and my wonderful family, Jamie and my dear friend Nathan are the only ones that have faith that I can pull it off. This means that there is almost no chance of the project failing. I will not let my boss down. I will not let his family down, and it's so close to my heart it's my own. I will prove that I can succeed as a business woman and enjoy my arts and talents all at the same time. More information on the project is soon to come. Hopefully within the next week. The moral to this little post is that there are many people who would rather see you fail than succeed. And many people who listen to gossip before knowing the real you. Now most of you know I have had personal challenges in the past, but there is a huge difference in doing what others want you to do, and doing something that means everything to you. This will effect many people in my life. And money being spent on a faith in me that only few have. Take chances. Make them yours to take, and share in the joy and happiness of dreams coming true. I am going to share a post by a friend, maybe two. But to all the naysayers out there- you mean absolutely nothing to me. Like I always end my posts...make it happen! Well this time, WATCH ME!

Isn't it supposed to be easy?

I commented on soulmates in my last post, that is an easy one. But love that's the most difficult part of my life.
1. It takes so much work. Hopefully rewarding.
2. I feel like there is so much guessing about what the other person wants. Which I find tiresome. I'm very cynical and leave no guess work in my desires, my wants and needs in a relationship.
3. Since I leave no room for guessing, it takes away a lot of the romance. But I just can't play the game.
4. I have noticed that men just want to, pardon the expression, get their cock stroked. Now, I am a master at this saying what you want to hear. No fun.
5. What's wrong with telling each other our expectations up front. Right from the start. I am close to forty. I think I've paid my dues and its time to make this easy. No games.
6. Is ten to fifteen years to big of an age difference, either way. I know a lot of people my age that date older men for security, or younger men because we are in our sexual prime.
7. Love is a beautiful experience. I hope to find someone who can handle all my quirks. And I have many.

So is it worth all the guess work? The spoils of victory in finding love are definitely worth it to me. I just don't know if I'll ever find it. I'm hard to handle. But when I give you my love I give it totally. You get my whole heart and nothing less.
I hope we all find the love of our lives, but love can come in so many forms we need to take what we find and cultivate it. Make it work. It's too easy to walk away these days. Divorce is out Of control. It's to hard to do the work so everyone walks away. And I do know there are many exceptions but I say don't put yourself in a position to cheat. That's the reason divorce was rare when the world wasn't a global village. We know what's right and wrong, make the right choice. Anyway that's my love spiel. Take it or leave it. Lets just quit hurting each other. Show our children that love is sacred and worth working to keep. It isn't easy, like life, you gotta climb the ladder before you get to go down the slide. It's a tough life. Like I say...make it happen.

I'm filling this post with poems. I hope they inspire a little peace for you and your love. Smiles.

My back pages

Very rarely do I allow myself to reach the back pages of my mind. That's where I store all the things from the past and present I really don't care to reread. But sometimes...
I have too. I need too. They remind me of the things that can't be repeated. I have an uncanny knack of what I like to call putting certain things in pockets of my mind. I have become an expert. Everything has a time and place. Like I said in my last post, I have some great things going on in my life right now. Dreams do come true. Hard work and a prayer. Keep doing the next right thing. That's the hardest part for me. Isn't that supposed to be the easy part? My self will runs riot even when I'm sober. That's where the pockets fit in. One problem at a time. All the rest go in their specific little home in my mind. That's how I do it and it works. When I feel overwhelmed I talk to my best friend. Which I have had to put n a pocket tonight. At least while I put kids to bed. Then I'll take it out and cry maybe laugh and then file it in my back pages.
Because...I have so many other things going right I don't have to dwell on the sadness of a lost soulmate. Fortunately I believe we have many soulmates. Not many true loves but thats for another time.
Like I say "make it happen, no one can do it for you".

Dreams

I have many dreams. Not the dreams we experience in sleep, but those dreams that never happen if we don't take steps towards making them a reality. Finally I am making my dreams come true thanks to some great friends, lots of hard work and and an opportunity that presented itself when I wasn't expecting it. This isn't how all dreams come true, but it is how it worked for me. I haven't been this happy in a very long time. My only advice is to never give up. Take what you have worked for, and appreciate those that want to help u and run with it.
Also I thought I may never meet someone that has the same wants and desires I do...well that dream has presented itself As well. It's not always perfect. I have had so many changes in my life I do know that most of my selfishness has escaped my brain and have been willing to give rather than expecting things to just happen. Relationships are such work, but it is so worth it. The rewards god has given me are incalculable. I hope everyone can keep there lives in Perspective and enjoy and accept what god has planned for our lives.
I wish all my readers the best and as I always say...Make it happen, because no one else can make it happen for you". Love and smiles on this beautiful Thursday!

"It takes courage to grow up and bece wo you really are" -e.e. cummings

Being In The Present

It's the beginning of a new week. I am in a good spot right now. When you do the right thing and ask God for guidance things fall into place. I don't let the ridiculous comments and actions of petty people bother me. I understand the sadness of not knowing what to do with yourself and misplacing blame. Been there. Still there sometimes. I thank God everyday for the blessings he has bestowed upon me. I have so many people to thank. I really hope that I can be a person that friends and family will look at and see that change can happen. Don't let anyone tell you that people don't change; it's a decision. I am living proof that we decide how we want to be- happy, forgiving, an inspiration. Life is good and this is new for me.
I was telling my friend just a few weeks ago how I feel so real right now. Out of my crazy head and in the present. And I like it. What a great feeling. It's been a while since I've posted, but I'm going to try to keep on top of it. Sharing feelings is acknowledging progress. If you need to share just post it here. We can learn from everyone's accomplishments and mistakes. Like I always say "make it happen". No one else will do it for you.

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
- e. e. cummings

The power of one

In twenty years I have never lived alone. Actually I have never lived alone ever. I lived with my parents growing up. I lived with girlfriends In college. A small time w a good for nothing. Then eight glorious years with my best friend Gillian and her sister. Then I moved in with my husband. As of May this year we separated, and I started living alone for the first time ever. Sharing joint custody of our children. It has been so liberating. I make my own decisions and for once, I am proud of myself. This is a positive learning experience and a chance to be who I want to be; , which is a positive addition to my community and a positive influence on my children. I feel this big step is the right path and am thankful that even though I am living on my own I have the support of a wonderful group of friends. But most importantly the support of my wonderful family. Life is hard, but I can choose to make the best of it and hope it inspires other women by showing them that relying on yourself is a profound life lesson. If any one has suggestions or needs advice please comment. I love to hear other ideas on this subject from women and men. As I said, it's a learning experience. I wish everyone the best that is going thru a similar situation. Good luck and most important be happy. As I always say...
Make it happen.
Thanks, Mem

Respect 9/12 Preface by MM 1/26

I wrote this post before Christmas, but I feel it is just as relevant today. Having someone feel that they can control you infuriates me. This isn't just about me. I am not proud to air dirty laundry, but I want a small few to see things from a different perspective. Things like this happen all the time and I have learned to give it to god. He will help me understand the ever changing "joint custody" that was agreed upon. But I will say, I refuse to be a babysitter rather than a mother and will not be controlled by anyone especially to somone that had nothing to do with his children until the divorce. Now he's father of the year with Jessica Casto. She tells him to hang up on me while he and I are discussing visitation, and while I was telling the boys goodby on their trip over Christmas vacation Jessica told Jamie to shut the door already. Now I find this despicable, and only two of the many instances that have led me to go ahead and release a post I wasn't sure I wanted to do. I want all in my family to find happiness and live a long prosperous life, including my ex, but when it comes to my children there is a fine line. The kids are camping this weekend while I finish my move. Things are really going great, There are just a few actions taken by a few people that helped me decide to release this post. "Change doesn't take place only through prayer and meditation, but also through actions"-Dali Llama. If you are going thru a recent divorce or have any comments please feel free. I'd love feedback. Good luck to everyone. One day at a time and one foot before the other. As I always say make it happen. No one else will do it for you.


Today has been unbelievable. Filled w broken promises, self-centered people who choose to put partying before my beautiful children. I am dumbfounded at the lack of respect people have for one another. I realize these people are sick, but to truely believe you have done nothing wrong when so many people and children are involved and affected makes my heart break. Maybe you reap what you sow, but when children are involved and contracts are broken the sadness is overwhelming. I have given it up. And maybe tomorrow will be different, but if you can't see what you've done is wrong then I'm not sure what to expect. It's a cold cruel world with bits and pieces of happiness and laughter. I hold on to those like they are my life line. In fact they are my life line! I have had the kids for ten days. What a blessing. Why am I crying to you guys. I just want what I want. Isn't that what we all want. I pray that god has a plan for all of this and that I get it, do it and others learn from my mistakes and good deeds. I am a very lucky woman and sometimes writing it down helps me to see that i have no control over what's going on around me. I can make some changes. I understand that some things I can't change and I ask for wisdom to know the difference. This is my prayer. This is said in my heart over and over again. Be kind to each other. Tomorrow is a new day. Let me sleep peaceful with an understanding in my heart. I wish you all the best.

Beautiful Minds

Today is a day to think positively. The will be positive actions and positive results. We all have our ups and downs, but the beauty is that we have the option to change. We can change our attitude, make the decision and do it. We can change the course of our day by simply changing our attitude. The second we feel like our attitude or our actions are becoming negative just think about what you have to be grateful for. It could be our children and the Beauty we see in them. It could be our work and how thankful we are to have it. It may be our friendships, loves or just the beauty in the prosaic. Today I will not dwell on money or the lack of it, lost love or past mistakes that no matter what we do we can't change. We can be accountable for our actions and hopefully today those actions will be a positive influence on those around us. Life is short, and as I tell my kids, hard! We work towards being better people and hope that little bugger called feeling sorry for ourselves isn't more powerful than our ability to be positive, happy and full of understanding. I wish you all the best in your quest for happiness. For me- so far so good!
Love you all.

"Presume not that I am the thing I was"
- William Shakespeare

Time to heal...

Maybe what I should say is time to deal. It has been a long time since I've shared anything. I've had inner and outer turmoil all about me, but last Thusday once again I gave it up to God, and let go of trying to control my life. I need help. My new life is going great in so many areas but I know when I use my prayer time and ask to just do what is the next right thing it will be one hundred times better! I can see it, feel it and understand it. God, let your will be done. What can I do for you today. So I am ready to get on or as my new theme song by Lionel
richie says Sail On"

Quit Tinking So Much

Sometimes I find it extremely hard to get out of my head and into something productive. At work, at home, writing, painting and it not only drives me crazy; sometimes I don't even realize it. But my friends, it drives them crazy! They say "quit thinking so much!" how do you do that? You want what you want. You need what you need. You are who you are (even though we can work on these things) its a natural instinct. I pray for clarity every morning or whenever I feel like I'm moving down the wrong path, but I feel things are going pretty great. I love work, friends, family. big changes bring on big thoughts. My work is to keep it simple right now while still reaching my goals. I'm going to make it happen. Keep heads up. Enjoy summer. It could always be worse! Smiles! Memory

Everyone needs a crystal

1. You can find the most beautiful crystals in the world about forty-five minutes from Little Rock. The best time to go dig for crystals is after it rains. They grow in red lay so prepare to get dirty! But I took my kids and my niece and nephew a few years ago and we came back with five potato sacks full. First time crystal hunters should go to Colemans rock shop. They have the best selection ranging in size from a marble to a large chair. the ladies there will also tell you what younare looking for in a "good" crystal. The more points and the clearer the better. But as is said beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 2. When you find the one or more that you like that is something special. I have bought some, been digging, had some given to me by friends and given them as gifts. 3. A crystal will take the negative energy out of your home and replace it with positive. About once a month you should put yor beautiful crystal outside in the sun. The sun will pull out all the negative energy it has been absorbing. That's what makes them so powerful. If you are having a bad day. Someone has come over and let it all out. You had words with your kids or mate. This rock absorbs all that and releases it's positive energy it has absorbed from the sun. I make sure to do this every three weeks or so. The kids think it's fun. I'm lucky to have a lot of them all different sizes so I always have the positive flowing. And right now I need it! 4. Remember a beautiful crystal can be a nice addition to any home. Put the whole hippie mom thing out o your head. It's not like that. Also, a great father's day present. What a neat paper weight. Use them when and where you need happiness, love and a little bit if beauty. Now we all could use some of that! Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you come back soon. Lovin the weather! Mem

I Refuse to be Ordinary

Life is life. Happy, sad, exciting, scary and yes sometimes just boring. It is up to us to decide what to do with it. I have made many decisions in my life. Good and bad. Really what I want is to just find happiness. But I also want to find that happiness by doing extraordinary things. Meaning... I want to be able to be myself and accomplish what I strive to do. But not be too disappointed of it doesn't work out. At least I'll have the satisfaction of knowing I have done my best. I wish all of us the ability to make this happen. Love with all your heart. Think using your head. Live like there is no tomorrow. It takes a lot of work for me to do these things. Sometimes my bed calls my name all during the day. Like a devil on my shoulder saying give it up. You can't do this, you don't have it in you. Well, yes I do. And friends are an important part of it. As is family. So like I tell myself every morning... Make it happen! We choose our attitude and I have chosen a positive attitude this morning. I know I'll have to make that decision again tomorrow and the next and so on but I am ready. I might have to make that decision five times today. We will see. Smiles. I like this picture, but instead of never loving them; love them with all your heart! Let us show everyone we are not ordinary. I am who I am and that is pretty extraordinary.!

Made by mem

I made this old wire plug in chandelier into a piece of art using arts and crafts flowers that I super glued. The fixture has a 12-15 ft black and white covered cord that I have draped randomly across ceiling above my dining table. It is exactly what I have been wanting. It took about an hour and $30 to make. The hardest part was hanging it because I had to convert the electrical light outlet to a three prong plug jn outlet. But it works great. I will try to get a picture with the draped cord as soon as I can figure out how to get it to fit in the photo. I hope you like it. Any questions just shoot me an email. Make it happen! Mem

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I've been working on my art. The painting I'm working on right now is pretty amazing. It really makes me feel whole when I'm taking time to use my creative self. Its not very often that I get to do it. I'm ready to start my photography projects and I'm counting on the help of six special eyes. My kids are such a big inspiration. People may think my art is Good, bad or ugly. But the important thing is it makes me complete. Happy. I hope everyone has an outlet to express themselves. Jamie, my husband is such a great photographer and designer. My kids are very artistic as well. This has been a hard week. I haven't had the best time the past several days. Cruelty has run rampant in people close to me. I am telling myself that familiarity makes them comfortable enough to get out their frustration using me. It is hurtful and I have a deep feeling of loneliness, but I know it can only get better. I stay positive and let them get it out. I am filled with love and hope and I hope if anyone is having a week like me you are doing something positive and know it will get better. Besides-- Tom Petty will be here soon. Chin up. Mem

Trust

I am understanding the feeling of misplaced trust. Sometimes you feel like you can trust someone and they would never betray you, but eventually you learn the reason you have been so unhappy for years is because it was a false since of hope. When trust is gone it is the hardest thing to ever get back. For some it is easier for others it's impossible. I would never hurt anyone for the benefit of money or betray their trust, but in the past several months maybe years I realise how much things change when you are afraid something might not go your way. Betrayal is absolute and heart crushing. I wonder how many people have felt this? Has anyone or am I just over thinking what could be. What is. And what I don't know. I'm looking forward to the future and will always have the past to remind me of what could happen when we lose ones trust and trust in that one.

Advantages of a co-op

When you live in a two bedroom condominium with three children many different thoughts are always swirling around your head. Right now I am considering joining a small garden cooperative out on Pinnacle Valley. Now that sounds like a perfect idea for me and the kids. We each decide a few vegetables and fruits. Every herb we can think of and do it from start to finish. Healthy homegrown food for all our meals. Plus the benefit of spending quality time together, and getting as dirty as possible while doing it. I definite ly have much research to do. I enjoy working in the flower and herb gardens, but fruit and veggies will be new territory. If any one knows of any more co-ops or something similar to what I'm talking about; please let me know!

On another subject--I am half way through reading "Hunger Games". It is really a good book and I will be seeing the movie before saturday. That's my goal. Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. Brilliant.
Hope all is well.
Make it happen!

Also. Game of thrones starts this Sunday on HBO! I love it. I'll double check on the time for you. It's season two. And it's going to be amazing. If you haven't seen season one. Read up on it, or rent the DVD!!

The art of appreciation

The easiest thing in the world to do is to say "thank you!". So what's the deal? Sometimes I feel everything is taken for granted. For me saying a quick thanks is like putting on your seatbelt. After a while it is not even thought about. It's just natural instinct. I got my husband a Bauhaus book written by Tom Wolfe. Short easy read, two people he admires, and a cheap birthday present for someone who probably doesn't deserve it, along with some small moleskin notebooks for his work. Honestly, I thought long and hard about this because he was going to get a rock. Like I said before, separation is hard. The man looked at the gift shuffled through the pages and I know he liked it , bit did I get a thank you? NO! I just don't understand the feeling of entitlement. Did he feel since it was his birthday he was owed a present? Was he just being mean? I'm assuming it was probably the latter. My sons thanked me for the Oder eaters I gave them for their shoes. And believe me it was not a hard decision to decide to get those! What has this taught me? No more gifts for Jamie. Ha. Appreciation is very important to the feelings of others, and I'm going to make sure people know how much I appreciate them. For the big and small and just for them being themselves.

High heels and getting your mojo back

I have Survived.

Survival

This was written Friday March 23rd. I was having trouble posting but im back so, I am so happy right now...There is so much going on here in little rock. James my oldest just turned nine, he won the school chess tournament a few weeks ago. Aidan is reading at 2nd grade level and he's 6. The youngest in his class. 1st grade. Magnolia Jane is 15 months walking around like she's 4. Too smart for her own good. Life is good. My kids rock. I've started my own biz. Again. Let's see how that goes. Vone and I are out tonight. First in along time. I'll post some pics soon. Then I know I'll get feedback. Being a single mom of three. I need advice as well as giving examples of what I am going through. I know it's been a wile since I've been on but you will be hearing much more from me soon.

Paying your tab

Really. How to spend your money. Make sure you can do it. Never depend on a man. Independence is the key to survival as a woman. This is the area of my life I really need to work on. I have depended way to much on my husband and father. And sometimes friends. When I was living with Gillian we always pooled our money, but she was always in charge of paying the bills. We lived together for 8 years then I got married and that has lasted ten so far. I have got a lot to learn and at 38 yrs old I am getting a very late start. If anyone has any feedback let me know. I usually end my posts with make it happen. Well this time the ball is in my court. Have a great day and I'll be back soon!

thepostscript: New Years Resolutions!

thepostscript: New Years Resolutions!: Make a decision to have a positive attitude daily. Make time for myself. A bit difficult with three kids. Exercise daily. See Tom Petty i...

thepostscript: getting in the swing of things...

thepostscript: getting in the swing of things...: sorry about that last post. just getting used to this and was syncing to my phone. i guess we better watch what we say... no telling what ...

thepostscript: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

thepostscript: UNDER CONSTRUCTION: SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO SAY THIS, BUT I HAVE BEEN DOING EVEN MORE RESEARCH, AND I INTEND TO MAKE SOME CHANGES FOR THE BEST! WORD OF THE ...

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO SAY THIS, BUT I HAVE BEEN DOING EVEN MORE RESEARCH, AND I INTEND TO  MAKE SOME CHANGES FOR THE BEST!

WORD OF THE DAY:  PATIENCE


QUOTE:  IF YOU ARE NOT OKAY WITH THIS, WELL "ME AND THE DEAD OWLS DON'T GIVE A HOOT." -Ray Gibbons "Justified"

word and quote of the day

HUMBLE



"You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner.  If you actually learn to like being a beginner, THE WHOLE WORLD OPENS UP TO YOU."
-Barbara Sher


i have been reading about blogs, "learning the lingo" so to speak.  i really enjoy blogging almost daily even though there is no rules to follow. what i have learned is that people that read your blog are interested in the person, and want me to be true to myself... be myself.  i feel i have done this, but am going to start giving you little tidbits of me.  what i want is little tidbits of you my readers, as well.  i love feedback, your feelings on things, pictures of you, what you want to know, and if i don't know i will certainly try to find out. lets get to know each other.

for starters, i am beginning to learn new things all the time.  i am an artist.  i paint, do photography- mostly analog- love lomograpy.com.  the best source of analog photos you'll ever find.  my favorite camera is the diana+. i use instagram and hipstamatic apps on my phone, hipstamatic being my favorite!  i do embroidery, and just got a sewing machine and am very excited to learn to sew with the machine rather than by hand (my husband is still threading the machine for me because i just can't get the hang of it).  blogging is new to me.  i love design magazines, dwell, habitus, living etc. to name three of a hundred i read monthly.  love reading books.  collect journals, notebooks, pens; and a lot of time i don't use them they are for me to look at and keep pristine. I also have many, many books. i have three kids- 9, 6 and 1.  they are my true loves.  i will be posting pictures of these things that are important to me soon, i just wanted to let you know where i am coming from in this new blog that i am enjoying immensely.

thanks for reading- mem

word and quote of the day

RESPONSIBILITY



"Chart your own course."  -Proverb

it's never too late...

to stop blaming others

It's the easy way out.
It brings us no credit.
It gives others power over us.
Ultimately we  must take control of our own lives.
Make our own decisions.
Cop the blame.
When we do, it liberates us.
Take charge.


this is taken from a book i reference a lot called    It's Never Too Late... 172 simple acts to change your life  by Patrick Lindsay.  I highly recommend it, there is so much we can learn at any age.  Also Paul Arden's book IT'S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE,IT'S HOW GOOD YOU WANT TO BE  is very informative, almost all you need to know to be successful in this unpredictable time.

make it happen- mem

Word and quote of the day

MOTIVATE


"DO IT NOW! As soon as possible is too damn late."
- Pat Croce

I am a procrastinator! No getting around it. Today I am making the decision to make it happen! Also I will have a positive attitude today. My choices I make have an impact on everyone around me, and I will be aware! Have a good day. -Mem

Word and quote of the day

LOVE


This quote is from a book called "love (luv) n." By-Karen Porter Sorenson


"love (luv) n. --because love really is in the eye of the beholder.


This was part of the "street dictionary" the author gathered from random people on the streets in random cities. This is what the little boy said he loved,
"Mama, papa, my brother,my grandmas and grandpa are so lovely, aunts, uncles, cousins, normal toys, trucks, chickens, I like my garden, I like clouds, kitties. I love them. I like trees, plants, grass, houses, paint, ladders, candy, flowers, gardens, Peter Rabbit. I love him.
-Three-Year Old Kai


Wow! How wonderful to be so innocent. Such a pure love. It seems like everyone has lost sight of unconditional love. Many of my friends are now or just recently going through divorce and this makes me think about how much we've lost in this age of globalization. We have so much access to other men and women, with cell phones and computers, online dating. It seems to make it so much easier to give up on our old dreams of wife and kids, and make new dreams. Yes, wouldn't it be fun to go out on a date. No financial worries or kids to worry about, but that just isn't reality. Of course circumstances are different for everyone but relationships are hard work; especially when children are involved. Is it just me or is everyone looking for the easy road. For me it's til death so us part. I am thankful for my family today and every day. Thankful for the beautiful clouds, my health, friends and the little bunny rabbit I saw run across the back yard this morning. Could it have been Peter?

Mem

word and quote of the day

UNIQUE


"TODAY YOU ARE YOU!  That is truer than true!  There is no one alive that is you-er than you!"
-Dr. Seuss


Isn't that refresshing.  I am my own person.  So often I have to think about this.  It feels like I have one hundred people telling me what to do, what not to do, what i should or should not have done.  I am a grown woman and can make my own decicions weather they are right or wrong.  And I have to admit, a lot of times, they aren't the best.  But at least they are mine.  We are all unique and that is what makes us special.  I tell my kids this and hopefully one day they will understand.  Today I am grateful for just being me, and will try to be the best me I can be.  I'm Also grateful for my beautiful Magnolia Jane, who is crawling all over me right now because i am not giving her my undivided attention. and grateful for the pleasent morning- no screaming kids getting ready for school, threy were actually pleasant; for my husband taking them where they need to be, and for all the blessings bestowed upon me yesterday today and tomorrow!  I know it is hard asserting yourself and your uniqeness in such a small town where everyone seems to be trying to keep up with the "jones'", but I will make a vow to practice my own individuality if you will.  Please write me if you have any responses.  we'd love to get your feedback.  Make it happen- mem

word and quote of the day

COURAGE

"Action is the antidote to despair."- Joan Baez



Good Morning everyone. Remember you can't changel everything,  but you can change your attitude.  I woke up this morning and made a concsience decision to have a positive attitue!

word and quote of the day

FRIEND

"Always shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you might grab a star as you go by."
-Pat Crose



What a day.  Woke up with Strep Throat. No fun at all, got antibiotic though so I'm back in business.
The question of the day is: when you are a diehard Razorback fan, who you rooten for in the national championship game?  LSU or Alabama?  Well for me, I am pulling for the tigers.  Before anyone thinks I'm totally insane, this is my reason.  My fabulous cousin, Chad, graduated from LSU and lives in Louisiana, and for his sake when it comes to games this big I'll always be for him.  Family first, right? Hope everyone enjoys the game.  Share some laughs with friends and family and grab a star as you do.  Make it happen- Mem



P.S. One of my favorite blogs is Seth's Blog.  I posted the link below.

Seth's Blog: Out on a limb

Seth's Blog: Out on a limb

word and quote of the day

gratitude

do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for.

good saturday morning!  sometimes i feel like a broken record, or as my kids would say i'm stuck on repeat; but, we have to be grateful everyday for the things we have-food, shelter, toys, computers and our friends, family and our health!  it's so easy to lose sight of what's important living in this world of excess.  I feel the hardest part is making my boys understand their feelings of entitlement will get them nowhere.  i do take into consideration they are only six and eight, but it has already started.  today we are giving away a large portion of their toys and i hope they will enjoy taking them to a daycare or church for the kids there to play with.  i hope everyone is having a nice weekend especially since the hogs won the cotton bowl. what fun. i'm grateful to wake up this morning and share with you,  to watch pokemon with my three babies, to be going to hot springs this afternoon to see my family.  thanks, mem

Word and Quote of the day

Success "The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers." -Brian Tracy Now we chose this word and quote in honor of the Cotton Bowl today. I couldn't let this day pass without saying "GO HOGS!" Our attitude is a choice and even though I had 2 hours sleep and my husband Jamie is running wild; the kids were great this morning before school, and Magnolia Jane is pulling everything out of every cabinet (very smart). I am a happy woman. Please everyone have a nice morning and use your extra ten minutes to work to name at least five to ten things your grateful for. My gratitude list: My smart children My beautiful best friend, Liz The hogs playing in the cotton bowl Warm winter days My lovely parents Food in the kitchen The Today Show Make it happen. Mem

Friday!

It's the weekend! Hope everyone is ready for it. I am making my coffee right now, so I guess I'll be ready in about half an hour. More for you and your weekend then. Mem

New Years Resolutions!

Make a decision to have a positive attitude daily.
Make time for myself. A bit difficult with three kids.
Exercise daily.
See Tom Petty in concert in April. The last artist I have to see in this lifetime.
Work hard on my marriage. Last year was difficult.
Read with kids every night.
Start my own business. Soon.
Post in our blog everyday. And hopefully you will be intrigued.
-mem

getting in the swing of things...

sorry about that last post.  just getting used to this and was syncing to my phone.  i guess we better watch what we say... no telling what might show up on postscript!!