About a special note...

Hello Friends,

In our world of technology and ease of computers, a letter written by hand seems like a lost art. To be able to sit down and in a brief few moments write a special note of thanks is long forgotten. Perhaps there are no real words to explain the warmth it brings in being able to put in writing the genuine words of the heart.

It is in those moments we find the way to reflect the thoughts that are both gracious and kind.  Whether we truly know its impact, the ability to put the words from the heart onto paper remains to this day a gift; a special note and a treasure to those who receive it.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About feeling wounded...

Hello Friends,

Have you ever felt moments when no other words can describe the emotions except to say ‘you feel wounded’? I would suspect that as with a true wound, it takes time to heal and feel whole again. We wrap it with a bandage and protect it, then wait until it feels okay to take a risk again, even if it hurts.

Perhaps it’s during these times we realize that all of life cannot happen without a few hurts along the way. It would not be realistic to think we could escape it all. Instead we must simply admit it's hard feeling wounded and carry on.  At times it takes great courage to try when all we really want is protection and safety, afraid the wound has not yet healed.  Yet it is in the midst of the risk and trying we find we have healed and we are whole again.   Until next time...

Blondie©

About compromise...

Hello Friends,

I think all of life is a compromise. I don’t mean that we give up what is inherently important to us, but rather we learn adjustment.   It isn’t possible to always have things our own way. At times we must give a little to realize our goals. As long as our core values remain intact, then compromise seems minor in comparison to the choice of not having it at all.

Perhaps the hardest part of compromise is in the feeling of giving in.  We must align our hearts and minds to the task at hand and know with certainty this is just not true.  Compromise so often enables our dreams; we must never fall short in embracing this fact and moving forward to those outcomes  we so desire.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About being a limited edition...

Hello Friends,

When I think of a limited edition I always picture a work of art and something very special. Perhaps it’s much like the way we view our own life; that is something individual and unique, not duplicated in that same perfect form by others. It’s true each one of us approaches and embraces life in a different way.

Internally we must a way to know with certainty we are such a work of art. Rather than look at what others possess in terms of qualities and gifts, and wish for those very things, we must search for and discover those qualities most special and unique within ourselves. Together these very qualities create a limited edition work of art. Until next time…

Blondie©

About pearl lustre...

Hello Friends,

There is nothing more beautiful than pearls. Pearl lustre is used to reference the shine that gives pearls their beauty. Pearls exude ultimate style and grace and by their very nature are uncomplicated and simple, two qualities I most admire.  They remind me we must find ways in our own lives to shine.

At times we make things way too complicated, take on too much, and in the process lose our lustre in the trying. Our efforts are focused on making all things right when the reality is we need to select and choose that which allows us to shine. It’s how our spirit is renewed and how we enhance our confidence and self esteem. Until next time…

Blondie©

About one day at a time...

Hello Friends,

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is in taking each day as it comes to us and fully embracing the moments. While it’s important to dream and focus our energies towards the realization of our goals, it is in learning to live present in the moment that is the real treasure.

It’s not a simple task.  It seems easier to rush through life and now and again reflect back, and then realize time has passed us by so quickly. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to get up every day and enjoy our life no matter our circumstances. Some days will be joyous and others quite difficult.  It is in embracing all that we encounter, and by learning to love and laugh, we find happiness and joy in the moment and know for sure we have learned to live one day at a time. Until next time…

Blondie©

About feeling lonesome...

Hello Friends,

I think we all have days when we feel a sense of being lonesome for that which we no longer have.  It's natural to feel that way and to forget that in the midst of previous struggles why you let them go.  We don't always have a choice with that especially when the decision to move on is without us.  It's natural to feel lonesome and miss that which you no longer have.

What I know with certainty in the midst of these experiences is to remember at the heart of it all, what did I learn?  No matter how difficult, what did it teach me that I can later apply to other situations in my life?  Often we stay so long and connected to our current feelings we miss the very things that are right in front of us just waiting to be embraced.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About the windshield and rear view mirror...

Hello Friends,

As we travel on our journey, how good to know that the windshield we are looking through is much bigger than the rear view mirror. It is so much better to be seeing through a large pane of glass moving forward, than glancing back to see where we have been.

While it’s important to keep in reflection and perspective all we have learned, it is small in comparison to embracing all that is ahead for us. The lesson we learn is there is no point in regret; rather it is embracing the future with eyes wide open, we move forward. Until next time…

Blondie©

About wine and chocolate...

Hello Friends,

While I am not a connoisseur of wine and what chocolate goes best with each glass, what I do know for sure is that the two taste delicious together. Maybe it’s the heavenly flavor they create in your mouth as you savor the two at the same time that makes one desire it so.

Whatever is the case, on the hardest of days, in front of a warm and inviting fire, a glass of my favorite red wine and a dark cherry chocolate are all that is needed to relax, toss aside all cares, and just be present in the moment. Until next time…

Blondie©

About adjustment...

Hello Friends,

Life creates moments of adjustment each day. We must decide if we will stay present right where we are or adjust and go in a different direction. It isn't always easy to know what to do. Perhaps some choices are made intuitively, while other times we labor over it and in the process someone else makes the choice for us. That’s not preferred as it takes away our sense of control.

I like the analogy of driving the bus; others are on board with you, but you are in the driver’s seat. I think the key is found in constant awareness and assuredness of the direction in which you are heading. While there are many forks in the road, and many choices to make, we find joy in the daily adjustment on our journey. Until next time…

Blondie©

About polish...

Hello Friends,

At times we meet people who are entirely gifted in how they engage others by the very way they speak. I think it's the polish they add as they express their words that makes them shine. Polish is a gift of being able to say intentionally the words that need to be spoken but with added eloquence.

Although we are not born with it, it is none the less perfected when focused on. Polish is normally part of being gracious and brings with it a sense of style and flair; something you become known for having. It enhances your demeanour, establishes your credibility, and even in delivering the most difficult of messages, you find a way to express the words with polish.  It is an art refined each day.  Until next time…

Blondie©

About being selfish...

Hello Friends,

I had the pleasure recently of meeting some new colleagues and spending a morning with them.  I love it best knowing that life is about opportunities; that is, if we but embrace them, our focus is enhanced and most importantly we know for sure we are not alone in the challenges we share.  Interestingly enough the dialogue focused on being selfish, but not something to be seen as negative, but instead something positive that we know with certainty.

As I listened to the exchange of ideas and thoughts what I came to understand was being selfish was all about knowing yourself to the core; that is, those very things we hold most dear in our life and are non negotiables.  In understanding how to be selfish we refuse to compromise.  We seek out the very things that make us feel best about ourselves and inherently what's most important, and in the process we find what makes us happy.  We refuse to sacrifice and learn that the value in being selfish is something truly positive and to be embraced.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About balance...

Hello Friends,

Everyday we hear about the importance of balance. It’s always been something that’s escaped me in my scope of understanding and equally embracing and loving it as an integral part of my day. What I mean by that is I simply make excuses for all the other things that need to be addressed first and not stopping for a moment until all tasks are completed.

Balance is not intuitive with me. I find myself completely supportive of others who stop and rest awhile.  It all sounds quite fun and realistic; still, the whole balance thing eludes me.  Perhaps taking a course on the topic and putting it into practice would help and then I could make it my reality. Well that’s work to think of for now and I have many other things to do, so I’ll have to make time to revisit the idea of balance again tomorrow. Until next time...

Blondie©

About not dwelling on the past...

Hello Friends,

I have learned not to dwell in the past nor to spend my moments wishing for things I do not have. It’s not that the thoughts don’t enter my mind because they do; instead I decide each day to focus on the task at hand and those things which are within my control so I can forward think towards possibilities.

Perhaps the greatest sense of finding happiness is in letting go of the past and in forgiveness that enables us to move forward. We choose our focus each day and where we will place our efforts.  In deciding not to focus on the past but instead to dreaming in possibilities, we propel ourselves forward in a positive direction on our journey towards success. Until next time…

Blondie©

About guardian angels...

Hello Friends,

For as long as I can remember I’ve had a guardian angel. In the times when I have felt the most alone or wasn’t sure which way to turn, I just closed my eyes and in the midst of it all I knew I was safe. An unknown writer penned these wonderful words; ‘your guardian angel helps you find a place when you feel as though there is no place to go’.

I can’t really explain it with reason nor can I describe the sense of peacefulness and safety I feel. Perhaps it’s best explained as intuitiveness or assuredness in moving in the right direction. Whatever is true or however you choose to believe about guardian angels, mine has looked after me all my life. Until next time…

Blondie©

About the winds of change...

Hello Friends,

Winds naturally incline us to want to run for cover. Jim Rohn says ‘the same wind blows on us all; the wind of opportunity and the wind of change. The difference is not the blowing of the wind that determines your destiny; it’s the set of your sail’. The reality is we are not prepared for every minute of our life.

We are never sure what type of the wind will blow upon us and what adventure will come next. The choice we face is simply admitting we don’t have everything figured out, yet it is when the wind blows the hardest that we learn to set a better sail. We get stronger from every experience we encounter and prepare ourselves for future winds to come. Until next time…

Blondie©

About restoration...

Hello Friends,

The analogy of restoration frames a positive reference in my mind. To restore one’s self confidence and to renew one’s spirit ongoing is a wonderful sense of accomplishment. At times we may question what it takes to be able to do that very thing. The answer is not found in asking others for it but through self reflection and analysis. In the process of searching you will find the answer.

We often find ourselves in need of restoration because we want to affect a change. We are no longer present and engaged where we are, yet at times we are unsure where we need to be. Start with some small change and embrace the impact and value in your life and that will begin the process of self renewal.  Add in finding your joy in being fully present in the moment and you have embraced and begun the process of restoration. Until next time...

Blondie©

About one year from now...

Hello Friends,

Do you ever let your mind wonder where you will be in one year from now? What goals will you have achieved and set in place, and what hopes will you have enabled because you chose to believe it was your time for the dream to be realized? To be successful with this task perhaps we need to think as this anonymous writer did when he penned; ‘return to the ordinary moments of your life and meditate on their meanings. Lighten your heart, let go of struggle, and allow joy to enter your life’. 

Maybe the real key is in discovering what is right in front of our eyes and deep within our soul, knowing what to keep present, yet equally knowing with certainty that which you must completely let go.  This becomes the foundation we build upon that enables us to forward think of possibilities one year from now. Wherever we aspire to go, or to want to achieve, all things are truly possible if we stay focused on the journey and believe  with unwavering faith we will get there.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About reaching the summit...

Hello Friends,

What's most important as we reach for our goals is that we are willing to pay our dues.  We can't possibly reach the summit without being first being willing to climb the mountain.  At each point in the climb we find moments of rest and renewal that renergize both our mind and body and enable us to continue on.

So often we want to accomplish the goal right away but it is the journey and the experience that realizes it.  The key is being able to see the end goal, perservere, and believe you will get there if you but invest the time and energy to make it your reality.  Each part of the climb brings you that much closer to the summit.  It time well spent and worthwhile.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About the best days ahead...

Hello Friends,

My colleague recently said to me ‘that the best days are ahead’ and I couldn’t agree more with that statement. It’s our attitude that enables us to embrace and apply that meaning to our life knowing with certainty this time is but a leg on our journey.

It’s important we believe the best days are ahead. That’s what makes the investment worth the effort.  These memorable moments are present when we learn to enjoy the experience that comes our way every day; see it as a gift and in preparation for the best days yet to come. Until next time…

Blondie©

About things happen for a reason...

Hello Friends,

I believe everyday that things happen for a reason. While it’s true in the moment we can’t always see that, in time the reality comes to us and we know with certainty it was meant to be. It’s just that one event sparks another and what seems to take forever all of a sudden happens and comes together.

These events I know for sure are enabled by our very efforts towards that end resolve of what we aspire. It is seldom that something happens without our intervention but when it does have faith and believe with your heart and mind there is a reason and time will reveal it to you if you seek the answers. Until next time…

Blondie©

About feeling 'at home'...

Hello Friends,

At times we arrive at a place where we know we are 'at home'.  It's a special feeling within us not often shared with words but we know it with certainty. With it comes a feeling of rightness and belonging in that moment and a sense of what is true. 

Perhaps what makes is special is that it surprises us and comes along when we are least expecting it.  In the midst of living our life, in the rarest of times, we feel 'at home' and know we are happy.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About painting our canvas...

Hello Friends,

To be able to paint our canvas in beautiful colors knowing it is the vision and realization of goals and dreams is a wonderful thought. To bring to life that which we are most passionate about and know with certainty the journey was worth every moment is a constant reminder that all things worthwhile take time and effort.

While at times we may seem impatient and anxious to arrive, it is the very travel through both the happiness and sadness of moments that defines our character.  We become better with every experience that touches our life if we find a way and choose to embrace it all. Without the journey we would not have a story to tell and no canvas to paint. Until next time…

Blondie©

About vanilla bean lattes...

Hello Friends,

I am a fan of vanilla bean lattes.  There are many rules to go with my order but I believe it's important to make sure one's expectations are met especially when it comes with a fairly high price tag.  I willingly pay it though and have seldom been disappointed.  There are just some things that are worth the experience.

Often I enjoy a latte with friends and that makes the experience truly worthwhile.  Over coffee we figure out life, encourage one another, and promise to meet again soon to do the very thing all over again.  It always reminds me of how important it is to take time out of our busy lives just to stop awhile and spend time with others.  How wonderful to know that in the midst of being that busy a vanilla bean latte can make all the difference.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About smooth white sand...

Hello Friends,

I love the feel of smooth white sand on a beach and the peacefulness and serenity it brings. It's a chance to leave one’s cares behind and simply walk the miles knowing that as far as the eye can see there is sand and calm waters. It is during these times that our soul is most renewed and our passion rekindled towards all we embrace.

In the midst of the peacefulness we are reminded that life is precious and everyday one to be celebrated for the gift it brings. So much of life is focused on achieving our goals and that’s important, but in the stillness of the day with arms wide open, we have only to embrace and know that much of life is still unwritten and so much joy yet to come; search for it and it will find you. Until next time...

Blondie©

About 'cry me a river'...

Hello Friends,

There are moments we fail to understand the unbelievable sadness we feel over an event in our life. We attach the emotion and it is so engrained and connected to us we simply cry a river over it. As I listened to the song with that very title ‘Cry me a River’ I was reminded again that it takes great courage to admit if only for a while, you feel defeated.

It is in those very moments you know some things are just hard to understand and work through. With that comes the realization, acceptance, and an opportunity to go on. Sometimes, all that really matters is just showing up, going through the motions, and knowing with certainty there is always hope and power in believing. In the midst of crying a river, you find your smile again and resolve in moving forward. Until next time...

Blondie©

About ribbons and lace...

Hello Friends,

I love all things pretty.  For as long as I can remember I've been that way.   Whether its a new piece of clothing or something as simple as lace or ribbon trimmed paper I am instantly drawn to it.  Perhaps there is no real explanation for it, just that seeing it makes me feel warm inside.

It's a constant reminder that we must find moments and choose things that make us happy.  It isn't always in the large things we find this sense of contentment, but more in the small things where we experience instant joy. We try to explain it but as with other things in our life words escape us and we simply feel the emotions.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About sparkle dust...

Hello Friends,

Every now and again you meet a person who truly sparkles and you wonder what is it that makes them shine in how they stand out in your mind? I’m not sure that you actually have to know the very reason, only that within your heart you know they do. Perhaps it’s their mannerism in how they treat you with utmost value and respect that reminds you that it’s truly a gift to have sparkle dust sprinkled on you.

In the process of living their commitment to their life and work they leave you with an amazing gift of believing without question in your abilities. They encourage your spirit and remind you of your value. As you feel the warmth of their smile and see the sparkle in their eyes you have moments of gratefulness in knowing they are simply a gift and you are better for having met them. Until next time...

Blondie©

About relaxing...

Hello Friends,

I have to admit I am not gifted at relaxing.  I do know people who seem very good at it, but that's not inherent in my nature.  Now if there was a course and I could perhaps practice it for a day I might be able to figure it out and apply it in my life.  It's just that there is always so much to do, to learn, and to accomplish I find it hard to settle my mind into relax mode and just not think about all that I want to experience on my journey.

Perhaps that is okay.  In the end isn't it truly what makes you happiest that counts most in your life?  Others may try to slow you down in their quest to enlighten you to the value of relaxing and I have to admit for those moments I am grateful.  However leave me on my own; my mind instantly goes to thinking of all that a day can bring and with that accomplishment and that much closer to realizing my goals.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About 'YOLO'...

Hello Friends,

My very good friend said to me recently 'that I should remember about 'YOLO', meaning you only live once'.  We talked about how much time and energy we waste towards that which we cannot have, only to miss the opportunties that are right in front of us.  Things disappoint us and we focus our whole thoughts on trying to fix them or wish for them again, when in fact, what we need to do is find a way to think more presently and in the moment of just living our life.

That's not an easy task.  It's inherent in us to be all things to everyone.  We strive for happiness and joy and that's important, yet in the midst of it all we also exhaust ourselves and drain our emotional batteries.  Perhaps the key is in remembering we are only human and simply cannot do everything.  We need to find at the heart of us what is truly important to focus on and strive for, then live that life each day.  You only get to live it once.   Until next time...

Blondie©

About the morning...

Hello Friends,

There is something about the morning that brings about the dawn of a new day and hope.  It's a sense of being able to begin once again, fresh and clean with a renewed spirit.  Sometimes that doesn't come about easily and you must search and believe you will find it.   The sun rises each day and whether we choose to rise with it is our choice, along with the decisions we must make. 

What I know for sure is others can support us, yet it is only within yourself that you find the resolve to work through the challenges, and find your joy in waking up to embrace the day.  There will always be moments that threaten to overwhelm us.  We find our determination in our attitude to not be defeated, and to admit we simply do not ever have it all figured out.  It is a daily task renewed each day with the morning.  Until next time...

Blondie©