Camellias and Hope

I'm really big on the word on "hope" and signs and symbols in life. I also believe that things happen for a reason, even if we don't always understand the reasons or see the whys at the time. When I first bought my house ten years ago, it didn't have a lot of flowers. It was the first house I bought since being divorced, so it meant a lot to me. Since then I've done a lot of gardening. The camellia in the picture came with the house. And to be honest, one of the reasons its still here was because in the early days when I was working in my garden, it was too hard for me to dig out. But what I found out was that every year, without fail, the camillia blooms, usually during January. I always see those flowers as a sign of "hope" for the year I face ahead, kind of symbolic, you know? As of lately, I've been thinking a lot about the devastation in Haiti. I cannot say anything that hasn't already been said. Brande and I were talking the other day and she said to me, "can you imagine how much pain so many people are in with all the broken bones in their bodies and no help". Then she asked me, "remember how much pain you were in when you broke your ankle"? That kind of put it into perspective for me. I follow Jenny Doh's blog. She had a written a post about the luxury we all have of just turning on the faucet for running water. If you get a chance, please read her words, they are very inspiring. It makes you realize how much we all really have in our own lives, especially with the world the way it is today. I see "signs" in life all the time. Whether it is in nature, or random acts of kindness, those good things are out there if you keep "hope" alive in your heart. And if you can even donate a few dollars, that would help all those that so desperately need help in Haiti right now. Next time you go to your sink, and turn on the water, think about about. Never give up on "hope"!

We Made It!!

We made it to the last day of the year, to the last day of the decade! That's me and my kids, and we made it through all of "our stuff", kept working side by side at Country Roads, and we haven't killed each other yet! That is a huge deal if you know us well! Like all of you, I've seen things this past year, I never thought I would see. And my heart has taken its share of pain along this journey as much as I've rejoiced and laughed along it as well! The last day of the year, New Year's Eve, I'm never up till midnight, I'm asleep anxious to start a new year with our annual "big ass" sale we have every year at Country Roads. I like working HARD on the first day of the year, that is the way I'm wired. I'm not sure that part of me will ever change! I like to keep busy! Buying a new calendar for my office is always a big deal for me. Yes I am lame, but nonetheless, it is a big deal. I went with the same calendar as last year, "Simplicity". I have to admit, I didn't get the "simplicity" in my life that I so badly wanted this past year, and one of my new year's resolutions this year is to find a bit more "simplicity". I need to put down the iphone, the computer, and lose myself once again in books, writing, and my music. My ipod has taken me to places I've needed to go to to at certain times in my life. Music is very important to me. Last year I promised myself that I would post a blog each and every day no matter what was going on in my life. And guess what, with this post, I DID IT! The reason behind that was to make my head, mind, and brain work together in looking at everyday life and knowing and searching for the stories it tells daily. And in that discovery, I've also gotten to make some wonderful friends along the way. There are so many, but Malisa, Debbie, Debra, Cher, Teresa are just a few that have touched my heart more than they will ever know and I've had such pleasure in getting to know each of them!!! I thank each of you for that. On January 8th, of 2010, I will write my 500th post! I'm still a bit in shock over that one, but in 2010 I will continue to post daily. Just something I need to do!One really important new years resolution I've made is to spend more time with one of my bestfriends, the treadmill. The treadmill and my ipod have taken my body & mind to where I never thought I could go both mentally and physically. Seriously, it is the best medicine for your mind and body along with staying positive and happy! You have got to have those two things in your heart, "positivity & happiness"!! The poor treadmill has sat, untouched in my little room in the garage for awhile now. But not for long since we will spend some time getting reacquainted! Exercise is not only important for our bodies, but our minds as well! Up there near the top of my resolutions is another bestfriend, Country Roads! She has been there for me for over 18 years now and I am determined to never let her down. Our new motto for next year is this, "Country Roads Is Steppin' Up The Game". I have been blessed to have such a great group of talented individuals that work with me to put together a store that is so much more than just a "store"! And I promise them that I will never, ever stop working to raise "the bar" of awesomeness (is that a word) in the new year!And along with never, ever stop working hard at something, I will continue to take care of myself so I can be the best Gramma ever to these two, Riley & Morgan. I don't take the role of "Gramma" lightly. I want to continue to DANCE with my babies. Riley loves it, and before you know it, Morgan is going to be shaking her "booty" along side us! And come July, about the 22nd to be exact, I am going to get to be a Gramma for the third time now! Katie is pregnant, and I have this gut feeling she is having a boy, so I best REALLY get in shape for that one! We all know how much energy I need even now for "My Boy Bryce"! This amazing woman, my "Ruthie" has continued to remind me this past year to continue to believe in "HOPE", never ever give up on that! And I haven't!! As I head into 2010 the word "HOPE" will be traveling those 365 days by my side. And if you keep that alive in your heart, 2010 will take us ALL to places we've never been to before, ever! Happy New Year!!

Hope Speech

"Without hope, not only gays, but those who are blacks, the Asians, the disabled, the seniors -- the 'us's' -- without hope the 'us's' give up. I know that you can't live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you, and you, and you have got to give them hope." - Harvey Milk, "Hope Speech," 1978

You know, last time I posted my feelings about Prop 8, I wondered if I should have done so or not. But in hindsight I'm glad I did. I think the quote above sums up my feelings. I think I was pretty naive when it came to Prop 8 in that I was sure it would be defeated. I was really saddened that it passed, and still am. I sincerely "hope" with all my heart that it will be overturned. Prejudice and discrimination, and inequality is what Prop 8 was about. And it isn't "just" about gays, but it is about everyone, think about that. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. And I'm "hoping" our courts will do the right thing when it comes to Prop 8's defeat. Harvey Milk made that speech 30 years ago. How can we still live in a world filled with prejudice? I will never understand.