Wednesday, November 21, 2007

THANKSGIVING - UPDATES AND INSPIRATION

 
 
I want to THANK YOU all for your support and kind words - regarding my last entry...it means the world to me and truly brought tears to my heart. So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...from the bottom of my heart.
Okay....
WOW...This holiday came up quick....We are ready to cook...eat...and feel bloated for hours...YUMMIE...but it just seems like this month has flown by.
Some highlights to this week - we have heard from our son...he arrived safe and sound...he is adjusting to a whole new way and culture...the money exchange is driving him a bit crazy. We have already gone out shopping and bought all the stuff for his first care package. We had this idea to find a lil tiny Christmas tree to send to him but could not find one...someone also suggested the same thing..but we did buy a BIG Christmas stocking and have filled it with fun goodies for him. I am just waiting on his main Christmas gift to arrived by UPS and then we will send off his package.  I guess this will be a test of how the mail system works to send packages to him. I realize it will take longer then normal because it is the holidays...I just hope it gets it before Christmas. My son cannot stand secrets (like what we got him and Christmas presents and such) (he was the biggest snoop during Christmas growing up) so I cannot tell you what we got him until I know his package has arrived because he tends to read my journal when he is bored. (boys are like that I think). He said that we would have to send it return receipt because the military there will keep better track of things (go figure).
Crystalyn has been off from school...all week. Of course she is in heaven...no school..catch up on sleep..she and my hunnie went grocery shopping this past weekend and went crazy on a few things (NOT ON MY LIST). She got these books that are dimensional...things that you can feel - touch - lil envelopes in them with secret compartments and such..one is about the history and story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean and the other is about the history of Fairies. These books are so cool..you can spend hours just reading all the lil notes and turning up lil flaps and reading secrets and such in the books...the artwork is amazing...so she had her dad take her back to walmart to get another one called Chronicles of Spiderwick. If you go to walmart - check out these books..so very cool..especially if you or someone you know is into fantasy or art or just cool and different books. They are a bit expensive (around 16-18 dollars) but a great Christmas present.
My other son AJ should be home after December 14..it will be great to have him here for the holidays...he can always make me laugh..and I think he really needs a break from army life. Crystalyn and him have a habit of taking off with a camcorder and just videotaping everything and doing some crazy stuff...it should be so much fun!
I have been spending even more time updating my art blog...FINDING MYSELF.
Please feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. I really am enjoying myself - creating again has given me a new outlet. Feels good.
NOW - as a side note - hunnie and Crystalyn have been trying for a very long time to get me to go outside the front door. Finally about 2-3 weeks ago I started to go outside and see what hunnie was working on.(his buggy and our bar-b-q). He got me to sit for a few minutes...and the minutes started getting longer - and now I am up to about 2 hours...well because of the time change..it gets dark early so I told him that a fire pit would be so much fun..it sit around and just talk and such. Well - hunnie and Crystalyn went shopping and got the one I found on a web site...below are the pics...it has been really nice.
 
 
 
 
(my camera's battery was dying out so it slightly smeared the pic)
You would think a fire pit in Florida is a bit pathetic but on the cold nights it has been great. So being outside in the front yard (where other people can see me) has been a bit stressful for me...but slowly I am getting used to it...even met one neighbor..(which terrified me) but all things are good. WOW that first step was a lulu but I am still going out every day to sit..so this is a very good thing.
WELL - I think I have pretty much caught you all up on the bit of news around here...I just want to wish you and yours a BEAUTIFUL and BLESSED Thanksgiving..I am grateful for each and every one of you...you have added so much to my life in so many ways...mere words are not enough to tell you all the impact you have had in my life...but THANK YOU - I appreciate your friendships and support and caring ways!!!
Below is a bit of inspiration for Thanksgiving...:
 
 
Thanksgiving

It's the time of year when we're reminded to give thanks.
Instead of waiting until next year to be reminded,
Let's make every day one of thanksgiving;
After all, each day is a unique gift.
So, give a hug for no reason;
Say I love you, just because;
Share a smile with a stranger;
Take the time to count your blessings;
Don't take anything or anyone for granted;
And end each day with no regrets.
Thank you, my friends and family,
For sharing, caring, laughing and crying with me.
I'm truly blessed to have each and every one of you in my life
And I am thankful you have allowed me
To be a part of yours.
May you and yours have a safe and memorable Thanksgiving.
Author Unknown.

 
HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING.

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
Author Unknown.

 
BE THANKFUL.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
Author Unknown.
 
Remember to HUG those you LOVE...Tell them how GRATEFUL you are for them!
PEACE!!!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

SAYING GOOD-BYE

 
 
Well - my heart is breaking in two....my son had to leave tuesday afternoon instead of wednesday..it was the only flight he could arrange to catch up with the unit that is deploying out (from dallas/ft.worth).
So he hugged me tight...and I watched the car pull away and cried my heart out....I am angry our visit was so short...there was so much more we all wanted to do...so much more to say...but in the end saying I LOVE YOU is all that really matters.
He lost even more weight due to being out in the field for 10 days of survival, before coming home...he is now officially a PFC in Military Intelligence....suffice it to say...yes he will be fighting the Iraqi in terrorist cells located in the Phillipines...he has a hard road ahead of him..all I can do is pray and hope that he stays safe.
He is already orientated to what he will be doing specifically and where exactly and of course for his safety it is all under wraps...nothing told to us...so we can just sit and wait for the phone calls or emails and see what happens. He won an award for Military Interrogation (which is his specific field) - I am proud of him and worried out of my mind.
 
He did tell us of incidents of people (civilians in the US - even a handful of veterans) that have walked up to him - cussing him out because he is a soldier...for wearing a uniform that represents death, for being involved with the military that are killing innocent people. Yes there are many more people that say THANK YOU...but he said it does mess up his head (his words)..hurts him to think that there are actually americans out there that would say such hurtful things TO any soldier willing to keep their freedoms free.
Of course we talked about it....tried to show him that it takes all kinds to make up this country and that is part of what he is fighting for....but his only wish is that they would NOT say it TO HIS FACE....because it takes everything inside of him NOT to go off...so my son replied by saying to these people: "THANKS for letting me know how you feel and walked away."
 
Yes I watch the news and I am well aware that there are people out there that are dead set against the war....it is one thing to express that but to express it in the face of a soldier makes me SICK!!!
So here is my advice - if my sons being in the military upsets you in any way, shape or form because you believe it is wrong - SCREW YOU!!
Don't bother coming to my journal...People like you are worthless in my life....I have no time for you...
for those of you that support my sons...BLESS YOUR HEART...you will always have a place in my life!!!
I have always been a firm believer in the quote:
 
"I may not agree with what you say or believe but I will defend your
right to say or believe it...."
 
BUT DON'T HURT MY KID!!!!
 
I will add some pics as soon as I upload them....for the last 36 or so hours we have just been unstressing from the whole quick visit and trying to plan out our first care package to send him. If you all have any ideas...I am so open to suggestions...I like the idea of sending christmas candy since it only comes out once a year and that is something he will not find in Japan. Oh - his base station is Camp Zama...how cool of a name...unique!
 
On a different note - we just got my daughter's final senior portraits in the mail yesterday - so as soon as I can, I will scan one to show you all...
I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is already upon us...GEEZ I have lost all track of time...We were going to go out and not deal with all the cooking and such since there was only going to be my hunnie and me..BUT..my daughter will not be going to my parents house because we just could not get a flight that was NOT an arm and a leg in cost...it costs more to fly in the state of Fla then for me to fly to Puerto Rico or New York or even California...so she is staying home..so now hunnie wants to cook at home...he is all into it...and already has ideas of what to cook...he will do most of the cooking..what a cutie!!!
Well I think I have preached enough and let out a bit of my rants and raves...Oh BTW - I have been creating everyday in my art blog so PLEASE go check it out and let me know what you think. Here is the link:
Below is a poem I received in my box today and thought I would share it, since it seemed to fit in a bit with this entry...(have a tissue handy)
 
 
 
 
From the daughter of a soldier - Worth a read to the very end!



Last week, I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.

I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded And cheered for, it hit me.

I'm not alone.

I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of Our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers.

He knelt down and said "hi," the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.

Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now.

As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second.

Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie.

They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you."

He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

He finished by saying "Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.

I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause.

As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own.

That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.
++++++
 
Until Next Time ...... Remember to HUG those you LOVE...you never know about tomorrow!!!
PEACE

Sunday, November 11, 2007

VETERAN'S DAY

 
 
 
 
I am a whisper on the wind,
of times past and places long forgotten:
Valleyforge, Gettysburg, Batan,
Pearl Harbor, Normandy, Seoul,
Saigon, Loas, Kuwait, Iraq.

I am the heart of the countless numbers:
scarred and maimed American Veterans
And the soul of the buried unknowns

I am the integral part of each
white cross in Flanders Fields.

And I am sealed within each name
on the wall. I am part of each and
every headstone of every
American veteran in every cemetery
around the world.

I am deeply enmeshed in every tiny
undiscovered bone fragment of an
American veteran left behind, on foreign soil.

I am the unseen shadow,
the unheard voice in those many
empty cells that once held my
brothers in unspeakable torture.

I am the unbearable pain in the hearts of
every Mother, Father, Wife, Husband,
Brother, .Sister, and Child of the missing
American Veterans from all wars

I am within each and every
teardrop shed by family members for
their unaccounted loved ones.

I am the essence of each and every
drop of blood shed in the past or
the future, by an American Veteran
in the name of freedom.

I am the lifeblood of the colors
of the American Flag:
Blue for my loyalty and dedication
White for my steadfastness
Red for my pride and love of my country.

I am the spirit of each name on
the black granite wall.
..Of all those unaccounted for in every war.

Of those who went away to war,
galant young soldiers and came
back older than time or not at all.


...I am The Spirit Of The American Soldier...
 
 
If you REALLY want to THANK a soldier....Click on the link:
send them a card designed by a child and make their day, week, month!
 
**I know I have not been around this past week....son is home to say good bye before flying out to Japan...will fill you all in on it later...
Just wanted to THANK A SOLDIER - A VET - MY WAY!!!
 
      
 
Hug someone you LOVE....Time is short!!!
PEACE!!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

A FEW MOMENTS

 

Finally I have a few moments to catch up on a few things…First the weather - WOW finally some fall like weather has finally hit the sunshine state. I am loving it! I can actually breathe in some fresh air without choking. It has been wonderful the last few days…I have actually been sitting outside just soaking it all in!

Hurricane Noel skirted our coast but THANK GOD for the low front that was coming in the opposite direction and forced Noel to go away..unfortunately the east coast beaches took a beating with high surfs and more beach erosion has occurred, but at least NO HURRICANES…it has been the most mildest season I have ever seen in the 20 or so years I have lived here. (knock on wood)

I have really been doing some major blog hopping and researching on creating. Almost seems you would not have to research it but you do…to find things that inspire you. I think that is what spoiled things for me…lack of inspiration…I wanted to see what inspires others to create…see what they create..what they use..the thought process…I could go on and on..but I don’t want to bore anyone..suffice it to say…I have found things to inspire me..words, pictures, art, materials…things that once again..make me want to create. So I have been working on my art blog quite a bit…researching places to sell art at, “getting the word out” sort of speak. It really has been a labor of love for me. My head has not been so obsessed with depression and feeling trapped inside myself (now my battle with severe depression has been an on going thing for several years due to finding out just how sick I am). Being depressed took away my joy…but creating is bringing it back..all this research is bringing it back, thinking of new ways to be creative is bringing it back, meeting new people in the “art” community is bringing it back…..sharing my art with other people (actually letting others seeing it) is bringing it back. Just playing with supplies, throwing things together is bringing it back. I guess you get the point. You would think (if you have never suffered from depression) that it would be so easy to find things that give you joy likeyour significant other, your kids, your job, your fur babies, your possessions…but it does not. It does not mean that you love your family any less or that they are not important in your life…it is just that the joy disappears from your thought process from deep within your heart it is almost impossible to make yourself feel it or experience it. Strange I am sure, to most people but not to me! I am far from being “cured” or out of that depressive state…but I can feel that joy slowly warm my heart, I can see the light in my head in that very dark tunnel in a far off distance. It feels good! So that is why feeling creative is so important to me. I have uploaded some pics of some of my work and such so please feel free to go check it out for yourself: FINDING MYSELF.

So now you know what I have been doing…now on with other news...the daughter,Crystalyn - finally the first quarter of school is over..only 3 more to go…this also means report card time. To be honest…one grade needs improvement…she is also very confused as to why she received that grade because her main project was awesome! (she will have to speak with the teacher on monday) but she also received 3 “A’s” which I am thrilled about. She is a happy camper and it showed her that all the work was truly worth it…it was a great boost to her self esteem which is always a good thing! I am very proud of her!

The night before last my son, AJ, who is stationed at Ft Campbell Kentucky IM’d me and we video chatted for a couple of hours…that was so much fun..he has a wonderful sense of humor….he could always make me laugh about anything! He has received confirmation that his vacation has been approved..so he will be home from December 18th to January 1st., so I am very excited..it will be wonderful to have him home for the holidays! My other son, Eric, just came in from the field…he has been out in the field for over 10 days now, he said it was a nightmare - a type of make you or break you final training…now he gets ready for graduation from AIT and then home to see us for a few days, we bought him a ticket back to Arizona after his visit BUT now the Commander decided to cut vacation time for those deploying out..so now things areup in the air as far as his visit home..I am still keeping positive about this because I really want to see him and refuse to give up hope.

It has been a full week with nice temps…we did have rain on and off for 4 or 5 days but we needed it since the state’s water table is 24 inches below critical. But this weekend is absolutely lovely…so I think I will go and sit out some more!

Here is a bit of inspiration for you:

Remember To HUG Everyone You Love!!!
PEACE!!!