Waiting for the phone to ring

Today I’m waiting for a phone call. A phone call that could change everything… or not. I’ve done the footwork and the results are out of my control. This isn’t the first time I’ve been in this position, of course. Following job interviews, first dates, and other life events, I’ve waited for a phone call. Carrying the phone around, afraid to get in the shower, or worse!

If the answer is “yes,” it could fund a dream that I’ve had for a long time and help me fulfill what I believe to be my life’s mission; founding the healing place. If not, do I abandon the dream as if some unseen force is telling me to let it go? Or, do I double my efforts and come up with another way to make it happen?

Since my attention, and energy, is so fragmented today, I’ll probably limit my creative activities to those that don’t require much focus. Trying to work on an ambitious painting or sculpture will just frustrate me and I don’t need that right now. But, I do feel that staying in positive motion is important.

Being in the “waiting place” is a weird sort of painful. Accepting my powerlessness over an outcome and still doing everything I can to live my best life.

Blessings

Creativity, Rituals, and Spirituality

Today I'd like to take a little departure from the usual, here. I've been thinking a lot about how rituals and spirituality play a role in my creative process. I don't know if others feel this way, or not. I would like to share some thoughts on this topic. I hope you get something out of it! 

Part of our nature is to embrace rituals. We look forward to rituals great and small. Holidays, Graduations, and seasonal chores are all externally taught rituals. Other rituals are ones we create for ourselves. They bring us comfort, give us something to look forward to, and help us define our social circles. From decorating the Christmas tree to brewing a cup of tea, rituals are comforting and familiar. I am a big fan of rituals. I embrace them and use them to bring comfort and structure to my life. I bet you do the same. In this post, I am asking you to think about your rituals.

Most of what we think of as rituals are taught to us, handed down from our ancestors. Having had another person created the ritual, then pass it on, gives it value and legitimacy. Consider for a moment the fact of this. Someone developed the sequence of events and passed it on. Some have meaning, some don’t. In many instances, it is more the repeating of a familiar pattern that brings comfort than a firm belief, or commitment to, the act. This doesn’t make the actions good or bad. I’m just saying that we should really think about how we spend our time, what we devote our energies to.

So far, I’ve only talked about the positive rituals that we embrace. Think for a moment about any rituals you have devised, or capitulated to, that are negative and harmful for you. Do you beat yourself up emotionally? Condemn your motivations? Or, maybe you’ve fallen into a pattern like drinking to excess or smoking? Simply using negative language on yourself by way of self-talk can be a very destructive habit. Oddly, these bring comfort similar to positive rituals, but they tear down and destroy.  “Living life on purpose” includes rejecting what doesn’t serve us as well as developing what is uplifting. Beginning to recognize those negative habits, and starting to eliminate them, will help you feel better about yourself in so many ways.

Rituals can help us set our intention for just about any activity we choose to engage in. Getting ready to go on a trip, going to work, headed out to school… each activity has a list of behaviors we engage in before we begin. These help us transition from one activity to another.When I create art, I have a little set of rituals I usually go through. I get a beverage, put on some music, sometimes I light incense… That’s just me. I’m sure you have a ritual of your own. It helps to define the space and time as “creative.” Taking the time to define our intention, through thought and action, helps us to focus our energies on a specific intended purpose.

I don’t believe that we are stuck with just our own taught rituals, or making up our own. I love to learn about other cultural rituals and adopt those that feel right for me. For instance, I have adopted the custom of smudging to bring a positive vibe to my space. What can I say? It makes me feel clean and light filled. It’s a form of prayer to me. Another ritual handed down by my ancestors, and probably yours. J

To wrap this up, I just want to say that I, like most every person, embrace rituals for their ability to bring comfort, celebration, and help me to define my intent. My message here is simple.. Become aware of your rituals, embrace those that empower, let go of any that don’t. Feel free to invent rituals for yourself, too. They can be fun! As long as you’re choosing your behavior for the value that it brings into your life, you’re on the right track.

Blessings!

Laura P.

A few thoughts on Fibromyalgia

Another factor that has shaped 2013 has been that my fibromyalgia symptoms have become more of a challenge. Since the death of my kid's daddy (and my former hubby of 20 years) in December 2011, I've definitely noticed a intensifying of the symptoms overall. What I've worked on in 2013 is using the time and energy I have each day very wisely because it is brief. I need to sleep about 12 hours a night and take about naps every day. Sounds yummy, right? Unfortunately, the price I pay for pushing myself past these limits is body aches, migraine headaches, and ultimately something called a "fibro flair" which feels a lot like having the flu. 

Every person's experience with fibro is different, this is just mine. I have have noticed that the other people I know with this "condition" were kind of driven "type A" folks. This makes the limitations it places on us so hard to handle. Because we are always looking around at all the things we "should" do on the way to take a nap! 

The reason I'm sharing this is because I want to say that, while it is super frustrating, I have learned some lessons from fibro that I don't know I would have learned otherwise. Mostly I've learned about managing my time and energy. I look at it like a budget every day. I can't get overly ambitious because that will push me into a state of complete rest, so I must take my time and evaluate my choices carefully. I must set priorities and stick to them if I'm to get my goals accomplished. :) Sound familiar? 

So, I make lists. Then I prioritize them. My family is always at the top of my list. I try to do some art every day. House work is important to me, too, because if the house looks too crazy, it affects my self-esteem. Exercise makes the list every day, too. Even if I just walk around the block with my puppy dog, doing something every day is important to me. I've had to back completely burner several things I like to do including teaching for now. 

I've applied for disability through social security because I simply cannot work a full day and support my family any more. I cannot commit to anyone that I'll be at any place on a given day or time. I never know when one of my symptoms will make keeping that commitment impossible. It is my sincere hope that, when my financial issue is less acute  my symptoms will be, too.

Until that time comes, I'll just keep making my lists, using my time wisely, and maintaining a minds-set of gratitude for all the blessings I enjoy in this wonderful life. 

Blessings,
Laura P.

pretty dish collection

This is the beginnings of my pretty plate collection. It is my intention to use mismatched dishes, serving pieces, and silverware in my little house up in Dunsmuir, CA. Since I'm still working on getting the house, it is fun to collect the things I'll use when I do. It's also an excuse to bring home these pretties, clean them up, stack them and take photos. :) Always a fun activity for me!

The Dunsmuir home will house my art collection, studio, magic stuff, and so much more! I just can't wait to be a part of the art community, there. I'm also looking forward to sharing the house, as well as the wonderful community, with my many friends. 

I hope your dreams are coming true, too!

Blessings, Laura P.

2013 - So Far (my cool experience with a vision board)

Well, blogosphere! I guess it's been too long if I had to look up my password for this site! I'm writing now because I want to share the exciting year I've had so far! It all started last December when my boys were happily playing with their Christmas toys and Jim was enjoying a football game. I decided that this was the perfect time to sneak out an create a vision board for 2013. 

I left my happy home and went alone to a diner that I really like called the Diamond Springs Hotel. I took up residence in my favorite booth. (it's supposed to be haunted!) and I took out the supplies I would need to create my vision board including a sketch book, set of colored pencils, and an eraser. I chatted with the owner and let her know that I would be camping for a bit, to make sure that was okay. She was fine with it. :) 

I began making a list of all the activities and goals I wanted for 2013 on a paper napkin. Once I was happy with my list, I began drawing pictures on my vision board to represent all the things I was dreaming of for 2013. I didn't want this to become about making perfect pictures, so I did it quickly and only allowed myself the pencils to finish the project. 

When I got home, I placed my vision board in my art studio area (our family dining room) so that I could see it every day. The result of this project has been such a powerful experience that I'm excited to share it with you. Many, many things have come to pass that I first put down on that vision board. Some, like belly dancing and making more art were within my control and I feel that having a visual reminder of those things helped me bring them into my life. However, other things on my board have come which were entirely out of my control, and long waited for. This isn't a magic project, it's just a tool which helps us keep our priorities in mind. Much like a company has a mission statement and a five year plan, it makes sense for us to put thought into what we WANT in our lives. 

There are still a few things to look forward to and I'm really excited to see how the rest of the year turns out. I bet Jim will be tagging along this year when I make my new board to make sure he gets his priorities on there, too! 

I've helped a couple of other people to do boards of their own, and they've had amazing results as well. I would like to encourage you to give this a try. If you have any questions, please drop me a note, and I'll be happy to help you with yours, too.

Blessings!
Laura P.

Living a LaBelle Mariposa life

Cypress Sunset painting created for a original art pendant.

I came up with the name of my business, LaBelle Mariposa, because it brings together two languages to say the beautiful butterfly. Butterflies represent transformation, flight, beauty, living for the moment, and so many other things. Monarchs pass their knowledge on to generations who complete a journey that their ancestors have made for countless generations. This communicates tradition. In so many ways, the monarch, and butterflies in general, are a special symbol of rebirth, transformation, and grace. So, living a LaBelle Mariposa life is embracing personal transformation, finding our purpose, and living each day to the fullest. 

Lately, I've been so blessed to have so many of my dreams coming into reality. Today, Jim and I will travel to Monetery to visit Cheryl Watt Pottery & Gallery on Cannery Row so that I can drop off more art. Then, tomorrow, we'll attend an opening at the gallery! Also, today, I will get to spend time working with a dear friend on her own personal journey before I purchase the vehicle that will be my art car to promote LaBelle Mariposa!

So, today, I am feeling very blessed and happy to be living my transformed LaBelle Mariposa life!

Fanciful Gnomes for the Garden

Because I was not willing to risk my precious gnome, Gerome, being kidnapped from my front yard, I created a motley crew of gnomes to keep an eye on things out there. My friend, Kim Mayhew, made Gerome for me. He's wonderfully spooky-cool! Here's a pic of Gerome in my living room:

 

 My little collection of gnomes came from Harbor Freight. They were super cheap and started out pretty plain looking: 

There's nothing wrong with them... they're just not that fun. And the one on the right looks... okay... strange! 

So I painted them and added some glitter and bling from the thrift store, and I think they are WAY more fun!!!

Introducing the garden crew: 

Henry DeGnome by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

 Lupe DeGnome Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

Pierre DeGnome by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

Miwok Sun Maiden

I've been working on this little 4x4 painting for a contest at my local Indian reservation. I was inspired by the beautiful women they have working in their Tribal Health office. Long almost black hair frames lovely young women. The workers often bring in their children to work and family members bring their children in to hang out with the rest of the family. The atmosphere is an interesting mix of modern medical facility and family reunion with lots of love an laughter. It's such an amazing place to take my family in for medical care. 

I really like the painting.  I hope the people who evaluate the art like it, too. It's just what I envisioned in the lobby, but now I'm thinking it may need something else.

If I add more to her, I'll share it here. 

I hope that you get to create what you envision, too.

Blessings,

Laura P.

A crowing achievement

My darling daughter, Rachel, is turning 21 on July 2nd and we're planning an appropriate celebration. Like so many of us, Rachel is a multifaceted person. On the one hand, she's a lovely grown-up young lady, and on the other hand, she's my little girl! She's headed to New Orleans to celebrate with her grown-up friends and she's asked me to make a party to celebrate here at home. I'm so excited! It's gonna be a blast! I'm putting together a "Pretty, Pretty Princess" party for 5 over 21 year old young ladies. Jamie, my other big girl, asked me to come up with tiara ideas that the girls can make at the party. So, I headed to Michael's and bought a bunch of jewelry parts and glued them together with E6000. I'm happy with it and I think the girls will have fun making their own. I'll share photos of the whole batch when they're finished. Each one will be different, so it should be pretty fun.

I hope you're enjoying some creative activities, too.

Blessings,

Laura P.

Back in the swing of things

Good day to you! I think I'm finally getting to the end of my unpleasantness... At least I'm ready to be at the end so I'm choosing to move on. :)

Which brings me to today! I feel so fresh and ready to take on the world, it feels like a MONDAY! (btw, it's Thursday, which is good, too!)

I'm going to try my darnedest to balance all the things I really want to do today. It will be a challenge! Considering I have 3 kids of my own here today and one bonus kid. And a wonderful sweetie who needs me, too. Here's my to-do list:

Laundry

vacuuming

running kids around

pick up Rachel's car from the shop

feed dogs

water plants

grocery shopping

meals

exercise

create template for new stained glass panel within old window frame

Try out Mother's Day gift hammock!!! 

Try out Mother's Day gift motorcycle!

Shop for our early Father's Day celebration this Sunday...

That's all I can think of right now, but you know stuff will be added. I feel very blessed to have such high-quality "problems" as too many people in my life who I love and want to take care of, art to create, a motorcycle to ride...  :)

I hope you implement today's Inspirational Image! I think it's one of the most important tasks any of us undertake!

Blessings,

Laura P.

a "Walk In Your Own Footsteps" Inspirational Image

Learning Lessons about Life

The last couple of weeks have been difficult to say the least. I've learned a lot about myself as well as some other people in my life. I learned that some people can be unspeakably awful when they feel their cause is just. And, I learned that when I am on the receiving end of unspeakable awfulness, it takes me a long time to process my feelings. I'm still processing. Peeling the onion and finding hurt, betrayal, and fear hiding under pain and anger. I guess I could paint something really dark to get the feelings out. But, I find that I go to art when I'm happy to celebrate life, not to commemorate misery. The final result of all this is that the person who tried to deceive me ultimately failed because I sought reliable counsel before falling for her ruse. 

So, the lesson learned is that I'm too trusting of people who I perceive as being authority figures. The sad thing is this woman has been awful to me before and I went along with her because she spoke kindly to me. I also suffer from the unfortunate desire to have relationships which are smooth in my life, even to my own detriment.

I choose to remain a kind and open person. I want to trust people in my life. Therefore, I will continue to seek sound counsel from people who I know love and honor me. And, NOT take action recommended by those who've shown clear disregard and disdain for me in the past. Part of me does not want to admit that their are real live evil people in this world. Especially people with blood relations to people I love. But, it's true. I get that now.

What I want to take away from this is GRATITUDE for the good people in my life and the ability to set firm boundaries which exclude the evil. 

I have not made a Inspirational Image in a while, but I'm glad to share this one with you today. I hope it reminds you that you are wholly ready to be fully YOU right now!

Blessings,

Laura P.

A "Walk In Your Own Footsteps" Inspirational Image

Creativity has many forms

I've been blissfully busy working with my son, Steven, on his latest obsession... coming up with cowboy costumes for himself and his two best buddies. For several years, Steven has been invited to go to Columbia, California with one of his best buddy's family. He came home last year saying that he thought it would be cool to dress the part of the old west for the next year's reunion. So, for the last few weeks, we've been cruising thrift stores for the perfect hats, boots, shirts, pants, and vests to outfit Steven and his two buds. Here's a pic of Steven in his outfit:

He didn't want to look right at the camera... not cool. You'll also notice that he has a gun with holster on his right hip. That's a reproduction gun (good thing he had money saved up from Christmas.)

One of his buddies is wearing a Clint Eastwood inspired outfit, and the third sort of the muscle of the group and he's dressed all in black.

Hopefully, Steven's friend's mom will be able to get a nice picture of all three dressed up.

I gotta say, it was such a fun experience to do something like this with my son. We drove all over town, again and again, trying to find just the right pieces. During our time together I got to really enjoy his company. Having three kids means that I am rarely alone with any one of them. It was really neat. If you don't have a reason to be alone with your kids, I'd invent one. It's so worth it!


The other project I've been working on lately is a sign for our friend's new home. Ken and Ester lived across the street from us for many years. They are super nice and Ken is really into Bonsai gardening. Being super busy all the time prevented us from spending much time together. But, when they moved and got a new home with property they included us in their plans to have a housewarming party. They called their new home "The Roost" in honor of a favorite restaurant in Arizona.  I thought that was the perfect reason to make them this sign for their house.

Also, I just love making signs. I'm leaving it without hangers so they can hang it however they like.

So, although I haven't been creating art in the way that I usually do, I definitely feel that I've been very creative lately.

Just another day...

Today I'll be out in the glass studio for a bit getting samples ready for the June 9th class at Trezhers Gift Shop in Sacramento. Then, I'm off with my oldest son, Steven, to do some birthday shopping for the fair Jamie's 21st. Steven is also putting together a cowboy outfit for his annual trip to Columbia, CA with his best buddy's family over Memorial Day weekend. 

Okay, those are the fun and exciting parts of my day. Otherwise, I'll be doing laundry, cleaning house, and generally helping my sweetie out with any chores he needs done. Through all of this, I'll be following the advise in today's Inspirational Image. Because, losing my former hubby Joe suddenly this winter reminded me that we don't know how long we have with anyone. Time goes by very fast. Treasuring each day we have with the people we love, is vitally important to happiness. 

Blessings to you, today,

Laura P.

Treasure Every Moment of Your Life from Chapter 22, titled Present Moment Awareness

Studio musings

I've been obsessed with the magazine, "Where Women Create" for a couple of years now. I just love seeing how the people (they have men, now) organize their creative spaces. When I first started reading it, there were lots of gals like me, trying to make a functional working space in the family dining room. The did amazing things with storage and made their little carved-out studio creative, beautiful, and functional! 

Well, when I returned home from my trip with mom to Mariposa for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival recently, I was shocked at the state of my own "studio." I was so focused on getting ready for the festival, I had begun to pile art supplies, reading materials, and other stuff just to make room to get things done.

In order to get my work place back into shape, I've decided to go through my older magazines and find some creative inspiration for making my own studio magazine-worthy. Then, I'm going to turn my attention to the other rooms of my home. I've been so busy being an entrepreneur, I haven't taken time to make our family's home the organized cozy place we can all enjoy more.

While I'm at it, I'll be selling off un-needed stuff in order to buy the new camera I've fallen in love with. So, you can look forward to some stunning images of my newly organized spaces. :)

Here's the Inspirational Image for today. I thought it would be fun to do something different. 

from Chapter 10 of Walk In Your Own Footsteps titled "Gossip"

Finally, I was accepted yesterday into KVIE's art auction! I'm so excited. The awards will be announced on August 1st. Wouldn't it be cool if my name was on that list? We'll see...

Monarch on California Poppy my painting which will be in the 2012 KVIE art action. :)

To self-publish or go with a publishing house?

This is a question many people are asking themselves these days. Self-publishing houses like Lulu.com offer writers more options than ever before. When I finished my book, Walk In Your Own Footsteps, I pondered this question almost obsessively. I wanted the best for my book, but I also wanted to maintain control of my project and I didn't want to wait the months most publishers require to get it into people's hands. I also was told that no publisher would want me if I'd self-published. 

So, I'll share how this has gone so far for me and let you know when new stuff happens with the book. First off, I spoke to my favorite niche publisher in my genre and was told that they are not against publishing books that have been already been self-published. In today's market, marketing a book falls in large part on the writer. Therefore, if you have the gumption to get the book out there with no backing, you're showing the publisher that you're willing to work hard to promote your book. Also, any connections I make while promoting my book on my own, will only help if I decide to go with a mainstream publisher later. I've been on 3 radio shows which I found through Help A Reporter Out. If you're promoting anything, I think being on this mailing list can be very helpful! I was also on a local public access television show. My mother took my book to a craft show and met the producer there. That interview experience was awesome! When I tell people that I self-published because I had a vision for my book and didn't want to hand it over for a publishing house's input, people really understand that. I've had no discrimination because I'm self published. I wrote a book and am sharing it with the world. That's the bottom line. 

Okay, that all being said, I have submitted my book to a mainstream publishing house that I feel would help me get my book into more hands. I still don't want to change the cover, or the primary content/style of my book. So, if they want me I'll have to work very closely with them to make sure my book remains the book I was inspired to write. I'm looking to partner with someone who will help me and I'll help them. I'm not showing up, hat in hand, hoping for a leg up. That's an important step for me. 

It is also vitally important that you know your genre. I understand that romance books only stay on the shelves for a few weeks, even when published with a big house. So, getting your book out there first, might not be a good idea for a romance writer. Each genre will have it's own considerations. 

Admittedly, there is no big advance when you self-publish, but much more of the proceeds of your hard work go into your pocket. As with anything else in life, weighing the pros and cons is a little tough because they don't necessarily weigh equally.

If you've gone through the effort to create a book, and want to share it with the world, I feel that self-publishing is a valid path to achieving your goal. The most important part is that you feel you've made the right choice for you and your work. Weighing your options, taking input from people who know, then following your own instincts is probably the best way to know. Because, ultimately, it's up to you... the writer... to choose your best publishing path.

Blessings,

Laura P.

Artist/Author

It's a strange combination... artist and author. Both require me to promote my own work. Both require a dedication to my craft that means I need to, dare I say it, discipline myself in order to get things finished. Yet they really aren't the same thing. I find myself working on art stuff then switching gears to work on book promotion. I'm very passionate about both. Helping people live happier, emotionally healthier, lives is the goal of my book. And art is just fun! I love seeing people's faces light up when they see my impossibly large butterflies.

On the art front, I've submitted the following images for showing in my community. The swirly one is titled: Unity to Share 1. I created a similar image some time ago and it is one of my favorites. Since I don't want to part with the first one, and it's a popular pendant image, I decided to do a series of these. Each one will be different, of course, this is number one. I submitted it to the Kennedy Gallery who will be doing a "Pride" exhibit during June in Sacramento. Fingers crossed on this one as I'd love to be a part of the exhibit.

Unity to Share 1 8x8  acrylic on canvas

Monarch on Poppy 16x16 acrylic on canvas

The large butterfly on a poppy I submitted to the KVIE art auction. I checked out their web site and there is nothing like my work in their previous years. I don't know if that's good or bad... or neither. It is 16" by 16". Getting into this art auction would be very cool. I love PBS!

 

Part of my work with my book is creating Inspirational Images. The one I put together for today is from Chapter 9, Friendship:

Since I spend so much time working on marketing, I thought it would be helpful to set up a website with links to some resources for fellow creatives. My plan is to use the domain www.CreativesMarketingResources.com. If you have an article you've written, a link to a great site, or helpful blog posts, send them to me! I'd love to get this project started. Cause... that's what I need! A new project! 

And then, of course, I'm just a little obsessed with acquiring a truck that I can use to haul all my stuff around and paint butterflies and flowers all over it!  A traveling, happy, bright, fantastic TRUCK!!

I hope you're enjoying your work as much as I do!

Blessings,

Laura P

Inspirational Image for a Monday

Today's Inspirational Image is from Chapter 10 of my book, Walk In Your Own Footsteps. When we share loving, uplifting, and supportive news about our friends and family, we spread love. When we engage in gossip, we do just to opposite. Sometimes, it's helpful to evaluate what information we share and make sure it conveys the love we want to transmit with our words and actions.

Have a blessed week!!

Inspirational Image

Sugar Blues

For the last few days, I've been kicking a sugar monkey that's been on my back for too long. Just like ridding ourselves of any vice, sugar has been a worthy adversary. I've been cranky, had headaches... not to mention cravings. Oh, and don't let me start about the social pressure. Everywhere I look there's cute cupcakes, yummy looking cookies, ice cream, hmmmm. 

I'm sharing this because eliminating sugar from my diet is not any different than letting go of any addiction. We can become addicted to alcohol, drugs, food, cigarettes... Those are obviously addicting substances. But we can also become addicted to our own chemical process when we are in certain situations such as drama-filled relationships, risky behavior, anger and rage. The bottom line is that kicking addiction is tough. It doesn't matter if it's an obviously bad drug, a negative behavior, or a socially acceptable one, changing behavior is rough. 

If you are living with a behavior that you feel is not good for you, you have the power to choose again and let that go. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it! 

Blessings,

Laura P.

Take actions that support your own personal walk

Living our best lives

I have lived parts of my life thinking that I just needed to hold on till things got better. That's not a bad way to live, sometimes it's the only way to survive things. However, some of those years I could have been enjoying the company of people I would have to say goodbye to and I didn’t even know it at the time. I also lived in a nice home, had good friends, and many other neat benefits that I didn’t fully enjoy. I was so busy white-knuckling the scary stuff, I missed much of the nice parts. And, of course, much of what I feared never happened anyway.

Today, I try every day to focus on the wonderful people and good things in my life. Letting fear of the future hurt my present is very destructive, so I avoid that fervently. Choosing to live our best lives every moment of every day, is the best way to have happy productive lives.

Blessings,

Laura P.

Good choices inspire courage

 

Spring Fever Friday

Hi, all! Sorry I missed you yesterday, my youngest son is home sick and that became my priority. He's going to get better today, medicine has been called in and we'll go get it in a bit.

I think, like many people, I have this feeling that when I finish a project I'm working on right now, life will get easier somehow. That once this big thing I have going is done, I'll be able to do the stuff I want to do. Or, at least the things I think I should do.

When I was 21 (25 years ago) I was working on my wedding and told a co-worker that I would be glad when it was over and life would settle down. She just laughed. She said life never settles down. I think she's right. I think, now, that the trick is to make sure that what our lives are full of is stuff we want. Every time we say "yes" instead of "no" to what we don't want, we stuff we don't want to become priorities in our lives. We are giving up what we want in favor of what we don't. Work is a necessity for most of us. Making the best of it is a first step to living happily ever after. Second, is definitely carefully choosing how we spend our "not working" time.

Remember the immortal words of John Lennon, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." Life is made up of what we actually do, not what we plan to do, or intend to do. It is always only the actual action that we take. I hope that this weekend you find some real big fun in your life and enjoy every minute of it.

Blessings,
Laura P.

ps. I'm especially pleased that today's inspirational image is from my own art work. I hope you enjoy it.