Stories of Broken People Meeting God

Over the years, clients would come in with a particular book in mind and ask for my opinion.  It's pretty typical that the book would be in the "self-help" or "pop-psychology" aisle .  If Oprah said it, it must be the gospel (not).

In those rare opportunities that a non-churched person come in and want to talk about God & Spirituality, my senses tingle - in a good way.

The book "The Shack" was part of one particular session.  It was enlightening to gain a perspective of the non-churched.

What moved me and pained me at the same time was when the person said that God was so Real in the story that one wishes that it was true.

I was stunned!  Rendered Speechless.  A rare form for me.  I do talk for a living.

Whoa...What are we not doing as believers that cause such doubts in the people who have yet to realize God's Realness?

As I search within and without for some answers, I came across a few examples of people who are willing to bridge this gap by sharing stories.

Bo's Cafe
Brief Description of the Book & Bios of Authors
Windblown Media http://windblownmedia.com/ixxocart/products/Bo_s_Caf-13-7.html

The Shack
http://windblownmedia.com/ixxocart/products/The_Shack_Paperback-1-1.html

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Donald Miller's Website & Info
http://donmilleris.com/books/

How Will You Bridge A Reality Gap Today?

Royal Wedding 2011

Okay Okay...I couldn't resist.
Finally logged on to The Royal Channel on youtube for The Royal Wedding.
I know there are more pressing and obviously more important happenings on April 29, 2011.
But...But...But...it's a wedding, never mind a "Royal" one and it is in English...thanks for the correction...British.

All this wedding talk & frenzy made me think of my own wedding...January 18, 1992.  Nerdy Hubby and I talked about our upcoming 20th Anniversary.  I know the official big number is 25th.  But 20 is still a pretty big number.  This is especially true when thinking back; we have been through a lot together.  At times, it seems like we have been in 3 different marriages...Just with the Same Person.  Realizing that I am feeling a bit nostalgic, I went searching for wedding in New York City.  Here is a sampling of the results.

Merci New York

http://mercinewyork.blogspot.com/

Trent Bailey 

http://trentbaileyblog.com/weddings/

Missy Photography

http://blog.missyphotography.com/

In Honor of Other People's Royal Wedding,

An Extra Kiss for 

Your Honey/Sweety/Love Bug...(fill in the blank) Today

XOXO

From... croque-monsieur et croque-madame To... the monte cristo

My all time favorite sandwich is...
(ok, maybe it's a three way tie among New York deli chicken salad and New England lobster roll; I am a reformed New Yorker after all) ...The Monte Cristo.

Since moving out west, every time I see the Monte on a menu, I feel like I have to order it.  Tasted many good ones, and others, not so much.

Here is one of my favorite recipe for a near perfect Monte Cristo.  No...I don't like them fried.
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/monte-cristo-sandwiches-recipe.htm

Then I did some research, the great grandfather of Monte Cristo is French, the "croque-monsieur" and great grandmother is "croque-madame." These are open face ham and cheese French Bistro sandwiches.  Great grandmother is served with an egg on top.

This site has an authentic recipe of them...Beautiful!
http://www.sohowsittaste.com/2011/03/croque-monsieur-croque-madame.html

Why I find the Monte so inspiring and endearing is the fact that it is a breakfast sandwich that you can eat any time, even for dinner.  How fun is that???  Oui Oui 

Go do something in reverse today

Dance with 2 left feet

Walk backward to your car

Smile while you are frowning

Write your own rule for just today 

The Horse Boy - Autism Awareness Month

April 2011 is National Autism Month.
http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/

As the month is drawing to an end, as many others have told their stories online and otherwise, I would like to bring attention to a particular journey of one family.  It has been made into a documentary.  The driving force of this story has been a father's quest to bring understanding to his son's inner world.

You can hear an interview of Rupert Isaacson describing this journey with his son Rowan online.
http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/tt/tt091111rupert_isaacson#idc-container
From that brief interview, I was moved, intrigued, saddened, and become hopeful all at the same time.  Hope this will add another dimension to the subject of Autism.  And encourage you to be more aware of the faces and stories and lives of those being impacted.

The Official Website of The Horse Boy is at,

http://www.horseboymovie.com/Film.php

Today, I will be Intentionally Thoughtful of Others.

I will Shed Tears and Come to Smile On Behalf of 

Those Who Suffer Yet Have Overcome!

French Word of The Day - Macaron

Macaron...Almond flour + Sugar + Egg white
Simple ingredients with Extraordinary result.
Have to be honest, I have eaten many and have yet to try to create such beauties.

If I only get to put one destination on my bucket list, France would be it. Paris, Nice, Marseilles, Lyon and of course Bordeaux.  Any of these would do.

Since High School French class, it has been "The Destination" for me.  Remembered none of the vocabulary, but kept the visual fantasy of someday I will set foot on that land of colorful people and colorful land.

Twice, it came close, but life got in the way.  So I will continue to put spare change into the "Paris" piggy bank.  I will continue to check for airfare on those discount travel websites.  And someday I will set foot on that land where colorful Macarons will be at every corner bakeries.

Until then, I will travel via the lives of others, the words of those who are natives and feast upon the pictures of those who capture its essence.

Secrets Of Paris  -  http://www.secretsofparis.com/

French Word-A-Day  -  http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/

Paris Parfait  -  http://www.tarabradford.com/

My French Kitchen  -  http://myfrenchkitchen.wordpress.com/

Ann Mah - Adventures in Food, France & Beyond  -  http://annmah.net/index.php

Where is Your Place of "Destination?"

How Will You Get There Someday?

And I Will Dig Up that Treasured Recipe for Macaron 

Stuff - Sort Them, Keep Them or Throw Them Out

KCRW - UnFictional  

http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/uf

facebook page    http://www.facebook.com/UnFictional

I am a big fan of KCRW's UnFictional radio program.  I try to catch it every Tuesday; and when I can't, I stream it.

I am still a lover of radio.  I like the old fashion way of story telling.  It's not about the sensationalism, special effects, glitz or razzle-dazzle.

Today I am "thinking" about cleaning up my stuff.  Sorting them, maybe; keeping those of true value, maybe; throwing out other stuff, maybe. These are all a matter of perspective and personal feelings. Nerdy Hubby and the kiddies always run and hid when I announce that I am going to clean out the closets, or do seasonal cleaning or just lightly suggest that it's time to sort out what to donate to Goodwill.

All this pondering reminded me of a program on UnFictional - Miscellaneous
Follow the link to listen to the program.

http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/uf/uf110301miscellaneous

UnFictional producer Bob Carlson invites an household organizing expert to his house, to help go through his garage full of the junk he's been holding onto since he was a teenager. Organizer and closet designer Tina Russek can be found at www.aperfectcloset4you.com.

After that,  a dreamlike visit to the U.S. Postal Service mail recovery center. Producer Samara Freemark finds her way there after she loses a package in the mail. She meets many of the regulars, and arouses the suspicions of the authorities.

Both are great stories referencing people and their attitudes toward stuff.  

Hope you enjoy listening to this. Then you can decide what to do with your stuff.

He Is Alive!!!

Love Wins  - Rob Bell

http://www.robbell.com/

I MUST start out with  -  It's Easter Sunday...

It's a HAPPY DAY!!!  &  What a GLORIOUS DAY...

I can't say that I am a supporter or a critic of "Love Wins" by Rob Bell. I have yet to complete his book.

So far, I do agree with one of the reviewer of his book, G. P. Wood from MO.

****************

"There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love questions and those who love answers. 

Question-lovers focus on the ambiguity and uncertainty of belief. Reality is bigger and more complex than our theories about it. Consequently, we must be humble in the face of mystery, knowing how much we do not know.

Answer-lovers focus on the clarity and certainty of belief. Reality may slip the grasp of theory at the margins, but theory has a firm grip on reality at the center. So, we must act courageously in the world on the basis of what we do know.

Rob Bell loves questions. His critics love answers. This difference between them--a difference that is both temperamental and methodological--illuminates the controversy surrounding Bell's new book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived." 

****************

Personally, I work with people's sufferings on a daily basis.  At times, my concerns are not the after-life but the here and now.  I know the Good News; I preach the Good News; I do my best to live out the Good News. But so many are already living in a daily Hell.  Some may say that they either deserve it or they create it; maybe they are willingly staying in it.  All may be true.  Yet the sufferings in such are still true.  I do often wonder WWJD???

Here are two differing perspectives on "Love Wins."

Fuller Theological Seminary President Richard Mouw's thought:

http://www.netbloghost.com/mouw/?p=188

Christianity Today's:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/april/lovewins.html

What I do know Today is  -  My Savior Lives

Happy Day

How Cool is CoolHaus???

Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches

Storefront or CHASE the Truck - Website

http://www.eatcoolhaus.com/

9:50 am - Looking for Parking at the Park for Easter Egg Hunt.  More like a "Easter Egg Chase."

10:02 am - Easter Egg Hunt sound off...Beeeep!!!  - Hundreds of kids run toward the eggs on the ground.

10:11 am - All Done...parents got a few pictures of their kids' back bending and scooping up colorful plastic eggs with disposable candies (don't eat that...it's been on the ground!  Oh no you don't...the warping came off and you are NOT going to put that in your mouth!!!)

10:17 am - If you are lucky, then there are coupons for ice-cream or in-and-out or chick-fil-a.  Then you start walking back toward the car.

10:25 am - Finally found the car and now waiting in the long line to exit the park.

The real reward of this year's madness is knowing that the CoolHaus Truck will be up here in Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita hosts a "Street Fair" every forth weekend of the month at the parking lot of College of the Canyons.  And we have been getting some good, solid Food Trucks up to the event.  Not bad for suburbia.

SCV Street Fair  -  http://www.santaclaritastreetfair.com/

So with kiddies in tow, we went on an ice-cream sandwiches adventure at 10:40 am.  Early you said...NO NO, it's NEVER too early to go chase down an ICE CREAM TRUCK

Step 1:  Pick Your Cookie

Step 2:  Pick Your Ice Cream

Step 3:  Take a bit out of your giant mount of Sweet Reward

BTW, the paper is edible too (it's edible rice paper)

We had:  Snickerdoodle + Cinnamon; Chocolate Chip + White Peach; Double Chocolate + Strawberries Jalapeno +  Sea Salt Carmel (YES...a double Sandwich)

So My Encouragement to You Today...

Go Chase Down an Ice Cream Truck 

and Remember Those Moments of Sweet Childhood Memories

Good Friday 2011

I will let these videos speak for themselves.

As I prepare to celebrate the wonders of Easter Sunday, 

I will meditate on the sufferings and sorrows 

that lead up to such glory.

Lead Me to The Cross

This Is Love

Jesus Paid It All

Conversation Happens Between Point A and Point B

One of the Classics on the Subject of Parenting.

Official Website  -  Between Parent and Child

http://www.betweenparentandchild.com/index.php?s=front&p=index

I don't particular like driving.  I don't particular like driving while my children bicker in the back seat.  

BUT, I do LOVE to be driving with them when I have them alone.  Many a times conversation happens while driving from point A to point B.

The older one gets into deep philosophical questions of life, God, friendship, people and the struggles of life.  He's been like that since he was 3 y.o.  Now at the ripe old age of 10, life has not gotten any easier for him.  But, I so enjoy his thoughts and ideas and perspectives.  

The younger one is much simpler, at least for now. She talks about stuff. The stuff that she loves; stuff that she wants, stuff that makes her happy and stuff that gives her doubts.  Then the simpler stuff, her favorite color, favorite candies, favorite book, or her favorite disney princess of the moment.

These drives often cause me mixed emotions.  They point to how little I know about parenting my children.  They show me my shortcomings. They announce to me that what I thought were true about my children only last but a fleeing moment. And I better catch up so I don't miss out on who they are and who they are becoming.  

Luckily, more often than not, the tenderness and sweetness will then set in.  No matter how I miss the mark, my children are still willing and ready with their openness towards me.  They are entrusting me with their thoughts, their feelings, their growing being.  Many people seek the unconditional love of their parents, yet, I find that I am often on the receiving end of that unconditional loving relationship from my children.

I thank them for their openness and pray that I am responsive to them as we continue to engage in these conversations between point A and point B.

I Wish For You A Conversation Between Point A and Point B Today.

Celebrating Girlfriends (Sorry Fellas)

Girlfriends are an "Essential" part of my life.  To correct myself, friendship is an essential part of life.  But, there is something about women and their friendships.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nichole Johnson's brief take on the subject.  Watch it for yourself.

Nichole Johnson  -  http://www.freshbrewedlife.com/

Nicole will be at Women of Faith 2011   

September 2011 Anaheim, CA

http://www.womenoffaith.com/events/2011-events/anaheim/

When nerdy hubby and I drove cross country 17 years ago (wow...where has the time gone), to the opposite shore of the country, the saddest part was leaving behind our friends.

After settling into life in California, I remembered literally praying for friends.  I was REALLY specific, how many, the kind of personalities, life stages, common interest, etc etc. (Luckily God didn't listen to me)

(Hey, money making light-bulb moment - need to talk to nerdy + techie hubby - thinking "Match for Friendship Only"...$19.99 a month...if you call within the next 30 seconds, 2 friends for the price of 1)

I've learned a lot since then about choosing friends and the values of healthy friendships.  I've also gotten my prayer answered.

My friends are from all walks of life, all ages, they are both near and far, with different interests, different takes on life, yet each of them helps complete me.  I can laugh with them, cry with them, whine and wine with them.  My circle surrounds me with love, kindness, acceptance and accountability.

They can follow today's blog entry without any issues.  (Sorry Fellas, if you find this entry tangential, then you are right on tract)  They can walk with me in life's ups and downs and continue to cheer me on.

I Love You All, My Girlfriends

Today, We Celebrate "Us" and The Friendship We Share

I Thank God for Putting You in My Life 

The Art of Being Wrong...

Being Wrong:  Adventures in the Margin of Error

Kathryn Schulz  -  http://www.beingwrongbook.com/

Today is all about "Being Wrong."  Kathryn Schulz spoke at TED in March 2011 about her book and her intriguing philosophical thoughts about being wrong and how we feel about it.  

TED Talk  -  On Being Wrong

http://www.ted.com/talks/kathryn_schulz_on_being_wrong.html

As much as we resist it, avoid it, defend it, and at times deny it, being wrong is to be human.  And in Kathryn's words, the experience of being wrong can actually leads to innovations and expansive creativity.

In my line of work, couples are often trying to convince me and each other that he/she is RIGHT and not WRONG.  Being wrong is ladened with such negative emotional intensity in our daily societal and cultural living.  Unless we are conscious of  the possibility that "Being Wrong Might Not Be So Wrong,"  we may forget to allow and appreciate necessary mistakes.

I Am Reminded Today that It's OK to Make Mistakes.  

And Hopefully, Learn From Them.

The Allure of Spring Time Vegetables

I have always thought of Veggies as Exciting, and maybe even Sexy.  Call me Crazy, but think about it.  Each season bring in its own distinctive taste and feel.

Take Spring.  It's a season for Artichokes, Green Beans, English Peas, Sugar Snap Peas, Asparagus, Radishes, Young  & Fresh Greens of All Sorts.

They are crisp, fresh, green, crunchy, sassy and snappy! It's a season of exhilaration and renewal.

Add garlic, spring onion, fresh herbs in bloom, olive oil, salt, pepper and a dash of this and a pinch of that.  And the experience is complete.

A BOUNTIFUL of deliciousness.

We love our local Farmers' Markets in Los Angeles.

http://www.farmernet.com/events/cfms

What we LOVE EVEN MORE is Abundant Harvest Organics.  Delivering organic produces directly from the farmers to our local community (Santa Clarita & through out Southern California).

http://www.abundantharvestorganics.com/index.html

You will find an array of recipes online and in beautiful cookbooks for Spring time vegetables.

The Key Today is to Try Something New and Fresh.

Go Ahead and Enjoy.

It's Time for Your Veggies Fix.

An Ode to CHOCOLATE

Chocolat - 2000 film

Today, An Ode to Chocolate.  

Just because - For enjoyment; For excitement; For comfort.

Call it refinement or call it addiction...chocolate lovers every where will agree, NOTHING beats a favorite piece of chocolate to bring on that satisfying smile!!!

Came across an article online,  "10 Reasons to Eat More (Dark) Chocolate." 

http://www.laurelonhealthfood.com/2007/09/10-reasons-to-eat-more-chocolate/

I am not sure that I need that many reasons, but here goes.

-Reduces High Blood Pressure

-Improves Blood Flow to Brain

-Boosts Mood

-Prevents Cell Damage

-Improves Blood Sugar Level

-Reduces Risk of Heart Attack

-Helps Ease Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

-Raises HDL Cholesterol

-Improves Processing of Blood Sugar

-Eases a Persistent Cough

In Case my friends and family who LOVE me are interested...here are a few of my FAVORITES!!!

Who Does LOVE  -  La Maison du Chocolat

http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.us/us/en/

The Ever Interesting  -  Jacques Torres

http://www.mrchocolate.com/

Mmmm and Champagne Truffles  - Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland

http://www.teuscher.com/

Today, I Wish You Chocolates!

A Season of Love & Growth

Arbor Day is April 29th 2011

http://www.arborday.org/arborday/?trackingID=109&gclid=CMmstu-9oKgCFeoZQgodBS9dHA

I always know when it is April.  My allergy nose will tell me without a doubt and without even a peek into the calendar.  It's also the birthday month of my younger child.  She is turning 7 today, at around 5 pm.

Watching her grow is an interesting process.  She reminds me very much of a growing plant.  You have to pay attention to see the growth.  She is not as exuberant as her older brother.  At times, she doesn't demand too much of us.  She is thoughtful and inquisitive.  She is aware of the smallest details.  And she thrives on the natural rhythm of time, seldom can be rushed.

She reminds me of the song "Seasons of Love"  

Happy Birthday My Sweetness!!! 

Rent the Musical is Playing at the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood

http://www.jericaproductions.com/portal.html

Five hundred twenty-five thousand 

Six hundred minutes,

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights

In cups of coffee

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? How about love?

How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love

Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure the life

Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned

Or in times that he cried

In bridges he burned

Or the way that she died

It's time now to sing out

Tho' the story never ends

Let's celebrate

Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

(Oh you got to, got to)

Remember the love

(Remember the love)

Seasons of love

(Measure measure you life in love)

Seasons of love

Seasons of love

How Do You Treasure Moments of Love and Growth?

Today, I Will Celebrate Each and Every Minute.

The Sweet Smell of Cookies

Official Blog   -  http://www.tarteletteblog.com/
Facebook  -  http://www.facebook.com/HeleneDujardinPhotography

I don't follow too many food blogs.  I think mainly, they make me hungry. Then I would want to eat.  The more successful these wonderful bloggers are,  the "bigger" I would get...NOT GOOD!

Having said that, I am ADDICTED to one blog in particular, Helene Dujardin's Tartelette.  She is a food stylist and photographer; also worked as a pastry chef; author and speaker, etc etc.

So why the addiction?  Her photographs are beautiful, awe-struck yet simple. They remind me to look at life from all its angles.  Her narratives invite me to celebrate the ingredients of life.  Her recipes signal the wonderful changes and freshness of each season.

When I step into the world of Tartelette, food is not what I craved.  The desire becomes an inspiration to create.

Just in time for the assignment received from my kiddies...time for their favorite cookies...Old Fashion Snickerdoodle.  The oven will be warm; the kitchen will be filled with the sweet scent of butter and cinnamon, and their little world will once again be in balance.

What Are the Ingredients in Your Life that Bring You Balance?

Follow Your Inspiration of Today...Go Create.

Find Your Suburban Oasis

Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood 

 http://hollyhockhouse.net/

The Barnsdall Art Park  -  Official Website

http://www.barnsdallartpark.com/sights.asp

Growing Up in New York City exposed me to an array of cultural activities and experiences.   Just the island of Manhattan is literally packed with venues of everything imaginable for children of all ages.    

Realizing that for my children growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, these types of experiences will only be had by active intention.

So as I was communing with the all might "Google."  and hearing my family in the background going, "Mom, get off the computer!"  Barnsdall Art Park popped up onto my screen.  

Free art exhibits 

A Beautiful park in the middle of East Hollywood (only a 30 mins drive)

AND

A Tour of Hollyhock House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 

I screamed back at my family, "Get your shoes on and Get into the car!"  Here is a glimpse of what we found on our little excursion.

 The Hollyhock House

The Current Art Exhibit

The Art Park

May it be an Urban or a Suburban Oasis...

Go find it.

Be Open...Take It All In... and Enjoy 

Your senses will thank you for it.

What Does a Teacher Make...

Erin Gruwell & The Freedom Writers Foundation

http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/site/c.kqIXL2PFJtH/b.6727259/k.E43D/Overview.htm

I had the privileged of hearing Erin Gruwell speaks at TEDxConejo.  She spoke of her experience as a H.S. English teacher (which inspired the movie "The Freedom Writers").  Her words moved me to tears.

I am not going to digress into the politics or onto my soapbox about America's educational system.  I will say that we need to HONOR the GOOD TEACHERS among us.

Today's reflection comes from a darker place for me.  It stems from a deep sense of "un-necessary" failure and irrational guilt.  These feelings can be brought on by the simplest task of doing homework with my children.  I can try to explain, but then it won't be a blog.  It will become a book.  

I do want to say that having wonderful and encouraging teachers saved me from that dark dark place.  They believed in me. They challenged me to be my best.  They said, "Come On...You Can Do It...Success is Already Inside of You...Just Reach Inward."

I am forever grateful to them.  

So what does a teacher make?  

They make believers and dreamers.

They make learners and adventurers.  

They make readers and doers.  

They make possibilities shine.

Take Time Today to Remember Your Best Teacher.

How did He/She make a difference in you, Today?

A Big Thank You to TedxConejo

March 2011 -  http://tedxconejo.com/program/

The birth of this blog...owes a Big Thank You to TEDxConejo.  

I am a self proclaimed TED.com addict.  I call it my brain food.  Sampling something new every day has become my daily routine.  Some ideas are ingenious; others are fascinating. Many are technologically and scientifically over  my head.  I don't always agree with the persuasives.  What I do know is that Technology, Entertainment & Design are always Thought Provoking.  

When I found out that TEDxConejo was putting on an all day event.  I jumped leaped at the chance to be there!  It did not disappoint.  The day was broken down into 3 sessions:  Imagine If  -  Be Bold  -  Wonder.

Over 3 dozen people presented.  I cried, I laughed, I clapped and I was amazed by it all.

The experience left me wondering, "What will I do to continue to Imagine, to be Bold and to Wonder?"

A week later, Living Out Loud was born.

Thank You TEDxConejo for your inspiration.  

Thank you for the chance to learn to leap.

Go to http://www.ted.com/tedx for an event near you.

Hope you will take a LEAP Today.

365 Posts - A Big Commitment

365 posts from April 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012.

What am I thinking?

I am good at beginnings, never very good at the duration.

I am excited about starting, but never quite get the notion of the middle.

I love goals and accomplishments, yet the pain of day to day is too real for my taste.

So what in the world am I doing trying to write 365 days straight.

Maybe, it's the challenge of believing I can do it.  Maybe, it is the insanity of middle age.  Maybe it is to let my children know that if we put our mind to it, even if it is against our natural grain, we can do it.  Maybe I would like to see how my life will change if I am conscious of the world surrounding me.  Maybe, I would like to be just a little different one day at a time.  Maybe, I am here to conquer  my fear of putting myself out there, to be known.  Maybe, it is just as simple as Living (my life) Out Loud and see what echoes back.

Nonetheless...this is my April's Fool commitment for the year.
Maybe it's foolish.  Maybe I will fail.  Maybe, Maybe and more Maybe...But if I don't try, I will never know.

What will you do today that might go against your nature grain?

Take a risk and Just DO IT!

One of My Favorite People - Jody Stevens

Official Website  -  http://jodycakes.com/

Facebook   -  http://www.facebook.com/pages/jodycakes-Custom-Cakes-Cupcakes/128735757137632

If you live in Houston, TX, then you are in luck. I am going to introduce you to one of my favorite people in the world, Ms. Jody Stevens.

Jody is highly talented.  She creates extraordinary yummy edibles in the forms of cakes and cupcakes.  Yet, in my opinion, her strongest expertise, no matter where she goes and regardless of  where she is at is to create...community.

She is personable, fun to be around and always goes out of her way to help others succeed.  She is a connecting force for so many who have the privilege of knowing her.

In her latest effort to connect people together, she is one of the primary organizers of "Linda's Block Party."  Unfortunately, this event came to be due to an unfortunate tragic incident.  You can read more about this via this link:
Foodie Community Rallies to Help Drinks Dame Linda Salinas After Scooter Accident  - http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/04-05-11-foodie-community-rallies-to-help-drinks-dame-linda-salinas/

Thank You Jody for inspiring me to be "a part of" my community.

Hope you can find the inspiration and encouragement to be "a part of" something meaningful Today.

We LOVE the Ocean

We Love the Ocean.  We love it up and down the coast of California.

But many a times we found ourselves in Ventura, CA.

Now, it is one of the closest coastal towns by us.  It's only 45 minutes from where we live.  Yet, there is something about this town.

It is not as beautiful and flawless as Santa Barbara.  It is not as glitzy as Orange County and definitely not as scenic as San Diego.

The beaches are kind of rocky; it's overcast more often than we would like.  The main streets are in the process of being revitalized.  Homelessness is in plain view.  The mom and pop shops are right next to the big name staples.  So what's the attraction...I think for us,  it is Very Genuine & Real.  A real town with real people and real struggles.

It is a perfect example of a slice of real life.  Every time we go there, there are things that we have to explain to our kids about people and about life.  We can't help but to discuss life lessons.  Guess that is what keep us going back again and again.  On top of that, in the summer,  it is about 20 degrees cooler than where we live.

So today, Ventura, CA is an inspiration to me.  

It is a very "COOL" town in my book.

Go Find Some Place Fun & Different to Visit...and Enjoy the Diversity in Life

Daughters are Beautiful

I started this blog last Friday.  Today makes for a full week.  

Nerdy Hubby predicted that I will end the week with a blog on daughters. I mentioned my son earlier this week and Nerdy Hubby knew that our daughter is a constant inspiration to me in her own way.  

TED:  Ideas Worth Spreading  -  http://www.ted.com/

Sarah Kay:  If I should have a daughter, instead of mom, she is going to call me point B.  Because that way, she'll knows no matter what happens, at least she can find her way back to me...

Sarah continues for another 3 and a half minutes with her Spoken Word Poetry on the topic of daughter.  Her entire talk is 18 minutes or so.  Her talk transition into how Spoken Word helps people "find their voice"

Yet, in those 18 minutes, I am reminded of what I had said long ago to myself, "If I should have a daughter..."

It went something like this: (My personal version)

If I should have a daughter,
I will teach her to believe.
I will watch my words and mind my thoughts.
I will protect her from herself and the societal idea of  "not good enough."
I will love her with words and deeds.
I will explain to her that life will not be easy,
but she is to seek out and cling to those who love her for who she is.
I will show her that her God-given gifts are abundant and enduring.
I will point out to her the beauties she possesses inside and out.
I will affirm her of her natures and her longings.
I will guide her to see the strengths of options and commitments.
I will remind her that the hope of the future lies in the possibilities of today
built upon the path paved from yesterday.

Many years later, I do have a daughter.  She is joyful yet shy; she is cautiously adventurous; she is grounded yet dreamy; she is carefree yet anxious; she is fun loving and serious; she is thoughtful yet forgetful. She is full of laughters yet cries with intense fervor.

She is my daughter and SHE IS BEAUTIFUL... 

and I, her "Point B", will never let her forget that.
Daughters are Beautiful

No One is Starving in America...Or Is It?

SHARE OUR STRENGTH  -  Official Website
http://strength.org/


Everyday when I pick up my children from school, they are ALWAYS hungry.  My 10 y.o. son often proclaims, "Mom, I am a growing boy...what can I say?!"  My 7 y.o. daughter has a better excuse to be hungry; she is in dance 3 afternoons a week.  So her message to me is, "Please mommy, make sure you have a yummy snack for me when you pick me up from dance."  She knows how to work it with her smiling eyes and big sweet grin.

Sometimes when I am running late with dinner, they would be screaming, "We are Starving!"  My nerdy hubby and I often turn serious at this point and correct them sternly, "You are not starving, no one is starving in America."

As parents, we want our children to realize that we do not live in a state of impoverishment...far from it.  It would be wrong even for us to use that phase lightly.

The statistic in the media often compares our U.S. standard of living to 3rd world countries.  While that unfortunately still stands true, I am saddened to realize that there are people "Starving" in America.

What is more devastating to me is that these are children.  Children who are in their critical stages of physical and mental development.

The good news is that we can do something about it.  We can ALL do something about it.  Share Our Strength is a wonderful organization that educates and provides different avenues for people to get involved.  Your Local Food Pantry is also a great way to start.

In Santa Clarita, we have two very active organizations.

Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry  -  http://www.scvfoodpantry.org/index.php

Help The Children  -  http://www.helpthechildren.org/about-help-the-children.php

So Today, I  am inspired to 

Pledge to Help End Childhood Hunger in America.

What will you do today?

Drinking Water Just Got More Exciting!

vapur Official Website  -  http://vapur.us/

Friend Them on Facebook  -   www.facebook.com/vapurtrail

This is my NEW LOVE...seriously!!!  The "Anti-bottle" :  It's Reusable, Foldable, Freezable, Attachable, Washable & Identifiable.

We were stopped by perfect strangers on the street...ok ok...no one walks in suburbia.  We were at the mall, the local park and car line at school.  My point is, people were asking about our GREEN "Anti-bottles."

I have to be honest, we got these as promotional gifts from vapur at the TEDxConejo.  TEDxConejo was excellent and exciting and inspiring...but least I digressed, will save that for another day.  

When I promptly went on the vapur website and found out that these "Anti-bottles" were VERY reasonably priced AND there is a smaller size for those smaller hands!!!  What's not to love?  

And look at these colors.  It makes me thirsty just looking at them. WATER just got more exciting for me and my family.  

Alright, I am not only inspired by these bottles, as my nerdy hubby said it best, "Honey...YOU ARE OBSESSED!"  I then dignified myself and corrected him, "Sweetie,  I am PASSIONATE."

So Today, I am passionately promoting 

"drink more water"  

&  put MORE COLOR into your daily routine. 

Have FUN!