January 31: Loving life...on the East Coast

"I appreciate a lot in this life; the things you cannot buy. Life is only once." - Rafael Nadal

Borrowed from Cait's instagram yesterday....her latest study spot. How awesome is this, I am so totally green with envy!! We have grey skies, cold and dark weather! Am so pleased that her longboard is being put to good use. I am also pleased that she is living life, and taking advantage of where it is taking her to the fullest! At least there are no half measures with her. What an awesome study spot!!!

January 30: Waiting...

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama

I have, as most with children and the luxury of transport, spent a considerable amount of time waiting for them in my car (I now have a loyal sidekick, which makes it more fun)! But while I have been waiting, I have had lots of time to think. And there is nothing truer than imagining that if we just sit and wait, change will happen. It won't, we have to be the change. We have to change our thought pattern from negative to positive, and we have to dress up and show up. We have to start with accountability, and making the change happen that we want to see.

January 29: Brain power

"Do not borrow the productions of other men's brains and pens and recite them as a lesson; but make the most of the talents, the brain power, that God has given you." - Ellen G. White

I am constantly amazed at different things...I am not sure whether I was unaware when I was younger, or if it has just taken a really long time for the light bulb to go off!! Anyway, when I am running, especially when the weather is not so nice, and there is lots of snow and ice, especially, I am totally amazed that our brains can compensate for the terrain we are running on, and generally keep us safe. This is an example of the curb, not to made the municipality look bad, because with the amount of enormous trees around, this is everywhere, but to show the unevenness....and I realized that my pace does not even change, and I hardly look down. I am usually trying to harness in Riley's excitement, so do not watch where I am going, yet, I seldom fall. Somehow, my brain gets the message from a glimpse of my eye to compensate for the change in terrain. Amazing!! It would be so nice with this realization of brain power if I could harness it intentionally and put it to good use! One step at a time!!

January 28: Riley's new toy

"Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails." Max Eastman

I am so pleased that we live only 10 minutes from Riley's sister, Ellie! We popped in today, and this was Riley's gift from Ellie - a nice new rope toy! Riley LOVES ropes...the picture is blurry because he would not sit still...when he eventually was still, he was asleep on top of it! Riley must laugh a lot, because his tail, and usually his whole body, is moving! He has brought us such joy, laughter and happiness.

January 27: Worse places to work

"The American Dream is one of success, home ownership, college education for one's children, and have a secure job to provide these and other goals." - Leonard Boswell

When I was in the store where Nic works the other day, I took a few sneaky snaps to remind her that it is actually a very nice environment to work in. She is on the till, but it is a very nice store. She is also learning the values of economics, and is saving up for a car. She will be able to live the American Dream if she continues to have a balance with working hard and living life...success in whatever she attempts! I am grateful that she has this opportunity...it is valuable on many different levels.

January 26: Circles of life

"As I enter a new phase of life and my circle broadens, I start learning new things." - Kapil Dev

While I was sitting waiting for a meeting, I bumped my phone, and took this picture of the carpet, which was fascinating to me. It reminded me of the circles of our lives that are intertwined and interconnected, and as our circles broaden, we are exposed to new things, and we are extended and grow. It was a pretty amazing revelation! Revelation in the small things!!

January 25: Blessed place of work

"When you think about your relationship with Christ, it really just affects every aspect of your life. I think a lot of people try to segment off, like, 'This is church, so this is God, this is my daily life, this is my job,' but I think true faith is when it manifests itself in every single aspect of your life." Jeremy Lin

How blessed am I that I can go to work everyday in this beautiful sacred place. It is a continual reminder that I cannot segment church off from my life...it is completely interwoven, as a good reminder to try to live the life I believe in. I am hoping that this rubs off and manifests more and more in my daily life.

January 21: Bleek midwinter

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”  

- John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

After the snow has melted, there is just dull brown and gray...no colour or warmth. But it does make you appreciate the vibrancy, colour, and warmth of summer when it is cold and dreary. One consolation is that the days are getting longer, so there is the promise of light!

January 24: Hungry predators

"A lion's work hours are only when he's hungry; once he's satisfied, the predator and prey live peacefully together." - Chuck Jones 

 This might not be a lion, but it is a bird of prey...terrible pic, but I only had my phone with me to snap it. I am continually amazed that there are enormous birds of prey continually circling the neighbourhood, looking for fat squirrels to eat, and occasionally perching on the chimney or roof! It is amazing that there seems to be a balance of relatively peaceful coexistence! I do always check the cat's whereabouts when I see them circling above though!!!

January 23: Good honest values

"Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values." - Ellen DeGeneres

 I have spotted these signboards outside occasional homes in the suburbs. I do love that people are standing up for what they believe in, because the more we see, it the more we will do it. Perhaps we will go back to the values of honesty, equality, kindness and compassion, always treating people how we would want to be treated and helping those who need it!

January 22: Faithful helpers

"If a man is not faithful to his own individuality, he cannot be loyal to anything." - Claude McKay

I think pets come into our lives to teach us to be faithful and loyal, or at least remind us how to be both faithful and loyal. No matter what I am doing, Riley is in the midst of it, waiting patiently (mostly) for me to finish and give him some attention, or at least acknowledge his presence. I was organizing, sorting, repacking a cupboard in the basement...and there he was, in the middle of the unpacked linen...just waiting and watching. He is by my side where ever I go. I have decided that I have to be faithful and true to my beliefs...otherwise I am not being honest or loyal with myself, and fence-sitting does not accomplish anything. It is a year of standing up for what I believe in.

January 20: A momentous day

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." Martin Luther King, Jr.

What an unreal day...the 45th President of the United States! Who would have thought we would witness this. I watched the inauguration from my desk at work...We are all in the same boat, so we need to work together for the common good! Here is to a positive term in office and making America great...again!(?)

January 19: Leading the way

"The time is always right to do what is right." Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is always important to remember what we believe in, and not to sit on the fence, but act on our convictions. I am reminded of this daily, as I work in a beautiful church, and am grateful for this ministry!

January 18: Missing Caitz

 "She's always there for me when I need her; she's my best friend; she's just my everything." Ashley Olsen

Before I left for work this morning, I searched all over the house to look for Riley to let him out...the last place I looked was in Caitlin's room, which is where I found him, buried in her bedding ! He is missing her so, and just wanted to get close to her! Pets are amazing, they essentially tell it like it is! We all miss her...we just rattle around the house without her energy. At least Riley found comfort in her things!

January 17: Breakfast at the diner

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When you feed yourself what your body needs when it needs it, that's love. So give your bod some TLC and sit down and enjoy a good, substantial breakfast." Kathy Freston

Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day, and made fun with an unexpected date yesterday with Nic since we both had the day off! We headed for the diner, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes and an omelette! Yum, it was such a treat at the start of a busy year. Time out helps to put things in perspective, and reset the rush.

January 16: In honor of MLK Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

The light of a beautiful new day driving out the darkness of the night, bringing new hope, faith and vision for the days, months, years ahead. "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." My hope in this time of political transition is that unconditional love may endure, and that we may have faith to take "the first step even when we don't see the whole staircase."

January 15: Pawprints in the snow

"Every once in a while a dog enters your life and changes everything" - Anonymous

I love seeing pawprints in the snow, they are so cute. After a dusting last night, the snow was new and fresh this morning. Riley LOVES playing in the snow, and jumps around in it like a goat. The cats have been a little more cautious, but Mouse was begging to go out this morning, so I eventually relented. She stayed as close to the house as possible, and was not out for long. Watching her and Riley was so entertaining. Pets bring another whole dimension to life, enriching it like we would not expect. They are so loyal and dependendable (yes, even cats). They make the house a home, and fun to be in!

January 14: Tools of the trade

"Life comes down to honesty and doing what's right. That's what's most important." - Bob Feller

This is still amazing for me to witness, having grown up where jobs are scarce and people have had to become resourceful, often at the expense of others. It has been years since yards have not been fenced in with six-foot high walls, and electric fences, let alone trade equipment and tools left out overnight for the next day. Every time I see this it still amazes me, that generally in this area, there is enough honesty and respect that things of value are left untouched!

January 13: Friday the thirtheenth!

"Its Friday the 13th! It's only bad luck if you put it in your head. Think its just another day & stay positive. Have faith with God!" - Unknown

I am not superstitious at all, as I have full faith in God! Even on Friday the 13th! I am reminded daily to have faith since I work at a church, and there are reminders everywhere...even in the ladies restroom as above! I just love this cross with the beautiful beadwork on the barbed wire; the beauty and the pain together! There is no such thing as a life without sacrifices, but it is important to keep the faith through it all.

January 3: First MK meeting of the year - framed

"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve." Mary Kay Ash

As we walked into our first MK meeting this year, we posed with a frame - to introduce our new "Sparkle and Shine" year! I am SO excited....this is the start of new beginnings. I am determined not to limit myself, so I can achieve what I believe I can do....watch this space!

January 2: Walking the dog

"If you want to have a good life, you should focus on your family, on your business, on your dog, on your fun, and you'll have a good life." - Adam Caroll

This is the best way to start the year....walking in the freezing-thawing weather, focusing on the family, business, dog, and fun....so I expect to have a good life!! At least the dog is having fun, with a little excursion onto the frozen mudpond! However, this date is always a reflection, since it is the day my eldest brother took his own life fourteen years ago. It is a time of contemplation for me, about how I can live my life in the best possible way, to be the best person I can possibly be, and to live life to the fullest, appreciating my blessings and being a blessing to others. It is good to have a day like this, to keep me on track, since it is easy to forget this. It is also sometimes easier not to be the best we can be, it is less work not to make the effort! Life is short, so always notice the blessings, be grateful, and live with abundance of heart and humility.

January 12: Rushing waterfalls

"I love the sounds and the power of pounding water, whether it is the waves or a waterfall." Mike May

Still with the water...it has continued to rain...so I can hear the Raritan River tributary gushing away at the bottom of our garden over a little waterfall. Naturally, Riley and I had to investigate! There is something innately soothing about the sound of rushing and gurgling water...it is so alive, and revitalizing to listen to, and so exciting that in the cycle, this precious resource is replenished. In this beautiful environment it is easy to forget that we need to conserve every drop, and promote sustainable utilisation.

January 11: Mist on the mudpond

"I love the water. Everything about it. Smelling the humidity in the air, seeing the mist rise in the morning, feeling the dew-wet grass on my bare feet. I love watching the fish jump and the geese land. We even have an eagle here that circles every so often." - Lori Foster

I love watching the seasons on the mud-pond...we have had such weird weather...freezing cold, snow, then warm and rain. There is still some ice on the pond, but there is snow melt and rain feeding it, with a resultant mist where the warmer water meets the ice. The mist provided a beauty to the otherwise stark, gray and black landscape. It was refreshing after the cold - felt almost like spring! There was a warm humid, almost springy smell in the air. There were geese, which Riley chased away...and there are always eagles circling. If I didn't know better I would think we live in paradise....it is good to write it down to remind myself of the blessings we have to be grateful for.

January 10: Contemporary epiphanies

"The notion of a contemporary epiphany to me is very exciting, because it's a sort of biblical thing. It's something that has happened to people in other centuries or in the context of religious experience." - Pamela Stephenson

The season of Epiphany is upon us, and I am a little late in taking down the Christmas decorations, but, down they must come, until next year! For the first time in years I was excited to put them up, and sad to take them down. I love my bunting banners for everything....think I will drive everyone nuts with them!!!! I am hoping that through the year there will be many contemporary epiphany's, and that they may enrich us spiritually...fueling us for the journey ahead, equipping us with the strength we need to be successful.

January 9: It's freezing out there!

"Winter is a season of recovery and preparation." Paul Theroux

There is nothing other to do than cuddle with the cats and dog when it is literally FREEZING outside! Stay in bed, recover from Christmas, and prepare for summer! Good advice, if I say so myself! However, only do this if there is not work to get to! Sadly not all freezing days happen on the weekends, so then it is important to use it to your advantage and become exhilarated! (If the cat will let you get up!!)

January 8: Dentist..again...uhg

"Trips to the dentist - I like to postpone that kind of thing." Johnny Depp

After a little fuss towards the end of the year, I eventually made it to the dentist. I was very good before I left SA on my six-monthly checkups. Then, on arrival in Germany my crown popped off, so I was forced to find a new dentist, which I did with trepidation and a German dictionary! It was not so bad, so continued with my religious dental work. However, when we arrived in the US it was a-whole-nother story...I did make sure the girls are up to date, but put mine off a little. SO, with a little pressure, duly made my appointments and tootled off. It was not that bad....three appointments and six fillings, not new, mind you, but cleaning out and replacement of old ones preventatively. BUT, when eating caramel popcorn (that will teach me), off popped my crown AGAIN!!! Yikes! Luckily I only spat it into the garbage thinking it was a kernel, and did not swallow it. (I would have made sure I retrieved it at the expense of it!!!!) So, another trip to the dentist and all is good. When will I be going back to the dentist???? Not sure!

January 7: Balmy weather across the country

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." Steve Martin

After the most freezing Christmas, Caitlin is back in daylight, sunshine and warm weather....making the rest of us a tad jealous at 5 F!! Pity it is so far from home...but at least someone in the family is getting to live in the light! This country is certainly a place of wide extremes! But, if you don't experience the cold and dark, you don't appreciate the warmth and light as much!

January 6: Seaside themes

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques Yves Cousteau

I have been having fun recently making bunting, having found perfect reasonably priced fabric...so after successful Fall and Christmas additions, I was asked to make a seaside theme for the dorm :) It has something to do with the awesome location of UCSD, I think!! And, the fact that the girls grew up beside the sea...it is in their blood, so it is natural to be drawn it! This was fun to make, and try and imagine how the fabrics all fit together...the seahorse and shells, anemones, water and waves, and sand! About that Marine Biology....

January 5: Christmas break done and dusted

"It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure." Ernie Harwell

Saying goodbye is never nice, but it has been awesome to have Cait home for Christmas...but all good things must come to an end. Back to the sunny-side and new adventures! Here's to the best year ever! Thanks for the fun in NYC!

January 4: Ice rink in the suburbs

"I grew up in Canada, man - we all had rinks in our backyards because we'd ice down the grass with a hose and build a skating rink. " - Tatiana Maslany

Okay, so this is not Canada, but our temperatures have been so low, that there are ice rinks in Mendham! This is pretty cool...a frame lined with plastic and filled with water. Entertainment in the front yard for all to enjoy! May these small joys and fun not be replaced with TVs, social media, and gaming!!

January 1: Kicking off to a good start

"New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change". - Sarah Ban Breathnach

As I have got older, seeing New Year in with all its expectations has become more important to me! It thought that it would be the other way around. We started the New Year celebrating with friends, retiring to bed at 2 am, and waking up all ready to pen down my dreams and expectations. I have not set resolutions, so I do not disappoint myself...but goals and wishes to achieve in the coming year. Although today is much like every other day, it represents a new start, where we can have fresh hope in the coming year! Here's to new beginnings!