Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

March 29, 2013

Good Friday Gratitude

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 8:54 am

Things have been extremely busy here with all the prep work for an upcoming event I’m participating in, plus with everyday fun things and life in general. I have given myself this weekend to not only celebrate Easter- but also to rest and go back at it in full-swing come Tuesday. That may mean some restructure, but nothing I can’t handle. Living my best life means always being ready to change and grow, plus make the best out of each moment.

This week in Gratitude- March 29.

  • Grateful for time spent with a dear friend.  It was a time to recharge- laugh- and just enjoy each others company.   Friends are the glue that keep us together.
  • Getting the new lasagne pan completely clean after a little accident in the kitchen. (don’t ask haha)
  • The person who left the tulips on the door for me to find.   Thank you.
  • New business opportunities that weren’t even on my radar but if they work out- could be HUGE for my business.
  • Surprise Easter orders.

January 25, 2013

Goals

Filed under: Inspiration,Life,Things I Love,Women — gardener @ 7:04 am

I was paying bills a little while ago and I can’t believe that the first month of 2013 is almost over. Time is flying! Even when we were traveling I couldn’t help but make some new goals for the year in regards to my business. I’ve been focusing on reading more about successful business people such as marty hanaka, Oprah, Jillian Michaels and the list goes on- so that I can maybe apply some of their practices to my own life.

This is my year to live beyond the fear and I plan on doing just that- and I’ve got realistic goals that I’m working towards that will definitely have me out of my comfort zone and living beyond fear. I know that beyond the fear- anything is possible. I’ll definitely be expounding on that later.

January 9, 2013

New Year

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 6:09 pm

Wow- It’s hard to believe that it’s been two weeks since I last wrote in this space or in any blogging capacity- but things have been ‘hopping’ around here. Right after Christmas we went to the mountains as a complete family and had a fantastic time. We stayed in a chalet there and it was fun to have us all together on a vacation since my brother and I were teens. (That’s a LONG time ago!)

Once we got back- it was time to ring in the new year- which we did right here at mom and diddy’s surrounded by friends, and with an adventure of hiking in the swamp on New Year’s Day. Yes, that ended up being more than an adventure, since I fell in the mud. It was hilarious though and made for a good laugh, but my first lesson of the year was never go hiking the swamps in Mary Jane shoes.

This year is shaping up to be a good one. I’m so grateful for the doors that have opened up to me over the last year and look forward to seeing good things happening this year. I’ve been blessed with so many ‘real’ and wonderful friends and I look forward to those friendships growing even more this year.

I feel grateful for the lessons learned last year- even the ones that came through painful experiences. I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason, and even though some things I didn’t necessarily understand at the time- later on, I realized that only by letting go and accepting that I don’t have to understand- that it opened the doors for many other blessings that I may have missed had I been looking and focusing on what was.

I don’t take anything for granted because I do know that nothing at all is promised. The only thing I know for sure is that I have this moment, and I’m loving each and every one I’m given.

November 16, 2012

Making a List

Filed under: Holidays,Home,Inspiration,Seasons,Shop til ya Drop,Things I Love,Travel — gardener @ 9:50 am

In addition to packing and prepping our home for our upcoming vacation- I’ve been spending some time perusing the Internet looking for Christmas gift ideas- and making a list (I haven’t checked it twice, yet!) of what I want to buy for whom. I’ve also come across some great cushion deals, which have been a source of inspiration for some decorating ideas I’ve got brewing.

I’m excited-and it hit me today just how excited I am. Lots to get done in the time between now and our travels, but I’m looking forward to every moment.

Blessings Abound

Filed under: Gratitude,Holidays,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 8:43 am

This has been a year of blessings for so many people that I know. My brother has started a new life and is happier than I’ve seen him in .. well, ever. He has a new home- complete with boston bedroom furniture and other gorgeous furnishings- plus good things are happening all around him.

I also feel blessed. My business is doing well, and I have many great plans for the new year, which will hopefully allow it to expand and grow even more. I don’t take any of it for granted- I’m grateful. Not just for the month of November- but every day.

What about you-What are you grateful for?

November 6, 2012

Time

Filed under: Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 6:38 am

 It has been a while since I shared a photo of Mister M. in this space- so I thought it was about time.

This was him earlier today and when I look at him- I can’t believe that he’s  7 years old.   SEVEN!  It seems like yesterday we were visiting him after his birth and picking him up to bring him home to live.    Now here we are- seven years later and I often wonder where the time has gone.

I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately-   Yesterday I celebrated my ten year anniversary in the place I now call home.   It’s been one of ups and downs- but a lot of learning and growing not only about myself, but about others.

Some of those life-lessons have been painful, but after walking through them- I have come out on the otherside with something valuable to apply to my life and to help me in this journey along the way.    I’ve  felt alone here at certain times throughout that ten years- but now I’m surrounded by a wonderful group of people that I adore and who I’m happy to have as a part of my inner circle and to call my family.

Along this ten year journey- I’ve learned so much and in that process it has meant letting go-   and learning that when I hold on to something that I should be letting go of- it keeps other doors from opening and other blessings from happening within my life.

It reminds me of something I heard T.D. Jakes say in a sermon recently-  “When people walk away from you- let them go.”    I’ve embraced that- and have done some walking myself.    And you know what?   It hasn’t been without pain, but there is always a rainbow after the rain.

October 17, 2012

Sounds of Silence

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 7:22 am

Do you remember that song from the 70’s- the Sounds of Silence? That is the theme song for my day today. Marcel is working until ten this evening, which has afforded me the opportunity to get some things done around here- plus it has also afforded me some quiet time with none other than me, myself and I, something I definitely needed.

I was thinking the other day about how I stay ‘so’ plugged-in all the time that it is no wonder that my mind is constantly spinning- sometimes as though it’s out of control. I don’t really know how to explain it other than to say that my head always seems ‘full’ of some thought, idea or ‘thing’- but it’s a sure sign that I need to unplug totally for a couple of days and empty the thoughts- enjoying the silence.

I’ve been reading a lot about planning and goal making- and the importance of being able to visualize instead of just having things floating around in your head. (I tend to do this) So, I’m making a bigger effort to schedule everything and I do mean everything. It’s going to be a hard one for me, but I know it’s necessary, as the scheduling in my mind isn’t working as well as I’d like- because it’s too easy to get distracted and off the path.

Since I know that when something isn’t working exactly as we would like- we have the power to change it- I’m going to do just that! I really like being a ‘go with the flow’ kind of girl- but I’m realizing that it just can’t work in all aspects of life. That’s what life is about though- living and learning. I’m always finding something new to learn- and this is another good lesson to apply to my life.

What good life lessons have you learned lately?

October 12, 2012

On the Running Trail

Filed under: 5k Training,Health/ Fitness,Holidays,Home,Inspiration — gardener @ 2:31 pm

20121012-232605.jpg I don’t know how many of you who read this space are aware of this, but I have a goal of running my first 5k when I’m home for the holidays this year. It has been on my radar since our last trip home and even more so now.

In preparation, I’ve been running some and walking almost daily. Where I’m at right now is about 4 miles daily- sometimes more. It feels good, and on the days that I can’t- like today, I can tell.

The good thing is, my body far more capable than my mind says. My limits are few and I plan to break through more and more of them.

September 10, 2012

Choices, Choices and More Choices

Filed under: Food,Gratitude,Health/ Fitness,Inspiration — gardener @ 6:50 am

Not too long I read Bob Harper’s book called “The Skinny Rules“. I’ve been on a quest to live a better and healthier life since 2008 where I shed around 100 pounds, but in 2010 when I hit some extremely difficult times- I lost the focus. I still continued with very many of the healthy habits that I’d made an everyday part of my life, but some of them (important ones) fell by the wayside.

I’ve gone back and forth with getting to a place where I can ‘just do it’ and make the big picture a regular part of my life and I take inspiration in any manner I can find it. That’s why I got Bob’s book. I love him on the Biggest Loser- and I thought I could use the extra inspiration. It’s great principals and pretty much how I was trying to live anyway- so it made it easier to see it in black and white. It’s a way of life- not a diet.

One thing that I didn’t do- that I’m now doing- is skipping carbs after lunch. I’m also a huge fan of potatoes- but potatoes make me crave more potatoes- and at the end of the day- even when eaten plain- they pack a punch of calories, so I’m kissing them goodbye. I didn’t eat many anyway- so it’s been easier than I thought.

Sugar is probably my worst nemesis, and with me owning a cupcake shop- it makes it even harder, since when I try new recipes I NEED to try them. But- I’m learning balance and realizing I don’t have to eat two to test a recipe- A bite- or two is enough.

The biggest thing has been exercise- I’ve not been consistent and I see that in my legs and butt- the muscle mass has depleted, so I’m working on a regular routine with added strength training. I’ve only been at it a week, but I’m already feeling different. Stronger- Healthier.

I have the choice each and every day- and I choose to be healthy.

August 31, 2012

Contentment

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 7:25 am

A lot can be said about being content- and in spite of a lot of swirling turmoil around me- I’m happy and content. There are changes happening that are positive and I find myself surrounded more and more with talented, encouraging and creative people. “Gallon people” if you will. The thing I love most about these kinds of fiends and acquaintances is that often without even knowing it they encourage and inspire me to be a better me. We can be each others soft place to fall- sounding boards of ideas and motivation and encouragment. It’s always building each other up- never tearing each other apart. It doesn’t mean we always agree on everything- because we most certainly don’t- but we treat each other with love and respect and are genuinely happy with each others successes. It really doesn’t get better than that.

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