Create something beautiful everyday!

or at least try something new...

This is my mom when she was a Rainbow Princess.  Even though she has moved on, her spirit watches over us and encourages us always.

My son chastises me because I make all kinds of things and never seem to keep track of them. As a result, I am constantly going back and forth trying to explain or re-create a past success.

So, in an attempt to document and access my accomplishments in the future, and possibly spark some creative juices, I am posting my ongoing creative endeavors in the hopes that we can all learn from my mistakes and successes.

You can follow along here, or on Pinterest - Let's get started!

Stop wasting time!

Even though I never heard a kind word about him, this still rings true.

Why NOT you?

I knew I liked this line of questioning...

Come on!  Let's keep asking ourselves: Why not me?  There is so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to.  Just keep asking: Why not me!?!

Why NOT me?

I read a really interesting article about Diablo Cody's "Aha" moment in the January 2012 issue of "O" magazine.

Diablo Cody from "O" Magazine January 2012

It talked about questioning why things happened in her life, and then she met a strong, cheerful man with cancer who challenged her to ask "Why not me?"

I find this so profound in how we should all view the good as well as the bad things that come up in our lives:

Why not me... to win the lottery, to finally lose the extra weight I have been carrying around for years, to start a whole new path in life at 50, to bring the vision of Poppy Ridge Farm to life!

Artist - Deborah Oropallo

I was first introduced to Deborah Oropallo's  ( deborahoropallo.com )work while working at the San Francisco Design Center.  She had an exhibit at the Stephen Wirtz Gallery in town, and a few of her pieces were used in Designer Showcase rooms.

I love how she uses film on film images accented by energetic shots of color as well as her reduction technique.

P.I.N.K. Method

I heard about this lifestyle regime on "Dr. Phil" and decided to give it a try.  It is specifically designed for women and promises some pretty impressive results ( pinkmethod.com ).

Very nice workbook with meal suggestions, recipes and forms to track progress.

Since I haven't been able to keep up with my Bikram yoga addiction (too expensive for me right now), I thought this would be a good way to get back on track for the new year.

I started yesterday (1/2/2012) and have already lost 3.5 lbs of water weight on the "PINK Preset".  You start each day with a "PINK Drink" and eat lean protein and veggies for your other two meals.  The exercise part doesn't start until after you finish the "Preset", so I'll let you know how the first exercise phase (there are three stages) goes in a week or so.

I'll keep checking back in with you and let you know how I'm doing!

If this is a program you are trying - let me know how you find the diet/exercise program and what results you have achieved.

Happy New Year!

I saw this quote in an ad for Green Mountain Coffee, and for whatever reason, it really spoke to me and my journey.

What do you want to do with your life?

Dare to write the life of your dreams TODAY!

 Looking forward to 2012 and making the most of my options and the best choices for me, my family and the world we all share.  Thanks for taking the time to check in from time to time.

I'm finally back!

Let the blogging begin again!

Being of Service

Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

  

- Howard Thurman

Resolute

I have thought that Poppy Ridge Farm would be along Northern California Coast - then I saw where this piece of land was for sale...



I know that the horses are Photoshop-ed in, but I think you get the point.  Pegasus Ranch is a beautiful home with vineyard acreage in Petaluma California.  I could definitely see Poppy Ridge Farm here!

Helpfullness

The topic of "helpfulness" came up this morning - I was accused of telling someone they were "not helpful" a couple of days ago, and I have no memory of saying this.  The fact that I don't think this person to be particularly helpful probably indicates that I did, in fact, say something to that effect. 

This got me to thinking about what it means to be helpful. 

Webster's Dictionary defines helpful as "of service or assistance" - although it doesn't specifically say so, I would think that means "of service or assistance to others".  So do people think they are being helpful when they are being "of service or assistance to themselves"?

As you know, I am on a journey to Poppy Ridge Farm.  I believe that having a sustaining, organic farm with many different types of rescue animals can live happily will not only be "helpful" to the planet and other living things, but would also be a place where celebrations for many of life's milestones can occur.  I believe that by working toward this goal, I am being "helpful" to the planet and it's many inhabitants.

Oprah has said that if you want to find your passion, make a positive impact on the world, we need to ask ourselves a very important question:  "How can I be used in service to myself and the world?" then listen and be open to what we are feeling.

If we are feeling slighted because someone does not think we are helpful, then we only invite more of the same feelings to us.  If, on the other hand, we listen to those feelings and find a place where we can be of joyous service to the world - amazing things will begin to turn up in our lives!

How can I be used in service to myself and you?