Love.
In it. Out of it. Looking for it. Lost it. Whatever part of love you have right now, you have to admit it is probably one of the most powerful emotions we as humans can feel.
Right now, I am in it. Big time! One of the side effects of love is yearning. Another may be anticipation. Like seeing him again, and feeling, well, safe and whole. Not that one isn't whole by oneself, but if you have been in love, you know what I am talking about. It feels good!
And what about those little "coincidences" that happen when you are thinking about your love? Is there such thing as coincidence? Right now as I write this, his "morning song" came on. Have you ever experienced that? Thinking about your loved one and a song comes on that is special to the two of you? Or maybe a scent. Or an image comes to your consciousness, and the phone rings and there they are. Or a simple text.
No matter what part of love you may be experiencing, you have to admit it- love is a beautiful thing!

It's the middle of January. Tonight it is going to be only 4 degrees, but with a wind chill of -20. And I am feeling good!
I have taken my own advice, the kind of advice I've given to friends before. This time it's for me. I am living honestly and openly, and for the first time in a long time, I am going to be living for myself. Of course I am still responsible for my daughter! But now, I am going to put more energy towards my adult life.
I want my two worlds to meet.
For awhile, I have worried about being public with my personal relationships. Not anymore. It feels good to talk to friends, clients about the man I am dating. I want the people to know the person I am choosing to be with. I really feel that way! And I want people to experience what I am experiencing- joy, happiness, and the ability to be free to love openly the person you want to love.
No more hiding. No more skirting "the question". Yes, I am in a relationship! Yes, I am very happy with who I am with!
And I wish that for everyone.

Making the Most

Today as I was driving to work, lost somewhere in my own thoughts (of course!), I happened to look up at a lady in a Statue of Liberty outfit handing out pamphlets for something on sale or for a business- Bedding Experts? Tax place? I was imagining myself in that costume, and how embarrassed I would be. Then I looked at the woman's face- she must have been about 60- and to my surprise, she wasn't looking depressed and long in face- she was smiling! And, maybe- really?- laughing! That took me out of my thoughts, and I started smiling, too! How cool is it that she was making the most of her situation! She was having fun! And as I was driving away, I was thinking that what I saw has to be a lesson. Make the most of what is given to you, and smile! You never know who's life you may be affecting!

New Years is almost here. A time for reflecting on the past year- the challenges, the hopes, the success's. It is also a time to move forward- hence, I believe, why many of us make New Years resolutions.
I think it is a good time to make some personal resolutions as well. I'm not talking about "I will lose 15 pounds by March" kinda resolutions. I am talking about some personal, for yourself, resolutions to make yourself happy in 2011. It could be to forgive so and so for doing such and such. It could be making an effort to say hi with a smile to a few strangers a week. It should be an attainable goal, or resolution. And you will benefit not only in your moods, but in your health!
This past year I have been doing lots of personal housekeeping- letting go of people that have been userous, negative people, and focused on those that make me happy, or make me feel good by simply being in their company. I have also made some good friends. I will continue this "movement" (!) into 2011!
I will also start thinking that 2011 will be a wonderful, prosperous year, so that it will in fact become a wonderful, prosperous year! I was taught that energy follows thought, so I am being very mindful of what I will be thinking in the new year. It has actually been proven that crime rates have dropped in areas where people meditate and put out good energy!
So that is a good resolution for all of us- to think positively about the new year, and not to harbor any negative thoughts. Let's take charge of our own happiness by making OURSELVES happy, relying on ourselves for happiness, and to put out good, thoughtful energy! We are the captains of our own ships, so be mindful of where YOU steer it!
Come on 2011! I welcome you!

Well, the gifts have all been opened, the laughter and love shared, and the realization that I am one truly blessed human being is in my thoughts.
To all my family and friends (isn't that all the same?), I want to thank you for being in my life! I love you all!
And thank you to a very special person that has opened me up to loving again-
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

The cookies are fresh out of the oven, we watched "Polar Express", and there is the anticipation of Santa Claus coming. Yes, it feels like Christmas!

Six days 'till Christmas!

Six days till Christmas... WOW!
Five nights from now kids all over the world, kids that celebrate Christmas, will be anxiously awaiting "The Big Day". I remember the first Christmas in our new home in Milwaukee when I was about 5. It was our second Christmas after moving to the Midwest from Connecticut. We always celebrated on Christmas Eve. Our home was tiny- two bedrooms, one bath, six kids and one mom- and it was HEAVEN! The image of that Christmas was seared into my head- my mom and oldest brother where in the living room helping Santa (actually doing all the work!) and the rest of us were in the kitchen, mostly unable to hold our excitement back- SANTA IS HERE! SANTA IS HERE! Well, we heard mom say bye to Santa, and the door opened up, and- WOW! The Christmas Tree was lit, and there were so many presents under the tree! That was the year I got my orange roll up sled I used for years- I believed it made me go faster down the hills than any other kid- and even if I didn't end up first, I didn't care! It was the most magical Christmas I can remember- mom always made it so special for all of us, and how she did it I have no clue.
In our home now, we usually celebrate Christmas morning. I know how difficult it can be for a single parent this time of year- you want the best for your child. I know a parents love for a child may put your emotions over the top with what to do/buy, but remember this- that very special Christmas night long ago was followed by my mom putting us all to bed- and telling us Merry Christmas and she loves us- and that made for a very good night sleep. Yep, the perfect way to end that day- with love.
So, hold your kids tight, tell them how much you love them, and send them off to slumber thinking they are the most special kids in the world. I still remember that, 37 years later.