My View...

I really do enjoy being able to look at this any time I choose!! Blessings abound!

Sunshine and My White Wicker Rocker!

What a gorgeous day! The sun is shining in all its glory while a cool, gentle breezes passes by every now and again. The stream behind my house is steadily running its course, and the dogs are basking in the sun's warmth. I couldn't ask for a better day!

I have completed 3 hours worth of grading, and I am now going to enjoy the remainder of the day!! I look forward to watching the sunset from my back deck as I rock back and forth in my white wicker rocker...I will take the time to say my thank you's and focus on the good week ahead of me. I will dwell in that special time called twilight!

The view from my office window is picturesque...the grass is boldly green and almost sparkles against the back drop of the light blue sky. The water shimmers like dancing diamonds as it flows over the rocks and tree roots. The dandelions decorate the blanket of green with their lively yellow blooms. A few trees are beginning to show their colors especially the Bradford Pear trees and their white, delicate flowers. The branches of the trees sway to and fro in the breeze bringing this masterpiece to life. Nature is a sacred gift!!

The stream keeps flowing. The trees keep growing. The flowers keep blooming. The sun keeps shining. Nature doesn't complain about its tasks nor the ebb and flows of each season. We humans could learn from her. We could learn to enjoy each moment of each season and realize that each season brings its own sets of gifts and challenges. We must be faithful in our duties and believe that the good will always come to us...

I treasure these moments where I feel at peace, where nature calms the madness of my thoughts. Savoring nature helps me to realize that life is sacred and is meant to be lived not merely tolerated. I will take this moment with me throughout the week...returning to this sacred space in my mind. I will focus my thoughts here...

The Outlander Series

I enjoy historical fiction, so Diana's stories are great, and they have a sci-fi twist! I have quite a bit of reading to do to complete the series, but I'm looking forward to it!

The Secret...not so secret

My parents bought me the book The Secret, and I'm already half way through reading it. Essentially, ask and you shall receive as long as you believe. Christians have known this secret for a bit over 2,000 years now=) Of course, the author and her many contributors also discuss the Law of Attraction which is compared to any law such as gravity or the Earth's rotation that keeps us from spinning into the abyss. Like attracts like...therefore if one thinks he or she has bad luck, then that person will attract bad luck. If one thinks they are successful they will attract success. I believe this makes a great deal of sense...

Okay, so I tried it in Target today. I had my mind on finding the Karate Kid DVD for cheap...when I walked in the store, I didn't see the movie on the cheap-y rack, so I made way to the back of the store to the electronics section, and I didn't see the DVD there either. I continued with the shopping I needed to do (you know, cotton pads, bottled water, etc.), and on my way to the check out stand I decided to check the cheap-y rack one last time. To my "secret" joy, there it was, the only copy, The Karate Kid DVD for $5!!! I didn't give it much thought except, yeah! I can watch The Karate Kid tonight!

As I was reading The Secret, I realized I attracted that movie that I wanted to watch. It wasn't on the el cheap-o rack upon entering the store but I didn't stray from my desire to find it. I'm certain one of the sales associates restocked it, and I was the one to find it upon leaving the store...God is good=) Even in the smallest of things...

I know many people poo-poo the notion of the "Secret" because society doesn't buy into the notion of the New Age movement, but I think, based on what I've read thus far, that it's more than "new age." I think God has been teaching us this so-called Secret since the dawn of His creation...His thought...His word...we are manifestations of God's Love! Love...the secret...we simply must follow Love's direction!

Seems almost too simple, but I think there in lies the beauty of the secret, of love!! God didn't want to put us on some wild goose chase for some ancient, encrypted message...It's been there all along! I'm abundantly grateful to Him for making it so clear!!

I would recommend reading The Secret with an open mind (I know I always rename "the universe" God because that's my belief...I think God is much more personal and intimate than the "universe" that the book discusses so I read it with my lens of faith in a loving, personal God). I also recommend the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon!!! I have just begun the time traveling journey of Claire, but I like it so far!!

Enjoy the sunset and be grateful!! Write a list of thank you's before going to bed!

A Giving in moment yet moving forward....

I'm beginning to have more good days than bad on this quest of mine, but when it's bad, it's tres bad! My need for control and self medicating can be consuming, and I still give in to ED's (Eating Disorder) food seduction. My feelings for control and comfort are the open doors that ED loves to take advantage of in order to get me entangled in that food-guilt-food cycle. The ties that bind between ED and me are beginning to unravel (slowly but unraveling nonetheless), and it seems ED is making last ditch efforts to keep me stuck in his web of sugary delights and high carb fantasies! This tete-a-tete with ED always leaves me with a sense of being stuck...you know that feeling when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and you forgot your cell phone? Yeah, that kind of stuck!

Fortunately, God doesn't need cell phones or technology in order to be called upon in times of need (or being stuck). God is much stronger than God (and a lot more loving to boot); I know He's all around simply waiting on me to hand over the proverbial reigns (and the cupcakes, candy bars, french fries, etc.)! Therefore, in the midst of giving in and feeling stuck, I choose to allow God to help me through the painful parts...upset tummy, lethargy, and mind fog. I know I can begin anew! My thoughts eventually create my reality, so this time my thoughts are focused on Love...love for my God, love for myself, and love for the people around me!

Therefore, McDonald's run and gas station stops be damned! I am in control of my life, and you have no control over me...This moment is what matters and I will march onward on my quest without guilt or apprehension!

The quest continues...

~Shabby Chic Lady

Monty Python - Silly Job Interview

And, here is my welcome back video for my public speaking class...fun times!

Flight of the Conchords Ep 8 'Foux Da Fa Fa'

This will be my student's welcome back from Spring Break video!!!! Too cute! Foux de Fa Fa indeed!