A Year In Review

Dear Friends, Family and Random Blog Readers,

Yeah, so, a week ago I had every intention to sit down and write an insightful review full of wisdom and metaphors and anything else you could ask for.  And then life happened.  Things at work have been a bit stressful lately added to my ever changing schedule and I found myself too exhausted to write anything profound.  So I didn't.

Now a week later an epic review of the past year no longer feels as necessary.  Instead I've decided to condense it into three sentences. (The idea adapted from a writing exercise; your life in three sentences.)

~Have the fortitude to dream and the resilience to ride the wave.

~The love and support of family and friends is priceless.

~Express gratitude daily and be kind yourself.


Earlier today I pulled out my neglected camera and took some pictures on our morning walk.  I truly feel blessed to live where the following images are a part of my any given day.

It would be remiss for me not to include at least one metaphor in this review, so here it is.  If every rose has its thorn, then every cactus has its bloom.  Perhaps the people who are the most prickly on the surface and hard to deal with are the people who are most in need of our compassion in order to bloom.

 

As of writing this, my blog has been viewed over 4000 times.  Thanks for the love and continued support!



Until next time...
Peace, Love & Gratitude,
Hope

One Year Ago Today

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a year ago today that Hope arrived in the land of sunshine.  It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since I set out on this adventure and started writing this blog.  Through the ups and downs of it all I can honestly say I really love it here and have no regrets with my decision to move.  In the next few days I plan to write a comprehensive recap of my first 12 months in a new place.

Today also marks the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings back in my home state.  I believe that times of tragedy are also times for the human spirit to prevail.  The following video is about John Odom, one of the victims of the bombings.  His story became of particular interest to me as his son in law, who played a role in saving John's life, is my all time favorite MLS goalkeeper Matt Reis.  What an amazing journey the past year has been for John and his family.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/boston-bombing-victims-miraculous-recovery-and-the-doctor-who-saved-him/

I've put this quote on here before and today I will share it again. 
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao-tzu
For John Odom it was literally a single step.  For me it was packing myself up and heading south.  Whatever that single step is for you, take it.  Even if it's scary.  One small step for you is one giant leap for mankind, because I believe following your dreams adds to the greater good of humanity.

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Full Circle

Greetings One and All,

This week has not been one that I would consider banner.  My crazy schedule finally caught up with me and you could say I've been feeling a little frazzled.  And what became even more frustrating to me was when I spoke up at work and said I was having a hard time, I felt unheard.  That's the funny thing about speaking up for yourself.  The results are not always immediately obvious and it is very easy to feel like why should I even bother.  I just have to believe that the benefits of standing your ground will evolve sooner or later.

Last night, however, after working nine hours on a day I really wanted off, I found myself on the verge of a major downward spiral.  And in the midst of hating the world, I came across this bit of news that halted the spiraling and put a smile on my face.

This is Chase Elliott.  He is the 18 year old son of racing legend Bill Elliott and for the second straight week, he won the Nationwide Series race.  At a track he'd never driven at before on a night when he could have been attending his senior prom.

When it came to racing, I grew up in a house divided.  My brother a devoted Dale Earnhardt fan and I (like my dad) rooted for Bill Elliott.  And back in those days, the on track rivalry between Earnhardt and Elliott was a big thing.  Now fast forward all these years later and now Bill Elliott's son is making a name for himself in the same sport as his father.  But here's where the full circle part comes in.  You see, the team that Chase Elliott drives for - JR Motorsports - is owned by none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr.  The fathers once famous on track enemies, the sons now an alliance.  Ironic yet poetic all at the same time. 

The following picture was posted on Twitter recently and it just makes me smile.

It's the legend Dale Sr. with Chase Elliott, who I'm guessing is about 2 in this picture.  Who would have ever thought how this would all turn out.  I like to think Dale Sr. is smiling down as he watches Chase and Dale Jr. winning together.

And so on a not so good day after a long week, I was reminded that you just never know where the road may lead.  Have faith, take heart and keep on truckin'.  You just never know when you might find yourself celebrating in victory lane. 

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Reading and Writing

Dear Framily,

Framily. Friends + Family = Framily
I came up with a new word this week when I discovered that in being away from most of my blood relations that my friends have become my family here. Being that they are all an important part of my life it seems like a word to encompass both is necessary.  And fitting.

What I've been up to in my spare time this week has been actually writing some individual letters/emails because when I started this blog I promised that I would still do that too.

I have also started reading again which has been an interesting journey back to doing.  When I first moved here and wasn't working I thought I would do tons of the one thing I always wanted to when I was working and didn't have time. Read. Four months went by and I didn't finish one book. Over the past few weeks at work as my responsibilities increased and I was again facing a learning curve, my desire to read came back to me.  Perhaps reading has to be a treat or a reward for it to draw us in.  I have finished two books already and am half way through a third one. I think a good book could also be considered framily.

By the front door of my apartment I like to hang motivational or inspirational words or quotes. I change it up periodically as the mood strikes me. Yesterday I copied and hung up the following quotes to read and remember each time I go out to face the world.

Jak and I are off to the dog beach soon for a morning walk before I go to work later.  Happy Friday Peeps! Dance and sing like no one is watching.

Until next time...

Peace and Love,

Hope