Chuck Jones Tribute

Six simple rituals for more winning: 1. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses water while you sleep, so you’re naturally dehydrated in the morning. A glass of water when you wake helps start your day fresh. 2. Define your top 3. Every morning ask yourself, “What are the top three most important tasks that I will complete today?” Prioritizes your day accordingly and don’t sleep until the Top 3 are complete. 3. The 50/10 Rule. Solo-task and do more faster by working in 50/10 increments. Use a timer to work for 50 minutes on only one important task with 10 minute breaks in between. Spend your 10 minutes getting away from your desk, going outside, calling friends, meditating, or grabbing a glass of water. 4. Move and sweat daily. Regular movement keeps us healthy and alert. It boosts energy and mood, and relieves stress. 5. Express gratitude. Gratitude fosters happiness. Each morning, think of at least five things you’re thankful for. In times of stress, pause and reflect on these things. 6. Reflect daily. Bring closure to your day through 10 minutes of reflection. Asks yourself, “What went well?” and “What needs improvement?”

6 Simple Rituals (via obsessivecompulsive)

Lord, take me where you want me to go; Let me meet who you want me to meet; Tell me what you want me to say; and Keep me out of your way. - Fr. Mychal Judge, FDNY (died 9/11/01)

I Missed a Prompting

I did it, again!  I missed a prompting to get in touch with someone who is very dear to me.

To start, my favorite doll as a child was the Dennis-the-Menace doll.  Here's a picture for those of you not familiar with this character: 

For some reason, I had to have this doll when I saw him in a drug store while shopping with my mom.  I ended up having 3 of them over a period of time. (As fate would have it, my husband's brother's name is Dennis.  AND, we named our son after his uncle!!)

I attended a Catholic elementary school in Indiana and was taught by nuns in full habit.  My fourth grade teacher, Sister Demetria, was my favorite.  I must have been quite obsessed with my Dennis-the-Menace doll because Sister Demetria gave me a report card for him!!  (This reminds me that I need to go through some paperwork to see if I still have the card)  I never forgot this act of kindness, creativity and generosity!

I had been in contact with Sister Demetria in the past few years and discovered her new name, Sister Marilyn Reiser.  We had some fun and engaging conversations via e-mail. I eventually lost contact yet had been thinking about her in the past few months.  My "to-do list" consisted of re-connecting with her.

Sadly, I learned that Sister Marilyn passed away on August 11, 2012.  My best friend from elementary school and I agreed that "Sister Demetria" went straight to Heaven!!

I’m not going to get too upset at myself for not contacting her before she died - I’m human.  No excuse but it’s the best one I have for now.  I would like for you to think about my story.  Hopefully, you will not let those promptings that you experience slip away.

I love this enchanting path.

Footbridge at the Old Mill in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA (by justpics2007).

I love it, too.  I'm really drawn to the garden crowns in the women's hair.

Nicole Franzen

Supporting the Arts

Art surrounds us in many forms:  dance, music, sculpture, paintings, etc. Art nurtures a child's intellectual and educational development. MOVING heARTS Foundation Is an art-based organization that aims to build relationships through the visual and performing arts for those in need. My GrandGirls and I attended their recent Very First Interactive Gala Fundraiser. The evening was filled with students and instructors in musical theater and dancing performances as well as live painting demonstrations.  The event was sponsored by http://www.momentumdancecenter.com/  owned by Cathy Lozano; and http://www.thedrawingboard.info/ owned by Jamie Kough.  Cathy's philosophy is to "help raise human beings and the artist in each of us is a big part of that." Jamie stated "I am just so profoundly motivated to bring the arts to those who aren't experiencing or participating in them due to financial constraints or health concerns." Cheers to Cathy and Jamie for their support of the arts!

Cathy

Jamie

Just have to share her brilliant photography!

Inspiration #barcelonaorange #olloclip

This will definitely be on the dinner menu very soon!

Yummy Mummy Kitchen: Beet Burger Recipe on We Heart It - http://weheartit.com/entry/58988991/via/pixelmusings

Hearted from: http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2013/04/beet-burger-recipe.html

Celebrate October in different languages.

A Story About Why I Volunteer

Are you familiar with this Bible verse from Proverbs 3:27?  “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”

Volunteering is a great opportunity to share whatever good each of us has.  When I volunteer, I feel happier.  Honestly, I don’t go into a volunteer position with the thought that it’s going to make me feel happy.  I really go because I want to share my good with others. For the past 6 years, I have volunteered at my three GrandGirls’ elementary school's art program, Picture Person.  The program is very active and supported by staff, wonderful parents and grandparents. We participate each month of the school year in the classroom.  A lesson includes introducing a famous artist’s biography; displaying his/her work with a print followed by a discussion; teaching key words that are relevant to the lesson; assisting the students with an art project that is related to the print; having music played while students are working on their art project; and sometimes a snack.  As you can imagine, there are several hours of preparation for each lesson. I recently received a beautifully decorated notebook from my GrandGirl’s fifth grade teacher.  In the notebook were pages on which each student wrote his/her message of gratitude for all the parents and grandparents who participate in the art program throughout the year. Here are some (there are 36 in the class) of the sentiments written by the students: “Hopefully, next year if they have Picture Person, I hope I get you guys.” “I don’t have a favorite lesson because you make every one fantastic!” “It must be very stressful doing the projects but you do it in a wonderful and positive spirit!” “I know I will remember doing art with you and learning about artists with you.” “All of you are good-hearted, patient, and give magnificently clear directions.  Our class is very lucky to have such wonderful people to help us learn art!!!” What do you think?  I think I’m coming back next school year to volunteer in the Picture Person program!!