Moments D98: Wake up call

I typically turn my phone to vibrate over night, but for some reason I forgot last night. Due to this change in my typical behaviour, this morning I was awakened by a text message. I remember laying in the still of the morning, wondering who on earth was texting me so early. I wanted to ignore it and sleep through to my alarm, but a brief moment later I found myself grasping my phone checking out the words sent to me.

My wake up call was not just words. It also included a picture of a beautiful sunrise. The words were simple, and beautiful and very inspiring to my soul. They warmed my heart and brought a smile to my sleep-filled face. What a perfect way to start the morning.

Thank YOU my dear friend, for finding yourself again. For fighting for yourself again. For believing in yourself again. May you never be alone in your darkness again.

Moments shared.

Moments with friends.

Moments D97: Bruises & Burritos

Today was a busy productive day, but, on a personal level, it was challenging for me as I struggled to find my balance most of the day. If you know me, you know I am a worrier and I try to be aware of scenarios that I may find myself in, on any given day, before said scenarios happen. I call it planning. Others call it excessive worrying or caring too much.

With the emotional bruises I received over the past little while, it has taken me a bit to bounce back. I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such support, love and positive energy. I’ve had many reach out to me to reassure me. I am thankful. I am taken aback by the energy. I am humbled to know that I have a voice and one that some want to hear. Thank you for your support and your positive light.

I know I can’t be all things to all people. But, I’m not going to lie - that frustrates me. I work hard every day to, at least, be something to everyone I connect with. I suppose this perspective on life only adds to the bruising!

So back to the point. Today’s moment is two fold: appreciation of those who love and support me. And BURRITOS! Yes, that’s right. End a bummer of a day with a food that I love. Why not right? So I’m going to give a little shout out to my favourite burrito place in the big smoke. CHINO LOCOS! If you have a chance to try them DO! Their burritos never fail to make me smile.

Moments of favourite foods.

Moments with dear friends.

Moments of appreciation & humbleness.

Moments D96: Husking

First - side-bar: I honestly didn’t even know if that was a word (husking as a verb), but it seems that it is. Bonus!

Today was a family BBQ. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and enjoy the cooler, breezy July day. The fun moment of the day was watching my Dad implement a new process of husking the corn.

Let me back track….

My father is always keen on finding ways of becoming ever more efficient. (hmmm, I wonder where I get it from!) He reads self-help books, he will ask many questions of one more experienced or comfortable with things. And, he will also watch videos.

Not too long ago he received this video explaining how to husk a cob of corn without any silks remaining on the cob. (Those silks CAN be pesky!) Of course, it being corn season he had to attempt the new process.

Well, low and behold it works, and it works well. There were many smiles and compliments shared amoungst family members. It was like this little tribe finding a new jewel and everyone was admiring it. It made me smile!

Moments of new methods.
Moments of sharing.

Moments D95: Words of Advice

Today I spent the afternoon and evening with my brother and his family.  Filled with fun moments and laughter, the best moment was when my 8 year old nephew offered some solemn advice:  you can’t choke on cotton candy.
We had a giggle around the dinner table, but then we dug a little deeper into those words.  Possible or not?  In the end we all agreed that it is possible to choke on cotton candy.
What stands out for me is the way the thought process happened at the table.  The original words of advice were tossed out randomly and casually, but out was necessary to dig deeper on those words before just accepting then as fact.  If only this was more common practice out there in the world!  Bravo, my nephew, for taking the time to ask deeper questions.
Moments with family.
Moments to question.
Moments to laugh.

Moments D94: Grounded - Mea Culpa

It seems I have more readers of my blog than I am aware of.

I recognize the power of words and how things can quickly and easily spiral out of context and control. My apologies to any and all for words that may have been too sharp or self-centered. This is not the focus, nor the purpose of this blog. This blog is about finding a moment of light within every day. I realize, there will be times when light shone to me may be darkness to others. I will keep this in mind moving forward.

Know that today I appreciate the moment of grounding I have had. I have no issue with offering up a formal apology to those hurt by my words. We all have muddled moments and I apologize for mine.

Moments seeing new perspectives.

Moments of grounding.

Moments of genuine mea culpa.

Moments D93: Mom's Wish

Today it was calling for major thunderstorms to start early in the evening to last throughout the evening. Now, as much as I love storms, I had a baseball game at 6:45pm. My dear Mom knew this and about 5:30pm yesterday, just before I was to head out from work she sent me an instant message that simply said: ”No rain tonight”. We had a brief exchange and I was on my way to the field.

Amazingly the ominous storm clouds held their bounty. We played our full game and then the team went back to the sponsoring bar for food, drinks and great conversation. We sat on the patio. Again, the clouds held off their release. We were then charmed by a duet of live music. It wasn’t long before most of the team was singing alone.

So thanks Mom for whispering the words to the universe for me - for us. It was a great night of baseball, friends & fun.

Moments from Mom.

Moments D92: Smell the Rose

Today I had my dear colleague and friend stop by my office with a treat. I wasn’t really paying attention as I was up to my eyes with budgets and expenses and deep into the spreadsheet.

The next thing I know I have a pretty pink flower beneath my nose and he simply said “smell”. Without even looking over to him and the rose, I inhaled the sweet scent of his freshly picked wild rose. As he started to leave, I asked him to give me another moment with the rose.

I pushed away from my desk, grabbed his hand and the rose and deeply inhaled the honeyed-rose. As it tickled my nose, I looked at its perfectly pink petals and its yawning yellow stamen. Yes - a moment to pause and enjoy a simple creation.

Moments shared.