Pen Pals...can get a girl talking again

So recently actually with in the last two weeks I have reached out and have arranged to pen pal with what I thought would be a few people (is actually 8). The pen paling is for letters through snail mail. Now I know why would you want to do this when you could do what I am doing right now an just type a quick letter on the computer and send it via email. On email you could still get into decorating the envelope and sending pictures. There is that special touch though of handwriting and knowing that person took the time and effort to put there thoughts down. The feel of the paper. The excitement of is it here? does the story go on? what more is there to learn? It is slower pace. An I think that's what I like. We as a society have become so quick to push a button and send a message and click to receive a message there is no waiting. We don't know what it means to slow down cause everything is here and now. I live in California...three of my pen pals are in the United States but the others are out in other countries. I look forward to learning about their lives and where they are from...even those in the United States. Everyone is different from where, how and why they live the way they do. I think being able to share your story with someone is great and to be able to share and exchange it with a strange is even greater.

I have since received one letter and now have sent out six letters (1 was a reply back). I think its great and my niece is doing it as well. Both of us are writing to people with in our age groups. I think that is the key thing to is keeping it to people around your age so you have similar interest and life experiences going on.

So if your interested like I had been for so long pick up a pen and a pen pal as well. lol  - until next time cheers!!!        

Make Sure Negative is Out of Here

Dump that which is holding you back. I know easier said then done but seriously there is so much more out there that is within your grasp when you learn to let go of the cement blocks around your neck. Now don't get me wrong this does not mean end a marriage without trying counseling, quite your job without having another one lined up or turn your life all the way upside down cause you feel that something just doesn't feel quite right. I'm talking about those people who are negative and are hanging around just to tell you your every bad move. I'm sure everyone can think of at least one person who is the negative person in your life. Some times its a family member and you can't cut the ties. So what do you do you take a step back. You create a personal space that is very well known to them and you. Sure your nice and everything is okay but you don't engage for the fun of it. When you have negativity around you it starts wearing on you. You might not notice this wear at first but it will show its self eventually. 

When we become negative we forget our dreams and our goals. We live in shadows. No matter if negativity is directed at you negative people within our lives is just plan bad for our own lives. So shake them off or create a personal space you can see from the heavens. Make sure you are in not a disillusion world but a well balanced world. Balanced is the key world and if you have to break from someone keep it simple. Its not in your or their best interest to draw it out.  - Cheers till next time.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

So it is the time of love being in the air. It seems their are more couples at this time then at any other time. I have a question has Valentine's Day become to commercialized? I don't asked that because I'm not apart of a couple this year or because I hate Valentine's Day. I actually will be driving my niece's boyfriend up to see her since he moved away from her and they wouldn't be able to see each other if I didn't drive him the rest of the way up to her. So it's not that I don't believe that romantic gestures shouldn't be done, it's just that it seems to have become like another holiday. Out running around finding that gift, trying to out do last year's gift. I remember it was just enough to sit and get a house alone and cook dinner for my boyfriend at the time. It was nice to get a gift but I enjoyed the company and cooking for him. Why? Cause he loved my cooking and he would tell me how great it was an how he enjoyed my company. I watch my friends now an its like down to the wire shopping trying to get a gift just so they can say they got one, even if they are cooking a meal and have gotten a little something. They have to get the whole thing....a big gift. They don't look at the cooking a nice meal as a form of giving a nice gift. I'm sorry but cooking over a hot stove and trying to keep your makeup nice and look nice is hard work....lol. Cause who has the time completely get ready after they cook (the food would get cold)...my I throw off my apron go to the bathroom freshen up my makeup and wallah...but I get ready first. Its nice to get a gift but remember its not about the gift....though DO NOT buy last minute a cheesy gift you know will piss the person off if you do. Its better to be humble an go empty handed then to be a jerk. Remember it's a couples day not a me day. It's not a day for women. Is not a day for men. It's a day for both to be treated equally with love. With that go have a Happy Valentine's Day - Cheers till next time!    

Single on Valentines's Day

Well its 3 days left till Valentine's Day. I will probably be spending it with my nieces and nephew again. Have not found that special one to fill my life with hugs and kisses yet. An I before was not fine with that but have found myself at a place in my life that I am centered and can be okay with it. I don't need to have a man to be happy I can be happy on my own. I'm working at simplifying my finances, my room that I have, working on a few projects so their out of the way, and just trying to enjoy what I have. I want to work more on my poetry and photography to get better at them....here is a picture I took behind my library just happen to be perfect for Valentine's Day.

Feeling pinned down

Sometimes it can feel like the world is pinning you down. Finances, family problems, demands, sick, and a broken heater which is just making the house freak'n cold. Well some times a change of direction is what you need. Some times you need to set the finances straight and take control don't let them rule you. Same goes for the family problems, demands, being sick and well that heater might need a good swift kick. Then again you might have to rely on a professional. An that's okay. That's what professionals are there for.

There is a time to call in help. Whether its calling in a mediator for a family issue, a doctor when your sick or a financial adviser. Its a matter of determining the problem, assessing the damage and whether you can recover on your own. So when you pinned down determine, asses and call in the professional if need be. You'll find that you'll get a lot farther if you do. An their are a lot of resources out there that are free or low cost that house different types of professionals.

Don't forget to ask family for help their there for you through thick and thin....but remember asking and not taking advantage is the key.

Act Your Age

Being the youngest or any age some one at one time or another thinks they have the right to tell you what to do. Being the youngest I get told what to do all the time an this is despite the fact of my age. You would think that once you hit your late twenties and early thirties this would be a sign to others that your old enough to life your life without being told how to life it. Well said to say your not. At least what I have come to understand is you are still the baby.

The thing is to make a stand. Don't let people boss you around you've earned your age. You've gone through those years some of us have gone through different life trials then others. But when it comes to it you have earned your right to call your self an adult and make your own decisions.

Speak your mind don't let those people walk over you. Set deadlines and make sure things are well stated, no questions to be asked if there is an instance of borrowing or buying. Don't commit to anything without this. Make sure your compensated for your time and effort. Your time is valuable don't be talked into anything else whether you would have been busy or not.

This is sometimes common sense but even I have been subject to falling for being taken advantage of whether the person realizes it or not. Its best to set ground rules and life by them so it doesn't happen in the future. - Cheers till next time

Sharing Day: Pic

This is a photo that was taken by me in Maui. I love this picture because of the flip-flops. I had no idea till after I developed the film that they were sitting in the picture like that. This was a beach off the side of the road that my friend and me stopped at...ended up spending a while there just enjoying the view and water.

Shopping cart holders please for ...all that is cold/flu season restock

You would think that by this time those that have shopping carts in their stores and hand baskets would keep a well stocked supply of anti-bacterial wipes so you can wipe them off. So many store are our out of them every time I go in there an to go find some one is ridiculous. No to mention they have to find and restock the wipes. That's on top of the fact if they actually keep their carts stocked that day. I know short on man power equals long lines and no carts.

It's every time I go to the store forget or their is no wipes I always catch a cold.Hence right now. It's not fun cause all I can do is wait. I can go to the doctor waste their time and effort but in the end its a waiting game. Now every year I do get my flu shot and so colds is what I get.

So for my rant if you use the last of the wipes tell someone don't make the next person do it. Be nice. You won't get sick and others don't need to get sick.  That's my little rant about that sorry but it does bother me that people aren't polite enough to tell when they used the last of something...even in your own homes this applies. - Cheers till next time  

Little Things Make a Difference

Can I tell you its the simplest things in life I enjoy like my comforter. I know it's silly but the colors make me feel wrapped in warmth. I have to admit I painted two of my walls blue....well that's not the admitting part: it's been at least 2 months an I haven't finished it :\ So I sit in the corner on my computer facing the painted portion...ignoring the unpainted portion....lol. Its amazing how many times we do that to ourselves. Now that I am going to post this I'm gonna have to paint it...lol.   

An there is the blue corner....hard to see the corner....its right at my ear. Both pictures are of me and taken by me....bored. Evidently not bored enough to fix my wall...lol.

Take the time to fix the little things. They make the big picture and while it may not seem like it effects anything it adds to stress and off balances your center.  - Cheers till next time. 

Every Moment..its in the Big Picture

So we all have a past, present and future. Some of us I know would like to erase or fast forward. But just thing for a minute. That time you paused at the store window to look at the outfit...that time you stopped and listened to the music outside the store cause it was your fav....everything you do. Every moment....everything sets for the next moment and there after. The people you meet...the things you see...its all a big picture.

Everything has to be looked at as steps in life to the greater good. There is a purpose for everything that comes and goes in an out of our lives. For everything we win and loose, no matter how small and in significant it is.

The key is to come to terms with those things that have to leave our lives that lead to a better tomorrow even if the better tomorrow doesn't come tomorrow...... you'll get through it all. - Cheers till next time

Life is as Life is...Or Not!

Life is the way its always gonna be. People will disappoint you, others will hurt you, you'll hate things and well that's life. Well maybe not! People can't disappoint you unless you let them and others can't hurt you unless you let them. You can choose to hate things or choose to let things go. It's all about the journey and steps you take. Perform your own dance.

As we go through life its not the world's responsibility to cater to us and make us happy. We have to take the right steps to make that happen for ourselves. So look an see what it is that is making you unhappy....why do you not fill fulfilled in life? Then look at ways of how to make it better for you. Get rid of the clutter and junk in your life...and for some of you that is a person or two.

Consolidate and reinvent. Keep it simple this year and the years to come. Happiness is found in the simple things - Cheers till next time!

Eating Play-Dough...

So I clonked out early last night and ended up waking up to a alert on my phone or tablet which was only junk mail a couple hours later. Don't you hate that it just catches you at the right time of your sleep that the little beep wakes you.

So as I said my nephew is staying with me. Which he was with my mom last night  (she doesn't get to see him as much). So we had our ups and downs yesterday. Meaning we had a point where he threw his DS and then where is was "I love and miss you" also where he waiting a half and hour till a place opened very patiently. Every day is interesting with him to say the least lol. But we ended up on the carousel in the tea cup  and at In N Out. So we had fun even though we had some time out.

Its funny how as kids our stomachs are rocks maybe its all the play-dough we eat. As adults we
(well most of us) can't spin for a long time. Maybe its the people I've met. lol. Cause then there is all those daredevils out there. Who knows how it is split.

Well time to finish my coffee and find something for breakfast. - Cheers till next time!

Shh he's asleep...finally...lol

So I picked my nephew up and he was acting like his mom was gonna die if he left her. Needless to say as I was talking I suggested she could set up her web cam and we could try Skyping. All of a sudden he just goes "ok". An I'm like so are you taken your DS with you and he starts going on about how he's going with me. SMH! Kids....lol. He just wanted to be able to check in on his mom. lol.

Now we have a Wii here at my house so when he got here at 10pm he's like ok lets play. I'm like little dude bedtime and have to explain that its late and while he's excited it will have to wait. One thing about me is I love children. Would love to one day have my own (would prefer to pass the baby stage lol) but their so full of life and character. There is so much to explain to them and do with them.

An its the little things that are the best. He's laying in bed with me and he said "I have to tell you something" I say "Yes" and I get "I love you and missed you". It warms your heart. I just though I'd share tonight about my nephew an how sweet he is even if he started out not wanting to visit me. lol.  - Cheers till next time!

Deal or Steal???

I'm finding myself overwhelmed. Maybe a mix of caffeine, other people's stuff, the longing for more then one room....and the not wanting to just get rid of good stuff. I have bags of stuff (Victoria's secret traveling bags, leather luggage, clothes, jewelry) that I should be able to sell but everyone is out for the penny of all deals that everything isn't selling. Take for instance the leather luggage bag I have. It is an Italian name brand "Tangaroa". Brand new at the time of purchase from the maker would have cost about $500. TJMaxx sold it for $100, which is where I got it. Now I was asking $75 obo thinking I'll take $50. I actually was offered $30.

I am writing a blog about this because there is a difference between a deal and a steal. Ripping someone off who is desperate for money is not ok. There is a reason for them being there in the first place. Yes there are a few out there that are scam artist but for the rest of us there is a reason we are not keeping the stuff we are selling. We have families, we have bills, we have medical expenses, we need transportation, saving up is a lot.....there is a number of reasons and I could keep going.

So the next time you try to buy sometime from a garage sale, craigslist, or any group online or in the neighborhood remember this: everyone has a story and everyone has a need. Make a judgement call on if to be the decent person or not. - Cheers till next time.

Not feeling well...so its a short one

Ok will have to be short tonight....not feeling well an already up late...smh. Tomorrow will be focusing on hair bows and cleaning. A simple list. Hopefully I can get up in the morning really not feeling good. Tea will be added to the list as well for tomorrow. :) Well hopefully everyone else is feeling much better then me....I will be posting pictures tomorrow of what I make to show what I sometimes do. I actually just started making hair bows so I'm still playing with size and shape....well cheers till next time.

Picture day.....

So this is a picture I took in Maui. I had won a trip for two so I toke my best friend at the time. We had a blast! We were 21 and love'n life. This was actually taken on a 35 mm film camera. So I had to scan the picture in to the computer. It seems simpler now doesn't it. Just take the picture and if you don't like it take another one. Before it was if you screwed up, well that was that! lol.

Well I know I'm updating this post....an that's because my tablet let me post the picture but no verbage. So wanted to let you know why the picture was being shared and where it was from. An share this with you as well....Sometimes we have to go through and even search through the storm to find our rainbow.  (now no there is no rainbow in the pic)...I've been hav'n some bad day and I have to remember this about the rainbow. Whether it be I'm not as happy with my life in general,  my love life, family or other stuff life money....there will be bad days...heck maybe bad weeks but there is a rainbow just gotta look up an wait for it. Let the wind and rain beat down on your face its only air and water.....cause when you see your rainbow it will all be worth it. - cheers till next time!

Zombies eat lists...not just brains!!!!

I know there are days when we look into our hands and just shake our heads. What was done all day? This was one of those days for me. Despite several things I can account for I just felt like a zombie all day which meant that at the end of the day I felt flat-lined.

Now part of this was I had a lot of caffeine the other night an so sleep was no where to be found. So about two hours of sleep a nap during the day of about an hour. A little bit of sleep will cause the zombie effect especially if mixed with coffee and sugar (I had plenty of that this morning!).

So while like I said lists are great....zombies eat lists as well as brains...don't be fooled! Get sleep! Try different things to get that great combination to knock you out and drop you to the floor, dead asleep of course. lol.

Take notice to seek professional help though if you can not find that great combination through trying and your life and health is being effected by it.  

Good sleep usually means better mood as well. So go get some sleep or get ready for bed - cheers until next time!

I can explain....says the frog

So this year was about me and bettering myself for the good of all. What better way to help other then to not be a hot mess yourself. Not saying that I'm all messed up....lol. Just that I've been doing so much for everyone else I've forgotten to take care of the one who is a support beam. I consider myself a very helpful and dedicated person. But you can only do so much before you burn yourself out if you don't take care of yourself.

I'm not talking spa retreats and lavish getaways, just getting my craft stuff in order and labeled was one leap for this woman.Now on the the crafts. I bring up crafts cause it is a healthy and relaxing way to unwind. It also is a creative flow of energy. An who does not need some of that!

So if you haven't noticed I haven't posted in a little while....well life happens and things get crazy. I get determined and don't remember the last thing I was supposed to do....I'm like a little frog sometimes hopping from one pad to the other. Well lately I've been stir crazy and I have yet to show anything except well sorted and labeled drawers and boxes of all my craft supplies. I account it for a lot!

So if you find yourself hopping from pad to pad an feel like our going no where look at the big picture. I know in my last week my big picture is not complete and I'm already on week two....an its ok. We do what we can. Next time or even right now make a list and start check off things that need to be done.

Well gonna get back to my list of things I need to do this week coming up....and also a list of crafts I'd like to achieve....cheers till next time!

Technology: Friend or Foe

So I did something I'm regretting but am not at the same time. I hard rebooted my cell phone. Now while there should be no problem with this since I backed up all my info on Google. There is one prob that I didn't think of....I'm out of town an all my numbers are stored on my old phone at home. Yeah smart move. lol.

Then right now as we speak my tablet is in the 'shop' getting repaired of what problem I have no idea except it died on me out of no where. So while we have become so dependant on technology it actually in truth does make some of our lives easier when used properly.

Take for instance my phone. I had doctors, which I just switched an don't even know their names yet lol. Luckily I have it written down. So keeping a back up of everything is a good thing. Pictures especially. You don't want to loose those memories with your family an friends. So while you can keep them on your computer I would put them on disk. If your keeping them just on disk make two copies. An for all that is holy do not keep your copies in the same place....it defeats the purpose. An trust me some people will do it.

So while technology can bite you in the butt by crashing or glitching, there maybe more good then bad. It's just a matter of like anything don't rely on it. Keep that map in your car even if you have a TomTom and keep a sweater with you just in case it gets cold. lol

So what do you think Friend or Foe? - until next time cheers!

Sleepless Nights

So another night of me not being able to sleep an I'm cold...well my hands are cold. So here I am writing which is hard to do with gloves on. lol. I hope to be getting a camera soon, mine broke so have not been able to take photos lately. Ok actually for a while. I do have a photography page....now I am a armature photographer. If you would like you can check out what I have up at
https://www.facebook.com/InkedMagnolia

I will be start posting my crafts, photos, and life in general when I get a camera. I'm on a really tight budget...so trying to work out something an hopefully it works out. I would like to post some pictures to give a little look into my life. I think that if your gonna read what I have to say you should see a little about what is in my life.

Today was a challenging day, well yesterday. Just for the fact I was trying to get organized with my craft stuff. Labeling boxes for easy access and putting things together that belong together. lol. Still not done. Don't know if I ever will be. But at least I made progress. I have some attention problems so its like organize craft stuff the all of a sudden "squirrel!!!" My attention then is out the window an I forget what I was doing an then its on to the computer for a bit I then I remember the laundry....how many of you does this sound like? Lol right now I am remembering the laundry that I started a while ago downstairs...its sitting there.

So notes and timers. I am more successful when I make very detailed list. I mean detailed....trust me little things that are easy to see are easily forgotten with out a check off. So in this new year start off with some cleaning and organizing but remember to make your list first. Remember the first cleaning is the hardest if you keep it up it is a quick wipe down instead.

Keep it as simple as possible...cheers till next time!