Appletini Times

Happy New Year!

During this past year I have had many adventures. I received a few scratches and bumps while traversing the rugged and unfamilar terrain but I have discovered beautiful vistas and eye opening experiences along the way. I have learned much about myself and and have found a peace I have never thought possible. Today, I have decided not to make new years resolutions except one, to live one day at a time.
Instead of drinking a martini or two to celebrate, I have decided to paint one instead. Happy New Year to all!

My Mothers Voice

While listening to the local church chorus singing "Hark the Herald Ages Sing" at the Sunday holiday service I heard a familiar deep resonating voice that was pure and rich in tone. I watched the lips of the singers to see who sang like an angel and realized the sound was not coming from them.
This might sound a little crazy, but it has happened once before. While I was at a memorial service for the fallen California postal workers a couple of years ago I heard my mothers voice booming from the chorus as they sang a tradtional song, one that she used to sing in similar choruses. Tears welled up in my eyes and poured down my cheeks because I could feel her gentle presence as the song boomed into the halls of the large gym.
My mother had an extraordinary voice and I am comforted knowing that her spirit is alive and well and that she is singing in the heavens. I am truly blessed to be able to hear her voice every once in a while knowing that she is still watching over us. I love you and miss you Mom.

Life is an adventure!

A few days ago, I returned from a business trip to Hong Kong and Hangzhou China. While I was busy visiting showrooms and factories as well as shopping and dining with my gracious Chinese hosts, I was not able to check email and had no phone service. At first I was uneasy not knowing what was happening with life here at home, then I realized I was really not in control of anything at all except to be in the present moment. So, I stopped worrying about big and little things I could do nothing about and in doing so, I was able to experience an amazing adventure in another world with my eyes and heart wide open.

~Life is what happens when you are making other plans.

Happiness

Happiness is petting my cat. Happiness is talking to my children and grandchildren. Happiness is getting a job well done. Happiness is belting out a song in front of a bunch of strangers and drinking in their applause. Happiness is dancing to my favorite music and banging on a tambourine with the band until my hands are blistered. Happiness is loving others as well as loving myself.
Last night I thanked God for giving me more time in my body so that I can experience this amazing gift called life.

Keep on Dancing

At this time of year for most of us there is the prospect of joyful celebrations and time with family members and friends. For some reason, we seem to cram it all in during just a few short weeks at the end of the year and then we make plans and resolutions for the year to come.
Lately for me, there have been things that have gotten in the way of celebrating every day such as grieving the loss of a loved one or a long term relationship. I also have been kicking myself for the mistakes I have made in the past which keeps me from living in the present.
Living through cancer has opened my eyes to the gift of life more than anything has before. I am getting stronger each and every day. This past year has been an amazing time of self discovery, love and hope as well as stumbling on the dance floor a few times.
After a few embarrassing falls, I am learning to pick myself back up, straighten my skirt and keep on dancing.

Orion

Traveling can be exhausting but it doesn't come without perks. I am fortunate enough to have worked and visited many cities and towns around the world. This week, while at a conference I have enjoyed the white sand and aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Sandestin Florida, just about 4 hours east of New Orleans. The weather is balmy with warm moist air and the red tide looms a few hundred feet out on the shore. Since I moved to Arizona, I have been searching for my favorite constellation in the heavens and without success. Last night, I sat on my 12th floor hotel room deck after a long days work and listened to the soft waves rolling over the sand. I looked up to my left and to my surprise saw Orion in his full glory glistening in the sky. It felt good to have finally found him again and that he is still brightening the heavens with his twinkling sword, bow and arrow.

You are loved

Yesterday afternoon while the sun was setting on the Arizona horizon, I painted a simple heart on a river rock that I picked up while hiking along the Verde River in Cottonwood. It was the perfect shape for what I had in mind and these days I have been very aware of rocks shaped like hearts. Since my heart is full of love these days, I painted a vibrant red one and surrounded it with a serene color of blue and aquamarine. On the back, I wrote "you are loved" which is a reminder that love has always surrounded my life no matter how hard things may seem to be and giving love is the best present I can give to myself as well as others.

Standing Up

Today, I am painfully learning the art of letting go. I am not sure it is an art, but indeed a skill that one must practice on a daily basis. I also am finding out that being nice under every circumstance isn't necessarily the best for all concerned. Sometimes putting my foot down to stand up for the right thing is the nicest thing I can do for myself and everyone else involved.

Wherever I go, there I am...

One year ago today, I packed up my belongings and left what many people call paradise. I moved to an eclectic town in the heart of Arizona just under the shadow of Mingus Mountain and a little south of the breathtaking red rocks of Sedona. It has been an amazing year filled with joy and adventure but not without pain, fear and a few broken toes. I know I have landed in the very right place. I ran away from home and in doing so, I found my home. Wherever I go, there I am.

Enjoying the Ride

A picture is worth a thousand words isn't it?