{Wednesday Movie Moment}

Two Weeks Notice

... she's rather like the building she loves so much. A little rough around the edges but, when you look closely, absolutely beautiful. And the only one of her kind. And even though I've said cruel things and driven her away, she's become the voice in my head. And I can't seem to drown her out. And I don't want to drown her out. ~George Wade
(Watch the clip by simply clicking on the Two Weeks Notice text above)

Ahhh the power of a love letter ...! :) This one gets me every time.
Don't you love how movies capture our hearts and leave such lasting impressions?
Me too ...

A weekend escape to the mountains...!

{WOW MOMENT}
My husband and I celebrated our 16 year anniversary last weekend - Ohh la la!
It was the perfect trip :) We were surrounded by gorgeous Mountains, flea markets, yummy food and antique shops galore! Special thanks to my romantic guy for the weekend escape!

Loved checking out all the cool vintage shops!
Just had to snap a photo of this huge bowl of lemons. We stopped along the highway to check out a giant flea market - There were food vendors sprinkled throughout the town and it was so fun to get lost in the crowd and busy flow of people!

I fell in love with this antique set of rose china - oh it was gorgeous!

We were driving along the highway and stopped to capture Mt. Rainer on film! I love mountains and find them so inspiring and full of WOW! We were blessed with splendid weather - couldn't believe how perfect it was!!

We made a visit to the Mt. St. Helens monument and looked in awe at the mighty mountain that 29 years ago caused all sorts of havoc in our state! From this sign, there was a great view of Mt. St. Helens :) My photo didn't turn out so well of that mountain but I did get this sign :)!!

Check out that vintage bike - LOVE it. I think old stuff is so charming and romantic ...

Grabbed a peach Italian Soda at the flea market... :) Yum!! PS: Found some cool, old stuff at bargain prices!

Note to self: Take time to spend time with the ones you love! It enriches the relationship, creates lasting memories and most of all - REMINDS us that time together doing the things we LOVE adds value to the journey of life!! :)

Do what it takes to make your DREAMS REAL!

Have you ever had a day or a moment that quietly whispered to you? Maybe the day shouted at you or just gently talked… I had one of those yesterday. The day told me much about my past and my present.And it came in a song!

Let me set the stage: My husband and I were invited to be guests on a local radio show. It went really well – I talked about my “Little Moments” book and my husband sang songs from his CD. The last song he performed was the title track: “Wiggle Like a Fish” … the lyrics go: You gotta wiggle like a fish, slither like a snake, turn yourself around – DO WHAT IT TAKES.

That “do what it takes” struck me as I stood in that little studio room listening to him sing! My mind flashed back to when I first dared to write the pages of my book (2003). I had a new baby, and two little boys. I wrote late at night and early in the morning. The words and ideas just kept coming and I knew I had to do something with them. I didn’t know anything about the publishing world or how to even get a book made. Eventually, I found a way to cut and bind a few copies and was putting them together for Christmas. While picking up the newly bound handmade books, I bumped into a lady I had met a couple of months earlier while visiting her gift shop – Wild Goose Designs. To my surprise, she remembered me and asked what I was doing at Staples on Christmas Eve. I told her I was picking up my books.

She stopped and said: “I didn’t know you were an Author!” I told her I didn’t know I was either!

She then invited me to do a book signing at her shop on Valentine’s Day. This propelled me into the next stage – making lots of books! I found a local copy shop that would print and cut them. I handmade all the covers and took them to be bound. (Lots of steps involved).

The book signing was a riot! And at one point, the handmade book ended up in 4 shops around town. I found myself doing more book signings and enjoyed radio and TV interviews. I then tried to find a publishing house to pick up the manuscript. For the record: It has been rejected by 4 thus far.

But during that search, I was hired by one of the publishing houses to be their Literary Publicist. I did that for 3 years. And as I was learning and growing in the publishing world, I thought it would be fun to do something with my husband’s singing talent. And we started Wiggle Like a Fish! And all of that flashed through my mind as my husband sang his “Wiggle” song and I couldn’t help but think … “WOW! Look what has happened and who we have become in the last 5 years!”

I share the above story to simply say that when we choose to dream and take the steps necessary to make the dream REAL, our lives change and before we know it, we are no longer the person we used to be. We find ourselves in an entire new space in life and the doors that are opening are open because we dared to dream and do! We dared to push down the fear barriers and continued to walk into the unknown. We dared to DO WHAT IT TAKES. And if necessary – turn ourselves around to get where it is we want to be.

PS:
My ultimate goal when I first wrote the book was to have it published. I thought that would be the best thing to happen. But this adventure continues to teach me that there is NOT just ONE final outcome or destination for our dreams.

I am continually reminded that EVERY STEP of the Journey – IS the journey! And yesterday was just a little reminder that the little moments matter – because what we choose to do with our time ultimately decides who we will become…

A Morning Show Moment :)

Good Morning!
Talking about: "It's the Little Moments that Matter" on the Mix Morning Show

Doug Daniels (Morning Show Host)
with Tory and Wendy Christensen

We had such a great time talking and singing LIVE on the Mix Morning Show!

Thanks to everyone for tuning in ....

PS: If you ever encounter the grumpies - simply stop what you are doing and shout -
GO AWAY GRUMPIES - YOU CAN'T RUIN MY DAY!

Peace. Love. Llamas!

My oldest son, Kade, ran for Vice President of his Middle School. I enjoyed being a part of his campaign and watching all the effort and time that went into running for this position!

My favorite part of the entire process was the night he read me his speech. He told a story about a llama that went to middle school and didn't fit in. He ended it with a very sweet statement about reaching out to all kids at his middle school and his desire for everyone to have a friend and a positive middle school experience! He had my vote :)....

It was fun to be part of his excitement when he received the - Congratulations! You won! phone call.

PS: I love you Kade - Keep sharing the peace and love - I know you will be a GREAT V.P. at your school.

Catch us LIVE on KONA / 105.3 FM ---!

Tory and Wendy Christensen

Catch us LIVE on the Doug and Denise Daniels Morning Show!
Wednesday, May 20th - 2009
8:15 AM
KONA 105.3 FM

We'll be talking about the "Little Moments that Matter"
And "Wiggle Like a Fish"

PS: There will be singing! :)

Tune in and be part of the FUN!

TOP 3 Reasons to make YOU a priority!

Hi ... That's me - on my way out for a bike ride! :)

FACTS -
A day is 24 hours. An hour is 60 minutes. There are 60 seconds in a minute. Tick tock… Tick tock – Hear that? Time is marching on!

I find it absolutely amazing how much we can fit into a day, an hour and even a minute! When was the last time you did something JUST FOR YOURSELF?! Today: Create 5 minutes (or more) just for YOU! Choose something you love to do and do it!

TOP 3 Reasons to make YOU a priority -

1. You’ll discover or rediscover the inner greatness of you.
Sometimes we lose that when we get too busy.
2. You’ll be rejuvenated by the time you had just for you.
Energy will flow through you as you make yourself a priority!
3. You’ll prioritize your time differently as you will realize the importance
of having time to do the things that matter to you.

Added bonus: The people around you will notice the skip/hop in your step because of who you are becoming just by making yourself a priority!

Take FIVE and enjoy being ALIVE!

PS: I posted two items today: See my 'FIVE Minutes of blogger FUN' below ....

And I think to myself: WOW!

"Be authentically YOU!" ... Lauren, Kade, Wendy and Kaleb

Lauren - My Ladybug! Photo Moment: Mother's Day Tea party!
Presented by Lauren's Kindergarten Class ....

Lauren - My Princess, my friend, my only daughter! :)

Kaleb - My baseball star, my Curious George, my funny kid!

Mother's Day Card by my son, Kade - 2009.

Kade - My Dreamer, my Artist, my Soccer Star!

I thank Heavenly Father everyday for blessing me with 3 wonderful kids who call me MOM!
:)

I hope you dance ...

Morrie Schwartz and Mitch Albom

There are certain moments in life that leave more of an impression than others do. I really believe this has to do with where we are (emotionally, physically and spiritually) at the time the moment happens and the state of our soul when the event occurs. There are times when a quote, a talk, a smile, a hug, a kind word, or a page from a book hit me in such a way – I can hardly believe I was fortunate enough to bump into it!

The lasting moments linger with us because we connect with them in an emotional way. Our life collides with the external event and becomes etched on our heart forever!

When these times happen, I usually write them down as a way to preserve them so I can use it again for another day in the future. Do you do that too? I suspect the answer is yes and that is why blogging is so powerful and important. We use our entries to collect, share and preserve the things that matter to us!

Today, I bumped into one of my favorite books and just seeing the title of it made me smile and remember the first time I read it! The book is “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. I read this book at a time when my heart/soul really needed it. It was as if Morrie was talking directly to me.

There is a chapter in the book called – The Thirteenth Tuesday We Talk about the Perfect Day
Mitch Albom asks Morrie how he would spend ONE day if he were perfectly healthy. The answer is so beautiful and simple. And just typing about it brings tears to my eyes! His answer was:

“Let’s see … I’d get up in the morning, do my exercises, have a lovely breakfast of sweet rolls and tea, go for a swim, then have my friends come over for a nice lunch. I’d have them come one or two at a time so we could talk about their families, their issues, talk about how much we mean to each other.“Then I’d go for a walk in the garden with some trees, watch their colors, watch the birds, take in the nature that I haven’t seen in so long now.

“In the evening, we’d all go together to a restaurant with some great pasta, maybe some duck – I love duck – and then we’d dance the rest of the night. I’d dance with all the wonderful dance partners out there, until I was exhausted. And then I’d go home and have a deep, wonderful sleep.”*

Mitch Albom then asks – “That’s it?”
I love how this book flows. The next Tuesday, they said good bye. And Morrie passed away….

There are so many things we take for granted – like walking outside, having lunch with a friend, going swimming or dancing.

Last weekend, I was able to attend the Washington State PTA Convention in Seattle, WA and as part of the event they had a big banquet (complete with a DJ, dance floor and dancing)!

I couldn’t get Morrie’s “Perfect Day” out of my mind and as soon as the music started, I hit the dance floor. It was wonderful – I danced all night – like no one was watching!

It felt so good and I realized as I let myself get lost in the music and the crowd how lucky I am (you too) for each new day to - live, love, learn, dream, and dance! Thank heavens for the moments/words/people and books that stay etched on our hearts ! And for the opportunity we have to create 'perfect days'! :)

PS: If you get the chance to sit it out or dance – I hope you dance!

*Excerpt from "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, page 171.

Happy Tip #1 ...

{Plant Flowers in your yard ...}

Commentary: Yesterday, my daughter and I spent the afternoon together!
First, we had lunch (we sat on big high chairs, sipped on water and talked about our day).
Next, we spent an hour in the flower section picking out flowers for the yard.
Then, we came home and got our hands totally dirty with the dirt of the Earth ...
Just after we started to plant, the rains came pouring down - that didn't stop us!

Finally when we were soaking wet and the flowers were safely 'tucked in' ...
We dashed inside to dry off.

Cost of the flowers = $45.00
Memories created = Priceless!

PS: Be one who creates happiness!

When life hands you challenges – Shift your FOCUS

Often, life hands us challenges, setbacks and even disappointments. It’s easy to let those things become the main focus and keep us from enjoying all the good things happening around us.
The happiness and joy we feel relates to the things we choose to focus on. Our focus creates the way we feel, act and behave moment to moment.

{Little Example}

Earlier this week, I was able to attend my son’s little league baseball game. As I was sitting in the bleachers – enjoying the sun, the game and the company of the other baseball fans, my daughter (age 6) came running up to me sobbing.

“Mom, I lost my littlest pet shop.” She cried.

“Was it the littlest, tiny one or just the little one?” I asked.

This question made her stop and think (and instantly ceased her sobbing!) If you are into the Pet Shop toys, you know that there are tiny ones and then little ones. If it was the tiniest pet shop (the size of your fingernail), we had a long night ahead of us to find it.) If it was the regular sized Pet Shop – our chances of reclaiming it were much higher. Thankfully, the one missing was not the fingernail sized critter. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

By asking a question, I was able to shift her focus and we were better able to deal with the realness of the situation. I told her to say a little prayer and ask for help finding it. Then we began hunting for the little brown squirrel. The parents in the stands could see we were hunting and they gathered their own children and began to look too. The Hero of the moment was our Catcher’s Dad! At first grab, he thought he found an acorn but really discovered it was the lost toy! Thanks Craig for your Eagle eyes and kind heart!

{Focus - It matters!}

This little incident reminded me that challenges (big or the size of a fingernail) matter but should not consume us or keep us from finding joy. It also reminded me that through our challenges, we learn a great deal from those around us that care and reach out to help us. Happiness is continually up for grabs! REACH up and REACH out to those you can help and those that can help you!

The next time you find yourself consumed in a challenge that seems too big – stop and ask yourself a question or two.

Here are a couple that may help:
1) What is great about this?
2) Who can I ask to help me with this challenge? (Please consider saying a prayer first – the Lord hears you and does respond.) And often sends the answer in the form of another person. :)

And finally, feel free to go outside pick up a rock and hold it right in front of your eye (so you can’t see anything else.) Then toss it out into the yard. That is what your challenge really is – a pebble in the sea of LIFE. Use that pebble to be a stepping stone to a better you, a better tomorrow and a sweeter soul.

The challenges we are faced with are there for us. They help us grow, learn and become! Shift your focus and choose to SEE and appreciate what’s great about them!

I'm in OVER my head (and LOVE it)...!

Have you ever stopped to think about the amazing moments that make up your life? Me too! My favorite time to reflect is at night ...
The house is all quiet and the silence creates the perfect atmosphere for instant replay!

Last night, I had quite a show running across the stage of my mind. Would you like a glimpse?! Action on the set - Tape rolling:

The show begins with:
"Dear Life, ... I'm in over my head and I LOVE it!"

A night to celebrate being alive! Wendy, Kade, Lauren and Kaleb
April 14, 2009 - AKA: My birthday :)

Happy Birthday with mud pie ...

Kade, Kaleb and Lauren
(Dig in!!)

April Rhineheart and Wendy Christensen
(Thanks for the fun afternoon April ...)
She and I have been friends for 23 years! :)
I can't imagine life without her ---

Kaleb at bat - It's Little League Season!
(He's my slugger!)

Letter from Lauren ... Priceless!
PS: I love you up to the moon and back.

Wendy and Lauren at the "Wiggle Like a Fish" show
in Kennewick, WA ...

Lauren, Kaleb and Kade
(On an Easter Treasure Hunt)

With my husband Tory ...
Easter 2009

Not pictured: Kade's soccer games, walk and lunch with my Mom, driving 50 Miles a day (as the Taxi Mom), family prayers, church on Sunday, dinner time as a family, yard work, Wiggle Like a Fish plans, little songs written in the car, snuggle time on the couch, the early morning rush to get to school on time, laundry piles, late-night homework and bedtime stories.
My list goes on and on ...

Sometimes I feel to grateful for LIFE I can hardly take it all in!

What little moments make you go AWE and WOW?!
:)

A letter to myself ... (and one to you too)!

Dear Self,

Happy Birthday! Do you remember that card you received from your parents many years ago? It had two hands holding flowers and on the inside it simply said: “Flowers bloomed the day you were born.” Do you remember how good that made you feel? Good!

Now go look out the window … Do you see those gorgeous flowers in the backyard? Yes! Those bloomed today. So many new and wonderful things have happened since the day you were born. Never forget the beautiful journey of life and the role you play in it. You make a difference! No one can take your place.

On this day – enjoy the creation of YOU and the people around you who love and celebrate the world being a better place because YOU are in it.

With Love,
Your Inner Voice :) ...

PS: Wonderful things happen when we listen to the kind and loving 'inner voice' that so often gets crowded out by the negative voices and outside events. My birthday wish is that we will all choose to listen and appreciate the good, kind inner voice that whispers softly to each of us! ... After all, there is only ONE you ... and YOU make a difference!

Be one who CREATES Happiness!!

Your Inner Compass ...

About 6 months ago, we moved from our house of 10 years to our present home. Just today, I emptied the last of my boxes. I had some amazing little ah-ha moments as I unpacked and thought I would share … (Just so you know, the last boxes were mine – in my office).

“The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

Why do we take so long to take the first step?
For six months, I’ve looked at the boxes and thought I need to empty those.
Have you ever done that?! :)

“It's never too late ... to reinvent yourself”
~Patrick Lindsay

What was it about today that made me take action and clean out the boxes?
I found myself drawn into the office and I said out loud: "Something must be done in here!"
I opened the windows (let the sunshine in) and got to work! The cleaning out/organizing took half the day! And here it is 10:00 pm and I’m still in here – only now it’s clean (and I don’t want to leave). Funny how that works ...
Note to self: it’s never too late to start.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

What was it about the last 3 boxes that I dreaded so much?
First of all, the thought of going through anything more (after the move) was just too much to handle. Secondly, I didn’t want to deal with what was inside of them. Thirdly, I have been too busy to even attempt opening them up!

Are those excuses? Maybe – but it’s real.

So, today I had time, I had a need and I took the first step… In one of the boxes, I found some old letters from my family when I was in college. I read them and remembered some very fun and challenging days. I took a moment to pause and realize how far I’d come since that time. I even smiled at the thought of where I’d been, who I am and who I hope to become. It was a little celebration (of sorts) for my current place in time.

Today was a great day to clean out the boxes - I had time to truly appreciate the stuff inside them (and the stuff inside of me).

Note to self: When the time is right – you’ll know what to do.

Listen to your inner compass, take the first step and celebrate who you are.

What is life? ...

WHAT IS LIFE?

Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
Life is a Duty ... Perform it
Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
Life is a Game ... Play it
Life is a Gift ... Accept it
Life is a Journey ... Complete it
Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
Life is a Song ... Sing it
Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
Life is a Spirit ... Realize it
~ Anonymous

Here's what I would add -
Life ... LIVE it!

What is life to you?!

Invite Happiness IN

Invite –
To request the presence or participation of
in a kindly or courteous way

Dear Happiness,
I invite you to join me today
in all my little moments!
(Try saying that out loud!)

How did that feel? Have you ever simply invited happiness in? Happiness is a sensitive creature it comes and goes (in most people’s lives.) I believe many of us have forgotten how to treat ‘happiness’! I like to think of happiness as a dear friend. And without her, my life would be quite empty and dull.

Close your eyes and picture in your mind someone who is very dear and special to you. How do you feel when you think of this person? Now picture yourself without this person in your life. It’s probably a hard thing to imagine!

That’s how I think of happiness! I can’t imagine life without it! So, in order to keep it and have it – I must treat it special. And my little, unique and creative way to do that is to simply invite her to join me all the time!
(I think ‘happiness’ likes that and is more apt to stay.)

This little moment matters –
Here’s the invitation I use (feel free to borrow it – or make your own!) You may want to post this around your home or in the car.

Dear ‘Happiness’,
You are invited to join me in my journey called LIFE!
When – Always!
Where – Everywhere!
Time – 24/7
Place – My home, my heart, my LIFE!
Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re part of my little moments.
Love,
(Your name here.)

Excerpt from It's the Little Moments that Matter
by Wendy L. Christensen © All rights reserved.

Inspiration on a Thursday ...

"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser."
~ John W. Gardner

Feeling Groovy in my Shamrock Shades!!

Groovy shot #1
Groovy shot #2

Wishing everyone a happy St. Paddy's Day :) ---
Cheers to celebrating the moments that matter!

My theme song for today: Feeling Groovy
...I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you, All is groovy.
~ Simon & Garfunkel

Happiness is a choice

And the little tree looked up at the giant shade tree and said: "I know I can."

I’ve often had people ask me – “How come you are so happy?”
My response: Happiness is a choice.

Have you ever met someone who was constantly blaming outside sources for their life?

Here are some examples –
I hate my job
If the weather was nicer I’d be happier
I don’t have time to do anything I want to
I’m not talented
I can’t get out and exercise

Buddha said: “With our thoughts we make our world.”

And if our thoughts are filled with I can’t, I won’t, I don’t and other negative feelings – our lives will be filled with those types of actions as well.

Let’s visit the optimistic/happy side of the brain shall we?
I make a difference at work
I’ve got an umbrella – let’s walk in the rain
I can do that!
I love to learn and try new things
Lets meet at noon everyday and walk

happiness is a choice and we can choose it at any moment.
Where will your thoughts and actions take you today?

{An Award ...}

"When life throws you Lemons ... Make PINK lemonade!"

Eva's house sent me this award today - Thank you :)! Apparently, this little 'lemonade stand' is given when someone thinks your blog is positive/filled with happiness ...

As part of the fun, the lemonade stand logo has a few instructions -

1.- Put the logo in your blog/poner el logo en el blog
2.- Nominate 5 - 10 blogs for having great attitude!/ Nominar de 5 a 10 blogs
por su buena actitud!/
3.- List and link the nominees/listar y poner link de los nominados
4.- Comment this award in their blogs/Poner un comentario en su blog
5.- Nominate your favorites and link to your post/Nominar los favoritos y poner el link en el post

My Pink Lemonade Winners -

1. Shaela - Love her creativity, upbeat attitude and positive posts!
2. Jennie - My sister, friend and happiest artist around
3. Kami - My old college roommate, my web designer, awesome fiction writer, true friend
4. O. Joy - Takes beautiful photos, lover of life, big heart, she is an expert on Gratitude!
5. NaDell A go getter, a great mom, happy in the kitchen and very organized!
6. Mr. & Mrs. Slug The cartoons on this blog make me laugh out loud - love it!
7. Rebecca - A beautiful singing Librarian - love all the info this lady shares...
8. Alyson - She and I go way back ... I think she was one of the first people to ever comment on my blog posts:) I love her writing style and her gorgeous photos...
(To those I have not met face-to-face - I can hardly wait)
One of these days we'll have a HUGE blogger reunion (imagine the hugs!!)

Ladies - Thanks for sharing so many wonderful moments via your blogs!
You make a difference ...!!

Curiosity ...

Inspiration for a Wednesday ...

"Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long.
We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things…
and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -
~ Walt Disney

Tidbit - The above quote was used in - "Meet The Robinsons"
Where is your curiosity taking you? ...

Dwell in Positive Possibility - There are benefits!

"Tulips" by Wendy Christensen 2009

Are you a fan of positive quotes/books/ideas/people?! Me too!
From what I can tell, being positive has the following benefits –

You stay younger, healthier
You welcome more smile lines around your eyes and mouth
Invitations abound – for everything!
People want your ideas
It’s easy to make new friends - positive behavior is contagious
You wake up with vigor and passion for each new day
Life has meaning and purpose
Laughter is more abundant
Love is everywhere
Miracles are evident
Being positive makes you more free to give of your time, energy and talents
Your eyes sparkle
You dance
You’re not afraid to take chances
Fear does not keep you from attempting your dreams
Hugs matter
Friends and Family have more importance
Each day is a gift


***
My list could go on and on … :)
This week – dwell in positive possibility!
(You can do it – one positive thought and action at a time)

For the record - negativity is poison.
....

Hold your light high ...

When was the last time you stopped to really think about the people who BELIEVE in you?

Has it been a while? ... Today, I had a few moments to reflect on the people in my life who have been a light of hope, support and inspiration to me. There are many. It felt so good to appreciate the people who have been the lighthouse for me during my 'stormy' times - to them I send my thanks and love.

And on this windy Saturday in March I send my light out across the water to anyone who could use a RAY of hope, love, inspiration or support...

Please remember that YOU make a difference and that YOU matter.

With love and light -
Wendy

PS: Hold your light high - you never know what 'storm' another person may be fighting their way through.

{A Beautiful Mess}

Tory and Wendy Christensen
"Green Eggs and Ham" breakfast at the Elementary School

A Walk by the River ... Wendy & Kade

"Look! I found a lizard!"
Kaleb...

I spend a great deal of time in the car these days. It’s funny how the journey of motherhood evolves. When the kids are little it’s a miracle to get everyone packed up and out the door. Now, it’s a miracle if we have a day when we can stay home!

Luckily, we have some great options for filling the air via our everyday commutes. Sometimes, we’ll listen to a book on CD, sometimes random radio shuffle, often times the 80s, and occasionally its quiet.

Earlier this week during one of the random radio shuffles, I bumped into a really great song by Diamond Rio called – “What a Beautiful Mess.”
Later – when the kids were all in bed and the house was all quiet… I thought to myself -
I love the beautiful mess I’m in!

Lauren ...

Teaching History (with a Cyndi Lauper song)...

The first album I ever bought
Cyndi Lauper / She's So Unusual

Yesterday I was driving had 2 of my kids in the car with me and a song came on the radio … I was immediately transported to my past.

What song do I have to thank for the time travel?
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.

{flashback to 1983 …}
I was in the 5th grade
I was employed as a paper carrier for the Tri-City Herald
I had my own money -
I bought the record
I dreamed of being Cyndi Lauper …

My wonderful visit to the past came to an abrupt end when I heard -
“Mom what are you smiling about ...
Do you like this song?”

My response:
“I love this song! Let me tell you about 1983, and how fun it was to be
a girl with a paper route and a record player!”

Cheers to time travel via the songs from our past!

:)
Don't you love how you can teach history with a song?! Me too.