Turtles ...

I find them quite fascinating. I think it has something to do with their adorable eyes, big feet and hard shells. It's late and my mind feels a bit mushy so I don't have much else to say about them. I guess I do have something else to say - turtles remind me that there are times to act like a turtle and take things slow and easy. Ever had a 'turtle day'?

Happy Monday night - cheers to the turtles in the world ... :)
PS - If today is your 'turtle day' enjoy your pace ... and take your time... slow and steady is a good thing.

A lullaby for Mom and Dad

I have one daughter and she brings so much joy to my life … I couldn’t ever put in words what a blessing and treasure she is to me! Last weekend, she fell and broke her right collarbone (she’s 4 and a half). It was quite the trauma for the entire family – as this was our first experience with a broken bone! She has this endless optimism for life and happiness just pours out of her. Even with a broken clavicle, she is simply cheery. It’s inspiring for all who meet her.

Tonight as I put her to bed she didn’t want the ‘bedtime routine to end’ and decided to sing a lullaby for Mom and Dad… oh it was funny! I think it was to the tune of twinkle twinkle little star – I’m not sure. But the words were … I love my Mom and Dad I love them love them … This is the lullaby for Mom and Dad.

(Please try to picture the scene – it’s late, she’s in a big t-shirt, one arm is wrapped inside the shirt due to the broken bone and one is out). She’s just singing her heart out and full of joy …

I felt like it should have been a commercial for Visa.

T-Shirt: $9.99
Sheets: $19.99
Daughter singing a lullaby for Mom & Dad - with a broken clavicle: PRICELESS

OH that we could all be so full of love and endless happiness…
Cheers to daughters and priceless moments.

Good night beautiful Princess Lauren … Thanks for the lullaby.

Wendy Christensen & Mitch Albom
Book Expo 2006 - Washington, D.C.

Do you remember how you discovered your favorite author? I do! My younger sister had sent my husband a copy of Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie for Christmas. I remember thinking to myself that I’d like to read it someday. A few years later, the book resurfaced. I had some time one night to curl up with a book and chose this unforgetable story. I had no idea that this little book would touch my life so much. It is a true, heart-warming, inspirational story about Mitch and his journey to get back in touch with someone very dear and special to him. This important friend (whom he reconnects with) is his old college professor from days long gone. Mitch promised to stay in touch after he graduated from college but life got busy and Mitch forgot about this friend (and his promise) from the past.

Until one day, he heard (via the news) that his friend was dying. He was inspired at that point to get back in touch with his former college professor. Little did he know that this one act would change his life! He ended up spending the remaining Tuesdays of Morrie’s life in Morrie’s home. They talked about love, life, marriage, friends and the importance of making a difference with our time here on earth. Mitch’s interaction with Morrie helped him recognize and appreciate the people in his life and the great gift of being alive. This book remains one of my all-time favorites. (It’s a tear jerker – When I finished the book, I used half a box of Kleenex).

Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Mitch Albom. It was an exciting day for me because I didn’t know we was going to be in the same place at the same time. I was in Washington, D.C. attending Book Expo and received a friendly phone call informing me that Mitch Albom would be doing a reading at 3 pm in room 204. I was so excited! I had mentioned several times after reading Tuesdays with Morrie that I’d like to meet Mitch Albom – in person. I promptly found room 204 and couldn't wait to meet my favorite author!

I enjoyed hearing him read excerpts from this soon to be released book For One More Day and wondered if New York Times best selling authors sometimes felt a little bit vulnerable when sharing a NEW manuscript? Maybe?? Have you ever stood in front of a crowd and shared something you've created? For the record, he was calm, cool and collected... Full of confidence! He read portions of his book for about 45 minutes. I enjoyed every word!

For One More Day is a wonderful book - I highly recommend it :).

His books have touched the hearts of millions (including mine) and I am thankful for the ways that each of his books have added value to the way I live my life.

PS - I did what you would have done ... I thanked him for boldly writing from his heart and for daring to share his life/talents and thoughts with the world. :)

For more information on Mitch Albom and his work please feel free to visit his website:
http://www.albom.com/

April is National Poetry Month …

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.
~ Carl Sandburg

Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.
~ Thomas Gray

Out of the quarrel with others we make rhetoric;
out of the quarrel with ourselves we make poetry.
~ W.B. Yeats

Snakes
Small cylinder shapes
Curl round and round
They move with no arms or legs
But they still manage to slide across

the narrow street
Just trying to escape

The cars that will

Drive right over them

Finally they are

Safe

~ Kaleb Christensen (age 8)
This poem won 3rd place at the Richland, WA
Youth & Community Poetry Event
April 14, 2007

The day you were born … It's important!

Let’s talk about birthdays for a moment. We all have them. Some of them may be more enjoyable than others ... but the fact remains, birthdays do not stop coming (until we die). And even then those who loved us still remember us and celebrate the time we were here. Then there are those people who were ultra famous – their birthdays become holidays or at least mentioned on radio and or TV shows as part of the ‘on this date in history’ segments. Fact is – Birthdays matter. The way I see it, the world changes each time a new person is born. Each of us leaves our tracks on the world by what we choose to do with our time on it.

OK what’s up with the chit chat about birthdays you ask? Well, today happens to be the day I was born…! It’s been a splendid day and there’s still more celebrating to do...Might as well ENJOY the birthday fun for as long as possible right?

The day started out with pancakes for breakfast (thanks to my husband for that) and then it was off to our oldest son’s soccer game. Did you know that soccer games are played regardless of rain showers? Wow – it was a wet, cold game!! Our oldest son scored a goal and that was exciting. Way to go Kade ...

Next, it was off to a baseball game for son #2. It was freezing and the 6-inning game took two hours. It was a wonderful two hours though! He’s batting 1000 as he is 6 for 6. Yup – the star hitter of the team! I love watching our kids play sports ... Especially when they love the game and enjoy being part of the team. Way to go Kaleb ...

Then, it was home for cake and singing… What now? Kaleb (the slugger) took 3rd place in a community children’s poetry event and he’s reading it tonight at the Community Center.

His poem is called: Snakes and is simply wonderful!

I can hardly wait to hear him read it on stage - out loud!

All in all, it’s been the perfect day! I feel so grateful to be alive and to have another birthday. Birthdays cause me to reflect and appreciate the days, months and years that I’ve had to live, love and learn – and I look forward to many many more.

PS:
I am truly grateful to our Father in Heaven who showers each of us with so many blessings.
I feel that each day is a gift and want to live them to their fullest. I’m so thankful for my parents who chose to have me and taught me so many wonderful things. I love you Mom & Dad…. thanks for giving me a birthday :) ...

Cheers to time and all the beautiful things we can do with it!

Take me out to the ballgame ...

My son plays little league baseball (this is his first season and is in the minor B league). My brother-in-law and husband coach the team and I think we’re off to a GREAT season! Tonight was the first real game and I was asked to help in the concession stand. I enjoyed my experience tremendously! You serve a lot of people working in a place like that. And you get the ‘inside scoop’ on what’s popular to eat at baseball games. The must have item for the boys (playing in the league) … is the grape Big League Chewing gum! The older folks like the coffee and hot chocolate. The little kids love the licorice ropes and 10 cent stuff. What about the hotdogs? Those are the hit of the night!

I have to thank my sister-in-law, Kathy, for inviting me to help out. We laughed and enjoyed the time ‘in the food box’. PS: While I was busy dishing out nachos and salty pretzels, my son hit 3 times and (from what I was told) had a splendid game!

Cheers to America’s favorite game – Baseball. I have the feeling we’ll be spending many hours on the fields cheering for our little slugger … I look forward to it!

LET’S PLAY BALL!

Restore & Restyle …

{Restore}
To bring back into existence, use, or the like

When was the last time you embarked on a home beautification project? Has it been a while? My latest ‘restore & restyle’ event occurred last week (and has not stopped)! My husband and I decided it was time for a new kitchen window. This was no easy task as our home is over 70 years old… And this particular window was the original from when our home was first constructed. I was amazed at its craftsmanship - it had wires in it to help with opening and closing. The antique window also had doubles panes for safety and energy efficiency. Getting it out was NO easy task! Why did we get rid of such a window? It didn’t open anymore and the top pane was cracked.

Once we had the window out, I decided it would be a good time to paint the kitchen. So, I chose a very pretty olive green and painted all night. Why not? I found myself on a mission to make the room better! Have you ever had that happen? You start with one thing and find yourself in the mood to tackle even more? The kitchen looks wonderful and that little ‘restore & restyle’ project has sparked more R&R projects throughout the entire house!

PS:
I think we all have moments like that – we take something on and feel good about it (maybe it’s a new job, a new relationship, a new workout, a new friend, planting a garden, learning to paint, or putting in a new window) …Suddently, we find ourselves
going through our own ‘restore & restyle’ event. It’s like one little project or event inspires another and our lives begin to change and our spirits are restored and restyled.
Cheers to the little changes that occur in our lives - and the big ones too!

Feel free to check out my website:
Our moments matter -

http://www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com/

Feel the 3-D Power!

Do you need a great movie recommendation? If so, take the entire family and go see “Meet the Robinsons” in 3-D! The theater was jam packed with happy movie goers all wearing their special, black 3-D specs. The effects were fabulous and at times, I found myself holding my hand out to touch the rain, the characters and the fireworks. 3-D is magical – it makes the movie so real. The film’s story is pure Disney – full of inspiration and hope! Go on … Grab your family and enjoy the show. (You’ll love it!)

Cheers to Disney and the creative minds that continue to imagine, create and move forward…

Check it out online - Meet the Robinsons:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/meettherobinsons/

Build a Masterpiece

What kind of world do you want?

Think Anything

Let's start at the start

Build a masterpiece

Be careful what you wish for

History starts now...

The above lyrics are the chorus for "World"

by Five For Fighting ... It's a great song and makes you think!

Let's start at the start ...

A ‘Rainy Day’ Soundtrack …

It’s been raining all night and it’s still coming down. I had dreams last night of rain coming through the roof and even woke up a few times to feel the ‘drops’ that seemed so real in my sleep! Amazing how powerful dreams can be… I’m sure on some mind level I was on the beach with an umbrella enjoying every drop!

Have you noticed how most of the really great movies have a really great soundtrack? I love movie soundtracks and own quite a collection of them. I think rainy days like today deserve soundtracks! So, I took the liberty of creating a list of tunes (feel free to get them from iTunes) and play it on the ‘rainy days’ in your life!

Cheers to the pitter patter that adds green and magic to our world…

Put your Rainy Day Songs on …
Here’s my play list -

You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor
Sacrifice by Elton John
Imagine by John Lennon
Down Under by Men at Work
Wind of Change by the Scorpions
Your Song by Elton John
Key Largo by Bertie Higgins
Clocks by Coldplay
Fire and Rain by James Taylor
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Movie recommendation for ‘rainy days’ …
My Fair Lady

(You'll love the soundtrack to that one!)

WARNING: Lovers Ahead …

I absolutely love taking road trips. There is something wonderful about hitting the open road and enjoying the miles from the seat of a car. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed the various road signs that pop up along the journey. I’ve laughed several times at random road signs and sayings… Someday, I hope to make a road trip across the United States and fill my vehicle with traveling treasures. I just had an idea – I think I’ll plaster the outside of my car with magnets … Can you picture it? Me too! If you happen to be driving down the road and see a car plastered with magnets from around the country – feel free to honk. It’s probably me!

Back to the road signs, I have to say my favorite road sign (thus far) was one I saw in Virginia! What did it say? Kiss and Ride. Isn’t that romantic? They have special lanes just for lovers! You get in the ‘lover’ lane and put the car in neutral – then you get out of the car and kiss (in this designated kiss and ride spot) and then one of the lovers goes his/her separate way and the other lover drives off. Very cool! I think every state needs a kiss and ride lane …!!

Fast Fact -
The state of Virginia has a slogan …What is it?

Virginia is for lovers. That savvy slogan has done wonders for lovers and tourism.

For more information, feel free to check out the link below -
http://www.vatc.org/pr/factslogan.htm

Virginia is for Lovers ...

Apricot blossom ...

I recently heard a man give a very interesting talk and as part of his speech, he used the following quote: What you are looking for in the Universe...is looking for you

And today as I enjoyed a walk outside (in the gorgeous spring weather), I bumped into an apricot tree in full bloom. It was beautiful and made me appreciate (to a greater degree) the miracle of seasons :) .... I guess the apricots and I were looking for each other!!

Happy Monday!

Photo: Library, streets of Minsk, Capital of Belarus

Good things happen at the Library …

Isn’t that a beautiful library? I think so too! Our public library is not as visually appealing as the one pictured above. However, it does contain a great deal of information. I love libraries. And you just never know what’s going to happen at the library – who you’re going to meet, what special book you’ll discover or who you might be able to help.

My daughter and I made a visit to the library yesterday and we had so much fun. Before we left home, we created a list of all the things we hoped to find and discover while visiting the library. For the record, we accomplished everything on our lists… And we both left happy! :)

Would you like to know what book I’m reading?
It’s called – March by Geraldine Brooks
I’ll let you know what I think of it when I’m done …

What is my daughter reading?

A darling children’s book called: Bunny My Honey by Anita Jeram

(She loves it).

PS:
Go visit your library and experience some ‘good stuff’ …

Geography Moment:

Map of Belarus
http://www.belarusguide.com/as/heritage/clickmap.html

For more information on Belarus -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarus

Journey to Minsk -
http://homepages.nsys.by/minsk/

Filled with good stuff ...

Hershey's kisses are one of my favorite little bundles of yummy goodness. Especially the ones that are filled with mint, cherries, caramel, peanut butter and so on.

My husband and I taught a workshop on Saturday for teens (ages 14-18). Our topic was: Am I doing anything right? Our answer to them was: YES... and then spent the class time helping them recognize and discover all the things they were doing right. It was a fun afternoon!

For the closing ... we gave each person a hershey's kiss and I told them this -

These kisses are filled with good stuff. But remember that YOU are filled with greatness... And we encouraged them to take their greatness and do something with it.

PS - there's greatness in you too :) ...

Breathing Space

Have you ever read a copy of Oprah’s Magazine? I have several times and enjoy the way it flows. One page just runs into the next and I love to create time to sit down and get lost in its pages. The Magazine is called O … And one of my favorite sections found in each issue is called: Breathing Space.

It’s a two page layout of a gorgeous photo and the reader is supposed to sit back and imagine that they are there. One particular issue contained a photo of the beach on the Dominican island of Cayo Levantado and we were to feel the cool water of the Caribbean lapping at our feet and savor the quiet that surrounded us… So I closed my eyes and felt myself running on the sand with the water chasing my feet. I felt the breeze from the palm trees and the sun on my face … It was lovely. (I was there!)

And when I opened my eyes – I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on the REAL space surrounding me… It’s like I took a mini vacation while sitting on the fluffy, comfy couch in the front room!

I highly recommend it. Amazing what our minds can do …!
Where will you go?

Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.
~ David Ogilvy

What a great quote huh? I thought so too!
Aim high – hit hard and enjoy the game!!

This quote reminds me of the importance of goals and making things happen!

What is Success?

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty,To find the best in others,

To leave the world a bit better; whether by a healthy child,

A garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

The Miracles Around us ...

The tulips in my yard are making their grand entrance into spring. Every year at this time, I find myself in awe as I see them peeking up through the ground. Honestly, I forget that they are down there just waiting for their chance again to add 'magic' to the Earth. It's wonderful!

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
- Albert Einstein

Today, stop and appreciate the miracles that decorate your life ...

Turn it up and keep on driving …

Have you ever been on your way home and a song is on the radio and you just had to finish listening to it before you park in the drive and go inside? Every now and again I have those moments. I’ll be on my street just about to pull in and a really great song will start and I just keep on driving! Below are a few songs that cause me to turn it up and keep on driving – (I could create a CD with all these hits on it but there’s something absolutely magical to me about randomly hearing songs played on the air) …

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Mr. Bojangles
Rolling Stones – Paint it Black
John Melloncamp – Cherry Bomb
The Cars – Drive
Journey – Open Arms
Paul McCartney – Silly Love Songs
Steve Miller – Abracadabra
Berlin – Take my Breath Away
Bon Jovi – It’s My Life

Cheers to the magical sound/power of music …

Feel free to do a 'drive by' with the songs that make your heart hummmmmmmm :)

Happy President's Day

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
Abraham Lincoln--From the November 19, 1863 Gettysburg Address


Care to learn more about President's Day? Click on the link below -
http://www.patriotism.org/presidents_day/