Chalk Art in JUNE ...

Baby face ...

A dragon (by my son Kaleb)

Captain Jack Sparrow



Peter Pan

A Sail Boat

Chalk Art Saturday

June 9, 2007

Wow... today has been one exciting day! My husband performed songs from his soon-to-be released CD from 8:00 am until 2 pm (as part of the event) ... We met some really neat people, wiggled like a fish (a lot) and were totally amazed at the artistic talent. :)

"Thank you" for coming out and adding your authentic style and magic to the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland. It was a beautiful day ...

And the perfect ending was the rain ... it came at exactly 2 pm and began to wash the art away.

Cheers to the moments that matter :) ...

The 8th Annual Chalk Art Festival
Saturday, June 9th 2007 (8:00 am to 2:00 pm)
Richland, WA

We are very excited about tomorrow's chalk art festival in the Uptown Shopping Center. Feel free to come sing along with us and decorate the sidewalk with your authentic style ... :)

I'm excited for everyone to hear songs from my husband's soon-to-be released CD ... !! We've had a lot of fun with this project!!! :) My personal favorite song from the albom is called- Superman Can. (It has a nice little 70's flavor to it!!)

See you tomorrow!!!

PS - We'll be set up by the breezeway on the Jadwin side

of the Uptown Shopping Center.

Just follow the music and the WiggleLikeaFish.com banner!
© Illustrations by Jennie Stanfield

The Place you LIVE ...

Have you ever thought about the spot you live and the way it plays into your life?

I have! Amazing how buildings and places add to the flavor and style of who we are!
Cheers to the places we live, the food we eat, and people we meet ...

Stone Soup

703 The Parkway
Richland, WA 99352

(509) 943-4542

Need a place to stop for lunch?
Stop in at Stone Soup and order anything from their menu!!

The atmosphere is fun and inviting and the food is oh so yummy ... :)

Special Memory: Meeting my best friend from high school, April,

for lunch to celebrate my 34th birthday!

She and I have been friends for over 20 years! ...

I love you April!

(The above photo is a glimpse of their back door) - cute huh?

Wild Goose Design

610 The Parkway
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 943-3006

Embellishments for the Home, Body & Soul ...

(This shop inspires me!!)
Special Memory: I had my very first booksigning at this shop.
Thank you Bonnie for believing in me and for helping me achieve a DREAM!

The Octopus Garden

Uptown Shopping Center
George Washington Way side

Richland, WA

This store has been here for as long as I can remember.
I like the huge variety of crazy cards and funny gifts.
I smile everytime I think of this place :) ...

Not pictured:
The Columbia, Yakima & Snake Rivers ...
I've spent countless hours along the banks of all 3 of these rivers and
and so thankful for the influence of each.

If you happen to make a trip to Richland ..

Feel free to check out a few of my favorite places
and create a few special memories of your own!

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 close your eyes and 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"
26 simple steps to enrich every moment of your life!
By Wendy L. Christensen

Wiggle Like a Fish ... Music for Kids!

You're Invited - :)

8th Annual Chalk Art Festival

Saturday... June 9th 2007
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Uptown Shopping Center
Richland, WA

Live performance by - Tory Christensen
Come hear songs from his soon to be released CD -

"Wiggle Like a Fish"

http://www.wigglelikeafish.com/

(Fish illustration by my sister, Jennie Stanfield)

Draw on the sidewalk and sing with US!!
{La la la la la}

Fun for ALL ages ...

Freedom is not free...

Special thank you to all the men and women who have/are or will serve in the Armed forces to help keep America FREE... May God be with you.

Happy Memorial Day.

The 40 day journey …

The Lord can do amazing things in 40 days! In fact, we’ve seen evidence of Him transforming people in 40 days … Examples are: Noah, Moses, David and so on. I was reminded of these amazing miracles when I started reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I like the format of this book because he takes the 40 day transformation process and uses it for an outline for his book. Each chapter contains a bit of ‘transforming material’ and in the beginning the author, Rick, urges the reader to join him on a 40 day journey. And we (the readers) are instructed to read ONE chapter a day. So I’m on day NINE…
The chapter is called – What Makes God Smile?
(I'm sure I can think of a few things ... :))

If you want to join in on the journey – pick up a copy today and find out why YOU are on the earth and what your purpose is.

PS – This book turns your heart and actions to God and no matter your religion – you’ll gain deeper insights as to your relationship and purpose for being here.

For the record: this book has sold over 30 million worldwide.
Pretty good indication that people really do want to know what their purpose on earth is for!!

Below is one of my favorite quotes thus far –
“God made ants to be ants, and he made you to be you."
St. Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive!”
The Purpose Driven Life: what on Earth Am I Here For?
Rick Warren/ page 55.

Click on the link below for 7 free chapters of this book:
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/samplechapters/index.aspx

Purpose Driven Life – website:
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/

On this day ...

My husband and I have been married 14 years today. And I couldn't help but remember the song he sang for me at our wedding reception - he stepped out of the line and asked our guests to give him a few moments to sing me a song (This was a surprise to me) and a very sweet memory I'll never forget.

He sang: "I love the way you love me" a John Michael Montgomery song.
Below are some of the lyrics:

And I could list a million things
I love to like about you
But they all come down to one reason
I could never live without you.

PS: May 22nd is a beautiful, special day in my life ...
It's the day my entire life changed.

Let the love, adventure, and music continue!!! :)

The seasons change and with them we do too
By Wendy L. Christensen

As each season comes to an end, I find myself anticipating the beginning of the next approaching one. The heat of the summer causes me to long for the cooler days of fall. The never ending piles of leaves prompt me to welcome the snow and winter. And here we are – right at the beginning of summer (or end of spring) and I find myself excited once again for the season at hand.

As I was clicking around online I bumped into a quote by Henry David Thoreau –

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink,

taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.

This quote is inspiring and reminds us to live each season as it passes. This year will be my year to really do that. I’m going to take some extra time during each season to breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and enjoy the influences they provide. (Yes, I’ll even breathe the air of these gray, gloomy days and learn from them what I can). You can too – if you want.

When springtime arrives, I plan on enjoying the new leaves that will decorate the trees. I’ll pay more attention to the miracle of tulips, daffodils and the baby geese along the river. I’ll ride my bike, walk and get out more to enjoy the spring air. As for the drink of springtime, I feel that will be a big glass of ice water with a slice of lemon. As for the fruit – I’ll enjoy whatever is in season.

By taking the time to enjoy the influence of spring, I’ll be ready to live the summer season. Isn’t it wonderful to live in such a sunny, hot region? I think so too! I plan on taking some time to stop at the farmer’s market to pick up fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and cherries. The drink will be pink lemonade (with a lime green umbrella in it). I’ll swim in the pool and sit on the porch and watch the kids ride their bikes until the sun goes down. Come to think of it there’s a little place in the backyard for a garden – I’ll plant it and enjoy everything that grows there.

If I’m lucky, the fruits of the garden will linger to fall. And again, I’ll find myself picking up the brown, crunchy leaves and stuffing them into big, black garbage bags. The days will get shorter and I’ll change the cool settings (in the car and house) to heat. I’ll get ready for school and encourage our children to put on their jackets. We’ll buy pencils, rulers and lined paper. We’ll put the garden hose away.

The jackets will turn to coats and we’ll drink hot chocolate. We’ll cheer at the first snow and go sledding down Carmichael Hill. We’ll put a fire on downstairs and watch old movies. We’ll welcome the holidays and any sun breaks in the clouds. We’ll put a light bulb on the rabbit (in the backyard). We’ll sing Christmas carols and think fondly on the passing year.

Mostly likely, we’ll look back on the seasons and feel grateful for the influences of each. And we’ll recognize that our lives are like the seasons – ever changing and full of color, flavor and beauty!

Wendy is the author of It’s the Little Moments that Matter and can be reached via her website – www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com

PS: The above column is one of my personal favorites ... I hope you enjoyed it too!

"The wish is the father to the thought."
~ William Shakespeare

It's Never Too Late ...

This morning, I made a trip to Barnes & Noble… I absolutely LOVE that store. I could spend hours in there! The books talk to me (they do) and I get tons of inspirations just by being there. Ahhhh if you haven’t stopped into a bookstore lately – add it to your to-do list and enjoy getting lost among the endless shelves of books.

The little treasure I found today is called – “It’s Never Too Late… 172 simple acts to change your life” By Patrick Lindsay. Below is an excerpt.

It’s never too late …

to watch a sunset

It’s one of nature’s greatest wonders
No artist can truly capture its aura.
No film can reproduce its splendour.
Watch it alone
or with a loved one.
Drink it in.
Feel humble but feel alive.
Be inspired by its magnificence.

“Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.”
Confucius

I love you the greenest

I love you the greenest
I love you the color of the dark green grass
I love you the color of a wood duck’s neck
And the color of the bright green grass
The skin of a frog
The green of a crayon
The color of an eye
I love you the greenest

By Kaleb Christensen age 9

(My poem for Mother's Day ...)

Now whenever I see anything green I think of him and the priceless love of a child!

:) ....

Homemade Normandy Rose Jeans ...

(A very sweet memory of my MOM)

My mom has always been an excellent seamstress. One of her greatest joys came from sewing clothes for her five daughters. I am the oldest so I got the better part of her sewing years. You can see her talent displayed (on me) via the school photos through the years. Trust me – it was fashion at its best.

I was happy and very pleased with my wardrobe until about the 5th grade. That was the time I discovered Normandy Rose Jeans. They were made using dark blue denim with a pink rose on the back right pocket.

For a little extra money, my mom fixed and tailored jeans for a local denim store. Somehow she found time to fix the endless piles of jeans at night. We lived in a small three bedroom home and often fell to sleep by the hum of the sewing machine.

One day while we were at the shop, I slipped into a stall and tried on a pair of Normandy Rose jeans. I know my mom wanted to get them…. But there were seven children in our family and money was tight. We went home without them.

That night, I feel asleep to the hum of the sewing machine. The next morning I awoke to find a pair of homemade Normandy Rose Jeans outside my room. Instead of being grateful and appreciative, I cried and told her the big rose patch she ironed on the back pocket would never do! Everyone would know they were NOT real. I never wore them.

Did she respond with hurtful words or anger? No, she simply put them away.

I learned that standing up for your self can be done with respect, dignity and love.
I knew from that day on - because she showed me. Thanks, I love you Mom.

****************

*I submitted this write-up into the Gather.com "Times Mom Stood Up for Me" contest.
Did I win? No but the experience of entering and remember this sweet

moment with my Mom was worth it :) ...

PS -

Happy Mother's Day... I truly believe there is no better job in the entire world.
Being a Mom is something I cherish ....

Thanks - Kade, Kaleb and Lauren for being so patient with me and allowing me

to live, learn, love and laugh with you ...Oh the things we've learned together.
I love you.

The Key to the Garden ...

Have you ever read The Secret Garden? I have fond memories of my Mother reading that book to my sisters and I when we were younger. We would imagine the garden and what it looked like and enjoyed knowing that it was secret and only a special few knew of it's existence. We wanted a key to our very own secret garden ...

I don't have a secret garden, but I do have about 15 pots (random sizes and shapes) around my home and every year in early May, I fill them with various plants and flowers. Today was my 'garden day' and it was absolutely wonderful! :)

I am so thankful for days like today and for the beautiful world we live in!!! I feel like saying something a bit corny now (or cheesy) ... You ready? OK it's this ... The key to having a 'beautiful garden' - lies within...

Happy Thursday night! I'm off to dream of keys, flowers, robins, tantrums, and a cry in the night ....

If you have not read this treasured classic - feel free to check out the link below:

The Secret Garden - (The entire book online)

http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/BurSecr.html

The Etiquette Expert
Jacqueline Whitmore

Last year while I was in Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to meet a very nice lady. We bumped into each other on the metro line and she asked me for directions – luckily, I was able to help her get to where she was going. We introduced ourselves and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she is a leading expert on business etiquette.

Her name is Jacqueline Whitmore and she was recently a guest on Fox TV sharing her expertise on Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the U.S. Jacqueline talked with host, Martha MacCallum, about "royalty etiquette."

In addition to knowing how to handle royal visitors, Jacqueline is also an expert on cell phone etiquette. Apparently, she created "National Cell Phone Courtesy Month" (which occurs in July). Have you ever wondered what the proper etiquette is for cell phone use? Feel free to take the quiz and test your mobile phone manners -
http://www2.sprint.com/mr/consumertopic.do?topicId=260

(I think this should be a required class in high school) … Cell Phone Etiquette 101!

Feel free to learn more about Jacqueline via her website –
http://www.etiquetteexpert.com/

{A Rose is a Rose}

my rose pencil sketch 2005

"All of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."
~ Dale Carnegie

PS: Happy May - Enjoy the roses around you!

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/

A Rose is a Rose.

(And love is ... love)

OK I used to work at a little rose shop ... and a while back, they called me to see if I could come in and help with the Valentine's Day season. How could I turn that offer down? Roses, people, chocolate.... (All the things I love - in one place!)

Have you ever worked in a floral shop during Valentine's Day? If not, I recommend you try it (just once). It will change your whole perspective on the power of flowers ...Talk about fun! There is something absolutely wonderful about roses/flowers and the people who buy them. I smiled all day and talked to a great deal of men wanting to give their sweetheart the perfect arrangement, bouquet wrap or single.

Below is a sample conversation - (repeated several times throughout the day) ...

Customer:
"Should I buy the long stemmed red ones?"

Wendy:
"Choose the ones that will make her happy ... red, pink, white (a mixture is nice) ... and make sure you write her a love note!!! (WARNING: That's just as important as the roses).

Customer:
"What should I say on the card?"

Wendy:
"That's all up to you!"

Cheers to Valentine's Day, chocolates, roses and the 'wonder of love'....
PS - don't forget to write the love note ...!

Good night,
Wendy - A rose specialist :)

Show and Tell –

My daughter attends preschool and every Monday morning, its girl’s show and tell. Do you remember show and tell days? It was always so exciting to have a time and a place
to share the ‘stuff’ that mattered!

She was extra excited about it today and when it was time to leave – she came out holding four items to share. I told her she needed to narrow it down to just one. This process took a little time as all of them were equally important.
What did she finally choose – the big purple horse (with lots of purple synthetic hair)

If you had a time and place to show and tell – what would you share?

PS – Today I would have hauled my kitchen oven into school and showed everyone how clean it was. “Come on … look inside” it’s a hands-on tour! (Wow – it feels good to have that done). Time permitting, I would have brought photos of the Columbia River and told them about the beautiful paths along it – for walking.

Hey … If you have a moment create some time to ‘show and tell’ something you love with someone special today! Sometimes we need to slow down for things like that.

There is more hunger for love and appreciation
in this world than for bread.
~ Mother Teresa

Happy February... Let's all slow down to love and appreciate a little more! :)

GEORGE STRAIT (The Texas Singing Cowboy) …

Well I’ll be looking for eight when they pull that gate,And I’m hoping that judge ain’t blind.Amarillo by morning, amarillos on my mind.
(Lyrics from Amarillo by Morning)

Warning: Reading this entry may compel you to wear cowboy boots
and dance the two-step …

Ever notice how music has a powerful way of pulling us into the past? Certain songs remind us of falling in love, learning to dance or where we were the moment we heard certain songs. It seems to me that moments accompanied by a song – are guaranteed to last. It’s almost as if songs serve as time machines transporting us back to places we’ve been and things we felt and learned.

It’s fascinating. Thank heavens for music and songs that add magic and emotion to our lives! Saturday night, my husband and I were able to attend a George Strait concert in Tacoma, Washington.

And as we sat in that huge arena with the other 22,000 George Strait fans, I couldn’t help but remember how his songs (through the years) have made a difference in my life…

There are a few George Strait songs that transport me to days gone by. Come on – Let’s take a walk down ‘Strait Song Lane’ - When I hear the following songs, I am transported back to college: Ocean Front Property, Baby Blue, You Look so Good in Love, The Chair, It Ain’t Cool, and The Fireman. (Thanks to those songs, I learned a lot about myself, about relationships and about the art of country dancing) …
I attended college in Idaho and the town was full of cowboys, Wranglers and George Strait fans! My roommate and I were so enchanted with the ‘cowboy flavor’ we decided to start a country dance club (on campus). The opening night, we must have had 500+ students sign up to learn the two-step, swing and “Going Fishing in the Dark” line dance. We had no idea the response would be so great. I sat at the table (in my cactus Wranglers and cowboy boots) in the college ballroom and sold ‘Country Dance Club’ membership cards. “Welcome to the club – find a partner and dance the night away!” Jenni (my roommate) was the dance pro. She stood on stage (with a microphone) and instructed our new club members on various dance steps – “Slow, slow, quick, quick. That’s the two step everyone!” I can still hear her … And the sound of feet moving and dancing. Luckily, she was able to give me a few dance lessons the night before! I didn’t know the first thing about country dancing and Jenni was committed to teaching me. We still laugh about clearing the furniture out of our apartment and trying to teach me to two-step. Luckily, with the help of a few George Strait songs and Jenni’s patient personality….I was able to conquer the two-step. (Thanks Jenni for teaching me to dance. I will always have fond memories of that year we were cowgirls together.)

I don’t listen to country music all that much anymore… but must admit that George Strait and his songs have a place in my heart.

It’s no wonder he had the northern part of Washington State in grid lock on Saturday night! (It took us 2 hours to go 3 miles) … Was it worth it? Absolutely … and my guess is that all of us were hoping his hits would transport us back to the moments in our lives - the ones we never want to forget!

Can you guess what the final song of his show was?
(Hint: It’s the one about the cowboy riding away…)
Did I sing along – YES!
.....Oh the last goodbyes the hardest one to say.
This is where the cowboy rides away.

PS -
If you ever get the chance to see this Texas singing cowboy LIVE and in concert - GO. :) (Feel free to wear your boots and hat and ride your horse if you have one!)

George Strait website:
http://www.georgestrait.com/

Eat a fortune cookie …

Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.
The shortest distance between two people is a smile.

I’m in the habit of checking the news via the MSN homepage each morning and today one of the news pieces caught my eye. Which one? It’s the article about today being the most depressing day of the year. I’ve heard many people say that January is a depressing month for them. Reasons vary – the cold weather, gray days, holiday let-down, extra weight from all the turkey, ham and pumpkin pie… the list goes on.

I must admit there is usually a day or two in January that I feel a little ‘down’. Luckily, it’s not today. In fact, my ‘January blue day’ happened last week! What did I do to help combat the day? I ate a fortune cookie, I listened to music and I told myself it was OK to nurture my spirit. Sometimes we need that! We need a day to slow down, reflect and regroup.

Do you need a few ideas on nurturing your spirit? Good because I made a little collection of things that may help you with taking on cold, January days!

5 tips to help with the ‘blues’ –

Get some Chinese food. Order take out and make sure you get a few fortune cookies! (I bought an entire bag of fortune cookies. That way, if I happened to get a fortune cookie I didn’t like – I could simply choose another one). Who says you just need ONE?

Light a candle, eat some bell peppers and put on your favorite music.

Read a book that makes you feel good. Then call a friend and tell him/her about it.

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air. I highly recommend walking.

Buy yourself an indoor plant. (Mini/baby roses are my favorite). Plants do wonders for the soul.

Would you like to know a little history about fortune cookies? Check out the site below -
http://www.fortunecookie.demon.co.uk/fhistory.html

Remember to smile and feel free to share your fortune cookie message here… (How do you fight the blues?) Feel free to share that too ...

Fortune cookie message for the road: Your strength will grow stronger by being tried.

I have a dream…

I couldn’t help but take a moment and think about those 4 words today. Have you ever had a dream? I have! In fact, I have many dreams! I personally feel that dreams give us wings to fly, they give us passion, they help us get up every day, they help make us interesting, they offer hope for the future – dreams matter.

Have you seen the Disney move “Iron Will”? If not, I highly recommend it. There’s a line from that movie that inspired me (to pause the movie) and grab a pen and paper to write it down!

What was the line you ask? – YOUR PLACE IS WHERE YOUR DREAMS ARE.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day … :)

Priceless ART ...
(I love it when my kids get creative) :) ...

A Dragon
By Kade Christensen (age 10)

Webbed-fingered Parachute Frog
by Kaleb Christensen (age 8)

{Entertainment} - Something affording pleasure or amusement,esp. a performance.

OK I have to admit - I love the movies! And when I see a great show I simply must talk about it. There are three movies I recently watched that deserve a little 'blog attention'.

The first one is - Rocky Balboa. This was a great, inspirational movie! If you are a Rocky fan, it's a must see. My favorite scene is the one between Rocky and his son (on the street) outside Rocky's restaurant. It's inspiring and I believe all sons deserve a speech like that one - if necessary (from their fathers) during their lifetime. I highly recommend this movie. It's a show for guys and gals. :) Rated: PG
http://www.mgm.com/rocky_balboa/

Second show worthy of some 'blog space' is - the latest James Bond movie. Casino Royale. I must admit I was sad when the movie people announced that Pierce Brosnan would no longer be the 007... Alas, this new guy was fabulous for the part. This movie shows us the softer side of James Bond and he actually bleeds, hurts and we see his cuts and bruises. He also falls in love and well - I won't ruin the story line for you. It's pure BOND... (full of action, beautiful people and twists that make your head spin). Rated: PG-13
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/casinoroyale/site/

The third movie is - Charlottet's Web. This is a movie for the entire family. :) Julia Roberts is the voice of Charlotte... take the kids and a few kleenex. (I cried)... Rated: G http://www.charlotteswebmovie.com/site/index.php

OK folks - that's all for now.

{The End}

PS -
Feel free to throw your garbage away once the show is over....
And you can turn your cell phones back on now :)

Come on MOM - let's go down again! :)
yahooooooooooo .... That's me and my three kids.
We took advantage of the snow and went sledding ...!

Happy 2007 ...

What if days could talk? :)

Can you imagine what a day would say to you – if it could talk? Would it shout or whisper? Would it be a long conversation or short? Would the day offer advice or simply speak random phrases? I think I just heard a few days from the year 2006 telling me a few things … Come on – let’s find out what they are saying:

January 2006 – (This day used a normal voice tone) “It’s a new year Wendy – you will love, laugh, live and LEARN much this year! Enjoy every moment…”

A spring day in May: (This day shouted at me)
“WENDY the next time you decide to take a journey across the country – remember to take something to help you with your motion sickness on airplanes!”

A hot summer day in August: (This day used a kind, gentle voice)
“Look around – see all the people here? This is your family… They love you and you’re lucky to have each other! Never forget how wonderful it is to be part of a family….”(We were at a family reunion in Park City, Utah)

A cold day in November: (This day used a soft voice tone)
“Wendy, remember this quote it’s beautiful and will help with your future:”
Every story is a love story regardless of the content because it teaches us about us.
~ Resa Steindel Brown (author of the Call to Brilliance).
http://www.thecalltobrilliance.com/

A snowy day in December: (This was a whisper)
“Look at this beautiful day and look at those three kids of yours …come on go down the hill on the sled … Now go again!” (Yeah, I did!)

A few of my personal favorite things from 2006 –

John Mayer (love his music – the lyrics make you think and the beat makes you dance).
http://www.johnmayer.com/

Mapletree Publishing Company (love the books, authors and the opportunity I have to be their Publicist) http://www.mapletreepublishing.com/

My family, friends and all the love that decorates my life …

I am looking forward to this year and am eager to hear what the days have to teach me …
Come on – bring on the LIVING…!

Love and always love,
Wendy