A time to see the SEA ... :)

A Mermaid in the sand ... About to be washed away by the waves

Sandsations! Every year The city of Long Beach holds a sand sculpting contest...
This lady was making a polar bear as part of the event! I had no idea you could make such wonderful things out of sand! It was truly inspiring ...

Statue of Captain William Clark standing next to a sturgeon
Long Beach, WA

North Head Lighthouse ... Long Beach, Washington
(My two sons and I had a tour inside this lighthouse - it was amazing!)

A trip to the ocean …

We just returned from a very eventful, fun trip to the ocean! We were able to run in the waves, sip hot chocolate by the fire, take a tour of a lighthouse, hike, visit an aquarium, walk along the path Lewis & Clark explored and drive across a four mile bridge. It was a vacation full of fun, wonder and appreciation for the outdoors! I do hope this summer has been one of awe and wonder for you and your family … I am so thankful for all the beautiful things there are to see in this world we live in!

Oh the places we can go, things we can see, people we can meet

and stuff we can LEARN!

Cheers to July and all the amazing moments it presented.

Introductions …
{Remember to hold your light high}

Introductions play an important role! Not only in life (person to person stranger to stranger) but on the pages of a book as well. It’s as if the page comes alive and talks to the reader.

Introduction: “Hi it’s nice to meet you’
Reader: “Nice to meet you too!”
Introduction: “Would you like to know more about me?
”Reader: “Yes, that’s why I’m reading you here and now.”
Introduction: “Great! Dive right in and make yourself at home.”

The introduction is often times the part of the book that makes me feel the most emotion. I have cried several times after reading an author’s heartfelt words and sentiments and immediately knew that I HAD to have his or her work of art. This happened when I picked up “Life’s Little Instruction Book” by H. Jackson Brown. The introduction to that book is one of my all time favorites! Five out of five stars in my book…

I can honestly say that writing an introduction to a book is my favorite part of the book. If I can write an introduction, I can write the book.

Below is the introduction I wrote for It’s the Little Moments that Matter – (Now we’re not strangers anymore!!)

Introduction

Are there dust mites in heaven?

Moment – A time or period of success, excellence, satisfaction

Did you know that your house is filled with dust mites? I didn’t realize that until recently. My oldest son came home from school with a Bug Encyclopedia and together (my two sons and I) read through it.

I was horrified when we reached the page about the house dust mites. We discovered that there was no escaping them – It was a ‘dust mite invasion’ discovery!

According to the book, we breathe them in constantly. My sons were so excited by this information, they opened their mouths and inhaled as many of the dust mites as they could! Their excitement was contagious and before I knew it, the three of us were slurping down the dust mites! It was a beautiful moment full of love and laughter! Sometime later, out of the blue (we were driving) my younger son asked me if there were house dust mites in heaven. I told him I didn’t know. I also told him it wouldn’t really matter because in heaven everyone is happy – even if we do share our time and space with millions of dust mites! And he said, “Yeah, just like at our house!”

Later that night as I thought about our dust mite slurping episode, our little hugs, our discussion about heaven and the opportunity I have to be the Mother of three beautiful children, I thanked Heavenly Father for the chance I have to be alive!

And just before I drifted off to sleep, I closed my eyes and thought – Life is full of beautiful moments that really do matter! And WOW … I get to choose what to do with them ALL.
From my heart to yours

This little moment matters -
I hope this book will help you recognize and appreciate the little moments that decorate your life. And then I hope you’ll use your little moments to LIVE, LOVE and CELEBRATE each day!

PS -
In my attempt to hold my light high (You’ll read about that in letter H.) I wrote this book to say – Your life matters, you are worth it, YOU really DO make a difference and mostly – It’s the little moments that matter! So cherish them and enjoy every step of your awesome journey called LIFE!

All my hope and love,
Wendy L. Christensen

© 2004 Wendy L. Christensen
All rights reserved.

{107 degrees}
Cooling off by the pool in Boise, Idaho
(Lauren & Wendy)

We just returned from a very fun and busy trip to Boise, Idaho. It was HOT...

Thank heavens for swimming pools, air conditioners and frosty drinks.

My husband had 4 shows - he sings for kids so we were busy singing and meeting people!
We also attended The Steele Family Reunion and had fun with aunts, uncles and cousins.

Special thank you to all of the following for helping make our adventures in Boise extra special:

Nampa Public Library, Caldwell Public Library, St. Luke's Children's Hospital,
Boise Public Library, and Loree Jolley for taking care of our yard & pets at home!

Feel free to check out the Wiggle Like a Fish blog:
http://wigglemoments.blogspot.com/

{Happy Summertime!}

Testing ... Is the mic on?

I've been invited to be a guest on a TV show called "Spotlight" with Dana Robinson. I'm excited about it and I'll keep you posted with the details. The show is filmed in Spanish Fork, Utah and the interview will be 15 minutes!

I'm hoping to fill the time discussing a few of my favorite topics: dreams, life, people and moments that really matter. :)

Upsetting the spider ecosystem …

Yesterday was a whirlwind! Ever had a day like that? It all started rather early and ended rather late! We had guests for dinner and I felt the need to have everything in order - inside and outside of the house! As I was rushing in with all the groceries to cook up the yummy feast, I noticed that the window well in the front of our house needed some attention. The challenge with this project was ... (drum roll) THE SPIDERS! As I started stirring up the leaves, spiders of all shapes, sizes and colors started dashing and darting everywhere! I was tearing up their ecosystem and it was pure pandemonium. Spiders and I have never been friends and this experience made me loathe them even more …. I have chills just thinking about the hairy, eight eyed creatures! {Ugh} ...

Long story short, the window well is now clean and spider free! I always get a good laugh (at myself) when I reflect on the reasons that cause me to take on the ‘tough stuff’ like spiders in the window wells or making homemade lasagna from scratch … and making sure the bathrooms sparkle.

Now that I really think about it, I think it’s safe to say

that the guests upset MY ecosystem! :)

Cheers to spiders, dinner guests and sparkling mirrors! Did we have a good time? Absolutely and the lasagna was M’M’ Garlic Italian Good!

Note to self: Don’t ever let the leaves pile that high again in the front window well.

{Beautiful}

Today was the longest day of the year. But like many other days, it felt like the shortest.
I was driving home tonight and heard a very great song on the radio. The lyrics jumped out at me and inspired me to share them …

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like

It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away …
“Beautiful Day” by U2

PS ...
Don’t let them get away – the beautiful days …!!

U2 Site -
http://www.u2.com/

Fresh squeezed lemonade ...

You know it's summertime when ...

You find the following email in your inbox -

Hi! Just wanted to spread the word that the kids of the 1300 block of Kimball are selling fresh squeezed lemonade and having a bake sale tomorrow with proceeds going to the Tri-Cities Food Bank (we'll also have a box for food donations). We're starting at 10 a.m. at our place--hope to see you there!

**************
Sounds like a fun little party on Kimball Street - I can't wait to join the fun. See you there :) ...
ahhhhhhhh I can already taste the fresh squeezed lemonade!

Cock-a-doodle-doo

Ever had something trigger a funny memory and it caused you to sit down

and have a good think blended with a smile? I had one of those tonight ...

I think I'll call it a 'thinking smiling moment' for short it's a TSM.

This particular TSM has to do with lemon juice, roosters and my Dad.

When I was younger, he loved to hear my brother, Travis, and I

make the sound of a rooster. He thought it was the best thing ever.

So we would practice and show off our cock-a-doodle-doos with

each other. Of course, our Dad always won.

We asked him what his secret was and he told us it was lemon juice.

We wanted to sound like he did with our doodle-doos and decided to

heed his advice. He was more than happy to pour us a glass of lemon juice

and watch us slurp it down and then re-attempt our rooster calls.

Did it help? Go try it and let me know! :)

Cheers to 'Thinking Smiling Moments' ... I love when they hit!

French Vanilla ... My favorite flavor!

Try this yummy Italian Soda Recipe -

OK have you ever had an Italian Soda?? If not ... Please make yourself one. Below is the recipe:

20 ounce glass
1/4 cup of half & half
1/4 cup of your favorite flavor syrup
cubed ice (fill the cup with cubed ice - the more ice the better)
club soda

First - fill the glass with ice.
Next - pour in the syrup then add the half and half
Fill the rest of the glass with club soda.
Stir it all up ... Then top with whip cream.

Ahhhhhhhhh - Cheers to summertime!

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.