Such Lovely Awards

The very sweet and super cool Clairedelalune has gifted me with the One Lovely Blog Award! Claire and I recently discovered each other and I am having so much fun getting to know her. She's fun and is a breath of fresh air in the blogging world. Thank you oodles and oodles, Claire, for honoring me with this award!

Here are the rules attached to this award: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. 2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

It would be difficult for me to list 15 blogs, not because there aren't 15 worthy of it, but because I'd surely make myself sick worrying about the choice. Instead, I will do this (please forgive me gods of the lovely blog award; I hope you'll accept my twist of the rules):

Since this award is called the "One Lovely Blog Award," anyone who writes in the next week about an act or expression of loving kindness may accept this award. If you do so, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post and I will link to your blog in next Tuesday's Simply Kind Tuesdays post. OR, if I visit your blog and see that you've written about this subject, I will mention you as well.



The lovely and talented Hybrid J has been so kind as to award me with the Noblesse Oblige Award. Whenever I visit Hybrid J's blog, I always come away with something to think about. I am so glad she received this award, because it is well deserved! I humbly accept it and thank you with all my heart, Hybrid J!

Details of Noblesse Award:

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

- The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.

- Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions

- There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences and Beliefs

- The Blog is refreshing and creative

- The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.


The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following:

- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award

- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post

- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support

- The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions

- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog.

Hmmm, what has my blog thus far achieved? I have tried to keep this blog a positive place to visit. Pretty pictures, positive thoughts and stories, and a sense of welcome and comfort. I'm inviting you to slip your shoes off, kick back in a comfy chair and share a cup of tea or coffee (or perhaps a margarita?) and some lovely conversation. I have met many beautiful and inspiring people through this blog and am deeply grateful.

Now, to whom do I give this award?

I have decided to give this to the group of bloggers who regularly participate in "Sleeping With Bread." What is Sleeping with Bread?

During the bombing raids of WWII, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow." (Linn, Dennis et al, Sleeping With Bread, p.l)

These are the beginning words of a book that introduced me (the meme's host, Mary-LUE), to a practice called the examen. The orphans held on to what nourished them and were thus able to sleep peacefully at night. The examen, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes him by looking at what is giving him consolation in his life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.

Mary-LUE
Mel
Tara Lamont
Ashley
Dianne
Skeeter

If I have missed someone, I do apologize. On the weeks I have participated, reflecting on the previous week's ups and downs has helped me find the good that wasn't always apparent. It helps clarify what brought me through the tough moments and serves as a reminder of what or who will stick by me and where my focus should be. I do hope you will try it sometime. Thank you SWB members for inspiring and nourishing me!

Sleeping with Bread - Twilight Zone

Sleeping with Bread is about finding that one thing that will get you through, carry you over, and hold you tight. It's about having something to hold on to when times are rough and even when they're not. It's also about being the one to provide that lifeline when it's called upon.

The last few weeks have been strange, like I've been in limbo, almost like a Twilight Zone episode where I'm riding a bus that goes nowhere. It just keeps on going.

Negative moments during the ride:

1. Being unsure of whether or not I should continue my involvement in a particular group effort. Am I still receiving benefit from it? What is my motivation for continuing to be involved? Could my time be put to better use? Is it still fun? Is that enough? I don't want to let anyone down but I often feel like my voice and involvement are not truly respected.

2 Like many others, I'm still concerned about how the economy is affecting my employment.

3. Not being sure of what to do in certain situations with my son. Sometimes, I feel like I've exhausted all efforts and ideas and just don't know where to turn. For the most part, I think we live with his Aspergers Syndrome pretty well. He's grown and learned so much but every once in a while, there are days of feeling stuck. All of us, caught in thought and behavior patterns that get us nowhere. Thank God for the few and far between moments of "Aha! We could try this!" I just wish they'd happen more often...hint..hint...to the One upstairs! :)

Positive moments during the ride:

1. Completing a fun design and form creation project at work.

2. Starting after-dinner family walks a few times each week.

3. Receiving two blog awards from women I respect and admire.

4. Being an ear and shoulder when a friend really needed it.

5. Witnessing my son's growing maturity and more clear and flexible thinking.

6. Knowing my husband is by my side no matter what crazy thing I decide to do.

What do we hold on to in times of doubt and indecision? What do we do when we don't know what to do, when no one path looks more promising than the next?

We hold on to what has proven true in the past. We may not always know where we're going but we can trust the One who will take us there. Whether you believe in God, your Inner-Goddess or someone else, know that these times of uncertainty will pass and He, and you, can be trusted to get you through. These times bring growth, build character and strengthen faith.

I'm holding on to Him, my family, friends and me. Doing so will not only benefit me, but help me to be that lifeline when I receive the call.

Stop by Sleeping with Bread to find out what other participants have to say.

Sleeping with Bread - Lists

This past week has been a bit stressful and has had its highs and lows. I'm stealing Tara's idea and creating a list for today's post for Sleeping with Bread.

Not So Good:

Being expected to play entertainment director 24/7.

Worrying about Devi until I got the good news that she came through her surgery just fine.

Financial issues.

Exhausting my patience and flipping out on my son.

Being uncertain about whether or not I am reading certain situations correctly.

Good:

Having time off to spend with family.

Getting a good walk in while visiting the MOA.

Witnessing my son and a new friend getting along just fine.

Discovering a new (to us) restaurant/bar with excellent food AND excellent service!

Not waking up at 5:15 a.m. six days in a row!

Warmer days and clear skies at night. Don't you just love gazing at the moon and stars?

THIS WEEK'S GOAL: Examine negative or harmful thoughts then focus only on what is nurturing and productive.

SWB - Love, Family & Money

Taj Mahal

(Click on photo for a close up and just look at that price!)

We spent the day at MOA and I discovered beauty at LegoLand. We haven't been to the MOA in a few years and this lego creation wasn't there at our last visit. It got me thinking about what someone will do for love.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in loving memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their fourteenth child, Gauhara Begum. It took about 16 years to complete with the landscaping, gardens and surrounding buildings taking another five years. Emporer Shah Jahan used these words to describe it:

Should guilty seek asylum here,

Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.

Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,

All his past sins are to be washed away.

The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;

And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.

In this world this edifice has been made;

To display thereby the creator's glory.

I can't help but think about the word "favorite" when referring to wives. Obviously, it tells us there were others. Being who I am, I can't help but struggle with this, but clearly, Emporer Shah Jahan had a deep love for Mumtaz.

While gazing at the lego version of this beautiful mausoleum, I asked my husband if his love was such that he'd build a Taj Mahal for me. His response was, "I would if I had a lot of money and a lot of servants." He knew he was off the hook knowing my thoughts on servants. I truly believe, however, that he'd build me the lego version in a heartbeat! ;)

The real Taj Mahal

What would you do for love?

~*~*~

In Sleeping with Bread, we're to talk about the highs and lows of our previous week and focus on something we have held or can hold onto to give us strength and carry us through the tough times.

This week's lows:

1. Feelings of uncertainty about my job.

2. Struggles with my son and some of his vocal tics and demand for constant, and I mean constant, attention.

3. Thoughts of despair and wondering if some things will never change.

This week's highs:

1. I kicked butt and completed some projects at work that were nagging at my brain.

2. Warmer weather!

3. More sleep.

4. An exciting project I'm working on with my fellow Texty Ladies!

I held on to the knowledge that my husband loves me and, I think, had some idea of the challenges we'd face when he moved up and took on a ready made family. With regard to my job, I'm telling myself every day that I can only try to do my best and nothing more. Get involved, acquire new and marketable skills, and do my best.

If you're hungry, go here for more bread.

Sleeping with Bread - In Troubled Times

What do we hold on to when times are tough and life is uncertain?


FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

"There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God...shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7

We must believe that our struggles will end. Maybe this recession was meant to happen as a monumental correction to what men have created. It's time to "let go and let God," as "they" say, and have FAITH.

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow." ~ Dorothy Thompson

"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." ~ Lin Yutang

We can not succumb to the negative forces all around us. We must not give up but know that our troubles will not go on forever or defeat us. He has said He will not give us more than we can handle. It may not always feel that way but I know that it is true. Look forward, not down. Claim HOPE.

"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment." ~ Barbara de Angelis

"Love, like truth and beauty, is concrete. Love is not fundamentally a sweet feeling; not, at heart, a matter of sentiment, attachment, or being "drawn toward." Love is active, effective, a matter of making reciprocal and mutually beneficial relation with one's friends and enemies." ~ Carter Heyward

During difficult times, it is easy to think about ourselves, what we need to make things right, what God and the world need to give us to change our situation. Why not step outside ourselves and think about what we can do for others; how can we ease their suffering? How can we do this without seeking reward? Let's look to LOVE.

Click here for more nourishment.

Sleeping with Bread - Mixed Bag

I've been into making lists lately so for this week's Sleeping with Bread, I'll list the good and not so good about this past week.

Not So Good:

1. I continued to battle my cough this week although it's getting lighter and less often.

2. My husband came down with some sort of virus and developed a runny nose, headache and body aches but, thankfully, he has not yet developed a cough.

3. The heavens opened and poured snow down upon us. In fact, authors Neil Gaiman and Anne Frasier both called it Snowmagedden on Twitter.

Good:

4. I'm thrilled to have several semi-creative projects in the works: interview questions for a fabulous author to be posted at my Texty Ladies blog, questions for two different feature groups, teaching myself how to use two different software packages and preparing forms in each, creating a newsletter for Texty Ladies, begin work on an ezine and new meme for the same, and I took on the Haiku Friday meme.

5. My book club, the Occasional Readers Society ("ORS"), met at my house last week. (Side note: We'd prefer it be the CRS (Constant Readers Society) if at all possible but you know how it is!) I'll admit that I was stressed out during preparation for the meeting because the house was in shambles and I didn't have the funds to plan the meal I would have liked but it all worked out in the end and I think everyone had a good time. The book selection I chose for the month was "The Girl With No Shadow," which is a continuation of the story "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris. Since both books are set in France, I chose a menu of mainly French food. Since the story contained a lot of symbolism and mythology, and a good sprinkling of magic, a lively discussion was had. I didn't realize how stressed I was about hosting the meeting until it was over and I felt such relief!

While my husband did develop a cold and my son's congestion has not completely gone, I am thankful they are both feeling better and am grateful my virus is mostly gone. I'm looking forward to a good week ahead and pray that each of you have one also!

Sleeping with Bread - Recovering

It would be fair to say this last week has been a difficult one. I managed to catch a bad virus that has been going around at work and then just when I started to turn the corner, Mother Nature paid a visit and robbed me of all remaining energy. I don't really want to complain because people have it much worse off (what with natural and man-made disasters and all) and I really haven't been that sick in some time so I'm just going to be thankful it's almost over.

I've also had a hard time mustering up interest in just about anything I do. Maybe it's the winter blahs but everything seems like such a bore. Maybe you know what I mean; that "Is this all there is?" feeling? I've just got to keep keepin' on and this too shall pass.

Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.-- Buddha

I'm going to be patient with myself and my less than positive mood and pray that its season is a short one.

On a brighter note, we are beginning a new week, most of the bills are paid, and the temps are creeping up. Being sick last week, I did not get to the art projects I had planned and didn't complete a Full Moon DreamBoard for the full moon on the 9th, but I can get started on those projects now.

My words don't sound very uplifting or inspiring today but I'm satisfied with being at least a step above whining. I find sustenance and inspiration in the blogs I read so I think I'll pay some of them a visit before calling it a night.

Have a beautiful week.

Sleeping with Bread #2

Well, this last week certainly flew by! Here it is Monday again and it's time for Sleeping with Bread.

I had lunch with a girlfriend yesterday that I've known for what seems like forever. We haven't seen each other since Halloween so we ended up chatting away for four hours at the restaurant. I think the fact that she kept ordering cosmos helped to keep them from kicking us out the door!

I always look forward to the times I'll have by myself but often end up getting very little accomplished because that time alone seems so foreign to me and I can't settle into my own skin. I felt very much "me" though while rehashing old times with my friend and catching up on current news. We don't see each other very often but it never feels like it when we do finally get together. I'm happy that we were able to have that time together and feel that connection.

I felt less like me and less connected when at work this past week. I enjoy what I do and love the people I work with, but I've had some trouble feeling present when I'm there. Outside tasks and interests have stolen the thrill of my day job (has there ever really been a thrill?). I want to do more than just adequate work; I want to knock people out with my brilliance! My mission this week is to be more focused and present at work.

Sleeping with Bread #1

I found another meme! Sheesh, you say, what is with this woman?! Well, when it's late at night and I've forgotten all the brilliant things I was planning to write about, I surf around, find a meme, and it inspires me. This new one (new to me) seems easy yet thought provoking. It's called "Sleeping with Bread." What?! Okay, hear me out...

(Taken from the Sleeping with Bread site and written by Mary-LUE)

What is Sleeping with Bread?

During the bombing raids of WWII, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow." (Linn, Dennis et al, Sleeping With Bread, p.l)

These are the beginning words of a book that introduced me to a practice called the examen. The orphans held on to what nourished them and were thus able to sleep peacefully at night. The examen, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes him by looking at what is giving him consolation in his life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.

This is beautiful and I want to participate. Although the examen is a Christian practice, anyone should be able to share and take part in this.

For what am I most grateful?

I am most grateful this week for my family. In the last year and a half, we lost my father, mother and my long time companion, my cat Indya. I have many friends who lost family members and friends in the last year as well. I have two brothers and one sister but our family is small because we never knew anyone on my father's side because he was adopted and his adoptive parents died before I was born. He lost touch with this siblings until shortly before he passed. Anyway, there's just a small group of us now. We invited everyone over for a spaghetti dinner the night before last and we had a great time. We talked, drank wine, played RockBand, drank more wine, and enjoyed each other's company. I am so grateful for every member of my family and pray that we will be together for many, many more years to come.

For what am I least grateful?

This week, I am least grateful for the distance between my sister's and my homes. There's about a four hour drive between us so we don't get to see each other very often. I hope that some day we will live closer together but I know we won't be moving to her town as it's too small and cold for us. My son loves it there and I know I would love visiting but my husband and I enjoy some of the perks of living in the suburbs. It's a short hop to the cities, stores are open late, and we can get close to people around us but still claim anonymity when its desired. I should say that I am also grateful for modern technology because without it, my sister and I would not be able to communicate daily by email!

There you have it. My first Sleeping with Bread post. I'm off to read what some of the other participates have written. I hope you'll join me in "Sleeping with Bread."