Author: goforthegood1

Music has power

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Music always has a power for me. When I am feeling down I yearn to find music that speaks to my feelings. Music seems to be a playlist of our life. You can listen to a song and it takes you back to specific moments and memories. Music inspires, moves us, pushes us, and will always remind us of the greatness we hold within. It holds the theme songs for our life.  I saw the following ad and wanted to post it because it sang to my soul, so then I gathered a few more to instill the magic that music holds. Hope you enjoy.

I saw this ad for the iPhone and fell in love with the whole concept, the song, the visual, the simplicity.  fyi: the song was written by Rob Simonsen specifically for apple, but he does have some additional music that is calming and beautiful.

Another moving commercial that illustrates the power of music…enjoy. Sweet, heart breaking, but powerful.

Here is one more Coke ad that has a great vision, good music and great heart. It will make you smile & maybe do a little something extra today!!

And one last song I wanted to share. I just came across it & appreciated the musicality of it…

This song has a beautiful balance of instrumental edge with feeling.

 

Music speaks to the SOUL.

-Heather

Best FAMILY Movie Night!

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ImageGood Family Movies

Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood.  -Walt Disney

I remember as a kid sleeping out under the stars, but the few times we did, we usually had an outdoor movie.  I am sure with six kids my parents felt getting everything ready was quite an event–dragging the heavy television into the backyard, finding something that would hold its weight, connecting the (then VHS player) with the many extension cords that would extend into the house, making popcorn, finding enough blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and then trying to pick a movie that everyone would like.  [A little exhausting]  Thanks Mom and Dad. Your efforts were well worth the good memories.

I now do the same thing for my daughter Kate and her ten cousins. We try and make it a fun event because we know the memories will last even longer. Summer is short, childhood goes by so quickly, but the memories will always remain. 

Well, backyard, outdoor movies are one of my favorite memories for summer fun, so I thought I would compile some top family movies to make your  movie night fabulous!!! 

According to IMDb “Highest Rated Family Feature Films with at least 1,000 votes”

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)  2. Spirited Away  3. Toy Story 3   4. Wall-E    5. The Lion King   6. The Kid   7. Up   8. Toy Story   9. The Gold Rush   10. My Neighbor Totoro   11. The Wizard of Oz   12. How to train your dragon   13. Finding Nemo   14. Children of Heaven   15. Howl’s Moving Castle   16. The Princess Bride   17. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale   18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part 2   19. A Wednesday   20. Castle in the Sky

Here is the link to the rest of this list:  http://www.imdb.com/search/title?genres=family&title_type=feature&num_votes=1000,&sort=user_rating,desc

According to Parents.com their Top 10 Family Movie Classics

1 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) 2 Ella Enchanted (2004) 3 E.T. (1982) 4 Freaky Fiday (2003)

5 Harry Potter 6 The Sound of Music (1965) 7 Spy Kids (2001)

8 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) 9 Whale Rider (2003) 10 Wizard of Oz (1939)

I found this list awhile ago, but they also just listed the 50 best movies for kids and here is the link:  http://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/movies/50-best-videos-for-kids/#page=1

According to TopTenReviews.com their Top 10 Family Movie Classics

1 E.T.   2 Wizard of Oz   3 Toy Story   4 Oliver (1968)   5 The Sound of Music   6 Up 7 Finding Nemo   8 The Incredibles   9 Time Bandits (1981)  10 A Christmas Story (1983)

They also have lists for Best Movies of each year and genre, from the 1930’s on up.

An article from Belief.net lists Family Movies that Teach Values

This article lists: It’s A Wonderful Life (teaches responsibility), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (teaches Integrity), A Man for All Seasons (teaches Courage), Babe (teaches Courtesy), Remember the Titans (teaches tolerance), Toy Story 2 (teaches loyalty), Akeelah and the Bee (teaches learning), War Games (teaches Peace), A Little Princess (teaches Helping Others), Holes (teaches Fairness)

Here is the link to the complete article:  http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/2009/Family-Movies-That-Teach-Values.aspx

A few of my personal family favorites:

The Family Man (2000) is a great movie that is about a man who truly learns what is most important .

The Princess Protection Program (Disney 2009) is a great movie that teaches many good morales–kindness, believing in yourself, helping others, being princess like.

I like all the National Treasure movies—they put a fun spin on adventure, but you can also learn something within the twists and turns. I think it makes kids want to learn more about history. Plus, there is suppose to be a third out sometime in 2014. Fun for the whole family.

This also reminds me of the Night at the Museum movies–they seem to be a doorway to a child’s imagination, with a hint of history, nostalgia and lots of fun characters.

Other fun family movies that would be perfect for an outdoor movie, a family movie night or just some plain, summer FUN: The Game Plan, Nancy Drew, Dreamer, Bedtime Stories, Ever After, The Wizards of Waverly Place Movie (adventure), Nim’s Island, Return to Nim’s Island, both Nanny McPhee, The Parent Trap (old and new versions), Ella Enchanted, I could go on and on…The Kid, Freaky Friday, Tangled, Hotel for dogs…and thats not even touching on some of the great animated films like The Lorax, Despicable Me, Wreck-it Ralph, Rise of the Guardians, How to win your Dragon…and on and on…lots of fun, family movies to enjoy this summer!!

Well, as summer gets going, get outside and watch a fun, family movie!! [Or watch one inside] Make it a memorable experience with a fun show, big pillows or comfy mats, maybe some new summer pj’s, yummy food & snacks, smiles and family. Those are the ingredients to some of the best summer memories.

-Happy Summer,  Heather

Teacher THANK YOU gift ideas

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Image“It takes a special person to light that fire, to raise our children’s expectations for themselves and never give up on them, no matter how challenging it might be. All of us are here because, at some point, somebody did that for us.”

SInce school is nearing the end I thought it would be a good idea to shower those wonderful teachers in our lives with love, kind words and happy deeds that will make them feel appreciated. So I am digging up ideas and compiling them here for you to use. Take the ideas and make them your own, shower those people who have taken good care of your child and make them feel loved and acknowledged. Here is to PRAISING & APPRECIATING those who make a difference each and every day. Ask you child—their teacher is probably one of their favorite people in the whole world–Let’s make them feel that way!! CHEERS TO OUR TEACHERS who touch, inspire, teach and admire…love to you.

FUN SCHOOL TEACHER GIFT IDEAS:

In searching I found many teachers said they most appreciate a hand written note from a parent or child appreciating all they do. This is the #1 cherished gift, so here is a link to a darling printable Teacher Thank you card your child can color & give. Darling!!

http://www.giverslog.com/?p=8020

Here are a few more ideas if you are feeling creative…

ImageImageSome of my favorite sayings I came across:

There is no “sub”stitute for a teacher like you (given with a subway gift card)

A fun summer kit: a bag filled with any of the following…a fun reusable cup, magazines, sunblock, chapstick, towel, flip flops, water bottle, sunglasses, etc.

Thanks for sparking my creative “juices” (given with a juice card)

“Owl” always be thankful for you. (give with something that has an owl)

What would I “DEW” without you. (given with a bottle of Mtn Dew)

Thanks for helping me “grow” (given with a plant, flowers, pot with seeds, etc)

Thanks. You are so “sweet” (given with a jar of favorite sweet treats)

You are o”fish”ally the best!! (given with a decorated bag of sweedish fish)

Thanks a “latte” (given with a starbucks gift card)

You’ve been a “highlight” of my year (given with a set of highlighter pens)

Out of the ordinary gift ideas

Imagea unique journal idea. Write a nice thank you note inside to your teacher

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Cute charm your teacher would appreciate–book, charm bracelet with teacher type charmsImageRecycled Pencils

ImagePersonalized sticky notes: they have all shapes (leaves, kitty, flower, stars, hearts, characters, quotes, etc.) Pick something specific to your teacher.

Personalized book mark Ideas: always a good idea for a teacher who loves to read.

Here is a great link to print & have your child color a fun, personalized book mark. You can then have it laminated, add string or a fun charm to make it even more special.   http://kathyahrens.deviantart.com/art/Simply-Fun-Bookmarks-340279461

Some other cute book mark ideas to make: ImageImageImageImage

OTHER TEACHERS that are beloved and not forgotten: Don’t forget to praise and appreciate the other “specialty” teachers your child has enjoyed in music, art, PE, dance, sports, the school Principal, etc. Make sure you take the time to thank them. They often get unrecognized because we usually only think of the class teachers, but these other teachers do a lot to inspire and enrich their lives too. Don’t forget to reach out to them. Here are some additional ideas for them…

Dance: I just sent my daughter with a package of playing cards for each of her dance teachers. I wrapped them in red cellophane & made a large playing card (5 of hearts) that I typed on each of the hearts…”You are a dancing QUEEN”  “You are a ONE OF A KIND”   “DIAMONDS are a girls BFF & so are you”   “Never miss a chance to dAnCE”   “Dance brings everybody a great DEAL of joy” & wrapped them up with fun red ribbon tied with a thank you note.

Other ideas I came across for dance: cute dance charms, a t-shirt that says “Dance is cheaper than therapy”, personalized water bottles with their name, an iTunes gift card with a card attached that said “Thank you for helping me get my groove on”

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Music Teacher Ideas: Music note charm for necklace or bracelet, Cute sayings like “Music=Life without music life would “B (flat” symbol), Keep Calm & Love Music, Flowers made out of paper music sheets, a guitar pick etched with the saying “I’d pick you every time”, cute banner made out of sheet music with the teachers name.Image

Sports & PE: Hoodie or T-shirt that says “PE Teacher or Coach”, personalized whistle, water bottle with their name on it, A Skor candy bar with they saying “I “Skor”ed big getting you for my coach!”, a small cooler for game time, personalized towel

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Well, I hope these ideas get you thinking of something to do to say THANK YOU to the amazing teachers in your child’s life. Big or small, handmade or store bought, anything will bring a smile to a teacher’s heart…just make sure you take the time to say THANKS!

Happy Day  -Heather

Fun SUMMER Mix

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Summer Mix

“Hey! It’s Summer! Be free and happy and fanciful and uninhibited!”  -Terri GuillemetsImageSummer is a fun time to mix-it-up with something new…try some new music, read a new book, find a great vacation spot, something new to make for a family picnic…I am going to shake it up and start doing some Mixing. Here is a fun SUMMER MIX you will find at my house. Enjoy!!

Good SUMMER READS     

“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”  -Jeannette Walls

ImageA few books in my collection that are good reads: The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin: Why I spent a year trying to sing in the morning, clean my closets, fight right, read Aristotle, and generally have more fun. This was a great book with wonderful perspective. It helps you see someone else’s life perspective, how to insight and good anecdotes for real life. A Good SUMMER read. She also has a new book Happier at Home. I may read it this summer.

A few more from my bookshelf: Dr. Wayne Dyer, has many amazing books, but Being in Balance is a pick for this summer  –  Andy Andrews has numerous inspirational books, The Traveler’s Gift, The Butterfly Affect & The Noticer are just a few good ones I have read  –  Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea is one I have been saving for a summer time read  –  Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements  –  Loved the fable by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist – Robin Sharma also has some great books including, The Monk who sold his Ferrari   Hopefully something here will spark an interest!! Happy Reading.

Good SUMMER FOOD

“Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year–it brings to the harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.”  -unknown

ImageSummer is a fun time to do an outdoor bbq, make some yummy, cold pasta salads, toss up a fresh garden salad or step out and try something new to MIX into your summer routine. I came across this great recipe for fish tacos—looks good, something new I want to try.ImageFood Network Fish Taco with Watermelon Salsa—sounds delicious!  Here is the link to make the yummy dish. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/fish-tacos-with-watermelon-salsa-recipe/index.html

Here is the link to their other yummy sumer recipes   http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/fresh-healthy-summer-recipes/pictures/index.html

I came across another good site that has 100+ summer recipes. Here is the link http://www.theurbanbaker.com/100-great-summer-recipes/

Good SUMMER MUSIC          

“In Summer, the song sings itself.” -WCWilliams

ImageDemi Lovato has a new album out & this is a good song to dance to called Neon Lights. I also love her new song Nightingale—beautiful.

Other fun SUMMER songs you’ll find in my playlist include:

Of Monsters & Men, Little Talks and Yellow Light  –  Lana Del Rey, Young & Beautiful from the movie The Great Gatsby  –  Jessie Ware, Wildest Moments  –  Ellie Goulding  –  Katie Melua, Just Like Heaven, Thank you, Stars, Nine Million Bicycles, If you were a Sailboat  –  Calvin Harris, I need your love, Feel so close, Sweet Nothing  –  One Republic’s new album – something mellow Carinthia….hopefully you will find something in this list you like.

Good Family FUN SUMMER SPOTS

ImageHere is a collection of top vacation spots according to different sources:   the first has a whole listing for Best Vacations around the world   from travel.com http://travel.usnews.com/

the next comes from familyvacationcritic.com   http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/10-best-vacation-bets-for-2013/art/   (Fyi #4 spot is near my home in Utah)

the 10 Best Budget Destinations for 2013 listed here from budget travel.com   http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/best-budget-destinations-for-2013,12651/

and don’t forget to…

Image“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” -John Lubbock

Image“Find Joy and BeWILDerment!”   Step out of your comfort and be free, a little more WILD in your day! Get out in nature, notice the little details, see the wonder in all you do.

ImageEnjoy Summer! Enjoy every moment. Seize the warmth, the sunshine, the cool lemonade, the starry nights, the sandals, the memories you make with those you love.

HAPPY SUMMER!  -Heather

Wisdom from my favorite podcast teachers

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“There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long, “I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.” No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or wise man can decide What’s right for you—just listen to the voice that speaks inside.”  -Shel Silverstein

Much of my life I have spent searching for what spiritually felt right for me, the voice inside that spoke my needed truth. I spent many years debating others views, fighting words that were said, feeling hurt and alone. It was when I began to listen within for what was right for me that many doors opened to teachers that I needed in my life.  Many of the following people left imprints within my heart. They shared a thought that sang to my soul, they sparked something that lit me up, they were the spiritual & self-improvement mentors that I have gained much guidance from. I wanted to share some of these amazing people with you–they hold depths of wisdom and light. I am still finding more every day….but that is what life is about…a true journey for the soul.

John Kabat-Zinn, a great teacher, author of Mindfulness, Professor of Medicine & Director of the Stress Reduction Clinic & the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine

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He shares a beautiful metaphor for meditation—he says it is like the ocean, the ocean has waves, a current, just like your mind has chatter. It is when you are able to get below the surface that there is calm.

“Perhaps ultimately, spiritual simply means experiencing wholeness and interconnectedness directly, a seeing that individuality and the totality are interwoven, that nothing is separate or extraneous. If you see in this way, then everything becomes spiritual in its deepest sense.” -John Kabat-Zinn

Elizabeth Lesser, Author and cofounder of the Omega Institute

Image“How strange that the nature of life is change, yet the nature of human beings is to resist change. And how ironic that the difficult times we fear might ruin us are the very ones that can break us open and help us blossom into who we were meant to be.”  -Elizabeth Lesser

“If we can stay awake when our lives are changing, secrets will be revealed to us–secrets about ourselves, about the nature of life, and about the eternal source of happiness and peace that is always available, always renewable, already within us.”  -Elizabeth Lesser

Dr. Wayne Dyer, Self-Help author of 30+ books & motivational speaker, father of 8

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“Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.”  -Dr. Wayne Dyer

“Your children will see what you’re all about by what you live rather than what you say.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer

Cheryl Richardson, best-selling author and Life coach

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“Your best teacher is the person offering you your greatest challenge.” -Cheryl Richardson

“There is nothing heavier than the burden of potential.” -Cheryl Richardson

Sarah Ban Breathnach, Best-selling author of the Simple Abundance Series

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“Whatever we are waiting for–peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance–it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.”  -Sarah Ban Breathnach

“The authentic self is the soul made visible.”  -Sarah Ban Breathnach

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, brain scientist, author of My Stroke of Insight

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“Just like children, emotions heal when they are heard and validated.” -Jill Bolte Taylor

“Peace is only a thought away.” -Jill Bolte Taylor

“Emotion only lasts in our bodies for about 90 seconds. After that, the physical reaction dissipates, UNLESS our cognitive brain kicks in and starts connecting our anger with past events.”  -Jill Bolte Taylor [This can be around any emotion. So what she is saying is your emotion of anger…can only last for 90 seconds and then its gone UNLESS we re-trigger it by thinking about things or events over and over—something to seriously think about]

I would highly suggest watching her interview with Oprah on Youtube–amazing story.

Marianne Williamson, spiritual teacher, author and lecturer.

ImageOne of my favorite quotes of all time. [I am sure it is loved by many of you.]

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”  -Marianne Williamson

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we have learned here.” -Marianne Williamson

Well, that is all for today. I will share some other great teachers another day. I hope these thoughts will open a door for you to learn a little more about these amazing people. Maybe they will crack open a needed change within your heart, maybe they will guide you to the possibility within. The lessons are endless and ongoing, the teachers are gifts delivered in a daily podcast. Enjoy every moment. Learn every day & Find Happiness in everything you do!!  -Heather

Fyi–you can hear most of these people on Oprah’s spiritual podcast shows. They are great to listen to while you are out walking, driving, just need to be inspired. There is always so much to learn.

Thank you. THANK YOU. Merci. Grazie!

Published on by goforthegood14 Comments

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Thank you for the Liebster Award

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I cannot thank Alex at Valourborn enough for her nomination for the Liebster Blog Award. I am honored by her sweet gesture and appreciate the beautiful gift. Thank you. With this award you need to follow a few rules–you are asked to answer specific questions about yourself and answer questions from the nominee, and then nominate other blogs you feel deserve to be noticed, so here it goes…

Here are 11 facts about me:

1. I am the oldest of six children—I think this is why I only have 1 child. I think I secretly wanted to be an only child.

2. I love nature and everything she offers. I go on a nature walk almost every day and feed the birds. My husband thinks I may be related to Snow White.

3. I love being creative & have about 15 different projects going on at one time—books, multimedia, movies, my blog, photography…Love it!!

4. I love my little family. I have a great husband who I have been married to for almost 20 years—we are truly best friends & soul mates. We have a daughter named Kate Lauren-Sky who is ten. I love being her mom. I enjoy trying to make life magical for our little daughter. I enjoy seeing the world through her eyes–the imagination, the wonder, the creativity, the enjoyment of learning, seeing and doing new things, the possibilities.

5. I love learning. I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts and being inspired by the many amazing people in this world. There is always so much to learn.

6. I think I could be a gypsy. My little family has moved 14 times in 19 years–throughout the Western United States. It became fun to move around so much, new places, new faces, the challenge of finding the beauty anywhere you landed. It became a little harder once we had our daughter because she has family here at home & it is hard thinking of taking her away from cousins and grandparents.

7. I love to read—Self-Help books– probably because I enjoy trying to understand others and my self a little better.

8. I have trained to be a Life Coach and Retreat Coach, which both trainings were some of the hardest personal experiences. BUT, during those experiences I learned so much about myself and gained a more deeply spiritually side of myself. It is true—through tough times comes great strength.

9. I don’t mind being alone. I enjoy the quiet.

10. Craziest life experiences—crop duster plane crashed in front of my car & I was the first person on the scene to get the pilot out. Scary!    Most embarrassing moment—being locked out of my apartment in nothing but a towel & having to go door to door trying to borrow someones phone.

11. I LOVE LIFE!! The people, the moments, the learning, the beauty, the struggles, the changes, the possibilities all around us. Everyone is here for a purpose & we are all learning from one another. That is a truly beautiful thing.

Now, Alex then asked me some of her own personal questions that I need to answer, so here you are…

1. A word that makes you laugh?  Zipadeedoodah. This word always makes me smile.

2. Favorite color & object of that color? I always love blue & green because they remind me of the sky and of Spring green grass.

3. Have any pets? Yes. We have an adorable dog named Buddy. We got him at the pound (Humane Society) & he is either a white bichon or a maltese poodle. He is the best!! We also have an African Fat tail gecko (that is my daughter’s) and her name is CeCe. Love animals.

4. If you could be a bird of any kind, what would it be? A dove. They are beautiful, coo, can fly very fast and are a great symbol of peace.

5. Do you collect anything? I collect items from where we live or our travels—mostly things from nature like rocks, smooth sticks, sea shells, feathers, etc.

6. Have a catchphrase? I usually say Ciao. Ciao. Love. Love. When I say goodbye to anyone.

7. Favorite type of hat? I love all kinds of hats.

8. If you could learn another language overnight, what would it be? French

9. Ever had a pen pal? Alex

10. An instrument that you can/would want to play? I have always wanted to learn the harp, but they are very big & hard to move around.

11. Where’s the tallest place you’ve ever been? Hiked a mtn near my home called Mt. Timpanogos which has an elevation of 11,749 feet.  It was beautiful.

And finally my nominees and a short blurb about their blog…

I have loved hearing from other bloggers when they have liked a post I have written or something I posted. I always enjoy going and seeing what they are up to, so here are some of my favorites that I have enjoyed reading, seeing their creativity and admiring their work. Great job!! Good luck in all you do. You deserve greatness!! Cheers to you & your blog!!

CraftedinCarhartt  they are the epitome of creativity. Different artists display their art. Love the images and ideas.

Urbanwallart  “Emotion on Canvas” this is a talented artist who is making their way in the world. Best wishes!

Happsters.com making people Happy. They have fun ideas and are finding great ways to spread the happiness.

Jamesfielden   “Thoughts of Light, Love and Being” James has a variety of talents and gift. He has written a book & on his site make sure to check out his ‘Music & Photography’ it is all very beautiful.

Thedebtfreeminimalist.com   Food for thought on living a simpler, more frugal life.

Beyondusinc   “Reaching Beyond to Help Others”   Check out their examples of activities they are striving to do. I love people who are stepping out and trying to make a difference in some way. You go!! They are doing some great work!! Keep it up. Thanks.

My Questions for you—my nominees:

1. What inspires you the most?

2. Your favorite place to hide or vacation?

3. What time of day do you feel the most creative?

4. A favorite book you have read?

5. Do you have a good luck charm? What is it?

6. Do you have a favorite quote? Would love to hear it.

7. What is your favorite meal and why?

8. Who have you learned the most from in your life? (special mentor, teacher, parent, etc)

9. Greatest life lesson learned?

10. A celebrity you most admire and why.

11. A favorite song that inspires you.

There are lots of great blogs out there–keep the spirit of doing a little more each day, each week and know you are making a difference in the lives of others.  Thanks for taking the time to post—it is a gift to all.

Thank you again Alex. It means so much to be appreciated.

Bless you all in your journey.  -Heather

Ads to make your day AWESOME

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I wanted to do something creative, fun and spontaneous today!! I have put together a great collage of videos & images to illustrate amazing messages that will inspire, make you think and hopefully spark something within. Images have power, so take the ride!

This first is an amazing ad done a few years ago by absolute vodka…take a look

The next is a neat video done by Dove that makes you take a closer look at how you see yourself…check it out.

The next video makes you think about how we affect one another…the responsibility to reach out to one another…to make a difference.

The next images just make you stop and think…take a look

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Well, I hope these images, inspiration and food for thought will make you stop and take notice of the way you treat others, what choices you make, how you treat the planet and what pulls at your heart and soul. We are connected in all things, so don’t be afraid to step out and make a small change…get creative in some small way, maybe begin to recycle your water bottles, cut back on your meat consumption, give your child 12 big hugs today, risk, get outdoors, stop texting in your car, read more, get your family listening to good music, appreciating art, making a difference in other peoples lives, love yourself a little more, adopt a pet, see things differently…Get INSPIRED!!

Make it an AWESOME day!!  -Heather

A great gift for Mother’s Day…

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I read this beautiful parable and was so touched by the beautiful images and emotion that it holds. This would be a wonderful gift to share with your Mom this Mother’s Day. Blessings to you and your family.

Parable of Motherhood

By
Temple Bailey

this was originally published in Good Housekeeping Magazine in 1933

The young mother set her foot on the path of life.  “Is the way long?” she asked.  And her guide said, “Yes, and the way is hard.  And you will be old before you reach the end of it.  But the end will be better than the beginning.”  But the young mother was happy and she would not believe that anything could be better than those years.  So she played with her children and gathered flowers for them along the way and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them and life was good, and the young mother cried, “Nothing will never be lovelier than this.”

Then night came, and storm, and the path was dark and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle and the children said, “Oh Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come,” and the mother said, “This is better than the brightness of day, for I have taught my children courage.”

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary, but at all times she said to the children,  “A little patience and we are there.”  So the children climbed and when they reached the top, they said, “We could not have done it without you, Mother.”  And the mother, when she lay down that night, looked up at the stars and said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness.  Yesterday I gave them courage, today I have given then strength.”

And with the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil–and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said, “Look up.  Lift your eyes to the light.”  And the children looked and saw above the clouds an Everlasting Glory, and it guided them and brought them beyond the darkness.  And that night the mother said,  “This is the best day of all for I have shown my children God.”

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old, and she was little and bent.  And her children were tall and strong and walked with courage.  And when the way was rough they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond the hill they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide.  And the mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey.  And now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone and their children after them.”  And the children said, “You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.”

And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her.  And they said, “We cannot see her, but she is with us still.  A mother like ours is more than a memory.  She is a Living Presence.”

Ideas to make Mommy Day special.

Published on by goforthegood12 Comments

Image“Being a mother means that your heart is no longer yours; it wanders wherever your children do.”  -Unknown

It’s Mommy week!! Cheers to all you Mothers out there who do your best to make each day a little brighter for those little ones in your life. Mother’s have this amazing job to take a little piece of heaven, nurture it, teach it, watch it grow and tenderly love it through every life challenge, every moment of frustration, every turn of events, every tear, every joy! That is the gift of Motherhood. So please take a special moment this week to admire, recognize, thank, hug and squeeze your Mommy. She needs it!! So send her some love. Here are some ideas to do just that…

Tell her you love her by saying Thank you: I can’t tell you how my heart sings when my little daughter says thank you for something I have done for her. A Thank you goes a long way.

Personalize it: Make a gift that is especially from you…write her a song, dedicate a song, make a cd with music she’ll like, write a special letter, create a 50 things I love about you list, make a card, a page of history, write her a poem, take a photo & frame it, Personalized mug, ring or necklace with her birthstone, Make a scrapbook page, Frame artwork from the kids, do a fun photo poster or calendar (walmart) with a collage of your family favorites, Make a recipe book, Make her a personalized rice bag to warm sore muscles, Make a fun letter that has a variety of ways to say I love you in different languages,

Give some service: do chores without being asked, help in the yard, baby sit, clean & dust the house, make her breakfast in bed or a fancy, candlelit dinner, clean her car, clean the fridge or oven, fold the laundry, change all the baby diapers for the day, etc.

Other great gift ideas: Take her out to dinner, Buy her flowers with a special meaning that is personalized for her (i.e.: May is known for Lily of the Valley which means sweetness; humility; return of happiness. There are specific flowers for each month, so you could also do flowers from her birth month–google flower meanings), Make her a special piece of jewelry that is truly one-of-a-kind (have every child pick out a charm at a craft store–something that symbolizes mom & put them all on a necklace or charm bracelet), Go shopping with the kids & pick out a special outfit perfect for mom, Have everyone pick out a favorite flower & plant them in a special pot & create a cute planter pick signed by all the kids, Give her a spa day–a new robe, new slippers (with love notes & lotions tucked inside the big pockets) & some alone time, Make her a garden grow gift–get a big pot & put gloves, shoes, small garden tools, seeds & special notes of thanks for ‘helping us bloom & grow’, Have a fun night of dipping fruits in chocolate, Make special ‘Reasons I Love you’ notes & put them in a special bottle or jar, Buy a plain phone case & have the kids sign & decorate it (with sharpies, gemstones, good stickers, etc), Buy a cheaper yoga mat & have the kids write a love note on the mat edge with sharpies, Buy her a new bag & fill it with her favorite things (magazine, lipgloss, snack, water, book, movie, etc)

More Unique Gifts: Try uncommon goods.com (they have unique gift ideas), Redenvelope has tasteful, special gift ideas, Personalizationmall.com (personalized gifts), Walmart has lots of fun photo gift ideas

Make this Mommy Day Memorable. She is one of the most important people in your life.

-Make it Great!!  Heather