I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

White Christmas

Our Fort Mill SC yard 2007

I must drop by to say hello and Merry Christmas to my bloggy buddy friends!
This is a busy time of year decking the halls with boughes of holly!
I decorated early this year to get a head start on the
Christmas season.

I just finished writing a magazine article for the summer so
 I had to pretend I was sweating while writing.
Actually, I have my fireplace going in my office.

What are you planning for Christmas? New Years?

Thanks to the China/Corona Virus, we're still practicing 'social distancing.' 

So, will you be hanging with family and friends?
If you're alone, what do you do ... go to a movie? (I think they're still closed),
eat out alone? (are local restaurants even open?)

Invite friends over? (will they have to wear masks?)

2020 brought us into a very challenging era, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

When we lived abroad for several Christmases
I firmly decided that I would not get homesick for my family
back home in California.
It worked for an hour or two.
Then I would cry.
That always seemed to help.

Now I'm blessed to have part of my family nearby.

but this will be our first Christmas without our beloved Popcorn.

She was part of our life for twelve joy-filled years

and we miss her every day.

Thankfully at the ripe old age of 15 she has no more pain and is 

playing with her furry friends somewhere in the heavenlies.

Let's not take our family and friends for granted.

Instead, take this time of year to express
our love to those near to us.

Now it's time to go outside for a cold evening walk.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season ...

You are never alone because He is with you wherever you travel.

... and remember, whether near or far,

keep reading and keep that body movin'!

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

retirementandgoodliving.com

pRepaRing to tRavel to ...

pRepaRing to tRavel to ...

The view never gets old.

I've downsized. I've simplified.

Now I'm Ready ... to Travel.

Next week I'll be taking a shoRt Trip to

the CaRolina ChRistian wRiteRs ConfeRence in

SpaRtanburg, South CaRolina.

I love spending time with fellow wRiters

and listening to talented, gifted authoRs, editoRs, and otheR

renowned guest speakeRs.

Lady's Loft ... my office. My  iMac is behind closed shutters.
Artwork, books, photos ... all my dear-to-my-heart treasures.

I'm enjoying each and every day for what it has given me.

The lazy, balmy ones,

sunny and waRming to the heaRt and soul.

And oh, the cold, rainy, windy ones

that cause my body to shiver

when I step outside to walk little Miss PRincess PopcoRn 

on the boaRdwalk by the lake.

It's on those 30-degree days that I welcome

the warmth of our cozy condo.

These past weeks have given me much to warm my heart.

Having our son Shawn here for three days lit a fiRe inside me

that has kept me peaceful and somewhat melancholy.

I have many memories to cheRish until we're together again.

Thank you, LoRd, for giving me a very special birthday gift.

I always look forward to the times I can spend with daughteR Jacquie.
She drops by whenever she can,
for hot tea and hot conveRsation.

They're in the midst of building a house.

(Oh, the patience they have shown during this process).

Makes my heart happy to see my book in the Lexington Library
(it was checked out the next day)

Knowing daughter CaRRie (in North Carolina)

and son Jason (in SoutheRn CalifoRnia and Spain)

are happy and doing well

keeps the ambeRs glowing.

Yes, I'm a blessed lady,

thankful to God for allowing me to live anotheR day.

So, what can I give back?
A smile at the marRket.
A hug to a neighboR.
A phone call to a fRiend.
An encouRaging word to someone who is
waiting for good...or disappointing...news.

After reading what authoR/fRiend StaRR(light) AyeRs

shared about me in her inteRview with me yesterday,

I Realized once more how blessed I am to be living my life in full technicoloR!

Please Read when you have a few minutes:

www.starrayers.org/2019/02/23/sharonleaf

And the peace of God,
which passes all undeRstanding,
shall keep your heaRts and minds
thRough Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6

I wish you oceans of daily blessings!

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com
www.retirementandgoodliving.com

Lady Traveler is now welcoming fam and friends to Leaf's Lake House

There is no place like home.

Author unknown?

Thanksgiving Sunset 2018 (untouched)

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the skies announce what His hands have made.
Psalm 19:1

3 1/2 weeks of packing, tossing, and donating.

Two weeks of unpacking, tossing, and donating.

Then came Thanksgiving.

Our day of relaxation and eating.

and eating. and eating.

Friends dropping by Leaf's Lake House

Sunset from our veranda with Popcorn and friends

Ahh ... the first day in weeks that I've sat down in my new office.
I've really missed writing.

I turned on my iMac and decided to write a quick blog.

Nothing deep.  Just a simple message of

THANKFULNESS.

The recent months have been filled with

hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires.

Our hearts and prayers must continue to

reach those in need, both near and far.

My thankfulness sounds like yours.

Thankful to God for

Family.  Most anyway.

Extended Families: community, church, interest groups (my writing buddies).

Friends.  True friends.  Near and far.

Our homes.  Big and small.

Our country.  Freedom!

The list goes on.

Thank you for listening to this old Lady Traveler who loves

to travel, loves to write ... (who hates to move!) 

but who loves life! 

What do you love to do?

What are you thankful for?

Take a moment to thank God for ...

I wish you oceans of Christmas blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler in Berlin - Part 6

Berlin in the Fall

Part 6

My European Trip September 2017

There are many places I have been,

Places I have never seen,

Places I would love to see,

Places that I never will.

The most delightful part

of my traveling scene

is embracing friends once again,

and spending precious time 

with our beloved family.

(the above is not a poem, 

only words that spontaneously 

came from my heart)

Trip of a lifetime with family

The Berlin Wall
Torn down.

There will always be Berlin.

The food. The museums.

The streets.  The canals.

The wall.  The history.

Three days in Berlin

Our time in Berlin was short.

The days were cloudy, cold, and even a
great wind storm swept through the city.

What warmed our hearts was the time we spent with

son and daughter.

Xyla, Robinski, and Jason
Their smiles and laughter made the rain go away!

We traveled by bus, by metro, by train.

And we walked.

Amazing how us seniors kept up with the youngins.

Well, at least we tried.

Note to young folks when traveling with

your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles:

When they look like they're ready to pass out,

suggest a stop at a local cafe for a drink and snack.

I guarantee that they will say, "Oh, what a great idea! Lets do that!"

Mean stepmom and son

Met our California friend, Tamara, a famous opera star!

Where to stay:

If you like privacy, more room to stretch out,

cook, or fill a frig full of snacks,

I suggest a BnB.

We stayed in three BnB's and loved them,

had a balcony in Italy and Spain.

If you want room service, stay in a hotel.

We stayed in a nice hotel in Barcelona, Spain

and the concierge found us a beauty salon

across the street and up the stairs from our hotel.

Perfect!

BnB in Berlin

Comfy beds at BnB in Berlin

I love German food!  Wienerschnetzel is my favorite!

There were many delicious entrees to choose from,

and beer galore.

I'm not a beer drinker, so I guess that's why
I loved Italy more ... oh, the heavenly wine!

I recommend everything!

Well, I did pass on this dish.  Can you guess what this is?

Rob and Jason loved this delakasie




Now, it's time to say farewell to Berlin,
and our six-week European holiday with Jason and Xyla.
Thank you, again, from the bottom of our hearts,
for giving us a trip of a lifetime.
Rob and I have traveled the world,
but this was extra special because
we were with you!



Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life: 
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6

sharonleaf.com

The new me.
I'm re-inventing myself as a
blond-on-my-way-to-a-silver-lining!

Lady Traveler, walking, biking, & swimming in Surfside ~ Part 3

One doesn't realizes how beautiful it is to travel until 

one comes home and

rests one's head on one's old,  familiar pillow.

Happy to be back in Surfside, SC May 2017

What a wonderful, whimsical week I had at

Ocean Lakes in Surfside, South Carolina.

Morning, afternoon, and evening swims.

Likewise, morning, afternoon, and evening walks along the beach.

Ditto bikerides.

Meeting new friends.
And of course, lots of writing.

My beach walks were my favorite times.
Each day as I gazed out at the magnificent Atlantic,
memories returned of the weeks spent crossing the Pond
on the WWII ship, MS Restoration.

Surrounded by miles of water, I was always reminded of how small I was,
and how great our God is.

Enjoying the surf with a dear friend.
Thank you, Betty and Reg, for driving down from Florence,
not once, but twice!
(they will follow us anywhere!)

I'm writing this blog from the comfort--and spaciousness--of my home-on-land.

(I consider Moon River to be our home-on-wheels).

Two homes.  Two worlds.

All the comforts of home.  It's called 'glamping'!

Popcorn loves glamping too!

Upon arriving home after our long drive home from the beach on Sunday,

(the traffic was bad)

my body needed to move around, so Rob and I spent several hours

emptying the RV of food, clothes, dirty laundry, etc.

Finally, after a long-awaited shower, I fell into bed and slept for 10 hours!

I never sleep that long, so I guess my body was telling me something:

Take a break.

Now, enough about me.

Many of you tell me that you are living vicariously through my travels,

thus, the title of my blog, Lady Traveler.

Some of you, due to circumstances beyond your control

--health issues, family responsibilities, work obligations--

cannot take off and travel for long periods of time.

(By the way, we couldn't either until Rob retired in 2015.

Also, we were care givers for Rob's Mother until she went to heaven in 2015).

A few of you just do not have the desire to travel.

You're content with staying at home, which is wonderful.

Travel isn't for everyone.

I just happen to love the combination of staying at home and traveling.

My encouragement to you is small, yet wise:

Wherever you are, at home or on the road,

Make each day count.

Smile, and thank God that He has allowed you to live another day.

Be aware of your surroundings.

There is someone outside your door that needs your smile,

that needs a word of encouragement from YOU.

Lady Traveler's view from Moon River
Surfside, South Carolina 2017

June will find Lady Traveler heading west to Shawnee, Oklahoma to an ACA Rally,

then north to Missouri to visit our son and d-in-love,

Shawn and Frances (yay!)

God only knows where we'll end up in July ...

Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina ... 

Time will tell.

For now, this lady is going to spend the month of May 

enjoying every minute at home,

resting, writing, and 

inviting family and friends over for food,

coffee, sweet tea, a glass of wine,

and good ol' southern hospitality.

A view of Lady Traveler's backyard. Home sweet home.

Lady Traveler wishes you oceans of Mother's Day blessings,

and lots of rest in Him.

Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads,

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Follow me on:
www.facebook.com/sharonleafwriter

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady travels across America, one state at a time, Part 5

Lady Traveler in Surf City

Huntington Beach ... Surf City ... Sunny Southern California

Life is what we are alive to.

It is not length but breadth ...

be alive to ... 

goodness, kindness, purity, love,

history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, 

God, and eternal hope.

I'm sitting outside our motor home, Moon River,

in a lovely RV campground,

listening to the birds ...

No.

Listening to the thunder of traffic off of the I-35W

at the I-35 RV campground in Waco, Texas.

We've been in many RV campgrounds on this journey,

but this is the loudest, due to the constant roar of the nearby traffic.

I don't mind sound at all.

Nearby trains and their horns blowing at traffic crossings is soothing to my soul.
Laughter of children and their parents makes me smile.

But this campground takes the gold star for traffic noise.

Otherwise, its a nice place. So I shall stop complaining.

Now I must go back a few days,

or has it been a few weeks?

I've lost track of time.

We're on Day 59 of our journey,

but let me go back to Day 36.

We left Hurricane and Zion, Utah

and stayed the first night out at the Walmart Casino in Mesquite Nevada.

 Day 37 and 38 we stayed in Hesperia, CA

at Desert Willow RV. Clean. Lovely pool. Sun. Yum.

We had Mexican brunch on Sunday with my niece, Christy, and hubby Todd.

My high school buddies. Lunch and Laughter. Friends Forever.
Teresa (Prissy), Barbara Jo, Me, and Marilyn in Huntington Beach CA

Day 39: we arrived in Surf City!

I'm a beach bum again! 

RV-ing right on the parking lot next to the HB pier.

The days that followed were filled with

sunshine, silliness, eating at Simmzy's in Pacific City

overlooking the blue Pacific.

Friends galore. 

I'm so blessed to have them all in my life.

Rob agrees.

Just a sample.

Food galore.

Rob totally agrees!

Happy to be at our old stomping grounds.

The Sugar Shack.  Ruby's on the pier. Avilla's on Main.

Chronic Tacos. Surf Taco.

Salty air. Afternoon breezes. Friendly faces.

But ten days later, 

it was time to hit the road.

Good-bye Surf City.

See you next time. Friends. Family.

Morning coffee. Now it's time to hit the road.

Next blog:
Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,
who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler's ideas on Reading, Writing, Traveling versus Relationships

Paris is always a good idea ~ Audrey Hepburn

Wake up, Sharon!

You're not in Paris anymore.

There's work to be done.

A book to finish...

Lady on the Run
"How to run your physical race and your spiritual race--at your own pace"
I was an avid runner in the 70's, taught a running class, and I'm writing a book about my journey.

Lady on the Run
Me and My 90-year-old mentor and friend, Mary in 2013
at her home in Morro Bay.
We ran a 1/2 marathon together in the late '70's

... A conference to prepare for.
And, oh yes, the book club next week.

Book signing at "Living Real Conference" March 2015
Book Club March 2015

Business cards, flyers, poster, pens, Square, etc.

Yes, the almost-famous author has a full schedule.
But when it comes down to it,
what is really important in life?
You have it right.
Relationships.
With God.
With family.
With friends.

My true friend, Debbie Kreitzer,
Laguna Beach, CA 2007

There is no 'distance barrier' with
God, family, or friends.
Although Debbie went to heaven almost two months ago,
I can still hear her whispering in my ear,
"It is what it is."
"Get over it."
Thanks, Debbie, I needed that.
Confession: 
When I can't hear her voice in my ear,
I listen to a Voicemail she left me when she was
still able to talk.
I cry from the pain of missing her in 'real time.'

Whatever your passion--
writing, traveling, painting, photography, singing,
gardening, cleaning house, reaching out to help someone--
remember to take time for those
special people in your life.

To know someone here or there with whom 
you feel there is an understanding
in spite of distance or thoughts expressed --
that can make of this earth a garden.

Wherever you travel,
I wish you oceans of moments with God,
with family,
and friends.


All sunshine and sovereign is God,
generous in gifts and glory.
Psalm 84:10

www.sharonleaf.com

Thankful Traveler

Columbia River, WA
Photo by Shawn Watson

Tis the season to be thankful.  A few random thoughts:

I've been reading some of my friends' Thankful Lists on Facebook.  I was surprised and honored to find my name as one of Dorean's mentors that she was thankful for (I was a singles pastor way back in '88 and she was an artistic, beautiful single young woman).  This was a reminder to me that we never know who we are influencing.  No matter what our age, we should live ours lives, not unto ourselves, but to draw people to Christ.  Our friends want us to be real, someone they can relate to.  That goes for family too.

Travel Memory:  I spent one Thanksgiving on a WWII ship on the rolling Baltic Sea in '94.  I was too sick to eat the Thanksgiving feast that the American chefs had prepared, so I've been thankful for stable shores ever since.

Thanksgiving Tip:  Be thankful for those around you, and those afar.  Don't judge.  Instead, love ...  and sprinkle with laughter.

I wish you smooth traveling and oceans of blessings for your Thanksgiving holiday!

Life is what we are alive to.

It is not length but breadth...

Be alive to ... goodness, kindness, purity, Love,

poetry, music, art,

flowers, stars,

God, and eternal hope.

We're having a cold Thanksgiving
here in the Carolinas

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement

and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

2 Thess. 2:16-17

www.sharonleaf.com

Put a LITTLE GRAVEL in Your TRAVEL...Lady Travels on Highway 378 to Myrtle Beach

Home of Josh Turner, one of my favorite country singers
Highway 378

Makes me wanna take a back road

Makes me wanna take the long way home...

(a Tim McGraw song)

Last week, my cousin, Vernon Roy, and I took a road trip to Myrtle Beach.  Highway 378 is a road that has been around years before the interstates were built.  I drive 378 from Lexington to Sumter because I prefer roads and highways to the faster interstates.  Why?  Because you get the feel of the countryside and the little towns along the way.  And at my young age of 67, I'm in no hurry to get to the next town.  I enjoy the moment.  Try it.  You'll like it.

FYI:  Highway 378 will take you all the way to Myrtle Beach.

My last trip to MB was three months ago with my cousin, Ronnie; we were meeting our cousins, Judy and Bettie, for lunch.  This time the trip with Vernon was more somber.  We were meeting Bettie at the hospital to visit Judy who recently had a major stroke and was paralyzed.  We were greeted by Judy's smile and her funny stories about her stay in the hospital.  Then we laughed about the time ...

...  I was in sixth grade and my family drove from California to South Carolina for a three-week Christmas vacation.  I stayed a few days in Sumter with Judy, and when her mother announced we were having fried chicken for dinner, I followed her outside, thinking we were going to walk down the road to the local Piggly Wiggly to buy a chicken.   Suddenly she grabbed an ax and I watched in horror as she proceeded to chop off a chicken's head (needless to say, that evening I had a difficult time eating one of their pets)... 

... The laughter we shared gave us strength to get through the heartache of seeing our cousin lying helpless in a hospital bed.  Before we said our good-byes, I asked Judy, "May we pray for you?"  As I prayed, peace filled the room, and our tears felt like tears of hope.  We are believing for Judy's miracle from God.

Travel TiP:  Laughter AND Prayer is good for the soul.  Remember that the next time you visit someone in the hospital.

The two hour drive back to Sumter gave Vernon and I some 'cousin time' to walk down memory lane.    As we drove along, something felt familiar.   Then suddenly out of nowhere,  a big sign on the right side of the highway caught my attention. "Josh Turner!"** I exclaimed.  Vernon quickly asked, "Do you want me to pull over so you can take a picture?"  Vernon has gotten to know me quite well since I moved to South Carolina seven years ago.  Although we only get together a few times a year, he has learned to read my body language, especially when I pull out my iPhone to take a picture...a dead give-away.

Travel TiP:  Take time to smell the roses and read the signs--and take pictures!  It's the little things that mean a lot, and I thank Vernon for having the patience to pull over for me to click about ten shots of this sign.  Yes, rich and famous people are born in small southern towns.  And I feel that this sign was a smile from God, letting us know that the whole world is in His hands, especially our sweet cousin, Judy.

By faith

we understand that the entire universe

was formed by God's command,

that what we now see

 did not come from anything that can be seen.

Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT

You may apply all above Travel TiPs to any state or country you visit.

I wish you oceans of blessings and smooth sailing for your Autumn days

www.sharonleaf.com

** BTW: Quick story:  The first time Jacquie came to visit me seven years ago (before she moved to Lexington),  I accidentally took Highway 378 to Myrtle Beach, which takes twice as long as driving on I-20east...but hey, it was my first time driving to MB!  Jacquie and I did see the Josh Turner sign, but that was before I had a smart phone, and I never thought I'd be traveling down that road again.  But here's the proof!  *smile*

Put a little gravel in YOUR travel

Travels aren't always fun

Don't let your ship sink
Belize 2008

I love reading uplifting and encouraging blogs.  

I love to write uplifting and encouraging blogs.  

Whether I'm writing about travels, family, writing, gardening (my latest fun pastime), 

I enjoy writing happy-go-lucky words, especially in this sometimes dreary world we live in.

But lets face it, life happens.  

You have your challenges, I have mine.  

And I like to be as transparent as possible without giving out any 

deep, dark family secrets *smiling*

This week we've been traveling back and forth to the hospital.  

Our challenge has been Rob's 89-year-old mother.  

She's been in the hospital four days. She ia slowly getting better, 

but her dementia is getting worse and its so hard for me to see her like that, 

but even harder for Rob.  

His s so caring, patient, and loving.  

She always says, "You're the best son I ever had."  

And he replies, "That's because I'm the only son you've ever had."  So cute.

Mom's favorite restaurant "I-Hop"
Strawberry pancakes every time!

When they release her from the hospital, 

we might have to move her to a nursing home, 

which will be hard because we love where she is now.  

But we will do whatever we can to make sure she is comfortable and well cared for.

For any of you who are going through this with your parents, 

or who have gone through this, 

you know how challenging it is for everyone involved.  

Just know that you're not alone.  

God is with you each step of the way and 

He will guide your decisions if you reach out to Him.  

He is our strength and support in hard times.

I must add that it is very important that 

family comes together to make some of these hard decisions.  

Although I was thousands of miles away from my brother and sister-in-law, 

they were wonderful as we made each decision for our Daddy these past five years.  

In his last months, when he told us that he was working in the circus, 

we smiled. 

When he said he was building a Boeing 737 airplane out back, we nodded.  

We followed along with him on his little journeys.  

When our 90-year-old Daddy went to be with the Lord in January, 

we drew on each other's love and strength as 

we made final arrangements.

Even if there are family differences, 

it is important that you put aside all pettiness when important matters need to be discussed.  

I always ask myself, 

"How do I want my family to interact when the time comes to make decisions for me?"  

Hmm, good question to ask before we act selfish.  

The "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" syndrome has to be swept under the rug in times like these.

Life is full of ups and downs.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 says it best.

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven.

A time to be born,

 and a time to die;

A time to plant,

 and a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

 and a time to heal;

A time to break down,

 and a time to build up;

A time to weep,

 and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

 and a time to dance...

I wish you oceans of blessings on the rough seas as well as on the smooth waters.  

May you keep Jesus at the helm of your ship, no matter where you may sail.

www.sharonleaf.com

Wherever Lady travels, there are families

From the USA to across the pond, Families are a blessing

I love meeting families from all walks of life.  Familia.  Familj.  Familie.  I enjoy learning their different customs.  Russians.  Greeks.  Israelis.  Swedes.  No matter where my tired feet have ended up at the end of a long day, families have always restored my energy and well being.  But no matter what country, city, or state I hang my hat, I can always sense the harmony ... or disharmony in that home.

When God created man and woman, He said it was very good.  They were to be fruitful and multiply,  and so they did.

God created family, so we can see why Satan tries to split them apart--he wants to tear down what God created.  Satan's happy when he succeeds.  And we are the ones who suffer ... the husband, the wife, the kids, a nation.  And the damage can last for years.  Dysfunction loves to settle in.  Estrangement often arises and its hard when the family member was once close and you still love them dearly.

We have family members who are easy to love.  We also have those who are challenging for us to be in the same room at the annual Christmas gathering.

There are the one-sided relationships.  YOU want it; they don't, for whatever reason.  Over the years I've found myself frustrated about a family member who I just can't get close to, no matter how I've tried.  But I can't read minds.  What am I doing wrong? I asked myself over and over.  Finally, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, "Sharon, you can't expect something from someone that they don't have to give."  I thought about that one sentence long and hard, and it helps me a lot when I start to mull over the situation in my head for the hundredth time.  I admit that I'm a slow learner.

So what to do?

A few tips:  First of all, I'm not a psychiatrist, but I have enough common sense to know that it begins with me.  So my friends,  let us be the ones who pray and break the generational curses of dysfunction over our families.  We cannot force relationships, whether they are our spouses, our children, or our siblings, but we can let go of our own years of family baggage and continue to love them and pray for peace and reconciliation.  God will show us the way, step by step.  It is our choice to follow Him, trust Him, and love Him.  When to say I'm sorry?  Perhaps never, but you will know in your heart when and if it is time to say those two words that causes your heart to flutter, yet brings so much freedom afterwards.

One thing I know:  right now, I am thanking God for my blogging family!

I wish your family smooth sailing and oceans of blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

When all else fails, get a dog!!

Read, wRite, Relax

Reading, wRiting and Research

I'm starting the year off Right,

focusing on Reading, wRiting, and Relaxing.

Walking more, Worrying less.

Focusing on Faith For Forgotten dreams, Family, and Friends.

less Tv, more Trivia and Thoughtfulness.

less Facebook, more FaceTime

no Resolutions, more Random thoughts.

Cafe Chartier, my cozy writing corner.

There. I think that's enough to get the year kick-started.  Rob will be going back to work next week, after his shoulder surgery two months ago.  I'll miss him, but hopefully I will become more organized.  Hmm, scratch that.  I've always been a spur-of-the-moment kind of gal, so why change now?



Lady and the Sea is staying afloat, but I'm doing some marketing research and praying circles around her, thanks to the book I'm reading, The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.  I'm excited to hear that Lady and the Sea is being sold in Sweden and Norway.  Friends say that I need to talk more about Lady, mention her more on Facebook, blogs, and such.  My dilemma is I don't want to 'overkill' anyone.  However, Valentine's Day is coming up and Lady would be a perfect gift for a wife, girlfriend (or co-worker who is having a birthday).  There, I did it!  That wasn't so bad, was it?

Stay on course and keep dreaming, and always beLeaf.

...Skate more...
My winter tree filled with ice skating ornaments

Memorial Days

A spring day in the country

It's been a while since I've blogged so I'll jot down a few random thoughts that have been going through my mind over the past week.

At every crossroad, follow your dream. It is courageous to let your heart lead the way.

I have to remind myself of this message every time I have to make a major decision. I ponder, pray, then pursue. No looking back. No regrets. The decision to follow my dream has been made. I get the feeling that you, my special reader, may be at a crossroad too. Let me remind you that our lives are valuable, no matter who we are (I'm preachin' to me too!) Once we convince ourselves of this, we can continue our journey with great expectations. I'm not a practicing life coach, pastor, or counselor, but I have done a lot of observing over the last sixty-five years and I have witnessed dreams coming true. One example: my favorite California friend recently started her own catering business and she is doing fantastic! No advertising necessary--word-of-mouth about her delicious desserts says it all!

I heard it said many years ago that whatever is taking place in the natural is also taking place in the spirit. When I observe the natural disasters that are taking place throughout the Midwest and beyond, I say, God, something is happening in the spiritual realm! Give me ears to hear, Lord. We must all prepare for the coming days, both physically and spiritually. We all have ears to hear God speak to us, if we take the time. Then simply trust and obey.

June is a busy month--Father's Day, Graduation, proms, June weddings, birthdays, vacations--fun in the sun! As we look forward to these events, let's be thankful for those who can share these special occasions with us. The longer I live, the more I cherish the relationships of those who have chosen to remain in my life. Thank you, each one. You are in my heart.

And remember, follow your dream, your passion, your heart. I have a feeling that you're going to be very surprised where they take you.

Stand at the crossroads and look...ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 NIV