My oldest daughter and I joined the throng of excited ladies attending the new release of "Sex And The City" last night. Thinking we would miss the crowd, we decided to go to the final showing of the evening. I was surprised when the entire theater filled up with giggling women (I counted 6 men) at 9:40 p.m.
Although, it was difficult for me to sit through the "over the top" vulgarity the movie displayed, I was happy to be part of the party atmosphere where women celebrated friendships and their shared feminine experience. Some women dressed up for the movie and many came with a large group of friends. Everyone seemed to enjoy the story line and the fabulous New York fashions.... I would say the movie was a hit.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Serenity Room (Photo Below)
I have finally gotten around to posting a photo of my Serenity Room on this page. I began talking about it last month and many of you have probably imagined it, so I think it's appropriate that you see the room firsthand. Although, you can not experience, in person, the soft music, the fresh flowers, the smell of the scented candles, and the many personal items scattered around the room, you may begin to understand why I love going there several times each day to renew my spirit. The room has become a retreat for me.
My Serenity Room continues to help me maintain and strengthen spiritual, emotional, and physical health. I believe, so strongly, that every woman should have a sacred space of her own and I have set out to be an advocate for the concept. I hope you can find a space, whether small or large, in your home for your own retreat.
Please feel free to share your experiences with me under "comments" as you move forward on your own life-journey.
My Serenity Room continues to help me maintain and strengthen spiritual, emotional, and physical health. I believe, so strongly, that every woman should have a sacred space of her own and I have set out to be an advocate for the concept. I hope you can find a space, whether small or large, in your home for your own retreat.
Please feel free to share your experiences with me under "comments" as you move forward on your own life-journey.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Unseen Things
"Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart."
-1 Samuel 16:7
-1 Samuel 16:7
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Recipe For Stress Relief
A few suggestions for stress relief:
1. Sit quietly alone
2. Listen to soft music
3. Have a cup of hot tea while enjoying a great book.
4. Light a candle
5. Read poetry
6. Watch a romantic movie on DVD
7. Nap in the afternoon beneath a down comforter
8. Record your thoughts in a beautiful journal
9. Pray/Meditate
10. Write a love letter...
11. Write a love letter to yourself
12. Color in a child's coloring book
13. Eliminate one unnecessary thing from your life
14. Cuddle with a kitty or stuffed animal
15. Start a gratitude journal
16. Make peace with a loved one / practice forgiveness
17. Learn to say "no"
18. Hug a child
19. Find your inner-child and help her express her true self
20. Take a long scented bubble bath surrounded by a multitude of candles
21. Make a habit of reading the Book of Psalms
22. Give yourself permission to enjoy each day
23. Remember that relationships are more important than opinions
24. Learn to say "I'm sorry"
25. Say "I Love You" often and mean it.
God Bless.
1. Sit quietly alone
2. Listen to soft music
3. Have a cup of hot tea while enjoying a great book.
4. Light a candle
5. Read poetry
6. Watch a romantic movie on DVD
7. Nap in the afternoon beneath a down comforter
8. Record your thoughts in a beautiful journal
9. Pray/Meditate
10. Write a love letter...
11. Write a love letter to yourself
12. Color in a child's coloring book
13. Eliminate one unnecessary thing from your life
14. Cuddle with a kitty or stuffed animal
15. Start a gratitude journal
16. Make peace with a loved one / practice forgiveness
17. Learn to say "no"
18. Hug a child
19. Find your inner-child and help her express her true self
20. Take a long scented bubble bath surrounded by a multitude of candles
21. Make a habit of reading the Book of Psalms
22. Give yourself permission to enjoy each day
23. Remember that relationships are more important than opinions
24. Learn to say "I'm sorry"
25. Say "I Love You" often and mean it.
God Bless.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wilderness Trip
Wooden oars
Through liquid silk.
Blue
Glassy
White.
Glide,
Glide on
To unknown shores.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Through liquid silk.
Blue
Glassy
White.
Glide,
Glide on
To unknown shores.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Divine Moments
Quietly, by candlelight,
sipping nectar of the grape;
glimmer of fire upon crystal.
Solitude, tender divine moments--
waiting to be embraced;
to be treasured in the magical place.
Linger here, in paradise,
within the sacred space.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
sipping nectar of the grape;
glimmer of fire upon crystal.
Solitude, tender divine moments--
waiting to be embraced;
to be treasured in the magical place.
Linger here, in paradise,
within the sacred space.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sweet Words
We are who we think we are; our perception is our reality. As infants we come into the world as a blank canvas and much of what we are told about ourselves help to create who we are as adults.
As children we often repeated the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Words can hurt and create, in us, feelings of inferiority and deficiency, especially, when negativity comes from someone we respect and love. In fact, words can hurt, emotionally, far more than sticks and stones and the significance can last a lifetime.
We have all heard thoughtless remarks come out of the mouths of intelligent, well-meaning people. In the heat of anger or in a moment of frustration we are all capable of abruptly speaking damaging words. "I can't believe you did that!" or "You'll never amount to anything" can become internal messages that will be played over and over again by the recipient.
We have seen marriages, families and friendships destroyed by carelessness. How often we take for granted those who mean the most to us! How many of us let the old nasty "baggage" we carry, spill out onto those around us? Our spouse, children, extended family and friends all need expressions of kindness and encouragement.
Let's remember to make our words sweet and in return we will be rewarded. By becoming more concerned with the welfare of others, we will become happier and more respected in our daily lives and we may just motivate someone else to become all they were meant to be.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
As children we often repeated the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Words can hurt and create, in us, feelings of inferiority and deficiency, especially, when negativity comes from someone we respect and love. In fact, words can hurt, emotionally, far more than sticks and stones and the significance can last a lifetime.
We have all heard thoughtless remarks come out of the mouths of intelligent, well-meaning people. In the heat of anger or in a moment of frustration we are all capable of abruptly speaking damaging words. "I can't believe you did that!" or "You'll never amount to anything" can become internal messages that will be played over and over again by the recipient.
We have seen marriages, families and friendships destroyed by carelessness. How often we take for granted those who mean the most to us! How many of us let the old nasty "baggage" we carry, spill out onto those around us? Our spouse, children, extended family and friends all need expressions of kindness and encouragement.
Let's remember to make our words sweet and in return we will be rewarded. By becoming more concerned with the welfare of others, we will become happier and more respected in our daily lives and we may just motivate someone else to become all they were meant to be.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Thursday, May 15, 2008
That We Might Have Joy
Do you take the time to appreciate and enjoy life? Many times we get so busy with day to day mundane activities we forget to savor each moment. We sometimes become depressed and find ourselves snacking on junk food, spending too many hours watching TV, forgetting to exercise, and allowing our minds to fill up with worry and anxiety?
We have been given a precious gift--the gift of life. How much of the gift do we waste daily, never being able to retrieve those valuable moments? Most of the time we are completely unaware of the time we squander.
It's so important to live in the moment, appreciating each and every wonderful experience of the day.... enjoying the warm sunshine, the contagious belly laugh of a baby, the tender touch of a lover, the wonder and mystery of a ruby-throated hummingbird in flight, or the rich aroma of morning coffee. True joy is found not in power or expensive possessions, but in the free gifts from God.
Today, choose to move away from the TV, resist the junk food, take a walk and absorb the beauty that's all around you. Live in the moment. Say "I Love You" at least three times today to someone special, and by all means, smell the roses. Enjoy God's marvelous creation. It's all a matter of choice. Life is short...there's no time to waste!!
May God bless each of you with His Spirit.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
First Flight
I awoke this morning to cloudy skies and gentle rain. My husband and I had planned a day-trip to Walla Walla, Washington and looked forward to getting out of our valley for a few hours. It usually takes two hours by car...stopping in Dayton, Washington for a picnic in the Lewis-Clark Trail State Park and then continuing on to Walla Walla.
Jim (my husband) and I often buy Subway sandwiches in Dayton and take them with us into the park. We eat while sitting in a secluded area with our little schnauzer, Riley. Today, with the light rain and a little wind, we decided to eat inside our Honda. As we ate, our focus was on what appeared to be a large bird of prey sitting in a nearby field, approximately 40 yards from our car. It had moved only once or twice in the entire time we sat there. Jim finished his sandwich and slowly moved 15 yards closer to take a better look. He was surprised to observe a young red-tailed hawk who had evidently taken it's first flight away from the nest and failed to find sufficient food to sustain itself. The auburn hued juvenile was exhausted, hungry and dazed; barely able to move. There was nothing we could do but find the nearest Ranger Station and let them know the bird was in distress.
Jim and I have always loved to experience the out-of-doors and, hopefully, see unexpected birds and animals on our little adventures. The young red-tailed hawk was certainly unexpected and reminded us of the inexperience of youth and how young people, naturally, long to "fly" away from the protection of their families and start independent lives. How important it is, to provide our children with the courage, strength, skills and values necessary for achieving success in an uncertain world.
"Behind every successful child is someone who cares."
Jim (my husband) and I often buy Subway sandwiches in Dayton and take them with us into the park. We eat while sitting in a secluded area with our little schnauzer, Riley. Today, with the light rain and a little wind, we decided to eat inside our Honda. As we ate, our focus was on what appeared to be a large bird of prey sitting in a nearby field, approximately 40 yards from our car. It had moved only once or twice in the entire time we sat there. Jim finished his sandwich and slowly moved 15 yards closer to take a better look. He was surprised to observe a young red-tailed hawk who had evidently taken it's first flight away from the nest and failed to find sufficient food to sustain itself. The auburn hued juvenile was exhausted, hungry and dazed; barely able to move. There was nothing we could do but find the nearest Ranger Station and let them know the bird was in distress.
Jim and I have always loved to experience the out-of-doors and, hopefully, see unexpected birds and animals on our little adventures. The young red-tailed hawk was certainly unexpected and reminded us of the inexperience of youth and how young people, naturally, long to "fly" away from the protection of their families and start independent lives. How important it is, to provide our children with the courage, strength, skills and values necessary for achieving success in an uncertain world.
"Behind every successful child is someone who cares."
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
We are having company this weekend and since this may be my last post for a few days, I want to take a few moments to wish all the mothers who enter here, a wonderful Mother's Day.
I thought of my daughters, daughter-in-laws, and friends today and I know that each one's a special mother in her own way, with her own experiences. Each one of you have made sacrifices for your children and your families. Some of you carry heavy and lasting burdens, but your love and loyalty has never wavered. My heart honors you on this special day.
I am also thinking of my own mother and the greeting she must have received from her Creator as she entered Heaven. She was an example of goodness to all who knew her and I have confidence that her reward was great. She, too, shouldered enormous burdens in this life, but was able to rise above them. Her immense and unconditional love, for my brother and I, will never be forgotten. Memories of her are always with us.
A month or so ago, I was listening to the radio as I drove to the shopping center. The talk-show host suggested the listener should remember the smell of their mother so they could carry that memory with them after she's passes away. Immediately, the suggestion conjured up the memory of the cologne my mother wore and how I loved to nuzzle against her neck. She always wore Tigress and I loved her sweet aroma. The next day I ordered a bottle, for myself, over the Internet. Now, I often wear it in memory of her.
So not only remember your mother's scent, but make a list of the things you truly appreciate about her and share it with her. I wish I had done this for my mother while she was still alive. We tend to take our loved ones for granted and sometimes fail to tell them how much they mean to us while we still have the opportunity.
May God truly bless you on Mother's Day and everyday.
(Please feel free to leave a comment. I would like to hear from all readers.)
I thought of my daughters, daughter-in-laws, and friends today and I know that each one's a special mother in her own way, with her own experiences. Each one of you have made sacrifices for your children and your families. Some of you carry heavy and lasting burdens, but your love and loyalty has never wavered. My heart honors you on this special day.
I am also thinking of my own mother and the greeting she must have received from her Creator as she entered Heaven. She was an example of goodness to all who knew her and I have confidence that her reward was great. She, too, shouldered enormous burdens in this life, but was able to rise above them. Her immense and unconditional love, for my brother and I, will never be forgotten. Memories of her are always with us.
A month or so ago, I was listening to the radio as I drove to the shopping center. The talk-show host suggested the listener should remember the smell of their mother so they could carry that memory with them after she's passes away. Immediately, the suggestion conjured up the memory of the cologne my mother wore and how I loved to nuzzle against her neck. She always wore Tigress and I loved her sweet aroma. The next day I ordered a bottle, for myself, over the Internet. Now, I often wear it in memory of her.
So not only remember your mother's scent, but make a list of the things you truly appreciate about her and share it with her. I wish I had done this for my mother while she was still alive. We tend to take our loved ones for granted and sometimes fail to tell them how much they mean to us while we still have the opportunity.
May God truly bless you on Mother's Day and everyday.
(Please feel free to leave a comment. I would like to hear from all readers.)
Monday, May 5, 2008
No Regrets
I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody's need made me blind;
But I have never yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind.
-Anonymous
Kindness. I often get caught up in my own insecurity and I forget to concentrate on the other person's needs. When I was growing up, my mother insisted that I remember the Golden Rule..."Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." I lived by that for many years, but in the struggles and conflicts of life, I find myself forgetting to practice it.
We see unkindness around us every day--just read the newspaper or listen to the local news. How many of the worst offenders were treated badly at some point in their lives? How could one thoughtful act have changed their lives for the better?
Kindness is a beautiful action. It can change a person's state of mind. It can melt a hardened heart. It can grow love where love may not now exist, but to make it happen, we have to step outside of our own walled-up comfort zone and truly be concerned about the feelings of others. How can we help? Are we really trying to understand another's perspective? Are we selfishly thinking of ourselves...unwilling, to be the first to step forward, with our hand reaching out in love? We may even feel wronged by the other person. Can we make the Christ-like sacrifice to forgive?
May we never have to reget our actions. Each moment is a new beginning...it's not too late to incorporate the Golden Rule into our everyday lives.
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody's need made me blind;
But I have never yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind.
-Anonymous
Kindness. I often get caught up in my own insecurity and I forget to concentrate on the other person's needs. When I was growing up, my mother insisted that I remember the Golden Rule..."Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." I lived by that for many years, but in the struggles and conflicts of life, I find myself forgetting to practice it.
We see unkindness around us every day--just read the newspaper or listen to the local news. How many of the worst offenders were treated badly at some point in their lives? How could one thoughtful act have changed their lives for the better?
Kindness is a beautiful action. It can change a person's state of mind. It can melt a hardened heart. It can grow love where love may not now exist, but to make it happen, we have to step outside of our own walled-up comfort zone and truly be concerned about the feelings of others. How can we help? Are we really trying to understand another's perspective? Are we selfishly thinking of ourselves...unwilling, to be the first to step forward, with our hand reaching out in love? We may even feel wronged by the other person. Can we make the Christ-like sacrifice to forgive?
May we never have to reget our actions. Each moment is a new beginning...it's not too late to incorporate the Golden Rule into our everyday lives.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Shoestring Living
The "little things" make life enjoyable and interesting. A good book, a bouquet of flowers, a small plant in a colorful pot, the taste of chocolate, a nice wine, a scented candle, our favorite pillow, all give joy and add to the delight of living.
I've found it doesn't take a great deal of money to live pleasant, graceful lives. With all of the discount stores available today, our personal lives can be just as nice as that of the millionaire who shops at high-end boutiques.
My daughters and I frequently shop at Ross, Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Costco, and Grocery Outlet. If you like searching out bargains, there are many treasures to be found at stores like these.
I have found wonderful candles and decorative boxes at Ross, along with very nice sheet sets for the bedroom. Costco usually carries some of the nicest sheet sets at less than half the price you would pay at high-end stores. I have found good wine, fine chocolate and imported cheeses at Grocery Outlet. I buy fresh stemmed flowers from a little wholesale florist a couple of miles from my home. Last month, I bought 24 carnations for $4.00 plus tax.
The web offers wonderful deals on just about anything you are looking for and shopping is usually quick and safe. I have found gorgeous shoes for less than half-price, new books at yard-sale prices, the softest comforters at a fraction of their retail price, and delicious wines, cakes and confections.
I live in the Northwest, so you who live in other parts of the country will have your own favorite stores.. different from mine. If you take a little time to do some treasure hunting, you can live in grand style on a modest income.
"Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible sun within us." -Sir Thomas Browne
I've found it doesn't take a great deal of money to live pleasant, graceful lives. With all of the discount stores available today, our personal lives can be just as nice as that of the millionaire who shops at high-end boutiques.
My daughters and I frequently shop at Ross, Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Costco, and Grocery Outlet. If you like searching out bargains, there are many treasures to be found at stores like these.
I have found wonderful candles and decorative boxes at Ross, along with very nice sheet sets for the bedroom. Costco usually carries some of the nicest sheet sets at less than half the price you would pay at high-end stores. I have found good wine, fine chocolate and imported cheeses at Grocery Outlet. I buy fresh stemmed flowers from a little wholesale florist a couple of miles from my home. Last month, I bought 24 carnations for $4.00 plus tax.
The web offers wonderful deals on just about anything you are looking for and shopping is usually quick and safe. I have found gorgeous shoes for less than half-price, new books at yard-sale prices, the softest comforters at a fraction of their retail price, and delicious wines, cakes and confections.
I live in the Northwest, so you who live in other parts of the country will have your own favorite stores.. different from mine. If you take a little time to do some treasure hunting, you can live in grand style on a modest income.
"Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible sun within us." -Sir Thomas Browne
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