Wisdom From My Feline Friends

With a work schedule that at best is described as running on overdrive, I find it very hard to enjoy my down time. When there are people out there who do not have jobs, why am is it that I come home and feel worn down. Perspective is what I need, & perspective is what I get as soon as I walk in the door.

The door to my home has no more than closed, than I am being attacked by my 2 cats & my roommate's 2 cats(yes for those of you following along, that is 4 cats total). At times there seems to be an order within the mayhem, to assure that I know that I have been missed through my extended work day.

It is as if they are trying to tell that all is well in the world, & all I need to do is lay back, grab a spot on the floor in the sun, & relax.

How wise they truly are, time to take them up on that offer.

The Man of All Heart

Over the past several weeks and months, a friend of mine has been going through some challenges with his health. Although people have been visiting him in Florida to show their support, my work schedule does not allow it.

This has caused be to reflect on how much he has impacted my life, as well as many others. The first time I met Mark was after a meeting. It was plain for anyone to see, that through the course of that meeting, I had been challenged in my thought process & my foundation had been shaken. I was at the early stages of relaying the foundation of my adult life.

From the mass of people, Mark(a very tall and dominate presence) came of to me. Without even saying a work he gave me a hug. Not just a hug, but a connection of the soul that lasted for what felt like minutes. He had shared his compassion and showed that I was not alone. I am sure I am not the only person with a story like this.

That is why I am asking you to take the time and visit http://bringmarkhome.blogspot.com/

Over state lines, I am sending you a big hug Mark. Hope to see you soon.

Brothers Will Be Brothers

This past weekend, I had the great joy of being at my nephew's baptism. The opportunity to be present for the event was something I would not have missed for any reason. Not only was it an important event for my nephew, but also my brother & my sister(-in-law)'s family.

Of all the gifts I have been given, one of the most cherished is the gift of my big brother. It is often said that boys will be boys, but I would like to take that one step further...

...brothers will be brothers. At times as children growing up, we had a love/annoy relationship, but he was always my big brother. Being as close in age to each other as we are, less than 2 years apart, I am sure we challenged to patience of our parents.

As an adult, he has been a point of support & love that goes beyond words. This past Christmas, one of the memorable events was helping him set-up presents from Santa on Christmas Eve for my niece & nephew. It was a gift, however unintended, that was the most meaningful of the season.

He is without question, a big brother, & for that I am grateful for.

No regrets.

Okay, so it is really easy to look at things and see what was not or what did not. I would rather look and see everything that was & did become. Although, my emotions have run high in the past 3 days, I am forever grateful for the chance to open my heart & myself up to another person.

It is not the only how your treat another when you are in a relationship, but also how you treat that same person when you evolve into another chapter.

No regrets. Not ever. Not with you, Mr. Man.

Growth, Family, & Mother's Day

It is not always easy for parents to watch their children, as adults, having to grow and make mistakes, but it is the foundation that was laid down during childhood to will assure the path will come full circle.

During the late 1998 to late 2003, my journey took me down a path of addiction. Throughout my 'sabbatical from life' I distanced myself from my family & those who cared for me. For almost five years, Crystal Meth was the demon that allowed me to not face life. At the point when my standards could not be lowered any further to keep up with my addiction, I was blessed with someone very special who gave me a different option, an option I was finally ready to seek.

For over 6 1/2 years now, I have become a person who has no longer survived, but thrived. I am blessed to have a full life of family, friends, and peace. When I look into the mirror, I see a man that I am proud of. That man is a direct result of the foundation that was laid by my family.

On this Mother's Day, I want to take the time to say thank-you to my mother. Although I wish that no one who cares about me had to feel the ripple of my addiction, I do not regret a single path I went down for it made me the person I am today.

My family, both by blood & by choice, is the most valuable & rich part of my life. For that I am truly grateful.

Choosing Happiness

I had the chance to talk with a friend today. As I listened, he stated that he was worried that he would look back at his life now & regret not enjoying it.

I then asked him what he did to fill his life with happiness. Did he actively pursue it, or wait for it to find him.

Throughout my life, I had periods were I played a passive role in my own happiness. Not today. If I want happiness present in my life, it is up to me to provide it with a place to live. It is easy to say that I work too many hours, or that I am too stressed by things outside of my control. Yet, it is just as easy to find time in the day for happiness to thrive in my life.

It has been told to me before that, 'You are either working towards something or you are working against it.' I try to constantly work towards happiness. Why don't you?!

Naptime

I need a nap.

Mementos

Today when I came home from work, I was surprised to see that my roommate had hung a print that I had purchased at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The day was a perfect spring day in Atlanta. Sunny, not too warm, with a cool breeze throughout the morning into the afternoon.

The day was only enhanced by spending it with someone special. As we started our morning off, we decided to get something to eat. Full stomaches & ready for the festival, Tim (Mr. Special) & I began to walk around.

There was a large variety of artists, with just as many inspirations. Several caught our attention, for both their uniqueness & their execution. Half way around the festival, a exhibitor's booth caught my attention. Not only was his work unique, but also very eye-catching. Further exploration into his booth made me beam with joy. Inside Keith Grace's booth was a 48" tall by 24" wide gnome original mixed media piece.

The attention to detail, using sections of a map from the Black Forest in his beard, to the overall glow, was amazing. Keith's talent was only seconded by his modesty. After talking to him for a time, Tim & I continued through the rest of the festival. Equally enjoyable was seeing my friend, become inspired & want to participate in the Dogwood Festival next year. Laughter, cold sweets, and good companionship were the make-up of the day. Before we left, I went back to Keith's booth and purchased a small print.

Ornithology I - Keith Grace Copyright 2010

As I look at the print hanging on my wall in my bedroom, I am reminded of that day. Is that not what art is meant to do. Stir-up an emotion. Remind us of something. Make a connection. My memento from that day does that, it will every time I look at it.

Small Treasusers

As one walks throughout the day, it is easy to get caught up in thought and forget the pleasure of the walk itself. Often I am in such a hurry, that I am mentally two activities ahead of where I physically find myself to be.

Last Friday, I found myself with a day away from work. I took the time to recharge & enjoy to wonderful weather. The morning started off by heading to my local Starbuck's & spending the morning reading my current book, White Apples. Next I headed to a meeting, followed by a stroll through Piedmont Park. On my way,I passed a patch of grass which was blanketed in violet colored flowers no larger than a quarter of an inch individually.

Had I not taken the time to enjoy the walk itself, as opposed to just getting to the park, I would have never noticed something so small. The pleasure from that moment only amplified the rest of the day's time at the park.

Don't let yourself be so focused on the goal, that the journey itself is lost on you.

New Beginnings...

Well here I go. My leap into the world of online blogging. Not sure where it is going, or even how I plan to get there. All I know for sure is that is bound to be an interesting journey.

For me, gnomes represent a side of life commonly overlooked, but always present. Most of the time our lives are at such a pace, that we forget to see the magic just under our noses. When we slow our lives down, we are able to see the wonder & beauty we are surrounded by.

Gerald was the first gnome to enter my life over 9 years ago. Ever since that time, gnomes have held a special place in my home & heart. May you too find the joy in small things commonly overlooked, as I have.