Happiness Project Toolbox

...where would we be if it wasn't for the grace of God -

‎...asked my husband, "Can you smell it?" [He always starts that when football is lingering in the air - I usually want to hurt him by the time football arrives.] He said, "I just can't quite smell it yet!" Are you ready for some football?! I am!

...from a small town girl gone country - yesterday, felt a little like I forgot and squat with my spurs on kind of day! Learning it's better to tackle on my knees than squattin' in my spurs!

The only drama I can enjoy is when it's on a big screen -

Thankfully, my day ended better than it began - found out my son had not left his shaver, this is actually a friends from camp. Once again lots of noise, thankfully they responded with kindness and apologized and my son even said, "I love you Mom!"

...hate those days you wake already aggrivated, and for no particular big reason - son forget his shaver, just need to refocus and move on, so unimportant.

Sometimes the ill we speak of others, has a way of following us much like our own shadows. No matter how fast one runs, the shadow still remains.

I discovered, quite by accident, how richly it sometimes pays to let the other person do the talking.

...some people are so full of it, that they neglect to notice they are in line for the port a potty [especially those that complain when things are done to them, in the same manner in which they shoveled it out!] -Susan A. George 7.27.10

‎...washing loads and loads of white karate gi's, clorox lingers heavy in the air, not enough carpeting to dry them all, so decided to hang outdoors in the sun - a local rancher just came up to our door and asked, "who are you surrending to?" - lol

...most memorable childhood places - for me, both my grandparent's homes - one a country farm, the other in town, I still love honeysuckle scents caught in the wind, peaches straight from the tree, sandstone porches, and rides on old car hoods.

Amazed by my transformation since the last time I posted - excitedly good stuff!

...got in some weights|6 mi of biking before Survivor - feels good to get that in my day.

Yesterdays news of two friends getting a divorce - now, that will personally effect your happiness level.

It felt odd to have the ability to watch that party, and know it was me they were talking about. Thankfully, I'm not mad, upset or sad - the old me would have been. Helps to stop a moment, and consider the source...

Facebook entry on friends site felt like playground for a pigsty - and several of her friends couldn't help but jump in and enjoy the mud with her. It felt odd to have the ability to watch that party, and know it was you they were talking about.

I was miserable yesterday, knowing I wasn't where I was suppose to be. So not fond of change, even those changes that I know ultimately will be great - are challenging for me. Need a little push, as my family waits patiently for me -

My inspirational thought for the day to myself, "If they can...why can't I - that's just it - I can!" Why not...

Read this today, made me smile as it reminded me of my Red Cardinal...wanted to kill the bird pecking at my window incessantly all morning for the third day in a row. Guess he's got it worse off than I if he is fighting with his own reflection.

Another photo session, an engagement session this time, by an old railway station with such interesting features, brick facade, weathered doors and a detached caboose - so looking forward to this opportunity!

Best day during Spring Break was the surprise visit from my sistah, niece, and their new Saint Bernard puppy "Spanky". Photo session around town, and a fab♥ haircut & style they gave me - the photo's just a reminder of a great day!

Surprise party for friends 18 year old daughter - so fun...made me feel young. The cake was pink, black & white - so pretty, and tasted even better!!

Feeling quite inspired lately - creative, more than I have been in months. The ideas just keep flowing. Motivates me to read what inspires others - sparks action and enthusiasm in me.

I am getting back into designing - picked out coordinating fabrics yesterday, forgotten how much I enjoy the entire process from picking the fabric to designing and the final finished piece.

Finding that doing for others, just small thoughtful things in my day - has allowed me to get my focus off of me and my struggles. Whatever I was facing seems to have faded into the distance - serving others is like "Miracle Grow" -

The rainstorms have begun early this morning, no chance of me melting - so, think I'll get out and splash in it. I'm thirsty anyways, so bring on the rain.

It's a gift we give ourselves when we forgive others. What a greater gift we give, if we have the ability to forgive ourselves, for we learn by making mistakes.

My creative spark has been re-ignited, seems to have blown in with the changing of the seasons. It's been awhile since I've felt creatively inspired.

Took my car to the automated car wash (long wait, long line) - as it was first sunny day in a long time. Got car stuck against rail, only windshield washed -my attitude sank. My son (15) said don't let this ruin your day, this happens to everyone -

Finally able to do some manual work (that doesn't completely knock my back out for days) after a back injury that occurred mid- December - this has been quite a frustrating challenge for me.

I ♥ early morning exercise and watching the sun come up! There is just something about watching the sun emerge and rise through the trees - and what a glorious sun it is! I feel great!

I am thankful for all the gifted individuals in my life, that inspire - through a poem, a song, photography, a word spoken, or other talents ministering something heartfelt good to me.

Got a sad phone call last night about our nephew. My friend at church sang, CeCe Winans song, "He doesn't know his worth, He's too strong to be weak, Show him mercy, He's not on his knees....yet." I'm hanging on the power of God's mercy for him!

Spent the day working myself up into a ruffle with just thinking about the company dinner, much anxiety - all the normal issues of conversation. Came so close to backing out even after we got in the car. Glad I stayed the course - great evening.

Looked out my window this morning and saw that glorious sunrise that looked as if a broad brush had swiped a big bold streak of Crimson and Scarlet across the Eastern sky - my husband said, "Looks like a storms a coming!

When I find something good or useful, I like to share it. I ran across by accident a blog called Heart to Heart with Holley, Out of INsecurity - (21 day challenge). We are presently on day 6. http://blog.dayspring.com/2010/02/out-of-insecurity.

Injured my shoulder, neck and lower back mid December, it's now been 2 days that my shoulder and neck feel close to normal. That feels so good! Still problems and stiffness with lower back - but, being patient and taking care -

Realizing that I am knitted together with others of like mind, sharing the same things in my life, be it our joys, triumps or heartaches - and then being able to recognizing what a beautiful tapistry we are in the making!

I enjoy reading others posts... that alone is motivational, a load lightener, and a little ray of sunshine for the day!

Today, I called my husband at work and told him how much he means to me and how much I appreciate all he does, for his love, friendship, how he pours so many good thing into my life. A good man is worthy of praise - something, I hope I never forget.

Today when I looked in the mirror, it was not my face that I saw - but, the face of my Mother.

Started blogging on a new websight this week about overcoming insecurities - so interesting to see how we are so connected. Inspiring and thoughtful approach. Heart to Heart with Holley by Dayspring.

I am making conscience opportunities to feed myself and others in my life with words that brings life and encouragement - taking care of not only what I absorb, but what I pour into others, especially when I am hurt or disagree.

I'm seeing big results in my one on one communication with others - filling my time with reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - a dramatic, more thoughtful person rising,,,results of a back injury that turned into an unexpected blessing!

Happiness is discovering quite by accident, how richly it sometimes pays to let the other person do the majority of the talking. Learning to be a better listener - allowing others to talk about their life, has greater rewards than me speaking.

I have wondered what effect it would have if in those moment we want to lash out at someone, if we chose to partake in a random act of kindness instead. To press on through our emotions, and do something unexpectedly kind for them.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Wish I could say that didn't bother me, but it did... Long time since I've felt like this - but, guess a little rain is only to be expected,,,doesn't mean I like it, sure glad sun sets, and rises to new beginnings!

...while looking out the window at all our downed tree's, my husband commented that it wasn't any harder than eating an elephant (should have seen the look on my face) - one bite at a time, he replies. That just made me laugh - now, I can do that!

It's been a little over a year that my Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer - spending the day with her today, bringing belated Valentine's and just counting every moment a blessing to spend with her.

It has been my habit for years, that when I am first introduced to a person that I say something to the effect that, "Everyone should have a nametag." In short, not taking the real effort to learn. Today, I see the benefits of making the effort.

Started a new book today, How to Win Friends and Influence People. On the chapter, "If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive" - I am already learning that criticism, even in small doses brings out the swarm of bee's not the honey.

Last night, I heard my husband use the words, "We're operating in survival mode" when sharing with family about work situation. Much has transpired the last few months, and changes are a certainty. Peaceful - knowing we serve an unchanging God.

Never take someone for granted. Hold every person close to your heart, because one day you may wake up and realize that you've lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones...

Isn't it amazing how the presence of sunshine will totally lift a persons spirits? Bring on the sun -

Just assisted in what felt like an episode of Survivor with all this chainsawing and loading the truck - very productive day...just glad I didn't have to wear a swim suit =)

My husband surprised me with Bedre Chocolates - they are so good. I've decided to go back and give others some of these wonderful Bedre Chocolates. Good things are better shared - it's a double blessing!

Good workout - 34 minutes on exercise bike - burning 365 calories!! Feeling good =)

Some mountains are no more than a grain of sand and unworthy of being called a mountain by any standard - taking charge of some of these grains today.

Finished reading, The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine. Discovered mistakes that I was doing consistantly while communicating with others - now, that I know and am aware, can successfully focus on changing.

Even with 200+ tree's damaged on the property, feeling quite blessed with all these young energetic friends/neighbors with 4-wheelers should we find we need extra helpers.

A teen fell into my husband at the basketball game last night, it tickled her so much that she couldn't stop laughing - her laugh was so contagious, it set off a chain-reaction in our section. Grateful for those moments that make us laugh!

Such a great feeling to be able to get back on schedule with my exercise bike after a long week of ice and snow storms, loss of electric, and coming down with a bug for a week - just feels so good to feel good!

...remember a time when I didn't enjoy watching sports - now, I enjoy anything between school sports to the Superbowl, thoroughly enjoy cheering 'em on and tossing popcorn everywhere.

Superbowl Sunday - what's not to like about that! Food, family, the game - and how about those memorable commercials!

Such a productive day! We're learning all kinds of interesting trivia about Oklahoma for our son's Academic Meet on Tuesday. Now, just 30 more chapters of studying to go before the weekend winds down - sure glad learning can be so much fun together!!

This will preach, I saw it scrolling on here and I can't stop thinking about it, especially after the devistating ice storm that damaged so many of our old tree's. Best time to plant an Oak - 25 years ago, Second best: today!!

...looking at some unidentified shinning object just outside my window, it's round, glowing, and warm - whatever it is, I like it!! Can you tell it's been days since the sun has warmed us?

There is still a lot of storm damage, downed power lines and tree's. Heard school was in session. Wondered if we could even make it out of our long drive - we did! Seeing all those familiar faces just made us smile after this long week of storms!

Our electric returned after being without it for 3 days - so grateful for hot showers, shampoo, lights, the ability to wash clothes and dishes. Still 2" of ice on ground, 7 " of snow - but going to try and make it out today.

...woke this morning knowing we will rise above all of this storm damage, one day at a time - I will not focus on what was lost, but what still remains. Thank you Lord for that peace that passes all understanding...

We are surrounded by old Oak & Pecan Tree's - major ice storm came raining in. Last night I wept, as I heard one tree or limb after another crack and fall (100's) - a sound I will not soon forget. Today is a new day, a new beginning...

A major ice storm hit Oklahoma, major tree damage here - I'm grateful for insulated coveralls, my son's out-grown hunting boots, ugly stocking hats, a generator, and a good sense of humor! Thank you Lord for your protection

Major ice storm is trickling into our state as I type, powerlines, trees, automobiles starting to accumulate with ice - at the moment very grateful to have electric and a generator just in case power is lost.

Love your flaws cause IMPERFECT is the new perfect.

(pt. 2) end of our day yesterday - that has left us all in awe of what God can do to change a situation. Celebrating my Birthday officially this weekend - might have to incorporate a few snowballs,,,or ice skating, ...Big Storm Coming!

I am laughing on the inside, as I got sick early afternoon on my Birthday, and am recuperating today - but, honestly feel blessed, loved, and so very happy! Received a phone call to an answer to prayer for a young person in our life at the end of our

Re-connected with a friend of mine, my Maid-of-Honor in my wedding. I haven't seen her in over 13 year's, her oldest daughter married this year - I can't hardly believe it...she was 6. Cherish the moments, they have a tendency to sneek up on you!

What exciting games from beginning to end - the boys won 1st place in the Big 8 Jr. Basketball Conference. Whoo - I am still spinning from that explosive, energy packed game! Proud of them all -

Trying to take advantage of small window before the Big 8 Jr. Basketball Conference - rode bike 8 miles, burned 200 calories!

This is an inspirational youtube short clip, perhaps it will motivate you, in the least it will bring out a smile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU6u-TKxrEA

12 miles on stationary bike, 442 cal's burned, great motivational music, 2-8oz. glasses of H20 = a journey to a better me!

During my Bible study, I realized during my shoulder/neck injury that I had swaped pain for anger. I see now, how running into me wasn't overly pleasant these past 30 days. Lesson learned, next time I will process it before God.

It's like doors are opening so fast for our family, it's hard to keep up which one to go thru now. Our son attended a church with kids he goes to school with, a connection he hasn't had at our current church of nearly 10 years. Joy of connection!

...wasn't quite prepared for that phone call, but I've grown to realize God can do all things...change a situation, establish hope, bring restoration - nothing is too difficult for our mighty God! Praying about our family being a mentor for a teen -

Early in the year decided to re-connect with a friend that I haven't seen in over 15 years - distance, time, life.... She sent me a response to my e-card today - so glad that I reconnected - this is a friend that I went to grade school w/ years ago.

Was just invited to an accountability group through facebook - shared this Happines Project Toolbox with the group as it has been a great motivator for keeping me on track - too good to keep to myself! Play on!

Just completed 20 minutes, burning 290 calories on the exercise bike - feels good to get that behind me early. Went to Big 8 basketball conferences last night - son's team will advance! Great game!

Got my Bible study in early this morning. ML day today - enjoying day off with my son. Big 8 Conferences this week - meeting my husband at his work and then off to the game, hope the guys do a fantastic job!!

Worked out on the bike 30 minutes, 10 miles and burned 350 calories - Yeah me!! Also, drank 2 8 oz. of water - I feel good!!

Last week, just standing thru my shoulder out of wack for 3 day again - so grateful that today was a good day with no relapses.

Went to church today and really enjoyed the service - even stayed until the last person was gone to talk to the Gibson's. Great day!

So grateful that our 15 still enjoys being with us, movie watching, going to cheer on young basketball stars...I'm most grateful!

Going to go cheer on some young basketball stars today - going to get in my Esther devotional before we go. Thinking also that my son can share the fake to invisible guard routine. Thank you God for a good sence of humor!

A 4.0 earthquake hit Midwest City, Oklahoma City today - we're use to tornado's not earthquakes! Watching Haiti - and all the devistation there - very humbling. Lord, bring aide and care to them.

Last night my son played basketball - and wasn't on his A -game. Hard game to watch. Dedicating Underwood's son Play On to him: Play on when you're losing the game. Play on cause you're goina make mistakes. It's always worth the sacrifice.

Spent time at the mall with my son - something we don't do near enough. Sure had fun, then came home and watched Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951) movie with the family. Great day!

Esther bible study - One good thing about living in an increasingly crude world is that a woman with manners, even one who simply knows how to make intorductions or host a gathering can stand out like a rare gem in a barrel of coal.

(continue) Piercing Energy That Strikes Back. Should come with a warning: Do not flick lighter after consuming...you might ignite! Motivating myself to write a devotional on this one.

They say laughter is good for the soul - ...took a sip of Venom Black Mamba Energy drink, immediately jolted me out of my car. After I regained my composure I thought, Wow! Flavored anti-freeze in a can, burned all the way down - they're right,

Today, I am going to challenge myself to go thru my old sweats and replace them with something cute - comfort does not need to look frumpy - if you look good, you feel good!

Some days you just get up KNOWING it's going to be a good day - that's what today feels like. I'm running with it for all its worth! Let the day unfold -

While cleaning the office yesterday, I ran across Carnagie's book, The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking. It just caught my eye - so here I am today - reading it. Imagine, if I can conquer this fear!

Day ended productive, son gave Bible study over Ezra - he really surprised me with his research. I followed thru w/ Esther - very interesting. Also, challenged myself with Carnagie's book on giving speeches. Now, that would be an accomplishment!

28 straight days with my shoulder/neck injury and now a head cold - need an extra dose of vitamin C to keep today on the positive and productive side...but, I am determined!

Injured my neck/shoulder 3+ weeks ago, so grateful that I am progressing - pressing on and not willing to believe for anything short of a complete healing.

pt. 2: (which has been lost somewhere in transit - snow storm). Found out this morning that the girl I've been communicating with has also been engaged in Dunster. The artist's son proposed ♥ Another connection - that just made my day!

...Stephen and I were engaged in Dunster, England 20 years ago. We stumbled upon a local artist who had painted a replica of the town square (among his many works), we recently ordered a snow scene of this same town square - (which has been lost som.

Went to our first Thunder Basketball game, and had the opportunity to invite a friend for our son. Such great fun - must do again! Controlled my eating, just drank a soda, and chose tator tot's instead of a full meal afterwards - aah willpower!

Already accomplished so much today - more than a typical Saturday, got in 30 minutes spinning, burned 279 calories, completing laundry, ready my daily bible study in Esther, face mask, now shower, and then onto master bedroom for a little touch up.

...son rollin' in all bubbly from all-night lock-in, their karate demo team performed @ 4:30 a.m. - he said it was the best performance to date. He is a great motivator for me! Rode my exercise bike for 30 min/279 cal./8 miles. Drinking H20.

So excited to start this journey in the Happiness Project - what a great way to embark on this New Year to seek, actively pursue happiness thoughtfully. Enjoyed watching the College Alabama vs. Texas title game tonight - while riding the bike.