Creative Enthusiasm

Learning By Heart

In a comfortable place, I am

Emotions bubble over, I cannot contain

Happiness, wanting to share

 

Learning by heart

Awareness and compassion

For others in a different space

 

Positive energy is for anyone who wants it

Don't they see

Discouraged, when things I can’t change

 

On their own journey -

I need to respect

Not making it my own

 

It can be tough

Wanting, to inspire others -

Not yet ready to receive

 

It feels like rejection

When they turn away

And stay behind walls

 

I thought love and giving

Was supposed to conquer all

It takes more…

 

Patience and understanding

Don’t come easy to me

Instead, I jump in quick and true

 

Help me learn, to be still…

Show them respect

Where they are, in their own place

 

~Shelley Chier July 24, 2008 (D.R)

I See the Moon

From groom dance to moon dance.
Originally uploaded by Memotions

I See the Moon
I see the moon (and) the moon sees me
The moon sees the somebody I'd like to see
God Bless the moon and God Bless me
And God Bless the somebody I'd like to see.

It seems to me that God above
Created you for me to love
He picked you out from all the rest
Because he knew I loved you best

I once had a heart as good as new
But now it's gone from me to you
Take care of it as I have done
For you have two and I have none

If I get to heaven and you're not there
I'll carve your name on a golden stair
A way up high for all to see
Just how much you mean to me

Author: Traditional

Special Flower Delivery

I received this bouquet of flowers today and it was such an unexpected surprise! Thank you ~ I love my flowers!  Only You is For You...candlebox summerfest 2008

Six-Word Memoirs

I just received an e-mail about the book Not Quite What I Was Planning The New York Times Bestseller, edited by Smith Magazine, containing Six-Word Memoirs by Writers, Famous, and Obscure.  You can visit and tell your story in 6 words.  You may be considered for Smith's next six-word memoir book.  You can read recent submissions including: 

My life made my therapist laugh.

29 years old, still playing Lego.

I saw myself clearly one time.

Still haven't caught a foul ball.

Luckier than I deserve to be.

Here's mine:

Renew, rejuvenate, refresh.  Repeat as needed.  

~Shelley Chier, happiest girl

Jaded is the label they wear

jad·ed 

1. Worn out; wearied:

2. Dulled by surfeit; sated:

3. Cynically or pretentiously callous.

jad ed·ly adv. jad ed·ness n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

 

jaded

adjective 1 tired, bored, weary, worn out, done in (informal) clapped out Brit., Austral., N.Z. (informal) spent, drained, exhausted, shattered, dulled fatigued, fed up wearied, fagged (out) (informal) sapped, uninterested, listless, tired-out, enervated, zonked (slang) over-tired, ennuied, hoha N.Z. << OPPOSITE fresh

adjective 2. satiated, sated, surfeited, cloyed, gorged, glutted

Collins Essential Thesaurus 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers 2005, 2006

 

Two people in my life profess to be jaded.  Jaded is the label they wear.  They inject the term frequently into their conversation using the word as a reference to who they have become.  Their jadedness is a result of past love experiences gone bad.  It is true they have been wronged by anyone’s standards.  I empathize with the pain they feel.  I wish I could help chip away the jade so they can see life fresh and clear.  Is it possible to become un-jaded?

  

Jaded...
By fading consequences
Held onto like treasured jewels.
But I do not sparkle within,
Or radiate a gladness
Shown on the surface...
And polished with pretense!

Jaded...
A product of delusion
Manifested by observation
And a fixed comfort zone.
Transfixed and smothering!
I run to escape...
But no one chases!
I hide to shelter myself,
From myself!

I'm jaded!
Corralled and fenced in
Behind gates I alone can unlock!
I have the keys in my pocket.

If I should open them...
Someone else may find my space,
And free it of complaint!
And that is my biggest fear.

I'm jaded.
With a need to hold onto something real!
Exhausted and left unchallenged.

Lawrence

S. Pertillar

 

Pocket Full of Sunshine

This song makes me smile.  Did you know that I keep my pockets full of sunshine?  When life delivers yuck, I have the ability to find goodness and sunshine.  This is a most valuable asset.   

Trust

 ”We’re never so vulnerable than when we trust someone – but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy” ~ Walter Anderson

                                                      

Flickr Mosaic

Make your own mosaic art using Flickr and the instructions I found at sometimes everything and posted below:  

type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search.

using only the first page, choose an image.

copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker over at FD’s image maker.

The questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you attend?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name

Mine is below.  It is fun to do and the results are unique and interesting.

1. University College, Oxford (Shelley Memorial), 2. Mexican calligraphy, 3. Take a walk in my Enchanted Forest..., 4. eccentric beauty, 5. Robert Redford, 6. Numero Uno Pina Colada, 7. OIA, handmade houses, 8. Raspberry - Swirl Cheesecake, 9. graffiti tears, 10. contentment, 11. The Web that is Us, 12. I'm singing in the rain...Just singing in the rain...What a glorious feeling!!!I`m happy again!

Are you missing your love story?

Less than love is nothing
And nothing is not enough
And more than anything
I wish you love

Jonatha Brooke

Still in love? I think so ; )
Originally uploaded by Henný G

I am in a place... I want to give and receive love... It's recent and unexpected. I have moved out of what might be called a dormant phase (as it relates to love). Meaning, a phase where I haven't been ready or open to falling in love. Imagine a tulip bulb planted deep in the dirt. The gardener has watered and fed the bulb in order to ensure it will bloom. The bulb lies dormant until the right season arrives.  Then, it blooms pushing it's way toward the sun. It feels the warmth of the sun-rays and refreshment of the rain. Okay, I admit it sounds corny, but it is the best comparison I can think of. People have lots of valid reasons for avoiding a love relationship.  But ultimately, who doesn't want to find the love of a lifetime, their soul-mate?  Living a life together forever and ever.  I have always been one who jumps in feet first, unguarded.  I won't miss my love story when it finds me. I won't worry about fears of rejection or betrayal now. Why should I? Fears about love don't scare me.  I think the reason I resisted feeling the love was because I wanted to become my best.  Bringing no inhibitions, fears, or baggage to a new relationship.    The point of my story and analogy is to tell you about my book Inspiration Sandwich by SARK. (I love to be inspired!) which prompted me to visit Planet SARK where I found this treasure of a little love story.  SARK encountered an experience in New York and shared it with her readers.  Now I want to share it with you. Do you have anything holding you back from love? 

Don't miss your love story...go ahead feel the love~

She'll Make Her Way

This morning like most every other morning, I sat on my couch in my favorite spot near the corner window.  Today I enjoyed a beautiful breeze blowing in on me.  I sipped my chocolate raspberry coffee and turned on my laptop.  And as I do every morning, I opened my e-mails.  This morning was special, because I received a big helping of inspiration from Sharon Rich at Soul Incorporated.  Inside the e-mail was a link to the the video "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant, and this quote:

No matter what our age or condition

there are still untapped possibilities within us

and new beauty waiting to be born

Dale E. Turner

When I clicked open the video "Wonder" I got goosebumps.  I experienced a glimpse of understanding, about life's cycle and journey ~ that is there for each of us ~ to be an active participant. It is exactly what I needed today.  Even with all of our imperfections, we have the potential to love and live life to the fullest.    

"Doctors have come from distant cities just to see me stand over my bed disbelieving what they're seeing

they say I must be one of the wonders of god's own creation and as far as they see they can offer no explanation

newspapers ask intimate questions want confessions they reach into my head to steal the glory of my story

they say I must be one of the wonders of god's own creation and as far as they see they can offer no explanation

believe fate smiled and destiny laughed as she came to my cradle "know this child will be able" laughed as my body she lifted "know this child will be gifted with love, with patience and with faith she'll make her way"

people see me I'm a challenge to your balance I'm over your heads how I confound you and astound you to know I must be one of the wonders of god's own creation and as far as you see you can offer me no explanation

I believe fate smiled and destiny laughed as she came to my cradle "know this child will be able" laughed as she came to my mother "know this child will not suffer" laughed as my body she lifted "know this child will be gifted with love, with patience and with faith she'll make her way"

Lyrics Natalie Merchant "Wonder"

For even more inspiration, I offer you, Natalie Merchant these are the days - (live special).  Just watching her dance in this video makes me energize.  She is dancing from the inside out, not just for show.  She is a true artist. 

"These are the days you'll remember...

never before and never since, I promise will the whole world be warm as this and as you feel it, you'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky it's true, that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you"  Lyrics Natalie Merchant "These are the Days" Can you feel it, too?

Moonlight Madness

 

Look up...The Moon is Waxing Gibbous 98

A Full Moon, I swear, everyone around me, and life itself is crazy!

Crabby, tired people

Crazy parents

Out of control gas prices

Rainwater that won't stop seeping into my basement

Friends who don't want to eat, but still make shepards pie at midnight

Kids who think sleeping past noon on summer vacation is normal

My car with an antenna that makes an awful sound  trying to rise up

Black nail polish on my sheets and bedroom carpet, new just coming out of the bag from Walgreens

One daughter who keeps cutting her bangs with my craft scissors

The other daughter who keeps talking about getting a tattoo

The son who complains about having too much hair on his legs

A dog that wants in, then out, then in, then out, then in, then out and so on and so on

A vacuume cleaner that won't suck up

Dishes breaking in the hot sudsy water, cutting my fingers

People setting rules they think are fair, but they aren't

3 teens on summer vacation + me playing banker, maid and chauffer (only 10+ weeks to go)

People addicted (to alcohol, eating, work, relationships, cleaning)

Star light Star bright

The first Star I see tonight

I wish I may, I wish I might

Have the wish, I wish tonight

All right, I'm hoping this post is some kind of therapy for me.

Wildflowers

I found myself searching for a good book to read.  It has been so long since I have read a book that wasn't for school or business.  I was drawn to this book Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul when I opened the front cover, and found this excerpt at the top of chapter one: 

"You belong among the wildflowers.

You belong in a boat out at sea.

You belong with your love on your arm.

You belong somewhere you feel free."

~Tom Petty

I am in the mood to read a book that takes me away, then leaves me with a heightened sense of self.  Do you ever feel like getting lost and found? When life has delivered an abrupt change that you aren't willing or ready to accept.  It often brings feelings of fear, pain, sadness, or loss.  You know you need to move through it.  You know you will, but your just not ready yet.  You need time in the moment, to lose, then find yourself.  The passage above comes from Tom Petty's song Wildflowers.  To me it represents open space, freedom, and choices.  Open space to move into a new mindset.  Freedom to move in any direction. Choices that are mine alone.  In my minds eye, I see an endless field of wildflowers fragrant with possibilities. 

                                                     

It has been some time, since I have felt a substantial shift in my paradigm.  My sensible self can appreciate that change will refine my character.   Afterall, life is all about change ~ our personal growth ~ our personal journey. On the other hand, my emotions show no signs of logic.  My emotions are not in alignment with patience and stillness.  Both qualities are important as change takes place. 

How do you react to abrupt change?  Once I have accepted the change, I automatically move into self-assessment mode. I inventory my strengths, then fill my mind with positive ways to project them.  I try to view the change as energizing, rather than debilitating.

FridAy Fill-iNs #76

1. Writing a book  is high up on my bucket list.

2. My favorite quote is Love as if your heart isn't fragile it's from Lunanina.

3. Sharon Sarmiento inspired me to start blogging.

4. Strawberries are best in daiquiris.

5. I remember nothing in the last dream I remember having.

6. The most enjoyable time to go for a walk is late at night with a cold bottle of Bud Light.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to re-grouping, re-focusing, re-juvinating, tomorrow my plans include my family and Sunday, I want to get ready for Cole's Birthday 14 years old Monday!

 

Eileen for #8

  There is a song for everyone ~ that immediately takes you back to a different place ~ and different time in life.  That when you hear it... you immediately think of someone, someplace, or sometime.  This song does that for me. I talked to a good friend from HUHS class of 1983 today. This song is for you #8!  Remember cruising down the road in Rubicon, in the Toyota Celica, with the windows down, past the little forest on the left, dancing in our seats, laughing, swinging our arms in the air, singing Eileen:)))

Discover Dexys Midnight Runners!

Today I am a girl

Today I am a girl who dances, sings, and laughs in Penny’s kitchen~

Today I am a girl who loves her sisters, and lets them know almost everyday~

Today I am a girl and a Mom of three~

Today I am a girl who gets her creative juices flowing~

Today I am a girl who isn't waiting on someone else to make me happy~

Today I am a girl who has closed the door and turned away from an unhealthy relationship~

Today I am a girl who has changed the rules of a dysfunctional game~

Today I am a girl who feels lighter moving away from experiences endured~

Today I am a girl who wants to love deeply~

Today I am a girl who likes to wear black, and pretty panties~

Today I am a girl with French painted toes, and gloss wiped on her lips~

Today I am a girl who feels restless at night~

Today I am a girl with the candles lit at home~

Today I am a girl who loves lilacs and fragrant blossoms~

Today I am a girl feeling the warmth of the sun~

Today I am a girl who is looking at the sky from the back of a Harley~

Today I am a girl that feels her heart beating wildly~

Today I am a girl with butterflies in her stomach~

Today I am a girl who wants the love of a lifetime, for the rest of my lifetime~

Today I am a girl who remembers how to kiss…long, and soft~

P.S. A magical mermaid helped me remember...

Survey Monkey

Their tag line is “because knowledge is everything”.  Survey Monkey allows you to collect responses from respondents easily.  There are three types of survey collectors available to use:   the web link, an email invitation, and a pop-up window.

The design process is simple to use.  There are several templates available, and customization is also available.  I have used the basic free program for a market research project.  With the free package, 10 questions, and 100 responses are allowed.

The monthly pro package is only $19.95 per month.  It allows you to create surveys with unlimited numbers of pages and questions.  You can also collect 1000 responses.

Below you can click on the link to take my "standard small business owner survey".  My intent is to collect data and improve my business offerings.  I find that it is an easy way to follow-up with potential clients.  Often times, I meet someone who hands me a business card while I am networking.  I date and file all of my business cards alphabetically in a simple white binder.  The plastic page inserts can be purchased at any office supply store.

OnTask Survey

I plan to design a new survey when I start researching a specific business niche. Survey Monkey also provides analysis tools to help understand the data (*with basic subscription package) when the results start rolling in. 

43 Things Update

On July 21, 2007 I started my list at 43 Things. Summer is on my mind, and my thoughts have prompted me to update my list. I have accomplished a few things, continue to do a few things, eliminated one thing, and added a few things to my list. It kind of reminds me of the movie trailer for The Bucket List where there are two old guys (Jack Nicolson and Morgan Freeman- 2 great actors) make a list of things to do before they die. Except I'm not old and I'm not planning on dying any time soon, so I think this is going to be fun. Here is my list updated on 5/5/08:

Work to achieve a sexy tight tummy
NEW 5/5/08 So many people act like it is so far fetched to do this. It is not. How can you not get a tight tummy if you are focusing exercises on your abs and eating right? I know I will accomplish this. I just don’t know how long it will take.
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Learn to belly dance and increase balance and strength with yoga
NEW 5/5/08 Belly dance class starts 5/15/08 (with Kathy) at Coppertree. Yoga self-taught at home to keep increasing balance and moves. Strive for correct breathing and endurance. Use yoga as a fill in when not working out.
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Go to every ethnic festival in Milwaukee this summer
NEW 5/5/08 I have only been to Summerfest, and Festa Italiana. I want to go to every festival this summer: Bastille Days, Greek Fest, Festa Italiana, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Indian Summer Festival, African World Fest, Arab World Fest, Polish Fest, Summerfest, and German Fest
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Learn how to make beaded jewelry for bare feet
NEW 5/5/08 Buy Czech glass beads, spacers, “stretch magic”, and a bead mat. Make barefoot sandals for myself, family, and friends.
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Take the kids camping this summer
NEW 5/5/08 Last summer we didn’t go camping as often as I wanted. This summer I would like to plan one trip a month for sure.
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Discover great music and artists 9 months ago
I want to make time to revisit music of my past but also discover new. Loving such a wide variety of music this is overwhelming and I get lost easily. I need to take my adventure in smaller increments and savor the music in the moment. I appreciate things that are visually and conceptually unique.

UPDATE 5/5/08 Still doing this! I want to see more live music artists this summer. Also visit art shows especially Lakefront Festival of the Arts.
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Have a positive effect on people I meet 9 months ago
I believe that through all life’s ups and downs it is most important to treat others in a way that brings out their best. It is true…when you give you may be showering yourself with blessings.

UPDATE 5/5/08 This is a lifelong “to do”
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Live comfortably with no money worries 9 months ago
Financial independence is getting better and I would like to see it continue to improve.

UPDATE 5/5/08 Definitely more security has been accomplished.
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Find my ideal business niche 9 months ago
The ultimate goal is to do what you love to do where you want to do it…for a living. Oh, I am already doing that. I would like to fine tune and create a perfect balance of my services offered, including my daily routine.

UPDATE 5/5/08 I have created the ultimate business for myself. It is just as important to keep rejuvenating and growing business ideas and opportunities. I would like to create 1 stand alone service, and also continue to work to develop a tighter business niche.
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Explore new countries 9 months ago
To name a few…
Greece, Ireland, Denmark, and Marrakesh. I want to soak up different cultures and beautiful new landscapes.

UPDATE 5/5/08 Still waiting for this to happen. It will when the time is right. Hopefully, more travel in surrounding area this summer will help quench my thirst for travel.
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Create unique windows of art 9 months ago
I want to find more time to create beautiful windows of art. I haven’t worked on this for over a year. Embellishing unique glass panes with trinkets, words, fabrics and character.

UPDATE 5/5/08 I did this! I created a few new windows, restored a few of the old I had, and gave some creative gifts to friends. Plus I organized all my supplies. I am also trying collage on canvas.
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Take intoxicating photos 9 months ago
Surround myself with beautiful photos and share them with friends and family.’

UPDATE 5/5/08 I still haven’t taken the quality photos I have in my minds eye. I have been in the habit of carrying my digital camera almost everywhere. I just need to put some more effort into taking quality shots.
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Learn as much as I can in college 9 months ago
I really want to take advantage of my time in college. I am so glad I am in an environment that teaches me new skills and allows me to grow in leaps and bounds. It gives me an advantage to be able to apply everything I learn to the development of my business OnTask http://www.on-task.com

UPDATE 5/5/08 I did this, and will graduate this summer with my associate degree in Electronic Business Management. My orientation with UW Green Bay is this week Thursday. I will set up my fall schedule to start earning my bachelor degree in Applied Sciences, Inter-disciplinary Studies.
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Learn Spanish 9 months ago
I love to hear people speak Spanish and have always wanted to be involved in Spanish conversation. I am thinking that in 2009 I may be ready to start the Spanish language program at UW Wisconsin.

UPDATE 5/5/08 I haven’t done anything with this. I want to incorporate a big part of this into my studies at UW Green Bay. I think it will be very important when I travel. Plus, I love the sound of the language.
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Take digital photography classes 9 months ago
I am scheduled to take beginning and intermediate digital photography classes in fall 2007. Also, Photoshop digital photography. I hope I learn easily and can apply the skills immediately.

UPDATE 5/5/08 – I did this!
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Raise my kids to be content, productive, and colorful 9 months ago

My kids…I love them I want them to lead productive lives meaning: they are independent and financially secure with whatever career path they choose. I hope they will be content with the choices they make in their lives. I look forward to enjoying their colorful personalities for as long as I live and hope those around them appreciate them as much as I do.

UPDATE 5/5/08 I am always doing this!
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Buy a House 9 months ago
Currently, I live in a wonderful 1950’s bungalow, on a street with lots of children playing and mature shade trees. Wherever I live… I make it “home”. However, I used to own a house and don’t anymore. I am looking forward to being a homeowner again.

UPDATE 5/5/08 – I have changed my mind on this. I don’t want to buy a house now with the economy the way it is. Plus, I am comfortable where I am at. I will re-evaluate this when the kids are closer to finishing high school.
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Be an active and insightful blogger 9 months ago
I want to incorporate blogging into my everyday life. I think it is a great way to be aware of many topics in the world today. It promotes creativity and brings people together that otherwise would not be. I will strive to contribute the best I can.

UPDATE 5/5/08 I did this! I created and design my blog www.creativeenthusiasm.com
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Skype

Besides the obvious reasons to use Skype for business: 

work smarter, get more done, talk more to your clients, cut your phone bill, free calls, video, and instant messaging all-in-one

I found more important reasons to convince my sister to get Skype:

Piano recitals by Benjiman, watching Maggie grow and seeing her cuteness, much needed opinions on new outfits, yoga together, coffee and chit chat as long as we want for free.

Sending Large Files and Folders via E-Mail

Why was I wasting my time downloading "WinZip" to compress my files and folders?  Using Windows XP system “right click” option is so easy.  Simply right click on the drive or folder, then Send To >Compressed (zipped) Folder.  Compressing files and folders allows you to send via e-mail easily.  To extract the contents in folder (upon receipt) simply right-click the compressed folder, click extract all.  You may specify the specific location to store the contents of the folder. 

Dragon Naturally Speaking

For those computer savvy business owners who want another convenient collaboration tool Dragon Naturally Speaking by Nuance is a great new resource.  It is a speech recognition software system which eliminates the need for tapes and expensive dictation equipment. You are able to talk and turn it into type.  What a great way for busy entrepreneurs to work faster on the go.  There are product editions specializing in the professional, legal, and medical industries.  Server editions are also available. 

If your interested, test your typing speed versus Dragon Naturally Speaking 9.