2014 thru my Eyes~

I have done some soul searching 

&

 decided to revamp my blog.

Call it progress...

This year,

 I am throwing out a Challenge.

 If you will...

This can take on many forms, 

should you decide to do it. 

365 days from now,

 you will be able to look back at this

and

  if nothing else,

see 365 pictures of life thru your own eyes.

My hope is that you will look back

seeing so much more...

So, 

Here it Goes...

The Challenge~

 Should you decide to accept it.

Each day you will take a picture of yourself.

Now, 

here is where things get interesting...

You don't always have to take a picture of just

 your Beautiful Face...

Depending on how you wish to do this, 

it will change the out come.

For me, 

I will turn the blog into where I will post 

my pictures & write about it.

I will say up front, 

I will not be posting any overly revealing

 pictures of myself.

My Blog, Challenge, & Choice.

Others may chose to do theirs differently...

Next, 

to keep this challenge to it's purpose.

I ask that you have no more than 4 pictures in a month, 

that are taken by someone else...

Then, 

it will truly be your vision.

Final part for now...

Every Monday, 

I will throw out a extra challenge...

Call it a guide...

A way to keep things Fresh & Fun...

I hope you all will join & invite others to join in.

You can post your pictures 

or 

choose to keep them just for yourself.

Here is to 365 days of the World through my 

( Your )

eyes...

XoXo

<3

Remembering 2013 ~

As the year comes to a close,
 we look back at moments gone by...
A personal journey of 365 days that have past.
Memories of Triumphs, Laughter,
Elation, Dreams coming to Fruition, 
Goals Met, Ideas being formed, 
Exploring, taking Chances, 
welling up with Pride, and New Beginnings...
Then there were moments of,
Sadness, Tears, Heartbreak & even some Fears,
Farewells, Defeats & Disappointments.
With each experience,
we Grew...
We Learned new things.
Though we always want the Sunshine 
& Blue Sky's,
we must accept the days that are Grey 
& Rainy...
They bring us the total experience...
A Life Lived.
Never Forget the Power of ONE
&
Don't let Anyone Define You...
Chase your Dreams,
Defy your Fears
&
Keep Exploring!
May 2014 Challenge You 
&
take you down roads not Traveled...
Keep Believing and Never Give Up.
Have a Happy, Healthy & Safe
New Year!
XoXo
<3

Christmas Eve~

 I went to Church...

Not because I truly felt like it, but because I needed to...

Since moving to NC I had not even attempted to find a Church.

I have just felt lost...

The last time I truly felt part of a Church 

was when I was growing up in Virginia.

Not for lack of trying, I promise you...

VPC, it wasn't just a Church to me... 

It was an extension of my Family.

Some of my Dearest Friends I met there...

So tonight, I decided to try again...

All I can tell you is that,

I felt like the Minister was talking right to me...

After service, I went and took some pictures...

Going up to the tree to look at all of the decorations...

I had to catch my breath...

Holding back tears...

Every ornament was made with Pearls...

Maybe you don't believe in signs, 

but tonight, I felt like a message was sent to me...

I got it...

Merry Christmas

XoXo

<3

Challenge Accepted~

I had the pleasure of talking to a very special lady today.

She told me at one point,

 that I was beautiful.

My first reaction, 

though not voiced...

Was my mind racing to all the negative things.

Why is it so hard to accept a compliment?

Conditioning?

Lack of confidence?

She reminded me that there is a fine line

between worthiness and conceit.

I wrestled with the concept.

She went on to say that 

we need to empower ourselves.

Her example,

when someone tells you 

that you are awesome.

Say, WE are awesome...

The reaction is pretty wonderful

and it will empower you.

She went on to remind me that 

I haven't blogged in a while...

So,

Challenge Accepted.

With the New Year right around the corner,

we should all try to learn to accept a compliment.

Not only empower ourselves but others.

I can tell you it leaves a long lasting 

effect on the person that you have given it to.

You are Beautiful...

XoXo

<3

A Random Act of Kindness~

A Pearl's Journey Along the 3~Day... 

Above I have given you a link to my dear friend Ali's blog.

She was my other half, 

as we worked on the Pearl to Bridget Project earlier this year.

She has gone through more in her short life, 

than many experience in their 

lifetime.  

Yet she is able to find the grace,

 to continue to find the beauty that surrounds her.  

I hope that you will take a moment to read her blog.

It is a moving story about her Journey that she took in San Diego 

this year walking in the Susan G. Komen 3~Day.

Her story is just one,

 of the many reasons why we lace up our sneakers,

beg for donations & continue to walk no matter the weather 

or the toll it takes on our bodies...

We each have a calling, 

something that drives us to do things that others may not understand...

I hope after reading Ali's blog it will give you insight.

Even if you never walk,

maybe you will understand the why...

We are a Pink Family United.

We Walk, Run, Bike & do all we can to find a Cure...

Because Everyone Deserves a Lifetime!

XoXo

<3

To my Pink Family~

As the Tampa 3~Day is coming to a close,

we hold on to all of the magical moments 

that we have come to know in our sister city.

It is a bitter sweet moment as this is for now,

the last 3~Day that is to be held in Tampa.

I hope that one day it will return 

as the walk is amazing, and the support 

is wonderful there.

Tonight, 

I am sending my Love & Thoughts 

to everyone that Walked, Crewed, Staffed

& Stalked...

Each one of you is my Hero...

I hope that you will continue the Journey 

in another place next year...

Thank you for all you have done...

Rest easy & know that each one of you has 

made a Difference!

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ Stand for Something

We all have at least one thing 
that we are passionate about, 
but are we willing to fight for it?

Recently, 

I have come to realise that sadly, some are not.  

For whatever reason, 

we are afraid to make our passions known,

 and if necessary fighting for them.

So, I ask you today...

Are you willing to fight for your passion?

I am!

I will not stay silent,

I will not quit trying,

I will not pass up an opportunity...

This is your life...

Take ownership of it.

Don't let others dictate your Journey.

If it is your passion, go after it.

Don't let others deter you from your goals.

At the end of the day,

when the world goes silent.

You are left with only the person that 

reflects back in the mirror...

Are you being true to that person?

XoXo

<3

Honor, Remember & Never Forget~

As many of you know earlier this year I was working on a project, 

"A Pearl to Bridget".  

You all helped us to make it an Amazing tribute to a beautiful woman

 who did so much for so many in her short time with us. 

Pearl Paradise was so instrumental in the vision of what we wanted to do 

with A Pearl to Bridget.

 They delivered above and beyond our wildest imagination.  

Today, 

I have the honor to be able to tell you that they have once again graced us with their 

generosity and talent for delivering superior quality as well as timeless beauty.

Alisen, who was my right hand during the project has been in talks with Pearl Paradise.

They have come up with a breathtaking pendant that I know many of you will want for your very own.

Each of us can now carry a small piece of Bridget with us 

each time we wear this stunning piece of jewelry.

This piece was crafted with just as much love, time and attention 

as the collection that was presented to Bridget.

 If that wasn't enough, 100% of the proceeds will be given back 

to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day by way of "Bridget's Birgade" 

who will be walking in her memory in San Diego.

I have included the link so you can order yours today.

They will only be making 500 of these pendants.

This is your chance to not only have a treasured piece of jewelry,

but to support a charity that Bridget believed in & 

gave so much of her life doing so, 

to help others fighting breast cancer.

We will Never Forget...
XoXo
<3

Continuing Bridget's Legacy

I'm Back~

It has been quite a while since I have written...

Not that I have had nothing to say,

but my life has had many changes over the last few months.

I have moved to North Carolina,

travled many miles,

 pursued my dream job

and now... 

I can say that I am actively doing what I Love...

It is still in the infant stages,

but you have to start somewhere.

So, every day I take the kids to school 

 then, I am off to try to make new connections 

and build from there.

Currently I am working on a name

and a design for the business.

In just the short time that I have been here 

I have already developed a small client base, 

have a few of my prints hanging in a business 

and 

some future photo shoots booked.

I hope that once I develop a name for myself

with my work, 

I will be able to put a percentage towards my 

future walks with Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

I have new businesses to share with you 

in the coming months so check back often!

Hope you all have been well since you last sat down to read my blog.

I have missed not writing every day,

but as you know,

sometimes you just have to take care of pressing matters 

and do what you can when you can...

In closing,

it is the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

If you have not done so,

check yourself, make apointments if need be and follow up!

The life you save might just be your own...

XoXo

<3

Think Pink~

As the weekend quickly approaches 

and Boston is gearing up for their 

3~Day... 

My thoughts are with each of 

the people getting ready for their journey.

It is an Amazing 3 days of 

Love, Laughter and sometimes even Tears.

It's a time to Rejoice & Remember...

You can try to explain it,

but until you actually go, see & do

you will never fully understand it.

Life is a journey that is meant to be lived!

If I have learned anything thru this 

3~Day Journey, 

it is that every moment is 

precious...

Try to enjoy every experience

and find the beauty 

in the world around you...

XoXo

<3

Movement~

Keep going,

even if the road is rough.

Challenges will be put in front of you,

you need to push past them.

Keep your goals 

and don't let go of them.

There will be days 

you want to 

quit.

Don't...

You can and will get there,

you just need to keep going.

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ Just Keep

When you are feeling Blue

& 

Life is bringing you Down...

You just have to Remember to

 Just Keep Swimming...

Keep Moving Forward

& 

You will get there!

XoXo

<3

Follow your Heart~

I have spent the past few months 

going back & forth as to when I would 

make the trip to go see my Grandmother.

Something always seemed to come up.

When I woke up this morning, 

I decided that she was where my 

heart was...

A breast cancer survivor,

  she is one of my reasons for joining the 3~Day.

With the impending move 

only two weeks away, 

I had to make the trip now.

It was one of the hardest trips to make.

Not knowing if or when 

I would be seeing her again.

I don't have many pictures with her, 

because I am always behind the camera.

Today, 

Tristin took this picture for me.

I will cherish it always,

for many reasons.

It was a long day,

but I am glad that I went.

You never know what tomorrow 

will bring,

so I followed my heart today...

XoXo

<3

Song Saturday~The Band Perry~ If I Die Young

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I've never known the loving of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
 Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing
Funny, when you're dead how people start listening

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys
And I'll wear my pearls
 

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Energy Bites

Healthy, Easy to Make & Yummy!

Great for a Summertime Snack... 

No Cooking Required!

1 cup (dry) oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. 

Roll into bite size balls. 

Refrigerate to set. 

It's as simple as that!

Enjoy...

With Each Step~

Today,

Just try to take one step at a time.

Seek,

and you will find...

XoXo

<3

If you didn't already know~

Truly,

it is such a simple thought...

However,

if you can manage to do it everyday,

you will find out how really amazing life can be.

Somedays,

this might be a little bit more difficult

than other days...

Hang in there and find a 

way to laugh...

XoXo

<3

A Special Birthday Wish~

Today, though I may feel like Crying...

I will Smile, because you came into my Life.
It was all too brief,
but the times we shared I will cherish Forever...
I can still see your bright smile when I close my eyes,
I can still hear your words resonating in my head,
I can still feel your presence, every time
I witness beauty in the world.
You Lived every day...
Teaching us all about Grace, Beauty & Love...
Taken away all too soon,
but leaving lasting lessons for us all to learn from...
Cherish the time we are Given,
Never take anything for Granted,
and leave the world a Better place than when we Found it.
I could go on for days with all the things you taught me,
that I admire about you & most of all what I miss...
I will never look at a Pearl the same way ever again.
You captured the hearts and minds of so many...
Today, as you Celebrate your 30th Birthday in Heaven,
I want you know that you are still Loved, Thought of & Missed...
I hope you are surrounded by Light, Love & Happiness.
I will be wearing my Pearls,
Thinking of you,
Celebrating the way you would want me to...
No Tears, Only Smiles...
Happy Birthday Beautiful.

XoXo

<3 

Motivational Monday~ Self Talk

With all that we are told on a daily 

basis and through our lives,

maybe the most important things

that we need to hear

should come from within.

Anyone can tell you 

that you are beautiful, 

but if you don't believe it

what does it really mean?

Or if someone says something

that is mean spirited, 

do you have to take it to heart?

We need to believe in ourselves,

to love who we are

&

to realize that there is 

no other like us.

Anywhere...

We need to make choices for our 

lives and not be so concerned 

with what "others" will think.

We need to learn to appriciate 

our own feelings and thoughts.

For you see,

when you start letting others

change the way you think,

act or believe

you are betraying the beautiful 

soul that makes you so special.

We can not be everything to everyone,

no matter how we might try.

So, sit down and tell that special someone

"YOU"

that they are important,

they have self worth 

and 

that they are beautiful.

Look in the mirror and 

appriciate that soul that is looking 

back at you...

For you see,

there will never be another 

quite like you.

XoXo

<3

For You~

At times we all need a little reminder...

Something to give us the much needed 

push to keep going 

when the road gets rough.

For me, 

this couldn't have been better timing.

 I hope that it may speak to you as well...

As you get ready 

for a new week,

I hope that this gives you the 

needed thoughts that you have been 

looking for...

XoXo

<3

Song Saturday~Chloe Agnew Of Celtic Women~When You Believe

When You Believe

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
we barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were climbing mountains long before
we knew we could

There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seemes like the summer birds
to swiftly flown away

Yet now I'm standing here
With heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe


Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you
Believe.