Beauty and the pursuit

In the heart of every woman is a little girl who once wished to be the "Princess". That beauty that was in need of rescue. The one that Prince Charming would risk his life to pursue. We live in a society where beauty is revered and desired, and where we would do almost anything to get it. Yet I am left with the feeling of falling short, of not being quite good enough as a woman. I am currently reading the book Captivating, by John and Staci Eldredge. I was struck by the following statement.

"I am not enough, and, I am too much at the same time. Not pretty enough, not
thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough. But
too emotional, too needy, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy.
The result is shame, the universal companion of woman. It haunts us, nipping at
our heels, feeding on our deepest fear that we will end up abandoned and alone."

The book goes on to say that this is a mentality that causes us to feel like failures and if we could only manage to get our act together our lives could be better. It also goes on to say that this myth is perpetuated by society and the church. This book, which I am still reading, is a journey into the mysteries of a woman's soul. It so far has helped me to embrace my femininity and relish that I have been created in the image of God. I have a uniqueness that can make a difference in the lives of those I love. This is just an installment in a series as I grow and learn from this wonderful book, tune back and see my growth. You may wish to take your own journey, if so pick up this book and join me.

Today is happy and sad, the children move on to their new home in west Florida. It is time but I will miss Ethan shouting "Goody"

Spring Break

Two days and counting! I have never been so ready for Spring Break. This year the work load seems overwhelming. I seem to have to carry over the to do list from one day to the next. I am sure I am not the only experiencing a bit of spring fever. My staff to is needing these 10 days of escape.

I think the greatest benefit in my profession is the fact that I get regular breaks. Now my job is not the kind where you sit all day and I like that but lately I have dealt with one interruption after another and the priority list grows longer and longer. Growing pains to be sure. I can say with all honesty I will climb in my car Thursday evening and head out and not look back for even a second. This is a earned and deserved vacation.....wonder where I will end up? No matter, anywhere but here will be a nice change.

New addition

Today, March 9, 2006, we welcomed a new addition. Christopher Tyler born to Chris and Heather (my neice) at 6:42 a.m. weighing in at 7lbs 12 ozs and was 22 inches long. He is a redhead and looks just like is daddy. Tyler shares a birthday with his 2nd cousin Grace who turned 19 today. Happy Birthday to you both.

Grace and Silvia

Friends

We all have them, friends. Some are life long, some are new. We all meet people that make our life fun, enhanced, just more enjoyable. Throughout my lifetime I have had many. Some I have had nearly as long as I have been alive....Some I barely met, but they have impacted who I am for the rest of my life.

We live in a transitory world, one in which people come and go at a pace too fast to keep track of. I am finding I am a rare bird, one who has spent her life in one place. I never intended it that way, my parents chose where I would be born and grow up, but none the less it is so. Now that is not to say I have not lived anywhere else, a brief move in my mid twenties to Maryland, but by and large I am a northeast Florida girl.

I have good friends whom have come and stayed briefly, living here 5, even 10 years and moving on to other parts of this great nation of ours. Some have gone away just to return again, sweet reunions, but things have changed considerably. Some have moved so far away that the only way we keep in touch is through email and phone calls. Still others, were not but a name and face on the computer they too are dear.

Why do we need to connect with other and spend time living life together, laughing, crying and impacting the quality of life for each other. Some people strive for money, fame, the next rung on the ladder up. I strive for for the next friend, the next person to whom I can make a difference in their life and they in mine. Life is wonderful that way. Everyone reaching out and and touching those around them.

My heart has been heavy lately for fear of losing my closest friend to yet another move. I have promises that all will be well, but still the fear is there. It hangs like a heavy cloak on my heart. I wonder if again I will be left behind to wonder how things are, if it is well with them. Ok, I know roads can be traveled and planes fly daily out of this very large city, but I do not want to be left behind yet again. I guess the song that says "Friends are Friends forever" is true but I don't want another long distance friend.

Time

Have you ever noticed that time is one of the few things in life we all have in common. We are on equal ground so to speak. Each having twenty four hours to live life in any way we see fit. Some fill up as many hours in the day possible. Some do as little as they can. You get no more, or no less than anyone else.

My grandson loves for me to sing him a song that goes:

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky, Lucky, Lucky son of a gun, I work eight hours. I sleep eight hours. I save eight hours for fun!

In reality rarely is this true. I sleep around 5 or 6 hours each night and work around a 10 hour day, every day. That still leaves my eight hours of fun, right? Not exactly. I must drive in traffic...1.5 hours. I must cook and clean up each day...1.5 hours. I have to pick up around the house and pay bills and all the other things you do when you own a home....2 hours. So three hours of fun!!!! Wonder what I will do....? :)

Prince Philip ~ A tale of the frog Prince

On a pier in Fernindina Beach, Florida. I saw him, my Prince Charming. He was tall, dark and handsome with a disarming smile and eyes that sparkle with a hint of mischievousness. I did not know he was Prince Charming, I did not know him at all.

What makes a mere man a Prince? Love, plain and simple. If you love someone, you overlook the little things. You see that strength that makes them seem invincible. There is a wisdom beyond knowledge, they just seem to know the right thing to do. They have the ability to remain calm in the midst of a storm and more importantly calm those around them. A quick wit that warms the soul and brings joy and happiness in large doses. All regal qualities, that define a Prince.

I have spent many months living and learning about my frog prince....He is a keeper and I might add a wonderful kisser as well. I find he has the ability to make me very happy and in addition more aggravated than anyone I know.

**Kisses my dear Prince Philip**