Things don't ALWAYS look the way they seem??

I have always lived in transient places.... Places where people..move to... and it takes about two years to find out if they will actually make it living there... for lack of jobs, friends or just plain homesick to move back where they came from.  For this reason their roots don't really take here and when you think you've possibly made a friend or two... in this day and age, with the lousy economy, large companies closing, the small businesses starving,hours and wages being cut, and people resorting to desperate measures just to make ends meet.... people and situations don't ALWAYS look they way they seem.  Unfortunately, these unpredictable situations are what change people and the maybe once kind and caring person... will do just about anything to a possible friend just to get ahead or avoid an expense even if it affects that other persons livelyhood.  So instead of helping one another... it seems as though we are just out there to, like Archie Bunker used to say.. "Take care of #1!!"  

It truly is very sad... and totally against how I was raised, anyway... So I'm finding through my experiences these days... that I need to have a tougher skin... rely on my instinct .. and ever faithful women's intuition.... to get me through my day whether its personal or business.  

I never thought I'd say it .. but "It sure wasn't like this in the "Olden days... "  

Thank God I still have my faith...

A Hui Hou...    we're NOT in Kansas anymore... :)   

Creative inspiration and then some.....

Now that I know that Abudaubi... is a REAL city... it sounds so very exotic...
I'm not sure if it was just the place or the culture, their beliefs... or all of the above..

 

I'm sure ... it is all of the above... but this also lends for great inspiration and imagination... as well...

Since the series and the movie "Sex in the City" I have been truly inspired by all of the characters of course... but my favorite being "Samatha Jones"

& of course

"Carrie Bradshaw"

Her writing career.. and the interesting and current things she writes about really do inspire me as I have mentioned probably too many times before.  It was really cool.. although I know it was "fictional" that they all, the great friends that they are traveled alone to such a place... and were able to enjoy such pampering!!  It was even fun to imagine being there yourself.... it was pretty awesome.  

There are so many movies that I've watched that are very inspirational.. to me ... I know that sounds really cheesy but... even movies like "Karate Kid"... the new version.. was a pretty inspiring story... although it is the same type of story... it still gives inspiration and sends a message.  A "never give up"... KEEP POSITIVE ... journey on message.... The strength ...control, discipline, drive pumps through your blood and thoughts... something I really need at this time in my life... I studied TaeKwoDo .. years back.. and really miss the concentration, discipline and centerness of my mind.  I was in my best shape ever then.. even at 8 months pregnant.. it was so much fun I never realized all the exercise I was doing!!!  Now.. that I'm way too overweight... with my blood pressure and probably cholesterol suffering each and every day... and both my knees being popped out with self care and recovery .. they sure are not what they used to be.  I'm at a crossroads... I cant keep going on this way.. I do the minimal here and there...  but not enough to make a difference during this menopausal time in my life.  I have the means to get back into my yoga practice and mix in the pilates.. after all I havent used this Total GYM as much

as I should have and my visits with Chuck and Christie have been minimal at best... so as one that I probably knows me the best tells me .. I just need to "suck it up, face EVERYTHING WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE"  and just do this thing......!!! Quit beating around the bush, making excuses ... and make the difference and DO IT!!!

"When life gets you down YOU make the choice to get back up again..!!" 

Aloha & A Hui Ho.............

"Merry Christmas!!"

Merry Christmas!!! Wow I can't believe its already Christmas...












Where does the time go.. !!! Christmas.. hussle bussle of this busy season... should get us to realize and remember what this season is really all about.. I love looking at the Christmas snow scenes.. as so carefully painted by artists like Thomas Kinkade... he truly knows how to capture the light.. and spirit of an old fashioned Christmas...



... Its not about the shopping.. or spending money we don't have.. or running from party to party.. and worrying about what to give and to whom.. or even finding the perfect tree, or having the nicest decorations.. or going on fancy, extravagant trips.. but its remembering .. the actual true meaning of Christmas... and celebrating Christ's birth.. !!
Sometimes.. and I know I'm totally guilty myself .. for getting lost in the "materialistic" and expense of the holidays.. getting lost in the "What do I get for this person..???" or worrying about finding the perfect tree with the perfect decorations..what we really need to do is to be thankful.... and remember we are celebrating Christ's birth... and the wonderful miracle that it was...
We all can get caught up in the materialistic "retailism" of this truly lost holiday season... and totally loose sight of this very special meaning... soo.. when you're running and rushing around.. trying to get things done.. getting frustrated at stupid things.. that we really shouldn't worry about at all... remember "it is better to give than receive"... and be thankful.. for family and friends no matter where they are.. and what they mean to you. Life is a gift.. and we need to cherish each moment that we are given... all the rest is just stuff!!

Aloha & Mele Kalikimaka Hau'oli Makahiki Ho!!!

New journeys in life...

Well .. here is another day gone by.. and I think things seem to be coming together more.. I am trying to work on a new discipline and blog more.. I really do like this blogging thing ... actually the definition is as follows.. "and online diary, a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a web page." Sounds impressive!! I guess I can be called a "bloggerist?" Is this a word?? I think so .. now..

Today was a day full of interesting learning events.. s

ome great, some not so great. I would like to talk about a wonderful new company that I'm involv

ed in .. a "w

ellness" company. My new business.. "Moms helping Moms to create a healthier brighter future!" Artfulmama's Wellness... I really love the

products and there are so many. All of them healthy and environmentally safe for you and your family.. you may go to the website.. http://www.internetceomoms.com/Artfulmama and explore your possiblities to save money, get healthier, and develop your own personal business.. just by helping others.. do the same.!!

My greatest passion.. besides writing is my artwork.. I so completely enjoy being creative.. and sharing with the world. I have discovered a wonderful website offering a wonderful retreat, getaway.. whatever you m

ay call it.. enjoying nature and indulging yourself in art!!! The web

site http://www.hawaiianartjourney.com offers a truly wonderful authentic Hawaiian experience.. of art, culture and nature compiled with relaxation and restfulness. Please feel free to explore the website and contact me if you have any questions etc.

This weekend I took a beautiful walk through a small town near my home, Holualoa, Hawaii .. browsing and enjoying art and sipping and tasting Kona coffee from many different coffee

farms!! Who could beat it.. coffee and art all in one experience.. at the

Kona Coffee Art Stroll. I visited many quaint little art galleries.. and met lots of beautifully talented peo

ple. I really love these unique galleries!!

I also had the pleasure of being introduced to another excellent organization .. Arts of Kona... who involves artists of all different types and mediums.. to promote the presence of art in our community he

re and Hawaii. The organize various showings of all talents from concerts to art shows and the like. Check out and visit their website.. http://www.artsofkona.org

I hate to end on a real but negative note.. but this morning I was watching my favorite news and everything show.. Good Morning America. I think I've been watching this program for at least 25 years... every morning while getting dressed for work.. or the day, having a cup of coffee or herbal tea.. I try to at least get in an hour of Good Morning America.. today was different.. I was truly disturbed by a story I heard about yet another little girl .. missing then found murdered.. her body found destroyed just a few days after her disappearance. I truly don't know whats going on in this world

! More and more of these terribly awful stories.. are popping up all over.. !! I listened to the mother of this little girl.. and watched her cry for her lost daughter.. she mentioned and it stuck with me, about being too busy .. taking the little things and times for granted.. sometimes its just that we are "just too busy in our heads.." Wow..!! that really hit me.. then she said .. you never know as each day goes by that we could be sitting here.. maybe with our own tragic story. If you have a moment take time to visit the website... http://www.rememb

eringsomer.com and take the time to read the story and send a message of hope and prayers.

So, with this in mind.. please lets all think.. take time with our children and families.. even just the little times.. talking in bed when its dark.. cuddling all together in one bed .. watching a silly tv show.. these times are making most memorable events in our minds.. Try not to get "too busy in your head." Take time for the little things.. love and enjoy your families and children..!! With Warm Aloha.. Good Night... Artfulmama

On a lighter note....

I have been working on some of my pet portraits... and kind of got on a roll here lately... of which I am totally elated about because I truly thought I lost my touch... these are some of my latest portraits of some of my beloved furry friends... !!! Drawing, painting, designing.. color.. I love it all and have always tried to keep it apart of my life. I truly feel more of myself.. when I am creating.. like in my writing... and hope to keep expanding my creative horizons..

I truly believe that our furry friends are really just special people in fur coats.. the fact that they continue to give unconditional love at all times.. is truly a special and unique trait... I find myself even when enjoying a wonderful vacation.. missing my special loving furry friend ("Thunder", the portrait just above in the center) its a special, completely undescribable feeling ... of his unique snore, breathing and even dreaming... I feel completely safe feeling him next to me or at my feet... a feeling that cannot be compared to anything else..

We need to be good to our furry friends.. they are truly a special creation from God.. Thank you God for this truly wonderful creation.. Have a great day & Aloha!!

"B F F!!!!"..

Good Friends, true blue friends...or BFF's are a very special cherished miracle of life. These Best Friends Forever (BFF) are special but a very rare species and very difficult to find. Like I always say... if you find at least one good friend through school, marriage and life... you are doing exceptionally well... good friends are the ones that stick with you through thick and thin.. help you through the rough spots, celebrate with you through the fun times and sob with you through the sad times.

I never made any lasting friendships through school... pretty much had friends at that time.. went through your typical ups and downs.. but no one really kept in touch. It always seems that, not to be proud of myself.. but I really tried to call, stay in contact, write letters... the old fashioned snail mail... but it really never seemed to stick... just lost touch. Or, maybe, THEY just never thought it was worth it. Each relationship and friend I have come to love and cherish fit together in our puzzle of life. I always tried to remember fun times and great memories... ones that I thought we could continue to share... well, alot of times this supposed lasting relationship just never materialized. I did think I had a really great friend once.. and the friendship did last for quite sometime... but it just never survived. Alot of petty things and stupid circumstances got in the way and deteriorated this friendship. Fortunately, at an older age .. I was able to make some really lasting friendships. Friends that I know now will last forever. These friends .. I made through having a wonderful daughter and met them while us Moms were going through the same things in life. Things like extreme weight gain and swollen ankles through pregnancy, Mommy and Me classes, potty training, chasing toddlers, birthday parties, homework and uniforms, dealing with school projects and out of the park teachers with crazy ideas... , family crisis, Halloween costumes... and now puberty... a very trying time, I must say myself and just plain old "what am I going to make for dinner, AGAIN... you name it.. and Moms stick together. This strong "Motherly" bond.. I think outlives any other type of "friendship bond". Its like two day old oatmeal stuck to your mug that you forgot in the car yesterday... cause you were already on the run trying to get the kids to school... work out, keep up with the housecleaning, laundry, dusting... and yes... how am I supposed to be able to get all of this done... still make a delicious economically sensible meal.. and be able to throw that black teddy on.. and still entertain the evening troops!!! Only a Mom knows ... and can really relate to another Mom on this ... soooo with this in mind.. this is why I truly believe that the Mom to Mom bond is a very unique and special bond.. In this stage of my life... with my daughter heading through the teen years.. and myself.. well lets just say she is getting on the bus and I'm definitely getting off the bus! These are very trying, tiring, stressful, fun, exciting and adventurous years.. and you definitely need good friends... its just too tough to go this alone. Don't get me wrong... our husbands are our best friends too.... another very special once in a lifetime bond... that can never be replaced. But, the Mom Bond... is a whole other ballgame entirely!!! I am truly in love with my husband... but I totally cherish my "Mom" friends. In my lifetime so far, I have only been able to make five really great Mom friends... five totally different personalities, Mom styles, backgrounds, interests and takes on life, but all five have great big hearts full of love and caring. One quality that I pride myself on as well.. I have been fortunate to have learned great things from all of them... and will always enjoy and learn every moment I spend time with each one of them and I hope they do as well with me.

Friends in life are very important.. vital part of our lives. We learn, we laugh, we love, we cry, we lean on them and they lean on us, and we have fun.. with our friends..especially these "Mom" friends... I thank God everyday.. for my friends and we all should as well as our spouses, children and family. Life is too short my friend... enjoy your life and enjoy your friends...my love to all and as always Aloha!!!