This post is part of Wordless Wednesday. Photo taken by Jaxon Espinosa.
Month: June 2016
One-Liner Wednesday – The Dizzy World
I went with Jaxon on Friday to get his wisdom teeth out and I have to tell you, that boy is a comedian when he is pumped full of drugs. I thought I would grace you with his “wisdom”, even though it breaks the rules this week (I always seem to break the rules, haha).
Me: Do you want to lay back and close your eyes?
Jaxon: No, I wanna experience the world… how it is.
Me: How is it?
Jaxon: What?!
Me: How is the world?
Jaxon: It’s dizzy, man. It’s way dizzy!
One-Liner Wednesday is hosted by Linda G. Hill. Click the link, read the rules and join in now! You won’t regret it!
Teaser Tuesday – Blackbirds
I’m still making my way through the audio book from last week and loving every second of it. So, this week will be a teaser from a book I read a few years ago. I think I’ve said this before, but I really enjoy going through the list of books I’ve read on Goodreads. I know it’s not an all-inclusive list of everything I’ve read in my lifetime, but it’s a pretty good one.
The one that flashed out at me was Blackbirds by Chuck Wendig. As you know, I sometimes follow his flash fiction challenge and one day I realized I hadn’t read anything he’d written. I’m happy I decided to pick this one up. I enjoyed the story immensely, and I especially loved how Wendig told it in such a fascinating way. I love strong female characters, even if strong means something a little different in this one. Miriam didn’t always make the choices I would have made, but she’s a survivor and that I could relate to on many levels.
This is the first book in a series, but it’s a good one. I read them all in about a month or less and I would highly recommend all three. Granted, I realize it isn’t for everyone, but if you like it gritty, dark and tell-it-like-it-is humor with quite a bit of cussing, then you should totally go for it.
I pulled the quote from Goodreads since I don’t have the book handy. I hope you enjoy!
“Way she sees it, people fall into one of two categories: those who think their death is imminent, and those who figure they have long, healthy lives ahead of them. Nobody ever thinks it’s somewhere in-between.”
Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Jenn at Books and a Beat.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Mindful Monday – Positive Self-Talk and Acceptance
I’m constantly amazed at the power of the human mind; however, I’m thinking of it more in terms of derailment rather than it’s ability to heal and move on. I spent the entire weekend wanting to escape, and I believe I succeeded rather well. Did it serve a purpose? Well, yes, in the short term. Did it help? Not at all. In fact, I’ve set myself back almost an entire week because my escape choices didn’t lend themselves very well to dieting.
I remember telling myself at one point in my life, probably more than once, that dieting is terrible and I sincerely hoped I would never find myself in a position to have to do it again.
I’ve been thinking though… is it really necessary? It’s so stressful and I spend more time being negative about the way I look, what I’m eating and how I’m feeling than I do being positive about those things, even though I know in my heart that positivity is much better for making any sort of meaningful changes.
So, as of right this moment, I am no longer “dieting”! I’m going to accept myself for what I am right this moment. Am I going to continue to eat less portions? Absolutely! Am I going to keep climbing the stairs every morning at work and adding exercise back into my lifestyle? Yes I am.
What I’m no longer going to do is look at myself in the mirror every day and call myself names or tell myself I’m huge or any of the other terrible things I say to myself. I’m okay just as I am and it’s time I start loving myself again.
When my fiance says negative things about himself, I can honestly tell him that I love him no matter what and he will always be beautiful to me. However, when I say the same negative things to myself, I accept them and feel terrible. Why is it easier to love someone else no matter what than it is to love yourself?
I’ve struggled with self-image my entire life. I believe many people do. And it’s not an easy thing to change. But the only way to change negative self-talk is to replace it with positive words and images.
It’s time to accept myself and the choices I’ve made to get myself to where I’m at today. I believe until I do, I won’t see any real changes.
How are you doing with your goals this week?
Bee at A Spirit of Healing is currently hosting Mindful Monday while Colleen at Silver Threading is away.
Song Lyric Sunday – On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
This song really speaks to me about living in the moment and taking in every aspect of life, whether it’s the highest high or the lowest low. When you make peace with the moment you’re in and accept whatever is happening, it is much easier than fighting against your circumstances. Things change. People move on, life goes on. As hard as it seems, there are bright days just around the corner.
One of my favorite lines is “And I know it’s hard when you’re falling down and it’s a long way up when you hit the ground. Get up now!” As much as I’ve been through, I have always tried to keep going. Some days are bad, but that doesn’t mean good days are gone.
On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
Written by Ben McKee, Dan Platzman, Dan Reynolds, Wane Sermon and Alexander Grant
Lyrics found at AZ Lyrics
If you love somebody
Better tell them while they’re here ’cause
They just may run away from you
You’ll never know quite when, well
Then again it just depends on
How long of time is left for you
I’ve had the highest mountains
I’ve had the deepest rivers
You can have it all but life keeps moving
I take it in but don’t look down
‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.
I’ve tried to cut these corners
Try to take the easy way out
I kept on falling short of something
I coulda gave up then but
Then again I couldn’t have ’cause
I’ve traveled all this way for something
I take it in but don’t look down
‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.
‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
And I know it’s hard when you’re falling down
And it’s a long way up when you hit the ground
Get up now, get up, get up now.
And I know it’s hard when you’re falling down
And it’s a long way up when you hit the ground
Get up now, get up, get up now.
‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.
Song Lyric Sunday is open to anyone who wants to share music. Please feel free to click the link, read the rules and post one of your own.
Song Lyric Sunday Theme for 6/26/16
I can’t even tell you how much fun I had last Sunday listening to all the songs that were posted about summer. I was worried that I would hear repeats, but you all chose something completely different and I felt like I was drowning in Summer when it was all over. Thank you so much for playing along and posting amazing music.
I can’t believe another week has gone by, but do you know what that mean? It means another Song Lyric Sunday and listening to your fantastic choices!
So, on to the theme…
Sometimes, songs can tear your heart out with their poignant lyrics and gut-wrenching melodies, but usually, those songs make me cry. And I don’t want to cry tomorrow. So the theme for this week is happiness. I know that’s a broad theme, but I’m thinking it’s as simple as choosing a song that just makes you happy; one you can’t help but smile as you listen to it.
As always, you can choose something that has nothing to do with the theme. We are all here sharing music, no matter what it might be.
Here are the “rules”:
- Post the lyrics to a favorite song or a new song you want to share
- Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due and it’s honestly just a simple Google search
- Make sure you also credit the singer/band and provide a link to where you found the lyrics
- Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song
- Ping back to this post or my own Song Lyric Sunday post
- Read at least one other person’s blog so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process
Feel free to use the Song Lyric Sunday badge by copying it into your post or add it to your site to show you are participating.
SoCS – Drinking coffee doesn’t make it better, but it sure does taste good
Something happened during the week and as much as I consider myself a functional human being and a survivor, sometimes an event occurs that lays me low. I haven’t been affected by something quite like this for a long time, so it took me a bit by surprise.
I’ve seen other bloggers post that they need some time off, but I never imagined I would need to do that. Writing is my release, after all. But this time, the only thing I wanted to write had to do with the “event” and I’m not sure writing about it would have done my blog any services. Besides, it’s personal and I believe some things need to stay that way.
I’m still not completely back, but I believe I’m in a better place today than I was a few days ago.
I’m finding comfort this morning in drinking some pretty amazing coffee, seeing my family busy starting their Saturday and despite the shadow over my heart, the sun is shining brightly.
Isn’t it strange how drinking coffee can be such a social event? My fiance can no longer drink coffee and I have to say, it isn’t quite the same enjoying a cup without him. I also find it strange that despite logic, we look to a drink of coffee or alcohol to make everything better. Even knowing it doesn’t, I still find myself turning to it sometimes.
But in the last two days it wasn’t coffee or alcohol that helped me get through the days. It was the people closest to me and for that, I’m extremely grateful. Thank you for being there. Thank you for listening and most of all, thanks for the love.
Happy Saturday everyone!
This post is part of Stream of Consciousness Saturday hosted by Linda G. Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “drink.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun! Please feel free to click the link and join in the fun.
Wordless Wednesday – The Long Walk
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday.
Teaser Tuesday – Mr. Mercedes
Remember the last time I was talking about how I never have time to read? I think I finally found a solution. I’m not sure if it will entirely replace reading in my life, but at least it’s filling in the gap for now.
I discovered Audible and listening to books rather than reading them. Do you realize how many hours we waste just driving? My drive is a half hour each way to work and sometimes longer depending on traffic. Now I can fill that time with words and stories rather than getting pissed off at idiotic drivers. I also realized it was something to do while I crochet rather than trying to “watch” television. I’m not so good that I can’t watch my hands, so I realized I was missing a lot while I was busy crocheting.
It is rather expensive, but if it’s something I will use, I will consider it worth it. Besides, the first book is free, so why not give it a try?
The first book I downloaded was Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. I’m enjoying King’s writing style (as usual) and the chilling look into the killer’s mind. I’m not very far into it, but it is exciting and intense and I can’t wait to get into my car every morning so I can listen to it.
Since I don’t have page numbers to go by, I will let you know that this quote comes from the tale end of Chapter 14. I hope you enjoy!
“What he knows now is that guilt isn’t the only reason people commit suicide. Sometimes you can just get bored with afternoon TV.”
Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Jenn at Books and a Beat.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Mindful Monday – Learning to embrace change
I can’t believe it’s been another week… the time is just flying by. It makes me think about how quickly things can change. Change is a way of life and as much as I don’t like change, it happens every single day. The way my world looked a year ago is completely different than what I’m living now.
Last year, I was working a job I thoroughly disliked and I was unhappy as hell. I felt like I was going backwards in my career, not only with compensation, but also with what I was doing. It was a pretty rough situation. Looking back now, I’m amazed that I almost ended up staying…
I’d been halfheartedly looking for a job and hating every minute of it. I remember one random Sunday I sent my resume to two different places while I was making my Monster page public. Two days later, I couldn’t even remember the name of those companies or what the jobs were. You can imagine my surprise when one of them called me two or three weeks later.
I decided to set up a phone interview, but two days before it was supposed to happen, I almost cancelled it. I was talking to my Fiance about how maybe things weren’t that bad at the current job and things were starting to change. He told me I should keep the interview, “it’s good to have options,” he said. I still almost cancelled it…
I decided to keep the appointment and I can’t even tell you how grateful I am that I did. I’m moving up quicker than I thought possible and I have a boss who respects me and sees my potential. She has raised my pay twice in less than a year and I have another pretty fancy title coming my way as well. I’m finally happy in my day job after three long years of feeling in-between.
What does all of this have to do with Mindfulness? I believe it’s about not attaching too heavily to the situation you’re in today. Accept it, be in the moment, but also know that things will be very different in a week, a month and most definitely a year.
I have a hard time with change, but it can be a good thing in the end.
Bee at A Spirit of Healing is currently hosting Mindful Monday while Colleen at Silver Threading is away.
This Thing Called Life One Word at a Time 
