Three months into the release of my latest book, “Parenting in the Dark,” I am currently walking in the unfolding of a miracle. The book walks the reader through a moment gone awry in our family life due to addiction, violence, and pain. Many readers have reacted with words such as courageous, brave, cringe, shocking, … More The unfolding of a miracle…
Emotions are tricky. They can deceive you. They can control you. They can reveal you. They can assist you. We must be careful how we respond, react, interpret, and judge others’ emotions, even our own. During one of my therapy sessions, I was processing an experience long tucked away in the “we do not talk … More Emotions….
Finally! My second book, my sophomore book, my most personal account of a moment gone awry, is now available for the WORLD to read. To say I am nervous is an understatement, but I knew that it needed to be written so that at least ONE person, ONE mom, dad, brother, sister, or family member, … More It’s here…
What does waiting feel like to you? We wait in lines We wait in cars We wait in trains, buses, street corners We wait on decisions We wait on the news We wait on results We wait for breakfast, lunch, and dinner We wait for plans to be made Every moment of our day we … More Are you on pause?
I was thinking the other day about how and what I believe about myself…how did that start? As a young girl, my dad always told me I was the “daughter of a king.” Of course, I knew he meant that figuratively and not literally, for he was NOT a king himself, but we believed that … More Labels –
As we all prepare to run, walk, skip, jump or crawl into this new year, I prepare to release one of the most personal memoirs I have ever written…to date. It is a raw account of a moment in time in which everything shifted. Coming to readers this spring will be my latest book, “Parenting … More Up next …
Yes, here we are again…and this time, I feel like we arrived in December rather quickly. I’m sure we can say that each year, but it seemed like it came abruptly for me. I was navigating troubled waters this year, and the waves kept coming, and I spent a lot of time trying to get … More Here we are again…
Join me this month of Thanksgiving as I have engaging and thought-provoking conversations. I start off by reading a blog I wrote in November 2017! And it still rings true. We often take for granted what someone is praying for!!! I share how we need to give thanks. My following conversation is with Conservative Pundit … More November Podcasts
I am back! Starting today! I return with the second season of “Conversations from the Green Couch Podcast!” Simply tap on the link and listen in on any and all platforms where you listen to your podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-from-the-green-couch-w-annette-ortiz-mata/id1566969656 I am excited about this season. I am doing something different, and I hope you join me … More Breaking News!!!
And I say that with a bit of sarcasm. I am taking a significant break from all Social Media platforms to focus on a writing project. I need my “own” undivided attention. I know that I run the risk of “FOMO” – LOL I know that I run the risk of simply not remembering birthdays, … More All good things…
“The eyes are the windows to your soul.” – William Shakespeare I don’t think that William Shakespeare had any idea how true this statement would become in 2020! For the past two years! Yes!!! Two years!!! The ENTIRE world has been asked to wear masks to slow down the transmission of a virus transmissible via … More It’s all in the eyes…
Fragrance is a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume) and aroma. So what’s your fragrance? What lingers when you leave the room? How will you be remembered in a world where our last thoughts are memorialized on Twitter, the perfect snapshot uploaded on Instagram, our latest message promoted on … More What’s your life fragrance?
Time: – (n) the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole Time is an interesting concept. I have been around long enough to remember when “time” was only a keeper of wrongs. When I refused to let things go because I was hurt, angry, or simply disappointed…but TIME. … More Time…
A few weeks ago, I attended a one-year birthday celebration. The party was brimming with newness! Expectant moms that were glowing, tired new moms, committed new moms. There was a palpable expression of joy and love. It was refreshing – Yet I found myself thinking… Do they know? Do they know how challenging parenting will … More The newness of motherhood…
Someone asked me what prompted me to write a book on faith and when did my outlook on faith shift? It began when I realized that indoctrination (the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically) was no longer working in my life.I had equated church attendance with a relationship … More My Why…
“Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” I do not know too many people who don’t live in a glass house! Social media has made that the case for anyone who chooses to share their life, thoughts, images, opinions, and criticisms. Anyone with a digital footprint lives in a glass house! What does … More Do you live in a glass house?
Lately, I have been listening to several podcasts during my long walks. It makes the time go by faster, and I get to catch up on some of the current events, get updated on pop culture, and learn a few new things about finances and relationships, hoping that something sticks. It made me think – … More What I listen to…
Several months ago, I was enjoying a beautiful dinner with some friends. We shared stories and lots of laughter. It was an evening filled with poignant moments, tears, and encouragement. As the evening was coming to a close, one of my friends made a strange comment, and it literally shifted the moment. It was a … More Perceptions…
Several weeks ago, I was obligated to sit in silence – not an easy task since I love to be “busy” or “productive” – depending on the day. But this time, I had no other choice. So I did; I sat in a room and sat still near an open window and just listened…to the … More Did you hear it?
WOMEN CAN HAVE IT ALL!!! This blog is a declaration! We must stop saying that women can have it all. I have never been more disappointed by any statement in my life. If we choose to be a wife, mother, professional, etc., having it all comes at a price. It is my personal experience that … More Stop saying …
Have you ever said I need a vacation from my vacation? We load up vacations with every imaginable activity trying to create memories for ourselves and our families, and when we return to our routine, we are simply exhausted! What was the point of the vacation- Well, I find myself saying…I’m recovering from my recovery. … More Recovering from Recovery
Several weeks ago, while I was getting a “wellness” procedure, the technician shared why she decided not to return to her wildly successful and cushy corporate job but instead decided to work in the wellness industry. She explained that she had given this “corporate job” close to 20 years of her life. She shared how … More Who are you warring for?
Sorrow – (n) Deep sadness for the loss of someone or something loved I am not sure about you, but lately, we have been surrounded by immeasurable sorrow, almost to the point of hopelessness. It seems as if every day we wake up to the loss of someone we hold dear, to the illness that … More Sorrow…can use some company
What our mothers forgot to tell us…. When you are moving towards menopause, ya bettah put on some rose-colored glasses; if not, you won’t survive!!! The kids you have will begin to look like monsters…Your spouse looks less appealing! You don’t want to talk to anyone…Yet you want to talk to everyone You are hot…you … More What every mother SHOULD tell their daughters and every MAN should know!
A few months back, when I simply could not write, I began to read my blogs from years past. I realized that reading my own words started to heal me. I found it fascinating that I was inspired to write what would heal me years later in my life. I had insight, for a moment, … More My own words healed me…
What would they learn if someone walked in your shoes for 24 hours? I often ask myself this question. Will they enjoy the day? Will they see how productive I am? Will they learn how charitable I can be? Will they sense joy? Peace? Will they experience kindness and generosity? Or will my shortcomings be … More A day in the life…
A new year, a new focus. This year I struggled with what to write, and honestly, I no longer felt qualified to continue to write. Most of what I held true somehow came undone in the past few months, and the level of guilt and shame began to suffocate me. To say that feeling has … More Eyes Wide Open…
“Changing your mind does not mean you’re unstable. It just means what you thought was going to work for you, isn’t going to work at all” (Annette) A few weeks ago, this thought came to me, and I realized we often feel bad for changing our minds, not for ourselves, but the guilt of the … More It’s okay to change your mind…
He said, “we have a beautiful life….” I didn’t understand….until I did. All I knew was my heart was broken; how can that be called a beautiful life. I let the words settle until the realization of what he was saying became greater than my simple understanding. Our life is beautiful- Every test Every trial … More A beautiful life…
I often wondered how many of us are walking around with shards in our hearts that we simply can’t talk about because it just hurts too much. I understand that pain. I am learning to soften the scars left behind by the shards that ripped through my heart. I am processing the pain I have … More Shards…
Comfort comes in many ways Comfort comes in silence Comfort comes in flowers Comfort comes in food Comfort comes in lyrics Comfort comes in conversations Comfort comes in breathing Someone once told me as long as we are alive everything and everyone is redeemable. I take comfort in those words. ———-
Sometimes we feel that busyness gives us value. We often find ourselves running around like a chicken without its head… and we say to ourselves we must be contributing to life!!! I believe that the pandemic and worldwide imposed quarantine changed the definition of busyness. How much of what we do is necessary or simply … More Are you busy or productive?
I have a few physical scars. Some obvious to the naked eye, others covered by cloth. I have many more scars that are unseen. I call them soul scars. Little divots that have keloid. I feel them from time to time. Some scars almost broke me into a million pieces. Scars that ripped so deep … More SCARS
I did nothing…absolutely nothing! Some would call it observing the Sabbath or a mental health day. I spent an entire Saturday in my pajamas. No TV, no background music. No conversations, no texting. Just reading, meditating, journaling and laying still. Some of you may have felt that the entire year of 2020 was your Sabbath, … More What I did on Saturday…
She simply said “What do you want?” Ask yourself “What does Annette want?” and just like that the tears flowed. She asked me not to answer her but to think about it and write it down. She jokingly said, and please don’t write down “World Peace.” I appreciated the levity at the moment, for I … More Do you know…?
It’s called CPV It has a name Never in a million years did I ever think I would utter these words. I am a victim of Child/Parent Violence. It falls under the definition of domestic violence from a child towards a parent. That’s what happened to me, to our family. I do not share this … More It has a name…
It’s been a while since I last blogged. I survived quarantine. I published a book. I am surviving trauma. I am barely coming up for air and slowly re-engaging into society. I am observing things differently. I am noticing the little things. Acknowledging the details of every day. I catch myself staring out of my … More In a dark closet…
Usually, by this time in the year, I sit still and ask God to speak to my heart and guide me with a focus for the next year. If you’ve been a follower and reader of my blogs, you know I use a word to focus my life, business, family, career, and relationships. This year … More Open Hands…
I have been holding my breath since March! I have been trying to see the glass half-full. Look for the silver lining. Wait for joy to come in the morning. Sense the peace in the midst of the storm and believe the sun will come out tomorrow! …and it’s been hard!!! I’m sure I am … More Truth be told…
The audacity of writing. I have felt strongly in my heart to write about my faith journey and its outcome. It’s unconventional, but here are some hard truths which are embedded in my heart that I need to share. This is a small excerpt of what is a much lengthier chapter. It is my hope … More Unpredictable Outcome…(excerpt)
I know, you are probably thinking how is that possible, that something that you win can be painful. Well, it can. This year has proven to be one of the most challenging years of our entire Country. Corporately we have witnessed the loss of lives in tragic accidents, illnesses, and murders. We have lost icons, … More Painful Wins…
If you are anything like me…you are a list maker. I have a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly list. It might be my OCD…yeah, I can admit that. And like anyone else, I had goals and plans for things to do this year! BUT guess what! I might have checked off one major item and … More Decisions…
Several days ago I was asked to join some girlfriends on Zoom to “just talk” and I took a hard pass. I thought I’d never say this, but I am officially experiencing digital fatigue. Everything that I must access is currently found on the Information Highway otherwise known as the Internet. Internet use to be … More Digital Fatigue…
I have come to realize that even if I met all of the markers of success, i.e., education, wealth, and housing. I am still brown. I was raised in The Bronx, NY. Specifically, the Soundview Housing Projects. My mom was a dedicated homemaker, and my father a blue-collar worker. I attended public schools. As an … More I’m still brown.
Six months of quarantine exposed a million little cracks that, if left unattended, would shatter…it would shatter our family. Awkwardly sitting together in our first virtual session… Family therapy. Looking at a screen trying to communicate why we are here. How did we get here? It was grueling! It required us to hear words spoken of … More Seek Therapy
Exhausted… Yup! These past few weeks, I have felt nothing but emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. I avoided the news channels for a few weeks, but my social media posts seemed to keep me connected to all the current news and all the anxiety we are experiencing in our neighborhoods, state, and world. It is … More I dare to hope!
It was calming down and then BAM! We get hit with a racial pandemic! Here we are trying to navigate masks, social distancing, slow integration. All the new normals that have been imposed upon us and now the most heinous of prejudices “RACE.” This, my friend, is no new occurrence. It’s the way we, the … More The weight of it all was too much…
I thought I knew what I truly wanted, but when I got it I realized I didn’t want it at all. I was in love with the illusion of what it could be and not the reality of what it truly was. Have you found yourself yearning, fantasizing, idealizing a life, a job, a relationship, … More Living your life…
This global quarantine has exposed the best and worst of us. Who will survive? Who will thrive? I spent the first three months submitted to focused stillness- then BAM! The physical/social distancing kicked in…and I struggled!! You see, the first three months were my decisions, my choices, my focus. When the self – distancing was … More It is time to ….pivot!
I was reluctant at first. Another quiz? Another label? Aye…really…but I did it. I took the Enneagram Test. I subjected myself to the algorithms that would accurately describe in detail my personality type. Did I learn anything new? Nah, not really. What I did learn is the test revealed that I apparently do live in … More 1, 8, 3 – They Say…
During this physical distancing time, I have re-organized my closets, my dresser, the kitchen cabinets, my office desk, and the bookshelves. I have sorted in stacks of what I will keep, donate, and throw away. So it occurred to me, what in my relationships do I need to re-organize? How am I relating to the … More A Seat at my table…
Three years and over 100 blog posts, I thought I had written enough, said enough, encouraged enough, brought enough insight, and it was time to wrap my blog in a beautiful, pretty bow. I didn’t believe that my weekly blogging had many legs left, and this was going to be my last post. BUT GOD! … More I thought I was done…
Letting go requires self-control. Read that again…slowly. By definition, self-control requires -restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires. When we let something go, when we release control of all things, self-control must take front and center. In our human nature, when we let things go, we panic, fear sets in, and we immediately … More Lessons during Quarantine…
The other day I read the funniest tweet ever… “been quarantined with my wife for four weeks now. At this point, I have more risk of getting killed by her than by a crummy virus.” I laughed out loud and shared it with my friends and especially my husband. I couldn’t help but think how … More You are safe…
Who will we be when all of this is said and done? An interesting season in our world. Forcing us to look at each other and deal with our families, our finances, and our environment. Requiring us to pay attention to the details. I have pondered several questions and wanted to share them with you … More A few questions…
Plans on hold Dreams deferred —— We are forced to do what so many have complained they never have the time to do Have dinners at home Walks in the park Talk with our kids Laugh with our spouses Call our friends Catch up on our favorite TV shows Read our favorite books Sleep more … More Coronavirus COVID19
I logged on and there I was. A virtual classroom with attorneys and legal counsel from all around the world. Here I was a housewife/mom/blogger/former podcast host gearing up to learn and take in as much information as I could possibly understand about the LAW!! Who was I kidding? This was going to prove … More Sixteen Months in my life…
Coincidence – the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection. (Merriam-Webster) Have you ever thought and said to yourself, wow, that’s such a funny coincidence? Oh my goodness, how crazy is that? Or that can’t be possible? What are the chances? All comments that connect to what we believe … More Coincidence…I think not!
All my life, I’ve made measured decisions. Is this a good idea? Will it be disrespectful? Will I hurt someone’s feelings? Will I be judged? Will they stop being my friend? Am I talented enough? Will I be pretty enough? Will I be smart enough? Will I be respected? Will they accept me? As I’ve … More I am no longer asking for permission…
Here it is – 16 months, of school, completed and now what? I found myself experiencing a real sense of anxiety. I normally am not one to get anxious. I’m pretty laid back about things. I wait and pray and trust. Yet I found myself panicking and fretting and worrying about what is next? What was … More Now what…
It seemed so innocent. A post…I left a comment and then… BANG!!! Just like that, I was entangled in a thread that left my head spinning. I offered what I thought was an educated opposing comment to something a relative posted. What I didn’t know at that moment, that they were not inviting opposing … More The price of silence…
Dearest Robert, Tomorrow, February 5th, we will celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary. The moment we cried (well I think you cried more than I did) and said I do to each other. And with that being said I want to say the following… Thank you for asking me to be your wife. Thank you for … More It’s the little things…that adds up!
“Don’t accumulate possessions; accumulate experiences – Mark Batterson Have you walked up to a garage sale or estate sale and wondered how much the homeowner must have “loved” these items, and now here they are laid out on a table going for just a few bucks? I often wonder did these things bring joy, love, … More Garage Sale…
I challenge you!!! Set three goals for the next year! One that is attainable One that requires a bit of work One that is so out of your reach will take a miracle!!! I challenge everyone to put their faith to the test and see what GOD can do through you! I love writing goals … More Set three goals…
 We are surrounded by so much noise that we forget what the sound of silence feels like! As this season of busyness approaches it’s important to take a moment, day, whatever you can spare and center yourself. The holidays can be emotionally and physically draining. Filled with exhilaration or unimaginable sadness for others. Be … More Stillness…
This was the year of weddings! We received six wedding invitations of which we were only able to attend three. It seemed that each time I opened my mailbox, there was another engagement, save the date and wedding invite. We take our attendance at weddings very seriously. Someone very wise once said, when you commit … More Six Weddings…
How do I keep my faith when those representing Christianity keep failing me!!!!! Who are we? What have we become? A divisive people fighting each other over politics A divisive people arguing over moral rights A divisive people judging the life of one another A divisive people that tear each other down A divisive people … More My soul counts…
This past weekend I had a moment to watch a documentary on Netflix that made me think twice. “Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates” – I know, I know most cynics will say what can one of the richest men in the world teach me that his money has not solved for him. Well…compassion. … More It made me think…twice
Creating space through order! We were a lot of kids; at one given time, there were 9 of us living in a three-bedroom apartment with one bathroom! My mom was the queen of order and cleanliness. There were too many of us, and she hated the bugs that would come with uncleanliness! So! I learned … More It’s really that simple…
Patience – The capacity, habit, or fact of being patient. Patient – bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity. OUCH!!!!! Here I thought I am patient. WELL, after reading these definitions, I realized I have a LONG way to go to … More Patience…
This week I had the privilege of sitting with some amazing women. They all shared their incredible journeys. They were poignant, heartfelt stories, others were uplifting and encouraging. One theme seems to run through all of the conversations…be teachable. Each one of them imparted some small nugget that left me filled, thinking, and challenged. I … More Be teachable…
It was our recent trip to the country’s largest IKEA that prompted this blog! It was our first time walking through this monstrosity of a home goods store. We didn’t think we were going to buy anything, we just wanted to walk around, but we grabbed a bag. By the time we got to the … More Where are the instructions…to parenting?
You have my heart completely! Faith… This past week I underwent several medical tests. I’ll spare you the gory details, but it places things into perspective -that’s for sure! As I recovered and sat quietly in my bedroom. I took that the time to reflect on things I know to be true, and I wanted … More What I know for sure…
I was raised in a home where there was a full-time stay at home mom. My mom’s sole focus and job were raising all seven children. She woke up early, made us breakfast and when we came home from school, there was a snack waiting. The smells of dinner cooking would permeate the apartment. She … More Mommyhood…
So, here I was feeling really good about myself. Walking with a pep in my step and singing along with the radio in the car. I was HAPPY! It had been a summer of several health challenges, in which at this point, I was overcoming, and I had just completed my third semester of law … More Women can be….well… read on…
This summer, a few things occurred that stopped me dead in my tracks and forced me to face the reality that lives all around us. Her name is Sarah*. A phone call from our son asking if a friend could sleepover. By sheer instinct, I knew the omission of the pronoun led me to the … More Brokenness walked into my house…
On May 8, 2017, I posted my very first blog. Little did I know that those words would travel the world. My intention for the blog is to inspire, educate, and entertain. Have I achieved that these past two years, I would hope so? I desire to always leave the reader with a new perspective. … More My words…have traveled!
Time to pause Time to reflect Time to read more Time to sleep more Time to slow down Time to sit still Time to look up and give thanks Take time to live more, laugh more, and show up! Be kind to yourself Be good to others ‘Til August -Annette Ortiz Mata
This week I celebrate my 53rd birthday. I always take this time to reflect on where I’ve been, where I am, and where I am going. I reflect on the goodness and mercy of God in my life I reflect on the life lived out loud in joy and in sorrow. I reflect on the enormous … More They belong to me…
There I was sitting across from my son getting ready to be as vulnerable as possible, not truly knowing how he would receive my heart. And so, I leaped! I was nervous, but I needed him to know of my inner sorrow so that I could heal our brokenness. And then it happened…healing and wholeness. We … More Hold him…
“We need all your birth certificates”, he said. “All your siblings, it’s the only way to disperse the inheritance”. I proceeded to collect all the birth certificates and something was off. Six birth certificates and there it was. One of these was not like the other, and that other was mine. I was staring at … More Kissed by God…
Paul was barely a few days old. Due to being a premie, he was not allowed to be out of the NICU for very long, and I wanted Rob to meet and hold his baby brother. As I gently placed Paul in Rob’s arms, I asked him, “how do you feel?” and immediately he said, “my … More My heart grew twice…
Forgive our indifference Forgive our selfishness Forgive our hatred Forgive our anger Forgive our racism Forgive our bigotry Forgive our unbelief Forgive our lack of empathy Forgive our lack of tolerance Forgive our lack of compassion Forgive our violence Forgive our fighting Forgive our division Forgive our ruthlessness Forgive our lack of love Forgive our … More Dear God…forgive us!
So! These past few weeks have been filled with activities. Weddings, galas, bridal showers, night out w/friends, finals, finishing up my second semester of Law School and celebrating Easter. All in the past TWO weeks! I get to catch my breath for about a week or so, and I intend to get a physical, meet … More Two weeks of moments…
This weekend I was in a room full of love and celebration, and the next day a room full of judgment and excess. I belonged in both rooms. It was a weekend of bipartisanship, literally. I sat in awe that I had come so far. A little Puerto Rican girl from The Bronx was seated … More The Jacket and me…
It’s no secret that I am a list keeper, journal writer, and avid reader. How I manage to do all three is a question I am not sure I can answer. I guess you have to decide how much you want to make time for it, and if it brings you joy, aka “Marie … More Three months later…how’s it going?
These past few weeks, our news and twitter feeds have been inundated with the school scandal/entrance scam. Parents going the “extra mile” to assure their child is guaranteed a seat in the most elite schools around the country. This, my friend, is nothing NEW. I think the most egregious detail is the “alleged fraud” that the … More School Scandal? New…well?
Several years ago I attended a TedTalk style event featuring Cristina Saralegui, otherwise known as the Latina Oprah. She was having a conversation about the state of Latinos on Television and the power and the importance of her show, although on a Latino Network (Univision) she was experiencing great crossover success with her guests and audience. … More Why this hurts…
Answer: NOTHING! This past week the internet exploded. The interview on Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith and Jordyn Woods almost shut it down. Our salacious need to know the intimate, hurtful details of the indiscretions of a 21-year-old became breaking news…this is the state of our society, sadly. I try my best to … More What’s the difference between Jordyn Woods and me?
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts. You do the same. ’Til Tuesday
Have you ever sat still enough to contemplate where life has brought you? What your decisions have taught you? How life is working out for you? Have you considered the relationships in your life? Have you sat still enough to think about the world, nation, and community around you? I try my very best to … More When stillness leads to shock and awe…
Have you ever felt like you are free-falling? Everything you are trying to get done is coming undone. Your relationships are broken, your finances are in chaos, and your mind is racing and your nights are sleepless, and you feel all alone. Well, guess what, you are not alone. By nature of being nurturers, we … More Free-Falling….
I learned that just as I was letting go of “things”, I needed to let go of hurts that had crept into the closet of my heart. … More Folding and purging and my epiphany!
Committing to marriage and committing to each other is an act of selflessness. … More Twenty-Five years and counting!
Just be… In this generation of striving and being and creating, we’ve lost the art of just being. Being ourselves, not a copy of someone else. We have fallen into the vicious trap of trying to be, act, look, talk, and walk like someone else. When I was younger, I was a victim of that … More Just be…yourself!
It seemed unfair. I was shocked and sad…yet I had peace. … More Read, Write, Pray. Repeat.
If you follow my blog, you know that I am a list maker. I make a list for the day, the week, the month, the year. I go over it each day and check off my daily, monthly, and if I’m so lucky my yearly accomplishments. I challenge you to create a list of goals. … More Have you made your list? Have you checked it twice?
She placed my life in perspective with these words. “…I beg to differ… It might not have been a strong year in the ways you may have hoped for it to be strong, but you and Tio damn sure have become stronger. You chose to walk in forgiveness with a family that treated you terribly … More Just when you think no one is watching…they are.
One more sleep and I will face one of my biggest fears! Flying internationally… ALONE! An 11-hour flight with no one to tell me “it’s going to be okay,” except maybe a stranger whose hand I may grab (I’ve done that once before). Was the excitement of seeing so many beautiful things (including Megan Markle’s wedding … More ONE MORE SLEEP…
My desires My dreams My regrets My fears My loves My heartache My plans My wishes My anger My determination My sorrow My laughter My strength My eternal hope… What lives in yours? Lessons: Remember to guard your heart… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be. (Matthew 6:21) “Til Tuesday
This week was difficult to sit and write. First, the shootings that shook a community that was confident in their safety. The senseless shooting that took innocent lives. The senseless shooting that changed the reality of every family that lost a loved one The senseless shooting that shook me to my core, in not knowing … More This week…
Each year I plan my Thanksgiving Menu. I figure out how many guests and how much food I’ll need to prepare and purchase. I am incredibly meticulous with details and presentation because I want my guests to feel welcomed, loved, satisfied and thankful! As I thought about this process, I thought about what is on … More What’s on your Thanksgiving Menu?
This week it happened to me! At the beginning of every year, I write my heart’s desire, goals for myself for that particular year. This year was no different. The year of New came with A LOT of new. Some wished for and others definitely not asked for, yet it was all new. I still … More When what you pray for comes packaged differently? What do you do?
When all you can do is cry – that’s ok! This year I cried a lot. There were tears of joy There were tears of deep sorrow There were tears of relief There’s were tears of happiness There were tears of despair There were tears in laughter There were tears of solace Crying is a … More Have you cried today?
Are you content? Do you feel – satisfied, pleased, gratified, fulfilled, happy, cheerful, glad; unworried, untroubled, at ease, at peace, tranquil, serene? So you accomplish all your goals. You check all your to-dos and sit back say..and then what? Were you satisfied? Did it meet all your expectations? Did you get out of it all … More “If only…”
Honestly, how did we get to the beginning of the end of this year!!! It’s around this time that I always sit and reflect on this past year. The ups, the downs. The dreams realized. The hopes deferred. The goals checked off. The addition of new goals. The losses and the gains. This year came … More How did we get here so fast?
Your immediate response may be, I am a participant? It’s my life I have to do me! What kind of question is that? Well, after several interesting conversations I concluded that some folks are spectators in their own lives. They don’t participate. They just do just enough to get through the day and meet their … More Are you a spectator or participant….in your life?
I sat and cried. I thought I was okay, but I wasn’t. The night before, I was taking my evening stroll and lectured my husband, that if anything should come back, that’s questionable, I didn’t want anyone to overact. That if my tests were to prove something malignant, I wanted everyone to be strong. Yet, … More I needed it to be a cold blue…
As the youngest of seven siblings, I often wonder what could I offer my oldest in times of trouble. Well…this past year has put that to the test. David battling Leukemia and Angel battling End Stage heart disease in need of both a kidney and heart transplant has required me to… Eat, Love, Pray, and … More Eat. Love. Pray…..and just show up!
Grace – (n) – mercy, clemency pardon It seemed unimaginable. First came the phone call. The voice on the other end, desperate, screaming, crying, scared. “Mom, please tell dad to hurry, I’m hurt, I am really hurt.” What! Where? How? Where are you? – All questions I asked out loud and tons more racing through … More Grace Extended…
This is the excerpt for your very first post. … More Here it is…
I am excited to share the upcoming podcasts for October! Firstly, I want to thank all the listeners who have joined me in this endeavor. It is a wonderful platform to share my life stories, hacks, and experiences. If you have not caught up on the podcasts, just go wherever you listen to your podcasts … More October Podcasts