A to Z Challenge....on your mark...

get ready....get set...

Well hang on, we're almost ready to begin but not quite yet. You'll have to be patient at least until tomorrow; Sunday, April 1st.

For the A to Z Challenge last year my blog was titled, "The ABC's of Me" which was fitting since I was unfamiliar to a great many of you and probably continue to be to quite a few individuals. I had a strong desire to expand my horizons and stretch my boundaries this year. So please find my theme as follows...

Perceptions + Quotes + Reality =

A to Z Challenge

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Depending upon your response to this oft-asked question, your answer offers a glimpse into your mindset or attitudes within your life.

My belief is the foundations of your reality are based upon your perceptions which most likely, are deeply embedded into your psyche- what you perceive or recognize to be true.

I await the upcoming contest and look forward to hearing your retorts, comments, encouragement, etc....

"All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions."

by Leonardo da Vinci

Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom's Daddy, Mom and her sisters...
(click on the photos to enlarge)

  It wouldn’t be polite to tell you my mother’s age, although she is a spry 83 years young. She continues to do volunteer work at the hospital, is prominent in the up-start of a new church in her community, and is an active member of the Ladies Red Hat Society. My mom walks a couple miles daily, golfs and carries on her gardening duties.

I’m proud to say not only does she lead an active life but her mind is alert as well by keeping up with the times and maneuvering her way around a computer. She connects with pen pals from all over the world via Facebook and e-mail in addition to being a frequent gamer on Words with Friends.

Daddy and his girls...(as documented on the back)

Nevertheless, these noted pieces of actualities are just that; information.  These facts may hint at, but hesitate to reveal the fundamental person she is within. Nor do these particulars disclose how much admiration and respect I hold for my mother.

Mom and her dogs....

Her life has been anything but tranquil raising five children as a single parent, surviving years of abuse with three marriages filled with domestic violence and void of emotional provisions.  The collection of viciousness in her life created a great divide between my mother and me, although my desire to feel her pride in me as a daughter was all-encompassing as a child.

Fast forward to the present where wisdom, understanding and forgiveness collide. My core erupts with adoration for the life she continues to lead; strength and determination her luggage.  My heart bursts with love for my mother for the life she has endured yet greets with such exuberance.

Me with my Mom and son, Nicholas (Nov., 2011)

So on this day, I extend the most extraordinary public acknowledgement I can beckon-

Happy Birthday Mommy! I love you THIS much….

Hello to all my blog friends...

I realize I haven’t displayed a post lately, or made it over to visit frequently. I apologize but am preparing for an upcoming event.

Arlee Bird, atTossing it Out, has initiated an A to Z Challenge for bloggers. The premise is to post the letter of the alphabet every day during the month of April, with Sundays off for good behavior. Sunday, April 1st begins the festivities. If you are interested in joining, stop by his place. Thus far there are 1192 entrants for this blog hop.

Last year was the first year I participated and it was grueling to not only compose a post everyday but to visit and read all the contributors’ blogs. However, I enjoyed the trial.

My ‘theme’ last year was the ABC’s of Me!  Therefore, this year I had a desire to cultivate a theme that was diverse and uncommon as well as struggling with the need to keep the post on the ‘short’ side; time will be at a premium when visiting the blogs of other partakers.

So, drum roll please?

My theme is as follows….

Perceptions + Quotes + Reality =

A to Z Challenge

 

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Depending upon how you respond to this oft-asked question, your answer offers a glimpse into your mindset or attitudes of life.

My belief is the foundations of your reality are based on your perceptions thus are deeply embedded into your psyche-what you perceive or recognize to be true.

I await the upcoming contest and look forward to hearing your retorts.

"All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions."

by Leonardo da Vinci

Uncharted Waters....

I wonder how many of you, like me get wrapped up in self-inflicted expectations and beliefs of what you are supposed to be in your life.

So often, we pigeon hole ourselves based upon our roles in life and because we discover comfort and satisfaction there, we typically don’t venture far-off course-at least those of us who have a tendency to ‘play it safe.’ Yet again, I’m speaking for myself.

I was relatively gratified and fulfilled in my starring portrayal of wife, mother, teacher, and daughter and actually never questioned what that would entail. I played the part and life was status quo; sufficient, true?

Well, yes….but- There’s always a ‘but’, isn’t there? What I failed to notice is that while I was busy playing those characters, I was suppressing opportunities and desires deep within my soul. I had silenced my dreams and hushed the visualizations of potentials.

I consciously or inadvertently quieted that voice within to be a writer or even act upon those desires by playing it safe. I overheard my inner voice announce ‘later’.  Well, Geez Louise, I’m fifty two years old-these passing days are now the LATER I had alluded to!

Cripes, I hate when that happens, but so I heard! The revelation and admission took hold and the journey of publishing my book, Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! came to fruition.  And through this excursion, life has truthfully delivered experiences and guises I never believed imaginable by way of book signings, being a Celebrity Reader in schools, and a guest at a local upcoming event, Authors in our Own Backyard. Incredible!

However, Friday I experienced yet another surreal moment this new undertaking of being an author has provided me; to TV. Really? ME? Small town country girl? (More of those so-called roles…) After you watch, I was so composed until, well, the last line; of course, and isn’t that what people remember? Click HERE to pull up the video from News 14. Thanks to Marti Skold-what a gracious and lovely host!

“Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time.”

By Leo F. Buscaglia

Spring's Signature Symbols....and alliterations~

Winter peeks ‘round the turning

with renewed nature grasping at her heels,

Altering and converting nature’s hues

in shades of emerald, fuchsia and bronze.

With aesthetic symbols and subdued traces

of beauty, springtime arrives.

 

Blossoms blasting with bursts of blush…

Branches brimming with brand-new buds…

Twigs Transforming into Traitorous Togs…

Bushes Blooming into Binding Bliss…

Dazzling Displays of Developing Discharges…

Curious Kitties Canvasing Carte-Blanche…

Jovial Juveniles Jogging and Jaunting…

Handyman Hubby Hacking Herbage…

"The season of renewal and rebirth is upon us. Like a newborn baby, this season brings with it the sweetness of new beginnings and endless possibilities."

Validation...

Isn’t it true that we always seem to find what we need when we need it? Case in point….

I mentioned on Facebook this morning about being a basketball slug. This weekend is the ACC Tournament which oozes into the NCAA Tournament. Unless I happened to be inconvenienced by work, I haven’t missed a game which has led to some late nights.

You see, I love, love, LOVE basketball, March Madness and ALL that this time of year entails; cheering on my team as well as any perceived under-dogs, the camaraderie and the devotion to the competition as well as the idea that most of the nation stops and takes notice.

I get a charge out of the heckling and first-rate joking bestowed to others as a result of their choice of favored teams because well, let’s face it, we all have allegiances and the event ties us all together with one clear winner…I’m hoping it is the Carolina Tar Heels! Who is your choice?

Hah, just when I was feeling a tad guilty about my dedication to such matters I connected to ‘Message from God’ as I do now and again to receive the words He could possibly bestow upon me.

On this day of your life, Tracy, we believe God wants you to know ... that you've been driving yourself too hard lately.
	Sure, there is time to invest yourself fully into work, but there is equally important time for joyful resting. And for you, this time is now. What is the absolutely most wonderful little treat you can give yourself? Do it today.

Well, what do you know I was vindicated by God himself-like I said, just when you need it most!
Thank you Lord! Want to watch the next game with me?

"Miss'ion Statements and 'Miss'ed Opportunities...

Mission statements pique my curiosity. If I understand mission statements correctly their purpose is to bring attention and awareness to a business, company or person’s core values and beliefs. Mission statements are proclamations that guide an institution and all their endeavors.  

That being said, our local middle school touts the following as their mission statement: Where All Students WILL Succeed!

Interesting… I’m wondering how all students can succeed when ALL are not given the opportunity? Is that possible? How is success defined? Does ALL mean each and every student regardless of ability and achievement? Furthermore, do all individuals employed by this establishment truly embrace this declaration? More importantly what are the ramifications if their beliefs don’t align with the announcement?

I pose these questions as a result of the ‘missed opportunity’ the middle school coaches overlooked in selecting a track team. My son tried out but didn’t ‘make’ the team. In fact, sad to report that many students were not chosen. For whatever reason, they were not given the lead-in to mature as runners in order to cultivate a healthier lifestyle; therefore, they will NOT succeed in this arena; contrary to the school’s mission statement.

I’ve specified before that I run the risk of sounding like a resentful parent but I’m not. My son will continue to run for enjoyment and health benefits because as his parent, I will encourage and support him in navigating his course. Rather, I’d prefer to be regarded as a pebble commencing the rippling effect; an individual generating awareness to an epidemic that continues to perpetuate and exist in our world today; childhood obesity.

This state of affairs is so widespread our own First Lady; Michelle Obama has instituted a Let’s Move enterprise to entice our youth to get off the couch. She passionately and vehemently states, “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake,” said Mrs. Obama. “This isn’t the kind of problem that can be solved overnight, but with everyone working together, it can be solved. So, let’s move.”

It’s unfortunate our middle school coaches weren’t on board with this initiative.  I’m not certain of their rationale as no one has responded to a letter sent to them to gain understanding.

Nevertheless, it brings me full circle to the notion of mission statements; If ALL students are not given the opportunity, how can they ALL succeed?