we all have super powers... for reals

The other day on Facebook, someone that I barely know messaged me asking where they could hear my music.  I am in the process of copyrighting my original music (not to mention the ongoing saga that is life: dishes, family time, honey time, self time, home school, dinner, play time... I know you get the drift...) and in the midst of singing and speaking gigs that come to me by word of mouth, it just hadn't occurred to me to put myself out there like that until BAM!  Someone that I didn't know was a'asking.  So, I got my Google on and figured out how to tack some musical goodness onto my Facebook page, which got me to thinking how easy it is to hide our light under a bush for whatever reason.  Whatever the reason--whether it is intentional (you know, playing small to try and make others feel better about themselves), false humility (aka low self esteem) or whatever else that's been pulled from the bag of tricks-- it is wrong.  Wrong.  We are supposed to let our light shine and share our giftedness as a beacon of light, love and encouragement.  *Please note that shine is not synonymous with narcissism.*  It's more of a I shine, You shine, We all shine sort of thing.  That we share our love and passion (whatever it may be!) with others and then listen closely for theirs.  

Thank you, Laura & Tony

There is tremendous freedom in knowing and honoring ourselves and each other. It is a life long discovery, an evolutionary process of course, but as I look back over my life, I realize this: I repeatedly find myself using truth and the power of my voice.  Shushed repeatedly throughout school (Kindergarten to college, no lie!) and even at home, I realize now that this voicebox is my gift to the world.  My money maker.  Effortless and as easy as breathing because it is who I am.  And hate it or love it, I ain't going no where.  Neither are you.  See, we all have a special something to contribute to this mixing pot.  So I really want you to think about what you have to offer.  What consistent threads remain throughout the test of time in your life? Focus on the good (not the bad!) and herein you will find the secret, the truth, really, of who you were born to be.  I change and positively impact the world with the power of my voice by singing, writing and speaking authentic truth.  

That's my super power.  What's yours?

is it ever too late to apologize?

"Apologize for mistakes. Apologize for unintentionally hurting someone -- profusely. But don't apologize for being who you are." -Danielle LaPorte

I am smitten by this quote.  I find it equal parts encouraging and validating with whipped cream and a cherry of truth on top.  It is the bomb. 

Apologize.  Sincerely.  Profusely.  Somehow, the word apology and all that it encompasses and entails has become watered down.  These days apologies come bound with a back hand slap and a hardcore responsibility shrug thrown in for good measure.  What if we really took the initiative to own our stuff?  To say, this is mine.  I own it and if I did it wrong, I apologize and I will do my doggone best to make it right.  When a necessary or overdue apology lingers, it inhibits real relationship, connectivity, love and growth.  These things simply cannot flourish unless forgiveness abounds.  

You see, a sincere and humble apology can begin the healing process. For a severed relationship.  For those who were affected.  For you.  

Sometimes our actions (that later warrant an apology) may be unintentional.  Other times, they may be maliciously intentional. Apologize either way because if it's your dung, you need to claim it before it gets super stinky or rapidly dispersed by the fan.  

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"Don't apologize for being who you are."  I'm loving that right now.  I'm living that right now and the wisdom of Dr. Seuss reminds me: the people who matter don't mind and the people who mind don't matter.  So profound.  So simple.  So true.  I gotta be me and you gotta be you.   Let's remember to ask forgiveness when we need to.  That is all.  xo

happy giveaway day!

Fun freebies just for you!  If you win, that is. 

To enter? Share your favorite song in the comment section below the blog post.  

If you're like me, you have several favorite songs and that's allowed.  Totally ok, actually. You can list a fav or all of em if ya want!  

To win?  Random.org will be use to select ze winner.

This here giveaway is sponsored by Smile On Paintings + yours truly. 

No one's paying anyone to say or do anything.  I asked the folks at Smile On to host and they gladly + graciously accepted.  I threw some stuff in the mix too.  You know cause I like to share the good stuff and I love ya too!

OK, so here's the good stuff:

"Night Trip" 

Do you know about Smile On Paintings?

There's some beautiful and passionate art going on over there.  

Please go view the lovely pics on FB and say hello! 

I personally know the owner + family and they are good peeps.

Legit. Lovely. Kind-hearted. Sincere. Sweet sweet peeps.

Smile On  paints whatever floats their boat + commission pieces too! 

(I've got an order in the making!)

Two cute BANGLES!!!!

One beaded. One blingy

A fabulous set of votives!  

Aren't they blingy, diamond-y, shiny adorable-ness?

They'd be cute in a bathroom, a bedroom (chicka bow wow!) or anywhere really.

 And this my loves, is NOT a pillow, it's a corn sack.  

What's a corn sack, say ye?

It is fabulous old school homemade goodness that can be used as an ice pack or a heating pad. 

I have one.  I LURVE it so I figured you would too.

Best part? It's handmade with love and prayers of blessing by a dear friend.

It comes with it's own lil' homemade pouch. 

Isn't she lovely?!?

This trifecta quadratic equation ...

These seven items can be yours if the price is right!

Not really.  

All ya gotta do is enter a song you love in the comment section below.

Couldn't resist the shout out to Bob Barker though! #rip

I hope you win this fabulous assortment of random prizes.  

There's something for everyone in the mix!

And one last thing...

never ever ever ever forget: YOU ARE LOVED. 

p.s. contest ends tonight, Feb 14, 2013 at midnight CST

exit stage left

I have always loved exits.  I am very aware whenever it is time for a change to occur.  Sometimes I am way ahead of the curve with this realization; however, this sort of heightened awareness has been spot-on time and time again in my life.  I can appreciate the standard exits and transitions of life.  For instance, high school and college graduation: I was emotional, yet more excited and eager to move on to the next level.  I am learning to appreciate the larger shifts: when a close relationship ends or someone you love dies.  Exits can be seemingly slight alterations (turn left now, make that call later today, ask right now) or emotionally monumental milestones (forgive them again, let it go, move on, relocate, quit this job).  Whatever the prod, I am always listening.  And willing.  Just the other day I realized that I have always loved exits.  Really.  At first I didn't know why, but now I do.  It's because endings and beginnings are so intimately intertwined.  

opinions...everybody's got one

Same with bellybuttons and butt cracks.  It's time to bring back the lost art of knowing when and when not to keep your opinion to yourself.  If someone asks what you think or if you are encouraging and lifting someone's countenance, go for it!  I'm all about that!  But if you are waxing nostalgic on the great depth of your knowledge + your right-ness, you can save that garbage for the trash can.  Nobody wants to hear anything from a know it all.  So let's go ahead and shut that down--like--forever.  

My mode for sharing my opinion goes something like this: Is it true?  Is it necessary?  Is it kind?  <--That last one trips me up sometimes, so I have asked close friends, "What is the kind way to say ____?" whenever it is lost on me.  Also, having a relationship (a significant amount of time together, intimate conversation + connection, love, kinship, friendship, respect... some sort of SOLID foundation) is KEY.  Do NOT try lecturing or opining when you ain't got no in-road, ain't nobody asked, and what you're saying is not marinated in utter compassion + conviction.    

On Twitter the other day I saw the most hilarious tweet by @majani_: "A detailed list of people who asked for your opinion: _______  _______  _______  _______  _______  _______  _______" It LITERALLY made me laugh out loud.  What a poignant reminder to mind ya bidness!  xoxoxo

college homies

I had a fabulous college experience.  I met some of the most wonderful peeps (including my husband!) and it is absolutely delightful whenever I get to talk or re-connect with my college friends.  Recently, I got to hang with a few of my college pals.  We were brought together by way of marriage.  A former wingmate salsa-ed her way into holy matrimony and as a result, we fell right back into our high spirited, fun and mischievous ways.  Here are few quotables from our time together: 

1. THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T STAY-- said when you have been roped into handling responsibilities that are not your own because you lingered too long.  This phrase is to be said with a eyes set straight, mouth on smirk and head gently shaking no-no.  Expert at doing this: KRC

2. plomantic- when a friendship has crossed the platonic line but has yet to fully cross the romantic line, so you're both hanging out in what seems like no-man's-land.  Somewhere between platonic and romantic; a combination of the words PLatonic and rOMANTIC; this little gem was coined by yours truly ;)

3. You go on one roommate-a-date and now you're breastfeeding that man's baby--said in an attempt to capture/reconcile/understand all the time that has passed between now and then.  KRC once again.

4. THE perfect description of our beloved Senora.  She was summed up perfectly by SJC: "Seize the day has nothing on this woman.  She wakes up and murders the day."  #donquixotemeetsJackBauer #venticuatro 

There is SO much more... cooking dough, an eggplant that spills out,  moments that take 7 years off your life, Boo, you like like an alien... I could go on, but I'd be writing forever and I can't just give it all away, you know.  I will say this:  these girls have a piece of my heart and I like to think that I have a piece of theirs.  We laugh hard, keep it real, love fiercely, and we share and savor life.  Celebrate your special peeps today and everyday.  Give them a call, send em a text, do something.  My Grandaddy used to always say, Give people their flowers while they're living.  So, here's a bouquet, Imago Dei!  

it is what it is

There are some people I just don't like. There are some people that just don't like me.  We've talked about this before.  Remember oil and water, baby, oil and water?  It is what it is until it's something different.  

Some attractions resonate while others repel. I do not fully understand this, but I have finally accepted it.  Again. Some interactions reverberate.  Others straight irritate.  See it for what it is.  Then bless it with Love.  Bless the Lovers and keep em close.  Bless the Haters and gently let go.  

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Life is a processional, you know.  So keep it moving.  Trust the process.  Filter the emotions. At some point, you will make sense of it all.  Until then, just let the mixture be. Rise to the top, Great One.  And then keep it moving.  

Onward.  Upward.  Forward.