Almost
everything
will work again
if you
Unplug it
for a few minutes…
Including you.
– Ann Lamott
Unplug….
even if only
for a few minutes.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Inspiration
This’ll be the Day
This’ll be the Day.
This’ll be the day
I will seek and find
beautiful things
in humble places….
Things that have been there
all along,
but I didn’t take the time
to notice.
This’ll be the day
I will look in the mirror when I rise
and say, “Hello Beautiful”
instead of “Ugggghhhh!”
I will focus
on the things
I like about myself
instead of the things I don’t.
This’ll be the day
I consciously decide
to seek
simple moments to cherish.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Being a Best Friend: A Charlie Dog Guest Post
Charlie and his best friend Jaeger, February, 2017 – Mars, PA
Being a Best Friend: A Charlie Dog Guest Post.
Here are some things I have learned about being a best friend. I hope you find these helpful:
- Always act like it has been a hundred trillion years since you’ve last seen each other (even if it’s only been a day)! Run around like maniacs and chase each other and jump all over each other. It shows how much you’ve missed them and love them.
- Share your “stuff” (including your donuts and bones and balls) – even if it is difficult – and its even okay to play tug with them for a while, but always take turns giving in.
- Share your food and drink – more will always be provided.
- Invite them into your home – and visit their home too (even if you have to sneak!)
- Love each other’s families – they are the ones who helped make them the way they are.
- Tell each other secrets (use secret signals and languages if necessary), and make sure you keep them secrets.
- Take walks together – its good exercise and company.
These are just a few things I have learned along the way since I met my new best friend about a year ago when he moved into my neighborhood. Jaeger (that’s my best friend’s name) is a year younger than me even though he is bigger. Isn’t he handsome? I love Jaeger, and he loves me. We are best friends.
Mom tells me that to have a best friend you have to be one, so I try really hard.
Everyone needs at least one best friend. I’m glad I have Jaeger.
Woofs & Wags,
Charlie
Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends. Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model. Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, Jaeger the neighbor dog, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house. If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com. If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.
Don’t
Predicting the Future
Predicting the future…
The best way
to predict your future
is to
Create it!
Hubby bought me this cute little signs years ago, and it now resides in Sweet Little C’s nursery in our home. I imagine us chatting in the coming years about all the things she will do and create and be!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Warmth
Warmth…
A crackling fire glowing in the fireplace,
A steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.
The eyes of your child when they know you are sad,
The hand of a friend whose always by your side.
The fur of your four-legged best friend whose always by your side,
A soft, chenille blanket from a special lady who goes by the name of Mom (II),
An unexpected text with a photo of your grandchild,
A handwritten letter in the mail from a favorite aunt.
The first sip of coffee on a cold winter morning,
A glass of red wine after a long day at work.
Favorite fuzzy slippers you accidentally wear out of the house,
A well-worn hoodie with threadbare elbows.
Memories from a special song,
A tight hug that lasts longer than a pat on the back.
The ringing of the phone at the same time every morning,
and the sound of a Dad whistling while he patiently waits.
An air kiss blown while rolling over in the middle of the night,
An “I love you” on the way out the door,
A smile that greets you when you enter the office,
The privilege of introducing your future daughter-in-law.
The distinct squeak of the door opening at the end of the day,
The comforting sound of a snore you’ve loved for 35 years.
Cheers & Warm Hugs,
Jodi
Black and White
snowy front yard in FULL COLOR
“The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and then by night”*
Nature
inspiring
Nurture.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
* Three Dog Night, 1972 – first recorded by Peter Seeger, 1956
Misty Morning
Misty Morning – Mars, PA – January, 2017
Oh misty morning…
with your subtle and mellow beauty,
You are like a soft veil creating the illusion
of a world that is blemish and scar free.
You are a gentle beginning
to the realities of the day.
Oh misty morning…
will you please just stay?
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Smile
Smile…
I know that this may sound cliche,
but won’t you give it a try today?
When you see someone whose eyes are dim,
greet them with a wide, happy grin?
Show those dimples and pearly whites,
it may just be their day’s highlight.
A smile is contagious and fun to spread.
Just do it, you’ll see – full speed ahead!
It could be the cure that heals the blues,
maybe even the common cold and flu.
It’s easy, and it is free to give.
it can even be a kind forgive.
A simple smile can spread some light,
and be the way to make a day bright.
It’s a gesture, it’s a gift,
it can be a huge lift.
If everyone tried this once per day,
imagine how lovely… imagine how gay.
You can turn the world on with your smile
You can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
RIP Mary Tyler Moore – Your smile will be remembered
Everyday Heroes
Everyday Heroes
are everywhere.
I was talking with a friend/work colleague
on the phone just yesterday.
She was driving into town for a meeting,
and we were discussing the agenda.
All of the sudden, she interrupted our conversation,
“Hold on…. Hold on!”
And then I heard her shout in a friendly tone,
“Sir! Sir! Here you go?”
“My hands are so cold!”
I heard a male voice say.
“There are gloves in here
and some food and a little bit of money.”
My friend – an everyday woman on her way to the office –
swerved to the side of the road to hand a homeless man a bag.
You see, she carries several with her in her car at all times
and hands them out when she sees someone in need.
Everyday hero – that’s what you are!
My friend, you never cease to amaze me.
And we can all be heroes…
everyday heroes…
It only takes one small act of kindness
to spread a great amount of love!
What can you do today?
What WILL you do today?
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 