Dear Michael Hutchence,
I remember when I first heard “The One Thing” and “Don’t Change’ on the airwaves in the early 80’s. INXS became my favorite band. The music, the lyrics, your charisma, the Australian accents, just everything appealed to me! I feel fortunate to have seen you in concert at least eight times circa 1982-1997.
It’s still hard to believe that you died nine years ago. When I hear your voice or see you singing on video, I can hardly fathom that you tragically left this world on 11/22/97. After a number of years, I’m glad the band decided to continue. They deserve to pursue and share their gifts and passion, being such talented musicians. I admit that I’m not all that fond of their new singer, J.D. Fortune. I choose to remain in the era of the band with your vocals. I still enjoy all of your many, many songs and continue to find inspiration in your music.
I found a number of videos, live performances and interviews of you on You Tube! You indeed live on. I know there are so many other fans out there and you touched many lives in your all-too-brief life. Happy Birthday on what would have been your 47th year.
21 January 2007
JANUARY 22
18 January 2007
Quote
"We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile" - Earl Nightingale
16 January 2007
Inspiring Audrey
There is a whole You Tube universe out there! This is Audrey Hepburn reading from the Diary of Anne Frank.
14 January 2007
11 January 2007
Arctic Cold
It's really cold here!! They say were have a freeze warning in effect tonight thru Saturday morning. Got to bundle up!
10 January 2007
2 things
I saw 2 good ideas on other blogs this week:
1) Stop buying non-essential things for a specified time (Jan. 8 posting "Stop Buying Crap") http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/
2) Save money to travel (Jan. 10 posting "Travel as a Tool for Spiritual Growth") http://www.travelingforever.com/blogs/
08 January 2007
Clutter be gone...again
So I made my rounds through our little apartment and managed to purge even more. I copied the remainder of my CD’s to the computer & ipod (w/G’s help) therefore; eliminating the last CD rack which opened up some space under the table where it sat for a couple years. I instantly felt the ‘breathing space’ once it was gone. Did some sorting and organizing, even tossed some old art & calligraphy supplies I haven’t used in years, along with some books and magazines which are a bit more challenging because I LOVE books. Every time I get a new one(s), I try to discard the same amount or more, in fact that is one of his principles for various items with limited space.
When I looked in my closet yet again, I asked the question and went right to a black suit I’ve been holding onto which was only used for job interviews years ago. Turns out, I don’t see myself wearing a suit and it went in the donation bag. It’s interesting to imagine how you see your life and what you how you want to use the rooms in your home. I want more travels and experiences, and I want our home to be cozy, colorful and supportive of both our dreams and goals, which I’d say it pretty much is.
It’s an ongoing process but I feel like I’m finally getting closer to having less extraneous stuff, and more things that are useful and have a purpose.
05 January 2007
faith-plus-action
I want my word to be the opposite of fear. My instinct was the word FAITH. I remember an acronym (For All I Trust Him) and truly, if that is how I lived, I don’t think fear would be such an issue. I would believe and trust that I could handle all that comes my way. Therefore, free to try something, take risks, overcome, succeed and even fail because that’s part of learning. Also, faith that everything will ultimately be okay and work out as it should whether I understand or not. Faith to let my loved ones be all they are and do all they need to do, sans worry.
I need ACTION for anything to happen. Seek, go, and do. For example, get back on track and drop a couple pounds that crept back on, start a yoga practice, write (already signed up for a class on writers.com!) , fellowship & service, and travel. Really these are my same interests and plans that just require some a-c-t-i-o-n.
So my one word is now three:
FAITH-PLUS-ACTION
04 January 2007
words
Happy New Year!
I just read in the "aezine" email from Ali Edwards about choosing a word for the year to focus, meditate and reflect upon, while going about daily life and learning to incorporate that word. I really like her idea. Ali writes:
"Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007? It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities."
I have an idea about my word, just need to moodle (Brenda Ueland's word, sp?) a little and get precise. It has to do with adventure & risk! What about you?
Ali Edward's site is at: http://aliedwards.typepad.com/
31 December 2006
Adobe on Green
Back from our get-away to Santa Cruz. We stayed at a great B&B, the Adobe on Green. A quaint, quiet place to stay walking distance to shops, cinemas and restaurants. You never see the staff here, you're on your own once you arrive. They leave your key and all the info you need and provide access to a computer and wireless access for your own laptop, a DVD library, a sitting room by a fireplace, and access to a nice kitchen where they serve a breakfast buffet. The room has a separate tub and shower. The tub has jacuzzi jets in it! It's a beautiful location and quiet, we definitely recommend it. (www.adobeongreen.com)
28 December 2006
Alaska cold
Today was beautiful. Cold like Alaska, but very clear out. Taking care of business and getting ready for a new year. Next is a family visit and then a romantic get-away w/George. I upgraded this blog and will be adding links and lists in the sidebar soon. If I don't get back here to share before Monday, I wish you a happy New Year!
Short days of winter
Possibilities abound
As a new year dawns
22 December 2006
Solstice
Today is Winter Solstice and the last day of Hanukkah. We've been lighting our candles every night. We've also been watering our cute Charlie Brown potted, Christmas tree. Which by the way, can be donated to the Urban Forest after the holiday's and replanted. It feels very environmentally correct. Today's work day will end a little earlier which is nice. Looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas weekend with George.
I got some new festive tea to try, Ginger Snappish (snappy ginger herb tea with lemon) by Bigelow. It sounds fun since I love ginger tea. Shopping is done. Just have more baking to do which I enjoy anyway. Have to compensate by going to the gym though because baking always involves testing in my kitchen. :)
Enjoy the start of winter. It's a good time to get cozy, make some tea or festive hot beverage and watch a good movie (It's a Wonderful Life is timeless), read a good book, write something... or whatever indoor activites appeal to you.
21 December 2006
2006
The year is winding down. It's been a good year for us. My greatest acheivements are making a positive job change and losing 15 pounds. We also made some furniture upgrades in our home, took our first cruise (w/my family to Alaska), I got a new financial advisor, visited my best friend in Portland, and we both turned 40!
Since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year, we are only going to the morning service since I am lighting the advent candles at church. We might go to the movies on Christmas Eve.... not sure yet. I really want to see the Will Smith movie "Pursuit of Happyness" which was filmed here in beautiful San Francisco, and I'd like to see"Rocky Balboa". Playing it by ear.
Christmas day ... it's about celebrating our Savior.
I also wish my Aunt Joyce a very happy birthday.
14 December 2006
Multimedia message
Award-winning I might add! Tied for first place at our company potluck with Turtle fudge and Tiramisu! Thanks Steph. Thanks Paula Deen. :)
Pumpkin gingerbread trifle
