Thoughtful Thursday... A New Year with Self Growth and Goals.

With the end of one year and the approach of 2011 rapidly coming upon us, it's no surprise that many people reflect on set goals and accomplishments.  The thought of a new year can bring the aspect of new and exciting endeavors.  Some call these 'New Year's Resolutions'; yet, I like to view them as self improvement goals whether they are for my personal or professional life. 

I've learned over the years to not set some unrealistic goals; such as being a size 2, writing the perfect manuscript the first time around, or having a perfect hair day every day.  It's just not going to happen.  Dreaming is good and setting goals is fabulous but let's be real.

However, it doesn't mean that I stop working out and constantly eat junk food with the idea of no possibility of reaching a size 2.  It just means that I continually strive to reach the best I can be in a healthier body.  That healthy body for me may be a size 8 or size 10 and that's ok.  It also means that when it comes to my writing, I continue to work on improving my craft by taking writing courses, challenges, and attending workshops and writers' meetings.

I learn by doing and I improve by being consistent with my goals.  I don't give up.  I may become frustrated and overwhelmed at times, but stopping and giving up is not an option.  Instead I take one day at a time with constant and continuous baby steps.  These never ending steps forward will lead to a giant and wide span of growth and improvement over a expanded period of time. 

So I urge you all to push forward and be positive.  Don't reflect too long on the negative but learn from it and make adjustments to what you want different in your life.  Remember to be consistent with your goals and continue to strive for them but don't berate yourself too badly when you fall short on a particular day.  Pick yourself up and start it again because eventually the goal will be reached if you don't throw in the towel and give up. 

May you all have a glorious and prosperous new year!

HUGS,

JD  :)

Tempting Tuesday...Game on!

Awwww David Beckham, do I need to say anything more?  I didn't think so.  Enjoy everyone!  :)

Thoughtful Thursday...You can't limit GOD's love.

Every Christmas I enjoy watching my favorite Christmas movies and discovering new ones.  Some are comedies, dramas, or even musicals.  Although they may differ in their genres, they all convey similar messages of faith, hope, and love.

These movies make me laugh, cry, and replace my hope in others.  Yet, the thing is I don't need these movies to remind me of the goodness in people.  Goodness is around me, I just have to choose to look for it and grasp it.

I realize there are terrible and evil events which occur within the world but allowing them to destroy my faith in humanity and doubt GOD's Sovereignty gives despair and hopelessness a strong hold within my life.  I refuse to submit to fear and hopelessness.  I also choose to believe in faith, hope, and continual love throughout the year not just at Christmas time.  You see, GOD's love isn't contained within a religious holiday, or church building.  HIS love has no limits because HE is Omnipotent and that means not being limited within a movie reel as well. 

So as you go out this holiday season and celebrate with loved ones, look around and reflect on GOD's love and hope which HE's lavished upon us.  Then continue to look at the world through GOD's eyes when the holiday season ends.  Seek out the good which is in others and know that GOD is always present.  Remember to love others as GOD loves them not how you think they should be loved.  Don't try to keep HIS love contained within the confines of a church but extend the faith, hope, and love throughout the ends of the Earth.

Merry Christmas and GOD bless you all.

Tempting Tuesday...Look what I found when shopping!

When I was at the mall the other day, I caught this gorgeous male just lounging about in the Perry Ellis men's wear.  Well, there was a poster board sign and wall to help with his demeanor but I oh so loved it.  I hope you do too!   BTW, his name is Tommy Dunn and he's also the model for the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle commercial which also features Keira Knightley. 

Thoughtful Thursday...Give a little?

With Christmas approaching quickly upon us, people feel the pull of many charities to either give of their money and/or time.  Giving back to others has an important quality to both the recipient and the giver; however, when does someone know when to contribute and how much to contribute whether it's by monetary funds or by volunteering time towards a cause.

I believe it starts months before the holidays even start.  In order to truly benefit others and yourself, research needs to be done on what charity or organization which you and/or your family would want to participate or contribute in during the holidays and throughout the year.  I say this because as much as a person may want to help out with every group which approaches him/her, in reality it just can't happen; not with having dire consequences on the person and the charity.

Just like buying a new car or home, giving towards a charity calls for a budget. I mean, contrary to what so many in this country may think, 'money most certainly does not grow on trees."  So planning is needed.  There are things to consider besides the 'heart' of the matter because no matter how much you may want to give, you can't let your emotions alone lead you; logic needs to be among the factors as well. 

When giving of your time with helping out a charitable cause, one must think about the well being of the whole family unit too.  With so many activities surrounding school, church, communiy, and family, it's no wonder that there's a strain placed upon the guality of family time. Yet, volunteering can bring a family together when it is done with the whole family in mind and not just an individual.  Giving back to charitable organizations can also be an invaluable teaching resource for parents.  Children can learn the importance of helping others less fortunate than themselves and it gives children a sense of gratitude for what they have in their lives; whether it's their family, food, stable home environment, health, or material things.

When a person wants to help a charitable cause, there are certain questions which need to be answered before anything happens.  Things to consider are:

1)  Can the family afford it?
2)  How much can be given?
3)  How much time can be spent on the charity?
4)  Will the time spent hurt or help the family?
5)  Will the money spent towards the charity hurt the  basic needs for the family?
6)  What extra stuff (non essential things) can the family do without in order to contribute towards a charity?
7)  Are you and/or the family willing to give 100% of effort/attitude when volunteering time?
8)  Is there truly a giving attitude or is it 'just for show or need to please others'? (don't do it unless you want to; the charity, you and the family will suffer because of it)

These are just a few of the questions which you may consider before sending in a check or serving a Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter.  The point is, please consider all factors before you 'jump in' and yell, 'sign me up'!  'Cause if you don't, not only does the charity suffer but so do you and your family and isn't the whole point of giving back is to help not hurt. 

HUGS and happy charity hunting,

JD  :)

Tempting Tuesday...Gonna go Lenny's way?

Woke up today in the mood for some Lenny Kravitz.  Hey, what woman wouldn't...hell, what man wouldn't for that matter!  Kravitz can rock it and flaunt it like no body's business.  This man can melt the butter off a cold slab of concrete in a Arctic ice storm!  Yeah, he most definitely sends out an electric and intoxicating vibe.  This man creates some rockin' songs that are sensual and hypnotic.  The sexuality of his voice, the lyrics, and rhythm of the music can send a tingling sensation down my spine.  And let's not forget the almighty alpha male stance, head swinging, and hip gyrations he performs all so well.  That man owns the stage!  WHEW!  I think I need a cold shower now.  Anyway, enjoy some of my favorite pics of him. :)

                  

Beautiful smile. :)

   

Love those eyes!



I imagine Vishous from JR Ward's BD Brotherhood kinda like this. :)



Thoughtful Thursday....'Christmas Bells'

Here's a classic Christmas poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  He wrote it during the American Civil War. Longfellow tragically reflects his anguish over the war and the harsh realities of it; yet, this poem brings a sense of hope to all for a better life and future of no hatred and no wars.

Christmas Bells
by:  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

And thought how, as the day had come,              
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

May we all find peace this Christmas holiday season and throughout all the days of our lives.  May we all embrace each other and lift each other up in prayers and continuous love.  May our Almighty GOD continue to guide and direct us and most importantly, may we all surrender to HIM and not follow the paths of judgement, hate, and ridicule but love one another with open hearts. 

HUGS and GOD BLESS,

JD  :)

Tempting Tuesday...Swiss dish, Marc Schenkenberg!

Sweden has some yummy treats; such as spitzbuben and baumkuchen.  But I have to say that my favorite one is Marcus Schenkenberg.  Anyone would love to take a bite out of this delicious Swiss dish.  He's an actor/model and he's modeled for Calvin Klein, Versace, Valentino and more.  Here's a few pics for our viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

HUGS,

JD :)

           

Thoughtful Thursday....bring out the cake!

As the time draws nearer to another birthday, I can't help but get all giddy....I know, I know...one would think that as an adult I wouldn't be but I love birthdays!  Some people get all anxious, depressed, pissy, or even lie about their age because they dread getting older.  Not me.  And to answer your question, I will be 41 on Monday and yes mom did drop me on my head a few times as a child...heehee.

Seriously though, I believe birthdays are a day of celebration.  One it means I've spent another year on this glorious earth which the LORD has created.  HE's also blessed me with more opportunities to grow and become the woman HE wants me to be, more time with loved ones, and more time to share HIS love with others as HE has with me.  Birthdays offer a time of reflection but not regrets.  To me, they should inspire and motivate a person to reach for his/her dreams and goals.  It's never too late. 

When I celebrate a birthday, I actually feel like a kid because of the excitement and giddiness built up inside of me.  Actually, I feel that way for other people's birthdays as well.  It's the one day of the year that it's ok to be pampered and catered to without feeling guilty; yet, not hurting others during the process.

Don't get me wrong, I may not have the body that I used to, may experience more aches and pains, and forget things more easily but I cherish my 'living life wear and tear' badges.  They've molded and shaped me.  After all, I am a strong, beautiful, and smart grown woman; not a young, awkward, and naive youngster.

So with that I say...'Hello Birthday, I missed ya, babe, and it's so wonderful to see you again"!

Tempting Tuesday....It's getting hot in here!

In case anyone is in need of cooling off while cooking during this holiday season, here's some brave firemen who can hose you down or maybe even add fuel to the flames...you decide. :)

Ok, I have to add one without the faces but includes some beautiful chests and abs and let's not forget the tattoos.  The tatts alone melts the hair off the back of my neck. Enjoy.

I think a rescue is in need!

                         

Thoughtful Thursday...Are you truly thankful?

Thanksgiving is a holiday of eating too much, watching parades, and yelling at football players from the comfort of our own homes. It's also a day to reflect and appreciate the people and things in our lives which we have been blessed to have received from our Heavenly Father. 

Yet, many people throughout our society tend to not be thankful for their blessings.  In fact, some people don't even look at their loved ones, jobs, material things, or freedom as blessings but as their 'God given rights'; meaning, they believe that just because their breathing then they are entitled to everything and anyone they want.  Then when they are fortunate enough to have people who care about them, a great job, those new pair of shoes, or freedom to believe as they want without the fear of persecution...they truly don't appreciate any of it.

How many times, have we truly reflected and consciously been thankful for the people in our lives. We all become busy with our daily routines and before we know it time has flown by and we haven't even told a loved one, 'I love you' or 'Thank you' for anything.  Even worse, we haven't even done anything for someone else just out of pure kindness and graciousness; not expecting anything in return but 'just because' we wanted to show the person how much he/she means to us or brighten up his/her day. 

So my earnest request for everyone, myself included, is to be actively aware of our blessings, all of them.  Regardless if a blessing is a person, an object, or anything that enables us to be the best we can be and was bestowed upon us even when we may not have 'deserved' it...then we should all be truly thankful for all. 

Because you see, I didn't earn any special points in order to be birthed in our wonderful United States and have the freedoms which we have today.  I didn't work to earn my family; yet GOD loved me and blessed me anyway with them; regardless of what I may or may not do in my lifetime.

I pray today that I; along with everyone, that we as citizens of the world will be truly thankful for all which our Heavenly Father has given us and not just on Thanksgiving Day but on every single days of our lives. 

May GOD's favor continue to be bestowed upon us and bless us throughout lives and may we all be continuously thankful for those blessings; not just one day of the year but every day.  And may we pass on the blessing towards others as our LORD has done for us. 

HUGS and GOD BLESS,

JD :)

Tempting Tuesday...Many sides of Mr. Sexy

With the latest People's Magazine issue of 'Sexiest Man Alive' featuring Ryan Reynolds, I thought I'd share a few pics of the different sides of this hot and hilarious man. 

Sexy is a man who isn't afraid to poke fun of himself.



Sexy is a smile spread across his face.

He needs to know how to handle his machinery too. :)



Thoughtful Thursday....Which road to take?

Today's selection is an all time favorite poem of mine from Robert Frost.  I hope you all enjoy this wonderful classic.

The Road Not Taken


Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two road diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.


By: Robert Frost

I've always loved this poem because it reminds me that there are always choices to be made throughout our lives.  Sometimes we choose very well and at other times, not so well.  It tells me that I have to make the right choices for me and my life and not what may be right for everyone else.  Sometimes the choices I make may not be the most popular views; yet, they work for me. 

There are times, when I make a decision and it turns out not so great...well, those are the times that really build a person's character and strengthens the soul.  I can never go back and change things but I can choose to make the most out of the situation and learn from it and go forward.  I have to admit that I would not change those "not so great moments" because they made me mentally stronger and wiser.

So here's to the many choices in our lives!  Take the time to consider the right one for you, but don't beat yourself up too badly if it doesn't turn out the way you expected.  Learn, grow, and continue to love throughout the process.  But either way, enjoy your journey and soak it all into your essence.

 

Tempting Tuesday....Kostas Martakis

Ok, ladies, I couldn't resist another Greek god of a man...Kostas Martakis.  He's a model/actor/singer.  Why am I not surprised by that bit of info?  I came across this gorgeous specimen a few months ago and I instantly shivered at the intensity of his blue eyes and those pouty luscious lips.  Oh my, those lips...yeah, those alone play havoc on my sensory overload.  Anyway, I couldn't quite decide on a specific photo or video so I'm sharing several to quench or 'hose off' those flaming fires within you.  Please check out the videos in the two additional blog posts.  You definitely do not want to miss those. Here's the office website for Kostas:

http://kostasmartakis.narod.ru/eng/main.html

What is it about these Greek men?  Hmmmm....yep I do believe the Greek myths and legends...the gods are definitely smiling down on them.  Enjoy. :)

Kostas Martakis's Non English Video - Thelo epeigontos diakopes

This video by Kostas Martakis is sung in Greek.  I'm not sure exactly what he's saying but I think his actions speak clear enough.  ;)

Kostas Martakis & Desislava- "LOVING YOU"

Kostas Martakis and Bulgarian singer, Desislava sing the song "Loving You".  It is sung in English and the video is...ohhhh la-la....hot and sexy.  The lyrics alone could set the mood for any couple. :)

Thoughtful Thursday....Thank you, Veterans.



Marines raising the U. S. flag on Iwo Jima.

 November 11th, Veterans Day.  The day set aside to honor the men and women who served in any of the branches of the United States Armed Forces during war or peace time.  There's so many who work day in and day out protecting our nation whether on this soil or on a foreign one.  This nation was built on a variety of beliefs along with the blood, sweat, and tears from our ancestors.  Many before us have laid the foundation for our freedoms and many today continue to protect those for us and our future generations.  We don't all have to have the same education, profession, interests, or religious beliefs; but we all must acknowledge the truth of the matter that we would not be able to have those differences and the right to thrive in them if it weren't for the people who volunteered to protect us while we've enjoyed those freedoms.  I pray we all remember all the ones who have lost their lives, served in all the past wars, and all those who continue to serve in our military today.  Tell a veteran, "thank you" and then say a prayer for them.

Tempting Tuesday...He's so VANE!

Christopher Douglas aka Vane Kattalakis

We all know the song by Carly Simon, "You're so vain" but I'm not talking about a conceited ego here.  This is more along the line of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Night Play hero, Vane Kattalakis.  He's one hot and deadly Were-hunter who loves his mate, Bride, with compassion. But will rip out the heart of anyone who lays a finger on his woman.  We all love the fierce protector in our men and Vane is no exception. 

I use this pic as my screen saver.  Hubby laughs. :)

Very rugged...me like.

At one time on Kenyon's website, a model/actor by the name of Christopher Douglas represented the sexy Were-hunter.  He's exactly how I pictured Vane.  The character of Vane has always been a one of my favorites and the representation from Douglas nailed it for me.  Douglas played on 'One Life to Live' and 'Young and the Restless' along with guest appearances on various movies and TV shows.  He's a southern man and one delicious treat indeed without any unwanted calories. Enjoy ladies.  I know I do. :)

Thoughtful Thursday....Clarity

Today I wish to share with you a poem I wrote some previous years earlier while taking a college children's literature course.  As I had my quiet time this morning with GOD, this poem came to my mind.  Although it is a rather 'simple' narrative poem, I believe it reflects perfectly the recent events in my life.  As you read it, I hope it gives you peace and comfort as it gave me years ago and today as well. 

Clarity

Kneeling on my knees

I began to pray

What is this confusion

That I'm feeling today?

I ask "Dear Lord Jesus,

Can you hear my plea?

I will wait for Your answer

That will guide me."

I wait and I ponder

But all around is still

I do not quite understand

What is Your will?

He picks me up gently

And He tells me to go

His love and strength fill me

It will help me to grow.

Then a bright light shines down

Oh! This I understand!

To trust in His wisdom

For my life is in His hands.

I hope this brought some ray of sunshine into your day.  I would love to hear what inspirational or favorite poem has made an impact on your life or simply brought a smile to your face.  Thank you all and may you have a blessed day. :)

Tempting Tuesday...Theo Theodoridis!



He so melts my butter.



Here's a little treat for all you gals.  Greek model, Theo Theodoridis is a big favorite of mine.  One look at him and I think he'll become one of yours as well.  Enjoy this beautiful male for the rest of the day or any time you like. 

Sadly, he's in a Greek prison for a drug issue but please check out his story and support the fight for his freedom on the Facebook group page: 

 

Free Theo Theodoridis-Justice for Theo-'Pay It Forward'

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1164817410#!/group.php?gid=122485361120114&v=wall

Here's his website with even more tasty photos:   http://www.theodoro.eu/

Enjoy and try not to drool on the keyboard. LOL!

Scruffy and so hot!