This post is for January 29th, 2011
MEMORY -
I definitely got my clumsy habits from Uncle Pete. Pete's clumsiness came out to play while he lived a few houses down from us in Kissimmee, Fl. My Dad kept hounding him about his walls and how some areas needed some touch up paint. Peter wasn't exactly the handyman type, so this was a responsibility he would usually ignore in hopes Dad would come to the rescue. Pete must have been tired of hearing Dad complain, because he FINALLY took matters into his own hands.
Pete left the room to go get the paint in the garage. He came back and what a site to see!!!!!! Splattered from head to toe in white paint! Pete went on to explain that the lid to the paint can, it wasn't popped into place all the way! When he went to go shake the can to mix up the paint..... you guessed it ...... paint went EVERYWHERE! On his car, on his workbench, all over the garage, on his glasses ....... and of course, all over the "handyman" himself.
Mom and Dad bursted into laughter, then asked" Touched up a few things did ya Pete?"
APPLICATION -
Getting ready in a rush, I of course wasn't paying attention. Curling my hair with one hand and putting on lipstick with the other ..... not such a great idea. My thumb had slid across the HOT curling barrel and totally got burned. "CRAP!" I yelled. ( not the exact word I used at the time, but "crap" will work for now)
REFLECTION -
No matter what you do today, pay attention while doing it! Make sure you check before you shake and focus before you curl!!!! Clumsiness ...... definitely a shared trait between the both of us!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Playing In The Snow - Day 123 of 365
This post is for January 28th, 2011
MEMORY -
It was a cold winter morning, the kind that inspires a fire and a cup of hot chocolate. During our family vacation in Breckenridge, my brother, Uncle Pete and myself decided to spend some time playing in the snow. We walked to the back of the cabin, carrying our sleds in one hand and our excitement in the other. Pete was a kid again. He seemed to have tapped into a simpler time in his life, putting all thoughts of adulthood on hold. It was good. Good to see the ageless spirit of my Uncle come to life, in the Snow, having fun.
APPLICATION -
I found myself spending a weekend in a snow covered home. New Jersey was over flowing with ice, very different from what I had experienced in Breckenridge. I was introduced to Black Ice ..... By the way, I am NOT a fan! I was amazed at how such a pleasurable thing at one point in my life, was such a un-fun thing at the moment. Walking through the freezing cold, stomping my way through the snow, I close my eyes and remember the good times I had with Peter in similar weather conditions.
REFLECTION -
I see now .... it wasn't the snow I loved in Breckenridge, it was the people I was with.
MEMORY -
It was a cold winter morning, the kind that inspires a fire and a cup of hot chocolate. During our family vacation in Breckenridge, my brother, Uncle Pete and myself decided to spend some time playing in the snow. We walked to the back of the cabin, carrying our sleds in one hand and our excitement in the other. Pete was a kid again. He seemed to have tapped into a simpler time in his life, putting all thoughts of adulthood on hold. It was good. Good to see the ageless spirit of my Uncle come to life, in the Snow, having fun.
APPLICATION -
I found myself spending a weekend in a snow covered home. New Jersey was over flowing with ice, very different from what I had experienced in Breckenridge. I was introduced to Black Ice ..... By the way, I am NOT a fan! I was amazed at how such a pleasurable thing at one point in my life, was such a un-fun thing at the moment. Walking through the freezing cold, stomping my way through the snow, I close my eyes and remember the good times I had with Peter in similar weather conditions.
REFLECTION -
I see now .... it wasn't the snow I loved in Breckenridge, it was the people I was with.
Expect The Unexpected - Day 122 of 365
This post is for January 27th, 2011
MEMORY -
Peter would always be prepared for the unexpected. Not because he carried around a special tool kit for life, more so because he always lived in the "Now". He was so present. Present in the moment enough to deal with the challenge at hand, even if it was the unexpected.
APPLICATION -
Today, I literally walked into an unexpected situation. I was caught by surprise and didn't quite know how to handle it. I lived in the moment, and waited it out. I learned from this unexpected event and am thankful it happened.
REFLECTION -
Expect the unexpected, it keeps life interesting.
MEMORY -
Peter would always be prepared for the unexpected. Not because he carried around a special tool kit for life, more so because he always lived in the "Now". He was so present. Present in the moment enough to deal with the challenge at hand, even if it was the unexpected.
APPLICATION -
Today, I literally walked into an unexpected situation. I was caught by surprise and didn't quite know how to handle it. I lived in the moment, and waited it out. I learned from this unexpected event and am thankful it happened.
REFLECTION -
Expect the unexpected, it keeps life interesting.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Growing Relationships - Day 121 of 365
This post is for January 26th, 2011
MEMORY -
As a child, I saw Pete as an Uncle. The man in my life whom I could do no wrong. As a teen, I began to see him as my dad's brother, learning more about where he came from and whom he was as an individual. As an adult, I saw him as my friend, realizing our relationship was maturing and solidifying by choice not by blood.
APPLICATION -
While teaching my study group of 8, I felt a special bond happening within the group. Beyond the "teacher/student" realm, was a group of adults gathered together sharing information and learning from each other. Conversation was knowledgable but not always dance related. Special moments full of laughing, questioning and sharing. Special moments I'll forever hold dear to my heart. Wether teacher OR student, we are good people sharing good times.
REFLECTION -
I teach them dance, they teach me enjoyment ..... I guess it goes hand in hand.
MEMORY -
As a child, I saw Pete as an Uncle. The man in my life whom I could do no wrong. As a teen, I began to see him as my dad's brother, learning more about where he came from and whom he was as an individual. As an adult, I saw him as my friend, realizing our relationship was maturing and solidifying by choice not by blood.
APPLICATION -
While teaching my study group of 8, I felt a special bond happening within the group. Beyond the "teacher/student" realm, was a group of adults gathered together sharing information and learning from each other. Conversation was knowledgable but not always dance related. Special moments full of laughing, questioning and sharing. Special moments I'll forever hold dear to my heart. Wether teacher OR student, we are good people sharing good times.
REFLECTION -
I teach them dance, they teach me enjoyment ..... I guess it goes hand in hand.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Falling Behind - Day 120 of 365
This post is for January 25th, 2011
MEMORY -
I remember when I began this blog ..... I was very good about keeping up with the posts everyday as desired.
APPLICATION -
A bit disappointed in myself today. It hit me that I have fallen behind on my commitment to blog about Peter on a daily basis. I have had to jot my thoughts down throughout my hectic days and plan for a later time to blog about them.
Life happens, and things tie up your time. This daily commitment has shown me when I am on AND off track. The days that I make the time to blog in the quiet, I tend to slow myself down.
REFLECTION -
The days I play "catch up" are the days that fly by without stillness of the soul. Days not fully lived.
MEMORY -
I remember when I began this blog ..... I was very good about keeping up with the posts everyday as desired.
APPLICATION -
A bit disappointed in myself today. It hit me that I have fallen behind on my commitment to blog about Peter on a daily basis. I have had to jot my thoughts down throughout my hectic days and plan for a later time to blog about them.
Life happens, and things tie up your time. This daily commitment has shown me when I am on AND off track. The days that I make the time to blog in the quiet, I tend to slow myself down.
REFLECTION -
The days I play "catch up" are the days that fly by without stillness of the soul. Days not fully lived.
Candy Wrapper Clutch - Day 119 of 365
This post is for January 24th, 2011
MEMORY -
Candy wrapper purses. The first year they came out, Uncle Pete went out and bought me one. I had not yet known of the recycled trend, but he did and he just had to get me one. I remember him being so proud of his find. He purchased it at an art gallery in Downtown Disney.
APPLICATION -
Cleaning day ;-( My closet had taken a turn for the worse! It was time to get organized. I have been a purse junkie for years. Collecting bag upon bag. Handbags, duffel bags, clutches .... had them all. For Christmas, Erik bought me the new Miche bag. The bag that has interchangeable shells. One purse, and hundreds of different shells. There was no need for my HUGE collection of purses anymore. Having no emotional attachment to my collection, I began tossing the purses one by one.
I paused for a moment and was happily surprised. There at the bottom of the pile was Peters Candy Wrapper clutch. I held it close realizing that it hadn't been put to use in quite a long time.
REFLECTION -
Currently planning the perfect outfit for the most perfect purse.
MEMORY -
Candy wrapper purses. The first year they came out, Uncle Pete went out and bought me one. I had not yet known of the recycled trend, but he did and he just had to get me one. I remember him being so proud of his find. He purchased it at an art gallery in Downtown Disney.
APPLICATION -
Cleaning day ;-( My closet had taken a turn for the worse! It was time to get organized. I have been a purse junkie for years. Collecting bag upon bag. Handbags, duffel bags, clutches .... had them all. For Christmas, Erik bought me the new Miche bag. The bag that has interchangeable shells. One purse, and hundreds of different shells. There was no need for my HUGE collection of purses anymore. Having no emotional attachment to my collection, I began tossing the purses one by one.
I paused for a moment and was happily surprised. There at the bottom of the pile was Peters Candy Wrapper clutch. I held it close realizing that it hadn't been put to use in quite a long time.
REFLECTION -
Currently planning the perfect outfit for the most perfect purse.
The Simple Things - Day 118 of 365
This post is for January 23rd, 2011
MEMORY -
I remember the simple things. The everyday gestures and habits Peter displayed. The moments I wouldn't normally label as "memorable", seem to stick in my mind the most. I guess in a moment of loss ...... everything is memorable.
APPLICATION -
Tonight, I sit down at the dinner table at Mom and Dad's. I sit patiently waiting for dinner to be served. During my wait, I noticed my mind begin to wander. It tends to do that when I am around Pete's old living quarters. I could imagine him at the other end of the table. Sitting quietly playing on his IPhone. He also had a bad habit of biting his nails on occasion. As crazy as that sounds, I miss that too! From the good to the bad ..... I miss it all.
REFLECTION -
It's when you no longer have the means to see nor touch someone, that you begin to miss EVERYTHING about them, even the simple things.
MEMORY -
I remember the simple things. The everyday gestures and habits Peter displayed. The moments I wouldn't normally label as "memorable", seem to stick in my mind the most. I guess in a moment of loss ...... everything is memorable.
APPLICATION -
Tonight, I sit down at the dinner table at Mom and Dad's. I sit patiently waiting for dinner to be served. During my wait, I noticed my mind begin to wander. It tends to do that when I am around Pete's old living quarters. I could imagine him at the other end of the table. Sitting quietly playing on his IPhone. He also had a bad habit of biting his nails on occasion. As crazy as that sounds, I miss that too! From the good to the bad ..... I miss it all.
REFLECTION -
It's when you no longer have the means to see nor touch someone, that you begin to miss EVERYTHING about them, even the simple things.
A Different Light - Day 117 of 365
This post is for January 22nd, 2011
MEMORY -
The day I began this blog was a special day. I began to get to know Peter in a different light.
APPLICATION -
Today, I listened to a friend who was speaking about a lost loved one. I spoke about my blog and inspired them to get to know their loved one in a different light as well. She was glowing with curiosity and excitement.
REFLECTION -
No doubt, continuing to remember someone who has crossed to the other side is an enlightening experience unlike any other I have ever experienced. Happy to see others keeping those memories alive.
MEMORY -
The day I began this blog was a special day. I began to get to know Peter in a different light.
APPLICATION -
Today, I listened to a friend who was speaking about a lost loved one. I spoke about my blog and inspired them to get to know their loved one in a different light as well. She was glowing with curiosity and excitement.
REFLECTION -
No doubt, continuing to remember someone who has crossed to the other side is an enlightening experience unlike any other I have ever experienced. Happy to see others keeping those memories alive.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Family Rock - Day 116 of 365
This post is for January 21, 2011
MEMORY -
If there was one word I could use to describe Peter's greatest love it would have to be Family.
APPLICATION -
Today I traveled to Jacksonville to do some teaching. I stayed with my second family away from home. As I sat there in their dining room, I made some observations. One observation stood out from the others. This family was VERY similar to mine. No wonder I felt so at home with them time after time. Unlike mine, this family was large. Kids running in and out of the house wasn't abnormal around this house hold. I saw one of the boys go over to their uncle and give him the biggest hug. A moment so sweet and loving. I miss those tender moments with my Uncle. The hugs .... the company.
REFLECTION -
Peter was the rock of our family ...... a stepping stone to better things ahead.
MEMORY -
If there was one word I could use to describe Peter's greatest love it would have to be Family.
APPLICATION -
Today I traveled to Jacksonville to do some teaching. I stayed with my second family away from home. As I sat there in their dining room, I made some observations. One observation stood out from the others. This family was VERY similar to mine. No wonder I felt so at home with them time after time. Unlike mine, this family was large. Kids running in and out of the house wasn't abnormal around this house hold. I saw one of the boys go over to their uncle and give him the biggest hug. A moment so sweet and loving. I miss those tender moments with my Uncle. The hugs .... the company.
REFLECTION -
Peter was the rock of our family ...... a stepping stone to better things ahead.
No Explanation - Day 115 of 365
This post is for January 20th, 2011
MEMORY -
So much of who Pete was, was a part of me.
APPLICATION -
Not sure what it was, but today I felt a presence within me. Not of my own, but of Peter's. Words can't explain it, but it felt enlightening on many levels.
REFLECTION -
Some moments in life are so profound, they can't be described nor explained.
MEMORY -
So much of who Pete was, was a part of me.
APPLICATION -
Not sure what it was, but today I felt a presence within me. Not of my own, but of Peter's. Words can't explain it, but it felt enlightening on many levels.
REFLECTION -
Some moments in life are so profound, they can't be described nor explained.
Never Stop Learning - Day 114 of 365
This post is for January 19th, 2011
MEMORY -
Peter was one heck of a teacher. Informative, easy to understand and always up to date. He was the human equivalent of the Internet, no doubt. What I loved about this particular teacher is that he never stopped learning himself. Though it seemed at times he "knew it all" ...... he was the first to tell you he didn't.
APPLICATION -
Today, I had the opportunity to see a great teacher in action. Being a teacher myself, I was impressed beyond belief. The teaching style was upbeat and entertaining, but what impressed me the most was the philosophy behind the information taught. I delightfully found myself on the other side, learning once again.
REFLECTION -
The best teachers NEVER stop learning.
MEMORY -
Peter was one heck of a teacher. Informative, easy to understand and always up to date. He was the human equivalent of the Internet, no doubt. What I loved about this particular teacher is that he never stopped learning himself. Though it seemed at times he "knew it all" ...... he was the first to tell you he didn't.
APPLICATION -
Today, I had the opportunity to see a great teacher in action. Being a teacher myself, I was impressed beyond belief. The teaching style was upbeat and entertaining, but what impressed me the most was the philosophy behind the information taught. I delightfully found myself on the other side, learning once again.
REFLECTION -
The best teachers NEVER stop learning.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wise Wizard - Day 113 of 365
This post is for January 18th, 2011
MEMORY -
Peter always reminded me of a wise wizard. He seemed to know all, providing the easiest answers to the hardest questions and then POOF ... your questions would be answered and your problems, magically disappeared.
APPLICATION -
Today I had a challenge at hand. There was no wand to wave or a magical hat to wear. I thought about what Pete would have told me and decided to take a time out.
REFLECTION -
Taking a time out was just what I needed. Time away from the challenge provided me time with my Uncle. I came back to the challenge more open minded and refreshed. As if magic happened, my problems were gone and my questions were answered. Pete once more reminded me of a wise wizard.
MEMORY -
Peter always reminded me of a wise wizard. He seemed to know all, providing the easiest answers to the hardest questions and then POOF ... your questions would be answered and your problems, magically disappeared.
APPLICATION -
Today I had a challenge at hand. There was no wand to wave or a magical hat to wear. I thought about what Pete would have told me and decided to take a time out.
REFLECTION -
Taking a time out was just what I needed. Time away from the challenge provided me time with my Uncle. I came back to the challenge more open minded and refreshed. As if magic happened, my problems were gone and my questions were answered. Pete once more reminded me of a wise wizard.
A Quiet Good Morning - Day 112 of 365
This post is for January 17th, 2011
MEMORY -
Many of my memorable moments with Peter were those in the silence.
APPLICATION -
Today, I caught an early flight out of Houston, heading home. The airport seemed quiet. Silence wasn't hard to find, neither was Peter. I sat both in a tired and silent state. Did a bit of praying and began my day with a clear and quiet soul.
REFLECTION -
We continue to have those moments in silence, only now in more locations.
MEMORY -
Many of my memorable moments with Peter were those in the silence.
APPLICATION -
Today, I caught an early flight out of Houston, heading home. The airport seemed quiet. Silence wasn't hard to find, neither was Peter. I sat both in a tired and silent state. Did a bit of praying and began my day with a clear and quiet soul.
REFLECTION -
We continue to have those moments in silence, only now in more locations.
Known From Afar - Day 111 of 365
This Post is for January 16th, 2011
MEMORY -
Many people knew Peter, but they didn't know him like I did.
APPLICATION -
Today, as I was walking throughout the hotel, I was stopped by a woman. She approached me with a soft face and a glowing smile. She said " I have really enjoyed reading about your Uncle Pete" I get this often, but today it sounded different.
REFLECTION -
I smiled and went about my day knowing Pete was a part of everyone who read about him.
MEMORY -
Many people knew Peter, but they didn't know him like I did.
APPLICATION -
Today, as I was walking throughout the hotel, I was stopped by a woman. She approached me with a soft face and a glowing smile. She said " I have really enjoyed reading about your Uncle Pete" I get this often, but today it sounded different.
REFLECTION -
I smiled and went about my day knowing Pete was a part of everyone who read about him.
Follow Your Dream - Day 110 of 365
This post is for January 15, 2011
MEMORY -
Peter didn't teach me to dance .......
APPLICATION -
He taught me to follow my dream ........ Today, I did.
REFLECTION -
I couldn't be happier.
MEMORY -
Peter didn't teach me to dance .......
APPLICATION -
He taught me to follow my dream ........ Today, I did.
REFLECTION -
I couldn't be happier.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Opportunity - Day 109 of 365
This post is for January 14, 2011
MEMORY -
Peter was a man of opportunity. If opportunity presented itself, he wouldn't waste anytime taking it. Opportunity to leave Chicago and move to Orlando, he took it. Opportunity to take an unforgettable trip to Italy, he took it. Opportunity to die peacefully at his home around family and friends, he took it. When opportunity knocked ....Peter answered, in the good and scariest of time.
APPLICATION -
An opportunity presented itself today and I had two options. Take it or leave it. First instinct was to leave it, satisfying the fear I had inside. After much thought, my heart moved me away from fear and closer to opportunity, taking on the challenging task at hand opening up a world of opportunity.
REFLECTION -
Looking back on the day, I couldn't imagine it without opportunity.
MEMORY -
Peter was a man of opportunity. If opportunity presented itself, he wouldn't waste anytime taking it. Opportunity to leave Chicago and move to Orlando, he took it. Opportunity to take an unforgettable trip to Italy, he took it. Opportunity to die peacefully at his home around family and friends, he took it. When opportunity knocked ....Peter answered, in the good and scariest of time.
APPLICATION -
An opportunity presented itself today and I had two options. Take it or leave it. First instinct was to leave it, satisfying the fear I had inside. After much thought, my heart moved me away from fear and closer to opportunity, taking on the challenging task at hand opening up a world of opportunity.
REFLECTION -
Looking back on the day, I couldn't imagine it without opportunity.
His Little World Traveler - Day 108 of 365
This post is for January 13th, 2011
MEMORY -
Pete loved to travel. He traveled to many places, some during his years in the service, and some on his own personal time. London and Scotland were a few of his favorites. He NEVER passed up an opportunity to take a trip and expand his horizon. No matter what the reason, he loved to learn and discover new territory across the globe.
APPLICATION -
Well, it feels good to be back. Luggage tags, security lines, airport food ..... all signs that I am back on the road again. Uncle Pete would be so proud to know I am continuing to do what I love and learn my way through the world. He always called me his little world traveler .... and today ... I am just that!
REFLECTION -
As exhausting as traveling gets, I am blessed to do what I love and see the world while doing so.
MEMORY -
Pete loved to travel. He traveled to many places, some during his years in the service, and some on his own personal time. London and Scotland were a few of his favorites. He NEVER passed up an opportunity to take a trip and expand his horizon. No matter what the reason, he loved to learn and discover new territory across the globe.
APPLICATION -
Well, it feels good to be back. Luggage tags, security lines, airport food ..... all signs that I am back on the road again. Uncle Pete would be so proud to know I am continuing to do what I love and learn my way through the world. He always called me his little world traveler .... and today ... I am just that!
REFLECTION -
As exhausting as traveling gets, I am blessed to do what I love and see the world while doing so.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Feelings Of The Spirit - Day 107 of 365
MEMORY -
Peter always said the things that sat heavy on his heart. One of the many reasons I respected him and listened when he spoke. I knew that when he spoke from the heart, something powerful was about to be heard.
APPLICATION -
My spirit moved me to words today .... not on my blog, but through a post in response to a online forum. I needed some strength to respond and state some facts. Facts some people may not want to hear. I needed strength to say what was on my heart. With the support of my friends and the lessons I learned from Pete, I was able to get the words off my heart and onto paper all in a heartfelt manner.
REFLECTION -
When the spirit talks, listen and react. Grab a pen if you have to.
Peter always said the things that sat heavy on his heart. One of the many reasons I respected him and listened when he spoke. I knew that when he spoke from the heart, something powerful was about to be heard.
APPLICATION -
My spirit moved me to words today .... not on my blog, but through a post in response to a online forum. I needed some strength to respond and state some facts. Facts some people may not want to hear. I needed strength to say what was on my heart. With the support of my friends and the lessons I learned from Pete, I was able to get the words off my heart and onto paper all in a heartfelt manner.
REFLECTION -
When the spirit talks, listen and react. Grab a pen if you have to.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Pete's Cheese Burger Diet - Day 106 of 365
MEMORY -
One time I remember Peter coming home from work and bragging about the new diet he created. It was a cheeseburger diet. He would go to Mc Donalds and order one cheeseburger per day. That's it ..... nothing else, just one cheeseburger a day. Didn't last long ..... what was my crazy Uncle thinking ????
APPLICATION -
Started a diet today and remembered Peter's. No cheeseburgers for me ..... chicken, eggs and broccoli, here I come!!!!
REFLECTION -
Even though his diet didn't make sense .... it gave us all a chuckle to see him so confident about something so insane!
One time I remember Peter coming home from work and bragging about the new diet he created. It was a cheeseburger diet. He would go to Mc Donalds and order one cheeseburger per day. That's it ..... nothing else, just one cheeseburger a day. Didn't last long ..... what was my crazy Uncle thinking ????
APPLICATION -
Started a diet today and remembered Peter's. No cheeseburgers for me ..... chicken, eggs and broccoli, here I come!!!!
REFLECTION -
Even though his diet didn't make sense .... it gave us all a chuckle to see him so confident about something so insane!
Reality Check - Day 105 of 365
This post is for January 10th, 2011
MEMORY -
Today, I don't recall a memory, I recall a feeling.
APPLICATION -
Had a moment of doubt today. I couldn't believe Peter was gone. It was a feeling that I get from time to time, but today it was more intense than ever. Reality is what it is.
REFLECTION -
It's his presence within me that makes it seem as if he isn't really gone, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss seeing him and hearing his voice.
MEMORY -
Today, I don't recall a memory, I recall a feeling.
APPLICATION -
Had a moment of doubt today. I couldn't believe Peter was gone. It was a feeling that I get from time to time, but today it was more intense than ever. Reality is what it is.
REFLECTION -
It's his presence within me that makes it seem as if he isn't really gone, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss seeing him and hearing his voice.
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