Gloria King

Checking in..

2012-02-28T15:50:00.001-08:00

The second month of 2012 is almost gone. I am thinking about how I felt this past new year.
I love the new year because it brings with it a chance to start over and make new plans. I honestly love thinking about it all . I love to dream of what can be and the hope that things will be better. It's funny for me how somehow by the end of each month my balloon feels deflated. Does this happen to you ?
So as I was thinking about March and why its going to be a great month I decided to write a list of wonderful things that are going to happen in March..
Wonderful Things To Come
My Bella turns 9
My dad turns 64
St.Patricks Day
I get to go on a trip.
I have a half marathon in 2 weeks.
Miss P and I will hopefully have a better month
I get to host a slumber party for five fourth grade girls.
I get to take Bella to the American Girl Doll Store in L.A.
I am putting a bunch of my fun homemade cute stuff on Etsy.
These are just a couple of things on my list and when I start feeling sad I think... There are certain plans that must go into action..I need to look on the bright side..Have Gloria time .. remind myself of how lucky I am to have 3 healthy kids and my dad.. Then keep moving forward..
The funny thing is that I love the beginning of the month, its just the end that makes me sad.
but guess what its only two more days until the beginning of March...Yeah !!
xoxo
G
P.S. putting mascara on everyday really helps...

Voyage of the heart

2012-02-27T07:41:00.003-08:00

Here she is all warm and enjoying her voyage while holding her heart gently... Mr. Fox is very attentive and excited about all that surrounds them. His company helps her feel loved and together. They're on a voyage of the heart...
xoxo
G

A heart on a journey

2012-02-24T14:29:00.003-08:00

You know how they say Art Heals it

really does and the fascinating part about that is that it does it in so many ways. Its like having a medication that can help heal you in a way that you might not know about until your healing. That's how this painting makes me feel.. so it a girl that's trying to find her way and in her hands she hold her heart. She is keeping it safe. She is not sure from what but for now having in her hands is the perfect place. So next to her on this little boat ride of life is cute fox..I feel that the fox represents keeping her heart young and never losing your her youthful spirit. Sometimes life just throws huge waves at you and sometimes we close our eyes and others we are so present. If we want to or not we learn from all of this. I feel that we think we are navigating but really we are not. Things happen people come into our life and others leave.. Some break our hearts others help us heal but either way its up to us to keep our heart healthy and hopeful. So the girl in my picture is holding her heart and keeping is safe.. I really feel like all art has a story behind it..I can't wait to see what she looks like when I am done..There you go a little story about a heart thats on a journey..
Talk to you soon,
G

Cute Foxy Bag

2012-02-23T12:44:00.001-08:00

To make a Foxy bag...
You need a canvas bag and some paints.
Draw a cute Fox and start painting..

Sit down and just enjoy the process..Paint and draw and embrace your creation..

Here is mine...It took about 3 hours plus drying time.How cute is she... I love crafting..Hope you have a great day.
xoxo
G

Day Dreaming on Sunday..

2012-02-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

Mykids and I decided, after driving for about 6 hours on Saturday, that we were notgoing to leave the house all day Sunday... Yes you heard me correctly… The kidsand I drove to the desert on Saturday. It took us 3 hours each way. Itwas well worth the drive. The kids lovedriding in the dune buggy and we had a great time... However after spending all that time in carwe decided to stay inside all Sunday to eat, watch movies and craft... This all sounded perfect to me... I told myson we could do this under one condition... I have to get my Sunday run in andhe told me ok but I wasn’t allowed to drive anywhere.

Withthe ground rules set I woke up early and went for my run... There are theserolling hills a couple of miles from my house. It goes up and down for about 13.5 miles… Idecided shortly after putting on my music I was running the hills and off Iwent… Running reminds me of life in so many ways… I run to the hill and look up and have to getmy mind in that place... That place tome is where the little engine that could lives... Say it with me… “I know I canand I know I can.” I don't compare myself to anyone else its justme out there and I start running and I don't walk I can jog but I don't letmyself stop and every hill feels like such an individual accomplishment... It is all a matter of mental toughness. It took me 2 hours and 17 minutes to completethe 13.5 miles of rolling hills. On my last mile I had this though... “Why do Ionly tap into my little engine that could when I run? Why don't I use that when I get stuck in life?” Life can be a little scary and sometimes wejust have to do our best Frank Sinatra and “Accentuate the positives”… How doesthat song go? “You've gotta accent-tcu-ate the positive, eli-my-nate thenegative,  Latch on to the affirmative, don't mess with Mister In-between.” Happy thoughts “Yeah.” So after that revelation I was completelyinspired to paint...

Howrunning and painting go together I don't know but I get so inspired whilerunning. I always want to paint when Iam done... Unfortunately usually when I get home there are dishes to be washed,laundry to be done and assorted house cleaning chores to be completed and I don’tget to paint... yesterday was a different story… I made the time to fill my need/wantto paint.

Acouple years ago I met Mindy at this an amazing retreat. I asked her if I could put her button on myblog and she said YES… It’s the little blue bird on the right… I love Mindy Everytime I go to my blog and see that blue bird I think about Mindy. Then I think Iwant to try and paint a little bird and on Sunday I did. Check out my little bird next to my littlegirl in the painting below.

I thought about how muchdaydreaming I did on my run. I wanted topaint a portrait of a girl having a perfect Sunday...   In cased you missed itshe is dreaming in color . All and allit was a perfect Sunday. Heck, even my kids painted, yeah! I hope you had a good weekend and a betterweek.  

xoxo 

Happy Weekend

2012-02-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful weekend...I am headed to the desert with my dad for the day and on our way home we are stopping in Julian Ca. for apple pie and ice cream....
but tomorrow my kids and I have decided we are staying close to home and having a family day...That would consist of eating, a movie, drawing, painting, reading more eating and a nice walk to end our day....
Do you have plans for the weekend?
Have a fun whatever you do..
xoxo
G

Oh how I love this song..

2012-02-16T22:41:00.000-08:00

There is something about this song that I just love. It makes me feel good when I hear it and I love singing it when I am in front of the mirror. I never get tired of this song. I feel like the words in this song were written for me. I love the Indigo Girls. I saw them in concert one at a casino here in San Diego. My friend Jenny and I went and they were so good.. Its a timeless song..

xoxo xoxo xoxo xoxo
G

Hope you valentine was Special...

2012-02-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday..
xoxo
G

Half Marathon Video..

2012-02-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

Half Marathon update..

2012-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

My dad and I ran the San Dieguito Half Marathon yesterday.
It was so much fun.. My dad picked me up over at my sisters house . Around 6am. I was not ready but I got up super fast and got ready and was in the car by 6:15 and off we went. We got great parking and saw lots of people we know. The race started at 8 am. The weather was perfect and off we went. My dad started out ahead of me and that was fine with me. He lead the way until mile 8 and then I started feeling good and past him up but not by a-lot. I ended up with 2:03 time and he ended up with 2:06. It was a-lot of fun and I am so looking forward to the next one...
xoxo
G

Happy Friday Peeps...

2012-02-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hope you have a great weekend...
and you get to spend lots of time just
Making Stuff..
I will let you know how I do this Sunday
at the San Dieguito Half Marathon..
xoxo
G

A short video on the Tinkerbell half...

2012-02-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

Quick update..

2012-02-08T16:10:00.000-08:00

Great News..My little sister came home on Friday..
How happy are we...very happy!!!I honestly thought we were going to lose her..but God is good and she is home..so after 5 months in the hospital at this moment .. she is going through my wallet in her room...
and I am a very happy big sister !!!xoxo
G

A perfect tune for Tuesday..

2012-02-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

I have a secret..

2012-02-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

OK.so this little girl in the picture wearing a home made dress by her grandmother has loved playing with dolls ever since she could hold one...I mean seriously loved playing with dolls. She would put all her dollies to bed every night before she went to bed and made sure they all had a blanket..even if that blanket was a paper towel. The day this little girl would walk through a toy store she would cry because she felt so bad leaving all those dolls in boxes and she knew they all wanted to come home with her so she could be there mommy...She was playing hospital with her baby dolls one day at the age of 16 when suddenly she was reminded by her brother to hurry up and get ready because she would be going on her first date in about ten minutes...That little girl is me...

and I still love playing with dolls. I love making them clothes and posing them...and so as an adult I do have to say that I am so in love with my sweet Blythe Doll. Here is my secret and well its true...I love taking her in the car with me..Is that weird??? I like seeing her in the back seat and since Isabella thinks it so cool , then I give myself permission to think so too. I take Lilli my doll to my sister's and she smiles when she sees her. I love the Idea of having her around and seeing her in her cute outfits I made..and sometimes I like just relaxing and hanging out with my Blythe that I so proudly named Lilly Octopus
xoxo
G

Almost Valentines day

2012-02-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

List of things to look forward to this week.
1. Get all my Valentines in the mail early..
2. Take Paola to get new glasses..
3. Run 10 miles before Friday.
4. Attend training run on Thursday.
5. The San Diegito Half Marathon on Sunday.
6. Make a yummy dinner.
7. Movie night on Monday with my kids.
8. Finish my little tiny doll dress
9. Spend lots of time with my sister.
10 Take 10 pictures a day.
11. Trip to Mexico.
12. Get dressed up one day this week just cause.
13. Go with my dad to a play on Tuesday.
14. Relaxing on Saturday..
15. Take my Grandmother flowers..
What are you looking forward this week..
What ever it is enjoy it..
xoxo
G

Holy Cow Its February

2012-02-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow...I am so surprised by how fast January flew by. Now we get to enjoy the wonderful month of February. This is the month that we get to send out love letters and cute heart shaped anything we want to our friends and significant others.
OK so I was on Instagram which I just love...love ...love. I love it more than Facebook...So I don't fallow a-lot of people but I do fallow peeps that I just love..So one of the moms posted info on February photo a Day Challenge she was going to do..You can find it here. Fatmumslim It looked fun so I decided to try it..Yes , I know its the third ..So I am 3 days behind but I have had a busy couple of days..The best thing that happened well today my sister went home after being in the hospital for 5 months...Yeah!!!!! I am happy for her.I honestly thought we might lose her and I am so happy that she is still with us and home. So now back to the photo a day Challenge..

Day One..YOUR VIEW TODAY

This has been my view for the last five months. I wouldn't trade it for any other view in the world. This is my little sisters room and that's her on the left. Even in the picture her room looks warm. Day Two. Words

My friend Jenny made this pillow..
Day Three..Hands

My little sisters hands.. I love them because there tiny and pudgy and I love how much she loves wearing nail polish and having bracelets on.

There we go...so now its day four and I should be right on track...I hope you have a wonderful Saturday and Ill be back later with late with the song that rocked my week...
xoxo
G

The Spartan Race in video..

2012-02-01T01:11:00.000-08:00

Racing Weekend Recap

2012-01-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I did the spartan race. This is what I have to say this was the hardest I have ever worked for a medal. This race kicked my butt...I carried rubber tires and cement blocks were dragged . There was running and that was fun but the climbing hills on all fours that was so crazy hard. I think I would do it again but if you would have asked me that right when I finished I would have said no way Jose !!!!

Then on Sunday I ran the Tinker Bell half Marathon with my girlfriend.. This was fun and hey I got to run with huge fairy wings..

As you can tell I had a great time and we got to run through Disney land. We also got to see many many characters..

Then there is this medal... I love it !!! This weekend was a huge success. I had a great time and I got run and now I am sitting here with a very sore legs..but it was all worth it...
Hope you had a great weekend...
xoxo
G

Running story week 3

2012-01-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

Yes
I really do say yes when ever any one I know says G do you want to go for a run ?
This weekend my dad called me around 7 am and said Princess i am on my way and would you like to go for a run ?
Yes..Yes..Yes
So I hurry up run down stairs make coffee run back upstairs and get ready and in about 25 minutes my dad is at my front door ready to go...I had my coffee not the best thing for you to have before a run but it works for me.. Then we walked out the front door and had a fun 7.25 mile run. I am always glad to get my butt out side and running makes me feel healthy. Its been hard to go out and run since my grandmother passed and my sister got sick. I haven't figured out a way to fit running in my schedule . So if I can figure out a way to go regularly I will. So as I said when I get asked if I would like to do a race I say Yes
..So I was asked by my girlfriend Ally Serrato to do this race called the Spartan Race . Ally just started running and she is super excited about this sport and I love her so I said Yes...The race is this Sunday and its an obstacle mud run course...and I am feeling a little O M G ..but I know it will be fun and I like the idea of creating fun memories with my friend...OK then my sister in law asked me months ago if I wanted to do the Tinkerbell Half Marathon with her and I said
Yes
I was so excited at the thought of running with family and I really want to dress up as a fairy so I signed up a long time ago and then asked my other girlfriend to join us. So now my friend and family are running a half w me..How fun don't you think??
It turns out both races are this weekend!!!
One on Saturday and one on Sunday..I am glad I said Yes to both because we should celebrate life right?? but I am sure come Sunday night I will be so tired..I do love having something to look forward too that's going to kick my butt...I will tell you the whole story and I hope to have some good pictures too..
Have a good Day and if you remember this weekend send me some Go G vibes...
xoxo
G

I love our Blythe Dolls..

2012-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Bella and I played with our Blythe dolls this weekend. We made cute little outfits. Bella made her own little outfit for her doll..Mine has pink hair and her name is Lilly and Bella's doll has red hair and her name changes every day. What made this so fun is making a trip to the fabric store having Bella pick out her own fabric and watching her sew her own little dress with a little guidance from me.

Then we took our dolls out for a walk .

I have to say that I just love my Blythe doll..I see more outfits in our future and another doll would be nice too...
Happy playing
xoxo
G

Mid January Blues be gone.

2012-01-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

The NEW YEAR is always so exciting. There is so much to look forward too. There is dreaming of what could be and its a chance to start over. I love love the new year. New Journals , new ideas and the oh yeah that comes with the changing of those last two numbers .
2012
Then last week it happened ..
I remembered that every up usually has a down. I felt that yucki sad feeling that made me feel almost unsure and anxious about what might be or not be this year. I hated getting up in the morning and feeling this sad oh no feeling.. I am sitting in my room and I was reading and I came across this quote from
Anne Frank's Diary of a young Girl
The best remedy for those who are afraid , lonely, or unhappy is to go outside , somewhere they can be quite , alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.
I can't begin to share with you how much this speaks to me. We are all connected..
Hope this week treats you well.
xoxo
G

Weekend Cooking...

2012-01-22T23:35:00.000-08:00

Our weekend was full of hanging out at home and cooking. The kids helped out with all the meals . Isabella wanted me to make something yummy that included her carrots that she grew..

Here they are.. Tiny cute carrots...
We decided on Beef Stew..

Here is my Bella working away....
So you should find things that make cooking fun ..

Like playing with your food and making shapes..We decided a heart would be the best choice..

There you go..we made Beef stew..
Here is the recipe I find to be family friendly...
I don't ever really share recepis but all my 3 kids love it .

Ingredients

2 pounds stew beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 or 2 bay leaves
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Dash ground allspice or ground cloves
3 large carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove. Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.

xoxo

Happy Hump-day Grateful List.

2012-01-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

Today I have so much to be grateful for..
These are some perfect things that happened today.
1. I am healthy , my kids are healthy.
( We no longer have bronchitis )
2. Isabella and I practiced making a good bed.
( it was so much fun )
3. Isabella and I busted out our sewing machines and made a cute little smock top for her.
I did the cutting she did the sewing and I have pictures...
happy mom here!!!
I was so grateful to see her little hands on my machine...
4. My 17 year old daughter hung out with me in bed today and just talked to me, this is a time in her life when there is so much going on I am grateful to hear her just say so mom what do you think? and then are you ready I am so grateful that she decided to say I totally agree with you mom..
we bonded, aI felt it I tell you !!!
5. This morning I woke up and then I looked down and my son was sleeping with me holding my hand..
I am so grateful for these little moments with him.
6. I am kinda happy that I was actually sick enough all I could do was rest because it made me slow down and when I did there we were my kids and me.
7. I saw an old friend Becky today at the store and I was so happy to see her..
8. I am grateful that my mom called me about ten times over the weekend to see how I was doing ?
every time she called I just wanted to say I love you.
9. Today I made pot roast for my kids and they ate all there veggies..
I was grateful and happy but I did not show it at the table because I didn't want them to stop eating..
10. I am grateful that I have my own house and I am slowly decorating it, for example my old Kelly rea 2011 calendar I took it apart and my bathroom is now so Kelly. Yeah !!!
Thank you for stopping by I know my list might be a little out there today but I am excited for today.
xoxo
G

Saturday Morning Run

2012-01-16T23:18:00.000-08:00

My dad and I have our Saturday morning run almost every week. I haven't really been running because life gets busy and for some reason I don't do well in the winter. I do know how much I love running because it makes me happy and its just good for me. I was very happy this Saturday to get up on time and meet my dad for a ten mile run. Its so nice to go for a run early in the morning there is no one out and the air is crisp.

We ran around downtown San Diego..
Its my favorite run right now. OK ,so I have bronchitis
and my dad and I decided that maybe if I ran with him I might get better...hmmm
I did run but no I didn't get better.
so maybe running was not the smartest thing to do when your sick.
Lesson Learned..I still had a great time and as you can see my dad he is a funny guy..
xoxo
G

Miss P loves this song ..

2012-01-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

The best part of her loving this song is that I love it too !!!

52 weeks of Art Journaling

2012-01-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

I signed for my first on line journal class for 2012
I chose Elsie's and Rachael's
52 weeks of journaling session.
I like the classes Elsie offers there fun and they have lots of color but there also simple and very doable. I like having a little nudge of creativity to fallow.

This is my first page. I am actually right on track . I hope to share the fun pages with you. Well I am in bed today because i am sick. I rarely get sick but my sweet isabella gave me her cold. I hope you have a great weekend and be safe.
xoxo
G

Paper Crafting Love

2012-01-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am Loving the idea of starting a scrapbook this year. Its always so much harder for me to just start. I do what I think most of us do I start looking at other people pages and then I doubt myself but I decided that I'm no longer comparing myself because honestly nothing good comes of it. I decided to use what supplies I had right in front of me. Since I just moved I have 90% of my supplies in boxes but I was still able to make a basket of cute stuff to get me started. This is my first page of 2012.
Its simple and I have to say the size is kinda of odd but like I said I had two albums in front of me and so I just picked one.

So here is my method..
I am going to do at least one page a week .
This is my introduction page.

I did a simple page for my kids . Stating what I feel I have learned front them in 2011. My lesson was this instead of trying to make them something there not I feel I was able to recognize what makes them special and love them for it. I find myself being more aware of there little personalities and what they love doing. This year I determined to document what I see in them and journal about it and make some cute pages too...
Happy Wednesday
xoxo
G

My Grateful List..week 2

2012-01-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday
Here is my list of what I am grateful for week 2 of 2012.
1. The way the sunlight shines in my bedroom early in the morning.
2. The sound of my children's voices asking me if they can sleep for 5 more min but only on school mornings ??
3. Morning Coffee in my special cup.
4. The perfect pen.
5. The beauty of a full moon.
6. Dancing in the car with my kids.
7. The art of day dreaming.
8. Holding hands.
9. Soft , warm blankets on cold nights.
10. Long naps in the afternoon.
Those are the things that are making me smile today. I have not had a nap in the afternoon in a long time but it sure does sound good in my head. Have a great day and guess what last night I stayed up scrapping. I had a conversation with my friend Ally and we talked about paper crafting and It made me think..I loved scrapping, so I made a little kit and started up. I love how the new year helps get you all excited about almost everything.
Happy Tuesday
xoxo
G

My word for 2012

2012-01-08T23:44:00.000-08:00

I found my word for 2012 or better yet it found me. I think it came to me and I like it. It may be a little strong but its my word for 2012.
My word came to me as I was thinking about what it is I want to get really good at doing this year. I also have lots to learn this year. I think my word also came to me as I was thinking about how this year my daughter will be 18 my son 11 and my daughter 9.
Determination
That's my word. Here is a list of all I am determined to do in 2012.
I am determined to be a better mom.
I am determined to play more with my not so little kids.
I am determined to start scrap booking 2012.
I am determined to do one crafty thing every week.
I am determined to journal my butt of because it make me happy.
I am determined to be kind.
I am determined to choose wisely.
I am determined to learn a-lot more about sewing.
I am determined to learn how to make 2 new meals a month.
I am determined to run more.
I am determined to run 2 marathons this year and maybe a 50k.
I am determined to learn to listen more.
I am determined to drink more water.
I am determined to get my kids to school on time.
I am determined to send out more mail.
I am determined to teach my kids about God.
I am determined to go to church.
I am determined to become best friends w my sister.
I am determined to have my nieces and nephews over for a sleepover.
I am determined to love my little sister as much as I can.
I am determined to send out birthday cards.
I am determined to learn to save.
I am determined to get my dad a really cool cappuccino machine.
I am determined to work on becoming a better me.
I am determined to read 12 books this year.
I am determined to be a great daughter.
and here is the one thing that scares the ....out of me.
I am determined to go to school this year..

There you go..I hope to write about all my determination adventures this year. I believe its good to dream and believe in our dreams no matter how big or small. I am determined to keep smiling and loving and being the best me I can possibly be. I don't want any of this journey to pass me by. I want to be present for all of it..
Happy January and I hope this year all your dreams come true..
xoxo
G

The New Year is here...

2012-01-03T23:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year
I know I am a couple of days late but that's OK. This picture was taken right before the new year and I think its my favorite picture of 2011..
It is a picture of the four of us. My mom and my two sisters. Its the only good picture I have of the four of us. I have been feeling the new years buzz in my tummy .. That means I have been feeling a great urge to journal about 2011 and bring that year to an end . Last year my word was brave and I feel I was just that brave in standing up for my self, Brave in letting go. I just felt that word most of the year.
This year my word didn't really come to me. I felt I had to look for it and I came up with two words. One word is my word for my creative life..
Journal
I love to journal and draw in my books but I feel that my journal has taken much more of a healing path for me. I used to journal what I did everyday. It would go something like this. Today I got up and made breakfast got the kids up and took them to school. everyone was happy. I would write down almost everything that happened in my day ..for years I have don't this but now I feel that journal has become a safe place for me write down anything I want to stop worrying about and I write down my grateful list and how I am feeling about a certain life event that day and its much juicier than before. I am going to try to make it a habit the year to journal and use my journals to help myself just be settled.
The word that I chose for this year in general is
determinationI really want to be more determined to finish what I start.
that come in many forms..
Learning to cook better
Finish way more craft projects
Get out side more with my kids
school
and yes once again I want to do another 50k this year . This year I want to finish it.
run 2 marathon
go on a road trip that inlcudes fishing with my kids.
All good fun things and this year I will be 40.
I love that idea...
I am excited for this year and I hope you are too...
Happy New year
xoxo
G

Cutest video Ever..

2011-12-30T10:42:00.001-08:00

She Let go

2011-12-29T22:39:00.000-08:00

As This year come to an end I am grateful for what I have been through, overcome , created, the people I have loved and all those moods that make up me. I was hiding and sleeping through so much but thats all over now. I will be 40 next year and I am so excited. I am starting over and I am ok. I believe our biggest fear is fear itself and if only we just believed in ourselves as much as out best girlfriend does.... well the rest would be amazing...
I was looking for my most favorite read of the year and no its not a book its a quote...

She let go

She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear. She let go of the judgments. She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head. She let go of the committee of indecision within her. She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons. Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice. She didn’t read a book on how to let go. She didn’t search the scriptures. She just let go. She let go of all of the memories that held her back. She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward. She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go. She didn’t journal about it. She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer. She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper. She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope. She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go. She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter. She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment. She didn’t call the prayer line. She didn’t utter one word. She just let go.

No one was around when it happened. There was no applause or congratulations. No one thanked her or praised her. No one noticed a thing. Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort. There was no struggle. It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad. It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be. A small smile came over her face. A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forevermore.

Ernest Holmes

Good Stuff

xoxo

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a magical Day.
Today is a perfect day to be grateful . Its that day when we look around and feel the love.
There are so many things about the holidays that make it special lets just focus on that.
Merry Christmas
G

This week.

2011-12-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

I got to wear cute rain boots this week because it rained in San Diego..
My rain boots lead me to my happy place this week.

This week I also decorated my sisters room..I made look so fun and festive and happy.

This week since I don't have my kids I spent as much time as I could with my Angel sister.
I adore my sister..and I can honestly say that I feel so incredibly happy being with her as much as I can..

My sweet little sister

2011-12-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

I am here at the hospital . I am sitting on a bed we keep in my sisters room. There is always someone here with her. We never leave her alone. She cant talk to tell anyone what is wrong but those of us that love her well we know what she wants. She is an angel that was sent down to this earth why she must suffer so much.. I don't know. I do know that she is here to teach everyone around her about unconditional love. She is love at its best. I have spent more time with her in the last 2 and half months than I have in a long time. When we were little I remember playing with her and how much I liked feeding her. I also remember how much my mom hurt when she needed to have surgery. I recently remembered that when I was younger and I found an eyelash or I blew out my birthday candles I always wished that when I woke up in the morning my little sister would be walking..
I am writing this because I feel that through all of the this the good times and the scary ones..watching my mom cry at children's Hospital because my sister was sick or the times I would play dolls with my sister and she was the doll. She has taught me true love. I feel I have learned to fully feel. She has taught me empathy and compassion. In the last two weeks I reached out to an old friend to ask if she could also help out here at the hospital but I had to open my heart and forgive to do it..It was a-lot easier than I thought and i feel so much better because of it too. I think my sister is always teaching me. I am grateful for everything she gives me ,,I am grateful to be in her presence. Tonight she is not doing so well so I ask you to keep her in a prayers..
xoxo
G

Sea Side by Elena

2011-12-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend had another awesome Charity fundraiser..
Sea Side.. I am not really sure how she does it ..but she does an amazing job of putting together these events and raising tons of money for amazing causes. She helps people who really need it.

Did I forget to say that it was also her Birthday..
I had a super time , I won Isabella and Paola some really cute homemade Christmas gifts at the action.

I love how Elena let me keep this cute banner that now is kept over my art Nook...
Have a great weekend and be safe..
no drinking and driving k
xoxo
G

15 days until Christmas

2011-12-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am very happy because we got our Christmas Tree last night.
First tree in my own house with my fabulous kids
and Carrie brought me my first Christmas present for this season
and I love it..Thank you Carrie..
Have a great Saturday ,I am celebrating my Friends Elena's Birthday Part today.
Life is good.
xoxo
G

Have you chosen your word yet?

2011-12-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about my word for next year ?
Have you chosen a word yet ? I credit Ali Edwards for implementing this tradition into my life...
So I am thinking about goals and dreams and yes my word?
xoxo
G

Here I am..

2011-12-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here I am..
OK Ladies and just maybe gents..
I have been M I A because I moved out of my old house into my new home..
I am going to be totally honest with this story ready.. set.. go..
I don't know about you but when I read some one's blog I imagine there life is perfect but if I stop and get myself out of my pink world I know everyone has obstacles they need to over come.
I just overcame one of my biggest life obstacles.
I now live in my own house. I am renting but its mine.
I was so afraid to leave my big house on the golf corse but even though it was big, pretty it had so many bad memories. It had so much of him in there even though he was gone. I am sure I am not the only one who hates change, it's definitely not my favorite thing. I knew I had to move by Dec 1st and I did it. It was not easy.. I cried a-lot got rashes and my insecurity level was at an all time high.. However, getting out of that space and into this new house has in some way cleansed me. The new house is perfect, very cute and most importantly it's ours. The best part is it all the memories created in this house will be ours. The positive ones that I am going to create with my kids. Our own magical traditions. I am very excited to start over, be smart, dream and be me. There will be nothing but love in this house. Oh I almost forgot... guess what this new house has in my new bedroom, a tiny extra room and its going to be my Art Nook.
On this day I am oh so very grateful that somehow I am standing here in this perfect little space.
You know when I got one of my tattoos (a while back) I had the word free tattooed on me, and now it all makes sense...
I am free
no more stomache aches because HE was coming home.
no more trying to find my happy place
no more rashes
................
I love my blog and I am feeling really blessed today.
I have the most amazing kids
family
and now my very own little place I will call home..
xoxo
G

Im moving

2011-11-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

I am moving this week but Ill be back soon.
xoxo
G

Starting Over..

2011-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Starting Over
So in the last 2 months I have gone for a run a hand full of times.
I have gained a little weight but I think what has changed the most is my attitude towards eating healthy.. I have been caring very little. Running helps me get my health back on track. When I used to run in the morning I just felt healthier and I think I made my entire day better. I know I felt a-lot happier.. So for the last 2 weeks or so I have been trying to get my butt out of bed by 6 am..( not happening) but this morning I did it . I got up and I ran. I was slow but that does not really matter because running is like everything else the more you do it the better you get. I was thinking on my run how maybe if I post about my runs for the next couple weeks Ill get back into it.
My blog will give me accountability.
This morning I got up and talked myself into going for a short run. My first mile was slow 12 minute mile slow. Then I just kept at it and 6 miles later I was done. I ran 11 minute miles..
That leaves me lots of room for improvement.
So I plan on improving my runs for the next couple of weeks..
Just had to share.
Have a great Day !!
xoxo
G

This song makes me dance..

2011-11-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when a song makes you dance..

This song makes me dance everytime..

enjoy

xoxo

Starting again....

2011-11-18T23:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I am going to get up early and go for a semi long run with my dad. Its been a little over 2 months since I have really ran. I have been keeping my beautiful sister company and its been great but I miss running too. I am going to run tomorrow and the day after even if that means getting up early..and tomorrow s run wont be fun it will be hard but that's OK because it will lead me to a good place in a couple months. I am going to get myself healthy and happy and I am going to start tomorrow...
xoxo
G

I took a sewing class ! and I loved it !

2011-11-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

I was blog surfing the other day . I had Isabella sitting with me and I looked at this super cute skirt this girl said she made and I thought I want to make a skirt too... so I googled sewing classes in San Diego and found this cute little sewing store Home EccStudio
that teaches How to make a skirt class!!!!
I was so excited I signed up and next thing you know ...There I was taking a sewing class and making my own skirt. I was a little nervous thinking I might not have enough time to finish it. The teacher was very patient and knowledgeable and the other students were very sweet. It was a cozy class room and I rate this cute little store 4 stars. I was able to keep up and I finished my skirt in about 2 hours :) I am very proud of myself.
So you know what I a thinking about right? Making a skirt for Isabella and Paola and my cute nieces. I love being a girl and loving all things girly!!!
So I was thinking what is your favorite thing you learned to make this year or what was your favorite class, on line classes totally count?
xoxo
G.

The Space Between part 3

2011-11-13T23:08:00.000-08:00

I made some wonderful friends at this retreat. It’s so cool to show up at a new place and put ones self out there. Although I was scared, I learned that most of the girls there were feeling the same way as me, AWE. They were also looking forward to making new friends. Within no time at all everybody was sharing their story on what led them to the retreat. Telling us all about their interest, their family and how much they love Art.

How Art has healed them or openned up parts of them they had forgot excisted. How happy they are to be here… Just like ME!!!

Art retreats are the BEST!!! They help you grow and nurture your inner being. I really liked Patty's retreat. I added her blinkie to my blog, if you want to check it out and spend a weekend in the mountains with your girlfriends painting and journaling...

In A LOVING environment

Hope you had a great weekend.

xoxo

The Space between part 2

2011-11-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Space Between Part 2...

So after we all settled in and got to know each other Bonnie made some wonderful cookies. Then we got into the art part of the retreat. Patty led us in some wonderful exercises and showed us some fun art journaling tricks.

This is our art table... It looks like candy don't you think? Everyone was in a great place playing with words and paints, coloring and sharing our creations. It was a perfect day. Getting started is my favorite part of the creating process with friends. I especially like the noise associated with the hustle and bustle… I also love the part right after we have been taught something new when the room gets quite because everyone has found their creative art tingle…

I found this quote and thought it was perfect for what I was feeling.

All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness.

::: Eckhart Tolle :::

Here is my creation...
I call it
"Sweet Spirits..."

My Girlfriend created this sweet page of her husband and daughter in her art journal… She loves purple and she loves glitter and it is evident in her work of Art… There is so much in love in art... I will share pictures of the wonderful ladies I meet tomorrow.

xoxo

The Space Between Part 1

2011-11-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I found myself arriving at a very special event that I had been looking forward too for a while.
I think it’s beneficial to my being to schedule a couple of weekends a year to get together with other girls and harvest the creative side of my brain... I have found that this experience fills me with hope and joyfulness. It also gives me something to look forward to. I think it’s really important to plan that stuff out. You should try it… If I had the money and the time I would go to as many retreats as possible.

This past Friday my friend Charleen and I arrived at The Space Between Art retreat put on by a Patty Waite. I live in Sunny San Diego, so imagine my surprise when we drove an hour and a half away to Palomar Mountain and it was snowing. When we arrived I was so happy our beautiful Cabin. It was so “Fancy”… My favorite part of any retreat, once I get past the nervousness, is making new friends and looking through the goody bags. (Patty made great goody bags) Patty had put together some really great power points and we did some really fun word exercises. It was very sweet and cozy with candles lit, the fireplace burning and watching the snowfall through the huge picture windows.

By the time we arrived it was late and we went to bed soon after that. OK wait yes a couple of us stayed up and talked for hours. When we woke up the next day Patty had arranged for one of the girls, who lives on the mountain, to take us on a hike. Terri led us on a three-mile jaunt and shared with us all the history of Mt. Palomar... It was so cool to be walking among the huge trees while walking on the crisp snow. It was a great treat for this girl. Here we are exploring...

We hiked for about 3 miles and just took it all in.

Hanging with my girlfriends is one the top ten things I love to do.
Ok I will post all about our art tomorrow.
have a happy Thursday
xoxo
G

I love Art Retreats !!!!

2011-11-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

I love love Art Retreats !!!
I really had to get that in there.. I was lucky enough to get to attend the Space Between at Palomar Mountain. The retreat leader is Patti Waitte and she wrote a great blog post about it...
check it out here..
I will tell you all about tomorrow.
If you have the chance to attend something like this. I highly recommend it..
xoxo
G

Sweet November..

2011-11-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I was walking and when I looked up I saw a heart in the sky right next to the moon. Do you see it ? The first person I thought of was my friend Chrissy. She loves hearts and because of her I look for them now and its crazy there are hearts everywhere if you just look. Its amazing the friendships I have been able to keep after attending
The be Present Retreat put on by Liz.
I had so much fun and I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, so this afternoon I will be driving with my dear friend to the mountains near San Diego where they are expecting snow!!
To attend
The space between Creativity Retreat.
I cant wait to share what I am sure is going to be a beautiful experience.
OK so have a wonderful weekend and I will share my journal and painting and whatever other yummy-ness I may encounter.. Have a great weekend and don't forget to look up at the moon you may see a heart..
xoxo
G

Little Mexican Village

2011-11-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

I am passionate about how much I love the colors that Hispanics use to paint their art. I love the brightness of the art. They make me smile. Not to long ago I was invited to my moms friends ranch in Ensenada, Mexico for a surprise birthday party. The entire ranch was bright pink and bright yellow. The decorations included bright colored turtles and day of the dead skeletons, that look to be having a great time. Every were I looked there was color. I remember thinking oh my I love this!!!! Living in San Diego I forget how attracted I am to Hispanic Art. Once I see it I love it all over again.
The other day I googled Mexican art and came across so many pieces of work that reminded me of the happy Mexican village I saw. I just loved it. I don't know the name of the artist that inspired me but I painted my own rendition of the village I saw.

This is it..The sweet little village.

I added some glitter because every little village in my head has glitter in the sky.

Once while walking down a street in Cabo San Lucas there was a man selling lots of sandals just like the ones on these little key chains. The man had made the sandals by hand. I remember all the bright colors he used. I regret not buying a pair for myself. I would have chosen the orange ones.. I am in love with all the bright colors... so pretty
Have a colorful day
xoxo
G

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

2011-11-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

The day of the dead celebration was so much fun. I think this was the first one I have attended . It was so much fun. When you first walk into the Mission Grounds they let you do a chalk drawing for your loved ones that have passed then they put carnations on them. It was so cool to look at.

I did Isabella's make up before we left .. I should of done mine too..next year I will.

My favorite part was the Ballet Florclorico. It was amazing. They had a Mariachi and the dancing was so good . So what they do is tell stories through there dances.

The girls are so beautiful with there traditional Mexican dresses.

This girl has on the dead bride costume . Love it !!!

So much fun..

Bella and Kiffer had a great time too..

I love the bright colors and all the the Mexican traditions...It was a perfect Sunday..
Hope you had a great weekend too.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T23:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from my favorite little monsters !!!!

Miss G..

2011-10-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dear G...
You are will be moving soon and I am so proud of you..
Today you will find a house to rent and you will make it a wonderful home for your kids . It will be warm and have a really good vibe to it. In this house you will create your own memories.. You will be happy and your kids will know it. Yes, this is a big deal but just let it happen and don't get caught up on what you don't have... instead just look at all you do have.
This is going to an amazing journey and you need to remember how wonderful you are..
You can do this
and
you can do it well..
So just fly my sweet girl and when things get scary just hand that over to God and he will give you the strength you need..
No more doubting
smile big
.....
be you
.....
go forward
G
p.s.
this is my mantra for right now..I have it written on a piece of paper and I am reading it to myself many times a day...

12 things I am grateful for...

2011-10-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

The things I am grateful for on this Thursday night are..

I am grateful for the smell of pumpkin pie candles.

and yes the actual pie is better but the candle last longer.

I am grateful for that moment when I first get in the shower and the water is perfectly warm.

I am grateful for my neighbors yard ..its filled with leaves and when I look at them I smile.

I am grateful for those people who believe in now.

I am grateful for warm afternoons when I am sitting by a window and I can feel the warmth on my back.

I am grateful that I can go whenever I want.

( need a road trip soon)

I am grateful for my my sister when she gives me big hugs..and just hold me..we should all just hug the people we love and not let go...for a while

I am grateful for the memories of sweet moments that bring me right back to that place.

I am grateful for the act of putting my warm hands on my face. It feels sweet.

I am grateful for things we see in store windows that make our heart go crazy..

Like fox cardigans

But what fills me with gratitude this day is holding my little sisters sweet little hands...

I hope you know how special you are and that with a grateful heart you and me and us...are going to be more that just OK.

xoxo

Mon Petit Chateau..and her dream came true

2011-10-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

My sister made her dream come true. She opened her own store. Its a huge and beautiful. A place for where children can pretend that they are in a magical kingdom. The clothes are provided.. You can dress up as a knight or maybe a pink fairy princess with butterfly wings. Your options are limitless.. and guess what there is magical train that will take you were ever your imagination desires.

Children's eyes light up and of they go. My sister had a vision and she made it come true. She wanted to have birthday parties kids could remember for ever. She also saw a little cafe...The mommy cafe. In this mommy cafe you could get excellent coffee and pastries while you watch you child play.

She has created a play were both moms and children can relax and have magical day. The moms can pretend they are at a french bistro because ohh lala ...Its so shabby chick.

The best part she is full time hands on mommy with a big heart and Im so proud of her...

Big congratulations to my beautiful sister...
xoxo
G
p.s. If your in san Diego and want to take your kids to a magical place to play or would like to book any kind of party.. Look up Mon petit Chateau...in chula Vista..

A sweet sunday tune

2011-10-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

A week of journaling...done

2011-10-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

This week I challenged myself to journal for a week. I did it ( yeah me ) and I am glad I did. I think its very therapeutic to not think and just write and draw and water paint. Water paints are fun because you can really relax and get in touch with that kid inside of you that just wants to paint.

its fun to see pretty things show up on you paper.

My favorite saying that I heard in my head was do not be afraid for I am with you always.

Does that ever happen to you ? Your writing in your journal and there it is ...That message you needed to hear ? I really try to clear my mind and listen to for it..Once in a while I hear it..
OK so I love journals
I love pens
I love pencils
I love watercolors
I love letting go AND just creating
WHATEVER.
ITS
FUN
XOXO
G

A trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

The other day we went to buy our pumpkin and while there we were told that we could not purchase the biggest pumpkin they had...We were very upset..

Evidently the big Pumpkin is for display purposes only!!!

After the playing of a game and winning a huge rubber bat our mood changed completely.

Somehow life was better, the pumpkin didn't matter anymore and we were all smiles...
Hope you have a warm and happy Wednesday.
xoxo
G

Good Morning Miss Monday !!!

2011-10-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, I have been thinking about what I will challenge myself with this week. I thought about doing something that scares me like last week and I know it was only red lipstick but it made me a bit more brave to just get over not doing something because of what someone else might think..I thought I would look silly but by mid week I thought I looked rather fancy ! So this week I thought what I would do is something I want to do but just keep putting off ...

I am going to write in my Art Journal everyday for 7 days..I am going to write my grateful list and do all my homework for an upcoming retreat I will attend in 2 weeks. I will write a story or two and seven days from now I will have at least 10 pages done in my fancy homemade journal.

This is not something that scares me but its something that I just do not do...I would like to but I dont..Thats all going to change this week. Then Monday I can share what I learned..about myself.

I hope you can make sometime to journal or draw or write some poetry this week. Do whatever is is that your heart ask you to do..mine wants me to write so starting today I will do just that...
Happy Monday
xoxo
G

A Sunday Morning tune

2011-10-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Red Lipstick day 5 and other stuff

2011-10-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

I had a -lot of fun wearing red lipstick this week..I don't wear it often but I am going to now.
I felt a little afraid to wear red..but not anymore.. I now this was a silly week of blogging but sometimes silly is good...getting over little fears is good too..even if its a fear that's as silly a wearing red lipstick!!!
OK so
Its Friday night and I am on my couch thinking about what other thing is challenging me right now,
What challenge could I try for next week..
Do you have some small thing that you could try to overcome next week..
maybe something you would like to do but your a tad afraid too..
or maybe the challenge just feels to big..
baby steps works for me. Instead of looking at the big picture maybe just trying it for 5 days would be a good start..You know feeling it out.
I have not really ran for more than 2 days in a week since my last 50k that I couldn't finish..
I haven't really felt like running but my mood would be way better if I ran at least 5 days next week..but for me that would mean going early in the morning and I don't like getting up early so
yeah..it would mean getting up yucky early and exercising...
OK so that's were my brain is....
xoxo
G

What I am grateful for today !!

2011-10-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

So I had to write my grateful list today !
It was calling me.
I am grateful for the Ideas that fill my head..
Ideas of pretty little paintings.
The time it took to create them.
The state of mind your head is in when one gets to play with paints.
The five letter word Peace..
Peace that I pray will fill my heart.
Peace that we pray the world will find.
Peace that surrounds us when we stop to look.
The hope that this word brings..
Peace
May that word be with all of us...

I am grateful for the world outside my house.
I am grateful that we have fresh air and cool nights.
I am grateful for the earth under my feet.
I am grateful that the beach is close enough I can run there.
I am grateful for who ever invented making wishes...
For when we close our eyes and make a wish our heart is full of hope.
We believe...
That a little bit of magic we all have.

I am so grateful for a good cup of coffee....
I grateful for foam I drink at the bottom that is followed with a bit of sugar...
The sugar I put in the coffee that went straight to the bottom and is waiting for me.
I love drinking my coffee fast.
since I wait for it to be kinda warm, I have to drink it fast or it will be cold..yuck cold coffee!!
I am grateful for the past month that I have spent with my little sister.
xoxo
G

Day 3

2011-10-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

On day 3...I found this tutorial and I wanted to share...why because ohh..I am loving this Red Lipstick
Maybe my collection of one red lip stick will grow...
happy day
xoxo
G

Red Lipstick day 2

2011-10-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

Red Lipstick Day 2..
Tuesday was a full day and I wore my red lipstick...Its not as red in the picture because this was taken late..
I spent the day with my little sister and then ran of at 4 to pick up my 3 kids make dinner and then go back to downtown to meet my dad for our date night. Last night we went to see
The Rocky Horror Picture Show..

The Old Globe is a beautiful Place in Balboa Park were they show lots of great plays. My dad and I go to about 8 a year. Its that time of year again.

There are three theaters here, some bigger than others but they're beautiful.

My dad and I ...getting ready to go back in after the intermission...Do I think anyone should see this play with there dad??? no
I honestly did not really like the play. I don't think I understood it to well, I am very glad I got to spend time with my dad though...and I wore my red lipstick too.....

Join me for a Red Lipstick Challenge !!!

2011-10-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, Today is Monday October 10th and I have decided to start this week of by wearing red lipstick.
I am going to wear it all week long. Why you ask?? I am a little afraid of wearing RED LIPSTICK. I feel that it can be loud and I have decided that's OK. I also feel its kinda sexy and it makes me want to smile and dress up too. If you need a little simple fun pick me up then you to could put on red lipstick.
Today was day 1..That's me driving to see my little sister and taking some pictures with my I phone at stop signs..
Mondays red lipstick report: I felt like a had a little kick in my step today..I wore black and that's also not a color I wear to much but red and black go well together. I had fun just knowing it my lips were red.. If you want to join me wearing Red lipstick leave me a message and tell me about it...I know this is random but its also kinda fun...
Happy Red lipstick week...
xoxo
G

Some Weekend Pictures

2011-10-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

I do believe I love taking pictures..
Hope you had a great weekend.
xoxo
G

2011-10-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet little brother sent me this song this morning.I really liked it, so I wanted to share..
Thank You Lalo..
G