2012 in brief....

I don't know about your, but between Halloween and now this Christmas season.....the time
has literally flown by! With just the business of everyday living, coping with joys and sorrows of current events, most recently the terrible tragedy of the school shootings, I am joined with you and everyone else this season, just grateful to have my loving family and friends....counting my blessings for everything I have and then some.

May 2013 bring much joy, wonderful surprises, good health, wisdom, new friends, maybe a new talent, and lots of love coming your way. 

Good grief!

I can't believe that it's been several months since I updated my blog!

We all have the same 24 hours in the day and I certainly pack in a ton of "stuff" in those 24 hours most of my days. Thank goodness I "rest" on Sunday.....well, at least I can relax after church just hanging out with family or receiving visitors.

Less than a year ago, I began to crochet again, and I've finished some pretty nice-looking afghans......SEVEN of them! I've labeled them 'recliner throws.'  I crochet during the "inbetweeners" .....which are my breaks from the "other stuff." Really, the crocheting relaxes me and it also makes me not feel so guilty when I watch TV, so I'm actually accomplishing something!

Some of the "other stuff" is my normal daily routine of teaching piano 6 days a week.....still hovering between 40 to 45 students. I'm getting my students ready for the Holiday Recital coming up December 8th! I joined the DVMTA (Desert Valley Music Teachers Association) and signed up to help with the luncheons held during the year! It's nice to know other teachers and to share teaching ideas.

Added to my piano teaching, my mosaic classes are picking up since we're getting into cooler weather. Just finished a lovely birdbath for my neighbor. She loves it!

On top of all of the above, I am just finishing up a Fitness and Nutrition course (online.....that's the only way to go).....and I have BIG plans for a related online business for 2013....will keep you posted on that later.

Looking forward to an awesome Thanksgiving with my family and the Christmas holiday ahead!

Cheers!

Keeping your cool

Yes, it's HOT in Arizona, but these favorite quotes from Oprah help keep me COOL!

What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what.
You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.
Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.
When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.
Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.
What you believe has more power than what you dream, wish, or hope for. You become what you believe.
If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you," that will be enough.
The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.
Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction.
If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.

Keep COOL everyone!

Trying to keep cool....and it's only May 21st

Zowee.....it's supposed to be 108 degrees today! I believe it. Last night we tried to see the Eclipse....which hasn't happened for 20 years. We tried the pinhole-with-two-papers method, but the hot sun at our back was just too uncomfortable. We decided to just see pictures in the news the next day (which is today). Well, needless to say, so many awesome pictures of the Eclipse were posted from Facebook friends, so I am satisfied. My sister Lisa, who cares for our 93 year old mother in California, were well prepared with their efforts to see the Eclipse by using welder's goggles. So fun for them!

Little Tanner (one of my grandsons) will be arriving to spend time with his Arizona family. He lives in Michigan, so we hope he'll enjoy time with his Daddy and the planned activities and family reunion coming up in July in Utah.

Summer days are just ahead with school getting out in our neck of the woods......I have new piano students starting and others taking off for far away places....like India!!! Lucky ducks! I would love to pack myself in one of their suitcases just to see the Taj Mahal! I will be focusing instead on doing crochet projects and mosaic crafts as well as lead our neighborhood water aerobics! Fun ahead!

Ahhhhh.......April

I love April.....especially this very day....April 1st. I enjoyed watching the LDS General Conference on TV which happens every six months. It's always wonderful to be fed spiritually so I can carry on in this busy life and to know how to be prepared for challenges in life. And next Sunday, is Easter....the most beautiful time of year to be reminded of our Savior's love.

April also brings a quick visit from my son, Sterling, and his family where most of my kids and grandkids will be gathered for family fun.

April is always the month where my piano students will perform at the piano recital. It's always a joy to see my students show off their piano skills, no matter what level.

Beautiful month in beautiful Arizona!

March already!

I thought I would just share some of my favorite quotes....enjoy!

Quote by Joel Osteen: "In Ecclesiastes 5:18 it talks about how God has given us the power to enjoy what is allotted and appointed to us. That simply means that I don't have the power to enjoy your life. You may have more success, more money, more friends or a better job, but if you put me in your life, I'm not going to enjoy it. We are uniquely designed to run our own race.
When we truly understand and embrace this, we won't be tempted to compare or wish we had what someone else has. You won't think, "If only I had their talent... "No, if God wanted you to have that talent, He would have given it to you. Instead, take what you have and develop it. Make the most of it. Don't think, "if only I had her looks..."No, God gave you your looks. That's not an accident. The life you have has been perfectly matched for you. Now, you've got to do your part and get excited about your life. Be excited about who you are -- your looks, your talent, your ability, your personality. When you're passionate about who you are, it brings honor to God. That's when God will breathe in your direction and the seeds of greatness in you will take root and begin to flourish!"

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Watch your thoughts. They become your words. Watch your words. They become your actions. Watch your actions. They become your habits. Watch your habits. They become your character. Watch your character. It becomes your destiny.

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If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results. - Jack Dixon

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Give what you want. Want courage? Encourage. Want hope? Give hope. Want love? Give love. Want success? Help someone else become successful. - Darren Hardy

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Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.

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One day, You Tube, Twitter, and Facebook, will join together and be called YouTwitFace! :)

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"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Maria Robinson

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"Your future is not determined by the conditions around you. It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts!"  Paul V. Johnson

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It's been a whirlwind sort of season with Thanksgiving creeping up quickly....now over....stomach filled with all the yummy comfort food shared by my loving family! Now, last-minute preparations for my piano recital and more holiday parties/events lining up and somehow are scheduled close together.

I did not participate in Black Friday....except for a quick jaunt to the GAW (Gilbert Art Walk) to support my friend who is one of the vendors. And I bought a lovely piece of jewelry from another creative artist......I just love and appreciate artists.....because I am a kindred spirit, of course!

I have many blessings....good health, a big loving family, and my art/music talents that I share and teach to others! My holiday cards are all ready to be sent off and my shopping is almost done! I am appreciating the beautiful sunny days here in Arizona, especially when I know it's all icy cold and snowy in other places! Brrrr, no thanks!

Have a very wonderful holiday and may you be blessed with joy this season....and remember the reason for the season! God bless!