Maybe She's Mental

The artist capturing beauty. As I meet new beautiful and incredible people, I am floored to discover after getting past the surface that SO many people (women especially) do not stand firm in the realization of what they are:  truly beautiful and amazing creatures!   It happens time after time!  And even though they are told by many around them, they still don't believe it for themselves.  They keep listening to the voices in their heads of the parental lessons or possibly something that another child said to them when they were 8 that have been drilled into their heads and considered truth. "Your face will only get you so far.  Don't count on that.  You have to work for your accomplishments."  coming from your father at an early age shapes how this woman sees herself for life.... "Does this mean I'm not beautiful?"  Her dad was just trying to teach her the value of work.  He was trying his best.  Now she's in her 40s and still doe...

the First I have been blessed with 3 lovely children.  The first two were pretty much the ideal children.... developed physically right on time or early, learned quickly, listened to direction, gave big hugs, behaved in church (this is important to my parents... :)), are loved by teachers, and shine brightly.  And then (I remember actually saying this), I decided I wanted a little more chaos.... and along came my little teacher. Oh, I learned a LOT about being a Mom from my first two the Second kids; about self-sacrifice and complete dedication, but I didn't really learn about communication, unconditional love, and breaking through boundaries until I was challenged to do so.  I snuggled with her more than I did the others.  I felt the warmth in her heart more deeply.  I wasn't as concerned with goals and bed times and the 'right' way to be a parent.  I let go of the reins.  What did this do for me?  For one, it got me a second appoint...

This week my family lost our oldest living member... my grandpa Eddie.  Saying goodbye to a person who lived 104 1/2 years does not hold the same sadness as some other goodbyes, but still it's a change.... life, death, rebirth.... I hope he really opened himself up to one person or a few people.  I hope he experienced vulnerability and pure love.  I know his childhood was so different than mine and his generation had different frameworks on which to build their world view.  I hope he didn't live with guilty feelings from his membership in the Catholic church.  I hope he understood that the love of the divine does not have to be earned.  I hope his smile was genuine from the depth of his soul rather than a duty.  And I hope he feels my love. Happy Trails to you Grandpa!  What will you do next??? :) <3