08 Monday Apr 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message
“If we surrendered
to earth’s intelligence
we could rise up rooted, like trees.”
―
Two photos from today’s eclipse:
This first one I took in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I just pointed the phone to the ski.
This second one was taken by one of my sister’s co-worker in Manhattan, NY. He put the special glasses in front of the camera.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” ―
08 Monday Apr 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”
―
Hi friends,
Just saying hello, and a promise to do better.
I have been writing a lot since my last post, but, as you can see, I have not been publishing. I am back to my old habit of not being able to hit the Publish button. I am caught in that vicious cycle of forever editing.
It seems that a post is never good enough for the world to see. I know it is silly. No one really cares about grammatically perfect posts… well, I think. And yet, I struggle with that.
I still plan on finishing some of those posts. Yes, I said that before. I am still cleaning my Drafts folder, but in the last month, I just managed to add more to it.
I do sound like a broken record. I have been at this very moment before. Some old habits are hard to break, and the “writing a post and not publishing it”, has become a very bad habit that keeps wining over me.
My new old plan is to just hit publish when I get to the end. I need to stop the forever editing cycle. So be prepared for short posts. Perhaps some days I will just post a quote or a picture, just to develop the habit of publishing every day or at least every other day.
01 Friday Mar 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message
“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routines.” ―
I am now back in NY. We left at 2am Saturday morning and got home before 8pm.
The driving was not too bad. We stopped every 4 hours to switch drivers, gas up, eat and walk around.
There were two instances that reminded me that I really don’t like driving:
1- Road Rage. There were two people break checking each other, and then they stopped at a traffic light and one of them got out of his car. I am glad the other driver didn’t engage. The light turned green and he got back to his car and off they went.
2- Accident: A little car thought it could sneak in ahead of a truck as the lanes merged on the George Washington bridge. I was driving next to the truck and behind the small car. No one got hurt, but the small car had to be towed. Remind me not to ever take the upper level again. There are no trucks allowed in the lower level.
Back in the NY home, it has been hard to get back into a routine. I was in Florida for only 6 weeks, but it was enough to make me feel a little lost now. I specially miss my bike.
Even my baking has suffered. I tried making the pound cake again, but it was a failure. A tasty failure, but still a failure. My mistake was trying to add a few drops of vanilla extract after the machine had started mixing it.
Lesson learned. Do not open the machine at the wrong times. I will be making pound cake again… after I return from Colorado 🙂
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ―
25 Sunday Feb 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message, Dating, Finding Me
Tags
1 year anniversary, being happy, being happy no matter what, celebrating, happier together, happiness is a choice
“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
―
From the moment I read the words “happiness is a choice”, I decided to be happy. I do not remember where I read that, but the lesson has stayed with me.
I make that choice every single day. Some days are easy. Some days not so much.
Some days are all sunshine, butterflies and cupcakes. Some days not so much. Some days, it all seems to be falling apart and I struggle not to fall into the victim mentality trap.
At those moments, I really have to work hard to remember that I can be happy no matter what is going on in my life and around me.
Happiness is not something to be achieved or acquired, but is learning to appreciate all we already have in our lives.
“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
―
One of best and fastest way for me to achieve instant happiness is to make a gratitude list. Counting my blessings puts me in a happy mental space. Smiling and being grateful for being alive is pure happiness.
Chocolate cake and fresh bread with butter also help 😉
But all kidding aside. I work hard at not having my happiness tied to a person, circumstance or an achievement. I am happy just because I make that choice. Every morning I wake up and I make that choice.
Life is about choices.
***
1 Year already!!!!!!
On February 23, it marked one year since meeting Michael face to face – we started exchanging messages on February 8.
Michael has made my life more fun, more adventurous, and indeed happier.
BUT, I was happy before him. He was happy before me. I don’t expect him to make me happy. He doesn’t expect me to make him happy. We are just happier together!
And we plan on being happier together forever!
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” ―
17 Saturday Feb 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message, Reviews
Tags
life lessons, spiritual authors, spiritual growth, spiritual writers, teachings and lessons, Tom Rapsas, wake-up call
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ―
This is another long overdue review of a book from one of my fellow bloggers. This is a review of the book “Wake Up Call” by Tom Rapsas. I love, love, love, this book! It speaks to me! I am writing in the present tense, because I am still reading it. And I will probably be reading it forever.
Tom Rapsas is a self-described regular guy. He is a fellow blogger that, like myself, has always been curious about all things spiritual. Unlike myself, Tom has been constantly working hard in pursuing and expanding his spiritual knowledge. To our benefit.
Tom Rapsas and I met through our blogs a few years ago. We had exchanged messages in each other’s blogs, and at one point even considered meeting in person in NY City. At that time we both worked in Midtown Manhattan. We never end up meeting. We were both very busy. Then Covid happened. My job relocated to Westchester County, his to New Jersey. Life happened and we lost touch.
I was surprised to receive an email from him in October 2023. He let me know that he had written a book and was offering me an advance copy. I was happy to be remembered and felt honored by the offer. In November I received the book and put it aside until I was done with some others I had to finish. I wanted to give it my full and undivided attention.
When I started reading it, in January, I dove in headfirst and began going through the pages in record time. I recognized names and the teachings that I have always loved. Some I had not read in a long time and was happy to be reacquainted. I also encountered new names and new teachings. I felt my world expanding.
A few chapters in I realized I was making a big mistake by going too fast. I am all about results, and finishing a book is always an accomplishment to me. But, a book, specially this one, is not about finishing, but learning and getting inspired by its many teachings.
This book is perfect in small bites, where one can savor its message, digest its content, and really assimilate the lessons. This is a book to be practiced and not just read.
I went back to page one and started again. This time savoring every word. There is no hurry. Finishing it is not the goal. The goal is to open my mind and heart to all the amazing rewards that come with learning and practicing the lessons here. The purpose is to be inspired to learn, to grow, to do more and be more.
This book is a testament to the extent of Tom’s work and dedication to all matters spiritual. It is such a powerful gift to anyone that is interested in learning more about spiritual teachings but was often overwhelmed by so many ideas out there.
Tom compiled the main spiritual ideas of all my favorite writers. He reminded me the reasons why they are my favorites. Tom also introduced me to writers that I didn’t know. He summarized and explained the core teachings of so many amazing writers, and made the teachings easy to understand.
In reading it slowly, I am letting the words speak to me. Little by little, I let the inspiration wash over me. I try to read some of it every morning and night, even if it is just a paragraph. Or any time that I feel that I need a spiritual pick me up. Sometimes I read the same passage over and over again – each time reaping a different benefit.
This book, true to its name, was a real “Wake Up Call” for me. This book came at the perfect time. At a time that I knew my spiritual side was dormant and needed waking up. This book has been a reminder that I need to continue the spiritual work. It feeds my mind and soul.
I had been busy falling in love and learning how to be part of a couple. I know it is funny to say that, but it is true. Michael showed up and I let go of a lot. Not his fault. I made him a priority, as he made me.
It is such a blessing to rediscover the benefits of spiritual teachings in my life. I have seen its rewards in the past. It opens my heart and my soul, and it gives me purpose in this world. Developing my spiritual side has made me better in so many ways, for me and for others. I am more forgiving, more understanding, less judgmental and more grateful than ever before.
I don’t think I will ever finish this book. I don’t think it is a book to read it and put it away. Tom’s wisdom and insights will benefit me forever. It has become my go to book. It is my Bible of inspiration. I am so happy and grateful it has been written.
I love and agree when he says: “Wisdom comes from many sources.” This is a book of the most important and insightful spiritual teachings out there. All in one place. It exposes the reader to the many different teachings in spiritually. All alongside Tom’s valuable insights.
I probably repeated myself, but I really treasure this book and want you to know. If you are interested in spiritual teachings, in growth, in becoming better as a person, this book is for you!
Stay tuned for more reviews of books by my fellow bloggers.
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ―
14 Wednesday Feb 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message, Dating, Finding Me
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ―
I hope everyone is having a beautiful, loving and blessed day!
I had planned to write about love and about meeting Michael. But, for lack of time – I am going through some work audit issues – I will write about us in the future.
For now, I will leave you with a couple of quotes and my beautiful flowers.
Love and be love everywhere you go!
“But how will I know who my Soulmate is?” Brida felt that this was one of the most important questions she had ever asked in her life.
By taking risks’ she said to Brida. ‘ By risking failure, disappointment, disillusion, but never ceasing in you search for Love. As long as you keep looking, you will triumph in the end.” ―
06 Tuesday Feb 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message
Tags
Always do your best, Be impeccable with your word, Don Miguel Ruiz, Don't make assumptions, don't take anything personally, The Four Agreements
I always go back to the words below. It has been immensely helpful. Specially number 2.
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.”
-Don Miguel Ruiz
30 Tuesday Jan 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message, Finding Me
Tags
lazy or comfortable, listen to your body, not terrible not great, ok to slow down, Pema Chodron, wise words
“Laziness is not particularly terrible or wonderful. Rather it has a basic living quality that deserves to be experienced just as it is. Perhaps we’ll find an irritating, pulsating quality in laziness. We might feel it as dull and heavy or as vulnerable and raw. Whatever we discover, as we explore it further, we find nothing to hold on to, nothing solid, only groundless, wakeful energy.
This process of experiencing laziness directly and nonverbally is transformative. It unlocks a tremendous energy that is usually blocked by our habit of running away. This is because when we stop resisting laziness, our identity as the one who is lazy begins to fall apart completely. Without the blinders of ego, we connect with a fresh outlook, a greater vision. This is how laziness—or any other demon—introduces us to the compassionate life.”
―
28 Sunday Jan 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message, EX Files, Finding Me
THIS WAS WRITTEN IN APRIL 2012. I AM CLEANING OUT MY DRAFTS FOLDER AND EITHER PUBLISING OR DELETING SOME POSTS. Please forgive typos.
I DECIDED TO PUBLISH THIS ONE, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS WRITTEN LONG AGO. IT WAS FROM A TIME THAT I WAS IN A LOT PAIN, STILL FROM THE BREAK UP. I HAVE LEARNED A LOT SINCE THEN, AND I STILL BELIEVE IN APPROACHING PROBLEMS AS LESSONS AND OPPORTUNITIES. Please forgive typos.
“These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them.”―
If pain is growth, if pain is where the light comes in, as Rumi says. Then, by all means, pain come in. You and all your friends: dramas, headaches, problems, etc
Come in, all at once, if you can. I want to grow a lot, and fast.
When you look at a problem, not as a problem, but as a lesson or a challenge, it is no longer a problem. From that moment on, it becomes an opportunity. Immediately, right from the start, the problem doesn’t own you, you own the problem. You are in control and at the driver’s seat.
I am learning to look at a situation from different points of view, but never as a victim. I choose to be a student ready to learn some specific lesson. How wonderful that I have been chosen to learn this lesson.
My only job here is to learn it. I am learning how to step back and access the situation, analyze it, inspect it and then choose how to handle it. Do I need to attack it or just let it be, and let nature take its course.
I no longer have to attack every situation head on. The Aries in me is learning to stop and let things happen. Let nature take its course knowing that the best outcome will be mine if I don’t react, but deal with things with a level head and peaceful heart.
It is not easy not to react, and because it is not easy, it makes it even more rewarding. I already knew in my heart that no matter what comes my way, I will always be okay. The more I learn the lessons, the more life gets better and better. I no longer think I am going to be okay, I know, in fact, that I am going to be more amazing and more blessed each day.
I now look forward to going to bed because I can’t wait for my tomorrow to start.
27 Saturday Jan 2024
Posted in Daily Life, Daily Message, Food
Tags
almond extract, bakeries and breads, baking love, bread machine, breads and cakes, coconut, homemade, Irish Soda bread, Pound cake, vanilla pound cake
Irish soda bread
My love affair with my bread machine and making breads and cakes continues.
I have been making mostly whole wheat breads. The one with honey and molasses is my favorite.
White bread and Irish soda bread
I made the above white loaf on the bread machine. The Irish soda bread I made in the oven, as it doesn’t involve any kneading or rising.
They both came out great. The white bread is simple and great for sandwiches.
The soda bread came out great, but still I think I will add some more sweetness to the it.
There is a soda bread that I love, from a bakery that is over 1 hour away from my home. So I am not able to buy it as often as I would like. I search for that taste. It is probably not the original soda bread, but I want to get as close to that taste as I can.
Pound cake
The above is a pound cake I made in the bread machine. Even though it doesn’t look all that, it is delicious. Because I cannot follow any recipe and I always have to add my own twist, I added a couple of drops of vanilla extract and a couple of teaspoons of chocolate. That is why it came out with that color.
I plan on doing this same recipe again and probably adding a drop of coconut or almond extract, or more chocolate.
Tomorrow I plan on making a chocolate cake and frosting, not in the bread machine. Stay tuned for the pictures.