More Mondays!

Aren’t you just excited it’s the start of another week? I am. I plan to actually plot my children’s book cover this week, and add the verbiage to some of the pages. Much of the writing will be edited out when Cartney McGuigan works her magic to illustrate the story. I’m getting really excited to work on it again. This learning stuff is hard! It fills my brain with possibilities. And ideas. It’s ok. That’s where the greatest ideas come from.

I have an idea for pre-release notification that will allow a printable PDF for children. We may have printouts available for including with the purchase of books in person or via my website, Cartney’s Etsy Store, and of course, for the McGuigan’s use. Stay tuned, boys and girls. And everyone! We’re going to have a blast doing this.

At long last, the sun has finally made an appearance! The moon was brilliant last night, too. With our blinds open in the bedroom and all the lights off, it lit up the room for a couple hours. As it reached it’s peak in the sky, the brightness dimmed and I just lay there thinking how awesome the creation of the world is. Scientifically and Spiritually as well. Grateful to God for all of it. I marvel at the seasons, the growth in spring, the flowers in the late spring and summer, and the colors of fall.

We enjoyed Gavin so much yesterday. He asked, “Can we please go for ice cream?” We never turn down ice cream! It was a perfect thing to do. We’re looking forward to getting to watch him play baseball this year. He’s got a lot of athletic talent, I’m so proud to watch him. He was watching a game on Nintendo Switch (I think that’s what it’s called). He can narrate a play by play watching basketball, baseball, and football. He’d isolate the players who slammed the ball in the hoop. All you have to do is agree with him. He’s happy. He has an unbelievable mind to keep all that knowledge at such a young age. Children fascinate me; how they learn and grow through the years. He’ll be nine this year. Wow.

The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion. – Tacitus

What do you think of this statement? I find it sad, actually. Power has never appealed to me, really. Not without the responsibility that goes with it. A powerful person, in my opinion, needs to have integrity, a soul, and be honest. I suppose one would say our current politicians are more lusting for power than anything else. They may have forgotten they work for US. I just want us to find a way to stop all the fighting, negativity, and division.

I was astounded to read many codependent people “lust” for control. This sounds kind of crazy, I know. The premise is their role in their home was to control their environment, then they could enable their addicted people to keep their addictions. They would mistake enabling for help. It isn’t. It continues the curse, and you’re helping do that. I did it too. I no longer allow that person to pull me into their issue. It’s their to fix, not me. By “helping,” I was doing anything but helping. I helped continue the lies he told himself and everyone else. Only fooled ourselves. No more. It is what it is. And it’s not mine. Have it back, and keep it forever. I’m done.

When we humans have breakthroughs in improving our lives, we become more energetic I believe. The world is brighter, easier to navigate. Less baggage that we’re holding for others. Try it, you’ll like it! Peace at any price doesn’t promote peace, only more of the same. Peace with boundaries is more liberating, for sure. We all need reminders. Let’s help each other out. I’m in!

Another quote:

Today, I will examine my decisions to be sure I haven’t traded compliance for integrity.

(From: Days of Healing, Days of Joy: Daily Meditations for Adult Children).

Proud dog Mom talk: One short training session with her today, and she’s not dropping her fetch toy and barking at me. YAY! I sat on the deck, she had her training collar on, and just two little buzzing sounds with the command, “No Bark!” and she didn’t bark again. She brought the rope back to me, up the stairs, to the deck, instead of sitting in the yard, barking until I came down to her. Nope. What a good girl! When I finish working later, I’ll be giving her new toys from Bark Box.

Have a beautiful Monday. We’ve got a lot to accomplish this week, let’s get going! Be Safe. Be Kind. Have Integrity. Have Compassion. Know Your Boundaries. Enforce Them. Be Compassionate. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you tomorrow!