Opening The Door To 2010

"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."

Alexander Graham Bell

Celebrating

Nathan's 18th Bday! We love you, Nathan!!

CHEERS to Life!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."
-Henry David Thoreau

“If you want to know what is going on in your inner world look at your outer world.” - Buddha

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Have You Been Validated Lately?

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

May your life EXPAND in 2009!

"Courage is the ability to take action. But whether that action expands or shrinks life depends on whether the spirits we serve are good or bad: whether we’re serving the angels of our better nature, or the angels of our worst nature. And how are we to know?

There is no foolproof way, but there’s a famous formula from a third-century theologian I’ve always loved as one of the best guides for people of good heart (Origen, c. 185-254). Our course of action, he said, must always meet two criteria. It must both be useful to us, and at the same time worthy of God. Because life also shrinks and expands in proportion to the size of the god we are serving."
Loehr Davidson

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Holiday Happenings!

Hubby and I have spent many a holiday hour right here! We played scrabble, ate breakfast, talked and sat in silence in these comfy chairs. A cozy fire makes everything better. I felt rather British, too. How did you spend your happy hours over the holiday?

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

Important Words!

Even if there is a line...

park your car, get in that line and wait for your turn to vote! Deep down, you will be glad you did.

Still not sure who you should vote for? Go HERE!

Thrivingly Yours,

Susan

Birthday Boy!

Nathan turned 17!! WOOHOO! Here is a rather dark picture(what happened to my flash?) of him opening gifts, as his three sisters and Dad look on. I am so thankful Nathan was born 17 years ago! My life has been better because of him.


Nathan, on drums, and the band guys! They had a show a few days ago. The drums were up on a platform, which was nice for picture taking. I think he liked the view from above.



Way to go, Nathan!

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

Pondering

No better place to ponder than on the dock, at sunset.

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Les MisBarack!

I think this is one of the best Obama videos I have seen. Music inspires. Still not sure who I'll vote for come November 4th but had to put this up, for the Obama fans and the Les Mis fans! ;-)

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Politics

I was so fired up by both of the conventions. Perhaps that's the idealist coming out in me. Now I learn that there have been half-truths and spins put out by my inspiring FOUR...Obama, Biden, McCain and Palin. Yes, all four and no, I don't want to go into the details. It's just enough to make me want to give up on politics entirely. Perhaps that sentiment is also the idealist coming out in me.

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

SARAH PALIN

She's the talk of the town. Actually, of the country!

I am one of those "undecided" voters. I am thankful that we have four good candidates running for office! Time will tell.

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

NOW

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.”
- Anonymous

STEPS

"When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open, and love steps forth to heal everything in sight."
Michael Bridge

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

The hardest question to NOT ask!

"Why is this happening?" is the most useless
question in the Universe.

The only really profitable question is, "What?" As in,
What do I choose now?" This question empowers.
The "why" question simply perplexes, and rarely
satisfies even when it gets a good answer.
So don't try to "figure it out." Stop it. Just focus on
what you now wish to create. Keep moving forward.

There's nothing behind you that can possibly serve
you better than your highest thoughts about tomorrow.
Neale Walsh

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Fun at the Lakehouse!

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

THANK YOU, by Alanis Morissette

A friend introduced me to this song today. It is stunning. I find myself in so many of the words.

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

Better Choices!

"Here's something to keep in mind: Awareness raises consciousness. Read that last line again because it's important. Just becoming aware of your typical thought patterns will actually stimulate a move toward emotional health and balance. That's because the moment you notice a negative thought, you then have the ability to shift to something more positive. And then the fun begins. When you focus your mind on something good, it creates a good feeling, and that good feeling fuels you to make better choices. Better choices in turn, give you a better life."
Cheryl Richardson

Thrivingly yours!
Susan

This or That?

"If you think you have to get THIS in order to have THAT, then what you REALLY want is THAT, not THIS."

If you are scratching your head about now, go here to read more:
That, Not This!

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Is Man More Forgiving Than God?

I don't think so. My five year old heart says "No Way! God is too loving to create a hell. I wouldn't create a hell and God is way more loving than me." That's what my little five year old heart has been saying for 46 years. Jesus said that unless we become as little children we will not see the Kingdom of Heaven. I am going to trust my little five year old heart and sing praises to my God who is the epitome of love and forgiveness.

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

What do you think this beautiful creature would like to tell us? Click on the photo for a closer view and then let me know what comes to mind!

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

"It takes chaos to give birth to a rising star."
Nietzsche

Rising Stars...so that's what the chaos is about.
Good, I can say yes! to that.

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

• The best blogging techniques.
• How to get traffic to your blog.
• How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

A Day At The Beach

One with the sandpiper...
One with the ocean...
One with the flowers...

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

"When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen: There will be something solid for you to stand upon, or, you will be taught how to fly."
Patrick Overton


Thrivingly yours,
Susan

Click here:

THE PEACE ALLIANCE...

to imagine another world, a world of peace!

Thrivingly Yours,
Susan

"Out of difficulties grow miracles."
Jean de la Bruyere

Thrivingly yours,
Susan

I FINALLY DID IT!!!

OK, this isn't me BUT I was in this very spot about nine hours ago. Picture me merrily paddling along in my red kayak. What a FUN, beautiful, invigorating way to spend an hour! I do believe I have found my sport!

Thrivingly yours,
Susan