We ARE CAPABLE OF SO MUCH

wE are Capable of So Much

Just Imagine...

Oh what a day I had yesterday!
HAVE I MENTIONED...
                        HOSPICE ROCKS!!!

The book signing was awesome... the people outrageous with their spirit, their "hospice hearts, their commitment of caring and enthusiasm...
They came from all over the country, the twinkle in their eyes... And they love to hug! I had a ball to be certain ~ I am honored, I am touched by their words and their desire to read Healing Heartaches, and their interest in getting me to speak at their hospices~ I'll be back there later today to sign books and hopefully meet more of those wonderful folks from hospice and then... THE GALA, and Dr Bernice Catherine Harper, a true pioneer "the professionals professional" my hero!!! I will sit beside her at the Gala, and just hold on to each word, while looking into her eyes of wisdom and enjoy each moment of a very special hospice evening as the pioneers of hospice are honored ~ ~ ~ I am richly blessed.

And as I sit with my coffee in this lovely room here in Arlington, I am just amazed at all the gifts I have received on this visit; all the love that I have been the recipient of, all the wonder in the world from the children and the child in the adults of all I have been honored to sit with, to talk to and those I don't even know but have met along the way! To all I say, "Wado", it has truly been a pleasure from the moment I stepped off the plane in Baltimore and got that overdue hug by my Joan and circled the beltway more than once as we were distracted by "catching up"!!!


 Remembering that whether we think we CAN or think we can't ... WE are RIGHT!
So... what do you think?  Yes...
                                                        I really want to know~

I know I am a "firewalker" I am FEARLESS...

 



"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done". ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow






Humans are capable of all things good and bad. We are capable of success, and failure. We each have the capacity to love and to loathe. It is the choices we make that govern the value of the life we live. We know that our attitude is more than half the battle. If we define through our actions the values we hold dear, making the right choice feels effortless. Executing the tasks may pose challenges.
But . . . we are strong capable people.
So we rise to the occasion, visualize the path we have chosen, march to the beat of our own drum and move forward. I mean ... c'mon how in the world did someone ever think to make a sandwoman right there in that photo with nothing more than a plastic butter knife and a little bucket of water? And... legs coming right out onto the sidewalk?  Gotta give him "props" for creativity and imagination for that one, and remarkable beauty out of sand and wonderment of his thoughts right? Talk about thinking "i can", he was "all over it" in my "opinion" LOL



So... here's what I'm thinkin this morning,
Let's all just "Be all that we chose to be"~.
Turn quickly away from the choices that would diminish our good life, our good thoughts and deeds. We don’t have to hate our enemy, we have only to refuse to be like them.
We can refuse to emulate their actions.
We can choose to suffer jealousy for what others have, or
         anchor ourselves in gratitude for what we have.






Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal in to a feast,
                                                                 a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow".
{Melody Beattle}






While we are capable of great successes, we can choose to see small failures as opportunities to grow. We have the capacity to grow stronger each day, through each experience. We can choose not to become a failure because every effort is not an instant success. We can teach these same things to our children in small ways; starting small and working tall ~ by example, through stories so that they get it, really get it. And they will get it! I promise, they will grow strong with the idea of whether they think they can or think they can't ... they are right!
Speaking of kids...Why should kids have cell phones with text and pictures? Everyone they would ever want to call is at school with them! When at home, there is a phone right there on a desk, in the kitchen? Right?
When on an outing they can borrow an adult's phone or a camera if they want to take a picture!
Texts and pictures on a cell phone are too big a temptation for bad decisions led by peer pressures, by brains that are not fully developed to make sound decisions, that often lead to troubles later on or heartaches ... who are they needing to call after all... think about it! OK, just an opinion.. did not I just have thoughts and opinions LOL





We consciously decide not to pursue every capacity that we have. Just having the capacity to do something does not mean we have to do it. Not all potential is meant to be executed. As always, make each a good choice.






Live life to it’s fullest. Be strong, enjoy each day. Do not waste a single moment. S T O M P, DANCE IN THE RAIN, I had the opportunity to do that yesterday in my mocs here in Arlington... gotta be careful on bricks in mocs in the rain... you can get that "boom boom pow" if not cautious~!


Strive to reach your full capacity for change, for goodness, for good health, love, friendship, wealth, true happiness, joy and success in all that you dream to be and all that YOU ARE.






BE ALL THAT YOU CHOOSE TO BE. Achieve your capacity for GREATNESS with each and every breath, each and every step, every STOMP...

Much to do today, many books to sign, hands to shake, hugs to feel and to give...

The fire is burning brightly, the embers are HOT . . . songs and thoughts of strength, HOPE in healing on the winds to Chris, Jill, today; to those in "Southwest Virginia" you know who you are, to all of those who have asked, to those who haven't ... To 6 year old little Shelby as she heals and grows strong with the love and support of family and friends... To and for those who are fighting the fight.. Know you are in the company of some powerful angels, all with their warpaint on, paw in paw our arms are around you all. Stand strong...
When you are too tired, rest. WE will STOMP for you, we will hold you up on the wings of angels, we are thinking of you, holding you in prayer and in thoughts always....

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing...
Make it a great day, know you are a WARRIOR, know you are the only YOU in the whole wide world, choose wisely, take BEST CARE OF YOU!

Walk In Beauty,
DRSES

author of
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/
order yours above and I'll autograph it just for ya!
also available at:
Amazon.com Borders.com and bbotw.com

OPINIONS... EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE ONE OR TWO!

Just a thought or two...Opinions, We All Have Them


Let’s talk about opinions. Everybody has one, or more. Why is it that other people think that if we don’t embrace their opinion we are somehow diminishing their value as a human being? This is nuts. An opinion is just a point of view. An opinion is a suggestion. By definition, a suggestion is one idea, one approach. One idea among many. We are under no obligation to act on every suggestion we hear. We need not fall into lock step and wholly agree with every opinion uttered, no matter how adored the source.

I can fully respect the person who offers it. I may even want to solicit others opinions from time to time. But in the asking, I am not signing a contract to act on the suggestion.

The source of the opinion may hold great value, I may truly, deeply treasure their insights, their suggestions and I still might no go with it. I often have my own idea. I might find the opinion of others to be just this once, dumb. It might even be the best idea in the entire world, but I am fully entitled to dismiss it if I so choose.

I admit, sometimes I ask someone their opinion and immediately ask myself why. I might be, occasionally, just wanting to validate the wisdom of a forgone conclusion I already hold. Opinions can be garnered to for alliances; to challenge ourselves; to look at an issue with a new slant.

Let’s not take it too personally when we have given our opinion and it is dismissed out of hand. Ever heard someone utter with complete dismay, ” they asked my opinion and then did the exact opposite”. Been there. Are we taking ourselves too seriously. I’ll grant you that it might be confounding if someone started the conversation with a cross your heart promise to do whatever you say, and then they don’t. But really, when we are asked for our opinion, or a suggestion, our idea, is it necessary that it be strictly adhered to?

The point being. Whatever course of action one chooses, this is not the sword to fall on. Don’t get mad if you have taken the time to offer up a considered suggestion and someone fails to utilize it. It is only one opinion. You’ll have another one. Maybe a better one. Maybe it will resonate in a different situation. If you choose to respond to the request, don’t hold the listener hostage to your offer. No good can come from the emotional angst you will put yourself through, if you take this as personal rejection. See it for what it is. A question, or solicitation for input. You have offered yours with an open mind and heart. No strings attached.

Set yourself free. Another opportunity will present itself soon. You can consider it a simple exercise for your mind, not binding arbitration.

I’ll hop down off this mini soap-box now. Feel free to offer any opinion you want, and I will thank you, and make use of it should I so choose. This is full reciprocal. If, or should I say when, I offer you my opinion, when I give you a suggestion; you may use it or not.

I will still treasure you, either way

yesterday found me in the wonderful company of Audrey Spicer and her daughter Happy... what a reunion... what a time we had. The evening reunion with a cherished and long time friend Pam, many many years since our paths have crossed... we picked up on the conversation just like it was yesterday... Her baby boy last I saw him was in a jumping jack contraption, bouncing almost to the ceiling... now a Navy Seal, serving proudly defending our Country, been to Iraq multiple times... wow... where has the time gone?


The fire is burning, the embers are hot... thoughts on the wind to those who know who they are... to those who have asked for thoughts, for strength, for HOPE in healing, for remembrances...
For those fighting the battle, the struggles, the warpaint is on, your angels have you wrapped tightly in their arms of HOPE and inspiration... Stand strong, fight on...

STOMP, CELEBRATE YOU, STAND STRONG


Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, do it the best way you know how....

Take best care of you today...

Walk In Beauty,
DRSES
author of
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

Book signing today~
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

ADULT CONTENT ~ WARNING ~ ADULT LANGUAGE ~ WARNING~

Arlington Virginia

Courthouse Plaza

Coffee with Barry Bear and Denise

Dinner with Kelly and Tony

Meet Barry Bear... he keeps it real, with his F*** Cancer message; Breast Cancer bracelet, Pancreatic Cancer ribbon, Colon Cancer, Anal Cancer Experience behind him... He's heard it all, observed most of it.... A faithful companion, a truth teller, a messenger of HOPE; and yesterday I finally got to meet him over coffee with Denise!

She's been there... now a caregiver to her husband Jim, who has survived the "Whipple Surgery with pancreas removed, the struggle continues and she continues on as a caregiver, she herself a Cancer Survivor... Warpaint on and Barry a constant companion! Barry has even been photographed with the Oncologist and staff ~ a talented man and one who answers patients and families when they email him! Fascinating indeed, Dr Sprya, a true physician even by today's measures and care...

CANCER SUCKS... or as Barry will tell you .... oh well just read the shirt~!~~~!

A great day in Arlington, that led to many thoughts and wanderings, I was told that my little Olivia journals her thoughts today and in those thoughts wrote this:

"I miss Nana, but I LET HER GO TO D.C. FOR THE WEEK..." LOL still smiling about that line~

Isn't that wonderful? Words are wonderful!

According to Oprah, "The more you focus on words that uplift you, the more you embody the ideas contained in those words"~

NOW if that is true... which I happen to also believe and have often said... those who typically share in the thoughts here, must be feeling pretty good on a day to day basis I would think~ making the words of CELEBRATE, STOMP, STAND UP, OWN THE DAY.... words that become your truth~

And for that, I give thanks... and so it is!

So, Last night I was met by my dear Kelly Elizabeth Alexis, who I have known she she was born (amazing yes) and her husband Tony, a wonderful man~ they took me to Rays The Steaks here in Arlington! All the rage, a new restaurant where our President Obama has visited... and oh my :) steak that was ummmm good... made better by the conversation and love... What a delightful and special evening we shared, one that went by much too quickly, including a quick phone call to Kelly's Mom, who I have known most of my life! And it was during dinner that I am told... Tony's Mom and Dad both had Bladder Cancer (yellow ribbon, NOTICE Barry also has one of those on in picture)... Tony's Dad was not doing well at all, so Kelly, Tony and kids moved in with the parents, renting their home... AND HE GOT BETTER! Positive mental attitudes, the power of love, of family, the power of support... Doing great now, both of them, now Cancer Survivors themselves.... S T O M P

Yes... it is true, I am hear for many more reasons than signing copies of Healing Heartaches! And spirit is strong, knowing exactly where I am to be, I only have to be open, be flexible and allow it to happen...

Zig Ziglar says, "It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through"

So how about you today?

What's up for you . . . any new adventure, thoughts, doings for you???

WARPAINT ON, READY TO FLY ~

Fire is burning brightly, embers are hot... thoughts to those who are facing struggle, who are fighting the battles, who are facing decisions... you know who you are! YOU have asked, I have heard you... I am enlisting help from others who are powerful forces... here and the next place are listening they too are with you... sending HOPE and thoughts on the wind...

Remember friends, it is not who you are that holds you back in this world, it is who you have convinced yourself that you are not! Change your thoughts today, and own the day...

hotchau

S     T     O     M     P

Wherever you are whatever you are doing, make it the best day ever, walk with head high with mindfulness of all you are, with all you do!

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

order it, get a copy for a friend and tell others about it ~

Adventure,Excitememt, Memories, Say YES~

Lizzie and Miss Molly

My Dinner Companions

First Night In Arlington VA!

"Another Adventure"

Morning In Arlington... Memories are flooding the senses as my coffee is smelling up the room with another day of adventure! Last night found me in the great company of Lizzie and her young daughter Miss Molly now 13 years old! Boy the years have gone so quickly, she was so little last I saw her.
Wow, I remember so well her being half her height and so young, so innocent and cute... yes still cute as a bugs ear, but oh the teen years are upon her... so many decisions are ahead, so many quandaries, so many adventures yet to discover...

Read to S T O M P along with me... LOL.  I have the music cranked this morning, looking out the window at buildings everywhere; things sure have changed since I was here last. Concrete, traffic, and did I mention the "steps"...

Guess my sweet Olivia is getting ready for awake for her day, ready to learn more adventurous things herself. Wonder if she has thought of ole' Nana yet today?
STRETCH, STOMP, CELEBRATE THE WONDER OF YOU TODAY...

Speaking of adventures... I am surely on one with this trip, finding there are much deeper, spiritual, and far more in depth reasons for this trip than I ever could have imagined...

Spirit has once again worked in wondrous ways putting people right where they need to be at precisely the right times.

Here we go.... STOMP!
Put Some Adventure In Your Life


In a rut?
                  Why?
Come on it’s a big world out there. REALLY BIG~
What’s stopping you from breaking out and trying some excitement?
Too busy?
                 Why?
What’s better than something to look forward to and something to look back on?

If we are to really to live life to the fullest, we must fill it up with a good balance of the must dos, the want to's, and the Oh My God am I brave enough to try to!




I love to try new things. Yes it can test my bravery. But what the heck. Ever done something awesome that you thought you could never do? What a fabulous feeling of accomplishment you own on the other side of the event.
Do you have a “bucket list” that is gathering dust?
If not now, when?
                                      What are you waiting for?




Hot air balloon ride anyone?
                                               White water rafting?
Skydiving?
                   Skinny dipping?
Swimming with dolphins?

Well, you know where this is going.

Think of one wild adventure you always wished you had done.






What are you waiting for? We only have one life to live.
            Spice it up.
                          Pick your adventure.
Make it happen.
Trust me, you are unlikely to suddenly find yourself with a bungee cord around your ankle on the way to the grocery store.

                                   MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Do it with a friend. You may need moral support, or just someone to be there to share the experience. Take pictures!
You are amazing.
A Friend of mine once took a driving course to learn to drive a stunt car, just because she could.
She is a bit of a daredevil I might add.




So maybe not everyone is up for the daredevil experience, maybe you are suffering from the “economic blue” and are afraid to squander a penny on recreation, but surely there are enough ways to “change it up”.
Pick one.
How about a week of meatless meals?
Now that could be a challenge.
Imagine a whole week where you purposefully cooked in a way you are totally unfamiliar with. Sounds like fun to me.
Or maybe, serving ice cream on breakfast cereal instead of milk. OR, how bout starting the meal with dessert and then the entree and then the appetizer?
I could go on forever with suggestions. The opportunity for an adventure in life is limitless.
Put your “little kid” thinking cap on and have some fun with it.
Don’t let others opinion that your plan sounds ridiculous keep you from experiencing life in all it’s wonderful glory.
Go for it. Life is NOT a dress rehearsal.
                      It’s your adventure after all.


Ever thrown a pajama party as an adult?
I did. One weekend night we drove around and collected a batch of friends, long after bedtime and brought everybody, in their PJs to our house for a midnight brunch.
It was a blast. Funny memory too.
Was kidnapped by my family in the middle of the night and flown all the way to Vegas for a birthday surprise. TRUE STORY~
I Didn’t even know where I was going until we changed planes in Dallas. Wouldn't have known the purpose of the event at all except they were all wearing Birthday party hats, and me in my bathrobe and slippers. Guess I should mention that they had glitter painted “Happy Birthday TO ME’ on the back of the robe in foot tall letters. Yes I was a spectacle, but you cannot imagine how much laughter it generated along the way.






We held a beauty pageant for the guys once. All the women dressed each others partners in evening gowns and heels from the thrift store, and put on an ad hoc talent show.
Winner got bragging rights, and a lot of razzing. The guys tried to make it an annual event. Don’t be surprised at spectacular outcomes.
Half the fun is dreaming up the event.



I’d rather be in the adventure than sitting in front of the TV, vicariously enjoying someone else’s experiences. Make your own adventure whatever you want it to be. The wilder, the more fun it is, the better. Life is too short to put off having a great time. There will always be enough time to do what you have to. But do you make time to do what you want to? Why not? We get so entrenched in our day to day routines that it all feels like a chore. I’ll take a joy ride any day over cleaning the bathtub. Pack a picnic and eat dinner in the park. STEP IT UP! Rock it out. Sing at the top of your lungs. Put on the most elaborate, mismatched outfit and show up for coffee at your friend’s house. Be silly, have fun. Try something that you have never done. Better yet, try something that you are sure you never would do. I promise you will treasure the memory.

So with all of that thought and said, the coffee is empty, think I'll take a walk around my old STOMPIN grounds, maybe STOMP in my moccasins a bit before seeing Denise for lunch! Have to start signing some books today... catch up with the calendar so I know what is next... so much to do...

LIFE IS A DARING ADVENTURE OR NOTHING AT ALL ... That is what Helen Keller said, and I agree with that sentiment as you already know!

Oh how the fire is burning brightly with embers of love and HOPE in healing ways... Sending all of that and so much more on the winds of the Nation's Capital to all of you and YOU do know who you are...

Think anymore of how you can help with that MS raising some dough for a cure? Let readers know your thoughts! Send your "change/dough" in honor of Shauna or Laura Roorda if you can... maybe they can help provide an address for those who can.
Chris any doc updates, Jill how are you doing...
Everyone got the warpaint on .... FIGHT CANCER WITH OUR FOLKS THEY NEED OUR PRESENCE AND OUR LOVE...

You are in the arms of some powerful angels from this page and all around, keep the faith and fight the fight... we are with you always.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, do it well, do it with your head held high
STOMP, CELEBRATE, AND HAVE A GRAND ADVENTURE ~

Walk In Beauty
DRSES
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

"tell em about the book, order it"!

WHO ARE YOU ~ THOUGHTS FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK

OK,

Olivia ROCKED AT SOCCER!

~4-0 THUNDER ROLLED~

Olivia guarded that goal so that they never got close to scoring! That's Nana's girl all right~ and from time to time she would glance at the side line and see me pound my chest over my heart and point at her... and she would smile... make a fist, hit her chest over her little heart and point right back with that beautiful smile...

MY HEART ALMOST EXPLODED WITH PRIDE RIGHT THERE ON THE FIELD...

She is a fierce little one, she was a joy to watch and a true competitor with the rest of her team so appropriately called "THUNDER"...

She is happy; she knows exactly who she is for right now at 9! I am both proud and most happy for her in and about that.  And of course it makes me think of so many things, so many others... wondering as usual my thoughts go out to so many....

Who are You? Deep down inside, are you who you want to be? Knowing we are forever in transition, always growing always changing... but in our core values, our heart space... deep inside are we who we want to be? Do we represent those things we see in those we know or know of in others? I look at Olivia and Joan and wish for others the love that they share with each other! They truly love each other, each moment shared... they laugh with wild abandon; love with greatness and sing not caring who is listening and dance in the rain.

As we left the "greatest show on Earth" we couldn't help but notice families and children arguing and kids crying after experiencing such and extraordinary event. Parents with short fuses, trying to find their way to the parking lot, pulling children along, fussing and yelling and carrying on in ways that made us feel sad for them. They were not in a "happy place" and that was more than apparent to all. I couldn't help but think of all the times I have seen similar outings involving families with similar outcomes!

I just don't understand people at times! Wassup with that?  Don't you go out to have a good time?  What in the world happens do you think? Oh well I am just not sure why I would go out and then let someone get in my "happy place" ~ but then again that is just me I guess!

ah, where was I... oh yes,

Who are You? Deep down inside, are you who you want to be?

Imagine for one quick moment that you had to answer that question in detail, in an essay that only you would read.

          What would you say?

No, not self- aggrandizing fluff, but really down deep where you live.

                        Who are you?

What do you stand for?

 Could you really, honestly put into words a clear and honest, thorough description of the person that you are?         

            It is a telling exercise in self examination.

Think about the best traits you have. Are they things you admire in others and only wish you really had, or are they a real reflection of the person you are when you look in the mirror? Everyone has some unique beliefs, gifts, some “personal best” that they can claim. Stay with me here. If we dig deep enough we can explore the best and worst of ourselves. Celebrate the best. Lay out a plan to change those few things that we wish were not in us. Some character trait that we are not proud of. We are all a work in progress. What progress will we make? Are any of us already so perfect, so fabulous that there is not one teeny tiny change we would like to see or make?                       Change is possible.



This is not meant to be an exercise in self punishment, but rather a private conversation we have with our heart.
How can I grow to be the person I know I was meant to be?



How do I want to be remembered?
How does my life impact the world?
Am I a part of the problem or a part of the solution?

Sound like big questions, and they are.

If we don’t ask this of ourselves, will we plod along and hope for the best?
I believe that it is our duty to know, really know ourselves.
Once we take ownership of the best and worst of ourselves we can chart a course that adds value to our life.

I am most proud of myself when I do the right thing. When I am giving, helping, loving and kind.
I am the least proud when I waste even a moment irritated by some small insignificant issue. Least proud when I pass up an opportunity to grow, to learn, to develop my potential as a worthy human being.


<><><>
I knew someone once who told me that he had never looked at his life that carefully. He had not developed much insight into what made him tick. I felt sad for him. He identified himself only by the feedback others gave him. He had a job that he did not get fired from so he thought of himself as a good employee. He drank a twelve pack each day so he defined himself as a “guys, guy”. He had a dog that he was devoted to so he felt he was an animal lover. Watched football so he saw himself as “sports-oriented”.

You get the picture. How can we live our lives without real insight into our own feelings, our own impact on the world around us?
I asked him how he wanted to be remembered. He said he guessed he might not be remembered by very many people when it was all said and done. In thinking about that, I reflected on some of the things that I felt defined him. I acknowledged some of his gifts. He was a wonderful landscaper, had an amazing artistic eye. He was a natural with animals. A man with an uncanny ability to recall historic events, and a political junkie


I also knew him to be a devout alcoholic with a caustic tongue. A judgmental man.


Quick to anger, a master manipulator. Maybe his lack of “insight” was self limited because soul searching might have held too many mixed results. I was amazed that he really believed that he had never looked very intensely at his life. That he didn’t feel he ‘knew” himself. It was as if his life was not his to take charge of.

I want to be the captain of my own ship. I need to know the best and worst of myself. I desire to discover every gift I have, and to seek change in the areas of my life that I have neglected. To cull the weeds from the garden, to plant new seeds, to nurture in myself traits that I define as admirable.
To become my best self. Without reservation.
 I want my life to count for something.
I will be the person I choose to be, in all things.


At the foundation, I must know myself as fully as I can. It is my responsibility to seek insight. I will not judge myself harshly. We are each human and none are perfect. I don’t expect perfection from myself or others. I do expect a lot, but not perfection. As in all things we accomplish, the journey is where the value is, not the destination. Each new day brings with it the promise of improvement. I am a work in progress. The promise I make to myself, is to progress each day in some meaningful way. To make some small contribution to mankind. To be a good and faithful steward of my life.



So. take a personal inventory. Easy to see in others that which we might overlook in ourselves. Pat yourself on the back where it is deserved, change what you may, become all that you are meant to be. Live your life mindfully.
Make today count for you

The fire is burning brightly this morning the embers are hot, the messages are on the chilly winds of love, remembrance, and HOPE in strength to those fighting a battle, in need of reassurance, faith and care... You are with some powerful friends, in the arms of the angels... those with their warpaint on for and with you always. Have faith, fight strong...
STOMP INTO YOUR DAY WITH HOPE AND CONVICTION

Laura's daughter Shauna rode that bicycle to find the cure for MS... 69 miles in under 4 hours... Take that MS, and be gone with yourself. A reader wants to raise some $$$ to join in the fight readers, will you join her? Coins in the floorboard of the car is a good place to start...
She rode that bike all week-end...raising money with Laura there in Texas waiting at the finish line and soon Laura will return home to Florida to continue raising money for MS...

Leaving Maryland and my girls today, headed into DC... the journey continues, friends to see, books to sign and sell...

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing... do it the best you can! S T O M P, CELEBRATE YOU...
DANCE INTO THE WEEK, DANCE INTO MONDAY, YOU ARE HERE RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW, OWN THE DAY...

Walk In Beauty,
DRSES

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com

STILL THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH ~ HAPPY SUNDAY

Sunday Mornin'

Still in Awe!

Nana, Joan and Olivia

Went to Ringling Brothers Circus Last Night!

Wow... it's been a long time since I was at the circus... and oh my~~~

Another first for my Olivia! Her first time to the circus ~ and it was spectacular... we had a ball... Can you imagine seeing an elephant actually paint??? Truly a work of art~ sure wish we would have been the ones to have won it in the drawing! Still rather surprised that Olivia was not the name drawn to be quite honest ~

What a night...

From the moment we arrived until the moment we arrived safely home... each breath was remarkable, all memories that will be savored and kept as treasures... Once again, I am so very blessed indeed. The three of us remarked over and over that while it was a dear family members' birthday on the 17th of April we may not have been together to celebrate, but we sure did celebrate the day on her behalf!!!

I read the comments of yesterday with joy and shared them with Olivia, she was so pleased that many enjoyed the jelly fish information! We actually have talked more about it since then... finding it more and more intriguing.

Since then we have also found more subjects that just find there way into our days. I also asked her about feelings and thoughts about the what if's... like "what if you don't always get your way"... 

Well my girl thought about the question for a few minutes and replied like this: "Well Nana, you know, I just don't really have that problem too much! But if I did, I don't think it would really bother me that much!"  That's my girl, gotta love her! 

She and Joan (her mom) are happy, truly happy; they have each other, through sun, shade, rain... they know HAPPY... They have "Nana", they have "unconditional love"...

we are having the best time, doing nothing, doing everything, from the first light of day to the last tickle of night and kiss and tuck in... and I say to myself, what a wonderful world.

So as I find myself being intrigued about the self confidence of a nine year old in all the wonder of the world, in the accomplishments that her young life as she moves through new experiences with confidence that many adults have yet to find, I smile and find that she is growing and finding her way with a fierce determination and an old soul... and I am filled with pride and laughter at the same time, along with amazement at her amazing childlike qualities that delight my senses.

It is a good day, a day of promise for more excitement and wonder here in Maryland today, of fresh smells of spring, of laughter and beauty that will surround me, fill my soul and warm my spirit. Heaven only knows what astounding things I might learn today from the mouth and the eyes of a babe! I am open to learn, and happy to share here...

Crabcakes are as good as ever at Phillips Seafood House at the Inner Harbor as the ever were I am happy to report! Can you even imagine that some things stay that wonderful after all these years? haha

The redbud trees are splendid in their colors as are the dogwood trees, and the green of the trees and the grasses are magnificent.

Everything is so very alive, the sounds are crisp as is the air, you can almost hear the new birth of flowers breaking free from the soil. New beginnings are everywhere these days. The city is alive . . . you can feel it.

The fire is burning brightly, yes those embers are hot~

Chris, I am so glad to hear the docs are pleased with your progress, sending you healing thoughts and hope you will soon be well enough to return home to FL. Those angels continue to have their arms wrapped around you, the thoughts of many, the prayers are always with you. Warpaint on, you are never alone.

Jill, everyone is paw in paw with you dear one, fight, rest, fight, keep the faith.

Laura, stand at the finish line waiting for Shauna, riding for the cure of MS... you have some powerful folks standing with you in spirit.

Ride on Shauna, we are with you.

To all of you who "know who you are" sending healing thoughts, and prayers to you always on the wind...

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, blessings to you on this day... Take best care of you...

STOMP, CELEBRATE YOU, MAKE IT REMARKABLE, YOU ARE REMARKABLE

hotchauknowyu

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

SATURDAY MORNING IN MARYLAND!

SAtURDAY MORNING IN MARYLAND

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

It's off To Hear Nana's Girl

Play Clarinet ~

Ah, morning rises in Maryland; the air is different here, the smells are of spring, and the thrill I had of seeing the beloved "Redbud and dogwood Trees" just take my breath away once again ~

Olivia and Mom Joan are such a delight, my cheeks stay sore from the continual smile on my face; my throat a bit scratchy from the continued laughter... what a delight each moment they are... the conversation and laughter fill my soul, my heart and my senses with each moment... each moment flying by on the wings of an Eagle ~ with a keen appreciation for all ...

I know know some very important things thanks to 9 year old Olivia... things that all should probably know as well~ Let me now share them so that you too can have this incredible knowledge to add to your brain on a Saturday morning ~

Did you know that because of "global warming" there is increased concern that jelly fish are going to multiply and perhaps invade the Chesapeake bay and other waters in record numbers? And if that doesn't get you concerned... think about this for a minute... jelly fish really serve no good purpose other than being food for some other marine life, but when one digs deeper, they find that considering all the "evil" that they do, it just does not weigh out!
Balance you see, it is all about the balance~

From the mouths of babes... you see these jelly fish are not really fish at all~ they do not even have a brain~ and while they have more than 50 eyes, they only see "blurry" and then again they have more than 60 anuses and still must evacuate through their mouths, and of course their sting can in fact be deadly to humans, but since they have "no brain" they can hardly feel remorse, no care about their "evil doings".

So you see, I am learning much while here from my beloved Olivia, and had to share it with you... you never know when you might meet someone who mights wants to know more of this creature, and now you can let them know, that Olivia in Maryland happens to know a thing or two about the subject~~~

So, not only is she involved now in this quest of pursuit she is involved in the "green beans" at school in the "gifted/talented" programs, but also today participating in a recital on the clarinet and tomorrow, Nana gets to see her play her wicked "cool" position of goalie in soccer... Ah, we are ever so busy...

Last night we ate out, and my girl ever so swiftly joined me as we each dug into our own full rack of ribs... with room left over for dessert ~ she does love her some ribs!

Life is good, the air and the beauty that surrounds each smile, each sound of laughter tremendous... each night ends with her reading to us and then talking a bit of her reading... the true night cap is the kick... "Nana, Mom... I really need to be tickled before I go to sleep"!!! And tickled she is, until she asks for mercy, gives us our hugs/kisses and then promptly just knocks out... a perfect end to a perfect day...

And with that recap...

Good morning Saturday....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY VERY BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD TODAY ~ MAY YOU BE SURROUNDED IN BEAUTY ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY TODAY FEELING THE LOVE OF SO MANY ~ YOU ARE LOVED...

ARE YOU READY TO

STOMP, CELEBRATE YOU TODAY, ENGAGE IN RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS, CARE AND LOVE OF SELF AND THOSE WHO LOVE YOU AND WHO YOU LOVE??? FOR YOU I SURE HOPE SO....

I hear Chris is doing well in NY, soon time to return to home in FL... what wonderful news... a poster child is a great thing, a woman that can tell the story of STOMPING, of standing tall with the love and support of so many, of choosing to do battle, of not laying down for a second... of STANDING UP AND ASKING FOR WHAT WAS NEEDED FROM THE BEGINNING, and of

enlisting the angels to stand, to stomp, to put on the warpaint and scream "Battle"... you will always be in the arms of the angels Chris, always....

Laura, blessings to you and Shauna on the MS ride, may this be the year when the RIDE rides right over MS and the cure is found... Take care dear one, and best of all things with gratitude to Shauna and to you my warrior...

Jill, the angels and HOPE are always with you as well as readers here...

Life will always say come to the edge and fly... walk through the fear, through the pain, and choose life, choose to soar with the Eagles, soar with the angels.

The fire is burning brightly right here in Maryland... the embers are fiery hot right here right now... the smoke is wafting on the wind, and on the wind are messages of strength, remembrance, hope in healing ways... to those who have asked, to those who "know who you are" today and all days... you are being held in thought... always with HOPE...

Blessings to you and those who love you. The fragrance of the lilacs are incredible...

hotchatohuU~

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

available at Amazon, Borders, BBOTW.COM

Walk In Beauty