A Good Memory...

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One of the things that brings back good memories for me is the Peanuts theme song. It was written by a jazz musician Vince Guaraldi. My mother always liked the Peanuts characters, especially Snoopy. From what I can tell her love stemmed from when my brother had a Snoopy plush doll, which looked something like this. She had given it to him because my Dad was away (My Dad was a helicopter pilot in the Navy for a bit of time before becoming an Officer). My Mom and brother had apparently gone to see a Snoopy movie (not sure which one), and my brother became attached to the Snoopy plush doll. I am not sure about the complete accuracy of the story because my memory of what she told me could be somewhat wrong.

Every time I hear the theme song, it brings a smile to my face and kind of makes me want to dance. My love of the Peanuts stemmed from my Mother. I think my love of the characters also has to do with the semi-simplicity of it all.

What is something that brings back a good memory for you?

-D

Charlie Brown Christmas Dance

Surreal

It's said often that life is short, and we never know when it might end. A day like today reminds me of this all too well. I found out sad news that my cousin passed away. I was never really close with him, as he was a distant cousin. Though, I had just seen him over the summer, and he seemed fine/happy, and he was one of the few family members that lived farther away that came to my Mom's funeral. I have always seen him as a good person, and I hope he is in peace now.

The song "Don't Wait" by Addison Road is relevant to today. Here is part of it:

"I never even got to say goodbye [...]/But life is short you only get one turn /Whoa oh gone before you know /Whoa oh so make the most /We're not indestructible /Our lives, unpredictable /It can turn on a dime so now is the time ."

Link to Lyrics

Davida

This is pretty cool...

I think it's great to see these kids playing this type of music. It gives me hope that creativity isn't a lost art! I saw this group play on t.v. last night.

10 Random Facts

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1) The male platypus has venom in its back leg (a sharp thorn like appendage on its back feet). The venom is not usually deadly, but the effect from it sure isn't pleasant.

I learned this last night at game group. (http://australian-animals.net/plat.htm)

2) There are about 164 dog breeds (I saw various answers) and 70 cat breeds.

http://www.justdogbreeds.com/; http://cats.about.com/od/felinegenetics/a/colorpatterns.htm

3) The Candy Cane's origin: http://inventors.about.com/od/foodrelatedinventions/a/candy_canes.htm

4) How did Santa Claus originate: http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/santa.asp

5) The first video game was "Tennis for Two". http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/history/higinbotham.asp

6) First Candy Bar: The "early humans made candy out of honey by drying it and forming a taffy like concoction" (http://www.ehow.com/about_5152551_first-candy-bar-ever-invented.html).

7) How did the name Tucson come into origin? http://phoenix.about.com/cs/wacky/a/phxspelling01_3.htm

8) The First Computer: http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm

9) How was the Grand Canyon formed? http://www.bobspixels.com/kaibab.org/geology/gc_geol.htm

10) First Recorded Song: http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/200804046

Poem I wrote last night

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Not sure if it is complete yet. Here it is:

This time of year…

Always brings that nagging feeling

Of a hole on the inside of my heart

The endless Christmas songs played on the radio,

the colossal amounts of decorations in stores,

and the “need” to feel happy…

Pile into doldrums

Followed by a storm of impatient anger

Written by Davida Thomas (No Copying Under Any Circumstances) Dec. 2011

Who knew it would still be this way?

This Time of Year...

I often feel inundated by the amount of things in stores this time of year. I may be stretching it a bit, but I believe that this detracts from what this time of year is about.

Some things I think it is about:

1) Watching holiday movies with family.

2) Spending time with family and friends.

3) Ornaments from years past

4) Tradition

...and much more

Even with all of this, it's sometimes hard to remember that this time of year is supposed to be happy, whether it be due to missing family members who have passed or any other reason.

Favorite Holiday Movies

1) Home Alone- It reminds of the importance of family. It also has some funny and sentimental scenes.

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2) A Charlie Brown Christmas- I have always loved the Peanuts characters.

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3) A Christmas Story- The movie is hilarious and reminds me of one of the main importances of the holidays (family).

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4) National Lampoon Christmas Vacation- The movie is hilarious and helps alleviate holiday blues.

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5) Elf- It is a funny movie that emphasizes holiday cheer.

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What are your favorite holiday movies and why?

The Day Before Thanksgiving...

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"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

-- Albert Schweitzer; "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." --Oprah Winfrey

1) Family and Friends: I am lucky to have family and friends that I can go to for advice, as a sounding board, or any other type of help.

2) God: These two songs sum it up well. Won't Let Me Go by Addison Road: "That even when my heart breaks/And everything's shake/I'm left alone in the rain/You won't, you won't, won't/You won't let me go/When life's insane/And everything's crazy/You carry me through the pain/And you won't, you won't, won't/You won't let me go". My Story by Addison Road: "If this is my story, if this is my song/Then I want to be a part of something beautiful/If this is my journey, then show me your road/Wherever you lead me in this world I want to go".

3) My Pets: They are always making me laugh and their giving is unconditional.

"We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment." --George Eliot

4) In General: Freedom, Living in a era with so much great technology, having a creative mind (writing, crafts, etc.), sports (e.g. softball), nature (It's beauty is astounding!), having a place to live, health, and much more!

-D

What's in a photo...

What do most famous pictures have in common? A snapshot of an event, emotion, or an era.
I have always found it fascinating how at times I have to remind myself that the only reason I remember some events is because of pictures (e.g. photos from before I was 6). Other pictures I remember the moment clearly and am happy to have a reminder. Other pictures help us to remember those who we don't want to forget.
What do you think one of the most important photos in history are? What are some that are most important to you?
Here is a link to a blog post that is interesting: Value of a Picture










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-D

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What really happened ?

After watching Amelia with a friend, I decided to look up any recent proposals as to what really happened to Amelia Earhart. In Lorenzi's article ("http://news.discovery.com/history/amelia-earhart-resting-place.html), it is posed by a forensic anthropologist that, "Amelia landed and died on the island of Nikumaroro". This sounds like a plausible conclusion because of the findings stated in this article and all of the odds against her. Another more recent article, helped me to feel even more solid in this resolution. http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=12430560

I find all of this very fascinating because of the amount of gumption Amelia had to have in order to continue in the pursuit of her dream, despite any criticism. In her words, "The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward" (http://www.ameliaearhart.com/about/quotes.html). This statement alone illuminates the embodiment of Amelia's personality that I respect and would like to emulate. I have even considered using her name for my future child, whenever that day might come. Even people in her day considered this. It was stated on Amelia Earhart's official website that, "
Earhart had such an impression on public that people often wrote and told her about naming babies, lakes and even homing pigeons "Amelia."" (http://www.ameliaearhart.com/about/quotes.html).


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Have you Ever...

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Have you ever had so much on your plate that you feel totally overwhelmed to the point of feeling like no more can be added? I am sure everyone has. I am at that point right now. So many new things are happening at once, and I'm in the midst of a job search still! Also, I have decided to pursue a paralegal certificate. My mind is telling me mixed messages. One message is saying, "You can do anything." The other message is saying, "What are you getting yourself into? Can you manage it all?" I know in the end that whatever happens is what was meant to happen. For now, I just have to concentrate on moment to moment and day to day.

I am extremely thankful that I have time to spend with friends on Friday and a softball tournament on Saturday to help take my mind off things a bit.

Stress Relief Tips Reader's Digest 37 Stress Management Tips

--D

Sparking Creativity...

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I am always trying to find a way to "spark my creativity" and get out of the funk of having a brain fart or simply not having written in awhile. According to Jim Kukral, "The ideas are not really coming out of nowhere. Our subconscious and even our conscious minds are at work during down times like gardening. Sometimes down time is the only time we have to actually think about breakthrough ideas or new products or creative approaches. On a typical work day we tend to be occupied with phone calls, answering emails, meetings, writing and other specific tasks, leaving little open time. We may have to get out of the office to have unfettered time for creative thinking."

His thoughts are spot on. I definitely find that I am always coming up with my best ideas at times like this, but the problem is remembering them. I really need to buy myself a small notebook that is easily accessible for times like this.

An article I came across while searching for other ideas for "sparking creativity" is called 16 Ways to Spark Creativity. The common strand I noticed within the tips was basically the idea that stepping out of your comfort zone or your usual habits is a must. One of the tips reminded me of a suggestion a professor once made. She said that, if you listen to music while writing, try listening to something you don't normally listen (e.g. a different genre or music without lyrics) or don't listen to music at all. Changing your environment or writing at a different type of day than usual were other suggestions she made.

Lately, I have been painting and drawing more than writing. I am hoping that I "spark my creativity" soon, especially with the big writing project that I have trying to get back to for awhile. I have been stumped with how I want to revamp the bigger piece of the project.

--D

Nerves

Before coming to NY to visit cousins, I was nervous about seeing them again. It had been so long since the last time I saw them, and I didn't know what to expect. I am so glad that I came. Today was a great day. I had a really good talk with one of my cousins that I was really close with before and have hopes for it to be forever from this point on.
Playing catch with another cousin today was also very nice. It allowed for an ease of conversation.
My heart definitely feels more at ease.

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One Day Review

I saw One Day with my cousin and her close friend. I went in not knowing much about the movie, except for the fact that Anne Hathaway was one of the stars. I was excited to see that Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe) was the other main star. The two main stars definitely worked well together.
Some might say that this was a typical sappy love story, but I think that it was a bit of a step above. The plot mainly focused on a particular day that started as the day they graduated from college and turned into the day they that could be called their first day of the decision to be friends. I won't divulge too much more than that. I will say that there is a plot point much later in the movie that I was not expecting. This point made my gut twist and knuckles clench. I can see why the writer(s) added this part but at the same time was disappointed.
Aside from this, the movie was pretty good. I would give it a B+ for its interesting plot strategy, solid actors/actresses, and superb scenery.
It could be considered a "netflixer", but I wasn't completely disappointed in paying to see it in the theater. You decide! Either way, I think you will be satisfied.





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New experiences

I was initially worried about driving to New York from VA, but I was definitely more worried than I should have been. Such is life! Really the only difference is that it is more congested than 95 with a bit of a different driving style. If I had to, I probably could get used to it.
The scenery from VA to NY was definitely beautiful, especially the water. I wish I could have taken pictures. Another thing I passed was Ripken Stadium, which most certainly brought a smile to my face.
More to come....



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It is a long video, but it is well worth watching.
Quotes from the lecture:

"Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something."
"Find the best in everybody…. Wait long enough, and people will surprise and impress you."
"Decide if you’re a Tigger or an Eyeore. I’m a Tigger."

Powerful Video

Long Time No Blog...

I have not had a blog in a long time. I am not sure what enticed me to start one up again. I have definitely had fun with having one in the past. I am hoping to post on a pretty regular basis (mainly random stuff). One thing in particular I am hoping to do with this blog is do the 30/31 day picture challenge.
On another note, the weather has been interesting the past couple of days with all of the lighting/rain storms. I have had a pretty good week thus far. I am hoping this weekend won't have bad weather like they are predicting. I thought we were done with winter! I can't wait till I can get flowers to plant and not worry about them dying because of cold weather. I know that I definitely want to get some impatients and gerber daisies. I want to get something else to go in the area around the mailbox, but I have not decided what yet. They have to be able to withstand full sun and not be too big because of the hostas already residing in the area.

I will end this post with a thought for the day and a farewell for now my friends!

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!"
— Goethe