picturingpositive

Thank God for the Givers!

Posted on June 26, 2021 by Beth F.

There are two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers.
The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.
Marlo Thomas

The world is made up of givers and takers. At some time we have all given and at others, we have been the recipient of generous gifts. The gifts given by those in the “giver” column are not always physical, tangible gifts. The gift of a moment of time, a listening ear, a reassuring hug, a kind smile or words of wisdom might be worth more than any physical gift.

One more thing in my garden to bring me joy! ❤

While some days it might seem like there are more takers, more of those who wish to point out our failings or to extinguish our inner spark, I truly believe there are more givers than takers in the world. I know many of these givers personally and I count myself quite fortunate that I do.

When we experience the generosity and kindness that these givers bestow on us, I think it is only fair that we let them know what a difference they make and how grateful we are for their presence in our lives.

I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of the kindness of some of these givers today. My sister and her husband allowed me to tag along on their hike this morning. It was a glorious day for it and so much nicer than my usual walk around the block After they dropped me off, my wonderful Aunt and Uncle created an adorable little staircase for my gnome in the apple tree. It is the most wonderful creation and I am delighted with it!

I already know that when these givers read this post, they will possibly think that their actions weren’t that special. This is because as givers, they think nothing of doing for others. It is just a part of their character and comes as naturally as breathing.

For me, however, being able to get out and enjoy nature today and to have a new feature in my yard meant the world to me. It brightened my day and inspired me to try to bring that brightness to others as well.

My sister and herhubby, two of today’s givers

Not a single one of us is promised tomorrow. When we have these givers in our lives, we need to celebrate them and to let them know how much they mean to us. So, this is me saying a huge, heartfelt thank you to my four givers today as well as ALL the givers who have made my world a more special place.

Love, Beth ❤

Posted in happiness, Nature, thankfulness | Tagged family, givers, gnome staircase, hike, Nature, takers, thankful, yard art | 19 Comments

Spreading My Wings

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Beth F.

My latest creation. I plan to keep this one as a reminder that my world has not ended. Instead, my possibilities are endless!

What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly.
Richard Bach

Today was a milestone day for me. It marks my last day of therapy. When I first started last February, I was a much more broken person than I am today. Today I feel so much stronger and worthy of taking on and tackling whatever may come!

I thanked my therapist for helping me to get back to the confident, secure person I was years ago. While I certainly would not have chosen my circumstances, I have found that because of them and because of the work I have done in sitting with the emotions and letting myself feel them, grieve what might have been and accept the future that is far from what I pictured, I have gained strength.

Like the caterpillar, at first I thought my life was essentially over. How would I get through life without “my person”? All versions of my future included him. How could I make him want me again? Why wouldn’t he talk to me? How could I “fix” this? With the help of my brilliant, patient counselor, I learned that it wasn’t fixable and I had to let go of that hope. I needed to find my soul, the core part of me that is me and has been from the time I was formed and will be me beyond my death. She soon gleaned from me that I am a “fixer” and a “helper” and I like to make people happy. All these are wonderful things, but she said I have to extend the same kindness to myself.

I have learned that if I don’t take care of myself, including emotionally, I can’t be there for others. In the last few months, I have increased confidence and appreciation for myself. I have many people in my life that accept me even with my limitations and failings and for that I am truly grateful.

I am like the little caterpillar that thought her world was over and soon discovered she was a butterfly. God has a plan for me and I am working my way out of the chrysalis stage and getting ready to spread my wings and fly into the next phase of my life.

Posted in anticipating good, feelings, Love Yourself, persevere, watercolor practice | Tagged accomplishment, Butterfly, caterpillar, chrysalis, spreading my wings, therapy, watercolor | 27 Comments

My Dad is the BEST!❤

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Beth F.

My sister and brothers and I hit the jackpot when it came to our Dad. He is the absolute best Dad we could ever ask for. He is a shining example of what a husband and father should be.

He gave us all a scare seven years ago and then again a few weeks ago. Two heart attacks and two successful surgeries to insert stents to keep the blood flowing freely into his generous heart. I am grateful for the talented surgeons that performed the operations and I am grateful for my Dad’s determination to take care of himself and faithfully attend cardiac rehab. We do a weekly Fitbit challenge and I’m sure he will be back to walking miles around me before too long! 😀

I think this picture might be older than me, but I always thought it was pretty cool

When my Mom was in the hospital last year, Dad fought all the powers that be in order to be by her side. In the height of Covid, that was some feat! He even arranged for all four of us to be able to go up and see her during her last days. He is a gentle man, but when it comes to his family, my Dad will fight like a Grizzly Bear.

He was Mom’s caretaker even at the expense of his own health. When he said “for better, for worse”, he meant it! My Mom was so fortunate to have him. Men like my Dad are few and far between. ❤

So much of what I am today is because of my Dad. He loves nurturing plants and watching them grow, especially vegetables. He has a bevy of bird feeders that he keeps filled for all the birds (and the squirrels and chipmunks😄🐿😄). He has the corniest sense of humor! In response to the question, “How much longer?!?” when we were on one of our road trips, we would often hear, “Like the monkey said when the train ran over his tail, “It won’t be long now.” ” We would all roll our eyes, but secretly we loved it! 🤣

Another popular zinger was, “I see said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw.” And yet another that never failed to get a groan from my Mom when we had peas as part of a meal, “Eat every potato and pea on your plate.” Definitely a bit juvenile, but you can bet that as kids we thought that was hilarious. 🤣

This Father’s Day, I would like to wish my Dad the very best day possible!

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you and I hope to be blessed with many many more years of listening to those corny jokes! ❤😄❤

Love, Beth ❤

Posted in Fathers | Tagged corny jokes, Dad, father, Father's Day, generous, good example, loving | 9 Comments

Almost There

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Beth F.

After a lot of thought, I decided I was ready to dip my toe into the river of online dating. After being told I may have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince (not literally 😄), I decided I might as well put myself out there. This time around I’m going to be very choosy, so after eliminating anyone more than 50 miles away, anyone younger than 46 or older than 58, anyone who smokes and anyone not Christian, I was down to 7 people 😄.

I wasn’t willing to spend the money to subscribe since I figured the chances of having my limited pool of princes choose me as well was not great. What if none of them thought I looked like I might spark their interest? Spending a significant chunk of change to feel like I did at the high school dances when I sat on the bleachers watching other couples on the floor wasn’t too appealing.

I did set up the free profile, but found that without a subscription, others can see me and message me, but I can’t respond until I put my money where my mouth is. At least I got a message, even though I can’t respond, so there is hope for me yet.😄 I think I am almost there. I’m still wishing that someone I know might know someone who knows someone, etc. I have a little prayer box where I put messages to God. I have a request in, but I know that God’s timing is not my timing, so I am trying to be patient.

What makes me happiest about being “almost there” is the fact that a few months ago I couldn’t even entertain the thought of there being someone else for me. Now I know that there could be. I also know that I will be okay whether there is or not. I am enjoying my life as it is and looking forward to what is to come.

This morning I mowed my yard, cleaned up some of the dead branches on the trees and shrubs, and planted two bags of daylilies I thinned out earlier in the week. It gave me great satisfaction seeing how nice the yard looks.

When, or if, I do eventually meet a special someone, I will, in addition to my many other qualities, have a beautiful yard to share with him. ❤

Posted in Dating, moving on | Tagged anticipating good, Dating, enjoy life, hope, letting go, relationships | 6 Comments

Miss You Mom

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Beth F.

Tomorrow, June 16th, will be ~~one~~ two years since my Mom died. It still feels surreal and there are times when I think, “I need to ask Mom about…” and pause to remember I can’t. Well, I can ask, but I won’t get an answer. I do believe that life goes on after death and I do believe that she can still check in on her family and friends. I had a dream shortly after she passed that she was young and full of energy and bopping around the hereafter like she no doubt did in her younger days.

Born August 19, 1948, Mom was 19 when she married my Dad and just 20 years old when she had me. We often celebrated our birthdays together since mine is just a few days after on the 24th. Last night, the thought crossed my mind that there aren’t 20 years between us since my birthday last year. Mom was 71 when she died, so from last year on, the years between us will decrease.

Celebrating our milestone birthdays, “50” and “30”

We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we did have a lot in common. Some of the things Mom loved were:

My Dad
Her children and grandchildren
Her sister and brother
Her flowers
The cabin that she and my Dad owned in the beautiful Black Hills
Silly, cute yard decorations
Smiley Faces

Mom also loved holidays and she loved giving gifts. Every time she and my dad went on a trip, they would come back with some kind of gift for all the kids and grandkids. She was very observant and would notice if one of us liked something. Pretty soon, we would be innundated with that object, whether unicorns or owls, or in the case of my brother-in-law, Broncos “stuff”. With Mom, sometimes “too much” was “just enough” 😉

Mom loved to travel and see new places and things. I definitely got that gene! She was also a planner and on our family trips, she would have a plethora of places that had to be seen. Sometimes it was a bit much and I recall stopping at many “historical” sights where perhaps a wagon train had once traveled through but currently it was an empty field. I’m sure I did my fair share of complaining, but every now and then I actually found something to appreciate, although it may have been a squirrel or chipmunk and not the detailed plaque describing said historic event 😉

Mom’s health declined significantly in her later years. Despite pleading from her family, Mom was stubborn and never one to be told what she should do. She smoked even after her first heart attack at the young age of 49. She finally did quit, but was never a fan of exercise, so eventually was dependent upon my Dad and a scooter to get most places. She did experience a lot in the years she had. She always dreamed of seeing Hawaii and she and my Dad did make it there for their 25th Anniversary and they saw many more places as well.

I get my love of all things cute from Mom. She never saw a smiley face she didn’t love. One year we all received round Smiley Face cutting boards. I use mine almost every day and I often think of Mom when I do 🙂 She enjoyed decorating the great outdoors with gnomes as well as statues, fountains, solar lights, windchimes. I follow her lead, so I’m sure when she checks in on me, she is happy to see that her old yard still contains little gnomes, animal statuary, metal flowers and solar lights.

The last week has been very emotional for me, thinking of all the things Mom won’t be here to celebrate with us. I believe that she can still celebrate milestones with us and cheer us on, but it would be so nice to be able to have one more day to talk with her. She did get to see her great granddaughter on FaceTime shortly before she died and I KNOW she was with all of us celebrating the first birthday of this little sweetie last month ❤

I miss you Mom and look forward to the day you can show me around your heavenly home. I’ll bet it will have a lot of smiley faces! 🙂

Mom’s headstone is finally in place and I know she would absolutely love the smiley flowers. Rest in Peace, Mom, until we meet again.

❤ Love, Beth

Posted in grieving, relationships | Tagged children, family, grandchildren, grief, memories, missing you, Mom, smiley | 22 Comments

Don’t Be Afraid To Be Silly

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Beth F.

Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.

Horace

My nephew Noah joined me for a Canvas 2 Paint class yesterday. We had a fabulous time creating our ‘Hipster Gnomes”. The very best thing about these classes is getting to see the unique and creative pieces made by all the participants!

Sometimes it is difficult to stop worrying about what it is “supposed to look like”, but doing so is freeing and yields wonderful results!

Posted in accomplishment, creativity, happiness, laughing, Learning, living life to the fullest | Tagged art, canvas 2 paint, creativity, fun, gnome, hipster gnome, painting, silly, unique | Leave a comment

You Are My Sunshine

Posted on June 12, 2021 by Beth F.

My latest creations in honor of my Mom and Grandma. 🌻❤🌻

The anniversary of my Mom’s death is approaching soon and I have been thinking about her a lot lately.

“You Are My Sunshine” was my grandparents’ song and as such has become a way to say “I Love You” in our extended family. ❤

That song was played at my Grandma’s funeral and we played and sang that song at the viewing for Mom last June.

I wanted to incorporate that lovely family legacy into my watercolor practice tonight, so I found a wonderful tutorial and created these two pieces in memory of them❤

Posted in feelings, relationships, sadness, watercolor practice | Tagged family, love, missing you, watercolor, You Are My Sunshine | 14 Comments

Bloom

Posted on June 12, 2021 by Beth F.

My piggy planter holding Blue Eyes Trailing Fuchsia

As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.

Denis Waitley

Posted in Beautiful, gardening, persevere | Tagged bloom, fuchsia, Garden | 2 Comments

The race is on…

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Beth F.

Perseverance is not a long race, it is many short races one after the next.
Walter Eliot

This was last night’s practice with watercolors. I have a long way to go until it comes naturally, but I’ve come a long way in less than 2 months! 😊

The above quote resonates with me because with my watercolors, as with anything in life, a little consistent effort yields big results. I set a goal of practicing at least 2-3 times a week. My long term goal is to be comfortable with the brushstrokes and much more comfortable mixing colors within the upcoming year. The blog is nice for accountability because next year I can check in on myself and see if I have in fact progressed. Hopefully I have!

Posted in accomplishment, completing tasks, Learning, persevere | Tagged accomplishing tasks, accomplishment, accountability, perseverance, practice, watercolor | 9 Comments

What a Day!!

Posted on June 5, 2021 by Beth F.

This morning I woke up much earlier than I normally do on Saturday. No sleeping in when you have a mountain to climb! Well, maybe not quite a mountain, but a very significant hill out here in the beautiful Black Hills. 😄

It is the weekend of the Crazy Horse Volksmarch. In a path that differs from year to year, we made our way to the top where we got an up close look at Crazy Horse Monument. It is always a good time and a challenge, especially this year with temps near 90!

I was joined by two of my three kiddos and my good friend Candace. We all did our share of puffing, panting and sweating, but the view from the top and the feeling of accomplishment was well worth it!

After the hike, we all enjoyed a delicious meal at the Alpine Inn in Hill City and afterwards I found some new treasures for my yard at the most adorable shop, The Farmer’s Daughter.

When I got home, a shower was much needed. I decided to open the Ocean shower gel from Bath & Body Works. I had been saving it to give away since it is from their “Men’s Collection”. I love the scent and have one of the auto air fresheners which makes me inhale deeply whenever I get into my car. Today I decided that I don’t have to wait to have a “special someone” to enjoy it. I can savor the scent on my own self 😄

Posted in accomplishment, Carpe Diem, happiness, living life to the fullest, Love Yourself, Nature, persevere | Tagged accomplishment, Black Hills, challenges, Crazy Horse Monument, Custer, enjoy life, friendship, hiking, love yourself, Volksmarch | 6 Comments

Letting go and looking forward

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Beth F.

Letting go is not always easy, but it is necessary

For some reason, tonight I seem to be having a difficult time putting thoughts of the past behind me. I know that there are better things ahead of me than behind me, but some nights just seem so long. I think part of moving on is to deal with and feel all the feelings, so I’m going to let myself feel the sadness and regret tonight. As Keith Urban sings, “Tonight I Wanna Cry.”

Tomorrow is a new day and I will have a new outlook. I have so many possibilities. I may practice my watercolors, draw a new drawing, create a new zentangle, read a book, water my flowers, feed the birds, mow the lawn, listen to some of my favorite tunes or take a walk. Who knows? It is all up to me and it will be great!

Posted in feelings, Just Me, Let it go, moving on, relationships, sadness | Tagged different perspective, feeling the feelings, long nights, looking forward, moving on, regret, sadness | 2 Comments

To find happiness, help others

Posted on May 29, 2021 by Beth F.

In my life I’ve learned that true happiness comes from giving. Helping others along the way makes you evaluate who you are. I think that love is what we’re all searching for. I haven’t come across anyone who didn’t become a better person through love.
Marla Gibbs

Michelle and I at the Nutcracker in 2019

One thing that has brought me great joy in the past is being a host Mom to exchange students from other countries. It is so wonderful to welcome them to our country and to have the chance to see our “ordinary” routines and places through new eyes.

I considered hosting again, but even though it is incredibly rewarding, it can be challenging and very time consuming as well. I got on the sites from organizations that I have hosted with before but kept talking myself out of clicking that button. Finally, I decided to leave it and I said to God that if He sent me a sign, I would be open to being a host Mom once again.

Everything good that’s ever happened to me came out of helping others.
Danny Trejo

It didn’t take any longer than two months before I received a forwarded email from my sister with “Interested?” preceding the message. Marta from Spain was looking for a host family and was hoping to be placed with a Catholic family so she could attend Mass on Sundays. I paused for a short time, considered that this would be a big responsibility and my free time would be limited quite a bit. Then, I realized that yes, it is a big responsibility, but one that will give me a renewed purpose and will make me feel needed again. Having less time for myself means I will also have less time to feel sad that I am not “half of a couple”.

I contacted the coordinator, Morgan and told her I was open to hosting if nobody else stepped up. I said that perhaps a home with another teenager would be better, but that I was willing to host her. She said that I could host two students if that was a possibility.

A huge benefit of the new/old house is the fact that it has five bedrooms. It didn’t take much thought for me to decide that God has a plan and that this can be a win-win situation for everyone.

I will have two more people to do things with and to do things for. My two host daughters will have someone to help them get used to life here, to cheer them on in their accomplishments and to help them with challenges like the inevitable homesickness. I know it won’t all be sunshine and roses, but that is not what life is. It will be a new adventure!

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
Audrey Hepburn

I may meet new friends as well because of this. I have become very good friends with Michelle’s mom Andrea. I hosted Michelle in the 2018-2019 school year. Andrea was kind enough to host us, feed us and show us all around when we came to visit Germany in December, 2019 We were also able to reconnect with Muriel and Max, two other students we previously hosted. Muriel’s parents hosted us, fed us a delicious dinner and took us to a German market that was so much fun! Max and his wife served us a delicious dinner and we got to see their beautiful baby daughter❤

I am just in the beginning stages and haven’t even connected with my host daughters yet. I have so much to look forward to! Oh the anticipation!!! ❤😊❤