socializing – I Write

Peace, restore, give

I enjoy people and relationships, but the truth is, I’m an introvert. There’s nothing wrong with me or the people I enjoy, but I must achieve a balance in order to be restored into the better, relaxed version of myself. So, even though it’s hard to carve out, I find a moment to spend some time alone. I think, I breathe, I pray, I veg.

And afterwards, like a small child after a nap, I metamorpho-size into a more relaxed version of myself, and then, I can then give of myself to others.

Our purpose as humans (in my humble, albeit introverted opinion) is to give of ourselves to others. Day by day, we flit by in the lives of others, a small interruption into the daily routines of others and we have a choice. We can be a warm, loving, compassionate person or we can be the opposite, bitchy, critical, angry, or bitter. (among other things).

Though I have bad days, I (try) to choose the former because, I’ve seen what happens afterwards… lines on a face smooth out, the downward pull on the mouth straightens, even at times, lips lift and smile. The light in the eyes (no matter the age) ignite. And these small observances create in me hope and possibility and even a bit of optimism.

Try this, be observant. You can see it happen if you’re looking. Choose to give your best self to others. Let me know how it goes.

~True Peace

So I was sitting…

unashamedly taking up the whole “couch” at the car repair place playing a word game on my phone, feet propped up on the coffee table (that’s what they’re for right?) intermittently looking up at the news. With each story, there came a comment and a few chuckles from the couple sitting across on chairs.

I had noticed them right away as they walked in to the waiting area. She, in a cute pony tail and cap hanging on to the arm of, who at first glance, thought was her father then quickly realized was her husband as I noted how they interacted. I had also taken note that there was something about her face, and then I saw the white cane and realized she was blind as well.

(And really? I still didn’t move off or over on the couch. ) Anyway, I thought them cute and quite a pair as he also struggled as he walked with a pronounced limp and a cane for support. (Later I found out he was a retired firefighter, hence the limp)

After a few stories, I had joined them in chuckling as I heard their remarks and then they introduced themselves and after the usual exchanges, the husband went on to share the story of his blind wife and how she struggled through to survive a horrific accident years prior.

It was earlier in the week that I was already amazed at a news story of several people who had been given whole face transplants. I stared at the before and after pictures in aww at how a human being can still survive without much of their face.

Anyway, that’s what I was thinking as I was looking at this woman’s face. I was also thinking that whoever her surgeon was had done a great job as I had first thought she was a teenager with how she carried herself and how pretty she remained.

But, the most amazing trait this couple exuded was joy, strength and a sense of humor about life. They smiled as they spoke and joked with each other.

They shared most of their story with me before their names were called that their car was ready. I called after them, “You should write a book!” to which he replied, “She did…It’s called Obstacles, Bring ‘Em

After hearing her story and how a law was passed for drivers to secure their load after her accident, I began thinking about why I may have come across this amazing woman.

I had been feeling down and depressed this week. The obstacles of life were beating me down. It wasn’t anything huge or traumatic as this woman had suffered, but, I was down because my attitude had become negative. I felt stuck in my mood.

I know now it was no coincidence that I ran into this couple the day I needed a boost out of my dark cloud. It worked. It’s still raining outside, but I am smiling for now as I think about this woman. I also bought her book and am beginning to read it.

Thank you God, you have your ways. I got the message.

~Peace friends

New Year goals

The new year brings with it opportunities for restarts, even if it is just in my own mind, doesn’t matter. I’ll take it! I enjoy restart buttons as long as things I’ve worked hard on aren’t completely lost.

My goals for this year are to finish my story and get it to the point of publishing, perhaps I will try e-publishing. Seems reasonable.

I also would like to read more. I would like to try different genres and build my reading stamina.

I have a few clients for tutoring reading and I’m hoping that adventure goes well. I’m excited about helping struggling readers. Kids miss out on all the fun without help in the beginning years which is where I focus.

Last, I would like to continue building quality relationships with the people I love most in my life and also to force myself out of my introvert comfort zone and socialize with other people. They’re not all bad! 😉

That’s it for now.

~Peace and Happy New Year.

My Monday update

Hello all,

I’m not sure exactly what gotten into me, but now, I’ve decided to stretch myself in a several directions.

I’m still a writer and my story is finished, though unpublished and is awaiting a more exciting, satisfying end.
I’ve become (along with and because of my cool hub) a somewhat party “animal”, not in drugs or too much alcohol, but in the number of parties attended in one month. I’m just about ready to crawl under a rock. (but it’s been fun, really)
I, now, not only have a writing blog, a photo blog, but also a business blog as well. Yes, the educator side of me refused to die and is attempting to resurrect itself as an independent early childhood reading tutor.
I’ve also just started to volunteer with Literacy Source . It’s a program to help adult students to read. (Cool!)

I’m soooo excited to have found some places to grow, learn and get to know people.

That’s it and enough for now…

~peace navidad

Steppin’ out

She sat typing in the corner of her living room hunched over her keyboard typing about other non-existent worlds. Her brows were furrowed in concentration as the rest of the world went on about it’s cheery business right outside her picture window which she’d occasionally look out of thinking about the next scene. She did this day in and day out willing her novel to fruition, both excited and frightened as it neared, ever closer, to the public eye.

Okay, that’s me in real life lately, but I have gotten out of the house and interacted with actual humans and when I have, I realize there’s value in being present with another whether it’s my hubby or a trusted friend. As a matter of fact, I had two outings yesterday with friends and it was nice to “work-out” other parts of my facial muscles. I promised myself to have more of that kind of outing. Good for the soul!

~peace friends!