New Years Eve...

Its New Years Eve! I love this day, not only because it's my birthday and it is my day to celebrate the fact that I was born to the most amazing mother! but it' also a day of reflection.  A day to remember all the accomplishments and challenges of the year before.

I have had many of them this year.. both accomplishments and challenges.  There were many, many happy moments and some really tearful days.  But, as my dad once reminded me - "joy cometh in the morning."

I won't go into what the details of these ups and downs were my friends, as I am certain you have many of your own.  Remember this however - there are many, many people who love you and life is full of roads to choose.  It is we who create our own destiny.  It is we who are the creators of our lives.

I encourage all of you to take the time to reflect, even for just a little while.  Reflect and love the world you lived in 2011.  Accept it without judgement. And even better, take the time to ponder the creation of 2012.  You deserve it!

It is my hearts desire to achieve all that I can dream of in 2012 and to continue to talk with all of you and share your hopes and dreams, sorrows and joys together.

With Love and Light,

Kimberley

The Quiet Days between Christmas and New Years

I felt really compelled to write this piece tonight as the winter silence outside is only broken by the distant sound of a train and perhaps a few cars on the road.  The deep, dark, midnight blue of the sky is the backdrop for the sliver moon and the brightly shining stars.

Christmas Day has passed.  That saddens me to some degree. I look forward to that day all year long. The magical spirit of the season brightens my spirits and things somehow appear a bit more hopeful. The hustle and bustle of the gift buying, the wrapping, the family celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are done.

And now, we rest.  We rest and savor the kindnesses that have been shown, the renewal of the human spirit, the children that were made happy by strangers generosity, forgiveness that was shown, healing that began and a new love discovered.

These "inbetween" days we review the past year, perhaps with judgement on ourselves, perhaps with recollection of happy times with friends, perhaps with uncertainty and worry, perhaps with celebration of a new life, a new job,  or an increase in business.

Rest and contemplation. Be kind to yourself, "love the questions", be still and know the answers to your problems will come.

The New Year will come. Our confidence and our energy will be rejuvenated and we will once again, march toward the fulfillment of our dreams.

Bet still my friends and allow yourself this time.

With Love and Light,

Kimberley

O' Holy Night....

This night is truly Holy.  It gives me shivers every year to celebrate the birth of Christ.   There is a sacredness about it. Ever since I was  a little girl, I have had a close relationship with God.  It was my fourth grade sunday school teacher who was my spiritual leader and mentor.  I think of her often and somedays I even hope that she would speak to me as angels do.  For it was she who inspired me to begin my writing career. 

No matter what your religious beliefs are, one must feel the magic that is sent through the air by so many of us whose hearts and minds are focused on this special occassion.

This night truly does deserve silent meditation and love sent from all of us to one another - no matter, rich or poor, black or white, gay or straight, young or old.

May God and his Angels be with all of you tonight as the clock strikes midnight, the sky shines brightly with the abundance of stars and love comes down to us all.

Enjoy this beautiful rendition of O Holy Night, sung by Josh Groban, it will give you goosebumps.

http://www.godvine.com/Josh-Groban-s-Breathtaking-Performance-of-O-Holy-Night-952.html

Kimberley

Christmas Eve will be here tomorrow...

I am so happy and excited yet sad at the same time.  I love this time of year.  Full of magic,love,forgiveness and joy.  My christmas wish this year is that this feeling would last throughout the next eleven months and the earth would feel the love of this magical spirit.

The next few days of my life will be filled with wonderful family and friends . For this , my heart is full of gratitude.  I cannot imagine my life without all of them in it.  Each person unique unto themselves.  They are my christmas gifts.  I wish they all knew how much they mean to me. 

Merry Christmas to all of my friends and family, I love you more than you know.

Kimberley

Peace on Earth

Its five days until Christmas. And for most of us the stress mounts with each day.  I encourage you to create something different in your life this year.  Create a sense of peace and calm in your life.  Take a few moments out of each day to reflect and meditate on what is the true spirit of this season - love, forgiveness, kindness. 

The gifts will get wrapped, the tree will be decorated, the food will be prepared for the holiday meal.  It all gets done, it always does, but at what expense?

I encourage you this year, to give yourself moments of quiet reflection each day, to soothe your soul and warm your heart.  Truly the magic of Christmas is to be savored and cherished.  It only comes around once a year - should we all not drink every drop of this most treasured cup of joy?

I promised myself I would be peaceful and joyful this week and let the worry and anxiety just float away.  I promised myself inner calm and to let the spirit of the season radiate from me.

Won't you do the same?

Kimberley

Why are some people sad during the Holiday Season?

I have asked myself this question many times over the years and I am not certain that I have
"the answer."  But what I do know is that this time of year seems to call out the deep seated feelings people have inside themselves.  If someone is lonely, the lonelines appears to feel that much deeper. If someone feels lost,without purpose - the world with all of its hustle and bustle at this time of year seems to swirl around them while they are in the middle trying to figure out where to land.  If someone is feeling unloved, suddenly all they see are couples holding hands or kissing. Families are all around them laughing and buying their christmas trees. 

Elderly people sit in nursing homes some have visitors, others not.  Some people's families live millions of miles away and suddenly the holidays don't have the special meaning they once did.  Some people are going through difficult financial times and asking themselves how they can even think about buying presents when they cannot pay the mortgage.

Well.. here are some things I do know. There are angels unaware in our lives.  They appear as a smile from a stranger, a person you meet randomly at the grocery store, the store clerk who says they owe you money, a friend who offers to fix your computer for free, a chance meeting with a person who gives you words of wisdom and then they disappear out of your life.

There are positive aspects to everything in our lives. Everything!.. And sometimes we get so caught up in what is going on in our lives that we cannot "see" what is really around us.  The lonelines is replaced by the love of a friend who stops by unexpectedly with a christmas gift.  In the quiet moments of your day, a thought comes to you and you remember what your passion and purpose has been and still continues to be.  Suddenly, life calls you to answer it and the path is lit up for you.  Your heart is made full by your house abundant with family on Christmas day.  And somehow, someway, additional money comes to you in ways unimaginable.

I send you love (and chocolates) to all of my readers to let you know how truly amazing you are!






Kimberley

Are there Christmas Angels among us?

A friend of mine sent me a "chain text" yesterday.  It went something like this:
   I sent an angel to watch over you last night and that the angel had come back because "angels dont watch over angels!" The text went onto say that Twenty angels are IN your world.  Ten of them are sleeping, nine of them are playing, one is reading this message...Send this to ten friends including me if I don't get it back guess I'm not one of them. As SOON as you get five replies, someone you love will quietly surprise you xxx :) God has seen YOU struggling with something. God says its over.  A blessing is coming your way.  If you believe in God send this message on, please don't ignore it, you are being tested. God is going to fix two things  (BIG) tonight in your favor. If you believe in God, DROP EVERYTHING & PASS IT ON.  TOMORROW WILL BE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. SEND THIS TO 14 FRIENDS IN 10 MIN.  Lifes a mountain enjoy the climb.

I don't typically join in on these chains, however, as I was pushing my cart through Target amongst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers, I thought it is the season of magic and love, I should forward this.  Surprisingly, many of my friends sent it back to me - one right after the other- sending me their love.  That felt good to know that so many people cared about me.

I looked at that text chain about every twenty minutes last night, focusing more on the later part of the message.  And I waited.  I sat up and watched Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel and much to my surprise as I got up to turn the TV off, it was past midnight.  My thoughts drifted back to the chain text.

It was "the next day" - what were the two BIG things that God would fix for me?  I certainly had my own ideas of what he could do for me (and they are BIG trust me!), but I would go to bed and wait to see what he had in store for me.  Why would I believe in a "chain text?"  Its not the text itself, its the love and message it sends among us. Its the energy of love that is emitted through all these people. 

So, now it is almost midnight on the next day and I haven't yet quite figured out what those two BIG things are.  Perhaps they will be revealed to me as I sleep or in the following days.

Angels played a large roll in the story of Joseph and Mary and the birth of their son Jesus Christ. I wonder what roll they will play in all of our lives as we journey through this Holiday season?


Kimberley

What are your favorite Christmas Cookies?

Christmas cookies have been a tradition in my family ever since I can remember.  My mother used to make dozens and dozens of all different kinds.  And to this day, I make this a priority on the "christmas to-do list" every year.  I love spending time in my kitchen, it gives me great peace and grounding.

Our family's holiday favorites are M&M cookies, Peanut Butter Blossoms and Chocolate Walnut Balls.  The house would smell soo good as my Mom baked each batch to perfection.  However, she wanted to freeze them and save them for guests and family to indulge in during the Christmas and New Years weeks.  Well, as you can imagine, that was torture to children who loved cookies.  Especially those chocolate walnut balls.  This is a very special family recipe that I happen to love! 

In fact, one year, I decided to sneak into the freezer to grab some of those little treasures.  We had one of the refridgerators with the freezer on the top.  It was placed in this small backroom off the kitchen that also housed two closets across from it.  I remember the room being cold and this ugly shade of green - lol.  I am sure if I asked my Mom, she might correct me on this detail.  So, one day, when I thought my mother wasn't watching, I quietly walk into the backroom, open the freezer and pop open that plastic lid with those yummy little chocolate balls covered in confectioner sugar glaze.  I excitedly grabbed two of them just as the entire refridgerator begins to tip and fall toward my little body. 

So, what do I do? Panic! and Yell - "Mom!"  and just as I did, the refridgerator tipped and the top hit the other wall and was tettering there as my Mom came running.  Well, needless to say I got in some trouble!  I don't actually remember if my Mom let me eat the cookies.  No matter, it is a story I will remember for years to come.

What are your favorite Christmas cookies?




I would love to hear them.

Kimberley

Finding Love at Christmas Time

Tonight I don't write about traditions.  Tonight I write about matters of the heart.  My heart.  You see,  I have always believed in the magic of Christmas.  There is something in the air during the four weeks of December that is unique unto itself.  We give a little more, care a little deeper, share a little more freely and love a bit more unconditionally.

This Christmas my wish is to find love.   The love that has been waiting for me all these years. A love that is so deep and connected that we just know.  We just know we are meant for each other.  I have been single for a very long time and spent many a Christmas wondering when "He" would appear.

I pray that God (and Santa -lol) in all of the magical spirit of Christmas will grant me this one, heartfelt wish.

An old fashioned, hand-written Christimas Card

What ever happened to the Christmas card that used to have a hand-written address on the front of the envelope and a special, heartfelt note inside?

I pondered this thought tonight as I was looking over my Christmas to-do list and writing out my christmas cards was still in the top five things yet to be done.  I really enjoy sitting down with a steamy, hot cup of  Baileys and coffee, my pen and a box of Christmas cards.  I set aside time each year to write a special note to each one of my friends that I have not seen in awhile and to my family to let them know how much they mean to me.

In my mind, these cards represent little gifts in an envelope.  I thoughtfully think of what I want to say and try to pour my love and caring into each word.  It is my hope that as my friends and family open their mailbox and see that card inside, that somehow, someway, love gets released into the air and fills them with happiness.

Now with the advent of e-cards and apparently cards sent via text, won't some of us still continue on with the old-fashioned tradtion of a handwritten christmas card?  Afterall, how many of us love to go to our mailbox to discover a hand-written letter from a friend?

Goodnight,

Kimberley

 

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone."

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone."
~ Charles Schulz (1922-2000), American cartoonist 'Peanuts'.



So, as I write this Christmas blog, I am reminded of the Charlie Brown Christmas special that is aired each year.  It warms my heart - why? because it reminds me of being a child all over again and more importantly, it reminds me of the love Charlie Brown had for that scant, almost barren tree. 

As we celebrate this season of giving, let us be reminded of those less fortunate, those who might just need a hug, or a warm meal or a friends ear to listen or perhaps a lonely little tree that wants to be decorated and crowded with presents for those children on Christmas morning.

May God Bless All of You this Season,

Kimberley

Twas the Night Before Christmas

What are the memories that you all have the night before Christmas?

Well..my sister and i would think about Christmas Eve for days before it happened!  In fact, one of the fondest memories I have is of her and I drawing out a map that would lead us from our bedroom, down the stairs, to the Christmas tree discovering which presents were ours.  And sometimes we would even try to rattle them a bit to see if we could hear what was inside!

Each year, we would get out a piece of paper and a pencil and draw out which stairs creeked and where so that we could gingerly maneauver around them.  We strategically planned all of our moves, to be implemented in our pajamas at 5am without our parents knowledge of course! That was the whole point - don't make any noise so Mom and Dad don't wake up!

Did we execute our plan successfully every year? Well.. I think our parents let us get away with it for the first few years and then they caught on and told us to "wait until we get up!."  Somehow, we always seemed to get up at 5am anyway, skip the creeking stairs and go right to our parents bedroom and just get them up - lol!

It is a fond memory for sure. Christmas through the eyes of children.  The innocent excitement.  The belief in something they cannot see.  Its nice that at Christmas time, we can roll back the hands of time and for a few weeks, bring back that innocence we once had.

Hope you are enjoying these blogs and the Holiday Season,

Kimberley

The Magic of the Christmas Box

I thought for quite awhile about what tonights blog should be.  And then it came to me.  The tradition of sharing ones favorite books as gifts each year to  special people in your life that you feel would  need them most. How could I forget that as an author?

Each year, I think of the people in my life and what their hearts really need for Christmas.  Books are marvelous things, amazing how they can heal, inspire and comfort.

I have many favorites that include: Simple Abundance by Sara Ban Breathnach,  A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh and The Laws of the Spirit  written by Dan Millman.


But there is one very special book that is at the top of the gift giving list every year and that is The Christmas Box written by Richard Paul Evans.  Just the mention of this book as I type these words fills my heart.




Here is a description from the authors website that describes the book:

        Summary

So begins The Christmas Box, the touching story of a widow and the young family who moves in with her. Rick, Keri, and their 4-year-old daughter, Jenna, are hired as caretakers and are welcomed into the Victorian home of Mary Parkins, an elderly widow, just before the holiday season. As the relationship between Mary and the family develops we learn that Mary’s past sorrows are compelling her to share an important message with Richard. But will he understand her message in time? A heartwarming story of parental love, healing, and Christmas.

Richard Paul Evans wrote this story expressing his love for his two daughters.  He never envisioned that it would grow to the success that it has, selling millions of copies.  He wrote the book in less than four weeks!   I can really appreciate what that means!

I would encourage all of you to buy the book this Christmas season.  Perhaps it touch your hearts as much as it has mine and millions others.   And here is a link to the authors website - check out his other books, they are all so wonderful!  I have read them all and could only wish that my stories will touch people as much as Richard's has.  http://www.richardpaulevans.com/

Believing in Christmas Miracles

Yes Virgina, there is a Santa Claus.  Believing.  Do you believe in Santa? in Christmas Miracles?





I have always loved the Christmas season - it fills my heart with joy.  I even got married in December, many years ago. My husband was my christmas miracle that year.  I had waited a long time for him.  He was and still is a good man.  We are no longer married to each other, but it is still something that I believed with all my heart would happen someday and it did.  God answers our prayers in ways we can't even fathom sometimes.

As a young girl, I believed in Santa and  I still do today as an adult.  But in adulthood, he is a different kind of Santa.  He doesn't wear a red suit and beard, it is his spirit that moves the miracles to come true.  But, only if we still Believe.

The Hallmark Channel has been running Christmas specials for a few weeks now.  I love watching them.  In one of the specials, a little girl says to someone (I cannot remember who right now) -    "Believing is seeing. "

 I have pondered this since the day I watched it.

I myself have prayed for a few miracles to occur in my life this Christmas.  Two have actually occured today! Magical. I wonder what will happen from now until December 25th? 

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Believe it or not there was a time when there wasn't 250 some channels to chose from on TV.  There is probably more than that now, but I don't watch much television so I am not certain.  When I was a child there were only three or four major stations.  Each Christmas my sister, brothers and I would anxiously await the christmas specials.  My mom would scope out the paper for the days they were on and on those days, we would happily get our pajamas on early so that we were ready when it came on.

Our favorite was of course Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, followed by Frosty and The Year Without a Santa Claus. Those specials continue to ring dear to our hearts. In fact, today, I was having a bit of a discouraging day - and then while I was putting away the laundry, my mother left me a voice mail message.  "Honey, turn on Channel 4 - now!"  and there was Burl Ives as the snowman dressed in green and blue plaid.  My day at 8:00pm, had suddenly gotten so much better!  Funny how even at 48 years old, Moms know just how to perk up your spirits.

We can all sing the songs of Heat Miser and Snow Miser and name all of the toys on the Island of Misfit toys.  And my siblings have handed these memories down to their children. 



Thank you again Mom for these wonderful holiday memories, they will always bring us back to our childhood and our hearts will be full.

Kimberley

The Christmas Wish List

It would be right about this time that my Mom would ask my brothers, sister and I for the infamous "christmas list."  When I was a child, the toy commercials waited until the day after thanksgiving and the stores would be waiting to bring out their holiday wares that weekend as well.  That's not true anymore is it? Why is everything so rushed? Why can't we slow our world down to savor each of the holidays as they come and relish those times? They only come once a year. 

I digress, I'm sorry.  Back to the childhood christmas list.  We had such fun creating these lists.  The Brand Names, Sears and JCPenney catalogs would be dog eared by the time we got done with them.  The lists would end up being two pages long, handwritten in pen, pencil or crayon -whatever we had handy. As children we thought Santa had an endless supply of money.  Why wouldn't he bring us everything on that carefully crafted list?   We believed he would.

We handed those lists to my Mom with great hopes that Santa knew exactly what we really wanted in our heart of hearts.  The excitement grew in our tummys with each passing day.  ( I will tell you that funny story in another upcoming blog!).

My mom would carefully peruse those lists and somehow she and Santa had a direct line to one another, for on Christmas day the toys that were dearest to our hearts always ended up under the Christmas tree.  They weren't always the most expensive or the ones at the top of the list, but somehow Santa always knew just which ones to pick!

So what was one of my most favorite toys ever! A Dancing Bear!  Ok.. I couldn't find a picture of the actual one I had but you get the idea! Hahaa.. the actual one I had came with brown ears,hands and feet with a funky flowered print all over his body.  His feet had elastic at the bottom so I could strap him onto my feet!  I had sooo much fun with him.  I adored that bear and I looooved to dance. 

Goodnight my friends, talk with you tomorrow, Kimberley

Silver and Gold themed Christmas Tree this year!

So, my friends, I decided it would be a silver and gold themed Christmas tree this year!  And I have invited my girlfriend and her daughter to assist in the creation today!  I am curious to see what this collaborative effort will look like.  The thought of it just makes me smile.

And yes, when it is all done, I will defnitely share the pictures with all of you.  What will be your inspired tree this year?  Will you invite some special people into your family holiday traditions? Our family has always opened our home and holiday celebrations to friends, especially those friends who might not have relatives close by.  I have found that is a gift all by itself, for each of us.

Some might ask, "how do you come up with new ideas each year for your Holiday theme?  My answer: I look around me.  I open old magazines that I have saved and I look at my new favorites. Christmas music is turned on and the hotels, stores and streets start to take on their own holiday finery.  As I allow myself to be open to all the sparkle and beauty of it all, it suddenly comes to me.

This year, my inspiration came from the florist I visited to purchase my Thanksgiving table flowers.  You might be familiar with it? http://www.trilliumfloral.com/. I walked in and oh the smells of Thanksgiving and Christmas were all blended together - the nutmeg, cinammon, lilies, pine.  I was truly in heaven!  They had a beautiful Christmas display in gold, it felt like fairy dust and magic to me. The creative juices began to flow...

And then last night as I was donning my 1970's disco apparel at a fund raising dancing event for charity, I found myself sitting under a sprawling tree growing in a courtyard at the Hyatt in Buffalo. The branches with its silver ornaments dangling about were directing me to the Christmas tree that stood beside it - dressed in silver and gold!   It was then that I knew, silver and gold was my 2011 Christmas theme.   I have been singing that song by Burl Ives now for a couple of hours! Hahaha!

Silver and Gold decorations...on every... Christmas Tree...( can you hear this little snowman singing??? lol) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMlqn_Hjyi8


And so my friends,, I thought I would give you some help in creating your own inspirations. Here are some website suggestions to get your juices flowing:

http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/archive/2011/11/25/ten-essentials-for-a-vintage-christmas.aspx

http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/holiday-decor/christmas-holiday-decor/?cm_type=gnav

http://www.frontgate.com/holiday-decor/

Happy Creating! Please feel free to share your inspirations with me.

Kimberley

Happy Decorating Day! (my rendition of Black Friday!)

So what does everyone do the day after Christmas? Shop? Eat Turkey sandwiches? Well, not me! 
I think about the Christmas decorating theme for this holiday season and get the house and Christmas
tree decorated.  Yes, I might eat some left over turkey while decorating but my focus is most certainly on Christmas!

I have to hand it to my Mom yet one more time as she started this tradition.  My mom would decorate every room in the house, even the bathrooms.  She would start early in the morning on Friday and would work right through to the evening.  And the kicker was, she never decorated the same way two years in a row! The tree had a different design every Christmas! 

To this day - my Mom decorates her tree differently every year even in her late 60's!  I lost count of how many plastic totes of decorations she has.  She even has them numbered with an inventory list! She is very talented and should have been an interior designer- she is that good!

What will be my theme this year? Still not sure, I am thinking gold.  I hope I have some gold decorations - lol!  I have boxes of different colored ornaments, not sure I have gold.  We shall see.  It's only 11:25am, the day is young!

Stay tuned!  I will keep you informed and perhaps even share some pictures!

Here's to Happy Decorating Day versus Black Friday (something about that name I just don't like!),

Kimberley

The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade...

Ever since I can remember my family watches the Macys Day Parade on this day.  It has been a tradition since I was a little girl and I am so happy that my nieces and nephews cherish that holiday event as well. 

When I was a little girl, I remember my parents turning it on and letting us eat our bowl of cereal in the living room watching the parade while they prepared the turkey.

The smells of pies and stuffing were still lingering in the house from the night before and now the smell of turkey would join them.  We would have a large group for dinner, so big in fact that my mom had to set a larger table in the living room so that we could all sit together!

I can still recollect the one Thanksgiving where my grandmothers boyfriend sampled every piece of the 19 pies my mom had made! We were amazed! How did he do that?

The parade lasted for several hours and by that time my parents were done in the kitchen and we were all told to get dressed and help set the table. 

Someday, I hope to attend the parade in person.  I have wanted to see it ever since I can remember.  And when I do go, I will carry those fond memories with me that my mother and father created.

Finally the writers block is over... and the Holiday Season Begins...

Finally my writers block is over! I am so grateful for that! That dry spell was waaay too long.  I apologize to all my readers that I haven't connected with you over the last few weeks.  My nephew was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital and then I had a painfully stiff neck for a week.

I am so happy that the walk through the desert is over! Lol!

Sometimes its the unexpected that moves you to create again.  And let me tell you it was the unexpected!  I won't share it with you because I would be a little embarrassed!

So, what shall we talk about today?  I think what is most fitting is the beginning of the Holiday Season!  My favorite time of the year!

It is a time when I spend hours in the kitchen, cooking up all those delightful smells of sage, poultry seasoning, onions as the stuffing frys up in the pan and the women in my family gather round to share stories and laugh together.  It is a tradition in our family to have the women come together on the wednesday before Thanksgiving and make the stuffing and pies for the next day.  My mom started this tradition and I have tried to keep it going.  Sometimes this evening has ended up just being my mom and I and sometimes there are many including my sister, her daughters, one of my close female friends and her daughter.



It is a great women bonding time.  I cherish it every year.   And so it begins my friends.  I will think about all of you during these joyful times and will share with you some of my favorite Holiday traditions everyday throughout the next four weeks.

I am hoping that you will share yours with me as well! 

In fact, I want to send my heartfelt thanks out to my readers and give the 20th person who shares their holiday tradition story over the next two weeks a gift!   Share your tradition in the comment section of my blog.  If you have difficulty with this please let me know at kbnightingale@gmail.com as some folks have had some challenges with this over the last few weeks.

If you would like you could send your tradition via email as well!  What is the gift? A $25 gift certificate to Pottery Barn!  Just in time to buy those special holiday gifts or perhaps a gift to yourself!



Send me your stories by December 7th and we will see who the lucky winner is! Isn't this fun! I love giving presents to people!

Kimberley      

An artist and His work, an Interview with Sting

I listened to an interview with Sting last night by Mark Goodier. I could listen to him talk for hours.  He has been a favorite artist of mine for a long time now.  Not only do I love his music, I admire him as a person.  His persona is spiritual, somewhat eccentric, sensual and so very connected to the human experience.

He has come out with a new box set called, Sting 25 years.  A culmination of his work over the last quarter of a century.  In this interview he talks through his thoughts as he made different pieces of music - how he was feeling, what was happening in the world at the time, what inspired him.

He took a lot of risks throughout his career and I am certain he will take more in the years to come.  As creative souls, artists, whatever society calls us, we evolve through our work.



In the interview Sting remarks:

       "I won't finish a song if I don't think it's particularly good.  I might take a fragment of it and it might morph into something else..... Anything else, I don't bother finishing."

As I contemplated those words, I thought of my own work and blogging.  My mother and I were chatting yesterday and she asked me if I had written any new blogs recently. I said to her, "you know Mom...I see all these people with their blogs referring to other people's writings and I see people on Twitter, 'tweeting' much the same. 

But, as for me,  I want to be original.  I want to write my own words and share them with the world.  I know that I am not a 'known brand' in the world - YET, - but I am trying to establish myself as a writer.  I want people to know what I can do.  I want to share my own thoughts."


So many articles I have read say that "you must blog everyday" to be successful, to drive people to your site and to keep them coming back.  I struggle with that mandate, so-to-speak. On certain days, the inspiration for a great blog piece doesn't come to mind.  I don't publish every blog I write because for some reason, I wasn't particularly happy with it.  I might have written it, saved it, re-read it the next day and said - you know what, I am not thrilled with that. I think I will just save it.

I want my readers to feel inspired, to be moved, to know that someone understands and most of all, I want to share our human experiences with one another. 

I guess then, I am right there with Sting. One could only hope that I will be as successful as he, in my own works of art.

I would love to hear some thoughts from my readers on what they think about this topic?

What price do you pay for Authenticity?

The price we pay for authenticity may seem high, but who among us can truly afford to continue living as a spendthrift of the self?
                      Sarah Ban Breathnach


I recently read this in a meditation book called Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy.  It was a book I purchased many years ago and I continue to read it over and over again. Its words of wisdom are timeless and I never tire of it.  There is always some gemstone I glean each time I read a passage.

As I pondered these words, I asked myself the question, what price have I paid to be my authentic self?  Mmmm... well.. here is a sampling of how I have paid to be true to myself

                    I dared to delve a whole lot of money into renovating my home after a house fire.  In retrospect perhaps too much, but I love every minute I spend in my home and it is truly the warm and comfortable place in which my family and friends love to come to.  I am still paying for that decision but it is one I will never regret!

                    I turned down a job after a year and a half of unemployment, nearly losing my home, because I knew I was meant to be a writer and the job would have required all my mental energy.

                    I have spent a lot of vacation time, many days with very little sleep and a whole lot of money birthing my novel into a published work.  I am not quite there yet - but I will stay the course.  I am meant to share my book with the world.

                  In the last year and a half,  I have spent five days a week working out at a gym with a trainer. Yes, this is money I could probably have saved. However, my goal to be as healthy and fit as I possibly can be is more important to me. My goal was to go from a size 10 to a size 6 and I am happy to tell you that I have exceeded that target and I am now a strong, size 4!  Although some days, I am sore and very tired - I stay the course because I know my health is worth it!
              
 What are the prices you pay to be true to yourself?

I would love to hear them! Please share them with me by sending me your comments.

Kimberley

The Artist Way, by Julia Cameron

So, I haven't written a blog in several days.  I felt I needed a break from pushing myself so hard.  I am editing my first novel,blogging, learning to "tweet" ( I love that expression - it makes me laugh!), working out five days a week and the list goes on!  Yet, I found myself thinking about it all the time.  I actually missed it!    Its almost as if writing these blog posts are becoming my evening pages. 

I write three free-hand pages each morning. I learned this practice of "the morning pages," from Julia Cameron's book called "the  The Artists Way.  She has been a writing inspiration to me since I embarked on this journey some six years ago. For any of those that are aspiring writers, photographers, painters, carpenters..whatever your craft.. I highly recommend her book.  It is truly a creative persons bible.  As I began my blogging journey once again this evening, I struggled with what to write.  What do I have to say that is worthwhile even writing about? And I thought of the one who first inspired me.  I thought to myself - I wonder if she is on Twitter?  I promptly signed onto my Twitter account and typed in her name in the search area.

                                                         And there she was. 


The woman who has given me such solace when I wanted to quit writing.  The woman who assured me that we all go through writers block.  The woman who knew what it was like to think that the world might not like your work.  And tonight as I once again experience a lesson in perseverance,  continuing the edits to my novel and wondering what is the best venue for my book to be born to the world... I think back to the woman who has helped me through every step of this journey. 

If you have not read any of her work, perhaps now is the time.  Not only has she written The Artists Way, she has also written several meditation books which are my steadfast bedside friends, Transitions, Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life and Answered Prayers, Love Letters from the Divine.  Enjoy!  

Thank you once again Julia, for coming into my thoughts and life when I need you most..With Love and Light, Kimberley

How do we Follow our Heart's Passions?

"I'm stuck" a stranger said to me.  "And I think its my career."  You are a life coach?  And I quietly replied, "yes."  She proceeded to reiterate something she discovered on a test she had taken.  The outcome of the test was supposed to suggest certain pathways of interest.  However, when she said it to me, I didn't see the glimmer in her eye when we speak of what truly makes our hearts sing. 

I looked at this woman who sincerely wanted to fulfill her inner self.  What was my little morsel of advise I could give her in this chance meeting when I only had a few minutes of her attention I thought to myself.  And my inner voice knew what to say.  I looked into her eyes and I said to her, "forget what all the books and tests say, tell me what your passion is? " if you were to get up in the morning and do whatever makes you truly happy, what would that be?"

How do I know this?  I know this because I have pondered these same questions in my mind over many years myself.  And I have some wonderful role models who have been instrumental in my life's journey. 

I will take the time to tell you about a few of them....

I have a friend who runs an apple orchard in Upstate New York.  Not only does he grow apples but he grows peaches and apricots as well.  One day he introduced me to a "donut peach."  I watched him as he described the peach and how it tasted before he handed it to me.  I saw the passion in his eyes.  It's as if he went right back to his farm and was looking at the peaches as he nutured them before they were ripe for the picking.  And then, he introduced me to a Sweetango apple and with that same proud look in his eyes, he handed me the piece of fruit.  He is truly dedicated to his farm and is an inspiration for those aspiring young people who have the earth in their bones and desire to plant.

Check out Zingler Farms fruit at the East Aurora Market in East Aurora, NY on Saturday mornings.  And ask for Mike.  I am sure he will tell you all about Sweetango apples and how they are grown!  Here is an article about his philosophy and how the farm started.

 http://www.goodfruit.com/Good-Fruit-Grower/December-2010/Orchards-designed-for-efficient-harvest/






My friend David is an architect in Boston, Massachusetts.  I have had the amazing opportunity to watch him rebuild a house from the foundation on up and design every last detail of every room.  I have fond memories of watching him draw the fireplaces for each living room by hand on the back of a napkin!  Let me tell you, this was no chicken scratch either! Oh and then he drew the detail of the railings and banisters for me over our second cocktail! I was awestruck by his talent.  Not only does David design these incredible homes for people, he also writes music and plays the piano.  And yes, he also draws.  His love of music feeds his soul and his desire to create beauty for others shows in his custom built homes.  I have been an observer of a friend who has gone after his passion in spite of the down turn in the housing market, despite the struggles he faced, no matter what hurdle he had to get through.  He has truly been an inspiration to my creative career as a writer and designer.

Please check out Davids architectural and musical work on his website.  I believe you will find it as breath taking as I do!

www.studiotwentysix.com

And then there is my friend Diana Augspurger..she started a closet design business 26 years ago and it has been going strong ever since.  Diana is one of the most down to earth, nicest people I have ever met!  She was a nurse, a loong time ago.  Her mom owned a high-end women's boutique clothing store and I think Diana had the same type of "bug."  Diana is so very customer friendly, you feel like you are talking with an old friend when she comes to your house. 


http://www.creativestoragebuffalo.com/




These are three of many people who have motivated me to follow my passions.  They get up every day and love what they do for their customers, the community and themselves. 

So, did I say the right thing to this stranger who crossed my path?  Yes, I think so.  I hope that she and I meet again and perhaps I can help her follow her true passion in life.

Kimberley 

The Priceless Value of Friendship

How can we put a price tag on friendship?  We cannot.  The value is immeasureable.  Lately, I have had so many moments of reflection of how abundant I am in friendship.  These are the people in my life who know me more intimately than I know myself sometimes.  They are the women who knew I had been crying hours before, and are there to pick me up and go dancing, just to get my mind off the troubles that worry me.  They are the people in my life who believe in me and my dreams, even when those dreams seem so distant yet so close.



My friends are those that are there to laugh until our stomachs hurt and to call you at the last minute for a quick marguerita to catch up.  These are the women in my life who I feel bonded to like elmers glue.  Some have been my friend for over 15 years and some just nine months. There are friends I shop with and some I dance with, some I bake cookies with.  There are some I could talk for hours with about spirituality and others I share dating disaster stories with!

 My friends are not only female friends, but close male relationships as well.  Perhaps sometimes we women don't always take the time to appreciate those special male friendships.  These are not men we are necessarily dating or sleeping with, they are men who truly just want to be our friends.  They dance with us until the we hours of the morning, they buy us roses from the man who walks into bars selling them (who are those people anyway? lol!), they tell us "he is a jerk , anyway, you don't need him!" when we are crying over a breakup and they are there to tell us how beautiful we are when we don't necessarily feel that way.  I think the hit TV show "Friends" exemplifies this connection the best.



And then, there are those friendship bonds between a mother and daughter.  How do I even begin to explain the complexities and nuances that make this relationship as precious as a diamond? My mom and I talk everyday sometimes three of four times a day.  Hearing her voice on the other end just makes me feel like "home."  She is the woman who taught me how to walk, how to talk, how to put makeup on, introduced me to my love of creating beautiful things - fashion, interior design, beautiful pieces of writing and the lyrics of a meaningful song.  It is she who filled my childhood home with holiday memories and it is she who taught me how to set the world on fire!  Special thanks to you Mom! You have made me the woman I am today!



So, the next time you sit back and realize that you haven't connected with a certain friend for awhile - call them! squeeze in an hour for a drink or coffee.  Savor this connection. That hour is worth so much more than that 60 minutes!  After all, when we lay our heads down at night is it not the relationships in our lives that make us feel loved?

Kimberley

Faith as small as a Mustard Seed

When I was a little girl I had a small, glass necklace formed in the shape of a heart with a mustard seed inside of it.  I remember wearing that necklace quite often and remembering the bible verse that tells use that if only we had faith as small as a mustard seed, we could move mountains.   I had a very close and strong relationship with God at that time in my life. As an adult sometimes I wonder if that child-like, innocent faith that I once had has been diminished by the experiences of life.   Have I forgotten that close relationship I once had with God/the Universe/Source, whatever people choose to call the Higher Power?


I think somehow, with all the great teachers I have studied in college and the many books I have read since then, that perhaps I have forgotten the teachings of one of life's greatest teachers. The teacher who taught me he would never leave me nor forsake me, no matter what.

I find myself at another challenging crossroad in my life and I feel that my mind and body are too tired to get back in the boxing ring with Rocky and fight my way through it.  I find that the "still small voice" that speaks to us in times of great despair, saddness, worry ... has whispered to me.. Remember me? Remember when you were little and I told you "if only you would have faith as small as a mustard seed, you could move mountains?"  This is as true today as it was then, my child.  Trust and Believe, have faith.  "All is Well and I am handling it, you only need to have faith as small as a mustard seed!"

The Return on Investment of a Personal Trainer

Every once in a while I ask myself whether or not I should discontinue utilizing the services of a Personal Trainer and save myself some money.  Perhaps I could "do it myself" now.  Perhaps I can create my own workouts and cut out new exercises from fitness magazines and bring my binder to the gym.  And then I think - are you crazy? You won't do that! You won't take the time to design your own work out routines and commit yourself to lifting weights on your own!

Personal Trainers create accountability for us.  The create routines for us, they monitor our progress, they advise on how we can meet our goals and they become your confidant and friends.  I have hired a Personal Trainer for over a year and a half now.  The progress has far surpassed the goals I set out to achieve!





I set out to go from a size 10 to a size 6. Instead, I went from a size 10 to a size 4 in about one years time!  I went from a back that could barely sustain a set of sit-ups to performing planks on a ball and actually looking in the mirror to see abdominal definition.  I had never,ever seen that on my body in my entire 48 years of existence! Hahaha! A friend at work even said " Kim, you can see those arm muscles through your sweater!"
I couldn't believe it myself.. I felt stronger then ever and it only took about a year.




So, how do I justify this investment?  I am much healthier.  I sleep better.  I have so much more energy.  I feel more confident inside.  I love the way I look in my clothes.  I feel better mentally.

Is this worth paying out that money every month? In my book it is!  A typical ROI formula speaks to the return we get for our investment.  Aren't all those things that I just mentioned a great return? Those things keep you out of the doctors office, because you are less apt to have cardiac disease, cancer, diabetes, depression.  The list is endless.

Understand that I too, still have days where going to the gym is the last thing I want to do after a long workday.  But, I go.  I go because my personal trainer is waiting for me.  I go because he has a busy schedule and needs me to be on time.  I go because I know I will feel better afterwards.  I go because I love looking at those size 4 clothes in my closet and I never, ever want to see a size 10 in there again!


 A special thank you goes out to my personal trainer - Jeff Bavisotto at the BAC at the Boulevard Mall for keeping me on track and motivated! I owe you such a huge debt of gratitude Jeff for helping me reach my goals.

To all the women and men out there who are struggling to reach their health and fitness goals, I would highly recommend hiring a personal trainer.  After all, aren't you worth it?

P.s.) Sorry ladies, I don't have a picture of my trainer to share with you! lol!

Kimberley

Designing Warmth into Your Space, A Tour of my Home

What does your house say to people as they walk into it? Sleek? Modern? Traditional? or Does it say " come, sit, take your shoes off and curl up on the couch with me.  That's what I wanted my house to say to my friends and family when I was designing it.

The kitchen was to be the soul of my home.  Contemporary yet cozy.  It is here where my family comes for holidays ,birthdays and "whatever days."  This is probably my most favorite place in the house because it reminds me of everything that is dear to me - creating food that people savor and enjoy, laughter over several glasses of wine as all of us cram into the kitchen,  feverishly trying to prepare the turkey, the potatoes, the acorn squash.  The smells of Christmas cookies baking in the oven..Intimate conversations with friends...

Won't you join my family and friends and I for dinner?

The dining room was definitely not to be ordinary and I did not want a rectangular table.  I wanted a circular table in which all could feel a sense of closeness.  Afterall, doesn't a circle symbolize unity and a sacredness?

My family and friends gather around this table so many times throughout the year and each time, it is a memory in the making.  Did you notice the light fixture above the table? It is truly one of my favorite "pieces" in the house.  It looks like artwork when it is lit up and the color changes when you turn it off.

And then there is the second floor, my personal sanctuary.

I wanted to create a feeling of calm. A retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the main area of the house. The office space would be a cheerful place where I could create books, designs, or whatever else came to mind. It was especially important for there to be a corner for me to study or relax with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.  And I wanted a master suite with a walk-in closet and adjoining bath.  This space was to feel organic, zen like yet warm, soulful and contemporary.

What do you think? Did I achieve my desires?  Please take a walk with me up to the second floor of my house.

I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my home.  Has it inspired you to create your own dreams? I hope so.  Please send me an note on facebook if you would like my assistance in creating the space of your dreams.  I would be happy to help: http://www.facebook.com/KimberleyBarkerNightingale

Kimberley