I watched "The Secret" DVD yesterday. I realized that without knowing it I have been embracing the concept in my life, I just never considered it a secret or assigned a name to it.

As I watched it I thought about reminders my sons gave me from time to time. "Breathe Mom, breathe" and "don't think so much." Even today when I am anxious or nervous about something I tend to unconciously hold my breath. If I take a breath it does work to calm me, duh! from the mouths of babes.

It seemed like just yesterday, when Jim took me to a batting cage and he told me to stop thinking so much and just hit the ball. Amazing how sometime, not thinking can help you focus.

Remembering these things and seeing the video has refocused and rejuvenated me with the knowledge that my thoughts are powerful. When I beat myself up or dwell in the past the negative energy attracts negative results in my life. When I relax and allow myself to dwell in the world of possibilities and dreams, I not only feel wonderful, I find I am better able to deal with the unexpected challenges that life gives us.

I have much yet to learn about the "laws of attraction." I will breathe and not think so much and enjoy this wonderful day. Thanks Tom & Jim.

This morning sea fog has encapsulated St. Pete Beach. It is like looking through a frosted window, everything is blurry and visibility is only a few feet.

You never know the twists and turns that a day may take. The sea fog rolling in has made the day look extra mysterious.

The Academy Awards is on television tonight. Oscars are being handed out to the people and movies the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Science have voted to be the best in a variety of categories.

804 movies were released in 2006 and I saw 38 of them. Consequently, I have decided to announce my own awards.

Favorite Movies Based On Real People
The Pursuit of Happyness
Runners Up: Akeelah & the Bee and We Are Marshall

Favorite Movies That Served As A Time Machine
Bobby
Runner Up: Miami Vice

Favorite Movies That Reminded Me Of My Sons
Facing The Giants
My son Tom came to mind as I watched the coach share his beliefs and the bible with his players in a positive way.

Thank You For Smoking
My son Jim is fantastic at the art of spinning. It would be impossible to know him and not have him come to mind when you see this movie. Happily he uses his power for good, especially for the good of children.

Favorite "Chick" Flicks
The Lake House
Runners Up: A Good Year, Holiday & Failure To Launch

Biggest Disappointments
Mission Impossible III
X-Men The Last Stand
Annapolis
16 Blocks
Babel

Most Disappointing Ending
The Guardian
The Departed

Favorite Football Movie
Invincible
Runner Up: The Gridiron Gang

Biggest Surprise That I Enjoyed It So Much
Casino Royale
Runners Up: Rocky Balboa & R.V.

Most Revulting & Funny Movie
Borat

Movie With The Most Twists & Turns
Little Miss Sunshine
Runners Up: The Good Shephard & Deja Vu

Fun Movie
Night At The Museum
Runners Up: Over The Hedge

Most Surprisingly Boring Movie
Cars

Favorite Movie With An Unexpected Message
Madea's Family Reunion
Runners Up: Man Of The Year & Nanny McPhee

Movies I saw and thought were good and might watch again or not
Dreamgirls
Runners Up: Devil Wears Prada, Click, Flyboys & My Super Ex Girlfriend

Of all the movies I saw in 2006 the one I would watch over and over is Invincible. It is based on a real life experience. It illustrates that it is never too late to make your dream a reality, for that reason it is my movie of the year.

I heard from people in Tennessee to Arizona ....


"Craig Ferguson (The Late Late Show after Letterman) said basically the same thing you did about Brittany Spears. He said, since he has a drinking problem from his own past, he would not tell any jokes about her. He said it is wrong to make jokes when people are in such a vulnerable state. "
Thank you Craig for standing up. Excellent!

I just read my son's blog and smiled as he described a conversation he had with his son Jake...

"This is a sure sign that Jake is a true-blue member of the McKay clan.

A couple of days ago, we were riding in the car and Jake was describing his day at school. The conversation concluded with the following exchange:

Me: (chuckling) "Did that really happen?"

Jake: (with a straight face) "Except for the stuff I added to make it funnier."

That's my boy. I think he has a future in politics or at least as a blogger."

I love it. To read other postings from my son, enter http://jimmckay.blogspot.com

I've heard all the "News" coverage about Britany Spears escapades. It is not entertaining; it is heart wrenching to see her self distructing and no one appears to be reaching out to help her.

She is a Mom to two babies and that presents its own set of challenges and responsibilities. I think I was luckier to have twins than to have two babies so close together. I am sure that it put a strain on her body both physically and mentally.

Her marriage was more like a Grimms Tale than "Happily Ever After."

When I saw her shave her head, it reminded me of times in my past when I felt unloved, frightened and wishing there was some magical way I could change myself into someone else. On those occassions, I would take the scissors to my hair and chop it off. Maybe I figured if I looked terrible then I could better understand what was happening. Looking ugly matched the ugly condition I interpreted my life to be in at that moment. I also used to find comfort in eating. At one time my over-eating resulted in my ballooning to 235 pounds. It was another way of punishing myself for not feeling worthy, and dealing with situations that felt overwhelming.

It seems peeople often sabatoge themselves. I hope that someone reaches out and helps Britany to help herself. I don't want her to be self distructive. She is surrounded by people but she needs someone who truly cares about her. I hope she finds a confidant who is concerned about her and is willing to speak up and not just rubber stamp her actions.

I think she can have a fantastic and happy life. Each of us has that possibility but I believe it is easier when you have someone that believes in you.

My parents used to say, "If you don't have something nice to say, then say nothing." Nothing seems like a good idea right now. We don't need someone else to have a similar fate as Anna Nicole. It couldn't hurt to say a little prayer for her and all the other people who are simply trying to find their way.

Last weekend, the sun was shinning and I walked down to Corey Avenue for their Arts & Crafts Fair. I had lunch with friends at the beach and even spent a few hours at the Florida State Fair.

It was an outside kind of weekend, my favorite. It was chilly at night but not too cold.

This weekend the weather is expected to have temperatures dipping below freezing and with the winds blowing strong off the Gulf, the wind chill is expected to be very, very, cold! No complaints though, because our winters can be measured in hours not months, weeks, or even many days. Forecasters say that we have the freezing temperatures from 7 to 12 hours this weekend.

I'll bundle up and may stay inside more than outside but will be warmed by the thought that I am blessed not to be scraping my windshield, or slipping and sliding on the street.

To all of you who aren't so fortunate please be careful. I wish you a warm spring that arrives sooner than later. Enjoy your weekend.

Today I woke up with resolve to get tons of things accomplished. The weather isn't cooperating. It is cloudy with strong storms expected hence I can't charge my solar batteries.

Still I have create my list of "to dos" and am about to head out and begin by taking my walk and running my errands first then when the rain and thunder comes I will be safe inside.

Now if I can figure out a way to turn off the dripping from my nose I will be all set. I don't have a cold or the flu, just a frustrating case of the sniffles.

"If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?"
Unknown

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.
Albert Einstein

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. Author Unknown

The weather is warming up and the days are growing longer. Minute by minute the sunset is happening later each day. All the better to charge my solar batteries.

This weekend will be a busy one. I am hoping that I can squeeze in a visit to the State Fair but I may have to wait until the Strawberry Festival in March before I get the opportunity to enjoy the "junk food" of the midway and the craziness of people watching, and animal petting. Whatever the weekend holds, I am glad there won't be snow or rain. No precipitation is in the forecast.

Get ready, get set, let the weekend begin.

The facts are startling...

If you owe $2000.00 on the average credit card and make minimum payments it will take you 31 years and 2 months to pay it back. In the meantime, you will also have paid $8200.00 in interest.

This was on the news today and I thought it was a news reality worth sharing. Yikes!

I am in search for recipes that use blueberries, cranberries, apples and oranges, not necessarily combined.

These are my favorite fruits and I would like to incorporate them into my diet more often; beyond muffins or a dessert or pancake. I am wondering how to use them in entrees.

I also enjoy bananas and strawberries but prefer them "as is" or in the case of strawberries, dipped in dark chocolate is the best of the best.

If you have any recipes to share you may either add them here in the comment section or simply e-mail me at mzdavinci@aol.com. Thank you.

I goofed. I copied the information from 2006 instead of this year. See the corrected information below. I guess it is just a side effect of living in paradise where the sun shines year round.

Phil Says Spring is Right Around the Corner!
Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/07 at 7:28 a.m. at Gobbler's Knob:

El Nino has caused high winds, heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures in the west.
Here in the East with much mild winter weather we have been blessed.

Global warming has caused a great debate.
This mild winter makes it seem just great.

On this Groundhog Day we think of one thing.
Will we have winter or will we have spring?

On Gobbler's Knob I see no shadow today.
I predict that early spring is on the way.

The information above came directly from the official site www.groundhog.org

A stormy night leads to death and distruction at sunrise.

Fortunately, the distruction was east of St. Petersburg. Homes were turned into kindling. The pictures make me very thankful and appreciative that the storm didn't create tornadoes here. Many people have already been found dead. I am so very grateful to have been among the ones blessed to be spared. I pray that the people who were in harm's way get electricity and find safety soon.

The power of weather is enormous and can never be underestimated. Life is fragile and precious. We are blessed to have today to enjoy and give thanks.

Below is the official announcement from Punxsutawney Phil:

Bulletin - Groundhog Day 2006 arrived!
Phil saw his shadow!
There will be six more weeks of winter!
Groundhog Day grew out of a mainly German superstition that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow February 2-- the Christian holiday of Candlemas -- winter will last another six weeks.If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will be early.

Stay hopeful, warm, safe and happy!

My favorite day of the year is tomorrow. It reminds me that good things are on the horizon. If you remain hopeful and curious life can bring you positive changes.

Days can get longer.

Spring brings flowers and trees full of leaves.

The weather warms up and the sun shines bright.

It may take a while before what we hope for to come true BUT on Ground Hog's Day we are reminded that Spring is coming.


Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark. ~George Iles