hope enough to keep looking forward.

strength enough to battle obstacles and overcome them.

commitment enough not to give up too soon.

fun enough to enjoy every aspect of life.

love enough to give to those who deserve it the least but need it the most.

forgiveness enough to never let the sun go down on your wrath.

gratitude enough to say "thank you" for the small things.

direction enough to know where to go.

compassion enough to be moved by the needs of others.

trust enought to know that God will direct your steps.

mercy enough to forgive and forget.

perseverance enough to run the entire race that is set out before you.

I was thinking about my Mom today. I have tons of memories of the times we shared and the incredible loving woman she was. I know I was blessed that she was my Mom and that whether I recognized it at the time or in retrospect, despite some misjudgements and some mistakes, my Mom always did everything hoping it was best for my dad and us kids. Truth be known she was probably the power behind the curtain of our family like the power in the Wizard of Oz.

The one thing I wish I knew was what it was like to be my Mom, what life was like from her perspective.

Being a Mom is a powerful, all encompassing role. As a child growing up and later even as an adult you view your parents from a distinct point of view. They are your teachers, role models and the boss of you. As we grow up we may come to cherish them, rebel against their rules, and judge them. The one thing that rarely happens is getting to know them as people. What life was like from their perspective.

Don't get me wrong, I have stories from my Mom about her childhood. I know her likes and dislikes in a wide variety of categories. I knew how to make my Mom smile and be proud or how to push her buttons. I mean I don't know what it must have been like for her when we would move. What was it like for her when my dad decided to take a risk and start his own business. I have always admired my Mom for telling my dad to go for it and the wonderful creative ways she stretched the money when it was tight. But I don't know how it was for her. What was it like when we each got married? I know she was a great grandmother but I don't know how it made her feel when we the family was spread apart geographically? How was it for my Mom in the wee small hours of the night after my dad died and she was alone?

The role of being a Mom is the best. It is a blessing. It also creates boundaries, expectations and leaves you open for judgement. It would be nice to know the lady behind the title. Through the centuries, since the beginning of time it is doubtful that any child truly ever has gotten to know the person behind the Mom curtain.

If I could send a message to my Mom today it would be to say that I miss her, love her, like her, need her and so very much appreciate that she did the best she could and I am forever grateful that she was/is my Mom.

It would be fun to share the day and listen as my Mom would tell me what her life adventure had been like from her own first-hand point of view.

"You never know when one act, or one word of encouragement can change a life forever." Zig Ziglar

Brand new day, brand new week. I hope you have a very happy day. If nothing is going on in your world currently that makes you smile, try re-running some old memories.

Instead of "Oh, it's Monday", and dreading the day and the return to the work week, why not throw yourself an unexpected curve and add something to your day that makes you feel like a kid again. How about ice cream for lunch? Or make a paper airplane? Or take off your shoes and go barefoot? Or eat lunch outside?

Do something that makes you smile and enjoy a "Happy Day".

"Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure."

Norman Vincent Peale

You were made in a special way. You are unique, one of a kind. To copy others is to cheat yourself out of the fullness of all you can be. Be careful. Imitation can be limitation.

There should be something differnt about you. Tap into the originality that makes you uniquely you.

Be careful, in trying to meet other people's expectations you can lose your own direction. Dare to be yourself. It is who you were meant to be.

Wishing you a happy day. Remember two important words...You Can.

The way my condo is situated I am very blessed. I got to view an awesome sunrise this morning over the intercoastal. It was filled with the promise of a sunny, super hot day. I will do my best to add fun and mischief to the recipe.

I am going to a morning movie with some friends so we can learn the "Ugly Truth". It looks like a nice movie. The theatre shouldn't be crowded.

Not sure what adventure will follow but whatever it is I am sure it will be fun.

Tonight I will make it a point to go across the street to the beach and enjoy the sunset. It would be a shame to miss it.

I hope that you have a sensational Sunday. Fill yourself with joy. You deserve it.