Thankful.

There are always things to be thankful for and I try to be one to always say thank you and acknowledge the good.  Honestly, I am truly guilty of allowing some of the situational stuff clog some of my thankful space.  There are some times that I pout, whine and complain about what I don't have and why what I have is not enough,  Guilty.  There have been some moments when I go into the dark space willingly to have a woe is me moment.  Guilty.  There are times when I can honestly say that I have not done enough and there is room to do more. Guilty.  I try to be a good person and I try to be be thankful.  I try to constantly say thank you to the most high and acknowledge His presence in my life.  I try to be in tune with the transition and not fight the growth forcing itself on me.  We must all be careful of what we whine and ask for in our lives.  There are so many things that I want for me and there are so many ways that I need to improve.  I am thankful that I can see the error of my ways.  I am thankful for self reflection.

In this moment of reflection I am thankful for so much.  I am thankful for the people that I have in my life.  There was a quantity of folks around at one point but now the quality is so much better and appreciated.  I am thankful for good women.  I  know in a world where ratchet thot like behavior seems to be the status quo, I am grateful to know some very wonderful women.  Women that are uplifting and encouraging and truly on team upgrade.  These women are intelligent, educated and  beautiful inside and out.  I am grateful for the growth that they feed into me.  It is a blessing to have people in your life that make you want to be better.  I am thankful for improvements.

I am thankful for the struggle being real.  Indeed it is very much real.  I am thankful that I can see better than ever.  I am thankful for the character building and forced growth.  I am thankful that a fall allows you to get back up.  I have learned so much about me in this season.  I have seen the good and truly recognize the not so pleasant.  I am thankful for opportunities, possibilities and all that maybes.  I am thankful that this time next year there will be so many more things to be thankful for but I am most thankful that I will not even have to wait that long.

Happy Thanksgiving today and everyday.

Happy Heart Day

The HEART is a very sensitive instrument.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART is a vital organ that is synonymous with love.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART is more than a metaphor.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART is the seat of the soul.  I am THANKFUL that you cannot live without the HEART.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART pumps and beats.  I am THANKFUL that the average HEART beats 72 times per minute and it beats over 100,000 times a day.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART beats almost 38 million times a year.

My HEART has been used, abused, adorned, held, embraced, sacrificed, loved, hated, pumped, broken, mended... I have made it through.  With all of that involvement, it still remains hopeful and open to the possibility of LOVE.

I am THANKFUL that I have a HEART to be merciful.  I am THANKFUL that I can have a change of HEART to change your mind.  I am THANKFUL that I can know something by HEART which isn’t phone numbers due to technology making me lazy minded.  I am THANKFUL that I have had my HEART in the right place to help ENCOURAGE people.  I am THANKFUL that being kind has been HEARTfelt.  I am THANKFUL that I can have my HEART set on something such as a life upgrade (Lord, I am ready when You are).  I am THANKFUL that I can WRITE allowing things to flow from my HEART.  I am THANKFUL that I have been able to cry my HEART out because release is important when my HEART has been heavy. 

My HEART is often full. I wear my emotions for all to see even when they don't know me from the next.  My HEART is real deep and runs though all sorts of emotion.  My HEART is ready for LOVE.

                   

I am THANKFUL that HEART heals from HEARTbreak.  I believe that we have all experienced it in one way or another.  We have loved and been broken no matter what the relationship may have been.  We have lost and been broken and we have had all experienced some sort of matter of the HEART.  I am THANKFUL that all matters of the HEART make us stronger and define us to be better people. ~Love, Curiosity and my Freckled Thoughts~

Day 29: Weather or Seasons

I am THANKFUL for the RAIN.  Today it’s RAINING in Southern California though they sang that it never RAINED.  It doesn’t RAIN often but when it does, it's failry cool though Angelenos completely freak out and get all kinds of crazy when it RAINS but it has moreso  been drizzling.  Outside of the crazy the RAIN is calming.  I am THANKFUL for it.  There is something about RAIN that is cleansing and peaceful. 

I use to hear that the RAIN was God’s tears.  We all cry, well most of us cry and Lord knows I cry enough for most.  I cry when I am happy sometimes though I would rather be shopping or joyfully drinking.  MAKE IT RAIN.  I cry when I am sad and most times it’s a grief stricken moment or maybe life is squeezing lemons in my eyes.  LET IT RAIN.  I cry when I am frustrated and/or overwhelmed.  LET IT RAIN.  I cry.  I release.  LET IT RAIN.  I make room for other emotions or change of season.  LORD, THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN.  It may be naïve but I am THANKFUL for believing that the RAIN is God’s tears.  I am THANKFUL that He needs to release.  The RAIN brings cleansing and the air is fresh.  I am THANKFUL for the RAIN.

Happy THANKSgiving

I have fallen off on the challenge.  I am only a few days behind but I will catch up tomorrow.  I have been working like a crazy woman.  I am actually on my way to work shortly for BLACK FRIDAY.  Old Navy opens at midnight.  I am kind of excited.  I enjoy working BLACK FRIDAY.  I am THANKFUL for all those that come in with their spirit to shop and I hope that all will be safe. 

Have a wonderful THANKSgiving

and please LOVE on all those that make your lives full of THANKS.

Smooches,

Freckles

Day 12: I am THANKFUL for my family...

I am THANKFUL for my family.  No one can pick or choose their family members but I am grateful for the family that God has given me. I have learned and have been blessed by so many different members.  They have each impacted my life in such a way that has made me a appreciation for growth.

I am THANKFUL that I was able to grow up with my grandmothers.  My paternal grandmother died NYE 2011.  She was my link to my daddy. We use to sit on the phone comforting each other and catching up on current events.  She use to tell some of the dirtiest jokes. All of the grandkids had a special relationship with her.  She was always open and available.  You could tell her any and everything and she didn’t hold back on you. She had a way of telling it like it is ALWAYS.  I am THANKFUL for that.  I am THANKFUL that I spoke to her before she died.  She told me that she was proud of me and loved me as I her.  I am THANKFUL that she died knowing how much I loved and appreciated her - BLESSING.

I am THANKFUL for my maternal grandmother.  She lives down the street from me – about 1 mile down the street.  She will be 80 in February - BLESSING.  She is something else and very special to me.  We have a very special relationship and I feel bad that I have recently been so caught up in me that I don’t spent as much time with her as I need/want to but I am going to do better.  She likes to converse about my love life and we enjoy dishing about stuff.  I love our times of conversation.  Earlier this year she got really sick and it was scary but God chose to keep her with us.  I am THANKFUL for her.
My father has/had 7 siblings (6 aunts and 1 uncle) and my mother has 1 (uncle). 

I have a sister who is the bestest.  I often say that one of the best things that God ever gave me is my sister.  I am THANKFUL that I have had the pleasure of watching her grow up into a wonderful woman, wife and mother.  She was my first baby. I am so proud of her.  She has given me 2 beautiful kids (a nephew and a niece) and a wonderful brother-in-law. I am THANKFUL for my sister.
I am THANKFUL that my family is made of several different people.  We are a plethora of different components that make a complete unit.

Day 9: I am THANKFUL for my GRATITUDE... (late edition)

I am THANKFUL for GRATITUDE…

I sometimes get caught up in the woe is me, Lord don’t you see, God do you hear me and oh Jesus did you blink.  I know God see all and I figured that if you see how hard I am having it or that I need some sort of breakthrough, You would give some sort of sign.  I almost let the devil see me slipping but there is a place... I almost let him steal my joy. I almost gave up.  But God say otherwise.... Thank you. Through it all - I am blessed and yes, I am going through but you cannot come out until you are through.  I know that but I truly understand it now.  God has chosen me to go through this storm (although it has been a little longer than I would prefer) so that I can share this with someone or help someone that is going through worse or even less and I am going to have an awesome testimony. He brought me through before and I know He will bring me through this. This going through is tough but it is what it is at this time. All I can do is praise Him through and open up to people in a way that I never have. So I try to just hold on.

God works in awesome ways. He sends angels to ENCOURAGE you when you are having a hard time encouraging yourself.  He sends you angels to show you when you cannot step outside of yourself.  He puts people in your LIFE to motivate you and takes people out of your LIFE that take up space.  I am THANKFUL for that. 

An angel shared a few thoughts, concerns and confirmations. She said some things to me that I had only shared with God.  She reminded me that pride and peace conflict and that I need to let go of my pride. She shared that she had been praying for me through her own struggles in life.  How wonderful is that and how blessed am I that someone had me on their mind and took the time to pray for me - I love to sing that song in church but now it has a new meaning for me.  I am so THANKFUL that she has been praying.  

You never know who is truly praying for you or who is in your corner when you are all caught up in your emotions (issues).  Sometimes your issues are not about you and sometimes you are suppose to endure the storm so you can know what you are made of.  I am THANKFUL that I am able to have GRATITUDE in my heart and spirit.

Day 8: I am THANKFUL for GENEROSITY (late edition)

A few years ago, I made really decent money.  I had an awesome apartment and a car.  I was able to take care of myself and I was self sufficient.  I was able to splurge on frivolous things.  It was a good life that I was comfortable living.  I never really took into consideration how much that would change or how much I would change along with it.

I never truly considered myself a prideful person until after my daddy died and my world changed.  I am not the kind of person that likes to ask for help.  I have a helping spirit.  I do whatever I can for someone I care about and I do it without expectation.  Generally if there is a need, I assist.  My friends would tell you that whatever I have is there’s without many limitations.  This attribute has been both a blessing and a curse. I do not comfortably accept or ask for help. Though, I have gotten much better at both.  I am truly my father's daughter (mistaking my pride for weakness). I don't want to need help and surely don't want to ask for it.  I haven’t really been a hand out type of person.  I have always believed that hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed but that is not always true.  While being in my storm, I have been learning about myself which is quite humbling.   

I am THANKFUL that I have realized that it is not weak to accept help when you need it.  I am thankful that there have been people in my life that have given help when I needed/wanted.  All the times that there was money slipped, nights out and wine in – hair appointments and rides given.   I am THANKFUL that I have realized that sometimes it is sometimes a blessing to someone else to be able to do for me.  I am THANKFUL that I have realized that doing for someone sometimes come back through other people and not always for the people that you did for.  I am THANKFUL for the GENEROSITY of people.

Day 4: I am THANKFUL for LOVE...

I am THANKFUL for LOVE.  I am THANKFUL that LOVE is a plethora of emotions.  I have come to terms with the fact that I am in LOVE with LOVE.  I am THANKFUL that LOVE can be authentic, genuine and not delusional. I am THANKFUL that LOVE is what you make it.  I LOVE LOVE.  I LOVE that there are so many forms of LOVE and so many things to LOVE, ways to LOVE...  I LOVE the thoughts associated with LOVE. I am in LOVE with the possibilities of LOVE. I LOVE the desire to LOVE. I LOVE the thought of being in LOVE. I LOVE falling in LOVE.  I LOVE expressing my LOVE (mentally, emotionally and physically and even spiritually). I even LOVE what it takes to be in LOVE and stay in LOVE.  I am THANKFUL that though I am “happily” single (to an extent) that I know that I am capable of LOVE and have the desire to LOVE. I LOVE hard.  I LOVE deep.  I LOVE tough.   I LOVE efficiently and sometimes too much.  I LOVE completely and sometimes effortlessly.  I am THANKFUL for LOVE songs, LOVE stories, LOVE poems, LOVE letters (though I haven’t received one of those in a while).  I am THANKFUL that I am in LOVE me and being in LOVE with me.  I have not always been this woman. I am and have been a true work in progress. In this journey I am THANKFUL that I have learned that you must LOVE yourself in or order to LOVE LOVE or a possibly have a LOVER.  I am THANKFUL that I feel like I have so much LOVE in me and that sometimes though I feel that LOVE has given up on me that I haven’t given up on LOVE.  There are so many reasons why I am THANKFUL for LOVE.

 

 

DAY 3: I am THANKFUL for FRIENDS...

I am thankful for the quality FRIENDS.  I use to believe being popular and well liked by a quantity of people was more important than the initial quality.  There was a time in my life where ALL those people seemed to matter and they attributed to the essence of me.  Looking back it is kind of crazy but it was.  NOW I am so THANKFUL that I know better.  The QUALITY of the friends mean so much more to me now and I am THANKFUL that my REAL FRIENDS know me and love me in spite of me.  I am thankful that  my friends understand that sometimes I just need space and time with my thoughts.  They know that I am purge crier as well as a big cry baby.  They know that I am there for them no matter what.  They know that I am their friend entirely.  It is such a blessing to have wonderful people in my life that I can actually call friend.

Today’s Mantra:  Tell your friends how much they mean to you:  Thank you for being my friend. I appreciate you for listening to me and helping me, even when you are busy. I appreciate that I can tell you anything and you will not judge me. Thank you for your feedback, without demanding I do it your way. Thank you for letting me lean on your shoulder sometimes.  I love you and I am continually thankful that our friendship continues to grow.  Thank You for being you.

DAY 2: I am THANKFUL for LIFE....

Life - I recognize that LIFE is worth living and that challenges of LIFE are character building.  I also understand that LIFE is precious.  I am THANKFUL for LIFE.  As I seem to keep stating that there are so many things going on in the world and most recently SANDY hitting the Northeast.  I have so many friends and loved ones in the area of the storms and I am so grateful that I have been able to be in touch with those people and knowing that they are ok.  The circumstances could have been worse and I am THANKFUL that their lives have been spared.  There is something about disaster that brings people together.  It’s kind of sad but awesome at the same time.  The sad part is that it seems that we would just simply be nicer to one another regardless of danger or disaster.  Of course in a perfect world we would be able to set aside differences for the greater good but it seems that this only happens when devastation is upon the horizon.  The storm was scary and as I sit over 2000 miles away in California I cannot help but to be THANKFUL for all the LIFE that was spared and all that will get through this. 

I am THANKFUL that there are still good people in the world that believe in LIFE.  I have been able to stop watching all the goodwill and stories about people helping each other just because they need help on the East Coast.  I love that there are those that still believe in helping one another.  I love that there are examples of LIFE worth living in spite of and makes me feel so blessed and so THANKFUL for what have.

 

Today’s Mantra: Continually praying for all those known and not known that have been impacted by SANDY.  I will be sure to do something wonderful for someone else just because with no expectations.  It will make me feel good about LIFE.

Day 1: At this moment I am THANKFUL for....

At this moment - I am THANKFUL that I woke up in my right mind.  There are days that this is sort of questionable to an extent.  Sometimes the matters of my world hold me hostage and attempt to the choke the life out of me.  I can hardly breathe and hardly function in my being.  Its tough pill to swallow.  I am not where I want to be in life.  I do not have the job/career that makes me completely happy or financially secure.  I sometimes worry where my next is coming from and why I am in this standby place.  It reminds me of planes on the runway waiting for their turn to take off.  I am soooooooooooo ready for takeoff but apparently it is not my turn just yet.  I am learning patience, clinging to my faith and trying to remain optimistic.  In my honesty, I am not always successful.  Some days I wake up feeling defeated and try my best to move through it. I feel as if my life is doomed and it spills over into my attitude towards others and life in general.  In these moments I am not the most positive to be around.  In those days it is a series of circumstances and situations that go through my mind and into my psyche sharing that I am not good enough and not worth it.  I am no myself and not completely in my right mind.  With all of that said, I am THANKFUL that today is not one of those days and I am feeling optimistic.  I am glad to be doing this challenge to keep my mind and thoughts positive.  Sometimes I need to be encouraged and today I am encouraging myself.  Today could be the day that everything changes for me and if I am not in my right mind I may miss my blessing and/or breakthrough.

Today’s Mantra: God I know that you are at work in my life.  Although the miracle I’ve been watching for may not happen today.  I know that I am one day closer to it.  I’m one day closer to my answered prayer, and I’m not going to be upset. I’ll not allow myself to become discouraged.  I know that your timing is perfect, so I am going to stay in an attitude of faith and keep trusting you to do what is best.  Father, I praise you for all favor today. 

                               In Your Name, Amen.

30 Days of Thanks Blog Challenge -

 There are so many things to be THANKFUL for and sometimes we are not in tune with the little things and are conflicted by all the things that we do not have.  I am guilty as well.  In the spirit of November and the THANKSGIVING season here is the November Blog Challenge – should you choose to accept it. 

30 Days of Thanks.  Each day has a TOPIC to be THANKFUL for and the CHALLENGE is to write a post regarding it.  However you choose – be creative and think about it.  CHALLENGE!!!!

 

btw, DAY 31 is a reflection to conclude this challenge.

 

November 1-30, 2012 - Please let me know if you are participating so that I can read your post and feel free to check me out on FACEBOOK  or Twitter (@NVFreckles).

 

Merry Memorial Day - RIP Daddy

Special Merry Memorial Day Shout out to all branches of military on this day.  So many lives lost in honor of this country.  How Great Art Thou that allows us to pay mere tribute in honor of those lives.  One particularly special to me is my daddy.  He was in the Air force and is honorably laid to rest in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. I am so grateful to the volunteers that paid tribute to my father and presented me with his flag along with the bullets shells from his salute. 

Rest In Peace Daddy and all men & women who serve this country.

RIP Grandma Freckles

Saturday morning my phone rang at 4:53 am.  I cracked my right eye open to check out the caller ID and it said my cousin’s name.  I was awaken by her trembling voice as she heard herself say the words out loud.  It’s ironic how real situations are when they are spoken out loud.  Then she said it with full emotional break, “Granny passed this morning”. Oh no.

I instantly felt paralyzed knowing the reality was full frontal.   In that moment I immediately went back to the moment that I learned that my father (her son) had died.  I needed to hear it then as now.  I am so grateful that we spoke the previous week.  I am grateful for the conversation with my auntie that lead to the opportunity to say “I love you” just one last time.  I am grateful for the words that she spoke to me that gave me comfort and left me reassured that we would laugh again.  In the reflection of that moment I now see how final it was.  I didn’t have that when my daddy died.  There was/is so much guilt consuming my heart for that.  I grateful that God didn’t see it necessary to put that on me again.

It’s ironic when you folks (i.e. ME) say that there are some things/people that I will not being taking into the new year not really considering what that statement really means.  I had no clue that it included my grandmother who I thought had some more time.  We do not always take into consideration that time is not always of us.  It’s more precious than we give credit.  It does not wait or linger.  It just constantly moves (with or without).  There is nothing like death to put some things into perspective encouraging you to put your priorities and people in order.

My heart is full and my mind is cluttered.  In my frustration I am hurt that I will not be able to attend her funeral.  I am grateful that I was able to assist with my sister’s fare to Illinois so she could attend for us.  My cousin put together our grandmother’s obituary and thought of me to assist her.  I shared with her that I truly appreciated her for including me.  It gives me joy to be apart in some minute way.  She assured me that I was her baby too and it was only right.  She asked me to write something for grandma’s obituary and I did so.  This is what I wrote:

With bowed heads and closed eyes, we give thanks to Thee. We thank Him for the blessing of your warm spirit, caring nature and jubilant smile. Your warm spirit calmed each heart and allowed so many to fall in love.  Every person that has ever been in your presence is better because of you.  The right words at the right time, always comforting and always sincere.  Always teaching what’s right and what’s wrong while rising to meet every challenge.

Oh, how your legacy sings!

With bowed heads and closed eyes, we give thanks to Thee.  Thankful for the root where our foundation begins and acknowledging that you are the inspiration of our dreams and our strength to succeed.  Ever so thankful for your faith that kept us all going.  Your character kept strong with your integrity in tact never being told what couldn’t be done.

Oh, how your legacy sings!

With bowed heads and closed eyes, we give thanks to Thee.  Thankful for your light that will brighten our journey at even the darkest hours.  We will not only celebrate your love for us but the love we all have for you.   We will celebrate your strength, your character, self confidence along with your hard work.

Oh, how your legacy sings!

With bowed heads and closed eyes, we give thanks to Thee.  We thank Him for allowing us to have you for as long as we did so that we may be able to see your example of spirit and spunk.  We love you and know that you will Rest in Paradise Grandma BB.

Flowing Kindness in Secret

I ran across this story in one of my daily devotionals. Thought that it was so wonderful that I just had to share. Imagine how wonderful the world would be if we got out of our own ways and paid it forward.

LATE one evening while studying at the seminary library, I overheard a conversation at a table near mine. The mother of one of the students was ill. He wanted to go home to visit her but could not afford to lose the money he would have earned at his part-time job. I was touched by the story and so, quietly, I found out the student's name. Quite sure that he did not know me, I looked forward to a chance to do something good in secret.

That afternoon I cashed a check for the amount he had mentioned and folded the money in a piece of paper with these words typed on it: "Go see your mother. Love, Jesus." The money and the letter went in an envelope that I placed in the student's campus mailbox. It felt good to know that perhaps I had made a difference in the life of the son and his mother.

An endless stream of kindness could flow from each of us to make the world around us a gentler place. Someday when I am in need, the Lord who has seen what I have done in secret may reward me with just what I need, given by a perfect stranger.

Anonymous

Scripture says: When you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. --- Matthew 6:34

Far too often do you hear people state what they did and who they did it for. They want accolades and attention. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with either but sometimes the deed goes unnoticed or becomes insincere. I am sometimes guilty of this too. I do not take into consideration that it's not that I did the deed but more so about the deed itself. When I take away from the deed by boastfully sharing, I take away from the blessing a bit. Then there are those that do something because of what they will receive in return. This is almost worst than being boastful. We should not do things for recognition; we should do them because it is the right thing to do to make someone else better. It may just make you feel wonderful.

After my father died, I lost my job and I was working a couple of part time jobs. I was thankful to be a part of church family that was very compassionate. I received a number of cards from people that I didn't know sharing their love and sympathy. When things got tough my church was helpful. My Pastor at the time called and text me every day for 3 weeks checking on my well being. When I finally decided to move back to Los Angeles, I wrote my pastor a letter sharing that I would be moving back home and provided him with all of my contact information. When he saw me on my final Sunday, he asked if he could share with the congregation that I was moving and of course I obliged. When the time came, he asked me to come up to the pulpit and told the church my situation. Of course many people did not know several of the particulars of the situation but they all seemed to care and prayed for me. When I got back to my seat I received an envelope that said God Bless Sister and I will be praying for you with no name. It was sent by an usher and inside was $100. There was no name and no one to say thank you to but I recall being so grateful. Grateful that God had put it on someone's heart to bless me. That anonymous angel did something nice for me in secret and trusted that God would reward their compassion. I still have that envelope, it still makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I am still ever so grateful.

Here is a little HOPE and TRUST for someone.

The Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of My 21st Birthday

THEME: 10th Anniversary of My 21st Birthday = 31

As I stated last week.  My birthday was Saturday, October 2 and I meant to post but I didn't - my bad.  I had a wonderful birthday.  My day began with a wonderful conversation with my bestie.  Then I spent the rest of the morning watching movies and conversing with mi Madre.  She is awesome.  I was glad that we had that time together because I felt me going into that I miss my daddy and he isn't here for another birthday moment once I looked in the mirror.  She didn't know this but it was constantly on my mind and her timing was impeccable.  She helps me through these meltdowns more than she knows.  I love the time that we spend together just conversing on all sorts of subjects.  This go around we both were rather emotional.  LIFE just always has a way of happening and becoming rather overwhelming but we have each other in this journey, as well as GOD guiding us and I believe that my daddy is watching over us too. 

I have FB coming to my phone as text and it became almost annoying but I love seeing who thought enough of me to wish me many more.  The phone just kept going off all day though and I was rather tempted to take the text subscription off - BUT OF COURSE I got over it!!!  Not too mention, I was paying attention to who was contacting me.  I was sort of expecting to hear from some certain people. 

Then this wonderful senior couple from my church called and asked to come by.  Honey, as we infectiously call her, bakes the most amazing Lemon cake that you have almost ever tasted in your life.  I put in a request several weeks ago and she remembered.  She and her husband came by and sang happy birthday to me which was super sweet!!!  I love them and they have a special something for me which is such a blessing.  You should always have wise counsel on your team.  It is the best way to learn.

I sort of just relaxed and had a few people bring by some gifts which was a pleasant surprise.  I love gifts but of course who doesn't.  I ran a few errands with one my girlfriend's to help her find something to wear for my party and ended up finding an amazing dress for she and one for myself, unexpectingly.  I was planning to wear something I had that I'd never worn and hadn't been able to fit prior to my weight loss and lifestyle change. Then I came across the dress for a bargin and even found a pair of shoes for another bargain that matched the dress.  Though it was not my intention to buy something - I went for it and it was

PERFECT!!!

I relaxed in preparation of my party and sent out some directions as well as confirmations.  Once we got to the establishment I WAS ON... I looked great, felt great and was so overwhelmingly happy with the turn out of friends that shared in my special day. Every showed up looking absolutely SEXY in our sexy environment.  We had our own personal bartender/waiter - SAM, who was so on it.  He took care of us and he said we took care of him.  You have got to be pretty awesome when the bartender buys you a couple of rounds of cocktails - YAY ME!!!  It was a great time full of Raspberry Lemon Drops. 13 to be exact.  folks just kept buying them and I kept drinking them.  I did go into my youth and drank like I was 21 but this go around I kept it sessi (Sexy) ...

It was a great birthday and I have to say that I am blessed in spite of... Last year was tough and turning 30 wasn't as wonderful as this birthday being my father's death was so fresh.  I am thankful that I can feel and see my strength this year compared to last year.  I have had some emotional moments since my birthday but I am still in celebration mode.  I miss him.  I miss him so much and I really wish that I could see him see the woman that I am becoming.  I am just thankful that now I feel him more than I did my last birthday. 

So, I toast my thankful birthday spirit to my parents. 

My mother for being good to me and keeping me. 

Daddy Freckles who I continue to look more like everyday.  I see him in me. 

I will drink to that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!!!

I want to shout out my friend once again, yes I have written about her before but she is just the special. Friends are very special people that come into your life to make you better.

They make smile. They make you laugh and Lord willing they make you live.

Thanks Friend. 

I am so blessed to have you in my life and I wish you nothing but the most abundant blessings.

Freckles 34 Random Birthday Quotes, Moementsm, Statements and Facts 

just for you Mane....

1. If there's something that you're dreaming of then may it all come true, because you deserve it all...HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

2. This is the first birthday in our friendship that we will not be together. Sadface but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!  3. For Salmon Croquettes and Grits On Saturday Mornings  4. ON THIS DAY IN 1967 THURGOOD MARSHALL WAS APPOINTED TO THE SUPREME COURT BY LYNDON JOHNSON  5. “Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.”  6. Shrimp and Grits from J. Christophers  7. “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”  8. All the Obama Magazines 

9. ON THIS DAY IN 1804 JAMES WELDON JOHNSON WAS BORN10. “It takes a long time to grow young.”  11. Cheesecake Factory  12. We know we're getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it. 13. Goodie Mob, Jill Scott and Dave Chappelle

14. Believing hear, what you deserve to hear: my own to me is dear...

But yours gives most; for mine did only lend Me to the world; yours gave to me a friend.

15. ON THIS DAY IN 1969 "HEE HAW" WITH ROY CLARK & BUCK OWENS PREMIERS ON CBS TV 16. Random adventures around ATL  17. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.  18. Then I found five dollars  19. Last week the candle factory burned down.   Everyone just stood around & sang Happy Birthday.

20.  Swaggerty’s Sausage  21. DC  22. ON THIS DAY IN 2007 BOB BARKER'S FINAL EPISODE AS HOST OF THE PRICE IS RIGHT AIRED  23. A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.  24. CL   25. Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.

26. ON THIS DAY IN 2000, RAPPER FLESH-N-BONE OF BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY WAS CONVICTED OF ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM AND FOR BEING AN EX-CONVICT IN CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AFTER THREATENING A FRIEND WITH AN AK-47.   27. CD 28. ON THIS DAY IN 2000: BRITISH MARINES LEAVE SIERRA LEONE - THE MAJOR CONTINGENT OF THE BRITISH MILITARY TASK FORCE SENT TO HELP RESTORE ORDER IN SIERRA LEONE LEAVES THE COUNTRY.29. Johnny Rockets 30. On this day in 1752 Benjamin Franklin and his son test the relationship between electricity and lightning by flying a kite in a thunder storm.

31. Five Guys  32. Also born on this day is ICE CUBE – how cool is that?  33. Andre 3000 is a gotdamn liar!

34. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE DUDE!!!