To the cat who saved my life many times over.

There's a HUGE chunk of my heart right there. Thats my goofy teenager and the sweetest most human-like loyal Cat you'd ever meet. I adopted him in August of 2001 while still living in our 1st apartment. It was against the rules to have pets but I didn't care. He was the absolute best fur-baby ever, and still is.

I was going through a rather "BLUE" stage in life when Talis came and changed all that. He was my baby, my friend and always there unconditionally for me. I mean look at him! I see more than a pet, I see a beautiful soul behind those beautiful big golden eyes. He's always been the one I could count on, to show me attention, love, and to make me feel special when no one else would. We have a connection I've never had with any other pet. I value him over many humans I know that's for sure. He's different, well behaved, always friendly toward those I let into my home. He knows the rules of the house- and I rarely catch him breaking them. Unlike his two little sisters....who are naughty. I don't think those girls will ever learn.

I'm writing today, because my heart is breaking. My best fur-friend has become ill. Unsure why or how this all started, it has resulted in severe weight and muscle loss. After a trip to the ER and $$$ later, it's been determined that he has a condition called Fatty Liver Disease. I'm afraid for him because he wont keep his medicines down, nor anything else... When he does try to eat or drink, he vomits it right back up. I want to help him, if it's even possible now. I'm holding on to him, but don't want him to be in pain. Financially it's not there, an my heart is hurting to see him this way. He's holding on for me... I can see it in his eyes. I think I have to make a choice soon. But I don't want to... especially if there's a chance he can regain his health. But I fear that may be wishful thinking at this point.

It's unbearable...I can hardly breathe.

Diamond in the rough.... it's been rough.

Yeap, we're are still rollin' with the punches. If we roll for much longer, we should be tumbled and well polished gemstones!

You know, by the end of the day when everyone has settled into bed, and I'm left alone with my thoughts THAT's when it really tends to sink in. Right now as I blog, oh my handy little blog that maybe no one ever reads- will always be here for me to vent, to cry, to express the feelings building inside. Feelings I don't always show in front of family or friends because I don't want to worry them or show weakness. I wont deny my feelings, but I wont always deal with them openly either. My trusty little blog listens and somewhere within my scattered thoughts- it makes sense. I find my peace of mind. Hey whatever works right?

I wonder why it's been such a struggle for my family these past two years. But I don't question why, as I trust theres some bigger reason beyond myself for all thats happened for all we've endured. I could easily fall negative and point out all the bad.... but choosing to see all the positive changes that have come about instead, keeps me sane. Life Happens... all we can do is roll with the punches and hope one day we will get a well deserved break.

I'm suprised that we've managed to keep a positive outlook for this long. Whatever it is we are doing, it's working. There is truth to how we live, and the koolaid hasn't poisoned us yet.

Life these past two years have stunk, probably the worst ranking years of our lives. But because of it, we've found true love & true happiness and have moved away FAR AWAY from the things dragging us down emotionally and spiritually, even physically. Material things, alcohol, negative people, fake people, meaningless relationships, uselessness, it's gone. Make Life Count for something- and do your part in it. Take responsibilty for your actions, show gratitude, and recieve happiness.

Instead of worrying about the things I don't have, or vacations I don't take, I give thanks for what I do have, and the people I spend my time with. This christmas I do not want for a single thing except to see my children happy. Maybe they wont have the grandest holiday ever, but they will know the warmth of a loving family means more than any material object. This year I have some holiday activities and crafts we can enjoy together like handmade tree ornaments, and ginger bread house making. Perhaps even bake some holiday cookies :) Of course, christmas movie nights are a must! And maybe even a christmas light show and stroll through the villiage again this year. We are buying a REAL tree this year for the 1st time ever so thats something to look forward to.

Maybe this will be the start for us, to getting back to the true meaning of the holidays. Commercial Marketing has ruined the real meaning behind everything! It has become a ME ME ME I WANT world. Let's get back to giving, and compassion, doing something good for someone OTHER than ourselves. I'll tell ya, when you do- it's the best feeling in the world.

God Bless You this holiday season.
xox

Living on a Prayer.

I hate the world today. I don't watch the news or read the papers for a reason. But when I'm told the neighborhood in which my kids & family live is going insane with violence, I have to be informed. These past few weeks I've listened to crimes of armed robbery in the local surrounding wawa's and 7-elevens, a corner pub in which two men tried to rob with loaded shot guns. I've heard news stories of cold hearted killers, rapists, pediphiles. And there's a recent trend of animal cruelty ongoing with microwaving kittens, and shooting cats with bebe guns. Can someone please tell me, WTF is going on today? Who does these things?

How the hell can anyone hurt another living being? Has the world really become that dark and desensitized? I'm worried.... worried for everyone. This planet has become a sad over-shaddowed place. The good people need to come together and rise up over all the evil that's been taking over.

PRAY PEOPLE....PRAY!!! Stand up and be heard. Do good in your communities, give back to humanity. Let's hear about the GOOD things in the news, instead of all the bad that the media feeds us. Stop spreading negativity and make the conscious effort to spread Love and Kindness! When was the last time you did a random act of kindness without any expectations of getting in return?

I challenge you, to do 1 meaningful act of kindness for someone who needs it (x's 3 diff people). And watch the positivity and kindness spread!!!!! You'll have the pleasure in knowing you made a difference in not only someones day, week, month or life, but you gave back to humanity. Humanity needs healing~ let's show some gratitude now!

Etiquette 101

Sometimes I wonder why people even bother to say anything at all. Say what you mean, and mean what you say for God sake. I'm mainly talking about those who "always" say I miss you, we need to get together. And then never get back to you when you accept. Is it just small talk? I understand how busy life can be, people have schedules, people are tired after work. Then, don't ask if we can meet up- if you dont plan to follow through! It's not hard people!  And my feelings wont be hurt. lol

I think it's even more rude, when plans are actually made and then canceled last minute. Unless there's actually a good reason "not an excuse." It boggles my mind how much the times have changed when it comes to RSVP's to formal occassions, showers, birthdays, etc too. People just don't feel the need to even respond anymore.  I hear about this far too often from different people. I mean come on people- it's RUDE!

People have no class these days. They have no "follow through." Pitty- what is that teaching the next generation? We're doomed... if we don't start setting good examples for our kids about the importance of promise and commitment and then actually follow through.

11 Forgotten Laws of Attraction

11 Forgotten Laws of Attraction

I believe this works, because I've tested it with success. I've just not been able to maintain it & keep it steady flowing in my life. But like everything else, when ya fall down you just gotta pick yourself back up and keep trying. Good things to come to positive people. It's a process to change they way you think- but if you can do it, so much good awaits you.

Blessings,
Amy xox

25 Days of Gratitude, Thanks/Giving

A good friend of mine had the idea to post one thing a day under her blog of what she is thankful for. I like this idea so much, I'm following her lead. I'm starting 4 days late so here goes.....

• Nov 1st. I'm thankful for my husbands new found spirituality. (1 year strong)
• Nov 2nd. I'm thankful my children are healthy.
• Nov 3rd. I'm thankful I have a Mom & Dad that I consider my best friends.
• Nov 4th. I'm thankful I have a handful of really good friends that I can count on.
• Nov 5th. I'm thankful for my sweet & thoughtful neighbor Erika Smith for offering my son and I a ride to and from school each morning.
• Nov 6th. I'm thankful to share my home with 3 super loyal & lovable cats.
• Nov 7th. I'm thankful for the laughter that fills my lungs whenever I'm with my Mom & Daughter.
• Nov 8th. I'm thankful for a cozy home, bed to sleep in, food to eat, and all the basic neccessities we need to live.
• Nov 9th. I'm thankful for the way my daughter is growing up, Beautiful, Comedic, Smart, and just a great person and friend to all. She makes us so proud. xoxoxox
• Nov 10th. I'm thankful for my son's gentle side, when he tells me I look pretty, the tender kisses, warm hugs, and most of all for when he falls asleep snuggled next to me. xoxoxox
• Nov 11th. I'm thankful for those "Happy Moments" when it feels like all is peaceful in my world.
• Nov 12th. I'm thankful for the talents God has bestowed upon me. I just wish I could earn a living from them.
• Nov 13th. I'm thankful that my parents live just down the street. They are always there, available and full of love & kindness.
• Nov 14th. I'm thankful for the beautiful people paying me to take their photos :) so that I can give my family Christmas this year.
• Nov 15th. I'm thankful for wonderful friends whom I may not see often, but can pick right up with as if no time has passed.
• Nov 16th. I'm thankful for friends and family who show unwavering kindness and support when Life gets me down.
• Nov 17th. I'm thankful that I have learned to enjoy my own company, never bored, and always using my time with a purpose.
• Nov 18th. I'm thankful for the SOLID marriage my husband & I have forged. We earned it, tested, tried and true. No kryptinite can penetrate.
• Nov 19th. I'm thankful for all the great prophets and buddhas, insightful, soulful people who've walked this planet spreading words of love and peace.
• Nov 20th. I'm thankful that I've learned to take responsibility for my actions and choices in life.
• Nov 21st. I'm thankful that I'm able.
• Nov 22nd. I'm thankful for the Free 21lb Turkey from ShopRite that will be filling our belly's this ThanksGiving dinner, and to have plenty to share with my family.
• Nov 23rd. I'm thankful I was able to see my Dr last month and have my medications adjusted without the added expense of testing and other out of pocket expenses. I'm feeling great now :)
• Nov 24th. I'm thankful for....... my sick cat finally eating something tonight after a $500 day at the vet hospital.
• Nov 25th. I'm thankful for my life, and all those in it. Especially for all THOSE who are NOT in it anymore. Haahaa I crack myself up.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!! And my thanksgiving wish this year is for all of you out there Hatin' on me or my family to choke on a turkey bone! May it puncture your lung cavity and drown you in blood. Hahahaha

Melissa Etheridge & Joss Stone - Janis Joplin Tribute

Two AMAZING artists! Love love love!