I wanted to take a quick minute to wish you all – my friends, family, clients, associates and comrades – a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend.  This weekend marks the beginning of summer for many, a time to relax and play, and most importantly, serves as a reminder to honor the men and women of service.
My dad didn’t serve in the military, but I did have two very dear Uncles that did. Vance fought hand-to-hand combat in Okinawa and Junior was in the Navy, serving in the Pacific and Aleutian Islands, both in WW2. Since they are both deceased, mom has told me stories about their heroism and pain of battle. Vance suffered severely with PTSD for the rest of his life and left this world in his late 50’s. Uncle Junior lived long and had a successful career, but never got over the prejudices he developed during the war. Knowing them and hearing their stories made my heart proud for their bravery and sad for the cruel residue that war leaves on a human.
Join with me in honoring the heroic men and women who have given their lives and their time in the armed services. When we honor them, we immortalize them.
Let us do all we can to make tolerance, peace and love a priority, not only in our individual lives, but also in the world we live in.
Love and peace XOXO….

From my heart to yours – How will YOU embrace this life?

If you are fortunate enough to have your health, to have a job, a home and shelter, and food to eat – then you are blessed in this world!  God lives in us, He is in our hearts.  He is joy within us.  He is love flowing out of us and to those around us.  It is up to me, no one else to realize this, and to ALLOW it to live in me. It is up to you to do the same.  I think life is this simple.  We so over complicate and over stress everything, seems like everyone is always looking for something or someone to blame for their problems – I certainly know I do.  This week a quiet voice from my mind came to me in a “moment” I was having, it said “you can either complain, cry and whine about this or you can make a decision to change it.” That statement, ever so clear, brought me peace.  I understood that I have that power to make change for me.  When I live in my joy, my love, and keep a grateful heart of hope and understanding of this simple fact, I am empowered to really live my life.
This holiday season find a silent night to ask yourself how you want to live your life, then remind yourself that you can!  Don’t be afraid to let your love out and share this same message to the people in your life. Be thankful for what you have and know that if you have the things I mentioned above, you are blessed above the majority of the people in the world!  It is really simple.  We’re here for a minute to love for an eternity of generations to come!
How will you embrace this life?
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with love,

This has helped me get through many hard times, and reminded me in the good times just how powerful it is.  Sending love to all the special people that I am lucky to have in my life… and each one of you knows who you are!
XOXOXO
Sandy

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I LOVE LUCY!  ; )

There is no question that Lucy had a strong will. When she set her mind out to do something, no matter what obstacles got in her way, she saw it through! You mix that kind of determination with a heart of thankfulness and gratitude, and I believe that nothing can stop you. Here’s a simple tip that I have learned through the years and discussed many times with my friend Dr K: Keep a grateful heart and a strong will. This is what I am centering my thoughts on for today and everyday. We all have frustrations and hard times, learn to navigate around them to find your solutions, and keep a grateful heart in the midst of it all (count your blessings). Success and prosperity will come to you.

I am grateful for you, my friends – for your friendship, your love, and support. You have warmed my heart many times without even knowing it, brought encouragement, and smiles. Thank you.

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend, and here’s a little recipe that you might want to add to the menu for the next holiday rounds, a tasty appetizer and one of my favorites.

Love and Peace!

Butternut Squash Soup

I usually eat Vegan or Vegetarian and have discovered the nutritious beauty of fruits and vegetables!  An old recipe that has always been a winner (especially now!) is Butternut Squash Soup. Here is a version created by Chef Mark Daniel that is a delicious treat served hot OR cold!  Download the recipe here and enjoy!

“You are responsible for all of your experiences of life.”

Kind of a tricky but true statement isn’t it? The trick is that it does not say “in life” but “of life.” You are not responsible for everything that happens to you, but you are responsible for how you react to what does happen to you – that part is our choice.    The formula then in life is this:  ” life ACTS, and I (we, you) REACT”.  
Our reaction is under our control. In any life situation you are responsible for at least one thing: How you react. You will always be responsible for the attitude towards the situation that you find yourself in. Your attitude is your reaction to what life hands you and it can either be more positive or more negative – it is under your control and can be changed. With the right attitude you can be a resilient person.
Everyday, I try to keep my focus on having the attitude that will bring me success in every way – financially, spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Here is my tip to you on choosing the best attitude:  Choose to have a grateful heart for all that you have and have been given.  Choose to have a strong will, a strong will to live, love, laugh, give, and overcome adversity, no matter what.  Focus on having a grateful heart and a strong will and let it shape a more positive attitude about your experiences OF life.
Love and Peace!
Sandy