Appreciation

For Loss of Words ~ Second Anniversary…

΅〜  ೋ ♥ ೋ 〜΅

Two years ago, on June 17th, 2012, I wrote my first post for this blog. I had no idea then all that could happen…would happen…it most certainly marked an epoch in my life. An epoch I am ceaselessly grateful for and feel it one of the most impactful changes in my life.

Shortly thereafter, I met Neil, my admiration of his writing was instantaneous, as was our friendship. On August 30, 2012 we published our first collaboration. It was such an incredible honor to read his words which I so admire. I had never attempted anything like this before…it was the beginning of future audio and video collaborations with Neil, followed by a few vlogs of my own.

 An excerpt from my “Christina ~ Out Loud” page…

“Neil…thank you so much sweet sir…you are a star who will always shine so bright in my night sky. A friend who helped pull me out of myself and try something new and so so fun!”

΅〜  ೋ ♥ ೋ 〜΅

΅〜  ೋ ♥ ೋ 〜΅

I wish to say thank you to everyone who has been along this journey with me, encouraged me, inspired me, and given me your steadfast support… with special gratitude to Neil who opened the door to new possibilities…new dreams…who encouraged me out of my shell.

Each one of you add so much to my life…

Transforming it from darkness into a rainbow of dreams…

~

΅〜  ೋ ♥ ೋ 〜΅

     ΅〜 ೋ  Christina〜  ೋ 〜΅

Something Wonderful Is Coming….

Okay, so I stole that line from a movie…if you know which one then I know how old you are! 😀  Seriously, I have been working on something that isn’t quite ready yet…I’m hoping to have it finished and ready to post tomorrow.

I really wanted to thank you all for your love and concern from my mom’s (Penny’s) followers and mine who have gone so far above and beyond in showing love and support that I am so wonderously overwhelmed! I wanted to give back a little something…I know it couldn’t possibly compare to what you’ve given me, but it is a small token to show my extreme gratitude.

It was important for me to throw this little post in here because of the…heaviness of the my last post and the one Penny (mom) wrote. It was a beautiful experience for both of us to get it out (well not all of it, but enough) and in doing so we are able to let it go. THE most important thing now is moving on for each of us and for the children.

Sure, we’ll have our bad days…but I certainly don’t want to LIVE there!!! I know in my heart of hearts that Duane would not want us sad…he would want us to embrace all that life has to offer and enjoy every moment of it! Okay so he’d probably want me to wakeboard too, but that’s on next summer’s list…maybe lol :p

So, please take this sincere graditude and know that you, each of you, have given an incredible gift to each of us.

You are all amazing, keep being unique, keep being you….and we’ll/I’ll keep reading and being inspired by you.

Hugs and Love,

Christina ~

Precious Gifts…

August 6, 2012 I published a post called “You Said…” It was a poem of my life (in brief) with my now deceased husband, Duane,  ( May 2010 ) and hopefully portrayed a peek at true, enduring, inexplicable love.  That’s what I hoped to share.  All the places I say “You said…..” he really did say those things.

It was a huge leap for me…a scary one, to put so much out there.  Myself and my children have been through too much these past two years and now are finally getting some peace, so I guess it’s all coming out here on my blog.

I am overwhelmed with the loving heart touching comments (and one very very amazing email from a sweet blogger friend) I received from so many of you. Seriously, some of them made me cry. It was just honest care and love being shared with words…and I felt them all.  Thank you…all of you.  I am so very appreciative to be part of something so incredible, to have you each in my life now as I begin anew.

It gets better…I received a request from Seadog to reblog the “You Said…” post. He was touched and wanted to share it. Thank you Seadog…I am truly honored.

When I checked my blog this morning there was another gift there for me…one that took my breath away and made me cry…happy and sad tears at the same time.

A most cherished friend ( Prashant ) had written a poem. I know there are things inexplicable in our world…and what would motivate him to write this…I’m not sure. But he did, and he shared it with me and it is so very beautiful.  It personifies Duane and the love we shared.

I asked Prashant if I could share it here, too precious to be tucked away in comments. He said it was mine…so again I will thank him for being open, honest, loving, empathetic and what Duane would love most….a husband who cherishes and loves his wife and children.  Thank you Prashant…you are a gift friend!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There was a thing I had to tell you

since you knew my soul through your eyes.

In the moment of serenity so longed for,

closer to you, my mortal worth lies.

~*~*~

Piousness in the love I had

fuelled my will to be a better man.

To carry your graceful charm, beautiful,

I tried my best – as best as a lover can.

~*~*~

Somewhere, HE just felt so different

or, perhaps, jealous of me being with you.

He never told me to complete my song,

holier than his prayers – so complete and true.

~*~*~

Now, when I see you from here

I feel stronger and so absolutely fond.

I know, in your heart, I am still alive.

As you smile with courage and beyond.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~ Appreciated Recognition ~

~ One Lovely Blog Award & Creative Chaos Award ~

I have recently been doubly honored in receiving my second “One Lovely Blog Award” from danblava at hurdlestohappiness. Thank you so much!!

(See below for the rules and nominations for the One Lovely Blog Award)

Also from Michelle at michellesomer.wordpress.com – I have been honored with the “Creative Chaos Award” Thank you so much to both of you for keeping me in your thoughts for these awards!! I am so very appreciative!

(See below for the rules and nominations for the Creative Chaos Award)

One Lovely Blog Award ~

1)    I need to thank the person who nominated me.

2)    Share 7 things about myself that you still may not know.

3)    Nominate 15 bloggers.

4)    Notify the nominees that I have done so.

5)    Put a logo of the award on my site.

 I already shared 7 things – but I’ll share another 7 things you may not know about me…

1)    I love to knit – when I have the time…it’s very relaxing…like therapy.

2)    I really really love to play video games, with my kids or my friends!

3)    I drive an old ’93 Suburban and I love it – Respect on the road!

4)    I named my dog (Pomeranian) Dante not just for the author but also because I love the movie Dante’s Peak.

Dante ~

5)    I love destruction of the earth movies like 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, and more – not sure why…maybe because they are so unrealistic (not the graphics-the storylines) and I’ve had my fair share of ‘reality’.

6)    I never want to mow the lawn (it’s big) but always LOVE the feeling of accomplishment when I’m done!

7)    Ok, ok, ok….so more information on the video game thing. My best friend and I often play Rock Band 3 (I’m the drummer) – It is a most cherished time to relax, be silly, laugh, and pretend we’re rock stars!

And now my nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award – Visit them if you get the chance! 🙂

1)     http://www.recoverythrumylens.wordpress.com

2)     http://thephoblography.wordpress.com/

3)     http://flashlightcityblues.wordpress.com

4)     http://mlatimerridley.wordpress.com

5)     http://ruthninawelsh.wordpress.com

6)     http://celestealluvial.wordpress.com

7)      http://rodpossefamily.wordpress.com

8)      http://pinkmattergreenmind.wordpress.com

9)      http://smileinstyle.wordpress.com

10)    http://myjournalofpraise.wordpress.com

11)    http://sanclemente365.wordpress.com

12)    http://betigaklaten.wordpress.com/

13)    http://nyparrot.wordpress.com

14)    http://travellingbag.wordpress.com

15)    http://hilalachmar.wordpress.com

Creative Chaos Award Rules ~

1)   I mention 3 weird things about myself

1)    I’m a cheese-a-holic

2)    I love naming my animals’ weird names – i.e. my orange cat is named Julius, and my oldest female cat is named Sawyer – her brother who is no longer with us was named Thomas.

3)    I love the colors black and purple (but not together!)

2)   Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full kind of person?

Most definitely a glass half full kind of person. I believe that I can find a positive in just about every negative situation. I may rant a bit…but then I just have to find something to laugh or joke about. Sometimes, I wonder where the glass is, as I am convinced someone moved it!

3)   You find yourself in a desolate place when your car breaks down. You have no cell phone service, no Wal-Mart, and only a candy bar for food. It is 150 miles to the closest town. What color are your underpants and why?

Since this is probably THE most bizarre question I’ve ever been asked I will answer bizarrely in return – Purple – because aliens don’t wear hats. 😉

4)   And the last task is to nominate 5 bloggers who have recently started following you.

1)    http://1twistedpixie.wordpress.com

2)    http://tchistorygal.wordpress.com

3)    http://thoughtfulnd.wordpress.com

4)    http://ratzone.wordpress.com

5)    http://quotography.wordpress.com

Congratulations to everyone! I hope these bring you the smiles they did me!! 🙂 ~

Christina ~