allmandy

My motto: dream bigger.  My passion: writing and connecting the dots that connect people. My love: #cloudsurfing (flying in a plane to a destination)

[allmandy]

The Swirl: Short Term Pleasure or Long Term Gain?

You are asked to do something. It’s your choice, you can say yes or, no. From the beginning you feel what the answer should be, and many times we ignore the feeling and give the opposite answer.

Whatever the choice, is it short term pleasure or long term gain? It’s a lot to consider. Sometimes we say yes when we want to say no, and then no when we want to say yes.

What holds us back from making the decision that is right for us? Is it peer pressure? Or fear? Or perhaps the ideology that we are not worthy or undeserving of something? Or are we worried what someone else will think or feel? Do we make choices to fit in?

Saying yes or no can make us feel good in the moment, and immediately could make us feel empty. Making decisions may cause us to pull the panic cord. We over think, over stress, and justify.

I used to find it hard to say no when I wanted to say no. And the hard truth to accept, I did not understand or know what I wanted or needed. I was not firm on my expectations, desires, and values. I could not abandon the expectations I believed others had for me, and I was not one hundred percent clear on what I wanted or needed for me.

I was in a swirl, an unknown territory. By not knowing or understanding what was best for me, often choices were made haphazardly. They did not flow, they were not intentional, and often completely random. I was a people pleaser, and forgot to respect what felt good for me. Often ignoring my intuition, I made choices that were not to my hearts desires, causing justification to occur in my head.

Choices are not about others. Decisions and choices are about you. Often it can be terrifying to say no or yes in situations. Trust the process. Immediately, your gut instinct will tell you if it feels good or not. It took time for me to learn this. To learn that it either feels good, or it doesn’t, and all of that is ok. I love to make people happy, and it is finding the right balance, as you may not be able to give more of yourself if you stop looking at for you.

Do you trust yourself enough to follow through with a firm yes or firm no? That is the key, it is about being true to you- whatever that is.

Choices should serve you, not devalue you. They can also draw fine line at times. Be smart, feel your heart. And remember, excellence demands excellence…

The decision and choice is your standard. What is yours?

[allmandy]

A #fireworks #kiss - http://identity.events/2015/07/a-fireworks-kiss/ #poetry #writing

[allmandy]

Here is to #green shoes! West Jordan #shamrocks, and of course a pot of #gold at the end of a rainbow! #happystpattysday

[allmandy]

Today a friend sent me this quote. Today it could not be more true. I am embarking on a journey I never knew I would. I am moved, touched, and thankful for the all moments (good and bad) that he's led me right here, to this place. #thankyou #gratitude #change

[allmandy]

Does Your Flat Need To Be Changed?

Today, a friend called due to a flat tire on the highway and asked if I could pick him up. Of course I said yes, and went there thinking, if I get a flat tire, who do I call? What do I do? 

We all get flat tires in life. Do we continue on as if nothing is happening, letting every bump continue to hurt us a little bit deeper, or do we call a friend? Perhaps we fix it right then and there to continue down the road to commitments. What happened on the side of the road today was not about me wondering how to take care of my tire, but how I showed up.

Sometimes in life we have to set a reset button, and flat tires are the perfect time for evaluation. When we press that button and start anew, we choose how we handle any situation. During lunch with a colleague prior to this highway rescue, I was told you are always smiling and it makes me smile. It's as if you can hit a bump in the road, but you will find a way to make the best of it.

As I reflect on this day, I realized that I pressed a reset button this past summer on giving my best to me. For not settling, for taking on my dreams, and for truly following my heart. You see, for so long, I have given the best of me to everyone and everything else. I over succeeded in many areas of my life, and under exceeded in the taking care of me part.

When I stepped into a place of watching out for my back (because if I don't, who will?), change and growth happened. I wanted more, needed more, and dreamed more. I started feeling as if I was holding back and when I stopped allowing my thoughts to hold me back, I blossomed. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and into a place that made me stretch, and it opened my world.

When I did this, and I started following what my heart truly wanted, everything changed. The world started becoming my oyster. Perhaps the most painful experience of this, was the demise of my marriage. 

Staying in the relationship was holding us both back from pursuing what we both really wanted in life.

The day we called it quits was a beautiful sunny day on the beach. There were tears and heartache, however I will never forget that I felt like a bird in flight for the first time in a very long time. I felt as if I could conquer the world and have everything I imagined.

This flat tire needed to be changed. Out with the old and in with the new they say, so why not get four new tires and start fresh on this journey of mine. I always knew I understood my instincts. When I was 13 I was sluffing school at McDonalds on my birthday. I told my friends, I have a bad feeling about this, and sure enough my mom drove by, turned around and made me get back to school with only a look of disappointment. That night she threatened to take away my ability to attend dance competition, so it helped I had become a strong negotiator and always carried a 4.0.

I knew I had instincts of what I felt was right or wrong, however sometimes I chose the wrong thing for me in order to please someone else or give my best to them. In the case of my most recent flat tire, I chose me. And what I have always found is if I make the choice that I feel is right, it always turns out best for me.

I can't give the best of me to anyone, if I don't give the best of me to myself first. And what a ride it has been choosing to watch my back and follow my instincts.

Since that sunny day on the beach, I have deepened my relationship with my family (especially my parents), have realized who my closest friends are, and have been soaking up cloud surfing time to so many destinations.

Today, I am thankful for my flat tire, and for the opportunities it opened up for me. I am thankful for the ability to reset, refocus, and to believe in myself. And I am thankful that I can show up for others. 

What will you do when you have a flat tire? 

[allmandy]

Everyone Needs An Aunt Esther

Today, my 95 year old great aunt passed away. She was determined, strong-willed, and full of grace. She always had a sweet disposition, and her voice and laugh is one I will never forget. Always welcomed with open arms, hugs, and treats, my Aunt Esther was a remarkable woman. She saw the good in everyone and everything, always smiling and asking , "How are you." I remember her 80th birthday party like it was yesterday. The countless hours of putting together a family scrapbook to watch the joy spread across her face as she reminisced in memories of family and friends, the most important piece of her life. She was remarkable. As my father put it, everyone needs an Aunt Esther. She loved all of us, making us all feel special and unique in our own way. She had a way of knowing when someone was not happy or needed cheering up. She watched my brothers, my cousins, and me grow from small children to adults, and knew each of our attributes and potential. Her long beautiful fingers never aged a day over 21, and her spirit could light a room. You could not help but be happy when you spent time with Aunt Esther. Her imagination vivid, and her mind always sharp, she was the glue that held family together. Everyone wanted to be where Aunt Esther was. Gatherings at her home were were comforting and joyful. I always held a special place in my heart for my Aunt Esther and my Uncle Melvin. There smiles contagious. I asked my mom her favorite memory of Aunt Esther, and she said there are so many- From visiting California beaches buzzing their plane at the farm house mom grew up in, her memories were so full of love and excitement. The farm was a special place. It was here I would ride passenger seat with my Uncle Melvin during the fall beet harvest. He was always happy, sipping his coffee (probably where j acquired a taste for black coffee), and willing to let the "girl" hang with him. I loved every single moment with him. When he passed years back from cancer, my Aunt Esther lost her best friend. The strong woman she was, carried on. Living life to the the fullest everyday and being an example to all those she came in contact with. She was elegance. I missed my Uncle Melvin's funeral, and for that I am incredibly sad. I vowed I would not miss my Aunt Esther's. She was such a blessing to all of us in our lives. The last time I visited her was approximately three years ago. She had moved from the house we visited as children, but her home was still full of warmth. Always offering us something to eat or drink and greeting us with her sweet voice. It was then I knew it may be the last time I would ever see her. I moved to the east coast hastily, leaving my family and roots for a career opportunity. In the past few weeks I have been doing a lot of personal reflection about where I am in my life and what is to come. Three years ago when I hugged her goodbye, I teared up. It was not because I was leaving, it was because she had so much wisdom and love to spread. If I could be like anyone, I would choose Aunt Esther. Always joyous, graceful, and proud. I am thankful for the many times with her and life she thrived in. Considerate and giving, she saw only the best in all of us. As I sit in the airport writing these words, I am overcome with emotion. At a time in my life I was missing my family, she found a way to bring us together. To remind us of what is important and to celebrate a life well lived. Well played Aunt Esther. Your remedy was the perfect timing and your joy will shine on. Everyone needs an Aunt Esther. Cheers to cloud surfing!

[allmandy]

The Slight Edge On Making Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

Today is the day we say goodbye to another year, and we make a wish list for a new one. On this night at the stroke of midnight, we count down 3, 2, 1... raise our glasses in cheers to what is to come, kiss a loved one, and toot our horns to celebrate a new beginning. 

At this pivotal moment we let go of the past 365 days, vowing to make changes in the year ahead. Call them resolutions, year lists, or bucket lists, the idea that the first day of the year can set us on pace for lofty changes is admirable, but is it attainable? 

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and be inspired to do something for a minute. Writing down our yearly goals, both personally and professionally can be overwhelming and inspiring. The simple act of putting our New Year’s wishes on paper is not enough. Statistics show that the probability you will stick to your resolutions are dismal, with many beginning to drop off after only a week, proving it takes more than a pen and paper and toast of champagne to keep momentum. 

The truth about new goals or aspirations, we have to be ready to accept change. Many of us focus on being healthier, saving more money, or spending quality time with loved ones. Whatever our goals are, we have to be in a place that those goals are both attainable and sustainable. If we want to make a goal to stop drinking or stop smoking, we need to look at our surroundings. If we are spending new years with friends or family that smoke, it will be harder for us to not want to grab for a cigarette. 

Speaking with a close friend of mine, we discussed our 2015 goals. He reminded me of a simple theory, “Who you are, determines how well, what you do works.” The meaning of these words allows us to realize our goal setting needs to be based on each of us individually. Having a broad resolution, like stop smoking, does not provide the validation we need to see baby steps of success. 

Each day we wake up and take a step forward. It is what happens in the everyday that serves us and allows us to move towards our lofty goals. Having a slight edge daily will ultimately take us where we want to go. We can choose to support what we want or throw it in the trash. Setting attainable resolutions, will help us in achieving what we want. I encourage everyone to dream bigger, and dream bigger we should. Dreaming keeps hope alive, however it is the everyday wins that carry us towards those dreams. 

As you reflect on the past year and identify where you are headed in 2015, set a goal that is appropriate for you. Don’t skip the step of identifying where you are. We all want more of something, and we all feel good when we celebrate a win. Determine goals that you can achieve. Take baby steps and give yourself the slight edge daily to your success. Gift yourself wins, and you can achieve your dreams. 

Cheers to the small successes you will have in 2015. And cheers to dreaming big, and gifting yourself the idealogy of both. 

Happy New Years, 

Mandy :)

[allmandy]

3 Places To Escape The Winter Blues

Many would agree that vitamin D is good for you. The sight of the wooly caterpillar symbolizes a sign of a coming harsh winter, assuming unusual amounts of snow and cold temperatures could be in the forecast. Escaping from feeling of blistery groundhog day winters with hazy skies and bitter cold that chills to the bone may be just what the doctor ordered. I've discovered three tropical destinations that will take the winter blues away and leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and sun-kissed. 

1) Rosas & Xocolate (Merida, Mexico) - The place to go for ROMANCE. This pink colored boutique hotel located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico has a little bit of everything. Situated on a prominent corner of the renowned street address of Paseo de Montejo, the hotel restaurant was recently voted one of Mexico’s top restaurants by Travel & Leisure. A courtyard cafe and casual elegant poolside embraces with the warmth of pink roses and tropical air. With convenient access to all that Merida has to offer, this is the place for couples to restore their romance or individual travelers to fill their hearts with passion. From aroma-therapy spa treatments to chocolate drizzled refreshments, and a rooftop tequila bar to five star dining, this winter escape will rejuvenate your spirit and remind you what love is all about. How to get here: United Airlines offers direct flights from Houston (IAH) to Merida (MID). Must do: Visit the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal, Afternoon coffee and pastries at Pistache, Beach Day in Sisal, and an evening walk around Centro. What to order from the menu: Octopus - Octopus crisp, garlic chips, habanero pepper and cherry tomatoes. http://www.rosasandxocolate.com

2) The Landing (Harbour Island, Bahamas) - Find charm and REFRESH. Classic Bahamian architecture complete with Ralph Lauren designed rooms, The Landing overlooks Harbour Island’s bay street and harbor. A five minute golf cart ride to a three mile stretch of pink sand will complete your life-long dream of finding the perfect beach. Rated one of the top restaurants on the island with a wine cellar to compliment, a visit to the candlelit bar is a daily happy hour must. A private outdoor pool provides privacy when you feel like tucking away and getting lost in a book. Gift yourself a taste of Afrohead Rum or logo’d shirt to cement this charm in your memory forever. How to get there: Direct flights from Miami (MIA), Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) and Nassau (NAS) to North Eluethera (ELH). A 3 minute taxi ride from the airport to the dock, and a water taxi ride from North Eluethera to Harbour Island will each cost five dollars person. Must do: Rent a golf cart, lunch at Sip Sip, and morning coffee and breakfast at Bahamas Coffee Roasters. What to order from the menu: Lobster Ravioli- This one-of-a-kind dish you will crave for years to come. http://www.harbourisland.com

3) La Luna (Grenada, Carribbean) : Rejuvenate your HEALTH. Tucked away, La Luna is the place for the health-minded traveler. An onsite beachfront yoga pavilion and spa will cure any winter cold and boost your antibodies for fighting the winter blues. Catch of the day seafood entrees will allow you to easily make healthy dining decisions. Breakfast in bed overlooking the bay through open french doors may be the best start of any vacation you have been on. The outdoor shower and private plunge pools are an added bonus to the private villas awaiting your arrival. The bar area provides an infinity pool with Bali inspired lounge seating, perfect morning to night for sipping cocktails, reading, sun-bathing or engaging conversation with the hotel owners or staff. How to get there: Direct flights from Miami (MIA), and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to Grenada (ELH). A 25 minute taxi ride from the airport to La Luna. Must do: Morning yoga on the beach pavilion, hike the Mt. Qua Qua Trail, and kayaking in the bay. What to order from the menu: Breakfast- your choice in bed or on your private balcony, you really can’t go wrong. http://www.laluna.com 

[allmandy]

May You Always Have Hope - A Thanksgiving Message

Yesterday I spent the better part of my afternoon volunteering time at a local charity, which was passing out over 1,200 dinners to families for Thanksgiving. The turkey and all the fixings were packaged for individuals to take home to prepare a holiday meal for their loved ones. As I sat there and greeted all of the men, women, and children that arrived to pick up the donated meals, I thought about the meaning of the gift they were receiving. 

Far beyond taking away hunger or hurt, this meal would provide so much more. It would inspire conversation and most importantly provide memories. Memories that would be carried through life that may instill hope and peace in at least one person.

I greeted teenage mothers, veterans, the sick, and the less fortunate. The emotions that ran through me were deep, and made me even the more grateful for all that I have been blessed with in my life. I made it my goal to look everyone in the eye, tell them Happy Thanksgiving, and truly connect with them. Maybe all they needed was to feel validated, and I would not allow them to leave feeling small because they asked for help.

We have all raised our hands and asked for help in our lives at one point or another. Each of us will experience setback, hard times, ups, downs, twists, and turns. It is hope that keeps us all going. Hope that we can have, be, do, see, or feel more.

As the world grows and connection becomes easier through technology, are we losing heart? I was one of maybe 30 volunteers at this particular charity. I watched former NFL player and Congressman Heath Schuler, dedicate his entire day to loading turkeys in cars and speaking with each individual he came in contact with. What an example of giving and receiving from the heart. He was there because it meant something, not for recognition.

It is easy to text on our phones and say hello, however there is nothing more meaningful than looking someone in the eye and speaking from the heart. 

Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to fly to my hometown and eat a home cooked meal with my family. I miss the moments of laughter and entertainment my brothers, nieces, nephews, and parents provide. I challenge you, wherever you are to make a memory. Create a moment you can treasure for the rest of your life. 

To all those families I met yesterday, I wish you peace. I wish you love. I wish you happiness. To all my friends and family, I wish you the same. May you always have hope and be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,

Miranda

[allmandy]

Five Lessons Lessons Learned Drinking Bahamas Coffee

A good coffee shop inspires conversation, requiring a heartfelt depth of community. Making a cup of coffee is easy, providing an embrace for each person walking through the door is not something just anyone can do. Entrepreneurs, Kirk and Patti Aulin of Bahamas Coffee Roasters, have started their dream of caffeinating the lives of those lucky enough to visit Harbour Island, Bahamas. 

Their spirit, drive, and coffee are one of a kind. Painted “fishing blue” floors were inspired by the love for fishing on the open waters of 30 foot depth, and their smiling faces prove their passion for life, people, and roasting. The couple from Canada, have an amazing story. From professional hockey, to managing resorts throughout the Caribbean, this couple is proof that living the life of your dreams is in fact possible. 

Work is not work at Bahamas Coffee Roasters, it is simply passion. Commuting by boat is their daily lifestyle choice. What they have created on Harbour Island is a place for inspiration and conversation, greeting everyone that walks through the door. Each individual is important and therefore Kirk and Patti leave each guest better off than before they walked through the door.  The invaluable time spent at this lovely spot is a bookmark in my life.

The gift of Kirk, Patti, and Bahamas Coffee Roasters and their dedication of connection, time, and space gave me five fabulous reminders I want to share with you. 

Protect Your Time - I was fortunate enough to spend two weeks on Harbour Island, and even more fortunate to stumble upon the eight month old coffee shop. I instantly connected with Kirk and his dog on my first visit in. We struck up conversation, and morning coffee visits became my daily routine. Over the course of my travels, conversed with this special couple, discussing philosophy, philanthropic adventures, passion, family, and the future of coffee. Perhaps the most important takeaway was the reminder that time is precious. Choosing who, what, where, and how we spend our time is a reflection of our true character, making moments in time worth everything. Protecting your time is giving your heart and soul to those individuals or things that truly deserve it. When there becomes a boundary issue, take on the attitude of Thank You. Thank you for not wasting my time and move on. Protect your time and give your time to the ideas, people, and things that make your heart sing and also reciprocate the effort. 

Smile Often - A simple smile can brighten something around you. A smile is a hello. An acknowledgement. A form of hello, good morning, or good evening that can break barriers. So many people are closed off. Not open to expression or communication, or simply concerned only with their own agenda. A smile provides warmth in a non threatening way, and at the very least may light a spark for one tiny millisecond in someone that needs hope. We all have our battles in life. For many, smiling is hard. Smile often. Say hello. This simple act can open doors unknown and provide new meaning for everything. 

Fish As Often As You Can - For the Aulin’s, fishing is life. The quality family time on the water is what they live for. They have chosen their home and business to support the things they love, living from the heart. Fishing may not be your passion or what fuels you, however there is something inside of you that reconnects your spirit and makes everything worth it. Understanding that drive and supporting it will change your attitude, relationship, and quality of life. Whether simple or complex, feed what drives you. I’m not saying to give up your career or move to an island. What I am saying is to find balance. With balance, you are centered, ready to do more, be more, and give more. Fish as often as you can. 

Caffein-ate Your Day - Growing up I watched my father fill a 64 oz. cup with Diet Pepsi as a morning ritual. His version of caffeine was not coffee, it was Pepsi. Caffeine comes in many forms, and I am not referring to coffee or chocolate. Bahamas Coffee Roasters filled my cup with lattes, americano’s, and tea for 2 weeks, although it was not the liquid that fueled my day. It was the attitude. To caffein- ate your day, you must greet it with a positive attitude. Each day is a blessing and offers a gift. Many days can be filled with grumpy, bashful, or sleepy. It is your choice to engage at any level.  My morning routine includes a cup of coffee, however that is not the beginning to the end. Gratitude, a smile, and a gentle reminder of my purpose is my true caffeine. There will be tough times, and times you need some help. Ask for it. The Aulin’s caffein-ated my days with their attitude and love, instilling a small reminder to choose positive over negative and choose hope and desire over woes and bitterness. 

Be Open To Possibility - If you find your hands in fists more often than not, it may be time to discover why you are closed off. Touch is important. Our hands are a gift, feeling embrace, handshakes, and almost everything we touch daily. Hands are the foundation for possibility. Closing off does not allow energy to flow and keeps things stagnant. The hands that embraced me while visiting the coffee shop opened conversation, possibility, and hope. From the screenwriter to the local construction workers, each of their hands wrapped around a cup of joe proved to inspire communication. Communication leads to hope, hope leads to possibility, and possibility leads to change. Be open to possibility. Only you can decide if it is right for you. 

Thank you to this lovely couple who has traveled the world and smiled for so many people, and for what I am sure has touched many hearts across the globe. The attitude, spirit, and embrace is one of a kind, and something I will never forget. May you take these coffee shop lessons and apply them in your own life. May you protect your time, smile often, fish as often as you can, caffein-ate your day, and be open to possibility.

Dream Bigger...

Miranda 

[allmandy]

Don't Speak To Me, I'm In Ocean Mode

The puttering of golf carts transporting islanders, beach goers, and workers from A - Z. It is Monday morning on Harbour Island where the roosters are roaming and giving their best cock-a-doodle-doo in the near distance, as she sips her latte at Bahamas Coffee Roasters on Dunmore Street. 

The sights, smells, and sounds of the island all the same as her memory had served her from when she once lived in the apartment known as “Snug Corner”. So much has changed in the 8 years since she had been here, yet so much was the same. The charm had not faded. Each home painted in color and named appropriately told the story of the island. As the palm leaves swayed in the wind, she closed her eyes and reflected on her life. All of the ups, downs, twists, and turns that had led her to this very moment. Both the opportunities and setbacks that had been blessings and had shaped her view of life, inspiring her to think big and dream bigger. 

The perception of our life or how we should live is a choice. There are those that wake up everyday in a city of concrete and high rises, and those that wake up to the sound of a rooster crow and breathe the warm salty air on island time. What we have, what we need, and how we choose to live is a view of what each of us believes. For her, she wanted to experience it all, shaping her individual style from everything she had discovered. The desire for balance, inspiration, and to give was her thirst for being at peace in this massive, yet quaint world. 

Island ya-ya’s and a bright shining smile was how she wanted to take on each day, choosing her attitude and sphere of influence. Connecting with the ocean and pink sand beach that spoke to her core, and reconnected her spirit and values with a simple reminder that it is okay to say “Don’t speak to me, I’m in ocean mode.” The pure essence of living is being true to oneself, and she knew she had spent many years trying to please others and overcoming illness. She knew she was setting sail into some unchartered waters in her life to do big things that made her heart sing. She used to believe that what she wanted was being selfish, never putting her needs and desires first. 

Her adventures had led her to so many people, places and things, Harbour Island was only part of her story. A wise woman once told her, “the island will only make you or break you”. For Grace, the island had whispered, “follow your heart and live your truth, that is the gift you have to give back.” As a monarch butterfly softly landed on her cheek, she knew she was ready for to set sail. Her passion and desire to do and be more was not selfish, it would make a difference.

New sights, new sounds, and new experiences awaited. She was ready to let go of what she had known for the chance of what could be. The choices and experiences had propelled her to this exact moment. As she turned the page to a new chapter, the coming words would be different.

[allmandy]

The Dreamer In Me

Complimented by a sky blue tutu, she was standing in first position on the cold elementary school gymnasium floor. Over the intercom she heard the cue the music would start. Kermit the Frog began strumming ‘The Rainbow Connection’. Perfectly timed mini ballet jumps to chords - da, da-da, da, da, da-da. Butterflies in the stomach transformed into the feeling of sunlight peeking through the clouds as pure bliss radiated from her smile. 

Her first dance competition opened up the world of possibility, a thirst for more performances and opportunities. The discipline and repetition of plies, ronde jambe’s, and leaps across the dance floor were providing her a structure of balance and creativity. Showing her a world of dreams, desire and passion. With hard work and heart dreams could come true. 

The dance floor carried her from little girl with a tiara, to a young woman filled with emotion and photos painted in her mind of what the world could be like. The art of dancing told her story, happiness, sadness, emptiness, even flawed perceptions. The dance studio was her sanctuary - providing peace, love and hope. Sprained ankles, bruises, and falls to the floor inspired her to always get back up, to try again. 

The fire inside her kept her stargazing, even when the flame felt like paper thin ashes. The confidence she once held on the dance floor, took many blows on the stage of real life. Health obstacles, relationship woes, accomplishments, and setbacks, manipulated her perception of what she thought she could have and what she had. Often diminishing her dreams and expanding her fears, as the passion took a back seat. 

Slowly opening her heart to the world, she started understanding that passion was the difference. The slight edge that one person, business or performance used to move another to evoke an emotion, make a decision, buy something, or feel. To feel connected in her world meant change. Making room for dreams to grown, goals to be achieved, and to-do-while-living lists to be checked off. 

The magic of Kermit’s spell on the dance floor has surfaced. Allowing all her wishes and passion to expand the dreams inside and see the world in a whole new light. Once half asleep, she is answering to the call to feel and to dream bigger. 

[allmandy]

Soulful Love

Sipping a glass of red wine, nostalgically listening to the itunes songs I have collected over the years, I realized how many phases of life I have been through and how many are yet to come. There are songs that remind me of choreographing dance routines, blissful memories with friends, and some that remind me of overcoming heartaches. 

The words of songs have so much meaning to me. The melodies sing to my heart, while the lyrics sing to my soul. I often wonder what the writer was thinking of when creating the words that will forever be a memory to someone receiving on the other end. I believe there is meaning behind everything we create, whether it’s music, a dance routine or blog post. 

Capturing the heart is not an easy task. It speaks so loud and clear, yet putting it to words or movements can be daunting. What lives inside of each of us is so much more than we can fathom. Often we suppress the feelings and emotions to stay strong, be the bigger person, or choke back the tears. They say actions speak louder than words, and I tend to believe that in most cases. The right words can create a movement or inspiration that ignites the soul, the true heart of the matter. 

The words I love you are used daily all over the world, husband to wife, mom to child, and brother to sister. Those 3 words may be the most understood among all languages across the globe. When spoken they can take on different meanings. When written on paper they express love. When described with movement or description, these 3 words embody the spirit that lives behind them. From butterflies in the stomach to goodbye kisses in the end, the emotion fills us up inside. It does not let us go, keeping hope and dreams in a moment of raw truth that we can only hope to repeat again. 

I write to express my thoughts and feelings with the world. Life experiences have shaped who I am and my heart has so much to give, that releasing the realness of a moment is like bear hugging the world. There are times I need to be held and writing has its way of answering the call to unleash a passion hardly spoken of.

We all have a passion, it could be dancing, helping others or taking care of our children. The passion we live and breath, keeps us going each and every day, allowing us to open our hearts to giving and receiving the beautiful wonders of this world. Thank you world for the grace you have shown me, the amazing journey ahead, and most of all for soulful love that could shake an empire.

[allmandy]

Grandma's Brownies

I think I'm going to have a brownie for breakfast. I am craving my favorite ‘Re-fresh Mint’ tea from Starbucks and a need for comforting. The Starbuck’s chocolate brownie reminds me of the brownies my grandma made for me while visiting our family farm in Rupert, Idaho. I used to spend many hours sitting on the metal stool in the kitchen, while my grandma cooked and made sandwiches for the boys. I remember the small mason-jar style glasses she would give me filled with water, the smells of inside of the cabinets, and the round pink candy that filled a secret plastic bag. 

My favorite memory and one that will be passed down for generations to come is my all-time favorite recipe, “grandma’s brownies.” Every time I visited my grandparents, the same tupperware container atop the refrigerator awaited us with our favorite treat inside. I can’t remember a trip to grandma’s house without at least one brownie. Since my grandmother passed in 2005, I always think of her when I make her brownies. 

For some reason she has been heavy on my heart the past couple of days, Starbuck’s close second to grandma’s secret recipe (only when served warm) reminds me of her. My grandmother passed from Alzheimer’s. I was young when she was officially diagnosed, and watched her digress for years. I will never forget being twelve years old watching my grandmother ask my mom who I was. It broke my heart. She had forgotten all of our trips to Arby’s for roast beef sandwiches and Arby’s sauce, the cheese and spam sandwiches we made for the boys working on the farm, and feeding the cats warm milk and bread. 

I loved visiting the farm. Picking apples from the apple trees, sneaking past my Great Grandma’s adjacent house because I was afraid it was filled with ghosts, and riding the tractors. I never loved getting dirty, taking a bath in the 1 inches of water provided, or waiting to flush to save water of. (My grandparents received their water from a well, so they were very conservative.) When she passed, I decided I was meant to live in a city. I wanted access to fashion, buildings, and things to do. 

I never thought I would appreciate the simpleness of how they lived. There were no plastic cups, paper plates, or dishwashers. There was love, ice cream, brownies, and green fuzzy carpet. My grandparents used to take me to JCPenney to get dresses. I remember the turquoise dress with black hearts that I wore. I never knew my grandma to be into fashion (she wore grandma clothes and left false teeth on my dresser), but as it turns out she was quite the dresser when she lived Dallas. I’d like to think I have picked up some of her fashion sense, however I am quite sure polyester pants and oversized tops will never be my thing. 

I miss the farm and getting rewarded a brownie. I hate that I did not get some quality time with my grandmother in my later years. The house I just moved into has cabinets that remind me of opening the cabinets at the farm house, and it makes me feel like my grandma is her with me. I wish I could hug my grandma and do a flip on my grandpa’s legs.

I think it is time to make Grandma's brownies - I just wish I was eating them with my family. 

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[allmandy]

What I learned from ANTS….

Faith in the unknown 

There is safety in numbers

Strength in what we are passionate about.

I went camping this Memorial Day weekend with two other family friends. Campfires are always filled with s’mores, laughter and ants. Flames mesmerize. Somehow creating a trance of time standing still, while the flow of water on river rocks and birds happily chirping create the ultimate surround sound.

Did someone say ants? You may eek at the at the thought of these tiny creatures crawling around, but they gave me something to think about when the heat turns up.

1) We don’t know why. Wait, sometimes we may. In this case, this water logged piece of wood was moved unknowingly to this ant family. When smoke and embers started creeping towards their home, they chose to survive and thrive by taking the situation head on. Not knowing where to go and running in circles, somehow almost choreographically, found their way to safety.

2) You need a leader, but you can't lead without followers. Growing up many of us may have been taught to have take a buddy with us if we left home or walked away from the group. In the case of this ant team, camaraderie is all they knew. Coming together to find new shelter, it was easier as team. With limited time it is safe to say, there is safety in numbers in working together to find a solution and develop a plan. 

3) What will you fight for? Groups of ants worked together to save several eggs, moving through smoke and hot spots to find safety. These strong little creatures are strong and know the definition of perseverance. Dropping an egg to the campfire floor, the troops gather to create the rescue. 

When you are thrown in the fire, will you take it head on? In your business or life, there will be a time when something unexpected comes your way. A temporary displacement or unexpected event may just provide you the exact growth you have been waiting for. 

Ask yourself this question, will you be the leader and gather the troops or will you choose to follow when the flame is blooming in the shadows. Ignite or become submerged in water and ash, the choice is yours. 

[allmandy]

Gorgeous home in #whispermountain #nc #asheville