Times flies

Time flies

That's right it's fall! Fall officially started this Sunday, September 22. Can you believe it? Not to mention, it's also Friday! Seriously, time really does fly. My question is, where does it go?

When I was younger, I would always  hear "make good use of your time", or "don't wish for time to go faster", "don't wish to grow up faster", "cherish each day". Of course, I was young so all these things just sounded like adults being adults, so I never really took the time to listen to these comments and really understand them. Now, as I've gotten older, many of those comments make sense.

When you're  13 you're ready to be 16. When you're 16 you're ready to be 18. Then it's 18 ready for 21.  21 and you start thinking that you don't want to grow up and look old. You hit 30 and it somewhat freaks you out. 35 and you' re 5 years closer to 40. 40 and now you are considered over the hill. 50, and you ask "where did the time go?". 55, and you're starting to take more medicine to help your body regulate itself because you're no longer able to bounce back from things like you did in your 20s. 60, and your inner monologue is repeating "wow". By your 70s, your closest friend is your doctor or doctors. 80s, your body starts to become stubborn and only allows you to move at its convenience. 90s, well, by 90, you deserve a pat on the back and a party- you did it!

So see, time flies. It really does. Everyone has heard also, that when you want time to go slow it speeds up. When time goes fast, you need it to slow down. Very clever "time" is. (that's an awkward sentence...instead, it should say, Time is very clever. It's tricky, it is one step ahead, and always full of surprises. However that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The Rolling Stones said it best "time, it's on my side". By wishing and wanting, we've already sort of set ourselves up for a kind of expectation that will probably lead to a let down, rather then just allowing time to do its thing and run it's (its) course. I feel it's what we do with the time we have that is important. You know, by making the most of it. Yes, "cherishing it" and enjoying every minute of it. That is how we make long lasting memories. Good or bad. Remember, you have to take the good with the bad and vice versa.

To go back to the beginning, like I said, it's fall. It seems as if I was just here a year ago-which is true. However there have been significant changes and developments. Perhaps there are ways to build on that even more. Yeah, I said it!

What you want to do with your time is completely up to you. Just know though it can change its course in the blink of an eye. So use it to YOUR greatest advantage.

Nicole

 

Note to self....

Note to self.... I should really start proof reading before I post

Nicole

I thought I might give you guys a little food for thought today. Enjoy

 

Nicole

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

by

Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there
in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on y our way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles cross weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or the waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for the wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be as famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't
Because, sometimes they won't.

I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.

And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike,
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never foget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
You're off the Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

It's raining....

Today, in my neck of the woods it's suppose to be raining. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Check out the videos below, you'll see what I mean. Aside from that , I hope YOU have a GREAT day today!

Gene Kelly - "Singing in the Rain"

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z - “Umbrella”

 Luke Bryan - “Rain is a Good Thing”

 

Garbage - “Only Happy When It Rains”

Creedence Clearwater Revival - “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”

Barbra Streisand - “Don't Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl”

I hope this shows you that rain isn't necessarily a bad thing, according to Luke Bryan, "it's a good thing". 

Nicole

Writer's block

Not gonna lie, in the past few days, I haven't written simply due to the fact that Ive hit somewhat of a writers block. I want to make sure that everything I write is honest and sincere. You guys reading this blog are pretty smart and can tell if Im being honest or just putting words down just to put words down. Therefore, I want what I write to be real.

It would be cool, if everything I wrote was something so profound and amazing, and maybe to some it is. For me, what I write to you is what I write, and I only hope it does it's job. I know Im not alone when it comes to this subject, being stumped. In life, I guess we have different versions of "writers block". For example, we can get stumped as in, what's our "next move", or we don't know "where to go next" or "now what?".

Everybody at some point has been clueless on what or how they're going to do something. However, when these moments occur, the main thing is to know that we won't stay in this "stumped" state forever. It's only temporary. Just that, is great motivation to at least start something and feel that hopeful, it wakes up something inside you, and helps lead you towards the road of getting out of your "writers block" or "un-stumped" state.

By just writing what I wrote above is slowly helping me out of my "writers block". It's true. Though this message today is not exactly the longest, I leave you with this:

Perfect....no such thing......and that's ok

PERFECT

What is perfect? I know the definition, I have an idea of what it is, but what exactly does perfect mean to you?

I have struggled with this before. Though, I didn't really handle the idea of perfect in a good way. I've written about my life before. You've read my blog, so I feel we have a good repor. I can talk to you.

After my accident, I realized that the perfect structure I had put together of where my life was going was now altered. The structure I consciously and unconsciously  constructed for my life was shattered in minutes. Years of prepping was what now seemed to be for nothing.

So the "perfect" structure I had strategically mastered for myself was gone. The question now was, "what to do".

Yes, I tried and hung on to every inch of positivity I had, and well..... You guys see the result. However, I can't lie to you guys. Unbeknownst to the outside world and even myself, I thought I could find my "perfect" in a bottle. In other words, I could not admit this to myself but I had fallen in a slight state of denial. And for me, what better way to help wash away any denial and gain my "perfect" then finding it while drinking.

And that's what I did. I drank. It's true. The whole year after my accident I drank a lot. Of course in the back of my head I'm thinking, "I'm all good". Yeah....not so much. Again, I was, at the time, assuming by drinking, I could regain my idea of "perfect". Well I'm here to tell you, drinking didn't help me find my "perfect". It just pushed any idea I had of it further away.

The further away my "perfect" moved, the more I began to realize that I wasn't going to find it in the state I was in,  and, though I had my "perfect" laid out for myself before hand, there was no way I was getting it back the way it was. My life was altered now remember? And did it matter? I mean, what really is "perfect"?

So it dawned on me, there really is no such thing as perfect. There is however, a way for you to write your own definition of "perfect" for your life. "Perfect" meaning, admitting to yourself that you'll go through ups and downs, hit really good times and also hard times, enjoying each day, and knowing whatever comes your way, you'll handle and keep moving on. Time will also play a factor. You'll tell yourself that time can be your best friend but also your worst enemy and yet, it will never slow you down. That for me, is my "perfect". Just knowing that every day is a toss up and not caring. Instead, taking each day as it comes and making/doing the best for each.

My point is, it's hard putting so much pressure on this idea of "perfect" for yourself. Putting that much energy and expectation on your life and the way things have to happen around you can eventually consume you. We can put so much energy into our relationships, friendships, unexpected occurrences, etc, on what needs to be "perfect", that when our expectations are not met, and the outcome isn't to our liking, we crumble.

Rather then that happening, ease up on yourself a little. The best thing about finding our "perfect" is when we set forth to do the very best for ourselves and then "perfect" moments and situations furthering our lives and who we are start to unexpectedly, fall into our laps. I know this because Ive experienced this for myself and also witnessed it with others around me.

"Perfect" can to a degree exist. Not the way it's written in the dictionary but how you play it out in your life. Taking the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Last year, I decided to take the next huge step in my life and find my "perfect". I was close to it yet still hadn't really declared it for my life completely. So I did. I can honestly say that now, I am on the road to my "perfect". There have been many bumps I've hit, but it is all a part of my "perfect" life.

I dare you to find your "perfect" expecting nothing. Only knowing that you'll be the one crossing the finish line with a smile.

Nicole

Reflecting back

Hello all!

So it's Monday. The beginning of another week and another set of unknown adventures ahead. Though, if you're feeling a little sluggish, I do understand. Sometimes Mondays aren't the easiest days to just hit the ground running. It takes a minute. But believe you me, once you get going, then you're going and ready to tackle the week.

On a side note, before the week really starts moving I'd like to just reflect back on last week as sort of  of a spring board for this week. I hit on this subject last week and have hit on this subject in the past- but the power of KINDNESS, is a beautiful thing.

You can't tell me that when someone does something nice for you just because, that you don't appreciate it. Or when you see somebody do something to help someone else in need, that it strikes a cord.  Kindness is something that feels good to receive and a great thing to spread. It's one of the few things that connects us all.

As I'm sure you've figured out, I dig YouTube videos, and I like sharing. So therefore, I've found some examples, of what I think,  are awesome videos that show how wonderful and amazing it is when you display kindness.

I hope on this Monday, the beginning of the week, this can help you out with jump start for the days to follow. Hope you enjoy :)

Nicole

Music is my muse

Before I get going, happy Friday the 13! Remember, "life is just a bowl of cherries".

Now, let's get started. 

So, it's Friday, not to bad. Right now I have my head phones on listing to some music that is sending me down memory lane. 

I love music. Who doesnt? I can't really play an instrument (other then a couple of melodies and scales on the trumpet) , but boy do I appreciate music. Have you ever heard a song that just speaks to you? You know, that perfect song that brings out a certain emotion? Whatever it is, it's special because it hits you in a way like non other. 

Music has a specific sort of therapy that has this effect on  you that you just can't describe. Sometimes, when you need a release, a boost, a break, etc, it's nice to know that music is a great outlet for that.

Confrintation is something I'm not the best at, or for that matter, is something I prefer to steer clear of. Granted, it does come up from time to time, but again, it's not my favorite thing. Its funny though, it seems as if whenever a bad or hard time presents itself, there's always some song going on in the background that is depicting exactly what is going on. I'm sure I'm not the only one this has happened to. It's as if somebody is playing a soundtrack for my life, and we've now gotten to this specific moment. Weird....

However, when you have those larger then life days, again,  somewhere in the background, or on the radio, or wherever YOUR perfect song is playing. And once again, it gives you that emotional boost you so desperately wanted. 

The same goes for sights, smells, touch, and all your other senses They all have different emotional effects. Though the ability to listen to the music we want, well, that's definitely something to cherish. 

On this freaky Friday, I suggest at some point today, find that song, that sound, you so admire and desire, find the right time, stop and listen to it, and let your self enjoy. You deserve it.

Nicole

You

MORNING!

Below are a series of videos. The first one is my post to you.

I decided that today is VIDEO THURSDAY. Enjoy today. It's a good day.....a good day for you :)

Just to add on to that, I pulled a couple of videos I thought you might enjoy. The theme today is that YOU are awesome, and by golly, today, well.....I'm wishing you a very good one! I also added a few things that I think will make you smile.

 

this made me smile/laugh. 

Enjoy!

TODAY-Be the BEST you!

I hope this brings you a little bit of extra sunshine to brighten your day. Have a good one!

Nicole

The power of kindness

I believe in the power of kindness. We've all heard and read that ''you should do onto others as you would have them do unto you''. We all in some way try to practice this but we're not perfect and sometimes forget this practice. Though, when it happens, meaning you do good deeds expecting nothing in return, the universe sees this. The big guy upstairs sees this, and trust me, they're all taking notice. They're putting all you do in a memory vault because should the time arise that you are in need of  help from others... .before you know it, you're getting pools of help from some of the most wonderful and amazing people.

There was a benefit put together while I was still in the hospital, to help me and my family out. The entire event was put together by a team of friends, family and complete strangers because they just wanted to help. Talk about feeling grateful.

At this benefit there were a series of talented bands and musicians who got up and played especially for the occasion. The headliner fr this benefit was the one and only , Bobby Rush.

If your unfamiliar with Bobby Rush, something is wrong. Kidding. Bobby Rush is one of the coolest cats in blues. Look him up, you'll see http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Rush_(musician). Bobby Rush was suppose to be playing another gig the same night as my benefit and passed it up. The gig from what I heard was not only pretty big but was also paying very handsomely. Yet, he turned it down to help me out. Just because, he's that kind of guy. Kind

Today, I was shooting a music video he was doing. We were able to reunite almost 5 years later. The guy was awesome then, and hasn't changed since. Love it.

So the moral is, be yourself, treat others the way you'd like to be treated, know that a kind heart goes a long way, and always do onto others expecting nothing in return other then you did what you did because you wanted to . Just knowing you helped someone is the biggest reward....

BOBBY RUSH 



Me and Bobby Rush 5 years ago at Benefit

 

Me and Bobby Rush today

We took this one on a break. Not gonna lie, Bobby is looking a little tired in this one. He'd been up for about 10hrs. Did I mention he's 85?

Bobby Rush behind the scenes

 

Another highlight was seeing the other band members

 

life is good!

Nicole

A jolt of insight

    Have you ever wanted something for yourself? Told all your friends and loved ones about it? Told yourself, that you want this something? Yet, you never really put 100% into getting it?

I feel at some point we've all been there. I know I have. I've said I wanted this and that for my life, put in minimal effort to get it, expecting these things to fall in my lap and come to me. Then when they don't, and I'm not seeing results, I get frustrated and feel as if the world is against me. But the reality of this,  is that I can't see the big picture. I refuse to see that I'm not putting forth enough effort to get what I want. Therefore, I'm not landing good work because I'm not putting out good work.

Sometimes we think we have it all together. Or do we? I definitely thought I had it all together with this motivational speaking career, only to learn for myself that there is still a long road ahead. Perhaps we've all felt that way at some point. You know...you have a dream or goal towards something, but just can't understand why the blocks aren't stacking up for you. That's because sometimes we don't see that part of our problem, is ourselves.

This is Eric Thomas. He is a public/motivational speaker. My brother educated on me about him this summer. I want to share this video with you and ask for you to just really listen. My grandfather always tells me that there is a lot to learn when you just stop and listen. I believe, this is one of those moments. Hope you guys enjoy...

Nicole

Life is precious

So I've been told throughout my entire life "life is short, appreciate every minute of it". "Don't ever wish to grow up, enjoy every moment of every year", etc. You've heard it Im sure. Appreciate life, cherish each moment, live today as if its your last, blah, blah, blah. I get it.
 
But as you know, things happen that shake us up. Get our wheels turning, then all of a sudden everything we've been told comes into play. We start really thinking and understanding everything we've been told about life.

I appreciate life. I understand that it really is short. Life can be taken away in a second. Crazy if you stop and really think about it. I mean life, YOUR life, your friends and family, strangers....it,life, can be taken AWAY in a second. Unbelievable. However, we can't forget that we're human. We're not perfect. Though we say and try to appreciate each day, sometimes we don't. Sometimes we forget. Especially when your world is surrounded by whatever chaos is happening at the moment. And ya, know what.....that's Ok. Remember, we're human not machines. We have flaws. The important thing is to realize those days, take a deep breath, look around, and know that even though today may not be the one your necessarily appreciative of, just think. You could not even be experiencing a day at all. Get my drift?

Whether today is good, bad, ok, and everything in between, try to find that place way down deep inside to admire the fact that you're alive and today is just what it is...."today". Because ya know, once today is over, it's over for good. You'll never have a repeat of today. You'll never experience this day again. So try to find some joy in it if you can.

Right now, I'm getting a late start. I'm about to get ready and try to seize the day. I mean why not? I'm here, I'm alive, and might as well just enjoy. Whatever the day brings for me, it will bring. The cool thing is, I'm ready for it. I'm "expecting the unexpected". Now, that's my philosophy, what's yours? Make today unique. How you ask? Well folks, I'm leaving that up to you. You have the power to do what you want with today....so, make the most if it. I know I will :)

Nicole