Blogging A to Z: Z

Today is the last day of the April Blogging A to Z, so today is Z.

I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

 

Z is for “In the ZONE”

The Urban Dictionary defines being in the zone as

“Being Completely Unaware of what’s going on around you as you are So Extremely into what’s going on right in front of your face; like anything more than 3 feet away just doesn’t register in the brain.”

What a feeling it is to be so lost in something that time falls away, you are caught up in something that engages you physically, mentally and spiritually.

I have experienced this a few times – and it is usually when I am creating something or so lost in a book, I don’t hear anything and have to be nudged to come back to the present.

Blogging A to Z: X and Y

X and Y – combined today for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge.

For Xtraordinary and Y for Yellow Umbrella

Today is in honour of Amy Krouse Rosenthal ( who’s Xtraordinary “Encyclopedia of Me” became the basis for the challenge). This would have been her 52nd birthday and in her honour, many in the kidlit world are doing more. #MoreforAKR emcourages all of us to do more, be more, love more, show more kindness.

The YELLOW umbrella is a symbol of Amy’s desire to bring people together, to do lovely things and make the world a better place.

Join in to honour this amazing woman, gone way to soon. Check here for links to many of her works and to learn more about today.

Blogging A to Z: W – Wishes

Today is W – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

W is for Wishes

We all have wishes and wants. Whether they are achieved depends how badly we want them and what we do to achieve them.

Blogging A to Z: V – Vancouver…

Today is V – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

V is Vancouver, Vancouver island and Victoria

In May of 2008, my mother died. Two months later my husband and I escaped to Vancouver for two weeks and stayed for a while with my cousin, who had lost her mother (my aunt and godmother) the September before. It was a healing trip.

We toured all around Vancouver, to Whistler, Then on to Vancouver island and the east coast. The ocean and the mountains, the air, flowers and beauty of the area helped in my healing and grief process. I did not want to leave and still want to visit again and again.

It is a must place to visit.

Blogging A to Z: U: U.S.A.

Today is U – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

U is for the U.S. of A.

As a Canadian, I am not immune to the politics of the south. What happens in the U.S. definitely has an effect on Canada. And now, with DT45 (sorry – but cannot say/write his name), the ripples are turning into damaging waves. Not only for Canada, but for the rest of the world.

I have already told my husband I will not travel to the U.S. while DT is in office. I feel lest safe about travelling there, and we usually go several times a year. (I will miss our yearly trip to Saratoga)

I ended up trying mind mapping and I apologize, as it got very negative. But I am afraid, that is what the vibe this Canadian is getting from the U.S government.

Blogging A to Z: T – Travel

Today is T – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

T is for Travel

I really believe that travel expands our minds, our hearts and our beliefs. It really can transform us. There is so much diversity in the world and travelling allows us to see so much. Yet it also allows us to see that people are so much like us.

A Mark Twain said:

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” 

Scary statistics – only 46% of Americans have valid passport and lowest number in  pro-Trump states.  Read whole article here.

Check here for 10 reasons to Travel

 

 

Blogging A to Z: S – Struggles

Today is S – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

S is for Struggles

We all face challenges and struggles in our lives. We all fall or fail. But we define ourselves in how we face those struggles and the times we fail.

Nelson Mandela’s words come from much experience and speak of the power and wisdom of this great hero.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”      Nelson Mandela

Blogging A to Z: R – Regrets

Today is R – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

R is for Regrets

I have to agree with H. Jackson Browne who I quoted in yesterday’s post on “Quotes“. I have definitely regretted the things I did not do:

-going to to Norway

-divorcing my ex sooner

-signing a publishing contract

There have been others as well and even though I have failed in some things I did, or gotten hurt, I don’t regret loving or leaving certain people, leaving jobs, or spending money on certain things (including a black sports car).

Life shouldn’t be about regret.

Blogging A to Z: Q – Quotes

Today is Q – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

Q is for Quotes

For as long as I can remember, I have been collecting quotes and inspiring stories in journals. I have well over a dozen such books. I use these quotes for creating art quote cards and even canvases.

Quotes provide just the right message when you need it. Currently, I am creating “speak out” quote cards for the ABC Wednesday Challenge. (here is a link to my latest)

Here are a few of my favourite quotes – ones that have special meaning for me:

 

Blogging A to Z – P: Pets

Today is P – for the April Blogging A to Z Challenge. I am using Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s “Encyclopedia of Me” to journal daily.

P is for Pets

For most of my life I have had pets – dogs and cats for sure, birds and fish, and even mice, a rat, lizard, hamsters to name a few.

There is something special, especially for children, to have a pet, care for it and bond with it. Yes, there is much sadness when they die, but the bond brings so much their growth as a caring human being.

I still miss our cat. We had her for 21 years and she has been gone over 3 years now. Her photo graces our dining room wall. I cannot imagine having another pet still. Maybe a dog would get me walking every day – but I’m not ready for that yet.