tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187294032024-03-07T00:01:48.561-08:00Fishing the Sky with DragonFLYINSPIRATION, REFLECTION, CELEBRATION -- Grateful for whatever helps my spirit grow.Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.comBlogger1157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-9629085483285588122018-08-21T15:19:00.001-07:002018-08-21T15:19:32.016-07:00Summer Camps @ Sweetwater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBD3-O2SK1y6gwwinLaJXTv10g6ye6d3zi6QojoTLiujDSYQHgaB2MUbj9mwrTLNaRc5qenJdSVaWYToe7hvYtQsINXJGg62BJJ3LWXwbv1y93mY1JzvICtYYzu4mxQ30zC_M/s1600/yoga+tween+camp+-+sweetwater+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBD3-O2SK1y6gwwinLaJXTv10g6ye6d3zi6QojoTLiujDSYQHgaB2MUbj9mwrTLNaRc5qenJdSVaWYToe7hvYtQsINXJGg62BJJ3LWXwbv1y93mY1JzvICtYYzu4mxQ30zC_M/s640/yoga+tween+camp+-+sweetwater+2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't help but share the above photo from the summer of this great group of tweens and the incredibly talented Shannon Kidwell also known as Fit Piglet. As soon as the camp came available, my 10yo was signed up in less than a minute. There is just something so special about this experience not because it has all the latest gadgets, games and technology but because it offers an opportunity for kids to be here now. My favorite thing besides her increased awareness and offer to help with things that week was the time they spent writing their thoughts and feelings about the world. She shared a lot of her thoughts with me which for a mom who loves to write was such an awesome moment. It's easy as a parent to forget that in addition to the stuff kids are doing all the time - school, sports, hobbies, events - that in the middle of all of it is an actual person who has their own voice and are so intuitive. Love that camp brought a lot of positive moments for her and a reminder for me to listen more and to stop and see more.<br />
<br />
Learning as I go,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-19335291970103529802018-08-14T08:26:00.000-07:002018-08-14T08:26:23.417-07:00Last First Day of Elementary There is so much truth in how quickly time goes by. So here we are...The summer is over. It's already the second day of school but according to my little FIFTH (yes, fifth) grader, "it already feels like the middle of the year" after one day. The start of school this year was a bit calm. This is the first one where I wasn't doing a mad dash to get all of the stuff - the supplies, the backpack, the uniform skirts and the shirts. Since July was going to be a busy month for our family due to travel and competition, we went ahead and tackled the back-to-school shopping in early June. And even though I kinda (just a teensy kinda) missed the last minute hustle, I did enjoy having things ready to go, with little drama or trying to track a package that was mis-delivered by UPS (horrible story from two years ago and the package was never recovered due to an older neighbor that I actually talked to over the phone and provided my address to but decided to drop the package with my daughter's backpack in it at a random house that he thought was ours but then couldn't remember which house). Moving on...Her first day of school was a success! This is her last year at this school since there are no more grades offered. It's bittersweet since it represents the final chapter in her book of elementary education, but also the beginning of the next adventure also known as middle school. Middle school was the so-so for me so part of me wants to do a remote year or three. I have yet to find someone who was like - "Middle school - LOVED IT!" I know it has been a few years since my middle school days...like a lot of years but has it gotten any better. But like most things, she's probably more ready than I am. All this to share a few photos taken at the last first day of her elementary school. Not crying and will not. Nope. Just cheering her on, as I always do and always will. Go get 'em!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysNe7ZAJY8_5xQEMZXxu6IfNqo_dmN-KdFwJYnVSMO5ZOmzxojcEWOmnp1rE0SJhaMiPXypvm-Sn-LPzoPdUkyKzHhYe4UW_81vXcVNLCgDIRVYw3aTJhDnsEZe8vhecAWq-W/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysNe7ZAJY8_5xQEMZXxu6IfNqo_dmN-KdFwJYnVSMO5ZOmzxojcEWOmnp1rE0SJhaMiPXypvm-Sn-LPzoPdUkyKzHhYe4UW_81vXcVNLCgDIRVYw3aTJhDnsEZe8vhecAWq-W/s400/IMG_6438.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk in. It's happening. Can't stop. Won't STOP.<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3uq-Jh6ndu2oiwnbM2fxyG0HxzMIm87SpWUaoB7gzou6ka1PvP8y7YDeyOxuzGrhfmLDxy3QVsQcH9uqjGxqr5mDkScglZpAhqJ-iW4TPoQWiB7HaxBWymje_TvaBZJXwgiH/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3uq-Jh6ndu2oiwnbM2fxyG0HxzMIm87SpWUaoB7gzou6ka1PvP8y7YDeyOxuzGrhfmLDxy3QVsQcH9uqjGxqr5mDkScglZpAhqJ-iW4TPoQWiB7HaxBWymje_TvaBZJXwgiH/s400/IMG_6458.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting organized! Desk is ready <br />and backpack already on the floor. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBtWwTfN-Y3fsZMwOeOmg1YhgtbVh-RROaxrhRJKSBGHLYujrfrEV0U3tnClJQIP2CZRIvmcWe6cVIg-Tu7hwklumZhYoxu1g3jM4YIfKdBY76z28N5hgDq2GvKj3yoG4o7CO/s1600/IMG_6474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBtWwTfN-Y3fsZMwOeOmg1YhgtbVh-RROaxrhRJKSBGHLYujrfrEV0U3tnClJQIP2CZRIvmcWe6cVIg-Tu7hwklumZhYoxu1g3jM4YIfKdBY76z28N5hgDq2GvKj3yoG4o7CO/s400/IMG_6474.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN<br />My favorites - #5 and #7. May we all do that every day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Positively amazed by all of this,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-28151398563344413012018-05-20T20:39:00.000-07:002018-06-15T06:58:53.377-07:00A Decade of Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8mWtlvSEY4GL2ob-bOVFtXVD1h0scXOMl8fu1WXAgPxFa_dmNqy7BSohgmByQxrxQbn-ognj5voOptDeZB-m-HjkmMwjeCcPLL_-ytag34XTjwRaSTw9Goa0lzLl7LGIEBhx/s1600/10th+birthday+Cyana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8mWtlvSEY4GL2ob-bOVFtXVD1h0scXOMl8fu1WXAgPxFa_dmNqy7BSohgmByQxrxQbn-ognj5voOptDeZB-m-HjkmMwjeCcPLL_-ytag34XTjwRaSTw9Goa0lzLl7LGIEBhx/s320/10th+birthday+Cyana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Birthday to my baby girl. Every day is a gift and every day I am so grateful to watch you grow into the person you are. Being your mom has been so much fun, and of course challenging but mostly, full of magic and adventure. So proud of all that you have accomplished so far. Love you always.Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-12292168642841827342017-12-04T09:18:00.000-08:002017-12-04T09:18:04.577-08:00Every day - THANK YOU<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz3lWFzoCN6y-ta_B9w2G_p6g0etffUr0a2Fu3B97nN5GTAe_CQjO4IWF9FjYurD-Q4KDGGubtyWFDqzMSsV4msA3xXcPN0_oHKds-c3udy7EzEFx2NNgmb7eWYWiQ9_DlNGx/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz3lWFzoCN6y-ta_B9w2G_p6g0etffUr0a2Fu3B97nN5GTAe_CQjO4IWF9FjYurD-Q4KDGGubtyWFDqzMSsV4msA3xXcPN0_oHKds-c3udy7EzEFx2NNgmb7eWYWiQ9_DlNGx/s400/IMG_4222.JPG" width="400" /></a>It's become an every day practice for me to just stop and say thank you. Early on, I realized that nothing great can really come into your life without constant gratitude. I am thankful...for all of the good things and even the things that seemed not so good but taught me what I needed to know to overcome an obstacle. Thankful for my friends and for those who weren't ready to be a friend. Thankful for the process of learning and growing and seeing what is around me. Thankful for love - the opportunity to feel it and the ability to share it.<br />
<br />
Forever grateful,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-16625937087503766892017-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:002024-01-23T09:59:56.024-08:00Happy Holidays from our family to yours! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHshwZlAHaIdrQCVUx_GGZ1k9IZGpzGq2-CN5meirtc8lkCwE1G6vvLxnQ710SkBM5MOGbfI0KmYZaCoYQCUmAp86BCH3wy1GVq10q_qX2aJlmLibxAzhcO5eBJmW9htCfg0Z/s1600/_ARP6840-(ZF-5987-41506-1-054).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHshwZlAHaIdrQCVUx_GGZ1k9IZGpzGq2-CN5meirtc8lkCwE1G6vvLxnQ710SkBM5MOGbfI0KmYZaCoYQCUmAp86BCH3wy1GVq10q_qX2aJlmLibxAzhcO5eBJmW9htCfg0Z/s1600/_ARP6840-(ZF-5987-41506-1-054).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">C & me with our favorite Theodore's </div>
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-13536382987801621612017-03-03T10:09:00.000-08:002017-04-05T08:28:49.303-07:00Kids vs. Pros - Orlando City Soccer Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Thursday, March 2, baby girl and her bestie were invited to participate in the <a href="https://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2017/02/01/kids-vs-pros-pits-100-kids-against-orlando-city-pros" target="_blank">Orlando City Soccer Club Kids vs. Pros</a> game at the new stadium in downtown Orlando. It ended up being such a great event and an incredibly special way to kick off the season. We truly hope they do it again...maybe even every year. Many thanks to the Orlando City Foundation staff and volunteers for putting together such a fun time for the kids and a wonderful way to showcase the beautiful game. Below are a few photos from the evening: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLHkS7_IhV7tsf9yud5h3dVId61d-J8xHS4GCudmObt2tVeuNppcis5lrIKob2QybIzbeYPzeCBg98cbBcKPc4ekCajDNnX-D2u6EKjsFT_eWt_oyFX07RJ5yPYNXF3g1Vg80/s1600/in+the+tunnel+kids+vs.+pros+030217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLHkS7_IhV7tsf9yud5h3dVId61d-J8xHS4GCudmObt2tVeuNppcis5lrIKob2QybIzbeYPzeCBg98cbBcKPc4ekCajDNnX-D2u6EKjsFT_eWt_oyFX07RJ5yPYNXF3g1Vg80/s400/in+the+tunnel+kids+vs.+pros+030217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUxpAJvnhhAiPPziirW3HOOcUlrOMzuG1pIW6ntVo6U52xU-mna4B5tPCrWknxLoxyVaa_HSsLFKTnq1kfnOqCVORvfVgroP02mOp5XhBYB4eHAmIwxsXU1OADEMvlF_Zpa7x/s1600/cyana+-+kids+vs.+pros+030217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUxpAJvnhhAiPPziirW3HOOcUlrOMzuG1pIW6ntVo6U52xU-mna4B5tPCrWknxLoxyVaa_HSsLFKTnq1kfnOqCVORvfVgroP02mOp5XhBYB4eHAmIwxsXU1OADEMvlF_Zpa7x/s400/cyana+-+kids+vs.+pros+030217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezlUbLayarGeSXvhm46xxIqQVO8gW7iU9kpj50fE1N9lLi3x8bA_ugYYWIpCVCKoudIIWr6XK1Efs90gOjpG_S5H6Brlvpofd2yTzv2R2D-K4r8wnnUrSFck8F03PQscAKqg5/s1600/Orlando+City+Kids+vs.+Pros+030217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezlUbLayarGeSXvhm46xxIqQVO8gW7iU9kpj50fE1N9lLi3x8bA_ugYYWIpCVCKoudIIWr6XK1Efs90gOjpG_S5H6Brlvpofd2yTzv2R2D-K4r8wnnUrSFck8F03PQscAKqg5/s640/Orlando+City+Kids+vs.+Pros+030217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-11347119713232747572016-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:002021-12-08T11:05:47.666-08:00Thank You 2016I am ending this year in gratitude for the big, the little and all of the moments squeezed in between them. As always, I send happiness and light to the world as well as hope that the new year will bring exactly what we need to learn, to grow, to be better than what we are today.<br />
<br />
2016...<br />
<br />
Thank you for the opportunities.Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-29191495433961091082016-09-13T10:20:00.001-07:002016-09-13T10:20:12.509-07:00Inspiration <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Choose beautiful today. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQummmx-4Mw04LiMNj4am3uoyOXksTTYq2r2elIog6OUiIH-nff8jB1MGyHQONuOEQU-SFm6OdVcpX1RmqiKJiB5gFfmMAy_oajQTqJXw-cpVMyvwppUKHqN6kN5OGC-40jkHQ/s1600/201608-orig-typewriter-quotes-6-949x949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQummmx-4Mw04LiMNj4am3uoyOXksTTYq2r2elIog6OUiIH-nff8jB1MGyHQONuOEQU-SFm6OdVcpX1RmqiKJiB5gFfmMAy_oajQTqJXw-cpVMyvwppUKHqN6kN5OGC-40jkHQ/s320/201608-orig-typewriter-quotes-6-949x949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-65707693940281596082016-09-07T21:17:00.003-07:002016-09-07T21:17:37.498-07:00Every day...I am incredibly grateful.<br />
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-21204922840635131132016-04-18T11:43:00.000-07:002016-04-18T11:43:06.288-07:00Thank YOU<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_TEx6fPhJbFTJ9jk74zPZD5_D_0OE9q5-Jm4C9IDFdvaae_6GW5RiTDhbTH5i2Cy-wFkM65lTiNlDxqLS5VdqWJiqmnFdG8aCP28_zjOMBkGsTPfkZyD60ssbtNSkwcNXTiV/s1600/north+carolina+-+mountain+hiking+with+the+girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_TEx6fPhJbFTJ9jk74zPZD5_D_0OE9q5-Jm4C9IDFdvaae_6GW5RiTDhbTH5i2Cy-wFkM65lTiNlDxqLS5VdqWJiqmnFdG8aCP28_zjOMBkGsTPfkZyD60ssbtNSkwcNXTiV/s320/north+carolina+-+mountain+hiking+with+the+girls.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girls and I in the Carolina mountains. <br />One of the most beautiful places in the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What ever you're doing today or wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying it and know that someone is here (me) thinking of you because your joy sparks my joy and your victories are my victories. That's what keeps the world turning for me. Thank you for being you today!</div>
Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-5108549565015653562016-03-30T07:57:00.003-07:002016-04-14T11:22:00.593-07:00ThreememberThanks Susannah Conway for sharing this...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have just three things to teach: <b>simplicity, patience, compassion</b>. These three are your greatest treasures. </span><br />
- Lao TzuLoreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-63703856526264834412016-03-09T12:44:00.003-08:002016-03-09T12:44:40.769-08:00Beautiful YogaEnjoyed a quick class today at lunch today. So grateful for my mat, my breath and my body. The way the three work together to create movement and stability. I open my heart and clear my mind even if it's only for an hour. Such a special thing.Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-59218951334046270852015-12-23T12:10:00.001-08:002015-12-23T12:10:29.599-08:00Remembering My Beautiful Best Friend - Doris Jane Fowle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V8dXi-eAIw8T1fGnVGPt4lOEcBiveuQH4oRoT-Pzf1oRx_8QeEEPohjzN99wR4G2oQxKH7fx_eZiRlW_aNUHWEOfpTjItzEwxCrWp2DmwlwzNU1cdtojXd3sEs4Bsck3sJyM/s1600/2343965075_9db5259528_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V8dXi-eAIw8T1fGnVGPt4lOEcBiveuQH4oRoT-Pzf1oRx_8QeEEPohjzN99wR4G2oQxKH7fx_eZiRlW_aNUHWEOfpTjItzEwxCrWp2DmwlwzNU1cdtojXd3sEs4Bsck3sJyM/s400/2343965075_9db5259528_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Doris and I at my baby shower in Orlando, circa 2008.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today, I celebrated the life of one of my best friends <b>Doris</b>. She was 90 years old, almost 91 early next month. She was the mother of three, grandmother to ten and great grandmother to four.<br />
<br />
We met in the late 80's through The Salvation Army Orlando Corps through the Best Friend program, a mentoring program for teenagers to be paired with an elder of the church. The list had several people on it and I remember initially asking if Sam (her husband) could be best friends. Of course, at the time they were trying to pair women with girls and men with boys vs. the other way around. Well, it was meant to be because for the next 25 plus years, Doris and I became best of friends. And earlier at her funeral service, I shared that she was not only my Corps Cadet Best Friend (because of the program) but one of the best friends I've ever had.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad I was able to attend her Celebration of Life this morning with friends and Doris' family. A friend's tribute was given by Thelma Birmingham and her son, Ken, gave a tribute to his mother. Beautiful words for a beautiful person.<br />
<br />
On the back of the program was a poem written by Vickie Couture. Doris was a poet herself so it made my heart smile to read a poem dedicated for her. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My Tribute</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have known her for as long as I have lived, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To all she met, she did give and give, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was our Sunday School teacher, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know, a children's preacher, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who showered us with love, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Offering guidance from above, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty to look at, and oh how she smiled, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patient and caring all the while. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her time on earth is done, from here she did depart, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But forever she will live, in each and every heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Heaven's gates would wait no more, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On earth, her memory, we shall adore. </div>
<br />
<br />
I was honored to present the Benediction for the service. All morning my head was filled with memories where Doris showed her kindness and her sense of humor. She was one of a kind and so special for many reasons.<br />
<br />
I prayed...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Dear Heavenly Father - </i><i><br /></i><blockquote>
<i>Today we come to you in gratitude and love for the gift of life, for the gift of friendship and the gift of unconditional love through Doris Fowle. We thank you for the time - whether big or small - that we all had with Doris. She did great things for your Kingdom, and will be missed by her family and friends. She lived an amazing life as your child, your servant, as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother and a beautiful person. She lived and did so much for others. (She did so much for me and for my family.) Thank you God for showing us your love through Doris. We will always remember her, and we are eternally grateful for her life. In your name we pray...</i><br /><blockquote>
Amen. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
Thank you Doris for your friendship and your love. The world is a better place because of you.<br />
<br />
Best friends always, <br />
<br />
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-51269481126726868472015-12-04T14:46:00.001-08:002015-12-04T14:51:27.287-08:00December 4 :::: RED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxmF4UAuq4dp_DbJ5-7efrzffQYxdDpQpYdI9svEGknO_aBQcOhW_dmTVW2mkOUHcWdXe5LkUXkIEJMpVM6X16BIIoAkLzAm_fxkWUtEjjU1KgtCtfujMYFfJrLFozKHseCOF/s1600/Day+4+RED+Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxmF4UAuq4dp_DbJ5-7efrzffQYxdDpQpYdI9svEGknO_aBQcOhW_dmTVW2mkOUHcWdXe5LkUXkIEJMpVM6X16BIIoAkLzAm_fxkWUtEjjU1KgtCtfujMYFfJrLFozKHseCOF/s400/Day+4+RED+Shoes.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day #4 - RED</b><br />
<br />
Today's <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2015/11/december-reflections-returns/" target="_blank">December Reflection</a> is RED. Even though red is not my favorite color, it's one of my favorite colors to wear as an accent, especially as shoes. I love red shoes. Recently, I found these very comfortable red flats that can be worn to work or around town for errands. They are not only comfortable, they make me happy when skies are grey.<br />
<br />
The woman with two red shoes,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-75986318239408306312015-12-03T14:34:00.000-08:002015-12-04T14:43:01.648-08:00December 3 ::: Best Day of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6MT8Cnai7chWVYGVSzZtOlJw4ZSCNXEY_mXOWVmle_Y0_trj-cqH3pUsILgKWYVR-T6806yO-f8BPHNFyz9wC03daIJNFcnlo0b_Pjn94OwIDu4Ffr3UpxG9lNXNu7IAPVR_/s1600/Best+day+of+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6MT8Cnai7chWVYGVSzZtOlJw4ZSCNXEY_mXOWVmle_Y0_trj-cqH3pUsILgKWYVR-T6806yO-f8BPHNFyz9wC03daIJNFcnlo0b_Pjn94OwIDu4Ffr3UpxG9lNXNu7IAPVR_/s640/Best+day+of+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Day #3 - Best Day of 2015 </b><br />
During the summer, the family, including my baby girls' bestie Bells, headed down to Key West for a visit with good friends, the ocean and Florida sunshine. My favorite and best day of this year was watching Mr. Wonderful, baby girl and Bells snorkel together in the Atlantic Ocean. The sun was shining and the water was a beautiful crystal blue. It was as if the trip was just for us even though we shared the boat with about 40 other people. These are the moments that I'm happy to collect versus anything I could ever buy in a store.<br />
<br />
Your moment collector,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-14837048163889901742015-12-02T12:46:00.000-08:002015-12-04T14:28:03.403-08:00December 2 :: Hot Drink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgECMMmOMG4J-OPN-RU8IniUWPMpmfPY1QkHNNKSHNp1-1manDEZmXIZ9RG34PPtSB5z_yOKyINPSJT7tct8Ehi2Z-_6flwP4ka1wq8jCgaCgibVfEQMPhzDenEh5P6xyjppG/s1600/Day+2+Hot+Drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgECMMmOMG4J-OPN-RU8IniUWPMpmfPY1QkHNNKSHNp1-1manDEZmXIZ9RG34PPtSB5z_yOKyINPSJT7tct8Ehi2Z-_6flwP4ka1wq8jCgaCgibVfEQMPhzDenEh5P6xyjppG/s320/Day+2+Hot+Drink.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b>#2 :: HOT DRINK - December Reflections continue. Yay!</b><br />
<br />
Today is a Holiday Spice Flat White from Starbucks. It's hot and festive and not too heavy first thing in the morning. If you don't know already, I love coffee. It is my friend. It has been there for me for many years and helps me through the good and the bad.<br />
<br />
Keep on brewing,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-33143482186333495362015-12-01T08:18:00.000-08:002015-12-01T08:19:06.729-08:00December 1: SPARKLE<b>It's December! </b><i>Yes...Hello there.</i><br />
<br />
Let's reflect together on the last 11 months of 2015 and celebrate the next 31 days of the year by participating in <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2015/11/december-reflections-returns/" target="_blank">Susannah Conway's December Reflections</a> on Instagram, Flickr and many blogs including this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl0STrRsJKm8rC5fQd8suvs83BJNwYYiCeexoxEOJcJf-RaEjUPAUBpqR2yh5srYHByxIYN1vKIwX2uI2wg8ZHM7dC031TwCBTmhPpX-GrzCcGFjmxHhllqiEnKoVhc8ZnMfx/s1600/20151201_103138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl0STrRsJKm8rC5fQd8suvs83BJNwYYiCeexoxEOJcJf-RaEjUPAUBpqR2yh5srYHByxIYN1vKIwX2uI2wg8ZHM7dC031TwCBTmhPpX-GrzCcGFjmxHhllqiEnKoVhc8ZnMfx/s400/20151201_103138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>#1 - SPARKLE</b><br />
Been married to Mr. Wonderful for 11 years now and every day I'm reminded of this beautiful sparkle that he placed and we had blessed together during our wedding ceremony and first steps of husband and wife.<br />
<br />
Grateful for what the sparkle represents and for the life we continue to build together.<br />
<br />
With extra sparkle today,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-51699506738557310012015-10-22T11:04:00.000-07:002021-12-08T11:05:03.283-08:00Give Kids the World Black & White Gala<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0F-uVnjXF0WRPL0qCAa4Rpq-AFSvMRA2wltf89m8pdnq_7sJURVrRxtaX-S8j-K0uadp47zc8a0lFwqLVKG6GdFxazvnlynKJCSwZXVQyQ2WNnGZHkquBMdhyphenhyphenF085ko8TJVG/s1600/20150509_190600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0F-uVnjXF0WRPL0qCAa4Rpq-AFSvMRA2wltf89m8pdnq_7sJURVrRxtaX-S8j-K0uadp47zc8a0lFwqLVKG6GdFxazvnlynKJCSwZXVQyQ2WNnGZHkquBMdhyphenhyphenF085ko8TJVG/s400/20150509_190600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soluna - Me - Theo <br />Black & White (Soluna in Orange) Gala</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-22711611675996739102015-09-01T11:37:00.003-07:002015-09-01T11:40:12.331-07:00Remembering Erin...One Year Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today is the one year anniversary of my sister-in-law Erin's death. I still have mixed emotions about it all...even a year later. Despite my feelings, I wanted to share the below message from her sweet husband, my brother-in-law Stephen, who has continued to show how true love exists and continues forever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ne_LFQBfh3Cs7zfn-rgzzOSb8Ju-717KxeX2pFPH94bP0hfbyYHWaKfCtQ6rvfP86DeYPn4l1WdO46E4_eV2RcteDoPJ-_rO9r24Tw05A9E5VoZz-dPg2FCBPChuY76apAfh/s1600/11893874_10153245317401785_1169764373653226848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ne_LFQBfh3Cs7zfn-rgzzOSb8Ju-717KxeX2pFPH94bP0hfbyYHWaKfCtQ6rvfP86DeYPn4l1WdO46E4_eV2RcteDoPJ-_rO9r24Tw05A9E5VoZz-dPg2FCBPChuY76apAfh/s640/11893874_10153245317401785_1169764373653226848_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;"><i>This is for all of you. Please reach out to someone today that might be needing a word of support, a shoulder to lean on, or just simply a reminder that they are not alone. Sometimes even seeing someone far off in the distance can bring them back from the cliff. That would make Erin very happy, and with the 1-year anniversary of her death, a great remembrance for her. On behalf of our family and friends, I thank all of you for the kind words and support over the last year. You know who you are. For those of you who knew Erin, know she's at peace. And if you didn't know Erin, well that's your loss. The rest of us are smiling at the one-of-a-kind woman that was my best friend of 14 years, my wife of 12 years, and a source of every emotion under the sun.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;">Thank you Stephen for the photos and for the beautiful words in Erin's memory. </span><br />
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-21135338347525884302015-07-11T11:53:00.000-07:002015-08-03T11:56:30.442-07:00The Joy Of Best Friends<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiPrCZ5fOr-6LtZeqtOd-uVzk9zTSLqXhsBOP8iFP6FiMiHN_ezYIEpAO8AuCdb0_DO1vZlxEhAO3YouPEAjJkjfKNzr1Myrgf4CR8XgotQKz20lnQ6FrFbwmYLs05MeOVvYP/s1600/20140701_200630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiPrCZ5fOr-6LtZeqtOd-uVzk9zTSLqXhsBOP8iFP6FiMiHN_ezYIEpAO8AuCdb0_DO1vZlxEhAO3YouPEAjJkjfKNzr1Myrgf4CR8XgotQKz20lnQ6FrFbwmYLs05MeOVvYP/s400/20140701_200630.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend Joy and I in Hilton Head last year celebrating her graduation. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZfY8exYTPbuIHc8BJqPuCImKV2jHywlrZgUeL3Wd3oKm-MiwhQuVPXYW5qaAeypWPfL63uM6KiTQoIMrijehwqskoSTi93_oNrNlOTiy7P1jC9KCNOMrQqlAIj2QLnf1xqif/s1600/20150327_072611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZfY8exYTPbuIHc8BJqPuCImKV2jHywlrZgUeL3Wd3oKm-MiwhQuVPXYW5qaAeypWPfL63uM6KiTQoIMrijehwqskoSTi93_oNrNlOTiy7P1jC9KCNOMrQqlAIj2QLnf1xqif/s400/20150327_072611.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best friends CJ & Bells enjoying Spring Break together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Today I'm grateful for the power of friendship. It keeps you moving forward. It hugs you when you can't hold it together on your own any longer. It celebrates you and helps you where needed. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Thank you for best friends and for friendship. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-51432776362849510892015-06-26T06:31:00.005-07:002015-06-26T06:33:03.819-07:00My ABC's <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Bai-DQ3Hw1PSwAZTNVBeLD-dwhmoErvZXkteBZPnzdNUH5AHlXEZcuPYO9tIoiEYUSCRkH6sxDm2tXSXpP9pgVE-nTy4WpKNIU1ZtguNx2hj4mikakJ7j4oYC6kTf0BFbW-D/s1600/20150215_162702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Bai-DQ3Hw1PSwAZTNVBeLD-dwhmoErvZXkteBZPnzdNUH5AHlXEZcuPYO9tIoiEYUSCRkH6sxDm2tXSXpP9pgVE-nTy4WpKNIU1ZtguNx2hj4mikakJ7j4oYC6kTf0BFbW-D/s400/20150215_162702.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
There's this little game going right now on Facebook where you "confess" your ABC's...<b>So I'll play and confess my ABC's:</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
A- Age: Still in my 30's!<br />
<b>B- Biggest Fear: Jellyfish</b><br />
C- Current Time: 7:19 a.m.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /><b>D- Drink you last had: coffee frappucino</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">E- Easiest Person To Talk to: Joy<br /><b>F- Favorite Song: Kids by MGMT</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">G- Grossest Memory: Walking into an empty house and seeing human poo in the middle of the carpet<br /><b>H- Hometown: Orlando (pretty much grew up there)</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">I- In love with: Anything that helps my spirit learn and grow. My family and avocados.<br /><b>J- Jealous Of: People who can relax in Pigeon pose during yoga (even though Nicole says no one is relaxing)</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">K- Killed Someone? Only with my eyes. No. Seriously...<br /><b>L- Longest Relationship: Mr. Wonderful and I...15 years later.</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">M- Middle Name: V.<br /><b>N- Number of Siblings: Favorite brother and Mr. Wonderful's brother and sister. Also, I count my cousins as sisters - Lanie, Tanya, Shells, Sam and Barbie. :)</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">O- One Wish: To love and help one another.<br /><b>P- Person who you last called: Mr. Wonderful</b>Q- Question you're always asked: When do you sleep?<br /><b>R- Reason to smile: Because I'm alive.</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">S- Song you last sang: I don't remember the name.<br /><b>T- Time you woke up: 6 a.m.</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">U- Underwear Color: black<br /><b>V- Vacation Destination: Ireland and the Maldives</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">W- Worst Habit: nailbiter<br /><b>X- Xrays you've had: my hand</b><br />Y- Your favorite food: Hot, spicy and lots of flavor<br /><b>Z- Zodiac Sign: Pisces</b></span></div>
Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-2301477327198573122015-05-17T07:06:00.000-07:002015-05-26T09:14:29.507-07:00Yoga Birthday Party - Baby Girl is 7! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWkPjCc-j2Zqtm8FOkeXeIhOEEBNUH6sqHncA2vMnxuzT4tPxe8W_hwf-J4RcTOroPpgJD4ukKlTbBWdINi5sgtRhpV9ir3qhHEJ8zvjsjMngUbxsd5WpaefcHCHvYBhXLWql/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWkPjCc-j2Zqtm8FOkeXeIhOEEBNUH6sqHncA2vMnxuzT4tPxe8W_hwf-J4RcTOroPpgJD4ukKlTbBWdINi5sgtRhpV9ir3qhHEJ8zvjsjMngUbxsd5WpaefcHCHvYBhXLWql/s200/IMG_0711.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
To celebrate the baby girl, she planned a Yoga Birthday Party at <a href="http://sweetwateryogaandfitness.com/" target="_blank">Sweetwater Yoga & Fitness</a>. About 20 kids between the ages of 3 and 9 were there. We decorated the entire studio with banners and puffies (pom poms). I did a post it creation on the mirror in Studio A and set up the craft/eating area in Studio B. Thankful for friends and family for helping set up - <i>Shannon, Tori, Ted and Chaun</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhUr3XjxzuqTTGUEssLLZ_qOfTyC9fR9hyphenhyphenqzHGcqtAyxB4ItVJiAr_q8uoVlXmt-x_RDpUSdz5nsLezL7v60KFaiuLttsBSl-a-9bm11e31X4WoBCsz5Sv75qIOP4QAwXURXQ/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhUr3XjxzuqTTGUEssLLZ_qOfTyC9fR9hyphenhyphenqzHGcqtAyxB4ItVJiAr_q8uoVlXmt-x_RDpUSdz5nsLezL7v60KFaiuLttsBSl-a-9bm11e31X4WoBCsz5Sv75qIOP4QAwXURXQ/s400/IMG_0633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The cake was inspired by the invitation. <a href="http://4rspecialtycakes.com/" target="_blank">4Rivers Sweet Shop</a> did a fantastic job AGAIN on creating a beautiful and very tasty cake for the party. It was a hit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFxKXTyZHYCQqU-FEyTfXk5YDqQxzATEI88Atm_664NbCYCAXt4CU6Y4WlVeUCV4qS_3o-_AcVm9ObSP-ZT9IZkCScNBlxnaCjFXYXnd7B-ehfGYd9hzZAwbw6iT2hsjw1XJ4/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFxKXTyZHYCQqU-FEyTfXk5YDqQxzATEI88Atm_664NbCYCAXt4CU6Y4WlVeUCV4qS_3o-_AcVm9ObSP-ZT9IZkCScNBlxnaCjFXYXnd7B-ehfGYd9hzZAwbw6iT2hsjw1XJ4/s400/IMG_0646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sarah AKA <i>Big Guns</i> who regularly does Kids Yoga at Sweetwater taught a high energy, fun 60-minute class with Baby Girl as her little assistant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPaChEJSAJiUmMmz7m9fmvLr5_Zj0UPP-hS0WFdECQGGkFerYET7llSll5HGjBJ2VxckuskNxWrcJkZaqA5s-RWyX8nzAY0hABgeanTf7NOzUeP7KjsdICtFBcQhvi8nceKIo/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPaChEJSAJiUmMmz7m9fmvLr5_Zj0UPP-hS0WFdECQGGkFerYET7llSll5HGjBJ2VxckuskNxWrcJkZaqA5s-RWyX8nzAY0hABgeanTf7NOzUeP7KjsdICtFBcQhvi8nceKIo/s400/IMG_0657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There was stretching, bending and lots of smiles throughout the yoga class. I thought I heard some laughing too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SFGy4OVmtGNLNU_rIixxUDn8iRPotg2e_FKB1AyoEDA3OJpHtiyrgzAEkJI38XpSl2wkwwrVRMMKEtA9va1HPGd1jt0x6A0vSrvh9pztMfOr5jVUGq7SbBDJIug7HwF8PVJf/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SFGy4OVmtGNLNU_rIixxUDn8iRPotg2e_FKB1AyoEDA3OJpHtiyrgzAEkJI38XpSl2wkwwrVRMMKEtA9va1HPGd1jt0x6A0vSrvh9pztMfOr5jVUGq7SbBDJIug7HwF8PVJf/s400/IMG_0707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Such a great group of kids from Baby Girls' school, soccer team and close friends who celebrated her during yoga class the day after her birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrMouCzJ_uqG2RSrmt3e0K5m2m37FLD18rRMKtM7t1DuMeOO88shN8UL5rNnrUQFKnRuj_ry2-HgrYkIDUT4_bZaYGLOE961lPmst8Ebu8jOZ8t0L1EeCPflDC67erfaDyXQ2/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrMouCzJ_uqG2RSrmt3e0K5m2m37FLD18rRMKtM7t1DuMeOO88shN8UL5rNnrUQFKnRuj_ry2-HgrYkIDUT4_bZaYGLOE961lPmst8Ebu8jOZ8t0L1EeCPflDC67erfaDyXQ2/s400/IMG_0668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sarah and Baby Girl kicking it up together. Love this picture!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQEx49Rra6Ma0bYsgDdRba64Xc74-jpfYl6SerV0TrL9Sdgh57Q3EsT6hnb4n-DFBBfeG04kgBUHotFbYXuEC_vvdaiArt4l93_V1N_p4zIYHmkUzWfPTulm99CK_sRdf-0Kd/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQEx49Rra6Ma0bYsgDdRba64Xc74-jpfYl6SerV0TrL9Sdgh57Q3EsT6hnb4n-DFBBfeG04kgBUHotFbYXuEC_vvdaiArt4l93_V1N_p4zIYHmkUzWfPTulm99CK_sRdf-0Kd/s200/IMG_0691.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
More stretching by partnering up with her friend from school. Such a fun day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After Yoga class, the kids enjoyed some snacks - popcorn chicken, turkey/ham sandwiches, fruit, veggies and chips. Once they were finished eating, they decorated water bottles with Sharpie markers and added candy that was dropped on each table to them.<br />
<br />
We brought the cake in to the same studio to sing and eat it all. In addition to the main cake, I had red velvet and chocolate cake balls which have been well received by people who want just a little sweet.<br />
<br />
Once the cake was served and it went fast, Mr. Wonderful gathered everyone in Studio A for a very safe and loving game of DODGE BALL...It was the Birthday Girl's request so all went well until the kids were the ones throwing the balls. Something happened...I didn't see it but once Baby Girl was upset, it was a good time to end the game and move to something else.<br />
<br />
Now normally we do not open presents at her parties...There's usually not enough time but this time, it seemed like it worked with the way the party was going and it would make her feel better after the crazy dodgeball game. All of her friends and family were very generous and so thoughtful. She received cards, toys, books, games and lots of cute girl stuff.<br />
<br />
We closed out the party after presents. Everyone was having so much fun visiting, that no one seemed to want to leave. Once they did head out, I handed every child a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-29990-2-in-1-Mandala-Designer-Classic/dp/B001XCWGRE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1432650568&sr=8-3&keywords=mandala+kit" target="_blank">mandala design kit</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks to my in-laws (Baby Girls' Papou and YiaYia), Tori, my brother Theo, Chaun and Shannon, the break down and load out of the party went by very quickly and easy. We were back home in enough time to change clothes and get to Universal Studios that night.<br />
<br />
Celebrating in love,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-31317346480870544162015-04-11T15:43:00.000-07:002015-04-22T16:19:39.420-07:00APRIL LOVE: An Inspiring PersonDay 11: I am inspired by a lot of people on a daily basis. Some I know, some I don't. It would be tough to pick just one since many provide bits and pieces of inspiration for me that make up a whole. So I choose to be inspired by my surroundings that include lots of people who are doing the best they can every day. They are following their dreams. Reaching their goals. Looking for happiness. Finding happiness. Believing in others. Believing in themselves. Realizing they can do it. Understanding and working through pain. Healing. Knowing nothing. Knowing everything. Being honest. <i>Showing up. </i><br />
<br />
That's who inspires me...All of you who move in the world in your own way and contribute in your own style. As a result, you make big and small differences every day for me and for everyone around you.<br />
<br />
Inspired by you,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-3505000703930811442015-04-10T15:40:00.000-07:002015-04-22T10:55:40.086-07:00APRIL LOVE: My Superpower<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHasdY6AzPLxBWxefitWEYPvurAuCFAo0igjK_SYj6XMv-oG02VsoECBXE3NzOZKDzLf1N_ZJTiRk6a32lpexgql956MPO-RKGjqYSUHKcSiGTjRgognP4s_awTEhM2jGfy2pd/s1600/cyana+and+bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHasdY6AzPLxBWxefitWEYPvurAuCFAo0igjK_SYj6XMv-oG02VsoECBXE3NzOZKDzLf1N_ZJTiRk6a32lpexgql956MPO-RKGjqYSUHKcSiGTjRgognP4s_awTEhM2jGfy2pd/s1600/cyana+and+bib.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Wonderful's cat, Bib and Baby Girl back in the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Day 10</b>: Some of you may know or not know that I'm a cat juggler. It's my superpower. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't use this power for good for others. It's a blessing and a curse like most superpowers. I juggle a pretty active schedule (by choice) where I get to work hard, connect with friends, do Yoga (when I'm super lucky) and spend time with my family including two dogs which doesn't always bode well for cat juggling. You see, since I was a little girl, this has been my talent...Taking on three tasks at any given moment...Doing more than I probably should be. I remember thinking that all would change once I graduated college where I proceeded with a 20-plus credit hour schedule, two jobs, volunteering for community theater and whatever else I could find to keep me juggling. But nothing really changed...I just got better at this power. It translated well into my career and my relationships and when I got married and when I became a mother. It's as if this superpower would always be a necessary since life moves forward with so many opportunities to live it -- with or without you. I thrive on juggling but as I've grown up and become just a tad bit wiser, I realize that juggling is not how I need to show up for everything. Focusing on one person, one moment or one task at a time can bring so much more to the table than trying to do it all at once. And that is my close second when it comes to superpowers - reflecting. It's through my reflections, I totally get that it's OK to be "Juggling Lorelie" or "One-Thing-At-A-Time Lorelie." At the end of the day, it's still me and being yourself is a superpower that we should all strive to master.<br />
<br />
Able to juggle and able to not,Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18729403.post-35868639303388806782015-04-09T06:56:00.004-07:002015-04-09T07:53:44.805-07:00April LOVE: 5 Years Ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqA6X-V-Edjd-zYYmmZmUTqt9qSFfuxwR5yqCtlDjI73Ve5qTp7HHEKz4N6dG5WhWzeCOvMcc-wr2u6l_7eBeMuV4Q5lJZ9GIUsYDZEpv-TdoSZRKON6STQ0Ev1VSpSSofZQo/s1600/2010+MOMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqA6X-V-Edjd-zYYmmZmUTqt9qSFfuxwR5yqCtlDjI73Ve5qTp7HHEKz4N6dG5WhWzeCOvMcc-wr2u6l_7eBeMuV4Q5lJZ9GIUsYDZEpv-TdoSZRKON6STQ0Ev1VSpSSofZQo/s1600/2010+MOMA.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 9 - Five years ago, I was standing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art staring at this painting by <a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/" target="_blank">Henri Matisse</a> (oil on canvas) called "The Goldfish Bowl" that was created in 1921-1922. I do not own goldfish but I do love looking at them and the color and design they bring to art. This was painted in Matisse's apartment in the afternoon in Nice. I can see myself there.<br />
<br />
Love to all the pretty goldfish, Loreliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727277701660224839noreply@blogger.com0