J.J. Devine's Blog, page 38
February 7, 2017
This week is off to an interesting start...
Good morning, everyone!!!This week is off to an interesting start already. Work scheduled changed for today, which I expected. Strange how that happens, but it does once in awhile.
I'm glad I listen to my intuition and prepare myself in advance. Otherwise, well, I could get aggravated and I hate when I get like that.
One thing I have learned over the course of my years on this earth is things can change in the blink of an eye. It used to throw me off. I used to get agitated when things happened I wasn't ready for, even if I knew it was coming. But, I've learned to better listen to my gut instincts and this is more helpful than you realize.
You may not know when or how, but you feel change coming when you open yourself up to listening to your inner voice. I feel more changes coming in the near future, but my gut tells me this is the beginning. So mentally I prepare :)
Tomorrow afternoon I have the carpet people coming to add a bit more change to my surroundings :) And yes, each day for the last two days my intentions were good, but my procrastinating side was alive and well. So today after work I MUST get busy and move what I can out of my living room. I work best under pressure as you know :) So after a day of putting truck and deliveries away at work I will be coming home to finding places to put everything from my living room I can live with for a few days :) I already have a few places in mind, so now I just have to put plan to action :)
Hubby will be home later on this evening so of course he will definitely motivate me :)
Well it is almost time to head out to the day job. I'm still mulling over my story for The Lake House, I believe I have my heroine, but not real sure just yet. We'll see :)
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 5, 2017
Life moves forward...
Good morning, everyone!!!Yesterday was writing meeting day!!! The energy that swarmed through that room was amazing!!! I love when creative minds come together, the things that we come up with, the things that we put in motion, the things we work toward, well it is just wonderful and leaves me with an extreme amount of hope residing within me.
So today, I will be posting Come Home With Me in my free reads section of this website for all of you to enjoy. It was my story in The Hope Chest. I will also be posting it to my facebook fanpages for JJ Devine and Historicals for the Heart. I do hope you enjoy it :)
I work today at the day job, then it is off to the grocery. Thankfully yesterday when I got back from my meeting my youngest son had brought home goodies from the store to have for dinner :) So I didn't have to go back out. He's a great kid!!! Takes care of his momma :)
Then I need to begin moving things out of our living room to prepare for the new carpet to be laid. I want to get as much done as I possibly can before hubby gets home. You see, he has the hard job of moving the fireplace, shelf units, tv, and the hardest job of all, the fish tank. We will be transferring fish tanks when this project is over. Going from a thirty gallon to a fifty five gallon. Our fish are ready for their new home I'm sure :)
I will also be working on my newsletter this week. I'm excited to get the new one out :) Then there is always back to work on Unfinished Business :) I can't wait to get that one out to all of you. I also have a little more than a month to get my story for The Lake House written, no, I haven't started on it yet. Yes, I work better under pressure :) I'm highly considering another historical on this one. Especially after some of the research I have done this past week :)
Well I better get moving. I have to hit the shower soon.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 3, 2017
Preparing for the weekend...
Good morning, everyone!!!Well it's early but seeing as I need to be to the day job early this morning I'm up and going already.
The weekend ahead is going to be a busy one. I have my monthly writing meeting and we've thrown in a board meeting this month. So I must plan for two meetings versus one :) The ideas are all in my head so hopefully the agendas will just flow and I can get those taken care of quickly this evening.
Then I have to start moving things out of my living room for the carpet people to lay carpet on Wednesday. I guess you could say I am ready to have this part done and over with :) It's too close to Christmas being over and just getting the living room back the way I like it to start all over again. Then of course there was the destruction I made around here from painting... I just feel like I never get done putting the house back together LOL.
It's all good though, because once the winter months are over I will be finished remodeling for another year :) It seems that has become my new thing over the winter months for the last few years. Painting and remodeling different rooms in the house :) The downstairs is almost finished, just floors in a few rooms so I guess you could say we're almost good to go :)
I've got to get busy on this month's newsletter, which I plan to start on this evening :) Can't wait to get the second one under my belt :)
Well it looks like I'm running out of time so better hit the shower.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
February 1, 2017
Be the change you wish to see...What does it mean???
Good morning, everyone!!!This is a common phrase, be the change, but what does it mean? I've always been a firm believer you can't just sit around the kitchen table and complain and expect changes to happen. However, I also know some changes in this world are bigger than we are. So how does it work? How do we be the change we wish to see?
Well, in life everything we do and see is from our own perception. This to me is the first change we need to make within ourselves. Not so much change our convictions and thoughts, but change the fact that all we see any situation from is our point of view. We broaden our horizons by looking at things from other angles. Sometimes this will change our point of view, other times it will make us stronger in our point of view.
I look back on my life and see how many thoughts and ideas within me have changed over the course of time because I work hard at opening myself to being in another's shoes. What this has done for me is allowed me to sometimes change my opinions on matters other times it only firms my beliefs.
Change begins at home. Simply put, your actions and reactions are what people around you see. If you live your convictions, if you are willing to listen to those around you with an open mind, and if you are open to change, well the world around you begins to change. People begin to take notice and maybe in some ways it changes them.
This coming from a very opinionated woman, you say, LOL. Yes, because I know first hand that when our mouths are open, our ears are closed. But the moment we close our mouths, listen, and absorb, we begin to open our eyes. We see beyond what we think and open ourselves to the possibilities.
I've made a good deal of enemies in this lifetime. However, I have also made a good many friends. My circle is filled with people who do not always see eye to eye on every topic of this life and I wouldn't have it any other way. I like the individualism of my friends.
The first thing I had to learn about being the change is also knowing that not everyone is comfortable with that term. I also understand it can change the way people look at you.
Being the change is not always easy. You will come across people in this life that no matter how hard you try, they will always look for your ulterior motive. That's fine, because frankly, we've not lived their life to understand why they can't trust a person at face value. So instead of getting your back up about that person, accept them. This is how being the change works.
I deal with the public on a daily basis in my day job. People from all walks of life. People who are set in their ways, strong in their convictions, and even people I believe have lived a hard rough life. All of these things make up who we are.
My main goal in this lifetime toward change is to be kind, understanding (even when I don't understand), and most of all let people see the real me. This is hard for me, because yes, I've had horrible trust issues in my lifetime and opening myself up to the outside world is difficult for me. Yet, for me to grow and be the change, I have to allow the outside world in from time to time. Not allow my kindness to come with string attached, but doing the right thing because it is what is right for me.
It is sort of like the pay it forward. One person does something for someone, then another person does something for someone else. None ever expecting more than each to pay it forward. That to me is when change in the world around you begins to happen.
Accepting everyone does not do everything as you do. Accepting everyone does not feel as strongly about certain topics as you do. Accepting that we are all different in this life and have lived different lives even if you grew up in the same households. This is opening oneself up to being the change you wish to see in the world.
So I guess you could say change begins at home. If you look at home as being your own body, your own soul.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 31, 2017
Starting this day off on the right foot...I hope...
Good afternoon, everyone!!!It's the last day of January and I've managed to keep up with most things all month :) This makes me happy for sure. Getting back into the habits I once had and hoping to continue this forward motion throughout the year.
I sat down and worked on Unfinished Business last evening and did some research for my story in The Lake House. So I call that a writing win :) I also got some writing business done this week, which is helpful. Now I have two meetings to set agendas for, which I will work on that later this week with the help of my dear VP and friend :)
I also need to begin prep work for a day job meeting and read the book Daring to Succeed, which I believe will help in the day job and my writing job :)
I've gotten a great deal of the painting work done in the house, which is wonderful. They came this morning early to measure for my new living room carpet. I can't wait until that is installed and the big fish tank is set up and going!!! This has been a long time coming for sure and I will be thrilled to see it to completion :)
The bathroom will be our last room to finish up before figuring out what flooring we want in the kitchen and entry way, which will be the last floors to redo for awhile. I love the old fashion feel that is beginning to take shape in this old house :) It suits me and my personality :)
All in all I believe not only this day but this year has started off on the right foot. That's all I can ask. I am hopeful I can continue moving forward and hold onto this energy. Keep your fingers crossed for me :)
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 27, 2017
Life lesson number one million and forty-two...
Good afternoon, everyone!!!I firmly believe life is a learning process as everyone knows. I also believe that it how we grow as a person.
One thing I would like to touch base on today is the art of learning that everyone has a right to their opinions. Why you might ask? Simple, I once believed my opinion was the only opinion :) much like many of us in this world.
Today, I know my opinion is one of billions. It is also something I must respect even if I don't agree with it. It is also a lesson that is very hard to learn because convictions are a powerful thing. Therefore, when someone believes firmly in something, it can get out of hand in arguing their point.
How do I handle my opinions? Simple, if it is something I can vote for, I get my butt to the polls and vote my convictions. If it is something I can't change, then I reserve to the fact that I can state my opinion and move on from there.
I once thought everyone should see things my way. Because of course it was the right way LOL. But it may be the right way for me and not someone else. Sometimes that is a hard pill to swallow.
When I blog I often times blog my own opinions. Plain and simple. My life, my choices, my ideas for growing within myself. If it allows someone to grow within themselves, wonderful. If you grow within yourself because of something you do not agree with me on and it allows you to become stronger in your convictions on why you believe what you believe, even better. Why, because this means you are growing within yourself as well. Which is the ultimate goal in life to me.
I've reached an age where I know for me change begins at home, in one's self, and it allows us to build a better world from the inside. I used to tell myself, don't rock the boat. Today, I may rock the boat from time to time, but I think I do this mainly to get people thinking and allow them to firm their own convictions :)
I remember sitting around the dinner table with my grandfather. I remember thinking as a kid that man likes a good argument. As I look back on it today, as an older person myself, I can see what he was doing. He wanted people to think. Not just on the surface, but deeply about why they feel what they feel on a topic. It makes sense to me now, where it didn't back in the day.
Lessons in this life are remarkable. I still struggle with the idea of people having their own opinions, but I am learning to be accepting of the idea and learning to be okay with that. I may not always agree with everything people do, say, or live, but one thing I am better at today than I used to be is knowing when it is my opinion and when someone else is entitled to theirs :)
Can opinions change the world? Yes, when they are backed up by convictions and followed through in healthy changes we each make in our own lives.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 25, 2017
Yesterday was high emotions...
Good morning, everyone!!!Yesterday was a hard one. My mindset wasn't pleasant for sure. I still hold a great deal of anger toward the man who caused our little Ali's death. One day I hope to find peace with this, but four years later, I still can't let it go.
Sure, it is not as harsh as it once was. Every breath I let out back then hatred spewed from me. At least now that doesn't happen.
Her birthday is a day I try so hard to just remember her. Not the why that surrounded her birth, but our beautiful little angel herself. How much she touched my life. How much she taught me and is still teaching me. Because that is how I want to remember her. I only want to forget the man who harmed her mother, who damaged our sweet angel's lungs so much there was no hope for survival. But with her memories comes these memories also.
I struggle with forgiveness here. I know forgiveness is not for the person who's done you harm, but for yourself. There are days I firmly believe it is Ali's forgiveness that is all that is necessary, because it was done to her. Yet, a part of me also knows I too need to be as forgiving as she. But in this realm it is difficult. I'm human and I admit that.
I see four year olds running around. I smile. I think that could be our little angel. I have a little nephew who is just weeks younger than Ali. He holds a very special place in my heart. He gives me insight into what could have been. And for that he will always be my own personal rainbow baby. His little heart is so big. When he grabs my face and tells me how much he missed me after we haven't seen each other in awhile, it makes my heart sail. His hugs are so sweet. His smile lights up his eyes. He's as ornery as Ali's brother was at that age, with the same kind of heart and compassion as her brother.
I went to the cemetery yesterday. I sat at Ali's grave for a little while. I then visited my little nephew who passed away at two months old, buried up the hill a piece from our little angel. I know the two of them are keeping my ancestors busy, chasing after them as they play together. Butch needed a cousin to play with.
Today, I have to pull myself back together. Get back to life again. I can't let myself dwell in the past, but try my best to understand the whys of it all and keep moving forward. I can still love my little angel with all my heart and soul, but I have to continue living this life designed for me. Her loss is a part of that life, which has changed me forever.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 24, 2017
Happy Birthday in heaven, my angel...
Happy Birthday in heaven, my angel. You would have been four today. Oh the things we could have done in this four years. You loved the song Amazing Grace, just as your uncle and siblings and cousin did. You loved cuddling, just as your siblings and cousins do.
When people ask me how many grandchildren do I have, I always say four living and one angel. Because even though you were here for such a short time, your life mattered. It mattered to me as a grandmother. It matter to your aunts and uncles. Your grandfather. Your siblings and cousins.
I remember sitting in that dimly lit room just you and I. Holding you close. Telling you about the family who loved you. We talked about the things you would miss and we would miss having you a part of, such as family get-togethers, birthdays, Christmases, even our summer camping trips and smores by the campfire.
I remember how my heart swelled with love the moment I set eyes on you. I remember the overwhelming weight of heartbreak when the nurses and doctors set me down and told me there was no hope. I pretended to be strong in front of them and your mom, because that is a grandma's role, to be strong for those she loves. I remember breaking down when I was alone. Praying hard to my ancestors who'd gone on before us. Begging their help in letting you go. Because I knew how to be a grandma I just didn't know how to be a grandma of an angel.
Part of being a grandma is loving and caring for her grandchildren with an unconditional love. I wanted so much to put conditions on this. I wanted to make God leave you with us. I wanted to be able to hold you always.
However, that was not His plan nor yours.
I heard your laughter throughout my house that first October without you. I knew it was you. Bouncing on my bed. Running up and down the stairs. The heavy footsteps of my cousin chasing after you. You knew grandma believed in such things, so you knew it was safe to come to my home, to prove to me you were happy.
Very recently your presence has been back. I guess you knew I needed it. Those family times don't go without you, you just come to spend time in a different manner than you would.
I'm grateful you have those who've gone on before us to love you like you would have been loved here on earth. To look after you. To hold you when you need held.
Grandma never forgets her time with you. Nor does a Christmas go by that you also received flowers and a sock monkey from Santa in your stocking made lovingly by all of us. You're birthday is a difficult day. But a day solely given to you in my heart.
I miss you sweet angel, but I know you are happy. I've felt your presence, I've heard your laughter that I was only able to hear with my heart when you were alive. Your soul soars with the angels and grandma is so proud of you.
Happy Birthday, my beautiful angel!!!
Grandma loves you so very much!!!
January 22, 2017
A hurricane has blown through my house...
Good afternoon, everyone!!!I overslept this morning, why I have no idea other than I must have needed the sleep. I woke up first at 7 a.m. and said, nope not getting up on a day off that early. Then woke up at almost 10 a.m. That got me out of bed for sure LOL.
I have a ton of stuff to do today seeing as a hurricane came through this house at some point yesterday. I had no idea there was so much crap in the entry way, seeing as I just cleaned it out when we got the fridge. All I can say is I'm a pro at hiding junk.
I already filled up the trash can yesterday with stuff I threw away, then turned around and three rooms of this house is filled up with junk I kept. Guess what I'm doing today??? Yep, throwing out more junk.
I'm thrilled with the outcome of the entry way though. It matches my kitchen. My daughter and I had ran to the store to grab a few things before we started and I found the cutest skeleton key hooks. They just jumped off the shelf at me and said, we're perfect for your coat hooks :)
I've been on a mission to give this house a makeover for a few years now. Going room by room. Once all the walls are finished up, my game plan is to next move to the floors :)
When I started my project I kept in mind the house is over a hundred years old. I wanted to hold onto the feel as you go through the house. The living room being done in Native American. The dark paint on all the molding, the lighter walls to open things up yet keeping the charm of each of the rooms :)
The only aspect of these projects of mine is the clean up afterwards. I am a very horribly messy person when it comes to reorganizing and redoing. I don't know how to be any other way. Make a mess to clean a mess :) One thing I know for sure though is when this mess is cleaned I will be thrilled with the outcome :)
So yes, my last day off for a few days is going to be spent putting the house back in order. I like being productive so this will definitely be a productive day if I ever get myself up and going :) I'm excited to get the things back on the walls and get them off my kitchen table, bed, and out of my living room :) Because who ever said my messes are small, LOL.
Well if I am going to do this I need to get moving.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
January 21, 2017
Working toward a better life...
Good morning, everyone!!!One thing I think about each day is how can I move my life forward in a positive direction. I had started drinking more caffeine throughout my day again, which I found to be a huge mistake. I have more energy when I drink my morning coffee then switch to decaf tea the rest of the day. I know one wouldn't think that would help with energy but it does.
Changing my mindset also has helped in working toward a better life. I find worrying less about what others think of me and worry more about what I think of myself is the best route to take toward a better life.
I used to put first what other people might think if I do this or that. I spent so much energy on worrying over whether or not this or that would make me likeable. In fact, recently, this issue came up for me. I tried to tone down 'me' because I was so worried about someone thinking I was trying to out do them. Then it occurred to me, why? This is who you are. This is how you do things. Sure, it may make other people uncomfortable sometimes, but that is their own issue, so why make it yours?
It is freeing when you just do you. When you allow yourself to quit worrying over what someone else thinks of you. Life is too short to worry over such things.
For me, life is a learning process. You should be moving forward each day in working toward a better life. Even those days that it feels like you are standing still, making no progress at all, I've found are necessary toward this goal of making a better life. These are the times of reflection, of regaining the energy to keep pushing forward.
Today, I will be pushing the mark to move forward a bit more. I am focusing on the things I want to accomplish in my surroundings, which is one of the ways I reflect inwardly. I love this time, because it not only allows me to get rid of things I no longer have use for in my life, but it allows me to also reflect on the habits I have that no longer serve me. Then work toward removing them from my life, using this time to make firm decisions on how to replace these habits with better ones.
So wish me luck today as I move this life of mine forward.
Everyone have a lovely day!!!
Blessings to all!!!
