SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com

"I AMENDED MY WORD: VERVE~VACIOUS!" (Me!) Sandra, tvgp

On Leonard's blog.. In comments.. Just now!  "Thank you! Bloggerman..". "Thank you Russell!"

For those of you who are not in the know I offer the upshot:

Read eat, love, pray..  Elizabeth gilbert Inspires everyone to select 1 word that captures the essence of their city.. Of themselves..

My writer friends know their words immediately!  Jim Ott: renaissance.  Kathy Cordova: miracle...

(Me!)..  Nothing springs immediately to mind.. I wait patiently.. Patiently..

One day reading my horoscope, I come across the word: verve.  -no idea what it means... Hit the dictionary..

Shout to the world, "my word! I found my word!"

Made a wall plaque out of it...

That's been my word for probably 7 or 8 years now.. 6? Not sure, doesn't matter

What DOES matter.. Is that Leonard Stegmann wrote about russell crowe  (crowE! Not crowD!  Frickin' auto-mess..) This morning..

And.. Well go look and see comments..

!

I was trying to describe myself..  I was about 2 seconds away from typing 'average looking' american poet..

But my spiritual training prevents me from using the word , average..

But then I look again at Russell's ex-wife..

I'm certainly not THAT!   My delusions are of a different kind..

So I'm trying' to -sound- attractive ... But remain honest at the same time..

Damn spiritual training again!

But "look!"

Out popped: "highly verve-vacious"

Doesn't that sound so sexy

I'm very pleased; very pleased.

And now will be keeping my eyes out for what to wear to the Oscars

In Jesus name..  Hallelujah! I'm grateful.. Amen!

posted by SHE @ 8:54 AM 0 comments

Breakthroughs & Miracles; Miracles & Breakthroughs prays (me!) ~tops

 last year, the phrase that God placed on my heart was 'let that be enough'.   and i employed the wisdom throughout the entire year.   -sometimes it helped me lessen a heavy load; i.e.,  it's not perfect, but it's very good; let very good be enough.   -sometimes it helped me see in advance things i temporarily wanted; but absolutely did not need; i.e.,  i was on such a high after seeing the michael jackson one show in vegas.. when i went inside the gift/souvenir store after..  oh! i wanted so much..   let seeing the show be enough..  and so i left with only two pens   -and really, that was more than enough..   the show itself!!  best ever, ever, ever..

***

this new year, 2022, the words God has placed on my heart, "Miracles & Breakthroughs; Breakthroughs & Miracles"  (repeat)

I have more personal experience with breakthroughs than i do miracles; but i do have plenty of experience with both..

oh! to be in receipt and experience either one..  but to experience BOTH!   well, actually, 

i think breakthroughs feel like miracles when you actually achieve/experience them

so, sexy and i, we continue to pray every. single. morning. -he does a longer, itemized, specific and very beautiful prayer that encompasses all of our loved ones; family, friends..     i do a more brief prayer vocally, but pray without ceasing, internally.

and we continue to watch our church tv shows 7 days a week, 365..

but included in our prayers for all of our loved ones, for our family, immediate & extended, for our friends, both tried & true and relatively new..

Breakthroughs!  Miracles!   for each and every one of you!  Experiential!  Glorifying our trustworthy, praiseworthy God..    Miracles!  Breakthroughs!   in Jesus Name

***

and let me close this post, by sharing my understanding of what a breakthrough, and what a miracle is:

BREAKTHROUGH   -Ephesians 6:12

       -For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.        

       -addictions, insecurities, debts, anything self-destructive, or other-destructive, anything that tears down vs. builds up and edifies, anything dark, evil, negative that has a power over your heart, mind, spirit, soul, thoughts, attitudes, behaviors..  -life;   anything that steals or threatens to steal your peace and/or joy;   and each person knows what that is for themselves..

"A BREAKTHROUGH!"    -that you experience FREEDOM from that negative control/power over you, and instead, experience GOD'S GLORIOUS FREEDOM

                                -John 8:36  

        -If therefore the Son shall make you free, 

ye shall be free indeed.

so, a breakthrough..  that is when you are FREE INDEED!   /Bishop T.D. Jakes has an excellent sermon on being 'free indeed!'

***

MIRACLE    -Acts 2:22

              -Fellow Israelites, listen to this:  Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among your through him, as you yourselves know.

             i have already written on my definition/experience with miracles, so just link that here.

"CH!!"     Kathy Cordova's word...   'miracle!'        Jim Ott's word... 'renaissance'   "CH!!"

my word!   "verve!"

and in addition to God placing on my heart, 'breakthroughs & miracles; miracles & breakthroughs'

     God also placed on my heart, THIS VERY MORNING.  a new word; not for me individually [verve]

but placed on my heart a word for sexy and i; together; as a team..   "EVERLASTING!"

          Mark 10:9    -Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

***

John 10:10     

so many lives, over so many generations, as far back as you can research and as far ahead as you can imagine..     human lives proving out/living out this scripture:  John 10:10

There is an enemy alive and well; dark forces..  strongholds..  evil...  wickedness...   a pit each other against; ugly and dividing force    -stealing peace and joy

There is a God, and there is a Jesus..   and there is a Holy Spirit...   light/free life forces...  breakthroughs..   love...  compassion/understanding...   a fellowship;  a beautiful and uniting force...  -a source for our peace and joy; abundance

it is all taking place; all of the time; in the spiritual realm...    you experience it; you feel it; you know it..  but you can't take pictures of it; see it.. explain it..  prove it in a secular court of flesh/blood law..

but it is true:

John 10:10   The thief (devil/enemy) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they (you; all who believe) may have life, and have it to the full.

1 John 5:4     -For whosoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith."

John 1: 5    -I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

2 Corinthians 5:20   -We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf; Be reconciled to God.

John 3:17     -For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

       on behalf of all of us who have been rescued and restored to wholeness; saved! on behalf of all of us who are 'more than conquerors' (Romans 8:31)  -all of us who made it through the pit, to the palace..

all of us 'who did not grow weary in doing good' 

all of us who are living a victorious life     -all of us who understand we are God's soldiers in spiritual warfare

and that the victory has already been won

Love conquers all

"Thank You Jesus!"   hallelujah & amen.

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 11:34 AM 0 comments

By-Path Surgery by (me!) sandra, tvgp

the problem of not being able to upload pictures from phone to blog is not yet resolved.  but as I have written about in abundance before  -everything is pathways.  and my go-around temporary solution (which I hope is temporary) is to send my pictures to myself via email..  then download...  then access.

***

now..   I was wearing the biggest smile when someone was kind enough to ask (me!) yesterday

passerby:   how are you doing?

(me!):   well, I have a very sexy man and great meal to look forward to... in a new place my heart gets to call home..

***

I will not write again about  -home-    

what I will do instead is tell you how moved I was..     deeply touched..    when, in the not too far past, my mom and her husband rick came here to san jose for dinner     /my temptation would be to say, 'to Robert's house' for dinner..    

anyway..   they came here..    and  "I got to cook for them!"  one of my favorite meals Robert had made for me... which felt great, as they had had dinner waiting for me almost every night I lived there with them...      slow cooked to perfection pot roast and hand-mashed fresh hot potatoes.  I do believe it was a hit..

but, that's not the part that moved me..   this is:

when I walked through the door, my sexy had poster board on several different, currently empty walls/areas.  

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 7:08 AM 0 comments

make that 4 things.. suggests (me!) sandra, tvgp

from a talk I gave at Pleasanton Middle School..  I recommended each student have three things before heading to high school

1.  a lucky number

2. a favorite quote

3. your word..  that one word that captures your essence


we know mine:  213, /which you can I spy in the picture here today;  "BE the change you wish to see in the world" & "you cant use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have.."    /same can be said of love; yes..    and, VERVE.   /but if Russell crowe is anywhere in earshot, let's make that verve~vacious.

k,

but you know what else you should have:  a bible passage. I'm not using the word favorite here; or most beautiful..      but more like,  -the passage that you most deeply spiritually connect with, and/or that is divinely inspired..

mine is Isaiah 54.   it is not my favorite.  it is not the most beautiful, to me..   it is not the most important..   but it has been   -gifted to me.   and I re-read it with some regularity

it is also one of those passages I "happened" across, when randomly opening the bible, closing my eyes, and pointing a finger...     and, look here, Isiah 54:  12-13...   




and my personal interest is much more in the new testament, but this is my passage.   "Thank You!" Jesus and Isaiah...      "... think I finally found my hallelujah!....."

posted by SHE @ 9:12 AM 0 comments

MY WORD! (at last!) sandra, ttgp

posted by SHE @ 9:17 AM 16 comments

3 times in 10 years.. best guess for (me!) sandra, tvgp

ive mentioned before, it is the exception and not the rule, that people ask me about my tattoo.  and only one time so far has this happened:

him:   "i have that same tattoo on my leg."

(me!):   "well, what do you tell people it means?"

him:  "why... what do you tell people it means?"

(me!):   "i tell people..  'it means conquer the world with kindness.'    -unless, like you, they know what it means, in which case, I say,  'because that takes quite a bit of courage, doesn't it."

and he liked that.

***

and I think over the past 10 years plus that ive had my tattoo, only 3 times   -and I'm guessing, I never wrote it down or documented it, but perhaps 3 times, ive encountered people who just can't seem to let it go..   how much they detest my tattoo..   they want to go on and on about how much they hate them.. would never get one...  cant stand the way...    etc., etc.,

I am a good listener and a good sport for a while..    but, I feel compelled at some point to remind such people

with as much politeness and respect as I can muster,

"yes..   I understand you don't like tattoos.  I hear you...    but, your liking it was not part of my criteria for getting it...      -I understand they are not for everyone..."

-and they don't like that.     people who want their opinions to control/dictate other people's opinions/decisions/behavior..   they are not so sure what to do with themselves when it doesn't work.

***

false labor:  not uncommon for a first time pregnant mom to show up at the hospital and learn she had 'false labor' pains..   and the only way she knows/learns the difference/distinction is when she has had the real actual labor pains to compare it to...     yes.

I am not a first time writer..   but!  I think I have had..    and only because write now I believe I have a real/actual true start   -only in comparison with what I am writing now, everything else feels like a false start..   to a real memoir.   my argument/plea/proposal if you will, has been for an advance.. so I can buy myself the time/space to organize the overwhelming amount of material that already exists on my blog.. but not in a reader-friendly format...     it takes time/energy..     but, all efforts for an advance have been unsuccessful.    -when I prayed on it..    and Joyce Meyer, will know immediately of what I speak..     I did not have my prayer answered in the form of an advance...  I had my prayer answered in the form of being provided  -verve in extra doses, and determination..    -so as time allows..  the writing continues.

**

label me suspicious:   in a conversation with my co-worker friend kurt..  my coworker friend and fellow Warriors fan..   he said to (me!)..  I never wanted to think so..    not in professional sports.. but..    did you see the game yet?       -and I knew in advance what he was eluding to..  I said, 'without specifically suggesting corruption... I already planned on writing about it.   -and, he shared his concerns, and I was sorry, but could only mostly validate his concerns...     in my 5 decades on the planet, I have learned..  that almost anywhere you have that kind of money on the line..      -so, yes..   I am also suspicious.    but! 

and light-heartedly, I joked/apologized I was not able to watch the game, and always joke that is why they lost...  

and offer the spiritual perspective   'it didn't happen to them... it happened for them...     so they can win at home in Oakland!"

-and since I will be able to give that game my undivided attention...  we know with great certainty!

and can't you just feel the celebration in the air...

***

and the reason I could not give my undivided attention to the potentially history makin' 4th game of the NBA World Championship FINALS, is because

I was giving my undivided attention to the dancers/performers at the Dublin High School Center for Performing Arts where Jazz n Taps was presenting their annual show..

and, I say it every year...   because every year it's true... but, THIS YEAR!!   best of the already best..

the theater itself; wonderful, spacious..
best seat I ever did have!  I could see the facial expressions of any dancer I focused on..

and, I focused quite a bit on my beautiful mom friend's daughter..  my reason for going..   

   -watching her evolve year after year..   and master tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre.. modern..

   /I'm not sure how many different genres'... but EXCEPTIONAL in any number she participated/contributed..

   -to see young children evolve into young adults...     always brings love tears from my eyes..   and to see young children/young adults discover their God given gifts/talents and to put such time, effort, energy, dedication and heart into developing, challenging, growing, improving...

and,  -to witness the consistent level of excellence for the duration of the performance:   lighting, costumes, music, choreography..   back to back fantastic dancers     -what a great job jazz n taps does .and what an honor it must be to be a part of the JnT family..

"Congratulations!!"

***

much going on/to look forward to at alden lane..   berry festival, art under the oaks, quilt show..  to name a few, but the official  -spring season-   is reaching its end.   I have been educated.   the spring season in the nursery industry is analogous to Christmas season in regular retail...   only longer by a number of weeks..        -but how exciting!   the pace, the volume, the variety of flower, plant and trees that have crossed my visual path over the past several months..    learned more than I have time to write about..  but want to remember the level of happiness from all the gardening customers  -so many people   -excited-  again, to plant what the long drought had prevented them from planting and enjoying..

and, I want to remember one of the silver lines:   that as a result of the drought, many people purchased/experimented with succulents for the first time..   and almost across the board, this introduction

a direct result of the drought, and probably not happening otherwise...

started a bran new love affair with succulents/cacti that I have no doubt will last for life times.

and there is quite an analogy there also, isn't there..

when in drought...

***

I am fascinated by things I don't think medicine/science can measure/see yet, by x-rays, or fmri, or blood samples, or dna, or urine, etc.

like,  -verve..   quantify/measure; report.      love.  peace.  ...   bonds ....    like, if I went to a doctors office, or scientist..     do you have tools which can show you my friendship bond with sue-sue?  because we just got together again, and its been a good long while, and I just love her to pieces, and our conversations pick write up.. and we share and enjoy each other's company so much..   

I know these friendship visits have incredible value..   on my heart health.  not monetary, not..

my friends mean the world to me..     do we have tools which can show/measure/quantify?   -because I don't think if you used number of calls, texts, or time of actual visits..

it really is a quality over quantity experience...      such a number of my friends are people I see/visit infrequently...   but very beloved friends they are!      I'm blessed.  blessed and grateful...

and again..   fascinated by what can/cannot be seen/known by doctors or science..
LOOK  -today, so popular, we have two things:  1. genealogy.  2. dna.
that is, we have ways to look back, and learn about our ancestry.  and we have ways to spit in test tubes, and learn about potential health risks, physical factors we may face in the future..
          I will not go on, write now, about the legitimacy/integrity/credibility of either/or,
my point, is we can -theoretically/practically look way back, and look way forward

but in my own life   -would any of this have been valuable to (me!) ? 

If I had an ancestry report in my left hand, and a DNA in my write..   would either prepare me for a predator breaking into my home? Jumping out from behind bushes with a gun?

-what would let me know I would have evil, wicked kidnappers/rapists to deal with?  PTSD does not show up in ancestory/DNA reports... 

it is  -post-   TRAUMA.    so, unless you can predict...   TRAUMAS...
violent attacks; sudden death; kidnapping/rape; human trafficking; terrorist attacks; domestic abuse, car-jackings, murder..  

so, i'm saying this so you can see...  with all the information we (potentially) have at our fingertips..  
            none of it is as valuable to me..    if you are using knowledge to prevent...

what good to know my aunt/uncles name from 1542?  or that I might one day battle alzheimers..
when what I had to worry about between then, my birth, and my unknown future were RAPISTS.

so, my interest is not as it seems to be with others -genealogy; dna reports...  looking back/looking forward
my interests are toward good and evil and spiritual warfare and helping humans evolve -spiritually.

any reports where science can quantify the fruits of the spirit?  how evil/how holy..  the soil of the mind/heart..

/am I being productive write now...   or procrastinating on the memoir God has gifted me the verve to...

let me not waste...

In Jesus name...    "Thank You!"             -hallelujah, yes and amen.

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 11:28 AM 0 comments

~ everything is prayer ~everything is tithing to (me!) ~topps

 everything is prayer:  cleaning the house; a thank you for our house prayer.  taking a hike; a thank you for our physical well being and thank you for your gorgeous landscape prayer.   cooking and/or enjoying a meal; thank you for each ingredient prayer..    shopping; thank you for these stores, these items, the ability to purchase.. thank you for this special time with my mom, daughter..  any/all shopping friends.  creating yard art; labor of love, thank you for the verve, the materials, the joy, our supportive neighbors..     -so, in this way, i relate to the scripture pray without ceasing.   i do not, kneel down, join my hands, in a formal way throughout the day, but i am ever aware, and spiritually thank God throughout my every day, every activity.    -very brief but frequent gratitude prayers.   i do stop, and formally pray in a very focused way when it regards the protection/safety/health of loved ones

everything is tithing:  i regard every penny we give or spend as tithing.  tithing toward a greater good; supporting local businesses, restaurants, services..    -my husband appreciated when i shared it this way with him:   -upon purchasing from a local small family business (noting price increases);

    do you want this business (bakery/restaurant/coffee shop/gift store, etc) to be here the next time we visit this area?   if you do, if the answer is yes..  tithe.    it is expressing gratitude 

   every business you spend at; you are investing in..  you are contributing to a working/contributing persons livelihood; you are helping them pay rent; pay employees; pay insurance, benefits, etc.   if you want to see a business succeed; tithe   - and many businesses donate to good causes of their choice, so it is a win/win

also, tithing, fundamentally, biblically and historically speaking, it has to do with giving your first fruits back to God as a way of recognizing the source of your blessings and saying thank you.

  -biblically, old testament, it was 10%

but this 10%; these first fruits, it can apply to much more than agriculture or income.    it can apply toward creative energy, toward your time..      -we give God first fruits by keeping God first place in our lives everyday; that is, we wake up, watch church tv, pray,  -before we do anything else.   -first fruits of our day.. our time.. our energy.    we do this because we are inspired to do so; not out of any obligation.

****

and speaking of being inspired..   for lent 2023, feb 22 -through easter, all my posts will be independent bible studies of one sort or another. 

In Jesus Name,  hallelujah & amen. 

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 7:52 AM 0 comments

The most important thing she said (jacquie williams courtright!) as heard by (me!) sandra, tvgp

so, at our meeting [and in our employee newsletter] Jacquie reminded everyone

"use your senses not your schedule."

and what she was referencing/referring to, was plants.    -she was explaining, that some people continued to employ their plant watering  -schedules-   even when we just experienced the extreme heat wave we did..     temperatures in Livermore, for example reached 115 degrees.   -ultra hot.

of course plants,  -just like people,  require more water when temperatures are that high.

   -it seems like common sense to me, but, I do realize...

I do realize, I, like many other people...  sometimes we stick to schedules/regimes/habits of behavior; 'what we've heard'  or 'what so n so said'  over using our own common, or 5, or 6th sense..

but it reminded me...

how my children reached a point where they would roll their eyes, and in an annoyed tone,

   -before I could finish the sentence, they would go, like

"I know, I know...  listen to my body."

and I repeated that very often throughout their childhoods exactly because I was seeing the same thing with people, as Jacquie sees with people and their plants..

my life experience has revealed it is VITAL to ignore schedules; and CRUCIAL to use your senses when it comes to your own health and well being

so, it may be said,   you need 8 hours sleep every night.     -but, I'm here to tell you, that that is only true for a % of humans..

some people need more; some less..   AND!  it varies with your age, the season, geography, etc.    so what you really need to do, is PAY ATTENTION, to how well you feel, perform, etc. based on how many hours sleep you get...     experiment!  and listen to your own, unique body..    PAY MORE ATTENTION to you, than to what you've been told is the  -write- thing to do

same with food, same with exercise, same with calories, same with recreation, same with quiet time, same with solitude vs. social..

USE YOUR SENSES!   LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!   don't use a schedule, or paragraph written by an 'expert'  or a brief news report, or a commercial..   etc.

I want to pause and "Thank You!" Jesus here,   -because, for over a decade, I have had no need for a doctor visit, or emergency dentist visit, or psychiatry visit

I have maintained essentially the same weight,  remained essentially the same size,

I have energy, creativity, verve, joy, peace, patience..      an appetite for life; energy for work; enthusiasm for time off to play..    good relationships with friends, family..

      grateful for daily blessings..    -daily.

and I credit my health, happiness to Jesus, first and foremost, and then next..

to exactly what Jacquie described; prescribes:

I use my senses.  I pay attention to my senses; not schedules.  I listen to my body, not experts with cookie cutter advice.  I don't step on a scale, I don't count calories..

I listen to my body    -when its hungry; eat.   when it's not; don't.    -that is revolutionary for many people.    thirsty; drink..     not; don't.       and I drink, lots of water..    each day, without counting whether its 8 glasses..     and I pray, lots throughout the day, without keeping track of how often; how long..

I use my senses.   I listen to my body.

tired; sleep.   energy; create..    I do not live according to a clock   -I live according to my senses..  intuitively;   honoring what my body tells me;.... not 'experts' or friends, or family.. or someone else does; or insists on..

we are all unique individuals..

I know my sleep, rest, water needs may be different from yours.   So nor am I going to advocate/dictate that what works for me, will work for you...

I know for example..    because MY BODY TELLS ME...     that just prior to starting my period, I need more sleep and more food; with great consistency..  I hear this, with my senses, I listen, I honor by providing myself with more sleep and food during that time..      -and with great consistency; those appetites subside after my period ends.   and I hear, listen, and honor that too.


if we listen; pay attention; notice.. use common sense, and tune in...

our bodies communicate with us, our needs, just as plants communicate to gardeners..

I need water..

I need more sun..

I need shade..

this soil; not that soil..

near that plant; but not that one..

fertilizer..

more space..

smaller pot...

whatever the need/requirements might be


   -there is an ongoing message and opportunity to communicate when you learn to observe and pay attention..   and take note of external changes in temperature; environment, circumstances etc.

and the language is very clear

and the results speak for themselves...

happy, thriving, producing    vs.   slouched, losing color.. stagnant


so, at least for me..  based on my life, and my life experiences:   I do not use books, or tv experts or magazines to dictate to me how much of this, how little of that..  yes to this/no to that..

I listen to my own body and honor what it tells me.    and for over a decade, longer, in some areas..  shorter in others

- the result, is that I am a happy, healthy, creative, loving, caring, enthused about life, relationships,  -with an ability to directly address, process, and prayerfully work through the ongoing challenges intrinsic in life.

it is the upshot for gardeners when it comes to watering plants

it is the upshot for humans when it comes to health & wellbeing: what/how much to eat; sleep; drink; rest; play...

"USE YOUR SENSES not a SCHEDULE."

   LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

amen & amen!

***

and these bible passages come to mind,  -because in each, Jesus healed on the Sabbath:
  Matthew 12:10; Mark 3:2, John 9:14-16

Sabbath = Schedule
Senses = Well Being

and I do remember, not the date or time, but I remember my internal reaction the first time I read John 9..

are you kidding me?!?   were there really people who witnessed the miracle  -a blind person having their sight restored..

a blind person can now see!!     and were there really people who ignored that miracle in favor of complaining that it took place on the Sabbath?

they focused on what day, not what happened?!?

one of many very sad stories about pharisses in the bible

***

and then, this schedule vs spirit..   schedule vs. senses..

robin williams voice...  surfaced in my mind..    I could hear bits n pieces of the beautiful scene in good will hunting on the park bench..   the beautiful monologue

posted by SHE @ 9:42 PM 0 comments

IM THANKFUL I HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR (me!) Sandra, tvgp

I wouldn't be exaggerating to tell you I can sometimes spend an hour with my eyes closed going over in great detail all the people and things I'm grateful for... God, and friends and family.. My children, healthy, happy, doing well in life, good friends, handling challenges, obstacles along the way.. Getting to witness the transitions, her into a beautiful young woman, him into a handsome young man..I'm grateful to my ex-husband for all he provides for them.. So grateful they are being raised in such a nice neighborhood, good schools, -cool hometown.. And I'm grateful my dad and family are back in California.. Chris, emily, isaiah, -Nate in PB.. Always a pleasure to be around, visit...A prayer answered! And I'm grateful for all the times my mom, and her husband have come out to Pleasanton for visits, but.. so grateful I can go to San leandro now, a city i was avoiding for some time, visit with my mom and her husband, without experiencing any depression or needing time to recover upon return. What healing! And my mom really knows what she's doing in the kitchen.. Such a good cook! A wonderful thanksgiving meal and visit.. And I'm grateful for my sister, niece and nephew.. Anytime we get to hang out together.. And my brother.. I'm really grateful that he has love in his life now.. A family he can enjoy the holidays with! -that they are doing well.. I'm so grateful for my handsome prince! And his daughters.. And his family. To be in love, to have someone I'm so attracted to and compatible with.. Who.. WHO! uh oh... SIDETRACK: "WHO GOT US TICKETS TO SEE DR MAYA ANGELOU! AND! ROBIN WILLIAMS! -who helped me see and get a picture with MY CHARLIE ROSE!... Oh! And I've been doing so good.. But every once in a while my thoughts get taken over with my practicing what I might say if I get the chance to shake hands with... -forget it. I either start rambling, or freeze. Anyway.. GOD is already there! -one of my favorite prayers! GOD IS ALREADY THERE... And I'm so grateful for carol, Stacy, friendship/shelter, the room I'm renting in the most beautiful neighborhood! I'm extra extra grateful for my job at ricks picks.. My favorite job I've ever had. -ever. And maybe the money is not so great, but! I love the place, the people, the products.. And it utilizes at least a dozen skill sets I have that have not been put to use by any other employer. May I pause to share here.. I got a text from Rick himself with THREE "really's" in it.. As in, " I really, really, really like what you did in home decor..". -as I had spent some 5 plus hours re-doing almost the entire home decor section in the Danville store /and it felt like 30 minutes! And I feel so incompetent in the kitchen and in other places/situations... But! Let me loose to organize, decorate, arrange this spectacular variety of eclectic home decor in some creative, aesthetically pleasing way and I get to feel like A. I know what I'm doing, and B. I'm good at it! -what a blessing! plus.. I'm having so much fun with Ricky & picky ..taking pictures!.. And I'm very grateful to Charlotte Severin, Julie, Andrea.. My position as poet laureate.. Feel myself being challenged, stretched -growing. Deeply grateful to faith ALPHER! For the opportunity to honor, celebrate Dr MAYA Angelou in this special way.. Will I get a chance to tell her?! And how lucky am I?! I mean, one of the things that makes me feel the luckiest of all! Is getting to read and respond to Leonard's blogs 5 days a week! .. Way up there in the saving and enhancing quality of life area! -the blogosphere itself, my new fancy phone.. That allows me to take and upload pictures direct to my blog! .. My health!.. All my healing! My church! Joyce Meyer! Joel Osteen! Hour of power! Energy! Verve! ...getting to declutter at my own pace, revisit so many memories, decide of my own free will, what to keep, throw away, donate, sell... For the great books I get to read, for every one of my awesome, beautiful friends.. This list goes on.. But! Time's up...

posted by SHE @ 10:10 AM 0 comments

November Yard Art Poem by (me!) ~tops

 

We are grateful for the extended, for the beautiful and blended

We are grateful for every single family member

We are grateful each day we wake, for every coffee sip we take

We are grateful and say so loudest in November

We are grateful for the true, the long time and the new

We are grateful for every single loyal friend

We are grateful for our verve, our energy to serve

We are grateful for God's love which never ends

We are grateful when we meet, around the corner, across the street

We are grateful for our neighbors, ~friendly visits

We are grateful for countless reasons! but especially, 'due season'

For love, hope, joy and faith; all Christian kismet.

Galatians 6:9

Sandra Harrison Kay

WriteousMom.com

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 8:28 AM 0 comments

ON WAITING WELL by (me!) sandra, tvgp

it is in the top ten list of spiritual lessons required for a peaceful, happy, productive life. we have to, we must learn; to wait well. we certainly do lots of it! wait in line, wait for the next pay day, wait for the next movie, book, special occasion, holiday, vacation; wait to feel better, wait for the call, wait for the punchline, wait until.. just you wait. on and on, etc. etc. wait weight, weight wait. like write now, i'm waiting very patiently for december 4th to hurry up and get here! i think. i'm trying not to count down the days, or be all pre-occupied by it.. or day dream so much, or lose sleep... but can you imagine!? k, -sometimes, when i want to come up with something to write, or comment on leonard's blog.. and i want it to be both funny and poignant, i put my hands in the air, close my eyes, and i say out loud in a soft whisper, "maya, maya, maya. robin, robin, robin.." sometimes i add in other names too, but i always default to those two.. or if i only say two names, those are the two i say. maya, of course, for Dr Maya Angelou. and robin, for Robin Williams. it is my effort to ask them, to invite their spirit to join with mine, and help me out.. sometimes i say that too.. "help me.. maya, maya, maya, robin, robin, robin.. come help" -and next thing i know, my fingers have found something to say. "thank you!" -they come through for me (to me?) like, almost every time. what category does this fall in? superstition? metaphysics? spiritual? telepathy? delusion? i don't know. i only know it seems to work, and the magical part, or miraculous part, depending on which way you bend -is that they don't even know me! i don't for one second, imagine that either one of them, is somewhere in the world, and is suddenly interrupted, like, "wait.. i think i here someone calling my spirit..." it all happens behind the seens. some combination of imagination, and.. verve, maybe. it is a different experience than the spiritual, unseen, connections i experience with loved ones in my family that i've known my entire life...and know and love me back. in any case, -knowing this.. can you imagine the reaction of my heart when my handsome prince told me he heard on 102.9 that Dr Maya Angelou was going to be in oakland in december?! now.. i am literally in the process, write now, (including TODAY!) of writing Kissin' the Chocolate Blues, which is a performance valentine TO: Dr Maya Angelou, from me.. scheduled for the firehouse art center, february 11th, 2014.. and keep in mind, i've written her several letters (never heard back), and have seen her lecture 3 (4?) times, but never -never- for one reason or another, got the chance to -see- her, get a book autographed, get a picture.. shake her hand. hug her and never let her go... /it's a wonder.. and i do have her autograph in books, and framed... yes. but i had to mail off for them. and that's better than nothing, of course.. but it is not the same as having her sign it, in front of you.. and get a picture. so.. thank you to my handsome prince.. here comes my 4th chance; maybe. to be honest.. i'm just glad to see her again, and am perfectly prepared for it to be just like the other times.. close, but not that close. anyway.. can you imagine my heart again, when i started looking up the event.. a celebration of the co-founders of glide memorial.. 50 years.. serving the community.. and this long list of celebrities.. which included -guess who else?!? Robin Williams!! -now- if that ain't Jesus at work, i don't know what is.. maya, maya, maya, robin, robin, robin... IN THE SAME ROOM! i pray to Jesus.. i pray.. please can i meet them.. like, shake their hand meet them... like, get a picture with them, meet them, ... but, please Jesus, if you let me meet them.. can i not make an entire idiot of myself.. and you know what fascinates me.. how utterly perfectly i can pull up their faces in my imagination.. how do we do that? i'm going to close with this: on one of the autographed papers i mailed away for, and have framed.. it reads, in part, "strength! to your writing hand, joy!" -she has a great signature! big, bold, beautiful writing.. just gorgeous. anyway.. i kept going, like, strength.. strength?.. strength to my writing hand? why didn't she say, energy? or success? -why strength? what does she mean by that? joy i get. but strength..? and then -one day, a friend of mine was telling me that her, and her husband had fallen on hard times.. he was being laid off, and their security was at risk.. and having seen a variety of marriages collapse under even less pressure/testing.. i found myself praying for them. one of the things i said was, -strength to their marriage during this time of stress.. i pray they make it through with their marriage still intact.. and then! i understood.

posted by SHE @ 12:37 PM 0 comments

awesome packed weekend for (sexy! & tops!)

***

if time allowed, i'd detail..  but highly restricted I want to note these two things about our highly blessed weekend

  ONE   -God communicated to (me!)

in the middle of a longer conversation...  which included talks about money, wealth, finances..  when I was starting to sink a little..    like..  saving, investing..   not my strong suit to date..  and there are a million legitimate reasons for me to feel bad..  

let me just say I have not exercised maturity and wisdom in this area

but, it was communicated to me  -the way God communicates    placed it on my heart   are the words many ministers use to describe

in the middle of this conversation


and that immediately changed my internal experience from sinking...  to swimming strong.

Praise God and "Thank You!" Jesus

***

TWO:    -personally, a very VERY gratifying experience

while we were at the San Jose State Homecoming Game  "Thank You!" Tony..     I engaged in a conversation with Haley Lopez..   and she mentioned being a NFL Cheerleader for the 49ers..

now..   break here a moment to remember how gratifying it is.. to Google search..  like, when you can't quite remember the actors name from that one movie...  but if you can remember some part.. you can google search, and suddenly "YES!"    -and you can see a picture of the actor, the name of the movie, and bio.. etc.

it is a very specific gratification..      when you get online help remembering

well, as I was talking to haley, it surfaced in my mind, and I said to her with a smile,

I said, "I remember meeting a 49er cheerleader when I was pouring wine at tenuta.."

and I wondered if maybe they knew each other..

on my own  -with just my own memory as a tool..  there is NO WAY I could have remembered

    -when/the exact date    -the name of this cheerleader I poured wine for..

and it is also not anything I could use Google search for..

but!

I had sexy hand me his phone..  went to my blog.. this very blog here

the one that has not just served as a platform for exercising my craft; but has evolved into a magnificent external memory storage

and in the search bar of my own blog, I typed "cheerleader"

and!    BOOM

and so I showed the picture to haley, and I said with an even bigger smile, I said

"here she is!"

and haley said, "how do you know Gabby?    My sister was in her wedding..."

and there is that google search gratification..  let's give it a 10..

on the scale of internal gratification experiences

this  -this was a 49!

I love my blog

and in my prayers, I almost always include, "Thank you!" for my verve, my blog, my camera

**

more later, amen.

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 8:59 AM 0 comments

So Sorry Russell.. from (me!) sandra, tvgp

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 7:20 AM 0 comments

this is no ordinary cupcake! knows (me!) sandra, tvgp

the invitation was to just stop by for a quick hello and an aesthetically attractive bright orange cocktail in an equally attractive hand painted glass. to hold it alone, made me feel special..   add on a mini personalized tour of a beautiful home, gorgeous spacious backyard connected to how many amazing trees? ...the creek...  yard art..  all the things that spark more verve..

and  please! I have seen pictures, but offer more praise and admiration here for Julie koopmann's sculptures..!  the elephants!  and the wire figures.. the pumpkin masks...  everything with meaningful stories which I know have life write inside the materials themselves..

-friends, family, neighborhood friends with long, rich, histories, sitting outside on the porch, on a Halloween night of perfect  fall/summer weather..

offering candy to the little trick-or-treaters as they arrived..

and had that been it, i would have headed home filled up

but my cup~

cake runneth over!    there is no describing..   but i know my cupcakes, and i know my frosting..   and this,

this was no ordinary cupcake!  a moist flavor/texture explosion with the perfect ratio of cup to cake to frosting flavors..

it became very difficult here to keep my manners.

"would you like one more?"

"no.... but I'll take a dozen..."

anyway.. God bless her.. Abbie..  she sent me home with 4!

so guess what I'm having for breakfast with my hot coffee...

***
public "thank you!" here to the koopmanns...and very cool neighborhood friends, for warm and welcoming hospitality.    i had a great time!

posted by SHE @ 8:33 AM 0 comments

Why does God allow so much suffering and evil? -sandra mickanen sharing..

and "thank you!" again to youtube, yesterday, i watched for the first time, another wonderful video:  John MacArthur, tackling everyone's favorite topics:   Why Does God Allow So Much Suffering and Evil?  Ligonier Ministries  *  8.1M views * 10y ago

****

watch if you are so inclined; he is a wonderful speaker..

****

i'll speak to the knowledge and understanding i have gained over the past...  many years.

first, to mention..  yes, i too have met people who say, who think, who believe:  there cannot be a loving God and us have so much evil and suffering in the world.

If you read the Bible, you will learn:   The absence of suffering and/or evil do exist:  that is, it exists in HEAVEN.    If we had no suffering or evil here; this would be heaven.

earth is clearly not heaven.    /but do pause to enjoy the experiences we have, where we describe them as a 'slice of heaven on earth'

the Bible teaches a distinction between 'the world'  -secular;  earth and humanity as we all experience it; including sin, suffering, evil, disease, brokenness of many kinds, drugs, betrayal, carnal/flesh desires placed above (or completely in place of); spiritual, Godly principals and practices.  -greed, lust, idolatry..   i could go on, but the points been made. 

Christians are instructed not to conform to 'this world'   -but be transformed by the daily renewal of your mind.  

to reveal, shun, fight evil...       but never, evil for evil; fight evil with good.

Christians are 'new creatures'  who find 'the narrow path'    -walk in love.

Christians represent 'the kingdom'  [kingdom of heaven]  -we are people who separate ourselves from the world; the profane, and who effort, over time and with maturity to glorify God's name.

and lastly, because i'm very excited about some art projects..  

'not as the world gives, does God give to you..'

the world gives...   well, i don't believe the world does 'give'    -rather it takes.   it promises many wonderful material, experiential, pleasurable, monetary gains  (temporary)    -without mention of any cost

more importantly; without CARING about the cost to you, or your loved ones..

'fame & fortune' is the most popular and easiest example..

how often greedy people will seek out those people they see are striving for fame and fortune..

fame/fortune seekers are easy prey to the greedy..

they will turn you into a commodity; they will profit from the sale of your tickets..   they do not care about your health, well being,   -they will let you perform high on drugs..   they will cause and watch  as your relationships are destroyed..  if you die young, they will simply find fresh prey  -they do not care about YOU; they care about themselves and money.   

so, 

not as the world takes, does God give to you.    PEACE i bequeath to you, God says..

GOD gives peace.    -you know i can't close without mentioning..

GOD gives LOVE, PEACE, JOY, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, FAITHFULNESS & STRENGTHENS YOUR SELF CONTROL..

gives comfort, gives healing, gives WISDOM, insights, creativity, generosity of spirit, energy, verve, inspiration..   faith, hope, love.. 

a healthy you, a healthy body and mind, healthy, thriving relationships,

...  it is why Christians quote it often:   GOD is GOOD.

of course, the goal..    cultivate an intimate, personal relationship with God/Love; pray without ceasing; find the narrow path; glorify God's name with your daily behaviors, decisions; walk in the spirit, not the flesh, fight evil, turn away from sin; ask for and receive forgiveness, confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior..

receive salvation, eternal life.  

so that,  -when you do physically die, [body] your spirit returns to heaven, you live eternally in a place of exclusively love; absent of suffering and evil.

 The Christian life is so far superior to the secular life, i sure wish i would have gotten started sooner... 

selah! hallelujah & amen. 

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 8:59 AM 0 comments

Who Knows How To Have Fun? (me!) sandra, tvgp

posted by SHE @ 1:11 PM 0 comments