Mom's Day

I spent the day before Mother's Day with a few of my favorite moms. One mom is especially special to me. . . MINE! We did exactly what we wanted to. Pedicures, Sushi @ Mikado, and a flick with the chicks, "The Lucky One." The movie was better than I thought it would be. I wrapped up the day at The Dancing Bear Cafe with my family (minus Ben). Mmmm, the food was delicious. It was a great day. Sunday was equally great with some time at church and dinner with Alfa, the mother of my main squeeze and my awesome sister-in-law, Walkyria. Happy Mom's Day, moms!!!

A practically perfect day.

A Guardian of the Hearth - My Thoughts at 2:26 a.m.

I was asked to share some thoughts about being a guardian of the hearth at a meeting last month. For days I researched and stewed over what to say. What could I possibly share that someone might need to hear? Then one early a.m. I woke up, picked up my pen and started to write.
Take it or leave it, this, plus a few revisions, is what I came up with.

What is a guardian of the hearth? First, what is a hearth?
It is the floor of a fireplace.
It is a vital center of the home.
It is synonymous with the word “home” itself.
The hearth was a place where all in the house would gather for warmth, light, company, and nourishment. It was quite literally the heart of the home. Therefore, a guardian of the hearth is one who watches over and protects home and family.

 A guardian of the hearth can be anyone. But is most likely, you. A guardian of the hearth may have been trained to be such from childhood. A pillar, generations in the making. Or she may be a pioneer in her field. She may have a quiver full of children, a bustling household, a single companion at her side or perhaps she is a family of one. No matter, her well-being and her refuge is of sacred importance. And through the years, her residence may change, it's residents coming and going through various ages, stages, and phases, but the hearth stays the same.

She should know that the foundation under her feet, supporting her world, is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. She is defending the key components of an eternal family; prayer, scripture study, sabbath day observance, family home evening, and spiritual growth in general. She is watchful of the nurturing and overall well-being of each spirit in her charge. Including her own. If there is anything virtuous lovely, of good report or praiseworthy, she not only seeks for it but makes it readily available in abundance for all who pass by.

Her motto is, “Charity Never Faileth” Her direction is heaven. Her refuge, on her knees.

 

A guardian of the hearth should be ready for battle. Daily battle. Dressed always in the armor of God. She is not afraid to recognize the enemy, identify his hiding places, his strongholds, nor his attempts to infiltrate and destroy all that she holds dear. She is not afraid of the enemy at all but holds her head high with confidence in the strength of God. 

A guardian of the hearth is not afraid to be recognized as such. She disregards the opinion of the world and rather, focuses on upholding righteous traditions and cherishing sacred moments. She is in the business of memory-making and is always in search of that positive teaching moment. She is always ready to learn.

A guardian of the hearth should never underestimate her calling, her God-given power, nor her un-acclaimed influence for good.

A guardian of the hearth is BEAUTIFUL. She is a daughter of God and a child of light. Her countenance is HIS. When she gives of her time, she gives of her love and HIS. Her hands are HIS hands. Her purpose, HIS.

She should know that while in the service of God, she will NEVER miss out on ANYTHING that is truly worthwhile. And IF she is ever weary. If she feels run down. If she begins to question her validity in this world, she should remember that her work MATTERS, that she is NEVER alone. Angels WILL buoy her up. The Holy Spirit WILL guide and The Son of God WILL carry her.

 Peter, a guardian of the hearth, said to Tabitha, “Daughter, arise.” Christ says it to you; “Daughter, arise!” Don't be ashamed to stand in this holy place he has prepared and reserved for YOU. YOU are the guardian of this holy place. . . called home.

Take your place and guard it well.

 

By Rochelle Flores

The Abyss

What do you do when you're down in the dumps? Stuck in a dark abyss? And how do you get there in the first place. I have a hard time opening up about this because I really can't complain. My life is really great. I have an amazing family, and everything I could possibly ever want. I have a quote on my wall stating, "A rich person is not the one who has the most, but needs the least." I like that statement. And honestly, by that definition I am rich, I don't need much. I don't knead much either, but that's another story, bread's never been my forte.

The last few days I've felt really low. After waking in the morning from frequent disturbingly bad dreams I'd feel yucky all day as a result. Kind of empty, like I've gotten lost in the daily grind. Do you ever feel that way? I realized last night why I'm struggling so much. Two important daily habits recently have become non-daily. Not "daily" enough? Anyway, if I don't get down on my knees and talk to my Heavenly Father, and if I don't take time to pick up his words and study them, and listen, I feel noticeably empty. This is a fact for me. And to be honest with you, I'm feeling better just talking about it. Now the trick is to do it.
p.s.Forgive me for talking about religion. I know it's personal. But I'm doing it anyway. We're friends, right?

I think it's important to know yourself and your needs. Take care of yourself,so you can take care of others. So I'm saying "Sayonara" to this abyss and taking the first shuttle out. I'm going to do the things that are essential to my happiness so misery won't take over. In the words of a song by Jenni Phillips, "There's just no room for darkness in our lives." Here's to choosing light.

Domestickyness

I used to declare myself to be domestically disabled. Well, times are a' changin' and I have attempted to enter the foreign world of domestickyness. Behold, my first quilt. Albeit a crooked table quilt that has only come to be due to the outstanding guidance and support of my friend Tamara and my mom, but a quilt nonetheless. The theme is "fall." The style is "beginner."

I'm so proud. It was fun. I want to do another one.

The Hallowed Tale of the Forgotten Blogger

Once upon a time, people read my blog and left comments and I felt warm and fuzzy inside knowing that we were in some way connected. A big cute fluffy dragon named facebook came and dominated the land, consuming the attention of all the townsfolk, anhialating all blogging and inexplicably starving my self-esteem. Is it because my posts are boring? Is it because no one cares? Is it because facebook is easier and better? Is it because Josh Groban's voice is no longer pleasing to the ear? Is it because I smell bad? Whatever the reason, forgive me, come back to me. Give me a second chance.
PLLLEEE-HE-HE-HE HEEEEEZ!!!


. . .is it because I'm fat?

Harvey Hunts for Hugs

Preveda Books has published and is selling a book I illustrated, Harvey Hunts for Hugs, in e-book form. Go to their website and check it out and if you feel so inclined, buy a book! A portion of these books will be donated to the Utah Alzheimers Association and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging’s Futures Fund.

http://www.prevedabooks.net/

I illustrated this back when Spencer was a baby and since then, it has been submitted to countless publishers. We are so excited that it is finally available for others to read. They will be publishing Billy Mudpuddle and the Rainy Day as soon as Alfonso and I get it into the correct format. Pretty exciting stuff!

Team Ralph

Not long ago, a group including Me, my brother Nick, and his lovely fiance Carrie, were sitting around Mom's kitchen table. To the dismay of the males present, the topic of 'Twilight' came up. I think my brother-in-law and Alfonso actually left the table to go watch T.V. Nevertheless, I was so excited to find out that Carrie was a fan of the books! We started to reminisce through the story when Nick decided to join in, "Isn't that the book about Jacob and Ralph?" It probably wasn't even that funny, but I started laughing AND COULD NOT STOP! In my mind I pictured little Ralphie from the Simpsons with fangs. Team Ralph. It just HAD to happen. So I'm making t-shirts (with the following image printed on front for me, Alfonso, Nick and Carrie to wear on Friday night when we go to see 'New Moon.'

I think we might be on to something here, don't you?

I Can't Help It. . .

It's official, I'm the wierdest person alive.















My amazing friend Sara (the witch in the middle wearing a bewitching green dress) shared these pictures from Witches Night Out. It was so fun to see her there!

Until last night, I had no idea I could play the broom.

Random and Touching

Here's a picture I came across today that really struck a note with me. What a beautiful portrayal of a mother and son. No fake smiles. No stiff expressions. You can literally see the refuge they find in each other. It looks as though, THIS was "home." This mother, I've come to find was the empress of France. Empress Eugénie and her six-year-old son, Napoléon Eugène Louis Jean Joseph Bonapartein. She was the wife of Napoleon III. This photograph was taken by Benjamin Delessert, 1862.

Tenure 30 January 1853 – 11 January 1871. My friend Wikipedia told me. . ."When the Second French Empire was overthrown after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), the empress and her husband took refuge in England, and settled at Chislehurst, Kent. After his death in 1873, and that of her son in 1879, she moved in 1885 to Farnborough, Hampshire, and to her villa "Cyrnos" (ancient Greek name of Corsica), that she had built at Cap-Martin between Menton and Nice, where she lived in retirement, abstaining from all interference in French politics. After the deaths of her husband and son her health started to deteriorate. Her physician recommended she visit Bournemouth which was, in Victorian times, famed as a health spa resort. During her visit a groundskeeper lit hundreds of little tea candles in the Bournemouth gardens to light her way to the sea at night. This event is still commemorated annually by the lighting of candle displays in the Bournemouth gardens every summer. The former empress died in July 1920 at the age of 94."

FYI her full name was María Eugenia Ignacia Augustina de Palafox de Guzmán Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick! And you thought my name was long ;)

For more information about her visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A9nie_de_Montijo

JTIWS (just thought I would share)

My Audition

I bumbled like an idiot at the beginning, but I think you get what I was trying to say. Anyway, this was a really fun experience!

For more info, check out http://www.dodgers.com/lds

Confessions of a Hermit - Part 2

Right now as I type, my neighbors are on the porch next-door visiting. Why have I not joined them? I don't feel excluded or alienated. But with the kids out on a playdate, I just would much rather be alone. Remember what silence sounds like. Enjoy an uninterrupted moment with the current book I've been reading. Is this antisocial?

Lately, I've really immersed myself in reading. It has been such a long time since I've been able to do that. On Tuesday, I finished Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and now I'm getting deep into The Freedom Writer's Diary. I have my next selection at hand. What can I say? I like to read. It's like a healthy dessert for my brain. So for today, I'll let the neighbors chat, I'll let the kids play with their friends, and after I rotate the laundry, I'll even let that set for a time. But now, I choose to be alone and read.

p.s. Have you read any good books lately that you'd like to share with me? I'd love some suggestions!

Confessions of a Hermit

I have an apology to make. I have been in hiding for the last few years as far as friends and family are concerned. Ever since I was separated and divorced, I crawled into a hermit's shell. It was sometimes difficult for me to even spend time with my immediate family. I was totally and comfortably withdrawn. I don't know if it is because I was ashamed, or embarrased, or it just hurt too much to explain what was going on. Nevertheless, I pulled away from many dear friends and family members. As life goes on, I am beginning to really heal and I'm feeling a need to reach out to those around me. I can't tell you how great it feels to be on this end of the process, or how great it feels to find you again. Recently I have found many bloglinks to long lost high school and college friends. This is me reaching out and saying, "I'm sorry I've been in hiding, and I'm so glad you're my friend. Let's keep in touch." And to the handful of people who put up with my "hermitness" and still reached out to me, and still do to this day (you know who you are) I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

p.s. If you still find that I'm a flake of a friend, bonk me on the head and tell me to snap out of it. I promise I'll try harder.