"Love's Pure Light" ~ Community Yoga Class Honoring Georgia Richards.

Sunday, December 19 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Yoga Birds
458-B North Section Street
Fairhope, AL

Dear friends,
Please join me for a community yoga class Sunday, December 19th at 3pm to remember and celebrate the life of Georgia Carolyn Rose Richards. Georgia was called Home November 27th, 2010, at the young age of 17. This donation-based yoga class is open to all. Proceeds will go toward the Georgia Carolyn Rose Richards Memorial Fund, to assist Georgia’s family with funeral expenses.

Together, we will bow humbly before the “SON OF GOD, LOVE’S PURE LIGHT” through a sequence of 17 “Son” Salutations, in honor of each year Georgia spent on this earth. As a community, we will open our hearts to the Joy and Peace of the Holiday Season, and commemorate the life of Georgia Carolyn Rose.

Refreshments to follow.

No yoga experience is necessary.

Please share this invitation with friends of Georgia.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Love to all,
aeb

~ Because some messages bear repeating...

There are times in our lives when communication is not only important, but it is crucial. This is one of those "crucial" times. With tragic teen suicide rates on the rise, and adults facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles (related to finances, careers, relationships...), perhaps we could all benefit from a message of hope. As you read (or for many of you, RE-read) my Letter to the Editor, printed in the Mobile Press Register, July 5th, 2008, please maintain an open mind and a compassionate heart. There are people around us who are suffering, and we each have the ability to make a difference. Thanks so much for your time and interest! ~ aeb :)

The Elephant in the Living Room...

I never really liked to say the word. Instead, I would use such terms as “disappear” or “go away”. The concept felt so taboo, so unacceptable, so misunderstood. The thoughts were unrelenting, and the reality painfully grim. Suicide was (and still is) the “elephant in the living room”… a silent killer… and the cause of approximately 35,000 deaths in the United States, alone, each year (NIMH).

Through the world’s eyes, I am a successful woman, yet I have never been able to meet my own expectations – my self imposed standards – my full potential. For far too many years, I lived to die. I played the part of living but embraced the act of dying. As a victim of chronic clinical depression, I manifested my pain through a myriad of self destructive behaviors. Over time, these manifestations began to pervade and ravage every fiber of my being…until I prayed that each breath I took would be my last.

Two weeks ago, the body of a father, husband and businessman was discovered on a local golf course. He had taken his own life, with the aid of a hand gun. I don’t know the circumstances that surrounded the premature death of this promising young man; however, his story has compelled me to share mine - with the hope that it will provide insight to those who read it. Time and time again it has been said that “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” and while this is spoken in truth, it paints a very narrow picture of the disease that drives an individual to bring an end to their existence.

In the course of depression, there are stages, the last (and most tragic) being the point of wholeheartedly believing your loved ones would be better off without you. You firmly hold that if you were to die, they could truly live. It is at this stage that you lose the ability to make rational decisions, as your tainted mind guides your thoughts and your actions. The organ that controls your ability to reason is biologically disordered. Just as you can’t walk on a broken leg, you cannot think clearly with a brain that is in need of repair.

I don’t know how to halt the increasing trend toward suicide in our country, but I do know that silence and ignorance will inevitably fuel the fire. I urge you…talk to your children, your parents, your spouses, your friends. Look into their eyes and listen intently. If you suspect trouble, don’t dismiss your suspicions. An elephant in the room should never be ignored. Communicate with the people around you. More often than not, if you have not noticed an elephant in your home, someone near you has. Please don’t allow fear, denial, busyness or stigmas determine your loved one’s fate. You can make a difference, you can break the silence, and you can save lives. If you or someone you know is suffering, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800- SUICIDE, today. Pick up the phone; there is help available. With help, you can find hope. With hope, you can begin to heal... and through the process of healing you can rediscover and learn to embrace the gift of life.

“One Shoe Can Change Your Life” ~ Cinderella [Ha! Ha! Apparently, I have been drawn to the wisdom of Cinderella to inspire my recent blogging!]

One shoe truly CAN change your life.

One year ago (tomorrow), I got dressed for work, and – for the first time since June 2007 – I put on a PAIR of shoes! I remember that day quite well… and after a few hours, I had to resort to my post-operative shoe and copious doses of Advil. It was an accomplishment, in my book, nonetheless.

Most of you probably know that I was on crutches for 15 months, sported a walking boot (3 actually!) for 2 years, and cruised the halls of work, the mall, Target… from a wheelchair. Throughout this adventure, I visited 6 different orthopedic surgeons, before God brought Dr. John Gould (a highly acclaimed UAB physician) into my life. May 13th, 2009, Dr. Gould skillfully removed a “dead” bone, shaved another bone, cut a ligament, cut a tendon, moved / repositioned an inflamed nerve, removed a large neuroma, and injected 2 joints with cortisone… in my RIGHT foot. YES, I am forever indebted to my fabulous and caring friends and family, who played the role of chauffeur on many (MANY!) occasions!!! Love you much!

Those days, months, and years were invaluable and life-changing. The lessons I learned were priceless. Through our disabilities, we can learn to further appreciate and fully embrace our abilities. We have the opportunity to develop a deep sense of compassion, empathy, determination, and patience. We have the option to smile when others point and stare, laugh in the rain (YOU try to maneuver crutches and an umbrella!), and we can CHOOSE to live creatively!

My yoga journey began while I was still “one-legged.” Acceptance of the HERE and NOW, coupled with INTENTION and BREATH, allowed me to cultivate a deep and meaningful practice that has carried (and continues to carry!) me through a multitude of highs and lows! These past 12 months of “recovery” have been nothing short of a miracle, and tonight, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy. In the words of Albert Einstein, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

October 2009, I began to practice fully weight-bearing TWO-legged yoga! I started to run again (something about which I am very passionate) last winter. In March, Mom (who had recently undergone a total knee replacement) and I completed the 2K Azalea Trail Fun Run! In May, I was able to utilize my right foot in a yoga lunge… pain-free! AND, in June, I set forth on a path toward becoming a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 Hour Level (RYT 200)! I will graduate from the Yoga Birds Teacher Training 2010 (under the unparalleled instruction of Melanie Buffett, E-RYT, Anusara-Inspired®) in December, and have already agreed to teach 2 weekly yoga classes!!!

This blog entry may appear trivial, but tomorrow, as I say a small prayer of “thanks” with each step I take, I will know that - while one shoe (boot, or post-op!) MAY change your life, the truth [found in a Chinese proverb] remains… “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping” ~ or hopping, or wheeling. ;)

Love to all,
aeb :)

“A dream is a wish your heart makes.” [Cinderella] DREAMWEAVERS - Part 1

The nursing and rehabilitation facility in which I work recently joined forces with an international organization focused on improving the quality of life for seniors within our communities. Through recognizing and fulfilling the “dreams” of the men and women for whom we provide care, the mission of Second Wind Dreams® is to change the perception of aging... from state to state and country to country. “Together we are making a huge difference in the lives of elders around the world, giving them a Second Wind!” (SWD®)

Recently, our facility, as members of the Second Wind Dreams® organization, came together, worked long hours, made countless phone calls, sent dozens of emails (and so much more)… to become successful “dreamweavers” for two special residents who call Eight Mile Nursing and Rehab “home”. Both residents have signed photo and press release forms, granting the media – and me – permission to utilize their names and pictures for public viewing.

This is Ms. Gracie Tucker’s story…

A couple weeks ago, I worked a Saturday… begrudgingly, I admit. While I was there, flying down the hallway at my typical breakneck pace, I heard a resident crying. This was not a familiar cry, so I stopped in this woman’s room, to see why Ms. Gracie sounded so upset. She told me she was sad, and feeling very alone. Ms. Gracie is an 89 year old woman, who generally keeps to herself, watches game shows on television, and gazes through her window at the flowers in the courtyard. Despite our best attempts, Ms. Gracie has never attended a group function in her 3 month stay. I pulled up a chair and settled in to listen for a bit. She told me about her family, her “little” sister who will soon turn 80, her grandchildren, her longing to be “released” (ie. discharged) as she has “important things to take care of”. With tears continuing to stream down her face, she reached up and exclaimed, “I can’t even do anything with this mop on my head! I’m embarrassed for people to see me!” I reminded her that we have hairdressers on site, but she was not interested in (and truly feared) sporting “an old lady hair style.” I quickly saw an opportunity to test our dream-weaving skills, and - on a whim - informed Ms. Gracie that it was her lucky day! If she was interested, she was going to receive a full make-over (hair, nails, make-up) and a photo shoot within the coming week! The excitement in her eyes made the frenetic days ahead worth every moment!

I gathered a team of coworkers (for whom I am unspeakably grateful!), and we worked tirelessly toward making this dream come true for Ms. Gracie. In the end, we found a hairdresser (an absolute God-send) who agreed to come to the facility and wash, cut, and style Ms. Gracie’s hair… free of charge (with a fresh, hip “do” – of course!). My staff, a dear friend, and I worked on Ms. Gracie’s make-up and fingernails, and dressed her in a new pair of black Capri pants (with embroidered palm trees!), a beautiful pink sweater, and jewelry to match, for her photography session. Witnessing this process of transformation evoked such emotion in each of our hearts; we were surprisingly overcome, and elated!

Ms. Gracie’s true character and bright spirit emerged with every lock of hair that found its way to my office floor, every stroke of polish that was applied to her nails, and every sweep of shimmering red gloss across her lips. She began laughing… questioning whether her family would recognize her “new and improved look”… and she was genuinely delighted and energized.

Ms. Gracie began striking poses ~ cocking her head to one side, resting her face upon her hands ~ requesting to have her picture taken! Her beauty was shining from the inside out, and it was an honor to watch the young woman inside this aging body surface. Ms. Gracie can walk well with her “walking stick,” but we offered to chauffeur her around the building in a wheelchair for her big reveal! She basked in the “Oohs and Aahs” as we made our way outdoors, with the camera in tow. Ms. Gracie smiled from ear to ear (despite the 110 degree heat!), and relished in the thrill of each picture taken, and every compliment she received.

THIS was not the same GRACIE TUCKER I had spend time with just 3 days earlier! This woman who had been so encumbered by feelings of despair had come to life… right before our eyes, and as she did, we – as “dreamweavers” – were filled with new life, hope, and unparalleled joy. Perhaps THAT day, we each caught our own second wind!
And… from that point forward, Ms. Gracie Tucker has been spotted wheeling herself to and from physical therapy, interacting with others, and enjoying social functions with her peers (including the Fox10 News Backyard BBQ dream that was realized for Resident, Joseph Palmore. Stay tuned for Mr. Palmore's story in DREAMWEAVERS – Part 2… soon to come!).

What a dazzling reminder that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” [Eleanor Roosevelt]

Love to all,
aeb :)

“Even in the darkest phase be it thick or thin, always someone marches brave here beneath my skin.” [K.D. Lang]

Many of you know that I began an amazing journey this past June. I am currently in Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Birds, a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance (RYS 200) in Fairhope (Alabama). In December, I will receive a Graduation Certificate to submit to the Yoga Alliance to become a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 Hour Level (RYT 200). I am ecstatic! This opportunity was an absolute God-send. Not only has it been life-changing, but it has been life-giving, and quite possibly life-saving, as well. I feel honored and blessed beyond measure to be on this path. My gratitude is truly endless.

Last weekend was a “training weekend” (3 days of learning, practicing, and applying). Saturday, we were taking a much-needed coffee break (Yea, Coffee Loft!) after a 3 hour practice that prepared us and allowed us to attempt Eka Pada Galavasana (fancy, right?) ~ or Flying Pigeon :) My yogi friends and I were discussing the “fear factor” that often inhibits our ability to give our bodies permission to relax and release into poses that are seemingly more difficult or “dangerous” (keeping in mind that we – as humans – formulate our own thoughts, opinions, and labels regarding what is or is not “safe” for us at any given time). At one point in our discussion, I stated that I don’t remember ever feeling fearful of trying a specific yoga pose… And as the words left my mouth and entered my own ears, I had a personal “Ah-Ha!” moment.

In general, I have always been (and continue to be) a very fearful, careful, cautious, girl. More often than not, I function out of fear (most commonly my fear of failure). This is clearly not ideal; yet, it is familiar. Throughout my life, fear has motivated me to succeed and achieve, but it has also inhibited my ability to enjoy – or even recognize – my success. So… the “Ah-Ha!” moment occurred when I realized, in spite of my perpetually shaky knees in “life,” I am fearless on my yoga mat! I have fallen on my face, my head, my back… I even have bloody yoga toes (SO gross!!!!!), but I am not afraid.

The moment I step onto my mat (a fabulous new eKO from Manduka), I see glimpses of an Amanda I never knew existed. I find the ability to breathe. I feel confident and safe. I lose my preoccupation with wondering whether others are judging - or even watching – me. I become attentive, intentional, and mindful. I hear – and listen to – the sound of my own heartbeat. I stop harmful thoughts dead in their tracks, and replace them with inward expressions of gratitude for a body that allows me to move freely. I stand firmly on TWO feet, and praise God for the miracle of stability. On my mat, I feel whole. I feel the balance of effort and ease… and I live in the moment.

The trick is to take the lessons I learn ON the mat and apply them in the “real world”. I have been working toward this objective (see the Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt] post 7.27.10.), but it is always a work in progress. Yoga is a way of life that creates liberation, freedom, and deliverance from the things that hold us back (the practice of “non-attachment” – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – 1.12).

This week, I will be taking a closer look at my attachment to FEAR… taking note of the ways in which it diminishes my light. I will seek to create room for expansion and transformation, and I will continue to thank God for the challenges in and around the journey… “in yoga, as in life” (Augusta Kantra).

Love & Peace,
aeb :)

Thoughts...

Just wanted to share a quote that really spoke to me tonight...

"A sailor who fearfully watches stormy seas lash his vessel will always steer an unproductive course. But a wise and experienced captain keeps his eye firmly fixed upon the lighthouse. He knows by guiding his ship directly to a specific point, the time spent in discomfort is lessened. And by keeping his eye on the light, there never exists one second of discouragement." [Andy Andrews - The Traveler's Gift]

In which direction are you gazing? On what are you focusing your attention? Are you feeling discouraged or enlightened this day?

It seems I have lost sight of the lighthouse over the past few weeks. What a beautiful reminder to shift my focus... an opportunity to begin again.. with intention, courage, and faith.

Love to all ~
aeb :)

"The little things? The little moments? They aren't little." [Jon Zabat-Zinn]

... Just a quick thought (love that quote!) and a couple photos to share :)

By the way, if you are interested in creating your own blown glass ornament, flower, or paperweight, check out "The Hot Shop" at the Orange Beach Art Center. Such an amazing and beautiful process... from beginning to end! Oh, and GREAT fun, as well!!!

http://www.orangebeachartcenter.com/Hot_Shop_Classes.html

Love to all ~ aeb

Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt]

I recently embarked on a new and wonderful journey. I am training and studying to become a Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher (another blog for another time). During last weekend’s training session, one of the “lessons” we learned was to look for what our students are doing well in a yoga pose, prior to offering suggestions or adjustments. We, as teachers, are to change the way we see and perceive… and as my dear friend (who introduced me to yoga) would add… this is important “in yoga, as in life.” A portion of our homework assignment Sunday afternoon was to “look for the good” (off the yoga mat) ~ and let me assure you… this is easier said than done. After a few days of seeking points of light and goodness, I felt the need to expand my mission and invite others to join me in kicking the negativity habit. From this place of expansion, my coworkers and I organized and implemented the Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt].

For 24 hours, beginning at 8 am on the 24th day of June, we challenged ourselves and those around us to refrain from negativity and “look for the good”. Word quickly spread throughout my workplace (a nursing home), and within a short period of time, we had 28 participants!!! Each of us wore a brightly colored rubber band on our arm. The bands served 3 purposes… (1) Promote the project through the curiosity of others (2) Remind participants to remain positive – both proactively (brightly colored rubber band reminders) and “punitively” - *POP* (3) Create a game-like atmosphere that made the activity exciting and enticing. Who knew projecting a positive attitude could be so fun?

I learned a lot about people this week. There will always be stress and stressors, tragedy and failure, but when we open our hearts, our eyes open, as well. Experiences are neither good nor bad… it is our perspective that creates the labels we believe. People long for a sense of community. No one wants to feel isolated or alone. Although they may not admit or even recognize this truth, somewhere – deep within – everyone wants to belong to something greater than themselves. The beautiful reality is that we don’t have to come together and wallow in our misery (it DOES love company, you know), but we can also unite and create solid bonds through joy and laughter. I even found our Executive Director sporting a rubber band!

I came home with a few minor welts on my wrist Thursday evening. Most were self-inflicted pops. The project didn’t just apply to our verbalizations… it also applied to the thoughts we entertained about ourselves. *POP*POP*POP* By Friday morning, my friends were already requesting another 24 hours of positivity (permission to be positive)! So… the Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt] will continue… one day each week. For now we will designate a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to channel our positive energy. Eventually we will work our way toward a “no negativity” Monday… but change takes time. :)

I encourage you to join us in this endeavor! I guarantee you will be transformed. We all know this is a very difficult period for our region, our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves. Without diminishing the severity of the Crude Crisis in the Gulf, we can deliberately seek, acknowledge and "... Hold on to the good." [1 Thes.5:21]. Be the eye of the hurricane, the calm before, during, and after this storm. As we look for what is going well we can remain steadfast in our prayers for the things that are not within our realm of control. We can let go, loosen our grip, and convert our unhealthy reactions to productive and beneficial action.

So… "Be a source of JOY and let the critics and haters complain about the world!" [Paulo Coelho]. Breathe. Experiment. Experience. Share.
Oh, and let me know about YOUR Project [v. pruh-jekt] POSITIVITY Project [n. proj-ekt]!!! I look forward to hearing from you!

Peace and love,
aeb :)

Garden ~ "A symbol of Nature under control"

Today, I had the honor of attending and participating in an Arts and Inspiration Creativity Workshop, led by artist, Provie Musso. Provie and I have known each other for probably 5 years. Both her work and her spirit are beautiful, inspirational, bright, and fun!

We completed several "art projects" throughout the 7 hour workshop. My favorite creation was "Our Garden." Provie read the definition of "Garden" from a book entitled, "The Secret Language of Symbols." It stated, "The Garden - A symbol of Nature under control and of the human soul ~ which, like the Garden ~ must be cared for and cultivated." I fell in love with this explanation... this perspective... this concept! I have never had a green thumb, but this was a take on "gardening" to which I could relate.

We have all been heartbroken and devastated by the oil spilling into our Gulf waters. The beaches, the bays, the wildlife, the businesses, the people of the Coast have been in a state of confusion, anger, and helplessness as the days and weeks have passed... with little or no signs of hope or reprieve. The news reports are overwhelming and the videos / photographs have left us speechless. When I am at a loss for words... when the English language fails me... I have learned to create.
Georgia O' Keeffe once said, "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for."

So, this afternoon, I planted my Garden... with photographs, sea shells, a little paint, and a lot of glue. It was MY reminder that, in the midst of the continued tragedy of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Nature IS under control! There is little you or I can physically do to bring an end to this disastrous event, yet, we are called to believe in the truth that "God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine." [Isaiah 40:28] Nature is under His control.

I left Provie's workshop with a new found feeling of peace. "The human soul...like the Garden... must be cared for and cultivated." So, I guess I did a lot of gardening today... cultivating and nurturing my soul through artistic expression, fellowship with friends, and a willingness to let go (if only for a moment) of my own seeds of doubt. Today I chose to plant seeds of hope... and "Once you choose hope, anything's possible." [Christopher Reeve]

~ aeb :)

"Remember to Remember"

Monday, May 31st, I took part in the 2nd Annual Ernest P. Roy Memorial Day Relay. Ernest P. Roy lost his life fighting in World War II. He never returned home to meet his son, a dear friend of my family. Last year Sonny Roy and his wife, Sandra, visited my parents’ home on Memorial Day. We watched the news coverage of the relay. Without hesitation, I said “Oh, I wish I had known about the relay…I would have loved to have participated.” Everyone looked at me, and I quickly remembered I was sitting on the floor, 2 weeks after major foot surgery, sporting a soft cast… crutches within reach. I laughed and made a commitment to run in this year’s relay.

Two days ago, my friend, Adriane, and I did just that! We ran one mile along the causeway, beginning at Felix’s Fish Camp. Adriane carried an American flag, while I carried a Military Services flag as we ran our leg of the relay. We were surrounded by motorcyclists, an SUV, and the beautiful waters of Mobile Bay. What an honor to have been included in this meaningful event! Participants ran in pairs, in one mile intervals… in 3 different directions. One set of flags relayed from Mobile to Foley… one from Foley to Pensacola Naval Air Station, and one from Mobile to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS.
The Memorial Day Relay was created with the theme “Remember to Remember”. In the midst of barbecues and picnics, one day sales and sand volleyball games, we are called to remember. We are called to recognize, acknowledge, appreciate, and show respect for the men and women who are fighting or have fought for our country. We are called to pause, pray, and express our gratitude. We are called to be Americans.

“Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” [Francis Scott Key 1814]

Inquiring minds want to know...

Hi friends!
A few of you have asked about purchasing wreaths like the one I made for my front door. I am excited about your inquiries, and would absolutely love to talk to anyone who is interested!

You will need to provide the supplies (flowers, ribbon, Styrofoam ring), or we can schedule a shopping date :) I have done some pricing research and will charge approximately $25 for time and labor. So... give me a call [401.7166] or send me an email ~ amanda.elizabeth.barfield@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks so much for your interest!

Happy Sunday!
~ aeb :)

MOTHER – [verb] to care for or protect

On the eve of Mother’s Day 2010, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the women in my life. As women, it is our nature to nurture. We “mother” the children in our lives, out of love, concern, joy, and even obligation. Who have you cared for or protected over the years? Who have you mothered? Celebrate the beauty of those precious and priceless relationships. Know that you - YOU! - have made a difference in someone’s journey.

"One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child." [Forest Witcraft]

Happy Mother’s Day, my friends… to each and every one of you!
~ aeb :)

Dear friends...

Please say a prayer for the Gulf Coast ~ our waters, our people, our wildlife. The devastating oil spill that resulted from the tragic explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico is already impacting the shrimpers, oystermen, fisheries, seafood and tourist industries in our area.
Many of those who will feel the heaviest impact have not yet recovered from hurricanes Ivan and Katrina.

“Build up hope so you'll [we’ll] all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're [we’re] already doing this; just keep on doing it.”
[1 Thes.5:11]

Many thanks for your prayers and support ~ aeb

Finished! :)

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." [e.e. cummings]

Ok...so this doesn't truly qualify as a "real" post... but I just had to share :)
I finally took down the wreath that has been hanging on my front door ~ since December (sad, I know). It was initially intended to be a "Christmas" wreath; however, I was able to convince myself (for 4 months!) that it could double as a "Winter" wreath, given that it was icy blue, brown, and silver :)

Now it is officially Spring, and displaying a "Winter" wreath is no longer a viable excuse for my lack of seasonally appropriate decor. That said, I have been busy creating my new springtime, girly-girl, shabby chic-ish front door wreath. I ran out of gerbera daisies this evening and had to make an emergency Hobby Lobby run (thank goodness it is only a 3 minute drive... as it was 7:30pm and the store closes at 8:00!). While driving home, I realized I am either frighteningly coordinated or my OCD has reached new heights. Regardless... my current project (CLEARLY a work in progress, as you can see!!!) matches the color and theme of my blog! Yikes! Friends, you must know that this was entirely unintentional! I chuckled as I returned to my apartment and glanced at my pink, green, and ivory colored flowers, together with the green and ivory striped ribbon. Sometimes we need to take a moment to laugh at ourselves. It adds beauty to our days and enhances the character of our lives.
AND... as far as the wreath itself, I hope to post a picture of the finished product soon... preferably before the next seasonal shift!

~ aeb :D

"Love is the Movement" [TWLOHA]

Friends, please join me for an important event! TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) is an organization dedicated to the cause of providing hope and help to those who are struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Write the word "LOVE" on your arm this WEDNESDAY, to show your support for those in need (literally ~ take your favorite marker, pen, eyeliner pencil... and write "LOVE")! The process of recovery and healing is a difficult and painful path... an honorable journey... a life-giving opportunity. None of us can control the circumstances we encounter (as fair or unfair as they may be), but we have the ability to respond to our circumstances with compassion for ourselves and for others. We (especially as women) have to learn to surrender our impulsive reactions of self-hatred and doubt, and replace them with loving responses... toward our bodies and our hearts. Freedom exists.

♥ ♥ ♥ "Love is the movement." ♥ ♥ ♥

To Write Love on Her Arms Day
Location:Everywhere
Time:12:00AM Wednesday, April 21st

http://www.twloha.com

"It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going." [2 Corinthians 5:7]

For my Facebook buddies, this will be YET another repeat read... HOWEVER, I promise to post NEW entries very soon. :) Sometimes we need the "oldies but goodies." They bring insight relative to who and where we are... HERE and NOW.

[See picture above] These are the hands of a man who is blind (I keep a framed copy of the picture in my office at work). His passion, perseverance, and determination to complete a masterpiece of his own (on his own) was an awe-inspiring process to observe. With intense concentration and radiant joy, this patient (who makes my heart smile on a daily basis) spent an hour painting his coffee mug a brilliant shade of red... never resting... never asking for assistance... never complaining. In the words of wisdom shared by my mom, "He may be without sight, but he is not without vision." What a beautiful reminder.

The challenge ~ Follow your heart. Acknowledge, honor and recognize your dreams, your visions ~ and start painting your future. Remember, "It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going."

~ aeb :)

Hi...my name is Amanda, and I am a Blogger :)

Hi!
My name is Amanda, and I am (now) a blogger! The concept of blogging is entirely new to me, however, writing has always been one of my passions. I created this blog about 3 months ago, but have not had anything of interest to share! I have a feeling that is going to be my most difficult challenge... but I am ready to close my eyes and take a leap of faith. That being said, my first entry will be a repeat for many of you (I say that as though I have multiple followers!). There are times in our lives when communication is not only important, but it is crucial. This is one of those "crucial" times. With tragic teen suicide rates on the rise, and adults facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles (related to finances, careers, relationships...), perhaps we could all benefit from a message of hope. As you read my Letter to the Editor, printed in the Mobile Press Register, July 5th, 2008, please maintain an open mind and a compassionate heart. There are people around us who are suffering, and we each have the ability to make a difference. Thanks so much for your time and interest! ~ aeb :)

The Elephant in the Living Room...

I never really liked to say the word. Instead, I would use such terms as “disappear” or “go away”. The concept felt so taboo, so unacceptable, so misunderstood. The thoughts were unrelenting, and the reality painfully grim. Suicide was (and still is) the “elephant in the living room”… a silent killer… and the cause of approximately 35,000 deaths in the United States, alone, each year (NIMH).

Through the world’s eyes, I am a successful woman, yet I have never been able to meet my own expectations – my self imposed standards – my full potential. For far too many years, I lived to die. I played the part of living but embraced the act of dying. As a victim of chronic clinical depression, I manifested my pain through a myriad of self destructive behaviors. Over time, these manifestations began to pervade and ravage every fiber of my being…until I prayed that each breath I took would be my last.

Two weeks ago, the body of a father, husband and businessman was discovered on a local golf course. He had taken his own life, with the aid of a hand gun. I don’t know the circumstances that surrounded the premature death of this promising young man; however, his story has compelled me to share mine - with the hope that it will provide insight to those who read it. Time and time again it has been said that “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” and while this is spoken in truth, it paints a very narrow picture of the disease that drives an individual to bring an end to their existence.

In the course of depression, there are stages, the last (and most tragic) being the point of wholeheartedly believing your loved ones would be better off without you. You firmly hold that if you were to die, they could truly live. It is at this stage that you lose the ability to make rational decisions, as your tainted mind guides your thoughts and your actions. The organ that controls your ability to reason is biologically disordered. Just as you can’t walk on a broken leg, you cannot think clearly with a brain that is in need of repair.

I don’t know how to halt the increasing trend toward suicide in our country, but I do know that silence and ignorance will inevitably fuel the fire. I urge you…talk to your children, your parents, your spouses, your friends. Look into their eyes and listen intently. If you suspect trouble, don’t dismiss your suspicions. An elephant in the room should never be ignored. Communicate with the people around you. More often than not, if you have not noticed an elephant in your home, someone near you has. Please don’t allow fear, denial, busyness or stigmas determine your loved one’s fate. You can make a difference, you can break the silence, and you can save lives. If you or someone you know is suffering, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800- SUICIDE, today. Pick up the phone; there is help available. With help, you can find hope. With hope, you can begin to heal... and through the process of healing you can rediscover and learn to embrace the gift of life.