It wasn't love at first sight.  More reminiscent of feelings like regret, disappointment, and betrayal.  You know, similar to finding out you have just been catfished by the person you thought was your dream come true, only to find that it's a Nightmare on Elm Street.  Hi ma'am, what is your reason for returning this item?  Please check all boxes that apply. Is there a box that says, because I just don't want it and I would like a do-over?!  Ughhh, didn't think so...  How could I get myself into this type of quandary and how in the world do I get out of it?  If I could I would escape into a black hole back to the real world, because clearly, this is straight out of the Matrix.

​The deed was done, the documents signed, the handshakes shaken and it was officially the season of no turning back.  'Ok, deal with it,' I told myself, and get into this vibe cause baby it's full steam ahead now.  
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As I woke this morning I knew what my day would consist of.  An early morning workout, using this amazing facial cleanser I bought, and a nice sensible breakfast.  At some point, I know that I will need to do a bit of yard work and I'm perfectly fine with that as long as my music accompanies me during the grueling task of raking leaves.  Oh, and I have to work today, but that's not as exciting as anything else I described so let me continue.  

I quite like the beginning of a new week.  It gives me a sense of discipline that I may have lost mid-week or perhaps during the weekend.  Re-focusing my energy on anything positive and uplifting, as always.  Things like planning my workout regimen, ensuring I follow a healthy diet, or refraining from shopping, at least for a few days.  Or not!  I believe in balance.  If I want it you can guarantee I'm going to have it and the rules I have preset for myself are suddenly floating out the window.  The art of deprivation only applies when I'm getting close to vacation time and my two-piece bikini is saying, 'girl put down that 6th slice of pizza!'  

Motivation comes in many forms.  A friend who is uplifting, a book that redefines the art of strength, perseverance, and resilience, or perhaps a movie about getting knocked down over and over again, yet learning to stand strong and tall ten times over.  I accept it and receive it all.
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​I saw the sunshine through the blinds this morning and a smile grew across my face.  The light that gives me so much life and makes me feel like anything is possible.  Watching the squirrels chase each other in the yard as if they have not a care in the world.  Or maybe they are in a rush to gather all the necessities for hibernation in preparation for the coming winter months.  With so much going on around me, I'm alert and aware of how it all makes me feel.  

​The more I give in to the vibe of creativity and all that inspires me the more I find the joy of simplicity.  The beauty in peace, and the art of continuing to find my own kind of balance.    

Be inspired...
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​~AJ 🌞

It takes more than a notion to be rare.  Stepping outside of the box of normalcy is a gift in itself and the true definition of someone determined to rise and shine.  She's a President, CEO, journalist, writer, editor, photographer, world traveler, poet, and a trailblazer within the writing community.  Saying she is a force to be reckoned with is putting it mildly.  I am inspired by her work, in awe of her grace, and honored to present to you, Angela P. Moore!  

​◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I am fine considering we are going on two years in this pandemic.

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
Usually, late at night I do a lot of thinking.  You know when it's quite and no distractions, I can focus better. 

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Good question! I have to think about this one... Maybe it should be titled, “A Place Called Love"

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
Yes, I do.  As a kid, I loved to read and write.  I also remember being on a television show in Pensacola, Florida, because I read so well.  Growing up, I had my own little library.  I loved going to the library to check out books, and we had a mobile library that came to our neighborhood.  How cool was that?  I always loved reading and English classes were my favorite.  I enjoyed writing essays in class.  In college, I majored in Journalism and Photography, so that's when I really got serious and put ink to paper.  My first professional experience was the college newspaper, “The FAMUAN”!  I remember writing editorials on Jesse Jackson running for President, and writing stories on everything happening on campus, from renovations on campus, new businesses in the area, voting, new policies, to photographing the football games on Saturdays.  I was also a photographer for the college newspaper.  So, I wrote my stories and provided photos to go with my stories.  
      

You know you shouldn't be eating that right?  I'm just saying, you are the one who promised to do better with your diet, and look at you doing the exact opposite.  If you looked around with the guilty face, then keep reading, this is for you!

Let's face it, food is undeniably divine.  The smells, the tastes, and the simple joy in knowing you are about to feel some type of way.  Depending on what your food selection is, euphoric even.  If you close your eyes you can remember the last time you were taken to this sinful point of no return.  The endorphins in your mouth begin to explode and just like that you have fallen in love.  The description sounds like a hot and steamy story about two star gazed lovers right?!  Well, that's because it is.  
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Watching summer leave is hard, the sunny days accompanied by the constant chirp of birds, the flutter of the hummingbird that stops by for a drink of nectar every other week, and the feeling of the warm sun shining down on you.  It's the feel-good season and everything that comes along with it.  The sundresses, flip flops, and the summer get-togethers on the back deck.  Easy to understand why a disturbance in all that glory will cause a sudden shift in your attitude and the atmosphere.  

Fall is officially upon us.  But, let us not be dismayed by the beginning of colder weather and chilly mornings which warrant the ceremonious unpacking of winter clothing and the quick adjustment of the thermostat from cool to warm.  You know, just enough to knock the chill off as they say.  The sweaters, throws, coats, scarves, hats, and most importantly the boots!  If it were not for my undying love of boots in their array of styles and colors I might move to the warmest region I could find during fall and winter.  Because without them, what is the purpose?!

The day I stepped into my boots was the first day of fall.  In true fashion, Mother Nature went along with the theme.  The morning started off quite chilly, around 43 degrees to be exact, followed by an afternoon burst of sunshine that warmed up to a balmy 64 degrees.  Perhaps my desire to change my attire was a tad bit premature or perhaps it was right on time.  Either way, once I make that switch, I find it hard to go in reverse.  

There is no denying that fall is one of the most beautiful seasons.  The falling leaves and the changing colors are magical in a sense.   The hot cocoa and movie nights.  The freshly washed throws that we wrap ourselves in that eventually put us to sleep.  The homemade soup and meals that stick to your bones.  The get-togethers that used to happen outside that will now move indoors to feel the warmth and coziness that awaits.  

A couple of days after the cooler weather made its grand entrance, the temperature warmed up quite a bit.   As I prepared to head out for shopping, my mind said wear your sneakers.  The problem, I had already christened the boots with their first outdoor excursion, so I didn't want them to feel left out.  Sitting in the corner I could have sworn my boots whispered, 'Well hello there, lover'.  So I chose them, along with the tank top I was wearing for the close to 80' degree weather.  While it might seem strange, I have learned to embrace going with the flow, appreciate the odd things and enjoy all there is to love with falling into fall.
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​~AJ 🍂

Creativity is a gift that shines brighter than any diamond I have ever seen.  I was leaving a comment on a friend's social media post when I stumbled upon this lyrically blessed genius.  His response was far from ordinary and I knew he had a story to be told.  Rhythmic, poetic, musically inclined, and gifted.  I am excited to share his story with all of you, so without further delay, I introduce, Verso Turner! 

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I'm great, but communicate better in rhyme
so I'll answer every question as a poem of mine
ya see, we all gotta talk the way that God had us designed
instead of formulating sentences... this poem is mines

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
After I meditate, or listen to music
or talk to my spouse, she is someone I can muse wit
or any day that I pray and speak to that higher power
writing now takes a minute when it used to take an hour

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Life Path No. 9

So, I have these notions to jump into projects around the house.  It's in my nature and I cannot stop the thoughts once they enter any portion of my brain.  On Friday, I decided it was time to get into the backyard and spruce it up a bit.  What started as a small project in my mind turned into a full-on outdoor fresh event.  If you have ever done any form of yard work then you realize outdoor fresh is nothing nice. 😷

Day 1:  Pulled weeds.  Cleared my area and started putting down my border.  My sister cut down weeds growing through my fence while my brother cleaned my gutters.  A true family affair.  As the sun continued to blaze down on me I felt even more determined to get it done.  My progress seemed to be light considering I had been outside for 8 hours straight.  At the end of day 1, I counted no less than 15 mosquito bites.  Oh, this is going to be so much fun said no one ever!

Day 2:  The weed pulling frenzy continues and my vision is crystal clear.  I know exactly what I want to do and just how I want it to look.  The only problem, I need to return to Home Depot and Lowes for more stuff.  As if digging in the dirt was not enough I'll just grill as well because who doesn't like to feel completely exhausted by the end of the day. 🙄​

Determined to tackle the glorious pile of sticks the previous owners left for me I had choice words for them that I am sure are illegal somewhere.  Mom says it must have been a fire pit.  In the pile, I found a single sock, a hot wheels car, and an old screen.  My idea of a beautiful and serene fire pit is a bit different, so please stay tuned.

The more I pulled and cleared, the better it started to look.  And then Sammie the Snake appears.  I run and scream for my whole entire life and retreat to the safety of my deck.  My blood-curdling scream should have cleared any rodent, critter, or insect within a 20-mile radius, so I returned to finish what I started.  While my family thought I was certifiably insane for wearing boots in close to 90-degree weather, my handy dandy outdoor, weed pulling, yard boots were right on time.  

Not letting a silly slinky snake stop my flow so back to it I go.  About 5 1/2 hours later.  Many breaks and stops in between I finished one side of my project, which by the way I absolutely love.  While there are mosquito bites covering most of my body, I can stand outside and admire my work while scratching the skin off of my limbs, but hey, it was all worth it.  

The best thing I found of the previous owners was a small piece of white chalk.  I wasn't quite sure if that's what it was at first.  Quick sniff test and it was confirmed.  Hey, don't judge me.  I already had it in my hand so the damage was potentially done.  It made me smile and brought back the kid in me.  Proof of that is in the first pic above.  Nothing but love and blessings as I enter into home ownership chronicles...day 71. 🏡

​~AJ

Here I go again.  My absolute favorite day of the week!  I literally bounce out of bed with an extra pep in my step.  I sing a few lyrics of a song I made up in my head and talk to my kitties while they stare at me the same as they do every single morning.  A bit of Groundhog Day vibes but I'm not really complaining because today is 'that' day!  The day that puts an end to the boring mundane repetitive tasks that haunt me Monday through Friday.  I work a 9-5 all week so it's the glorious beginning to the end of the same ole same, the thought of possibilities for the weekend, the planned get-togethers with friends or the idea of doing absolutely nothing.  

If I have ever told you I didn't plan my weekends, just know I was lying.  Kinda in the category of little white lies so please don't hold it against me.  My plans for this weekend ahead include a bit of yard work, firing up the grill, and family time.  I also have a room to paint, a library to get together, and a few boxes to unpack.  However, if I do too much I will find myself knocking on Sunday evening's door and mad at myself for not getting in enough woosah time.  

I've had this on and off again love affair with Friday since the last time I claimed it was the one and true love of my life.  We just go together so well, no talking back, and consistently giving me exactly what I need.  It's that type of energy I long for each and every day.  I've said that any day can feel this way, but I would be lying to myself and to all of you so I refuse to fill you with those tall tales.  I can't help but wonder why every day can't be Friday.  From now until the end of Neveruary I will always and forever be living for this day.   

The thought of sleeping in during the weekend sounds very appealing, however, I just can't seem to do it.   I feel as if I am missing out on something so up I rise at the crack of dawn when half of the world is fast asleep.  And what if the plans I made never happen and something better comes along?  Sounds like a good weekend ahead, simple as hot buttered toast with a side of crispy bacon accompanied by a cup of hot black coffee on a Sunday morning.  Which reminds me to add all of that to my grocery list.  But hey, feel free to check in with me on Monday and I'll let you know if any of what I planned actually happened.

The older I grow the more important it has become to make the time count.  Filling my days with things, people, and experiences that make my soul happy.  As the years continue to go by I will continue to be thankful for this day because it's quite simply my favorite of them all.

~AJ

The time is just past 6 a.m.  As I scroll through the internet with one eye open while the other adjusts, my current obsession is finding the perfectly scented hand soap for my master bathroom.  Why, because I'm a huge scent freak and googling weird things at odd hours is simply what I do.  My mind never stops, the wheels in my brain turn faster than a hamster chasing his long-lost love on a never ending wheel of doom.  

My days have been running together in no proper fashion for the past six months.  A full on collision of mayhem and boxes.  The two go together like popcorn and fried eggs.  And yet there is someone somewhere eating that very weird combination as I type this.  I've had quite the adventure with my new home and decided to summarize things in chronological order for my friends on Facebook.  Today I will share my story here, with all of you to raise an eyebrow at me, call me crazy, laugh with me, or at me.  At the end of my story, if for any reason you feel sorry for me, yes I will accept your generous donations.  😇
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We all know there are certain things best served in moderation, maybe small doses, and perhaps not at all.  However, we indulge anyway.  Determined to believe if no one sees you that it really doesn't count as a 'bad thing'.  Taking it a step further by convincing yourself that it won't hurt if it's just this one time.  The problem with that theory is, once is typically never enough, especially if it feels good while you are doing it.  

There are daily reminders all around us of the things we shouldn't say, do, or feel, so I dare not bore you with any more of that.  I am here to remind you of all the good things and just how wonderfully splendid and magical they are.  

This picture is a refrigerator magnet I have had for years.  I see it every single day and always smile at the words and how they make me feel.  I've spent the better part of my young adult years learning that it doesn't have to be the biggest and boldest to be the greatest and most memorable.   It's the journey and joy in all of it for me.  

This list is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  I know because I have done them all.  So, whatever your 'good thing' is, do it till you satisfied.  
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​~AJ 💫