catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

At the Heart of Awakenings

On the Road to Independence. . .

A new post has been added to catnipoflife’s sister site, Awakenings, as the next part of the series of postings leading up to America’s independence finally being won.

Remember:
America FOUGHT for FREEDOM!

Remain mindful that the Fourth of July is NOT just about picnics and fireworks!
Know the history behind what the celebration is truly about!

America, the Beautiful!

About the video: Ray Charles is a true Southern legend, for that matter, an American legend! The voice of his soul will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Let us never forget for whom this song was written – – – AMERICA, the Beautiful, our land, our home, our country, our freedom!

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Inspiration: Beauty and the Beast

Beauty&BeastNO, not the fairy tale; YET, could there be a connection? Life is filled with wondrous beauty: Beauty is all around us – sights, sounds, and yes, even smells! But, so is the beast confronting us in many shapes, forms, and sizes. It may be buried in the heart, stored in the mind but not without light in the soul. Let’s take a look at the beast and the beauty to be found within.

 

Light from the Heart

Heartache manifests dispair. That is exactly what happened when the telephone rang and a quivering voice on the other end muttered, “He’s gone. His heart just gave out.”  The phone dangled from its cord as it slipped from my trembling hand. As though in shock, a stare into nowhere made time stand still. With tears descending without thoughts of ever stopping, visions of times together flashed through my mind as though I was turning the pages of the family album. Then, as quick as the ringing of the phone, the tears of sadness became tears of joy. He is home but not before leaving behind the reality of light always emanating  from my heart.

LightfromtheHeart

 

i’ll keep the light inside my heart
shining bright as the noonday sun
each day that passes will bring joy
as I see your face in your grandson
~catnipoflife

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Light within the Mist

Fog slowly rolls in over the bay drawing cool moist air onto the coast. Dampness spreads a chill through the air causing goose bumps with hairs standing on end. A sea breeze hints of the cool freshness as tidal currents ebb in and out. Waves exploding on the rocks toss sea spray forward, backward, upward and outward, reflective of feelings that had been shuffled about and tossed aside. Standing on the edge of darkness, feeling cold and numb, life’s decision had to be made. Reality suddenly unfolds gleaming with inner light.

 bygone days of the sea dreamily subsist
as first light appears and the fog slowly lifts
reflections on a sunlit horizon
embrace the early morning mist
~Echoes

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Light in the Darkness

The sun slowly slips beneath the horizon and you feel all alone as you look around the station. You just stepped off a bus as a ghostly mist of rain slowly descends upon the pavement. Eyelids blink away the tiny droplets revealing a shadowy figure in the distance. The beastly darkness obstructs your vision but not enough to block out the beautiful smile drawing nearer and nearer. Reality shimmers within thoughts of awaiting arms.

there‘s coldness in the dark
within a solitary place
but in the midst is hope
illuminating the space
~
catnipoflife

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“Hope is the greatest of the gifts we’ll receive.” – Beauty and the Beast

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Inspiration: Inner Voice

“If a bird is frightened, or simply interrupted, as it sways and sings on a bough, it simply moves to another bough and keeps on singing.”

As I was listening to a radio program this morning, a similar scenario immediately caught my attention. The more I thought about it the more it became a puzzle piece of life. How many times has concentration been snapped apart and the melody or rhythm of the moment broken? We connect, disconnect, connect, disconnect throughout our daily routines as interruption after interruption ultimately becomes aggravation.

Eventually our inner voice cries out, “Enough!”

Next time one of life’s interruptions catches up to you, think about the bird and let your inner voice just keep on singing!

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Inspiration for the Soul

pinterest-logo“Whatever you want in life, start today. Not tomorrow – today. Let it be a small beginning – a tiny beginning. Your happiness depends on starting today – every day.”

Need nourishment? Visit my new Pinterest board, Daily Soul Food!

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10 Cutest Cat Moments

Of course, you know I could not stop with only one ‘cat moment’ posting. Here is another and a great way to end the evening or begin a new day with smiles and laughter (depending upon whether you read this tonight or in the morning)!

Smiles to you yesterday, today and tomorrow:>)

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Funny Cats

Since I have titled this blog catnipoflife what could be more appropriate than beginning the day with Funny Cats. We can quip all day about their antics, find hundreds (perhaps thousands) of quotes and last, but not least, know the cat provides the best ‘antidote‘ for a bad day. [Yes, I know I said antidote, instead of anecdote. It fits! THE cat can counteract or neutralize any unpleasant feeling or situation.]

                       If you love cats, smile! (You are their protector, defender and friend.)

If you don’t, smile for those who do! (They are the ones who protect, defend and befriend.)

The point is. . .Think about all the quips, quotes, antidotes (anecdotes, if your prefer) and

                                 Smile the whole day through.

 

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TEACHER APPRECIATION

 

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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Monday, May 7, 2012 through Friday, May 11, 2012

A Tribute to Teachers with a special letter from Christy Carpenter is posted @ Awakenings.

“When you see a teacher today, or any day for that matter, thank them for everything they do.”                                                               

                              ~Christy Carpenter, Mosely High School, Panama City, FL

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New Post at Awakenings

Visit Awakenings and Share your thoughts: What events of late have you encountered that made you react with the question, “What’s happened to common sense?” Post comments for all to see and enjoy, perhaps even begging “YIPES, that really happened?”

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Pinterest and Amazon Author Central

Just joined Pinterest! Also, created my page at Amazon Author Central. Whoa! Advances in technology just keep going and going and going. . . New ‘kid’ on the sites needs some followers:>)

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Keep the Change

Have you created a positive ripple effect of kindness lately? Here is a cue:

No matter the location – restaurant, convenience store, shopping mall, gas station, coffee shop, etc. – tell the clerk to keep the change for someone who comes in that might need it:>)

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