Sunday, June 28, 2009

A random burst of inspiration

So, I missed last Tuesday for inspiration. Sorry. I was locked up in a project that I am working on and hope to tell you all about soon. It's going to be GREAT. Also, there won't be one next Tuesday either because I'm going to Texas with this girl!

She is moving down there with her husband and they asked me to come along. Since one-way plane tickets are outrageously expensive, I'm going to take a bus a back. I've been told that will be an experience, and you know what, I love experience ;).

Anyway, on to inspiration:

1) Anthony Joseph Mangan, because last week was Father's Day and he is one of the most inspirational forces in my life.

My dad wearing a tux at the annual Parade of Lights, because people who announce the parade over the radio should be dressed in tuxes. 

My dad has impacted so many of my life decisions and is always the calm voice in my storms. His famous line to me: "If this is the worst thing that is ever going to happen to you, then you are going to be just fine." He reminds that life could always be worse, always. He is also the reason I went into journalism. He is such a hardworking reporter and is able to dance on the fine line of good rapport with sources and holding them accountable for their actions. That is a reporter's ultimate goal. I love you, dad.

2)
Charlie Brown

Photo from here

There is a bit of Charlie Brown in us all. Even with his grumpiness and lack of valentines and party invites, there is a hint of optimism that we can all relate to. Some good quotes:
"In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back."
“I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time.”
"I just laughed about it, ... I just thought if you're going to align yourself with somebody, it might as well be champions. He made his own decisions, not doing something just because you have to do it. He had his own sense of purpose."

3) Speaking of champions, lately I've been thinking and preaching the philosophy of Muhammad Ali.

Photo from here
Ali told the world he was the greatest. He believed he would be the world champion and never once doubted that idea. He never said could or maybe, he just said he would. And he was the world champion and is one of the greatest athletes of all time. I used to think Ali was cocky, but as I've matured I've realized what that kind of confidence can do. The first step in accomplishing anything great is to believe in yourself, and he did. It probably wasn't easy and some days quitting was probably easier, but he rested in that belief and never gave up until it happened. It's a lesson I've been pulling from a lot lately and it inspires that I too can be the greatest.

4) Prairie Sunsets

Nothing sets my heart on fire like a prairie sunset. Over a bed of green crops, the sun takes on this luminosity as it retires from our eyes for the evening. It can't be compared. They usually encourage me to write, paint, sing, dance or just be happy.

5) “This is what you shall do: love the earth and sun, and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence towards the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men; go freely with the powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and mothers, of families: read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life: re-examine all you have been told at school or church, or in any books, and dismiss whatever insults your soul.” - Walt Whitman

6) Being silly with people who love me for all that I am


7) Fireworks
I love fireworks, but probably won't see any this year on Independence Day. Bursts of light through the air seem to give me this "I like life" attitude. When I was living in Pocatello, the Fourth of July was a miserable day for a variety of reasons, but those sparkles gave me a bit of hope. I returned to Poky the following year for the Fourth and it was a wonderful patriotic celebration. Here is video from last year's fireworks show. We enjoyed the lights from the hill in my former editor's backyard. Commentary brought to you by Kellis, Cy and myself. I miss them. Oh, and Osa is a dog.


Have a wonderful week.
H

Monday, June 22, 2009

A reminder


One of life's honest realities is that tragedy acts as a reminder to the blessings before us. What rips us apart sheds light on what holds us together. What crumbles us allows us to find strength. 

Some how, and I'm not sure why, I've never had to experience true tragedy. Sure, I've had my heart broken and been betrayed by a friend, but nothing has ripped my life apart. And I forget that sometimes. I forget how freaking great I have it.

Something painfully awful happened to someone I care about. No pain I've experienced can measure to one percent of what this person might be feeling. My heart hurts for this person and I wish I could find the perfect words to deliver. But I can't. All I can do is send my love, prayers and support. 

I can also be thankful for what's in front of me. The life I lead is not a mistake. All that has happened to me and all that has been brought to me are blessings, even if it took me awhile to realize it or still can't. I can't change the world's activities but I can learn from them. And I can love all those that make me who I am.

To my friends and family, I love you more than life itself. You are my strength, my air, my ground. What I am and who I am is because of the people around me. I owe you all of my accomplishments and blessings. 

It's a beautiful, messy life, but it's all we've got. Please, please don't take that for granted. 

The deepest of love,
Heather Marie

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Resolution

We strive for resolution the way we strive for happiness and love. It's intangible, but something we desperately seek. To have resolved, is to put a sleep and never waste worry upon again. 

More than two years ago a situation arose that shattered my dream-like attitude and caused me to constantly check my actions. It made me doubt myself in the one area I'd always been confident, and the idea it could happen again was permanently stuck in the back walls of my mind. Although it's fairly common, I couldn't shake the wrong I felt. Even a year later, I lashed out at the other person involved - on the web - and dug a deeper trench between us. 

This week, I met face-to-face with that person. Neither of us expected to see the other and carried on for most of the time like nothing occurred. As we were to part ways, the other stopped and said the second most powerful set of three words, "I am sorry."

Instead of accepting those words, I repeated them. I wanted my deepest apologies to be known the way the other wanted them to be known. To say it and to hear it removed two years of pent up anger and regret. It was freeing to rebuild that connection and know it's safe.

That tiny hint of resolution was reaffirmation for my future. The journey I am embarking on now may involve similar situations, but I have confidence and courage, knowing that it never had anything to do with my character. It's just part of the gig.

That person is not a bad person. I am not a bad person. And we both know that. It might have taken two years for us to reach that point or just for us to run into each other, but it's over. It's an ended chapter, one with lesson and humility. We now move on, better for having gone through that situation because resolution was ultimately reached.  

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Inspiration, a bit late

Hi, lovelys,
Sorry about the lack of attention to the blog lately. Lots of great things going on and, unfortunately, the blog suffers a bit. But, I haven't forgotten about inspiration. Here is what is inspiring me this week:

1) Tattoos
My momma and I got tattoos this past weekend and it was painfully fun. There was no one else on this planet that I would rather get a tattoo with than my mom. A pic of mine:



Belief is what gets me through the day, so I felt it was an appropriate permanent mark. Words are my passion so I went with type over an image and I am a fan of one word sentences, thus the period. Also, the tat is in one of my favorite fonts: myriad pro. And now you've seen my geeky side.
Here is my mom's:


The initials are those of her children and the orange ribbon means happiness. It's pretty awes.


2) Today's daily reminder on my google page:
"Do not let difficulty conquer you. You must conquer it. My Strength will be there awaiting you."


3) Consignment shopping
My new Friday tradition is to hit up local consignment shops and add little sparkles to my wardrobe for less than two dollars. Here are a few of my finds:

The shirt, jeans and shoes are all lucky finds


Love this jumper. So cute.


4) My buddies Scott and John

John, me, Scott

These brothers are starting something pretty remarkable and I am pumped up every time they talk about it. They are going to do incredible things and they invited me along for the ride. They have brought truck loads of inspiration to my life the last couple of weeks. And to think, I met them less than six months ago. Via Twitter, nonetheless.


5) Micah, who never lets me forget my dream of writing a book. He is also one of the most creative people I know, and when I spend too much time with him, the creativity rubs off.


6) When I was younger, I was very careful with word choice when I wrote little messages in greetings cards. The objective was to make the person cry (good tears, of course). It's funny because I still consider it a success when my writing brings enough emotion to create tears. I love this quote because it defines a truly remarkable writer.
"The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart." - Maya Angelou

7) Another one of my favorite writing songs. So moving.



Have a wonderful rest of the week.
H

Monday, June 08, 2009

Inspiring

Hello, loves,
Big ideas are a brewin' for this girl so I need lots of inspiration. Want some?


1) David Sedaris

Photo from here

I kind of want his life- live in France and write stories about the odd things that happen from day to day. His audio books are great road trip companions. High Plains Reader, an alternative newspaper in Fargo, just did this story on him. The fact that it sometimes takes him 11 years to write his stories is ultra inspiring. The ebb and flow of his work astounds me and it always leaves me wanting more. This story was my first introduction to Sedaris and one of my favorite Easter stories, well next to the resurrection of Jesus Christ of course.



2) Nike commercials. 
Nike's advertising is solid from year to year and many of them give me this "I can move the world" mentality. Here are a few of my favs:





3) Michael Scott

Photo from here

Sure, this The Office character is an idiot at times, but idiotically brilliant. His heart is as big as the world and belief stronger than the ocean. Some favorite sincere Michael Scott quotes:

"Finishing that 5K was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I ate more fettuccini alfredo, and drank less water than I have in my entire life. People always talk about triumphs of the human spirit. Well today I had a triumph of the human body. That's why everybody was applauding for me at the end. My guts, my heart and well I eventually puked my guts out. I never puked my heart out, and I am very proud of that."

"I didn't find the perfect moment. Because I think that today was about just having today. And I think that we are one of those couples with a long story, when people ask how we found each other. I, will see her, every now and then, and, maybe one year she'll be with somebody and the next year I'll be with somebody. And it's going to take a long time... and then it's perfect. I'm in no rush."

"Who would've thought, that the thing that would save this company would be work. And pancakes. In the end, this day definitely had its ups and downs. I realized that we don't have the biggest office, which is a surprise, because 165 square feet sounds like a lot, but we have people with the biggest hearts and I think for a small company, that is really-- [toilet flushes] someone went to the bathroom... that is really what's important."


4) My friends Dessi and Shelly

I only had a photo of Shelli, but, take my word, Dessi is GORGEOUS

They are both taking huge leaps of faith and believe strongly in the paths that are set before them. To do what they are going to do, takes an amazing breath of courage, but neither one of them could imagine doing anything else. I spoke with them individually about the life they've chosen and they remind me that each of us has a destiny and this is theirs. And they wouldn't have it either way.


5) "Why ponder thus the future to foresee, 
      and jade thy brain to vain perplexity?
      Cast off thy care, leave Allah's plans to him —
      He formed them all without consulting thee."
- Omar Khayyam, The Rubaiyat


6) The Sanford's Children Hospital

Photo from here

I had the amazing pleasure of attending a gala Saturday night in support of the Children's Hospital. That beautiful building and the passionate people who made it a reality gave me goosebumps, but the bravery of the children who inhabit the hospital brought me to tears. If we all had an ounce of the determination those children do, peace would resound. Over 1,200 people, donned in classy attire, attended the event in honor of what's already been accomplished and to show support for what still needs to be accomplished. I was so blessed to be there and I want to thank the Meyers and the Blues for inviting me. Simply incredible.

7) My sketch book

When I was younger, I begged my mom to buy me oil pastels to draw flowers and houses. I bought a sketch book and pastels a few months ago and it's amazing the creativity that flows through me after a couple doodles. I hadn't touched them in a couple weeks, but last Monday, I had a strong urge to just draw something. I filled three pages before bed. The next day, I went to work bursting with energy and came up with a fantastic idea for email art that required me to play with sidewalk chalk. It was a hit with the people in charge of the email and gave me a renewed sense of creative confidence.

That's all I have. Have a lovely Tuesday.
Heat

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Musical love

Today, I sat my in the middle of my living room bawling, asking God to give me strength, hope and clarity.

A few hours later, I received two song dedications from two people who I love so very much. Both of them wanted me to know they love me and are there for me. And now I can’t stop crying because these are answered prayers. 

Here are the songs they sent me.  Share one with someone special today. It’ll probably make their day. It made mine.

To those two special people, you are my blessings, my rocks. I love you.



Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Hope



Hope is a little devil. 

Hope makes us believe in the impossible. Hope leads us to depend on silly notions and unrealistic expectations. Hope makes the bruises purple and the pain sting. Hope paints dream pictures that cover the hard truth.

Hope, though, gets us from day to day. Hope is the helping hand after a long fall. Hope makes life worth living. 

And I'd rather stumble and lose 1,000 times than ever lose hope. Never, ever lose hope. 

Monday, June 01, 2009

Tuesday of Inspiration

It's Tuesday and guess what that means? Inspiration! Here are my inspiring things for the first week of June :)

1) If you have not seen this movie, you must.

It's simply amazing. I may or may not have cried. Twice. This film reminded me it's OK to still believe in the magic of balloons, adventures happen every day and it's never to late to follow you dream. If you haven't seen this, go. Now.

2) Amy

I'm so freaking proud of this girl. She decided to move to Portland. The world gave her several reasons not to go, but she didn't listen. She stuck to her dreams and reached the West Coast Monday. To pick up and move away from everything you know takes great courage. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. I'm already looking into plane/train tickets and hope to visit her soon. Amy, you are a star and Portland is blessed to have you!

3.)
I tore this headline out of the Argus Leader a few years ago. It was the Sunday center package and a story I still love to hear. The article was about SDSU's version of Rudy and his desire to wear the Jackrabbit uniform. His college career topped out to less than minute of actual game time, but he didn't care. Just a year out of school, this particular player sent a check to Coach Stig. He loved that program so much that he wanted to support young athletes who felt the same way. That story inspires me to donate, to never give up and to always be thankful for what you achieve, great or small. This headline has been with me at every job and I'll carry it with me until it disintegrates into yellow mush. 
On a semi-related note: The development directors in my office give out a monthly Roadie award to someone who plays a crucial role in helping them accomplish their goals. They gave it to me for the month of May. It comes with a gift card to the University Bookstore. That made me happy :)

4.) This wall art at one of my favorite places.



5.) Lucy

The most inspirational thing in my life is people who follow their dreams. Lucy is a prime example. She's dream chasing and, at times, it sucks. But she believes in her dream so she keeps running after it. I believe in her dream and I believe in her. This girl is going places and I'm so inspired by the leap of faith she took to convert those dreams to realities. It's a long and tough process, but I have all the confidence that she can and will conquer those dreams. I can't wait to say I knew her when ...

6.) In my humble opinion, this is the best song ever written. It inspires me to write, to live and to love.


7) Modern Love essays

These move me and come from the softest part of the heart. I have a great idea for one, and hope to write it in the next month or so. Watch for it :)

Hope you feel inspired :) I do. Rest easy, children, and I will see you shortly.
Heat

Monday Blog goodness

So, remember how I wrote about my geeky obsession/inspiration from Elsie and her bf Jeremy? Well, Elsie is doing this awesome 24-hour blog session and I really think all of you must check it out! It makes me so excited because when I check her blog seven times today, like I do most days, there will be an update! And I'll probably have Jeremy streaming on last.fm. today. Woot. That is fabulous news because I have some major designing and writing to do today and Elsie and Jeremy are great inspirations for my creative process :) Melissa and I have made it our goal to make the nine or so-hour trek to Springfield to visit the RVA store and maybe meet them both. So, go check out her blog and check out her RVA store for some cuteness :)


Peace and cookies for a lovely Monday. Check back tomorrow for some inspiration :)
H