Inspiring Bits of Advice From Very Wise and Successful People:

This blog I have decided to feature two people that are much wiser than I am.  The first video is a speech by author J.K. Rowling.  I have nothing but respect an admiration for Mrs. Rowling.  I would love to sit down and talk with her over tea (her place or mine) and bombard her with questions on life and also the Harry Potter books.  But for the time being it seems unlikely she will be inviting me over...perhaps I should send her and invite.  After the last film comes out she will surely have a lot more time that would be best spent with a perfect stranger in another country like myself.  Anyhoo, since that is not liekly for awhile, I will have to settle for interviews and speeches that reveal very much I think.  I think it is so enlightening that it is worth sharing with any readers, friends or visiters to my blog.  Please enjoy:

 

 

JK Rowling: The fringe benefits of failure Video on TED.com

Bill Cosby is some one I grew up watching on television as a kid.  Although I don't have TV at my house now, when visiting my dad, I still enjoy watching old reruns of "The Cosby Show."  Laughter might be underestimated by some people, but personally I see so much value in it.  I also find it a very intimate way to bond with other people I connect with in my daily life.  I was too young at the time to know otherwise, but I've previously read that "The Cosby Show," made huge steps in breaking down race-related walls that still existed in the U.S.  I also found his speech to be very enlightening and funny.

http://youtu.be/BY-WFfajWq8

Be Grateful!

It's been awhile since I blogged on this particular blog, mainly because I didn't feel anything strong enough to blog about.  But that has changed.  Today was an exciting day for me. 

For several years now, I've really, really, super, duper wanted a beach cruiser.  My new, but very good friend also was in the market for one.  After a few weeks of looking, we went into the bike shop today and purchased two gorgeous beach cruisers that we absolutely adore.  We returned to my house to unload them and started making room to store them.  While this was happening, I was struck with the realization that I am incredibly blessed.  I am proud to say that I highly value the people in my life and do not take them for granted.  Yes, I've had some bad people in my life, who are no longer a part of it, but the good ones make such a huge impact on my life.  I am lucky that I've had the chance to know and trust bad people, because it makes me appreciate my true family. 

Now back to the story of my day: While making room for the bike, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the fact that I have had the privilege to acquire so many wonderful "toys."  That's really what many of them are.  Yes I've made money off my photography equipment but other than that, I've had the wonderful blessing of either purchasing or receiving these items.  It's somewhat embarrassing to admit that I didn't fully realize the magnitude of this blessing sooner.  While people and pets are far more valuable than any material thing, I am so thankful for the chance to play and enjoy the world around me.

As my day turned to evening, I visited my dad for dinner.  We talked about his mother and uncle.  We  agreed that we couldn't have asked for more loving or kind family members.  For me and I know several of my other family members, they are heroes we strive to live up to.  My grandma passed away when I was 6.  Although I miss her and wish she had been able to live longer, I am grateful for the memories I have of her.  I am truly blessed to have known her at all.  So my advice today is to be grateful for what you have.  It could always be worse.  There is some one somewhere who would give anything to have your life.  People die everyday wishing to have the simple joy of being alive that you are so lucky to have.