Don't wait too long...

Lastnight, Linda, Steph and I got together for a glass of wine and visit...and celebration of our birthdays! They're both born on Dec 27th!

It's been too long since we got together last. We've been friends for almost a decade and it's so wonderful to just be able to pick up where we left off.

Whether it's a run together, where we pack in as much conversation in an hour and then hug and say good bye until the next time...or conversation over wine...I realize, sitting with two of the best friends anyone could have, that I should not wait too long for the next time.

It's funny. If one of us called and said, "I need your help.", we would all be there in an instant. Even faster than that. We'd do most anything for one another. But, when it's just 'life', and nothing urgent is really going on, and life just gets busy, it's easy for too much time to pass between those runs or visits.

I wrote an email to Linda and Steph this morning and wanted to write a little note to send with the photo we took lastnight and my fingertips just seemed to write this by themselves.

Happy birthday to US!
May this next year be our best ever!!
May we always have good friends to drink wine and visit with.
May we always have great health, fit bodies and lots of energy.
May we spend our lives honouring our calling and following our hearts.
May we go confidently into the world sharing our gifts and passion.
May we be rewarded with satisfaction and funds for our time and talents.
May we always shine brightly, live in possibility and believe that all of our dreams will come true!

I think I was thinking about the birthday card that Linda gave me. It was amazing.
It said, "Do you remember the way it felt to make a wish and never - not even for a second - doubt that it might come true?"

I do remember.
Maybe it's time for that again...to live in that place of dreaming - and believing - in those wishes and that they will come true.

I just listened to the radio this morning and Michael Buble was being interviewed. They asked him, "Could you ever have imagined the success you are currently experiencing; selling 25 million records, playing in front of thousands in stadiums?" And Michael Buble's response was incredible. He said, "You know, I think I was the only one who believed I could sell that many records or play to sold-out crowds in stadiums." He went on to say that he "...started out, singing Christmas carols in shopping malls, with his grandfather waiting and watching for hours..." but he always believed in his dreams of singing in front of thousands.

Mom, thank you for always believing in me...and for never waiting too long to tell me how much you love me.

I love you,
Crystal

"Keep dreaming, wishing and planning. There is immeasureable power in it."

...one of my very best friends

...who's been there and done that with me for the past 12 years!
I just love this little bear!

50 Year Friends...

Wouldn't it be nice to have a friend for 50 years?

I think so.

A "50 Year Friend" would have 'been there and done that' with you for all of life's major (and minor) events. How lucky we would all be if we could get to that place of having a 50 year friend...or group of friends.

This is part of my tribe here in Kelowna. We had lunch yesterday. It was wonderful.


And the 2 ladies with matching hairdoo's sitting behind us were a great reminder to me of how much it means to have those life-long friendships.

Tomorrow night, I'm getting together with another group of amazing friends. How lucky we are to be able to connect, get busy with life, and then reconnect again and pick up where we left off, as if it were yesterday.

And before we know it, we'll all be home with you Mom, and while there, having lunch with our group of 7, who have now, for some us, been friends since we were 8 years old. That's a 31 year friendship so far. And I feel so grateful that it's OK to just connect and reconnect and get busy with life and then reconnect when time permits or the opportunity arises...and we just pick up where we left off.

Mom, I can't wait to see you!! Just a few more days!!!
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me.
love you,
PS Your hair looks way cooler than these ladies! :)

Now THAT is amusing!

Life's much better when I look at things in a funny way.

There's amusing things everywhere!

Things to laugh AT...and laugh ABOUT.

Things to smile about and relish in....everywhere I look.


Even loading all the leaves from the hostel and the rental is completely amusing...when I look at it that way. Amusing...and dirty! (Did I mention that I had to dump out the bags of leaves?)

Yesterday, I was on a mission! I loaded up all the leaves and took them to the landfill. Then I loaded up all the cardboard recycling from the move to the new house (that had been sitting in my garage...and then moved to the side of the house) and took that to the recycling place, too.

And everywhere I turned, I encountered something amusing...or something to smile about.

The past few days, with a bit of a 'kick in the butt' from watching that movie, Morning Glory, I've been thinking about the coming year and really dreaming and planning what I want the next year to look like.

It's amazingly simple....look at everything with amusement in my eyes...and then put good stuff in...and VOILA!!...good stuff comes out!

Whether it's a good movie, some good music, a good book or a great conversation with a friend....

When I put good stuff into my brain, body and life...great stuff comes out!

Yes...it's obvious and simple...but quite extraordinary when actually lived and experienced.

Love you, Mom. Thanks for always keeping things simple. Never complicating life. Always leading life with amusement and the simple equation of 'put good stuff in...and good stuff will come out'!

See you soon!
love Crystal

Morning Glory!

What's the story, Morning Glory?

"Seize the morning!"

Lastnight, we went to see this movie. It was just what my spirit needed.
A little inspiration.
A little reminder of who I am and who I could be.
A big kick in the butt to get a little more passionate and focused on my calling and reason for being here...and not get bogged down and caught up by day-to-day circumstance and unimportant issues!

Here's what the movie is about:
When hard-working TV producer Becky Fuller is fired from a local news program, her career begins to look as bleak as her hapless love life. Stumbling into a job at "Daybreak" (the last-place national morning news show), Becky decides to revitalize the show by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford). Unfortunately, Pomeroy refuses to cover morning show staples like celebrity gossip, weather, fashion and crafts - let alone work with his new co-host, Colleen Peck, (Diane Keaton) a former beauty queen and longtime morning show personality who is more than happy covering morning "news." As Mike and Colleen clash, first behind the scenes and then on the air, Becky's blossoming love affair with fellow producer, Adam Bennett begins to unravel - and soon Becky is struggling to save her relationship, her reputation, her job and ultimately, the show itself.

Becky, the TV producer follows her passion, conviction and calling, working all hours of the day and night...compelled to make the morning show a success and make her dreams come true.

She's inspired...and inspiring.

And with her passion, values, conviction and strength, she holds everyone, including herself, to higher 'ideals' and to the potential of what they could become...and, of course, in true Hollywood style, they rise and become what they could be.

I laughed out loud. Cried at times, sat on the edge of my seatand found myself identifying with the characters and in some way, the movie spoke to me and reached out and grabbed me, as if to shake me and remind me of my own potential...when I am committed, filled with conviction and passionate about my calling!

Very inspiring.
(Yes...I'm a sucker for those typical Hollywood movies...but I don't care!)

I loved her exhuberant energy and wish I allowed more of that energy in me to come out. I know it's in me. I so identified with this part of her character... but sometimes I seem to get in a little rut, unfocused and sort of uninspired.









There were so many great scenes in the movie but one of the best ones was near the end when Harrison Ford gives Becky some great advice and tells her that he worked so much, in excess, always away from home, and when he was at home with his family, he was watching the news from the corner of his eye, his phone and computer always close at hand....and because of that he ended up with nothing...until he met her. She helped him 'find himself' in many ways and find his calling once again.

His advice to her was valid though.

Put the phone away. Turn off the computer. Realize and remember that work, no matter how important it might seem, is nothing compared to the importance of family and loved ones. If you don't turn off the phone, tv, computer...you'll end up alone, with nothing.

Good food for thought.

Another great message for me, from the movie, is the hope and possibility of love and having a partner that encourages you to honour your calling.


I love happy endings.
I love the sense of possibility.
And I love the kick in the butt to honour my calling and seize the morning!
Mom, you often said the words, "Morning Glory" in a variety of contexts...and you would love this movie.

Love you,
Crystal

It just depends on how you look at it.

It's Saturday!!
I'm grateful.
I had a big week of teaching this week - what a great group of students! The time goes by so fast. I love what I do in the classroom and I know they walk out as 'different, more hope-filled and inspired people' after our 5 days together. I know I'm called to be here. But something is missing. There's more. I think it's evolution. I think I'm evolving. What was once my perfect calling isn't quite a perfect fit anymore and I know there's something bigger out there for me...

I have almost everything I could need or want. I have a blessed life. In every way. It's not 'things' that I'm missing in my life. It has something to do with my calling. Like 'unfinished business'. Things yet to accomplish and experience and share. (Thank God...because I hope to have another 40 years in this life and I should really have something to do in that time.) :)

I know it starts with finishing projects that I've started. And that's where I'm going to focus until they are done. Everything from my booklet, book, all my work 'creations' need attention and I should see where I could develop them (well, OK, how about 'finish' them first?)...who knows...my inspiration might be right there!

I think it is actually. I don't need to go out searching for my perfect calling. It's right here. Right in front of me. Inside me.

It just depends on how I look at it.


Looking at the same thing, with different filters in our mind, create a very different picture.
Mom, your happiness in life probably depended a lot on 'how you looked at it' and I'm so grateful to continue to look to you for a little inspiration when I need it.
I can't wait to see you.
I miss my momma!
love you,
Crystal

The Next Generation of You

A speaker that I met once at a conference wrote an article this week about "the next generation of you"and in it he said...

When you buy into the power of thought, and realize those thoughts actually attract and create your environment, and that environment helps create you – that’s when things get really interesting!

And then, he went on to ask the questions, "What are you doing to create the environment around you? And thus, the next generation of you?"

Good questions.

Great questions actually!

Mom, you probably never asked yourself these questions...but look at the next generation and the one after that...that you've created! You have lived the 'power of thought' more than I could ever hope to master. Sometimes I feel like I've got such a long way to go to get where I want to be. But, I'm sure glad to be your #8 and in that next generation of you!

Love you,
Can't wait to see you!
10 days and counting!
love Crystal

Snowflakes...

How is it that each and every snowflake is unique? Different? Stunning? Beautiful in it's own way? It's true that no two snowflakes are the same...which is simply astounding to me!

I absolutely love the snow, especially when it's falling! I don't really love 'winter' but I do love the snow!

This morning as I look out the window and see that there's a bit of snow that fell lastnight, it's gorgeous and white everywhere! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! But that's another story!!!


I think there's a few things we can learn from these little (and abundant snowflakes)...
No two snowflakes are the same...and neither are we. Not just that each of us are different and unique...but that we each evolve and grow and are different from who we were in the past. And Mom, you've always simply accepted everyone for who they are (in that moment) without assuming that they were the same as they were last year or even yesterday. Acceptance is something you seem to be so good at.

Some snowflakes are light and fluffy...where others are heavy and difficult to shovel...because of the temperature of the environment. The environment...is everything for me...not really the temperature (although I'm a little cold with the temperature change from holidays to home) but it's more about the people we surround ourselves with, the love in the air, the positivity and energy that we give and receive from people around us...that's what I'm talking about. Mom...you created such a great environment for us to grow and become who we are. How did you get to be so smart?

Falling snow...lots of it...make me feel so cozy and warm inside. That's what I remember about winter at home. You created the most wonderful, loving, warm home for all of us...to grow up in and come home to! The colder it was outside, the warmer it was inside. Especially after shovelling the walk. I loved shovelling the drive way. (Please tell Don that I want to shovel when we come home for xmas!!) I can't wait to come home!! The more snow the better!!!

Love you, Mom.
Snowflakes and winter always make me think of you and home Mom. And snow angels are the first thing that come to mind whenever there's more than an inch or two of snow on the ground!
See you soon!!
love Crystal

Ten Rules for Being human!

I love this poem. I don't remember when I first found it...but I've read it often over the years and, every time, it speaks to me so magically, that it feels as if I'm reading it for the very first time.

I had a great sleep lastnight, going to bed at 8:30pm and waking this morning at 5:30am, feeling energized and eager for the day to begin! Love that feeling.

This morning I am loving the feeling of being inspired. There's lots of other feelings to embrace too with equal eagerness b/c they can teach me so much: Being humbled. Making mistakes and trying again. Doing well and celebrating that success too. Being hope-filled and eager. Disappointed and hurt.

This morning, I am feeling so inspired, knowing that all of these feelings offer a great opportunity for me to grow...and reach my potential.

These are some amazing rules (and reminders) for being human.

Mom, you could have come up with these. I can't remember if I've mentioned these before but, they're on my mind this morning at 5:30am as I wake up for the day...so here they are.

Love you,
Can't wait to see you!
love Crystal

Ten Rules for Being Human

by Cherie Carter-Scott

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life."
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work."
4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.
6. "There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."
7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.
8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.
10. You will forget all this.

Home...safe, sound and tired!

Hi Mom,

Just a note to say that I'm back! We got in at midnight lastnight - which was really like 2:30am on Costa Rica time.

Thank God for that guy who drives the cart that hollers out "CART" as he's trying to make his way through the crowds! There were no crowds when we got to Houston b/c after over an HOUR in custom's due to long line up's, we got on the train and raced to our gate...and as we got to the "c" terminal and were running down the hall, with not a soul in sight, the cart passed us and then turned around to pick us up...We had over 2 hours to make the connection in Houston...but it was barely enough! With custom's and picking up our bags, and getting across the airport on the train...we used up about 1 hour and 59 minutes! They were calling 'last call' and we were the very last two people to get on the flight.

Whew!

(Not our fault...there was no dilly-dallying! Well, except for the customs workers....they were so slow it was crazy!)

I got home, looked around and it appears that Gwen has been doing her magic! She and Karla have been painting the upstairs! Oh My GOD!!! It's gorgeous! Photos to come later this week!

Thankg God for sisters!
...and kart drivers!
And you, Mom!
I'll call you today when I'm en route to work in Penticton!
love Crystal
PS: Living intentionally today...lessons from my mother..."Remain calm in the 1 hour line up in Custom's and find something posiitve to think about." :)

Going home today...

Hi Mom,
We're on our way home today.
Sorry I've been awol. the internet didn't work again yesterday. I'm writing you from the airport in Liberia, C.Rica, and we'll be on our way to Houston at 1pm...then to Seattle and home. I'll call you tomorrow...and try you from Houston today....

These are a few photos of daily life the past two weeks...crib games and home-made nachos on the beach. I won 3 games...out of 15! Not a great track record...but you (and Ozzie) used to help count, make sure we weren't forgetting any points, etc....well...it's not always the case! I missed points for the jack, and a million others... haha...very funny...it didn't matter...the nachos were more of a priority! :)

We walked the 10 minute walk to town on the beach daily...and often 2 or 3 times/day. It was gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. In the morning or during the day, it was lovely and at night the moon and/or stars were out. It was a great location!

Can't wait to get my feet back on Canadian ground and see you soon for Christmas!!
love you,
Crystal

You're never too old to learn something new...

Hi Mom,
Well, the camera didn't capture our finest moments...but here are a few shots of surfing yesterday! We've drastically improved over the past week...but, well, um, we're still on the 9ft surfboards...which clearly illustrates, as we carry them from the surf rental shop to the beach, "You're a beginner, dude!" compared to the 5ft boards that the real surfers are carrying under their arm!
Love you,
Can't wait to see you,
Crystal

Savouring every moment

...Just a few more days and we're leaving this little paradise.
The past week went by so fast! The internet went down so I'm sorry I couldn't write, Mom. I did get out to post a few photos for you but I'm sorry I didn't write anything!

We've had such a great week doing everything from renting bikes (with one gear only and the kind that you just press backwards and you stop...Oh My GOD...was that hard!)

We went to a little local village nearby and dropped off a bunch of pens, crayons, pencils, paints, etc. to a public school that doesn't have a lot of money.

We have gone surfing every day...and I can honestly say that we're improving a lot on the boards.

We've watched some great sunsets, walked on the beach, read lots and lounged in the lawn chairs way out on the beach when the tide was out.

As the days go by, it makes me appreciate every moment a little more. When there was 8 days left, it was easy not to think about how many days we had left here...but now, as we're down to just a few days, time seems more valuable and I want to savour every moment.

I should have been savouring every moment even more than I have. It was easy to take this little routine of getting up, surfing, walking on the beach, eating, relaxing and reading for granted...

And now, as we start to pack up and get ready to go...it all just feels like it went by too fast!!

We're taking the camera to the beach tomorrow...to take photos of surfing. Will post them!! haha! Could be very funny!

Have a wonderful day Mom. Love you. Can't wait to see you!
Thank you for this little reminder to savour every moment a little more and not take time for granted!

Love Crystal