Be Yourself

You know...so often I see people struggling for attention...affection...love. It is really sad to see that they cannot be themselves because they are afraid of what others may think. How sad is that? Be proud of who you are now. Be proud of what you will one day be. Recognize that you aren't perfect...and realize that NO ONE is. Not on earth anyway. Love yourself. Accept yourself. If there are negative things about yourself that you don't like...pray for change. Pray for guidance in those areas of your life. You are the only YOU that will ever exist! Be the best YOU out there! I try to do the right thing in all aspects of my life...of course I fall short of that. However...does that get me down? Am I embarrassed...well...maybe a little sometimes. hee hee! But, I know WHO I am...and I know WHAT my eternal life will be.

Be blessed my friends. Live. Laugh. Love.

xoxo,

Kasey

Snow

Snow is a beautiful blanket that covers all the earth and gives everything a sense of renewal. I do love watching the snow and seeing how it covers everything and adds a bit of wonder to the world outside. It is like the sparkle in my "sparkle powder"...in the same way that powder illuminates the face and body, the snow magically transforms my world outside to this beautiful, clean, fresh...winter wonderland. I love how the ice sticks to the branches of trees and they seem to glow in the moonlight.

I was speaking with my grandma today, telling her that I was NOT excited about the snow that was falling...and she said to me, "Kasey, enjoy this beautiful gift that God has given you". So you know what? I am going to. Thank you Grandma, for always being an inspiration to me and always being "my silver lining".

What a beautiful gift indeed that God has given us. Enjoy my friends!

Love,

Kasey

Actions

We've all heard the saying, "Actions speak louder than words". Lately I find myself really reflecting on that very quote...and wondering if it is true. I've always thought it to be true. I've even made decisions in my life based on my belief in that quote. Have you?

When you love someone...in any type of relationship; marriage, friendship, family...don't you want the best for that person? Do you put that person before yourself when it comes to decision making? Perhaps not always...after all...we are only human. However...I think we should try to put that person's wants/needs before ourselves, that's what I try to do anyhow.

It's so hard when someone you really care about lets you down...again...and again. Finally, you begin to wonder...does this person really love me? They say they love me...but...their actions are really saying something else. You begin to evaluate the relationship itself...at least I do. I want to be surrounded by those I truly love and care about and vice versa.

Time always tells...that's what I say alot...and another friend of mine says quite often. Thoughts, friends?

Love,

Kasey

Motivation

Ugh...have you ever had days where you just have to fight for motivation. Me too. We all have them...that's what I tell myself anyways. (sigh) My friend just recently posted a blog on music and it really spoke to me. I believe music is one of the "earthly" things that helps pick me up. I will leave you with the video of one of my most recent favorite songs (I especially like this particular video of this song...watch the crowd) - it really picks me up...I just watched it like...5 times...and I'm feeling much better now. (smile)

I will also leave you with the Bible verse that really picks me up as well.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Yes...well...I'm glad I got those things off...well...actually "on" my chest...I'm feeling MUCH better!!

Love,

Kasey

Childress Vinyards

Ok...so I have to say that I stumbled across an AWESOME wine blog...The Traveling Grape. My friend Stacia...whose blog can be accessed here, shared it with me. I ended up posting a little something about my fabulous Sunday brunch on The Traveling Grape's website yesterday. I'd like to share it with you all also:

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of traveling with my husband and some of our dear friends; we went from our home in Charlotte to Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC. What a delightful place! They had a delicious Sunday brunch (which included a glass of wine in it's price) and we also toured the winery. My favorite wine was their 2005 Cabernet Franc - it was divine. A medium bodied red whose top notes of black cherry and clove tease the palate before giving way to a chocolate and coffee bouquet. Superb! This wine actually won the Double Gold Medal at the 2007 State Fair and also was the Gold Medal winner at the 2008 mid-atlantic wine competition. At $ 16.95 a bottle - it was a steal...I even bought one for my sister's upcoming birthday.

I highly recommend a Sunday afternoon trip to Childress Vineyard's for the brunch and wine tasting.

Cheers -

Kasey

Are You a "Resolution-er"? Yes or No

Happy 2010, Folks! As to the question above...my answer is No. Not that I think resolutions are bad things...I just never seem to make mine happen...so therefore...I don't make them. (smile) Whenever a "this would make me a better person" thought comes to my mind...usually throughout the year...I try to tackle it then. Some I have conquered, and still others...not yet. Life is such a journey, isn't it?

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle

What an interesting concept! What an enlightening idea the above quote gives.

Whether you are a "resolution maker" or not...I wish you well on all of your self-improvement strategies. (smile again) And Hey - kudos to us for admitting them! =)

Love,

Kasey