A Steamboat Engagement

You Are Here

Just a helpful reminder... YOU ARE HERE... Wherever you are they you are, so be present, be there completely,  take in the whole experience.

Year. You. Were. Born. Wine.

So about a year or so ago I came up with this great idea (or atleast I think its pretty great!) for a gift idea to give your children on special occasions.

So CHECK IT! 

Either before or after.. doesn't really matter.. your baby is born, go out and buy 3+ bottles of wine. Make sure that the year the wine is made is the current year (IE: The year your baby is born). I believe that RED tends to be better suited for this than WHITE. Buts its up to you.

Hold on to these wine bottles and give them to your children as a gift until....

1. Your childs TWENTY FIRST Birthday

2. GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE

3. THEIR WEDDING DAY <3

Not only does it become a special gift to give to your child but it also has become a very NICE bottle of wine.. 20+ years old!

How To: Keep your homemade cookies soft

How to Keep Baked Goods Soft

When I was young we ALWAYS had homemade chocolate chip cookies in the house and I learned early on how to make killer chocolate chip cookies! My favorite recipe is on the back of the Nestle Toll House chocolate chips :  http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/Original-NESTL%C3%89-TOLL-HOUSE-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/detail.aspx

When you bake cookies or brownies they always seem to stay fresh and soft for the first few days... but then quickly they turn hard (Wink.. Someone didn't close the lid all the way lol) and your hard work gets tossed in the trash.
***So to avoid that... My mother always used to place a slice of bread (the butt end works just fine) in the container with the baked goods. The piece of bread acts like a sponge and sucks up all the moisture that gets in the container and makes the bread hard and not your cookies! Depending on how long it takes to eat your goodies :) you may want to replace the piece of bread with a new one once the first gets hard and moldy.

So now every time you make some delicious treats, remember to add a slice of a bread!

THIS ALSO WORKS FOR YOUR BROWN SUGAR BAG TO AVOID HARD CLUMPING!

Flatiron Curls

How to Curl your Hair with a Flatiron:

Step 1: Make sure your hair is dry and semi straight to begin with
Step 2: Make sure you have a super hot flatiron (Chi if you have one)
Step 3: Pull up the top half of your hair into a pony tail
Step 4: Take medium sized areas of hair (chunk size depends on how long or thick your hair is)
Step 5: With the curling iron clamp onto the high part of the hair, not too close to scalp, and being twisting the hair around the curling iron. While you are twisting start to pull the straightener down to the ends holding the end of the hair as you guide through. Tip... Don't pull the straightener all the way to the ends and leave them straight
Step 6: After you do an area of hair spray with hair spray.
Step7: After full head is complete go back and do the missing strands that are still straight.

Do not run figures through or use a brush!

This is what it will look like when you are finished..

New Finds

Here are two new websites that I have stumbled upon that I am aboustuly in love with..
1st- Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com A website where you can pin images, ideas, thoughts onto boards so you can remember where you found the things you love on the internet. As well as remember nifty ideas for DIY, food, crafts, fashion etc. This is great for people like me who are obsessed with remember amazing photography shots, wedding ideas, and dream home designs.

2nd - My50 : www.my50.com A website geared towards helping those remember all the things they would like to do in their lifetime. A bucket list, to do list, must see list of sorts. It allows you to makes lists of all the things you want to accomplish and when you want to accomplish it by. As well as achievements that you have already accomplished. Place you want to see and have already seen. I love it because I have a million of these lists scattered around my house, and I am always thinking of new and great ideas that inspire me. Another great feature is you can look at other peoples lists as well... and get great ideas of things that you might have never thought about. It's really crazy seeing some of the other peoples list and what is truly important for them to do in this lifetime. You get a glimpse into the things that you may take for granted that others have been waiting a lifetime to do.

50 Life Secrets

1. Memorize something everyday. Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings and philosophies are your best options.
2. Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions. Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.
3. Develop an endless curiosity about this world. Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?
4. Remember people’s names so that they feel appreciated and for your own future benefit when you want something from that person. To do this, say their name back to them when they introduce themselves. Then repeat the name in your head a number of times until you are sure you have it. Continue to use their name in conversation as much as possible to remove any chance of forgetting it. If you’re still having trouble, make up a rhyme about their name: “Dan the Man” or “Natalie flatters me.”
5. Get fit! It’s ridiculous to think that we have one body, one sole means of functioning, and people are too lazy to take care of themselves. Fit bodies lead to better health, confidence and more success with romantic endeavors. I’d say those are 3 very good reasons to get in shape.
6. Learn to focus only on the present. The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.
7. Even more specifically, live in THIS moment. Even 10 minutes ago is the past. If you live purely in this moment you will always be happy because there is nothing wrong in this split-second.
8. Smile more often. Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy. Many people even smile for five minutes straight in the morning to get themselves in a great mood for the day. It is a very powerful tool that is utilized less and less as we grow older and need happiness more than ever. Just remember that while happiness leads to smiles, smiles also lead to happiness.
9. Drink water. Hydration is tremendously important for overall health. Soda has absolutely ZERO nutritional content; it’s like pouring a punch of sugar and syrup into your cup. Instead, fill it with life-replenishing water. It may taste plain at first if you’re coming off of a heavy soda-drinking streak, but you’ll soon find yourself addicted to it. 10 glasses per day is optimal, how many have you been getting lately?
10. Don’t take life so seriously! Learn to laugh at the little things and this whole “existence” thing will be a whole lot easier. Be amused by your mistakes and failures and be thankful that you learned your lesson and won’t mess up like that again. And most importantly do things that you enjoy! Life is not strictly business, it can be mixed with pleasure.
11. Think positive thoughts. When you find yourself thinking a negative thought, stop it immediately by any means necessary. Slap yourself in the face, yell something positive at the top of your lungs or jump up and down. Do whatever it takes to get back to a positive mindset as such is essential for continual happiness and success.
12. Read books. No explanation needed.
13. Get in the sun. Superman was completely re-energized when he flew out to space and soaked in some rays and you can do the same right outside your front door (if you live in a constantly dreary place, my apologies). The sun feels amazing: your entire body will be coursing with warmth and life.
14. Help others. I’ll just give you a plethora of reasons why this is a MUST
    • Helping people has a ripple effect. If you help someone they will feel more obliged to help someone else, and so on. Pay it forward
    • You grow by giving and helping others. It can change you in ways you never expected
    • Your relationship with that person will become stronger
    • It’s the most fulfilling thing you can do on this planet. It not only feels amazing physically, you also feel like a good person
    • You might be able to call in a favor later when you need some help
    • Karma (if you believe in it)
    • Because there are more people in this world than just you
    
    
    
15. Set aside a specific time to worry each day. Ponder all of your problems and anxieties during that time so that they will not distract you during work or moments of pleasure. This way you can be extremely efficient with your time and avoid focusing on negative things as much as possible. If you get all of your worry out of the way and have the mental fortitude to keep from reverting back to them, you will be much happier on the daily.
16. Be honest at all times. Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.
17. Sleep less. Fully adjusting to a new sleep cycle can take up to 21 days so don’t give up if you feel tired after switching to 5-hour nights. The “required” 8 hour/night is for normal people. If you’re reading THIS article on THIS site, you are not normal. So figure out how much sleep YOU really need and adjust accordingly. As enjoyable as sleep is, waking existence is much more fulfilling and efficient. IF this really sparks your interest, check out alternate sleep cycles with which you can be fine off of 2 hours of sleep per day.
18. Read “Bringers of Light” and “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch. These books will help you decide what you want to do in this life and how to get to that point. They will also profoundly change the way you look at the purpose of existence. Read them!
19. Figure out what your goals and dreams are. So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world (yes, better than sex, much better) is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.
20. Start your day off right. Wake up and set aside an hour for personal development activities (meditation, self-introspection, observing nature, etc.) Do the things that make you feel blissful, optimistic and empowered so that you can set a positive tone for your day. I guarantee that once you start doing this, your days will be more enjoyable and fulfilling. Today is going to be the best day of your life. Duh.
21. Utilize ‘The Burning Method.’ Whenever a fear or worry or complaint comes to mind, close your eyes and imagine writing down the thought on a piece of paper. Then proceed to light the paper and fire and watch it disintegrate. Even better, actually write it down and burn it. You won’t have any problem ridding your mind of the thought after doing this.
22. Travel. Anyone who has ever gone anywhere will tell you that traveling is one of the most exciting and life-changing activities that you can do. Observing a different culture will expand your mind while making you further appreciate the life you already live. This goes back to becoming an explorer: this world is your jungle so go explore! Who knows, maybe you’ll find a place you love so much that you decide to move. Imagine the positive repercussions a new environment could have on your life.
23. The Rubber Band Method This is the third and final way to rid yourself of negative thoughts (hopefully by now you have figured out that this is very important!). Place a rubber band around your wrist and snap it against your skin anytime a negative thought finds its way into your head. This operant conditioning technique associates a slight pain with negative thoughts like Pavlov associated food/salivation with the sound of a bell. Sounds a bit cruel at first but it only stings for a second, I promise. Plus the outcome, having only positive thoughts, far outweighs a little slap on the wrist here and there.
24. Learn to be unaffected by the words of others. Most people get very upset when they are called negative names by others, but there is a simple trick to overcoming this. Here it is: If I went up to you and called you a fire hydrant, would you be upset? Of course not. Obviously you are not a fire hydrant, you are a human being. The same concept applies to when someone calls you something that you know you are not. They are foolish for saying such things, so why would you react with such anger? The only exception is when someone calls you something that is true! In this case, you should thank them for alerting you to a weakness, one that you can now work on changing.
25. Read “Zen and the Art of Happiness” by Chris Prentiss. This book will give you the knowledge and instruction to be happy at all times regardless of the circumstances. Yes, this sounds like an oversimplification of happiness, but I assure you that this book will change you in an amazing way.
26. Develop the ability to forgive. Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even thought it’s so simple. Grudges only bring more misery to those who hold them and prevent good relations with the target. YOU makes mistakes all of the time so why not have mercy when other do? Remaining angry feels horrible while forgiving someone brings a refreshing sensation to the mind and healing to the relationship.
27. Be the person that makes others feel special. Be known for your kindness and sympathy.
28. Learn to lucid dream, or to realize when you are dreaming so that you can control your dreams. Sleep feels good, but it’s rather boring and unproductive. With lucid dreaming under your belt, night-time can be even more exciting than when you are awake. You can do anything: fly, travel to other planets, party with a celebrity, get intimate with your dream boy/girl, etc. Many lucid dreams have also reported being able to speak directly with the subconscious during dreams by demanding to be taken to it after becoming lucid. For those that know a thing or two about your subconscious, that is a BIG deal.
29. Visualize daily. It has been said and proven time and time again that what you focus on is what you get. If you complain all of the time, you will run into more of the things you complain about. The same goes for good things like health, wealth and happiness. So spend some time in the morning imagining yourself achieving whatever it is that you currently desire. Focus is key in this exercise, so choose a quiet environment where you won’t be disturbed. If you’re having trouble focusing and continually find that your mind has wandered to something else, read about meditation in the following life tip. There is a lot more to this concept, so check out the full article on visualization and the law of attraction here.
30. Meditate everyday for at least 20 minutes. In this modern world where everyone is so connected to everything else via cell phones, TV and internet, most people rarely enjoy the beauty of silence. The ability to quiet your mind and relax your body is an art and skill that everyone should develop. Simply sit somewhere, preferably in nature, and focus on your breathing or try to think about nothing. This is going to be extremely hard at first! You might find it boring or just plain impossible to think of nothing, but you will get better and you will learn to love it. Post-meditation, you will feel extremely clear-headed and.. well, just plain wonderful. The only way to really understand this sensation is to try it.
31. Learn to control your mind. What kind of skilled human are you if you cannot even control your own thoughts? While the human mind is described as being a stream of consciousness, that does not mean you can’t decide where your stream flows. Techniques like meditation and the 3 ways to flush out negative thoughts will aid you immensely in learning to control your mind.
32. Learn to control your emotions. The only person that can make you unhappy is you! You are the one that decides to be affected by the words and actions of others. Realize this so that the next time you experience a negative emotion, you can find the strength within yourself to overcome it.
33. Take a class in speed reading. Books are full of information that can enhance your knowledge-base, vocabulary and yourself as a person. Speed reading is an easy way to get at this info faster so that you can have more time for other endeavors.
34. Relax! This one is for you workaholics out there (myself included). Yes, work is very important and productive but you need to take some time to chill out everyday or you are going to burn out faster than a candle with no oxygen. Additionally, you need to reward yourself for a job well done. What’s the use of doing all of that work if you can’t have a little fun from time to time anyways?
35. Work on making good first impressions. Practice a strong, firm handshake and the small talk that generally goes along with meeting someone for the first time. People won’t know what to think of you if you have nothing more to say beyond “My name is _______, nice to meet you.” Also make sure you remember names, as mentioned previously. Who knows, you may be going into business with or marrying this person you’re meeting for the first time if you make a good impression. Be sure and make an excellent one.
36. Learn to use your eyes to their full potential:
    • Make constant eye contact when in conversation. Looking away (especially down) is a sign of inferiority and uncertainty. Instead, look at your conversation partner dead in the eyes and keep them locked on
    • Master the piercing stare. You know when someone looks at you and it feels like they can see into your soul? Well that’s not a hereditary characteristic, it just takes practice. Work on sharpening your gaze in the mirror. You’ll know you have it when it’s intimidating to continue looking at yourself
    • Master the one-eyebrow raise. This one isn’t necessary by any means, but hey, why not? Pick a brow to learn with and go look in a mirror. Raise both of your eyebrows but use your hand to hold down the brow that you want to stay down. This will probably feel very stupid at first but if you keep trying, you will eventually pin down the muscle you need to flex to get that one brow up
37. Be mysterious. Don’t let off everything about you and definitely leave out some major details. There is something both alluring and mesmerizing about someone who no one knows fully about. I’m not saying to confide in no one or to alienate yourself. Just think James Bond.
38. Come up with a life mantra. You know, like “Carpe Diem” or “Live life to the fullest,” but not as cliché. Make it something that really hits home with you so that you will actually stick to it. Make sure it’ not so specific that it rarely applies but also not so general that it’s not personal.
39. Get good at something. Call it a hobby or a passion, whatever it is, just get damn good at it. Your occupation does not count! Make it something that you can practice often enough to excel at. Examples: Magic tricks, surfing, ping-pong, creating short films, and unicycling. It can be anything but I would recommend choosing something that: 1) You are passionate about 2) You can bust out at any moment to display your skills for any discerning crowd. My mind goes immediately to aerobatics and break dancing, but that’s just me.
40. Work out those abs. Above any other muscle group in the entire body, the abs are the most important. They constitute your core, the center point of your body. Your ability to balance comes almost completely from the strength of your abdominal muscles and balance is vital to performance in any physical activity. Summary: they’re very important. For more info on how to work out your abs, check out this video.
41. Keep your brain sharp. The majority of people are stuck in ruts. They go to the same job everyday, hang out with the same friends and eat at the same places. While that may feel safe, it’s not the most stimulating lifestyle for your brain. Those synapses have been built up enough, so try something that you do NOT know how to do! Buy a model car kit, master the art of sudoku or crosswords, or go pick up another major at your nearest college. The point is you need to be learning new things to keep your brain honest. Form new synapses by forcing your mind to work in ways it has not worked before. Just like physical workouts, doing too much of the same exercise will eventually give no results. Switch it up!
42. Read something inspirational right before bed and after waking. This will set get you in a great mood for sleep and for the day. Read anything from a famous speech to your favorite self-improvement book. Try to read something that get’s you really excited in the morning especially so that you’ll leave your house beaming with energy and wonder.
43. Do what you love. There is a huge difference between making a life and making a living; which one are you making right now? So many spend their entire lives trying to make as much money as possible so that they can afford to do what they really want later. It makes no sense to settle in life until you’re 65 so that you can retire and do what you want when you’re already WAY past your prime. We only live life once so why wouldn’t you want to spend it pursuing your bliss? To do anything else would be a tragic waste of the freedom you are allowed if you are reading this right now. Follow your bliss and you will be a thousand times more happy than your retirement date and 40+ years younger.
44. Choose your friends wisely. You are affected far more than you think by the people you spend your time with. Do your friends share your values? Do they encourage you when you speak of your goals and dreams or do they scoff? Make sure the people around you are conducive to the lifestyle you want to lead or you will find yourself being dragged again and again into behavior that distances you from your desires. Friends with a habit of producing negative thoughts will especially hinder you. This can be a hard task to follow through with if you realize you good friend is one of these saboteurs, but you must be firm! Don’t let anyone get in the way of you being all that you can be.
45. Don’t burn bridges. By that I mean maintain your relationships with people even if you think you are never going to see them again. For example, if you are quitting your job, don’t chew out your boss before leaving! You might run into him/her again later and life and wish you had never severed ties so harshly. You never know when you might need the help of someone you knew in the past. Plus there is already too much hatred in this world, why add more towards the people you interact with?
46. Keep a journal/diary. It sounds like a very monotonous habit at first, but when you get into it, that little book will become a great way to organize your thoughts and track your growth over the years. Most of us already stay awake in bed at night pondering the events of the day anyways so why not document those thoughts in an organized fashion? That will allow you to look back and observe how your way of thinking has changed over time.
47. Read “New Pyscho-Cybernetics” by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. This book will explain why the content of your thoughts has such a profound effect on your life through religious, philosophical and scientific arguments. A must read for completely understand who this life thing works.
48. Learn to use and trust your subconscious/intuition. When you spend time in silence everyday, listen not for words but for a feeling that tells you to do something. Do not mistake your own reasoning and thoughts for those of your subconscious. If you can track where the thought came from, (this thought led to that thought which led to this thought, etc.) then it was not from your subconscious. Learning to accurately discern between the two will allow you to tap into knowledge that you don’t consciously have.
    
49. Develop a charismatic personality. You know, the kind of personality that is surrounded by people constantly and is the life of the party. Start visualizing yourself as THAT person. Maybe take a short course on dynamic speaking and learn some jokes. Take the time to learn some party tricks and sleight of hand. Most importantly, believe that you already are charismatic even if you fail at being the center point of the next party. Lie to yourself constantly and tell yourself that you are more warm and gregarious than Ronald Regan. Belief is the first step! Reality will come soon after.
    
50. Love is all there is. If you truly want to be a master of life, let love be in your every action. Love your friends, family and enemies alike. This is the most difficult thing to do out of this entire list, which is why it is listed at #50. But if you accomplish this, you will be seen as a leader among everyone that allows hate, envy, disgust and all other negative emotions into their lives. Think Gandhi. Love is so rare in this world when compared to the massive presence of hate that by exuding love, you will immediately see yourself and the people around you change. Love. Love. Love.http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1X0zTu/www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/comment-page-1 

The Word 8/10

Authenticity

I am a perfect expression of the Divine, just as I am.

As I look in the mirror, the reflection I see is a face of God. One of billions of expressions of the One Power, I am absolutely unique. The moment of my creation brought gifts, talents and experiences that belong to no one else. Knowing this, how can I question the design of the Creator?
Today I drop the illusion that I should look or act like someone else. Any admirable quality I see in others is already a part of me. My work today is to be my best self. I apply my wisdom to make healthy, peace-filled choices. With an open heart, I share my gifts of love. There is no one else I want to be because I am a perfect expression of the Divine, just as I am.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. --Psalm 139:14

* Always important to remember but often times so hard to do! Working on loving yourself as you are can be the hardest thing in the world. 

"The Don's Advice"

THE DON’S ADVICE

Don’t cry for me,

All who love me.

The truth is, I’ll never leave you.

You gave me music, you gave me laughter,

You gave me friendship, you gave me love,

I will stay with you.

I’ll cry when you cry.

I’ll laugh when you laugh.

In some small corner of your heart,

I will be there if you need me.

So, please,

Don’t cry for me.

Just remember the love we share,

And smile!

American Honey

Hands down I LOVE this song! The second I heard it I connected with ever word she sang! For some reason I feel like my childhood was a representation of American Honey. I definitely grew up in an amazing family that let me develop into the person I am today. Listening to this song in the summer sunshine definitely brings me back.

She grew up on a side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey

Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey

Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Trying to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time

To American honey, yea

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by

ABS 101

Throughout my teenage years and into adulthood I have been an extremely active person. Not only when I danced everyday for 3 hours but also now as I try to workout at least 3x a week.. But even doing cardio and abs religiously I never was able to figure out how to get a hard stomach let alone a "six pack" and maintain it. Until now...
I was doing everything wrong! I was doing a ton of abs but only doing a strict regiment of basic crunchs. I didn't mix it up or try anything new. That's why I never saw results.

Now. My stomach has never been stronger, I have a six pack and I have gotten rid of any stomach fat there ever was.
Here are some basic 101 ab rules and quid lines.. as well as some basic routines.
1. Regular crunches on the ground - AIN'T gonna cut it! You NEED TO ADD WEIGHT!
Whether its hand weights, ankle weights, or a weight ball -
2. Abs need to be worked everyday - Morning and night
Muscle in the abdominal area seems to fade fast if you don't do it frequently!
3. Mix it up - Use the floor, exercise ball, and flat balance ball
4. Breath! Breathing and especially exhaling during the exercise will help oxygen flow into the muscle thus giving you a "burning" feeling.
5. Lift up the toes - During regular crunchs and ones on the ball lift up your toes so your heels stay on the floor - this helps you use your core to balance as well as the contraction of the ab routine.
6. Small pulses - instead of long extended crunch movements, small tight crunches help keep the abs contracted and working.

Here are a few routines for the floor, balance ball, and flat balance ball:

1. On A Matt - 

- 3 sets of 18 : hold a weight 10-12 pounds above stomach, bring head up and crunch in the legs, keep elbows close to the ground and make sure to extended legs and feet all the way out
- 3 sets of 18: Lift upper torso off ground/ lift legs up to 90deg and twist with weight from either side of your body towards to the ground, fast small movements
- 3 sets of 18: Lay on back with legs a 90degs, place 1 hand weight on ankles and hold there while doing regular crunches up
- 3 sets of 18: Lay on back, lift up head off ground, with the weight on your ankles at 90deg legs: lift and lower ankles to ground and back up to 90 degrees. 

With Ankle weights:
- Knee crunches in
- Lift and lower legs
- Bicycle 
-Pulse with legs hoovering ground and head lifted up
- Flutter kicks just above the ground

2. On a Balance ball -

- 3 sets of 18: Hold 10-12 pound weight behind your head (1 weight flat behind the neck) Crunch up

- 3 sets of 18: Hold same weight with both hands right above chest with arms almost completely extended

- 3 set of 18: With weight do twist crunches from side to side moving weight to either side of the hip

The Word.

No Regrets

I love the life I live now.

To live without regrets requires the discipline of awareness, the compassion to forgive and the courage to change. I am aware of my true nature--that I am a spiritual being, loved and guided by the Divine Infinite. Anytime I feel I have failed to be my best self, I remember that I am learning to live and love at the highest level of my soul's wisdom. I ask Spirit to reveal what I might change to move closer to being my best self. I then ask for the courage to make that change.
Knowing I am doing my best, I have compassion for myself. As I learn to forgive myself, I find it easier to forgive others. I am at peace with the path that has brought me to this place of understanding. I have no regrets, and I love the life I live now.

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light.--Ephesians 5:8

Beach Hair

 

What gives you harmony? What allows you to feel at peace or one with yourself?  A release from anything negative or binding, a sense of freedom and spirituality. If you could show those feelings through images what would they be?  For me..its the sun, at dusk, when the light is low, warmth, glowing yellow and orange, and seemingly makes everything soft and beautiful. Anywhere I am during this time.. I feel peaceful. Even though the beach is far- the way I feel at home when I am amongst it is undescribable..the sand, water, waves, warm ocean breeze.. running my toes through the sand ~ PURE L.O.V.E
These images and along with my other blog http://www.tealoasis.blogspot.com are just a glimpse into who I am and what I feel :)

Blog Overdrive

One thing I have to admit right away is that I am not the best blogger there ever lived. I don't post as often as I should! I often forget that I have this blog in the first place. But.. after thinking about it for much time I am going to do a blog overhaul! I was initially wanting to create a number of them separately; a personal blog, photography blog, dance and fitness blog, and so and so on. But after thinking about it.. that's WAY to many for any busy person to stay connected with. So. I'm going combine all of them into this one!

That means.. within the next few months you will start to see.. postings about:
1. My life, life experiences, goals, revelations, adventures etc...
2. Fitness and Dance
3. My photography and the people and things that inspire me


I did already start a second blog - http://www.tealoasis.blogspot.com
Feel free to check that one out as well! It's a simple blog just as a tribute to my passion and love for the ocean/beach/ and free spirited lifestyle.


If there are certain posts you like and want more of.. please feel free to let me know! :)
ENJOY!

Inspirational Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev2duJejO3o

The Climb

I can almost see it.
That dream I'm dreaming, but
There's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm takin'
Every move I make
Feels lost with no direction,
My faith is shakin'
But I gotta keep tryin'
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it, but
These are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most
I've just gotta keep goin', and
I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

Keep on movin'
Keep climbin'
Keep the faith baby
It's all about, it's all about
The climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, woah

DBC Finals - April 10, 2011

Denver Bronco Cheerleader Finals

Me performing my solo

Sunday April 10th - Finals began for the DBC squad of 2011-2012: Held at Performing Arts Complex

After a long and stressful week of workshops, interviews, and football tests.. it came time to perform the 4 dances and kickline I had been practicing all week long. The walk through began at 4 pm and the show started right at 6pm with a packed house and screaming fans! Jon, Christy and Diane were there to cheer me on! 

After stretching, running the dances over and over again, make up, hair, and wardrobe.. I was ready! #49

We started the evening by walking through the audience on to the stage where we performed as a group (31-60) to our first dance, "Born this Way". - With a smile on my face I finished the dance perfectly! 

Next up was our introduction... trying to catch my breath and put some sort of saliva back in my dry mouth I walked up to the microphone and announced " Hi I'm Kendal Volpe, Number 49. I have a degree in Fashion Photography and award winning portfolio books. But this season I hope to be in front of the camera dancing in orange and blue!" - I did it! without a stutter or mumble! Everything was going as hoped! 

As we marched off to side stage I was pumped! Ready for the next step! All my nerves gone! and adrenaline pumping through my veins! We lined up in order and strutted out for the famous Mile High Kick line-

Next up was our group routines. I was in group B performing to "On The floor" with two other girls. As # 49 approached I marched out there with my two other girls and did group b routine perfect!

With a short break I had some time before my solo began. I rested, drank lots of water, streched, and rehearsed. Finally.. the last stage of finals. I twirled myself out onto stage and performed my funky 4-8 counts, and strutted off. I WAS DONE! I DID IT! :) I was so releaved that everything went perfect and I gave it my all! I was so confident and I knew in my head I had this in the bag! I got dressed for the final routine.. because duh. I was gonna make it....

As I sat there patiently in a group circle with the rest of the girls... I closed my eyes, prayed, and waited for them to call out my name and number. As they aprroached the #40's my hands bagan to sweat. I kept repeating my name and number in my head and was invisioning her saying it aloud..#45 (whatever her name was)... #50...... my heart sank.. no number #49? what!? how could this be!? I had this.... as soon as the names were called I sat there in shock. Tears began to swell my face... and I watched as 26 girls got dressed in broncos outfits to go on stage for the finaley. 

And in one second.. that was it.. all my hard work, stress, nerves, emotional distress... all for what? I was disappointed.. not only in myself.. but in how convinced I was that I was 100% gonna make it. I started looking back at the whole experience trying to rack my brain as to what I must have done to make them not choose me. It just didn't make sense.

So I left the PAC - crying on Jons shoulder. He gave me a hug and was too in disbelief. He had made a huge sign and purchased a beauitful bouquet of flower for me. It made me cry even harder. I felt like I didnt deserve that... I didnt make it. I'm not sure what I would have done if Jon wasn't there. He is amazing, supportive and truly my best friend! 

So with my head held (sorta) high. I will take all that I can from this amazing experience. Learn, grow, and hopefully be more prepared and ready for NEXT SEASON. " If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

So next season - I WILL MAKE IT!

Denver Bronco Cheerleaders

Ever since I graduated high school a huge part of who I am has been missing.... that part is dancing. Dancing on a poms team through out school made me who I am. It helped me understand myself, express myself, and release passion and frustration all at the same time. For some reason dancing always came naturally and I am able to feel the music through my veins when I dance.

After High School I never got the chance to dance on a College Team because of the school I decided to attend. Unfortunately the Art Institute doesn't offer much on the athletic side. After several years of pondering what my next step could be for my dance career I looked toward professional dancing with some of the Denver Sports teams. I knew that to be a Broncos Cheerleader you had to be 21.. so I waited until that day came. But when 21 rolled by and I was knee deep in school and work full time.. dancing seemed to slip out of sight.

Now that I have graduated and currently working at an amazing company, I feel it's necessary and important for my health, sanity and overall balance of my life. On March 18th I attended the Denver Broncos Cheerleading workshop at Invesco field (1 week before that I made up my mind to give it a shot and see what it was all about).... After attending the 3 hour, non stop dance session, I quickly relized that "THAT" was exactly was I was missing in my life and there was no turning back - I was gonna try out for the team!

So I worked out hard for 2 weeks, tried to get my skillz back on track.. and on April 3, 2011 I headed off for Preliminaries at Invesco field. Not knowing what to expect, I walked in to 170 amazing beautiful and talented girls - bedazzled out! Extremely nervous and ready to show all that I had.. I danced in front of 13 judges (some ex football players and cheerleaders!). First round went off without a hitch! The first elimination came and I made it! #42 was called and I had a sigh of relief. But... then came the announcement that we would then learn another dance and perform it right away for a 2nd cut. SO trying to keep my confidence up I gave it all I had left.. and yes with a few mess ups I finished the routine with a huge smile on my face.

Not sure what to expect.. I knew in my mind that I had a 50-50 chance I could stay or go. But as the judges deliberated and came back with results I realized how "real" this had became. I sat there with sweaty palms as they ran through the numbers and soon enough #42 came through their mouth. :) I was over joyed, shocked, and speechless! I made it.. I was one of 60 girls to go to finals!


The week to come brought two workshops, 4 dances, kickline, interviews, a football test and a whole lot of memorization! Exauhsted and drained I pushed through.


This Sunday April 10, 2011 - I will be a finalist for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders! Performing 4 dances and kickline I will show off my stuff and hope for the best! Whether I make it or not... I have realized a huge passion and dream of mine that had been supressed for so long! And even after so long I still had so much to give. I made it this far for a reason and that with confidence and motivation there was no stopping me!  I want this, and I'm gonna get it! 

Photos they took after my Preliminary Dance - April 3, 2011

The Symbol

For some reason-this symbol follows me everywhere! From the bath curtains in the bathroom where I grew up to the window of Jon's car... seemingly everywhere I go (on a daily basis) I see this symbol. So what does it mean?
- "God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere"

• Inclusion
• Wholeness
• Focus
• Unity
• Nurturing
• Cycles
• Initiation
• Everything
• Perfection
• Womb
• Centering
• Revolution
• Infinity
• Mobility
• Completion

Sunshine oh! Sunshine

As I was walking outside on January 28th in 65 Degree weather... the realization of sunshine and it's true effects on the human spirit and happiness crossed my mind. As the sun hit my face and I could feel its warmth spread... it was like getting a shot of happiness, adrenaline, relaxation, and joy pumping through my body. I could feel an immediate difference in my mood that second. It's true that Colorado gets the most sunshine out of all of the states... with 300 days of sunshine! It's hard to imagine what it would be like to go weeks or even months without sunshine. Truly depressing I'm sure!

It not only gives us light during the day and helps our plants grow... but without the sun - nothing could exist. Which brings up the question... is it possible the god is the sun? Or even Nature?

"Afterall, the sun has appeared in the sky and visited man for as long as the Earth has been in existance. If the Sun ceases to exist, the earth the heavens and the Universe will be no more. Many people who reject man-made religion's claims and deceptions of who God is, often ask: "where is God" or "Why doesn't God show himself"? Yet, the Sun has revealed itself to man EVERY SINGLE DAY for Billions and Billions of years? Is not the Sun man's source of life, food, air, water, etc.? Is not the Sun the center of the Universe?

Before Paganism, Judiaism, Christianity and Islam, man was a Sun worshiper.

If man prays and ask God to reveal himself in human form or speak in an audible human voice, God will not answer. However; the next day, if the man looks up, into the sky, the Sun or the light thereof will be there.

Draw your own conclusion..."

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/religion-philosophy/656489-could-god-bethe-sun-egyptian-islam.html#ixzz1CkrT1mCH

I hope you Dance...

 One of my Favorite songs: "I hope you Dance " Lee Ann Womack 

This Song truly says it all!

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making

Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
[ From : http://www.elyrics.net/read/l/lee-ann-womack-lyrics/i-hope-you-dance-lyrics.html ]

I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
I hope you dance
(Dance)
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
(Dance)
Where those years have gone
(Dance)

The Secret : Changing the way you think about life

The Secret - A book about changing the way you think to enhance the way you live. 

If you haven't read this book yet.. you are missing out on your life!

The Secret is giving you the opportunity to understand the way you think about everything in your life and how your thoughts truly impact your reality. If you are living your life always stressed out, depressed, living paycheck to paycheck, feeling like you never have things go your way... well your right. You will never have anything else but that! Unless you start living the way you imagine you want to live! You hold all possibilities in your life and you deserve everything imaginable! Start using your thoughts, wants, desires, dreams, as a shopping cart of possibilities in your life. You really can have and do anything you can imagine!

At first it seems daunting or impossible. But I am a believer! And it is truly amazing how looking back at my life all of the thoughts I had that became my reality.

From everyday thoughts and emotions that encompass every moment of our lives impact our reality.

Every positive or negative affirmation we think becomes our reality.

Every desire, want, and need becomes our reality. : THIS IS THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Think about what you want. Imagine that you already have it. Believe you deserve it. And wait for it to come! Because it will!

Go out and get The Secret, I promise you wont be disappointed in the amazing changes that come your in life!http://www.thesecret.tv/

My Photography...

 Here is just a very small glimpse into my fashion photography work...

VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MUCH MORE!!  : www.kendalvolpephotography.com

My life.

 Meet Kenna - Our 4 month old mutt (Boxer Australian Shepherd Mix) that came from the Boulder Human Society

 By amazing and handsome boyfriend of 6.5 years, Jon!

This is where we live... Beautiful Golden, CO

First and foremost...

A little about myself...
A Colorado Native, I was born November 13,1987 in this beautiful state, specifically Colorado Springs. I just so happened to enter this world on my mothers birthday, my dew date, on Friday the 13th, and at 3:33 pm. Weird, true, and crazy, and no I am not possessed by the devil. :) I can honestly say that I truly grew up with an amazing, loving, and strong family. A family that many don't get a chance to have or experience. I have a incredibly smart and talented brother that was always an ideal rowmodel growing up. I was giving every and all opportunities to succeed, learn, and grow. Traveling, biking, hiking, skiing, were a majority of my childhood memories. Surprisingly I have a memory like an elephant and can remember as far back as 3 or 4. I see memories like video footage, clear,accurate, moving images. I am lucky that I have this record of my life with me at all times.

Growing up in Boulder, Co I was able to dance a majority of my Middle school and High school years. I was on the Boulder High Pom squad sophomore through senior year and I wouldn't give that experience up for the world. Being apart of that team and having the friendship of all of those girls has truly changed me life and is a  big part of who I today. If you ever get an opportunity to be apart of a team... do it!

At an early age I knew that my career path needed to be as unique as myself. I knew that there would be no way I would ever work in a office cubicle all day everyday as a career, I just couldn't image my life like that. So as early as freshman year of H.S I started taking photography classes. It inspired me to imagine and create the world around me on film, it captivated me. I decided to go the the Art Institute of Colorado to receive my Bachelors of Arts in Photography. I find it so fascinating how people believe that anyone can be a good photographer... it is way way way harder than anyone can imagine. You are NOT a true photographer by pushing a button on your automatic digital camera!.. you are a "Amateur" photographer. True photographers see much more and do much more than the "automatic" setting. We see light, movement, texture, stories, perspective and on top of it all Shutter Speed and Aperture settings that make the perfect exposed photo. I decided to specialize in Fashion and Portraiture and received a Certificate of Excellence for my portfolio books. I graduated June 2010, at 22.

Today..
I am living with my amazing boyfriend of 6.5 years in beautiful Golden,CO. We recently added a new member to our lives, Kenna PuppyDog Bortles. Currently I am working for an amazing Advertising Agency in Denver and continuing to dance at a Studio in the area! Since graduating AIC I have been published in Denver Magazine Oct and Dec issues. I am still inspired and passionate about following my dreams as a photographer! And one day I will be shooting for Vogue and Victoria Secret...

I know this...   " Its not the destination.. its the journey!!"

I am excited for all to come in this blog! Keep checking back for journeys, memory updates, photography, inspirational quotes and adventures, books, songs,  visions and lessons learned!

Peace. Love. Happiness.