"Trying to be someone
you aren't,
is a waste of the person
you are."
unknown author
Enough said. Your Friend in KY, Laura
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Believe in Yourself
Under the inspiration and encouragement of some dear friends, I allowed them to video tape me this past weekend.
Now keep in mind that I am not "yearning to be on the big screen." I have never had any desire to be on TV or in the movies, I have never been tempted to try out for a part on "Real World" or "American Idol." It's just not me! Until just a few years ago, I was camera shy. I'd rather be taking the picture than in it. But I came to the appreciation that its only right that if I take pictures of others, I allow pictures to be taken of me.
So here I am, taking another fantastic LEAP out of my comfort zone.
Bravely seizing the opportunity to grow.
As I watched the replay, the little voice started in my mind. . . commenting on how I look, how I sound, the words I used. . . .This was not the voice of a "best-friend," rather a critic.
I have worked to improve my thoughts of self-worth and self-love this year; Learned that it's okay to put my needs and wants first sometimes; learned to find a more healthy balance between helping others and taking care of myself.
So where did these critical thoughts come from???
My journey has taught me that I can be my OWN best-friend and worst-enemy.
My reality begins with MY perception.
So to all those who have had similar thoughts,
let's treat ourselves with the same loving support we give our dear friends.
May each of US see the "Lion of Potential" that lies within each of us.
Getting Better & Better Everyday in Everyway.
Your Friend in KY, Laura
Being a Friend. . .
"Always try to help
a Friend in Need."
Friendship is a dynamic and reciprocol arrangement between like-minded persons.
I am grateful for the abundance of friendships I now enjoy, and the many more I've yet to meet :)
Your Friend in KY,
Laura
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Learning to FLY!!!!
" We can lift ourselves out of ignorance,
we can find ourselves as creatures
of excellence and intelligence, and skill.
We can be Free!!
We can learn to FLY!!"
What will you LEARN today?
What makes YOU fly?
How can I help YOU reach your dreams??
My sincerest thanx to all of those who create the "wind beneath MY wings,"
THANK YOU!!
Your Friend in KY, Laura
--Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach
Greetings from the Farm in KY
Spring has arrived, green is returning, and babies are being born--the Farm is becoming more active.
In this month of April, My friends, Pat Crosby from NY and Lynn Rothfuss from NJ, honored me with a visit. During their stay, I showed them Farm-Life next door at my mother and step-father's farm. Goats are becoming a growing part of KY farms as farmers look for alternatives to growing tobacco as part of the "tobacco buy-out" program.
Farming is ALOT of work-- a job without paid-holidays or sick-days.
It was nice to visit briefly, but definitely NOT the job for me :)
**slideshow compliments of Pat Crosby**
Your Friend in KY, Laura
In this month of April, My friends, Pat Crosby from NY and Lynn Rothfuss from NJ, honored me with a visit. During their stay, I showed them Farm-Life next door at my mother and step-father's farm. Goats are becoming a growing part of KY farms as farmers look for alternatives to growing tobacco as part of the "tobacco buy-out" program.
Farming is ALOT of work-- a job without paid-holidays or sick-days.
It was nice to visit briefly, but definitely NOT the job for me :)
**slideshow compliments of Pat Crosby**
Your Friend in KY, Laura
Friday, December 21, 2007
Cumberland Falls "Moonbow" Corbin, KY
I'd like to share a story with you . . .
~TELEPHONES IN CHURCHES~
A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.
Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Kentucky, upon entering a church in Louisville, Kentucky, behold - he saw the usual golden telephone.
But THIS time, the sign read, "Calls: 35 cents."
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute.
Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
I love this part.............................
The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Kentucky now ......
You're in God's Country, It's a local call."
American by Birth - A Kentuckian by the Grace of God !
(I do not know the original author)
. . . As for me I was born a "Yankee" from Connecticut, but my life's journey has brought me to Kentucky. I must admitt, when I first came, I was reluctant and did not understand many things I saw or heard here. But the landscape is welcoming, the people genuine and warm hearted---they'll wave at ANYBODY when they drive by, they don't have to know you--but they will aknowledge you in a friendly manner. Unnecessary--maybe, but genuine and friendly none-the-less (and, yes, I do wave at pass'er bys and Amish buggies).
As I venture out to other places and big cities across the country, I enjoy the entertainment and opportunites for fun--but I am always glad to come HOME to Kentucky. Big cities can keep their super-highways, toll roads, grid-lock traffic, and high prices. Give me a curvy country backroad any day :) These days I find myself interpreting KY ways and traditions to other new-comers.
So perhaps, Kentucky is not the only place God calls home, BUT it is the place I call HOME.
Perhaps, sometime I can show you around MY HOME STATE, Kentucky.
Your Friend in KY, Laura
PS--I am friendly so if you post/e-mail a comment to me and include your email address, I WILL email you back. Always open to making new Friends.
I'd like to share a story with you . . .
~TELEPHONES IN CHURCHES~
A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.
Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Kentucky, upon entering a church in Louisville, Kentucky, behold - he saw the usual golden telephone.
But THIS time, the sign read, "Calls: 35 cents."
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute.
Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
I love this part.............................
The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Kentucky now ......
You're in God's Country, It's a local call."
American by Birth - A Kentuckian by the Grace of God !
(I do not know the original author)
. . . As for me I was born a "Yankee" from Connecticut, but my life's journey has brought me to Kentucky. I must admitt, when I first came, I was reluctant and did not understand many things I saw or heard here. But the landscape is welcoming, the people genuine and warm hearted---they'll wave at ANYBODY when they drive by, they don't have to know you--but they will aknowledge you in a friendly manner. Unnecessary--maybe, but genuine and friendly none-the-less (and, yes, I do wave at pass'er bys and Amish buggies).
As I venture out to other places and big cities across the country, I enjoy the entertainment and opportunites for fun--but I am always glad to come HOME to Kentucky. Big cities can keep their super-highways, toll roads, grid-lock traffic, and high prices. Give me a curvy country backroad any day :) These days I find myself interpreting KY ways and traditions to other new-comers.
So perhaps, Kentucky is not the only place God calls home, BUT it is the place I call HOME.
Perhaps, sometime I can show you around MY HOME STATE, Kentucky.
Your Friend in KY, Laura
PS--I am friendly so if you post/e-mail a comment to me and include your email address, I WILL email you back. Always open to making new Friends.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Holiday Wishes & Year End Highlights
December 2007
Dear Friends & Family,
This Holiday Season marks the end of 2007. Along with the Holiday festivities, comes a time for reflection and an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.
This has been an AMAZING year of learning and growth for me. I have come to appreciate this quote: "Life is the Hardest Teacher, it gives the Test first, the lesson after." (I do not know the author)
2007 began with the decision to end the union between Scott and I. We both touched each other's lives for a reason, but ultimately our 'lessons yet to be learned' led us on different paths. Our divorce was finalized in February. Logan and Sierra (pictured above) have adjusted to the changes, but look forward to every opportunity to visit with Scott. Logan, Sierra, and I have remained in the "work-in-progress" house on Nolin Road.
Change often leads to other doors of opportunity. One of which was to spend time exploring and re-evaluating ME--I have read books, met new people, reconnected with old friends, discussed new ideas, and traveled extensively. I could fill pages, but I'll mention just a few:
* New Favorite Books: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olsen, " Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki , "Love Languages" by Gary Chapman
* New Favorite Movies: " The Secret" and "Facing the Giants"
* New Favorite Singer: Dixie Trahan
* Same Favorite Pastime: Talking & Visiting with Friends
I am currently working at a local rural hospital in a neighboring county. I am the only Occupational Therapist and have 1 assistant. I have been there a year and a half. Although I miss the friends I made while working at the nursing home, I have made new friends and enjoy the stimulating challenges that come with in-patient, out-patient, and home-health clients. This is exactly where I need to be during this time of my life.
Another change was my decision to pursue a self-education in marketing and business (ironic I know to those aware of my previous aversion to such). Although I enjoy my career in OT, I want to expand my knowledge and skills. Learning about business and economics will strengthen my financial skills. I have also discovered marketing to be a good fit for my creativity and love of communicating with people. True marketing is communication, and does not require pushy, aggressive sales. I am currently working with a line of nutritional and health products thru the Vitamark Corp. (A congruent fit with my primary focus this year on my personal health and fitness-- a work in progress.) So if any of you know someone looking to make changes in their health or would be interested in sampling new prodects--feel free to pass on my name and contact information.
Highlights of My Year include:
*Watching Ean (my nephew) rise to the responsibility of "Big-Brother"
*Visiting Tampa, FL and eating Grouper for the 1st time
*Watching my brother give the Sunday sermon in his congregation
*Learning to cook with Super Soy (dehydrated meat substitute)
*Getting a new hairstyle in Detroit
*A boat ride on a North Carolina lake with my Dad and nephew Ean
*A new niece, Lydia born on 7/5/07 (my step-brother's little girl)
*My friend from NY moving to Glendale, KY (only 6 miles away)
*A greater appreciation for the details
*Losing 40 lbs
*The privilege of proof-reading a friend's autobiography
*Watching my little sister Melissa successfully tackle the challenges of college while working full-time
*Watching Eli (my youngest nephew, 16 months) learn to walk & shoot a basketball *grin*
One of the Biggest Highlights of 2007 was my first cruise to the Carribean. I traveled on Norwegian Cruise Lines to Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Cozumel. My adventures included swimming with the dolphins and parasailing! This trip also afforded me the opportunity to re-connect with a friend and former college roommate Sara. I had an amazing time and will definitely cruise again.
PS- I now use email on a regular basis, so feel free to email me anytime: llucas.success@gmail.com
OR. . . check out my latest posts at "YourFriendinKY.blogspot.com"
My other sites: "successtransformations.vitamark.com" & "CraveTheRush.com"
Dear Friends & Family,
This Holiday Season marks the end of 2007. Along with the Holiday festivities, comes a time for reflection and an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.
This has been an AMAZING year of learning and growth for me. I have come to appreciate this quote: "Life is the Hardest Teacher, it gives the Test first, the lesson after." (I do not know the author)
2007 began with the decision to end the union between Scott and I. We both touched each other's lives for a reason, but ultimately our 'lessons yet to be learned' led us on different paths. Our divorce was finalized in February. Logan and Sierra (pictured above) have adjusted to the changes, but look forward to every opportunity to visit with Scott. Logan, Sierra, and I have remained in the "work-in-progress" house on Nolin Road.
Change often leads to other doors of opportunity. One of which was to spend time exploring and re-evaluating ME--I have read books, met new people, reconnected with old friends, discussed new ideas, and traveled extensively. I could fill pages, but I'll mention just a few:
* New Favorite Books: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olsen, " Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki , "Love Languages" by Gary Chapman
* New Favorite Movies: " The Secret" and "Facing the Giants"
* New Favorite Singer: Dixie Trahan
* Same Favorite Pastime: Talking & Visiting with Friends
I am currently working at a local rural hospital in a neighboring county. I am the only Occupational Therapist and have 1 assistant. I have been there a year and a half. Although I miss the friends I made while working at the nursing home, I have made new friends and enjoy the stimulating challenges that come with in-patient, out-patient, and home-health clients. This is exactly where I need to be during this time of my life.
Another change was my decision to pursue a self-education in marketing and business (ironic I know to those aware of my previous aversion to such). Although I enjoy my career in OT, I want to expand my knowledge and skills. Learning about business and economics will strengthen my financial skills. I have also discovered marketing to be a good fit for my creativity and love of communicating with people. True marketing is communication, and does not require pushy, aggressive sales. I am currently working with a line of nutritional and health products thru the Vitamark Corp. (A congruent fit with my primary focus this year on my personal health and fitness-- a work in progress.) So if any of you know someone looking to make changes in their health or would be interested in sampling new prodects--feel free to pass on my name and contact information.
Highlights of My Year include:
*Watching Ean (my nephew) rise to the responsibility of "Big-Brother"
*Visiting Tampa, FL and eating Grouper for the 1st time
*Watching my brother give the Sunday sermon in his congregation
*Learning to cook with Super Soy (dehydrated meat substitute)
*Getting a new hairstyle in Detroit
*A boat ride on a North Carolina lake with my Dad and nephew Ean
*A new niece, Lydia born on 7/5/07 (my step-brother's little girl)
*My friend from NY moving to Glendale, KY (only 6 miles away)
*A greater appreciation for the details
*Losing 40 lbs
*The privilege of proof-reading a friend's autobiography
*Watching my little sister Melissa successfully tackle the challenges of college while working full-time
*Watching Eli (my youngest nephew, 16 months) learn to walk & shoot a basketball *grin*
One of the Biggest Highlights of 2007 was my first cruise to the Carribean. I traveled on Norwegian Cruise Lines to Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Cozumel. My adventures included swimming with the dolphins and parasailing! This trip also afforded me the opportunity to re-connect with a friend and former college roommate Sara. I had an amazing time and will definitely cruise again.
If success in life can be measured by the people in one's life----I am truly blessed and extremely wealthy!!! My warmest thoughts and best wishes are with
All of the Special People who touch my life.
Wishing you all a Happy Healthy Holiday,
Laura, Sierra, and Logan
All of the Special People who touch my life.
Wishing you all a Happy Healthy Holiday,
Laura, Sierra, and Logan
PS- I now use email on a regular basis, so feel free to email me anytime: llucas.success@gmail.com
OR. . . check out my latest posts at "YourFriendinKY.blogspot.com"
My other sites: "successtransformations.vitamark.com" & "CraveTheRush.com"
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