Sorry I'm so late with today's post - but the Internet Satellite Signal is whacked out again for most of the day!

Wow…. Life never fails to amaze me. I have at times looked back through old journals and writings and seen either that I was at an all time high, or all time low; or so my words may reflect. However, as I enter this journey into blogging as such, I realize the dramatic contrast from day one to day three, is much the same.

Such drama around our home has become known as “Satan Poop”. Yes, you heard me right. It all came about from my sister-in-law and I discussing “one of those mornings”…. You know those kinds of days…. We’ve all experienced them, unfortunately.

The day at hand as I can best recall, was filled with the overwhelming extra ordinary circumstances that seem to overwhelm us all at once. This day for her had been topped off with a sick puppy dog….

“Satan Poop” defined:

The plagues of daily life that serve to undermine our optimism, faith, and forward progress that many believers tend to conclude is Satan at his own personal best; undermining our personal best to be less than what it should be.
This explains the first part of “Satan Poop”. The later part – “Poop” was derived from the sick puppy. The rest I suppose goes without explanation. Hence, we arrive at Satan Poop, which has since become as I stated, a common term for “those kind of days”.

It may sound like a relatively silly or even stupid antic to most – but in reality it has served well in my own personal faith building. After all, many times when I am faced with those sorts of days, I tend to forget where the source of the problem lies. If I forget this, then I am apt to forget where the source of the solution lies as well.

So, in the bigger picture, the simple and silly little reference not only serves to make many laugh out loud, which in itself helps to lighten the path; it also makes me think out side of the box a bit more. It helps to remind me to take command of the situation through faith, to remember who’s knocking and give every possible effort to avoid answering the knock. Or as I have heard it put… . “When Satan comes knocking – Let God answer the door.”

Okay, that all sounds great in theory… That must be the PST (Positive Self Talk) for the day! But ask me, is it always that easy? NOT EVEN CLOSE!

I had the experience that so many wish they could say had happened to them, yet one more time last night… Many would think I’m a big, whiny baby who can never be satisfied or happy if they could only hear some of my personal conversations. Last night was no exception. However, I assure you things are not always as they appear. It’s as I said earlier on – so many people think they would like to be in my shoes… And maybe they would. Then again, I can assure you most of those same people would not be willing to sacrifice or pay the cost for these shoes.

My beloved husband had my two boys (Chad and Drewster) pick up the new (barely used) vehicle he had purchased for me the day before, unbeknownst to me. I know what you’re thinking…. How sweet is that? I wish I had a husband who did things like that for me… Etc. Etc. I have heard them all over the years. However, the thought occurs to me that just once I would like to be asked what I would like in a new vehicle… Or if there is something else the money should be denoted to prior to such a financial commitment, etc. And so the story goes.

But that is a whole different story. Honestly, I didn’t want to be totally ungrateful. This being said, even with the considerations of how I would pay for the gas in a bigger vehicle when I can barely cover the gas cost it in the one I have been driving… I know his heart is in the right spot, most of the time. Therefore, a totally radical response may not be warranted. But I can assure you, it surely isn’t like the commercials with the woman being surprised by the Lexus in her drive way make it out to be.

Truly, he had some valid sales pitches for the whole ordeal of which is not a big surprise. I swear the man could sell ice cubes to Eskimos or sweaters on the beach. Yes, he missed his calling for sure. Nonetheless, his preconceived and polished presentation (yes, after 27 years he knows when a plan is in order) paved the way to at least creating a slightly more open mind on my part… However, in all honesty, I was still not convinced I should be happy.

Consider, this was not the beginning of my day’s Satan Poop, nor was it to be the end of it. Nope… I had a few significant other dilemmas over the course of the afternoon that all culminated in my tears of frustration and fear over the newly acquired debt involving a new vehicle. The very vehicle that lo and behold broke down at the grocery store on it’s maiden voyage.

I kid you not! The evening was progressing and I am finally lightening up a bit as he offers to take me grocery shopping. He was apparently insistent on the fact we take the new car (even though it was scheduled to have a new cam sensor replacement the following morning). I am sure he thought it would be fine and an ample opportunity to sell me with all the bells and whistles on the way to and from the store… In part, the drive to the grocery store was, shall we say comfortable.

We come out of the store – load our goods into the back and are headed to the local Taco Bell to get dinner for our four foster sons as it is now getting later than anticipated for home cooking.

He turns the key to no avail… Again and again… Grrrowrrrrr – pause Grrrowrrrr - pause and so on. It won’t start. He sheepishly asks, "So what do you think of your reliable new vehicle that I won't have to worry about you being stranded somewhere in?"

Okay – I admit…. I actually felt sort of sorry for him at that moment and it didn't get much better! We called in the Calvary as our boys were laying under the car in the grocery store parking lot replacing the sensor themselves, with sensors they were not sure worked or not. Apparently the word on that is “NOT”. But if this wasn’t enough – the anti-theft light began blinking – along with the battery light… They checked all the fuses, read the manual, you name it… We even went and got more gas, fearing the gas guage was off. All to no avail.

The tow truck arrived after 9, two or three hours later, to take it to the dealership. I don’t know as of yet if the CD’s that are in the CD player/radio are stuck or someone just forgot them. To be honest with you, when my son Chad noticed that it was shuffling back and forth upon the ignition turning, I really don’t think he wanted to find out at that moment in time. I didn’t try either… No doubt we had enough for one night already.

So… The moral of the story for today’s journey is simple. Things are not always as perfect and easy in the neighbor up the streets house as you may think. There is always so much more than meets the eye.

This brings to mind yet more infamous quotes to live by:

“Don’t judge the book by the cover!”

And for Heaven’s sake -

“BEWARE OF WHAT YOU WANT!!!! YOU MAY GET IT!”

So when the hard times come - don't take them to serious folks! Just remember, it's just a little more "Satan Poop"!

Okay... Reality: Yesterday I felt as though I conquered the world. Today feels like Monday. Positive self talk: but that's okay. It's still a great day! Reality: I have to deal with red tape - I hate red tape... The whole process and all of which this includes. PST - (Positive self talk): I have so much experience in what I'm doing today, it'll be a breeze! Reality: It's time to get going PST (Positvie Self Talk) It's a beautiful, blue sky, Colorado morning and I can't wait to get out in it!

So, there it is... The start to a beautiful week. Reality: (doubtful) Right? PST (Postive Self Talk) -Yeppers - that's right!!!! After all, it's the day after President's Day, which means it is a short week... That has to be good.

Addressing my inspired words of the day past. Yesterday I said I had made it... Okay, in some ways I have gone the distance... I know there are others who at least believe they wish they were in my shoes... But on the other hand, I'm still in process. There is a very special quote of which I should make special mention of on a regular basis....

"God is in the Process....
Therefore, Trust the Process!"

Isn't that profound? So, you think I'm a little out there on this one? A great woman gave me this quote. I felt(doubtful)the same as you probably do reading it for the first time... However, I did as she requested and posted it in a large printed version in clear view of my daily path. Soon I found it appropriate to put on my computer screen saver. I have since changed computers and never taken the time to re-invent the application as such... However, it's as fresh and meaningful today as ever.

As I stated, I'm in process! I am well on my way, but as the days go by I am beginning to realize what I thought life was (Achieving success beyond the process) was all wrong... Oh sure, I still want the achievement and realization of such worldly matters within it's proper context.

However, Life is not about the awards, the success or the money. It's not about the size of the house, the number of horses, the year of car I drive. Nope! It's not about those things at all! LIFE as we know it, is all about the journey!

Bringing to mind one more quote before I close and get my booty out the door to take care of the red tape "as it is"....

"Life is a journey,
not a home...."

Our home is yet to come folks - so embrace the journey and trust the process!

Love to one and all!
Oh and by the way, have a great week!

I considered many facets of beginning a blog of my own and not for just the moment we are in, but long before. A writer by birth, it only makes sense that I would eventually evolve into the newest modem of communication. With of course, the exception of endless texting in which our society, specifically our younger generations are utilizing.

Ah yes, my only son Chad, nearly 21 years of age is catching the fever of the movement. Drewster, our yet older, emotionally adopted son (previous foster child) who is more like a brother to Chad than not, persists in such practices to a fault, leaving Chad to follow suit or be left behind. So, it is, Drew is known for not being the keenest driver on the roads, after a few new vehicles to his credit... Alas, admits proudly he has mastered the art of driving and texting all at the same time.

The only promising outcome of such erroneous decisions is that Chad reserves the right to be the designated driver for the most part. Funny, to think we put that term with alcohol and other mind altering substances... Not texting!

My beloved husband of twenty seven years, tends to get rutted in the past in some ways. Fairly stated, most of these are never detected to anyone less knowing than myself... However, he has and continues to maintain a few double standards around such considerations.

Admittedly, he is the first to complain about the driver, be it male or female, in front of him talking on the cell phone. But has he ever talked on the cell while behind the wheel? By the sheer notion of how this is stated, need I say more? But texting is beyond him.

I can handle the texting in itself... But all those wonderful little acronyms often leave me scratching my head and bewildered, at least for a time.

Can't we simply apply "The Secret" to this too? Sure! Just think positive - believe you know what they mean and sure enough... It just comes to you! Who cares if your definition was incorrect? After all, we do live in a generation of marching to our own beat, so why not?

Now don't go taking me out of perspective here... "The Secret" is not a bad thing, in fact, quite the contrary, at least in my reality. For the most part I have to agree with the whole visualization principles and so on that are taught within.... Hence, my very purpose in identifying it in the title of my blog...

There are a few obstacles in life and of course, those unsightly pot holes that we simply can't see until our tire is flattened or the vehicle in which we travel is out of alignment...sometimes worse. So it is in my life as well. Don't kid yourself; even those who practice this teaching by the minute face difficult decisions, sad moments of which they are forced to embrace in one way or another. And believe it or not, on occasion they even get a cold or flu bug. They have to learn the latest technology in's and out's, the same as you and me. Truth be known, I'd be willing to bet they even put their pants on one leg at a time.

It occurred to me that I could, just as many hundreds of thousands before me, be one of the known and well off. It was actually beyond my imagination for the most part... But it hit me a year ago. I'm a writer for crying out loud! A darn good one at that! I have essay awards and memorable praises that date back more years than I wish to admit.

One such pot hole in my life came to me at a time I was unable to understand the magnitude of it all. Yes, let me be the first to admit that I have been banished from a small but well known publication. It came with regard to the power of the pen and how I moved people, a listening audience, to not only emotional tears, but to pro-active petitioning. If those very readers only knew I had been banished by the editor. In all fairness he was stuck. He was forced to submit to the power of the dollar by an advertising patron who despised my selected article. An article of which had previously been published by the very editor who then apologetically shared his regrets in having to let my talent go by the wayside.

I was still young in thought and heart... But now, today, with renewed vigor and understanding, I embrace the reality of what had once demoralized me. It had left me wanting to stay clear of the very place I had frequented so many times before and then wrote of. It was the worst sort of pot hole! Now, the pot hole is filled in. I understand, the words were not only strong, but true and in the strength of this gift, I had received a great honor! I had in fact, made it... But in my innocence, I misread the out come as failure.

I am back... My first book is in publishing. Not controversial in nature, but accepted and hopefully soon to be released and seen in bookstores across the country... My first movie script is in the hands of a marketing editor/agency to be promoted to producers. And, best of all, I have only just begun.

It is never too late to discover the true secret that lies within each of us, the gift that gnaws at your very soul and won't let go. It is the source of our total and complete contentment, the purpose of our life and all that implies. We are not the sole of our dreams, goals and/or God given gifts/talents... But we need to realize they are a key element in who we are and where we were always intent on ending up.

I hope to stay alive and well with this new undertaking, hopefully offering a new twist on life from the past, present and future with each submission. But most of all, I delight in the knowledge that someone or maybe several someone's will enjoy the journey, and even find a means of personal growth and self fulfilling prophecy for themselves in sharing with me as I go.