November 29, 2016
Today, 11/29/16, it is my pleasure and honor to be the Guest on the Transformational Tuesday Program. We’ll be discussing the power of gratitude (my favorite subject). Please join us at NOON Eastern, by registering at http://bit.ly/TT11292016.
April 2, 2016
Artsy Ant BOOK
November 29, 2014
At the beginning of 2014, I publicly stated that I was going to post, on my blog, at least once per week. And… I never posted again. How embarrassing, right?
At that time, I attributed my lack of posting to FEAR… mostly fear of the ugliness that comes out of some people, as they hide behind their keyboard and spew out the first hateful thing that comes to their mind on another person’s life-event or posting (even a positive one)!
Almost one year later, I now believe the lack of posting, on my part, is not because of fear. It is because my time and energy have been consumed with the simplification process I’ve been experiencing…
Approximately 4 years ago, I was (finally) hit by one of the best, bright ideas I’ve ever had… I needed to downsize!
In a BIG way!
After 12 years of living in a 3-story, 3,000 square-foot townhome filled to the brim with furniture, clothes/shoes, paperwork, and toys (since having a baby 5 years prior), it finally dawned on me to make a much-needed change. No more stuffocation!
I had no idea what a process that decision would turn into. Six garage sales, two storage units, and three moves later, the bright idea to declutter has turned into the awesome goal of simplifying my entire life!
Not only am I (still) getting rid of stuff, I’m taking steps to eliminate drama, negativity, and stress from my life; even if that means no longer associating with some people or being in/around certain situations. Simplifying has helped me grow. I’m no longer fearful about what someone may say about anything I do or post. I’ve learned it’s their issue, not mine (and I have the power to hit the delete button).
So, I’ll continue to talk about the power of gratitude, dream of peace on earth, and do my best to promote positivity… come what may!
I’ll write about the awesome journey I’m taking towards total (or at least near-total) simplification, but will no longer make promises of how often. After all, that would invite fear (of embarrassment/disappointment) and stress back into my life. And, I simply ain’t got no time for that!
January 8, 2014
One of my plans (I prefer that word to resolutions … a plan is something that is going to get done, right?) for 2014 is to blog at least once per week. Since January 1st, I’ve been reflecting on why I haven’t done it in so long and have come to realize that it’s because of that other 4-letter F-word … FEAR!
Along with my big desire to live a positive and drama-free life, comes a big fear of reading negative comments about what I write.
Serendipitously, my Facebook newsfeed was filled with quotes about that other 4-letter F-word this morning — the day I decided to write about it!
Amy shared: “Facing your fears robs them of their power.” ~ Mark Burnett
Sue said: “Courage is one step ahead of fear.”
Heshie noted: “Courage adds dimension to your life.”
Eve wrote: “Fear fuels me!”
Maryellen posted: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” ~ George Addair
And … one of the 12 Gratitude Habits I created for Gratitude Boot Camp is Facing Your Fears.
So, here I come 4-letter F-word!
When I first started to blog years ago, I was taken aback by the negative comments that would come — always from anonymous posters. So, I stopped writing on-line. But, I stayed on-line. And, the attacks seem to have gotten worse. I’m always amazed and astonished at what, and who, people will lash out at in mean, and often downright evil, ways…
The 3 girls who were held captive, and tortured, for over 10 years in Ohio were called horrible names when they ventured out of their homes a short time after their release. The news of teenagers committing suicide, after being cyber-bullied, has become an all-too-frequent headline. And, already this year, a young girl was told to “go kill herself” because she tweeted that the earth was 2014 years old on New Year’s Day (whether she was kidding or mistaken, is telling her to go kill herself really necessary?).
Even the people you friend on Facebook can surprise you sometimes with what they write. Thankfully, Facebook affords you the ability to connect with positive people and the power to unfriend someone, if they do write negative or mean comments on your posts.
So, while I’m not ready to go out and hold a snake, I am ready to face that other 4-letter F-word when it comes to blogging. I will write every week, from now on. If someone says something mean or negative … I’ll read it, remind myself it’s their issue, say a prayer for them, and gladly delete their post. After all, I’m grateful my life is happy and I’m not afraid to keep it that way!
January 2, 2014
The days of 2013
Seemed to pass by too fast.
But, in the midst of day-to-day living
We were blessed to make memories that will last.
My little man grew even taller
Jake is thriving in the first grade now
His teacher’s great — he loves math & reading
And, he proudly became a Cub Scout.
The year brought several visits with Stephanie
She and Barry traveled to Florida a lot.
We’re counting down the time til they live here
They’re ready to live where it’s hot.
Hailey spent time with us in the summer
Then, we drove her back to Ohio.
I can’t believe she’s in high school already
Where or where did the time go?
My family welcomed three new babies…
Ella Rose, Hayden, and Sage.
It’s a joy to see my nieces & nephews as parents
And watch them embrace this new stage.
I was blessed with great real estate customers
They made buying and selling homes fun.
I’m looking forward to helping more people
Find their place in the sun.
The biggest excitement for me this year
Was the “Artsy Ant Alphabet Art Adventures” book release.
To see the stories I wrote come to life and touch others
Has sure made my happiness increase.
There is so much I want to accomplish
As 2014 brings a fresh start.
I send you wishes of love, peace, prosperity, and happiness
From the very bottom of my heart.
Happy New Year!
November 7, 2013
In 2009, I made the decision to pursue my life-long dream of becoming a writer. While attending a conference on getting your work published, I met Scott Howard. He showed me his wonderfully unique style of drawing and shared his idea for an alphabet book he was creating.
Shortly thereafter, we came up with the idea of turning his alphabet book into a story book, by combining his talent for drawing and my passion for writing. He had created a character named Artsy Ant and we decided to base the stories on Artsy’s adventures.
It was such a joy for me to come up with a story line that took Artsy on an incredible journey, where he would befriend colorful characters and inspire them to be and do their best.
Because of the intricate details of the illustrations in this one-of-a-kind book, the stories had to wait for 3 years to be told. Finally, the time has come for Artsy and his friends to meet the world! I can hardly explain how excited I am to finally be holding an advanced copy of the book in my hands! You can read more and order your copy of Artsy Ant Alphabet Art Adventure at http://SandySpeaks.com/ArtsyAnt.
After making my decision to write 4 years ago, I also started this blog and 2 more books. Well, everything got put on hold at the end of 2011, as the crash in the real estate market forced me to make some major changes (including moving back to my hometown after living in Celebration for 12 years). I stopped blogging and put my other two books on the back burner.
After seeing my stories come to life in Artsy Ant Alphabet Art Adventure, I have, once again, become energized and excited about writing. I found my blog, which had not been touched in over 2 years. Strangely, most of the articles I wrote have disappeared, with only 5 remaining from 2009. I did locate 7 more articles I’d written in 2010 & 2011 on my Author Page at http://EzineArticles.com. The rest are gone. So, I’m basically starting anew here on my site.
I’ve also dusted off my keyboard and have started working on finishing my book, Gratitude Habit. And, as soon as Scott finishes illustrating The Gratitubes, I’ll be introducing my 2nd children’s book to the world!
I could feel sad, embarrassed, or disappointed in myself for letting these projects fall behind for a while. Instead, I’m choosing to focus on what I have accomplished over the past 4 years and hope that, by never giving up on my dreams, I can inspire someone else to pick back up (or get started) on theirs!
November 25, 2009
Unconditional Love is a love that’s not limited by any conditions or in any way at all. It is Absolute. It is True. And… it sure makes you happy when you give or receive it, doesn’t it?
For 13 years, I received the Unconditional Love of two very sweet animals — Shakespeare & Spencer — my precious persian cats. Because I lost both of them this year, I am writing this article about them. They truly did give me their Unconditional Love every day.
I grew up with dogs as family pets. We never had a cat. And, until the age of 36, I never had a pet in my adult life (except for fish in an aquarium). I told myself I was not going to have any pets. And, I certainly did not see myself with a cat.
One day, I was on an appointment to place a house on the market for sale. As we were sitting at the kitchen table going over the required paperwork, a Mother Cat came walking out of the laundry room with two, tiny kittens trailing behind. One of the kittens walked right up to me so I had to pick him up to pet him! He was the cutest thing I had ever seen, especially when he snuggled up tightly on my chest. The owner of the home told me she was selling the kittens and that they were peke-faced Persians. The one I was holding onto had a crooked tail, so he would never be able to be a “show cat”, I was told.
I said good-bye and left there with no intention other than selling the home as quickly as possible. But, for the next few days, I could not get that kitty-with-the-crooked-tail out of my head. He was the first thing I thought of when I woke up each morning.
So, I found myself driving back to my listing with a check in hand… to buy the kitty with the crooked tail. I named him Shakespeare. He was 3 months old. He followed me every where I went and slept at the foot of the bed, touching my feet. I was smitten.
Because I had never had a cat before, I bought a book that would tell me everything I ever wanted or needed to know about having a feline as a pet. It informed me that indoor cats need the companionship of other cats, especially if you’re not often home.
When I had called the owner just to inquire whether or not she still had the other kitty (because I wasn’t sure I wanted two), she said “I can’t believe you called me today! We just found out that the people who had taken that kitty are abusing him. So, we rescued him but now we are leaving for vacation and weren’t sure what to do with him.”
So, I found myself driving back to my listing with a check in hand… to buy Shakespeare’s brother. I named him Spencer. He was all matted, dirty, and very clingy. I just knew that seeing his brother again would cheer him right up. Boy, was I wrong!!!
For three weeks, the two hissed at each other and steered clear of the other’s path. I would cry “But, you’re brothers! You’re supposed to love each other!” I would call my girlfriends saying “What have I done? They hate each other!” One day, I came home and found the two of them licking each other! From that day on, they were best buddies. We were now a happy, little family.
Over the next 13 years, they were with me through three moves, four company changes, three relationship break-ups, and the birth of a baby. And, they always loved me Unconditionally. Shakespeare always slept at the foot of my bed, touching my feet. Spencer and I cuddled on the couch for the last hour of every night, before I’d go to bed. They were not your typical cats — they were very friendly. If there were people around, they were right there! Spencer would even play catch with a toy mouse!!
They both died from a fast growing tumor in their mouth. Thankfully, they didn’t suffer for long. It broke my heart to say good-bye to them on their final day. And, it is very strange to not have them here. I still find myself looking around for them sometimes and making sure I close the door so they don’t get out!
I’m so grateful to have experienced their Unconditional Love. I’ll carry that lesson with me the next time I’m in a relationship.
Who knows? Maybe there is another furry baby in my future. For right now, though, I am content to remember the purrs and meows of my precious Persians — Shakespeare & Spencer.
In Memory Of…
Shakespeare – 8/9/96 ~ 5/21/09 and Spencer – 8/9/96 ~ 10/29/09
Sandy Harper
Author • Speaker
Gratitude Coach
Ghostwriter
"Sandy Speaks"
