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This post is part of my cornerstone content, written years ago and updated for inspiring wisdom and deep understanding today. One afternoon, many years ago, while sitting in my kitchen with a lady friend, we enjoyed a cup of tea while our sons played in the other room. Our conversation became deeper than most and, eventually, we both realized at the exact moment. “You can’t dig yourself out of the pit of despair. You must feed your soul and grow yourself out.” I can still remember feeling like the top of my head was opening up, all tingly with the sparks from the epiphany burningRead More →

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This week’s song comes from Bruno Mars. Whenever I need to clear out my thoughts and feelings, this song does the trick. Mental Hygiene Just as we brush our teeth twice a day to keep our mouth clean, mental hygiene keeps our minds clear and healthy. When anxious feelings or thoughts of despair start to poison our attitude, practicing good mental hygiene reminds us to replace them with more valuable and productive ideas. Get up and Dance, shaking loose the stuck and making room for the new. Sing to clear out the throat and sometimes talking to someone can help us work through what hasRead More →

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This week’s song was inspired by my son, Garrett. Saturday night, he came home from a Halloween party with a big smile and a story about singing this song for karaoke. I love the feeling of togetherness and camaraderie this song inspires. “So good! So good! So good!” Of course, there’s a lot of awful stuff going on in the world; however, good things are happening too. Beautiful things, like my son having fun singing in front of strangers! I would never have imagined that could happen. Joyful things are happening, like my Creative Arts Workshop last Thursday night. So inspired was my friend AliRead More →

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This week’s Inspirational song comes from Justin Timberlake and friends dancing around Los Angeles. It’s one of my favorite feel-good songs, and I hope you enjoy it too! If you’re in the Southeast Michigan area, we’ll be doing the Creative Arts Workshop at Rochester Holistic Arts this Thursday from 6:30 – 8 pm. We’ll be making Burlap Art, and Magic Wands, and the Magic Wand Handbook. The price is $25 and includes everything you need. There are still a couple of open spots. Call (248) 330-9569 to get signed up. Remember. Life is a creative art. What are you making? Let me know how you’reRead More →

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This week’s song comes from the Avett Brothers. With a light, steady rhythm, the lyrics remind us to stay tuned into the truth within ourselves. “Ain’t no man can save me. Ain’t no man can enslave me. Ain’t no ‘mount of man that can change the shape my soul is in.” Each one of us has a soul with which we can sail through the seas of life. Don’t let the worry, fear, and drama from other people steal the wind from your sails. “There ain’t nobody here, who can cause me pain or raise my fears ‘cuz I’ve got only lo-o-o-ve to share! IfRead More →

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This week’s inspirational song of the week comes from the Rolling Stones. If you’ve ever experienced the delight of hearing this song at a live concert, you probably remember feeling your entire body light up with joy and celebration. That’s the feeling I dream of inspiring for you, my friendly blog reader. Lose your dreams and you might lose your mind. Mick Jagger Speaking of joy and celebration, we had the Creative Arts Workshop at Rochester Holistic Arts, and it was an absolute blast! We had such a great time making magic wands and burlap art, eating snacks, and drinking wine; we’re going to doRead More →

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I’ve decided to start posting an “inspirational” song every week to offer a jump-start to your spirit, giving you (and me) a kick in the pants, a boogie for your bunda, and a bit of swing in your swagger. “Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer I hope you enjoy this song. Let me know if you have another suggestion in the comments below. Have an excellent Monday and a wonderful week ahead. xoxo Pam p.s. Follow me on Instagram to see theRead More →

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This post is part of my cornerstone content, written years ago, updated for today, and still inspiring wisdom and deep understanding. Many years ago, when my son was in elementary school, and my husband traveled a lot for work, I volunteered in my community, putting on events including the Beets, Beats & Eats Farmer’s market. Although I stopped in 2013, the years I spent working with friends in my community were some of the best in my life. (2021) (Originally written in 2012) Every summer, I put on a coloring contest called Enjoy the Process. It’s the one where everyone fills in this shape and thenRead More →

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Living in Brazil the first time, back in 97-98, was a challenge. We’d only been dating for a year when we go there, and it was the first time either of us had lived outside the country. With only one car, once I dropped Blake off at work in the morning, I didn’t have many people to talk to during the day. Although I had a friend, Jenny, an American about my age, she had her own life, and I didn’t want to overwhelm her with my whining. Without the internet to keep me entertained, I got bored once I became accustomed to my surroundings.Read More →

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I took this picture back in 2009 while taking my walk around our neighborhood in Brazil. I used it as inspiration for one of my very first blog posts. I wrote, “The menacing sky in the background encouraged me to focus my attention upon the beautiful blossoms right in front of me.  Although I passed these flowers everyday, the intensity of their charm wasn’t truly apparent until I saw them contrasted against the threat of the oncoming storm.” “It was an epiphany!” “Life is going to be hard sometimes, and these challenging times reveal the truth of life. Whether beautiful or scary, what matters at the end ofRead More →