Swimming With Dolphins

Back in February I posted about “My Bucket List”. This list contained some things I wanted to do or get done this year. With my recent trip to Mexico, I did get to cross off a few items on that list: My first plane trip, visiting an island (Cozumel), seeing something majestic and one of my favorite things I was able to do while in Mexico was to swim with dolphins. What made it more special was being able to experience this with my guy.

Oh boy it was amazing! We were in the water at least an hour. At first I was taken back because I didn’t know the dolphins would swim so close to you. Like a cat, they rubbed up against you…looked you in the eye…and as if they’re smiling at you they’re saying….I want to play! Before getting into the water, we received instruction on what to do and what not to do. They told us that you couldn’t touch a dolphin on the top of their head and they really don’t like their fin to be held onto. I was being so careful as to not hit those spots.

To me, a dolphin felt ‘fake’….like rubber or vinyl. Very Smooth and silky. I did get to experience some of their power because as the trainer stood on the platform above us, he threw a fish to our dolphin who was just swimming around in front of me. As the fish hit the water, a bird came swooping down to try to snatch it up and that made the dolphin swim faster. As our dolphin came around, her tail hit my leg. Wow…that moved me in the water! Such power! I can imagine the power and strength this aminal has. My leg stung for a bit, but I was so excited to be playing with dolphins, I forgot all about it. Hopefully you can make all that out in the picture below…..the bird is the blurry spot on the right hand side.


I have gotten my first “kiss” from a dolphin and below is the picture when she came up and landed in the palm of my hand.


After a little play time, the trainer showed us some of her tricks…My guy and I locked arms and the dolphin danced in front of us, splashed us in the face and then laughed at us, jumped over us and swam so fast around us, we were stuck in a whirlpool with waves! It was great ... That was the best hour spent! Truly an amazing experience.

Have any of you swam with dolphins? Such beautiful, friendly and loving creatures of the sea. Did you know the dolphin is a descendant of the wolf? That’s pretty crazy right? But, that’s what we learned.

Being Thankful on Thanksgiving

Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends, will you truly take time out to reflect on what you are thankful for?

I have been doing that quite often this year. Pretty much on a daily basis...being thankful. For my health, for my life, for all I have, my family and friends, the opportunities that come my way and the love that surrounds me.

Abundance can be brought into your life if you declare to the universe that you are thankful. This can easily be done on a daily basis. I find that I'm in a better mood when I take time to appreciate something that makes me happy and be thankful for it. My heart seems to fill with happiness...

What are you thankful for?

I think many, many people take for granted what they have in their life. Maybe focusing only on the negatives...the problems, the stresses, the little things that may annoy or aggravate you. We might forget what we have and appreciate them.

Count your blessings. Take a moment each day and be thankful for something in your life. As you're driving in your car or sitting quietly by yourself, even while watching TV... just take a minute and be thankful.

As you see something that excites you or makes you feel good, as you smell food cooking, drive to work, come home to family, enjoying the company of friends or even your pet, your many possessions, your health and so on...be thankful!

Some people are not blessed as you and I are. Many have worse problems or live in worse conditions and/or simply do not have all that we have.

Take a break during your day...starting today...and be thankful and count your blessings...ask the universe for more of what makes you happy. Be positive and say...I like this...bring more more!

May you all enjoy your Thanksgiving. Many blessings to you all

To All The Women Who Make Our Life Meaningful

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.

A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, Auntie's, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

Unexpected Kindness

Even though the weekend isn't over, I experienced acts of kindness that was not expected. And, it made my faith in people stronger. I have to admit, sometimes people can disappoint... some just don't do what you think is the right thing or how many times have you seen others not treat other people kindly. I also believe people aren't as giving to one another as they can be at times .

It started yesterday...I know many who read this blog knew I had been very sick from Feb to May. I am now fully recovered from that ordeal, but a new problem arose a couple months ago. I have always had problems with my back and now it seems I have a bone spur in the canal at the base of my spine. It must be removed to stop any nerve damage and of course eliminate the pain I am in. My surgery is scheduled for Oct 15th.

Yesterday I had to go to the hospital for my pre-admission testing. One test listed turned out not to be covered under my insurance, but for whatever reason, my doctor ordered it. The nurse explained the cost and that I would have to pay prior to getting the test. Since it was unexpected to me, I told her to leave that test out and I would discuss it with my doctor. She agreed and I proceeded to get all the tests done, but then I realized the test not covered was completed. I looked at her and she knew what I was about to ask and just smiled...she said not to worry, it was done in such a way that I wouldn't be charged. um, are you sure? She said I'm sure. Wow...I actually got something I wasn't expecting for no cost. She was kind and understanding of my situation. I left the hospital with a smile...

My day continued...I had a lot of errands to run and one thing on my 'to do list' was to get my brake light fixed on my car. I had intended to take it to one place, drove past it without thinking and just decided I'd take the car to my local gas station repair shop. I explained what I needed and the man said he'd fix the light right then. Ok...so I stood there as he fixed my light. I asked what the charge would be and he said with a smile...no charge. What? Again, someone did something at no cost?! What's going on I thought...since when do you get something for free? I realize that man was a smart business man for now I will bring my car back to his station for my oil changes etc, but he really didn't have to give me a free repair. I left the gas station with a smile.

Last night I went to meet some friends. Well, one friend I've known for about 45 yrs and the others were people I had recently met. As we mingled and enjoyed listening to the band, I guess word got out about my upcoming surgery. I had people sincerely offer their help if I needed any. I heard offers that one would go to the food store, one offered their time as in keeping me company and one person even took my cell phone number,so they could check up on me and make sure I wouldn't need anything. I was blown away by the kindness these new friends expressed. It was very heart warming. I was told that no one should be or feel alone, so they are there if I ever need them. That was such a nice thing to hear.The kisses and hugs and well wishes were so uplifting. I must have been glowing...

Yesterday was a good day indeed...I gained much...encouragement, confidence, faith, felt kindness and love and the inspiration to continue to pay it forward...

For The Girls in My Circle

I have found while I have been sick, my friends have really been here for me. I never thought they wouldn't be, but honestly, the support...the caring...the way they haven't forgotten me as I am home and not able to see them, has been more than I ever expected. It is a wonderful feeling to be cared about and they are and have really helped me get through this episode.

They even got together and presented me with the most perfect gift. It was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes.

I have been out of work going on two months, so my friends came up with a way to help. Their generosity, thoughtfullness and caring ways will buy groceries or other items needed for the rest of the month. Just overwhelming and I am so Thankful...

So For The Girls In My Circle (including my Internet Friends)...this is for you...

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.

Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
Another , "Let's fight together,"
Another , "Let's walk away together."

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ..
Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
But for many, it's wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
Maybe some days your Internet Friends
And on some days, your daughters.

So whether you've been my friend for 20 minutes or 20 years,
God has placed you in my life to make a difference...AND YOU HAVE !

Having a Bad Day? Your Friends Will Pull You Thru

Have you ever had one of the days...the kind you just seem out of sorts. You wake up with worry on your mind, you ran late for work and along the way, get stuck in traffic. You finally arrive at work to find the phone already ringing, you spill your tea (or coffee) Then to top it off, your hormones take over and you feel bloated to the hilt...geez... it seems the whole day will be off kilter.

I so had one of those days on Monday. The mood was gloomy and I was quiet. Since I wasn't my usual chatty, smiley self, everyone in the office noticed and asked "what's wrong?" I have to admit, it felt good to have many people asking if everything was okay, but...the more I tried pushing the nagging negative thoughts away and switch gears, someone would ask and I'd take a step backwards.

BUT, it all changed when I arrived home to find a message from Marzie.


I simple message only saying she had something for me. Considering the day I had, I didn't know what to expect.
Well, let me tell you... when I saw how she thought of me, it brought my hormonal self into a misty eyed, smiley person once again. That's it...not the people at work asking what's wrong... a simple award for being nice.

An Internet friend, someone I haven't physically met. I just mentioned the power of Internet friends in my prior post.

Just when you lest expect something good, it shows up. Marzie, this couldn't have come at a better time and I thank you so much.
I wasn't able to show my appreciation on this blog on Monday because a more pressing post needed to be published. I figured I'd wait until Tuesday night to express my gratitude to Marzie and give out my own awards.

Come Tuesday, I received another surprise. My dear Zubli presented the same award to me. Lo and behold, an Internet friend who has been with me since day one. Someone I ran to first when I received sad news. I knew his empowering attitude would help me through the night. His words and support did help.

All that comes to mind at this very moment is: My Cup Runnth Over !

According to the originator of the Nice Matters award it is intended for

“those that are just nice people, good blog friends, and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others, that are there to lend support, or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world!”

I'd like to pass on awards to the following people:


A worn out women's journey


angie's organic reviews


Looking Beyond the Cracked Window


make money with Kassper


Jeanine's Bits and Pieces


Personal Development


Life to Success


Journey with Water Learner


Virtual Entrepreneur


Cell tech Hub

Thank you all for touching me with your friendship, your kindness, support, help, visits and for being the people you are. You make this world a better place.