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Today is Wednesday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational word of the day.
Desire: (verb) to wish or long for. (noun) a longing or craving for something that brings satisfaction.
click here for the full definition from dictionary.com
This word serves double duty as a verb and noun. I think that gives it twice as much power. 
As a child, I was taught that children are to be seen and not heard. So when it came to expressing my wants and desires, I got really good at dismissing them. I felt I was being “greedy” or “naughty” if I asked for something.
Fast forward 30 plus years, and I started asking myself “What do I really want?” “What is it that my heart and soul really desire?”
At first, I couldn’t think of anything. “You’ve got everything, already. Why can’t you just be happy with what you’ve got?“ Aaarrrgghhhh! But I kept asking, because I really, really wanted to know what I’m supposed to be doing with all of this energy.
Then, the small, quiet voice of my desire decided to finally speak up and say
“I want to help save the world“.
Finally, we’re getting somewhere! My desire had been pummeled but not broken!
So I ask myself “How do you want to do that?”
“By using art, music, laughter and friendships too!”
Now I could hear the desire getting bigger, louder and more excited because she was finally being listened to and nurtured!
So I started making burlap wall-hangings while listening to the Concert for George Harrison.
(This concert was held a year to the day after George’s death. Eric Clapton and George’s wife and son brought together all of his friends and put on a concert to share their love of George with the world. If George could have heaven on Earth, this is what it would look like. Actually, that is EXACTLY what it was.)
Day after day, I ask myself what I want, not just what I can get. My desire has grown stronger everyday and continues to push me along, guiding me toward fulfilling my true purpose.
I’ve discovered that saving the world may be a daunting task to look at all at once, but if I break it down to focusing on myself, listening to my desire, giving myself what I need and then enjoying it, I have saved myself. And that’s a start in the right direction. The world needs me to be happy. By sharing that happiness with as many people as I can, I CAN save the world, one person at a time.
So that is why I write bit, sing out loud, skip in parking lots, throw parties, make art as well as put together Art classes, bang my head, and volunteer putting together community events like the Beets, Beats & Eats farmers market, CreekFest and Christmas in the Village. I also support the Department of Peace and the Peace Alliance. You can find more information about this at thepeacealliance.org.
My desire is happier now because I have started listening to her voice. Desire doesn’t sit in a corner, waiting to be noticed. Like a cat rubbing around my legs, desire gets noticed, dammit!!!
Have you asked yourself what you desire, lately?
Listen to John Mayer’s Love Song for no one. His desire is inspiring. “Never underestimate the power of ‘I’d like that’”. That is what desire feels like!!!
Have a great week!!!
Pam
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Posted 10 months ago at 8:25 am. Add a comment
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week.
Gone at last by Paul Simon Actually this is video of Jessy Dixon and Yolanda Adams singing at the Library of Congress Gershwin prize for Popular song Gala for Paul Simon. He has been an incredible influence on music for a very long time. His inspiration has touched millions of people, and I’m sure he will continue to make music and inspiration for many years to come!
So turn it on, crank it up and feel the music wash away the dust from your soul!!
Have a fabulous week!
Pam
The night was black, the roads were icy
Snow was fallin’, drifts were high
And I was weary, from my driving
And I stopped to rest for a while
I sat down at a truck stop
I was thinking about my past
I’ve had a long streak of bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
Gone, gone at last, gone at last
Gone at last, gone at last
I had a long streak of that bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
00, oo, oo, oo, oo
I ain’t dumb
I kicked around some
I don’t fall too easily
But that boy looked so dejected
He just grabbed my sympathy
Sweet little soul now, what’s your problem?
Tell me why you’re so downcast
I’ve had a long streak of bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
Gone, gone at last, gone at last
Gone at last, gone at last
I had a long streak of that bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
00, oo, oo, oo, oo
Once in a while from out of nowhere
When you don’t expect it, and you’re unprepared
Somebody gonna come and lift you higher
And your burdens will be shared
Yes I do believe, if I hadn’t met you
I might still be sinking fast
I’ve had a long streak of bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
Gone, gone, gone at last
Gone at last, gone at last
I had a long streak of that bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
Gone, gone, gone gone gone gone
Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
I had a long streak of that bad luck
But I pray it’s gone at last
[ Paul Simon Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
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Posted 10 months ago at 8:38 am. Add a comment
Today is Wednesday, which means it’s time for the Wednesday Inspirational Word of the day.
Resilience: (noun)
1. the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed or stretched; elasticity.
2. the ability to recovery readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy.
Thanks to dictionary.com for the definition.
Stress happens
Life can get crazy sometimes. Honestly, there is nothing you can do to stop that.
When I was home-schooling my son, I used SpongeBob to describe resilience. Like when you squeeze a sponge and it bounces back, SpongeBob is a very resilient character. Even when Squidward is mean to him or Mr. Crab yells at him, SpongeBob always bounces back. Yes, he’s annoying sometimes, but he’s always true to himself. His resilience is his best virtue.
Here are 6 ways to be more resilient
- Develop strong relationships with family and friends who will be able to support you in a time of crisis. Like the crew on your ship, you’ll be stronger with your support system.
- View problems as surmountable. You may not be able to change the things that happen to you, but you can change the way you think about them and react to them.
- Make decisions and take actions, even small ones, instead of just hoping problems will go away.
- Do at least one small thing every day that helps you move toward your goals.
- Take care of yourself with a healthy diet and regular exercise. One of the best ways you can show your family you love them is by taking care of yourself.
- Write in a personal journal or find another healthy outlet to explore your feelings.
(thanks to the University of Minnesota Extension Service for the above list)
Have a fantastic week!
Pam
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Posted 10 months, 1 week ago at 3:30 pm. Add a comment
The sliding window above has prayer flags in it. Some of my most favorite things in the whole world are Tibetan prayer flags. They are not only beautiful, but also auspicious symbols said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the vicinity. I have some available for purchase. If you are interested , please contact me at pambelding@gmail.com .
The Tiger, who symbolizes unconditional confidence, a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment through disciplined awareness, kindness and modesty. Measures 18″ x 18″($10 plus shipping)
The Snow Lion symbolizes beauty and dignity, the body and mind in synchronicity with a youthful vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight. Measures 18″ x 18″($10 plus shipping)
The Turquoise Dragon symbolizes complete communication and compassion. To display a Turquoise Dragon is said to enhance ones fame and reputation. Measures 28″ x 13″ ($10 plus shipping)
The Sky Dragon is energetic, powerful and unwavering, yet gentle and playful. It represents generosity, spontaneous achievement, elegance and equanimity. Measures 18″ x 18″ ($10 plus shipping)
The Garuda is daring and fearless, possessing great strength and power and a mind free from hopes and dreams. Measures 18″ x 18″ ($10 plus shipping)
This set of 4 contains the Garuda, Sky Dragon, Snow Lion and Tiger. Measures 24″ x 24″ ($14 plus shipping)
The Kharmapa Dream flag symbolizes the union of wisdom and compassion - the ultimate realization of one’s true nature. Measures 24″ x 14″ ($18 plus shipping)
I would love to spread these beautiful symbols all over the world. Please contact me at pambelding@gmail.com to order them.
Have a fantastic day,
Pam
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Posted 10 months, 1 week ago at 2:16 pm. Add a comment
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week.
Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks
This past week, my family and I entertained my parents, who came here to visit from California. Although my parents raised me, let’s just say we have a VERY different way of viewing the world. As junior high school teachers (retired) my folks have a knack for pointing out everything they perceive to be wrong, or incorrect. That is just the way they are.
Thanks to Colleen Wainwright, aka The Communicatrix for posting this wonderful piece of wisdom on FaceBook last week “Replacing judgment with mercy really does make you feel better”.
Colleen’s quote helped me to focus my energy on being as kind as possible, not taking the accidental insults personally, and maintaining a positive attitude through-out their stay.
This week I wish you determination, grace and peace.
Pam
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Posted 10 months, 1 week ago at 2:40 pm. Add a comment
Today is Wednesday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational word of the day.
Promote: (verb) to help or encourage to exist or flourish; to further
(Thanks to Dictionary.com for the full definition here)
This past Monday I hosted my first meeting as the Ortonville DDA (Downtown Development Authority) Promotions Chairperson. This is a volunteer position. I have been on the committee for years, but when I came back from Brasil, the leadership position opened up and I was asked to fill the spot. I was honored to say yes.
Our main goals are listed below:
1) To encourage our community through the events we organize and the people involved in them.
2) To recognize the good and speak well of it to others.
3) To cooperate and provide advancement to our community and its citizens.
“Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” James M. Barrie
What are you promoting?
Pam
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Posted 10 months, 2 weeks ago at 12:07 am. Add a comment
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week!
This week it’s John Mayer singing “My Sweet Lord”, a George Harrison song.
As John say’s at the beginning, “It’s really such a beautiful song, it really doesn’t matter what you believe. It’s still beautiful.”
Not only being inspired, but doing something about it!!!!!
That IS beautiful and inspiring.
Have a Fantastic week and don’t forget to Be Excellent to each other. 
Pam
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Posted 10 months, 2 weeks ago at 1:38 pm. Add a comment
Then
After I pressed *publish* this morning on alacrity, the website version was much different than the dashboard version.
“Crap” I thought to myself. “Well, there goes my alacrity!”
So, I attempted to fix it. However, when that didn’t happen within a couple of minutes, I decided to go take my walk and figure things out along the way.
So now what
I walk every day I possibly can. I use it as my time to reorganize my thoughts. Sometimes I wear music in my ears, like the time Steven Tyler and Aerosmith changed my life. Sometimes I go without music and just allow my conscious brain to go free, skipping along from one subject to another without judgment. That has lead to the boat , an epiphany, and the very idea of putting together this blog.
As I took my walk this morning, I was trying to think of how to explain to you, my friendly blog reader, that this blog and I are still in development.
Development: (noun) the act or process of developing; growth; progress
As a 40 year old, wife, mother, artist, volunteer, my days fill up very quickly. There is always laundry to fold, dishes to wash, dinner to cook. My hands, eyes and mind are often busy taking care of others.
It has only been in the last few years that I have started focusing my attention on developing my life. I started by taking daily walks and then making my projects. These both have allowed me to focus my abundant energy upon something beautiful and ultimately inspiring.
When I turned 40 this year, I gave myself permission to write down ANYTHING I wanted. Years of self-doubt and fear melted when I finally picked up a notebook and committed to write in it every single day.
About the same time, I started reading Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness project blog
(side-note: when I went to her site today, the post she had written was right in line with what I am posting about right now…….a sure sign that I am on the right track :)…….yeah baby!!!!!)
Reading her blog lead me to the Style Statement by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte. I downloaded it onto my Kindle and read it over the course of a weekend.
(side-note: although the content of the book was magnificent, I really missed the color, glossy of a real book. Just sayin’ )
That book lead to the discovery of my style……… Current Inspiration.
I continue reading blogs, and writing in my notebook everyday.
My daily walks have become a positive addiction.
My art, although not a daily practice, is still something I work on at least once a week. I also show my projects at our local farmers market and teach art classes to kids in the neighborhood, as well as my lady friends.
To sum up…….
I am not done putting this blog together.
There are still many things that need to be added and tweaked. I will continue to focus on developing it, and will be happy to “launch” it within the next few months.
I hope you understand and will forgive the technical glitches, because over-all, I think burlapnbeads.com / Current Inspiration is coming along nicely.
I hope that you will use it as a place to go when you need to see something good and helpful; a place to find respite from the anger, cynacism and frustration of “reality”.
If you have anything you would like to offer, please feel free to leave a comment and any suggestions for other beautiful, helpful, inspiring stuff.
I truly enjoy this wonderful opportunity to share my stories and development with you.
I appreciate knowing that eventually, someone, somewhere will be helped by something I’ve made, whether with words, or burlap and beads.
As for the previous post about Alacrity, I think I’ll leave it just the way it is. Obviously, it inspired me to write this post, so it has done it’s job!
What do you think? Did it inspire you? Do you believe in inspiration?
I wish you all peace, grace and luck.
Pam
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Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago at 11:30 am. Add a comment
Today is Wednesday, which means it’s time for the Wednesday word of the day.
Our word today is:
Alacrity (noun): cheerful willingness, liveliness.
Thanks to dictionary.com for the full definition here
Yesterday was the first day of school, so my son jumped out of bed with ALACRITY.
Whether or not he continues to do so doesn’t matter. He inspired me to think of this word of the day. I am so proud of him!
What do you think? Do you recognize ALACRITY in your life? Have you even heard of the word before?
Let me know. I promise to respond to your comments with ALACRITY!!!
Have a fabulous week!
Pam
P.S. Go check out Seth Godin’s blog and read what he has to say about positive thinking. The man is a FREAKING GENIUS! xoxoxoxox
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Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago at 7:41 am. Add a comment
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week!
There are so many reasons I think this song is inspirational, the first of which is the INCREDIBLE rhythm of Jimmy Page’s guitar work……
Click the link here to listen to Bron Y’ar Stomp on Youtube
Here are the words, provided by songlyrics.com
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Ah caught you smiling at me,
That’s the way it should be,
Like a leaf is to a tree, so fine.
Ah all the good times we had,
I sang love songs so glad
Always smiling, never sad, so fine.
*As we walk down the country lanes,
I’ll be singing a song,
Hear me calling your name.
Hear the wind within the trees,
Telling Mother Nature ’bout you and me.
Well if the sunshines so bright,
Or on our way it’s darkest night
The road we choose is always right, so fine.
Ah can your love be so strong
When so many loves go wrong
Will our love go on and on and on and on and on and on?
* Chorus
My, my la de la come on now it ain’t too far,
Tell your friends all around the world,
Ain’t no companion like a blue eyed merle.
Come on now well let me tell you,
What you’re missing, missing, ’round them brick walls.
So of one thing I am sure,
It’s a friendship so pure,
Angels singing all around
My door so fine.
Yeah, ain’t but one thing to do
Spend my nat’ral life with you,
You’re the finest daughter I knew, so fine.
When you’re old and your eyes are dim,
There ain’t no old Shep gonna happen again,
We’ll still go walking down country lanes,
I’ll sing the same old songs,
Hear me call your name.
I have found it inspirational to think of love being like “leaves to a tree”, but in reality, that is a very good description of what love does.
And how about the part that says “The road we choose is always right, so fine” It’s a wonderful reminder that making a commitment to yourself is always a great idea. Good stuff!
And how about the part “So of one thing I am sure, it’s a friendship so pure, angels singing all around my door so fine.” Can you even imagine having so much happiness in your life that angels are singing all around your door? Go ahead and try……….see…………………… that’s what inspiration feels like
My family and I are having a very nice, relaxing Labor day weekend. I hope you and your family are as well.
xoxo Pam
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Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago at 1:05 pm. Add a comment
