What you can learn from Judy Garland

I have been watching a documentary about Judy Garland and the gal just fascinates me. They say she was such a genius because she could look deep within herself and find the truth of how she really felt. The darkness, joy and sadness didn't scare her. She found a way to express her emotions through her dream.

My friends, you have a talent that is yours alone. No one else can see the world like you do. Along with that, no one else can feel the emotions that life brings like you do. To be the best at your chosen field you have to be willing to feel the emotions that life brings and then express them. Express your joy, your pain and even your humor.

I'm rooting you on as you chase your dream!

You gotta fight for your dream

Today I learned a valuable lesson-put your money where your mouth is.
Every week I write a post to inspire you and myself as well. The business of chasing dreams can get draining from time to time. Each Wednesday that rolls around I tell you to never give up. Push through the exhaustion and hard times.

Well, yesterday I had the worst day. I am taking Intermediate Algebra and I am banging my head against the wall to get a 70%. The deadline to withdrawal from the class was yesterday and I seriously considered dropping the class.

And then I thought of you, yes you. My dear friends who inspire me every day. All of you are talented in so many ways and you fight for your dream. I can't give up on Algebra. I am going to stay in the class and slug it out. And I am going to do so because of you.

Thank you for inspiring me, for reading our blog and for being so incredible.

How to deal with road blocks when chasing your dream

It's no secret I adore sports, especially in the summer. This year we have Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the Olympics Games. I just read a quote from LoLo Jones, the track and field star, in US Magazine, "I use the downs to propel me for the ups. Hurdles aren't road blocks to me, they're opportunities."
At first I scoffed when reading this quote because sometimes the road blocks to our dream can be quite disheartening. However, they are beneficial. They strengthen your resolve.

Let's face it, our talent is something that will ebb and flow. One day you will be on top and the next you could be sinking. These plateaus are vital while chasing our dream because they remind us why we want our dream. We can't treat the rejections as anything more than an opportunity.

You're gonna go places my friends. Never forget your dream is gonna help people.

ACK! I FORGOT IT WAS FRIDAY! Plus: A Cool Irish Painting.

Oh. My. Heart. I totally thought today was Thursday. Even though I went to my writer's group yesterday, which only happens on the first Thursday. Even though I had my first Thursday lunch with a dear friend. Even though my huzz gets home from Canada/Boston/Vermont today which is a Friday.


Now see? This is what happens when we are over-scheduled. Or as Russo would say, Frazzled. In the best of times I can schedule two things at the same time, and never shall the conflict meet in my brain. Until I'm at one event and someone from the other event calls me and says, "Um. Are you coming?" And then I have chocolardiac arrest (because I am always eating chocolate) and wish I could splinch myself and be in two places at once.


Ah well. *sigh* Nothing for it except to apologize. And hurry up and write a blog post. And eat chocolate. 


WAIT! Also, here's a cool thing for you to look at--because when we are frazzled we need moments of peace, and this painting totally provides that. It's lovely. This was officially voted Ireland's favorite painting. It's by Frederic William Burton and is called "Meeting On The Turret Stairs." And I borrowed it from the PJ Lynch website which I hope is okay because I'm not claiming it's mine. (Mr. Lynch is an amazing illustrator and artist. You should go look at his work here.)

Gorgeous. *sigh* Now go read some summer romance.

And eat chocolate.

Bye!

What to do when you're frazzled

Let's be honest, this week I have been frazzled like no other. I am facing one of my biggest fears in life-college algebra. As a result, I have had to take 3 tests this week. On top of that, I am sick as a dog with a cold. What do you do when stresses piles up on you? Follow John McEnroe's advice-"Shrug it off."

Granted I would rather take Mr. McEnroe's other path to dealing with stress, stomp around and cuss but we don't always get what we want. No, we must deal with the stress and then shrug it off.

Stress is nothing when chasing your dream. Shrug off the stress, my friends.

PS-If you wanna smile, here's a famous McEnroe moment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekQ_Ja02gTY