Can Dreams Really Come True?

As little girls we grow up on fairy tales with all kinds of happy endings.  The glass slipper fits.  The wicked witch perishes.  They live happily ever after.  And so on.

Then life takes hold and we realize fairy tales are just that, and we surrender to the idea that life isn't fair.  You've got to take the good with the bad.  The grass is always greener, etc.

How is it that in the span of just a few decades, our attitudes could swing so far from one extreme to the other? Who says that dreams can't come true?  Maybe we're just looking at it all wrong.

When I started this blog a year and a half ago, I didn't really have much of a purpose in mind.  I wasn't sure what I would write about, or even who would be interested in reading it.  I started this blog for one simple reason -- I have always wanted to write -- and somewhere in the depths of my mind I thought that maybe, just maybe, if I could get myself into the habit of writing -- a writer would be born.  Maybe through this exercise of writing I would find myself -- or perhaps somewhere along the way, I'd be "discovered."

Well -- after 18 months, it is no surprise that I have not been discovered.  Most people have no idea what motivates my missives -- and I can't tell you the kinds of questions I've fielded about my blogging (some of which have been downright rude).

"Why would you waste your time doing this?"

"What if no one is reading?"
And my all time favorite...
"No offense but with all the great writers out there, why would anyone be interested in what you have to write?"

Ouch.  That one packs an extra punch. 

The list of questions goes on -- and in all honesty, they're all extremely valid. I mean really, why in the world would anyone give a hoot about what this 40-something mother from Po-Dunk, PA has to say about anything?    

Your guess is as good as mine.  But you know something? Somewhere out there in this crazy world, there are in fact, people who are interested.  As a matter of fact, I just looked at the Google Analytics for 'Round the Kitchen Table and was astounded to learn that since its inception, more than 2,400 different people, from 53 countries (including visitors from every single one of the United States of America) have read more than 7400 pages of my blog entries!   

I am humbled.

When I started this journey, I may have had some different dreams about what might transpire from this little blog -- but I can't say that I'm disappointed.  Though I am not a writer by conventional standards, I know there are people who look forward to my musings, and miss me when I go on hiatus.

I'm still finding my way, and trying to figure out where this blog could take me, but one thing I know for sure -- this girl's pendulum of positive thinking is swinging in the direction of believing that in their own  unique ways, dreams absolutely can come true.

For those of you who have visited my blog before, or subscribed, or referred a friend, or commented -- I send a heartfelt thank you for helping to keep this girl's dream alive. 

Good Fortune

"The best inheritance you can leave your kids is an example of how to live a meaningful life." ~Dan Zadra

I saw this quote today and it really struck me.  I am rich beyond words because of the example my parents have set for me.

I only hope I can do the same for my children.

Oh So Easy

It was 8:30 p.m., and I stopped at the grocery store to pick up dog food.  When the cupboard runs dry for us, we can usually manage for a day or two on some meals made of random stuff, but for my two furry friends, it's a different story.   Dogs cannot live on love alone.

Anyhow, there I was, still dressed for work in my black pants and pumps, wrestling with two twenty pound bags of chow.  I hadn't bothered to get a cart because I knew I only needed this one thing, but then the sale on the  food was so good, I figured I should stock up.  As I approached my car -- hugging the bags of dog food, purse slung over my shoulder, keys in my hand -- I realized I needed to find the car door opener to be able to pop the trunk.  I nearly twisted an ankle trying to keep my own balance as I propped one foot up on the bumper of my car to balance the bags, while I fumbled to find the opener on the key ring.  I must have been quite a sight.  

Just as I was going to try to put my foot down to open the trunk hatch, a very kind woman came over and asked if she could help me.  All she did was open the hatch so that I could throw the food in the car -- but that very small and simple random act of kindness made my night.  It was the simplest thing, and I know most of us would have thought to do the same...but would we have done it?

On my way home I knew I was going to share it with you...and I think for the next couple weeks I'm really going to be on the lookout for those small acts that help to restore faith in humanity.  I'm already trying to practice them --- but I want to be sure to recognize when I see others doing it as well. 

At at time when we hear so much sadness and terror in the world, maybe we can start our own little revolution right here, 'round the kitchen table.  Will you help me?  What have you done today?  What small act of kindness made you smile?


We only get one go at life -- let's make it a good one.

She's Still At It

It was several months ago that I introduced you to one of my blogging friends -- Tabitha, at www.ichoosebliss.net.  Tabitha is a very special woman who really makes a habit of paying it forward. She spends so much of her time and energy, spreading good will and making people smile. 

Well, it's been a while since I visited Tabitha's blog -- mainly because it's been a while since I've visited anybody's blog -- including my own!!   But just recently I made the decision that I needed to start making better use of my "me" time.   I have a knack for taking an hour for myself...but then wasting that hour doing something senseless like playing a game, or looking at pictures on Facebook.  The result is feeling that I've indulged myself -- with no real reward.   Needless to say, I'm trying to get back to my blogging...and revisiting old friends like Tabitha.  In doing so, I'm once again getting inspired about life.

When I visited Tabitha's website, I received not one, but two specials blessings.  You see, I happened by on Day 1 of her "Pledge of Peace" -- which is quite simply Tabitha's 30-day promise to treat herself with the same kindness she treats others. What a wonderful reminder that is -- to love and accept ourselves as we are so that we can truly love another. 

The second blessing was in getting to see Tabitha at work on her family's mission -- A Five Oh 4 Uplifting.  Here she was, featured on her local news, for the good work that she is doing to spread joy to children who are hospitalized or sick.  As I watched this news clip, I felt a momentary pang of guilt.  Tabitha is still at it -- hard at work to make a difference in this world -- and I haven't even taken time to visit.  Shame on me.

But then, as quick as that guilt set in, I remembered her Pledge...and I decided instead of feeling guilt, I would forgive myself...and focus instead on the positive.

Every day is a new day.  Every day holds the opportunity to make a difference...for yourself and for others.  How will you spend your time today?  Will you join me in making a Pledge for whatever bit of peace you need?  Maybe it is patience?  Maybe it is to a promise to use your time more wisely?  Maybe it is forgiveness?

Whatever it is...be good to yourself today.