Good Morning and welcome to my Six Sentences for Sunday.

With a backdrop of the Vatican and Venice in 1503, murder and intrigue are afoot.  This is the opening scene with the hero and Pope Pius III, who was elected following the death of Alexander VI or Roderic Borgia.

The stench of death filled Marcello Di Amante’s nostrils, his stomach turning over in protest.  The candle light flickered through the gallery storeroom, dimly illuminating the fresh corpse.  He glanced up at his companion and could smell fear.

“My friend, believe me when I tell you this is not what I brought you here to see.”  The Pope swept his arms across the area, indicating the priest’s splayed body.  “I do not know what evil dares to lurk in this holiest of places.”

Masquerade is in the final editing stages, I am planning to release it in September.  I love comments, so please don’t be shy.

You can find all the entries at the Six Sentence Sunday blog.

Blessed be,

Ella

This weekend I fell in a hole as my Darling Husband would say, I spent the weekend slightly out of touch with everything. It was an odd and kind of relaxing weekend. I didn’t accomplish much of anything, except maybe to stay kind of cool and unfocused. It felt unplugged.

Today I am grateful for Anne our Fairy Godmother. She was over briefly this weekend and we had a long chat, and a soak in the pool. When I think of Anne I think of somebody who flutters through and sprinkles a bit of glitter and happiness and is gone for a day or so and then she comes back through again. A couple of years ago she took us berry picking and showed us the right way to pick berries and then we bottled jam. I learned how to make jam and Anne got to do her canning in our air conditioned Kitchen, but of course it was more than that. We shared, we shared time, and we shared stories, and from that we created memories. The Pixies were so excited about the picking and the jam making. A friend of mine is constantly getting jam from a neighbour but can’t eat it so I end up with it; When a bottle was pulled out the pantry there was gasp with, “Remember when we made the jam?”

Today I am grateful for celebrating milestones. It was my in-laws’ 40th wedding anniversay today. I hope that like them we can survive all the turbulance that life can throw at you over the course of a marriage. I have decided that if you keep your resolve and remember why you started down that shared path, it is an obtainable goal. Please feel to check back in thirty years to see how I am doing.

Today I am thankful for the rain. We have had such a scorching summer that the rain was more than necessary. it looked bleak and hazy, and then the heavens opened up. The rain has been coming down in torents lately but if you blink you will miss it; you will, however, be soaked to the bone.

Today I am greatful the quiet time to cherish memories. Sitting outside and reading while the Pixies splashed in the pool, I was being stalked by a familiar who was long passed. The golden gaze, the annoyance that I was not doing the needful NOW; even as I watched her flick an ear and then clean a paw, it was erie. There were always animals in our family home, but Neffi was my familiar, and when it was time for her to go gently it was one of the most difficult things I had to do. My uncle, who was my rock while I helped my mother in her last days, offered to take care of her for me, but it was something I needed to do. We do not have familiars in the house and that suits me just fine, for me there can be only one.

Today I am thankful for the wheel that spins endlessly. As crazy as it sounds, I am looking forward to the week starting anew and the chance to slip in to my corporate facsimile and not worry if I am meeting my true potential as a writer, a mother, or even as a person. Be it sloth or fear, hiding in plain sight does have its own advantages.

I am grateful to have this day and this week to share and grow, and this weekend to shrink away from it all. With a clean slate and a new week I am going to get started on appreciating my life, and all of those who touch it.

Blessed be,

Ella

With the week drawing to a close and the opportunity to gain a bit of a break from the the crowded, demanding life outside of my home, I am looking forward to doing the  things that I usually want done but haven’t taken the time to do.  I am preparing my lists, I love to cross things off a list, so that I can schedule my time and budget the finances.  I am thinking of Christmas and birthdays; October, November and especially December are busy months for us, with the Pixies’ birthdays I also have to plan 2 parties.  It is a good thing I love a good get together.

Today I am thankful for my pay cheque.  There is an expression – Do what you love and the money will follow.  It may not be much money following me, but it is enough to cover my expenses and I can honestly say I spend my days resolving peoples issues.  I may not be saving the world, but I am making a difference in somebody’s day.

Today I am thankful for Pixie 1.0.  She was able to make lunch for both her and I; who doesn’t love PB&J?  With each passing day I am reminded that she is growing into an independent and productive person.  My father in law always says that we are not raising children, we are raising adults, they’re just at the childhood part of the game plan.   Oh but they are getting there so quickly.

Today I am grateful for Pixie 2.0.  While she has had a few breakdowns today, I am sure it is just the sleeping patterns and the nightmares; overall she was pretty low maintenance.  Her newest habit is to go through the bin where the bathing suits are kept so she can find the top to a bikini.  It took me a day or so to realize that she has decided she needs to wear a bra.

Today I am grateful for the quiet of a good movie.  Summer vacation brings some joys of sisterhood that we rarely see when they are in school – and apart for most of the day.  When they agree on a movie, after wearing themselves out, it is truly magical.

Today I am thankful for the end of the day.  It might not be poetic, but it is honest.  Bedtime with the Pixies was trying, they stayed up a bit later, but were very overtired and it showed.  I hope that they sleep late tomorrow.

Today has finally drawn to a close and with the business of the day I am truly worn out and can’t wait to crawl in next to my hero.  Even when he is asleep, when I get into bed he reaches out to touch me.  In the summer months, when it is too hot to be comfortable, I usually fall asleep with the soles of our feet touching, an odd comfort.  I guess that is another thing I am grateful for.

Blessed be,

Ella

Today was a day that did not start out like every other one this week.  Today I woke to find the Pixies quietly watching a movie, and it struck me how quickly things are changing around me.  Have I stayed exactly the same as every other day?  It is my wish that I grow a little each and every day;  a little wiser, a little softer, a little slimmer – have to toss that one into the mix.  The only constant in my life is change, and I am learning to embrace it.

Today I am grateful for peaceful mornings.  During the school year mornings are always rushed and it seems there is always a crisis.  I think Pixie is Fey for Diva; this morning I wondered who the children in my living room were, surely this was some evil plot to lure me into complacency.   And while it might have been some kind of sinister plan – today I will grab it with both hands and be thankful for the peace.

Today I am thankful driving meditations.  While I drive into work I am usually listening to the radio, I listen to classical to keep me calm through the orange pylon forest that has crept up over the last three months.  Today I was unable to bring in any station clearly, so I had the radio off and no music at all.  The rhythmic sound of the wheels turning, and wind twisting through the open windows, was a nice backdrop to the story that I was spinning in my head.  I truly enjoy being able to focus on just the two things, my speed and my story.   As an interesting aside, I noticed that on every single road I was on, had at least one construction crew on it.  I wonder if the pylon’s are unionized.

Today I am thankful for my customers.  Corporate escalations has the possibility of being legions of angry people trying to push their way through the front line and into the deep pockets of corporate America.  For me, the situations in which the customer finds themselves embroiled in a bitter pushing match, will only serve one purpose; to alienate the customer, who is the only one who can spend their money.  Today felt like Christmas, I was able to take situations that had people frustrated to the point of yelling and with very little effort, having them thank me for calling.  The sense of immediate gratification that I get from those contacts in particular, make the entire job worth doing.

Today I am thankful for my Darling Husband.  I came home to find the Pixies bathed and ready for bed, and my dinner waiting for me on my table.  After a long day, as rewarding as it was, I just needed the warmth and comfort of his embrace.  He has already turned in for the night and won’t be home when I wake up in the morning so the few stolen moments will have to last.  Thank goodness for the weekend when we can spend some time relaxing and talking, together.

Today I am grateful for full days.  Today was a day filled with upset customers, and completely messed up situations.  Today I did not have the time to think about any of common worries I carry around in my head.  I didn’t have time to think of the Pixies’ doctors visit, or the upcoming mortgage payment.  Today I talked to over 30 customers, I resolved 7 cases, and pared down a bit of email.  Today was full, with every moment used, not wasted with idleness.  When I fall into bed tonight I will fall asleep knowing I couldn’t have squeezed in another thing.

With each day that passes on these pages, small changes are are occurring throughout my world.  The changes are not big and loud and boastful.  The way to make changes in the world, is to change.  I am not sure who originally said it but, words to live by – change your mind to change your life.  Are you changing, growing, developing?

I thankful for the changes in my life.

Blessed be,

Ella

Today has been long, in a week with with many ups and downs.  The waves rolling out softly, deceptively lulling you into a calm before they come crashing back over over the top, threatening to crush you under their weight.  It is at times hard to remember the purpose you started with.  In trying times, gratitude is the piece that is missing, the thing that will show you the way.

Today I am grateful for my mother-in-law.  As a full time Pixie tamer during the summer months, she has the joy of refereeing the Diva Duels, planning the athletic events and of course high tea for the Pixie Princesses. Never an easy task and she handles all of that and more, just to make my life easier.

Today I am grateful for my father-in-law.  It isn’t only an army that runs on its’ stomach, so does our household, and the galley is always in ship shape.  Because of the erratic hours I have to keep I am not around for mealtimes. I don’t have to worry about any of the things from home interfering with the work-a-day life and I am free to leave the work-a-day life at the office at the end of the day.

Today I am thankful for my Pixie 2.0.  She had a restful night finally, even if it was in our bed.  If  she’s ain’t sleepin’, ain’t nobody sleepin’.  I could almost see the monster at her heels, as she came running to me, tears streaming down her tiny face.  Once she was settled and I wriggled into my cozy spot, the night was silent, and we all woke up bright eyed.

Today I am thankful for the Faerie Godmother that lives next door.  She was a kindergarten teacher for years’ so she knows how to get the little darlings to do constructive things, and things that they don’t want to do, and better still things that wear them out.  She has what seems like endless energy, a non stop smile and always a kind and positive word.  She is a like a rainbow, not always there but always captivating.

Today I am thankful for my dear friend.  She is going through such a difficult time in all the area’s of her life.  Amid the chaos that is spinning out of control, she has managed to finally turn a corner.  At times I can see her on the emotional brink; I know if I reach out at that moment it will only cause her to lose the carefully controlled mask.  One thing I do know, is tomorrow when I arrive she will be there, still hanging on desperately, tenaciously.

When you feel lost and in the dark, remembering to give thanks may seem pointless.  These are the times we need to be more thankful, gratitude comes from an open heart, and when the heart is open the light inside you will reflect back upon you.  This of course, means you will have more to be thankful for and more light to see your blessings.

Take the time to count your blessings, brighten your future.

Blessed be,

Ella

I am in the midst of a social experiment, also known as my life.  I started my Gratitude Journal again because a comment tossed out in an angry moment has stayed with me for a long time.  You were a nicer person when were doing all that journal stuff.  My husband was right, I am absolutely a better person when I live with purpose and pay attention to all of the things in my day.  I don’t think I am alone in that; I firmly believe that awareness is the first part of gratitude.

Today I am thankful for waking up before the alarm.  There is something luxurious about waking up when your body is rested; slowly becoming aware of your surroundings.  A nice long cat stretch, before you even open your eyes.  Waking up to the alarm is a chore of the work-a-day world, no thank you.

Today I am thankful for a circle of friends rallying to a cause.  If many hands make work lighter, many hearts should make the soul lighter, no?  Being a loner by nature, I don’t always realize how many friends I have, there is something comforting about our pack mentality.  When significant disagreements can be set aside, because another is having a personal crisis it is telling of the strength and commitment to greater good, and each other.

Today I am grateful for a redheaded Irishman who is bold enough to state the obvious, but unspoken truths, and make the call that others, myself included, have shied away from.  There is something to be said for keeping ones distance to maintain perspective, and more to be said for sharing the perspective only when asked.

Today I am grateful for the monsoon like rains this afternoon.  It did wonders to relieve some of the pressure building up in my head, on the physical plane; emotionally it gives you an unspoken permission to be moody, broody and gloomy.  Lets not think of the full moon, that is a whole other set of emotions.

Today I am grateful for my Pixies.  When I got home this evening they both ran to give me hugs and kisses, I can think of no better balm for a weary soul than the love of children.   The fresh faces, eagerness to share the marvels of the day, and the overall unspoiled landscape of their lives is so refreshing and restorative.  Moments like tonight, where they acted on instinct rather than information reinforces my belief that they will work in fields geared to health and welfare – it is their divine purpose.

I am blessed and highly favored.

Blessed be,

Ella

Today has been an enlightening journey.  Through the course of the day I have come to appreciate some of the simple things.  The circle of life continues to spin, the trees grow, and bear fruit.  Lemons for lemonade, refreshing for a grateful heart.

Today I am grateful for the sun shining and the beautiful breeze.  It is important to appreciate the small things while idling at construction delays.  I find my classical station also does wonders for maintaining my calm.

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to make somebody else’s day better.  I have talked to several people who just needed to be heard.  The hardest thing to do sometimes, is what should be the easiest – listen and truly hear what somebody is saying.

Today I am thankful for my small Pixie, she never ceases to amaze me.  Because of the the amount of pain she is in on a day to day basis she doesn’t complain about things like splinters that have her foot raw and irritated.  She also let Daddy dig out the splinter with a needle – not a peep.

Today I am thankful for my Prima Pixie – she has become so self reliant.  They grow so fast and this morning she slept late, a blessing in and of itself, and then got her own breakfast while I got ready for work.  Sometimes I wish Pixies were like fireflies, small enough to catch and keep in a bottle; but that would crush their spirits and put the lights out forever.

Today I am grateful for all the friends that help the day run smoothly, share a laugh, and remind me why I am happy to work through the long days.  These are the parts of the workplace that cannot be defined by a job descriptions.

Blessed be,

Ella

This weekend has been interesting.  Pixies have been super busy with the crafts and toys, Daddy brought home, not to mention a trip to the beach.  Daddy has been been relaxed, and with a friend visiting briefly, life felt – dare I say it?  Normal.  Normal is good, when the course of the last seven days has taken me from fear to relief, from panic to calm, and from contentment to sorrow.  So many emotions I’m not only positive I’m alive, I am raw.

On a different note, I think I’ve finally sorted out the plot points that had me stalled.  I think the words and story should flow freely now.  A girl can hope.  I think I have my next three WIPs mostly planned, and since they are tied to the War of 1812, time is of the essence.  Not to mention I have a new idea that is starting to bubble in the cauldron of my brain, and it wants to be a paranormal so I have to see if it’s even something I can write.

I began my gratitude journal again last night.  I think it will help me to stay positive about my life, my family, my job and my writing.  I have a wonderful friend I have followed for close to twenty years now.  If you read my journal last night you will know I’m talking about Rod.  It seems that he falls back into my life when I need the pick me up of his motivation.   I usually find things he says to be timely and a call to wake up my comatose soul.

What energizes and motivates you?  I hope you will share your thoughts.

Blessed be,

Ella

Sunday July 29, 2012

In an effort to clean up my proverbial act, I think I need to go back to the things that have helped me in the past.   Each night right before I power down I will be listing 5 things I am grateful for.  I invite people to do the same either on their own blogs or in the comments on mine; good old fashioned pen and paper in journal works too.

Today I am grateful for Anne and Ma taking the pixies to the beach.  The pixies had a great time, and their batteries were run down a bit, so bedtime was an easier task.

Today I am thankful for the quiet moments.  I needed some time to reflect on my current state, to work on a post for later in the week, and get my routine back on track.  I have been working through some of the things I needed to change on the site and I cannot concentrate when the volume gets too loud.

Today I am grateful for Cindy.  She is a my closest family, and always has an ear to listen, offers feedback and motivation, and sometimes tells me to pull up my big girl panties and get on with it.  Everybody needs a Cindy.

Another person I think everybody needs in there life is Rod Norville.  Rod is in my “close friends” feed even though I haven’t seen him in three years, each time he changes his status or posts on Facebook I get a notification.  The thing to know about Rod is that he is a leader, a coach, the person that has the heart to tell it like it is and make you want to go out and do it just one more time.  Whatever it is.  I recommend you follow him on Twitter .

And to close out the night, I am grateful for Terry, my darling husband.  We have been together for 10 years now and as life  gets complicated, he keeps me grounded.  He is stable and steady, trustworthy and trusting, and the best part is I know he loves me, warts and all.

I hope you can take some time and count your blessings.  Really count them, so that you can appreciate the wealth and favor that’s been bestowed upon you.  If you are not thankful for the gifts you already have, why should more be given?

Blessed be,

Ella

On a beautiful Friday the 13th, I have needed to look for some silver linings.  Usually this day is a good luck charm for my family, today was a challenge.

After a month of dental disasters, I got a filling to repair my front tooth, no more gap in my smile, and my lip is not getting shredded.   After having a reaction to the anesthetic, I was told this is only a temporary solution.   The temporary filling has a lower price tag than the crown I will need to invest in much sooner than I want to.  This lining is nice and shiny silver!

I left the dentist’s office to discover that my front tire was flat.  Deep breath, and a call for reinforcements; my father in law agreed to come and help me change the tire.  We planned that I would take the car to the garage to have the tire replaced, and get some additional “can’t wait” repairs.  While I am waiting for my FIL, I begin the daunting task of moving the trunk load of things to my backseat so I can get to the spare tire and jack.  As I got the tire uncovered and try to figure out the jack, a wonderful stranger asked if I needed any help.  I thought I would be fine, said as much.  Being from the city I have a innate distrust of people.  As I managed to free the jack he could clearly see I had no clue how it worked.  He explained how the “wrench” part of the jack worked – and then proceeded to change the tire and give me a lesson at the same time.  He explained the flaws in my process very happily, and bless his heart, had the whole thing done about 20 minutes before my FIL got there.  The worst part of it, is I have no idea what his name was.  He finished it up and waved as he drove away.  What a wonderful golden lining.

With the donut on the car, my FIL followed me into town so that I could take the car into the automotive and more chain store; it felt like it took years to get there.  Inside the store we waited for our turn to hand over the keys and explain the myriad of issues that need to be resolved and repaired.  We wandered around in the air conditioned store while they prepared the quote.  We are having hotter than normal temperatures, so the store is blissful.   Once the oil is changed and we have an estimate for what needs to be done, double what I was expecting, we leave the car there and go home.

On the ride home I am told Anne, my neighbour would like to join me on the trip I have to make to the city on Monday.  I am really looking forward to it, and having Anne along is the icing on the cake.  Once we were home I got the best news of the day; my husband is starting a new job on Monday.  I think that news is a platinum lining.

I think it is bedtime –  I don’t want to jinx the good omens.

Blessed be

Ella