WE ARE MADE TO BE AWESOME

Hi Everyone,

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that I was going to start sharing some of the things I find during the year that just make life a little better, a little sweeter. Well, I just ran across the most delightful video on Facebook.

Here’s the link:  http://bit.ly/XC2ZJZ

It’s only three minutes and thirty-eight seconds long, but what a gem. It made me laugh out loud. Seriously, this kid is adorable. But ignore the cuteness factor for a moment and really listen to what Kid President has to say. Here are my favorite lines:

·       Kid President: "Two roads diverged in the woods …and I took the one less traveled…"---Robert Frost. “And it hurt man, really bad!”

My thoughts: That’s life. Keeping trying, dreaming…and never give up no matter how much it hurts.

·      Kid President:  “I want to be on the road that leads to AWESOME.”

My thoughts: Don’t we all want to be on that road? The only way to get there is ...again, never give up!

·     Kid President:   “What would have happen if Michael Jordan quit? He never would have made Space Jam…and I love Space Jam.”

My thoughts: Little dude, that’s one of my favorite movies. And you are spot-on. What would happen if we all give up on our dreams? The world stays the same.

·      Kid President:  “We can make every day better for each other. We can cry about it or we can dance about it.”

My thoughts: Making the world better for someone else is what life is all about. It’s why we are all here! But crap happens to everyone. Between crying and dancing, I choose to DANCE … and LAUGH.

So get out there and find your passion. Make your life AWESOME. As Kid President said, “WE WERE MADE TO BE AWESOME!”

          

NANCY'S NEW YEAR GOALS

Happy 2013 Everyone!

On New Year's Eve, one of my best friends, Howard shouted across my family room right before the ball dropped and asked me what was my New Year's resolution. My response--I have no idea. I don't make resolutions because honestly, I tried to be the best person I can be every day. After some thought in the days that followed, I decided that while I don't need resolutions, a few goals wouldn't hurt. 

Here is what I came up with for my goals for 2013.

• I'm going to finish the third book in my Shadow series by April. But instead of going onto book four, Jonathan's story, I'm going to take a break. I love my McNeil brothers and their stories, but if I'm going to call myself a writer, I need to expand my horizons. What is the next book going to be about? I have no idea. But I will keep you posted on my progress...which leads me to my next goal.

• I'm going to start posting my writing on my blog. [Insert huge gulp here] Now that I wrote it down, I have to follow through. That is why I began to blog in the first place. I wanted you to get to know me by sharing my life and my stories.  My stories are read by my sisters, mother-in-law and my critique groups. It's time I begin to share, but I'm going to need your help. If you don't see me post at least a blurb once in awhile, start yelling.

• I also need to share a little more of myself on this blog. So here is me sharing. The one thing I need to work on is to learn how to enjoy reading again. This fall I went to a football game. I brought a book because well…when I get bored, I read. An usher patted me on the shoulder and asked me what was I doing. I had my pen out and was writing in the margin of the book…taking notes! When did the joy of reading become a writing exercise? That's not healthy. So, I’m going to set a time to write and a time to read.

• Along with sharing a little about myself,  I want to start sharing some of the things I find during the year that just make life a little better, a little sweeter. We work so hard and have become so driven. I think this is the year we should all find time to stop and smell the roses. I know, cliché, but very necessary. As I run across little treasures that bring a smile to my face, I’m going to share my joy with you. Here is my first treasure of 2013.

Last night, I made the most wonderful, delectable hot fudge sauce I have ever tasted. When my son took a spoonful of vanilla ice cream covered with this sauce, he actually moaned in pleasure and laughed out loud. I hope it has the same effect on you. If you are on a diet, just remember--moderation in all things. Enjoy this simple pleasure.

Hot Fudge Sauce

1 cup of butter

1/3 cup of unsweetened Cocoa powder- I used 2 Baker’s unsweetened chocolate squares

3 cups white sugar- I used powdered sugar

1 12 fluid ounce can evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine butter, cocoa, sugar, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. You can place it in a blender and blend for a minute or two, but since I stirred it while it simmered, it didn’t need to be blended.

Serve immediately over ice cream or anything you want. Store in the refrigerator. 

I hope it makes you groan in pleasure!  Enjoy!

Hugs to all,

Nancy