A Christmas Serenade

Wanted to Serenade my peers and family!  I will post more closer to Christmas :) I was practicing all day but my voice was really tired by this point, so it's not as good as a "fresh" version.  Enjoy!

PS: It's a cappella.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope that everyone is excited about Thanksgiving.  It's a great time of the year when we celebrate the harvest and the year.  We remember the first thanksgiving when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together and had a feast of their own.  We are all thankful.  Thankful to our friends and family whom without their support we never would have made it this far.  Thankful to our parents for giving us a chance at life.  Thankful to our educators, law enforcers, veterans and current soldiers.  Most of all we are thankful to God for his unending grace, mercy, and love for us.  

I know it's been a rough year for everyone.  No one has a perfect life.  There are no shortcuts in life.  There are detours.  Be thankful you have what you do.  Life is what you make of it.  How you choose to live and your outlook.  When things are down you have to look at the positive.  Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can start building up again.  Remember that there is always a way to start over again.  You only have to have the will to do it.  It won't be easy but you'll look back and see how you learned a lot from your experiences.

I am thankful for my Husband and his and my family and all our friends.  I am thankful for my professors and doctors who continue to help me through my health problems.  Thankful that my cancer might go away once the procedure is done.  Thankful to all who've helped me in more ways than I can count.  Most of all I thank God for all He has done for me and the blessings He's bestowed on me this year.  I pray he will continue to show his love for all.

Now go enjoy your time with family!  Eat lots of turkey, cranberries, stuffing, and mashed potatoes and anything else at Thanksgiving!  

A great hymn to look for:

"FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH"

Lyrics: Folliot S. Pierpoint

Music: Conrad Kocher

1.      For the beauty of the earth, 
 for the glory of the skies, 
 for the love which from our birth 
 over and around us lies; 
 Lord of all, to thee we raise 
 this our hymn of grateful praise.

2. For the beauty of each hour 
 of the day and of the night, 
 hill and vale, and tree and flower, 
 sun and moon, and stars of light; 
 Lord of all, to thee we raise 
 this our hymn of grateful praise.

3. For the joy of ear and eye, 
 for the heart and mind's delight, 
 for the mystic harmony, 
 linking sense to sound and sight; 
 Lord of all, to thee we raise 
 this our hymn of grateful praise.

4. For the joy of human love, 
 brother, sister, parent, child, 
 friends on earth and friends above, 
 for all gentle thoughts and mild; 
 Lord of all, to thee we raise 
 this our hymn of grateful praise.

5. For thy church, that evermore 
 lifteth holy hands above, 
 offering up on every shore 
 her pure sacrifice of love; 
 Lord of all, to thee we raise 
 this our hymn of grateful praise.

6. For thyself, best Gift Divine, 
 to the world so freely given, 
 for that great, great love of thine, 
 peace on earth, and joy in heaven:  
 Lord of all, to thee we raise 
 this our hymn of grateful praise.

Knowing Things Are Right.

Even though my hubby Mikey is only at work for 8.5 hours every day it feels like a whole month to me. I look forward to that "welcome home" hug and kiss every day! I start counting down the minutes till he gets home when he clocks out every day at 10:30 pm. ♥   He has said it's the same for him.  Looking forward to each other's company is important.  When you stop looking forward to seeing your loved one after a long day at work or classes, then something is wrong.  It's time to stop and look at your relationship and have a talk.

The Heart of Christmas and Dax Locke

A movie based on the true story of Dax Locke was released a short time ago.  It's called "The Heart of Christmas."  I highly suggest picking up a copy.  It's worth every penny.  Movie info: 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094146/

"On Sunday, December 4, GMC (Gospel Music Channel) will present The Heart of Christmas, a new GMC World Premiere Movie starring Candace Cameron Bure (Make It or Break It, Full House), Jeanne Neilson (Faith Like Potatoes), Eric Beck, Anita Renfroe, Grammy® nominated artist Matthew West, Burgess Jenkins (Remember the Titans, The Reaping), Kelsey Marie Kingsbury, Karl T. Wright, Sophia Sinise, Erin Bethea (Fireproof), with Dendrie Taylor (The Fighter, Sons of Anarchy, True Blood) and George Newbern (Father of the Bride, Justice League).

The Heart of Christmas is based on a true story that made national headlines when a community in Washington, Illinois, decorated their houses for Christmas several weeks early in honor of a little boy battling a rare form of leukemia. The movie unfolds as the Locke family’s grief is eased by the love and support of their community and the life-changing legacy their son Dax Locke left behind, which reminds us all to cherish every moment.

The Heart of Christmas was also inspired by Christian music artist Matthew West’s viral holiday hit music video, “One Last Christmas,” released last year. West, who has penned tunes for Billy Ray Cyrus, Rascal Flatts and Natalie Grant, among others, heard about the two-year old from Illinois and his struggle with leukemia that sparked a worldwide outpouring of support for his family and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where Dax was treated at no cost to the family.

On the heels of releasing his hit single, West raised over $205,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This October, West released his first Christmas album, also titled “The Heart of Christmas.” Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Mandisa contributed to the album. Songs from the album, which is a mix of original music and holiday classics, will be featured throughout the GMC World Premiere Movie. The album’s title track will be released to radio along with a music video. West will also embark on a Christmas tour with Mandisa in December." ~ excerpt from the Article Matthew West and The Heart of Christmas.  http://christianmusicmakers.com/2011/11/14/matthew-west-and-the-heart-of-christmas/ 

Please donate to St. Jude's Children Hospital. I know Kay Jewelers sells plush animals every year around now till Christmas.  Last year it was St. Jude's "Taylor" Plush.  I bought their plush animal every year.  It's my tradition.   Here is a picture of Taylor from Last year:

Life is all around us.  Never waste another day.  Live like there's no tomorrow.  Have faith in God.  Never miss the chance to tell someone you love them. 

My Top 5 Korean Dramas on Hulu!!!

So.... I've been watching a lot of Korean dramas lately.  I would like to take a moment to mention my top 5.  1st place (obviously) is the best rank.  These are all very inspiring and make you feel good inside.  I will admit some of the "villains" make you wanna cringe at times, but it gives you a look at the human dark side.


In 5th place: My Princess

Lee-Sul (Kim Tae-Hee) is a woman who enters college later than other girls. Like her peers, they dream of one day becoming a princess, but for Lee-Sul she actually becomes a real life princess ...

Hae-Young (Song Seung-Heon) is a 31-year-old diplomat. He is the sole successor of the Daehan Jonghap Group (the largest conglomerate in Korea). Hae-Young is also handsome and graduated from an Ivy League school. Agreeing to his grandfather`s creed, Park Hae-Young decides to give up his rights to the company and all of his assets. This is all for a young woman named Lee-Sul.

Lee-Sul is a 25-year-old college student, majoring in Art History. She doesn't think about the secrets surrounding her birth or her stepsister who teased her behind her back. Lee-Sul keeps a shabby appearance and works several part time jobs on top of her college career. She also has a crush on her professor Nam Jung-Woo (Ryu Su-Yeong). One day, Lee-Sul becomes a princess overnight. In order to make her a princess, the President of the Daehan Jonghap Group offers all of his assets. 50,000,000 people stamp their approvals for her and royal families from all over the world sends congratulatory telegrams. Lee-Sul accepts the role of Princess, but she is now locked up in her palace and forced to study from dawn to late at night. Even worse, Park Hae-Young is her only instructor and he is snooty.

Yoon-Joo (Park Ye-Jin) is a 30-year-old woman, who works as the director of Hae-Young Museum. Her father is the secretary for the President of the Daehan Jong Group. Yoon-Joo hopes to marry Park Hae-Young one day to gain control over the company. Her plans come to a halt when the Princess suddenly appears. For the Princess, the President of the Daehan Jonghap Group returns all of his property to the community. Even Hae-Youngs begins to have favorable feelings for Lee-Sul. Yoon-Joo can't forgive Lee-Sul for what she has caused. Yoon-Jo then makes a plan and if it succeeds Korea will lose their imperial family.

Jung-Woo (Ryu Su-Yeong) is a professor, archeologist and holds a PH.D in the Arts. He is also popular among the female students. Jung-Woo grew up in a poor family. Even now with his high status, his financial situation isn't so good. Because of this, Jung-Woo hasn't proposed to his girlfriend Yoon-Joo. One day, something strange happens. Jung-Woo's student Lee-Sul (who always submits papers late, but works hard at excavation sites) turns out to be a princess. Lee-Sul then asks Jung-Woo to become an advisor for the "Redemption Committee of Imperial Family Cultural Assets".

http://asianwiki.com/My_Princess

In 4th Place: Becoming a Billionare

"Becoming a Billionaire" introduces ways to become rich and through the process contains about 80 big and small secrets to success...

Oh Tae-Bong (played by Ji Hyun-Wu) lives in a small room on the roof and studies by himself to become the successor of a chaebol (business conglomerate). He believes that he is the heir to a chaebol and his rich father hid him away in his small room. Tae-Bong turned down an offer to work at a big company, while he got a job as a houseman in a hotel.

Lee Sin-Me (played by Lee Bo-Young) is a real successor to a chaebol, but still uses sample cosmetics and drinks cheap coffee from vending machines. She is driven to receive recognition from her father, who thinks woman should stay at home. She then meets Tae-Bong.

Meanwhile, Bu Tae-Hee (played by Lee Si-Young) has the perfect body and face and is a successor to a chaebol family. Chu Woon-Seok (Nam Gung-Min]) is the perfect prince of the high class.

http://asianwiki.com/Becoming_a_Billionaire

In 3rd Place: Boys Before Flowers

Boys Over Flowers is one of the biggest Korean drama hits of our time, sweeping ratings and awards across Asia in 2009 and 2010. This Korean take on the popular Japanese manga of the same name, tackles complex issues involving outcasts, socio-economic disparity, family, love, and friendship. Jan Di is an average girl whose family owns a dry cleaning store located near the luxurious and well known Shin Hwa High School. After saving a boy from jumping off the roof of Shin Hwa High School, Jan Di is admitted into the school on a swimming scholarship. At school, Jan Di tries to avoid confrontation with the four richest and most spoiled boys known as the F4, because she knows what happens to those that stand against them. However, when Jan Di's friend, Oh Min Ji, accidentally gets ice cream on the leader of the F4's shoes, she's forced to declare war on the leader of the F4, Goo Joon Pyo. What will happen though, when she falls in love with someone from the F4 and Goo Joon Pyo starts feeling something for her too? Will the love triangle disrupt F4 and change their lives forever? Get ready for addictive drama, romance and comedy at it best.

http://asianwiki.com/Boys_Over_Flowers_(2009-South_Korea-KBS2)

In 2nd Place: My Girlfriend is a Nine Tailed Fox

Cha Tae-Woong (Lee Seung-Ki) is a spoiled young man with no interest in staying in college. Instead, Cha Tae-Woong wants to become an action actor. His wealthy grandfather Cha Poong (Byeon Hie-Bong) though wants Tae-Woong to take his studies seriously & change his major from acting. When Cha Poong learns that Tae-Woong spent his next semester's tuition fees on an expensive motorcycle, he calls the police and reports the motorcycle as stolen. Cha Poong then picks up Tae-Woong up from the police station and attempts to drive him to a remote boarding school in hopes that he would change his major. At a rests area along the way, Tae-Woong is able to slip away from his grandfather and hide in the back of a delivery truck. The delivery truck then drives off.

Eventually Tae-Woong gets out of the delivery truck, but finds himself in the middle of nowhere on a late rainy evening. He then gets a ride from a buddhist monk, who also gives him shelter at a Buddhist Temple.

Late in the evening at the Buddhist Temple, Tae-Woong wonders off hoping to catch a signal for his cellphone. Suddenly he hears a woman's voice from a woman his cellphone. The woman instructs Tae-Woong to enter the temple and draw nine tails onto a painting of a fox. Once Tae-Woong draws the nine tails on the fox, he unknowingly frees the legendary nine tailed fox known as "Gumiho" (Shin Min-A). Tae-Woong fears for his life, but Gumiho just wants to be loved (and eat lots of beef!).

http://asianwiki.com/My_Girlfriend_is_a_Nine-Tailed_Fox

and in 1st place: Vampire Prosecutor & Vampire Prosecutor 2!!!!

Season 1: Prosecutor Min Tae-Yeon (Yeon Jeong-Hun) is bitten by somebody he doesn't and becomes a vampire. Tae-Yeon rejects the life of a vampire and he survives by drinking the blood of dead people and still lives as a righteous prosecutor .

Tae-Yeon also uses his new found abilities as a vampire to prosecute powerful persons normally thought above the law. A mysterious case then occurs and the evidence points to a vampire as the perpetrator. Tae-Yeon now knows that he is not the only vampire. He also ponders why he became a vampire and what truths may lie behind their motives.

http://asianwiki.com/Vampire_Prosecutor_(Korean_Drama)

Season 2: The highly anticipated sequel to Vampire Prosecutor, Yun Jung Hoon reprises his role as Min Tae Yeon, the long arm (or fang) of the law. It’s been seven years since the young prosecutor was rendered into a creature of the night, but Tae Yeon—undead as ever—is fresh and lively as a prodigious prosecutor. His secret? A supernatural ability to sense the last memories of victims—by tasting their blood. Together with Detective Hwang Soon Bum (Lee Won Jong) and Prosecutor Yoo Jung In (Lee Young Ah), he heads the unit of unsolvable murder investigations and butts heads with the new chief prosecutor Joo Hyun Ah, who might become more foe than friend. But that’s the least of his problems, especially since he’s still got an ongoing, personal case of his own: who turned him all those years ago, and what happened to his now-vampiric sister?

http://asianwiki.com/Vampire_Prosecutor_2

I sincerely hope you all will give them a try! 감사합니다 (gamsahabnida) which means "thank you".

A little prayer please

Things have been a little hectic lately but I know they'll be okay.  We've been hit with some medical expenses and a few bills.  Hopefully the couple I did their wedding/reception planning for will pay me soon.  That money will help pay for my chemotherapy.  Please pray the couple will pay soon.  Sorry it's so short.  I haven't been feeling well lately.

FAITH During Hard Times

Today two bad things happened but I still have faith that things will be okay.  I have God, my husband, friends and family, who will support me.  I just found that I have cervical cancer and that I miscarried my 3.5 week old unborn child.

Bad things, sometimes terrible things happen to the best of people.  Sometimes great and wonderful things happen to the worst of people.  It is not up to us to decide or judge.  All we can do is walk our own path while living a life as one who has FAITH.  I have FAITH that all will be alright and that God has a plan in everything that happens.  Even if you don't see it.

I re read Jeremiah 29:11 today.  I highly recommend that passage for anyone who is going through a rough times right now.

Sorry this one is short.  Please never forget to always move forward no matter what.

A Journey Begins

Sorry I haven't posted in a while everyone!  I hope everyone had a great day today.  I've decided to enter in to a birth parent search with the agency I was adopted from: Children's Home Society & Family Services.  My post adoption service worker, Kabin Lee, has retired so another person will be taking over my case now.  I am so excited about begin this incredible journey.  I can't wait to give my birth mother the letter I wrote previously in person!  


If you have lost touch with your roots, maybe it's time to go back.  You never know what you'll find! 

A Letter To My Biological Mother

당신은 할 수없이 친 엄마에게, 나에게 생명을 주심에 감사드립니다. 난 당신이 나에게 준 선물을 최대한 만들겠다고 약속. 내가 언젠가 당신을 만나서 바랍니다.

나는 매우 기쁘게 생각합니다. 난 내 지원 부여가 항상 사랑하는 남편을 갖추고 있습니다. 나는 고양이 두 마리가 있으며 매우 귀엽다. 난 미시간의 기술 연구소에 참석했습니다. 나는 3.9 GPA가 있습니다. 완벽 조금 모자라 죠. 나는 예술가와 음악가입니다. 제가 그래픽 디자인 및 미술 많이 해. 나는 바이올린을 연주 그리고 노래. 난 다른 악기를 연주 할 수 있지만, 제 목소리와 바이올린은 내가 제일 좋아하는거야. 우리가 만날 경우 당신을 위해 노래합니다. 당신은 영어를 할 줄 아세요? 그렇지 않은 경우 괜찮아. 나는 한국어 수업을 시작합니다. 하지만 지금은 구글 번역기는 한국 내 단어를 번역하고 있습니다. 나는 제대로 그러길 바란다. 넌 항상 내 생각에 빠진 내기도는 당신과 함께합니다. 단 한번도 제가 입양 배치되고 화가되었습니다. 난 그냥 당신이 알고 싶어. 난 정말 이해 사람이되고 성장하고 있습니다. 내 인생 주셔서 감사합니다.

내 모든 사랑과 존중,
리 태 희
씰 엘리자베스라고도 불리지

Phonetic Version:

dangsin-eun hal su eobs-i chin eomma ege, na-ege saengmyeong-eul jusim-e gamsadeulibnida. nan dangsin-i na-ege jun seonmul eul choedaehan mandeulgessdago yagsog . naega eonjenga dangsin-eul mannaseo balabnida.

naneun maeu gippeuge saeng-gaghabnida. nan nae jiwon buyeo ga hangsangsalanghaneun nampyeon eul gajchugo issseubnida. naneun goyang-i du mali ga iss-eumyeo maeu gwiyeobda. nan misigan ui gisul yeonguso e chamseog haessseubnida. naneun 3.9 GPA ga issseubnida. wanbyeog jogeum mojala jyo . naneun yesulga wa eum-agga ibnida. jega geulaepig dijain mich misul manh-i hae. naneun baiollin-eul yeonju geuligo nolae . nan daleun aggileul yeonju hal su issjiman, je mogsoliwa baiollin eun naega jeil joh-ahaneungeoya. uliga mannal gyeong-u dangsin-eul wihae nolae habnida. dangsin-eun yeong-eoleul hal jul aseyo? geuleohji anh-eun gyeong-u gwaenchanh-a. naneun hangug-eo sueob eul sijaghabnida. hajiman jigeum-eun gugeul beon-yeoggi neun hangug nae dan-eoleul beon-yeog hago issseubnida. naneun jedaelo geuleogil balanda. neon hangsang nae saeng-gag e ppajin nae gidoneun dangsingwa hamkke habnida. dan hanbeondo jega ib-yang baechi doego hwaga doeeossseubnida. nan geunyang dangsin-i algo sip-eo . nan jeongmal ihae salam-idoego seongjang hago issseubnida. nae insaeng jusyeoseo gamsahabnida.

nae modeun salang-gwa jonjung,
li tae hui
ssil ellijabeseu lagodo bulliji


English Version:


Dear biological mother wherever you may be,  I would like to thank you for giving me life.  I promise to make the most out of the gift you gave me.  Someday I hope to meet you. 

I am very happy.  I have a loving husband who is always there to give me support.  I have two cats and they are very cute.  I have been attending The Art Institute of Michigan. I have a 3.9 GPA.  That's just shy of perfect. I'm an artist and musician.  i do a lot of graphic design and fine art.  I play violin and I sing.  I can play other instruments but my voice and the violin are my favorite.  If we ever meet I will sing a song for you. Do you speak any english? If not it's okay.  I will start to take korean language lessons.  But for now google translator is translating my words to korean.  I hope it does it properly.  You have always been in my thoughts and my prayers are with you.  Never once was I upset at being placed for adoption.  I just wanted you to know that.  I have grown up to be a very understanding person.  Thank you for my life.

All my love and respect,
Lee Tae Hee 
known now as Seals Elizabeth
4/9/1987 2:50PM

Even in Dreams...

I had the strangest dream last night. I was shot in the center of the chest and it hit dead center of my rib cage and pierced it and got lodged in there. It was very very painful. I feel pain in my dreams. This is one of the most intense pains I've had in a while. But rather than dying i got up to my feet and i could feel the bullet in my chest it was excruciating painful to breath. Tears streaming down my face, as i struggled to breathe. I kept thinking, 'i wonder how long till the blood overtakes my lungs.' as I began to fight with every last bit of strength I had. I managed to defeat the "bad guys" . I fell to the ground and was held by one of my friends. who started to cry. I said i wanted to leave this place with them and see the sun one last time on my face as the light was coming through the window. When the sun hit my face i felt it's warmth and then i slowly lost consciousness. When I woke up I was in my bed and it was obvious that tears had been streaming down my face in reality too.

 Even in my dreams I am willing to die for my friends. This is just the kind of person I am.

We Need You!

So the Lili Foundation wants to host a silent auction and dinner at the Perspective2 in Lansing Michigan, but we need help. Please donate -any amount will do! If you donate $50.00 or more you will not have to pay the RSVP Fee and will receive 10 free raffle tickets towards our door prizes! Also if you're willing to volunteer time to help the foundation please let me know!

TEA: WHO KNEW?

Yay! It's here! A new post! So today I wanted to talk about Tea! I know you're probably going "Why tea?". The reason is because it's so good for you. But you still have to be careful Here is why! First let us read a brief history of tea:

The word Tea comes from the Chinese words “Tchai”, “Cha”, and “Tae”. Tea originated in 2737 B.C. when the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong accidently invented it. Shen Nong was a scholar and herbalist. When he was not busy he was an avid patron of the arts and scientist. He knew that boiling water made the water they drank sanitary. One day leaves from a camellia bush fell into the tea and flavored it. Shen Nong felt the new drink invigorated his body and thus it became a Chinese Medicinal Beverage. It would not be until 300 A.D. until tea became a daily drink. The Western Zhou Dynasty made tea into a religious offering used in their ceremonies.

In the 1500s Sen Nor Rikkyu introduced a Japanese Tea Ceremony to Japan. He called it “Chanoyu” which means “Hot water for Tea” in Japanese. He believed tea embodied harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. A typical Chanoyu ceremony has five steps. Despite having only five steps, the fourth step itself can take up to four hours. The first step is the party receiving the tea from the host is seated waiting in a room until the host is ready to begin the ceremony. The second step is for the guests to walk across the roji which purifies the body. Next they wash their hands and even their mouth. The fourth step, as mentioned before can take up to four hours. During this time the guests and host bow to begin, then eat sweets, and other finger foods. They drink sake and have an intermission. Finally the tea is served during the final step of the ceremony.

In 1600 Queen Elizabeth founded the East India Company to import various things from India. Among them were woven cloths, herbs, and spices. It would not be until 1664 that the first tea would be shipped to England. At first it was only enjoyed by the Aristocracy, but the expanding market eventually made it available to everyone. As history shows, on December 16, 1773, sixty angry colonists in America dumped bounds and pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor Bay. This would later become known as the Boston Tea Party.

In 1904 Richard Blechynden invented the first Iced Tea. It was a hot summer day at the World’s Fair in St. Louis, and Richard he did not want people drinking the tea warm. So he dropped ice cubes into the tea to keep it cold. Finally in 1908 a man by the name of Thomas Sullivan shipped tea samples in bags to the New York area restaurants. The preparers didn’t know to take out the tea from the bags, and thus Tea Bags were born. Since then people have most often prepared their tea this way. Aside from the everyday supermarkets, people all over the world travel a couple times a year to Calcutta, Colombo, and Mombasa for Tea Auctions. The most famous Tea Auctions were first held in London, England from 1679 to the 29th of June of 1998. The first tea auctions were held by the East India Company at their headquarters on Leaden Hall Street. By the 1950s a third of the entire world’s tea was bought through this auction. Tea auctions today remain an important event for Tea connoisseurs.

Today there are over 1,500 types of teas and over 25 countries make tea. The most popular teas are Earl Gray, Lady Gray, English Breakfast, and Irish Breakfast. There are even highly sought after brands like Twinning’s and Celestial Seasonings. No matter whom you are or where you are, tea will always be a part of your life for all occasions.

Now onto more:

Too much tea can be bad for your kidneys. I didn't believe it at first when I heard that either. You should be careful of caffeine intake, so if you switch some of your tea to decaf, you should be fine. Just be sure you're getting at least 60 oz of fluids per day...more if you consume caffeine (as that is a natural diuretic). COFFEE, TEA AND SODA. It's not just the caffeine in these drinks that is hard on the kidneys and joints. Caffeine is not good for you, but it is the tannic acid that damages the kidneys. Another real offender is artificial colored sugar water. Also remember that carbonation is also very hard on the kidneys.

Tea is refreshing, delicious, relaxing, and healthy in moderation. Please drink tea responsibily *wink*.

I Won!!!

I can't believe it! I Won! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!! This is the greatest gift from God!!!! I can use that money for good things! I'm so excited! The Art Institute of Michigan in Novi is so excited for me since I am one of their students. This is awesome! My art will reach people and hopefully inspire them. My picture is very family oriented. The three snowman outside a log cabin all holding hands. Well I tip my glass of Martinelli's sparkling cider to hope. This just proves that you too should enter something. You never know what the results could be.

Art

I'm so excited!!! I entered an art contest a while back and found out I am a finalist so I had to send in the original artwork. The judging happened either today or it will be tomorrow, but I was told as soon as they have decided I will know -win or lose. The winner is supposed to get 300 dollars on a visa gift card. I'm so excited! Win or Lose i'll just be happy knowing I was a finalist. I'm praying I win. I really need the money haha. Either way it will have been fun. I love art. It's so relaxing when I work on it. My favorite mediums are acrylics, charcoal, and pastel. Colored pencils are okay as long as I have my trusty blender pencil. If you are ever really stressed out then art is definitely a good outlet for you. It doesn't matter the talent level one has for it. Art in general is awesome and fun and relaxing. I highly recommend it. Here is a photo of the artwork I submitted. It was for a Corporate Christmas Card for Genoa Health Care. The medium is charcoal. Also because it had to be "politically correct" it has "happy holidays" on it. I wish I could have but CHRISTMAS on it because Christ is the reason for the season.

Long Day but a Good One.

Today has been a looong day. I had to go to East Lansing today to work as an event planner for The Curious Cat (www.curiouscatshop.com). I got to tour the locations of a wedding and it's reception. The Turner Dodge for the wedding ceremony and P2 for the reception. They are both in Old Town. It's going to be awesome. Also realized that Wednesday or Thursday should be the day I found out if I won the Christmas Card competition with Genoa Health Center. I pray I have won. I could really use that money to fund Lili Foundation stuff. Oh and the Lili Foundation has an FEIN now! YAY! I'm so excited. I'm determined to do so much with it. I only hope I can find the right support team. I will keep you all posted! God Bless!

One Word: WOW!

Wow! All I have to say is Wow! Today I was contacted by the Press & Argus, our local paper in Howell, and they want to do an article on my new non profit organization!!! YAY! I'm so excited. Also I received the FEIN (tax ID) for the organization. Now all the organization needs is help funding for the paper work haha. The 1023 will allow for all donations to be tax exempt there by allowing the donor to write it of his or her taxes! But it's 300 bucks just for that and for expediting everything it's another 200!!! WOW!!! I have here the chipin we started since we can't open anything other than paypal until we open a bank account for it. But for now this works. I am so excited! Finally going to get a chance to make a difference!!! Now all I need to do is recruit volunteers! Again here is the chipin widget:

Please Help the Lili Foundation!

Please help the Lili Foundation!

Blessings In Disguise and Two Movies that Inspire

It is now officially day two of my blog yay!  My goal is to write two posts a day.  One in the afternoon and one in the evening.  I'm not really worried with how many people read my blog or how much buzz it gets.  I have put my 2 cents out there and hope that someone will come along and be inspired.  Even if it's just one person.  

Today I tried to have a yard sale but it kept drizzling on and off so I decided to cancel it and wait until another day.  Which is actually a blessing in disguise since I need to rehearse for my time in a local recording studio tomorrow afternoon.  Just singing a few Christmas songs for my December release.  Best to start practicing now.  I will also be laying down a few tracks for a variety demo disc.   My goal is to one day inspire people with my music.  I want to use the money I earn from that to create a place where those with no where else to go can come and be fed, taken care of, and help them back on their own two feet.    But for now all I can do is make at least 3 people smile/laugh a day.  It's the least I can do for this world which seems to be in a never ending depression.  

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you.  I saw a wonderful movie last night called "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" with a bunch of big British Actors and Actresses.  Three I recognized immediately were Bill Nighy (Underworld Saga, Love Actually, and Pirate Radio), Maggie Smith (We all know her as Professor Minerva McGonagall. from Harry Potter Saga), and Tom Wilkinson (The Patriot, Batman Begins, The Debt, and Green Hornet).  I'm so glad I saw that movie.  I could really relate to the characters despite the age gap.  I think that is part of what made it so great.  The movie is about British Retirees who travel to India and take up residence in what they thought would be a newly restored hotel only to find it less luxurious than the advertisements.  Brought together they are forever changed and learn about life and love in a whole new way.  Please take a couple hours out of your day to rent and watch it.  You never know what you'll learn.  I promise you'll be happily surprised. I am definitely buying this when I get the money.

Another good movie i recently rented was Katy Perry Movie.  I loved it.  I am a big fan of her music.  She reminds us that no matter what we are ourselves, and just the way God intended us to be.  She is very inspiring to everyone she meets.  It was nifty to be able to follow her throughout her tour in 2011.  To see the ups and downs and to be reminded just now much like all of she is.  Celebrity or not Katy Perry will be Katy Perry and no one else. Even if you're not a Katy Perry fan like myself, I highly urge you to go rent this movie, and if you like it buy a copy like I did.  It's worth every dollar you spend.

Well I am sure I have kept you long enough.  Go have fun today! Do something different -and don't forget to make at least 3 people smile/laugh today.  Go have your adventure today.  Just because you have to work doesn't mean there's no play.  Until this evening I remain Elizabeth, the girl who dreams with all she has and hopes she has brightened your day and inspired you.  Feel free to drop me a message! Talk with you later!

Blessings Come In Every Shape and Size

Well i'm not sure if it's taboo to write more than one post in a day, but i felt it was important to describe the two most important beings in my life that God gave me.

The first is my husband -the love of my life.  His name is Michael, but I call him Mikey.  He is my Pachururu.  That's the nickname I gave him.  He is the most supportive, loving, person I've ever known romantically.   His is my soulmate.  My other half.  Some days he is my better half.  I admit i'm not perfect.  I'm human.  I admit that we're a lovey dovey couple very in love.  People always think we're newly wed but we've been married since May 13th, 2011.  Sure we have our problems from time to time but we love each other and never go to bed angry.  We always work through our problems together.  Most importantly we never miss the chance to say "I love you" and we always say "be safe" when we have to part ways for work, etc.

The second, now don't laugh, is my stuffed skunk that I have had since Christmas 1987, my very first of many.  Many blood, sweat, and tears go with my skunk.  His name is Sweet Pea, but I call him Skunk-a-monk.  He has a big hole in his back, and some of his stuffing is always falling out, but i'm able to keep in together.  He isn't fluffy anymore but he's still soft and perfect to me.  When I was alone a lot growing up, my skunk was always there.  I hate to admit it but he was there more for me than my parents were growing up.  Now I know you're not allowed to take material things with you when you go, but if God made this one exception i'd be all the more blessed.  Thank you Lord for my skunk and my wonderful hubby.  Every day I have them they remind me that you love me.

Even when we go through hard times, God is still there, listening to our every prayer.  I know.  Even if you don't see Him and can't hear Him, He's there watching.  When things get rough He always sends someone or something your way to help you move forward.  You only have to grasp it and go with it because you will not regret it.

When times are hard remember Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I Want to Inspire You

Wow.  My first real blog.  I'm not even sure what to write haha.  I really don't want this to be all formal.  I hope this reaches at least one person.  I want to inspire you.  That's why I am here.  To pass on my wisdom and to inspire you to live today and always move forward toward tomorrow.  No regrets and a life that lives in the light of God and the grace given to us by Christ.  When you reach the pearly gates of Heaven, God will say "Well done, good and faithful servant".    I have absolutely no clue as to what lies ahead.  I will forge my destiny one day at a time.  All I can do is pray that I can inspire just one -at least one person to move forward and not stagnate like so many others.  God bless.  I look forward to our next chat.