Grateful Beyond Belief

Written By: Danielle Silva Heckenkamp

Too often we go through life wishing for the next best thing. That's a fact of human nature; the grass is always greener. It's unfortunate, because we forget to examine our current situations and the amazing gifts we have been given. With Easter quickly approaching in three days, I thought it was perfect timing to contemplate my life and those who have made an impact on me.

This morning I was in an area of the city that isn't the best, but I saw the most beautiful thing that almost made me cry. A father was holding his child (about 4-5 months old) and wrapped in a blanket with only his face showing, because it was cold and rainy, while the dad was carrying a large bag, it might have contained the only items they owned. I didn't know where he was going, but he looked like he was on a mission. The father was very lovingly watching the child to make sure he was o.k., while also trying to not step in puddles and slip. This might not sound like much, but it was such a beautiful sign of love between a parent and child. A love that is missing in this world or hidden. We are so used to a love that only shows itself when it is self-serving. It didn't matter the economic or social conditions of this child and father, because they showed enough love and trust between the two of them.

It made me think on the drive home, through the dreary weather, that the old cliche saying is true. "All you need is love". I know, I know, me of all people who doesn't care for the corny quotes. But I think we all have those moments in life when everything is going wrong, we aren't able to control or solve the problems, and have to wait for slow fixes. Then suddenly, something happens to show how each of our lives are intertwined with one another. We don't understand it all now and won't probably until after we die. It leaves us in a state of pure confusion, but also relief, knowing that everything has a reason and purpose. It truly does, because if it didn't, there would be no point to any of this.


Little does this father know that by walking down the street at that exact moment would create such a profound affect on another person. With that thought in mind, our every action is an example of good or hurt. How do we want to be perceived in the world?

After these deep reflections, in a quiet car before picking up the kids from school and the start of spring break... I knew that it was time to think more of others, and less of myself, which of course is hard with our natural self tendencies. To do more for others in small ways, ways that we won't see the effects, or be able to promote on social media, but ways that will create a better world for all. Then maybe someday, those actions will be shown to us like a puzzle, many little jumbled pieces put together to create a wonderful masterpiece.

The freedom experiment

I am grateful for a lot of things in life, but I am most grateful for my life. The life that has been given to me with all the happiness, sorrows, thrills, adventures, friendships, family, and unsolvable problems. Because without each and everyone of these bits and pieces, it would not be my life. It might not make sense when I am going through the heartache or the celebrations, but no matter the event, each and every one of them have a sincere and utterly beautiful effect on my life and I am grateful that they have helped me develop a love and trust for myself, friends, family, and my children. Because what else matters in life than love?

I Have a Big FRAMILY!

 I have a big FRAMILY!

So we all have families, but how many of us have a FRAMILY? Framily are the people who are not related to you but are your very close friends and are as important to you as your family! I have an amazing family that I would not trade for anything, but I also have a marvelous Framily!  My Framily has different personalities, different ages, and even different religions, but one thing that they all have is LOYALTY with a capital L. My Framily is there for me and I am there for them! 

So true, this also means mess with my Framily you mess with me.......;)

LOYALTY few really understand the word!

Friends + Family = FRAMILY

Are You Busy? Or Are You Efficient?

Renoir: Dance at Bougival (1883)

Have you ever thought about this?  Are you a "busy" person or are you an "efficient" person?  Something to think about, right?  Life is full of moments where we just run, run, run and never stop to think about what we are doing.  We have become a society that can never say "no", everyone feels the pressure to have it all, do it all, but at what cost?  The cost of advancing in our careers?  The cost of our morals and traditions?  Or most importantly at the cost of families, relatives and close friends?

Credit: Sister Fiction

Life has become the ultimate competition, but unfortunately very few people understand the prize.  We work and slave to be the best at everything, to be known for everything, to attain the highest achievements and to reach the ultimate goals, but for what?  Why is it absolutely necessary to be the BEST at everything?  If you think back centuries ago, people were not motivated to be the best at everything, they were motivated to be the best in their specific area of expertise.  We no longer have top-notch writers like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Alexandre Dumas or Mark Twain.  We now have writers who just want to be known and recognized.  Not necessarily known for amazing literature, but solely to make their name a "household name" and have those 15 minutes of fame.  And where does that take you in the end if your writings won't surpass the test of time?  What about the great artists, the Rembrandts, the Caravaggios, the Vermeers or the O'Keefes?  Yes, we have a few reputable artists currently, but I bet you can't name more than five who will make it to the future art history courses.  Believe me, I'm not saying we don't have any artistic or literary talent, because that is not the case.  My only point is that not many people are satisfied at being the best solely in our areas of talent.  We are drawn, pulled and almost dragged into becoming machines of excess.

Credit: Inspire Me

So all this rambling does lead somewhere...it leads to my original question.  Are you a "busy" person or are you an "efficient" person?  Are the activities, decisions, dreams, goals and achievements in your life a result of working to become a better person, to further the love and growth of your family or career?  Or are your actions solely reliant upon achieving a societal expectation that is completely unrealistic and almost detrimental to our well-being as individuals?

Here is my challenge presented before you.  Begin to Question.  It's not a bad thing to stop and meditate upon our lives, our motives, our achievements and of course future goals.  Have you become the person you dreamed?  Stop being cynical, try for optimism instead!  Do you love what you see in the mirror each morning, or are you upset with your behaviors, intentions and priorities?  If you are searching in life, this is the place to start, with YOURSELF!  Without changing yourself, it is impossible to change others.

Credit: Life

Make yourself an "efficient" person.  Love your passions, your dreams and your intentions and above all love life and those around you!  Stop being a "busy" person.  If you don't find a certain activity worth your time or attributing to your life in a solid good or healthy way, then drop it!  It isn't worth your time just to fill up your schedule because everyone else does!

All this rambling leads to a final point: life shouldn't be a complete void of empty activities or goals that don't lead you to where you are going.  Life is about becoming truly fabulous at what you were born to do.  This may take time, days, weeks or even years to comprehend your worth but it will happen and that will be the moment when you will be grateful you didn't waste your time being a "busy" person instead of being an "efficient" person.

Work Like An American!

Written By: Danielle Marie

Here's my little rant, with a patriotic flare...

What has made America great?  Well many things, but one of the most important traits is the value of hard work.  We all want to be successful in our jobs, with our family, in our social circles, while also finding true eternal happiness.  Unfortunately, that underlying push which was so vivid in America 50 years ago has begun to unravel.

Rosie

Have we become too accustomed to the easy life?  Some Americans are afraid of hard work, they want everything at their finger tips, instantaneously.  Others, no longer have the drive to succeed, they only want to be told what to do and in the end receive a paycheck, because, for them, it's all about the money.  However,  there is a group of up and coming Americans who are ready for the hard work, they want to earn their success, they have a heart full of passion and can't stop their drive to succeed.  These are the people who will help turn this economy around!  It's not the current politicians or the old American families, such as the Rockefellers, the Carnegies or the Morgans.  No, these people already had their time in history.  We thank them for their contributions but it is now time to advance forward.  

Andrew Carnegie

Who are these passion-driven Americans?  These are the average men and women you encounter everyday, they understand the important things in life: faith, family, friends, and work.  They want to make their way in the world, they want to be true Americans!

So what type of American do you wish to be?  Do you want to be told what to do everyday, as long as you get that solid paycheck every other week?  Or do you want to take chances, risks and work hard to help America become a nation of value again?

American

How To Create Those Special Memorable Photos

Photo Opportunities

Creating Special Ones

By: Katrina 

Family is everything, so cherish the moments with unique memorable poses.

I found these beloved photos on Pinterest

Dad,  Mom, and Baby.....do it every year to see the changes.

Dad, Mom and children Praying..... A family that prays together stays together!

Generation Genius.... Do it with before it's too late!

Before and After.....Would be super cute to do the same pose every five years.

Show some love.....brother and sister, parents, and grandparents. 

Artist engagement photos are the new trend. 

How to create an adorable photo for the Christmas card.

Maybe you are not sentimental, but you can not tell me that looking at these photos did not bring a smile to your face.

Create and record Memories today....you'll be glad you did!

"You Can't Take It With You"

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Those of you who are lovers of old movies I'm sure the title of this blog post brought back memories of Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore and of course the amazing Director, Frank Capra, but for those of you who haven't seen the movie (or play) go rent it!  No excuses just because it's in black and white, that's what makes it even more endearing. 

"The film is about a man from a family of rich snobs who becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family." ~Wikipedia

The moral of the movie is to learn that life is short, do what you love, enjoy what you do and money isn't the be all end all.  Somehow we always make it through, the good times and even the bad times!  Unfortunately, so many of us waste too much time worrying about money and only focusing our energies on material items, which in the end doesn't make us happy or fulfill those empty voids.

How much do we rely on material items, instead of time with family, friends and experiences?

Do we work only to provide extravagant items, or do we work because we have a passion, a love for what we do? If you don't have that passion, or enjoy your career, then find one you do!  You may be surprised how much more successful you will be at something you love, because now you put your whole heart and soul into it!

Now I'm not saying that beautiful items are not fun to have and enjoy, but don't let them be your undoing!  Because in the end, "you can't take it with you".

When was the last time you told your parents you love them?
How often do you give your children hugs and kisses instead of yelling?
When was the last time you held your spouse's hand? (you better not say since you were dating!)
Are you generous with the material gifts you have been given?  Would you give the coat on your back for someone in need?
When was the last time you took a family or couple vacation and spent quality time together?
How often do you volunteer your time at a nursing home, church, a homeless shelter or to a friend or lonely neighbor?

So, Word To The Wise... Love life, do what you love, care for others and be generous, because remember, "You Can't Take It With You"!