keepitbubbly

Grandpa...

2012-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Birth:

To Remember you & keep you in my heart.....

I love you forever Grandpa....

Jan. 26, 1921
Provo
Utah County

Papa to my kids, always the BEST Grandpa to me.

Utah, USA

Death:

Jun. 30, 2007
Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)
Santa Barbara County
California, USA

William O. Beswick, loving husband, father and papa passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Maria on June 30, 2007 with his family by his side.

Bill was born on January 26, 1921 in Provo, Utah to Ernest and Amanda Beswick. In 1940 Bill joined the United States Army serving in the Medical Corps. In early 1941 he was transferred to Santa Barbara, CA where he met the love of his life, Gena Bavaresco on December 3, 1941- Gena's birthday. Four days later, their first date was cut short when they heard over the radio that all military personnel was to report back to their bases because of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bill and Gena were married six months later. On June 8, 2007, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Bill and Gena were blessed with two children, Barbara Jean and Dan Lee.

After Bill's military service, he and Gena settled in Santa Barbara. A mechanic by trade, Bill worked for several businesses prior to purchasing his own shop in 1962. His first shop was Bill's Seaside Service located at State Street and La Cumbre Road. He later owned Bill's Union 76 Auto Repair on State Street. Bill had a great sense of community and served in the Uptown Lion's Club where he held several offices, including President. Bill was also a lifetime member of the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613. As an active lodge member he participated in many activities including the monthly spaghetti feed and the construction of the RV rest area located on lodge property. Always an avid camper he and Gena became charter members of the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613 Caravaneers. In 1999, twenty one years after his retirement from the auto repair business he and Gena relocated to Santa Maria where they could be closer to their family. Adamant about remaining a full lodge member of the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613, he joined the Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 as an associate member.

In his lifetime Bill enjoyed a variety of activities. He held a private pilot's license. He loved boating and riding motorcycles. A master of all things mechanical, he loved his toys! It was a love that was passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill will be remembered by all those who knew him as a fun-loving, free-spirited man who always had a smile on his face. Bill's legacy to his family and friends will be his zest for life. There wasn't anything he hadn't tried at least once. He lived his life to the fullest with no regrets.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dan, a sister Margaret and a brother Ernest. He is survived by the love of his life, Gena. He also leaves behind his loving family, daughter Barbara Cadam of Santa Maria, grandchildren and their spouses, Ron and Sandy Menane of Nipomo, Chas and Tammy Menane of Nipomo and Tim and Jeri (Menane) Sharpe of Arroyo Grande. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Bill is survived by his sister, Mildred Lerwill as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Marian Hospice and to his caregivers, Judy, Mercy, Kay and Cindy of St. Matthew Care Giver Agency.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2007 from 5pm to 7pm at the Welch Ryce Haider Funeral Chapel in Santa Barbara. Funeral services will be Friday, July 6, 2007 at 10:00 am also at the Welch Ryce Haider Funeral Chapel with internment immediately following at the Goleta Cemetary. A BBQ celebrating Bill's life will be held at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613 on Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements are under the care of Welch Ryce Haider Funeral Chapel, 15 East Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
Published in the Santa Maria Times from 7/4/2007 - 7/6/2007.

2011-11-19T07:35:00.001-08:00

♥ ♥ ♥

Thankful is a heart that has found true love...

Once in our life we are lucky to have found ...

a love that knocks us to the ground...

makes it hard for us to get up...

One that makes us unfocused, dizzy, happy, nauseous, energetic, and fantastic all at once!

True love is a love you can't recover from when you loose it....

Those who have found it... are really found by it

Hit in the heart with it

displaced when our love is gone....

If our Love hurts we hurt too...

Our Love is the other foot ... Our true match...

feel I can't even walk...without Our other "ol' comfy shoe ...."

Hard to even talk really.... words don't even come....

We feel we can't sleep... for when the sun goes down

Without our blanket securely snuggled along side.....

eyes can't rest and heart won't be still..

From Love one can't run or hide.

Once you understand & realize what it feels to become one....

impossible when you have become all undone....

Lost without you.... my true love....

♥ ♥ ♥

2011-09-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Often thought about
the words we never get to say
they come so quick to mind
after time is past
and one has walked away...

Whispered moments & soft touch
can no longer be
lingering physical echoes
send reminders to the heart

Love won't give in so easily

When one asks what expectations would be had....
just one....
the only answer that can be found is silly
to be sure..
It seems a little immature...
to even ask is telling what you expect...
that you need to put it in a box
Like wooded animals WILD,
LOVE must be free to run and play....
No place for perfection
No real direction

There can't be any restrictions,
if love has its way...
you just go where it needs to go and let Love have its days....

But for those who will not let it be.....

Sad for those who have not love in their hearts & lives

Truly....they are the ones who are missing the point of it all!!!

Keepitbubbly!~ xox ~ Jeri

Back to A Good Book!

2011-07-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

Below is a repost of an old post. I tend to arrive at reading this book time and again. It brings me back to a better center of focus. People who wear so many hats of activity, find it is easy to get spread too thin, caught up in the lives of others and take on their burdens.
If someone chooses to not be in your life, or decides you to not be important, it is on them not you. Get back to the truth within your heart & leave theirs alone. Get back to knowing the agreements you want in this life and ditching agreements that do not work for you. Get back to what is good in this life and all that is important. There are so many wonderful lovely things to be thankful for....

Songs for this post :

Natalie Imbruglia ~ Torn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1XWJN3nJo

Sara Bareilles ~ King of Anything
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR7-AUmiNcA

Dido ~ Thank Youhttp://youtu.be/1TO48Cnl66w

Dido ~ Sand In My Shoes
http://youtu.be/_lrVymj9xHY

I always say never assume anything...
and never take things personally always do your best!!! Speak well of yourself and of others! Set the bar high and rise above it! [*please note....I am not perfect....I fail at this....but I do try! ;)]

It is not always about you...~ you know...it is the old saying..."It's not you, it's me!" Well I come by those thoughts by the book written by Don Miguel Ruiz: The Four Agreements.
They are as follows:

1. Be impeccable with your word.
     Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't take anything personally.
     Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be a victim of needles suffering.

3. Don't make assumptions.
     Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement you can completely transform your life.

4. Always do your best.
     Yours best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different from when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

xox ~Jeri

Take a moment each day...
and do something for you!

start with just one small thing... and let the habit of it grow on you!

Also.... remember to share your smile with others...

A Strange Day & The Heart of A Stranger Is Shared

2011-06-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

So today I was leaving one of my least favorite things to do. Most of you know by now that I despise shopping, but it must be done. We can not sit upon the potty without the proper paperings! So just at the door of Walmart..... this older woman asked me if I was from here and I thought she was to ask for directions...

it turned out she needed a ride. Without even thinking about myself, my safety, or anything else, I said: "sure." I know it was my typical Jeri response. As we walked to my car, I spoke with her about just getting to know you type questions. Where she was going? Walking, talking and being nervous, I found myself a bit off the mark. Why did I ever say yes? I found myself looking around for other people who could be with her. Then we got to my car. I put all of my things in the trunk. I even put my purse in there, but I kept my cell phone in my pocket. I had her put her things in the back seat.

From the moment I said I would help her I had been struck with all these fears. I was worried I would be hurt by her somehow. Or that there was someone that was working with her to hurt me. It is sad the way our world is these days. We are all living in fear. We can't help each other and work together anymore because there is no trust. We automatically have to assume that the world is a bad place. That the people out there are going to hurt us, or our children. Take our money or something of value. Sad that everything we see on the news is something of this caliber. All these bad thoughts ran through my head of horrible emails I had read. I thought to myself; "What if I just put myself in a bad situation, who will know to pick up my kids from school?" Silly the thoughts that run through your head.

Then I looked at this woman. She really looked helpless. She really needed my help. I got in my car and smiled at her. I said to her, "Judy, I hope you make it to your bus on time." She smiled back at me and answered; "Me too Jeri." I proceeded to driver her to her bus stop. We talked along the way about how she wished she had a car. In fact, she wished someone would give her one. Someone had done that once. I didn't ask her what had happened to the car. It wasn't a long car ride and I was just letting her talk. Generally, my opposite behavior when I am nervous. Something about her put me at ease. She told me of the places she would go with her friend in her old car and how they would shop and go to church. Then she told me how she was hopeful that no one messed with her things at the hostel. She had left them on the porch. She had never left them there for very long.

When we got to her bus stop, she shared her heart with me and how she came to know and accept Jesus into her heart. She ask me if I was saved. With misty eyes, we said our goodbyes.
When I shared the story of today with my husband, I don't believe he was very pleased. He gave me the, "that was a stupid thing to do look,''... and then said: "you have to be careful!" I know that my kids were not with me at the time and its not like the time I gave the people a ride in Santa Barbara a ride. They had a baby with them and it was over 90 degree weather. My heart has a different view on it. I can't hear a siren without saying a prayer. I often tell my kids if they are with me to say one too. We aren't ones to go to church but we don't shy away from prayer either. As my daughter Emily says: "Prayer works Mom."...

I find myself thinking now ... In all this time of storms... people losing there homes , family, friends, & health, for whatever reason... I find myself
I am very lucky... I find myself extremely blessed....
I have a roof over my head.
I have work.
I have food to eat.
I have a car to drive.
I have my family.
I have wonderful friends that support me in my adventures.

(crying just now...)

I am blessed with two very loving children.... very smart funny beautiful CREATIVE children.
with all of this.....i am humbled... i am thankful....... I AM BLESSED

http://youtu.be/ptkWYhX79N8 I Have Been ( Blessed Martina McBride) Video/Song Link (enjoy!!! <3 this!!)

http://youtu.be/XrTMSDDdRDU PRIDE & PREJUDICE (YOU ARE LOVED) VIDEO/SONG LINK enjoy!! you know how its my favorite!!!!! ;)

keepitbubbly
xoxox~ jeri

Love is Blind?

2011-05-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

The biggest heart break can come

when you find your

peace

your home

in the eyes and soul your lover

then one day wake

to find

that they have not found this in you

nor of another......

They are not the one

who you thought them to be...

The eyes of great vision...

now.... Not.

Those once warm loving eyes are now

cold ....soulless ....distant ...and blind.

Huh? ..... I guess, love is.....

blind.....

Song to this post..... Bruno Mars ~ Grenadehttp://youtu.be/SR6iYWJxHqs

Early morning writing...... xox keepitbubbly, have a great memorial weekend 2011...... Thank you to all of our troops who have given themselves for the better of all.

Peace.. Hope... love...

xox~jeri

Oh Birthday Oh Birthday Oh Birthday Girl!

2011-05-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

Oh Birthday...

Oh Birthday....

Oh Birthday Girl!

Beautiful brown eyes...

the most lovely in this world

my sassy seven darling .......

little brown eyed girl.

Funny my bunny...

always full of so much joy...

Making friends of animals ...

the world is your playground

all to learn within it your toys....

Your courage is amazing...

and you just charge right in....

sometimes not even looking,

yikes!

You do not hold back your feelings...
Blunt... to the point... Perfect:
            "You get what you get and you don't
      have a fit"....when my own words come
      back at me from you... I just have to
      laugh!
Oh my Emily Grace with the sweetest little face...
    I have learned so much from you.

Your smiles and your honesty ... those are GOOD things!!!
Happy Birthday to My Girl..

Temptations...my girl
http://youtu.be/4P1x7Yy9CXI

Mommy Loves you So much!!!

My Boy ~ My Son... I love you....

2011-02-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

(Song/Video link:)

Sara Evans I Could Not Ask for more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm7S8lFEvDI

Eyes of Blue
Weight 10-2
Taking all my strenth
23 3/4 inches in length
Timothy James....
Happy Birthday Son....

& Oh how you have grown
& what I have learned from you

You are watchful
& kind....
You always give so much careful
consideration
to all that is around you .....

You are a

      protective,

              loving,
     brother....

You are always ready to learn and get projects going.

You love to dig in the dirt and you enjoy our adventures.

I love you my son........ Happy Birthday.... I hope you always keep it bubbly....thank you for helping me laugh when I want to cry.... xox ~ mom

Merry Christmas Baby.... a new poem for you!

2010-12-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

(With hope I become so inspired.....)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHzjPnuxREQ

Uncle Kracker ~ Follw Me

Song /Video for this post

There is one...

Made for me it seems

Special & Unique.

Easy to be with

knows me in and out .

Head and heart

All my secrets spilled

From the start.

Gets me all undone....

Truly "Gets" me....

From sunrise to the set of it.

Seems to know "how & what"

makes me "tick."

Special to have this friend in You!

Very Very Thankful too!

Merry Christmas Baby....

2010

xOx ~ j

keepitbubbly!

When I Need You

2010-12-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

When I need you to be mine

I find a better you for me

Its the you I keep in my heart

Its the you I saw from the start

Before hurtful intrusion of others.

Locked away in my heart is the illusion
of blissful innocent lover...

The one that I see from there

That's the you I need in my life...

I can go there anytime

I need you to be mine

Dare to compare the real you to he...

Measure up?

I'm sure you'd agree.

It would pain not just you...

But me.

The you of my mind and heart is better for me,

But must Learn to sustain balance or can not be....

Until balance can be found

Illusion must abound

In that silly place in my heart...

Special & belongs only to you....

I go there from time to time

When I need you to be mine.

~ Jeri Sharpe
12/17/201

keepitbubbly ~ xOx ~ Jeri

Video / Song Link for this post: Bon Jovi ~ What Do you Got?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWvbR2MxuxI

Enjoy your holiday!

The Ultimate Gift

2010-11-22T23:09:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Gift.... Sometimes it takes losing everything before you know what you really have

Watched a great movie today with my kids and my nieces. "The Ultimate Gift" had us all very moved. If you haven't seen it this movie, its worth watching. I am thankful to have shared it with my family.... now I share it with all of you... my other family!!
http://www.theultimategift.com/home.php?cid=4294967295&cat=home

May we all have the true blessings of the gifts he received in this movie.

1) the gift of work (he must learn to work for his money)
2) the gift of money (he must learn to handle his money wisely)
3) the gift of love (he must learn to love unconditionally)
4) the gift of friends (he must find friends who accept him without his money)
5) the gift of laughter (he must learn to see the joys of life)
6) the gift of giving (must learn to be generous, especially with money)
7) the gift of family (he must spend time with family)
8) the gift of problems (he must learn to face and solve problems for himself)
9) the gift of learning (he must learn to learn, he doesn't know everything)
10) the gift of dreams (he must have dreams, dreams for his life)
11) the gift of gratitude (he must learn to be thankful for what he has)
12) the gift of a day (What would you do with your last day on Earth)

A Song for you too... Because as my brother once told me... "With somethings, you have to be all in. It has to be all or nothing Sis." I believe he is right when it comes to all of the above, I believe he is right when it comes to love....All in....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1odkjJCA10c

Have a sweet and lovely, warm giving of thanks.... Safe travels if you are, if you are not...Enjoy those you've got! :)

keepitbubbly~ xOx Jeri

Matt 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Areatha Franklin Sang about it. Hit men mafia types

2010-10-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Aretha Franklin Sang about it.

Hit men mafia types talk about it in movies. We all want it in all facets of our lives. It is all about R~E~S~P~E~C~T!

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0XAI-PFQcA)

(Aretha Franklin Song ~ Respect)


Bubbly Me:"Think Pink!"

Yes, you may have guessed it. Today I am talking about relationships. This topic comes up a lot between my friends & I. No matter if it is between a man & a woman, or just between us gals & the friendship we share. Bottom line, it is the proper care & respect you give each other that counts. There are times when we want to say something that is off our general character. The old saying, "if you can't say something nice, it is better to not say anything at all" applies here. We all know that we are not perfect and sometimes we speak before we think. No one in their correct mind can say that they "always" or "never," because it is simply impossible to keep to that. We can simply do our best on a daily basis. If we mess up then we must say so, apologize and move forward. To justify our behavior just makes it worse and hurts feelings more.

Ramblings about Relationships

Sometimes those who are hurt, fall back on what they know. They run to their safe place. From there they lick their wounds, re-evaluate their situation and muster the strength to either confront their attacker, or cut them loose. This has always been my strength. I tend to run. I have always felt that there is no point in being with someone, or around them if they do not want to be with or around me. If they did not truly value our friendship enough to protect it, and invest in it then it was not as important to them as it was to me. It was better to have found out sooner rather than later. I would end up being hurt more the further involved I became. It always took me a while to learn this however.
I'm not perfect and I had some major crushes in my time. One boy in high school, ( who will remain nameless....) I believe I wore his name out by the amount of times I said, "Hi ******" to him in a day! Now that to me is funny! At the time it was crushing for me, when I found out that he had gotten a girlfriend over the weekend. I was so innocent about what boyfriends and girlfriends were about. Up to that point, the most consistent boy relationship I had was a boy that had moved away from our school who had held my hand at lunch. Before that, (a different boy in Colorado) who liked me used to send notes to me through my friend. His mother was my teacher at Jamestown Elementary School. I met him through her, but he went to school with the kids from my father's neighborhood in Boulder. We would see each other at the roller rink sometimes, but really how silly is that? I don't even remember what the notes said. I just remember that my brother gave me a hard time over the notes and how bad I felt when we "broke-up" through a note. It is funny how people talk now of the text message break-ups. They used to complain of the break-ups over an answering machine and really how do you think people used to do it? If they had no phone, they would have to drive over (by car or before that horse back??) and see them face to face, or "send a letter." Which is today's email or text message!

Emily,"It's Magic!

I have never figure to know it all about relationships. I just know what I have been through. I have been the ear to many of my friends over a box of Kleenex . It seems that my heart, or the heart's of my friends (both male & female) have played the part of muse to most, or many of the "love gone wrong" songs on the radio. It is my new belief that the reason we seem to like the songs like,
"Rhythm Of Love" by the Plain White T's
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWiwuiT58Yc ),
is that we are all still in a constant state of hope. Hope that it is out there & that it does last forever! That true love is real!

I believe true love exist, it is real & can last forever! I believe that ALL relationships take work. They take time & proper care. You can't call it a relationship if you do not "relate" at all. It starts with simply thinking of the other person. I remember my mom and I watching a movie when I was a bit younger. The Creator (Creator is a 1985 film directed by Ivan Passer, starring Peter O'Toole, Vincent Spano, Mariel Hemingway and Virginia Madsen ) in it the professor spoke of the formula for love being that you take the number of times you think of yourself in a day from the number of times you think of that person. If you have a number leftover and are not the negatives you are in love. It was something like that anyway.

(Oh how many times I have sat around singing the Supremes ~ Come See About Me ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PycKSdKG_74 )

I just remember my mom telling me that the formula from the movie was true. I think the point being that you think of the other person more than you think of yourself. It is not about the 'hook-up!' It is about the connection. I am just a hopeful romantic! Another tip of GOLD my mom told me and I believed it to be true. There is only one reason for anyone to ever marry..... "For Love." If you really think about it... even in the vows, there is only one thing that can sustain you. Fame and stability of fortune can be gone in the beat of a heart. The only thing that can pull you through is the person for whom your heart beats. To quote my friend who was responding to my question: "What drives you?" He said,

" To wake up one more day next to my beautiful wife and have one more

shot at this wonderful thing we call life." ~ Duane Clark

Thank you Duane...I believe that proves love does exist. It does not mean that it is perfect or has to have been proven so. What happens between two is between two. No one truly knows unless they are one of the two and even sometimes it is hard for the two to explain it. As my daughter would say, "its magic!" I myself have known the feeling. I have gone weak in the knees, had butterflies in my stomach & my heart has raced, but the best part about being in love, is how easy it is to be around that one special person. You still have to take what you find... or it can be taken away in the beat of a heart.

What needs to be said about respect and relationships.

When you stand in front of all the people you know..... you choose the person who you believe at the time will sustain YOU. You are telling all of those people that this person is the person for you. You are not standing there to tell them that this is the person for them. I find it so interesting how people seem so invested in a couple's relationship and become so involved in their marriage, when it really has nothing to do with them. Those people are standing there to bare witness for your union. They are your supporters at that present time and it is your hope that they will be your supporters in future in a positive way. I believe that people on the outside of a relationship can make or break that relationship, but what it comes down to, or the bottom line are the two people in it. From that point on..... it is the two of you "as one!" All opinions of others do not matter. If they question that.... Just ask them to walk in your shoes. Have them take an honest look at how they would treat their spouse in the same position. Glass houses are a fragile place to live. Take another look at the three little pigs fairy tale. Shall we all go live in the house of bricks or the house of straw? Build your foundation strong and build it together to last forever. No matter how similar your upbringing, two people who come to live in the same house are going to have issues. You will learn what is important and what isn't real fast. You learn what will make or break you real fast and you must learn to talk to each other. Talking is IMPORTANT!! If you can't talk to each other, try having kids! NO!! Kids will only complicate an already difficult relationship. You will never have time to talk, or learn to talk to each other if you have children! Every conversation will become about them. Even if you have an incredible amount of things in common, if you do not learn to talk out your little issues before kids it may never happen. So before you complicate it, make sure you have that all worked out. From what I have heard the top three major relationship issues are: 1. Financial, 2. Communication, & 3. Family.

I believe the only drama in a relationship is the drama people allow in it and create. It is simple, just be good to each other and respect what you have. Don't do things that will hurt the other and give them the benefit of the doubt first when you do not have all the details. Do not doubt your love or yourself. Believe in yourself and know your worth. Everyone has excuses, but the point & bottom line is.... if two people want to be together... there is nothing anyone can do about it. They will be together. One way or another, it will happen. You can be the best at everything and if a guy cares for someone he will go be with the one that he cares for. It is either meant to be or it isn't. If he cares for you .... you will know it. You both either respect what you have in each other or not.

Like my brother used to tell me,

"if a guy likes you... he will call... He will show you how he feels about you by how he treats you.... he will care enough to give you the respect you deserve.. I didn't always listen to Chas, but I always remembered that he told me that." ~

Good luck to you & much love my dear friend #1... always remember that you deserve the flowers, candle lit dinners out and a guy who is proud to show you off & happy (feels blessed to) share your company. If he doesn't treat you well and with RESPECT (believe me) it only gets more complicated later, when there are more heart strings involved.

Good luck & much love to my dear friend #2... please know that you deserve a girl who wants to take care of you the way you take care of her. Who can't wait to see you when you come home each day and strives to look her best to make you wild for her. The right girl will see the value of your heart, not the value of your pocket book. Hang in there my friend. You are valued.

One last song to start the day....only took me a few days to get this one going!! HA!

(Train - Hey, Soul Sister)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVpv8-5XWOI

Have a good one! ~ keepitbubbly ~ xOx ~ Jeri

Safe....

2010-09-06T00:36:00.000-07:00

**Please NOTE: My poems reflect moods... not always so BUBBLY...not always in the now... So, my family & friends before you worry & start calling me... pleases know...If I write about you... it is because I care... if I write about me.... it is because I care.... I love to love on my family & friends...If it is sad... it could be past coming to boil... or just stuff turned up in the soil... so please just enjoy the brew... and let the garden grow.... blogging is about life, love & living ...you know? ;) **

Safe....

Some emotions of the heart

Should never be expressed or explained

You find no resolve

Awkward still remains

Impossible to Quiet

An innocent quake

Keep such devotion locked away

Delicate parts break

Still is the wind

As you breathe all you can in

Release the ache that your heart pains....

Feel the upheaval of the fall

Hear soulful call from within

Proving life flows through your walls

Cruel reassurance of trust

Is only a dishonest lustful game

So be mindful of those users of heart

Dismissing their servant players just the same

They never prove real

Equal affection shared & claimed

Your heart can push the fear to the side

...............Oh how you fight to pushed the fear away

Once you are vulnerable

Your point of view brought to light

Hurtful opinions invade your fragile position

You are

Over exposed

Unsafe..

How long has it been to let love in?

To feel safe..

...no tears in the night?

(who advised?..It's best to not let anyone see you cry?)

Breathe deep from your belly..

Laugh from there too...

Smile at the sun?

When did you last dance in the rain?

Feel the softness of touch

let go of the pain?

....When were you held by

caring arms of one who loves you?

are you safe....?

....how long has it been my long lost friend?

Jeri Sharpe

Hanging By A Moment

Song Video link for this post..... Lifehouse's ~ 'Hanging By A Moment.'

On Hold... pushed aside...

Just a moment.... feelings impossible to hide...

When you can't say the things you want to say...

When you can't be who you want to be...

When you can't be there.....What is one to do?

Cry?...Did you ever see me cry?

You know your heart... & I believe you know mine...

Please...Know ....I write these words....for you.
xOx~jds

To not love .......is to not live.

enjoy your week!
Always,

keepitbubbly! :) xOx ~ Jeri

I Am A Mountain Girl.... That Is Who I Am!!

2010-08-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

In search of a treasure, I go to the boxes my father gave me to hold onto. They were four boxes now condensed down to two gray plastic tubs that hold a history. Family photos and keepsakes that his mother, my grandmother Bea left for him. (my father's Mother)

~"please note...while I would never tell my father how or what to write... he has decided that our relationship is about him telling me how and what I should write".... In an effort to keep the peace... I am deleting some of what I posted and I am not including names that I grew up knowing.~

Here is what I found that makes me even more convinced of what I have always felt. I am a mountain girl. I may love to look at the ocean and venture to it now and again. My heart belongs to the mountains. Here is a bit of why....

(Music Video Picks for This post: Jessica Andrews "Who I am"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd9zYKLepCw

and Alabama's "Mountain Music")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NshQKDfFPlw

The Article I found "Requiem for a lake ~ Readers morn loss of 'Spirit'" from the 'living' section of the Oregon Journal (Oregon Journal Tuesday, June 10, 1980.) is here in its entirety. My great uncle sent it to my father shortly after that date with a note that I will also post. The article was compiled by Jack Pement Journal Staff Writer (no copyright infringement intended) and is a lovely tribute to a beautiful place.

Requiem for a lake

Readers mourn loss of 'Spirit' Compiled by JACK PEMENT Journal Staff Writer

It's the sense of tranquility that people seem to remember more vividly than anything else.

True, they speak of the majestic sight of the white-clad mountain and the towering trees, the chill of the sparkling water and the sweet scents of the forest floor, but in saying "thanks for the memory" the people who have been there seem to want to dwell most of all on the peace and the quiet - the almost eerie quiet - that they found at Spirit Lake.

The Journal recently invited readers to share reminiscences about their visits to the Mount St. Helens recreational area. Some wrote poems in reply, others filled many pages with their fond memories, and a few who wanted to say something themselves more fully simply wrote that there was no place in the whole world to match Spirit Lake.

Losing the lake was, for Robert W. Manners of Longview, "one of the biggest tragedies" of his life. It was there he had met his wife-to-be. That happy occasion was June 12, 1938, while he was on a DeMolay outing.

"It was the day our lives began..." wrote Manners.

"It was ours, the mountain and the lake, and the memory of it all will live forever in our minds."

Michael and Gail Warren of Beaverton remember a man from Arizona strolling repeatedly past their camp to get water from a nearby pipe. The man said he had never tasted anything so delicious.

Mrs. Myra K Ladder of Gresham was 17 and just starting her freshman year at Reed College when she visited Spirit Lake for the first time in 1961. From her camp she wrote a letter to her parents in Los Angeles. It said in part:

"I am curled up in my sleeping bag....The lake is next to 10,000-foot Mt. Helen (and Daddy, it has real snow on it!)...The camp is a YMCA camp. Lots of kids have guitars and banjos and play quite well... their repertoire of political parodies seems endless. Everywhere you turn there is a group discussion of politics or philosophy or literature...

"The sky is beautiful blue all day. The sun shines on the lake, but the rest of the camp is in shadow all day (except maybe at noon) because it is surrounded by enormous trees...."

V. M. Hamilton of Milwaukie remembers the happy time when with his loved ones he "drove through tall, green timber and rented a cabin a mile from the lake."

"What a batch of huckleberries we gathered!" he wrote.

"Pail after pail of cool, sweet and plump huckleberries!"

John V. Johnson of 804 NE 23rd Ave. spent a two-week vacation at the YMCA camp in 1926 and remembers climbing St. Helens in a party led by Lige Coalman, the legendary Mount Hood figure who spent his later years with the Y at Spirit Lake. He remembers something else too.

"For minor infractions such as smoking and swearing, we had to face a kangaroo court," wrote Johnson. "Sentence usually was they would smear your body with iodine. We would have to lather up with soap and dive off the dock into that icy cold Spirit Lake. It took several latherings and dives to get rid of the iodine."

When Isma A. Kaiser of Grants Pass heard what had happened to Spirit Lake, she wept. She considered it "her" lake.

"Fifty-one years ago I had the pleasure of spending a whole summer there," she wrote. "My husband Jerry Menane, was topping and falling trees to make room for resort cabins at Harmony Falls. The tree branches were burned to melt the snow so they could build a cabin for us to live in...We had a launch to bring in our supplies as well as our customers....

"There was and old log cabin, perhaps a miner's cabin, and this was turned into a kitchen. Our refrigerator was a small double-walled room with the space between the walls filled with sawdust....

Guest started coming as soon as we had three cabins available....

"My husband caught a rainbow trout that was so big my 4-year-old daughter could just get its tail off the ground while she held it for a photographer....

"It was at Spirit Lake I gained my reputation as a fabulous cook. Guests would tell me they would just want a half grapefruit and toast for breakfast. Then they would go for a walk in that marvelous air and beautiful scenery and come in and eat a stack of hot cakes, two eggs and a slice of ham. Ha! They thought it was my cooking!...

"When I wasn't busy i picked huckleberries and made pies which I sold for $1.25, which was a big price in 1929.....

"When the stock market crash came the people who were building the resort at Harmony Falls could put no more money into it and we were out of a job.

"About eight or nine years ago my daughter and I returned to Spirit Lake and rented a cabin after phoning for a boat to come pick us up, and we lived over our memories of that summer so long ago. I'm glad we did....

"Today, as I write, tears have welled up and spilled over."

Dorothy Knoll Gehrhart of 1730 SW Custer St. said that she, her husband and their two daughters had just moved to Portland form Detroit and were "still in awe of the wonders of the Northwest" when they saw Spirit Lake for the first time in the summer of 1942.

"We had heard about Spirit Lake and a 'fabulous' eating place there.....At the park we were shown to a tree with a phone in it! This was exciting in itself, but what came afterwards was delightful.

"On this phone we called the lodge on the other side of the lake, ordered our dinner (a choice of beef or chicken as entree) and a boat was sent to pick us up!

"I'll never forget that beautiful trip across the clearest water we had ever seen, and the wonderful dinner served country-style to a few people who were strangers to start with but who were soon talking as old friends."

As the daughter of an executive board member of the Northeast YMCA, Mrs. Maxine Shannon visited Spirit Lake every summer in her childhood, each time with happiness, but the one winter trip she made to the Y's Camp Meehan in 1937 started off as a nightmare.

She was 16, and she had received her first set of skis as a Christmas present. The day after Christmas she and 45 other young people boarded a bus bound for the Y camp. It was to be a winter ski trip, something the Y had never tried before.

But somewhere short of the camp the bus bogged down in snow. The driver told his passengers to get out, put on their skis and make their own way into camp. Maxine asked the driver how far they had to go he said 13 miles.

"I was sure he was joking," recalls Mrs. Shannon. She had never been on skis. That's why she had joined the Y party. She was going to learn how to ski at the camp.

It turned out that the driver was not joking.

"The snow kept getting deeper and deeper," Mrs. Shannon remembers. "Naturally the good skiers were way ahead of the slower ones. Soon the sun set and we found ourselves having to climb over log after log that had fallen across the road.

"Soon it was dark and there were four of us girls who were all alone in the woods - fallen trees all around us and still falling, and the wind howling....

"It was a nightmare. I was scared to death...."

As they were ready to despair the girls saw a lantern ahead, and they made way for it. Advance units of their group had broken into a trapper's cabin. There everyone spent the night, cold, cramped and hungry. The next day newspapers were reporting the entire group as "missing."

It wasn't until the end of that second day that they finally made it, exhausted but safe and sound to camp.

Mrs. Shannon learned to ski that week at the YMCA camp, and by the time she and her party were ready to return home she skied out six miles, smugly, to meet the bus. Later, when she went to Oregon State University, she made the ski team.

"That winter trip to Spirit Lake was the most memorable and rewarding experience of my life," wrote Mrs. Shannon. "It's something I will never forget."

Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Pickens of 5256 NE 48th Ave. camped one summer at the edge of the lake with their daughter and two grandchildren. Everything was serene and "fantastic." Then a family of 12 moved in next to them.

"I said to my husband, 'Oh no! Our peace and quiet are over!'" wrote Mrs. Pickens. "But I was wrong! I never saw such an organized family, and not a litterbug among them. All the children stood in a perfect line for their meals. Gramma and grampa did all the cooking, and the young ones cleaned up."

The Rev. Charles H. Reep of 13505 SE River Road visited Spirit Lake in 1952 with his wife and daughter and was delighted when he was invited to conduct a Sunday service at the Girl Scout camp. He still remember the subject of his sermon. It was "Choosing Values and Priorities in Life."

"Our days there were restful and relaxing, and we received impressions that will remain with us all through life," wrote Reep.

Spirit Lake's Harmony Falls was something special for Julie Bernard of 7011 SW Hunt Club Lane. She had known the place all her life. She wrote:

"After something close to 50 years of variations on the theme and lots of water under the bridge, Harmony Falls probably changed less in its true nature than any other place I can remember in my lifetime.. It was a renewal place for all of us who went there.

"When I was 3 my grandmother and I stood ankle-deep in clear water on the lakefront at Harmony Falls, and tried to catch glistening ninnows in a milk bottle.... I think it was still a mining camp then with one small green cabin that my mother and father rented.

"Later Jack and Tressa Nelson leased the place built cabins and a great log lodge below the falls. Who can forget the old boat called the Tressa and the one called Ruby after Jack's sister? Jack would come over to get us in the Tressa and we would load on the people, dogs, guitars, booze, fruit, ice and stacks of gear....

"We remember Jack Apeman's stories around the campfire. My brother singing 'The old 97' and the kid who could recite 'Casey at the bat' and all of Robert Service. We remember the sign my brother carved for our cabin, 'Harmony Fails.' And after that all of the cabins got names.

"There was the great peacefulness of water washing against the white seahorse log called 'Wrggly' and the herds of sleek-haired little girls, giggling and skinny-dipping at night.

"There was my mother reading in the warm cabin while rain swept across the lake and danced on the roof. There were my own children later and my friends' later and then my grandchildren, and my daughter and son-in-law finally there at Spirit Lake running the lodge at Harmony Falls and bringing back the good food of Tressa days and the smell of fresh bread and pie...

"Mountain - we won't be here when you are ready for us again. When you have finished with your great new design bless our descendants with the same spirit of love that was ours when your countenance was calm."

James J. Fenwick, assistant superintendent of Portland Public Schools, has some unusual souvenirs from St. Helens. He writes:

".....My most treasured recollections involve the joy of discovering the bonsai forest that covered the north face of the mountain just at the level of the timberline (about 5,000 feet) and above the lake.

"These beautiful dwarf trees were, for me, a sheer delight since my hobby is collection and growing bonsai. Now, as I look out in to my apartment deck, there are three prize keepsakes growing there - a dwarf Western hemlock standing 1 1/2 feet tall and perhaps at least 50 years old; a dwarf alpine fir of the same age, and an unusual multiple-trunk lodge pole pine standing one foot tall and at least 40 years old.

"The trees are a reminder that life goes on. Each is a reflection of the tenacity of nature."

Spirit Lake was "beautiful and peaceful" when Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hamm visited it in 1945, using precious gas rationing stamps to get there. When they ended their camping-fishing stay they stopped at a gas station on their way home and an attendant told them the war had ended in the Pacific. Now the occasion is "a rare memory," said Mrs. Hamm, who lives at 3913 N. Longview Ave.

"My mother and father spent their honeymoon at Spirit Lake 51 years ago, riding out from the Castle Rock area in a wagon pulled by a team of horses," wrote Shirley Hamilton of 2337 NE 130th Ave.

"When we camped at Spirit Lake my brother and I would always be on the watch for sidehill gougers, thunder bobs and mountain apes (we hadn't heard the word Sasquatch at the time.) It was always a fun kind of scary to sit around the campfire and listen to our father and grandfather tell of these weird animals!

"A sidehill gouger was supposed to have two legs on one side shorter than the other side so he could walk around the mountain easier. Strictly imaginary, but we kids loved it. There really is a thunder bob - a burrowing type of animal that gets its name from the way it bangs rocks together underground.

"Walking through the picnic area and looking down the fenced-off holes where trees had rotted out after the last eruption gave us a small feeling of the power of nature. Little did we know that we would see in our lifetime just what that power could do....."

Dorothy Spencer White of Tigard, the daughter of a YMCA secretary, had been acquainted with Spirit Lake sense her childhood. She and her husband spent their honeymoon there. She wrote this:

"Cabins can be rebuilt, but never again in many lifetimes will this once serene area ever be enjoyable again. We have suffered an irreplaceable loss. My memories are many and vivid. But I hear the sound of taps echoing across moon-mirrored lake."

My Grandmother

The way I understand it, my Grandfather Jerry Menane (who is mentioned in this article by his first wife Isma) fell in love with grandmother at first sight when she came into the cafe where he at the time was the "cook." He was quoted as saying that his knees went weak and felt ill at the sight of her. Which sounds funny, but he was struck by her bubbly personality, beauty and charm.

She fell in love with his kind ways and "his cooking!" It truly was a good match. I have been told that they enjoyed their short lived romantic life together, as they had much in common. My grandfather died when my when my father was just five years old.

Isma also mentioned her daughter, my father's half-sister. I knew Louise Menane as a truly wonderful woman. She was kind and loved her family. She was smart and very much a career woman. From what I understand she did very well in the vitamin industry and later retired to Sedona Arizona. Aunt Louise had a son John and daughter Starleen.

Aunt Louise (Isma's Daughter)

John and his two daughter's opened their home when I was a young girl and shared their mountain life with me above Jamestown Colorado. I was only in the sixth grade and lived with them while my father lived down in Boulder. I missed my family, but truly it was one of my favorite times of my life.

Life is different away from town on the mountain. There is a lack of utilities and yet the resources and your resourcefulness become limitless.

So much was learned there that I could never have learned anywhere else!!!

Christine (C.C.), Natasha (Tashi) & Me! Mountain Girls

C.C., Tashi, (Grand daughters of Louise) & Me

Us Three..... Later, Uncle John married & added another blessing to our Club!! ANOTHER GIRL!!! I've yet to meet her, but know that she is fantastic!! She has to be! She comes from good stock!! Ha! :)

I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have! What a treasure it is to find out more of where you come from.

Enjoy your week! keepitbubbly!! xOx ~Jeri

Jeri Sharpe

Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful Of Sunshine

2010-07-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

For You....

2010-07-23T23:12:00.001-07:00

Good Saturday! Okay..so almost..anyway...for today....share a bit of peace..

Song pick for the day...Peaceful Easy Feeling ~ The Eagles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44_rtJxPg0s

Their talent amazing! I am going to find my peace today.... possibly on a mountain top!!! Enjoy your day...

Enjoy my latest poem I call: "For You" .......

~For You ~

How You Touch A Heart Like Mine

Some are caught up by finer things
All Sparkle & Shine
A must for them is pricey & new
For myself
It will never do.

Those are not the things
That leave me the need to catch my breath
My heart Skip
My foot misstep
It is not that I am strong
For I go about just hiking along
Stumble I do...
When sharing real moments of a heart that is true.

My mouth goes dry
My knees go weak
I babble on nervously or I
I can't even speak
Relaxed glances
Shared laughter filled looks
That's what trips me up
Or catches my heart on hook

It is never the things that money can buy
That will make me think twice
Or catch my eye
The only way to touch a heart like mine
Waste none of your money
Spend only your time

Make me stumble
Heart that is true
Even play me for a fool
Much enjoyment found
TIME spent with you.....

The risk at finding happiness
Comes at a price
Many reach to the wrong wallet to settle their accounts...
Realizing later their very best account has been lost.

(Lifehouse ~ Broken)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6cdPeYJh0s

(Lifehouse ~ You and Me)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac3HkriqdGQ

(my most recent~ Enjoy! Keepitbubbly! ~xOx~Jeri

The Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling

2010-07-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Four Agreements ~ If nothing else...

2010-07-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

July 14, 2009

This is One of my very favorite books: My Father had it at his house one of the first times I visited Sedona. I began to read it, and then I found it by chance at Jamba Juice when I returned. I figure when you keep running into a book, you are meant to read it! I really like what this book is about and I have tried to live up to each one of these rules for myself.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz ~A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
(Front Cover Flap)
BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

I find that I will often forget and have to remind myself of these. I also find that I will want to give this book to friends. Then I end up buying myself a new copy. I tend to tell kids at school as well as my own kids the following when I find that they are choosing bad words in their vocabulary: I will tell them that if a person's only chance at getting to know who we are is the impression of the words they hear us speak, and those words that they hear are bad, then what will they believe about us? Will they believe that we are good or bad? The answer being obvious, I then follow with: If people hear us speak good nicely chosen words, they will know us to be the good smart people that we are! I have told my kids this over and over. I also try to tell them that actions speak louder than words as well. Sometimes the impressions we give people in how we behave toward them will also do the same. If we go to a lunch and act wild and that is the only lunch we ever attend with them, then of course they will think we are just all the time wild people. Well, of course how would they know that my children just aren't used to drinking soda pop?
Anyway, I know that I just am still learning it all myself and that I have a long way to go in this life. I think I have done pretty well so far. I think learning the above agreements have helped me tremendously. I hope they help some of you as well!
Enjoy your Day! Keepitbubbly! ~xOx~Jeri

Getting To Know Each other :) Facebook Notes of Past....still :)

2010-07-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

Getting To Know Each other
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 10:22am
You've been tagged, you have the honor of copying all these truly comprehensive mind-blowing..just gotta know questions, writing your own response, and tagging 25 other victims. You have to tag me so really you just need 24 more people. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you - but not in a creepy stalker kind of way, at least that's what I'm writing.

To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your title as "Getting to know each other", tag 25 people including me (tagging is done in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.

1. What time did you get up this morning? -- 4:30am (out of habit)

2. How do you like your steak? -- medium

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? -- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinos

4. What is your favorite TV show? -- Right now? Tru TV: Dumbest Criminals Caught on Tape is fun, & I do like CSI & Criminal Minds, & America's Funny Video's.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? -- A mountain top near a lake.

6. What did you have for breakfast? -- 2 cups of coffee & 1/2 of egg & cheese burrito

7. What is your favorite cuisine? -- Mexican(right now)

8. What foods do you dislike? -- Lima beans

9. Favorite Place to Eat? -- The Mayan (Really good Fish Tacos!)

10. Favorite dressing? -- Ranch

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? -- Chrysler LHS

12. What are your favorite clothes? -- Jeans & t-shirt

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? -- Over flowing

15. Where would you want to retire? -- Mountain top/ lakeside

16. Favorite time of day? --Sunrise & Sunset

17. Where were you born? -- Santa Barbara, CA

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? -- Miami Dolphins! Only really because of Tim & TJ

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? --no clue

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? -- no clue

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? -- All

22. Bird watcher?-- Dog feeder?. Love to watch all animals

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? -- Night

24. Do you have any pets? -- Dog, RustyPete "Marino" Sharpe~ he is my first born!

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? -- Emily starts Kindergarten on the 20th and TJ will start the 2nd grade!! What will I do without them at home?

26. What did you want to be when you were little? -- A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader!! LOL!!

27. What is your best childhood memory? --After not seeing my Mom for almost a year, she showed up at Boulder Park when we were playing there one day. I will never forget how excited I felt when she called out to us from across the park. I jumped down from the bars and ran across the park. My arms stretched open as wide as the world! I gave her the biggest squeeze as I jumped into her arms. I didn’t want to stop holding her. I was 8 years old. They had never explained to us what was to happen with their divorce. They just stopped living together & began pushing us back and forth between them.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? -- dog

29. Are you married? -- yes

30. Always wear your seat belt? -- yes

31. Been in a car accident? --yes

32. Any pet peeves? -- Pretentious idiots, who feel that their life & rights are more important than yours!

34. Favorite Flower? -- Yellow Roses, Star Gazer Lilies, Pink Roses, Bird of Paradise, Orchids (all tied to memories!)

35. Favorite ice cream? -- Spumoni

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? -- In~ N~ Out or Tommy's

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? --Never

38. From whom did you get your last email? -- My Uncle Ray Burroughs

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? -- I hate SHOPPING!!!!!!

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? -- Went for a hike the other day. Just hit the trail with hubby & kids!

41. Like your job? -- As a Mom ALWAYS! As a Wife, well of COURSE! (except the cleaning part!!!lol!) As a soap maker / Love the creativity ~ OH YES! LOVE MY JOB!!

42. Broccoli? -- Yep! I love all grilled/steamed/ roasted/veggies my most fav is butternut squash.

43. What was your favorite vacation? -- oh yes! Live for it!! Camping at the lake or river.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? -- Tim

45. What are you listening to right now? -- TJ & Emily, jumping on Emily's Bed!

46. What is your favorite color? -- Red

47. How many tattoos do you have? -- None

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? --I will follow the instructions.

49. What time did you finish this quiz? and they said there is no such thing as a dumb question, i finished it right now(10:15am)

50. Coffee Drinker? yep & tea!

Comments:
Written about 11 months ago
Keri Renee' Sperling-Schierman likes this.
William C Green likes this.
William C Green: OK I dun it Miss Dallas Cowboy
August 4, 2009 at 12:32pm · Like this /Terri Erickson Dinsmore: you could totally be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader...the Miami Dolphins will forgive you ;o)

Hope you enjoyed... my little getting to know me post! now... let me get to know you! jot down some notes about you! Send me an email! Love to hear back! As always...Keepitbubbly! xOx~Jeri

Facebook Notes of Past....

2010-07-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some more fun notes of past... Some much loved...some funny and even educational! Enjoy!!

3's of meShare
Share
Friday, August 14, 2009 at 10:53am | Edit Note | Delete
3's of meShare
Today at 7:27am

Three names I go by:
1. Jeri /Jer
2. Mom/Honey
3. Sis

Three Jobs I have had in my life:
1. Bar Tender/Waitress
2. Medical Office /Accounts Manager
3. Child Care Business (Sharpe Family Child Care) Almost 10yrs

Three Places I have lived:
1. Boulder, CO
2. Santa Barbara,CA
3. Marina Del Rey, CA

Three Favorite drinks:
1. Water
2. Coffee
3. Tea

Three TV Shows that I watch:(currently)
1. Morning Express w/Robin Meade
2.America's Funniest Videos
3. Tru TV World's Dumbest Videos (Ciminals/vacation)

Three places I have been:
1.Golden Boot Awards (25th)
2. On a Horse! Everyone should ride one...at least once!
3. On top of as many Mtns I have been blessed enough to climb!

People that text me regularly: don't really have time for it... but when i do it is these..
1. My Best Friend
2. sis in law
3. my mom or hubby( & really not that often!)

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
2. Salmon
3. Grilled Vegetables

Three places you would like to go:
1. Italy~ My great Grandparents were from a town just above Venice.
2. England ~ Relatives from there as well
3. Canada~ Although there is still a lot of America I would like to see for myself!

Three Things I am looking forward to:
1. Tim coming home from Hunting in Colorado (& he hasn't even left yet!)
2. Going to Vegas with Terri & Lori
3. The kids starting School so I can get productive with my soap business! Real work to be done!!

Updated about 11 months ago · Comments
Maria Giovanna Anghera-Munoz
Which town where your great grandparents from in Italy? My dad's from Venice, and my mom is from a town 30 minutes away from Venice.
August 14, 2009 at 10:32pm ·
Jeri Menane Sharpe
Maria~Fonte' Italy I think? I am still doing all the research on all of it and much of the records there were destroyed during the wartime. I know we have relatives there, but I am unsure that they are much aware of anymore.
August 30, 2009 at 1:21am · ·

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 2:43pm
EMAIL #1

'Here's my strategy on the Cold War:
We win, they lose.' - Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' -Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.' - Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. Was too strong.' - Ronald Reagan

'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.' - Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program..' - Ronald Reagan

'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it.. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it' - Ronald Reagan

'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.' - Ronald Reagan

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.' - Ronald Reagan

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.' - Ronald Reagan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email #2:
Subject: FW: Preambles of the States, interesting
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

I found this very interesting. Do you know the Preamble for your state? . .

Be sure to read the message at the bottom!

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Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe....

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a
blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty....

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful
to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty
God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to
God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

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After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal
courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for thought' send to as many as you think will be
enlightened as I hope you were.
(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they
MUST worship God.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written about 11 months ago · Comments ·
Felina Sample William C Green like this

William C Green: Unfortunately, the voting public is rapidly changing. Those that remember Reagan are getting in the minority and the Conservative faction has no one with his charisma or moxie. Sad, isn't it?
August 5, 2009 at 3:57pm · ·
Felina Sample: broke the mold with him.. Yes a GOOD guy..
August 5, 2009 at 3:58pm ·

I know I miss this guy! I did a report on him in high school and he was the first President that I ever voted for. Anyway I thought it was nice of my uncle to send me these emails. Take care and have a lovely weekend!
Keepitbubbly~xOx~Jeri

.

2010-07-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

*In case you are wondering.... I am moving my Notes off of my Facebook page and putting them here on my keepitbubbly Blog! ~ Some of My personal poetry is not so bubbly....yet still food for thought! :) I hope you enjoy it for what it is and it inspires you to write from your heart as well!

keepitbubbly!
xOx ~ Jeri

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 8:11am
(This is Rough and right out of my head)

Don't leave it up to me

I've been here before

I may not want to leave

my heart is already out the door

we argue the same things

no matter how we start

So you can't put the blame

only on my heart.

I'm always telling you something

you already know....

My heart can only fall away from you

If you let go...

I'm always telling you something

You already know....

My heart can only fall away from you

If you let go.....

Early Am Writing (Just some Am Writing)

Jeri D. Sharpe
Sept. 23 2009
Updated about 10 months ago

September 23, 2009 at 10:11am ·
Lisa Bailey-Fitchpatrick: awsome Jeri!! Thanks for sharing!! =)

Notes From The Yard!......I DON'T DO SNAKES!!!

2010-05-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

So today while walking the yard at school....... some of the students noticed a ..."SNAKE!!!"

So we two yard duty gals walked calmly (yeah right!) over to where the "snake" was last seen. Upon approach, I noticed there was not one but two rather LARGE snakes. I radioed the office to inform them of the current visitors on campus. After all, it is a school rule to that all visitors must first check in at the office. The office then sent the custodian out. The other gal on duty kept the students back as I kept an eye on the snakes. News spreads fast on the yard and they had come running to check out our visitors!

Our custodian arrived on scene with the "snake grabby thingy." (In case you would like to purchase one....I believe it is an industrial BRAND name for the tool we used! Ha) Well Alfredo took one look at the over three foot long SNAKES and handed me the snake grabby tool!
He said; "Here, I don't like the snakes."

Laughing at and with him, I told him that I didn't either! We stood there looking at the snakes and then looking at each other. They were UGLY! I could tell that they were not rattle snakes. My best guess at the time was gopher or garden snakes. It had been so long sense I had seen one though. Our custodian told me that he needed to find out what to do and make a call. He said that he was going to GO... & make phone call about the snakes? I told him to not be gone long. I was not going to stand out there alone!!

I finally got brave enough to begin to nudge one of them away using the tip of the grabby thingy and standing a bit like a pirate in a sword fight. It worked! The first one moved away quickly toward the back fence and through it to the field. The second, on the other hand got a little squirmy on me and kinda freaked me out! I was shaking like a leaf, but the encouragement of shouts by the students made me feel like 'Jeri Sharpe...Snake Charmer Extraordinaire!' It was all very exciting and the snake finally went through the fence.

However, by the time the older kids came out for their recess, one of the snakes came back through the fence. From across the field I could see his return. He was slipping slowly down the hillside. At 42 years of age...I was amazed at my eyes catching sight of him. I guess all my time on hikes spotting animals and creatures with my kids has paid off! I calmly walked over and retrieved the 'grabby tool' and then onward to charm him out of the school yard! He became the snake that kept coming back. By the time the recess was over, he was resting outside the school yard fence. I couldn't get him to leave that area, so he will be something new to look out for until he moves on. You've just got to love life in the country!

Now that you know me as a snake charmer....I guess a future blog will have to be about the "bird charming" & rescue of a neighborhood pet bird.

keep it bubbly!
xOx~ Yard Duty Gal,
Jeri

Forward Some Funny Today!!

2010-04-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Mitch Hedberg - A Comic Genius

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6xaj2fC1jI&feature=player_embedded

Today is Pay it forward and my way of doing this is by hoping to give a giggle to all of you lovely people. I feel that to laugh is to live. To live is to love. To love is to laugh... and around we go! ......It is a wonderful way to be. So with so much going on .....let's just keep it light & pay it forward with this funny!!!! Have a great day & keep it bubbly!! x0xJeri

Subject: FW: Girlie Wisdom

1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but she doesn't really care..

  2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.

  3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

  4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

  5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

  6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends..

  7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today...

  8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

  9. I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my panties.

  10. Amazing! You hang something in your closet, for a while, and it shrinks 2 sizes!

  11. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now, I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name, and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat.. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

  12.. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing -- and then they marry him.

  13. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

  SEND THIS TO 5 EXTREMELY BRIGHT WOMEN YOU KNOW AND MAKE THEIR DAY!!!
  LIVE SIMPLY.........LAUGH OFTEN....LOVE DEEPLY

Mystical Moments......I think of you often.....I Love You My Cousins...

2010-04-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

This morning I was up early and on first look at my facebook page, my cousin had made a comment about a place we lived. Looking back on it now, we were so lucky. It was such a wonderful place to experience as a young girl.

This mornings musical picks three:

happy fun friday hope you have a wonderful weekend! keepitbubbly~

xox~jeri

(busy morning ....hope these work!)

Wildfire by Michael Martin Murphey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc3OnSQc48s&feature=player_embedded

Country Roads by John Denver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfi3SSJPG9Y

Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZiL1PMF3xA&feature=player_embedded#!

Mystical Moments

High on top of a Mystical Mountain.......
There once lived three kindred little girls........

All with a heart for horses,
A heart for nature & adventure....
All with a heart for good will....

Years pass & yet if you know them
Look to their eyes
There is a chance you may see...

The three still run wild
Through... the flower filled meadows .......
Full gallop, giggles & bliss....

Catch yourself Mystical Moment
Of Lovely little girls in full twirl
tender is that moment not to be missed.....

by Jeri Menane Sharpe 4am 5/16/2010
For Christine Belluschi & Natasha Love Lee
( my Cousins CC & Tashi I LOVE YOU!!!)

Chime in.....What do YOU think? Finish this "Fun Friday" Task!

2010-04-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

This life of mine the past five years has got me really thinking. People have re-entered my life and people have left. Some have died and some have moved away. My daughter will be six in a month so I have watched my children bond and it reminds me of my brothers. The bond we shared growing up was and still is a huge influence in my life. I still look to them for
advice. No matter who or what they become, they will always be my personal Heros! I will be the first to defend them....even if I am pissed at them and think they are complete idiots at the time. It is okay for me to call them that, but no one else can! I feel family is very important, but they can't be the source of our happiness. I believe that happiness comes from within and we do not find it in others. I believe that people do not hurt us and that we hurt ourselves by allowing events in our life.

I am soft & gooey! Mushy is how I have described myself before. Sounding a bit like a chocolate chip cookie, I must say that I am one tough cookie! It is true, I can be hurt. I hurt myself the most by the choices I make. I can honestly say in my 42 years that I have zero regrets. I am happy. Even though things are not perfect in my life and I would like some things to be different, I wouldn't have made different choices if I could go back in time. Those of you who are privy all that has gone on, know what I am talking about and only time will tell how things will shake out. I can simply say that life is what I make it on a day to day basis. Some of you have heard me say that I do not look back once I make a decision. I learned this from one of the smartest guys I know. I will never tell him that. I am sure he doesn't read this so....ha ha on him! ( A little brother sister humor!) I know though that when people are true to you they will act on their word. I believe that if they care, they will show it by their actions. I believe that we can not be responsible for the actions of others. Just because we care does not mean that they need to care as well. It also does not mean that we need to not show how we feel. To thine own self be true. I have said before and I will say, again....with me, you will always know where you stand. If I care, I say it! I have, for most of my life followed the rules that were handed down to me. I feel that sometimes these rules worked for me and sometimes against the things I wanted most. I still say that I have no regrets. For all of you, if you have followed rules or not, if you are happy or not..... I made this task. Finish the below sentence as I have, but use your thoughts and your words.

Music Link/Video Pick for this post: Enjoy:

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAJrB9CX808&feature=related

Enjoy your "Fun Friday!" Go out and have a Fantastic Weekend!! keepitbubbly! xox~jeri

Chime in.....What do YOU think? Finish this "Fun Friday" Sentence:

In this Life We All Deserve....

to love & be loved for who we truly are....& not for who people think we are, or for who they want us to be. ~Jeri Menane Sharpe

Wednesday Wisdom This Week: Get Outside & Get Inspired!

2010-04-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

This beautiful weather has me thinking of my favorite things. Spring has sprung and my garden is planted. I enjoy being outside more than in. As you all know my favorite place of inspiration is to be outside. My Wednesday Wisdom this week is all about getting outside and getting inspired.

The Girl on the hill....I always wondered if anyone could see me sitting on that hill.

My mom reminded me of something the other day. She reminded me of "my hill." Of course she called it her hill and I insisted it was mine. Funny how we become attached to places that legally do not belong to us, but in our hearts they are home. In my life I have several places like this. I seem to find one every place I have ever lived. I would pick my spot and that would be where I would sit and think and sometimes sing to myself.   It must be genetic because I have noticed this same behavior in my children as I watch them play in the yard. My daughter is the one who sings mostly, but my son does write creatively in a journal.

For as long as I could remember I have been writing things down. Things that I wanted to remember, or things that I felt. I really liked being alone to write and early on I found easy inspiration in being outside. I had a couple of teachers in Colorado that would take us on hikes for a writing exercise. We would start up the trail behind the school and each of us would choose a spot along the way. We would sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the forest. We would then write what we could hear, smell, feel, see and even taste if there was snow. Of course we were warned to never eat yellow snow. When we would hear the whistle blow it was time to head back down the trail to the school. Back in the classroom we would take what we had written down and write a poem, paragraph, or story. This is pretty much how I now gather my inspiration to open a writing block that I am having. I have heard as well, that several writers break up there writing blocks by taking a walk or doing simple chores outdoors.

When I moved back to my Mom's in Los Alamos, California, I would escape to my hill every chance I'd get. It was just a short walk down the street from my house. Then I just had to cross the creek, maneuver through a pasture and a short hike up the hill. The hill was distinctively split almost directly in half by the trial going up it. Right at the top is where I would sit. I then would pull a peace of paper and pencil from my pocket and write.

Although, I do have to admit that sometimes I would just sit and take in the view. I would wonder about the people on the 101 freeway. Where were they off to? I missed my Grandparents and Santa Barbara. I thought of going to see them and how to work that out. I would watch the animals in the field below and think of how much fun we had there with them. More than once, my friends and I had tried to ride the horses bareback and got bucked off. We didn't get hurt, but did have a real good laugh and of course we got right back on too! (It being so close to Easter now as I write this, I can't think of that property without thinking of my bunny "Spiffy," that died there with the many other rabbits in a heat wave one summer. I loved that bunny!)   On top of my hill, I would gaze at wild life, farms, ranches, the freeway, more ranches, and the houses of our little town. (My husband now tells me this is called glassing. However, I never had binoculars and I was not hunting.) I was just lost in my thoughts waiting for the sun to set. I still enjoy watching the sunset. I watch it almost every night for just a few minutes.

I have been asked why I write. I have several writings and I haven't done much with them. When I was pregnant with my son I sent one of the books I wrote for children to a publisher. I got a letter back from them that they were happy to publish it for me if I would pay them and then promote it myself. I really felt the timing was off and I also felt that wasn't the way I wanted it to work. So, I put it away for a later time. Being involved with my kids and more, I have sense been asked, "If you're not planning a big career as a writer, and if you're not getting your work published, then why do you bother with it?" My answer is this: "I call myself a writer because I know without a shadow of doubt that it is the one thing I must do. I can not go a day without it. I do not write to become famous or rich. The main reason I write is for my own peace of mind. I write to express myself and calm my soul.   I will start out by writing anything that pops into my head and then work into something else. I often have to be careful when texting friends because I end up regretting what I have sent in a text. Sometimes I'm too mushy or write too much! Thank God for the limits, but I do seem to rework the wording and work around them! (i.e.: "lol!") I feel that text messages, just like chatting online, can be taken wrong because it is different than hearing the spoken words and being able to see or hear a persons reactions. With text messages and the like, it is too easy to be misunderstood.

(music link for this post: Uncle Kracker~ Writing It Down: ~ ENJOY!~)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01OAE5kk-dQ&feature=player_embedded )

I do have my favorite places now, and I hear from my friends that they like them as well. I often here them talk of hiking the trails that I enjoy with my kids. I am sure in their mind these hills, mountains, and beaches belong to them. Rightly so, I don't mind sharing. We all have a right to enjoy the outdoors. I only have two main rules that I tell my kids other than watch their footing. One, like my Grandpa used to tell me when I would want to bring home every rock, stick and flower that I found.....He would say: "That there is a leaver-rite!.....You leave ..er' ...right there!" Then two, as my parents would tell me every time we would hike or camp...."You pack it in ...YOU....Pack it out!" This way we all enjoy our outing.

Happy Spring! Get out there and enjoy! Keep it bubbly! xox~Jeri

Passover...Passion.... Rise To It!!!

2010-04-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Passover...Passion...Rise To It!!!

In reading my email from "The Tip Of The Week by The Two Sisters," I found this great morsel of truth to pass on. The two sisters are educators that travel and have a blog to help inform other educators in the latest and greatest in education. Recently their travels brought them to joyfully meet Mollie Williams, from Chesapeake, Virginia, at a conference. Here is what I found in their post that I wanted to pass a long to all of you:

    They were laughing with her about the tolerance and tenacity of a large group of educators who sat on the floor in a packed room at the conference, just to attend their session of choice.
    Mollie commented that she'd told her husband about the experience and after listening attentively he mentioned that he found it hard to fathom why teachers would sit on the floor just to get information related to their work. He had recently attended a business conference and remarked how he was quite certain his fellow businessmen would never sit on the floor in order to participate in an overflowing session.
    Mollie eloquently and gently told her husband, "I guess that is the difference between a career and a calling. I am willing to sit on the floor, or even stand in a session if I believe I can gather a nugget of information to refine my craft of teaching, take it back to my classroom and positively impact my student's learning."

Did you get that? What lengths have you gone through to get where you are today and why? Are you living an authentic life out of passion? Or, have you succumbed to the fears that others have place in your head? We all have moments of adversity in our life and get stuck in the mud. The levels of which vary and we can let the negativity of other stuck people hinder our true path, or we can choose to daily make small changes that get us unstuck! Everyday we can choose to work toward our goal or calling from our soul. Small changes and little steps are better than taking no steps at all. The people who hinder our path may just be comfortable with who we are now and not with who we long to be. We all can't be a star, because there must be an audience and fan base to make us star. I really don't believe that everyone would want to be in the lime light anyway. Watching my children grow and the children from my years of doing daycare in my home, I have found that every child is unique. They all are drawn to different toys and tasks throughout the day. While sometimes they will have them in common, many times they will have a desire to do "their own" thing. Ask any teacher how easy it is to get all of their students to stay on task at all times. This is just one example of why I believe that we all have within us a true "calling."

Another thing that I believe is, no matter what we do to hinder our path, it will always be calling out to us. "Buy that guitar... you know you could play it!"...Build it!.....Make it!...Plant it! Clean it! Bake it!! SING, DANCE, WRITE!....Who cares if your grammar is all wrong! That is why they have editors!! (Writing is mine! I am always wanting to buy notebooks and journals to write in. I keep paper with me at all times. I have even started to carry my laptop with me now!) Let's face it, we all know when we have been to a "Good" Doctor. We know when we have had a meal prepared by a Chef who is really passionate & has put that passion into creating that meal. Have you ever walked into a building and been inspired to create because the architecture is incredible? It doesn't just stop there. It takes people who have passion, pride, and integrity in the work that they do to keep that passion consistent daily with the original creation.

What is your passion? Are you doing something you are called to do out of passion, or are you just working your daily grind out of obligation to the many responsibilities you have acquired? What do you want for your children? I know I throw words around like passion and creativity, and I sound idealistic and a bit over the top. Well maybe I am a bit over the top at times, but I still believe it is possible for all of us to have the life we desire. I believe it is never too late to do the things in life that will ignite that fire within. The sooner we do so will determine how successful we become. The only way our children will find their true passion is to be emerged and surrounded by multiple learning opportunities with quality teachers as mentors to help ignite their passion. The story above from the two sisters is in my view, is a perfect example of how we need to appreciate the truly great teachers out there. The "GREAT ONES" choose teaching as profession out of a sense of "calling" and will stop at nothing to ignite a passion for learning in our children. We need to support these teachers in their task and pay them well.

However, I will always feel that the education of our children begins with us. Our children learn first from us as parents. What we see as important, they will see to be important (until they turn into teens and begin to make their own way.) Even at that time though, I feel they will look to us for an example and a standard. When we decide to place the education of our children in the hands of our public schools, it is still our role as parents to to support the task of the teachers. We can not just drop them off and pick them up and expect that it is all getting done. We need to be involved in the process and have them there on time ready to learn. We need to make sure their homework is getting done and know what they are learning, achieving and lacking. If we do not get involved in the public education of our children and "have the backs" of our teachers, then we may as well just drop our kids off at a babysitter. The message to our children is clear, when we do not make education important, they will not see it to be important. Thank you, "Two Sister's" for your post about Mollie and "Thank you Mollie" for sharing those inspired words with them.

My below music link for this post is Even Angels fall by Jessica Riddle from A Walk To Remember. Please enjoy! I feel it is the perfect song for this post because no one is perfect nor are we meant to be. Sometimes the greatest lessons in life have been learned by making a mistake!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNVK4pN5134&feature=player_embedded

One final thought to do with those things in our life called "responsibilities." No matter who we are, we have them. Run and hide, but they will still be right where you left them. You can let them become all that you are about, or you can rise above them as you live up to them and move forward. This Easter Sunday...I ask that you do not just "passover" all the aspects of your life that make you who you are. "Good," or "not so much"....try to see them as a blessing that can help you ignite the passion waiting within you or within someone else. Then rise each day to the occasion of this life that we have before us! Be the YOU, that you are meant to be, as you live up to those responsibilities! Make a difference and create the life that you desire! Do not settle for a path less than what you would wish for your own children in this life! Desire more for yourself and they follow your lead!!! Be well....

Happy Easter to all of my GOOD Blessings!!! keepitbubbly~ xox Jeri

Wednesday Wisdom!! How to be happy....

2010-03-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Wisdom!! How to be happy....

Chinese Proverb:

If you want happiness for an hour....take a nap.

~ If you want happiness for a day....go fishing.

~ If you want happiness for a month....get married.

~ If you want happiness for a year...inherit a fortune.

~ If you want happiness for a lifetime ............................................ help somebody.

I didn't make my notes on "Treasure Yourself Tuesday" this week. Time escapes me with much going on. (~my music link: Time in a bottle!!!! ENJOY!!! ~ )...I hope you all took Great Care of "YOU" this week and gave yourself some personal time. If not....the week is still young my friends! I believe it is key to the above Chinese proverb as well. You can not possibly help anyone else if you have nothing to give. You need to start by taking great care of "YOU!" So, go out ...stay in...whatever it takes! Take care of you!

Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle (1973) Below link enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHDt2t0oO7g&feature=player_embedded#

Stories From The Yard:

Yesterday: Tuesday March 30th 2010

While walking around I was approached by a couple of kids.

"Mrs. Sharpe...Mrs. Sharpe!!! You gotta see this!!!!" So we three go running out to the back field.

Out at the back field there is a student who has captured a baby field mouse! He is holding it in by the head between his forefingers and supporting its body with his other hand.

I remained CALM. Much like I had to remain CALM when disposing of a half eaten gopher. I told him that he needed to let the poor thing go because it needed to be back with his family. He said he wanted to keep it. I told him that it could bite him and he started to walk toward me to let it go!!

I told him: "NO! NOT BY ME!!!" (Please note that I sprung into a dance like motion that resembled Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie!) "Over by the fence..... Careful.... Please!" I told him.

I then told him to go wash his hands .....With SOAP. Then instructed all the students to "step away from the rodent."

I don't really get freaked out by these things. However, I do recall my mother and I standing on a table when we saw a mouse run across the floor. Now...I ask ya? Can mice run up and get on the table? If so.....what good does it do, to stand on a table? I think back and just laugh! I think of when my dad flushed the tiny babies (eyes not even open) down the toilet and I was standing there throwing cheese in with them. Just in case they survived the trip!

Ya just gotta love growing up in the country!!!

Have a GREAT Day!!!
keepitbubbly!
xox~Jeri

Oh Happy Day....(Always A Song In My Heart)

2010-03-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Oh Happy Day....(Always A Song In My Heart)

I am so impressed by the talent of the kids at the school where I work. They all have such wonderful gifts and beautiful voices. I hope they continue to be encouraged "to make a joyful noise" throughout their lives. Their theme of the event was about Disney and making your dreams come true. I feel that with a song in your heart and being true to yourself, all your dreams can and will come true. If there is something you want to achieve then you must go out and get it. Follow your passion and make your luck happen. You can set out to get the things you want if you "GO FOR IT!" I like to say; "'Nothing' happens while sitting back & doing 'Nothing.'" Just as we are taught to take the reins of a horse when we first learn to ride, we need to do this with our dreams. We need to take our confidence by the reins and get to it. If we get bucked off a horse we are told; "Saddle up! ....The day is not over yet!" If our plans do not turn out as we had liked, we can either adjust, or move forward and keep the wheels turning on the wagon of success! How many times have you heard that there is no dress rehearsal for life? "So.....Pony Up the day is a~wastin'!" Don't wait to find that lucky horseshoe...four leaf clover....or for prince charming to rescue you! Remember your dreams and stay the course!
There is one thing I must add to this. I do believe that there are some areas in our life where we need to let it be. If things are meant to be, then they will turn out for the best. I really believe that things come back around for that chance to make it right. You can not force someone to do anything. "If they care....there they be!!! Right with you & they have your back without question!!! You do not need to ask them to be your friend, they are and always have been. It is about acceptance...love...devotion...trust & hope.....

~My mom sent me an email and I want to share it with the world. So here it is.....(I am not sure who sent it to her but it is lovely! It is my hope that it inspires you the way it has me!)

email from my mom~ I love you all & this is easier than email! Enjoy! :)

Jeri,

There are some powerful messages in this, read it slowly, quietly and I Believe it will touch your soul

Love,

Mom

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . Relax . . .And read this slowly.

I Believe....
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life..

I Believe....
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe.....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't..

I Believe....
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe....
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs
to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe....
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe....
That our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe....
That even when you think you have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you -
you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to
all of the people that you believe in, I just did.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything they have.

(I LOVE YOU MOM!!! Thank you for being my Mom! We need OUR trip to Italy...... xox ~jd)

(Like i said before, I am not sure where my mom got this. I love it though and I love all of my friends!)
"There Ain't No Mountain High Enough," song I posted below is my way of telling you all how I feel! You are awesome and go for it! Get the things in this life that you want! If you need me......I'll be there in a hurry....and you all know how much I love hiking!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQQIbMdfis0

Have a great weekend! keep it bubbly ..... xox ~Jeri
http://centralcoastsoaps.com/

(If you like what I have written & posted, please add yourself to my Follow List. I am working my way up to posting on my blog at least twice a week. :) Treasure Yourself Tuesday or Wednesday Wisdom, & then A Weekend Post of Sorts...Enjoy! (: Thank You! I would also enjoy reading your thoughts! :) .)
Have a great week and don’t forget to subscribe!
A BIT MORE INSPIRATION FOR TODAY BEFORE I'M OUT AND ABOUT: :) Enjoy!
Check out the below link and song are for Deborha Daniele
my Pirate Writing Pal! The creator of The Pirate Balthasar! I am so inspired by the work she does!
http://thepiratebalthasar.blogspot.com/http://thepiratebalthasar.blogspot.com/
Deborha, You are very talented! I saw the video with this song and thought of your blog! So I thought I would share it with all my other friends!
:) xJeri
P.S. I have not forgotten. I am still going to post those pics of the California coast for you!! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgAdSMMdFmI&feature=player_embedded#

Sunday Funday......A Peaceful Easy Feeling

2010-03-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday Fun~day!......A Peaceful Easy Feeling.....
(By now...I hope you know that if I give reference to a song, I am going to try and post the song! ~ Please Enjoy the below youtube link to The Eagles: Peaceful Easy Feeling. I woke this morning with this song in my head. Love the Eagles....Always have ...Always will!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44_rtJxPg0s&feature=player_embedded#

It was a busy Saturday of cleaning my house, a quick outing of visiting, then out to dinner with my family at "C.J.'s Cafe" in Arroyo Grande. Waking this morning with my house mostly clean, and my laundry done, I can honestly say that I have a bit of myself back.
Cleaning my house is something that happens on a regular basis. It may not be always perfect, but we do the best we can under the conditions we are given. The trick these days has been training my children to clean their own rooms. I am now working with the idea that if I keep doing it for them, they will NEVER do it on their own. The line in the carpet has been drawn and I am holding the line. My daughter seems to think that "looks clean" and "clean" are one and the same. A quick peek under her bed and you will find out why she is so quick at cleaning her room. Meanwhile, my son won't lift a finger to make his bed unless there is something in it for him. I have found however, that taking away his Nintendo ds is a good bargaining tool. He has also come to know the power that money holds. Last week he paid my daughter a dollar to make his bed. A job she has yet to be paid for and I have told her she needs to start charging him interest.
These days I find it better to eat at home rather than eat out because I am trying to eat healthier. We do go out now and then, but it is easier to eat whole fresh foods when you eat at home. I had never been to C.J.'s Cafe before, but in the past few years I have had several people tell me that they liked it. My husband wanted to take us out because he had done well in his fishing tournament. So off to C.J.'s we went last night where I enjoyed a fresh green salad and a tender tri-tip sandwich on a french roll with really yummy barbeque sauce. They make the sauce there and I think next time I will try a the barbeque beef sandwich with thinly sliced beef. My friends were right, the cafe was clean, the people there were pleasant, and the food was good.
Even though I enjoyed getting my house in order and going out to eat was a treat, the highlight to my day was not found in either one. The exception and excitement to my Saturday came serendipitously by my brother in law taking care of my kids for a couple of hours. This allowed me to steel away a bit of time for myself and go out and about visiting. Sometimes all we need to "feel good" is to break away, do something for ourselves. To do this is bliss. If you are able to do this in the company of people you care about it is even better. It is good to let go of the tension that has been getting the best of us and gain back a bit of who we are deep inside. It really isn't hard to relax and be ourselves when we are with friends who show genuine care and concern for how and who we are. We compromise our health and well being on daily basis by giving pieces of ourselves to people who don't really care and make us feel uncomfortable in our own skin. By taking time out to restore our balance and well being we can again feel whole.

So this morning I woke with a Peaceful Easy Feeling. I am lucky to have good friends who accept me for who I am without judgment and know that I do the same for them. They restore my hope and faith in this life and help me to keep it bubbly! It will be a busy week! Inventory, reworking my website & making summer soaps this week! I hope you have a great week xox~Jeri

Treasure Yourself Tuesday, ..A New Day, ..A New YOU!

2010-03-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Thank YOU Jamie, Adrian, Tom, Kath, Keri Renee' ~ Alana, Maili (of K~JAM!), Marcie, MOM!!!, Linda, Robert, Paul, Susan, Pam(good to see you at the store today! & Danette! & Nathan good to run into you too!) & the list could go on all day....We get by with a little help from our friends!!

We all have our ups and downs and I am so thankful that everyday is a new day! In this life we have our family and our friends to share in our joys and hopefully lean on for caring support in times of sadness. So often I hear from my friends and I feel this myself that the lines between the two become marred, because you feel so close to your friends that they become your family. A hectic schedule and a mess of issues going on in my life, I found myself forgetful to wish a dear one happiness on his special day. His kind words in reply to my note reminds me of how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends. He is a man who shares in the love and respect that I have for the outdoors. I share with all of you the picture above & poem below. In his honor......"Happy (belated) Birthday Jamie."

[Picture above~ A Natural Heart by Jeri Sharpe "~ 3/17/2010]
A Natural Heart~
I always find my true self
I always find my heart
When I return to nature.
The feel of dirt beneath my feet
Smell of pine & sage
For me the call of the red tailed hawk is sweet.
No sounds of city
No sounds of streets
Only wind through the trees
& babble of the creek.
This is my bliss
This is how I begin to breathe
I walk ....I run ....I climb
I feel my heart beat
I am alive! I am free! I am ME!

I look up to Jamie and all of my friends. Some of you on my facebook page have known me from birth and some have known me from when I was just 12 years old and started at Los Alamos Elementary School/ or just after that for my year at Jamestown Elementary in Colorado. That is an amazing 30 years ago! "Wow!" to the changes in my life that have gone on between then and now. My friends/family, you are awesome! I look to you and often find such wonderful inspiration. I find that you have great character and strength. You have all lived such amazing lives already and there is so much living to do still!. Even if you don't think you have, "we have all come a long way." You never know the difference you have make in someones life. A simple smile and "hello" in the store, or to see you help someone get that door may restore hope.
I love how all of you have always taught me something, given me hope and encouraged me to "keep on the path!" Most of all, you have cared for me and given me your true friendship. For that I thank you with all my heart!

Today, for "Treasure Yourself Tuesday...A New Day A New YOU!" I give to you a couple of books I have found lately and I am currently reading....
(Keri Renee' & a few others have me on a health kick! It is funny because before I married, I had given up junk food. Slowly over the years I had allowed it to creep back in and then slowly I just started giving it up again. For instance I no longer drink soda and I really haven't for a long time. I would mostly get tea or lemonade anyway and then never finish it. All other things I have given up in bits. A food snob I am not, because now and then I really want a Cheeseburger and Chocolate Cake! These days with my health kick (& my pledge to have sixpack abs by summer), I find myself wanting to learn about health, fitness, and business. I have so many things to learn that I really am looking to my friends to help in the continued education of me. I really enjoy reading too. (It keeps me from bending your ears! Ha Ha Ha) So here are the books I am reading...Let me know if there are any you recommend! Thanks in advance! Enjoy the links! Hope you enjoyed your day! It is never too late to take care of you! Take time to Treasure Yourself Tuesday/today!.... Keep it bubbly! xox~Jeri

http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Healing-Foods-Michael-Murray/dp/074348052X

http://www.amazon.com/YOU-Owners-Insiders-Healthier-Younger/dp/0060765313

http://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745

(Theses are kinda fun and why I picked up the book Rework)Review trailers about the book Rework:

http://37signals.com/svn/posts/2137-rework-trailer-1-staying-late

http://37signals.com/svn/posts/2160-rework-trailer-2-conference-call-meeting

Marvelous Monday!!! Tickle me it is ...........

2010-03-08T06:19:00.000-08:00

Marvelous Monday!!! Tickle me it's ........tax time! At this time of year we are all bogged down with paperwork. It is the time of year that everyone could use a good tickle, laugh or something to raise our spirits. In our household, taxes seems to be my job. I always seem to be the one to keep the paperwork together. So while everyone else headed off to Margarita lake for a morning of fishing fun, I was at home pouring myself more coffee searching for yet another receipt. To put the final finishing totals in check so we can pay someone to do our taxes for us! I know it is funny, but I would rather be really sure! I did this until I was cross eyed. I finally gave in to an an afternoon of relaxing fun with my Mom, some NASCAR, and some Chinese food. Thanks MOM!!! (Next time I am driving your Corvette like nascar to get that food instead of my car! **See above picture and my beautiful MOM!!)

Now back to taxes! If it is set up to get a refund, or if a payment is to be made........there is not a difference in the eyes if the government! We all have to file on time! Did ya get that? We ALL have to file on TIME!!! It really makes no difference who you are, death and taxes is the two that they say we must all do! Getting them filed can bring out the best, or worst in our character. I prefer to just live with no regrets and with little drama, so.....I like all else that must be done....try to just get mine filed far before the due date. The less DRAMA in my life the better. Having a daughter adds enough drama, I need not bring more to the party! For me....the past years have taught me so much. All I have ever wanted was a simple life. I do not require much to be happy. Roof over my head, food to eat, and people that love me to share my joy. I require faithful loyal friends that to be sure I have been truly blessed with. I feel that life is too short to worry for the small insignificant muck that people like to drag you through, so I like to stay out of it as much as possible. In fact, for me the less complicated and the more simple I keep my life the better.
Recently, however I ran into an old friend that reminded me that complicated is sometimes worth having. I had been working so hard to rid my life of drama. Some people live for the drama, I run from it. In my running from it and on my quest for my new career, I had lost my passion for what I want. "I thank you my friend! (You know who you are.) You make me want to be a better person. You reminded me of who I once was as a young naive girl full of dreams and big ideas, combined with the woman I have become. You have helped me see that I still have a lot of living to do & you have re-lit a fire in me to make me want to complicate my life and find that passion again!"
As I have veered away from drama there is one thing that I stand by although you will hear me apologize from time to time. Please do take them all as heartfelt because clearly I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. However, I don't like people to apologize to me for things beyond their control. Nor do I like to be made to feel that I must apologize for something beyond mine. I try to live within the lines of not doing things that I have to apologize for. I follow my heart and do what feels right, good and true. I know who my friends are. You who are my friends......thank you for being my friends!
Now to that...I say.....Have a Marvelous MONDAY!!! GET THOSE TAXES FILED early!!!! I am almost done!!! WooHOOO!!!

The Purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

keepitbubbly
xox~jeri
take care of you!

Treasure Yourself Tuesday!: City Girls Seem To....

2010-02-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Treasure Yourself Tuesday! City Girls Seem To......
know what they want and how to get it!!!! Okay so I always loved the Eagles Band. I am not a city girl, but even when I lived in the city I believe it is true that I learned early that "doors & hearts open with a smile." My daughter seems to know exactly what she wants at such a young age and my son as well. It really has me thinking. Are we born knowing what we want & with the gifts to get it? Should we be guided into something or allowed to find our path? (Reading this out loud right now....Emily just answered my question by saying, "Allowed to find!"....note: She is only 5!)

My son stays up late at night writing in his journal. He will be eight years old at the end of this week. He is writing a story about a football player that he is making up on his own. He loves to read and also is awesome at math and exceeds his grade level at it! (Okay bragging mother here, but he is truly excellent and does not get his math skills from me.)

My daughter is very creative in her style and color choices. She is drawn to colors and fabrics. In the garden she would pick all the flowers and make fabulous arangements. Later I found that she just LOVES clothes and SHOES! Honestly not my thing. ( I am not a girl who loves this. I prefer the outdoors. I enjoy hiking boots to heels! Don't get me wrong I can knock em dead when I have too, with a night out on the town! My preference however is my hiking boots, my jeans, and a great trail on a warm afternoon!) Emily's outfits are WILD! I have been taking pictures of them and keeping an album for her. I don't want her eye for what is "fabulous" to be given to her by someone else!

Here is the latest of the Adventure's of Emily Sharpe:

"Emily has claimed the dispenser dress for her lamb doll!"

A sweet friend of mine sent us a little crochet cover dress for our dish soap. I had finally been to our post office box this past Saturday and received the package from her with this lovely gift. I was so excited that I displayed it on my counter right away. Within in an hour I was in doing dishes and a preparing a meal.

I hear klip-klop-klop-klop....klip-klop-klop-klop. Emily enters the kitchen.

She was dressed up in my high heels and sunglasses. She was also wearing her bright pink skirt and fuzzy hand knitted multi colored pink scarf with my old purse dangling from her bent arm. Klip Klop Klop Klop Klip Klop .....She asked: "Um...excuse me Mam?.....Are you open?"
I looked at her and said, "Well I believe we are...May I help you?" I answered.
She told me she wanted to look around and wasn't sure she wanted to buy anything just yet. She continued to Klipp Klopp her way around the room and then noticed the dispenser.
"Oh this is so lovely.... Can I buy it for my daughter?" She asked.
I told her it was for display only. She said; "But Mom! I have to have it for my daughter!"
I told her; "Well okay then.... go ahead."
So out of my old purse she pulls her cow bank.
It was hysterical! She was so adult about the whole thing.
When she just gave me the entire bank, took the dress and klip-klopped away, I had the hardest time not laughing at her. She really is something!
A While later she came back with her lamb doll in the crochet dress! It was So Cute!!! (Thank you so much Cindy for making that crochet dress!)

Emily has claimed the crochet soap dispenser dress for her lamb doll! She knows what she wants and how to get it!!! She is too darn cute!!!

Have a Great Day! Keep it Bubbly!!
xox~ Jeri

Check out this link from my buzz friend! It is a must see!!! Treasure Yourself Tuesday!! If you don't take care of you..... Who will? Know what you want.....find out how to get it!!!!

Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Teach every child about food Video on TED.com

Wednesday Wisdom: "I Never Missed ......

2010-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wisdom: "I Never Missed One In My Heart."~ Bill Klem (veteran major-league baseball umpire) He made this statement upon his retirement in 1941. It was his way of assuring his detractors and admirers, that every call he ever made was to his belief right. Now this expression is used as a profession of sincerity and not just in the sports world.

I found it in my word phrase origins book when I was looking for some bit of wisdom to write about today and it stood out to me as "wonderful." I thought about this man for a while. He like so many worked in a job that most would envy. Yet, at the same time there were many people who more than likely argued over many of the calls he made. When it comes to sports, or any any career there is going to be people who are the best! Just like the Coach of the Indiana Colts said, "There can be only one winner at the end of the season." So for my "Wednesday Wisdom" what I believe is this:

It comes down to you. Believe in yourself and do the best that you can everyday. If at the end of the day you can look in the mirror and say that "you never missed one in your heart," then I believe you had a pretty good day!

Enjoy your Wednesday! Keep it bubbly! xox~ Jeri

Treasure Yourself Tuesday: How Is Your Heart?

2010-02-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

How Is Your Heart?

Take a walk....Get some fresh air & breathe.....
Eat right....Get good sleep at night....and stretch before exercise!!!
DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!!
These are all easy things that can make you feel good.
Everyday make sure that you are taking time in your schedule to do something good for you.
If you do not Treasure Yourself No One Else Will!

Take time to relax and reflect on those goals to make sure you are reaching them!

Now.....Go out there and Have a Wonderful Day!!

(Note: Always check with your personal Doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program.)

SONG DEDICATION: BRIAN ADAMS/HEAVEN ~ XOX

xoxox ~Jeri (keep~it~bubbly)

this little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
this little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
this little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
let it shine let it shine let it shine!

Wednesday Wisdom: The Hero Within.....Do you

2010-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Wisdom: The Hero Within.....Do you have a Hero within you just waiting to come into action? Everyone here in California is worried about the Big storm and our eyes are watching weather reports constantly checking for updates. Meanwhile, yet another earthquake shakes an already devastated Haiti. They really need our prayers and we really need to help them if we are in any position to do so. Personally, I have always felt that your own yard needs cleaning before we can clean our neighbor's yard. However in times of great tragedy that really goes out the window and we do what we can IF we can. "God helps those that helps themselves" to me means, we need to be wise in our giving. Give if you can and in the form that you can. We are all on edge just praying to get through these rough times in good health and with our loved ones safe.
My son and I argued this morning because he has the weight of the world on his shoulders already. He is going to be eight years old at the end of next month. He already feels that it is his job to protect his class should the power go out at school today. He was completely upset with me because I would not let him take his camping lantern to school today.
Meanwhile, my daughter Emily has made up her own language. She can not speak Spanish like Dora the Explorer and some of her friends at school. So, she just makes up her own words. It is my hope that she does not offend anyone with these new words of hers!
My quote for you today is this:

"I think these difficult times have helped me to understand
better than before how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way,
and so many things one goes around worrying about are
of no importance whatever.
~ ISAK DINESEN (KAREN BLIXEN)"

I hope you have a fantastic day! Stay safe and warm...take care out there!
Keep it bubbly! xox~Jeri

Treasure Yourself Tuesday! Before you can.....

2010-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

Treasure Yourself Tuesday! Before you can.....
.....find the treasure you seek in someone else, you must first find the "Treasure" within "Yourself." One of my favorite quotes is from the Bible:

For Where Your Treasure Is There Your Heart Will Be Also. (Matt 6:21)

So if you find yourself without power during this big storm, regain some of your own power. Get out your notebook. Maybe not the new kind that runs on power, but the old fashion paper and pen. Begin making some notes about the things you like to do, or of what you used to enjoy. Sometimes it may help to get out your art supplies and doodle. It may even help to go through old photos albums. It is time to go on a "personal treasure hunt." Time to get in there and dig and remember what your true gifts are and start to use them again.
I could say that I found my true self by returning to school. However, it sounds different than how it really came to be. Recently my "old friend" reminded me that the paths we take in this big adventure may be ours to choose, but all the happenings are not always within our control along said path. While it may be a good idea to make the best of the original choice we have made, the greater good for all involved is sometimes found in dusting our feet and focusing forward.
I stumbled into a new job by walking my kids to school this school year and truly feel it was Divine Intervention at work! While I am out at the school yard watching the kids play, I remember so much of my youth. I remember my hopes, fears and so many joyful moments! The kids talk to me and tell me their dreams. Some of them dream of having a farm with lots of animals, while some practice daily to make the a three point or half court shot! I think of the people I went to school with and remember when they got their first "hit" in baseball. I remember cheering so loud that we lost our voices, but won the game! I told some of the kids last week how much I used to enjoy watching basketball. I told them of when I filmed for our high school team my senior year. Coach Swanitz had to turn down the television when they reviewed the footage. I never could contain my cheering! "Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader!" I still have issues with volume control and I am okay with that. I have found that by returning to school has opened the flood gates to my writing. I have always been a writer of something. I just have been blocked and not allowed myself time lately. To the thrill and the annoyance of some, my bubbly attitude is back and I no longer feel like I am wall paper at home.
Sometimes we give ourselves away in such small amounts that, that it may seem at the time to be insignificant. Then one day we wake to find that it is hard to recognize the person we are looking at in the mirror. Does this sound like something you are going through? Start digging! Take a class, or a walk down memory lane, or anything that will help you reconnect with you! Find the gifts within yourself and "Treasure" them!"
I never believed that the "of this world" things we rush to gain in this life to be more important than the "gifts" we brought with us into this world. I believe that these "gifts" are awesome and worth sharing! I believe that the following quote holds true for men as well!

But I do not believe our possessions define us.
Instead, I believe it's what you love that expresses the authentic woman you are, not what you own." ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach - Simple Abundance 10th Anniversary Edition

Have a Great Tuesday! Take Care Out There! & Keep It Bubbly!!!

xox~ Jeri

Keepin' Your Bubbles! Music and good friends ......

2010-01-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

Keepin' Your Bubbles! Music and good friends ......

.......... help me keep mine, What helps you keep yours? Do you see the silver lining when it starts to storm?
It is just pouring here on the Central Coast of California. It rained most of the night and it calls for rain most of this week. We all knew the rain was coming. Prepared or not, we must push on into the storm! I looked up this morning for you how and where the term about silver linings around clouds came from. Here is what I found:

The following is from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online: look up silver lining there and this is what you will find:

A silver lining is a metaphor for optimism in the common English-language idiom "Every cloud has a silver lining."

Wikipedia has the phrase traced to John Milton's 1634 'Comus' with the following:

"Was I deceiv'd, or did a sable cloud
Turn forth her silver lining on the night?"

In relation to the real world, the term Wikipedia traced it to cloud seeding and the use of; "silver iodide as cloud condensation, which has led to the ironic use of the expression "every cloud has a silver lining" within that industry."

I thought this was very interesting because one of my favorite songs right now is by Lady Antebellum "one day you will." (Look it up on youtube! It is a great song!) It lifts my spirits and reminds me that every heartache makes me stronger. It even says that every cloud has a silver lining! Check it out! The song is very encouraging and helps me get through the day. I like to know where these terms we use come from. Thanks Wikipedia and Thanks Lady Antebellum fro such a great song!!

Lately I have found that I need my music more and more. I have also found great comfort in my friends! Sometimes you need a little extra hope and strength to keep going. Whatever it takes to help you push through your personal storm, hold true to it. Sometimes it takes an old friend to help us realizes that we are not keeping true to all we could be and that we are not getting all we deserve out of this life. To those that are helping my "get my bubbles back," a BIG thank you! You know who you are! I look forward to Keepin' it bubbly now more than ever! Make sure you keep your bubbles too!! Stay warm in the storm, xox Jeri

Hello Saturday!

2010-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

"HAPPINESS IS NOT A STATE; IT IS AN ATTITUDE THAT WE CAN DEVELOP." ~C.J.Golden [Tao of the Defiant Woman Five Brazen Ways to Accept What You Must and Rebel against the Rest, Golden Books ]

There is a lot to do today, to brace for the coming storm this weekend and next week. We are busy checking our supplies and battening down the hatches! I wanted to give you a little food for thought. The first is above and the second is below.

"You gain strength courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face....You must do the thing you cannot do." ~ ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

I hope the quotes I offer you this morning inspire you to "keep it bubbly" in your life. It is my hope that you will go out there and do something good for yourselves! By taking care yourself, you show the people in your life that you care about them too!
Enjoy your day! ~ xoxox Jeri

Thursday Thoughts! The Apple Truly Not Far From This Tree!

2010-01-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

So today, while I was getting my daughter ready for school, she and I were talking about being happy. We were talking about our dog and she was wondering if our dog was happy to be in our family. After a great amount of questions on his likes and dislikes. I finally convinced her that he was happy to be in our family. As we continued to get her ready for school, we went into the next room to get a brush. I began to hum and she asked; "Mom, what are you doing?"
I replied,"Marching to the beat of my own drum."
She looked at me confused and asked; "What drum?"
I told her the drum was a song inside my head that I was humming and that I was just being silly. Although I had made light of it, I believe she knew what I meant, because she responded with; "Well mine is more like a flute!"
I love that about her and I made sure to tell her that! I hope that she never forgets to play her inner flute! Whatever tune or instrument plays within you, please remember to play it & march to it. xoxox~Jeri & Miss Emily

Wonderful Wednesday Wisdom

2010-01-13T08:17:00.001-08:00

"Sit quietly do nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. ~ ZEN WISDOM" The Essence of Zen Anthology of Quotations ~the five miles press

Wednesdays are Wonderful Mid-week Madness! Trying to get are work done so we can have more weekend fun. I would like to dedicate our Wednesdays together and call them "Wonderful Wednesday Words of Wisdom!"

"Sit quietly do nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. ~ ZEN WISDOM" The Essence of Zen Anthology of Quotations ~the five miles press

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate; otherwise we harden.~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

The only way to make sence out of change is to plunge with it, move with it, and join the dance. ~ Alan Watts

I myself have never been good at change. Even as a child I was better to have the band aide ripped off quickly than to have it slowly pulled. Like Monday when I was told that it would rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, I thought it was very exciting! We really needed the rain! Then to have the rain come so slowly was just so hard to handle. I was expecting to awake Tuesday to pouring rain and yet it didn't come until that night and then it really came down! Like anything else in this life, we can control the weather just as much as we can control the words that come out of the mouths of our children! I hope you enjoy your Wednesday! Stay warm and take care out there!!!

Please Join in the fun! Remember we want to Inspire & not kill the desire! ~ Negativity gets you none & Positivity gets it Done ! Keep It Bubbly xoxox ~ Jeri

Hello Saturday!!!

2010-01-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

"Hello Saturday!" Today....... wake to a new day and say "Hello!" I am bright eyed and bushy tailed and just maybe I have had a bit too much coffee this morning followed by chocolate last night, and a visit with my friend at STARBUCKS! Well today we are getting up early and going for a hike. Even if you are working today, go out and do something for yourself after work. I was once told that if you have agreed to do something, do it pure of heart. If you do the task with regret it will only cause you and the people you are doing it for unnecessary tension and pain.
Well today I am not working. Today it is our 11th Anniversary and as I said before, we are taking our kids out hiking to celebrate the day. We are putting the taxes, the computer & site building, the house cleaning and laundry aside, and we are getting outside! We are going to LIVE in the joy of the outdoors today! We are going to LOVE our Kids! We are going to LAUGH as much as possible and when we get home from getting all dirty on whatever trail we so choose.........We are going to LATHER up! Most of all......today, like everyday......we are going to do the best we can to to stay on the "sunny side of the street" and "KEEP IT BUBBLY!"
~xoxJeri

Things I believe / teach my kids / advice I Always give :

1. Always wear your spf 15 (at least) sunscreen on exposed skin.

2. Always wear your seat belt.

3. A smoke detector will save your life.....check the battery.

4. Always tell people how you feel about them....you never know when the last time will be.

5. Share the road and the trail.

6. You pack it in.....YOU pack it out!

Live, Love, Laugh, & Lather!

2010-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, in 2006 I began making soap after the most wonderful shower of my life. I had gone to Sedona Arizona for a vacation to visit family and was given a fantastic handmade bar of natural soap. My father's lovely neighbor inspired me with that first "bar" & encouraged me to run with it into this life changing adventure. My research is endless and I have found myself buying every book about soap that I can get my hands on. I am constantly surprised at how much information is available.

In the past three plus years there has been so much bubbling both in my personal life as well as in this business. Through it all I have come to realize that any goal can be attained with the proper attitude. My personal favorite saying is; "positivity gets it done!" Sense I started this business, I have been a member of a trade guild (Handcrafted Soap Maker's Guild ~ 2006-2009). I launched my website & online store at WWW.CENTRALCOASTSOAPS.COM. I traveled to St. Louis Mo. to attend a conference and I began designing private label soaps. I also donated time and soaps to local charities and featured my soaps in local festivals. I kept it all together in this hard economy by keeping a bubbly attitude.

Every new day is balancing act of being Mom, Wife, Friend & Entrepreneur. How can one person be all four? Well the only way a mom could ever survive is to wear more than one hat. Knowing full well that being a stay at home mom is a full-time gig. I "LIVE & LOVE" to make soap because I am a creative soul. "Soap is my happy medium!" There is so much you can do with it! It is like cooking and art combined to create one delicious piece of work for your skin. Although my soaps may smell good enough to eat and are made with all natural products, please do not ingest their goodness! They are all products (for external use only) for your skin to enjoy! It is a good feeling to create something that can bring joy to the life of others and at the same time be a useful product. It makes my daily balancing act worthwhile.

The future of this business and a change of name is on the horizon. I have found that the main drive and spirit behind this business has been my enjoyment of bathing. Everyone needs to take time and give back to themselves so they may feel recharged and ready to give to others. If you can not give to yourself, then you can not give to others. Another favorite saying of mine; "Many a joyful hour is spent in the bath, or in the shower!" For my new promotion of "Keep It Bubbly Soaps," I am creating a new fun line of "LAUGH & LATHER" soaps to encourage 'joy' in everyday bathing and take lather to a new level in natural soaps.

As new products are made and curing I will be blogging about them at letting you know the release dates. I will also be adding new product types to the site. While the KEEPITBUBBLYSOAPS.COM site is under construction, all of my products will be available at WWW.CENTRALCOASTSOAPS.COM. Remember to check back periodically to review what is NEW and KEEP it Bubbly!!

It is looking to be a good and exciting spin for twenty-ten!