Image Credit: quoteaddicts.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image.
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image.

The word I thought of: Faith

This was the 11th image:

Image Credit: cubsindia.com

I find so much beauty in this photo. I think of each day that I’m able to open my eyes after sleeping and starting a new day. I think of accomplishments. I think of the sunrises and sunsets that I’ve been able to see on this Earth, in different places.

I also thought of several songs that have “Believe” in the title:

• Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
• Believe by Josh Groban (The Polar Express soundtrack)
• Daydream Believer by the Monkees
• I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
• True Believers by Darius Rucker
• I’m a Believer by Smash Mouth (Shrek soundtrack)
• What a Fool Believes by The Doobie Brothers

There are so many things that come to mind when I think of the word “believe.”

• I believe in God.
• I believe in love.
• I believe in the power of family.
• If you can believe it, you can do it.

I’ll leave you with this:

Image Credit: brainyquote.com

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way

Over many years, I was told to lighten up, smile more, be less rigid, be more easygoing, stop worrying too much.

Apparently, for a long time, I was way too serious for my age. I took everything that was said to me literally. The good, the bad, and the ugly – I took all of it personally.

I didn’t truly realize what was happening until I went off to college. Then, I was able to loosen my strings a bit. But, I still held on to my serious side. I was just encouraged to “live a little.”

Unfortunately, “living a little” kept me in the abusive relationship, caused me to drink to excess many weekends, and I lost my virginity before marriage.

I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in the summer of 2015, which answered several questions and lifted a huge weight off of me. The diagnosis came several years after I needed it, but hey, things take time.

Now, I do smile more, I don’t take everything so literally anymore, I’m able to deal with criticism in a healthier way. I still worry, but not as much. I know that I am loved, and that I’m a good place. It just took a good while for me to get here.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: pinterest.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

A letter to someone, anyone

Dear Grandma Betty,

It’s hard to believe it’s been over five years now since you died. I have so many wonderful memories of you.

I loved traveling to Florida to visit you and Grandpa. I don’t have many memories of your house on Rosetree, but I still remember the day that you moved to Woodbridge Condos. I always got excited when we turned off the main road and saw the fountains and gorgeous trees that surround the neighborhood. I love that Grandpa still lives there. I memorized your address very quickly, with the weekly letters, birthday cards, and holiday wishes.

I will always remember the amazing Easter egg hunts that you managed to dream up in the condo for Ryan, Missy, and I. I was shock the year that I discovered the turquoise hair dryer as my big Easter gift – You always wanted us to be fashionable and well-groomed! It lasted for well over 10 years, by the way. I was sad when it finally died.

You were a whiz at Scrabble, and you taught me how to play Up Words. I always smile when I open the closet to see the paper height chart with the giraffe, and all three of our names on it.

You taught me many lessons in the 23 years that I knew you. You showed me your love of travel, especially cruises.You and Grandpa were married for 51 years. You raised three amazing children – My dad and my two awesome aunts. You helped spread the legacy of P.E.O. in our family, and I hope to have daughters that become sisters, or sons that marry sisters.

There is one lesson, though, that will stay with me forever – I never want to smoke. That’s one of the main memories I have of the house on Rosetree – Seeing you smoke your cigarette on the screened-in porch. At the age of 5, I remember steadfastly refusing to go out on the porch to hug you while you were smoking, even though we had just arrived at the house from Virginia. My mom was upset, but I didn’t want to.

I was happy that you quit smoking a few years after that, but then I grew up listening to you cough and struggle to breathe. Hearing the whir and hum of the nebulizer every night, then adjusting to the oxygen concentrator in the guest bedroom. Seeing your nasal cannula in all of our family pictures. I knew that you needed it to breathe, since I needed one for my first year of life.

As I got older, I learned that, for you, it had been the thing to smoke as a teenager. You started when you were 15, and you smoked for nearly 50 years. It took me years to understand that.

In a way, I’m grateful. I’ve never had a desire to smoke anything. The smell alone makes me gag. And it makes me think of you. All those memories come back.

I’m happy that you didn’t suffer worse – That you didn’t suffer from cancer or any disfigurement or multiple surgeries on your lungs or throat.

Thank you for teaching me many lessons. I know you’re breathing easier above us.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs

1. When You’re Gone by Avril Lavigne
2. Done. by The Band Perry
3. Some Hearts by Carrie Underwood
4. More Than a Feeling by Boston
5. Solitaire by Clay Aiken
6. True Believers by Darius Rucker
7. I Don’t Care by Fall Out Boy
8. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
9. Unconditionally by Katy Perry
10. Water Tower Town by Scotty McCreery

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you

1. Patience
2. Never giving up
3. The power of imagination

I have always been impatient, and impulsive. I want to teach my children that patience is a gift and very important in almost every way of life.

Never giving up – Determination, perseverance. I don’t want them to quit something that they love or are passionate about. If they really want something, whether that thing is big or small, I want them to go for it!

The power of imagination is something that I want to stick with them as long as possible. I want them to daydream, make up stories, create their own worlds, and live joyously. I think about my childhood, where I imagined summer camps, circuses, life in California, exploring the woods, being in the rain forest, and more. I took my Barbies, Lego figures, and my American Girl doll on adventures that lasted for days. I wrote about them in countless notebooks. I want my kids to be that way, but in their own way.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Post about three celebrity crushes

Image Credit: twitter.com

Singer Kelly Clarkson heads to the viewing platform where she will perform My Country, ‘Tis of Thee during the 57th Presidential Inauguration held at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 21, 2013. Barack H. Obama was elected to a second term as President of the United States on November 6, 2012. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Kathy Reesey) Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Image Credit: usatoday.com

• Kelly Clarkson
• Scotty McCreery
• Grant Gustin

—

Kelly Clarkson is drop-dead gorgeous. She has an amazing voice. She seems like a wonderful person, wife, and mother. I definitely want to see her perform live some day. Her music has gotten me through good days and bad days.

Scotty McCreery is eye candy, haha! I love his voice and his videos. He grew up in North Carolina! I’ve seen him perform live once, and it was awesome!

Grant Gustin is a local boy! He’s handsome, and a great actor. He got his start on Glee, one of my all-time favorite shows. Although he didn’t play a nice character, I was super excited when he was cast as The Flash. I can’t wait to see season 3!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Discuss your first love

I fell hard for Daniel. One of the biggest things I liked about him was how protective he was. I remember agonizing over whether or not we should date on the youth group camping trip to some of the adults, since he was a junior and I was a sophomore.

He always put his arm around me – He always made me feel safe. He protected me from those who teased me. We went to different high schools, but we enjoyed every weekend at church and usually his house.

We were watching Runaway Jury at his parents’ house during President’s Day Weekend, 2005. I remember the conversation going something like this:

Daniel: Can I ask you a question? It feels .. a little silly.

Me: You can ask me anything. Whatever it is, it probably won’t be silly. Try me.

Daniel: Can I … kiss you?

Me: (stunned look on my face with a dramatic pause)  Um … Yes. Of course.

My first kiss was amazing, and wonderful.

I had the stupidest grin on my face for the rest of the night. One of his parents drove me to the church, just down the street from their house, where my parents were wrapping up handbell practice. My mom saw my face and knew without me saying a word.

We didn’t date more than a few months, but I remember his red Mazda Miata with the shark teeth cutout covering the grill, his leather jacket, his Birkenstocks all year-round, watching Horatio Hornblower, and his massive keychain collection.

He went off to college in Florida in 2006, and stayed down South. He got married in 2011 – He met Kristen in college, and she’s wonderful for him. Our parents are closer than we are, and that’s awesome.

Thinking back, all of this makes me smile. We had a good time together, we ended on a friendly note, and we have amazingly happy lives.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: dailyfig.figment.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Post 30 facts about yourself

1. I’m exclusively left-handed.
2. I’ve never been pulled over, nor received a speeding ticket.
3. I don’t like most types of berries.
4. I don’t have any allergies.
5. I’ve never been stung by a bee.
6. I love game shows.
7. I love listening to NPR.
8. I usually listen to podcasts in the car, rather than music.
9. I hardly drink soda anymore.
10. I chew ice.
11. I loathe spelling and grammar mistakes.
12. I auditioned for Wheel of Fortune when I was 12.
13. I love match-3 games.
14. I don’t do well with pills – I feel like they get stuck in my throat.
15. I will always read and re-read the American Girl books.
16. I didn’t start reading Harry Potter until middle school.
17. I wanted to become an “explorer” in elementary school and work for National Geographic.
18. I love playing softball, but I’m always afraid I’ll hit someone with the bat or get hit by the ball.
19. I got my glasses in 6th grade.
20. I had braces twice.
21. I love playing Roller Coaster Tycoon on the computer.
22. I’m cold-natured – I always have a jacket with me or blanket nearby.
23. I don’t like writing with ball-point pens – My hand always gets covered in ink.
24. I love eating movie theater popcorn, but I rarely eat it at home.
25. I love watching and re-watching old episodes of PBS shows such as Carmen Sandiego, Ghostwriter, Arthur, Wishbone, and ZOOM on YouTube.
26. I worked at a division of The New York Times for my college internship.
27. I have named my car “Sandy” because she’s a beige color that reminds me of the beach.
28. I have walked the entirety of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
29. I lived on Governors Island in New York for two years.
30. I almost got to ask Robert Redford a question in a press conference.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: writingforward.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you

August 7th – Leo

Image Credit: pinterest.com

—

From zodiac-signs-astrology.com:

Leo Strength Keywords:

– Confident
– Ambitious
– Generous
– Loyal
– Encouraging

Leo Weakness Keywords:

– Pretentious
– Domineering
– Melodramatic
– Stubborn
– Vain

Leo in a Nutshell:

Leo is the lion, this well suited symbol represents Leo very well. They possess a kingdom which they protest and cherish. The are high esteemed, honorable and very devoted to themselves in particular! The kingdom could be anything from work to home to a partner, whatever it is, you rule it. Leo is always center stage and full of flair, they enjoy basking in the spotlight. A Leo always makes their presence known. Leo are full of energy that acts like a magnet for other people. Others are attracted to Leo’s wit, charm, and what they have to say for they speak of things grand and very interesting. Leo will never settle for second best. They want only the best which can cause lavish excessive spending habits as they enjoy their life of luxury, which is all to easily justified by the grand and magnificent Leo! Public image is very important to Leo, with luxurious possessions and ways of life, this keeps the public image in high standing. They will do whatever it takes to protect their own reputation. Leos are very generous, kind and openhearted people. If a Leo is crossed, they will strike back with force but they are not one to hold a grudge, they easily forgive, forget and move on. Leos are always trying to make things right in the world, they have larger then life emotions and they need to feel like they have accomplished something at the end of the day. They react to situations with action instead of sitting back and thinking about it, they are not impulsive however because they look at the future and consider consequences of their actions.

—

I agree with most of this:

• I feel like I am full of energy, all the time.
• I do need to feel like I accomplished something at the end of the day.
• I feel like a lion!
• I consider myself to be generous, kind, and openhearted.
• I always want to make things right.
• I definitely have larger than life emotions.

—

However:

I do not live a life of luxury – Far from it!

I am definitely impulsive, and impatient!

Very devoted to myself – Nope!

—

So, it’s about 50-50 for me.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Image Credit: buzzfeed.com

Here’s the list!

1. List 10 things that make you happy
2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
4. Write about someone who inspires you
5. List 5 places you want to visit
6. 5 wins to your heart
7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
8. Something you struggle with
9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
11. Something you always think “what if…” about
12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
13. What are you excited about
14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
15. Bullet-point your whole day
16. Something that you miss
17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
18. Post 30 facts about yourself
19. Discuss your first love
20. Post about three celebrity crushes
21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
23. A letter to someone, anyone
24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
30. Your highs and lows for the month

Something that you miss

I miss a lot of the classic cartoon shows, and a lot of the shows PBS created in the 1990s, when I grew up. It’s hard to watch the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network these days, and seeing the previews for new shows in the movie theaters makes me cringe. I realize that times change, but even Sesame Street is shorter now! Yeesh!

Here’s a few of the shows I’m talking about:

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Image Credit: sidereel.com

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

What do you think?

Did you watch any of these shows?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂