Andrew-Birthday Card

Andrew's Birthday Card 2014

I know Andrew's Birthday is not quite yet, but I just finished this and had to post it. I will try and send it closer to his actual birthday, but due to the issues going on and the no contact from our family that his mother asked of us I am not sure if he will get this when I send it snail mail. I hope he does but whatever happens, it least is is here too. Love you, Andrew. 

To: Andrew and Adam- I believe

Its hard to stay strong
When you feel like your caving in
I know its hard to keep pushing on
When you feel like you've nothing more to give

But hold on
To the light that lives in you
It seems dark right now
But hold on you can make through

 And I beleve , I believe
In the courage in you
I believe, I believe
Your strong enough to get through
All the things in your life
That try to fill you with fear
Can't hold a candle to the power
That lives in you my dear
And I believe, I believe
 in the courage and the fight
I believe I believe
In the power that you have inside

So when it feels
Like you can no longer stay strong
Listen close to the love inside this song
Take a breath
Look right into that mirror
And see that light
That I have seen growing all these years
You so much stronger
Than you give credit for
So spread those wings
And show this world you can soar

And I believe, I believe
In the courage inside you
I believe I believe
You are strong enough to get through
All the things in you life
That try to fill you with fear
Can't hold a candle to the power
That lives in you my dear
And I believe I believe
In the courage and the fight
I believe in what you have inside

I believe I believe
In the courage inside you
I believe i believe
Yes I believe in you
I believe in you

To: Kyle, Geno, & Bren- Poem on Legends

Dedication To Bren, my uncle Kyle Cannon, and My Grandfather Gene D Cottrell

Legends

Legends do not pass blindly away

With the rising or falling of each wondrous day,

They somehow shake  looming bonds of the grave

And through sharing their stories, memories are saved.

Tales of history, love and of wars,

Tales of the heart for us to implore,

From the knights upon their gallant steeds

To men of slightly humbler breeds,

Legends are built upon lessons of life

In stories of courage to overcome strife.

They are built on the stories of everyday men

Who stood tall with true courage despite outcomes dim.

No matter the outcome or judgement of fate,

They left us all tales that we can now contemplate.

Through lives lived in value, in passion and truth, 

We can heed their examples and discard that uncouth. 

A legend is one who cannot death be bound,

And when a life is well lived it should stay forever renowned.

So now friend, I ask you, in the end of the day,

If they grave where to claim you what would others say?

What stories and lessons would henceforth be told?

Would you be hailed a life well lived, or a life lived just dull?

I've know a few legends in my short lived time,

They inspired my words, each and every true line.

They lived life in beauty with examples to heed,

Those lessons I carry of the lives they did lead. 

When I am tempted to be less than surely I should,

I look to my legends as sources of good. 

I look at their lives and I humbly implore,

Did they settle for less, or strive always for more?

Was conforming to others what made them unique?

Or was it the light that i would feel when they'd speak?

Through soft spoken and gentle, they feared not of man,

And through their examples I know that I can;

I can be a person growing stronger each day,

And when my times comes good things others will say.

Because of examples of those gone before, 

Due to the lessons they left at my door,

I cannot bare thoughts of a life lived in waste, 

I shall make them proud, I shan't be a disgrace.

I'll live my life aiming to be half what they are,

And I will be proud of my journey and scars,

And when my time comes and I see them again,

I can thank all these legends, These men above men.

Heroes may pass and their stories  differ,

But no matter the time passing, Legends endure.

Letter: Busy Bee has a new idea

Busy Bee Has A New Idea

Photo: Jetta Marie

Gratitude: the constant learning experiences and chances to help others that have been presented as I have worked on this site. I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunities I have had and the people I have come in contact with. I can honestly say, that if it were not for this blog, I would have missed talking to some pretty amazing people. Thank you all for your support, love and willingness to be a part of this site as I try to bring a little light into the world. I could not do this without you all. 

Dear Readers;

 I admit fully that I am a tad behind, but reset assured my mission to spread a little gratitude and optimism has not faltered. I have been busy as bee and have several projects going on now that I am trying to balance with work, social obligations, and time with my family. Its been a lesson in time management and patience, that is for sure. But I am ever determined and have dedicated some time in the mornings to add to the site and do a day of editing and improvements on this blog.

I am working on finding ways to spread the message I am trying to share, and one of the things I am doing today is a bit nerve racking for me but I am actually kind of excited. My husband and I have created these little cards to give people and I have made a goal to give out 25 a week. That means that I have to get outside my comfort zone and TALK to 25 new people every week. If this does not cure my social anxiety then nothing will. I am very excited about my new addition to my mission. ( HA! I can't help the rhymes, they are in my blood :)

Love you all and I will keep you posted on how this goes. Should be interesting if nothing else.

Artfully Yours,

Jetta Marie

Closing Doors and Open Windows

Closed Doors and Open Windows

Photo: Donation by David Freestone

Gratitude: The knowledge and opportunity that when a door is closed, God will open a window. I had hit a brick wall with my efforts to create a memory page for my husband's brother, Bren, when I was put in touch with one of his close friends who shared this photo and gave me hope in what I am doing again. I know the road to accomplish what I have set out to do will be difficult but as I look at this photo I also am remembering why I am doing this.  

Updates on Bren Memory page project

First Restoration 

Hedi- The spunky little soldier of optimism

Hedi- Spunky little soldier of Optimism 

I met this amazing young lady while working as part of the photo team for her dance school. By far one of the spunkiest, sweetest, most energetic, and just downright cutest dancers ever. 

This is sweet little Hedi and her mother. She is truly a reminder that even in a crazy world, it is more than possible to raise children who can still see beauty and goodness in this world-and who help spread the message of just being a good person. Nicely done; Hedi is truly a beautiful young lady, inside and out. 

Photo: Jetta Marie

Poem: Jetta Marie

Gratitude Of The Day: Little Ms. Hedi- who reminds us all that it is possible, no matter how crazy of times we live in that there is always reason to have a little bounce in your step and a smile on your face. We can choose to let the little things bug us and bring us down, or we can break out in dance and make a new friend. Hedi had two photo shoots to be apart of today, and they were two hours apart. That is a LONG time to wait for a young kid, but rather than being sad about it she took a seat next to me and I was smiling within minutes. I asked about her dance costume, she promptly told me she was not fond of the make-up aspect of the outfit but agreed she did look pretty awesome, and before you know it this spunky little cutie was naming the songs on my little Pandora app (Disney songs) and  bringing smiles and laughter to everyone who took a seat by my little picture day check in table. You are amazing, Ms. Hedi. And don't you EVER forget that! 

 To Frown Or Smile

We have a choice to wear a frown 

Or we can turn the frown around

We can complain and be so sad

Or we can find ways to be glad

Is much more fun to dance and play

Than to be grumpy, Anyday

So don't let the weather get you down

Don't find Excuses to wear that frown

Look around, look high and low

From summer sun to glistening snow

There are many things for which I am glad

And even when I'm feeling sad

I know that goodness is still there

Even if life right now, may not seem fair

I know that I will be OK

And tomorrow is a brand new day!

So ring the bell and bang the drum

There's so much joy and fun to come.

Live each day with wonder and glee

And lets find reasons to be happy!