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Saturday, May 03, 2014

Giving Thanks

Today, I am thankful...


...for the driver who stopped to let me pass through in a crammed parking lot,

...for the gentleman who took my cart after I finished loading groceries into my car,

...for the big fluffy clouds that smoothly moved across the blue sky, bathing in the bright sun,

...for the woman needing me to back out of the bathroom hall to allow her to maneuver her cart with her 1yr old in it, reminding me that I'm not alone in awkward dances performed in public while caring for little ones and attempting to perform normal duties,

...for the warm smile of the grandma near the flowers in the hardware store, how I miss the love and company of my late grandparents,

...for the venus fly trap my oldest son was excited to find, and brave enough to ask the saleswoman for,

...for the little smiles and giggles my youngest son gave on a mostly cranky day,

...for the unconditional love and acceptance given to us by Emmas, my parents dog,

...for the must have books found at the local christian book store, pulling me back down to earth,

...for the creative ideas and clarity gained  through out the day,

...for my good friend Ashley who is joining me on a Love Dare adventure,

...for my brother and his family living on the same block as me,

...for my internet connection and computer, allowing me to share my gratitude.


I'd love to hear what you are thankful for today.  Leave a comment below and share the love :)

Friday, April 18, 2014

Spartan Up!





 “Death is the price we pay for life, so make it worth it.”

I’m so excited to share a new book coming out May 17th called Spartan Up! by Joe DeSena, founder of Spartan Race, with Jeff O’Connell, editor-in-chief at bodybuilding.com. 


About Joe

Source
Joe DeSena is the driving force behind and the living embodiment of the Spartan Race, the sports and fitness juggernaut described in this proposal. He built a number of successful businesses, starting in fireworks at 13, moving onto pool cleaning, and eventually landing on Wall Street. He also became a legend in endurance and adventure racing circles based on accomplishments he’s outlined in the book. Spartan Race merges those two obsessions of his life.

I had the privilege of previewing the book and I’m happy to report that it’s a worthwhile read no matter what stage you are at in life. Whether you have your life together or need a swift kick in the butt, this book will push you to your limits (in a good way) to get the results you desire. Joe DeSena will be your biggest supporter and worst nightmare-both at the same time.

 
Spartan Up! will walk you through what it takes to be “fitter, happier, healthier and more successful in business and life.” It is based on a series of concepts, but three of them trump everything: Question your Assumptions, Less is More, Discipline is Everything.





I had an opportunity to ask Joe a couple questions about life and his new book. Check out what he had to say :)
  
Do you believe anyone can pick up your book and change their life no matter what their circumstances or size?

Absolutely…It will be very hard work..anything good in life is..but if they read the book and really get into it..some big changes will take place..the biggest being they will have tools to change their frame of reference.

How is this book different than other motivational/fitness books?

This book is not selling a quick fix. This book is telling you as it is. There is no way around this: you have to work hard to achieve great things in life and this book explains how to do that. It also shows you how to make sure you nail your goals. 

What has been your biggest obstacle in life thus far? As a Spartan, how did you overcome it?

Building Spartan Race. I don't know…I just keep pushing forward but I don't know if there is a finish line :)

What’s next?

The Olympics!


Like what Joe is about?

You can preorder Spartan Up! on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound to get your own copy as soon as it is released.

You can learn more about Spartan Races and the amazing people who have been transformed by them, check out spartanrace.com and spartanrace.tv. You can download the FEE e-book "You'll Know At The Finish Line" here.

See Joe's Ted Talk  here. Very motivational!


Win a free entry into a Spartan Race near you!


Source


Answer this question below and you’ll be entered to win a free ticket into the Spartan Race.

If you were immune to obstacles, what would you dare to accomplish?


XO
Jennie



Saturday, March 22, 2014

Hello Mr. Nolde

Thank you for picking up the paint brush every day, for pouring your heart out on canvas, for keeping on keeping on. 
 
 
Emil Nolde 1867 Nolde/Nordschleswig - 1956 Seebüll/Schleswig-Holstein Lithograph in colors. Schiefler/Mosel L 56. Signed and numbered "Aufl.
Landscare, North Friesland, 1920, oil on canvas, 86.5 x 106.5 cm, Nolde Stiftung Seebüll

Emil Nolde, Dark Sea (Green Sky)
Emil Nolde, The Sea at Dusk, watercolor on paper, Private Collection

Sunday, March 09, 2014

A Happy Place


I was sorting though some old files this morning and came across this gorgeous photo. It brought me back to my happy place. I can't help but smile and take a deep breath every time I look at it. Ahhhh....is it summer yet?

I hope you all have have a great week.

Tootles,
Jennie

Photo Credit: I don't know :( I found it a couple years ago and didn't save the source. So sorry.

Friday, March 07, 2014

Look whose back :)

Hello again,

I've been on a self exploring journey these past few months. I have been reading a ton of business books, lifestyle podcasts, and planning how I want to jump into documenting my life, work, and inspiration. I have tried a couple different methods but keep wanting to come back to this site. My intention with this blog are the exact same as when I first started it. To soak up the beauty in everyday life and to share it with you all. There is something so gratifying about it that I'm choosing to come back to it and continue to ride the wave.

You know when you have one of those moments where you look around and think this is the life. For me it's at the beach where there's no firm plan for the day, no expectations, no to do lists except to have pure fun. It's in those moments, when I'm laying on a towel on the sand or in a chair reading a book, that I love to just soak up all the positive vibes. I don't want the way I'm feeling to go away. I brainstorm on new things I want to create, places I want to explore, and goals that I want to accomplish by next vacation. I'm excited at that moment and the future. But then I come home, faced with all the responsibilities and everyday tasks that I didn't have at vacation. Bummer.

What if it didn't have to be that way though? What if, we all created lives that work for us? Yes, we still have house hold chores, jobs to get back to and a pile of other stuff, BUT what if we invested a small amount of time to running a more efficient house hold and business so that we can spend a lot more time doing the things we love with our families? Makes sense right?

One of the things I'll be talking more about and sharing on this blog is how I'm making more time for priorities in my life and less time for the little stuff. My hope is that you that you can pull some gold nuggets out and apply it to your own life so that you too can live your best life.

So ladies, lets put our big girl panties on and kick some ass!!


Shine on,
Jennie