The Cows

After attending a lovely morning Christmas service and heart-warming community church meal I decided to take a bicycle ride through the countryside. I enjoyed the scenery and smell of the fragrant pine trees.

After an hour of bicycling I stumbled across a cow in the distance. I love cows so I turned my bike around and meandered to the pubic road that led to the farm. When I saw two cows in the meadow my face lighted up with joy. The cows saw me and ran to the fence to greet me. For several minutes they just stood there next to me and made me feel so loved and appreciated.

In moments when we feel so alone how assuring it is to know that there are some living creatures to cheer us up. Those two sweet cows I spent time with on a warm Christmas afternoon were beautiful CHRISTMAS moments.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL LIVING CREATURES!

Christmas Eve Worship

Christmas Eve….one of the most celebrating evenings throughout the universe.
I myself have attended many a church services on Christmas Eve but nothing can top the glorious moments last night at Central Methodist Church.

The church was lit with a multitude of candles, there was a big Christmas tree at the alter, the choir was dressed in red and white and the whole church was filled with people celebrating the birth of Jesus.

As I sat through the service the tears rolled down my face as I listened to the pastors sermon and message of faith and hope. Songs such as "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" were sung with divine love by all. 

Moments and moments of  peace flooded the church….I could feel the presence of the angels and the genuine love that flowed so gently in all directions.

It's these kind of moments of joy, hope, peace, and love that help us endure and believe in the magic of Christmas!

MERRY  CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS MOMENTS!

Today is CHRISTMAS and Christians around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus.

May each and everyone of you have CHRISTMAS moments filled with joy, love, and peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Community Meal

With Christmas just one week away I decided to take a break from my heavy workload and go to a church community meal. I went there with very little expectations and ended up having a jolly time. 

The moment I entered the church I could feel the Christmas spirit all around me; Christmas wreaths, Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and a homey dining hall where I sat with kind people at the table. The food was so delicious; pulled pork, mac and cheese, broccoli salad, lime cream cheese jello, spinach salad….my what a feast.

Afterwards I sat with the pastor and a few other people in a small room. We prayed and prayed non stop for about twenty minutes. It was so divine and touching to feel the genuine prayers coming out of people's mouths.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the holiday rush that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. In times of stress, find time to de-stress with fellowship and prayer. Fill your hearts with Christmas wonder and BELIEVE in miracles.

We Gather Together

                                                    Thanksgiving Meal

We gather together to ask the LORD'S blessing; He chastens and hastens His will to make known. The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing; Sing praises to his Name; He forgets not his own.  Lyrics by Adrianus Valerius; 1597 (A Dutch Christian hymn)

This past weekend millions of Americans gathered together with their family and friends to celebrate one of the most popular holidays; THANKSGIVING DAY.

How wonderful it would be if every American had lots to be thankful for but that's not always the case. There are some people that really have setbacks like financial issues, health problems, being all alone and homeless...the list goes on. My heart goes out to those that have challenges and difficulties because I was faced with those setbacks myself this year.

In our moments of life, circumstances can change instantly. In times of desperation when all hope is gone little miracles have a way of evolving in our lives. As an example I had no one to celebrate my Thanksgiving Day with; so I thought. Later in the day I remembered about a gathering at a local restaurant for folks that had no family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with. The owner of the restaurant was offering a free community meal. When I arrived to the cozy and intimate restaurant it felt like a visit to a distant relatives home in the countryside. A large table was filled with a buffet of traditional dishes with an eclectic twist and there was another table with complimentary wines. 

I sat with complete strangers to enjoy my delicious meal and those strangers were so friendly and talkative. We all enjoyed our meal together. After I left that Thanksgiving gathering a co-worker called and insisted that I join her and her family for dinner. Within a half hour of leaving the restaurant I was now at a lovely house filled with laughing kids and happy adults. My co-worker introduced me to her huge family and they treated me with kindness the entire evening. We all had a blast together.

Life certainly brings us moments of surprises. In a split second sadness can lead to genuine happiness and the LORD can bring blessings of thanksgiving to us, forgetting not his own. To gather together and lift other's spirit's is truly a gift of thanks.

Christmas Arrives a Month Early! (Believe)

Do you believe in the magical wonders of Christmas? I do…. because on a cold November evening a little Christmas magic came to me a month early.

I was freezing as I walked down the snowy sidewalk with its array of restaurants and shops in a small town 25 miles from where I live. I was looking to go someplace where I could warm up.  Most of the shops were already closed and I didn't feel comfortable walking into a restaurant to eat alone so when I turned the corner and saw a display of Christmas decorations in a store front window I was delighted to see a sign that said "Open."

The shop felt like Santa's workshop with it's variety of toys, crackling fireplace,  and an employee dressed like an elf who gave me a complimentary cup of hot cocoa. I could hear bells jingling and sweet Christmas music in the background. Off to the right was a beautiful Christmas tree and just behind it hanging on the wall was the word 'BELIEVE."

After enduring a year of mental and physical pain the simple word 'BELIEVE" inside a mesmerizing shop made me feel warm all over. It gave me encouragement not to give up no matter how big my troubles are. 

Perhaps your Christmas wish will arrive soon. BELIEVE in the endless possibilities that await you in your moments of life.

                          BELIEVE in the endless possibilities that life has to offer!

The Candy Store

This evening as the snowflakes came falling down from the sky I walked into an enchanting candy store that was decorated in Christmas cheer.

I was the only one in the candy store besides the owner who was busy filling a tray with chocolate truffles. There were so many chocolates from around the world displayed throughout the store and I felt like a special visitor to Santa's candy world in the North Pole.

The owner and I began to chat and she gave me generous samples of chocolates from the bins to try. They were all so divine tasting and those sweet moments spent in the candy store made me feel as if Christmas had already arrived.

My favorite chocolates were the small gift wrapped ones from Belgium sitting in vibrant colors in a Belgium linen basket. I grabbed a handful to purchase. Christmas for me had arrived a month early.

We never know what our moments hold but when you do get those sweet moments enjoy them with all your heart.

The Church

 
It was a cold and windy Friday afternoon in the town of Frankfurt. The white church with it's steeple was beckoning to me and I was delighted to find the church doors open so that I could pray. It was warm inside the church and so very quiet. I played the piano for a few minutes, said some prayers and read a scripture from the large Bible resting on the pulpit.

Afterwards I wandered downstairs where I found a dining area and kitchen. There was also a little library with several spiritual books written about faith and hope. It was nice to sit down and read some of the spiritual books. Before heading back upstairs I noticed a huge basket of chocolates. There were hundreds of pieces of gold and silver wrapped chocolates inside that basket with a scripture that read:

May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Stumbling across that idyllic church in a town I had never been to before was truly a blessing. I had been feeling so cold and lonely but GOD changed all that by letting me enter his church and finding love and peace during moments that I really needed that feeling of "faith."

In moments of doubt how wonderful it is to find "the church" doors open.

The Free Ride

Frantic because the bus didn't arrive at it's usual stop I walked the extra distance to the bus station to inquire what was going on. According to the agent on duty as of the first of November many of the former bus stops were no longer existent.

I was already running late for work and another bus wasn't scheduled for almost an hour. One of the managers overheard my conversation with the agent regarding my frustration of not knowing that the bus company had suddenly changed its routes. The manager volunteered to give me a free ride to my place of work since he was going in that direction anyway.

It was because of the kindness of Jeff the manager that I made it to work on time. Jeff was truly a genuine manager who went the extra yard to turn a negative situation into a positive one. In moments of frustration it's certainly refreshing to have a stranger reach out and help out. That free ride to work by wonderful Jeff was truly a blessing.

When an opportunity arises I will return the favor by helping a person in need. Moments of helping others are moments to embrace.

Man's Best Friend!

She came into my life the month of "November."She was a rescued greyhound from the country of Spain. The moment I adopted ALBA I knew she'd be my best friend. 

My dear ALBA passed away a few years ago but there isn't a day that passes by that I don't think about my devoted ALBA. The two of us shared many adventures together and I loved spoiling this beautiful dog who had a dear and kind heart. As I look back at all those precious moments we had together I'm so thankful that I had the honor of owning such an exceptional dog as ALBA.

Take those everyday moments to cherish your dog for a dog is truly "Man's Best Friend."

                                       
                                         The beautiful and magnificent ALBA!

A Magical Day

Every now and than we get a "magical day" that warms our heart. Spending the day on an enchanting island was my "magical day." From the moment I got off the ferry everything just worked in my favor. It was like walking a labyrinth filled with moments of magical treasures.

Now that I'm back in reality working away and dealing with endless responsibilities it's so sweet to reflect on that special day that was filled with bliss.

I hope that all of you have a day filled with "magical moments" very soon.

The Rain

Yesterday was a cloudy and rainy day. I got drenched several times as I biked and walked to several places I needed to go to. Than it was off to work. When I got to the office I was soaked and was glad to drink some hot tea. At 4:30 pm I wasn't looking forward to walking out the doors of the warm cozy office to deal with more rain as I walked to the bus station.

My moments of happiness arrived when a friend of mine was waiting in the parking lot in her SUV with a surprise. She was off that day and wanted to give me some homemade jams she had made and give me a ride home. How sweet those moments of kindness were.

Take those moments to appreciate a good friend. Life is so much nicer when we have friends.

An Opportunity

Wouldn't it be nice if every human on the planet could get that one opportunity that they're dreaming of? Someday that opportunity does arrive but there are plenty of detours along the way. Albert Einstein was accurate when he said "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." 

This evening I was entrusted to assist with a sports radio program by the station manager. I made a few mistakes but he gave me this amazing opportunity to continue doing the show every week. It's been awhile since I worked in radio so I'm thrilled that an opportunity has finally come to do what I really love…..work in radio. One person believed enough in me to give me that chance, that opportunity, and I'm forever thankful.

May your precious moments come to get that golden opportunity in life.

Honest Appreciation

There's nothing more beautiful than showing some "honest appreciation" towards someone who does a kind deed. Last week a co-worker invited me to go to the beach with him after work. We spent an hour taking loads of pictures of one of the most beautiful beaches in America. The best part was the spectacular sunset. Those moments of watching the sun go to sleep was priceless. Afterwards my friend treated me to dinner. To show my"honest appreciation" I baked my co-worker a batch of homemade brownies as a way to say thank you.

In our moments of life it's nice to embrace those moments of giving and receiving. The world is a better place when we can be kind and thoughtful towards others.

Is there someone in your life that you would like to show some honest appreciation?  Go ahead and  do something nice for them. Embrace those "Everyday Moments."

In Remembrance

Today is October 2nd a day that I always hold in my heart. Happy Birthday TATO. My moments are filled with memories of you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY…..ROMAN GEORGE LYPECKYJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATO

Today's moments were filled with memories of my extraordinary father.

Never forget the ones you love!

One Last Swim

On Friday I put my bating suit on and headed to the beach to swim. For late September it was so awesome for the water to be warm enough to swim.  Swimming is so de-stressing and it's so great to be around the ducks and seagulls with the blazing sun above you while you swim in the crystal waters of Lake Michigan.

                                          LAKE MICHIGAN

Why not reward yourself with precious moments of enjoying a fun activity during the warm days of Indian Summer?

Blissful Moments on the Beach!

On Saturday I had a frustrating day…..everything seemed to go wrong from cutting my finger to misplacing my bicycle lock. I decided to go to the radio station where I had locked my bicycle against the wooden face a few days earlier and I was thrilled to find the lock attached to the wooden face.  All of a sudden my moments seemed brighter. I decided to get a personal sized pizza at Mancino's Pizzeria a mile down the road.

The girl who took care of me was so nice and once my personal sized pizza was ready I walked across the street to the beautiful sandy beach and sat down to eat one of the best tasting pizza's ever. Whatever frustrations had been built up that day all melted away thanks to some special moments eating pizza on the beach.

Frustrating moments can turn into happy moments as quickly as making or eating a pizza. When you have a bad day melt those moments away and reward yourself with blissful moments.

A Sample of Warm Soup

Today I got caught in the rain while riding my bicycle to yoga class. I also got caught in the rain riding my bicycle back home. I was wet and I was freezing…..there was no place to seek shelter on the bicycle trail so I just braved the bicycle ride like a real yogi.

I had forgotten about the Food Coop store not far from the bicycle trail so I was so thrilled to go inside the awesome store and have a sample of delicious warm soup.

It's in those moments when we feel uncomfortable that a bit of comfort can make all the difference. Such was the case with the soup that warmed my body from the chills of a bicycle ride in the down pouring rain.

On a cold rainy day there's nothing more comfortable than moments of having warm soup.

                               Oryana Food Coop has the best soups in America!

Water is Calming

The Japanese know the benefits of being around water. It's very calming and relaxing. 

If you live near a lake, ocean, or other bodies of water take time whenever you can to heal your physical and mental state gazing at the water.

Grasp those moments you have around water!

                                           Lake Superior (North America)

Spur of the Moment

SOME OF LIFE'S BEST MOMENTS MANIFEST WHEN WE DO THINGS AT A SPUR OF THE MOMENT:

Sometimes it's better not to plan and instead do something at the spur of the moment. Ironically one of the best days of my summer was based on something I did at the spur of the moment….going to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore which is 20 miles from where I live.

Those moments keep passing by so don't hesitate to do things at the spur of the moment…..sometimes it's those spur of the moment events that leave us with memories  to cherish.                                                                                         
                                                                                           

The Seven Layer Bar

                                             Magic Cookie Seven Layer Bars

Back when I was a kid I loved making "Magic Cookie Seven Layer Bars.After an amazing journey on the Crystal River kayaking through nature in the Sleeping Bear National Seashore I walked into an adorable cafe that made wraps and homemade treats. On the front counter were about ten large slices of "Seven Layer Bars." How could I resist? I bought one and sat near the river to eat it. As I slowly ate bite after bite of the awesome "Seven Layer Bar" my mind was full of memories of all the times "Seven Layer Bars" were part of my life.

Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of sweet past memories when the "present" brings us a reminder through a place or product. Have a magical kind of day and make yourself a batch of Seven Layer Magic Cookies Bars!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/seven-layer-bars/

A Sweet Summer Day

                          Empire Beach is the place to spend a sweet summer day!

Every summer I promise myself that I'll have a few sweet summer days as a way to rekindle that one carefree summer I had back in college. My sweet summer day came on a Thursday in the storybook town of Empire.

The town of Empire is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore and every square foot of it is picture postcard perfect. The picturesque drive to Empire was a treat in itself but when I arrived to Empire in the late morning it was as if everything was meant to go my way from beginning to end.

From the tasty free chocolates at Grocer's Daughter to the tranquil swim in the lake, from the awesome hike on the Empire Bluffs to the perfect sunset on the beach every moment of my sweet summer day was made of miracles.

Give yourself a sweet summer day….you deserve it.

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Last week I was asked to work at the Kid's Fest for the Traverse City Film Festival making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I was thrilled to help at this event since it was at a school just a couple of blocks from me. When I arrived there were lots of happy kids enjoying all the activities out on the open field. 

It was a perfect August summer day and lots of kids were lined up for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with delicious organic Stone House Bread, organic peanut butter and organic jelly. I had so much fun making the sandwiches and mingling with the kids and their mothers.

Sometimes it's the simple things in life that bring us the most happiness Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is simple but the happiness that surrounded my making the sandwiches that day was something I will hold on to for a long time.

Before summer's over why not participate in a fun-filled kids activity? I'm certain it will bring you lots of precious moments.

The Yoga Class

                                               Yoga in the Park!
                                          
This evening I was really looking forward to taking a yoga class in the park. When I arrived to the park the students were eagerly awaiting the yoga instructor who never showed up. Since i'm a certified yoga instructor I volunteered to teach the class to them. Although I haven't taught a yoga class for several months the class ran smoothly and it felt good to be of service to students who really wanted a yoga class.

Everything happens for a reason and sometimes we need to adapt and adjust at a moments notice to a situation. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had this evening to serve others by teaching an outdoor yoga class.

Wherever you are in this universe embrace those moments of opportunity to help others. 

The Penny

Holding down three jobs and always multi-tasking it felt so good to sit down for a few moments in the backyard the other day. I dreamed of easier times when life was more "carefree." Suddenly I noticed a penny on the ground. It hadn't been there before and my inner voice told me to pick it up. I did and was mesmerized with the year engraved on the penny. That year I was blessed with the best carefree summer of my life and the memories flooded my mind of that sweet summer long ago.

That penny gave me hope that my guardian angels knew my pain and distraught and assured me that "moments" of happy times will come again someday. "The penny" was my sign of hope that someday there will be carefree moments again.

Believe in those little signs that come into your moments of everyday life.

Enjoy the Moments of "4th of July"

The 4th of July is a summer holiday that is celebrated by millions of Americans in all 50 states.

I hope everybody has moments today to celebrate America's birthday!



GOD BLESS AMERICA!

The Duck and Her Ducklings

A few evenings ago while sitting under a shady tree looking at the glimmering lake I observed a duck and her ducklings. It was so heartwarming to watch the devoted mother with her sweet little babies. They were very entertaining and I wish I had filmed those ten great minutes of the happy duck family.

What I learned while watching the duck family is that they knew the meaning of devotion and love. They all clung together and looked out after each other.

Nature brings us lots of beauty and there's nothing more beautiful than being still and taking moments to observe that beauty.  "Be still" and enjoy those moments of beauty.

The memory of the "Duck and Her Ducklings" will stay with me all summer because it was so genuine and touching. I can't wait to see another duck family.

Take moments this summer to observe nature!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Fun

Do you like chocolate chip cookies? Have some moments of chocolate chip cookie fun. This morning I made some chocolate chip cookies from scratch and gave them away as little summer time presents. A gift of a few chocolate chip cookies will usually bring a smile to people of all ages as was the case today on a warm June day.

A few crumbled chocolate chip cookies on top of vanilla ice cream is an extra summer treat. Have some moments of chocolate chip cookie fun.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE BY ADRIANNA

1 cup of unsalted butter (European style)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup of Turbinado Cane Sugar 
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups of unbleached white flour
1 package (11.5 ounces) of good quality semi sweet chocolate chunks
1 cup of dark (60% cacao chocolate morsels)
1 cup of pecans, chopped
1 cup of walnuts, chopped

Let butter soften for about 10 minutes. In a bowl beat together the butter with eggs. Add cane sugar and vanilla extract. One the mixture is light and fluffy mix in the 2 cups of flour. Stir in the chocolate chunks, chocolate morsels, pecans, and walnuts into the mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. (You can drop larger rounded tablespoons onto the cookies sheets if you prefer larger cookies). If mixture is too soft add a little more flour.

Bake the cookies at 375 degree for about 10 minutes or until they're golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes and remove to wire racks to cool completely.

If you prefer warm cookies than don't cool them on the wire racks.

The Kayak

During the whole month of June I wanted to kayak on the water. I managed to have about 10 minutes on a kayak last week but today the last day of June I just had to get out on the water and kayak for as long as possible. 

As soon as I began paddling I felt so happy. It felt so good to take a couple of hours away from the real world and just be in touch with nature. I was in a world of my own enjoying the water all around me. That's what I call priceless moments.

There's still a lot of summer left and I can't wait to have more moments with nature on "The Kayak."

Find something you like to do this summer and enjoy those precious everyday moments.

H A P P Y    S U M M E R!

Enjoy those carefree moments of summer!

H A P P Y    S U M M E R !

Enjoy those carefree moments of Summer!

Fishing for Answers in "Fish Town"

                                             Fishing for Answers in "Fish Town"
      

Have you ever felt as if life has brought you a series of problems that aren't always that easy to solve?Today I was fishing for those answers in a quaint little town in Northern Michigan called Fish Town which is part of Leland.

I've been without hot water for a week, my new employer hasn't paid me a penny in over four weeks, my brother is giving me a hard time, I'm new to town and don't have any friends....well the list goes on. 

This morning I rushed to the bus station in Traverse City to catch a bus to quaint Fish Town (Leland). When I arrived in the morning it was cloudy and rainy. I headed to my favorite bakery for a blueberry scone. I sat down to eat my scone and soon the rain stopped. I walked along Lake Michigan and than chatted with some of the fishermen. It was so nice to be surrounded by nature and lovely scenery.

As I visited a handful of shops I was especially mesmerized by one shop in particular that had some inspirational sayings displayed in the window. I smiled and suddenly a saw a rainbow of "hope" in all my circumstances. I felt that my answers were coming to me in "Fish Town." Moments later I found myself walking into a building that had a stage and a piano. Performing has always been the one thing I've loved in bad and good times so I did what I love most; performed. I played some songs on the piano than got on that stage and pretended I was starring in a musical.

My moment in time arrived when two people who run the performance hall applauded me and asked me if I'm a professional singer. Their office was just around the corner from the stage and they had heard me act, sing, and play the piano. They asked for my contact information and said that they would book me to do a solo performance in front of a live audience in the very near future.

Life certainly does bring surprises. I came to "Fish Town" to fish for answers about all my setbacks andwas rewarded with an opportunity to do what I love most.

Sometimes life seems so unfair but there really is a light at the end of the tunnel and soon the problems really do disappear and something wonderful or someone wonderful comes along.

"Believe in the miracles of life."

                                                 Life is a "Stage"

The Ice-Cream Cone

The ice cream cone
puts a smile on almost everyone's face. There's just something special about choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream and having that cone all to yourself.

June has arrived and summer is the best time to indulge in ice cream cones. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? Do you have a special brand of ice cream you like? Maybe there's an amazing ice cream stand or shop right in your neighborhood.

Wherever you are this summer take a few moments to enjoy an ice cream cone because summer just isn't summer without having an ice cream cone or two or three.

Ice-Cream**Ice-Cream**Ice-Cream**Ice-Cream**Ice-Cream**

                              Happy Moments with Ice-Cream