Loni's Life

It was a tough evening as I got some things off of my chest with the soon-to-be-ex... and it's still one hell of a crazy train ride.      I'm still not with the Universe's plan right now.. and I'm not sure why my Heart would still fight so hard for someone when I am clearly not a priority in his life, nor have I been for quite some time... the Rational side accepts that it is time to let go.. but the Heart still struggles. There's lots of stuff that I'll miss... his smile- hell I even loved it when it was a crooked smile.  Hugs and Kisses.. and good times in bed and out.    The home we built together.   The financial stability that our combined paychecks offer.    Vacations together.   Diving.    Someone to come home to; to love and be loved.   His kind and loving side (yes, he does have one).   Being half of a pair.  His laughter; though it's bee...

Taken at Grandma's 99th birthday celebration.. Grandma Aurora, Mama Aurora, Dad, Grandma Tumbaga, Loni, Mina Grandma Tumbaga with Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren Loni & Mina Grandma with Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren Grandma with grandchildren & great grandchildren

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Digital Camera Roses My art collection Scrapbooking Rubber Stamping

Ok... made Mama laugh.. she will never make it through Sunday's sermon...  for her knitter thinks of sheep ...    real sheep... not people... 

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Watching the birdies at Mama's house Hummingbird feeders Watching the squirrels at Mama's house People watching on Loni's Beach (Salt Pond, Kauai) People watching on Loni's Other Beach (Poipu Beach, Kauai)

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2011/07/friday-fill-ins_28.html 1. Summer is hot in Texas ! 2.  I wish I could say that my heart  is unchanged; but living and loving changes things forever ~ it's part of personal growth. 3. Aargh!  The trip to Divorceville is like a trip on a Crazy Runaway Train. 4.  I cry  in the morning.   Too bad it isn't limited to just mornings :(   5. Seven: is considered a lucky number by some . 6.  We deserve happiness ,  don't you think? 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with BFF , tomorrow my plans include  seeing a movie (most likely Smurfs 3D)  and Sunday, I want to sleep late !

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Freshly laundered jammies Magic The Gathering booster packs to spoil one of my favorite kiddos Cheese Danish Coffee Cake Watching the bunnies at Mama's Oasis

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Darius Rucker ~ It won't be like this for long Darius Rucker ~ Come back song Brad Paisley ~ I'm gonna miss her Sara Evans ~ A Little Bit Stronger Bette Midler ~ Wind Beneath My Wings

I love listening to Delilah ’ s show when I get a chance … elsewise, I enjoy her daily emails and tidbits.. and though this response was to a listener regarding a potential new love in her life … it seems to fit my situation as an old-love exit s mine …   If a man is attracted to you and is interested in a committed relationship with you, he will move heaven and earth to be with you. When a guy says he is too busy to make an effort to come and see you, he is clearly not as into you as he needs to be in order to make a relationship work. If he is really the right guy for you, he will do whatever it takes to call you, connect with you, and visit you. Let go of your need for him to validate you and move on with your life. You deserve a guy who is as crazy about you as you are about him! God bless, Delilah

What a difference a few days... well, really a week...  can make.... 7/19/2011 7/27/2011

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Dinner with family LiveSTRONG/Lance Armstrong Foundation Susan G. Komen Foundation American Diabetes Association National MS Society

I am truly blessed with such extended family and friends that are seeing me through these very sad days of my trip to Divorceville.    It is a very hard trip.     I give thanks every day for the home that has been extended to me for as long as I need it.. even though it has mean the college boys have had to double up for the summer.   They are great kids and I love them and their mom a bunhc.   The Universe puts people in your life for a reason... little did I know how much this family would come to mean to me when I chartered my TOPS chapter back in 2000. I give thanks for my BFF and her husband who have also offered their home should I need it for however long it takes. And then too my Dad has offered to let me boomerang home along with my siblings... well, don't think that one will happen... but it's nice to know there's always room for one more. Certainly, I could actually stay under my roof with my soon to be ex.. but i...

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Bluebell Mini rainbow pops Frozen Andes Mints Fettucine Alfredo - and someone to share it with Garlic Breadsticks Cheese pizza

Have a terrific week!

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. A weekend of  Drop Dead Diva Bamboo knitting needles Chips and Queso Beanie Babies Libraries

Still utterly sad; but life goes on...  Vague and fuzzy plans with BFF fizzled out as I know she had tons of stuff to do this weekend before heading back out on the road this week and then next weekend she is headed out for vacation.    Was not in a mood to pack stuff up at my house.. though I do know I need to go tackle that project some more.   Ended up being a mostly quiet weekend at Mama's.    Got Green with Envy sandwiched and ready to quilt.    Helped take her Big Bernina to the hospital for repair work.   Did some shopping for Drop Dead Diva, some magazines, and some items from JoAnn's.    Got lots of kits ironed and some of them cut out.    Watched Drop Dead Diva Season 2. Feel lost in limbo land and trying to figure out how we ever got here..  Did a lot of journaling and crying this weekend too. .. trying to figure out what life looks like without my partner of 21 y...

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Chocolate, chocolate chip muffins for breakfast Pancakes Scrambled eggs Dandelions.. yeah, I know they are weeds, but i still like them when they are fuzzy Fireworks

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Each year I get another candle on my cake Each year my family members get a new candle on their cake (or pie) www.splitcoaststampers.com www.craftsy.com www.loniholt.stampinup.net

Friday Fill In 1. I hold my family in my heart as the greatest blessing in my life . 2. My BFF is someone I like to travel with because we have a good time together . 3. That day, I wished would never come has arrived. 4.  My life is changing a lot  this year. 5. Trust, once broken, is hard (but not impossible) to rebuild . 6.  Diving in the dark is scary . 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to ice cream , tomorrow my plans include  quilting and Sunday, I want to sleep late !

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Padded bike shorts Padded bike gloves Bike helmet Road ID My watch

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Quiet mornings Jim Brickman music Reba Earrings Nail files

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Swiss Cheese Blue Cheese American Cheese Provolone Cheese Mozzarella Cheese Ok, yes, I love cheese...

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Health Care Dental Care Massages Carrots Cheddar Cheese

Sometimes I feel like this little plant.. it's an African Violet and it's been through a lot.    It's original owner received it as a gift from someone she didn't like very much.. and then she went on vacation, left it in her office, and upon return shoved it in a corner and pretty much neglected it.   When I recovered it, it was wilted and sad looking.. but with some TLC in my office, the plant recovered, but didn't bloom.    I was out of the office for some surgeries and rather than leave the plant in the office, I took it home and it was subjected to cats occassionally trying to chew on its leaves.. and a transplant from the flower shop pot to 3 clay pots... they recovered from the transplant.. and yet still didn't bloom.    I finally got a special African Violet self watering pot.. and again went to transplant them from clay pots to the new special pot.. unfortunately, in moving them from the cat safe high sp...

Here's to another Mocha Monday.. have a great week y'all!

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Family in Hawaii Family that shares frequent flyer miles :) Flouride Gel Butterflies Diamonds

Lately Mama C has repeatedly told her youngest how Spoiled he is by me... and well, yes, that's probably true.. but hey what a good Tia is for... Well, this weekend, I worked on a project especially for Mama.. since I did mine as a test run a couple of weeks ago.   I finished Mama's apple green tote complete with magnetic snap (not called for in the pattern)... and an added bonus was that we found a watch with the Back to School stuff in a slap bracelet form... waterproof, green, and no metal would touch Mama either. So I think Mama is spoiled too.. and admittedly, I am quite spoiled by my adopted family as well. Without them, I would be a total nutcase by now.   Love you bunches!

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. corn on the cob anti bacterial wipes an electric indoor washing machine a great dryer lemonade

Trek Tri photos from the camera that was "lost" then "found" months later in BFF's car....

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. General good health Generaly happy and healthy seniors in my life Generally happy and healthy kids in my life Generally happy and healthy family/friends in my life My soon to be ex-husband

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. bubble baths toilet paper socks my job alpacas

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. DVR's paperclips earrings dandelions Maple syrup

For the record... Yes, I know that there is professional counseling to help one get through marital stresses and the demise of one's marriage and the aftermath.  And... at such time that I feel I need professional counseling and/or group support to assist through this chapter of my life, I know where to find that assistance.    Been there, done that.  Personal counseling after his lack of faithfulness over a decade ago; more personal and couples counseling about 6 years ago... and I don't see the point right now of spending oodles of money to let a professional counselor coach me through a bunch of crying and feeling bad... I can do plenty of that on my own a lot cheaper with a bag of cheetohs and a diet coke... or the latest obsession Sonic Slushies. Besides,  I think given the status of my life and the emotional upheaval and fragmentation that I've been going through that I'm doing pretty flippin' great.. though sometimes I do feel like I must be a tota...

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Post-it notes Purell Hand Sanitizer Supporters for my Charity Cycling rides Unsweetened applesauce My cell phone

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. --Reinhold Niebuhr     

This piece from Power to Change hits how I am feeling … .. “I still loved him and prayed his heart would change.” It is normal to feel that you still love your spouse because you gave your heart away and committed yourself to your husband. You took vows to love him or her until death do you part. Unfortunately, he didn’t keep up his end of the contract. He broke it. You can’t make him change his mind and you wouldn’t want to force him to change his mind.   When you really think about it – you want someone to “freely choose to love you for yourself.” Because “love freely given” is real love. Real love has to come from the person’s heart and volition. Rejection and betrayal are painful. But, would you want him back because he felt pressured to come back to you? No. In fact, what you rejoiced in when you were first married is that this special person “freely chose you and loved you”. As much as you might want to, you can’t make him love you.

I am to be the lucky recipient of a Bright Cat Quilt by Mama C ... for my love of kitties, juvenile fabrics, and Bold Bright colors.    I am very blessed!

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Velcro Zippers Buttons My health CO Bigelow Lemon Lip Balm

VC Rocks ABC - Anything But a Card blog hop July 9-10, 2011... 36 blogs in under 5 minutes... Enjoy!

Good Mocha Monday morning to you!   And as promised...  Blog Candy Winner... Elizabeth Harris Yummy! Cute little box, too! :) Hugs still coming your way! It will get better! Been there, done that! ;) July 9, 2011 10:20 AM Have a terrific week!

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Indoor toilets My bike My car My shoes Kleenex

Delilah Gratitude Challenge ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life. Hot bubble baths Scoopable Kitty Litter Daisies Orange ginger lotion Sunshine

If you are friends, family, and followers then welcome back to Loni's Life.. and you guessed it, it is time for another Blog Hop.   This month's theme with VC Rocks is ABC ~ Anything But a Card.   The fun and games officially kick-off on Saturday at 9AM central time and will run through the weekend.     There are 35 stops on the hop, so grab a beverage and a snack and enjoy our tour! I have done a mini box that holds four Ghiradelli chocolate squares.   You can find the tutorial here . Stamps:  Four Frames, Short & Sweet Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Accessories: Scallop border punch, Decorative Label punch; 1.5 inch real red/white striped grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, As always, leave a message by 10pm Central time on Sunday 7/10 and Mocha will announce a Blog Candy winner on Monday. Tune in next month August 13-14 for our final VC Rocks Blog hop of 2011 featu...

Delilah Gratitude Challenge   ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life Stan Sonicare toothbrush Crest pro-health Glide floss Bubble gum

Well, with the divorce in progress, I've needed New Tech Support for things that the soon-to-be-ex dealt with like PC/laptop selection, setup and such.   Luckily, I have New Tech Support built in with my adopted family since both of Mama's boys are tech gurus.   The youngest took care of a techie job for me last night.. and I paid him... even though he said 'You know, you don't have to pay me."  But I told him that I wanted to and besides he's got a Magic pre-release this weekend so go spend his money wisely -or- not so wisely.. and to enjoy himself.   He even put a step by step help file on the desk top with Step #4 being if all the above fails, then to call him, LOL.    I am really blessed to have this family in my life. So while I am still utterly sad over this trip to divorceville... life goes on... and there's lots of help along the way.   Counsel from my friend John who is recovering from another...

Delilah Gratitude Challenge   ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life Swimming pools Sheep The Woolie Ewe Knitting Needles Internet Access

Air conditioning Plentiful clean water Harrison Auntie Jill Mocha

Delilah Gratitude Challenge   ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life Yellow roses My friend John who inspires me on hard days My friend Griff who always has a kind word Chocolate Hot showers

Delilah Gratitude Challenge   ~ Every day for a month I want you to write down five things you are grateful for. And you are not allowed to repeat anything on your list – that would be way too easy. You can do this, and it’s really quite simple when you start to recognize the vast amount of blessings in your life . Here goes … this ought to be an interesting month ahead … ·        BFF ’ s remind ers that I am loved. ·        Mama C ’ s wisdom and counsel. ·        Dad – because it ’ s great at this age to still have a Dad. ·        Hunter – because he always brings a smile or laughter to my day. ·        Slushies- because they are so darn yummy.

Here's a new project that I picked up at Walmart.   This is a bag in Red/White for me that I completed this weekend.  I used it to practice before seweing the Apple Green/White one for Mama C.   It even includes a magnetic snap.    It is large enough to carry my laptop.

Bright and cheery quilt by Mama is in progress

Brooks & Dunn ~ It's Getting Better All the Time Yeah, I think I'm gonna make it 'Cause God won't make a mountain I can't climb

New find ~ Tostitos Artisan recipes ~ Roasted Garlic and Black Bean … oh these would be sooooooo good with that medium queso that I got at the store last week.

Plantar fasciitis (say "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") – or my term is PF--   is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.   In other words, it is a see mingly never-ending pain in your heel (especially in the morning) when it feels as if someone is driving red-hot nails through your heel .  I went through PF in my right foot around then end of 2001 or so.. seems like a lifetime ago.. and perhaps it was a combination of excess weight and the stresses of running ~ including the White Rock Half Marathon (that ’ s 13.1 miles … even after 3 summers of training) .   At that time, I went to Dr. Roy Ashton of Ashton Podiatry and a series of night time splints, no bare feet, ...

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2011/07/friday-fill-ins.html 1.      Blue skies over Loni ’ s Beach or Loni ’ s Other Beach would be just grand right about now . 2.        Trips down memory lane can be bittersweet . 3.      Kids , let them be little for as long as you can; but know when to let them grow and be independent.  (Of course, what do I know, I only parent a spoiled rotten cat . 4.        Rest & Relaxation , seeing new sights , reconnecting with people you love ; these are some of the best things about vacation. 5.      Love is a Village of Family and Friends who accept you as yourself and expect nothing more of you than to be yourself .   Or on a more philosophical approach … one of my favorite passages which was also used in the movie A Walk to Remember . 1 Corinthians 13 , 4-8   Love is patient, love ...