No Time for Boredom

Today was another day filled to the brim. I thought retirement meant time to sit back, sip on a glass of iced tea and watch the butterflies float through the air. WRONG. There seems to be more projects to get done than time to do them. One of the problems is that before I can finish one thing another challenge arises. My temperament is to immediately fix a problem and I find myself out of breath trying to keep a dozen inflated balloons in the air at once (air not helium). Now, I am really a quiet natured person and watching a beautiful sunset is very enjoyable to me. I don't like to race cars, ride roller coasters, jump out of airplanes or anything to raise my blood pressure. Writing, singing, watercolor painting and reading have always been very calming to me. So tonight I am doing just that. I have painted a picture of rolling hills caressed by a blue sky, sang "Jesus is all the world to me" and now writing my thoughts of a day well spent and filled to the brim. Tomorrow I will attempt to complete a few more things on my list and hopefully not add anything new to the list. One thing for sure, I am not bored. I would love to go live where Victoria lives in the "House of Changing Tides." I am sure that is why I wrote the story. A chance to express myself and escape to the serenity of the sea.

Three Things in One

July 21st was a day jam packed with three (3) wonderful events. A Super Hero Birthday Party attended by approximately 40 people. At lest 25 were under the age of 8, dressed in their favorite super hero outfits. That was the most energized space I have ever been a part of. They were in jump houses, sliding down air slides playing air hockey and the crowning moment, pizza, salads, fruits, cake and the Birthday Boy setting on his throne opening his birthday presents. The next happening took place outside at a shaded park where family members were gathered for a reunion. We knew about eight (8) of the 50 in attendance, but met many cousins, aunts, uncles and their families. It was a time of renewing, remembering and fellowship. After a couple hours eating some of the most delicious food ever made we exchanged names and contact numbers. With our bellies filled to capacity we hurried off to our third event of the day. This event was the icing on the cake so to speak, my Momma's 91st Birthday. She is a sweet lady with eyes of blue that sparkle as she smiles and talks to you. We sat around the table, ate more pizza, birthday cake and talked about times gone by. Momma looks forward to the day she will see her savior Jesus and be reunited with the family members that have gone on. Yes July 21, 2012 was a "Three Things in One" day. Three beautiful events shared with a total of about 100 friends and family that will be another page in my book of memories. Each day adds another page to our personal book so look for the pure and lovely in your day and tuck it away to enjoy in days to come. In my book "House of Changing Tides" Victoria relives memories that bring her pain, love, joy and all the emotions tucked away in her mind. Her life holds many secrets. Get your copy at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, gingerleebull.com or ask at your favorite book store. Happiness is contagious so go out a spead a smile.

WHAT A DAY!

Today I needed to order new insurance cards because mine were so worn that the policy number was no longer readable. Well that sounds like an easy order to fill but it took 45 minutes on the phone. After being transferred three times, disconnected twice and given a total of five different phone numbers to call, I finally was told the card would be mailed. After today's circus I am not too hopeful that the card will arrive in my mail. I have to let go of the frustration because my blood pressure is about to blow. Guess I will sing a high C as loud and long as possible, not to be confused with a scream.

Self Realization

Yesterday was one of those days that the list grew as the time flew. It seems that the older I get the days get shorter and my list gets longer, but I make the list and todays list will be shorter. I am always trying to fit just one more thing into a schedule that is already bulging at the seams. Now really, life is not a race to see who can get the most things done so why am I am competing with myself. That is pretty scary. Another thing about me is taking it on myself to make things go easier for others. This is really controlling and is not appreciated. Well today I am going to sing everytime I feel the urge to "fix it" for another person. If you happen to see someone singing today maybe they are trying to let go of their urge to control everything and everyone around them. (or maybe they are just happy) So l am going to attempt to follow the example of Victoria in my latest book "House of Changing Tides" and let go and let God. Writing and reading this little book still helps me daily to deal with the negatives that creep around my head and try to crawl into my thinking. Realizing I am not in charge and to stop the controlling takes a lot of effort and is a moment by moment decision. Another words I need to stay out of the other person's boat and float my own boat. If I keep this controlling thing up, on the pretense of helping we both might sink. For those of you who have read "House of Changing Tides" I would love to hear if it brought any realizations into your way of thinking and living your life. This little book is an easy read and useful to send instead of a card to those special people in your life. Available at gingerleebull.com; amazon.com; barnsandnoble.com; or ask for it at your favorite book store. Breath deep, sing loud and be happy. This picture of my husband Ted and me was taken at our 50th class reunion. Ginger Lee Bull

Day Dreaming

Oh the beauty of the mind that can find a place of joy when all surroundings in the natural are chaotic. Remember how much fun it was to ride the carousel! Funny how there was always a special horse that looked a little more magical than the others. Climbing up into the saddle and holding on tight to the brass pole brought a special excitement of expectation of what was about to happen. The music, the lights and the galloping movement as the carousel went round and round. Everyone needs an escape now and then. When things seem to be getting too stressful a little day dreaming might help. Watching the movement of the plants and trees gently moved by the breeze or getting lost in the white fluffy clouds as they drift by can be quieting to the mind. Daydreaming is a "time out" and then back to the game of life. Breath deep and give thanks for the moment. Victoria lives in a daydream at the end of her life. She lives in a "happy place" that many of our elderly loved ones live in today. You can read her story in "House of Changing Tides" available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com or ask at your favorite book store. Books can also be ordered at gingerleebull.com or click on the contact author tab to order a signed book from author.

Good Morning Lord!

Woke up this morning around 4:00 and now I am watching the sun chase the darkness of night away. Outside my window I hear birds greeting the day with song. All is still in the house with the last moments of slumber. Soon long stretches and opening eyes will begin another summer day. Lord, thank you for the quietness of the morning, to know You are here and You are in control of all things. Nothing will come into my life without passing through Your hands first. You are my fortress, my strength, my protector, my creator and You love me. I thank you for sending Your dear son, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, from heaven to this earth over 2000 years ago to be a sacrafice for my sin. Thank you for seeing me as righteous through Jesus' shed blood. I know Jesus is sitting at your right hand Father and He makes intercession for me. Holy Spirit direct me in the way I should go today. I await that moment when Jesus will call me to Him and I will be with Him forever. Til that moment I will tell others of Your love for them and that you sent your only begotton son, Jesus to die on Calvary's Tree from sin to set us free. You provided the way and it is up to us to follow the path you gave. Thank you for your love letter to us, the Bible. Well Lord, I hear steps, so the day will soon begin. Go with me today and make my way sraight. Amen

From Happiness to Shame Victoria draws the drapes in her room and shuts out the reflective light of the sun as it dances across the ocean waves. No more colors of light bouncing through the crystal she has hanging in the window and no more smell of salty air that had always entered the open window. Why has she become so dark and alone? Her mind is stayed on her shame. Too many times we turn to the sad, victim thinking and become shameful instead of making the changes that give us the beautiful joyful life that is ours for the taking. In "House of Changing Tides" Victoria goes through the many changes that brings her into the joy and happiness of life. Go with her through her battle as she claims her victory. If you have read "House of Changing Tides" tell me your thoughts about the battle in the mind of Victoria and if you believe that is a constant battle most of us fight in one way or another. Available now at gingerleebull.com.