After thousands of Iraqi Christians have been forced to flee the embattled city of Mosul in the last week, video emerged on Thursday of Islamic State militants destroying the Tomb of Jonah in a matter of seconds. According to officials and residents in Mosul, where the holy site also known as the Mosque of the Prophet Yunus (Jonah) is located, the demolition took place on Thursday
Eruptions.
In some ways I feel like I'm living the dorm life with 3 males in the apartment currently, lol:) We love having Andrew here and I personally am so grateful. The summer is a bit stagnant because we can do the same things year round, so having his friend here helps the time pass.
Over the course of a few weeks Chynna has gotten to talk with a variety of people at her job. It seems there is a common thread from all who have opened up to her..... "the people are different here." They are welcoming but not "friendly." Whether you're in SoCal one year or 17, the feelings are the same......
It is a very lonely place to live and perhaps why there is so much emphasis on "being the best." It's almost unheard for a kid my son's age to have a summer job because of all the activities they are a part of. It is common place to take lessons, be trained and/or go to summer school for self improvement and pay exorbitant amounts of money to do so. This is "livin the dream....."
While shopping at Target in Manhattan Beach, I noticed they don't use plastic bags anymore, only paper. When I asked why, the cashier went into a dissertation of her disgust with decisions being made. Taking a plastic bag on the beach can now render you a fine. When I said I'm from the East Coast and this sounds pretty typical of the West, she said, "it is. Welcome to California."
My trip back to the East Coast brought a lot into focus for me. At Christmas 2013, my goal was to spend time with family. This time, it was about the future and where we are heading. I now know anything is possible and time has once again accelerated.
Life is erupting much like the geyser at UCLA today. Giving you a window into the west......
Flood Erupts on Sunset Boulevard, UCLA campus
Eternity.
Many people think they want to do "big things." Just the connotation sounds so glamorous and exciting..... at least and until there are demands on time and devotion to details that don't seem to matter. The sacrifice will always cost more than you can afford........
Each core fitness class that comes, I feel I can't take the time required to attend. I inevitably go because I've made the commitment to see this through. I'm told my body is changing even though I don't see a difference. Even when others complain, I remain committed and suck it up. Nothing is too difficult anymore.
My work days at Prudential are filling up, keeping me busier than before. I somehow knew this was going to happen. My late husband's days were full, start to finish; I wondered how he didn't have time to "relax." He never seemed to need to relax or chill but I know I need to be still.
I now am pushing as hard as he was, in a different way...... emotionally and spiritually building. In Cali, life feels very temporal and the eternal is not tangible unless I search it out. Life back East is much different.... and real.
Managing new tenants move in for the beginning of August, as well as other rental demands right now. God help me. I really see how our skills in working together were invaluable for expansion. We both pushed.... or pulled and made each other better, even through the battles we fought with each other and outside of ourselves.
I never knew I could be stretched as far as I've been...........
You may think you want "the world", but you're gonna have to work hard to get it. Destiny sounds divine but you're going to need to dig in and get dirty. It might even take a bit of crazy, not control, to get you where you dream of being.......
Goodness.
Logan woke me early Saturday, asking if my foot was our kitty, hiding under my covers, lol. After I told him I needed more sleep, he left me alone for only a few minutes. His body clock is on East Coast time:) Andrew literally fell asleep on the floor last night and tonight, ha ha:)
Headed to Anaheim to show him ASC, Disneyland, Angel Stadium, and our favorite waffle sandwich place, Bruxie's! He saw the San Bernadino Mtns off in the distance and noticed the fact that there are almost no bugs here:)
I dropped the boys off at Hermosa Beach to play for hours, while I ran a few much needed errands....... food mostly, lol:)
Olive is hiding during the daytime, but resting on my bed at night:D We figure she thinks she's in kitty heaven now........
Next up, first CBVA tournament for Logan and Andrew on Manhattan Beach!
Rain.
In the midst of a Sunday afternoon on the beaches in SoCal, something happened that almost never takes place, ever. Thunder, lightning, and a rainstorm. It was such a unique sight, as many looked to the heavens to see such signs........ perhaps leading to what is to come.
Most hadn't ever played VB in inclement weather, with elements challenging the focus...... What impacts the life of one, has already been experienced by another, be it ever so simple or drastic. Each element can add to life, if we understand the power to possess in these moments...
I know I needed the time of refreshing, to be with life giving hearts back in our hometown last week......... as I've opened myself up in a time of sorrow, I am sincerely blessed and excited to see the life that is blooming.....
I continue to face the financial challenges of a 45 year old widow, trying to begin a career that will impact both coasts and beyond, with concerns for my kids' futures. My personal and business life are ever intertwined and I'm not sure if or how they are to be separated.....
There's interest in my "love life" or whatever that looks like, lol:) I'm still trying to figure that one out, not wanting to repeat my past experiences..... "mistakes." I too, "look to the heavens, to see where my Help will come from..." Ps. 121
Logan and Andrew had a great day, playing a VB tournament in Manhattan Beach. They did really well and had an awesome time, even played fellow Redondo Seahawks and UCLA players:) The Grass Doubles Tournaments on the East Coast have definitely benefited both! Their growth is amazing...... The weekend is a blur, with another week beginning.
After witnessing the lightning over the ocean, and hearing the thunder in the heavens, I know I want more of the supernatural intervention of God.
He knows the rain... reign that needs to come to the land.
Unscripted.
I think in so many ways I'm like any other person who craves comfort and stability and wants to count on another person to provide it. After all, that's all I've ever known.........
When I was younger raising my kids, a part of me wanted structure and methods that would work so I wouldn't have to think. Just implement. That idea of control seemed to work for everyone else, but didn't quite work for me. I had to make it up as I went and trust my instincts were right:)
Finally talked with my oldest tonight, after going for well over a week or more without speaking. It usually begins late at night and ends far past my bedtime:/ We covered a wide variety of subjects in an hour's time! Politics, Religion, Dating, etc., etc.
One of our cats went missing tonight, after Logan parked the ATV inside. He used his flashlight on his phone to search for Schmoopie, as I listened from 3000 miles away:) Thankfully she found her way to the back but she won't be making the trip to Cali tomorrow. We decided one will come with the boys tomorrow; the other one in a week or so when a friend comes to visit:)
Logan and I talked about his return here tomorrow; more like I talked, he listened. He has had the best time home, reaffirming his friendships, faith, and life experiences. In spite of the "great weather" and "everything to love," we know there is more to life than this.
For now, he returns......... we all need reminding of our mission regularly. Still kind of making it up as I go along......... without a manual:)
Investment.
There have been many times I feel like I can't "afford" something, whether a physical object, emotional appeal, or simply time. A financial commitment is often required as well, evident in our quest to come west. Rather than dismiss an idea or let a dream die, I've decided to "invest" with my best.
In times past we didn't feel we had the time or money needed, and I still don't. It's even harder now but I knew Chynna and Logan had to get home and somehow, funds would be provided. I can't be stupid about things, but I have to take a risk........
I pitched in some; a piece of construction equipment that hadn't sold for months suddenly did, and surprise checks were sent or given. I had to commit first........ then I saw. As a result.... multiplication. Acceleration.
My daughter's coaching opportunities have doubled since returning to LA County:) Connections have deepened and continue to broaden, as I expand my sphere of influence. All the while needing more time and money, lol, but I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, and pray.
Logan's having the best time and is not looking forward to returning on Friday honestly. His wisdom is beyond his years and he can elaborate quite well on the lifestyle.
Fortunately, his friend Andrew and two kitties will be among his traveling companions back. That's right, he plans to bring our two cats out to L.A., in hopes of creating a "homey feeling" here. Wish us luck.
I'm keeping busy with vetting new tenants for a rental home I have with advertising, scheduling appointments and overseeing. My life is somewhat insane.
I guess it takes a little bit of crazy........ to see things happen.
Extraordinary.
My trip back home was indescribable and I have my dear friend John, to thank for sharing his frequent flyer miles with me:)
The day I flew out of LAX, I received a text from Logan very early in the a.m., telling me every alarm in our PA home was going off. As I stepped in the airport at LAX, I set off their alarm...... I knew I needed to pay special attention to this trip:) It would be extraordinary........
After landing at 9 last night, I knew I was back in LA because of the actions indicative to the culture. Everyone thinks they have to be first.
Back at work today, but rested this afternoon and tonight, after unpacking. Think I had a jet lag hangover, which doesn't appeal to me at all!
Many things took place over the course of the few days I was out of LA and back in PA, and I can't wait to share with you. I have renewed focus and energies, so thank you all for that. I needed to feel the love........
One thing was made very clear to me..... LA and surrounding areas suck the life out of me, out of us, leaving one feeling much like the land must feel.... dry, drained, empty. I will be speaking LIFE in a larger way.
Extraordinary Love. Goodnight from SoCal, again.
Anticipate.
I had the best day EVER, lol. Started very early so I ran on Dunkin half the day! Sorry honey..... I had an iced coffee:D
Breakfast with my Macungie friends and catching up with Office Staff at the former Prudential Patt, White, now Berkshire Hathaway. There is great rewards in being able to return to our hometown with great anticipation and adrenaline....... I've never had such a feeling before in my life.
Big hugs from Logan's Lehigh teammates as they rallied at a friends house for Grass Doubles! Thank you Hillman family; you are always so generous:) And a new opportunity opening up for Chynna coaching, as she and Austin remain in the West for the weekend......
A spontaneous swim party was planned with my nieces and nephews and got my "workout" in for the day, lol:) THIS is the stuff in life that makes me happy....... and I want more of it. Meaningful, purposeful, and not self involved. That is me.
Investing in others. Some will take from me all they can. Others will give back when able, while even more do not have anything left to give. Much like the land in various parts, lives are desolate. Souls are depleted. Spirits drained. This is the economy that I am concerned about. This is the one that needs reviving.
I'm determined to tap into resources we've never seen before........
But first, SPORTSFEST!!!!
Takeoff.
After a long day of work and busyness this evening, I am almost finished packing my things to fly out Weds
I was so tempted to cancel my fitness class tonight because I am swamped, but chose to keep the commitment. I've always given myself an out because my life was about everyone and everything else.I'm learning that I don't want to let myself down.... a huge shift in my thinking...... about myself.
A close friend assumed that I'm "happy" with my life now, who wouldn't be. Single in SoCal, working out and writing, and the list went on. After I explained these things don't make me "happy" but are a necessary path for our. He understood. Everything I'm doing is about continued survival..... the ability to recover makes the difference in your destiny.
When asked what would make me happy, I paused and said, "freedom." I want the freedom to do what I need and want to do, without deadlines, delays, and death dictating my life. It's that simple and I will do what it takes to get it.......... and then I will share it.
I heard this morning that L.A. has not had a drought of the magnitude felt here since 1877. This came several years after the Gold Rush, where "gold diggers" ravaged the land for their own personal gain. Somehow I think the effects are still being felt........
While I tend to worry and wonder how unexpected bills will be paid for, in 3 days time, I was suddenly able to sell a large item used for our remodeling business in PA. Suddenly, my faith was rewarded and I intend to spread it around..... and give some back.... to the land.
I'm going to hit the ground running as I make my landing on the East Coast, so get ready!
Goodnight California and Hello Pennsylvania.
The Core.
Logan has safely landed in Philly and is back in his home, one that he truly treasures. He's already enjoying the great baking of his Aunt Teresa and fun times with family! I imagine they will hear of his depravity here in regards to food, cooking and the lack of "comforts."
Most everyone has this perception of the "Great L.A." and the surrounding areas. It is actually a very dirty place that many locals avoid, in spite of the the glorious lifestyle portrayed. There is a deceptive perception of this town..... it is nothing but emptiness. .
The dating scene proves to be similar. Immaturity and insolence abound but you cannot tell from one's appearance. "Friends with benefits" is an accurate statement, depicting offers my daughter and I have encountered. It is a very accepted practice and this lifestyle, oddly normalized.
My daughter received her diploma this week from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, with very impressive accolades and achievements. She's been told she's "changing the culture" of the beach cities. Volleyball may have brought us here, but if our sacrifice does not benefit the futures of many, it will be futile.........
During my fitness class last night, I wondered if I could push myself more and I determined yes, I must. For the next 8 weeks, I am very focused on building my "core." I have handled such crap; I can only become even stronger. Going home will be the inspiration I need.
Logan and I plan to be at Sportsfest all day Saturday, so hope to see many friends there! As my plans are firmed, I will update on FB:) Please make sure to see me and connect if possible. This trip will shake a few things up.....
"Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be."
Job 8:7
— with Chynna Sky.