Day Fourteen: Movement

My oh my it has been a long time since I have blogged. This is what I do. I start projects with excitement and enthusiasm, but not too long into it I get discouraged, and leave things unfinished.

Sometimes, no matter how stuck we feel, it is important to remember that we are always in a state of motion. Whether forwards or backwards, well, that is up to the individual.

Many days I feel overwhelmed, and like I am moving backwards, not accomplishing anything. In reality I have been working tirelessly raising my smart, beautiful son. How quickly he has grown! 

Why is there this constant pressure to have it all, be it all, do it all? Why can't what one wants be enough? Why do we always feel the need to pressure others to do more?

What I want is a simple quiet life spent with family and friends. A life that is guided and moved by happiness. That is my wish for all.

Move forward with joy, and remember what really matters: family and love and happiness.

Day Thirteen: Written Word

I love the act of writing. As a child I would often lose myself writing stories and letters. I credit this love to my grandfather, whom has been my pen-pal for over 20 years (and still is).

This is how I have signed my letters since the very beginning (and still do).

I have known for some time that I am a much better communicator in writing.
Is it that way for everyone?
I have not yet figured out if this is a blessing or a curse.

Words just seem so more elegant when written with pen and paper.

I am so thankful that my grandfather wanted to start to write me letters when I was a little girl. Over the last 20+ years we have developed a special bond. It has made checking the mail one of my favorite moments of the day!

In the midst of such a technology driven world, we have begun to lose the power of written word. What used to be such a special, important way of communication has been lost to texting and touch screens.

We possess the power to write, and much like our minds, our handwriting is our very own, one of a kind, signature.





Use it.


Anna Jane

Day Twelve: Hands

It is now the beginning of a whole new year. I feel a slight sense of exhilaration now that the "end of the world" marker is in the past.

These little hands make the future feel so bright.

This makes me so happy. When he gives my hand a squeeze it makes even the worst of days feel better.

These tiny moments are what I am thankful for in the beginning of 2013 (and always!).



Anna Jane

Day Eleven: Something Old

My mother bought this ring for me on my 16th birthday. It has been on my finger ever since. It has become a part of me.

Over time its value to me has become priceless. It is a constant reminder that even though we are now very, very far apart in distance, we are always in each other's hearts.

And yes, I am very thankful for that.


Anna Jane

Day Ten: Nature

Even though this tree has no leaves, it is still quite beautiful. We have to respect nature for its ability to completely strip itself bare and start all over again, year after year. I am so thankful for nature.

There are many lessons to be learned from trees:

This seems incredibly appropriate as the year is coming to an end, and hopefully not the world!

In just a few short days it will be 2013, so do yourselves a favor; start fresh, let it go, be in the moment, choose positivity.

I know I will.




Anna Jane

Day Nine: Inspiring Person

I have thought about writing this post non-stop since my last post, however it has taken me a few days to do it because of the seriousness of the topic. Thankfully blogs are in writing because I most likely would not be able to speak what I am about to say out loud.  No doubt I would like to dedicate this post to all of the staff lost in the Connecticut shooting.

The six women killed were teachers, the school psychologist, and the school principle. These brave women sacrificed themselves for their students. The principle and the school psychologist ran straight for the gunman as soon as they heard bullets. They lost their lives trying to overpower and stop him.

These women will forever be in the hearts of the school, the parents, the community, and most of the nation.

There is most likely nothing I can say to bring peace to those whom have lost loved ones, but if I could speak to them directly I would say this:

Even though the media plays up the horror of what happened that day, the truth is that those that died did not suffer. What I have come to realize through events in my own life, is that when a person dies, their soul leaves the body before the point of impact that ends their life.

We have all heard stories of people floating above their bodies in near death experiences. This is the explanation for that.

I would also tell them to try and take comfort in that all of those students and staff are still together. They are free from pain, worry, and hurt. They will always be in your hearts. They will always be a part of you. And that they are taking care of each other as they wait patiently for the rest of their families to come home.

Their souls will always be in the hearts of those that loved them. Any many of ours even though we did not personally know them.

Don't stop remembering your loved ones. Don't stop laughing. Don't stop living.


You will be together again someday.












Anna Jane







* picture is from http://abcnews.go.com/US/sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting-victims/story?id=17984685

Day Eight: Favorite Color

Today is not about me. Today I will not be posting my favorite color. Today I am posting a rainbow:

May this rainbow represent the favorite colors of the children lost in today's tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.  20 children and 7 adults were taken in a heartless shooting.

No parent should ever experience losing a child. My heart goes out to all of the people affected.

I cried my eyes out tonight rocking my son to sleep. I did not want to lay him down. I just wanted to hold him because he is here and I am so thankful for him. So I did. Thankful that he does not know about the tragedy that happened today.

I pray that the families of the loved ones lost can somehow find peace and the strength to live, and to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. I hope they know that the souls of their loved ones will always be with them, and that someday they will be together again.

For now be thankful for every second we do have. Be nice to each other. Spread love. Focus on what you do have and slow down and appreciate it.

Celebrate all the colors, because you are alive to see them.


Anna Jane


* image is from national geographic. (http://blog.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Gobi-rainbow-2.jpg)