Bubbles in my think tank

Are you a closed door or open book?

2012-01-21T22:15:00.008-06:00

My husband rolls his eyes at me. Often.

I can't go anywhere and not be conversational with just about anybody. It's not hard for me to talk to people. I love finding common interests with others and just strike up conversations. Yes. That probably does warrant 'eye rolling'. Is being an open book and telling people about yourself, whatever they want to know, a bad thing or a good thing? Mr. Filipino is a very private person. How we've made it almost 20 years married without needing some sort of counseling is beyond me. Of course, we probably DO need counseling and just ignore it away.

Being an open book gets me into trouble sometimes. Obviously. With Mr. Filipino walking around people to avoid having to get close to them emotionally, I dive right into the middle. I think part of it is the way we were raised. Ben was raised in a very structured culture in the Philippines (Thailand & New Guinea also). He was up before dawn doing chores. I was raised on a farm with cows and kids and free flowing grass and creeks and lots and LOTS of get togethers with family and friends. There was always a fish fry going on somewhere on the weekend....usually down by the river. There would be lots of people and food and music and you couldn't just sit by the wayside or people would wonder why you weren't participating. So we'd get up and 'buck dance' with my Papaw. And it was normal - and still is.

I also wear my heart on my sleeve. There is no second guessing me...what you see is what you get. And I don't mind that. I have had a VERY colorful life. I had some very VERY bad times in my early 20's. I won't go into it all but I CAN tell you that I am not the person I was then. I learned so much from my past and I think once I actually mentally and emotionally grew up and then gave my life over to Christ, all of my joy started pouring out into others in a positive instead of negative way. I can't tell you how completely blessed I feel because of that. I realized when I became a Christian that my spiritual gift is SERVING. That's why it's so easy for me to open up to people. If there is something that I've been through that can help someone else in any way then I'm doing what God wants me to do. Sometimes people don't want to hear what I have to say and that's fine. I DO know when I can open up and when I can't. Anyway, that's who I am and why in the world people wouldn't want to be exactly who they are is beyond me? There are a LOT of people that feel entirely different though. Yikes.

I don't necessarily think that being an open book or a closed door are so opposite that it can't work in a relationship. Again, me and Mr. Filipino. So he doesn't share his experiences, opinions, etc. and I'm totally transparent, free from guile and easy going. He's private about people and feelings but I totally LOVE being with people and sharing. I mean I don't totally spill everything of course. :) And I DO enjoy my private time. I LOOOOVE being alone. It's the peace I think. I have three boys and a husband. Being the only girl warrants a little peace and quiet every now and then right? It's a blessing to be able to do either. I could sit all day long and SOAK by myself and just have a conversation with God. That's when I hear Him best.

Mr. Filipino isn't afraid to open up when he needs or wants to but some people are so private they are like locked doors. Mostly distrusting of others and suspicious. I was reading an article about opening up and here are some ways to learn how to do just that.

Learn new things.

The more you know, the more likely it is you'll be able to relate to someone on some level. You can try watching the news and keeping up with current events. Again, the more you know, the more connections you can make.

Monitor non-verbal cues.

When you're talking to someone, instead of having closed body language with your arms folded and your body angled away from the person you're talking to, try to smile and listen carefully, look them in the eye and use friendly body language. It makes you appear more open.

Ignore your fear.
You may be terrified of connecting with other people and sharing the real you. Most people feel this way on some level. You should push your fear aside and don't worry about what others might think. Be you. You'll be surprised how much people will accept you.

Staying in the moment, refraining from judgements, being specific and taking your time are some other way to learn to be more open with people. To read this article about unlocking ways to be more open go here. You might find it easier than you thought it would be.

Rebel Brown says, "I’m an open book. I’ll share anything and everything about myself when I meet people whom I believe will benefit from my experiences. My truth isn’t something that makes me feel ashamed, scared or in any way diminished. In fact – because of my truth and my healing — I know I am destined to help others heal too."

To that I say Amen.

If I can help someone by opening myself up to my past trials and tribulations then I'll keep on keepin on.

On a less serious note, I love Madea. Do you know her? She. Is. Funnnyyyyy.
Enjoy this!

And have a great weekend!

Tracie

Back to school!!!!

2012-01-04T07:52:00.002-06:00

Ok so I shouldn't be so stinkin' excited. BUT I AM!!!

I have had just. about. enough. of the whining and arguing and the xbox and the noise to last til summer. I'm ready to get back into a routine, get the house back in order, get some painting orders done, and work on the new business.

I started an event planning business with a friend of mine! We mostly plan and organize vendor shows because we've both been doing that individually for years. She and her direct sales friends and small businesses and me and my arts and crafts Christmas on Madison Avenue friends. We put our heads together and now we have THREE SHOWS coming up BEFORE SPRING! We're so excited and sooo unbelievably blessed!

So I'm going up to the studio this morning to paint a bit and then get to work on the shows before the kids get home from school!

Yay!!!! The kids are back in school!

Have an awesome day!

Tracie

A look back....

2011-12-31T23:54:00.003-06:00

In 2011 we...

played Robin Hood and again
met the man with the golden voice
decided on a college
loved on a niece or two
found an awesome sound
TRIED to organize
had a birthday
a prom
and a senior year in high school
started college, high school, and middle school
remembered an anniversary
hung out in nashville and
celebrated a birth.

May next year be the best of your life. And may you always know the love that surrounds you.

Happy New Year!

Tracie

2011-12-30T21:23:00.002-06:00

Today I've been....

excited about hanging out with wonderful friends at The Art Barn tomorrow
listening to the boys giggle upstairs
missing one important member this holiday season. Papaw.
excited about a new business
getting ready for our first show of the year in February
praying for a runaway teen I saw today on Facebook
thankful God has blessed me
thankful God's Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:10-11)
wishing I had my favorite Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
thankful my boys and my husband love Jesus
sad for those that deny Jesus
wondering if I will ever be the artist I want to be
blog cleaning
hoping I can sleep past 6 tomorrow morning
wondering what 2012 has in store

Blog Share!!

I was doing some 'blog cleaning' and found a new one I'm definitely going to follow. A friend of mine, Christy, just started her own blog! Go check it out... Recovering Legalism, Perfectionism, Security.

Blessings!!

Tracie

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2011-12-25T20:38:00.001-06:00

I can't wait to come back and tell you all the wonderful things that have happened in the past couple months! Sooo exciting! But on this Christmas Day, I think I'll tell you about something else.

This morning, like the obsessive compulsive craze I am, I posted on every single Facebook Friends wall "Merry Christmas! Jesus was born for you today!" I love telling people about Jesus! He was born AND DIED for us and the gratitude that fills me every day is immeasurable. And though I may be a little naive sometimes to think that everyone I know loves Jesus the way I do, I LOVE to tell people about His birthday. So I'm GOING to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not Happy Holidays. I didn't do it to be noticed or to single people out and I didn't have any expectations of anyone commenting back. I was happy and I wanted to share. It's the most wonderful time of the year! I DID hear from a LOT of people wishing my family well...I love that about Facebook. Wishing happiness on an anniversary or birthday, usually theirs but today the birth of Jesus. It keeps a world small, I think, when you can talk to friends from another time in your life.

The holiday season usually brings out the BEST in people on Facebook. Usually. I WAS naive and I didn't expect what I got. Offended. VERY offended. By a nonbeliever. How could one not have a clue about the birth of a Savior? In such outright blatant denial? Deny Christ. The thought is sad and scary. They ask 'How can God be born a human being and still be GOD? The King of Kings?'

"In opting to celebrate His birthday in Bethlehem in such low-key fashion, Jesus revealed Himself free from public opinion, from fear of what others might say or think. Jesus is the incarnation of the Father's freedom. Paradoxically, while the freedom of Jesus is contagious for some, in others it arouses defensiveness. They have set their faces against freedom, against surprise, against novelty." Brennan Manning: Lion and Lamb

How do you explain to someone that our God declared freedom from the ways of the world before he could cry his first cry?

May today, and every day after, you believe that all you look for in this world is found only in hope, grace, mercy, love, childlike joy, faith, salvation. Only in Him.

I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you always remember why we celebrate every year! Have a blessed coming week.

Tracie

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T19:43:00.002-06:00

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2: 8-14

Hey!! Yes. I know. It's been a really long time. I have a LOT to tell you but it'll be just a few more days. In the meantime, I hope you're having a wonderful holiday!! Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and yours from me and mine!

Remembering...The 10th Anniversary of 9/11

2011-09-11T18:34:00.037-05:00

I sat at home on the phone with my friend Suzanne for a very long time watching everything unfold. A hijacked plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. When the world had to witness the second plane crash into the South Tower we all knew this country would never be the same.

On September 11, 2,752 men, women and children fell victim to the
second terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. 9/11 Memorial.

Here is a rundown of what happened on that day. Taken from
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey website.

September 11, 2001: "Today: Less humid. Sunshine. High 79."
6:00 a.m. Polls open in New York City for primary elections.
7:59 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Boston’s Logan International Airport for Los Angeles.
8:00 a.m. New York City public schools open for the fourth day of the new school year.
8:14 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Boston’s Logan International Airport for Los Angeles.
8:20 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport for Los Angeles.
8:42 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93 departs 42 minutes late from Newark International Airport for San Francisco.
8:46 a.m. After receiving a call from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Boston control center that Flight 11 has been hijacked, the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) scrambles two military jets to the New York area from Otis Air National Guard Base, Cape Cod.
8:46 a.m. Hijackers crash American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 94 to 98 of 1 World Trade Center, the North Tower.
8:46 a.m. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) receives the first report of a plane crash into the North Tower. Evacuation in the North and South Towers begins.
9:00 a.m. FDNY, the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) are at their highest mobilization levels. Port Authority civilian staff and all on-duty WTC response staff have mobilized.
9:03 a.m. Hijackers crash United Airlines Flight 175 into floors 78 to 84 of 2 World Trade Center, the South Tower.
9:15 a.m. Officials begin closing New York City bridges and tunnels to all but emergency vehicles and pedestrians.
9:25 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration orders the first-ever nationwide ground-stop, prohibiting the take-off of flights. Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) jets establish combat air patrol over Manhattan.
9:30 a.m. The New York Stock Exchange does not open at its scheduled time; its employees evacuate.
9:37 a.m. Hijackers crash American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon.
9:40 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration orders all 4,546 planes in North American airspace to land at the nearest airport. By 9:45 a.m. Evacuations are under way at the United States Capitol, the White House, the Empire State Building, the United Nations, the Kennedy Space Center, Disney World and major sites across the United States.
9:59 a.m. 2 WTC, the South Tower, collapses in 9 seconds. 10:03 a.m. Hijackers crash United Airlines Flight 93 in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers launch a counterattack to seize control of the aircraft.
10:28 a.m. 1 WTC, the North Tower, collapses in 11 seconds. All 16 acres of the World Trade Center site are in ruins. A rescue and recovery effort begins immediately at the WTC Site.
10:30 a.m. New York Governor George E. Pataki declares a state of emergency in New York State.
11:02 a.m. New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani orders the evacuation of all of Lower Manhattan below Canal Street, including workers, residents, tourists, and schoolchildren.
1:27 p.m. A state of emergency is declared in Washington, DC.
2:35 p.m. Mayor Giuliani holds a press conference at the New York City Police Academy, estimating that “the number of casualties will be more than any of us can bear.”
5:20 p.m. 7 World Trade Center collapses.
8:30 p.m. President George W. Bush addresses the nation, saying: “Today, our nation saw … the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America—with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.”

All told, 2,975 men, women and children fell victim to the second terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the terrorist attacks in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY.

Music and Arts

2011-09-05T10:52:00.043-05:00

Mr. Filipino and I took Jake and Owen to the National Folk Festival in Nashville yesterday. The boys were a little bored with the music but had a great time overall. These days I guess you have to force most kids into a little culture.

This was the first of a three year run in Nashville. 2013 will be their 75th Anniversay festival.

The festival was at the Bicentennial Mall downtown next to the Farmers Market. We have always LOVED that area and use to spend lots of time at the Farmers Market.

Bicentennial Mall is located at the base of the State Capitol.

I knew the boys would get a kick out of running up and down the stairs so we sat and watched them for a while.

Finally back down we started our tour of the festival.

Festivals always have yummy food don't they? There's always such a variety of things from noodles to gyros and ice cream to italian ice. My favorite thing is the lemonade made right in front of you. Yum.

This was the biggest stage and was situated right below the Capitol Building.

Traditional banjo pickers including two from Japan.

Of course there was a Cracker Barrel rest stop with several rocking chairs sitting around for people to rest in.

The Nyama Percussion Ensemble from West Africa

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

The Chinese Lion Dance

This was soo awesome. We stood for a while and watched them...

but then this little guy came out...

and he really gave me the heeby jeebies. He looked....weird.

Phone pic...

Lunch time..

The McCrary Sisters were INCREDIBLE!

The arts and crafts were awesome and always one of my favorite parts of any festival.

I stood and watched Roy Harper paint for a long time. LOOOOVE his chair. He was so simple..he didn't need a bunch of tools but just a bucket with some oils and brushes and something to clean them with.

There was an artist there named Emily Allison of Emily Allison Studios. She does mixed media art and she was displaying 'tin art'. IT WAS FANTASTIC! She was my favorite of the day.

Red is for Stop

Rosebud

The Answer Is Yes

What a great day!

Looking forward to next years National Folk Festival Friday, August 31, - Sunday, September 2!

What's New?

2011-07-05T22:31:00.006-05:00

How was your week? We've been inside this weekend watching Hurricane Irene pummel the East Coast. We watched as it claimed lives and kept going leaving a path of destruction. Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and on and on. It was terrifying to watch surfers actually out in the ocean surfing. All I could think about were their poor mothers freaking out when they find out where they had been...even as an adult we can still worry AND scold. Hope you have been safe this weekend and NOT surfing. Enjoy some great links I've been perusing....

I got to see The Help this weekend....AWESOME movie!! and highly recommended! I'm doing it backwards because I'm just about to start reading it. Heard the movie was a good adaptation but, as usual, not as good as the book.

Have you discovered this yet? I'm addicted. Totally. No really.

I can't WAIT to cook these this week!! And these. And THESE! Ok so they may not ALL get cooked this week but they WILL be made and eaten. And you can find them all HERE.

I'm going to start working on the area above my sofa. I've decided to put all different sizes of M's all over the wall. This is the first thing I'm going to do to start the "M Project".

Love these boots!

Would you do this to your hair?

I can NOT wait for this....
Have a great rest of the week with one of my favorite blogs!

Much Love,
Tracie