Last night as I was eating my dinner I was thinking that today’s blog needed to be about fitness. For one thing, I love it! Next to reading, exercising is my favorite thing to do! On a daily basis anyway. I get up first thing in the morning, put my exercise clothes on, grab my water bottle from the fridge and run down to the basement for my daily routine. It’s a huge stress reliever and I love it! I can wake up totally tired, grumpy or unmotivated, and my the time my exercise routine for the day is over I feel awesome! I have often thought about how I can share this love of fitness with others without sounding pushy or being annoying. If I hear people talking about exercise or healthy eating, I try to listen in and see what they are saying. I read a lot about it and it is a passion for me.
Perhaps simply sharing my enthusiasm for fitness in my blog is the best way to help others. I am definitely not perfect at eating healthy. Chocolate is a favorite food of mine and I usually don’t go more than 2 days without having some. Yesterday I had one of those 100 calorie packs of grasshopper cookies! I love those. Today I have kept myself far too occupied to think about chocolate. Okay, that’s a lie because I just wrote a poem about chocolate. It’s a non-rhyming poem, in other words free-verse. I’ll share it with you and then I am going to go make a salad for my lunch.
Chocolate
I held the piece of deep brown
Smooth chocolate between my
Thumb and forefinger.
Not wanting to hold it too long
Not wanting it to melt
But it was the last piece and I
Wanted to be sure to savor it.
It began to melt
I slowly opened my mouth
And brought the chocolate
To my lips and tasted
The first smooth sweetness
Of my favorite candy
Waiting for my favorite
Part is the creamy center
Peanut butter!
P.S. It's okay to laugh!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I've got no strings
I’m listening to this cute song that my daughter had to memorize for her first-grade program. It’s called I’ve Got No Strings and it’s from Disney’s Pinocchio. The version of the song is very upbeat and fun. These little voices sing it and it’s so darling. As I was listening I felt overcome with emotion. If you have never listened to the words of this song, it’s not just cute. It has a very deep meaning if you look and listen.
I’ve got no strings
To hold me down
To make me fret
To make me frown
I had strings
But now I’m free
There are no strings on me!
Wow! What powerful words. It’s a children’s song, but think what can you do if you realize there are no strings on you! THERE ARE NO STRINGS! You can put strings on yourself if you would like. But wouldn’t you rather be free?
Hi Ho the merry-o
I’m as happy as can be
I want the world to know
Nothing ever worries me
I’ve got no strings
So I have fun
I’m not tied up
To anyone
They’ve got strings
But you can see
There are no strings on me
You have no strings
Your arms are free
And that’s the way
It oughta be
You have no strings
It’s very true
There are no strings on you!
Make your own interpretation. What are the “strings” in your life that hold you down? There are things that make you fret, that make you frown. Bad habits, bad attitudes, complaining, whining, negativity, rudeness, sin, procrastination, criticism, sarcasm, anything that brings you or others down. Can you cut those strings? If you think you can, you can. It may take a lot of work. Or maybe there is fear and lack of faith in your life. You want to move on and progress but there are certain strings that are holding you back from achieving your highest potential. It may mean a career change, it may mean an attitude change at work or wherever you are. But don’t you want to be free? I do. Each day I can choose a string that is holding me down and decide to cut it. Some strings will feel more like ropes, but they are still holding you down, holding you back. Change your life. Accentuate the positive and cut the destructive strings from your life so that you can be free!
If you want a copy of this song, you can find it on iTunes. The album is Let’s Go To The Movies and the artist is Music For Little People Choir
I’ve got no strings
To hold me down
To make me fret
To make me frown
I had strings
But now I’m free
There are no strings on me!
Wow! What powerful words. It’s a children’s song, but think what can you do if you realize there are no strings on you! THERE ARE NO STRINGS! You can put strings on yourself if you would like. But wouldn’t you rather be free?
Hi Ho the merry-o
I’m as happy as can be
I want the world to know
Nothing ever worries me
I’ve got no strings
So I have fun
I’m not tied up
To anyone
They’ve got strings
But you can see
There are no strings on me
You have no strings
Your arms are free
And that’s the way
It oughta be
You have no strings
It’s very true
There are no strings on you!
Make your own interpretation. What are the “strings” in your life that hold you down? There are things that make you fret, that make you frown. Bad habits, bad attitudes, complaining, whining, negativity, rudeness, sin, procrastination, criticism, sarcasm, anything that brings you or others down. Can you cut those strings? If you think you can, you can. It may take a lot of work. Or maybe there is fear and lack of faith in your life. You want to move on and progress but there are certain strings that are holding you back from achieving your highest potential. It may mean a career change, it may mean an attitude change at work or wherever you are. But don’t you want to be free? I do. Each day I can choose a string that is holding me down and decide to cut it. Some strings will feel more like ropes, but they are still holding you down, holding you back. Change your life. Accentuate the positive and cut the destructive strings from your life so that you can be free!
If you want a copy of this song, you can find it on iTunes. The album is Let’s Go To The Movies and the artist is Music For Little People Choir
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
May 27, 2008
It's not easy being an entrepreneur's wife. Each day is different and if I don't watch myself, I can let the negativity, worry and stress get the better of me. But not today, and better as time goes on. What makes a person want to to follow his/her dream? What compels a person to do what he/she believes is their calling in life? I know what my main calling in life is. I have been doing it for over 12 years. It's being a mother. More about that later because I love being a mother and talking about it with other mothers.
For 12 years I have focused on being a mom and that is about all that I have worked on. There have been odd jobs for me here and there. Mostly cleaning jobs for homes or businesses. That's something I actually enjoy. I get to work alone, I don't have anyone watching me and telling me what to do or checking up on my work. I can listen to music and just move through my work and when I am done, I get to look at the cleanliness I have created.
Now it is time for me to step out of my comfort zone and begin to share the tings that I write. I am doing that with this blog. The poem I shared yesterday was written 5 years ago and I finally shared it! That was hard for me. That was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but I did it. Getting feedback was so validating for me. A few people responded to my poem and I thank you! Outside of my comfort zone is fear. Stepping out is showing faith. Then after the fear comes the triumph! I did it! I did something that was scary and it was okay. Now I don't have quite as much fear. I have more confidence. So do you know what I am going to do now? I am going to submit a children's story I wrote to a publisher. I'll keep you updated!
For 12 years I have focused on being a mom and that is about all that I have worked on. There have been odd jobs for me here and there. Mostly cleaning jobs for homes or businesses. That's something I actually enjoy. I get to work alone, I don't have anyone watching me and telling me what to do or checking up on my work. I can listen to music and just move through my work and when I am done, I get to look at the cleanliness I have created.
Now it is time for me to step out of my comfort zone and begin to share the tings that I write. I am doing that with this blog. The poem I shared yesterday was written 5 years ago and I finally shared it! That was hard for me. That was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but I did it. Getting feedback was so validating for me. A few people responded to my poem and I thank you! Outside of my comfort zone is fear. Stepping out is showing faith. Then after the fear comes the triumph! I did it! I did something that was scary and it was okay. Now I don't have quite as much fear. I have more confidence. So do you know what I am going to do now? I am going to submit a children's story I wrote to a publisher. I'll keep you updated!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day. Five years ago I wrote a poem that I like to read each Memorial Day. I have only shared it with Garr. Today I am going to share it with you. Have a great day!
The Veteran
A man in a wheelchair
Beard and long hair
Camouflage coat
Hungry and cold
Once he was young
His future so bright
He served America
Fought with his might
Now he’s a veteran
Missing one leg
Lonely and suffering
For food he must beg
Do I shun him
Or do I show grace?
It’s because of this man
that I have a place
To do as I choose
To be free where I live
And so in return
Something I must give
I reach out to take
This man by the hand
“Thank you so much
For being a man,
For serving this country
You’re brave and you’re kind
So when you are lonely
Just keep that in mind.”
I reach in my pocket
I’ve something to give
So this man a better
Life can live.
By Jennie Ovard
The Veteran
A man in a wheelchair
Beard and long hair
Camouflage coat
Hungry and cold
Once he was young
His future so bright
He served America
Fought with his might
Now he’s a veteran
Missing one leg
Lonely and suffering
For food he must beg
Do I shun him
Or do I show grace?
It’s because of this man
that I have a place
To do as I choose
To be free where I live
And so in return
Something I must give
I reach out to take
This man by the hand
“Thank you so much
For being a man,
For serving this country
You’re brave and you’re kind
So when you are lonely
Just keep that in mind.”
I reach in my pocket
I’ve something to give
So this man a better
Life can live.
By Jennie Ovard
Saturday, May 24, 2008
May 24, 2008 JoBloom begins
I should start at the beginning. My story is long, so in order to not overwhelm myself or anyone else, I will tell small pieces at a time and try to leave out the boring details. First of all, let me quickly explain the name of my blog. JoBloom is the combination of two words. Jo is not only my middle name (thanks Dad and Mom) but it also stands for the initials of my married name, Jennie Ovard. I also have something in common with Jennie-o turkey! I have been married to Garr Martin Ovard, Jr for 12 years - 13 this September.
The “Bloom” part of the name is significant. Years ago my mother gave me a magnet that at first I only kept because it was a gift from her. For a long time I hated it. The watercolor painting is nothing spectacular. It’s two open windows and just inside are three potted flower plants, probably chrysanthemums. Around the windows are vines with small white flowers on them. The words on it read: Bloom where you are planted. When my mom gave this magnet to me, my husband and I had just moved from Seattle Washington to Pheonix Arizona. I hate the heat. I was pregnant with our second child and had morning sickness - bad. Our new apartment was beautiful. The only thing I appreciated about it was that the moment we walked in, it was cool and comfortable. There was cold water in the fridge. I don't remember what I did after that, but I know Garr unloaded the moving van without any help from me. Every time I looked at that magnet I wanted to throw it away, but I couldn't. Arizona was the biggest struggle for me. I could not have survived it without my friend Tami.
Since living in Arizona we have moved a few other times. I have slowly learned how to Bloom where I am planted. So despite what Webster may say is the definition of bloom, I have my own definition. To me, the word bloom means to thrive, to have faith, to push through the struggle, to keep trying when I am feeling ready to give up, to start over when I feel I have failed. To bloom means to never give up. That is why I have started this blog. Not because I am perfect, not because I always have a positive attitude and not because I have finished blooming, but because I have not given up and I continue to bloom, if not every day, then every chance I get.
The “Bloom” part of the name is significant. Years ago my mother gave me a magnet that at first I only kept because it was a gift from her. For a long time I hated it. The watercolor painting is nothing spectacular. It’s two open windows and just inside are three potted flower plants, probably chrysanthemums. Around the windows are vines with small white flowers on them. The words on it read: Bloom where you are planted. When my mom gave this magnet to me, my husband and I had just moved from Seattle Washington to Pheonix Arizona. I hate the heat. I was pregnant with our second child and had morning sickness - bad. Our new apartment was beautiful. The only thing I appreciated about it was that the moment we walked in, it was cool and comfortable. There was cold water in the fridge. I don't remember what I did after that, but I know Garr unloaded the moving van without any help from me. Every time I looked at that magnet I wanted to throw it away, but I couldn't. Arizona was the biggest struggle for me. I could not have survived it without my friend Tami.
Since living in Arizona we have moved a few other times. I have slowly learned how to Bloom where I am planted. So despite what Webster may say is the definition of bloom, I have my own definition. To me, the word bloom means to thrive, to have faith, to push through the struggle, to keep trying when I am feeling ready to give up, to start over when I feel I have failed. To bloom means to never give up. That is why I have started this blog. Not because I am perfect, not because I always have a positive attitude and not because I have finished blooming, but because I have not given up and I continue to bloom, if not every day, then every chance I get.
Friday, May 23, 2008
This is a start.
I know what blogging is. I’ve known for awhile. It’s just not something I have been too interested in doing. Friends and family have asked me, “Do you blog?” and my answer is always a diffident, “Well, no, I don’t”. The reply? “You should, it’s fun.”
Okay, so it’s fun, I have been told. But what do I say? What about my life is interesting enough for others to sit and read about it. I just live a normal, non-exciting life. I have a husband, four beautiful children and various other family members whom I often hang out with. When I feel like I need some adventure, variety or distractions in my life, I read. Reading is one of the great joys of my life. Not that I don’t find joy in other things. Certainly there is joy to be found with my husband and children. It’s just that there is a certain amount of escape with reading. There are times in my life when I just don’t want to, or feel like I cannot, think about all that is going on. The stresses, pressures and frustrations sometimes get to be too overwhelming, and there has to be a way to find a reprieve from that. Therein lies my need to read.
Most people deal with stresses in life and I am certainly not immune to them. One of the great stress relievers I have is talking with my husband when we go on dates. We talk as often as we can, but there are interruptions. Going on dates is the perfect way to just be together and share our stresses with each other. That way, we don't feel alone and we are able to discuss what's going on in our lives and make decisions together. It's great to have someone to talk to who will listen to you no matter how many times you have brought up the same old subject.
Blogging also seems to be a good way to get one’s feelings out. To express oneself and share it with the world, or just a few close friends. Journaling is not something I have done on a regular basis. Perhaps blogging is the answer. Perhaps sharing some of the stress, frustration and pain I have felt over the years of being the entrepreneur’s wife will help me let go of the bad, focus on the good and help someone else who may be going through something similar. On the other hand, maybe it won’t help a single soul, but if it does, I’ll be only the happier.
Okay, so it’s fun, I have been told. But what do I say? What about my life is interesting enough for others to sit and read about it. I just live a normal, non-exciting life. I have a husband, four beautiful children and various other family members whom I often hang out with. When I feel like I need some adventure, variety or distractions in my life, I read. Reading is one of the great joys of my life. Not that I don’t find joy in other things. Certainly there is joy to be found with my husband and children. It’s just that there is a certain amount of escape with reading. There are times in my life when I just don’t want to, or feel like I cannot, think about all that is going on. The stresses, pressures and frustrations sometimes get to be too overwhelming, and there has to be a way to find a reprieve from that. Therein lies my need to read.
Most people deal with stresses in life and I am certainly not immune to them. One of the great stress relievers I have is talking with my husband when we go on dates. We talk as often as we can, but there are interruptions. Going on dates is the perfect way to just be together and share our stresses with each other. That way, we don't feel alone and we are able to discuss what's going on in our lives and make decisions together. It's great to have someone to talk to who will listen to you no matter how many times you have brought up the same old subject.
Blogging also seems to be a good way to get one’s feelings out. To express oneself and share it with the world, or just a few close friends. Journaling is not something I have done on a regular basis. Perhaps blogging is the answer. Perhaps sharing some of the stress, frustration and pain I have felt over the years of being the entrepreneur’s wife will help me let go of the bad, focus on the good and help someone else who may be going through something similar. On the other hand, maybe it won’t help a single soul, but if it does, I’ll be only the happier.
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