Happy Belated Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

"We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” ~ Dr. Seuss

A Mother's Love

I received THE SWEETEST Valentine card in the mail today, from my mom:

"The very moment you came into my life, everything changed.

You gave me more beauty, happiness, and love than I could've ever imagined.

But what I couldn't have known is just how much you would change the world around you.

I'm so proud of you and everything you do and the lovely, intelligent woman you've become-- I love you very much. Happy Valentine's Day!"

Thank you, Mama! <3

Valuable Treasures... Always Growing... Always Prized

... These things, I wish for all...

Perfect Poster for My Blog!

"Life is short. Live your dream, and wear your passion."

"Auntie J"

This blog posting has taken me awhile to compose. I really wanted to make sure I had some time to sit down and write, and January to present has been kind of a whirlwind. So, here I am. 

When I was quite young... prior to Kindergarten age... my mom met my stepdad and the rest was history. Through the union of Mom and Rick, my sisters and I inherited quite a large number of people as family. We grew up calling many of our parents' friends "aunt" and "uncle."

We were also introduced to a very vibrant couple that soon adopted us girls as their grandkids. That couple would be Auntie Joyce and Uncle George. There really isn't a lot I can say about the two besides the fact that they had a marriage that truly exemplified love. They were very affectionate, supportive, kind, and honest with one another. They were partners in life... they had each others back, if you will ;) 

Sadly enough, I received a phone call on January 25th informing me that Auntie Joyce had passed away due to Leukemia. In her late 80s, I have to say I think she lived a pretty darn good life. She had lots of family and friends that she spread a lot of love to. And, she has left us all with plenty of good, happy, and funny memories. Auntie Joyce was full of so much spunk. In fact, she nearly always whipped everyone at holiday Texas Hold 'Em tournaments! 

I am very thankful to have had this woman in my life for so many years. I was pretty bummed that I didn't get to spend more time with her in her last months, but I am very thankful for the love that her and Uncle George have always extended to us "Nelson girls." I hope to one day to be in a love that is as strong as theirs.

So, the reason I titled this posting "Auntie J" is because in the Cup'ik culture, young children are often named after family members that have passed on. I have worked with an awesome aide and friend for the past three years that I have been in Chevak. I couldn't ask for a better sidekick. Well, when she heard of Auntie Joyce's death, she nicknamed her baby girl "Auntie J" (her baby's name also begins with a J). This was a very kind gesture and touched my heart. Though sometimes I feel sad that I am away from my family in Anchorage when there are tough times, I am glad that I have family out here, too.

Feel free to check out Uncle George's book called The Tents (www.thetents.US)... on many weekends you could find him at the Anchorage Borders signing copies. Uncle George and Auntie Joyce really do have a neat story to share.


***One fun little fact I like to share about Uncle George and Auntie Joyce is this... Auntie Joyce had a twin sister... Uncle George had a twin brother... they married each other! :D

We will miss you, Auntie Joyce.

All my love,
Misty

Laugh, Live, and Love... THAT'S Life!

"There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, you forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE... getting back up is LIVING!" ~Unknown


Someone shared this on their Facebook page today. It goes perfectly well with the theme of my blog... life is too short-- enjoy the ride! I just love it! Take time today to give something good to the world. Pluck the weeds, and watch the flowers bloom! Just live the dream...

Happy Belated Birthday, Dr. King! Thank You!

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

"Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him."

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."