Heartfelt Thanks

For the past few weeks, I have been following my passion by submitting more articles to Associated Content. I’ve had several more published! (See link below.) It has been quite an experience. I will definitely not get rich by writing for them, but each time I get an email saying they are making me an offer, I can’t help feeling thrilled and excited.

I’ve told so many of my friends and family members about my latest endeavor via phone and email. I even joined Facebook as a way to promote my writing. I’m thrilled by how supportive people are of my efforts. I have received many positive comments about my articles. It makes me feel very lucky and very grateful to have such wonderful people in my life.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/544107/karen_zakavec.html

Happy Birthday USA!

It's the 4th of July and time to celebrate! The USA is 233 years old today.

Our country has been through a lot over the years. Things have been more than a little rough for the past couple of years, but we're a strong, hopeful and resilient nation filled with amazing people. We have to believe that things will improve and the country will bounce back stronger than ever.

Be sure to fly your flag today and take some time to think about the fact that we live in such a great country. Be thankful today, be careful today, and enjoy today!

Discovering Your Passion

I want to share something with everyone that I'm really excited about. It concerns my writing.

I've always enjoyed writing, but over the past two years, I seem to be enjoying it more and more. I believe I've finally discovered my passion in life. Actually, I would say, it's my second passion. My family will always be the thing I am most passionate about. My writing is more of a personal passion that I am getting more and more enthusiastic about.

A couple of years ago, I had some articles published in our local newspaper which was quite exciting and thrilling. This year, a card verse I wrote was chosen for the official 2009 Loveland Valentine card which was definitely thrilling. These events motivated me to pursue some online publishing options.

Most recently, I signed up with a writing site called Associated Content. I submitted my first article last week and found out a few days ago that they wanted to publish it. Needless to say, I'm quite excited about it.

Please check out my recently published content on AC:

Kids and Money: Teaching Your Kids About Loans

Let me know what you think. I’m submitting more articles and will update you if any more get published.

Now back to the subject of passion.

Take some time to think about what your passion might be. Make a list of things you like to do and are enthusiastic about. Think about what gives you the most joy in your life. Narrow down your list to two or three things and you just might discover your passion. Then do something about it. Make it your hobby or even your life's work. In other words, follow your passion!

It's Dad's Day!

Today is Father’s Day.

First of all, I want to wish my husband a Happy Father’s Day. I’m thankful that he’s always been a great father to our three kids.

This is always a bittersweet day for me. My own father passed away over 30 years ago. I still miss him, but even more so on Father’s Day. I don’t think I ever truly let him know how much I appreciated him and how thankful I was that he was my Dad.

If you are lucky enough to have your father, make sure you let him know how much you love and appreciate him, especially today. Get in the habit of saying “I love you” to your Dad more than once a year and make sure to thank him for all the things he’s done for you.

And to all the fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day!

Food for Thought

On my way to work, I always pass by a church with a sign in front that has a different saying displayed each week. Sometimes the sayings are quite thought provoking, others bring a tear to my eye and some of the sayings make me smile or chuckle.

The words this week made me smile and chuckle out loud. The saying has come to my mind over and over, so needless to say it is also quite thought provoking.

The sign reads – “Need a lifeguard? Ours walks on water.”

Think about it. I guarantee it will make you smile and provide you with some food for thought.

Wedding Memories

In a recent post, I brought up the fact that many couples get married in June. I know several couples with June anniversaries, so I’ve been reminiscing about weddings lately.

A beautiful, radiant bride comes to mind. She’s walking down the aisle with her proud father. She looks a little nervous at first, but then her eyes begin to sparkle and her face lights up with a smile as she sees her handsome groom waiting for her at the altar. Her father gives her away with a hug and kiss and everyone gets misty eyed.

As the couple recites their vows, they gaze lovingly into each others' eyes. Soon they are pronounced husband and wife. The newlyweds head back down the aisle to begin their new life together and everyone is filled with joy and happiness.

After the ceremony and picture taking, it’s time to celebrate! Guests arrive at the reception to congratulate the couple. Dinner is served, heartfelt toasts are made, and everyone gets misty eyed.

The guests watch as the bride and groom have their first dance. They start to dance, hesitantly at first, but soon they are gliding across the dance floor in perfect unison. They look so happy and so much in love. It is such a beautiful sight and once again, everyone gets misty-eyed.

The night flies by. The wedding cake has been cut. The bouquet and garter have been tossed. The dancing continues and everyone has a great time.

Does this sound like a typical wedding? Maybe it does, but I’m actually reminiscing about my daughter and son-in-law’s wedding because today is their anniversary. Three years have passed since their beautiful wedding, a day filled with the cherished memories described above.

My wish for them today is the same as it was on their wedding day, a lifetime of joy, happiness and love.

Picture Your Dream Vacation

Have you been dreaming about taking a vacation? Sometimes, just thinking and dreaming about a vacation can lift your spirits. Try it sometime. Think of a place you would love to visit. Then do a little research on it. There is so much information available in books and on the internet that you could spend hours reading about your dream vacation. Be sure to view some pictures too, because as the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

Now it’s time for a little daydreaming. Give yourself a break from the stress and tension of the day. Let your brain take a mini vacation for a few moments. It's a lot cheaper than a full blown dream vacation and may be just enough to help get you through the day.

Try it. Close your eyes, relax, and let your mind wander. Visualize your dream vacation. Soon you'll start seeing swaying palm trees, sandy beaches, mountain vistas or whatever scene it takes to give yourself that picture perfect, instant vacation.

Enjoy your trip!

Knock, Knock, June has Arrived

Today is the first day of June. A new month has begun.

What comes to your mind when you think of June? Here's a few things that come to my mind as this month begins.

June means no school for kids. It means it's time for vacations and family outings. It brings to mind weddings, since many couples choose to get married during the month of June. In late June, we celebrate Father's Day and the arrival of summer. June means things like picnics, baseball games, camping, fishing, swimming, trips to the park or zoo, barbeques and lots of other outdoor activities.

In other words, June means, it's time for fun!

Graduation is a Time to Celebrate!

Graduation season is in full swing at this time of year. When we think of graduation, we usually think of high school or college commencement ceremonies. We think of students going out into the "real world" and commencing, or beginning, the next stage in their lives.

Graduation doesn't only have to be about school. Think about it. We all have many grduations in our lives. Sure, we have school graduations, but what about when a person gets married? Isn't that a sort of graduation, from single life to married life? And how about when a couple has children and they graduate into parenthood? We graduate from raising children, to becoming empty nesters and then perhaps graduate to becoming grandparents. We can graduate from one job or career to another and then completely graduate from the working world into retirement.

Perhaps you don't know anyone graduating from school this season, but you may know someone graduating to a new stage in their lives. They may not be happy about their commencement (think about reluctant empty nesters or people forced to graduate from a job too soon due to layoffs, forced retirement, etc). Try to help them see that even though their commencement might be challenging, it might also open new doors for them and a world of endless possibilities. If you are one of the reluctant graduates, take time to do some soul searching. You may just find that in the end your graduation is a time for celebrating.

To all the graduates out there, commence the celebration!

The Beauty of Spring

Spring is in full bloom with beautiful flowers sprouting up all over. Many stores have an ample supply of bedding plants, hanging baskets and patio containers. Colorful petunias, geraniums, marigolds, and pansies are a delight to the eyes.

Nurturing flowers is good for the heart and soul. Digging in the dirt to plant some bedding plants can actually be quite relaxing and calming. It makes you feel like you are "one with the earth". When you're done you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and have something beautiful to look at for the next several months.

If digging in the dirt isn't your thing, pick up a couple of finished hanging baskets or patio containers. You'll add some color and beauty to your life without getting your hands dirty.

Either way, don't forget to add water!

Blue Skies Are Back!

The past week has been gloomy, cloudy, and somewhat rainy in Loveland, Colorado. We can alway use the moisture in this semi-arid climate, but we're just not used to so many gloomy days in a row. Today, the clouds are gone and the sun is shining! After all the moisture we've had, the grass looks greener and the air seems cleaner. The sky is amazingly blue. It seems bluer than normal - must be my imagination, or perhaps after a week of cloudy weather, it's a deep appreciation for such a beautiful morning.

On that note, I'm going to go have a cup of tea outside and enjoy this beautiful day.

Take a Hike

Walking is something most of us take for granted. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and you're on your way. It sounds easy, but unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to walk. Some people can't walk at all. Others have to use walkers or canes to help them walk. Still others can walk, but they have a lot of pain in their feet or knee and hip joints when they do a lot of walking.

Think about that as you go about your day. If you can walk, be grateful. If you can walk without assistance or without pain, be doubly grateful. You might find yourself walking with an extra spring in your step. You might also complain less if you have to park at the far end of a parking lot and walk further to your destination. Or you might find yourself thinking about taking up walking as excercise.

Walking for excercise has a lot of advantages. It's inexpensive. The only equipment you need is a good pair of walking shoes and perhaps a pedometer if you want to keep track of your steps.

Also, walking gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine. A daily dose of Vitamin D is good for you. If you walk with a friend, the time will fly by. It's better for your health than meeting for coffee and doughnuts. Walking alone may help nourish your soul. You can use the time to daydream and think about your hopes and dreams.

All in all, walking is good for your physical and mental health. So, get out there and take a hike!

Welcome To Karen's Kitchen Chat

As you can see from the description of my blog, I will be writing about everyday types of things. I want to put a positive spin on the things that I chat about, in the hope that it will put people in a good mood. I believe that a positive attitude can help you get through life much easier. I’m also a firm believer in finding something each day that makes you feel grateful. It doesn’t have to be anything big or earth shattering.

I’m always grateful for my wonderful family and the fact that I have a roof over my head and food on my table, but sometimes being grateful for the little things in life can help you have a better and more positive outlook on life in general. Sometimes just taking time to “smell the roses” can make you feel better.

Normally, I plan to find gratefulness and joy in the little things, but today is Memorial Day. It is a day to remember the brave men and women who died serving our country. This is not a little thing to be grateful for – it is a huge thing. Be sure to take some time today to be grateful for the ones who gave their lives, so that the rest of us could live in freedom in the good old USA.

Enjoy and be grateful!