The Right Attitude...

Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to 

determine how you're going to live your life...

A few days ago I saw this and right away I knew it was referring to all my sisters.
  They face every challenge with a positive attitude.

Take Rima for example.  She's the youngest. My mom says she is now the family's guru.
 She is always positive and always looking for the good in everyone.  Life has thrown
 her just like it has to so many of us, some tough moments.  All I can say is that
this girl bounces back.  They all do, no matter what is thrown at them.

She is my baby sister and I am protective of her.  As little girls we
shared the same bedroom at home.  We fought, we made up and fought more.
Typical of sisters.  Today as grownups we are more than sisters,
we are friends.  We don't always agree, but who does.

Everyday I learn something new from each one. many a times
I am amazed at all the things they can do, and that they juggle so much
at the same time yet manage to stay focused and balanced.

I watch them and I am always in awe.  Our parent are proud of the way
their daughters turned out.  I am proud to be related to these four amazing women.
My sisters and my best friends for life.

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings
to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by 

 what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens....

~Nadiya~

Special Moments Again...

Each and every second of your day is the most valuable, precious one you will get,

 so spend those seconds with a smile upon your face, and laugh...

Arvid and I are having just a wonderful time with our grand-daughter.  It still feels a little

strange to say that Aleah is my grand daughter, but I so love the sound of it.  I see her and 

I fall in love every time.  We both do.  It's just natural.

She reminds me so much of when my nieces and nephews were just tiny tots.  They 

sure hug tightly and simile at you all the time.  Makes life so much more enjoyable.

Yesterday we were all at the mall.  Arvid and I were on grandparent duty.

Something we take very seriously.  The truth is we absolutely enjoy every moment!

On another note, Brutus saw the specialist.  Nothing new really.  We were told

that Brutus has one of those bad infections that can take years to go away.

He was given a new medication which he will start on Tuesday.  Arvid and I just

hope to see a little improvement.  We were told that one of the side effects is blindness.

I had a terrible night just imagining Brutus blind.  I know it's not the worse,

but at that moment my heart could not take it nor did I understand why this should be

happening.  When ii mentioned it to Arvid he was also overcome with emotion.

Neither of us can bear the thought of our little Brutus blind.  We always hope for a miracle.

Good morning everyone.  It's Saturday and another day filled with hope,

great expectations.

Never stop believing in hope, because miracles happen everyday.

A time will come when you will realize that the happiest moments 

of your life are the times when you use your heart rather than your mind...

~Nadiya~

Always Hoping For The Best...

If you don't believe in miracles,

perhaps you have forgotten you are one...

Today we take Brutus to the specialist.  We go there with the hopes of finding out what is 

really going on with him.  Brutus has been with this since January of this year.  One year

and still not even close to finding out what's the reason.  As usual we are hoping for the best.

Brutus has many friends all over the globe.  He is a very lucky kitty kat

in every which way.  Arvid and I love him and can NEVER see him not in our lives.

For us he is our baby and we hurt because we cannot fix what's wrong with him.

I am not one to pray much.  I don't bargain with anyone, but if this will

help Brutus in any which way, I know how to pray.  Pray I will that he get better.

If I have to bargain with some higher forces, I will.  Please just make our baby good again.

We keep asking ourselves.."why, why"  So far no answers.  Just more questions.

Today we are hoping to have some answers. 

When the world says GIVE UP,

HOPE whispers try it one more time..

~Nadiya~

Beauty Tips...

The finest clothing made is a person's own skin, but, 
of course, society demands something more than this..

As usual when I read something I think may be of interest, I always like to share it.  Most women I know and I include myself of course, are always looking for ways to improve something about ourselves.  We are always hoping to find that miracle something that would give us perfect skin, perfect hair etc.  You name it we are interested.  It's no wonder that the the industry that caters to women's beauty needs rakes in billions of dollars a year.

This morning I was reading about 

7 At-Home Treatments for Super Clear Skin

As we all know, there are so many suspected causes for bacteria and acne and whatever else it is that affects our skin these days, and let me tell you just about everything today will cause some kind of a blemish that will drive us women seeking help to "fix" it.  There are also tons and tons of products out in the market today that one can buy that will supposedly clear everything away and give us that baby clear complexion we always seek.

Does it matter if they work?  Not at all.  We just want to believe in something and for that the price sometimes is irrelevant.  Most of us will do and buy just about anything for that beautiful looking skin.  

 That said, you don't necessarily need to shell out hard-earned cash to fight the zits. First, take a trip to your own pantry and medicine cabinet--these simple at-home ingredients can treat your blemishes effectively, and economically.

Here are the tips for beautiful skin and what products will provide us with this "magical" solution to everything.

Apple cider vinegar balances pH levels of skin and hosts natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties to nip acne-causing bacteria in the bud. It also contains acids that gently exfoliate and soften skin.

How To Use It: Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 3 teaspoons of water. Cleanse and dry your face. Moisten a cotton ball and swipe over entire face, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with tepid water. Use up to 3 times a day.

Distilled from the leaves an Australian shrub, tea tree oil contains powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal compounds that kills bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Studies show that they daily use of tea tree is as effective as benzoyl peroxide (found in most over the counter acne creams and gels) to reduce inflammation of mild to moderate acne. While tea tree's effects work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, it's a lot less drying and irritating to skin.

How To Use It: It's potent stuff and should be diluted before applying to skin. Mix 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of water or aloe vera juice or gel. Moisten a cotton ball with the solution and use to spot-treat problem areas. Use daily or 2 times a day.

Lemon juice contains L-asorbic acid, which works as a natural astringent to reduce excess oil and as a mild exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Plus, lemon contains natural antibacterial compounds that disinfect bacteria that can lead to acne.

How To Use It: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice (not bottled) for maximum efficacy. Moisten a cotton ball with the juice and use it to swipe over affected areas. For sensitive skin, dilute with water. Leave on for 30 minutes and as long as overnight before rinsing with tepid water. Use every 1 to 3 days.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, balances pH levels of skin thanks to its amphoteric properties. It works to remedy imbalanced pH levels that contribute to and aggravate acne. Baking soda's mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties also calm skin and cool out exacerbation of inflamed acne. Plus, the grain of baking soda powder is round, so it works as a gentle exfoliate that won't harm skin.

How To Use It: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water or lemon juice to form a paste. Cleanse your face and use baking soda to gently exfoliate damp skin with your fingertips. Rinse with tepid water to remove completely. Use 2 to 3 times per week.

Witch hazel, a solution distilled from the leaves and bark of a North American shrub, contains tannins, which have astringent effects on skin to effectively soothe inflammation and reduce excess oil. Plus, its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help curb bacterial colonization.

How To Use It: Use alcohol-free witch hazel without artificial fragrances or ingredients. Cleanse and dry skin. Moisten a cotton ball with it and apply to problem areas. No need to rinse. Use up to 3 times per day.

Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is an antiseptic that kills bacteria that can lead to acne and also oxygenates pores to potentially prevent future breakouts.

How To Use It: Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (yep, the same stuff you use to clean and disinfect cuts). Cleanse and dry your face. Moisten a cotton ball with it and apply to problem areas. No need to rinse. Use daily when breakouts occur.

The sap of aloe vera leaves, a cactus-like  plant, have antibacterial properties to kill the bacteria that instigates acne, anti-inflammatory properties to soothe aggravated skin, and astringent properties to heal harmed skin. Aloe also helps heal scars, balances moisture in skin and stimulates new skin growth.

Happy Holidays:)

How To Use It: Cleanse and dry your face. If using gel or juice, use a cotton ball to apply over your entire face. If using a fresh leaf, peel away the green skin (especially the prickly edges!) and apply directly to skin. Let it dry completely before rinsing with tepid water. Use daily or several times per week.

Just about all of these products are simple and easily obtained.  Not to mention they are inexpensive and best of all many of them actually work.  When I was younger I used the witch hazel.  Have to say it cleans the face and leaves it feeling fresh and revitalized.  No oily residue there.

Maybe we all know that Aloe really is a miracle worker.  For blemishes, cuts and many skin conditions noting like rubbing the sap directly to the affected body part.

Yes, sometimes back to basics is not such a bad idea.  

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. 
There is no end to the adventures that we can have
 if only we seek them with our eyes open...

~Nadiya~

Good Times...

Do what makes your soul shine...

The pictures can explain all by themselves what a great time we are having with our grand daughter

and Michelle.  Our days are filled with them.  Brutus is also very interested in the little one.

Unfortunately have not been able to get a picture with the two of them as yet.

At some point one or the other is running off, but yet they are curious of each other.

Like all babies, she loves the water.

We just can seem to get enough of her.

Grandpa, daughter and grand-daughter.  All of us having fun in the pool.

This is the first time we have ever used the pool in our building.

Have to say it was not bad.  Best of all we were the only ones there.

Still have many days to go with them.  Every day spent together is cherished.

Thinking of Aleah makes me smile and I am already ready to hold her.

For now good morning all.  Brutus and I have been awake for a while now.

We have already been out in the balcony and Brutus has already had

medicines, some grass and a few treats.  Of course brushing is a must.

Wishing you all a pleasant day.  Enjoy it and remember,

don't rush through life..

We didn't realize we were making memories.  

We just knew we were having fun...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Time flies whether you're having fun or not.

The choice is all yours....

Everyday is a special day, but normally Sundays are a little more special because we have the day

all to ourselves and we just do things we enjoy.  No working on this day.  Today is no exception,

only difference is that we have Michelle and Aleah with us.  Makes it a good day already.

Have not seen them in two days and already getting excited to see Aleah's little face.

She is just smiles all the time.  Does not matter what kind of a day you are having,

when you see a child smiling at you and laughing all your worries, and stress is gone.

At least for a little.  She is a little ball  of Sunshine.  Arvid has nicknamed

her Smiley.  I so far have many names for her.  Not sure yet which is my favorite.

Looking forward today to seeing her swim in the pool.  From what we have

been told this little one is already a champ.  She loves underwater swimming.

Yes, fun times ahead.  Wishing you all the same always,

and do not forget to make time for FUN!

Live and work but do not forget to play, 

to have fun in life and really enjoy it...

~Nadiya~

Helle....

A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed...

In life we meet new people all day and just about everyday.  Most of them just are faces.

They come and they go never leaving much of an impression on us.  It is rare that

we meet someone for the first time and that someone has a big impact on us.

In my case it's not often that someone comes into my life and turns it upside down.

Aside from Arvid and one other person, I can't say that this is something that 

has happened to me often.  Not counting family of course.

Well a little over a year we met a little girl.  Little beautiful girl from Norway.

Knew nothing about her nor her family, but we made plans to go together

to Eleuthera, Bahamas.  Arvid of course is the connection here.  I am 

not usually nervous about meeting people.  I have no fear that I can get along

with just about anyone, but even so; we were all going to the Bahamas and will be

together for some days.  That sometimes changes things a bit.  I have seen what being 

in close proximity can do to some.  It can cause havoc to relationships, friendships and 

mainly with families.  Therefore; you can understand how I must have been a little 

curious to see how this would pan out..

I had nothing to worry about.  We all hit it out right away.  I fell in love with
little Helle.  She is adorable, and loving.  What made me even more attache to her
was when we were in the plane going to Eleuthera.  She choose to sit
next to Arvid and I.  It's a small plane, an 8 seater and it was her first
time in it.  She was fine until we hit some turbulence.  Then the tears
started rolling down.  Next thing you know she was holding on to my hand
and not letting go.  I was stroking her hair and Arvid was talking softly to her.
It must have worked because little by little the smile came back.  During the
duration of the flight this little girl captured my heart and even now when I
think of her it's all smiles.

I wrote this because every so often Arvid corresponds with the family.
To my utter delight they always ask for me, and specifically Helle.
Yes, sometimes in life someone comes along and leaves an impression that
will last forever.  To me she is and will always be special.  Hope to see them
one day in the not so far future.  Right now another little angel has me smitten.

Have not seen her yesterday nor today, but tomorrow will be holding her again.
Life is good and I am grateful for all the wonderful people in it.
I know I am lucky and I never take it for granted...

Happy Saturday to everyone.
Remember, when you really like someone tell them!

You never get a second chance to make a first impression...

~Nadiya~

A Touching Story...

A picture is worth a thousand words.

No acts of kindness however small is ever wasted..

They say that pictures speak ore than words ever will.  When you see these 

pictures you will understand why words really are not necessary.

A great story unfolds without a word being said until the very end.

First picture as you can see doggie is already in the water struggling.

Being an animal lover this has touched me deeply.  I believe that people in general

are good.  I believe they are kind and caring.  In my life I have encountered

many of these people.  Be kind and the world is kind to you also.

Kindness starts from the heart and ends with extended arms.

I suffer every moment of every day that I am not with you.

 All I want is to be reunited with my baby.

I don't think you realize how easily you make me smile.

Said the lady whose dog was saved:

A German tourist jumped in the freezing water and saved my precious little dog.

Upon getting back on the bridge, he checked my puppy and told me,

"Ze dog is OK.  He vill be fine"

Due to his selfless heroic act, she asked him "are you a vet?"

He replied, "VET???? I'M  F....ING SOAKED"

Thank you for sharing this story with me.

I now share it with all of you.

When I was young, I admired clever people.

Now that I am old, I admire kind people...

~Nadiya~

Making Memories...

We don't realize we are making memories.

We just know we are having fun....

For the next few days we will be getting to know Aleah.  She is as I mentioned 

previously 8 months old.  Born in Norway and now on her first visit to the USA.

I speak very little (more like nothing) Norwegian so it might be a little

of a challenge trying to actually talk with her.  I do know baby language so in 

that sense I'm covered.  I have been practicing in the last few days on some 

Norwegian words so hope they come in handy.  She is after all only 8 months old.

Arvid and I have been busy rearranging our schedules making sure that there

is nothing much going on.  Usually when we have visitors we carry on and 

never take time out to really change anything much as far as work goes.  Well, 

Arvid never changes his schedule.  I try to make sure I am always available

when my family visit.  Everything changes now with the arrival of Aleah.  I have

heard the saying that says parents never had that much time to spend with their 

own kids, but when the grand kids come along they have all the time in the world.

Well...we have all the time in the world.  I always, always have time for my nieces,

nephews, sisters and parents.  Nothing has changed in that sense for me.
Day two with Aleah and Michelle was just perfect.  We spent all day with them.
Went grocery shopping together, strolled around with Aleah. lunch out and
of course shopping.  Shopping for Aleah is fun.  I can't seem to know when to
stop and even Arvid is caught up in an activity that is not usually to his liking.

An interesting little fact.  Aleah is one of the only kids I know who has
8 grandparents.  Yes!  That's 4 grandmothers and 4 grandfathers.
Talk about a luck little girl.  I see a lot of spoiling going on in her future.
I believe we can all deal with it and handle it as adults.  Me I can't wait to
continue spoiling her more.  Yep..still have many more days to do so.
Today if all goes well she gets to meet our Brutus.

We are having a great time.  Wishing you all the same.
Remember, life becomes less complex when you eliminate needless wants.

A moment lasts all of a second,
but the memory lives on forever...

~Nadiya~

She's Here.....

Cherish all your happy moments.

They make a fine cushion for old age...

For the next 13 days we will see this little face every day!

You better believe that we will make the most of every moment. I'm looking

forward to getting to know Aleah and to be able to speak to her in some Norwegian.

The language is very difficult, but I have been practicing.  Plus I have a few cheat

sheets that will be coming in pretty handy during the next few days.

all around us everyday.  we just have to look

I've always believed in savoring the moments.

In the end, they are the only things we will have...

~Nadiya~

Super Cautious...

If you reveal your secrets to the wind, 

you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees...

I will never stop saying that life with Arvid is never dull.  He sure knows

how to spice up things.  Not always good but like I said never dull.

I don't like surprises.  Arvid on the other hand loves to surprise people.

A few years ago, we went to visit my sister in Texas. We knocked on their door at 

midnight on New Year's Eve.  Rima almost died of shock.  Arvid to them, "SURPRISE"

Next thing you know we were all setting off fireworks and laughing.

Another year my parents were also visiting.  Arvid did not want me to tell them we were

 coming.  I of course wanted to let them know.  Anyway we made arrangements with Rima

and met at the mall in Texas.  Arvid casually approached my mom from behind and said

"how may I help you?"  Another close call, thank god my mom has a good heart.

We have also surprised my parents a few times in NC.  When we moved 

back to condo living Arvid did not want to tell anyone.  We lived almost a 

year in the unit before anyone knew.  Not sure what's the big deal anyway. 

I am not as good as he in keeping secrets.  I don't like them.  I always like to know. 

Sometimes I tend to forget what I can say and what I should not say,

because with Arvid even speaking about the mail in public is a big no no.

Seems he always believes that someone is listening in to us.  I guess I have not

yet become so paranoid as he is.  He always says to me, "it's no one's

business what we do, so we don't have to tell them anything"  As far as he 

goes I should also never subscribe to Facebook, I should not have an Iphone

or any other gadget that can "track" what you do and where you go.

Yeah, life is never dull.  Can become exhausting at times, but dull never!

With Arvid life is full of surprises and always interesting. I never know from one

 moment to another what will happen next. One year I visited my sister for a week.  When 

I came home he had bought himself a brand new SL500.  He said that's what happens 

when I leave him alone.  Says he gets bored.

Wishing you all a good day...

The cautious seldom err.

it requires as much caution to tell the truth as to conceal it...

~Nadiya~

A Little Bundle Of Joy...

Grandparents make the world a little softer, 

a little kinder, a little warmer...

A few rainy days here.  Nothing wrong with rain, but I really hope it goes away before 

Michelle and Aleah gets here.  Yes, finally we will be seeing Aleah.  She is already 8 months

 old and this will be our first time seeing her.  Just a few more days to go.

We have seen her grow up through Facebook.  Her mom and dad like all new

parents post pictures daily almost of her.  I save them all.  Sometimes FB is

a good thing.  Even when Arvid keeps telling me I should never post pictures.

I have no children of my own, so you can imagine how happy I am to be able to

share a grand-daughter with Arvid.  My sister's kids are the joy of my life and

now to add Aleah in the picture makes it even more special.  I don't ask for 

much all I want is to love her and to be loved by her.  I already love her.  

Arvid and I are happy....all Arvid keeps wondering is how will 

Brutus react to Aleah?  Guess we will find out soon enough.

For now have a good day and always remember to enjoy life's pleasures.

The most important thing is to enjoy your life,

to be happy.  It's all that matters....

~Nadiya~

Brutus Again...

Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. 

Just breathe, and have faith that everything will work out for the best...

Back from Mexico.  Like I have mentioned it was a good time.  Made more special 

of course because my sister and our nephew was there with us.  As Arvid said to them,

 "you are welcome anytime you want."  It made me happy because they all get along really well.

We made it home and Brutus as usual was over excited to see us as we were to see him.

All Arvid kept saying was, :I wonder if he will be waiting at the door for us?"

He was.  He always is.  He saw us and just got all excited running and running.

Then we saw his paw.  it looked BAD!  Still looks BAD.  Made both of us 

very sad to see this.  Seems that no matter what we do the paw just will not get 

better.  This is one of the things that stresses me more than anything.  Stresses

us both.  We looked at him, picked him up, carried him around like the baby he is,

and just baby talked him.  This Arvid did and he does it all  the time.

Before leaving for Mexico we had already decided that we would take him

to another vet.  Now for a third opinion.  Made us feel better knowing we were 

at least doing once again all we can for him, but after seeing the paw, we 

decided to go one step further.  Time to see a specialist.  This is not as easy as 

I thought.  Like humans, we had to call his vet.  get a referral and of course them 

make the appointment.  Like with people, the waiting "line"to see the specialist 

is also something we have to deal with.  No immediate appoints, but at least in two weeks

Brutus will be seen hopefully by someone who will be able to give us some 

answers.  Poor kitty just takes it and never complains.  I help out by always putting 

a cold damp clot with antibacterial soap as was recommended by another of his vets.

Breaks our hearts to see him this way.  I have no clue what else I can do.

It goes without saying that Brutus is our baby...my reason to smile and 

to be happy.  If he's not doing good, there is no way that I am happy.  With this

specialist in sight, we are hoping for the best and for an answer to why this is happening.

Arvid and I always are hoping for the best and for answers.  Maybe this time we will be rewarded.

Last night we went to see Bonnie Raitt in concert. Pretty disappointing

is all I can say.  Even so, Arvid and I managed to enjoy ourselves. 

There is no way yo can go to The Seminole Hard Rock Casino and no have a good time.

Wishing you all a good day.

Remember, sometimes when you lose you still win in the long run.

Where love is concerned, too much is not even enough...

~Nadiya~

I've Got It All...

Happiness is like jam.  You can't spread 

even a little without getting some on yourself,

so stop worry about what you have to lose and 

start focusing on what you have to gain....

We all have one life to live.  How we live it is all up to us.

Mistakes are always there to help us realize that we can improve.

If we do so it another matter all together.  Remember money and material things

does not necessarily buy  happiness.  Happiness comes from within and 

we are all capable of having it and of giving happiness.

For me happiness is seeing my family,  hearing the kids laugh and spending

time with them.  Happiness is soon being able to see Aleah for the first time

and to hold her and cover her with kisses.  My biggest happiness is Arvid and Brutus.

I think I know very much how to appreciate what we have and how to be happy.
 We may not have everything we want, but we have everything that makes us happy.

Wishing you days of laughter and happiness.  Just look and you will find it.
Remember life is too short to wait.

Let your dreams be bigger than your fears,
your actions louder than your words,
and your faith stronger than your feelings.
Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments....

~Nadiya~

Happy Thanksgiving....

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," 

that would suffice...Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace,

 the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival 

that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty 

of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - 

and the deep,  deep connection of all these things with God..

Today we return home to Florida, home to Brutus.  This has been a 

very good stay in Mexico and what made a good stay even better was

having my sister and nephew with us. For me it will always be one of the best

times ever in Mexico.  We did so many thing and we just bonded even more.

Thanksgiving is such a big celebration here in the USA.  It's one of the holidays where 

hundreds of thousands of travellers make their way back to home.  Everyone looks forward 

to being home with family and loved ones, and enjoying a very traditional Thanksgiving meal

 during this time of giving thanks.  Traditional Thanksgiving Meal.  Interesting tid bit, 

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare.  They are consumed in twelve

 minutes.  Half-times take twelve minutes.  This is not coincidence.

For us it's has already been a good Thanksgiving.  Though it would have been 

the best to be with the entire family, I will take what has been given as a special gift 

and for that I am grateful.  Will soon see Brutus and that will complete our day.

For now wishing you all a good day and don't forget, "as we express our gratitude, 

we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them"  

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Be safe, enjoy and yes put on those few extra pounds...

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, 

much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes

 from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds...

~Nadiya~