Fresh Start...

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday...

Positive thought for the day.  We always tend to see faults in others,

rarely do we look close enough to see our own.

We have to all remember that if we think positive then positive

things are more likely to happen.  Why not start right now?

Have a great Monday and may the rest of the week be even better.

A bad attitude is like a flat tire.
You can't go anywhere until you change it...

~Nadiya~

Wishing You A Good Day...

In each day put one teaspoon of good spirits

a dash of fun, a pinch of folly

and a heap full of laughter...

Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far.  Ours has been fairly quiet and pretty 

much a stay at home kind of time.  For a change not bad. 

 Gave me time to catch up with chores and to do a few things with Arvid.  I went to a favorite 

store of mine. Nothing dramatic, just the Whole Foods Store.  There I can spend a very long

 time just browsing through the isles.  

Once you are in there, so much to see that at times I forget what I really went for.  

Arvid is always amazed at how  much time I can spend in a store doing, 

"nothing" as he puts it. At least I got his bread. 

Sometimes I think that Arvid is his happiest when he is doing a million things

 all at once. Does not matter what it is.  As long as he is doing something 

the man is smiling.  Another thing I LOVE about him.  

Our Saturday was pretty relaxing and combined with lunch at our

favorite restaurant, Kaluz we had a pretty amazing day.  The food as usual was

excellent.  Best steak in town as far as we are concerned.  That combined with
the view makes for a perfect day.  This has now become our favorite hangout.
As we were sitting Arvid said to me, "you know we have to bring your mom and dad here".
We also want to bring Michelle, here.

  As a little girl this location housed her favorite restaurant, Roadhouse Grill.
That's us at Roadhouse Grill some years ago.
 Wonder if she will recognize the location.  Can't wait to see.

Sunday...hmm wonder what are in our plans for the day.  Whatever
it is I am certain we will have a good time.  Hope your day is
also a great one.

If I have to wish you something, I would
like to say have a very nice day...

~Nadiya~

Relaxing Times....

To experience peace does not mean that your life is always

blissful.  It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful

state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life...

Friday evenings are usually for music and some fun entertainment, but yesterday we 

just relaxed at home and spent quiet times watching TV, ordering take-out and just doing

whatever we wanted without actually stepping out of our apartment.  Every once in a while 

it is just good to be home and not have to run around doing hundreds of things all at once.  

Brutus was sure happy!  He wanted more playtime than usual.

Being on his knees is not the best position for Arvid theses days.  Not since

the medical issues he has been having, but when it comes to Brutus he does not seem

to care.  Here he is on his knees brushing and brushing Brutus.  If it were up to 

Brutus, one can brush him all day long.  He just sits and purrs.  Fun for both.

On Fridays I usually go to the fruit market and stock up for a few days with

some of my favorites.  Brutus also seems to have a few favorites of his own.

Yes the evening was different from our usual Friday nights.

I liked it very much.  Gave me time to catch up on some reading and of 

course to do some additional cleaning that somehow never seems to be done.  As for

Arvid, as long as there is TV he is a happy camper as well.  The show does not matter.

Hope you all have a good day and don't forget to welcome what chance brings.

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times 
it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision
in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow...

~Nadiya~

2 Birthdays...

And in the end it is not the years in your life that counts.

It's the life in your years.

Happy Birthday Nirvan and Sachin....

Today our family celebrates two birthdays.  

The first is my sister Nirvana's.  She is the third of five girls.  Yes we are lucky.

My parents had five girls and our lives has always been one adventure after another.

Sachin, my nephew also celebrates his 12th birthday today.  Yes, he was born

exactly two days after disaster struck NY.  Two days after 9-11.  From that 

day on our world became a better place even as tragedy struck.  

When you are little you do not really fully understand the relationship between sisters.

You know it's there.  You know that you will always have someone

when you need a shoulder to cry on or to comfort you.  As we have gotten older,

we have come to realize what a beautiful friendship we also have.  As sisters

there is no one that can come between us.  We may be separated by distance, 

but our hearts, souls and minds are always connected.

I may not be close to either in distance, but they are never far from me.

I try to always stay in touch with all my nieces and nephews either

text, emails and of course phone calls.  I am also fortunate to be able 

to talk with my sisters regularly.

To know Sachin is to love him.  I am thinking of him and right away a smile

comes to my face.  The boy is just a flurry of movement.  From the time 

he was a baby to now he has never stopped questioning things.  As a baby he loved

his dinosaurs.  He knew the names of everyone of them and everything about them. He and his

sister are what I would call a walking Encyclopedia.  Anything you want to know they know.

I consider myself a lucky person because I know my nephew loves me.
He knows I love him as well with all my heart.  He also knows his uncle Arvid loves
him and thinks he is one pretty cool kid.  As for my sister it goes without
saying that I love her.  Plain and simply put. I would do anything for her and for
any of my sisters.  She is my friend and someone I can share anything with.
I hope she also knows that I am always here for her and that she just has to say
the word and I will be there if she needs me.

Yes, we are sisters by birth, friends by choice.

Sisters are probably the most competitive relationship within the family,
but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the STRONGEST
relationship.....

~Nadiya~

Beautiful Sunset...

Life is a walk to remember. Our tomorrows are determined by the steps we take each day.

 Every sunset gives us one day less to live but every sunrise gives us one day more to hope.

 So savor every step and live it well. Because God walks with us every step of the way...

I could not resist taking a few pictures as I watched the sun go down yesterday.

It was just incredible and it made the perfect setting for a beautiful evening that followed.

Theses last few days there have been amazing sunsets and sunrises and I am always 

ready to capture them. Seems as if the rain washes away the dust of the day

and leaves us with just awesomeness. Last night even Arvid could not resist coming 

out to the balcony and admiring the sky.  Brutus also wanted a little peek, but because 

of his paw we did not want to bring him out just in case there was something that could hurt him.

I enjoy watching the sunrise with Brutus and the sunsets with Arvid. 

 Perfect any way you put it.  

Wishing you all beautiful sunsets and sunrises each and everyday. 

There is nothing like the awesomeness of nature

to quiet our minds, renew our souls and heal our hearts...

~Nadiya~

Another Good Day Ahead...

Everyday is a second chance,

and beautiful love stories should happen everyday...

Wednesday is already here.  Once again Brutus and I are awake enjoying our

beautiful sunrise while Arvid catches up on some more sleep.

Though a little windy, it is a gorgeous morning with the sun glowing orange on

the Intracoastal.  Relaxing to sit with Brutus and just see the day coming alive.

Last night the newscaster said, "a new tropical storm is making it's way,

it is currently somewhere in Aftica so we have nothing to worry about,

but just in case be prepared for the worst". 

Yes, we have had some rain, but this is after all South Florida.  Summertime

in Florida means rain and for those who live here it is also hurricane time,

but I think the news people do tend to exaggerate when nothing is really happening.

Gives them something to talk about.  I think it's a Florida thing.

Does not matter.  Arvid and I still do our thing and always have a good time

at it, after all that's all that matters.

Wishing you all good times today and everyday.  Remember,

everyday is a new beginning to get thing right.

Be nice.

Be cool.

Be happy.

EVERYDAY.

FOREVER...

~Nadiya~

The Little Things...

Enjoy simple things with deep intensity.
Just a cup of tea can be can be deep meditation...

Every so often life gets a little hectic and without realizing it we 

are all caught up with so many things going on all at once we 

sometimes forget to appreciate the simple things that make us happy.

For Arvid it's music.  Specifically when it is the Blues.  Few things 

relaxes him as much as music.  Brutus happens to be one of his favorite

ways to relax as well.  This weekend we had a very relaxing Sunday

listening to music and enjoying some pretty good food.

I am happy also with just simple things.  Brutus, Arvid, good food and 

of course chocolate anything.  Chocolate makes me happy and with a cup of coffee

I am most content.  Arvid claims that I am my happiest when playing with Brutus

and when eating.  Have to say he is right. 

Yes, it's the simple things that are sometimes the best things in life.
Take time to appreciate it and to enjoy the simple joys in life for before
you know it, one day it may no longer be there.  Wishing you all
a good day and just remember, it's the simple things in life that mean the most, 
and it's the simple things that will make the big things seem bigger.

The most simple things can bring the most happiness.
It's the simple things in life we forget...
why do we make something so easy so complicated?

~Nadiya~

Learning Experience....

More people would learn from their mistakes

if they weren't so busy denying them....

Who can claim to have not made mistakes in their lives?

I for one can't.  I have made many mistakes, and unfortunately I know that 

there are so many more I will probably make.

What I do know for sure is that every time I make a mistake I would

like to believe that I have learnt from the experience.  Can't promise

not to EVER do the same thing again, because we all know that 

mistakes are a part of life, but at the same time we all hope to learn from them.

Some mistake we hope we never make again, some most likely we will.
As the saying goes, mistakes are proof that you are trying.

It's crazy how you can do nice things for people all the time an they never notice.
But once you make one mistake it's NEVER FORGOTTEN....

~Nadiya~

Sunday's Humor...

Anyone is automatically more attractive

when they are funny...

A little humor is always a good way to start the day.

Puts everything in a better perspective and it keeps

a smile on my face for a long time.  Yes, humor is always good.

Hope your day is filled with humor, laughter, love and

all things good.  It's Sunday so let's all have a great day!

Remember, wherever you go whatever you do,

go/do with all your heart.

One of the things that binds us as a family is 

a shared sense of humor...

~Nadiya~

Something To Think About....

Sometimes you just need to put the past away 

and move on with your life...

The past is behind, learn from it.

The future is ahead, prepare for it.

The present is here, live it!

Sounds very simple and in fact it sure is.   Now to put 

it into practice can sometimes be an entirely different ball game.

No one said life was easy, but hey what't the fun if there is no challenge.

Live and enjoy life, and try hard not make the same mistakes twice.
It's Saturday so let's have some fun!

Close the door on the past, change the tune, clean your inner space, 

and get rid of the dust. Stop being who you once were 

so you can become who you are today...

~Nadiya~

Let's Have A Good Time.....

Life is short, smile while you still have teeth. 

Be happy, not because everything is good, 

But because you can always find the good side of everything.

 Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. 

It simply means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections...

Already Friday.  The week sure has gone by pretty fast.  There is something about

Friday that makes it seem that hard part is over and what comes is pure relaxation.

Even though we still have work, it just seems like everything takes a lighter 

tone.  Looking forward very much to having some relaxation time and 

just taking it easy.  Has been a pretty hectic week so far.

There have been days when I felt like nothing was right.  There have

been ups and downs, but at the end of the day I realize always that life 

has been and is good to Arvid, I and Brutus.  We have each other and we

make each other happy.  Not everything is perfect, but there in no such thing as 

perfection either.

I was talking to a friend today.  Long time ago she told me she was considering

a divorce.  Today she told me it's off.  I asked what happened and her answer was simple.

She said, "it's not always better on the other side"  Many seem to forget this.

Wishing you all a good start of the weekend.  Remember, life is good and

what we get out is it depends on what we put into it.

Life is like a camera, focus on what is important.  

Capture the good times,develop from the negatives 

and if things don't work out, take another shot....

~Nadiya~

Thursday....

The simple things are also the most extraordinary things,

and only the wise can see them...

With the rain came a perfect sunrise.  Good morning to a new day!

We have been quite lucky lately.  Though we have been having rain everyday,

most of it has been early early in the mornings so by the time we are ready

to head out and do whatever needs to be done the rain is gone and we are left 

with just a beautiful day.  Won't lie, it is VERY hot and extremely humid.

This morning I woke up smiling.  I was thinking of something someone said to me.

Just three words and for some reason I find them to be extremely heart-

warming.  We were talking about children and she said to me, "he loves me"

this was in reference to a little boy who just loves her to death.  For some reason 

I keep thinking of these three words and as far as I a concerned they mean

more than all the gold, diamonds and money in the world.  All I know is

that she is a lucky girl because when a child loves you you know you 

have done something right.

At that moment it reminded me of my nieces and nephews.  I know without

doubt that they also love me, and of course they know that I will love them for 

always!  I think that when a person can say that so and so loves them 

that in itself is a great accomplishment, especially when those that love them are kids.

We may not have all have children of our own, but we have the love of the 

little ones around us and in our case, we also have the love our our kitties. 

Wishing you all a beautiful day and remember, wisdom never ages.

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting 

happiness from common things...

~Nadiya~

Always Something To Learn...

So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly,

keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and 

there's so much to smile about....

As I was reading, I came across this:

It made me pause for a bit and revisit a few such times in my mind.

In our lives we will meet people who love to argue, who love to sit and 

"discuss" things.  Some can do so for hours and hours.  I remember a few times 

being a participant in a few of these situations.  Now that I look back I see how ridiculous
 it really is.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good squabble just like anyone else, but as
soon as it becomes ridiculous  that's where I draw the line and get quiet.  The truth is I always
 believed that if you have nothing to be "guilty" of then there is no need to defend yourself.
 It's just that sometimes situations can get out of control and before you know it,
there are two people making fools of themselves.

This being said, I have to say Arvid is a wise man!

The start of a new day.  Always brings the possibility on wonderful
things in the making.

Wishing you all a beautiful day ahead and don't forget to
begin every new day with a smile.

Everyday is a new beginning.  Stay away from what what
might have been and look at what can be...

~Nadiya~

A Pets Ten Commandments~

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals....

Every so often I re-post this article. Today I would like to do the same again.  It is the exact post,
but a year has gone by and many things have changed, but our bond towards Brutus and
 his toward us is just as strong than ever.  The best part of this bond is watching Arvid
 and Brutus together.

Animals/pets are a big part of our lives. 

Not only do they bring joy and laughter into it, but they also bring companionship.
Not so long ago Brutus was going through some very rough times and both Arvid and
 I were at a total loss as to what more we could do to make him better.  Not only did
we realize how much he means to us, but we also realized the emptiness our lives
 would be without this little kitty running wild all over the place.

For a man who has never had a pet you would hardly believe the bond between them.
Arvid tells me that Brutus is like a baby and that he (Brutus) needs pampering and attention
all the time. I have had cats before so I know what good pets they make.  When we first
brought Brutus into our lives Arvid had so many rules for this Kitty.  Today no rules
 nor boundaries apply when it comes to Brutus.  The most relaxed I have ever seen
Arvid is when he is petting Brutus or doing something with Brutus.

Brutus, and the other five kitties I once had.  Love them all

 For all of us that are lucky to have a pet you will relate to this....for those that don't I believe
you will also be able to understand the bond a pet owner and their pets share.....

 A Pets Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your I friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you,
and yet,  I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative,
ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting
 the right food,  I have been in the sun too long,
or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.
 Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone.
Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

BRUTUS…

We love you with all our hearts and we will always take care of you.

Mama and Dada 2013

You came to us on October 18 2006

One of the happiest days of our lives...
You make everyday special for us.

To everyone with a pet...your pet needs you most when they are not at their best.
 Just like a child needs its parent, pets need their mamas and dadas also.

A house is not a home without a pet...until one has loved an animal,  
a part of one's soul remains unawakened...

~Nadiya~