it's great to "BE" ™

"BE" the VOICE WHERE YOU ARE!

2012-01-31T21:57:00.002-05:00

WELCOME….

We hope you enjoy your trip. Here you will travel all over the globe seeing the world through the “VOICE” of some incredible people. Discover more about the life, recipes and places these locations offer, through the eyes and voice of someone who lives there. A Contributor Writer represents each country/region. A paragraph about each of the authors and region they live can be read under our Contributor tab. The most recent posts can be viewed under the Blog tab. If you prefer to visit a certain location, choose a Country listed in the sidebar. I hope we help you discover some interesting places and more about the people who live there.

Are you intrigued to travel?

This is an introduction to the HOME PAGE of a Blog that will help others Discover the most wonderful places in the world and the people who live there.

I have noticed I have visitors to my Blog from Russia, Hungary, South Africa, Germany, France, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Philippines, Poland, India, Ukraine and the United States. I also have visitors on my Facebook page from Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Algeria, Singapore, Italy, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and the United States. So I thought, wouldn’t it be great to hear more about the people and places these visitors live? I have always been interested in traveling and LOVE to learn about the lives of other people.

So I was thinking…

Are you interested in becoming the “VOICE” for the place in the world you live?

Do you know someone who is?

I am creating a blog that will give a “VOICE” to some incredible people living all over the world. An opportunity to tell us what it is like to live where you live, and post pictures of places you would like to share. You have creative control of what it is you want to share about your region/life. Maybe traditions or festivals celebrated, recipes that are used in everyday meals. The type of activities you are exposed to because of your location. Is there a place you want to photograph? It is not meant to be a long, thought out post, but a simple glimpse into Your World.

I would like to find contributors from every continent and several countries. The Blog will have a very clean design and include a Contributor Page. Here we can showcase more about yourself and the country/region you live. If interested, you could include a thumbnail picture and up to two links to your own Blog or page you choose.

Come travel with us on this new adventure!

Convinced Otherwise

2012-01-21T12:24:00.003-05:00

I have always admired people who have the courage to pack only the necessities, including their adventurous spirit, board a plane and land in some far away country. When they arrive, they travel living in hostels, only stopping long enough earn enough money that will help fund the next leg of their journey. These people experience places those of us who only travel within the “boundaries” never gets to see or experience. They experience the every day life of the people living in these countries, interacting with incredibly interesting people. I would love to try that one-day, even if it’s only temporary. I don’t think I could live like that forever, but it’s certainly on my bucket-list. I have always had an adventurous spirit, but it was limited by my fear and doubt. “That is the kind of accomplishment that happens to other people,” I would convince myself. I always dreamed of adventure, wanting to be the female version of MacGyver, I am surely aging myself to all my young readers, but it’s the truth. He could save the world from utter disaster with just a paperclip! Well, maybe not a paperclip, but certainly with a wire hanger (see video). I wish I could do that! If life turned out differently I wonder if I would have been courageous enough to do the things and travel to the places I have only thought about before falling asleep. I dreamed the dreams, I only wish I never convinced myself they only belonged within the confines of my mind. I live with no regrets, on most days. And on the days I say… if only… I still would never “trade-in” the love I have from my husband and my children. I would never turn back time, and give my life a complete change of direction. I only look forward. My past decisions have brought me to the place I am today, and probably the place I was meant to “BE”. With a man, who has made me the most important person in his life, loving me beyond measure. And three beautiful children, who on more days than not give me joy and hope for the world’s future. My goal now is to make the second half of my life as adventurous as I once dreamed, but this time it will include the blessing of family. I am always preaching to my kids they can do whatever their little hearts desire, if they are willing to put in the hard work and stick it out through the difficult moments. Maybe the disaster I'm supposed to save the world from is the misconception that our “things” define our lives. More and more we seem to be a society that holds more value in the stuff we have than the relationships we form. Life is about WHO YOU ARE... that "BE"ing, that point of light God gave to you alone. It is your job to discover what that is and share it with the world. I hope to help you discover that through this company. Launching this company/idea and concept behind it, has been hard work, but one I have enjoyed every minute of. The message is important, and the foundation I hope to establish is needed. So I will continue to move forward with this adventure until I have reached the destination I envision in my dreams. This time it will be my accomplishment, never to be convinced by fear or doubt again that it belongs to someone else!

Explaining SOPA

2012-01-18T08:54:00.001-05:00

www.americancensorship.org

BEing ME Today

2012-01-14T23:58:00.001-05:00

Do you have a Story to tell?
Everyone loves to hear a good story (my example below not necessarily one of them). I personally love to hear about other peoples lives. I am always amazed at how others live and how on most occasions we are so alike. When I first meet someone, I'll ask them... So what's your Life Story? This App helps you to tell a story in picture frames. It has all the capabilities to share your Stories on the social networking sites too! This is an example of my first Storie., it is not exciting by any stretch of the imagination, I was hoping to get a feel for how the App works. I can see it becoming a useful App if you want to capture a day trip or an event. It even allows you to be as public or private as you feel comfortable. You can snap your own pictures right from the App or upload ones your have already taken.

This is a link to more information about the App and Reveiws. Storie App

Is Storie App something you will be using?
What kinds of Stories will you be telling?
Share your experiences in the comments and let me know if you sign-up so I can follow your public stories!

Sensing Joy in your Life

2012-01-14T11:04:00.004-05:00

JOY feels like... the moment I place my head on my pillow after 3 days of 14-hour shifts. I also need to include "sleeping in" on a Saturday morning... a late 8 o'clock in the morning!

JOY smells like... the coffee brewing. I have always loved the smell of coffee and really enjoy the cup that my husband is kind enough to deliver to me before he leaves for work. I'm not a coffee fanatic, but the two large cups I have each morning are monumental for starting my day.

JOY sounds like... my kids goofing around together, while laughing and teasing in a playful manner. I especially enjoy these moments because two of my children are at the age they behave much like oil and water... together, yet separated on most discussions. So when I hear the giggles and friendly tones coming from them... aahh joy at its best!

JOY tastes like... a hot cooked meal that I had absolutely no hand in preparing. Don't get me wrong, I can cook. But when my day is long and hurried I don't particularly like to cook. I am fortunate this is a task my husband has lovingly taken upon himself to carry out, because on most days he gets home before me.

Joy looks like... my two dogs wagging so vigorously they wag their whole bodies. This happens when I get home. It doesn't matter if I've been gone for an hour or a day. It is as if I'm the best thing that ever happened to them.

This is Joy Defined in my day-to-day life.

How do you DEFINE JOY ?

What is Rafflecopter?

2012-01-08T15:15:00.002-05:00

Image Citation:
http://blog.rafflecopter.com
1-8-2012

It is my hope to always provide you with a Discovery that can help YOU in your venture. For those that are looking for an easy way to run a Giveaway on their Blog or Business Page, I would like to introduce you to Rafflecopter. Oh yeah, and the best part about all this, it's FREE!
Rafflecopter is an App created by three guys looking to make the process of running a giveaway really, really easy. So far 80,000 giveaways have been created with Rafflecopter. To celebrate the New Year, Rafflecopter is sponsoring their own giveaway of a 16GB IPad 2 and several Kindle Fires. The giveaway starts Monday, January 9, 2012 at 12:01 am, and will last for one month. You will also have the opportunity to submit an additional entry by naming their Mascot. (see Picture) Their favorite suggestions will be posted and voted on Facebook. The winner will win a Kindle Fire, as well as have bragging rights about naming the Rafflecopter Smiley-Face Dude! If you decide to enter... GOOD LUCK! Otherwise, I hope I've helped you Discover a way to run a FREE, and easy Giveaway on YOUR SITE! ;-D
**IF YOU DON'T SEE THE ENTRY FORM BELOW, YOU MUST CLICK ON THIS POST'S TITLE TO BE BROUGHT TO THE INDIVIDUAL PAGE OF THIS POST... THIS SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY WAY THE ENTRY FORM BECOMES VISIBLE. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2012-01-06T19:56:00.001-05:00

Last night my daughter introduced me to this song...

Price Tag, by Jessie J.

She said she thought I would like it.

"We just want to make the world dance!"

What do you think of when you hear this song?

What does it remind you of?

I invite you to Turn up the Volume and Listen for yourself...

Post your thoughts in the comments! ;-D

My ONE WORD 365... Release

2012-01-05T21:21:00.001-05:00

Release ~

To free or let go of; an unfastening.
To set free from confinement; to liberate.
To make known or allow to be made known.
To allow for sale of circulation.

Release is the perfect word for me this 2012. It will be essential to my personal and professional growth. My first commitment to the word Release involves letting go and unfastening the anger and hurt I have been carrying over a friend taking advantage of our relationship, trust and situation. I wrote specifically about this incident in my blog post titled Counting on Karma. I think I was motivated to write that as a venting process. It was a way for me to finally Release the negativity created from that situation.

Release also means to free from confinement:

Too often we are held captive by preconceived notions and fears…usually involving ourselves. Through my work I hope to Release people, including myself, from this inclination. Leading to the discovery of our great at “BE”ing attributes. Unfastening the fear that prevents us from living fully the person we were meant to “BE”!

Release is to make known or allow to be known:

My efforts will be concentrating on writing inspiring posts on my Blog, Facebook, Twitter or G+ Pages. Also in discovering information that is meaningful to my readers and sharing those resources with them. Most importantly, I want to help you discover your “BE”ing. Together with my Fans/Followers we will development a platform that shares ideas, knowledge and inspiration with one another.

Release is to allow for sale or circulation:

When I began this process it was with the sale of magnetic notepads, a means to spread the it's great to "BE" message. I plan to Release a line of apparel, completely Made in America, and from there move into other products that help ~Inspire~Discover~”BE”~ our best self. That person we were meant to “BE”! With the success of the products it has always been my plan to begin a foundation. I have the foundation named, its logo designed and purpose laid out. This venture from its beginning has meant to help others, having always been endeared to the statement, “To those whom much is given, much will be expected.” (Luke 12:48) Through the foundation I hope to Release people from the barriers that prevent them from “BE”ing their best selves in this world. Then all will have come full circle in paying it forward and changing the world to “BE” a place we can all be proud of.

And to that end, it becomes my reason I have chosen Release for my word this 2012!

ONE WORD 365

Counting on Karma

2011-12-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

Counting Til' 2012 »»

Counting down to the New Year means different things to different people. The New Year is a celebration of new beginnings. It is a time to let go of old wounds. Admittedly, I have an old wound from the beginning of this year and the end of the last that is still open. Most times I am able to chalk it up as a life experience. Other times I get angry and hope for a resolution… the kind I see for myself. I am a believer in karma… what come around goes around. And the person who stole my money I believe will pay for it in some form or another… eventually. My human nature propels me to want to see how that happens, but most times we don’t see how karma comes a knocking. I also hope before it comes knocking on his door, he makes things right. Karma reacts patiently… it waits, giving us the opportunity to fix our mistakes before it has to step in. I believe in the human spirit and allowing our “BE”ing to respond to what is true and right. It would be best if he could have his own a-ha moment and issue me a check for the $2400.00 he stole. I paid him for a service he couldn’t complete. It was riddled with errors and beyond the time frame we agreed upon. When I asked him for a refund he stated I was slapping him in the face. He couldn’t see beyond his own pride and how he had already slapped me in the face several times. He threatened me with a lawsuit of slander if I mentioned his name and his poor business practice. He threatened to slap me with thousand of dollars of liability if the judge saw things to his favor. He said I accepted his work when I agreed he could take down the “Under Construction” message on the website. Which I did as he assured me things were working smoothly and operating seamlessly. Finding out after our email correspondence they were not! He bullied me into parting our separate ways through the possibility of losing my case in court. Many lessons were learned on my part from this incident. It has developed me as a business owner to be more cautious going forward, possibly too cautious.

What bothers me the most about all this, and why I still feel wounded, is because he was a man I knew personally from town. He is a member of my church. A man I thought was an upstanding member of the community. Instead pride and money caused his judgment to be distorted. Money has a way of doing that to people. They forget what they know to be true and right and behave in a manner that is uncharacteristic to their true selves. I believe this was uncharacteristic to whom he really is. I believe he is a good and decent human being who made a selfish decision. All I can hope as I count down to 2012 is that he becomes the man he was meant to “BE” and I move forward allowing the powers of the universe to justify all matters.

The first gift of Christmas

2011-12-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

Too often we are so hurried in our day we miss what is right in front of us, namely, the needs of others. We tend to dismiss the requests of our loved ones when we feel this way. I have been working a million hours (or so it seems) and have to plan for every moment left of my time from now until Christmas Day. I am working several jobs, which includes nights, going from one 8-hour job to another. There are only a few days, between now and Christmas, where I am only scheduled to be at one job. On those days, I have several errands that need to be accomplished, thus making my partial day off feel just as busy as if I was scheduled to work a shift.

One evening while leaving work at 5 pm to begin my journey through traffic and store lines, I get a text from my husband. He is requesting I stop to pick up some sugar (he needs it for his coffee in the morning). Ugh! I think… really, one more stop! Doesn’t he realize most nights I am on my feet, working two jobs. All I wish for tonight is to get these errands done so I can go home and rest! Probably not, I surmise.

I am continually trying my best to practice a patient attitude. So badly I felt like texting…R U Crazy? Of course I don’t want to get you sugar! I just want to get home! I really don’t feel like adding one more stop on my busy night! But I didn’t. I said to myself… tis’ the season for peace on earth and goodwill toward men… including my husband.

As I was walking into the grocery store, my last stop of the evening, I noticed the bell ringer. She was covered from head to toe. Having only the circular frame of her face exposed to the blowing wind. While looking at her on my walk across the parking lot, I thought about recess duty, and how every day, unless the temperature is below 20 degrees, I have to stand outside. It’s not fun standing outside on the cold days, at least for me. So I thought if she is doing this out of the kindness of her heart, she is a much better person than I am. And if she is doing this to make a minimum wage, she is still a much better person than I am, because in the end she is still doing it for a charitable organization. I don’t think I could take a job that would require me to stand outside for hours in the cold air. I hate being cold! This thought and the decision to buy her a hot cocoa coincided with each other. Maybe it could at least help to warm her on the inside, even if she was standing outside in the cold. I moved past her after inserting a few dollars into the kettle. Once inside, I picked up the requested sugar my husband wanted and proceeded to the café area, all the while hoping they had hot cocoa. They did! So I picked up a medium hot cocoa and delivered it to a very appreciative young girl ringing her bell, wishing everyone who passed by a Happy Holiday.

I am very grateful I was granted the grace to see what was right in front of me. A girl whom was apparently cold, as well as my husbands perfectly reasonable request to pick him up some sugar, considering I was already out. We can be so consumed with what WE want; we unintentionally dismiss what someone else’s needs are. Especially this time of year, when we have hurried bodies and minds that are preparing for the day Love was born.

The first gift of Christmas was Love. My Christmas wish is that we will all be granted the grace to see what is right in front of us, the opportunity to give the gift of Love to others.

The great at "BE"ing Movement

2011-12-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

Let us know what you are great at "BE"ing

"BE" inspired on our Facebook Page...

;-D

It's great to "BE" on Facebook!

A Soldiers Silent Night

2011-12-16T19:36:00.000-05:00

This Made in America Company will be forever grateful to those who serve.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

"Did you hear the bad news..."

2011-12-16T06:56:00.000-05:00

“Did you hear the bad news?”

“Yes, I did.” I state somberly.

“Do you think my Dad has some good advice? That we should do what we can to help Mom around the house and just stay calm?” he asks.

“I think that’s great advice.” I agree.

I have wanted to write this piece and at the same time not quite sure what to say. For whatever reason I feel it is important for you to get a glimpse into this family’s life. They are your typical American family… hard working, making ends meet. It is clear that they find joy in the simple things life offers. Specifically the love they have for one another.

Logan is the boy I know, and he loves animals…all of them. He loves people and values relationships. He is smart, quirky and kind. I learn something new from him everyday. He is a wealth of knowledge, absorbing all the interesting facts in the books he reads. He is content in his own thoughts and will randomly shine a smile. It is always about something only he is aware of, hidden in what it is he is thinking. He tells me how much he loves to go to the park with his Dad. They pretend to be saving the world from an alien invasion. He loves to cuddle on the couch with his Mom, watching the latest National Geographic documentary. He loves that his older sister waits for him. She makes it possible that he won’t have to take the bus home from school on any given day.

Logan’s mother has been diagnosed with Cancer for the second time in her young life. Logan is worried and at the same time reassuring the people around him that his Mom will be okay. “She fought it before, and was okay. She will be okay this time too. She has the best doctors money can buy. She said even if she doesn’t make it, she would see me grow up.” These are the thoughts and feelings of an 11-year-old boy whose mother is battling for her life.

How do you reassure an 11-year-old boy that everything will be okay?

I think the only way to do that is to love him. Show him love and give him love. You reassure him that despite the uncertainty of his future… he will always be loved. And always make sure he never forgets how much his Mom loves him too!

"...all I want is a clean slate." -The birthday wish of a soon to be 15 year old boy

2011-11-28T20:38:00.000-05:00

As the parent of any teenage boy knows, these years can be challenging at best. The changes teenagers experience are both overwhelming for them as well as the parents. Changes occur in the relationship they have with their family. Many times my son unknowingly pushes the people who love him the most, further and further away. Creating an environment in the home where it becomes problematic to be in his presence. Constant arguing with his sister and “butting-heads” with his mothers every comment or suggestion. I realize he is going through the struggle of wanting to claim his independence, yet knowing he still values his families’ love. These are the times when showing his love toward his family has become difficult, unlike the times of his youth, when he could show love more easily.

Then it happened, a miracle of sorts. It was Sunday morning, the first day of Advent. Circumstances would have it that his other two siblings went to Mass at other times, with other family members. So here he was, alone with his parents and for a moment alone with his thoughts, while driving home from church. While driving home we hear the voice of a 14-year-old boy requesting our attention.

“I have to say just one thing.” he comments.

We wait quietly for his announcement.

“Are you hearing me?” he says a bit louder.

I reply, “Yes.”

“All I want for my birthday is a clean slate." And then a moment of silence in the car.

"A chance for us to all be friends and laugh and get along." He continues. "I know I haven’t been easy to get along with lately. I just want a clean slate for my birthday.”

A tear wells in my eye, as I consider the enormity of this moment, and the very mature request coming from a boy turning fifteen.

It goes without saying, his birthday wish was granted.

Today, November 28, we celebrate the life of a boy who was humble enough to admit he needed a clean slate, and mature enough to ask for it.

Happy Birthday Daniel!

My American Morning...

2011-11-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

Maine in America 11-23-11

Be there or "BE" Square

2011-11-20T20:54:00.000-05:00

This weekend I was introduced to an iPhone /Android app that will save me money! The app is called Square Up. Square Up allows you to process credit card payments from your smartphone. The sign up is very easy, just go to the website www.squareup.com and complete a few questions. They will mail you your own card-reader that plugs into your smartphone. You only pay a fee when you swipe a credit card payment. The fee is 2.75% of the swipe, OR a 3.5% +15 cents fee for manually keyed card payments. That's it! No monthly fees, next-day payout with direct deposit into YOUR bank account, a Free card reader, Free app and No Shipping charges applied to receive the card reader. This is going to allow me to save on costly monthly service and merchant provider fees that I am locked into paying, despite not using their service often. Although I had looked at this app previously in the App Store, I became convinced of its great reputation and working well after this weekend. I saw and spoke to the MANY vendors who were using this app and were extremely satisfied. So, I am passing along this same recommendation to you too! I love to share new discoveries and hope this one can help you too!

Simple, Easy and Free

2011-11-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about adding a Comment Form to your website or Blog!

I came across this website and thought it was well worth the share... I added a comment form to my website... www.greatatbeing.com Send me a note!

It is a drag and drop kind of set-up and you can add or delete as many fields as you feel necessary. You can create surveys too! I hope you find this helpful. I love to share great finds with my friends. All good news is worth sharing!

Join the great at "BE"ing Movment

2011-11-06T19:50:00.001-05:00

American Made Holiday Gift Buying Guide

2011-11-01T17:20:00.000-04:00

All Tricks and One Treat this Halloween

2011-10-31T21:01:00.000-04:00

I was in the middle of editing… the video for the great at “BE”ing Movement, when suddenly I am disrupted and looking at a blank computer screen. I received some great pictures and just finished the Trailer Preview, which I posted on You Tube. Just prior to the disruption the lights flickered several times, and now the power is lost. Ugh, I thought, (well maybe oh sh**) because I am hoping I didn’t lose any valuable time spent on the video so far. I surmise, probably not, as the program saves projects in real-time.

I exit my office and go directly into the kitchen. I notice through the dimly lit room, the clock on the wall reads 6:38 (pm). This could last all night, if history has any factor in determining the length of time our power is out. I make my way into my bedroom closet and reach for the heavy cardboard box that holds all things candle-like. Opening it up, I grasp an armful of candle jars, hoping not to drop one as I make my way back to the kitchen. As I put my hand in the kitchen cupboard, almost knocking mugs onto the floor, I find our child-safety lighter. I sprinkle the house, most importantly the bathroom, with the lit candle jars. At this moment, I am grateful I filled our bathtub with water for flushing.

The family gathers into the front room. I continue to feel gratitude that we already ate and cleared dinner. The house feels warm and other than my husband wondering where he is going to watch the hockey game, all is well. We enjoy our time chitchatting and spending time together. Or maybe it was just myself, as my oldest son kept wishing the power would go on or he could go somewhere else. We stay up until about 11 pm and decide the power will not go on anytime tonight, so we head to bed.

The following morning I am greeted with the continued hum of our neighbors generator. Not a welcoming sound, as this tells me, we still have no power.

My husband and sons, clear the 12 inches of heavy, wet snow from our driveway. I begin the daunting task of emptying out the contents of the refrigerator into coolers of ice. Hours later, I hear the rumbling of an engine. Peeking out the window I catch a glance of my husband and son escaping on the four-wheeler to investigate the neighborhood. They return with the bad news. Heavy snow is blanketing the branches and they are lying over the power lines. There are several trees and poles down. We hear the high school is being used for a shelter, to the many who cannot stay in their cold homes.

About now, I am wishing we invested in a much-needed generator, because I am in the beginning stages of having little patience, for lack of caffeine running through my body. All the while thinking, it would be great to “BE” caffeinated! Then I am certain I am having a delusional moment, when I see my husband ascending the stairs holding a stainless steel coffee pot. I soon realize it is not a delusion at all, as the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the room. “It’s a gift from Veronica and Brian,” he comments. I continue to feel gratitude, despite these unfortunate events. This time it is toward our neighbors, who unknowingly began my day by awakening me with the humming of their generator, but now has vindicated the episode with the delivery of a fresh pot of hot coffee. My husband pours me a cup, in my favorite mug. I grasp its sides, warming my hands, as the cool air begins to creep through the house, like an unwelcomed ghost on Halloween night. Only this time, he has arrived a day early, from a snowstorm that blanketed the northeast this October 30^th.

Postscript:

My husband never did see the hockey game that night. He was only able to get updates on his smartphone. And as the timing of this post our home is still without power (52+ hours). It is not predicted to come back on for another two days. This unusual snowstorm on October 30, 2011 has successfully cancelled Halloween in our town. Additionally, we are expected to accumulate 3-4 school days, that will need to be made up this coming June.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Better to "BE"... Misunderstood?!

2011-10-27T21:14:00.000-04:00

I think all anyone really wants is to be understood. We can feel so enraged when others don’t “get us” or “get it.” Usually, our first reaction is anger. We want to explain it to the point we can bring them to “our side.” Often, relationships are severed because of a misunderstanding, and our stubborn pride resists any possibility of repairing the damage.

Once, I had every good intention to have my son attend a retreat that was a requirement for a class he was attending. About a week prior, something happened that would prevent him from going. So I sent an email notifying his teacher of this unfortunate event. Well, needless to say she was not happy. To the point she sent me a chastising email that involved trying to make me feel guilty. I had disappointed and upset her. My first reaction was anger. I was thinking, “Really!? After all I do to teach my children and live what he would have learned from the retreat. While other students whose parents don’t even try to live what they are sending their children to the retreat to learn! You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I wanted to email her back, with some snappy response that would help her to understand it could not be helped. Then I thought… No, I am not going to. Some things cannot be explained and should not be attempted. I didn’t need to justify my actions to a person who would never consider seeing the world through my life. Nor should I have to. She didn’t need to hear the details of a situation that I would have preferred was avoided. She did not have to hear my woes. The one that may have certainly have helped her understand.

It simply did not need to be said. I know I didn’t do anything wrong, and I didn’t need to justify it to her. It would be better to keep her guessing. Wondering how I reacted to her email, wondering if she upset ME. Sometimes it's better to hold back our reaction. It can be better to keep them wondering and "BE" Misunderstood!

IGTB Carded!

2011-10-15T21:02:00.000-04:00

Our New Postcard to be handed out here, there and everywhere ;-D

Lasting Memories that Matter

2011-10-09T20:32:00.000-04:00

To show our children that they matter is the greatest gift we can give them. It becomes a gift to the world as well. The world will be a better place if our children feel love, and by our example, learn how to give love to others. First, I think we would all agree it is important to feed, shelter and provide for our children. And certainly, this is a sign of love, but what I am indicating will go beyond providing the necessary means of survival. Also, it does not mean giving them each and every materialistic gadget they want. What our children need the most from us is to be able to live their life feeling safe, and a sense of worth. A feeling that who they become and what they do matter to us. A way we can accomplish this is to create memories that they will want to carry with them their whole life. These memories do not have to be big, expensive vacations, or for that matter, cost any money at all. Often, the actions we do unconsciously, end up having the greatest impact on how our children view themselves, and the world around them.

What I do that impacts my children the most, I believe, is something I have done since the day my children were born. Every time I placed my infant child in their crib. Or even now, at the ages of 16, 14, and 13, when they come to say goodnight, before putting themselves to bed. I make a sign of the cross on their forehead, while quietly saying the prayer, "May God bless you and protect you always."

This has become something they have come to expect. A moment shared that makes them feel safe, and that they matter. I say this because of an occasion I had with my son, many years ago. The dinner table was cleared, baths and bedtime stories complete. As I busily gathered three small children to their bed, my son said, "Mom, did you do that thing to my forehead yet?"

It was at this moment I came to understand, it was something he has come to expect. For him to have asked, told me he found comfort in knowing I was doing something special. I shared with him what I was doing. When he heard this, he expressed peace. His eyes had a look of safety; he smiled and shook his head in approval, while walking silently to bed.

If placing a sign of the cross, on your child's head, would not be your faith belief, then I would encourage another act of love. Before long, our children will grow, and become further from our reach. Venturing into a world, where more often than not, they will feel unsafe and with people who don't make them feel as though they matter. We can at least have some comfort in knowing we have given them a gift they can bring with them. They will always have the memory of "BE"ing loved and "BE"ing safe. And when they feel as though the whole world is against them, they will know they matter to the people who love them the most.

great at "BE"ing MOVEMENT

2011-10-05T20:46:00.000-04:00

Join the great at “BE”ing Movement!

What are you great at “BE”ing?

There is a talent, ability or attribute belonging to YOU!

It is the gift you share with the world.

What is it?

Write it down and become apart of our video montage that will celebrate the diversity of each and everyone of us.

it’s great to “BE” YOU

show the world WHO YOU ARE ;-D

If you are interested in Joining our Great at “BE”ing Movement…

Write down your message, take your picture and email it to: information.igtb@gmail.com

To be include in our video, that will be shared on
You Tube and our Facebook and Twitter page!

The gifts of 9/11

2011-09-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

With bright blue skies and cool fall air we received the gifts of September 11. They came unexpected, and at a cost no person could have imagined. They were received amidst tragedy, tears and confusion. It became a turning point in American history, but more importantly in the personal lives of all Americans.

Life is about relationships. September 11 brought to the forefront of our minds, how delicate human existence is, and how we should never take for granted the people we are blessed to have near us.

The lives lost on September 11, gave the living, many gifts. We were given the gift of understanding that we should never take for granted our relationships. Taking the time to hold our children, spouses, and loved ones longer. We understand the importance of saying what needs to be said and to live each goodbye as if it were our last. We gained the wisdom, that patriotism was more than a Fourth of July celebration. It was everyday citizens; men, women and children doing their part to help those whose needs were greater than their own. We learned about bravery. As the firefighters, and first responders ran into the buildings, putting their own lives at risk. We knew how important it would be to offer guidance to the children and families personally affected by the events that took place. We now have the knowledge to expect the unexpected. We have become more aware, that our carefully planned existence, can be altered in ways we once would have never dreamed possible. We have also received the gift of devotion. We will never forget the many innocent souls who lost their life because of the evil act of few. And in the end, these lives have given to us the gift of hope. A hope that we remember that life is about relationships…how to treat one another and how to love one another more perfectly.

Through great tragedy can come great love… we are forever grateful to the people who died that day, and in retrospect leaving us with the gifts to “BE” a more Loving, Understanding, Grateful, and Hopeful person in this world.

IGTB... Discovered!

2011-09-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

Are you intrigued by the art of "treasure hunting" and like to spend time outdoors? If so, then you may be interested in the favorite pastime of Letterboxing!

Letterboxing is an outdoor activity where a person hides a waterproof style box in a publicly accessible place i.e., parks. Clues to find the box are posted online. They can be found on the website, www.letterboxing.org. In the waterproof letterbox you will find a small log book, ink pad, and stamp. Many of the stamps are hand-carved, rubber stamps that were created by the person who hid the box and have a special meaning.

As the searcher of the box, you should also carry your own stamp (hand-carved is not necessary, but you may enjoy having an image that has special meaning to you), log book, pen or pencil, ink pad and compass (optional). Our family finds using spiral bound index cards for a log book preferable.

Follow the clues to the secret location where the box is hidden. Keep in mind, when locating these boxes, many people around you may not be aware of this fun pastime and therefore you should be discreet about your find. You run the risk of others not respecting this discovery of the letterbox and disturbing its contents.

Inside the box you will find a log book and stamp. There may be an ink pad, but there may not be, so it is suggested each letterboxer bring their own, also a pen or pencil. Use the stamp you brought and imprint it on the log book contained in the box., we also like to write the date, our name (excluding last name) and where we are from. Next, imprint the stamp in the letterbox onto your personal log book. You may choose to include the date and the name of the letterbox.

Once finished, be sure to seal the contents tightly in any plastic bags and within the letterbox itself. Carefully replace it to the hiding spot, being sure to leave it as you would hope to find it. If you find a damaged box or not one at all, you may notify the owner via the website where the clues where retrieved from.

This is a great outdoor pastime that costs no money, other than the purchase of a log book, ink pad and stamp! It is a great way to create memories with your family while enjoying the outdoors. There are over 20,000 letterboxes hidden in North America. Letterboxing is intended to be an environmentally friendly activity, so it is imperative to be respectful of the surroundings, as the placer of the boxes are as well. Also, be cautious of poison ivy and animals or insects that may like to hide in the crevices of where these letterboxes are hidden. Most of all, use common sense!

The clues to these letterboxes may be found online at www.letterboxing.org and printed-out. With the movement of technology, there is also "an App for that!" There are at least two apps I have found, Box Finder and Clue Tracker. I downloaded Box Finder and like some of the features it has, such as having the ability to Save your searches for later use. Regardless of which app you choose, having an app can be helpful when at last minute you decide to "Go Letterboxing."

If you are new to this activity, I hope you find enjoyment hunting and finding one of the many letterboxes hidden all over the globe! And in turn, creating memories with your families while spending time outdoors and exploring the world around you!

Have fun ;-D

"BE"ing Active

2011-08-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

Being active is a necessary part of life...whether it be in mind or body. More often than not, being active in mind is much more motivating than in body. Hopefully, this app I found can help you with this struggle. The app is called iMapMyWalk http://www.mapmywalk.com/imapmy/ . If you like adventure but not the hassle of using your car to "trip" your route distance, then this is the app for you. It can record your workout details, including duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation, calories burned and the route you travel on its interactive map. The many functions in the settings panel will help you to program it to your specific needs. Also, there is no need to be adventurous in using this app, as it will easily record a workout at the gym as well!
Do you enjoy sharing your life with the world? or Not! Well, this app has a social media sharing feature too. Thankfully, the developers have allowed for this function to be turned off, and if you decide your in a sharing mood, it can easily be turned back on.
it's great to "BE" ™ ACTIVE... when you can challenge yourself by recording the details of each of your workouts! ;-D

Image Citation: Facebook:MapMyWalk.com
https://www.facebook.com/mapmywalk
Date accessed: Aug. 25, 2011

Share the Message...spread the word...

2011-08-16T20:34:00.001-04:00

Join PEACE ONE DAY -SEPTEMBER 21, by spreading the message.
We all deserve to just "BE" WHO WE ARE ;-D

Things I want my kids to know...

2011-07-25T20:08:00.000-04:00

1. Anything worth doing is worth doing right! If you have to say,"That's good enough." …it probably isn't!

2. Life doesn't always go as planned...have a Plan B, C and D.

3. Don't rely on others to make you happy...BE happy with who you are first.

4. Handle disappointment with dignity.

5. Don't make excuses for your own bad behavior.

6. If you have to have the last word...make it an apology.

7. Be careful what you say when you are angry...because words DO hurt and even if you are forgiven...they will almost never forget.

8. Pray daily.

9. Don't allow the noise of the world to stop you from hearing the voice of God.

10. Work hard...BE the person you can be proud of!

11. BE a good listener...you never learn anything from talking.

12. If you never get started...you won't get anywhere...wishful thinking never helped anyone.

13. Love one another...don't allow a disagreement to ruin the relationship you have with your siblings. Don't allow anyone else to ruin the relationship you have with one another.

14. Learn to forgive...yourself and others. We all make mistakes.

15. If you can't pay cash...you can't afford it.

16. Ask questions...don't assume.

17. Know what's going on in the world...watch local and world news.

18. ALWAYS know who your president, vice-president, speaker of the house, and state representatives are.

19. VOTE

20. BE the difference you want to see in the world.

21. Create a home your family can feel safe and loved in.

22. Apologize to your children when you've had an impatient moment that you are not proud of...they will respect you for realizing your own mistakes.

23. Say what you mean, mean what you say.

24. Behave and act like a lady...or gentlemen!

25. If you swear, you just sound unintelligent.

26. Hold the door for the person coming through behind you.

27. There's always someone whose needs are greater than your own...Be grateful everyday.

28. It is your job to make sure your wife/husband and children get to heaven.

29. Smile...yours may be the only smiling face a person sees today.

30. Don't worry about things you have no control over.

31. Tell people who mean a lot to you that you love them...life has no guarantees and you may never get the opportunity again.

32. You have opportunities, many people in other countries do not have...don't take it for granted.

33. Your only job while you are young, is to do well in school...take advantage of the "free education" while you can!

34. Be kind

Celebrate America

2011-06-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

Remember this as you celebrate this weekend...

The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it.

The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it.

American Soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...

they fight because they love what's behind them.

-with permission, repost from FB Status American Manufacturers 6/30/2011

First Day of Summer ;-D

2011-06-21T18:33:00.000-04:00

Happy First Day of

Summer 2011

Here is a list of the Most Recommended Beaches to get Waterlogged on...

Grace Bay Beach -

Turks & Caicos

Nauset Light Beach -

Eastham, Cape Cod MA

Surfside Beach -

South Carolina

Good Harbor Beach -

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Lighthouse Beach -

Chatham, Massachusetts

Footbridge Beach -

Wells, Maine

Pine Point -

Scarborough, Maine

Let us know what your

Recommendation is...

Comment on this Post ;-D

Become a Contributor Writer

2011-06-08T20:14:00.000-04:00

Blog Contributor Guidelines

Are you interested in becoming a contributor writer for the it’s great to “BE” ™ Blog? We welcome all experience levels from the professional writer as well as students. All that is needed is a passion to write and the desire to share your talents to create a loyal following of readers.

Some questions you may be asking…

What’s in it for me?

Each contributor writer will get their own bio on the site with links to their own site(s). Also, because this is a non-paying addition to the blog, you retain FULL copyright to all of your submissions. It is a great way to combine your passion for writing and gain free publicity, as well as generate a loyal audience for your work. You will also gain the potential to help your own website with SEO back-linking effectiveness.

Regular Contributors:

As a regular contributor you will get a sizable photo of your choice as well as a several paragraphs of a self-written bio and up to 5 links to your website/blog/twitter or facebook account etc.

Occasional Contributors:

As an occasional contributor you write when you feel like it, and get a thumbnail sized headshot photo, a three sentence bio and one website link.

What do I write about?

Original content on any subject matter that helps lead people to the discovery of their “great at “BE”ing attribute”. As well as self-improvement articles that help people to have an A-ha Moment. We would like compelling articles that celebrate the diversity that makes our world a more interesting place to “BE”.

How do I submit my piece?

Contact us by email at information.igtb@gmail.com. Our editorial team will review it for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as offer feedback for fluency of the piece. You will be notified of acceptance and/or final article approval.

We look forward to receiving some incredible pieces that will help you grow an audience of loyal readers. As well as having the potential to help your website with SEO back linking effective

Remembering...on this Memorial Day

2011-05-25T17:41:00.000-04:00

We would like to Thank all those who served and continue to serve. As well as their families, as they endure many sacrifices on a daily basis for our freedoms.

How are you spending your Dash?

2011-05-17T18:38:00.000-04:00

Inspiring....Thank you Linda Ellis !

Storms of Joy

2011-05-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

When we see a rainbow amidst the rain clouds, we are reminded that the sunshine is just moments away. It will shine, the sun will come out, it always does. The rain clouds do not last forever, and the rainbow is there to remind us of this fact.

It is difficult to be joyful when our life is covered with storm clouds, and we would much rather drown in self-pity. Too often, life doesn’t deliver the circumstances or the outcome we had hoped for. Too often, life’s struggles makes it hurt to just breathe. To feel joy at these times becomes a challenge, but it is possible. Only when joy, becomes an interior disposition of the heart. When we do this, we will feel joy, in the joyless moments of our lives. We know on many levels we are blessed, so we feel grateful during these moments, but it becomes a decision to feel joy. When we allow joy to become an interior disposition of our heart, we allow hope to be the pot of gold. Feeling hope, gives us the joy in knowing that the sun will come out tomorrow, next week or next year. Our dreams or ones beyond our imaginings will come true. The best things happen when we least expect it. Practicing joy makes us a better person to be around. It gives us the power to be a more effective “BE”ing in life. Feeling joy in the joyless moments of life opens our hearts to the endless possibilities; it allows us to see rainbows beyond the storm.

One joy scatters a hundred griefs. - Chinese Proverb

8NEYY7PKARRH

Louie Schwartzberg: The hidden beauty of pollination | Video on TED.com

2011-05-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

Take time to smell the flowers....

They are Love...

2011-05-06T15:24:00.000-04:00

Too often people with intellectual disabilities are looked upon as “unfortunate.” More often than not, society celebrates accomplishments on simply a secular level. Honoring only those who can display their capabilities from the “typical” viewpoint. Rarely, will we celebrate the spiritual level of our human nature, but it is important to remember, we have both a physical being as well as a spiritual. Both need nourishment to live harmoniously within this world.

Those, whom society repudiates, are on many levels more blessed than a “typical” person. They are Love. They don’t know how to hate, in the truest sense of the word. They don’t judge others by means of what they have, or in some cases, what they don’t have. They are not mean-spirited. We can show hate in its worst form. We can be judgmental. We can be mean-spirited. The souls of those with intellectual disabilities are here to love, to show Us how to love, to teach Us how to love. We should hope in life’s journey to gain the virtues needed to make this world a better place. Such as, wisdom, self-control, gentleness, patience, kindness and humility. All the virtues the intellectually disabled teach Us. Life would like us to believe that we are here to help them, but I believe they are here to help us more. They are the fortunate ones, because they are LOVE, with no barriers, no conditions attached. We could be fortunate too, if we allow the capacity they have to change the world, penetrate into our lives more fully.

We would like to recognize the Special Olympics Organization, who works tirelessly to celebrate the abilities of the intellectually and/or closely related developmental disabilities. Also, the many teachers, assistants and care-givers that honor their "BE"ing.

Attitude

2011-04-20T16:13:00.000-04:00

What’s your Ripple effect going to “BE” ?

We all have it… even those people who think of themselves as an island. The person we are…how we decide to “BE”…becomes the problem or hopefully the solution to the people around us. Beginning with our loved ones and friends. Then rippling to our co-workers and even strangers. Some moments are always better than others for sure. But, we should begin to become more conscious of how our ripple effect is affecting others.

We should be most careful around children. Our positive ripple effect will give them the wings to fly or simply the ability to imagine. Our negative effect will diminish their hopes, and cause them to worry in a way, that should only happen to adults. We change who our children should become. Did you ever think of it that way? We change our children. Those times when we choose to become negative, self-pitied adults. Even in the worst of situations, we can allow an optimistic, uplifting attitude, to teach our children confidence, perseverance and self-control.

The islands of our world are depriving their loved ones and even strangers of their talents and abilities. They choose not to ripple, to be a still, emotionless person. Life is about relationships, building them, making them and maintaining them. All the while, rippling a consistent, harmonious effect.

Human Decency

2011-04-17T12:53:00.000-04:00

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is an upper elementary level reading selection. It is certainly a beautiful read for any reading ability. Although small in size, it is large in content. It is a story of historical fiction that takes place in Denmark, during the Nazi occupation in 1943. The author beautifully illustrates the bravery and courage of the human spirit when it is faced with a force that is intrinsically evil. During this time many people risked their lives to save the Jewish people, including a resistance movement within Denmark. In her research, Lois Lowry came across an account of a man named Kim Malthe-Brun; he was a member of the Danish Resistance. Eventually he was captured and executed by the Nazi’s, when he was 21 years old. The following is an excerpt of a letter he wrote to his mother the night before he was put to death.

…and I want you all to remember - that you

must not dream yourselves back to the times

before the war, but the dream for you all, young

and old, must be to create an ideal of human

decency, and not a narrow-minded and prejudiced

one. That is the great gift our country hungers for,

something every little peasant boy can look forward

to, and with pleasure feel he is a part of –

something he can work and fight for.

My wish is that the words of this boy, the dream of this boy, do not go unnoticed or become forgotten. We bestow human decency toward one another. Allow one another to “BE” the person we were meant to “BE” in this world.

Psalm 147:1,3-4

O praise the Lord! How good it is to sing his praises. How delightful, and how right! …He heals the broken hearted, binding up their wounds. He numbers the stars and calls them all by name.

Information Citation:

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1989

Foolish Pride

2011-04-17T12:49:00.000-04:00

From the beginning of time, our pride has been an obstacle in guiding our conscience into doing what is right. It manipulates our thoughts to become self-serving, which obscures our better judgment. We care little about the thoughts or feelings of others. This series of actions causes injury to others, as well as us. Stifling all opportunity for conversation or compromise. This superior demeanor is responsible for suppressing truth and honesty. Pride gives us the power we feel so deserving of in life. In fact, we fail to recognize how this power is eroding our soul, and the person we were meant to “BE”.

If pride is the root of all evil, than humility is the conqueror. Our world needs to regularly reflect on the truth of who we are, and how we are respecting the rights and dignity of others. Through the practice of random acts of love, foolish pride will quickly depart, allowing truth and honesty to emerge. In turn, allowing us to become a person we can be proud of!

Silence

2011-04-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

Life constantly wants to teach us a lesson, but most times we are so caught up in the living of life, we miss the lesson. It walks by undetected. The lessons to be learned are for us alone, about ourselves. Life wishes most to teach us our lessons through the silence of our heart, when we still ourselves to hear what it is trying to tell us. Silence is the great teacher. A wise person once told me, “You never learn anything by talking.” Silence allows us to hear that inner voice, always wanting to communicate with us, wanting to have a relationship with us. But too often we go about our living, never inviting it to stay. Never listening to what we need to hear.

In the silence, we notice more about the world around us, the melodious sounds of nature. Birds singing, hoping they have an audience, while the wind trumpets, prompting the leaves to clap in appreciation. Silence allows us to have gratitude for our world and the wonderment it contains.

In these times of silence, we have the opportunity to learn about others as well. To notice the eyes and attitudes of the people around us, whose needs may be greater than our own. Then responding to them in a way that is most beneficial for our “BE”ing.

Invite silence to stay awhile and rest, as it is weary from its travels. Far too many times, in so many different places, it has not been invited to stay, and in turn, has walked by undetected.

Determination

2011-04-17T12:45:00.000-04:00

Putting both feet on the ground...

To be determined will not always be about achieving a great accomplishment or goal. To be determined, will ALWAYS be, at the very least, an act of the will. For those who suffer from depression, just placing their feet on the ground in the morning becomes an act of the will. For others, determination comes from a desire to be the best, achieve great heights or accomplish simple tasks, within the timeframe of a 24-hour day. Regardless of how your determination shines, when you are faced with adversity it becomes difficult to sustain. When life challenges your intent to just move forward, determination becomes the attribute that saves your life. Determination becomes the attribute that helps you to reach your dreams. Determination becomes the attribute that helps you place both feet on the ground.