THIRST

I feel like I've been a blog sell out lately. I apologize to anybody who might still read and follow me. I don't share lots of personal feelings here, but let's get personal. Truth: I'm tired of the saying that life gives us lemons and we need to take those and make lemonade. I don't want anymore lemonade (I'm totaling referencing this post here). It's not even lemon season anymore. Instead let's say when life gives you mountains, put on your hydration pack and start hiking.

The #Riskbek hydration backpack will keep you happy for a 2 liter trip, carry important stuff, and detach a belt for smaller trips.  But what about a long trek...what about a 2 year trek that life throws your way? You might run out of water and not have a spout to refill it.

Life isn't always easy. There can be heartbreaks and crazy paths along the way and no matter how optimistic you are or how happy you fake being, it doesn't always get better when we want it to get better. I honestly feel the loneliest I have ever felt in my life. I don't understand it because I used to be the girl who had no problem taking a bus/plane/drive to a foreign country where I didn't speak the language all by myself. I had so much confidence. I could take a joke. I wasn't afraid to be alone. I was always the friend who reached out to others first and it didn't matter if they reached back. 

But something has changed. I don't want to go solo. I need to be the friend who has someone reach out to me. If I do send a message to someone, I need a reply. I need to be given hugs. I need someone to take my hand when I extend mine to them. I need a random text or call during the day to let me know you're thinking about me. I kinda just need reassurance. I don't know what caused this, but I feel like I should share because I assume I'm not the only one who has ever felt this way.

I don't have a magical answer...or else I wouldn't be writing this post. I don't know how to act. I don't know what to say. I do know that I have a handful of people (I can literally count the number of people on my hands) who have been amazing friends and loved me during my lame moments. I just want to write and say I appreciate them more than they will ever know. My only advice is to be a friend to others...even when it is hard. We never know when others might need that extra push or kindness. I don't need freaking lemonade; just help me stay hydrated at my most thirsty moments. 

I appreciate you.

I LOVE YOU...Just Because Book #giveaway

If I meet you, then I love you. It's true. I feel life is too short NOT to tell people you love them. 

That's why I really want to share this cute book I found called I Love You Just Because. It is a 20 page board book for parents to give their children that let's kids know that their family and God love them just for who they are and that that love doesn't have to be earned.

It made for readers ages 4 - 8 years.

It is written by Donna Keith, an English teacher who began writing stories for her grandchildren. She has a few others that you can check out also that are just as adorable.

Find out more about the book on social media her: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

Want to win a copy for a little one in your life who needs a little reminder that they are loved?

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

THE LIFE WE NEVER EXPECTED - GIVEAWAY

It's summer time and what is better than reading a good book by the pool while you're on vacation?!

Life can be crazy. I've written about that a few times and we all know it because we experience it. What do we do about it? This is a story about Andrew and Rachel Wilson's life as two of their children were diagnosed with recessive autism. It tells about their brutally honest highs and lows with raising children with special needs. They share stories of encouragement and hope throughout the book and remind us that God is always there for us. This book is a touching read that will let you know that WE ALL have struggles. None of us are perfect. Situations in life might not be what we expected or go exactly as planned, but that doesn't mean it is bad. There is always hope and reading this will make you feel that comfort.

The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson is available in kindle and paperback versions. The paperback book is 160 pages and is light so you can carry it in your purse or computer bag without taking up too much space.

Want to win a copy of this book for yourself or someone you know?!

Enter on the rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#lifeweneverexpected #FlyBy

 Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

#unashamed BOOK from #FlyBy GIVEAWAY

Life is good. It used to be really good. I remember saying I was "luckier than a rabbit's foot." Then I had a rough few weeks and things just didn't seem to get any better. I felt a lot of emotions including: anger, hurt, loneliness, and sadness. I found myself crying sometimes because I don't hate people, but I had a lot of hate in my heart and it was hard for me. But I know life is still good. One bad day (or a couple of bad years) doesn't make a bad life. 

I was given the opportunity to read the book Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame by Heather Davis Nelson. She is a writer, counselor, and speaker.

and speaker.

This book offers hope for those struggling under the burden of shame. It talks about the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected and reminds us that God promises to forgive and help us through tough times. The book helped me remember that God loves us no matter what. Shame is everywhere and we will ALL experience it, but we can overcome it. 

You can purchase this book in kindle or paperback versions HERE. It is an easy read with 192 pages. Do you want to win a copy of this book for yourself or someone you know who might need a little extra hope? Enter on the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

MOTHER

I'm pretty sure my mom thinks I give the best gifts out of all of her children.

Happy Mother's Day to all you crazy ladies out there - those who long for babes-, soon-to-be pregnant-, dog-, adopted-, step-  moms. No matter how you say it (mom, mommy, mother, mum, madre), it's an honorable title. Thanks for all you do.

LAKE SHOTS

My friend Joe bought a new camera lens and asked if I would do a little photo shoot with him.

 I suggested this a sweet barn door I have had my eye on.

 and some balloons.

Then we headed to Utah Lake

 for some wind

 and sweet scenery.

 This place I live in is BeUTAHful!

SUMAVA GREATNESS

Life is beauty full. My goal this year it to do more things I won't forget. I want to find beauty and greatness everywhere I go and not complain so much. I have found that beautiful thoughts make beautiful people. I am lucky to be where I am and who I am. No more complaining. (I might have to be reminded of this a few times...)

I used to complain about going to the forest house in Borova Lada with my Czech family (I even called it Boring Lada), but now I just look harder for the beauty and fun opportunities I have in the trips. Here is what I have come up with so far:

Every day is a start of something beautiful. Enjoy the heck out of it.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

I think we are on this earth to either be loved or love others.

I have come to conclusion that I am here to love.

It's ok. Seeing people happy honestly makes me super happy.

Even though life might be extra crappy in my life for the past year and a half, I have recently met quite a few people who, for some reason, needed to hear a story or experience from me or to get a hug from me. Sometimes I meet people and feel like I am supposed to wrap them up in my love...so I do. I'm not saying I'm an angel on Earth...no no no...I'm far from that. However, I do believe we meet people at certain times and for certain reasons and I am thankful for that.

The Beatles had it right the whole time...

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.

GET A DOG

If you love someone, let them go. 

If you hate someone, let them go.

This basically means people suck.

Let everyone go and get a dog.

Just kidding. 

But really...dogs are awesome.

GoPro Hero 4

I was asked the question, "What would you do to show off the GoPro Hero 4?"

I just might:

go paragliding 

 drive a Ferrari in Italy

 fly in a helicopter through the Bavarian forest

go sailing on the seas

zip line through the jungle...

I think the better question is "What wouldn't you do to show off the GoPro Hero 4?!"

Life is good. Let's find an adventure.

#TomosonGoPro

You Say You Want A RESOLUTION...

A new year is coming upon us soon and that means the topic of writing "new year resolutions" is about to be the big buzz. I don't write resolutions. I have pretended to make them in the past, but never really followed through with any of my forced goal writing. But this year....well, this year has been a different one. I'd say 2014 was a doozy for me and most things didn't go the way I planned. It has caused me to reflect on the last few years and things I have experienced.

So I've been working in the nanny biz for a little while. The monetary benefits might not have been huge, but the knowledge and experience I have gained is priceless. Yes, I have been able to travel to different countries, drive a Ferrari, stay in exotic resorts, and do things most ordinary people only dream about (I don't have a list like Tom Cruise or anything). Those things were fun, but I also saw lives and relationships torn apart due to lust, greed, and deceit.

OK (serious face), it's about to get deep. I have seen tires slashed, computers smashed, and fights break out because of issues with trust. I have seen children suffer due to parents choosing to indulge in their selfish sexual desires with people outside of their bonds of marriage. I have witnessed jobs lost and self-esteem plummet due to alcohol and other addictions.

Partying, drinking, and having sex with lots of partners might sound appealing when the opportunity arrives, but what is more important: a happy home and life or just "having fun" in the moment? OK I'm not saying you can't have fun if you aren't doing those things...we are on this earth to be happy. You just have to choose your type of fun wisely.

Having friends is great. Having friends who drag you down (whether you realize it or not) is not great. Who is probably going to be there with a truck to help you pack and move from one house or apartment to another (or help when you lose a job, when your car breaks down and you're stranded by the side of the road, or you're just down on your luck)? Will it be your drinking buddy from that one party and the stripper from the club or will it be your family and long-term friends who really love and care about you?

I hope I'm making sense so far. Please stay with me. The purpose of this post, going back to making those NYE resolutions, is that I realize I need to reevaluate my life and the things that are most important to me (and maybe we all do) so that we can be happy now AND in the future. I feel like I have been starting to do this. I was a real beast this year. I had a major grumpy cat attitude which me made feel like people were picking on me and made me defensive. Ugh the "poor me" attitude was hurting my relationship with the people I loved most. I have begun to reach out to apologize and make things better. I have realized life is beauty full and have started looking for the good in people, places, and things everywhere I go again. I can't change the way other people live. I can't make people feel certain ways. I can offer advice and hopefully a good example, but ultimately, I can only control myself.

So I am setting goals for myself this year. Real goals...not fake goals just to make a good blog post. I am setting some spiritual goals because I actually have seen some good marriages where the family prayed, ate dinner, talked, and were happy together because they included God in their daily life. I am setting some fitness goals because I want a banging body for that future husband of mine so he doesn't even dream of googling porn or looking elsewhere. Oh, and the fitness goals are because I know being healthy and taking care of my body helps in every aspect of my life (I'm not husband hungry). I am setting educational goals to help keep me smart and ever witty. Finally (I don't want to put too much pressure on myself with 100 goals so I don't crumble and give up), I am setting personal goals. These personal goals are to help me find inner peace, be more kind and serve others, and to just simply love the good life I have been blessed with here on earth. I am going to share my feelings (mostly just the nice ones), say 'I love you', and appreciate people (including myself) more. I can be more forgiving, more willing to accept and extend love, more trust-ing, and just be motherflippin awesome the best way I know how (on the clean and sober train). I want to be the person I am looking for in a future, long term relationship (I can say marriage...it doesn't scare me anymore). I just want to be the best me. These are my new year resolutions. I love you.

Don't judge me for knowing this is #11 on Oprah's Favorite Things list for 2014, but I love this magnetic board quote. PS they are made locally in Utah -- go home team!

TRUE LOVE

Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection.

I'm Deanna...I try to love everybody. It's true.

But I think I have been afraid to be IN love...until recently. I have opened my heart to the idea of nurturing true love as described in this talk by Marvin J. Ashton. He says:

True love is a process.

True love requires personal action.

Love must be continuing to be real.

Love takes time. Too often expediency, infatuation, stimulation, persuasion, or lust are mistaken for love. 

Real love takes time, patience, help, and continuing performances. 

Meaningful love is a continuing process that will bring joy and happiness to all participating parties.

I am not a very good impulse buyer when I go shopping so, obviously, I wouldn't be able to just give my heart away to anybody who asks for it. I needed time to grow, learn, and feel like I was ready for love. I have learned love is enduring. Love will stick by your side through the good, bad, and ugly life throws your way. Love will also stick by your side when you tell it to go away (even if that means 4 or 400 years). Love will forgive you for your mistakes and grow stronger with you as you progress together. Love will laugh with you (probably because you are the funniest person you know). Love knows all about you and wants to learn more. Love will blow your mind.

In the talk, MJA continues to say:
...we need and deserve more than the declaration, "I love you." Let us resolve to take the time to give of ourselves in putting love into appropriate action and performance. Those who truly understand love know it must be basically simple, continuing, and sincere.

Sometimes love knows when you need space and will give it. True love will be waiting (and ready to return) when you are ready. True love is real.

Deanna loves you xo

MAKING LEMONADE

Do you ever feel like you are living in a country music song? You know, the one where your brother dies, your car breaks down, your dog won't listen, it starts raining on you when you are out on a walk, your family says crazy stuff about you, your boyfriend breaks up with you, and just can't seem to find a break...

Well, here I am just trying to make lemonade with all these lemons.

I'd write a sweet message of hope right here, but I'm not feeling it. The best I can write is I know I'm lucky to have two legs to walk, dry clothes to change into, and memories to last me a lifetime.

WHY SO COMPLICATED?

Funny little saying posts on Facebook are NOT generally my favorite things to see (especially if it contains a cat with weird spellings). 

Same with getting a FWD email. 

But I have to give this one a thumbs up:

No need for games.