Feeling Good!

Need to get pumped up and ready for a new day?  For another Monday?

This amazing song from the late, great jazz artist Nina Simone, does the trick for me. Even on days like today, when I'm not feeling 100 percent, something about this soulful and passionate song soothes my spirit.

There have been several remakes of this song, Michael Buble also has a nice version. But Ms. Simone's soulful rendition is a timeless classic.

I love the words...

"Birds flying high you know how I feel


Sun in the sky you know how I feel


Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel


It's a New Dawn


It's a New Day


It's a New Life 


For me


... And I'm feeling good."

Click on the link below and have a listen... Here's Ms. Nina Simone singing, "Feeling Good."

"Nina Simone/Feeling Good - YouTube Vid"

Listening to this wonderful song helped me to start my day off right... and it was my very soulful and joyful moment for today.

Hope it leaves you Feeling Good, friends!

Have a great one.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Blue Skies

It's been rainy and overcast in California for a few days, so it was nice to see sunny blue skies again today.

Angelenos are not used to being without their sunshine for any length of time  Glad it's back.  Wouldn't want La La land to get any crazier than it already is, LOL.

As usual, I got a little snap happy. Ms. Girl likes her pics.  

Enjoying the sunshine, beautiful blue skies and snapping some nice pics was my joy moment for today. 

Hope you had a great one!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Hooray! It's Friday!

Friday is my fav day. Specifically, Friday evening, after the day's work is done. When it's rest time, chill time and we still have the whole weekend ahead of us.

That perfect sweet spot.

That time when I can still look forward to sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday is still in the distance.

Yep, Friday eve is the best!  And enjoying and reveling in the arrival of my fav day was my very joyous moment for today.

Hope you had a fab one, friends.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Rockin' Out!

Ever sing aloud to your fav song while driving your car?

That was me tonight.

I had the car radio blasting on the drive home. Jamming to great oldies from back in the day.

Singing loudly, animatedly, and a tad off key. Simon Cowell would've been appalled, LOL.

I was in full concert mode, all from the confines of my automobile. I'm sure the nearby drivers were thankful for that, LOL.

My joy moment today was rockin' out to the car radio and having a blast.

It was a great mood boost... and it was free!

Can't beat that. :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

This Little Piggy...

... went to the nail parlor.

none of the little piggies stayed home.

each of them got a mini massage.

then all were painted pretty and made free to roam! :-)

Nothing like a good pedicure!

Painted footsies and a fab foot massage were my joy moments for today.

... And this little piggy went "Wee Wee Wee" all the way home!

LOL. I couldn't resist.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Sheep Count

I N S O M N I A!

Has plagued me two nights in a row. Geez! Not sure why. Well, maybe I do. The first time, I mistakenly had caffeine late in the day. Not good, as I seem to have the nervous system of a newborn. The second night, I think I was too amped-up after watching a crazy movie. Note to self, save the late night action-thrillers for the weekend.

Unlike hamburgers and fries or milk and cookies... lack of sleep and a busy week are not a good combo. But I digress. Must be the sleep deprivation talking... or I'm hungry. Most likely, both. LOL.

My joy moment today (tonight) is having some chamomile tea, fluffing up my pillow, and looking forward to (fingers crossed) getting a good night's sleep... Right after I watch Nightline.

Some habits are hard to break. Baaa Baaa Baaad girl, LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Take Five!

Today I was off and running as soon as I walked in the office. There were already several emails and voice mails waiting for me and an impromptu meeting was called shortly after I arrived.

Later on, I checked the clock and it was already 2pm. I wondered where the day had gone. Things were speeding by and I barely had two sips of coffee.

I needed to reel things in... fast.  It was time to settle down and re-focus. And I did just that... with one small act.

I got up and closed my office door.  Just like that, things went quiet. All the hustle and bustle around me stopped. I exhaled, took a quick five and got re-adjusted.

Quiet time was just what I needed.  I sent out about 8-10 lengthy emails, answered several calls and prioritized my to do list.

I was super productive and much more relaxed, to boot!

My joy moment today was closing my door, getting re-energized and getting down to business.  Is it wrong to love a door? LOL. Because today I did.

Now if I could just get a window, LOL!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Winding Down for the Monday Wind-up

Prepping for Monday...

Late day brunch... check.

Laundry... check.

Respectable amount of couch time... that's a big (and bold) check.

Computer work and aimless surfing... double check!

Sunday evening TV viewing... big time check!

Getting stuff organized for the week... triple checked.

Tea time and wind down... check-a roony!

I'm just about ready for Monday morning... now, all I need is another day, LOL!

My joy moment today was winding down the remainder of my Sunday and getting prepped and ready for the start of a new week.

If Minnie can do it with a smile, so can I, LOL.

Have a Happy Monday, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

What's Your True Calling?

True Calling...

"What I know for sure: There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It's why you were born. And how you become most truly alive." -Oprah

Do you ever ask yourself,  Am I living my life's purpose?  Am I doing what I was put here to do?  Have I found my true calling? If so, you're not alone. Many of us do.

As the quote above suggests, a major part of being happy is finding and living our true purpose in life. Using and sharing that special gift, that each and every one of us was born with, will bring us the true joy and fulfillment that we seek.

The reality is, especially in the these tough times, most of us aren't living our true purpose, we're just working, getting the job done, waiting for the whistle.  The dream has taken a back seat or maybe we don't even know what our calling is.

Today I came across a great article in Oprah Magazine, by Ms. "O", about that very thing. Queen O is the perfect person to give advice in this area. She is truly doing what she was put on earth to do and  shares her wonderful talents to uplift and inspire others.

Need some inspiration, guidance, tips? Check out her article, "What Oprah Knows For Sure About Finding Your Calling" or another great article by Robin Black explaining "Why it's never too late" to make a career change. You can find them both on Oprah.com, along with several other entries like, "Finding What You Were Born to Do,""Discovering your Hidden Talents," and more.

My joy moment today was gaining insight from these great articles. May we all discover our true calling and use it to enrich and inspire the lives of others.

Way to go, Ms. O!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Over The Moon

Full Moon tonight.

You know they say crazy things happen on a Friday night.

Drove home tonight and there was almost no traffic for a Friday evening. This is L.A., that is very freaky.

Later, a friend surprised me with slices of my favorite cake from a very out-of-the-way bakery. No freaking way!  Okay, not so freaky, but oh, so, yummy!

My joy moment today was enjoying a couple of Friday evening surprises. It was a great way to start off my night.

I was over the moon, LOL!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Nothing but "Net"

Came across a few great images while doing some research.

Wonderful pics that make you wonder, smile, or shake your head, LOL.

I love the net... you never know what you might find.

Surfing the world wide web was my joy moment today... who knew?!

Have a good one, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Mid-Week Cheer!

Yay! Wednesday! We're half-way there! Over the hump and getting ready to slide into the weekend.

Now, I haven't forgotten my mission. The purpose of my joy journey is to remember to take life one day at a time and to relish and appreciate the gift of each one.

My daily joy ride helps me to do just that and I'm grateful for each day. But I do have my favorites... and Friday is near the top, LOL!

My joy moment today was my mid-week cheer.  Whoo-Hoo!

Hope you had happy one!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Saving Grace

Rainy evening. I was on the road driving home when all of a sudden a car stopped short ahead of me. Hard! On a slick road. I had to hit the breaks.

Wasn't even driving fast but there was nowhere to go! A car was on my left, accident flares and a merging lane were on the right, a car behind me. My car slowed but I could feel it skidding... nothing I could do. Gasped! Then... my car came to a stop. The car ahead had already started moving. Thankfully. Everything and everybody was okay. Shockingly.

Of course, I was pretty shaken. I've been rear ended on the freeway once before, not fun. Still have lingering issues because of it. Tonight's incident was close. Crazy close! Still amazed that several of us driving didn't end up in a tangle. It was a miracle. Truly.

My joy moment today was His saving grace. I have no doubt that's what it was.

And I'm so grateful for it... Big time!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Blessed, Not Stressed

Ever stress about something so much you expect the worst outcome? And in the end, it usually doesn't turn out as bad as you thought. So why do we stress?  Human nature, I guess... And life can get a little crazy.

One of the things I'm learning to do is to stress less and count my blessings more.  Easier said that done, right? True, but it's a good habit to start.

Growing up, my mother always told me, when you have a problem, give it to God. Put it in His hands, she says, He will work it out. Basically, don't worry, don't stress. Have faith and give it to God.

Although, I've witnessed it many times in my life... God leading me in the right direction or helping me through a situation, sometimes I tend to fall back into my old habit of worry. Knowing full well, stressing doesn't get me anything but gray hairs... and Ms. Girl is too young (and too much of a diva) for that, LOL. 

Seriously speaking, these days, I'm learning more and more to rely on my faith and to let go of stress. I trust that God's got it and will work it all out... He always does and He's always right on time. 

Trust in the Lord with all your might and lean not to your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:6

My joy moment today was witnessing how true that is once again, and feeling blessed and thankful for it. 

Blessings, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Loving the Ho Hum Sunday

Had a Ho Hum Sunday... and loved it. 

Cold and drizzly day outside. Spent the day under the warm covers... being lazy and lovin' it. Surfed the net, caught a movie, and had a few phone convos, all while nestled comfortably in my bed. 

By the end of the evening, I should be recharged and ready for the busy week ahead. I better be, right?! LOL. But for now, I'm enjoying the last few hours of my lazy Sunday.

My joy moment today was relishing my day of self-imposed bed rest. 

Get ready, Monday! I'm coming for ya!  

Hope you had a good one, friends. 

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Nurture Yourself

We all have those times, especially these days, when life gets a little stressful. Whether it's work issues, life issues, family issues, or personal ones.

Every now and then, we need to nurture ourselves. We need to give ourselves a pick me up. Whether small or big, simple or sublime, we need to do a little something for ourselves that nourishes our soul and lifts our spirit.

That's what I tried to do today. Of course, there are plenty of productive things I could get done on a Saturday, like laundry, house cleaning, paperwork, errands, etc, etc, etc. But at times, we have to make ourselves a priority.

I'd had a stressful, crazy week dealing with all kinds of life issues. I needed a break. I needed to stop down and recharge. Nothing dramatic, just something to soothe the soul and make me smile.

So I spent the day out and about with a friend. We had lunch, went to a movie, visited a bookstore, then ended the day with an evening service at church. It was a busy day but in a good way.

By engaging in activities that were relaxing, and nourished my spirit and soul, I was taking care of me... so I could go back to taking care of business.

My joy moment today was taking a moment to nourish my mind, body and spirit. It felt great and was just what I needed.

Make time for you, today. You'll thank yourself... and so will others. Maybe that's just me. LOL! Kidding!

Be well, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Oh, Yeah! It's Friday!

Productive day, worked from home.  Followed by dinner and movie.

Perfect combo for a Friday Night... And it was my joy moment for today.

Hope you had a great one, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Hangin' in There

Happy Thursday.

One more day. Crazy week.

Came across the photo above and it made me laugh. It totally sums up my week. LOL.

That surprise and very welcome laugh was my joy moment for today.

Hope you had a good one, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Miracle at the Mine!

Watched the news and unbelievable rescue of the 33 miners trapped underground for over two months.

Truly a miracle and a wonderful happy ending.

Watching the heartwarming reunions, the resilient spirits of the miners and the amazing resources that the Chilean government employed to rescue them is the stuff that good stories and fairy-tales are made of.  Yet, this one is real, making it all the more inspiring.

My joy moment today was watching the joyous faces of the miners and their loved ones as they were finally reunited with one another.

Blessings to all!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Natural Beauty

I've mentioned previously that I love taking impromptu pictures of beautiful and natural scenery. Here are a few that I snapped that made me smile.

My joy moment today was checking out my cool shots and sharing them with my cool blog friends.

Hope you enjoy them, too!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Happy New Day!

October.  Seriously?!  Seriously.

Only two more months left in the year.  Just 81 days. I don't know about you but I haven't checked many things off my resolution list.

The good news... there's still time.

Still time to put some plans in motion. Still time to start moving toward our goals.  Still time to make new resolutions.  Who says we have to wait for New Years?!

Each day presents a fresh start.  One step today, another one tomorrow and so on.  It's all in that first step. Whether it's beginning research, making a phone call, sending emails, or signing up for a class. Every day is a new opportunity to begin a new path, to begin working on our goals. The great news is we don't have to wait for a new year to make a change or to begin again. We can start right away.

Instead of seeing it as 81 days left.  We can see it as Day 1 of a new course in our life.  Day 1 of a new journey.

My joy moment today was not feeling pressured over all the things I haven't done yet, but getting excited about beginning something new tomorrow.

Pick something from your list of goals that you've been wanting to do. It's a New day. A New journey. Let's do it!

Happy New Day, Friends! Cheers!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Sunny Delight!

I'm a self-proclaimed sun baby.

I love the sun!  Anytime I can sit out or layout in the sun is a good day for me.  I think everyone enjoys a sunny day, but I admit sometimes I can get a tad carried away.

Recently, it was over 100 degrees outside and a few friends and I were headed out to a lunch spot. Although, it was pretty hot (and not a single soul was eating outdoors) I wanted to dine outside. I figured a little sweat never hurt anybody, right?  My friends obliged, but when beads of sweat starting dripping down their faces and into their food... (I know, not so fun) I relented and we headed inside. Okay, so sometimes, indoors with air conditioning is the better call... sometimes. LOL.

I can't help it! Anytime I can soak up some sunshine, without the risk of heatstroke, of course, I'm there. I think part of it has to do with the fact that during the week, the only time I see the sun is on my drive to work.

For the most part, like many people, I'm inside all day under the unflattering glare of fluorescent lights... aka a lab rat. :-)

So, when the weekend rolls around, I make it a point to catch some rays. Today was that day for me. I found a new spot at a lovely park I recently located near my house.

It was a gorgeous day, 94 degrees, with a slight (very) breeze. Perfect day for sun lounging. I spent a couple of hours soaking up the sun's serotonin... near a shady tree, I'm no fool. LOL.

My joy moment today was catching some rays on a warm Sunday.

It left me with a "sunny" disposition. Ha! I couldn't resist :-)

Be well, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Getting My Laugh On!

Heard of a new comedy club that opened up not far from my house. Planning on checking it out tonight.

Who doesn't love to laugh?  Plus, it does a body good. And, they have an all-female line-up of funny comics. Go, Girl Power!

My joy moment today is preparing to check out a new comedy place. It's been forever since I've been to a comedy club, so I'm looking forward to getting my laugh on!

Bring on the funny!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Finally Friday!

T. G. I. F.

Yay! It's Finally Friday. Welcome home, darling!  LOL.

My joy moment today started at clock-out time!  Weekend, here I come. :-)

Hope everyone had a pleasant Friday and you're on your way to a great weekend!

Be well, friends.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

You Can Start All Over Again...

Heard a great song today by jazz artist Dave Koz and singer, Dana Glover.

Beautiful song.  It was the wonderful lyrics that struck me...

"As long as you are breathing, you can start all over again. If your heart is beating, you can start all over again.  Good-bye sorrow.... Hello tomorrow...  you can start all over again."

You can guess the title, "Start All Over Again".  Words to live by.

Click on the links below to have a listen...

Sample of the song and Dave Koz explaining why he was inspired by it... "Start all over again" - Video - CLICK HERE


To hear the entire song... "Start all over again" -WHOLE SONG-CLICK HERE!!

Listening to this lovely song on my drive home was my joy moment for today.

Hope you enjoy it, as well.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Haven't Seen You in Awhile...

Rainy Wednesday.

Who says it never rains in California?  We have our moments! LOL.

Today was one of them. It was coming down like cats and dogs... dressed in hip and trendy gear, of course. LOL. This is L.A.

On days like this I always wish I could stay home. Today I had an opportunity to do just that... felt good.

My joy moment today was my delight in working from home and avoiding the cold and wet weather.

It's the simple things, people! :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Chattin' it up!

Convo Tuesday.

Had a few interesting phone calls today.  

Catch-up convo with my mom. Enjoyed one of our lengthy chat sessions sharing laughs and personal tidbits. Always a good time.

Good friend's B-day. Treated her to my normal, off-key birthday serenade. Hearing her laugh (at me and with me) always makes me smile. 

Interviewed a woman who shared her brave and inspiring story about overcoming a health issue. Amazing lady, in awe of her strength. 

Three very different conversations, one common thread... Fab and dynamic women. 

Honored to spend time with each of them and they were my very joyful moments for today.

Nice chatting with you, ladies! 

Blessings to all.

Stay  Tuned :-) 

Ms. Girl

Get Inspired!

Inspiration.

We can get it from a great story or a great speech. A heartwarming moment or act.  Friends, family, or strangers. An anonymous one-liner or a well-known phrase.

It can come from the oddest places, the simplest things, a random encounter, or an everyday event.

Wherever it originates, when it hits us at the right time, the right moment, the right opportunity... it can be golden.

I was inspired today by a magazine article detailing advice from famous authors. It prompted me to think about my own writing aspirations. Their great tips and honest experiences were motivating and riveting... and stayed with me.

My joy moment today was getting charged up and inspired.  I'm rearing to go!  And excited to see where this new motivation leads me.

May we all get inspired... or become an inspiration, today!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Wave Action!

Tried out a new beach location today in Newport Beach, California. Beautiful locale with lots of great wave action. I watched huge crashing waves, surfers riding them high, sailboats swaying through them, jet skiers hopping over them, cruise ships gliding through them, and kids getting knocked down by them. And I got to take in all of that great water activity from the wonderful vantage point of my sand-perched lounge chair. Good times.

There was so much activity in the water I surmised, from the frowns of nearby fisherman, that the fish took the day off, LOL.

A friend, and fellow beach lover, took me to Newport today and showed me their favorite spot at the beach, a somewhat remote area called, "The Wedge." So nice! It didn't have a ton of people on the sand but it had a ton of water activity along the ocean backdrop to keep you entertained all day... even as a land lover. It was especially fun watching all the surfer dudes doing cool tricks on their boards and catching a few of their unbelievable (and hilarious!) wipeouts. Those guys are non-stop wave chasers!

Cool company.  Pleasant weather.  Great people watching.  And an awesome packed lunch. It was a good day.

My joy moment today was taking in a relaxing day, at a great new beach spot and enjoying some fun (and free!) visual entertainment.

Hi-five, my friend!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Thriller Ride!

Thrillers!

I love scary movies. You wouldn't think so if you saw me in the theatre watching one. When I'm watching a really scary film, I'm wincing, jumping at every sound, covering my eyes, and squirming in my chair. My heart's beating fast, I'm nervous and scared out of my wits. And I love it! LOL. The really good scary films actually have me gasping out loud... and whimpering for my mommy, LOL. Even better!

There's also an extra bit of entertainment to my thriller ride... I usually attend these types of movies with a friend who is utterly scared of horror movies but continues to come with me. It's hilarious! He can barely stay in his chair and I swear he keeps his eyes closed for half the movie. He's worst than me. Big baby. LOL.

My joy moment today is my anticipation and expectation over checking out a new horror flick.

We'll see if it lives up to my squirming standards.

Hoping it's a thriller ride!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Friday!

It's Friday!

Nuff Said!

Happy, Happy!  Joy, Joy!

My joy moment is happening, right now!

Work day over. At home. Enjoying din din. Then...

Couch + Movie = Aaaah!

And no alarm clock tomorrow... Whoo-Hoo!!

Have a good one, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl