House of Blues-Gospel Brunch

I enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch today. I met up with a dear friend that I only get to see once or twice a year. We always joke that no matter how long it's been, we can always pick up right were we left off, as if we see each other every day. That's a good friendship.

Every time we get together we try and make it a special day by doing something different. This time, I suggested we check out the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard. I can tell you it's well worth the ticket price.  You get an abundance of great food and fabulous music.

The group featured today was an all female gospel group called, "Clara Ward". Those six ladies were amazing! They all had great voices and gave a show-stopping performance for each song.  One of the best parts of the show was the way they involved the audience. Many times we were all on our feet, singing and swaying along with the group.

There was also a time when they brought several audience members on stage to share a quick mention of what they were thankful for.  It made for an intimate and heartfelt moment hearing from people who shared their gratitude for being cancer free and no longer homeless. The audience bonded as we cheered for each of the inspiring people on stage.

Surprisingly, my friend was one of the people picked to go up on stage. She gave a sweet speech about being thankful for her husband, her children and for our friendship. She also added she was thankful that I suggested we attend a wonderful Gospel Brunch. LOL.

At times, it felt like we were all in church. Listening to great gospel music, singing, giving praise, and sharing thanks. My joy moment today was enjoying a great get-together with a dear friend.  It was a joyous day for us both.

Stay tuned :-)

The Temple Grandin Story

Rainy day in Southern California today. For a change the weathermen didn't lie, LOL.  At least it was Saturday and I could do what people always say they'd like to do on a rainy day... get under the covers and watch TV.   The longer it stormed, the longer I could pretend I wasn't being completely lazy.

I ended up catching a great movie on HBO, The Temple Grandin story.  The true story of a woman who was born with Autism yet was also incredibly brilliant.  When Temple was just four years old, the doctors told her mother that her daughter had a mental illness and recommended she commit her to an institution.  Her mother declined and refused to give up on her. Instead, she decided to get Temple all the resources she could and pushed her to go to school, which later helped reveal her amazing gifts.  Incredibly, with a condition that can be extremely limiting, Temple acquired a Masters Degree, a Doctorate and made incredible innovations in the area of animal science. 

Her story is amazing and inspirational. Claire Danes, the actress who plays Temple, does a great job of illustrating her story and difficult journey.  Julia Ormand, the woman who played her mother, gives a passionate portrayal of a mother who will do everything to make sure her daughter is not treated less than. 

It's a wonderful story of a mother's love and a young girl's battle against the odds.  One of the things that gave Temple strength was advice from a mentor that she find the courage to walk through each door because she never know what opportunities might be on the other side.  Watching her story and seeing how she found the courage to walk through doors, during many trying circumstances was moving.

Her story inspired me.  With all that she had to overcome, many would have given up, she never did. Watching her story, made me realize I should never even let the thought cross my mind.   If I ever slip up, I will now think of a great woman named Temple.

Great story, great message. Not bad for a rainy day!

Stay tuned. :-)

Friday Fun

Lately, it seems as though my lunch hour has become a mini retreat for me.  The last few days I've done everything but eat during my break-time.

Today a friend met me at work and we indulged in a manicure and pedicure at a nearby spa.  What a nice way to enjoy a Friday afternoon!  Non-stop chatter with a gal pal, a relaxing foot massage and cute, colorful hands and toosties to show off.

Ah, Girl time!   Gotta love it.

Happy Friday!

Stay tuned :-)

Bright Sunshiny Day

During lunch time today, I went outside, found a great place to sit in the sun and called up one of my close friends who lives out of town.  We enjoyed a nice, long chat with each other.  Our conversation was filled with lots of boisterous laughter, as we shared funny happenings and events in our lives.

We live three thousand miles apart.  She was inside watching the snowfall and I was outside sitting in the L.A. sun. But during our conversation, it felt like my high school buddy and I were teenage girls again, sitting side by side.

Joy for me today was soaking up the sun and enjoying great conversation with an old friend. Making it a bright, sunshiny day.  I know, I'm such a cornball.  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Gospel Hour

I've mentioned my long commute to work on this blog a few times. I drive almost 45 miles one way, and at times it can take an hour and a half to reach my destination.

It can be pretty tiring but I don't like to complain because I'm so thankful to be employed again. Barring a few road rage moments, I try to suck it up and deal because I know I'm very blessed to have a job.

During the rainy, drive home tonight I wanted to remember that and be thankful.  I listened to inspiring and uplifting gospel music during my drive.  I even sang along, loudly at times, enthralled in the lyrics and the messages. To my surprise, I found myself humming and singing the entire ride, and not once did I look at the clock or become anxious over the traffic jams.

My gospel hour enriched me spiritually and lifted me up. The songs helped me to get centered again and  remember what's really important.  They reminded me of all that I have to thankful for.

I was riding high.  A spiritual, natural high.  Good stuff.

Stay tuned :-)

Idol Time

Joy moment began when I arrived home after a long day, quickly changed into my PJ's, got into bed and started watching American Idol. It's the little things, people.

It was girl's night, as 12 young ladies sang their heart out for a chance to move a little closer to stardom. This year, AI has an eclectic group of talented women with amazing voices. I enjoyed listening to the array of unique styles and performances.

One of my favorite parts of the show is watching the background packages on the young hopefuls.   I'm a sucker for a touching story. Learning what they've each been through and how much this experience means to them will have you rooting for every one of them.

My joy tonight was watching my guilty pleasure and cheering on my favorites in the lineup... all from the comfort of my soft and warm bed.

Choice seating, indeed!

Stay tuned :-)

Mid-Day Massage!

It was a beautiful day today so I decided to go for a walk during my lunch hour. Something I rarely do.  I ended up stopping by a place that offered reflexology services and decided to treat myself to a 30 minute neck and back massage.  What a treat it was!  My masseuse, Hu, was amazing and had the hands of a god.  

It was very different from other massages I've had. I didn't have to change out my clothes and it wasn't done on a long massage table.   I actually just sat in a backless chair and Hu went to work.  It was the best thing that's happened during lunch, since the time our office received an afternoon delivery of cupcakes.  

Who knew that a good massage could change your whole attitude. Going in, I had a case of the Monday blues, which is why I decided to go out and get some fresh air.  At the end of the massage, I had some pep in my step and glide in my stride.  I walked back to work with a smile on my face and remained relaxed the rest of the afternoon. My mid-day massage was Mmmm, Mmmm good.  They can keep the cupcakes. LOL.

Stay Tuned :-)

Coming up...

My joy journey continues as we move into a new month. So far, so good. I've definitely been socializing more, have taken in several new events and have noticed my mood has been more upbeat.  I think I might be on to something, My dear Watson.

I just finished setting up a few after work events for this week. It looks like it will be a busy one.

I'm attending a play with one buddy, going to a birthday celebration for another one and checking out a gospel brunch with another friend on the weekend.  Not to mention a few work-out classes and a voice-over session are scheduled for this week, as well.  Whew, just writing it all down has tired me out. 

I don't usually have this many events during the week, but I'm looking forward to getting together with friends I haven't seen in a long time and enjoying fun activities with them.

I will definitely pace myself, because passing out during my "hunt for happy" does nothing for the cause. LOL.

Just kidding!  I'm excited and ready for what's ahead.

Stay tuned. :-)