Vision Boards

(Originally posted June/2010)

I once saw a segment on Oprah a while back about creating 'Vision Boards'. Have you heard of them? .

In a nutshell, a vision board requires scissors, glue, old magazines, poster board and a little free time. The point of this activity is to create a 'vision' for how you would like to see your life progress. I made mine about a year ago and I've got to tell you - it's weird. 

My 'Vision Board'

So, you might ask..."What is Valerie Bertinelli doing in there?" Well let me tell ya - last year I was 40 lbs heavier than I am today. She was my inspiration. Don't get me wrong, I am a long way from looking like Valerie Bertinelli but a girl has got to have a goal - right?

The woman musing with the caption..."Everyone Has a Story to Tell"? I began my blog within a few months of adding it to my board.

The photo of two young friends with "If you need to lean awhile..."? It was a card received from a friend after the death of my dad. It reminds me of the importance of friends in our lives and a reminder to 'be there' for them.

The screened in porch with the day bed? I would show my 'oasis' to you you, but we have a friend in it today and I don't want to kick her out of the iron day bed that I found in a garage sale last year.

A few things have not yet happened but I'm hoping...

The couple on a beach taking a picture of themselves? That's reserved for when my husband and I retire.

"O"? It doesn't look good for my dream to meet my BFF, Oprah -  but I guess I'm OK with that.

The little dog?  The couple running together? Hmmmm. OK, so my life would not be impacted much if I didn't get the little dog and I am really not one for group exercise anyway...but, I still hold out hope for the stainless appliances

UPDATE: 3/2022

This "Vision Board" post was written 12 (eek) years ago! Here's an update.

For starters, I'm still no Valerie Bertinelli,  but I have kept those 40 lbs off. and I'm calling that 'a win'. 

The couple on the beach? We retired a few years ago and have spent more than our fair share of time on beaches all over the world and recognize we are truly blessed to have the good health and resources to travel. 

"O"? We haven't met yet but my daughter-in-law and I were in the same room with her, once! Just a few rows (well, several rows) away from her when she came to Dallas for Women's Conference circa 2014. Close enough. 

The couple running together? We are all over it. Running? Not so much. Daily exercise has become a non-negotiable aspect of our lives. 

The little dog? Not yet but we get to borrow one on occasion. 

Finally, yes, I got my stainless appliances. All I can say is, "Be careful of what you wish for". Fingerprints and smudges plague my waking hours, every single day.

Annslee

When she was first born, we fell in love in an instant with this little girl and if I had been asked to create a wish list of all the qualities I would like to see in my precious granddaughter, I can say that every wish has been granted - and then some. She is 12 today. Time flies. 

Annslee was our first grandchild and she has never failed to impress us. She gave us our 'grandparent names', I'm "Momo" and he is "Bobo".

 

She can be graceful (sometimes, not so much - but that's another story).

She's adventuresome & inquisitive

Playful & Theatrical

Sensitive & Compassionate

Creative

Fun

Intelligent

And definitely, a girly-girl

And kind, responsible & helpful. What more could I have wished for? 

I clearly remember 'interviewing' Annslee on her 10th birthday and although I can't seem to locate my interview notes, but I do remember that her career choice at the time was something along the lines of an 'influencer'. Was it music or dance? I can't remember but I can tell you that she will shine in whatever she chooses to do in life. 

My money is on an Attorney or Interior Designer.

AKA "Momo"

This Kid: Violet at 10

When the other kids asked for unicorns and kittens,
Violet chose Dias de los Muertos.

Not the most conventional kid, she's super-smart, funny and will challenge your thinking on many levels. I love that about her. Never one to just accept, always one to question. 

In my eyes, Violet's sensitivity towards the most vulnerable has always been her most defining personality trait. She's all about babies, toddlers and animals. This past year, she spent some time at an Animal Shelter where her gift for compassion and caring was palpable.

Thank you note Interpretation:
"You + Me = Best Coworkers!"
"Hi Sara Thank you for the best time I've ever had! You made my dreams come true" - Violet

Oh! And Creativity! Did I mention creativity? 

Here's an example (I think she was 8 at the time) ... a portrait of her paternal grandfather "Bobo"...

T Shirt Interpretation:
"Old People, Am I right?"

This photo of Violet & "Bobo" shows her joy has always been
an integral part of her, even at the beginning.

Violet brings so much light into our world and I suspect that one day she will make her mark by becoming a caregiver. Possibly a nurse, doctor or vet? Who knows? But she will be taking care of someone or something....that I feel certain.

AKA "Momo"

Sandfest

Ahhh, The Redneck Riviera.

On occasion, the gray waters of the Texas Gulf Coast call to us (see Galveston ) and despite oil platforms clearly visible from our beach chairs, we can't seem to resist its lure of sandy beaches, the sound of waves crashing ashore and seagulls cawing. So when we heard about an annual sand sculpture competition - Texas Sandfest - being hosted in one of our favorite seaside communities, Port Aransas, we were all over it.

Sandfest draws nationally known artists, amateur sculptors and over 100,000 visitors to this sleepy beach town just outside of Corpus Christi. They come in RV's, tents and teepees for the three day festival. Who knew?

The sand-sculptors are given a specific time frame in order to complete their work. Forms, molds or stamps are not allowed and the only 'adhesive' they can use is a spray sealant provided by the Sandfest organizers. 

This sculptor won first place in the amateur division last year - which gave him an invitation to compete with the pro's this year.

Our favorite

"Monsters Under My Bed"

"Blockhead"

"Horny Toads" - sunbathing

1st Place Winner - People's Choice Winner

We stayed at The Sandcastle Condominiums while in Port A. A great, reasonably-priced spot on the beach and just steps from the festival.

 Sandcastle lessons were offered and an amateur-class competition was included.

Castle building lessons

Oh, and if you're into great seafood, you've got to check out Beach Street & Station Grill. Very Casual but everything is casual in Port A.

A close 'second' (across the street) is La Playa - Mexican - don't miss the bacon wrapped, jalapeno-stuffed grilled shrimp.

Back to Texas Sandfest...

This guy's home-made wind generator peaked Mr. Something's interest...something to do with a car alternator...

 I got a kick out of Johnsonville's World's Largest Grill...Where the Truck Driver (Mark) is also the Grill-Master...

My new BFF, Grill Master Mark

We stayed for a few days of beach-time after the competition was over and reflected on the artistry, eye and creativity that was involved in sculpting these pieces...only to wistfully witness bulldozers scooping them up and pushing them back into the sea.

Sigh.