Silence

Silence, good or bad?

Silence is an emotion, not just the omission of words. It is often misunderstood as a bad or fearful thing but I believe it serves a much better purpose. There are few moments in our lives that the world around us becomes silent. The only exception being the sound of our own breath, sometimes not even that. These are the moments that take our complete dedication, concentration and investment. It requires our whole heart, body and mind. It can be brief but almost always unforgettable.

You may have experienced it when you were running a touchdown, hitting a high note in a song, unexpectedly seeing a friend or the first time you held your own baby in your arms. So how is it that we have sound all around us but sometimes are allowed not to hear a thing? It's permission to step out of the world and observe some of the best moments in our life.

Replace your fear of silence with appreciation. It's an experience worth remembering.

"Since the beginning of time, love has been the source of both the highest bliss and the heaviest burdens." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Color Purple

I Voted! Go, woo, yea. Women suffrage.PS I love purple :)

Darling Keri!

You're not supposed to forget some people.

Their words pop into your head when you haven't seen them for years, comfort gushes into your veins the minute you think of them and their ability to live life over it's capacity gives you reason to.

That's why a mere tribute seems closer to chitchat than the pure respect I intend. I recognize she is someone especially memorable to me. I have known Keri since I was so young my baby teeth hadn't fallen out yet. She has witnessed my deep flaws and has strived to mend the sore defects of my adolescent years. In that alone, I owe her my life.

Have you ever met someone who asks how you're doing and actually cares what you say? Listens? and responds?

Do you remember the people in your life who treat you like who you should be and expect nothing less than the best in you? Who knows your highest and lowest qualities but BELIEVES you're a success in the waiting?

Who is the person who helped you through your first major crush, shopped with you for your Prom dress and taught you the importance to forget fear about family?

Keri is more than a friend, she's a mentor, confidant and a sister. She's more than everything, along with an adorable personality and one fantastic smile.

There are some people you just don't forget.

"27 ^aPeace I leave with you, my ^bpeace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ^ctroubled, neither let it be afraid."-John 14:27

"Since the beginning of time, love has been the source of both the highest bliss and the heaviest burdens." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

How To Spot a Top-Notch Friend

• Laughter is expected, included and achieved while with them
• You don't always notice but you act like a better person when they are around
• There is spontaneity
• No matter when you saw them last, you can't help but smile as soon as you see them
• They don't care what you look like or where you bought your clothes
• They are honest with advice, even if it's not what you wanted to hear
• It's not pressured but welcome to hug hello's and goodbye's
• They are worth a billion and two to you regardless of where they are, who they become (though you hope for the best) and how crazy they can drive you

Easy to say, I've got quite a few of them. John 15:13 "Greater ^alove hath no man than this, that a man lay down his ^blife for his ^cfriends."

"Love wins. Love always wins."-Tuesdays with Morrie pg 40

You're Mine

A song about his mother's death sentence to cancer. Have any of you realized time is running out with the person you love? How have you expressed it? Did you win the race against the clock? Challenge: Say it, make it or do it. Today. Even if it's too late.

"Cause there's a million other people that deserve you more than I."

Darling Travel Companions

Whether fate, coincidence or just plain luck I was granted the most delightful company as I took a step away from my hometown. Either way, I felt like I had the world in my hand when they were around. What happy, grateful and spirited people. Just as I was reminiscing on the experience... I received this email.
"Hello Fellow Travelers! We are home! What a wonderful trip to Italy and France!!! You were all wonderful; staring and led by our heroine, Lauri and of course, the hero, Tyler, accompanied by our illustriously talented and gracious Bill and Marcia, accented and spiced up by our traveling "girls troupe" - (yes I mean you four adorable 20-something "girls") and lastly, blended with the Miles ensemble.
We had a fantastic time. We all have our favorite things, a lot of them overlapping, but some unique.
Thank you all for being terrific traveling partners and new-found friends. We appreciate your patience, your sense of humor and your great personalities.
Love,
The Miles Family"

They summed it up perfectly. Hope you know you're missed! The truth is friends, all we really are is a bunch of travel companions delighting a friends life by being in it. Some for a minute, others for longer minutes. Life is short and thank goodness we've got good travel companions to make it an entertaining adventure. I'm so glad our paths have crossed. See ya soon!

Never Seems To Tire

There is a rumor in this world that if you choose to become a mother over a career you won't be remembered and you're giving up your dreams. Time Magazine begs to differ. While gathering it's famous Top 100 most influential list, the alumnae page asked some of the most significant women from past years to name the most influential person in their lives. At least nine responded with "my mom." Some included on that list are: Whoopi Goldberg, Katie Couric, Alicia Keys, Elizabeth Gilbert....and more.

Even the MOST FAMOUS women in the world haven't forgotten where they come from. Their mothers must be so proud. The TRUTH is to become the greatest hero to someone, be a mom. It is the highest compliment and accomplishment women were designed to do. We all have a unique style for success in this area. So Why not?

While rummaging through an old box I found my high school senior notebook. Inside were poems I have faint memories of writing. The one I'm daring to share with you today I wrote before Michelle could get pregnant, in dedication to the blessing Keri found children to be and after observing my unmarried childcare teacher.

We Don’t Always Get What We Want
By: Lizi Richards

I experienced something different,
Sitting in class today.
Teachers are not always,
Exactly what they say.

She might think she’s fine unmarried,
But I should’ve thought it over.
Could one who works with kids all day,
Not want to be a mother?

We walked down to the hospital,
Earlier this morning.
There it lay upon the bed,
Continuing it’s roaring.

How can it be so innocent?
How can it be so small?
But over in the corner,
SHE liked it most of all.

This is when I got the thought
Of all heroic women.
Who seem to long for it most,
but try to keep it hidden.

Whether never wed or simply because
Of unsolved complications.
We should look at them with gratitude,
They sure were blessed with patience.

And pray for the lucky day,
A baby enters her home.
I can almost promise you,
It’ll never be alone.

Praise the girl who raises a child
And never seems to tire.
But even more, praise the one
Who has the most desire.

Sometimes....we do get what we want and what a blessing that turns out to Blee.

Making It Up

Slowly, I"m growing fonder of not wearing make-up. It's me. I'm not covered up like I'm ashamed or sparkling with artificial cosmetics.
It's just Lizi FACING the world, literally.
When I look in the mirror I no longer focus on my uncolored roots or my lack of jewelery. I don't see the blemishes waiting to be HIDDEN. I see me. My eyes are greener than they've ever been. My freckles splashed upon my cheeks are more visible in the summertime, foundation usually weakens them. Best of all, I see two lines of short teeth on a crooked smile. My SPECIALTY.



Seems suitable for a newly fearless twenty year old. What Blee.