Love is a Verb.. Love is something you do.

You know, I've always been amazed when I hear couples say "We've just fallen out of love. There's nothing there anymore." There's nothing there anymore because one, or both, of you have stopped loving. Have stopped trying.

So often I hear people blame their environment, their peers, their spouse, their boss, whoever, for the reason they act the way they do. Interesting..

I've been reading this book titled "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." I'm only about 100 pages in, but it has opened my mind and has helped me to see things differently. It's also affirmed some of my own thoughts and ideas. Let me share some things with you that Covey has said/asked. I would challenge you to really think about these things.

1. Do I have the power to choose my responses?
2. Do you use reactive language such as "There's nothing I can do. That's just the way I am. They won't allow that." or do you use proactive language such as "Let's look at our alternatives. I can choose a different approach. I can create an effective presentation."
3. Proactive people make love a verb
4. Anytime we think the problem is "out there," that thought is the problem
5. If you really want to improve your situation (any situation at all) you can work on the one thing which you have control-yourself.

I am not kidding, this book is amazing. It's a little dry and your really have to concentrate on what Covey is saying for it to make a difference. I have only been reading for less then a week and I have made some goals to work on and I'm really excited!

Think about it. How you act, whether it is reactive or proactive, makes or breaks those little moments.
"If only my wife was more patient." "If only my kids were obedient." The only person you can change is you. Be a light. Be a model. Be an example. Invite others to also be proactive. It's amazing what you will discover!

Winery, Bar and Farmers..

Oh please don't worry too much, I haven't taken up drinking as a sport. Today was interesting! After work, Dad had to go to Mattawa (a small farming community about an hour away) to do some work. Well, I met a wonderful man named Wayne! We were at his vineyard for some time and it was so fun talking to him. To paint a brief description, Wayne is about 6'0 maybe 260 pounds.. he's a big man. But he had the cutest whistle when he talked and those big old man glasses that you can't help smile at!

Wineries and the accompanying vineyards are popular in South East Washington. I pretty much live IN wine country. It smells lovely in the summer!

After a great visit with Wayne, Dad showed me this cool bar where all the locals come to eat/drink. I didn't have my ID on me, but they still let me come in. I felt special! (And a little awkward because I was wearing a BYU Hawaii shirt!) Anyways, the bar food wasn't bad but when I asked for water, the bartender scoffed, smiled and gave me water... but he didn't seem to happy.

On the way back, Dad and I talked about relationships, marriage, dating, and love. You know, everyday stuff. Dad's give good advice.

Tonight was great bonding time with Dad. It was greatly overdue.

Did I mention I like photography?

I love pictures. I love the emotion they convey. This is one I worked on recently. 

Welcome to the blogging world!

Well today marks the first blog! After spending a few hours trying to figure out how this system works I think I've got it down! Here you will find the little moments that happen throughout my life. Nothing life changing, but things I take pleasure in and what I like to do with my spare time. Plus, it's a nice way to journal. I like to share pictures, so be prepared for that. :)