tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62406165874202944182024-02-08T06:38:03.382-08:00The Pen Speaks VolumesRobin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-46270703369368045382012-12-31T16:38:00.000-08:002012-12-31T16:38:46.336-08:00Happy New Year!!Hello Readers:<br />
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Today is the last day of the year 2012. It's hard to believe how quickly this year has gone by. I don't know about you all, but this year has been a tough one for me. I'm looking forward to better things in 2013. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that I lived through 2012, but I'm just hoping that 2013 won't come with so many obstacles. Having obstacles though is certainly a part of the journey we call "life." Someone used to say, "Just keep living." It's a simple, short statement. Yet, it carries so much weight. The more I live, the more I see and understand just what that means. As we all keep living, we'll certainly see the good, bad, and possibly the ugly. Nevertheless, whether our circumstances are good or bad, it's still a blessing to be alive and experience those things. So, whatever the New Year brings, rejoice your way through it. If you're still alive, that means you still have a purpose. God isn't going to allow you to leave this earth without doing what you were born to do. Here's wishing you and yours a year filled with happiness, good health, love, and prosperity. <br />
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Happy New Year,<br />
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RobinRobin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-61177474408083320102012-09-29T20:42:00.000-07:002012-09-29T20:42:59.492-07:00Cheers to the Fall Season!!Fall is here!! Comfort food, Harvest festivals, and fun times with family and friends is what Fall is all about. Whether you're attending a gathering or staying in, there's something for every age level to participate in. Check out these great sites below for excellent Fall ideas!! <br />
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http://familyfun.go.com/autumn/fall-recipes/<br />
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http://holidays.kaboose.com/fall/ <br />
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http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/seasonal_favorites_fall/<br />
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<br />Enjoy!! Happy Fall!!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-56066949522218917312012-08-21T11:26:00.001-07:002012-08-21T11:26:18.158-07:00What If We Could Choose Our Family?I'm sure at one time or another the question about choosing your own family has come across your mind. I've certainly thought about it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I'm disappointed with all of my family members, but there's a few that I could have probably done without. Unfortunately, we can't choose our family members. We can only choose our friends. As the years have gone by though, I've realized that just because you're related to someone doesn't automatically represent a strong friendship. I've also learned how to love people from a distance. We're all born with two sides; our mother's family and our father's. Frankly, I've always been closer to my mother's side.<br />
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Sometimes that happens. In a perfect world, the relationships would be filled with bliss on both sides. There are some people that are close to their families on either side. That's a good thing, but it's not everyone's fate. Some of my friends have treated me better than some of my family members. I have often wished that I could trade some of my family members for my friends and add them to the family tree. Since it isn't possible, I have just decided to be thankful for the good friends I do have, and thank God that I have the right to choose who I spend time with. I don't have to like some of my family member's ways, but I can pray and ask God to give me the ability to love them as He would, because of who they are.<br />
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After all, there are some people who love me just as I am. So, I must try to do the same. If you have a truly good family member or friend, cherish them. Be grateful for their presence in your life. Good or bad, some people don't have families or friends at all. We have to take the bitter with the sweet, and live our lives to the best of our ability. God bless!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-37577682922707317692012-06-30T13:40:00.001-07:002012-06-30T13:40:45.050-07:00Beat the Heat!<div style="text-align: center;">
Tips to Beat the Heat</div>
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1). Drink plenty of water.<br />
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2). Use sunscreen as needed to protect your skin.<br />
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3). Check on your elderly family members and friends.<br />
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4). Keep your air filters clean.<br />
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5). If you have to do work outside, try to do it as early as possible, or later in the evening.<br />
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6). Last but not least, enjoy your summer!!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-36581825039821794792012-05-18T18:24:00.000-07:002012-05-18T18:24:02.375-07:00Helpful Tips to Survive This Economy1). Meditate and pray daily. <br />
2). Maintain a positive attitude.<br />
3). Network as much as you can. You never know who knows who.<br />
4). Make only those purchases that are necessary.<br />
5). Surround yourself with positive people who are making things happen in their lives.<br />
6). If you need help, seek it. There's lots of resources available, but you have to ask!<br />
<br />Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-7016905678403218892012-03-16T23:10:00.000-07:002012-03-16T23:10:16.982-07:00Keep Believing!Happy New Year!! It's been quite some time since I have blogged, and I do apologize. I'm going to try to blog more this year. I hope that everyone's New Year has started out well. I hope 2012 will be filled with good health, success, and happiness for you all. Take the time to nurture those dreams that you've been constantly thinking about, but haven't made the time to really focus on. Over the past several months, I've had an opportunity to learn some important lessons about faith. Keep trying even if you can't see the progress. Just continue to believe in what you're doing, and know that when the time is right, what you're hoping for will happen. Remember what's for you is for you, and no one can take that away. No one can steal your destiny because it's yours!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-46456551695595303762011-09-15T20:26:00.000-07:002011-09-15T20:26:31.764-07:00Seize the Day!Today I found out about the death of a friend's daughter. It was another reminder of how incredibly short life is. She was a fairly young lady, but we all know that death has no age limit. There used to be a time that it seemed as if old people were the only people dying, but that has changed. Today it's young and old people. Finding out about this young lady's death made me immediately reflect upon my life as well as the lives of my loved ones. We're only here for a short period of time, and when that time is up, life as we know it, is over. Make the most of each day that you're given. Find something to be grateful for from the moment that you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. Life is tough, but it is great to be alive. Any day above ground is a good day. Whatever aspirations you may have, don't put them off for tomorrow, work on them today. If you truly love someone, tell them. You don't know when your last words to them will be your last words. Stop stressing about the small stuff. Stress is a killer in more ways than one. Take care of yourself, because if you don't, no one else will. Above all else, make the most important person in the world happy; you!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-3559634279796380432011-07-30T13:03:00.000-07:002011-07-30T13:03:41.447-07:00Checking InHello Everyone:<br />
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I hope this post finds everyone doing well. It's been a few weeks, and I just wanted to check in. Stay cool this summer. Nurture your goals. Be there for your family and friends, but don't neglect yourself. Do something for the kid in you every once in a while. Live life to the fullest. We're all here for a short period of time. Make every moment count. Have a blessed weekend and a wonderful summer!!<br />
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All My Best,<br />
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RobinRobin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-18178311696166584382011-06-17T15:23:00.000-07:002011-06-17T15:23:51.433-07:00Parental Holidays"Father's Day" is coming up on Sunday, and last month we celebrated "Mother's Day." Personally, I think it's great that we have these days set aside to honor our parents, but in all actuality, we really don't need a special day to say that we appreciate our mothers and fathers. If you truly love and appreciate your parents, they should know it on a daily basis. I don't have to wait until "Mother's Day" to tell my mom that I love her, or show her that I care with some sort of gesture. Also, if you're not kind to your parents throughout the year, what's the point in being kind to them on that one day? My <br />
great-grandmother used to tell us to give her flowers while she was alive, and those flowers weren't just the beautiful, colorful, flowers that we can smell, but it was the way that we treated her. She always said that when she died, it didn't matter how many flowers she had, she wouldn't be able to see them. So, if your parents are still alive, and they're decent human beings, treat them well, and count your blessings! Have a great weekend!!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-89799472999076275402011-06-02T18:19:00.000-07:002011-06-02T18:19:50.779-07:00HopeMerriam Webster's Dictionary's definition of the word "hope" is "to desire with expectation of obtainment" or "to expect with confidence." These are the transitive verb meanings. The intransitive verb meanings are "to cherish a desire with anticipation" or it is "archaic":trust. Nevertheless, it is with hope that most people make it through any given day. They press on hoping that tomorrow will be better than the day before. As one travels on this journey called "life," with the many obstacles that can face you, it is sometimes difficult to hold onto hope. We lose hope when things go wrong, and we get it back when things appear to be getting better, or they actually do get better. The one thing I know for sure is that whether we have hope, or we lose it sometime along the way, we have to get it back, because in the beginning and in the end, sometimes it's all we really have. Also, as my great-grandmother used to say, "As long as there's life, there's hope." So, as long as we are breathing, we have the power to change our lives for the better; simply by taking the first step. To everyone that may be going through some sort of struggle right now, don't lose hope. Hang in there. Tomorrow will be better. Just believe!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-45253632506909026622011-05-21T21:15:00.000-07:002011-05-21T21:15:52.310-07:00If Today Had Been The EndIf today had been the end of the world, what really would have happened? I asked myself this question, because it amazes me what some people believe. As far as I'm concerned, "Judgment Day" can be any day. Only God knows the date and time. The best advice I can give and take for myself is to make certain that you and your Creator are at peace with one another, and then whenever your time is up on Earth, you will have nothing to worry about as far as where you will spend eternity. We've already been given the information we need from "The Holy Bible." Why on earth would we believe a human being instead of what is written in the Word? "<span class="reftext"></span>No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,<span class="nivfootnote"></span> but only the Father."-Matthew 24:36. If the Son doesn't know, what makes us think that someone else would know other than the Son? Now, that is something to think about. Live each day like it's your last. Don't waste time on petty things. Love with all of your heart. Be happy. You only get one chance at this thing called "life." Make the most of it!<span class="reftext"></span>Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-74419065324689362712011-05-16T16:13:00.000-07:002011-05-16T16:13:34.284-07:00It's the Little Things Over the weekend, I spent time at Borders bookstore working on my novel. As I wrote, I sipped on a delicious Hazelnut Latte. It was very relaxing. The coffee cost me $3.80, but the experience was worth so much more. I left there feeling proud that I had made more progress on my novel. Had I not purchased the coffee, the trip would have been totally free. It costs nothing to visit the bookstore or the library for that matter. Sometimes just the change in atmosphere can make all the difference. It truly is the little things in life that can totally make your day. From there, I completed my Saturday errands and at the end of the day I felt great!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-83000557166129178122011-04-30T13:23:00.000-07:002011-04-30T13:23:12.621-07:00Maximizing Your TimeIt has been said many times before that "Time waits for no man." This is so true, and that's why it's important to make sure you're making the most of the time given to you in a day. After all, when it is gone, it will never return again. Whether you have personal or professional projects to complete, simply take a few minutes out of your day to work on them; you will find yourself that much closer to finishing them. Just don't let procrastination set in. We've all been guilty of letting that happen from time to time. Tackle big projects one step at a time, and start working on them early so the work doesn't pile up. Reward yourself even if you take a small step toward completing a task. A step is a step no matter how large or small. Let's get moving. The clock is ticking!!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-4738727825705550112011-04-28T18:50:00.000-07:002011-04-28T18:50:48.971-07:00Happy National Poetry Month<div style="text-align: center;">The poem below is from my new book, "Bare My Soul."</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u> I Choose</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll choose to be happy</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Whether friends walk away</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or even if they stay</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll wear a smile</div><div style="text-align: center;">Come what may</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'll live with a higher purpose in mind</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dealing with life's matters one day at a time</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll rid myself of every care</div><div style="text-align: center;">Turning everything over to the Master</div><div style="text-align: center;"> because I know He'll always be there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-62470246591809766922011-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:00:56.864-07:00Spring CleaningThe title "Spring Cleaning" was used for this blog to emphasize the importance of getting rid of unnecessary stuff or putting away the things that are no longer needed. That's essentially what "Spring Cleaning" is. It may also consist of cleaning your house from top to bottom. When I thought about the title, I wasn't thinking about the type of "Spring Cleaning" we're all familiar with, but I wanted to use the same idea to get my point across. We're in the fourth month of the New Year, and perhaps it's time to nourish those New Year's resolutions a little more if you haven't already. If something or someone isn't benefiting you or your life in a positive manner, maybe now is the time to eliminate it or them. Rid yourself of negativity. Surround yourself with positive things and positive people. Immerse yourself in warmth and love. Nourish your soul with beautiful melodies and poetry that marinates in your heart. Put away your fears and doubts, and replace them with courage and faith. <br />
Happy Spring Cleaning!!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-24431495016356793642011-04-18T15:21:00.000-07:002011-04-18T15:21:40.530-07:00Network! Network!Whatever profession you're in, it is essential to do some networking. You never know who you're going to meet at any given time. Keep business cards handy, and always remember that a first impression is a lasting impression. I was afforded a great opportunity on yesterday to attend "The Big Apple Conference" in Manhattan, hosted by The International Women's Writing Guild. I met some great people, and we all intend to correspond with each other in the near future. I not only left there with some great contacts, but I also left there with an extra shot of confidence. I had done something for me, not anyone else. Connecting with others in the literary industry was absolutely awesome! I am humbled by the experience, and I hope to attend next year's conference, and other events hosted by the organization in the future!Robin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-29606182655901663502011-04-09T15:59:00.000-07:002011-04-09T15:59:09.419-07:00What Motivates You?Do you speak positive affirmations over yourself daily? Are you surrounding yourselves with positive people? What goals are you setting on a regular basis? These are some questions that I ask myself often. In this day in time, the world in which we live is not the greatest place, but we can make our world "great." We can do this by finding ways to stay positive despite certain circumstances. Even in times of adversity, we can all still find something to be thankful for. When we begin to take an accounting of what we have instead of what we don't have, we can count our blessings even more. Maybe it's your family or friends that have an influence on how well you excel, or the things that you want to go after. Ultimately, you have to want the best for yourself first, before you can concern yourself with what someone else wants for you. That's just a little food for thought today. Thanks for reading! All My Best, RobinRobin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240616587420294418.post-25006376893302987822011-04-02T12:29:00.000-07:002011-04-02T12:49:03.727-07:00Taking Small Steps Toward A Bigger GoalGood afternoon everyone. I hope everyone is well. I'm in the process of working on my novel, but I've taken a little break this afternoon in hopes of finding the inspiration to write the next chapter. It's a lot more tedious than any other projects I've had in the past. Normally, I write poetry and short stories. The novel is ongoing, and it's definitely a process. I am determined to finish it though. It's just like anything else you set out to do; it takes a lot of focus and discipline. I've decided to set small goals, like write so many words per day or per week. Even the smallest paragraph will be a portion of the novel, and will get me that much closer to finishing it. I'm not one of these writers that can write an entire book in a weekend or even in a couple of weeks. I have to put it together in bits and pieces. I guess for now I just want to encourage anyone else who's writing or wants to write. Just get your pen and pad or your laptop, and put those ideas to work, and if you're stumped, look for things around you or even outside of your box to inspire you. If you don't write, how will anyone else be able to read your innermost thoughts? You never know who you'll be able to inspire. Even if it's not writing, take a step today toward achieving your goals, whatever they might be. You're never too old to follow your dreams. All Good Things, RobinRobin M. Bellamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430109393194733547noreply@blogger.com2