Tag: Friends

Thankful

Published on by Jan Sikes20 Comments

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I reflect on all I have to be thankful for, I am astounded that there is so much! We tend to go through our days without stopping to really take a look around us and truly appreciate what we have. We are always chasing a carrot just out of reach. But, today, I pause to give thanks for all that I am blessed with.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my amazing two daughters. They are strong young women raising families while still managing careers. I couldn’t be more proud.

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I am thankful for five unique and awesome grandchildren! And, I’m thankful I live close enough that I get to see them often (sometimes too often.) 🙂

I am thankful that I have created an entirely new career for myself…one I could never have imagined!

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I am thankful for the writing organizations that have enhanced, supported, taught and uplifted me along this journey.

 

The beautiful friendships that I have formed around the world are cherished!

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I am thankful for my apartment. I know that may sound silly, but I truly am thankful for my sanctuary. It is quiet, unassuming and has everything I need to be comfortable.

I am thankful for the music and the awesome people who make the music that feeds my soul!

Closing the night out with a hug from Cody Jinks!
Do you watch The Voice? This is me with Austin Allsup #TeamBlake!
Mr. Dale “The Real Deal” Watson with the Fort Worth skyline behind us.
Another Voice contestant, Josh Halverson now on #TeamAlicia!
Mike Tuck on guitar
Legendary songwriter, Zane Williams
Jan Sikes and Willie after the concert. Look at the sweat under Willie’s arm. He was exhausted and I don’t know where my smile was. I think I was just feeling his exhaustion.
Me and Sonny Throckmorton in May 2009.

I am thankful for my sister who patiently mentors and encourages me. We talk every Sunday morning over a cup of coffee, by phone, and solve all the problems in our stories and the world. 🙂

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I am thankful for my best friend of over 35 years. We have been through lots together!

As Rick told the Baptist preacher, I am thankful for the breath that sustains life. I’m thankful for faith and hope that are my constant companions.

I am thankful for the beautiful angels that watch over, protect and help when they can.

I am thankful for all of you who follow my blog and leave comments when something interests you. I appreciate the encouragement you give when I post stories.

I am a most blessed person!

Happy-Thanksgiving-Images

 

Sedona, Arizona Re-cap

Published on by Jan Sikes28 Comments

Yep! You knew it was coming, didn’t you?. 🙂 I’ll re-cap the Sedona, Arizona adventures in pictures because they are worth a thousand words.

If you’ve never visited this magical place, perhaps these pictures will suffice to pique your interest.

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Our Airbnb – We called it our Hobbit House!
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Just one of the beautiful Red Rock Formations
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One of our hiking excursions
Another formation
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In the doorway of an old ruin

Another day of hiking in the Red Rocks and discovering some old ruins.

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Absolutely amazing how they built this church into the rocks!
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My girls arrived and this is inside the Airbnb
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Beautiful ladies!
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At the Grand Canyon – my best friend, Kay. We’ve been friends for over 38 years!
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Happy to be at the 7th Wonder of the World! The Grand Canyon.
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My girls at the Grand Canyon!

I hiked with them down into the canyon almost two miles. It was an incredible experience, but I struggled to make it back up the steep incline in the mid-day Arizona heat. It was a lesson to acknowledge and respect my limits. 🙂

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This guy posed for us as we left the canyon.
Sunset at the Airport Vortex
Sunset at the Airport Vortex

We made it to the Airport Vortex to watch the sunset the next day.

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All dressed up for a fabulous dinner at the Enchantment Resort nestled between two vortexes.

The last morning. We hired a guide to take us on a hike that included a yoga and meditation session.

 

After taking the girls to get their Aura photos taken, we headed home. Sedona, Arizona is a special place on our planet and I will visit it again!

I hope you enjoyed the pictorial tour!

 

Trip Around The Sun

Published on by Jan Sikes22 Comments

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Birthdays are such significant days. Not because we get cards and gifts but because it completes another cycle of life for us. And, I look at the day following my birthday as a clean slate to start the next cycle around the sun.

This year has been mixed with family, friends, plans that didn’t work out and culminated with hundreds of birthday wishes on social media and a birthday dinner with immediate family.

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My daughters and son-in-law had planned a hot air balloon ride to celebrate my birthday, but the weather didn’t cooperate. We’ll do it at some point. It’s been on my bucket list for a while.

I am blessed abundantly with a loving family and an incredible circle of friends. I have no complaints.

A huge thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes! Here’s to another year!

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And, as I promised, I have chosen a winner from my last post to receive a copy of “Hemingway.” Annette Rochelle Aben, I truly hope you enjoy it!

Annette, please email me at rijan21@gmail.com with a good email address to receive your gift.

 

 

Lesson in letting go!

Published on by Jan Sikes20 Comments

I recently took a trip with my daughters and my best friend to a resort in the Texas Hill Country.

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That was us at the airport, all excited and looking forward to some relaxing girl time!

But, what I was not prepared for was to be totally cut off from the outside world. NO cell service and EXTREMELY limited internet. There was one bench situated by the office that if you sat on it, you could pick up spotty internet service. Wow!

I didn’t realize how dependent I’d become on staying connected. I have to admit I freaked out a little. I had an online board meeting I’d miss with the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB, and I had blogs to keep up with and emails to answer, not to even mention Facebook and Twitter.

But, what could I do? We had paid our money and we were there in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Isolated, cut off and yet pampered. It took an entire day for me to finally get over the panic and let go. After all, what could I do?

So, by the second day, I was resigned to the situation and began to relax. Of course the massage and facials helped. 🙂

For me, it was a HUGE lesson in letting go and being in the moment. It is something I don’t do well, so THANK YOU, Escondida Resort for the lesson.  The time spent with my beautiful girls and my friend was time I’ll never get back again.

And, I have NO regrets!