Lola

Your result for The Quick & Painless ENNEAGRAM Test...9 - the PeacemakerThanks for taking the test !you chose BX - your Enneagram type is NINE (aka "The Mediator")

"I am at peace"

Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me
• If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.
• I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this.
• Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.
• Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.
• Ask me questions to help me get clear.
• Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.
• Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.
• I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.
• Let me know you like what I've done or said.
• Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.

What I Like About Being a NINE
• being nonjudgmental and accepting
• caring for and being concerned about others
• being able to relax and have a good time
• knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
• my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
• my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
• being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being a NINE
• being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
• being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
• being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
• being confused about what I really want
• caring too much about what others will think of me
• not being listened to or taken seriously

NINEs as Children Often
• feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
• tune out a lot, especially when others argue
• are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

NINEs as Parents
• are supportive, kind, and warm
• are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective
Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele, The Enneagram Made Easy. Discover the 9 Types of People.
Harper: San Francisco, 1994, 161 pages

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You chose BX. Use the BACK-button of your browser to see the other options.Take The Quick & Painless ENNEAGRAM Test at HelloQuizzy

It's YOUR life. Take it back and enjoy it.

I got this poem from Simply Renee. I thought it was worth sharing but more importantly worth reading, absorbing and possibly for some of us, apply to our own lives. I mean really, most of us only have one life. Those who believe in reincarnation should disregard this or not ;)

Happy Holidays!

LD

No's the Way to Go
There's one magic word that can change your life, give you back your time, and help you lead a happier life. That word is no. Do you have trouble saying no? You're not alone. But sometimes you have to say no to protect yourself, your time, and your energy. How do you do this? Here are six tips to help you say no and not feel bad about it:
1. Use "No, thanks." Thank the person for the opportunity before you turn him or her down: "I really appreciate your thinking of me, but no, thank you."
2. Ask for stalling time. Too often we agree on the spur of the moment. When asked to do something, tell the person you need to think about it and you'll let him or her know. Then you can decide whether you want to take on the responsibility.
3. Counter with an alternative. If you're not interested in the job or task but are willing to do something else, say so. This allows you to participate in something you want to do in your own way.
4. Give a reason.Sometimes you have to say no and you've got a good reason for doing so. If you're comfortable sharing, let the person know — or say that you've been overextending yourself lately and need to cut back.
5. Or don't. "I'm sorry, but I can't." That's it. Yes, you'll feel guilty for a few minutes, but think how relieved you'll be afterward.
6. Suggest someone else. You can't do it, but you know someone who might be interested. Pass along the person's name — it may be just right for him or her.

Your small change for today is to take control of your time by starting to say no to things that don't fit your priorities.

Photography by Brito :: » Brito Photojournalism & Photography: Maternity, Newborn, Baby, Child, Pet and Family Photographer, Miami, Florida.

via photographybybrito.com

I love this photographer. She's not only gorgeous, which I am sure garners her many admirers of the male persuasion, but she's talented and has a huge heart which makes those of us not of the Y chromosome fall for her as well. I'm certain you will love her work and maybe, just maybe even enjoy her company even more!

Look closely at a post titled Great Day and you might just see the true Lola and Dahl. Along with J.
Cheers!

Le quatorze juillet

Bastille Day! Hapinness to all who celebrate and heck to anyone reading!

I awoke today with a spring in my step and thought to myself, it's time to add some cheery things to my blog. 

So here you go some inspiration to use during your daily procrastination:

 

A peapod for your sweetpea! This is so adorable, even if you don't have a baby in the works, or know someone who does, it's almost difficult not to buy it!

I have of course linked it through the image, as usual so that those of you in love can get one.

 

This beautiful print is so soothing to my eyes. I can imagine sailing away in this hotair balloon until, like those on this wonderful ride have done, I forgot where I came from. A wonderful print for a child's room, a quiet reading corner, or a paceful familyroom.

Dahl loves Owls. I love owls. If Lola saw this, I am sure that she too would love owls. What's not to love? The colorful wiseguy won't make you feel dumb, even though he's, you know, an owl and super bright. pun intended. 

He's got an army of owly friends waiting for some lover of wonderful frivolity to come and adopt them. 

People! Please, make a line and wait your turn.

 

And last stationery. I think everyone, young and old should have a stash of blank cards for written notes. Thank you notes and a simple hello really are much more appreciated when written in your own hand. While there are many beautiful choices have a looksey at these adorable Learn to Print notes. Perfect for anyone from a young child to a highschool graduate.   With these in your stationery arsenal you might not even misspell your name! And it will be, if nothing else in the note follows suit, written neatly.

Now go on and get back to whatever else you were doing. I'll get back to finding more goodies.

Talk soon, LD

For Kids by Kids <3

Where have I been? Apparently, this is not new news but it may be news to you. Gap has launched a line of children's clothing for kids, made by kids. 

Children seem to be bitten by the consumer bug and at least from what you'll see below, seem very much in support of Gap's new venture. And truly, with the economy in the tank and many unemployed, it may be time to put your six year old to work.

 Just saying.....

Gap Unveils New 'For Kids By Kids' Clothing Line

Didja miss the VP debate?

Here's your chance to see it!

Two Peas in a Pod

No. Not Lola and Dahl. Me. And this weatherman. Just watch. I don't know how he went back after the first trauma. Is he made of steel? I just think STOIC when I see him. LD

And they say they don't come with instructions....

Technically they are right (I don't know how I feel about they, they come across as knowitalls, but sometimes, just sometimes, I want to be one of the theys....) but I've found a mighty good set I think every parent should have!

While many of you may think these are not very comprehensive, ie, the feeding of the breastfed baby, mum or dad, where they don't include bottle fed babies, to me it's clear. They're saying it's best if Mum breastfeeds but before a bottle, give Dad a go.

Got it?

Aight then. Get your thinking caps on, pen and paper, whatever and get ready to be amazed.

Oh yes, but before you go finish that glass of milk. No need to have it come out your nose now.

I have to say that some of the don'ts have worked wonders for me. When J, Lola or Dahl refused to calm down, a bit o whiskey and placing one finger in each corner of their mouths and lifting into a smile certainly calmed me down. And made me smile.                                                                           

Bonding with baby, or your child over a hot cup of coffee is a FABULOUS idea.

I have, on numerous occasions, tested my children milk bottles by sticking my tongue in to them. This method works incredibly well. In fact, I do it when serving coffee to a friend, or dinner to a dinner guest. Can't be too safe these days with all of those lawsuits flying left and right! 

While this is a beginning please do not allow the donts to disuade you from trying them. Only you know your baby, and let's face it, with desperate times come desperate measures. 

Honey! It's dinner time, whip out that man nipple!

Love, peace and we've hit the gold mine in parenting answers!

LD

Notice*****LD is not advocating use of any of these parenting techniques. Merely displaying them for your viewing pleasure. ( Those attorneys make me say that. Soooo don't do the donts. Okay? Unless you have and it's work, then leave me a message because I've got to hear this.)

Choosing just one

I've never been good at choosing just one. 

Ice cream flavors, coffee mugs, shoes.

Even children.

Did the one child thing once. Loved him so much I decided the next time I would take two.

Now I am trying to choose just one out of four silhouettes.

I have purchased five from a talented artist, Miss Crowland, on Etsy.  

So impressed was I with her work, I asked her to make my daughters' silhouettes in color. She came back with too many for me to choose from. So here I am. Asking for your help. Any thoughts? I believe this is Dahl.

Awaiting your thoughts and wishing you stillness in the chaos,

LD

Inspired

I woke this morning early. The house was silent and everyone was snug in their beds. The sky was just beginning to take on the first rays of light. It was so serene. I decided to stay awake though the thought of crawling back into my warm inviting bed and resting my eyes (as my son calls it when he's being told to wake up for the 4th time) did cross my mind.

I went to the kitchen and saw the remnants of last night's living. Some cookie crumbs.  A milk glass. Not too bad. Oh, the cookie tin. Left open. That's more like my girlie. Lola loves these vanilla animal crackers. They're organic and so my children mistakingly believe they can eat as many as they want because as my son, ever the informer, well, informs, ' They're healthy and so good for you'

I'd better clarify this for them. Like, yesterday.

I put on a pot of coffee. The house is cool compared to my toasty bed and I'm feeling a bit chilled and looking forward to drinking this.

Mr. LD is showering now. He's already given son the first call

I gathered the girls' birthday party invitations in preparation for school delivery. I stop by Son's room.

'Good Morning J. Let's wake up and have a quiet morning before Lola and Dahl join us.'

Son replies,' I'm awake, just moving slowly'

Ahhh...Life is still good. That was 2nd call.

Mr. LD is out and meets me in the kitchen. He's bothered by the fact that Son J doesn't get up and get going. Doesn't like that we have to keep on nudging him. He needs to get to bed earlier. He just called him for the 2nd time.

Um, that was 3rd call but I don't say anything.

We split the dressing of the sleeping dolls and get done as Son's eyes have been well rested and he is dressed. ( Thank You God)

Quick breakfast. Lunches and Mr. LD takes the gaggle out the door. Whoosh. Whew. Whoa. I look around and the house is one again silent. The soft sunlight is streaming in rays through our French doors. Wow. I see dust particles, or is it fairy dust in these rays? Is this a dream? It's wonderful.

Time for that coffee. Yes I still have not had that first cup.

I sat down and realized I feel inspired. For what. There are so many possibilities. I could make a laundry list but am revisiting a list I made last summer. I chose 10 things I wanted to accomplish in the next 10 years. Sounds doable. And if those get done earlier than expected I can add more. Or not.

1. Learn to play the piano

2. pare down

3. make time for reading ( I can devour books)

4. Learn something new and interesting

5. Learn. Share. Give. Expect nothing.

6. Learn to swim

7. Renew my vows

8. Learn to roll my Rs

9. Travel 

10. learn to sew

I have done 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. These were the most important to do and now I can continue 2,3,4, and 5 while I tackle the other items.

So with this list in mind I went to look at fabrics.I bought this child's learn to sew kit back in December? And two of my closet friends are seamstresses. Time to tackle number 10.

Do yo have a list? Short, doable, and Life enhancing was my requisite.

What's yours?

Until next time, LD