My teens think they are the ones who got the great spring break-away from us boring old p's. but my hubby and I think we're the ones who really scored.with our footloose and fancy tour!
Here's a little glimps of some of the stops we took while footloose and fance free!
The Nail Bar is located at 2021 Mallory Lane in Franklin, Tn
A Freese Favorite
East Village Historic East Nashville has been coined by Budget Travel Magazine as “Nashville’s version of New York’s East Village”. Always growing, thriving, eclectic, historic and hip, East Nashville has become one of the city’s most-desired areas to live and work.
Whether it’s for the amazing restaurants, the vintage and eclectic shopping, the vibrant and artistic culture, people are finding more and more reasons to come over to “this side of the river”.
Vintage clothes galore can be found here!
An April Fool's Day first ...a faus wedding...quite the sight at The Red Door!
Love this chair, hippie or not.
UNION STATION right in the heart of our awesome Music City!
Encouraging, inspiring, and challenging women to embrace their unique design is the tapestry through which each layer of DesignHer Living is woven.
The Next Door is dedicated to helping women in crisis, equipping them to develop lives of wholeness and hope.
Even though the women's experiences may differ from those that DesignHer Living and The Next Door attracts the heart for change is similar.
If you would like to lock arms and pour into a woman's life who is focused on pursuing the promise of a a positive future please take a look at the ways you can help.
If you're local WE NEED YOUR CLOTHES!! All sizes are welcomed and shoes are a necessity!!
We only ask that you take a good look at what you are donating and put yourself in these ladies shoes. They are looking towards positive change and pursuing employment opportunities. Ask yourself, if the clothes will help or hinder the impression they make on their prospective employer.
If you have items please email me to make arrangements.
I had met with a decorating client earlier this Fall to find that she was in the midst of her own "Dog's Gone Wild" reality show! I was amazed and horrified at the damage that her dogs had done to her upholstered furniture. But to my amazement she was brushed off her tattered and torn furniture much like any mother who dismisses the mess the kids have left in front of the tv, in their bedrooms, by the front door...I'm speaking with experience here but I wish I could embrace her same nonchalant attitude of 'dogs will be dogs.'
Thankfully, the talented craftsmen at Cool Springs Upholstery look at dog frenzied furniture not only as a creative challenge but as job security. So, off her furniture went to be returned soon after with renewed life and new springs to chew....??? She was tickled pink over her brand new couches but unfortunately, her mouthwatering dogs were not as they now realized their chops would not be licking these new 'chew toy's' from behind their newly installed doggie gate!
But couches aren't the only pieces these "Cujo wanna be's " like to sink their chops into. No, before I got out the door my grace-filled client retrieved another chew toy that her babies used as a teething ring. A beautiful ornate gilded mirror from the highly respectable Horchow company.
Apparently, her bad boy dogs, have great taste and know a great find when they see one. The glistening gold caught their eye and they decided to leave their mark on it too. Knowing that she most likely paid a pretty penny for it and knowing that if the table was turned I would want to salvage that beauty any way I could. I knew there had to be a way to take that once treasured purchase that now looked like it was ready for the dumpster back to its treasured beginning...so I hauled into the back seat of my car with hopes of bringing it back to life too. All you can do is try.
After visiting my favorite craft store, Michaels, I realized there must be quite a few dogs going wild out there as there was an array of 'building up' products to choose from.
Below is my step by step on bringing back the gold
Yum, Yum! A build up product could be used on an array of items in your home that have lost a piece here and there. Think picture frames, furniture, accessories, etc.
I chose 'Model Magic' to use for this project because the mirror itself was styrofoam and I felt that it would camafloage the best. It was easy to manipulate, smooth out, and build up. Felt like I was kneading bread dough. You'll be amazed at the choices so just read the information and find the product most suitable for you. I let it dry over night before painting.
The 'white stuff' is the product. It sticks straight to whatever you're building up. Easy, breezey and it's quite fun to do!
Once dry, I used a sanding pad to blend the edges of the product with the original. After that, it was time to paint. As I would tell my faux finishing clients back in the day, "it's just paint, if you don't like it, just paint over it."
I used an assortment of gold paints to achieve the olde world gilded finish.
Voila! Ready to reflect once again!!
So, go retrieve your items that you've relinquished to the goodwill pile and head to your favorite craft store to find the best product for your project and get started bringing it back to life! Have fun, you can do it!!
I'm usually game when it comes to taking the plunge into new adventures and experiences. Most of the time I even jump in feet first! However,when my husband announced that he signed both of us and our three kids to participate in theTybee Island 'Polar Bear Plunge' I have to admit my sense of adventure wasn't bursting at the seams when he announced what it entailed.
The name,it self, sent shivers down my spine as it's difficult enough to get me to dip my toe in the water when it is sweltering hot outside, let alone on a January morning in the states.
Because I thought it was cool that 'Mr.Freese' went to such great lengths to find us the perfect memory-filled family outing to begin our New Year, no way, was this Mrs.Freese going to get heated up over his choice of outings.
Besides, the Polar Bear Plunge wasn't about being rational or about an opportunity to practice clear thinking, no, this event was all about putting on your crazy and going for it in the spirit of "if I can psyche myself up enough to jump in a body of freezing cold water with no heat to warm my back, then I can most certainly grab a hold of 2012 with an "I Can Do Anything" attitude too!
Yes, it was a bone chilling experience, but in the coolest, most memorable way. We all did it, and we all survived! And isn't that the way with most of the plunges we finally decide to take? We not only survive, but we usually get warmed up to taking more plunges and making an even bigger splash!
If you'd like a bit more encouragement as it pertains to taking your plunge this 2012 visit my Brentwood HomePage column.
Take a peek by pressing link below at us and all the other crazies after the taking the plunge!
Whatever You Find Yourself Wearing, Choose To Wear It Well
With additional special events scattered throughout this holiday calendar I'm guessing that you may have found yourself hitting the panic button once or twice when it comes to deciding what in the world you're going to wear.
We'v/I've all been there but the panic can quickly turn to peace if you keep a few things in mind.
I think we can probably all agree that when we put some time and effort into looking our best we magically feel better and more at ease whether it is at a special event during the holidays or even if we're just out doing life.
Am I the only one who dislikes when you run into someone and they spend the first five minutes apoligising for their appearance or make comments on how good you look and how bad they look? C'mon ladies, you can do better than this. How do you want to be perceived? Answer that question and carry on.
Five Fashion Pointers For Your Peace-filled Party Presence
1. If you're getting your panties tied in a knot over your party outfit. Ask yourself why? What's riding on the line....are you needing to make a special impression on someone hosting or attending the party or is it that you have the need for approval that is twisting your core? If that is the issue then you want to address this bigger issue first. Are you as hard on others as you are being on yourself? I bet others aren't judging you as harshly and if they are that's their problem, not yours. In keeping with the dress code....wear what you feel best in and go!
2. Know thyself, accept thyself. This needs to be first and foremost. Your outfit of choice should express your personality as well as compliment the caliber of the event. Your choice will determine your comfort and ease but your inner confidence will shine throughwhether or not you are dressed appropriately for the occasion.
3. Adhere to the dress code on the invitation and if there is no dress code error on over dressing rather than underdressing. None the less, getting dolled up will express your respect to the host.
4. If you aren't wanting to spring for a new outfit, spring for a little pre-party pampering whether it be a mani-pedi, new make-up. or a blow-out or an up-do. It's the holidays, embrace them and yourself in the process!
5. No matter whether the dress code reads: Christmas Casual, Fashionably Festive, or Outrageously Tacky remember to always wear it well!
Remember you want people to remember YOU and not just your outfit. If they remember both,you got it going on, girl!
We all have "boy, was my face red " moments when we have become victim to a clothing/costume choice catastrophe ......well,here's mine. To read more about my embarrassing moo-moo moment click here
"Let your beauty be that of your inner self." 1Peter:4
1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
2.
a. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.
b. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: followed family tradition in dress and manners. See Synonyms at heritage.
3. A body of unwritten religious precepts.
4. A time-honored practice or set of such practices.
Even though me and my family spend most of the year 'winging' it when it comes to to planning new adventures, surprises, and places to visit but when it comes to the Christmas season we,or should I say I, get serious about placing special importance and priority on a few things we choose to do.
I love a few tried and true traditions and I love to throw in a few new ones every now and again too. I've had friends share that their family doesn't have any traditions. My reply was 'then start some now.' It's never to late to begin new traditions because before you know it you won't remember a time when the tradition wasn't yours.
Not Just One Santa Comes to Visit Our House!
Nope we've got to be extra good as we've got a few hanging out with us all season long keeping an eye on every move we make! I started our Santa collection when my last little baby arrived on the scene and we've been adding them ever since. Everyone has their favorites and I think it will be fun giving them to each of my kids when they begin celebrating Christmas in their homes.
What Starts As A Fun Way To Clean Ends As A Fun Family Tradition
When I was in high school my grandma realized that it was time to clean and clear out her storage room which happened to be right around the New Years Holiday. On a whim she decided to turn her 'clean sweep' into a game of family fun after the New Years Ball dropped with a round(s)of Bingo!
Because of her whim while I was still a teenager my two teens and a tween can't remember a time when our extended family didn't enjoy a night of Christmas Bingo because after all of my grandma's clutter and a few of her hidden away heirlooms ( I hope my old high school boyfriend is enjoying the Reeser heirloom that he was able to win for his own) were gambled away she passed the 'bingo baton' on to my mom stole the clean sweep bingo baton.
As with anything that someone passes on to us it's not long before we make it our own. My mom has turned the grandma's clear out the clutter game and has added her own touch of outrageous with a myriad of eclectic treasures for the winning bingoer. We've had everything from pooping reindeer to blingy baubles to Dollar General screwdriver sets. I think one of the many things we have discovered in the process of this fun family tradition is that our family definitely has a few screws loose.
Sharing Our Letters
A tradition that is just the 'Freese Family Five's ' is one of my favorites and hopefully, one day it will be the kids favorite too. On Christmas Eve after we return home from Christmas Eve service at our church (another tradition) and after we eat our dinner of lasagna ( another tradition) and before we watch A Christmas Story (yep, another one but this one's changing starting this year...as I just don't love this movie) we begin our
'Sharing of Our Letters' whichhas been taking place just a few years between us five. This is how it works:
1. A few weeks before Christmas we put each of our names in a Santa hat and take turns drawing out one
2. The name of the person you draw is the name of the person you write a letter to
3. This is where the fun begins...the letter can include anything you want but should be from the heart sharing what that person means to you (how often do we take the time to do that?), what you admire about the person, and maybe a few lines asking for their forgiveness for past years grievances :)
4. Who ever writes the letter.... reads the letter and this is where Mama usually can't hold back the tears and the kids respond, 'Mom....."
My hope is that we continue this tradition forever as it stirs and touches each of our hearts. Let me share though that this tradition was not met with cheers of joy and 'can't wait' from the children. This tradition started with 'you're going to do this, you're going to play along, and you're going to like it.' Sometimes a Mama's gotta do what a Mama's gotta do. Thankfully, they have become good sports about it and if the truth were known I think they really enjoy it.
It's your turn borrow these few traditions I've shared and tweak them to make them your own and before you know it you'll not remember a time when they weren't yours!
If your wish is to experience only peace, joy, and love this Christmas season I offer a few how-to's in my column at Brentwood Home Page .
It took a little conniving, convincing,and wrangilng to get me to the 'basking in the birthday bliss' but I did it! Because in a 'blink of an eye' I'll be another year older so I may as well bask in the luxury of living! If you didn't catch my birthday column at BHP go take a gander now to learn my 'blink of an eye' BrentwoodHomePage and below click on your gift to find the inspiration behind the column.
My morning started off on the right page as I opened my devotional 'Jesus Calling.' This devotional, as any devotional, miraculously seems to have the perfect words at the perfect time. Starting my day with a devotional, words of God's truth, time of prayer, and reflection is the best gift I give myself. If you don't do it don't beat yourself up just start and you will experience the miraculous, I promise.
Here is my Birthday Devotional and I promise it will still bless you even if it's not your birthday! Let the words sink in and resonate in your heart and mind. These words are not meant just for me or for someone else but for you too.
"Bask in the Luxury of being fully understood and unconditionally loved. Dare to see yourself as I see you radiant in My righteousness, cleansed by My blood. I view you as the one I created you to be, the one you will be in acutality when heaven becomes your home. It is My Life within you that is changing you from glory to glory. Rejoice in this mysterious miracle! Thank Me continually for the amazing gift of My Spirit within you.
Try to depend on the help of the Spirit as you go through this day of life. Pause briefly from time to time so you can consult with this Holy One inside you. He will not force you to do His bidding, but He will guide you as you give Him space in your life. Walk along this wonderous way of collaboration with MY Spirit."
A little 'bubbly' after boot camp with some of my 'besties.'
Next a birthday lunch at Bricktops with some more of my besties.' Life is good for this ole' timer, huh?
A beautifully decorated Birthday Cake just for my mom and I to share! And she's a 'bestie' for sure!!
And how many family members and cakes does it take to light Mom's birthday candles??
Three cakes should help make all my birthday wishes come true!?!
In a 'blink of an eye' here I am; a blessed forty + a few years old and loving every minute of it!
We had a great time donning costumes that crazily hit close to home. Everyone that knows me knows that I love Oprah. Her shows have been a great source of inspiration to me over the years. It was her show back in 1995 about women entrepreneurs that inspired me to begin my faux finishing business.
I remember hearing her guests share how they stepped out of their comfort zones and created their businesses. With tears in my eyes, which was a constant during many of her shows, I sat there thinking if they could do something like that why couldn't I? Hence, my journey of getting out of my comfort zone time and time again since then began. http://oprah.com
While living in the windy city, not far from Harpo Studios, I was able to visit her show twice. It was in the '90's and I think Oprah was still in the midst of finding her authentic voice and self . Her shows, should I say, unforgettable?? So much so , that the two I attended I can hardly remember the subject.
There are many shows in the last 25 years that I do remember but those shows weren't among them. Isn't that terrible? It just goes to show when people or shows for that matter don't connect with your emotions or your heart they often become forgettable.
I really hate that she is no longer on TV as the Oprah that I couldn't wait to watch between 4 and 5 pm, Everyone in my family knew that I was going to miss her and I do. OWN is just not the same. But I give her credit she listened to her heart and knew when it was time close the chapter in search for chapters still unwritten.
Okay, so this blog is not about Opra but about my hubby and I paying homage to our Windy City roots due to the fact that's where we started our lives together and both of our boys being born there. We definitely have a sweet spot for our 'Sweet Home Chicago' and we had sweet time saluting it
Mike Ditka and Oprah were' our obvious personalities of choice! We loved it and everyone got a kick out of it!
Oprah Nabs Her Interview of a Lifetime, Mike Ditka!
It may have been a little too cold for most of us Nashvillians last evening but it was warm and toasty once I entered the Southern Living Showcase Home!! What a great night learning even more of the in's and out's of social media as the experts from Nashville Social Media shared their tips regarding the social media craze. I also learned just how much the iPad can not only help us crank up the tunes in our home but amp up our security too as Ace Security and Technology spokesperson shared the million plus ways the iPad can keep us feeling warm and secure in our homes.
Here are a few insider sneek peeks of this beautiful home designed and built by Castle Builders. Make sure you put a visit to this home on your to-do calendar. It will be open from October 21st through November 6th at Dorset Park. The Ronald McDonald House is the event's benefitting charity. How great is that?
Loved this monocramatic use of the color white. Rich and Shabby at the same time. Check out the floor length mirrors...LOVE!
I'm also loving this tile backsplash!! It is a water-jet, "Sinuous" mosaic tile pattern in a natural stone product.
Heavenly Dreams in this Master Retreat!
Check out the cubes at the end of the bed...
How fun, creative, and easy this momento board would be to make. Grab an old frame, back the board with your favorite paper and stick on your favorite mementos. Voila and you've got a cute focal point.
Their guest room provided a chuckle for its visitors....they had these nice photographs of Marilyn Monroe on the wall and then who do you find a photograph of in the bathroom? None other than our former president, JFK. Bad decisions can follow you forever!!
When it came time to redecorate my tween girls bedroom I looked around our house to see what pieces from my past could be repurposed for her present. When it came down to it there were many pieces ranging from table runners, a 1970's dresser, needlework pillow cases, and kissing balls.
Last spring my nephew got married, therefore, I had an excuse to throw a party! I hosted his bride -to- be's wedding shower. Hosting any event is the perfect excuse for me to design and include a new frivolity or two. This time I paid homage to a old Christmas Victorian tradition. Victorians took great pride in speaking the language of flowers by crafting 'kissing balls' in which they carefully chose unique berries and flowers. Their kissing balls have become one of our favorite Christmas decorations; the mistletoe.
The bridal shower was held in the Spring therefore, I needed these 'kissing balls' to pop with color and spring time cheer so I chose flowers such as daisies, roses, carnations, and the like to enhance my buffet table.
Because of the potential high cost of using real flowers and the danger of wilted blooms I mixed both artificial and real flowers; fooling many of the guests who commented on the 'fresh' smelling beauty of these frivolities. Their senses had been fooled.
I loved the look of these 'kissing balls' even more than I enjoyed crafting them, therefore, I placed them in a safe place hoping one day I would be able to use them again.
Voila, my daughter's 'tween room! However, this time, we would not be referring to them as 'kissing balls. They are now known as 'flower puff balls' and hang beautifully in her room.
So, would you like to make your own 'kissing ball' or 'flower puff ball' for your next celebration or room redo? If so, I've included a few easy steps for you to follow.
Choose any sized styrofoam ball that can be found at any craft store.
Gather your favorite artificial blooms. For a special event tuck in fresh ones too.
You will need scissors to cut the stems, straight pins to attach flowers to ball, glue to attach the ribbon so that it can hang.
4. Find the perfect occasion and the perfect room to enjoy your 'flower puff kissing ball.'
It's sad, but true, my little 'pretty in not so much pink anymore' girl is all grown up, or at least ,she thinks her room should be!
Turning age 11 was the perfect time, in her creative mind, to redesign her place of slumber. Olivia actually thought age 10 would have been more perfect but this Mamacita who has a penchant for girly girl sweetness was not ready to stash the sticky stuff away just yet.
For the past 10 years, I have thrown myself into creating heavenly rooms of rest for my one and only tutu wearing bundle of joy.
She has let me sprinkle star dust and hang fabric with 'people on it' till my hearts content. But turning 11 has called for a whole new set of rules and sadly, they aren't mine.
This time my soft spoken Olivia authoritatively declared she was designing her living quarters this go-around. I was officially fired!
First to go...twin beds, the princess fabric with the people, and the fine china tea sets..
So good bye to custom canopy toile and hello to catchy creative. The 'tween is on the scene and she's bringing in the bling!
As quick as she went from tutu's to booty shorts....her room went from sugar and spice to mod and marvelous. And guess what? We love it! I mean she loves it as I didn't have a thing to do with it. It has taken on such a fun and perky vibe that I'm wondering what I was thinking letting those people hang around for so long.
As in anything, the anticipation of change is usually harder than the actual change itself. Once we surrender and accept the natural design process only then can the true gift of passing chapters of well lived years be embraced. Needless to say , this Mamacita is excitedly anticipating the unfolding of new chapters as she cuddles up in the splendor of Mod and Marvelous.
DesignHer Living covered all things design on this week’s radio show from home to fashion to life. My guests blew me away with not only their expertise and knowledge but also their hearts. Most often in choosing my guests I not only try to choose people who I think are doing interesting or inspiring things in their fields but who also have a similar heart to mine when it comes to doing their life work.
This show did that beautifully and right from the start. My first guest, Bobby McAlpine, is a renowned architect who designed his first house in the 7th grade for the richest woman in his home town! Now, I have a 7th grader and I can’t imagine anyone paying him a cent for anything except for maybe cleaning out the garage. Bobby ‘quietly’ and humbly shared his heart (my body was so tense trying to hear his soft spoken answers that I was sweating on the microphone) with me about how he could not not do what he does because it is a part of his whole being. His book, ‘A Home Within Us’ has touched countless readers hearts too as it just came off the press in May on Amazon and it’s already sold out. More copies will be available in August. This book is the 3rd highest selling book on architecture and design. I will be sure and let you know when it is available again. Until then get to know Bobby’s heart first by listening to the interview below.
My second guest had me relaxed and laughing in no time. Kim Johnson Gross is a style fashionista after my own heart. This former cover girl has not relied on her looks alone to leave her mark on the world of fashion. No, she is a women blessed with beauty and a brain and the where with all to go do it and she has! She is Co-Creator of the world wide series, Chic Simple. This series of books ring simplicity and style into one’s life. Her latest book, ‘What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life’ examines critical shifts that women experience at various stages in their lives. And how often times, those shifts show up in your closet. This was a fun and informative interview. Listen and be inspired to make every day a reason to get dressed for YOU!
And last, but not least, Charla Muller, joins me behind the mike for two segments with a subject that will get you thinking about birthday gifts a little differently. Charla shares girlfriend style with me on how she chose to give her husband for his 40th birthday a gift that couldn’t be returned or shared with anyone else but her. ‘365 Nights of Intimacy~ A Memoir’ first started out as a personal birthday present to her hubby but then hit such a nerve that she decided to share her birthday gift in written form so that others might learn the importance and specialness that can be created when intentional choices are made and intentional gifts are given.
1. http://www.wsradio.com/player/wsradio-player2.cfm/type/windows/show/Designher-Living-with-Amy-Freese/segment/32758.html
I have been working hard creating changes for my new format for my radio show, “Designher Living,” that is scheduled to launch on May 12, 2010. Like many days I set out today with a long to-do list that involved making some of those changes, however, my morning plans got ‘redesigned.’
Maybe you can relate…you start your day thinking “I’m going to do this, “and “I’m going to do that,” “I’m going to go here,” and “I’m going to go there.” All these high hopes for a big ole’ sense of accomplishment at the end of your day. It feels good to check things off of lists, doesn’t it? Well, what about when you are suddenly faced with a whole new list that you didn’t plan for? Do you grumble and groan because of the inconvenience or do you willingly chuck it for the new one in hopes that you are being called to greater concerns or needs.
Unlike many of the people living in Nashville who were “forced” to rewrite their to-do lists due to the unrelenting and unforgiving waters that invaded their designed days as they knew them I was able to “make” the choice on Thursday of chucking or choosing my to-do list.
You see, my tennis coach for “My Love to Serve” tennis team and his wife were among those who were forced to rewrite. For months they’ve already been in the midst of writing as they are expecting twin sons in four weeks. Like most expectant parents they have been eagerly anticipating their arrival and doing all the prebaby(ies) arrival “to-do’s.”
On this past Sunday, like many others, their world was flipped upside down and their to-do list for that day which included attending their baby shower was torn out of their hands without their having any choice in the matter. No, instead, the happy mom-to-be, turned horrified mom to be, was detoured to the nearest above water level hospital by helicopter due to a very unexpected guest making a very unwelcome visit to she and her husband’s home in the form of bucket loads of unstoppable and rising by the minute water. Not only was their day’s check list dramatically changed but their future to-do list has been severely altered and redesigned.
So this Thursday, when word came across my computer that my coach and his wife were in need of hands to empty their only days ago beautiful and baby-ready home to now an inhabitable structure I knew that my day’s design was going to go in a completely different direction. My tennis teams name “Love to Serve” took on a whole new meaning that morning and moved me to pick up the bootstraps like those whose to-do lists were pulled out from under them and get serving. How could I not make the choice to chuck my list? All I could think was that this new and unexpected design for my day was exactly what I was supposed to do no matter if my to-do list ever got accomplished.
What to-do list are you chucking or choosing today?
Whoa, already past the midpoint into 2010...how can it be? I'm continually reminding myself that life is not a race and what was authored in my heart will come to completion. However, I also have to be reminded in order to experience completion I do have to plan and prepare with my purpose in mind.
It can all seem a little daunting and overwhelming, even to a life coach... So far in 2010 I have found my brain to be on overdrive with so many cylinders ticking. My mom or friends will ask, "so what are you doing, what are you working on," I respond with a blanket statement of "so much." If I went down the list everyone would truly think I was planning for a race... better yet a sprint.
The life coach must remind herself that life is a marathon, not a sprint right. Well, I also feel that my passion is so high with what I'm doing that it doesn't feel as overwhelming as it appears and because I am doing what I love: finding avenues to get my message of "living a life that you deserve to love" out in a format that people will want to listen and take note I am actually experiencing what I call a "chaotic calm" inside. And living passionate about my purpose is something I will never l allow to get lost up in my layers of life again....so this is all good.
What are you planning and preparing for with purpose for 2010? There are only 11 1/2 months to go to reach your goals. Make this year one that you are living out your passions, living out what you love, living out what you were created for.
Don't wait until the children are grown to get on with your own life. My children are ages 15, 12, & 9 and I think they get a kick out of watching and being involved in my "thing." Don't wait for your house to get clean and organized. I am a clean and organization freak by nature, but I've got bigger fish to fry right now and I'd rather not be so squeeky clean because my magazine ready clean house didn't provide a clean and content heart as promised. And don't convince yourself that just because you have been blessed with a successful and providing husband your purpose and passions aren't really relevent and you should be oh, so happy and content with all he has allowed for your life.... I know that I got sick and tired of trying to shut my dreams and passions off and sick and tired of feeling guilty for wanting to pursue my own purpose. As wonderful as my husband's credentials are, they are not mine.
God did not create me knowing that He could withhold from giving me a passionate purpose because He knew I was going to marry a successful man that would take care of me. No, each one of us has a purpose for living on this earth and if we don't live it with passion, purpose, and enthusiasm we are not doing our part. Iron sharpens iron and how great that my husband and I can live together with purpose and passion. As the saying goes, "if mama ain't happy, ain't no body happy." Amen!
If you are going through the motions of life and are not looking forward to all that 2010 can be for you then this is your time to do a heart and mind check. Right now, this very minute ask yourself, " am I truly living life with purpose and passion or is life living me and wearing me out"?
God knows exactly where you are today...He knows if you " feel"(keep in mind just because you feel that way doesn't mean that it is true) like you have no passion, He knows the life you lead. Ask Him with your heart right now to reignite your passion flames, ask Him to reveal and remind you of what you are passionate about. Ask Him for what you want to be passionate about. Now, take a deep breath, say thank you in advance for what He is going to show you.
Keep in mind, while you are waiting you must take action and start today by simply writing one thing down that you are passionate about, or think you are passionate about, and one thing you want to complete. Don't be surprised if those two things connect. Make a pact with your heart and mind that you will see those two things to completion.... No amount of wishing will get you there and you can't sit around waiting for God to pull up in Fed Ex truck with your passion and purpose....get going, get moving, and grab a hold of passionate living.
For a little extra insight on rediscoving your passion, take a few minutes to listen to my interview with Passion Test Facilliator, Marnie McNamara, as we discuss, " Rediscovering your Passion" in my 4th segment on "Flourish w/ Amy Freese. http://www.nashvillenetradio.com/shows/amy_freese
Wishing you a marathon pace of "chaotic calm" while you passionately makes plans to complete and win your sprint!
Boy, this week seemed to fly by extra fast. It seems just as my official launch day at Nashville Net Radio wrapped I was turning around to tie up loose ends for todays show.
Thankfully, the ends have been tied and I am ready to face another new challenge. My one hour show today promises to push me out of my comfort zone as I am not only relying on quick recall and questions that inspire and intrigue my listeners but I am also having faith and depending on my guests to excitedly be sitting by their phones on time raring to go. All of my guests will be interviewed over the phone and will be calling in from CO, AL, and MN. As a life coach this is nothing new the majority of coaaching takes place over the phone, however, they don't usually require headphones, microphones, and perfectly timed sign in's and sign out's, ah...the wonderful , exciting , and always challenging world of internet radio.....
Today's show is all about life coaching; what is one, why would you consider having one, and what can you expect to receive if you have one. My goal is to uncover the mystery behind the fast growing profession of life coaching and shed light as to how your life can benefit and flourish by choosing to partner with someone who is willing to gently nudge you towards the greatness that is already inside of you.
As a special treat today you will not only hear about life coaching but you will also be able to hear and witness what goes on behind the scenes of a real life coaching conversation. To make it even more exciting my childhood best friend has volunteered her time and her story to demonstrate how coaching works. As a result of facebook Ellen and my paths have crossed once again...once connected at the hip for most of our growing up years our lives have meandered and taken us different directions for the past 15 years. This conversation will be our first opportunity to reconnect. Coaching is not only connecting us today but it will be reconnecting us. It promises to be intriguing on so many levels.
Please tune in today live from 12-1 CST to NashvilleNetRadio.com or listen to the archives and find out how life coaching can ensure you are living a life you love!
Today is the day, ready or not world, here I come! I'm not only launching my first blog post ever I am launching my voice, my thoughts, and what is stirring around in my heart as a Life Coach for all to hear on internet radio!! Come along, I invite you to witness what living outside your comfort zone and doing it scared sounds like.
Not that talking is outside of my comfort zone...I have always had a knack for that. My elementary teachers always thought my talking was a nuisance well, hopefully, today it will come full circle and be a blessing.
As nervous and scared as I feel that I am going to royally mess up I also feel a calm in knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and doing what I am exactly supposed to be doing at this time. I didn't go looking for an internet radio gig but I was praying for opportunities to be used in an effective way, in a way that I could be myself and use what God has supplied me with. So this is the door that has opened and the door that I am walking through with faith and humility. What door are you walking through?
Maybe I should be a little more nervous in that during the wee early morning hours I was coughing my head off (our family has had the dreaded flu bugs flying around..,) then after getting my kids sent on their merry way I get an SOS from my teen regarding a left behind book so I jump in my car, still in my pj's, and chase down the school bus, once back home settling into my quiet time with God and thanking Him for all the blessings, etc the fire alarm goes off!
Well, no flames to be found so I just take it as a reminder to keep my cool. So that is what Amy "Freese" is doing this flourishing morning.....keeping cool so I can add some warmth and sunshine to your day via NashvilleNetRadio.com. I'm going live today with "Flourishw/Amy Freese" from 12-1pm CST and my guests and I are going to be talking about "FreshStarts and New Beginnings."
If you can't catch me live, no worries, I'll be in the archives forever..... Listen and let me know if it was a good start.
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you find a photograph of in the bathroom? None other than our former president, JFK. Bad decisions can follow you forever!!
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It's sad, but true, my little 'pretty in not so much pink anymore' girl is all grown up, or at least ,she thinks her room should be! 
First to go...twin beds, the princess fabric with the people, and the fine china tea sets.. 
