A gleam-- There is no next time

One life - a little gleam of time between two eternities.
Thomas Carlyle

Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments.

Rose Kennedy

Life. It's so true isn't? It will surely be gone in the blink of an eye. Knowing that, I've been enjoying the beauty of creation a lot more lately. It's amazing the gifts right in front of us. All we have to do is stop and soak it in.

Like this Zebra I recently saw at a safari. Its strips so unique and intriguing. A beautiful creation with many theories about the stripes purpose.  

                                                                

  

And it's not just God's creation that I'm learning to admire and appreciate more. It's soaking in life, trying new things, and enjoying every minute. We won't have a scrapbook of Facebook statuses to be grateful for one day...but rather people we spend time with, the family we loved, the places we visited, and the adventures we captured. No matter how BIG or how SMALL.

My recent jet ski adventure

  

Awesome Taylor Swift concert with friend Nick.

 

Experimenting with braids...

                    

                                                                                          

                 

Painting pumpkins for the first time.
Meet Frankie.



 

Also a first... Decorating for Fall!

                          





Knowing at the heart of it all.... are many Blessings





Trading in Make-up for Dolls & Play-Doh

Every day, make-up is a must in my life. Unfortuantley, TV requires it and I'd be lost without it. So, how wonderful its been to not wear any during vacation! No more mascera and lipstick. No re-applying several times a day. Relief. It may not look pretty-- but I'll take a bare face any day! Oh, and a pony tail? Yes please!

BUT, the biggest highlight of all has been --- this beautiful angel. Dress up is her favorite and play-doh is a must! She's worn my jewelry and asked to wear my make-up. Funny how she's dying to wear what I dread almost daily. What a big girl! So sad to leave her soon. There will be lots of hugs, kisses and I love you's. Blessed to have been able to play with her every day. 

Our Strawberry Shortcake dolls brought back to life 20 plus years later!



Making a ooey gooey cake!



But-- boy could we use a third princess for dress up! Can't wait until this precious angel can help us wear crowns and play shoes! Maybe that's what she's dreams of too. :)

So blessed and thankful to have you both in my life. Love you bundles.      

 

Mercies in Disguise & A Make a Difference Challenge

"I love your shoes," grinned a sweet little girl.

Three minutes later.

"Your smile is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it," said a gentle man.

No. Thank you.

Thank you to the 7-year-old girl that skipped by me in the mall bathroom. Thank you to the 60-year-old something cashier that stopped what he was doing to give me a simple but BIG compliment.

My first encounter brought joy to my heart when the little girl whispered her precious words. But my second encounter turned to tears. Happy tears. Thankful tears. Two angels in a matter of minutes.

What a blessing. What a lesson!

Family illnesses, medical unknowns, broken hearts. We all have our "problems." Our lives are all different. Sadness. Grief. Betrayal. Worry. Scars.

For some of us, they haunt us daily. For others, it's a memory that triggers the pain-- the reflection.

I got a big reminder today from God to step out of my "bubble" my "burdens" and "see" the
people around me.

Those two "angels" today made a difference. Yes, even with their small compliments-- they reminded me to strive daily to make a difference.

What can I do today to make someone smile? After all, your smile-- your kind word might be
the only sweet things they experience today.

It's my challenege for myself. Will you do it with me?

Little did I know today's lessons would continue.

Most car rides home--I'm listening to K-Love. It's a peaceful time I look forward to every day. Today was no exception.

Blessings by Laura Story played softly.

What if Your blessings come through rain drops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if it takes a 1,000 sleepless nights to know you're near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

Realizing that my "problems" don't mean I am or was ever on the wrong path. This IS MY path.
And no doubt-- there will be yellow lights, stop signs, and yield signs along the way before
God allows us to "reach" that blessing.

Laura's words-- So raw. So true.

We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your word isn't enough
All while, You hear each desperate plea
And long we'd have faith to believe.

It took two "angels" and a song full of "blessings" to be reminded that the scariness of life isn't home. Thankful for His reminders. It's my prayer they will never stop.

Always a Reporter at Heart...

Today, I'm having a walk down memory lane. It all started with this thank you card on my desk this morning. It's from my boss congratulating me on my five year anniversary with Ch. 11. Really? Has it been five years?

I arrived at the Today's THV in 2006--just a young pup. Age 23.  I only had one year reporting experience under my belt and was literally scared to death. I still remember that first day so vividly. Flubs came and went. I reported weekends, days, nights, mornings, holidays-- and everything in between! Pure bliss. Well, most of the time. Deadlines and breaking news can for sure be stressful. But at the end of the every day----this----my love for telling people's stories never wavered. Connecting with people and having the privilege of being their voice is my all time favorite.

I've been so blessed to work with some incredible photojournalists. They're the men behind the camera who have an unbelievable knack for story telling. You know who you are. You helped me keep my sanity on stressful days and laughed about anything and everything. Working long 9 to 10 hours a day for 1:30 min. of air time.... all worth it in the end.

Quite the team we are---photogs and I crafting stories. We've won Associated Press awards, Emmys, and Edward R. Murrows.  It's always a wonderful feeling to be recognized for your work. Even more so when your "job" is your passion.

So, here I am--years of hard work finally paid off. A few months back--I got a full-time anchor gig on the morning show. You see, getting to the anchor chair is what most reporters strive for. I was no different.

And while I love this new adventure, I sure miss the old one. I long for the days when I can hit the streets again and feed this withdrawal.

I guess I'll always be a reporter at heart....

Have so many favorite stories-- but here's a few.

Precious Girls

Pig Tails. Patty May. Giggles. Mickey. Swimming. Kisses. Spooky Caves. Cookies. Piggy back rides. Candy. Little Einsteins. Pull ups. Sandcastles. Hair bows. Swings. Chocolate milk. = Two Sweet Girls.

I have two precious little girls in my life that I miss beyond words. For now, the phone calls and occasional Skype conversations will have to do. Their tiny little voices melt my heart and bring much joy!

Precious McCarole is about to be a BIG girl. Her 3rd birthday is just around the corner. Can't believe three years have passed since that hot July day. To her, I am her Ashy---hoping I will always be, but knowing that sweet tiny voice is about to grow up. Before I know it, she'll be calling me Ashley-- just like everyone else....

Beautiful inquisitive Charlotte. Your huge smile and curiosity is such a joy. We are both "little" sisters-- so I know we share a special bond. When you get older, I'll be sure to share some first hand knowledge about how to deal with a "big" sister. I cannot wait to see you grow. Your sweet giggles make me smile. I love you little one and I am so grateful for you. 

From Arkansas to Texas. Hundreds of miles may separate us, but I think of you both every day! Cannot wait to see my precious girls in just a few short weeks. Counting the days!

So proud of you-- my sweet sister-- for raising such beauties. Love you all. ~Ashy

Precious Reminder

Was just reminded of this and had to share.

~There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.

So, love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones that don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy and at peace. Falling down is part of LIFE, getting back up is part of LIVING.~

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Tuesday Smiles

It's 3:30 a.m. I walk into work and.... silence. It's me and three producers. I say hello. They greet me back, but there's not much more conversation. After all, it's early--WAY early. I've only been up for a little over an hour.

But by 5:00 a.m. it's like our "little family" has been awake for hours! The silence is gone. We talk. We laugh. We have water gun fights! Yes, I got soaked today.

Fast forward an hour-- and the newsroom turns into a place for Hollywood stars! Enter John O'Hurley. You may remember him as Mr. Peterman from Seinfeld. He appeared on the hit comedy for four seasons and said it was the best thing he ever did! The award winning actor also hosted the popular game show Family Feud.  Such a nice man. It was a pleasure.

Today was all about the unexpected. I seriously have a truly blessed life.  I loved the laughs and the spontaneity of today. It was full of smiles. Despite my hurdles and road blocks in life, I am thankful. Gracious for my daily bouquet of blessings. I got this bracelet to wear as a constant reminder. 

May I always see the beauty of the day.