Inspiration at Every Corner. Who Inspires YOU?

Everyday people who live life the best they can and do not get the proper recognition they deserve:

1.) People who apologize for a wrong they've committed and mean it.
     (I'm also inspired by people who accept the apology and also mean it.)

2.) People who recognize there's a problem but rather than complain and blame, offer solutions and
     are willing to carry them out.

3.) People who use every ounce of their talents without bragging, and always strive to improve.

4.) I'm inspired by people who aren't the "best" at what they do, but always try their best no matter the
     circumstance. Failure is not in their vocabulary.

5.) People who count their blessings. They enjoy what they have whether it's a little or lots, and know
     how to be satisfied. These people have peace of mind because they are not caught in the non-ending
     torture of always needing more. They enjoy all, but need nothing.  There is a difference.

6.) I'm inspired by people who stop at a child's lemonade stand to buy what amounts to warm sugar
     water. They are the encouragers of tomorrow's entrepreneurs.

7.) People who take a leap of faith and do as their heart directs, very much inspire me. It's not easy for
     people to do what feels right, especially if it's something that goes against popular opinion, family
     members, friends, co-workers. This is undeniable courage.

8.) Good listeners who do not judge really inspire me. What an amazing gift of compassion. They are the
     world's hope for peace and sanity.

9.) People who stop to help change a car tire, especially if it's cold and raining. Total heroes!

10.) People with a great sense of humor. They put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. When I am
       with someone like that the weight of the world, at least for the moment, is off my shoulders.

There's much inspiration to be found everywhere, but especially in each other; I could go on and on with examples...WHO INSPIRES YOU????

A Girl After My Own Heart

This is my friend Christina's daugher, Candace. 

She is a very beautiful girl, inside and out.  Candace just turned 13 and is quite possibly one of my favorite people.  I've spoken about her before on this blog, but have never posted her picture.  (Don't get weird on me, Candace. I love this picture.)

Think about what most girls would want for their 13th birthday.  What comes to mind?  When you think of how preteen girls are marketed you think of clothes, makeup, iPods and other techno goodies, dvd's, etc., right?  Well.  I have news for the big marketing companies of the world.  There is something you have overlooked greatly:  electronic labelers.  That's right!  This is what our "little Candace" (as her mother and I lovingly refer to her and watch her cringe every time) wanted for her 13th birthday.

And this is what she got.

She loves it.  Her mom posted about it as well (http://www.christinasthoughtsonlife.blogspot.com/).  Apparently she is labeling everything in the house.  Of course, her primary reason for wanting an electronic labeler was to let everyone in the house know what was hers.  She even labeled her leftover birthday cake, "Candace's Cake. NO TOUCHY!".  She has also labeled the rest of the food in the refrigerator that she claims is only for her consumption.  Apparently there is a food shortage at Christina's house.  Really, Christina.  Your poor children are starving. 

But at least everything is neatly labeled. :)