The Heart of a Country Girl

My New Web Address...

2011-07-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

www.lifes-a-dance.com

www.brookebenthin.com

Ive Learned...

2011-06-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

I’ve learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

I’ve learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I’ve learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned that you can keep going long after you can’t.

I’ve learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I’ve learned that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I’ve learned that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.

I’ve learned that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

I’ve learned that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I’ve learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

-Omer B. Washington

Describing you...

2011-06-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the coolest things I have read in awhile, what happened to the good ole days.

I hope you this makes you smile as it did me!

Enjoy!

This is YOUR LIFE...

2011-05-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Food For Thought:

2011-05-30T10:36:00.001-07:00

Advice From Somewhere

2011-05-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

ONE:
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR.
When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE.
When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN.
Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.
In disagreements, fight fairly. Please No name calling.

ELEVEN.
Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE.
Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN.
Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN.
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self;
Respect for others;
Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE.
Spend some time alone.

This came around anonamously, identified as from a "Chinese Tantra Totem" - One definition of a tantra being a statement of principle or religious practice and collections of such principles and practices. It's origins are probably from south Asia such as India and may have followed Hinduism and Buddhism and other related belief and practice systems into East Asia including China.
I haven't verified any origins for these sayings. I don't think most of them are unique to China or Asia. Certainly some have existed in western culture for a long time. (They are even older than me) Some are probably ancient. Some, such as the 'smile when answering the phone' are at least modern variations if not actually recent. But they sound good. If you live this way life will seem happy.

Every Artist Should Read This...

2011-05-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

New Stuff :)

2011-04-20T20:24:00.001-07:00

The road less traveled is where I'm bound

2011-01-25T01:48:00.000-08:00

You cant catch a dream if you never try, I'll be chasin mine until I die. <3

The Greatest Man I Have Ever Known... By Cheyenne Benthin

2011-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

This post is very special to me, I felt compelled to put this up because I am so proud of my little sister for writing this. This is something so very impressive, because she is only in the eighth grade. She was given an assignment in her English class to write a short auto biography about someone that has had a great impact in her life, and she chose my father. My little sister is the toughest girl I know, she never wears her emotions on her sleeve. I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did, it proves what a great father we had. :)

The Greatest Man I Have Ever Known.
By Cheyenne Benthin

As people we all search for different things to make our life’s seem more complete, some think these things are in the past, some people think they are in the future. Personally I feel it has to do with the experiences we all have in life that makes the difference. I look at life like a puzzle; it can’t be complete without all of its pieces. Since January of 2009, my life has been missing a very important piece to its puzzle. All my life I've been told, everything happens for a reason and that we all have different lessons we have to learn to realize that. I use to believe that were true, but now I am left unsure. I don’t know why I would have to lose the most important Man I have ever known at such a young age to learn a lesson, I don’t see the reason in “everything happens for a reason”. Although It’s been two years, I still feel like a puzzle missing its pieces. I cannot help that I feel incomplete, or hurt. I feel like my missing piece will always be in the past, no matter how I alter the other pieces the puzzle with still be incomplete.

Jim Russell Benthin was born March 28th 1964, from the time he was born till the time he passed he lived a tough life, but that never stopped him. He always strived for who he wanted to be. He had many dreams, and never gave up on them unless he was forced to stop. He did everything with his head held high; he didn’t pay attention to what other people said. He was the strongest most stubborn man I have ever known, from age 17 to around 21 he rode bulls on a semi professional level. He had always wanted to be a cowboy, and riding bulls was as rugged as it got for a cowboy. He never quit by choice, he was forced to stop after he had been trampled on and broken his back. Even in the hospital he joked about going back out in the ring. Even after that, he was still determined to be someone, he wanted something of his own, and someday he wanted to be up north in a small town. Eventually he accomplished that dream, starting off with nothing handed to him; he took small steps towards his goal proving no one could ever stop him. Jim was the person who never gave up, on anyone or anything. When he started something, he was dedicated to finish it with a smile on his face.

Every Sunday during April-November was NASCAR and you would find my dad on the couch, with his legs on the table, with a beer in his hand, with food cooking in the crock pot. Jim loved his Transam, his transam had 550 horse power, and was 0 to 60 in three seconds, which was another dream he always had, he wanted a Transam, just like the one from smoky and the bandit. His license plate even said bandit. He loved life like no one I have ever known, and he loved all 4 of us kids just as much if not more.

I have always been my Daddy’s girl, even when we argued. I always pushed everything to the limit, but I always knew where the line was. My dad and I hardly ever fought and when we did, he would send me to my room, and then about thirty minutes later, you would find him coming up the stairs, to apologize because he couldn’t stand me being angry or upset with him. I guess it was a bond we had, we couldn’t stay mad at each other. It’s been two years since he passed and I still talk about him like he never left, my older sister and I joke and say he is on a long vacation. Although he is never going to be gone completely, there is still a void in my heart that can’t be filled by anyone else but him, and as hard as it is it doesn’t get easier I just get stronger. I chose to write about my father because he has been, and always will be my biggest influence in life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without that man, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world. I am proud to say that I will do my best to always be as strong as that he was until his last breath, and whenever I feel like giving up, I will remind myself of how hard he worked to prove to me and everyone else life is worth the fight. Even if sometimes we don’t see the reason in “everything happens for a reason”. In loving memory of my father, the greatest man I have ever known, he will always be missed, but never forgotten.

Things that matter, Things that don't.

2011-01-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

The past two weeks have been somewhat difficult, considering it has been two years since my worst fear became a reality I wouldn't expect it to be any different. Growing up I knew my Dad had a lot on his plate, I just never really understood how much. No matter what he had going on he wouldn't break, he just kept pushing forward. Losing him made me realize just how strong he was, I have had to step up and take on most of what he carried. It gets hard sometimes, but I know I have a lot of people that rely on me to be the strong one. Most people would just give up, say its not their responsibility to bear, that its too much. Not me, doesn't matter what comes my way, I wont quit. He NEVER quit on me or anyone else for that matter. I won't do it, I will die first. Losing him as been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Despite the hurt of him being gone, I have gained so much from it. He was the glue that held our family together, and now I am that glue. This post is a little off, but my Father loved everyone as they were. He never judged them for their actions, at least in the last few years of his life he didn't and that is one of the gifts he gave me that I am most thankful for. We are all the same, but we all choose different routes in life. But that is no reason to judge, that very person you judge could be your best friend one day all, if you took the time to get to know them for who they are. I hate being judged, so I try my damn best not to judge others for what they do, because I haven't walked a mile in anyone else's shoes.

Today my Grandpa told me he loved me, and he was proud of me. He is the type of man that doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve, I always knew he loved me he just didn't know how to say it. I know people in my life that Judge that man, saying he wasn't a big part of my Dads life. But what they don't know is that he was one of my Dad's best friends, my Dad knew he loved him dearly he just expressed it differently. The point is, we all have things that have made us who we are, we all strive for the same thing in life and that is love, before you judge someone, stop and ask yourself what makes you so much better than them? Is it money? Accomplishments? None of that matters, and some day you will see what truly matters to you and how petty all of that was. Life is short, appreciate those around you even if you don't understand them. God put them there for a reason. As for me my three new years resolutions are #1 always fallow my heart, no matter what. #2 Never give up, I can do anything as long as I have faith in God, and myself. #3 Do not Judge others, treat them as I would like to be treated.

Happy New Years Everyone, Lets make a difference!! :)

Country Strong

2010-11-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

I was raised to stand up for what I believe in, to stand up for my family, to stand up for my friends, my loved ones, and God. I was taught that everyone makes mistakes, that we will hurt one another, it's apart of life. I was also taught that when someone means something to you, you have their back no matter what. You stand up for them even if they make a stupid decision that you don't agree with, you still have their back. Some of you know me, and some of you think you know me. The some of you that know me, know that I'm not perfect but you know my motive isn't to hurt anyone. You know that I will NOT go out of my way to bring someone down, to disrespect someone, or to be rude to someone. I don't go looking for trouble. But if you mess with what and who means something to me,I don't care who you think you are, if you push me in a corner I will come out fighting. I may be many things but Scared is not one of them.

For those of you who judge someone based on words out of someone else's mouth, I feel sorry for you. It would feel terrible to live by what someone else says, rather then trusting your own judgment on things. I always like to believe there are two sides to every situation, there will always be a piece to the puzzle that is missing. It's your choice if you want to find that piece, or just settle with what someone else said to you. I don't hate anyone, but I do hate when someone goes out of their way to bring you down, they go out of the way to find something to throw in your face. That is my definition of a lost person, and I personally don't have time for that.

Its funny because its usually those who are willing to do anything and everything for another that get hurt. But thats okay, call me whatever you please to, try and pry into my life, judge what I have on this website, or judge me for that matter, pretend to be my friend, listen to what someone else tells you about me, fool me all you want. I may believe you, you may knock me down, but I can promise you once I get back up, you'll never knock me down again. I'll only get a little bit stronger.

Maybe its not me that you should be judging, one day your life will flash before your eyes. Make damn sure that it is worth watching.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; Only Love can do that."

You want change? Be the "Change" you wanna see.

2010-10-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well this seems to be a very sensitive subject to the world now a days, people say they want "change". They blame society, they blame the government, and a vast majority of people blame God. What in the heck is wrong with you people?? I bet it never occurred that you do the very thing you blame everyone else for, you sit aside and wait and do nothing to see this so called "change" you want to see. The man in this video below isn't a professional speaker by any means, but I can tell you he really made me think. Because I am just as guilty as the rest of you. God gave you free will, he creates, he doesn't control. He loves us enough to let us make our own decisions as he watches over us offering signs, advice, guidance, and most people ignore him. Stop being Hippocrates and be the change you want to see. That could be the smallest things, even choosing not to be part of peoples hatred. So many of us attack each other, and over the stupidest things honestly. I have lost a few girls in my life that I thought were good friends all because of hate, and jealousy. Still some of them wait for me to fall, and why? Because they are constantly judging me, being envious. All I will say is I wish the best to you all, even them, and they know who they are. I refuse to take part in this hate, our God created us to love, and that is just what I am gonna do.

Now will you do the same, take a stand, and be the change you want to see?

Its The Little Things... :)

2010-10-20T23:33:00.000-07:00

We all have little things that matter most to us, little things that we love and probably couldn't live without but we don't always stop to appreciate them. Someone asked me recently to think of a few random things that I love about life. So here are some random things I love most :)

1.) I absolutely love the smell of engine grease, random I know but being a Daddy's girl it makes sense lol. Growing up my Dad was a mechanic, he owned his own wrecking yard. He loved working with cars, and rebuilding them. His clothes still have a permanent grease smell, I just love it. Its comforting :)

2.) There is no way I could go without hearing my baby sister laugh, I love how just a simple giggle from her can put a smile on my face no matter how angry I am. I'm pretty sure thats why she kinda chuckles when shes in trouble, she knows it works almost everytime.

3.) I love the sound of the rain, and the smell. There's something soothing about it, rainy days are the best days!

4.) I love my boots, most Women love shoe's. Normally heels, but with me its boots. I'm more comfortable in my worn out boots than anything else.

5.)Dancing, I love spinning around, singing a long with the band, and gliding across the floor to some good O'l George. Country dancing is a big part of who I am.

6.) Fall, for so many reasons but mostly because its cutting season on the farm. I get this warm fuzzy feeling driving through buckeye, seeing all the farmers out workin away. It feels like home <3

7.) Telling my sister and brother stories about my Dad. We talk about him like he never left, like hes just on an extra long vacation :).

8.) I love when I first pull up to my brother and sisters house, they both run out and wrap their arms around me as tight as they can, like they never wanna let go. Thats gotta be one of the greatest feelings.

9.) Okay this ones weird , I love the smell of power bait lol. Don't judge me, this one goes back to my Dad. Growing up, fishin was our thing. :)

10.) Something I can't experiance anymore, but I will never forget. Cheyenne and I use to wait on the couch for Dad to come out of his room in the mornin. It would take him an hour to shower and get ready lol, but when he came out the whole house smelled amazing. It was worth the wait lol.

Its funny how the smallest things make such a big difference in our lives, I feel like these things make us who we are. :)

We're Just like you, ONLY PRETTIER :)

2010-10-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

This song makes me laugh, it just seems to fit oh so well.

Enjoy!! =)

Nothin Runs Like a Deere...

2010-08-20T02:50:00.000-07:00

John Deere is much more then heavy machinery and tractors, John Deere was a man that never settled for second best. He started out as a simple black smith in the 1800's, and ended up founding one of the largest and most important companies for farmers, construction workers, and many more. John Deere to me stands for something more, he proves that hard work and dedication towards a goal or desire could be so much more then any one imagines. When I think of John Deere, I think of sweat, blood, determination, hard work, and a good old fashioned hard earned living.

I bet if you had the chance to travel back into time and ask this man if he knew how important his name would be someday, he wouldn't have imagined it to be this big. I'm even more willing to bet if you had the chance to ask him, Johnny Cash, or President Kennedy what it is they thought about our country being run the way it is now, or what they think of the world now, they wouldn't have anything good to say.

"I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me." - John Deere

A letter to me...

2010-08-18T00:09:00.001-07:00

On my drive home I heard the song, a letter to me by Brad Paisely and it got me thinking. My oh my how the time fly's, I remember when I was four years old on my grandpas knee asking him what heaven would be like, and when I was five years old starting my first day of kindergarten, holding my daddy's leg begging him not to leave me lol. I have so many fond memories of my childhood. Its raining today, and it barely rains around here at this time of year, but it brings one of my fondest memories to mind. I was about fourteen years old, I was at my Dads house up north. He livid in a small studio A frame in the middle of the woods. My Dad had went to work for the day and left me to watch my brother who was four at the time. It was almost time for him to take a nap, but he was extremely fussy and wouldn't fall asleep. It was raining out, and the rain always calmed me down, so I opened the front door, all the windows, and laid on the couch with him till he fell asleep, which didn't take long at all lol. I just remember that little booger laying on my arm sleeping, and me really appreciating that moment. Wondering how it could be possible to love someone so much.

As children we had such big imaginations, in our minds we could have been presidents of this country and nothing could have stopped us. The possibilities were limitless of what we could become. If you had one chance to go back in time and talk to yourself at any age, what age would you chose? I would go back to when I was 13 years old, because that is the age when things start to change most for us in our young lives. Now really think about this, do you feel like the 5 year old version of you would approve of who you have become today? Did you think you would be the person you are today? Are happy with who you are today? It saddens me that so many people are unemployed, on disability, or social security just because it is easy and they can sit in their homes and have a secure income. The good lord put us all here for a purpose people, and I can assure you that purpose is not sitting on our butts being a nobody. Economy is so terrible because so many of us decide to do nothing about it, we sit and wallow in self pitty and feel sorry for ourselves when in reality we should have faith and get up and be somebody. If I could have one wish, it would be that the entire world would realize our purpose and come together to make this world a better place.

When it comes down to it, the past is the past for a reason, the future is still to come, and the present is a gift that we have to make the best of. You can't change the past, but you can appreciate it, learn from it, and make a better future :).

But If I could write a letter to me, and send it back to myself at 13 it would go along the lines of this..

Ms Brooke Anne,

Im sure you are wondering who is writing you, just think of me as a good friend. I know you are a little mad at dad because he hasn't been there as much as you wanted him to be recently, but you should know he really wanted to be, and when he gets mad at you its only because he honestly just wants whats best for you. As much as you would like to believe he can read your mind, he cant. So make sure you are clear about what you want from him. You only have one Dad, and lets be honest no one is perfect. Give him a second chance, I promise it will be one of the best things you ever did!

Boys will come and go, and no matter what he tells you he will love you just the same if you make him wait. Plus he will respect you a lot more :). Always follow your heart, but make sure you pay attention to that voice in your head. I know its hard when you are sure he is the one, and then when you least expect it you find out your wrong. When he says he's confused just walk away, he should know what he has and if he doesn't thats his loss. I know it'll hurt but walking away is the best thing to do, when you get on that plane don't look back. Never settle, you only deserve the best!

Mom tries her best, she just wants to see you succeed, try not to give her and Mema such a hard time, they love you and only want whats best for you I promise. When you fight with Mom, Dad, Terah, Mema, or Danielle just assume you are wrong and they are right. If you have to raise your voice to be heard, its really not worth getting your point across because no one listens to screaming. Just remember be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry and you'll be okay :).

Friends will come and go, you'll see who the good ones are, they will stick around like leaches, good ones of course :). Always be clear and honest with your friends, if something bothers you and you try to avoid it, it never goes away, just gets blown outa proportion if you don't handle it right away. Nothing can be swept under a rug forever little one.

Most importantly, life is a short ride. Appreciate the present, because that is all we have for sure, always say exactly how you feel, and never stay mad over night. Don't grow up to fast, I promise you will miss sitting on the couch with Dad and watching 3 movies at once because he can't stick to one channel. Hug him as much as you can, and make sure he knows how much you love him. He will be your best friend, and hero someday :). Don't forget who you are, you are a strong woman and there will be people who pretend to be your friend, and no matter how good to them you are they will try and bring you down, you cant avoid it, but you can stay true to your heart. No one knows you better than you!

Sincerely,

A good friend :)

Food For Thought:

"Remember when you thought boys had cooties...when friends were new, dreams were un-shattered and worries few...when recess was too short and life was too long...decisions came easily without need to belong...when storks delivered the babies and passions weren't so strong...friendships were un-broken...right was right, and wrong was wrong...when bad things didn't happen...when only skinned knees brought tears and the night light in it's socket quieted all our fears...when farewell meant just for summer and real friends didn't part...the fun went on forever and never left a broken heart."

"Life is too short to be distracted by the opinions of others.
The hardest thing about growing up is that you have to do what's right for you even if it means breaking someone's heart, including your own."

"Sometimes I wish I could go back to the days when I was six and my biggest
problem was what kind of dress to put on my Barbie's or whether or not I had
enough Lego's to build a fort."

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back."

“Growing up is never easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what's to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn't have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves... for growing up.” - Growing Pains

"She was staring out that window, of that SUV, Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18. She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school, Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you, You're gonna miss this,You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast, These are some good times
So take a good look around, You may not know it now, But you're gonna miss this" - Trace Adkins<3

"Have you ever heard a song from so long ago with so many memories tied to it that it made you cry? And didn't you wish that you could go back into time when everything seemed so much simpler and carefree? Those are songs that are the soundtrack of our lives... the ones that bring back childhood memories, best friends, first love, first heartbreak... the memories."

There isnt always an answer...

2010-05-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

Lately I feel like the lord has been doing a lot of house keeping in my life. Some of the people that were once important parts of my life are now complete strangers to me. It saddens me in ways, but then again it doesn't. The lord brings people in and out of our lives for many reasons, some people are there to stay forever, and others a short time. But no matter the circumstance, there will always be a lesson attached to them. There will always be people that come into our lives and pretend to care, and pretend to be a good friend but in reality they are readily waiting for you to fall so they can kick you over and over again. Luckily there are the real friends who have a tight grip on our hand waiting to pull us back up when we start to slip, waiting to build us back up again. The best friend that is so rare when you find one, you hold onto them for dear life. Sometimes its hard to tell the difference between these people, but unfortunately time will tell. The bad will always come out eventually. Good will always prevail.

Life isn't about pleasing everyone around you, that is impossible. All that will get you is an unhappy life. Life is about being true to yourself, and to the lord. No matter how hard people try to bring you down, you have to shine through all of that, pick yourself up, and brush yourself off. The only person that knows the real you, is you. Its a hard lesson to learn when you trust someone, believe they are a friend, and they turn on you the first chance they get. But just know that no matter how rough the road is that lies ahead, you are never alone. The lord is always there, even when he seems so incredibly far away. Sometimes there isn't always a clear answer for why things happen the way they do, you just have to have faith that it is all going to work out somehow.

Always be true to your heart...

2010-02-08T22:33:00.000-08:00

Life is this crazy but amazing journey that we take... we are here to learn lessons and to help each other get through the insanities of it all. I have met many people in this crazy life, but only very few have made a lasting impact on me. I owe a lot to a few people in my life, despite the difficulties I have experienced with some of them, they helped to mold me into the person I am right now and for that I am eternally grateful. I can't say that I don't have regrets, or there aren't things I wouldn't change if I could, but despite it all I would go through all the pain and all the sadness again and again, for the happiness and the memories I have gotten out of it all. I would relive it all had I known how it would work out in the end, the only difference is I would stop and take the time to appreciate it all.

So many of us wake up everyday and just go about our routines without stopping to take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty all around us. We stress about the most small and unimportant things, and we forget that we are only here for what I would like to call the blink of an eye, and then we're gone. Not forever, just from this world and onto greater things. For most of us it takes a tragedy to understand that, at least I know for me it did. The saying "You never know what you have, until its gone" is maybe one of the most cliche sayings around, but its true. We take the people who love us most for granted, until they are gone. This world is so busy, all the time, focused on money, and material objects but the sad part is the things we focus on most we don't take with us to the other side. What we take, are our lessons, and our connections with the people that are still here or have passed.

Sometimes it takes people years to figure out whats important, you may wake up and your 60 years old living with so many regrets on opportunities you could have taken. Don't allow yourself to be one of those people, living on comfortability. Live, take risks, do things you're scared to death to do, run free, love like you've never been hurt.... Actually allow yourself to LIVE. When I die, I want to be remembered as the gir that always LIVED, that never held back, that loved everyone with everything she had like she'd never been hurt, the girl that will be remembered always for never being scared. Speak your mind, don't be scared to tell those you love how you feel, you never know when you'll have your last goodbye.

Always be true to your heart...

"Thats when you know for sure"

2009-12-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

Lately Love has been the topic of conversation in my life, it seems as if it gets brought up throughout my day in many situations. Whether its with my co workers, my friends, my family, with complete strangers, or even with my teacher and peers. But the one thing that has gotten my attention most lately is whats been discussed through school. In our developmental psychology class we have been discussing the different types of love, there is love on condition, and there is "unconditional love". There is a very significant difference between the two, love on condition is when you give love in return for something, but only on certain conditions. I believe that Unconditional love is what we call true love, which is when you love someone no matter what they say, no matter what they do, if they love you back or not. To most people that is asking a lot and that is unrealistic, but for anyone who has tuly been in love with someone they understand, and agree. Granted that doesn't mean you wait for that person, or you put them before yourself. Number one rule, is always put yourself first, if you are not truly happy with yourself, and you dont love yourself, you wont be able to love someone else the way they deserve. I truly believe there is such a thing as soul mates, that there is a meant to be, and that fairytale endings do exist.

When you love someone so much that all you want is their happiness, despite what's happened, despite the hurt of walkin away, despite it all, when your able to put your feelings aside. You truly just want the best for them, with zero regard to self gain or loss...

Thats when you know for sure, you love that person unconditionally. <3

South Carolina Photos

2009-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

Always by My Side...

2009-09-16T09:55:00.001-07:00

-Always By My Side-
By: Brooke Anne Benthin

The entire week was full of excitement, it was finally here and it was really happening. Things that have such a big affect on our lives don’t usually seem real until they take place. I knew it was happening but it didn't seem real until that morning. We were on our way to the church and the entire time all that was going through my head was him, it was devastating knowing he couldn't be there for the most important day of my sisters life, but I kept my emotions under wraps because It was her big day, not mine. We arrived at the church, and when I walked in that room I saw her standing there with her back towards me in that beautiful white dress. Tears filled my eyes as i walked towards her with a huge smile on my face. " You look beautiful sis" She glittered with happiness. This is the day she had been waiting for her entire life, and it was finally here. We waited in the room for the guests to arrive, and one by one family came in the room to see her. The entire time all that was on my mind was him, all i could do is picture him standing next to her telling her how beautiful she was.

Finally it was four o'clock we all started lining up preparing to walk down the aisle, I was first in line. As soon as I got in my place my baby brother came running around the corner and wrapped his arms around me, I held him tight and kissed his head. He was so incredibly handsome; he was dressed in a little black tux. He looked up at me, " Sis do I look like Dad?, when he got married?" I replied “Yes baby, you look so handsome! Dad is right here with us, and I know he is proud of you baby. But you need one last thing and you will be ready to walk down that aisle, wait right here." I walked over to my purse, and grabbed the cologne my Dad always wore. Cool water, I brought it just for my brother. He got a huge smile on his face when he saw what I had in my hands as I walked towards him. "Okay lift up your arms baby." I sprayed him a few times, "Okay now you are just like Dad, now get out there and strut your stuff!" He hugged me, smiled and ran back around the corner to line up with the rest of the boys.

The usher came and lined us up at entrance to the church, the boys walked in a line up to the front on the alter. It was my turn, I walked up to the alter in slow paces, with a proud smile on my face. My focus was on my sisters husband. He promised my dad he would always take care of me, because of that we have a bond very similar to the bond I had with my father. As I got closer to the alter he seemed to be glowing with excitement. Next came all the girls one by one, last was my baby sister she was so beautiful and looked so grown up. After she got in her place, the music started and everyone stood up. My sister slowly walked down the aisle, with her arm wrapped around her other Dads Arm. The very second I laid eyes on her, I couldn't control my emotions. Tears filled my eyes, and suddenly everyone else in that room disappeared including her Dad. All I could picture was our dad walking next to her. My mind started to wonder off yet again, and I was in my own fantasy world. When she got to the front of the alter, I had to snap back to reality. The pastor asked "who gives this woman to this man?" Jerry replied, "Her Mother, her Father, and I." He kissed her cheek and Jared took her arm, and they walked up on stage. Both of them were glowing and glittering with happiness and love for one another. After they said their vows, The pastor said " You may now kiss the bride." Tears were rolling down my face uncontrollably; "I introduce to you, Mr. & Mrs. Jarred Vaughn." everyone clapped and cheered.

After we arrived at the reception hall, we were introduced to everyone, the toasts were made, and the first dance was over. My little brother came up to me grabbed my hand and took me to the dance floor, we danced for over an hour. All the ran through my head was how blessed I am to have such an amazing family, but there was still one important piece missing. I let go of my brothers hand, and told him I would be back I was a little thirsty. I walked towards the head table, the lights got dim and everyone got quiet. My little girl by Tim McGraw started to play, my heart dropped. I turned back towards the stage as the dance began, and my emotion took over my body. I sat down in my seat, and watched them in awe as they danced. I felt like my heart had been smashed into a million pieces, broken beyond repair. He glided her across the dance floor gracefully, she was so beautiful. Suddenly It hit me, he is never coming back, it wasn't my Dad gliding her across that floor. I felt like things could not get worse. Staring at them in my own broken world, I felt my little brothers hands gently tug on my dress. I looked down at him and he immediately jumped into my lap, tears filled his eyes. I wrapped my arms around him tight, never wanting to let go, at this point no one else mattered besides him. I rocked him back and forth "Baby, I'm sorry I know it hurts, but he is right here beside us." just when i thought things couldn't get any more emotional, my baby Sister grabbed my arm, she looked at me with a lost look in her eyes. I wrapped my other arm around her and I rocked them both back and fourth. All of us broken, and the only thing that could fix us at this point was him. I tried to be strong for them, but I couldn't I didn't have it in me. My Step Mom saw all of us breaking down, and ran over to us and wrapped her arms around us, we all sat there broken together. We all revisited the nightmare of the night we lost him together.

Thankfully the song was over, a fast song came on and something inside me said be strong for them. I was determined to fill this void so they would be ok... "Ok guys, if Dad could yell at us right now, I'm sure he would. Let’s make him proud and show these people who the hell the Benthin's are!" They all started to laugh we got up and went to the dance floor, but when I looked behind me my brother wasn't there. My Step mom pointed towards the door, he was walking outside. I kicked off my shoes and took off after him, I grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. He still had tears in his eyes. " Baby, I love you so much but you have got to trust your big sister when i tell you he is right here with us. He never left baby, and he never will. Come on lets go make him proud bubba!" At first he was hesitant, my little brother is just as strong as I am, and he doesn't like to let people see him down. He was so angry because our Dad had been taken from us, and he was unsure how to handle it. I was determined though, nothing could stop me from turning the situation around. I grabbed his chin, pulled him towards me "Bubba, You are dads tough guy, make him proud and show him how tough you are! Come on lets go tear up this dance floor baby!" He smiled at me, I grabbed his hand and took him back to the dance floor and the attention was back on the beautiful bride, thank goodness. We all danced together for a few more hours, it was such an amazing experience having the entire family together.

The night was coming close to an end and we were all very drained from the emotional day we had. The entire time I had so much on my mind, not only my father, but the disappointment of someone that made a promise to be there and didn't keep the promise. Tim McGraw - My best friend started to play. This song took me back, back to some things I didn't want to think of at this point. I didn't have much left in me but my eyes started to water again. Lexi (my best friend) came to the rescue as usual at the perfect time, the entire night she had been crying with me and experiencing what I was experiencing. She grabbed my hand took me to the floor and we danced together, she quietly said "Brooke forget about it, if he couldn't see what he had, that’s his loss, there is no reason to let it bring you down." we danced, talked, and laughed. It amazed me that she was able to turn my mood around so quickly, but that is why she is my best friend.

The dance was over, and everyone started to leave. Lexi and I walked towards the head table getting ready to leave and say our goodbyes when one last song came on... Butterfly kisses. I stopped looked at Lexi, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Jarred standing there alone. I was ready to walk out because my emotion had drained me, and I couldn't take much more... but I hadn't had the chance to dance with him. If I could choose anybody else in the world to fill my Dad’s shoes for this dance it was him. I walked over to him, he took my hand and we just danced quietly while tears filled our eyes. After the dance he hugged me, and said "Brooke he's been here the entire time." I smiled and said "I know Jarred." I said my goodbyes to the family, hugged my sister and new brother said goodnight and Lexi and I headed home.

I have never experienced something so beautiful in my life, the love that these two have for one another is indescribable and so incredibly rare. They are soul mates, God created them for each other and it gives me hope that I will to someday experience that unconditional love with someone. On the drive home, I was still devastated because he wasn't there physically. My heart craved for his love, just to hear him tell me everything was going to be okay.

The next morning I had an email from my sisters Mom, it was a picture of my sister in her dress holding a single red rose. The message attached was as follows "This is the rose that I had in the empty seat next to me & Jerry for your dad, I gave it to her right after the ceremony was over. He was there right by me watchin our little girl get married......Love you Brooke" Tears filled my eyes when I read this, and I felt foolish because he is always by my side. My Daddy would never leave us.

An Old Soul <3

2009-09-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

""Forever" what does that mean to you? To me forever is a promise, that most are not willing to take seriously. Forever is a word that gets thrown around so often, but behind it lies an empty promise. If you were to ask your grandparents what forever means to them, I'm sure it would be quite opposite from what you believe it is. Now a day’s it’s so easy for people to walk away, to move on and find something "better" and "less complicated" but really all we are doing is running away, giving up, taking the route that seems easier at the time, but in reality it’s not. The world may be filled with millions and millions of people, but that does not mean it is filled with millions of people that we connect with. It is incredibly rare to find someone that you feel has no flaws, and the flaws they do have are not flaws in your eyes, they only make you love them more. When you find someone that you can say is "perfect" for you, someone that you feel so right with nothing should stop you from being with that person. Not distance, confusion, temptation, there are no excuses. Truth is people don’t react to Love, they react to Fear.

True love isn't meant to be easy; it’s never going to be a smooth ride. True love is not selfish; it gives, but never takes. True love is worth fighting for, it’s pure, and its genuine. When you truly love someone, you won’t give up on them. Yes there will be times when you want to give up and walk away, but its staying tough, and fighting for it that makes it what it is. People appreciate things that they have to work for, and earn, much more than things that are handed to them. As for me, I'm an old fashioned country girl; you can consider me an old soul trapped in a young person’s body. I will not settle for second best, I know what I deserve and that is someone that will love me as unconditionally as I love them, someone that will fight for what we have no matter the consequences, or the distance. Someone that has the same opinion on what forever is, and will not make hollow promises.

True love is something that takes two people. It has to have a strong foundation of communication, trust, honestly, faith, and of course a strong relationship with God. Without these things it will be so much harder to achieve forever. Good old fashioned relationships were able to accomplish “Until death do us part" Because they had these things present in their lives, and they understood that with them true love will never fail. Most people think that there should be no work involved, that if the love is true it will survive on its own, and true love cant fail. [“The course of true love never did run smooth.” - William Shakespeare] That is the major problem, true love never fails when you fight for it, when you do anything and everything it takes to make it work that is why it’s called "True Love". If love were that easy it wouldn't be appreciated, people would just get bored and go to the next thing.

All I know is this, the secret to life isn't being wealthy, it isn't having tons of beautiful men/women around you, and it isn't about partying. The secret to life is happiness, its family, its friends, its love. Love comes in all different shapes and sizes, the love we have for our parents, the love we have for our friends, the love we have for our siblings, the love we have for our extended family, and the love we have between couples. But the greatest of these to experience is the intimate love between couples. I strongly believe that nothing is impossible as long as we try; things become impossible when we give up. Love never gives up; it never turns its back and walks away.

Food for thought:

“The worst thing you can do for love is deny it; so when you find that special someone, don't let anyone or anything to get in your way.”

“You've spent your whole life running and running, trying to catch up with something that has never been there for you. And all you've done is go farther and farther away from the precious love that's been waiting for you all the time.”

“In true love the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged.”

“Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction”

“Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.”

Photos Of Maddi And Steph...

2009-08-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

"Walk by Faith.... Not By Sight"

2009-08-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wake up and I don't want to keep going, I feel like its this endless battle that I will never win. I walk tall, with my head held high trying to make it on my own... but the truth is everyone has a breaking point. Its being able to drop to your knee's and reach for someone that makes you strong, being able to admit your imperfections. Instead of wallowing in self pitty, and beating yourself up about the things you are unhappy about, do something about it. God created people for people, with the hope that we will work together to make this world a better place and help the strong understand that sometimes its ok to be weak, and help the weak be strong.

Try as we may to make our own plans and organize a fairytale future, God has his own plans for us. Even though we may not understand right away what his intentions are, we must have faith and trust in him because when the time is right we will see the bigger picture. When something goes in a different direction than we would like it to, don't sit and blame god for your unhappiness trust that he will guide you in the right direction.

Most would think I am bitter towards God for taking my father from me, and most question my faith after going through something so dreadful. I am not bitter, and i do not blame God, I never will. I went through some incredibly hard times after losing my father, but instead of cursing God and blaming him. I humbled myself to him, I broke down and prayed that he give me the strength to get through my weak points, because I knew that he wasn't putting me through these things to hurt me, but to better prepare me for what he has in store for me. We all have selfish points, where we blame others for hard times, or we blame God and say how could God love me and put me through this, or we question Gods existence But we miss the bigger picture. Within four months my entire world was turned upside down, I lost my father the most important man in my life, I lost my job, I was carless, my boyfriend walked out on me, and my dogs even ran away. All of that may seem sort of humorous because it sounds like a broke down country song, but it was incredibly hard for me.

Before I had the world at my feet, an amazing family, a well paying job, a supportive boyfriend, and I was able to handle the little things without struggle I thought life was perfect. I had always been known as miss independent, miss she has it all. But God had his own plans, at first when I lost everything I could not understand why it happened, I selfishly prayed for God to take me home to be with my father. Shortly after my father passed I was in my office at home breaking down, when suddenly i remembered the story of Job my father once told me. Job had everything, he was rich, prosperous, powerful, and godly. One day satan decided to test Jobs faith, and loyalty to God. He said to God, he is faithful to you because you give him everything he could ever want, but what if it was all taken away? Would he still bow down to you? So god said to satan, go ahead and test him. Satan took everything from job, his wealth, his family, his fame, EVERYTHING. Job still stayed faithful to the lord, and bowed to his feet. In return God gave him everything back, but 10x's better. As soon as I remembered the story my father had told me i dropped to my knee's and prayed. I kept my faith , and I remained loyal and faithful to him. I prayed that he guide me through these hard times, I asked him to help me be strong and accept the things I couldn't change, and to help the ones who hurt me and let me down. It wasn't easy and it still isnt, but slowly things have come together. I got a better job, a car, found my dogs, met my soul mate, and have the support of my loved ones. The only thing I still don't quite understand is why I lost my father... but I know he is in a better place with God watching over me.

Trust me, life is not a cake walk for anyone we all have our struggles and we all have to work hard to be happy. But its all worth it, you just have to stay strong, and understand that tomorrow is a new day. What we go through today will only better us for what we have in the future, but we must live in the moment. Appreciate every minuet you have, because you never know when God will call you home.

Jared & Danielle's Engagment Photos...

2009-08-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

My Escape...

2009-06-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

It has always been my escape from reality, whenever I get behind that lense my imagination starts to run wild and all my stress and worries dissapear.

Photography isnt something I do, its who I am.

Letting Go...

2009-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

I've never been so sure in my entire life, and on the drive home that night I pictured what our future together would be like. I played the images over and over in my head as if they were really happening right before my own eyes. I knew I didn't have long before we would arrive at base and we had to say our goonights and go our seprate ways just like the other nights, but this night was differen't. I knew we only had a few more weeks together before we had to really let go, and it was getting to me. Pretty soon it wasn't going to be just a few days apart, it was going to be weeks maybe even months.

The thought of being without him drove me insane, it was like having someone mock me, over, and over again. The thought was so intrusive I couldnt controle it. I tried several times before I couldn't handle it anymore, I needed reasurrance. I looked over at him with a scared look on my face " Babe, you know this is going to be hard." He answered me so calm and assured

"Yes Baby, it is going to be very hard but we are going to make it work." Hearing this helped but it wasn't enough, I was still dreading it. I knew it was going to be so much harder than both of us wanted to admit. Still concerned I asked " How? How are we going to make this work?" Again he responded calm and collected" Simple, we will talk everyday until you come out to see me, or until I come see you. We will stay together and we will make this work." This still wasn't enough, deep down I had this horrible empty feeling, knowing life just wouldn't be the same without him by my side. I was looking for something more, I wanted to feel safe like nothing could keep us apart I needed to be sure.. so with one last desperate attempt I kept on "We need a plan babe, we cant just go our seperate ways not knowing what we are going to do." I thought this was sure to irritate him, because I wouldn't drop it, but he replied just even more sure then before " Huni you know me better than that, I dont like to plan, besides we dont need a plan. You have to stop worrying I promise we will make this work."

The rest of the car ride was quiet, he was exhausted from work that day and fell asleep in the passengers seat while holding my hand. Jamey Johnson in color came on the radio, I grasped his hand tighter trying to cherish every moment knowing soon I would have to say goodbye, and even though its not forever it will be for a long time. We arrived at base, we said goodnight and I let him go, knowing each time it only gets harder and harder.

God Bless The Broken Road...

2009-06-24T13:56:00.001-07:00

God Blessed the broken road... which led me straight to you.

More Of Gods Beautiful Creations... <3

2009-06-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, The truth about a mirror,
It's that a damn old mirrow.
Don't really tell the whole truth,
It don't show what's deep inside.
Oh read between the lines,
it's really no reflection of my youth.

Love is...

2009-05-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

1 Cor 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind, {and} is not jealous; love does not brag {and} is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong {suffered,} does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Lady Bug Love <3

2009-05-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Perception is Reality

2009-03-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm currently pursuing my degree in psychology, because the human mind and personality are very intriguing to me. Its amazing how powerful our thoughts can be, just the simplest negative thought can cause major issues in our everyday lives. Our thoughts control our self confidence level, our self efficacy level, and our ability to grow and better ourselves, and also the way we look at others.

People put up these invisible barriers in their mind that stop them from making certain decisions or going down a certain path. Normally these are put up because of either a good or bad past experience, sometimes they can be beneficial but at other times they can be very destructive. I think people forget that God gave us free will, and because of that we are able to do anything and be anything. The only barriers that exist are the ones we create ourselves. I always hear people say "I Can't" or "I'm trying" Those words should just be removed from our vocabulary, it should be "I am" and "I do". If you changed your outlook on this you would notice a huge change in your everyday life.

For example... Going to the gym and achieving physical health. It is possible to be healthy and achieve the goals you dream of. But most have this idea stuck in their head that this is impossible for them to achieve. Well here is a reality check, it only becomes impossible when you don't go for what you want. Physical health benefits you not only because you are keeping your body healthy which helps prevent serious illness's it also benefits you mentally. Once you achieve a goal you have set for yourself, your self efficacy level will hit the roof and from then on you are able to strive for something knowing you can do it. As long as you keep telling yourself you can you will do it.

Life is beautiful, it honestly is. But so many of us let one small bump in the road make us someone we are not. Sometimes one small bump can change so much about one person, and cause them to do or say things they would have never done. Remember there are reasons for the morales we set, every individual person has motive for why they do something so make sure your motive goes along with your belief system.

The picture you see above is a very good friend of mine. This photo has a lot of meaning to me, but doesnt express exactly what I think it should about him as a person. I will be posting more photos of him in the near future.

Thank you to all my blog readers!

Summer Love <3

2009-03-24T00:12:00.001-07:00

This is where my summer begins. Summer is full of adventure, friends, love, excitement,and those crazy nights we never forget. This is the time where we let go of what could have been, and what never was. Its time to be young and crazy and have fun with no expectations, and nothing to lose. Regret nothing, and hold back on nothing... Just let things take their course. Another year to make memories that last a life time!

Summer 2009 here we come!

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2009-03-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Lost and Insecure

2009-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

A month ago today my world came crashing down, but it still seems a horrible nightmare I haven't woken up from. I knew walking down the hall of the hospital on that cold and empty night that things would never be the same. I wake up every morning with an empty feeling in my stomach and a pain in my heart.

If anything, this experience has taught me to appreciate the little things much more. I miss our conversations that would last hours on end, talking about life, love, God, and what meant the world to the Man that meant the world to me. Snuggling up on the couch watching movies, making dinner as a family, praying together, and even our arguments. I miss it all, and because of you I have learned to be a strong independent Woman, with dreams to be somebody special. Dad you gave me the best gifts in life, you gave me an amazing family, you gave me my faith and the most important of all, you believed in me. I will always be proud to call you my father, thank you for everything I love you!

Somebody's Watching Over Me

2009-02-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Things have been very hard lately, since the day my father went into the hospital, to the point when god called him home, and until now, life hasn't felt quite the same. Its hard waking up in the mornings knowing I can't just pick up my phone and call him when things are going wrong, or just take a random drive to him so he can make things better. My heart has been broken, and I have felt so lost and off track that I haven't known how to make things right again.

On occasion I get this vibe, that he is with me and he is trying to tell me something. I will be doing something and my mind with be all wrapped up, the all of a sudden something will smack me in the face "saying hey, STOP and pay attention." So I stop and smile because I know its him telling me to step back take it one thing at a time and everything will be ok.

This past month has been terrible on several occasions, and few days ago I felt like it was just to much to handle and I couldn't take anymore. At that very moment I realized, I hit a very large bump in the road and until now I didn't see what I was doing to myself. This helpless girl wasn't me, this isn't the girl my Dad was proud of. I felt God and My Father convicting me, so I prayed. I asked God to help me get through this hard time, and I asked my father to give me the strength I was missing, and to help me get through this without him physically being here. I surrendered it all, and stopped worrying long enough to pay attention. Since that day, all of the things that were troubling me have slowly gotten better and corrected themselves better than I imagined.

But today was the most special of all, after a very amazing meeting with my 2nd family at work, and a good conversation with my boss that I look up to as a father figure, I took a moment to myself and I smiled. I had this random image come to my mind, it was my father he was looking at me with tears in his eyes, a smile on his face and he said, "Just trust me." Immediately I felt his love surround me, and my eyes started to tear up right away. I couldn't believe how ridiculous I have been acting this entire time. Acting helpless and knowing I needed to find a way back on track but still felt lost, but the answer has been in front of my face the entire time. My father might have left me that day physically, but he is still with me spiritually and he is still supporting me and keeping me strong.

Today it hit me, I'm not this helpless girl I have been pretending to be. I am stronger than I have ever been, and I'm a very lucky girl. I have the best guardian angel a girl ask for, I have my Daddy :)and he gave me a very precious gift, he gave me my faith. For that I am eternally grateful, so whenever I feel sad or alone I know he will give me a silent reminder.

Somebody is watching over me :)

(My Grandpa, My Daddy, and My older sister Danielle.)

Imagination - More to come on this topic

2009-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” - Jamie Paolinetti

Still

2009-02-08T12:24:00.001-08:00

"For just a moment the world stood still."

Yesterday... <3

2009-02-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

They can take tomorrow and the plans we made, they can take the music that we'll never play, all
The broken dreams, take everything, just take it away, but they can never have yesterday, they
Can take the future that wel never know they can take the places that we said we will go, all
The broken dreams take everything, just take it away, but they can never have yesterday

Nothing Left

2009-02-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my Fathers house, just as he left it before he passed away. Every time I would go to visit him he would be watering the lawn or over near this side of the house doing something. It was like his own special spot. <3

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Believe

2009-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken the day of my Fathers Memorial Party. The sunset was beautiful on the lake that evening.

Believe, All Things are possible when you Believe.

Mark - 9:23

Walk Away Joe

2009-02-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

This Photo has a lot of meaning to me, mostly because there is more to this girl you see in the picture. This picture reminds me of how most of us deal with our daily problems, we walk away or do what we can to avoid the situation. But in reality all we are doing is making it harder on ourselves, because the situation will arise again and when it does it may be worse.

Life is hard and it comes at us at the worst times, but in order to grow and better yourself you have to face your problems head on and find a logical solution to better your life and the situation. Avoiding things only hurts us and it gets us no where. Your life is what you make it, so take it and run because you don't know when you will take your last breath.

The Song below is dedicated to the girl you see in the picture, for personal reasons unknown to most but it relates to somethings she has had to go through and how it made her who she is.
Not only does this song relate to her, it relates to me and my past. I hope you enjoy this song and photo as much as I do. :)

Walk Away Joe - Trisha Yearwood

Momma told her baby, girl take it real slow
Girl told her momma hey I really gotta go
Hes waitin in the car
Momma said girl you wont get far
Thus are the dreams of an average jane
Ninety miles an hour down a lovers lane
On a tank of dreams
Oh if she couldve only seen
But fates got cards that it dont want to show
And that boys just

A walkaway joe
Born to be a leaver
Tell you from the word go, destined to deceive her
Hes a wrong kinda paradise
Shes gonna know it in a matter of time
That boys just a walkaway joe

Now just a little while into abilene
Pulls into a station and he robs it clean
Shes waitin in the car
Underneath the texaco star
She only wanted love didnt bargain for this
She cant help but love him for the way he is
Shes only seventeen
And there aint no reasoning
So shell ride this ride as far as it can go
Cause that boys just

A walkaway joe
Born to be a leaver
Tell you from the word go, destined to deceive her
Hes a wrong kinda paradise
Shes gonna know it in a matter of time
That boys just a walkaway joe

Somewhere in a roadside motel room
Alone in the silence she wakes up too soon
And reaches for his arm
But shell just keep reachin on
For the cold hard truth revealed what it had known
That boys just

A walkaway joe
Born to be a leaver
Tell you from the word go, destined to deceive her
Hes a wrong kinda paradise
Shes gonna know it in a matter of time
That boys just a walkaway joe

Desperation

2009-02-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

Never Alone

2009-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

This song was created by a very dear friend of mine, his band is called (We Own The Sky) It was created in memory of my Father and the way I felt during the situation. It truly is an amazing song, I had the privilege of hearing them perform it live. Their next concert is March 6th at the club house if anyones interested. :)

(Brooke's Song)

Observations and flatlines,
A wish for more time.
She's holding his hand,
And she can't let go.

Daddy's sleeping,
But he is coming home.
You can't see him,
But you'll never be alone.
Daddy's sleeping,
But he is coming home.
You can't see him...

Heartshaped lockets and lessons,
Always looking for blessings.
Staying late on the phone,
He says don't you bring a boy home,
He pulls her hair out of her face,
Tells her it's okay.
You're beautiful,
So much more than you know.

Daddy's sleeping,
But he is coming home.
You can't see him,
But you'll never be alone.
Daddy's sleeping,
But he is coming home,
You can't see him.

You'll never be alone.
Alone.
Alone.

Daddy's sleeping,
But he is coming home.
You can't see him,
But you'll never be alone.
Daddy's sleeping,
But he is coming home.

One day you'll see him.

Stealing Cinderella

2009-02-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks

I came to see her daddy for sit down man to man
It wasn't any secret i'd be asking for her hand
I guess that's why he left me waiting in the living room by myself
with at least a dozen pictures of her sitting on a shelf

- Chorus -

She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes i'm Prince Charming
But to him i'm just some fella
riding in and stealing Cinderella

I leaned in towards those pictures to get a better look at one
When I heard a voice behind me say "Now, ain't she something, son?"
I said "Yes, she quite a woman"
and he just stared at me
Then I realized that in his eyes she would always be

Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes i'm Prince Charming
But to him i'm just some fella
riding in and stealing Cinderella

He slapped me on the shoulder
Then he called her in the room
When she threw her arms around him
That's when I could see it too

Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
If he gives me a hard time
I can't blame the fella
I'm the one who's stealing Cinderela

Love

2009-02-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my sister and her baby girl Jaqualyn at my uncles wedding.

The Heart Of A Country Girl....

2009-02-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

Dad...so many images come to mind
whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life
things have never been the same.

What happened to those lazy days
when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you
in your love, and in your smile.

What happened to all those times
when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life
you could make my gray skies blue.

Dad, some days I hear your voice
and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems
the sound has been erased.

Dad, who will I turn to for answers
when life does not make sense;
Who will be there to hold me close
when the pieces just don't fit.

Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time
and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads
you would still be my choice.

Please always know I love you
and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go
but your memory will never be erased.

Today, Jesus, as You are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all my love.

Baby Sister

2009-02-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my baby sister, she is sitting out by the fozen lake down the street from our Dads house. This was our first weekend at my Dad's since he passed away.