Learning To Fly

Having returned this week from a whirlwind trip of visiting family, I've been unpacking suitcases and Christmas presents and umm…avoiding the Mt. Kilimanjaro stack of paperwork on my desk that is my nemesis.

We all have something we avoid, even though we know a full-force effort would bring us tranquility, don't we?

If the New Year is all about New Starts and New Pledges, we must make room for them.

What do you need to clear out of your life from 2010 - clutter in the categories of stuff, emotions or relationships - to make space available for 2011 and new memory-making?

Because really, that junk you and I are holding onto that's eating our lunch and our peace - you know what it is - from a chaotic master closet to an odd case of the blues that won't leave you - those have to be dealt with before 2011 can be as shiny as you know it can be.

Here goes!

Your Stuff

Have a friend come over and be your 'accountability partner' in going through a space or two in your home that make you crazy. A closet. A garage that no longer has room for your car. The kitchen.

Put on music. Hug or high-five one another before you begin (I promise, that part is important!). Then set out bags labeled 'trash', 'give away' and 'keep.' Go through the entire space (no holding out), and get rid of more than seems necessary.

While you're purging, focus rather relentlessly on the fact that your discards will truly bless and delight someone else.

Your Emotions

You can do it - make an appointment with a professional counselor who will help you make sense of your disappointments or destructive habits. And move on. It really can be that simple. Bonus: your improved outlook will give the folks that love you a big fat break and a new smile, too. So go ahead and bless them by being courageous and kissing a few demons goodbye.

Your Relationships

Call the person you need to make peace with and just spit it out. Your words don't have to be perfect. Even if all you muster is, "I'm sorry that I didn't say 'Sorry' sooner." Or, "I miss you." Often, the courage it takes just to reach out and say something kind is enough to bring water to a parched relationship.

In honor of the New Year and all it holds for you, pick one thing that holds you back: then deal and kick it to the curb. You won't miss it like you think you will. You will be free, and truly capable of New.

After all, who you are isn't really about what you hold onto - it's about what you embrace.

Need extra encouragement? Pick up a copy (or Book on CD - great for commutes!) of Dr. Laura Schlessinger's 'Stop Whining, Start Living.' Good golly, it's awesome.

Now, I'm off to tackle my mountain of paper! And I think I'm taking champagne with me. Should make for more interesting file labels. : )

Happy New Year!

Love,

Melinda

P.S. Welcome new Super Much Love readers in Italy and Thailand! So happy to have you here.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Running Down a Dream

Happy Day-Before-Christmas-Eve.

Otherwise known as: Good Golly, I've-Got-to-Get-It-Completely-Together Day!

If you've had your shopping and wrapping done since mid-December, I salute you. I am not in your camp, but I admire you with the very gusto I reserve for folks who know a whole lot about wine or who possess a family crest they utilize in home decor and can explain with ease.

There's a measure of mysticism and depth about you, Fabled and Prepared-For-Christmas-One, that I just love. Now, if you'll just loan me that fancy wrapping paper cutter I saw advertised, but wouldn't give in to…because my scissors still (sort-of) work…and I secretly believed (a couple of weeks ago, at least) that some slightly jagged paper ends give an 'authentic and folksy' feel to gifts.

Anywhooo - it occurred to me whilst wrapping gifts yesterday, that our lives are like this - we're buying, wrapping or unwrapping pages of this lovely life all the time. And that's a very good thing.

You and I are either figuring out what we want (trying different jobs, friendships, ways to worship, places to live), going after what we want (tucking lessons learned in our front pockets and pursuing what makes our hearts race), or enjoying and sharing the fruits of all this running about.

The entirety of this is very productive work in my book, and may be reflected upon with a nice glass of wine in your hand. Please just ask my more culturally advanced friends which vintage to buy, as I'm prone to simply snapping up bottles with the coolest-looking labels.

Most days, I favor the adventure of the unknown ending, yet am forever indebted to my friends with map skills. Together, we seem to fulfill that fabulous Tom Petty song, 'Running Down a Dream.'

I rolled on as the sky grew dark

I put the pedal down to make some time

There's something good waitin' down this road

I'm pickin' up whatever is mine

Yeah, runnin' down a dream

That never would come to me

Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads

I'm runnin' down a dream

What dream has your name on it in the new year, Dear Reader?

Write it down, wrap it up, put it under the tree, and don't forget to tag it as yours. This is no Hallmark card stuff. This is your life!

Love,

Melinda

P.S. Wondering who won the SML giveaway of the $1000 American Express gift card? Well, we hit our goal of 20 countries lickety-split - in fact, 26 countries have now experienced Super Much Love, thanks to you! The most recent are Israel and Norway!

All that remains now for the giveaway is the goal of 200 Facebook Fans.

Please take a moment today to become a fan of the Super Much Love Facebook page.

Then hit the 'Suggest to Friends' button under our profile pic. Easy-peasy!

$1000 could come in handy for knocking out new year's resolutions, we say! Mmm-hmm!

Thank you for sharing Super Much Love - and good luck in the giveaway!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore. And That's OK.

Relationships don't always work out. Friendships, romances, business partnerships - they all possess an element of fragility, and some simply seem to have a clock running that we can't hear or see. At least, not while it's clicking neatly beside us.

Often all we take in are two sets of footsteps marching or dancing forward. Until the clock stops, you look across at your partner, and see a bit of a stranger in their face. It's funny/odd, because you can still hear the music in your head.

So what do you do?

Well, tantrums and blame make you ugly and age faster, so those are out.

So...you think about the ways this person or relationship made you stretch and were good. How you dumped some things in yourself that don't work and learned really well some things that do.

You admit that you may have played a role in the music stopping.

You realize the fact that you are not currently dancing is not the definition of tragedy. Not really.

You apologize to your partner if your heart feels heavy with regret for words or actions. Clean and honest I am very sorry's are what keep this world spinning on its axis.

And you remember in your heart and throughout your cells that enjoyment is a gift. The Giver of all good things is still very much alive, and He ain't gonna leave you high and dry.

So maybe take a few moments to tell Him your version of what happened, what you think you need now to heal up (friends? good sleep?) and count a few of your blessings while you're still on the line with Him. Only good stuff comes from that.

Then feel the influx of what you'll always need most, whether rain or shine: peace.

Ah, yep - Heavenly Peace. That kind.

We all need it, no matter our brand of faith.

Breathe it in - it's yours for the asking.

Love,

-Melinda

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Keeping the Home Fires Burning

I had the privilege last week of visiting my good friend, Claudia, who is in her 80's. She's one of the youngest people I know - always encouraging me to visit other countries (her fave trips: Turkey, Italy and Greece), make friends with adventure and, for goodness's sake: Kiss The Boys!

I love her.

Last week, we were joined on the sofa by another of Claudia's friends - a wonderful, twinkle-in-the-eye Scottish woman, also 80-ish and endlessly feisty. In our conversation, the friend's thick, marvelous accent delivered a number of phrases worth writing down....such as when she stated the following about her age: "I'm not that old. There's snow on the rooftop, and a fire in the furnace!" And then she laughed with such a sassy strength.

It really didn't matter that we were sitting in a living area at a retirement community. We might has well have been perched at an outdoor table at a cafe in Paris, diving into chocolate crepes and finishing a nice bottle of cab.

These two ladies are more alive then most of the folks you'd find lined up for a sky diving class. They keep finding the joy in life, and providing it to folks like me, who are just learning, at 39, how to live.

And their hugs are the warmest darn things, without an ounce of hurry or worry.

Try dishing out a few of those today to folks who aren't expecting it.

Maybe plan a trip to somewhere for which you don't already know the airport code.

Or perhaps just put down the whirling gift wrap arsenal of paper, scissors and tape, and savor your role in keeping the home fires burning - be they for your significant other or the cherished friends and family that run your fabulous fan club.

Sofa. Glass of wine. Gratefulness. And maybe some Ronnie Milsap. The man had 26 number one hits - 'She Keeps the Home Fires Burning' is just the one I can't get out of my head. And neither should you! : )

Love,

Melinda

P.S. Thanks to you, dear readers, Super Much Love reached three new countries this week - Brazil, Turkey and Poland! Please continue sharing SML with your friends by "liking" the Super Much Love Facebook Fan Page, "liking" and "sharing" individual entries, hitting 'Suggest to Friends' or simply buying a big fat billboard along your morning commute with www.SuperMuchLove.com on it. You rock my world with your kindness!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

What's in a Name? Why, Everything!

With a surname of "Jones," it's rare that I'm asked to spell my name. I had a friend in college, however, who sported a fabulously exotic 16-letter last name. I can still spell it to this day.

Names are inherently marvelous, no matter how simple or protracted. They tell of a bit of where we come from, and leave things blessedly open in terms of where we're going. We have our entire lives to determine what our names will mean to others. YUM. Opportunity!

So celebrate the one you've been given, or have bestowed upon another.

Put it in the very capable, stylish hands of All Spelled Out.

Love child of the wonderfully gifted interior designer, Maureen Koopman, All Spelled Out takes your name/monogram/special word and color scheme and crafts a wonderful keepsake in the form of a hand-painted canvas featuring birch letters.

Whether you wish to note the year your family was established, a baby's name, a cherished pet's moniker or a funny family quip, no one handles happy words in your home like Koopman.

Visit her All Spelled Out Etsy site - you can on-the-spot purchase something you see and must have, or inquire about a custom design. She'll lovingly work with your exact fabrics/materials - be it wallpaper, baby's crib bedding or sofa pillows! - to create a special canvas that looks fabulous in your decor. You'll even receive a proof for approval via email before your canvas goes into production, to make sure you're 100% happy.

Whether your style is modern or traditional - or somewhere in between - All Spelled Out gets it!

These canvases make fantastic holiday gifts (and many are under $50!). They're also lovely for wedding and new home gifts, and baby showers.

Get 15% off your order with code SML15 at checkout on All Spelled Out's Etsy site.

For SML readers outside the U.S.: I have confirmed that international shipping is no trouble at all! : )

Love,

Melinda

P.S. I SO, SO much appreciate your sharing Super Much Love with friends and family, and "liking" the SML Facebook page! Thanks to your sweet selves, this little blog is now being read in 16 countries.

A warm welcome to new Super Much Love readers in Ireland, Slovakia and Taiwan! MUAH, BESOS, KISSES to everyone!

Photo Courtesy: All Spelled Out

Baby, It's Cold Outside. And I Need to Send A Text.

I laughed to myself this week when I held hands with the guy I've been dating. He's a gifted hand-holder, don't get me wrong. What made me giggle was the fact that when he reached for my hand, he didn't realize that it already held my iPhone.

Instead of handing the phone to me to put in my purse - or having any noticeable reaction whatsoever - he just continued to wrap his hand around mine, and we both held my iPhone as we walked. No big deal. It was kinda as if he was saying, I like you, and your life, and holding both in my hand.

Am I a romantic? Yes.

But has technology in our lives really become that natural-seeming? I think so. These phones increasingly play a role in helping us share the happiest and most poignant moments. In fact, it would be absolutely lovely if iPhones, Blackberrys, Droids and such all came with a nice box containing chocolates and tissues.

If you live in a climate that requires gloves this time of year, however, you may find a frustrating disconnect occurs when you need to use your touch-sensitive smart phone...the technology requires direct contact with your fingers, forcing you to remove your gloves and freeze a bit in order to send a text, make a call, plan a meeting or...you get the chilly picture.

Fortunately, some really smart folks have developed a fashion-friendly solution that keeps us connected and warm no matter how the cold winds blow. My fave is the 'Touch' glove by Echo. With soft bits of metallic fabric called 'eLink' on the thumbs and forefingers, your commands are recognized through the gloves by iPhones, iPods, iPads and other touch-sensitive devices.

The Echo Touch comes in a brilliant range of styles and colors for both men and women - truly something for everyone. Happy News: they're priced from just $31 to $82, and available on Zappos.com (they currently have the biggest selection, plus free shipping and returns), Amazon and Nordstrom.com.

Superb holiday gift item, I say!

Now, you can change your relationship status on Facebook and let your hands stay as warm as your heart. Awwww.

Love,

Melinda

Ramblin' Rose

I've always said I want to live in the kind of home that when folks pass by, they have the feeling that hot tea is on the stove, and really good cookies are an easy find in the kitchen. I love warmth. And sugar. And company.

So it's humorous to me that my current home is a glass box in a high-rise building. But I love lots of light and clean lines just as much as I dig cozy.

When I moved last year from a little bungalow to this condominium, I wrote in the sales contract of the first home that I wanted to take with me just two things...and it wasn't a chandelier or mirror. Rather, it was two specific rose bushes that I just couldn't leave behind. I transplanted them into pots on my condo balcony, and one in particular - the scrawniest little fighter - has begun to produce the fragrant, apricot-colored, full and drapey blooms that so warranted its inclusion in a real estate contract.

Most folks wouldn't consider roses a likely landscaping element in a modern environment. But love often trumps the status quo. And I tend to jump up and down when that happens.

Like me, this old-school rose lives happily in a modern container, and delights in the sunshine and breeze and constant construction to be found in the city below.

Normally, this blog tells you about people, places and things that I think are worth your time and cash to experience. Today, however, I'm encouraging you to buy you. Allow yourself the kind of zing that comes from embracing your soul's clearest requests - no matter how insignificant seeming, or different from everyone you know. You'll like who you see in the mirror afterwards, I guarantee it.

And following your heart goes great with hot tea and cookies, so that's a lovely way to celebrate.

Love,

Melinda

Perfectionist Planning a Party? Meet Your Delicious Salvation!

When hosting an event, nothing beats a "custom" item for bringing utter awesomeness and warmth to your gathering. From birthday parties to reunions, baby showers to corporate events, providing something cool and tailored to your specific shindig completely ups the wow factor and makes guests feel pretty darn special.

Trouble is, "Custom" often comes to the party with its two meddlesome buddies: Cost and Time. Staying up all night to hand-make goodies just leaves you exhausted. And the price tag for bought custom items is often a bit more than the event budget permits.

Darling, say helloooo to the smartest solution ever for making your next soiree memorable: Cupcake Caps. These gems transform ordinary cupcakes into something stunning with an edible, designed-to-your-event topper. Made primarily of sugar and with a neutral, sweet taste, Brides magazine calls them "a DIY dessert with couture results."

Simply bake or buy plain cupcakes, frost those babies, and top with a Cupcake Cap. Voila! Beautifully designed, fabulously effortless YUM that holds up in transport and stays perfect all party long.

Each event is treated with love by the Cupcake Caps team - from a Superbowl party at your house for 18, to a recent Southwest Airlines company celebration for 8000, these folks absolutely deliver - frequently, around the world!

Cupcake Caps are available via their website (www.cupcakecaps.com). You'll find oodles of styles from just $12.00/dozen. Or email them about a special design (it's only $50 extra for the custom treatment). Either way, you will love, love the results...and the party pics of you looking fabulously rested and enjoying your guests!

When ordering, use promo code SML at checkout and receive an extra dozen - FREE! Discounts are sooo delicious!

Love,

Melinda

GIVEAWAY:

One lucky Super Much Love fan will win a $1000 American Express gift card when we reach 200 Facebook followers ("likes") and 20 countries. Please take an itsy-bitsy moment to hit the Suggest to Friends link on Super Much Love's Facebook Page to help share SML.

We send a warm welcome to new readers in Singapore and Russia!

Photo Credit: Cupcake Caps