Dad's Words Part II (A Love Story)

Last May I wrote a blog post about hearing my dad's words in my head whilst trying to make some life changing decisions regarding the direction of my life. Mainly my career path. Little did I know that when I made the decision to come out to Texas to work with my aunt on Life Is Delightable, that I was ultimately being lead to my future husband.

After being in Texas for 2 weeks, Aunt Irene was inquiring about any cute boys I had met. I hadn't really met any, nor did dating seem like much of a priority to me. What I didn't realize was that she was asking because she already had somebody in mind. "I think you would really like this guy Roman." She told me, while showing me his Facebook profile on her phone. I began stifling through his pictures. Of course I thought he was cute, but it still wasn't enough to sway me.

I forgot all about this Roman guy, until the next Sunday at church, when of course that's who would be the greeter. I walked in right behind my cousin Marcus and he greeted him but seemed very confused when I walked in with him. He ended up sitting right next to us in church and was convinced that we knew each other, which we didn't.

The next week he took me on a date to The Scat Jazz Lounge. We started dating right after that, and after Marcus's suicide he was right there by my side ready and willing to do anything to help me and my family. I knew that I couldn't let him go after that.

Fast forward to just a month ago, on Valentine's Day, I had no idea that a marriage proposal was coming! He hadn't been wanting to talk a lot about marriage and wedding stuff, so I thought maybe he wasn't ready or just wasn't all that excited about the thought of marrying me. I had been going back and forth about making that kind of commitment. Mostly because of my own fears and not because of my lack of desire to be with him.

Anyway since we hadn't talked a whole lot about it, rather than we both wanted it to move in that direction, I wasn't expecting anything to happen. However, I was getting pretty strong feelings about it, which made me even more nervous. I thought I was just being crazy until we were at the Scat Jazz Lounge again and he was called up to the stage. He finished making his speech and called me up to the stage. My heart was pounding and my mind was racing. By the time I made it up there Roman was down on one knee.

I didn't feel ready for this! I knew that i didn't want to say no, but was I ready to say yes? I think it was only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity that I was just standing there staring at the ring. That's when I heard Dad's voice again. "Lizzie, just don't take so long to make a decision." I knew I had to say yes. As soon as I did, everything immediately calmed down and I felt at ease. I knew that I had made the right decision.

It was even more confirmed when the band began performing "I Will Always Love You," right after we sat down. This was the song that played when my dad passed away and I felt like he was saying goodbye, so it's been a really special song for me.

The craziest part is that I hadn't told Roman about this song and it's meaning and they just happened to perform it! I got really emotional and after explaining it's meaning, he asked me to dance and decided that this needed to be our wedding song. That was the ultimate confirmation from Dad that marrying Roman was a good choice.

We have set our date for June 10th, 2017 and I couldn't be more excited!

Click the link below if you'd like to see the proposal video :)

https://www.facebook.com/BoyCan0y/videos/10206506896830948/

I Left My Heart In Oregon

If you've read any of my previous blog posts, then you know that a lot of my answers and inspiration come through different songs. It happens to me every so often, and when it does I get the urge to share my experience. Well my most recent experience has to do with my love for Oregon and how much I've missed it since I've been here in the great and proud state of Texas.

Most of you know that I moved out here to Texas to help my aunt, the marvelous artist and publisher, Irene Titera, with our Inbox Magazine called Life Is Delightable. Don't worry, it's coming SOON! Anyway in the mean time I am also working part time as a receptionist at Dollamur Sports Surfaces. I started this gig last week and I was having a pretty stressful day just learning the ropes of my position and the company. I felt like I was doing everything wrong and some of the girls are a little gossipy, which I was forewarned about in my interview. Long story short I was having a hard time and just missing my life back in Oregon.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for this opportunity to work so closely with my aunt here in Texas.  Not to mention I have a phenomenal, loving boyfriend, who I wouldn't have met and fallen in love with otherwise, but I still miss Oregon like crazy ALL the time. Maybe it was just the stress of everything, but I was missing it a little more than I usually do. As I was driving home feeling like a failure in multiple aspects of my life I couldn't help but think about how much I missed Oregon and how much I wished that I could go back. Just as this thought entered my mind a song came on randomly on a Spotify playlist. And that song was called Coming Home (Oregon) by Matt Kearney. Of course the words that rang the loudest in my ears were "I left my heart in Oregon."

Coincidence? Well I don't believe in coincidences. Maybe Dad was trying to tell me something. Only time will tell. I hope that I will eventually find myself back in Oregon, even though Washington is technically my home. For now though, Texas is where I need to be.

6 Songs That Promote Celebrating Life

When you think of celebrations, music is right up their with food. Good music and good food make for a great celebration right? Well let the evidence show that music is inspiring from the melody right down to the message. Here are 6 songs that prove that music promotes celebrating life everyday!

1. Growing Up – Macklemore
   

Macklemore's song is a message to his daughter to live life to the fullest and enjoy it while you can. Take a look at some of the lyrics.

“The quickest way to happiness?
Learning to be selfless
Ask more questions, talk about yourself less
Study David Bowie, James Baldwin and 2Pac
Watch the sun set with best friends from a rooftop
Wear a helmet - don't be stupid!
Jaywalk, but look before you do it
If it snows, go outside, build a jump, get some help
Get a sled, thrash the hill with your friends, 'til it melts
Go to festivals, camp, fall in love and dance
You're only young once, my love, one, this is your chance
Take risks, cause life moves so fast
You're only young once, my love, one, this is your chance” 


Along with living life to the fullest, his lyrics also inspire change in the world through enjoying the things that you love most.

“You put the work in, don't worry about the praise, my love
Don't try to change the world, find something that you love
And do it every day
Do that for the rest of your life
And eventually, the world will change”

2. Live – One Republic
   

If you've ever listened to this song then you know it has a fun, powerful, and uplifting melody, but the lyrics are even more motivating. Through this song, the band encourages us all to appreciate everything that we are given and to not take life for granted.

"I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived"

Along with not taking life for granted the lyrics also inspire us to lift are spirits even when times are tough.

"Hope that you spend your days, but they all add up
And when that sun goes down, hope you raise your cup
Oh, I wish that I could witness all your joy and all your pain
But until my moment comes, I'll say...I did it all."

3. Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae

How often are we bogged down with all of the cares of the world? Life shouldn't be as stressful as we make it. Corinne Bailey Rae's message in this song is to sit back, relax, and just enjoy life. Let your hair down, listen to some good music, and enjoy yourself. If not because Corrine says so, then for your own peace of mind.

“T'was more than I could take, pity for pity's sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realize, that you don't even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.”

“Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.”

4. All You Need Is Love – The Beatles

This Beatles classic not only inspires love, which is essential to life, but it also promotes believing in yourself and enjoying the simple things in life.

“There's nothing you can do that can't be done
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how the play the game
It's easy.”

Because life is full of the unknown and life is full of adventure, even the Beatles agreed that everything happens for a reason. So we might as well enjoy the ride.

“There's nothing you can know that isn't known
Nothing you can see that isn't shown
No where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be
It's easy.”

      5. Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra 

 

If you ever need a friendly reminder to celebrate the little things in life, then let Electric Light Orchestra lift your spirit with Mr. Blue Sky. This song not only has a fun, motivating sound, but even the lyrics validate that life should be a regular celebration. Through tough times as well as good.

"Hey you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race
A celebration
Mister Blue Sky's up there waitin' and today
Is the day we've waited for, ah"

"Mister Blue, you did it right
But soon comes Mister Night
Creepin' over
Now his hand is on your shoulder
Never mind I'll remember you this
I'll remember you this way"

  
       6.  What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

 

There's a reason that Louis Armstrong's classic has become such a popular wedding song. It's because the song is an advocate for celebrating life and it's many miracles. And weddings are of course the ultimate miraculous event, but this song is great for just everyday listening and celebrating.

"The colors of the rainbow,
So pretty in the sky.
Are also on the faces,
Of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands.
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying,
"I love you".

"I hear babies cry,
I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more,
Than I'll ever know.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world."

Things Are Gonna Get Easier

A little over a year ago I was faced with the biggest challenge of my life. I had just lost my dad and the grieving process was pretty fresh. I worked really hard to keep myself composed on a daily basis and one of the hardest things that I had to do was set up a bank account for the money Dad had left behind for us. Mom pretty much reminded me about it every time I talked to her. I had been putting it off. I'm not sure why but I really struggled to bring myself to do this. Since Mom had been so insistent and emphasized it's importance, I finally pushed myself to set up that account.

I remember it had been pouring rain that day and I had also been really emotional. I cried the whole way to the bank. I managed to compose myself before I walked into Chase. I somehow kept it together through the process of setting up my account, but it was a struggle. I remember music playing in the background but I didn't really hear it until "Ooh Child" by The Five Stairsteps came on and I literally heard EVERY word of the song. Especially the part that says "Ooh child things are gonna get easier, ooh child things'll get brighter." I felt really tuned into this song and tears just started streaming down my face. I got out as soon as I could. I felt like Dad was trying to comfort me with this song but at the time I remember thinking How could things possibly get easier? How far down the road would this be? I couldn't fathom how that would be possible for things to get easier.

Well the same song came on yesterday when I was helping my aunt with a house that she is staging and it had a whole new meaning to me. A lot of time has passed and everyday has brought new blessings. I was finally able to see how much easier things had gotten. That's not to say that I don't still miss him everyday and that I don't still have my moments. The grieving process is never really over but it does get easier as you become stronger. While listening to this song again I recognized how much stronger I had gotten throughout the process.

Not only have I gotten stronger but a lot of amazing things have happened since then. Through a lot of prayer and tears and comfort of friends and family I managed to get to where I am  now. I'm optimistic and ready to take on the world. I finally understand what Dad was trying to tell me through this song. Things HAVE gotten easier and they HAVE gotten brighter. I have never felt closer to my family. Both of my younger siblings are back from their missions and so much is happening in my life right now. I can feel Dad's spirit with me with every challenge and adventure that I am faced with.

I just want to end with this thought; when you are faced with what seems like the biggest challenge in the world,  when everything seems dark, when even attempting to smile feels impossible, and when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, just trust me when I say that "things are gonna get easier."

Dad's Words

Growing up, Dad wasn't always the easiest person to deal with. This made it hard for me to follow whatever orders he was giving. Looking back now, I realize that even if his deliverance was a little overbearing, he had only the best intentions. About a month before he passed away he told me not to take so long to make a decision. At the time I didn't understand what he was talking about, but over time it has become more clear.

Recently my life has been pushed in a new direction. Right before the marketing company I had been working for was shut down, my aunt Irene called me with an opportunity to attend a business seminar with her in California. I didn't jump on board right away, but throughout our conversation I began to lean toward it. Without knowing, she had addressed thoughts and feelings that I'd been having about where I was currently both in life and my career. She wanted me to think more about starting up an inbox magazine with her. In order to attend the business seminar with her I would need to ask for time off on short notice, which I was hesitant to do. However, the words "Lizzie, just don't take so long to make a decision" rang in my ear. It was then I decided that I needed to move in a new direction.

About two days later my aunt called me letting me know about a flight that she had found and was willing to book it for me. I almost hesitated but remembered Dad's words and accepted the offer. I knew that I was being guided in the right direction because the very next day I found out that company would be shutting down within the next week. I no longer needed to ask for any time off.

Right before meeting up with my aunt in California, I began to take the steps necessary in starting up an inbox magazine with her. During our time in San Jose, we conjured up a business plan to get things going. My aunt suggested the idea of me coming to stay in Texas in order to give it my full focus to ensure it's success.

When I flew back home to Oregon, I continued to mull over the idea and all of the pros and cons. For starters I've always felt like my place was here in Oregon and that hasn't changed. However I realized that even though my ultimate place is in Oregon, I knew that time with my aunt would be the best thing for me financially at this point in time. Again I heard Dad's words in my head and felt pushed forward.

Changes have taken place so fast and I know that Dad is guiding me. His intense and at times forceful nature have carried over even in the after life. I was listening to Growing Up by Macklemore the other day and could hear Dad's voice speaking the same words that Macklemore says in this song for his daughter. "Don't try to change the world, find something that you love and do it every day, do that for the rest of your life and eventually, the world will change." I could also hear him saying "Take risks, cause life moves so fast you're only young once, my love, one, this is your chance."

Dad was speaking to me through Macklemore and I knew that he was trying to get me to focus on things that I loved such as writing and friends and family and to not be afraid to take a risk. My whole life he was always trying to push me to be strong and independent and not to be afraid. Even though he's passed on,  I can see that nothing has changed.

Follow Your Intuition

The greatest thing that I have learned through this mighty roller coaster of a year is trusting my intuition and following it. I'm naturally very sensitive and intuitive, but it wasn't until this past year  that I really learned to recognize it as an amazing gift. I believe that everyone is intuitive to a degree. Some of us might be more sensitive to it than others, but the bottom line is that we all have an intuition and we should all follow it.

Jewel even wrote a song about this. I believe it goes something like this "Follow your heart, your intuition, it will lead you in the right direction." If Jewel says it's important then that should be solid proof haha but seriously though. she was inspired.

Every time that I've try to go against my intuition, or ignore it,  or second guess it, I've just brought on more problems for myself. I'd be lying if I said that I don't still struggle with it because I do. My natural tendency is to second guess what I feel in my in my heart of hearts is true.

Just the other day I was talking to my mom about thoughts and feelings that I'd been getting about the  direction of my life and even dreams that I had. I knew that I was being lead in a direction, but still I was questioning it. Mom gave me the most sound advice that I knew I couldn't ignore. She said "trust your feelings."

Sometimes in the moment what our intuition might be telling us might not make a lot of sense. However, if you feel like you are being pushed or pulled in a certain direction DON'T fight it. I guarantee that it will make sense if you are brave enough and wise enough to just let it guide you.

I don't believe in coincidences. I strongly believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. We are lead to certain people for a reason. We are put in certain situations for a reason. Things happen for a reason and signs are a real thing whether or not you choose to believe it. Maybe you are too proud or too scared to recognize signs in your own life, or maybe you have recognized them and are like me and second guess it.

No matter the case, actually acting on your intuition is terrifying and a lot of times inconvenient. TRUST ME I know. Don't let that hold you back. Trust the signs that are placed in front of you, follow them, and let your intuition guide you. In the inspiring words of Jewel, "it will lead you in the right direction."

Choose To Be Strong

A lot has happened in my life in the last few months and today I feel inspired to share my thoughts and feelings about life.

Just this last March we lost my dad to Pancreatic Cancer. He was diagnosed in February and the doctors told us that he had 6 months to live, but he only lasted a little over a month before it took his life.

Just the other night the subject came up when I was talking with a friend. She seemed surprised at how well I seemed to be handling everything. It got me thinking about how we can choose to be strong when things are hard. I'm lucky enough to have amazing role models for this. My Aunt Irene and the whole Titera family have been such amazing examples to me. They've lost 2 sons and brothers and managed to be strong through it all. They never gave up hope or quit looking forward to the future. It was amazing to see how they handled everything and I learned so much from watching them. I know these experiences were really hard on their family, but I've always admired they're perseverance and incredible strength. I strive everyday to be as admirable as their family and I hope that one day I can come close.

I'm not going to pretend that things haven't been hard or even pretend that I'm not still struggling but as a whole I am pretty good. I've experienced some pretty miraculous things that have helped me to gain a clearer perspective on things. I won't go into great detail about anything because they are pretty personal experiences, but I don't fear the future and I take comfort in knowing that Dad is still looking out for me and the rest of our family. I know without a doubt that everything will be okay. I also know that "faking it until you make it" is a real thing and that it works.

So if there is any struggle that you are faced with in your life, tell yourself that everything is okay until it becomes the truth. The mind is a powerful thing. Dad always told us that "failure is not an option." I thought it was pretty sound advice and it's helped to be strong, especially through these past few months. Life can be tough but we can choose to be strong.