March 18, 2012
Today’s post has been inspired by a CNN article I read about children being teased on the playground because they are “fat.” It breaks my heart that children are being taught how to discriminate and to isolate at such a young age. Believe me, fat is just the beginning. I believe children are being taught this poor behavior because of the superficial and shallow society that some of us honor. While I am a huge proponent of staying healthy, it is extremely unwise to mistreat others because of our personal perceptions of them. I chose this photo of me as a little girl because it so accurately portrays the spirit I had growing up. I was naturally joyful, full of peace, positivity and had nothing but love to share with people and things around me. But growing up, people wanted to take that joy away from me. I was a tad chubby and I loved to eat. I could have been a spokesperson for cheese puffs and McDonald’s cheeseburgers! I even had crooked teeth and funky hair. People put me down because of how I looked, including close classmates and relatives. Thankfully I had great siblings who always pumped me up. But it hurt. Thankfully, those jabs and bruises from others never tainted me at the core. In fact, it made me not want to put people down ever. I developed a deeper compassion and love for everyone no matter what their size, color, race, etc… Even now it makes me cringe when people call people fat or think they are better because of whatever superficial or materialistic reason they have. It is ignorance. We are all God’s children and before you even think to judge another person without knowing their story or think to make them feel bad because you find them unworthy, consider biting your tongue. Words sting. Sometimes for a lifetime.  I pray that any little boy or girl that is being picked on knows they are loved and that it is unacceptable to be put down at any time. As a matter of fact, though we age, we still carry that spirit we once had as children, so why not protect and nourish that delicate spirit? We all need love. Let’s not spread hate, let’s gravitate to appreciate. 

Today’s post has been inspired by a CNN article I read about children being teased on the playground because they are “fat.” It breaks my heart that children are being taught how to discriminate and to isolate at such a young age. Believe me, fat is just the beginning. I believe children are being taught this poor behavior because of the superficial and shallow society that some of us honor. While I am a huge proponent of staying healthy, it is extremely unwise to mistreat others because of our personal perceptions of them. I chose this photo of me as a little girl because it so accurately portrays the spirit I had growing up. I was naturally joyful, full of peace, positivity and had nothing but love to share with people and things around me. But growing up, people wanted to take that joy away from me. I was a tad chubby and I loved to eat. I could have been a spokesperson for cheese puffs and McDonald’s cheeseburgers! I even had crooked teeth and funky hair. People put me down because of how I looked, including close classmates and relatives. Thankfully I had great siblings who always pumped me up. But it hurt. Thankfully, those jabs and bruises from others never tainted me at the core. In fact, it made me not want to put people down ever. I developed a deeper compassion and love for everyone no matter what their size, color, race, etc… Even now it makes me cringe when people call people fat or think they are better because of whatever superficial or materialistic reason they have. It is ignorance. We are all God’s children and before you even think to judge another person without knowing their story or think to make them feel bad because you find them unworthy, consider biting your tongue. Words sting. Sometimes for a lifetime.  I pray that any little boy or girl that is being picked on knows they are loved and that it is unacceptable to be put down at any time. As a matter of fact, though we age, we still carry that spirit we once had as children, so why not protect and nourish that delicate spirit? We all need love. Let’s not spread hate, let’s gravitate to appreciate. 

February 29, 2012

Today we lost the talented and wonderful Davy Jones. As a tribute to him, I wanted to post one of my favorite Brady Bunch episodes of all time where he made a special guest appearance. Rest in peace, Davy.

January 2, 2012
The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” - Author Unknown
January 1, 2012
Happy 2012! My intention for this brand new year is to finally come out of the recent dark shadows and let my light shine brighter than ever in 2012. I vow to never doubt myself and to honor who I am at all times no matter what. I look forward to a year of smiling, laughing, and truly being free and vibrant! This year will be about taking more risks, celebrating my womanhood, my independence, my creativity, and no longer allowing myself to be associated with those who are hurtful, careless, or damaging to my mind, body, and soul. I know every single day is our “birth day” and we should celebrate it with open hearts and be thankful for every moment…like today. I am so incredibly thankful for this new beginning. I know I am blessed with a beautiful circle of angels and amazing life opportunities. 2012 is going to be filled with dreams coming true and full of inspiring and loving people in my life. Wishing everyone a most beautiful year ahead. xoxo

Happy 2012! My intention for this brand new year is to finally come out of the recent dark shadows and let my light shine brighter than ever in 2012. I vow to never doubt myself and to honor who I am at all times no matter what. I look forward to a year of smiling, laughing, and truly being free and vibrant! This year will be about taking more risks, celebrating my womanhood, my independence, my creativity, and no longer allowing myself to be associated with those who are hurtful, careless, or damaging to my mind, body, and soul. I know every single day is our “birth day” and we should celebrate it with open hearts and be thankful for every moment…like today. I am so incredibly thankful for this new beginning. I know I am blessed with a beautiful circle of angels and amazing life opportunities. 2012 is going to be filled with dreams coming true and full of inspiring and loving people in my life. Wishing everyone a most beautiful year ahead. xoxo

December 21, 2011

Soul. Roots. Rock.

Heatherlyn is a woman that encompasses so much love, peace, and natural beauty by her presence and though her singing. She is a woman everyone must meet at least once in their lifetime! I first met the talented and warm Heatherlyn at a Stories of Glory performance earlier this year. I sat down with her one morning where we comfortably reflected on her life, music, and dreams. She talked about what makes her so passionate as a music artist and so inspirational as a human-being. I knew she would be the perfect person to profile before the end of this whirlwind of a year.
Nina: What inspires you the most in life?
Heatherlyn: Things that are beautiful inspire me, but especially when a human-being engages that beauty and co-creates that beauty in life and authentically lives out the gift or light within them that they think they want to share. To authentically let that light shine and make the world better. People's stories inspire me a lot. Just paying attention to both the beauty and the brokenness in the world. Celebrating what's beautiful and maybe grieving what's broken and saying I want to be a part of making beauty where that brokenness is.
Nina: How would you define your music?
Heatherlyn: I use the words soul, roots, rock, especially for the latest album. But when it comes to genre or sound, I think the soulfulness comes from how I sing. I think soul is something that cannot be taught, it's something that is "caught." When you're present to your story and when you've had some challenges in life and you've honestly faced those challenges, it gets you to the deeper core of who you are-- that soul part. I'm also inspired by soul-singers, because you know there's more going on there than just a melody or lyric. There's a deeper story. You can just feel that. You can't really define it but you know it when it's there. I basically like to think about what it means to live soulfully rooted in love and rocking our world with goodness. Goodness in all its forms, of course!
Nina: You embody so much peace and love. Where does that come from?
Heatherlyn: I'm a little bit blown away by your question, because I don't always feel that way! But I guess it's a lot of things. I think part of it is being really present, and honest and real about my story. I had a really difficult upbringing, with no dad in the picture, and there was a lot of trauma in my mom's life. She loved me and was courageous enough to leave my dad, which needed to happen, but his actions and her sense of fear and scarcity in her life kind of wired me how to think and approach life. She and I have talked openly about this, because there has been a lot of healing and reconciliation because we've been really honest and present to our story. We've dwelled in it and we've paid attention to how it's shaped us. But there was so much emotional and verbal abuse that was unintentional from her and so much pain. But probably in the past ten years or more, I've really been working through unearthing some of that deeper stuff and this story I've inherited, whether I liked it or not. But just acknowledging that this pen is now in my hand and now I can write new chapters and hopefully leave a legacy of a story that is of healing, hope, redemption, and reconciliation. I think those experiences have cultivated a sense of empathy and compassion within me.
Nina: What are your hopes for the future?
Heatherlyn: I have so many hopes and dreams. One specific hope is that I hope my album inspires people. I hope that inspires them to like arts and music and it reaches them in a deeper place, below the surface. I think there's a lot of people who haven't been able to acknowledge something of their story, whether it's having the courage to acknowledge something painful so they can find healing or whether its their own unique voice they haven't owned yet, or a beautiful hope and dream they have for their lives or the world, I hope they can dwell in that and let it be what it is. And, just continuing to grow as an artist and a non-partisan activist and have a global presence.
Check out: www.heatherlynmusic.com
November 24, 2011

Living With Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, I am giving thanks for incredible family, supportive friends, friendly neighbors, good health, beautiful shelter, rich nourishment, peace, love, life challenges, and even for this very moment, where I am able to honor this day.

I’ve learned in life to never take things for granted and that we’ll never be happy with more until we’re grateful with what we already have.

The spirit of Thanksgiving should live with us every single day, not just today.

Though I love spending this holiday indulging in pie and stuffing, I most enjoy appreciating simple moments that make life so meaningful. Simple blessings of families coming together, kids laughing, eating a homemade meal, and being around people who show acts of kindness toward strangers warms my heart the most. 

This Thanksgiving, I am also reflecting on all of my trials and tribulations in life. I know everything has happened for a reason and has shaped who I am today. And while pain is never easy, it has been necessary for me, in order to grow and to appreciate everything that is to come.

I couldn’t ask for anything more this Thanksgiving. I have pure love, light, and peace in my heart and hope that those around me know how much I appreciate them.

November 3, 2011
A few years ago, a dear friend of mine told me she had vivid visions of me feeding sandwiches to children in a foreign country. I had no idea what that really meant until this October when I found myself in Tanzania. But the sandwich part, which I’ll always remember, is just one special piece of my African journey. In fact, it was a journey that led me to meet the most inspirational woman I’ve come across in my entire lifetime. In the coming months, the story of the courageous, loving, and faithful Mama Lynn Elliott will be shared internationally through video stories produced by Mark Anderson and myself as we help spread the word about Light in Africa. Mama’s non-profit organization helps abandoned, sick, and physically-challenged children as well as those in great need. Right now, due to the devastating drought, Light in Africa has an even greater need for volunteers and funding. Mama Lynn is truly a miracle-worker and I have seen it with my own eyes. I am inspired by her genuine selflessness and her undying spirit of spreading love to everyone she comes across. It is thanks to her, my special sandwich dream came to fruition, and truly changed my life forever. I look forward to sharing her story in hopes of bringing more light into Africa.

A few years ago, a dear friend of mine told me she had vivid visions of me feeding sandwiches to children in a foreign country. I had no idea what that really meant until this October when I found myself in Tanzania. But the sandwich part, which I’ll always remember, is just one special piece of my African journey. In fact, it was a journey that led me to meet the most inspirational woman I’ve come across in my entire lifetime.

In the coming months, the story of the courageous, loving, and faithful Mama Lynn Elliott will be shared internationally through video stories produced by Mark Anderson and myself as we help spread the word about Light in Africa. Mama’s non-profit organization helps abandoned, sick, and physically-challenged children as well as those in great need. Right now, due to the devastating drought, Light in Africa has an even greater need for volunteers and funding.

Mama Lynn is truly a miracle-worker and I have seen it with my own eyes. I am inspired by her genuine selflessness and her undying spirit of spreading love to everyone she comes across. It is thanks to her, my special sandwich dream came to fruition, and truly changed my life forever. I look forward to sharing her story in hopes of bringing more light into Africa.

October 21, 2011 • 1 note
I’ve been heavily reflecting on how much I appreciate all the people, things, and places I’ve encountered over the years. I can’t thank God enough for the numerous blessings in my life and for the simple moments that bring pure joy to my heart. Nothing of material worth can ever match the things that matter to me most. I believe every single day is a beautiful page in my book of life, and I want every chapter to be one to read over and over again. We are all gifted writers, creators, and illustrators of our own lives. So why think for even a second to release the pen from our fingertips and lose the beauty of our own originality? Sometimes, I have moments where I don’t know what to write next or there are times I’m too afraid to pick up a pen, but those are the poignant moments where some of the greatest, most unexpected things happen. It’s when I let my heart guide me that my soul awakens. I realize my story is so much about loving—loving without boundaries, without fear, and feeling it to the fullest and deepest depths.  I have so much love to give and whomever I give it to, it will always be everlasting and unconditional. As I reflect on my story, I know I will have pages of scribbles and little smudges. Nothing has to be perfect in life to be beautiful— it just has to be appreciated. My wish for myself and for everyone in this world is to feel the strength and inspiration to create. Let every page of our book of life overflow with dreams, adventures, inspirations, and hope that stays with us forever. Let us always keep writing.

I’ve been heavily reflecting on how much I appreciate all the people, things, and places I’ve encountered over the years. I can’t thank God enough for the numerous blessings in my life and for the simple moments that bring pure joy to my heart. Nothing of material worth can ever match the things that matter to me most.

I believe every single day is a beautiful page in my book of life, and I want every chapter to be one to read over and over again.

We are all gifted writers, creators, and illustrators of our own lives. So why think for even a second to release the pen from our fingertips and lose the beauty of our own originality? Sometimes, I have moments where I don’t know what to write next or there are times I’m too afraid to pick up a pen, but those are the poignant moments where some of the greatest, most unexpected things happen. It’s when I let my heart guide me that my soul awakens.

I realize my story is so much about loving—loving without boundaries, without fear, and feeling it to the fullest and deepest depths.  I have so much love to give and whomever I give it to, it will always be everlasting and unconditional.

As I reflect on my story, I know I will have pages of scribbles and little smudges. Nothing has to be perfect in life to be beautiful— it just has to be appreciated.

My wish for myself and for everyone in this world is to feel the strength and inspiration to create. Let every page of our book of life overflow with dreams, adventures, inspirations, and hope that stays with us forever. Let us always keep writing.

September 30, 2011
I LOVE FALL! Here’s to more beautiful, cool, crisp days ahead. 

I LOVE FALL! Here’s to more beautiful, cool, crisp days ahead. 

September 15, 2011
I have been waiting for the perfect time to write about one of my closest and dearest girlfriends of all time. Then I realized, I shouldn’t wait one more second to tell the world how lucky and grateful I am to have a sister angel as a friend. Monique Thompkins is a beautiful and radiant North Carolina girl who made her way to the Twin Cities a few years ago and I couldn’t be more thankful that she did. She makes the world a better place by just existing. Her warm spirit, loving energy, and optimism is truly contagious and inspiring. Just the other day we were both bonded through worship, tears, laughter, and smiles. I swear there is never a sad day when Monique is around. I believe she’s the kind of friend everyone needs in their life. Monique sees you at your core, encourages you, believes in you, and protects you. She stands by the ones she loves no matter what and is always the first to offer help and love. I couldn’t ask for a more loyal friend. She is also a great role model. Monique is a successful entrepreneur, amazing wife, outstanding neighbor, fabulous sister, delightful daughter, etc… She is truly one of the greatest gifts in my life. I know I will be forever thankful for her friendship!

I have been waiting for the perfect time to write about one of my closest and dearest girlfriends of all time. Then I realized, I shouldn’t wait one more second to tell the world how lucky and grateful I am to have a sister angel as a friend. Monique Thompkins is a beautiful and radiant North Carolina girl who made her way to the Twin Cities a few years ago and I couldn’t be more thankful that she did. She makes the world a better place by just existing. Her warm spirit, loving energy, and optimism is truly contagious and inspiring. Just the other day we were both bonded through worship, tears, laughter, and smiles. I swear there is never a sad day when Monique is around. I believe she’s the kind of friend everyone needs in their life. Monique sees you at your core, encourages you, believes in you, and protects you. She stands by the ones she loves no matter what and is always the first to offer help and love. I couldn’t ask for a more loyal friend. She is also a great role model. Monique is a successful entrepreneur, amazing wife, outstanding neighbor, fabulous sister, delightful daughter, etc… She is truly one of the greatest gifts in my life. I know I will be forever thankful for her friendship!

August 31, 2011
Though this photo was taken several years ago, it is one of my favorite memories of all time, because I was with my wonderful, inspirational, and loving brother. Today, I celebrate his amazing life. I am so thankful I have a man like him in my life who reminds me that love is a verb and that family means everything. There are no words to describe the deep love and gratitude I have for my big brother who has always been a positive influence in my life. From checking my homework, to traveling together, teaching me about reverse osmosis, funding my education, and providing words of encouragement during my most challenging times, he has always been a loving light and a role model for me. I am blessed to have the best brother in the entire world to help raise me and to remind me to never give up on my dreams. Though we no longer live close, I am always reminded of his beautiful soul and generous heart every single day of my life. I am honored to celebrate his life today, and always. I love you, Nino! Happy Birthday to you!

Though this photo was taken several years ago, it is one of my favorite memories of all time, because I was with my wonderful, inspirational, and loving brother. Today, I celebrate his amazing life. I am so thankful I have a man like him in my life who reminds me that love is a verb and that family means everything. There are no words to describe the deep love and gratitude I have for my big brother who has always been a positive influence in my life. From checking my homework, to traveling together, teaching me about reverse osmosis, funding my education, and providing words of encouragement during my most challenging times, he has always been a loving light and a role model for me. I am blessed to have the best brother in the entire world to help raise me and to remind me to never give up on my dreams. Though we no longer live close, I am always reminded of his beautiful soul and generous heart every single day of my life. I am honored to celebrate his life today, and always. I love you, Nino! Happy Birthday to you!

August 12, 2011
DevAngel. I am honored to have creative, passionate, and loving people all around me. Among them are unique music artists, such as the talented DevAngel aka Dan Ramberg! He’s a total down-to-earth Minnesota native (now living in LA), who doesn’t give up on his dreams. Most importantly though, he never forgets who he is at the core or strays from what he believes in. When it comes to his music, he never gives up. In fact, just this week, Dan finally released his very first album, “The Good, The Bad, The Between.” His tracks are now available on itunes!  Me: Tell me about your album. Dan: The Good, The Bad & The Between has been a lifelong journey of mine about what I’ve seen, heard, felt and experienced in life.  There is much more to come. Me: Why are you so passionate about music? Dan: It has a strong message across all aspects of life. Me: What keeps you going after your dreams? Dan: I love telling stories and this is what I do. Me: What are your favorite original songs? Dan: Either Hook’d or Puppet because they both have potential to inspire change and betterment in the world.

DevAngel. I am honored to have creative, passionate, and loving people all around me. Among them are unique music artists, such as the talented DevAngel aka Dan Ramberg! He’s a total down-to-earth Minnesota native (now living in LA), who doesn’t give up on his dreams. Most importantly though, he never forgets who he is at the core or strays from what he believes in. When it comes to his music, he never gives up. In fact, just this week, Dan finally released his very first album, “The Good, The Bad, The Between.” His tracks are now available on itunes! 

Me: Tell me about your album.

Dan: The Good, The Bad & The Between has been a lifelong journey of mine about what I’ve seen, heard, felt and experienced in life.  There is much more to come.

Me: Why are you so passionate about music?

Dan: It has a strong message across all aspects of life.

Me: What keeps you going after your dreams?

Dan: I love telling stories and this is what I do.

Me: What are your favorite original songs?

Dan: Either Hook’d or Puppet because they both have potential to inspire change and betterment in the world.

August 1, 2011
I love August. New month, new dreams, new beginnings. This time of year has always been meaningful for me, and not just because it is my birth month, but because it often marks a time of great change or a time of renewal for me. This year, I’ll be embarking on a few different journeys professionally and personally, including a web-based show called the Art of Beauty TV. It is a program and initiative about women of all ages trying to reinvent themselves while embracing their inner beauty along the way. I’m really honored to be a part of the team and hope that we inspire other women to go after their dreams and to love themselves no matter what their circumstances. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I do love to visualize myself and others as flowers ready to bloom in full color and brightness in a rainstorm or on a sunny day. No matter how challenging life gets, we’ll hold steady planted deep within the ground and will keep our eyes to the sky. I absolutely believe when people empower each other it is visually like a glorious garden of beautiful flowers. Keeping with the theme, my other work projects this month will be similar in nature, in that I’ll be helping others, while at the same time working on my own personal goals of enrichment. I truly feel blessed to be turning another year older within a span of a month! I feel as though every year I live, I gain more wisdom to fuel me along a most enchanting and fulfilling road ahead. Here’s to a loving, inspiring, and magical month ahead.  

I love August. New month, new dreams, new beginnings. This time of year has always been meaningful for me, and not just because it is my birth month, but because it often marks a time of great change or a time of renewal for me. This year, I’ll be embarking on a few different journeys professionally and personally, including a web-based show called the Art of Beauty TV. It is a program and initiative about women of all ages trying to reinvent themselves while embracing their inner beauty along the way. I’m really honored to be a part of the team and hope that we inspire other women to go after their dreams and to love themselves no matter what their circumstances. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I do love to visualize myself and others as flowers ready to bloom in full color and brightness in a rainstorm or on a sunny day. No matter how challenging life gets, we’ll hold steady planted deep within the ground and will keep our eyes to the sky. I absolutely believe when people empower each other it is visually like a glorious garden of beautiful flowers. Keeping with the theme, my other work projects this month will be similar in nature, in that I’ll be helping others, while at the same time working on my own personal goals of enrichment. I truly feel blessed to be turning another year older within a span of a month! I feel as though every year I live, I gain more wisdom to fuel me along a most enchanting and fulfilling road ahead. Here’s to a loving, inspiring, and magical month ahead.  

July 9, 2011
Sweet Summer. There is something so magical about the glowing sun and the subtle kiss of a summertime breeze. I love appreciating what is around me no matter where I am. Today, I wanted to share a beautiful moment in time I shared with my little cousins one afternoon. It totally captures how I feel when I think about life and my summer in general. There is always something bright and beautiful ahead.

Sweet Summer. There is something so magical about the glowing sun and the subtle kiss of a summertime breeze. I love appreciating what is around me no matter where I am. Today, I wanted to share a beautiful moment in time I shared with my little cousins one afternoon. It totally captures how I feel when I think about life and my summer in general. There is always something bright and beautiful ahead.

June 6, 2011
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” -Maya Angelou