Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I am excited today because I will be receiving a makeover at the Lancome` counter at Bon Ton.  This is so exciting for me.  A national makeup artist who has done the make up for Paris Hilton will give me tips and ideas for improvement.  His name is Emanuel. 

Debbie at the Lancome` counter and I get along so well.  She is very friendly and always engages me when I stop in to Bon Ton.  I love the perfume Tresor` and spritz myself whenever I am in there.  If she is there I always greet her and inevitably she is putting something new on me and I like it!
So the last time she signed me up for a makeover.   I never had a makeover!  First time for everything.

Today, when I stopped in to the Guidance office to see my friend Louise, she paid me the sweetest compliment.  Louise said, Marialyce, you smell nice....fresh as a Daisy!   It touched my heart.  My Mom used to say to me, Marialyce I always want to smell nice, please promise me as I get older that you make sure I am always sweet smelling.  Dad and I always made sure that Mom smelled good.  Nothing like soap and water....unless of course it is soap and water and Tresor`  Ha Ha! (I requested the same consideration from Shawn and Lindsay)

When I was seventeen, Dad said, Marialyce what is that perfume you are wearing?...I said oh Daddy, it's Halston.  I was feeling pretty cute, I remember.   He said, don't ever wear that again....It does not smell good on you.   OH MY!  I never wore that again!!!

Later in life, I found Tresor` and now I never wear any other fragrance.  Veronica Hilferty told me years ago, when she was a little girl and gave me a hug...."Mrs. Keane you always have the sweetest smell."  I am thankful that I remember the compliments as well as the criticisms in life....they help me to grow and be the best that I can be.

The olfactory sense is one of my most acute senses.  Smells evoke fond memories and can be bonding.  My girls have been known to take Jim's t-shirt and put it up to the face, just to smell his scent.  They love the smell of Jim and it always makes them happy.  It is kind of funny.... I do know what they mean.

What is your favorite scent?   What is your favorite sense?  Think about it.....I challenge you!  
Are you moved by what you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell?  Be specific.

My favorite sense is my auditory sense.  Music moves me.   I have been listening to Simply Red...You've Got It.    And Journey.... I'll Be Alright Without You.   I will post the links.

I realized recently that I missed out on some great music in the late 80's.  I was caring for my girls and listening to Sharon Lois and Bramm, The Elephant Show.   I missed out on Steve Perry and Mick Hucknall.

So perhaps you will listen along with me.... and go back to that era of great music.  Tim and Anita, Jim and I went to the Keswick on Sunday to see Boz Scaggs. It was our Mother's Day gift from our husbands.  Such a delightful concert.  I felt like I was 17 again.   Music evokes such sweet memories.  

Here are the links....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjOEgDppd6k   Journey   I'll Be Alright Without You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p9pgKb4fqE   Simply Red  You've Got It


And so, my wish for you today is that you discover your favorite sense and are moved by whatever you experience using that sense.    Ahhhhh  a sensual experience....nothing like it!

En`Joy,

~Marialyce

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Good Morning Friends,

Last evening I gave an inspirational talk to the Family and Consumer Science teachers of Bucks and Montgomery Counties at the Blair Mill Inn in Horsham.  I was happy to meet all the teachers and share in their evening.  When it came time for my part of the evening sharing thoughts on positive attitudes and positive energy, I happily began to speak. 

I can not adequately express the joy I felt in my heart to speak publicly.  I do believe it is my calling in life. My dream continues to come true.  I get this rush of adrenaline and I feel as though I can control the tone of the moment and I am able to illicit their undivided attention and affect them in a positive way.  As I was speaking, I simultaneously thought to myself, why are they listening so intently.    What is that something that holds their attention.  

I met this person who shared two thoughts with me that I have come to adopt.  The first was a story and the second was a french term.  I absolutely love learning something new that is applicable to my life.  The first one I will share with you, is a story that I shared with everyone last evening.

There were two mice who fell into a bucket of cream.  They began to paddle.  The first mouse quickly gave up paddling and drowned.  The second mouse, paddled feverishly and continually persevering, churning the cream into butter and then walked out.   I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Marialyce Keane and I am the second mouse.  

When I shared this story the people in the room were so attentive.  I knew it was a great opening.  I am grateful to my new friend for sharing this with me.

I also learned the term  Je Ne Sais Quoi.  This is a French term defined as an indefinable, illusive quality. That certain something that one possesses that is captivating.  It is a charming and pleasing quality.  I love this.  You have a certain, je ne sais quoi!  

So it was wonderful to live my dream last evening...continuing on my journey through life and affecting others in a positive way. A few people approached me afterward and shared their sentiments and appreciation. I am very grateful that my experiences in life have led me to this moment.  I feel so alive.

  I am thankful for the opportunity to give two more talks in the next few weeks.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts with others.


And so, my wish for you today is that you are able to live your dream, whatever it may be.  That you have the opportunity to feel that you have something to contribute to others.  I love the feeling of giving, of being of service.  It makes me feel needed and worthwhile in my life.

En `Joy,

~Marialyce

Friday, April 19, 2013

Good Morning Everyone,

The ducks are in our courtyard here at school.  They are loud and distracting and I love their sound!  Chuckling.  It is not a good idea to have them quacking when our students are trying to learn.  Perhaps I can teach the ducks when to be quiet.  Behavior modification! 

I read this principle recently about how to have sustaining, life giving, wonderful relationships.  I decided to share this with all of you.  Who wouldn't want to have a great relationship with everyone in their lives.  Who wouldn't want to know the secret for being able to be compatible with others that you live with, work with, and who you come in contact with, everyday.  I believe that this may be a great resolution to adopt and master....  Let me know what you think!

The  100/0 PRINCIPLE ~ Al Ritter

What is the most effective way to create and sustain great relationships with others? It's The 100/0 Principle: You take full responsibility (the 100) for the relationship, expecting nothing (the 0) in return.

Implementing The 100/0 Principle is not natural for most of us. It takes real commitment to the relationship and a good dose of self-discipline to think, act and give 100 percent.

The 100/0 Principle applies to those people in your life where the relationships are too important to react automatically or judgmentally. Each of us must determine the relationships to which this principle should apply. For most of us, it applies to work associates, customers, suppliers, family and friends.

STEP 1 - Determine what you can do to make the relationship work...then do it. Demonstrate respect and kindness to the other person, whether he/she deserves it or not.

STEP 2 - Do not expect anything in return. Zero, zip, nada.

STEP 3 - Do not allow anything the other person says or does (no matter how annoying!) to affect you. In other words, don't take the bait.

STEP 4 - Be persistent with your graciousness and kindness. Often we give up too soon, especially when others don't respond in kind. Remember to expect nothing in return.

At times (usually few), the relationship can remain challenging, even toxic, despite your 100 percent commitment and self-discipline. When this occurs, you need to avoid being the "Knower" and shift to being the "Learner." Avoid Knower statements/thoughts like "that won't work," "I'm right, you are wrong," "I know it and you don't," "I'll teach you," "that's just the way it is," "I need to tell you what I know," etc.

Instead use Learner statements/thoughts like "Let me find out what is going on and try to understand the situation," "I could be wrong," "I wonder if there is anything of value here," "I wonder if..." etc. In other words, as a Learner, be curious!

Principle Paradox

This may strike you as strange, but here's the paradox: When you take authentic responsibility for a relationship, more often than not the other person quickly chooses to take responsibility as well. Consequently, the 100/0 relationship quickly transforms into something approaching 100/100. When that occurs, true breakthroughs happen for the individuals involved, their teams, their organizations and their families.

I am adopting this principle TODAY!   

And so, my wish for you today is that you have not only a wonderful day, but that you have great relationships with everyone important to you in your life.   You now know the secret to making it happen.

En `Joy,

Marialyce

Monday, April 8, 2013

Good Morning,

I think this week is finally the beginning of Spring.  Oh the Joy of Springtime.  A time of new beginnings.   How many of you have heard the saying.....  "A reason, a season or a lifetime?"   People come in to our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  We should always be grateful when we cross  paths in life with someone, and try to figure out their purpose for us in our lives. What are we suppose to receive from them, what are we suppose to give to them?   There are no coincidences in life.  Everything happens for a reason.  If something happens with regard to a relationship with another, it is always important to learn the lesson.    I have been thinking about this message and lo and behold the following video clip popped up in my email.  I want to share it with all of you, because I think that I am supposed to do so.  Perhaps the message is only for me, but I can't help but think we are all connected in some way, and at some point, ALL WILL BE REVEALED!   Oh the Joy of that day, knowing that we will finally see the Tapestry of our Lives in all its glory.   I know for certain, that all of you will be the gold thread that is pervasive throughout the beautiful masterpiece that I am blessed to call......My Life. 


And so, here is the video clip, and perhaps you will consider the people that you cross paths with in life.  Did they come into your life, for a reason, for a season and are they there to teach you a life lesson?  Please consider paying close attention.

http://itsallaboutwomen.com/spirit/4-8-mm-new-video-a-reason-a-season-or-a-lifetime/

En `Joy,


~Marialyce


Monday, April 1, 2013

Good Morning Everyone,

April 1..... NO JOKE!   Ha Ha!....  It is hard to believe that it is already April and it feels like it is still winter.

I just viewed a video clip from the Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith.  I never saw the movie but I think I will put it on my TO DO LIST for this Summer.    It shows the difference that another human being can make in the life of someone.  And it also underscores the importance of living a life of gratitude and doing your best no matter what the circumstances.  People notice when you consistently attempt to do your best.

Have you ever known a happy person who wasn't grateful, or a grateful person that wasn't happy?  Perhaps a way to look at this is that happiness is a result of gratitude.  The wonderful thing about this is we can choose to be happy in spite of the situations that befall us.  We can always choose to be grateful, which results in happiness.  

Yesterday we spent the day with our family.  Easter Sunday.... what a glorious day!  I am grateful that I have a wonderful family.  I am grateful that Kevin and Judy planned and executed another spectacular time shared for all of us.

Here is the link to the video clip from The Pursuit of Happyness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bklNWWoJyzE

And so, my wish for you this day is that you pursue happiness....and if happiness eludes you, consider that it is because your perspective is off.  Express your gratitude for everything, even the gifts that are perceived as crosses to bear in life.

En `Joy,

Marialyce

Monday, March 18, 2013

Good Morning Everyone,

Time is escaping me.  I want the clock to stand still.....and yet, simultaneously, I can't wait for the Spring weather.   Our club THE PRIDE, is going well and we are expanding.  We had Induction on Friday and 33 new members were Inducted between both schools.  Our school had 14 Inducted.  I am very Proud to be among such fine individuals.

We had a guest speaker at our meeting of THE PRIDE on Thursday and the topic was Persevere.  How strong are you in the face of hardship and adversity?  I was looking up video clips to highlight this talk during Advisory last week and came across this video clip.  I am providing the link for you..The title is Successful Failures.  The difference between success and failure is the belief that you will succeed and the will to try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r47UqYMDN2k

Someone shared this story with me recently and said, Marialyce, please consider including it as an anecdote to your speeches.  

There were two mice who fell into a bucket of cream.  They were swimming trying to get out.  One mouse gave up trying and drowned.  The second mouse kept swimming and swimming churning the cream into butter and then eventually walked out of the bucket.   My friend said, Marialyce, you are the second mouse. You persevere.   Wow, that was an extraordinary moment for me and oh so empowering.  I am very thankful for my trusted friends who empower me and lift me up! 

And so, my wish for you today is that you find the strength to Persevere with whatever struggles come your way, knowing that you have trusted friends who are thankful for the gift you are in their life.

En` Joy,

Marialyce 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Good Morning Everyone,

I received this email that I am copying and sending it to you, because it affects me on so many levels. Think about the person that needs your help. Think about how you are life giving to them. Wow, what a gift you are in their lives. What a gift you are in my life. I always feel so good about myself when I do something for another, that sometimes I forget to take care of me. I don't seem to get the same rush as when I do for others. However, I am working on it. Being a caregiver comes naturally to women, I think. The nurturing, caring, loving attributes, the soft skills are what make us actually so strong. Having constitutional strength is honed, I believe. I want to share Winston Churchill's quotation on Excellence.

Excellence is... caring more than others think is wise, risking more that others think is safe; dreaming more that others think is practical. Expecting more than others think is possible.
~Winston Churchill

As women, I believe that we are unstoppable. We are champions. A champion does what no one else can do. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING A WOMAN! THANK YOU GOD!

And so, on this day I wish you, my dear friend, unparallelled excellence!

En`Joy,

Marialyce

PS.  I tried to copy and paste to no avail.  I am providing the link.

Bald Eagles....  http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/feedingeagles.asp