Happy Fun Fri-Yay Friends,
I’m been so excited to share this with you and suddenly I can’t find the words today, as “fun” hardly describes what what I’m feeling and I’m struggling to find them which is not like me as you know. I have posted the definition of fun before once on my blog but it hardly comes close to the feeling I have inside.
The closest that I could come up with defined as FUN on google was this:
The definition of fun is something that brings pleasure, joy or playfulness. An example of fun is dancing with friends. An example of fun is children playing together at the playground. (informal) Enjoyable, amusing.
While we had a lot of joyful times together during the holidays where we danced, played games and created an indoor playground which was incredibly fun, this still doesn’t describe the feeling I had when I opened my gift from my Secret Santa on Christmas Eve, which was from Bhlat (her blog name). We draw names between the 6 of us and the thought and care that goes into each gift is truly heartwarming.
I was totally in shock when I opened my package. This was the moment I’d been dreaming of, the reason I started blogging like a fiend in the first place when the pandemic happened but couldn’t get my head around it, something I’ve thought about doing for years and then right in front of my eyes, it was delivered in my hands and I was in an altered state of reality.
An expression of what I’ve been working towards my whole life but didn’t know how to put into fruition was sitting in my lap. My baby that I could hold in my hands and see and witness as a part of myself and I didn’t need to nurse or pacify it. As I write these words tears are streaming down my face with a sense of gratitude and elation and I feel warmth inside radiating from my head to toes. It’s not like me to struggle with putting what I want in the world, this is what I do for a living but with my busy schedule and still working full time, flying by the seat of my pants, I just couldn’t bring the pieces together to birth this dream into action.
And now, here in my hands I was holding this baby, sitting with all 4 of my babies and my 5th was now joining our family. All of the years of love and nurturing, tireless nights, staying up all night, chauffeuring, guiding, watching their performances, celebrations and giving out was coming back to me. Their presence is always enough and seeing them fly in the world the gift. But in this moment the gift was feeling seen and heard, not only as a mom but as an individual in the world that they truly respect and honor. Parents give to their children but I’ve never expected anything back. Sure we trade off with chores when they are home etc but I’m talking about on an emotional level where I was actually honored for what is important to me and it touched me deeply.
Parents give their children two gifts….
one is roots,
the other is wings.
I never doubted they loved me and they definitely show up and write beautiful cards on my birthday and Mother’s Day etc but this touched me in a way I never knew possible. I can’t thank you enough Bhlat more for your gift of time, love in action with your incredible busy schedule, reflecting my thoughts into a format I can have as my legacy of love in the world.
I present to you from her heart to mine and now from mine to yours:



And the journey begins with a few more pictures splattered in to bring the print alive to my poetry…..



This was a labor of love and she painstakingly went through all of my blog posts and pulled and extrapolated from my website as well. All the while, I didn’t think they read anything I wrote. Well, except her, but suddenly she went mia and I just figured she was too busy. This reminds me of raising children when you think no one is listening to you and suddenly you see that we are still teaching from a distance and the time spent and words shared still seep through when you share your heart and truth. There are no words that could adequately express my words of appreciation but I do know the 2 most important gifts in the english language are thank you so THANK YOU Bhlat (she is the one in the elf p.j’s)!

Gifts from the heart are treasured memories, touching every corner of our being in the most joyful or sorrowful times in life.
Copyright © Cindy Georgakas at
The Unique Times all right
She created this on Blurb and used a pixelated photo application which I love and brings photos to life in a way even my artist friends admire. I love it because it is so forgiving of any flaws and wrinkles, so I think I’m going to see if I can get pixelated and walk around in this new look. hahahahaha! I mean we are in a VR world these days.
She said it was pretty easy to format, has lots of good FAQ’s, for print and paper quality.
I would love to hear from you and what you have used if you have published a book. What is your experience, who have you used, can you get it out worldwide etc. Did you hire an editor or go through a publishing company? I may just stick with Blurb and my daughter has been super helpful as I go through and pick my selections of what poems I want to include for this book.
My mother has always been my biggest cheerleader encouraging me to get a book out and I want to get this one in her hands now so she can enjoy it. I honestly never know what is her dream or mine but at least by producing it, I can find out. I can’t thank her enough for her years of support and faith in my work and gifting me roots and wings to fly.
I know Ingrid at EIF just announced her new venture of supporting others in their publishing journey which is very exciting. Check her site for her available book available on Amazon, The The Anthropocene hymnal and her new poetry book coming soon.
Yvette from Priorhouse Blog has been a constant admirer of my work from the get go, always singing me praises which has meant the world to me.
I often put her comments in a section of my notes as affirmations to encourage me which are hidden treasured gems, I so much appreciate. Her latest book Lady by the River can be seen and purchased here.
She also does interviews and I was honored to be featured on her blog where she interviewed me on my fitness career here. If you are looking for an exercise video to do you can find one there as well.
All of your words and comments truly feed and sustain me on this journey, thank you truly from the bottom of my heart. We are all on this path together and we all have our own story of our heart to share.
Our blogging community is truly the back bone of support in the literary world and we need each other in so many ways. People understand us here and our love of the written word or of pictures that move us deeply. The support we have available with each other to grow and shine in ways our everyday world might discount is a gift that touches me deeply, which is why our connection means the world to me and I was so excited to share this with you.
Have a wonderful Fri-Yay and weekend and hold on to your dreams as we make our way to the New Year. Beginnings take time and can’t be rushed as we reflect and root into where we are and where we want to be going. Thank you truly for visiting today 🙏.
Blessings of Love and to all you wish for,
💖
Cindy


Such a wonderful friend and a beautiful gift
Thank you so much Ananda! 💖🙏
Dear Cindy I am so happy for you. Congratulations on publishing your new poetry book. Such a lovely and joyful post. Loved it. My son who is an Art Designer and works for a Digital Company published my poetry book, Poet’s Touch and he only devised my picture that is on the book and he got everything done for me. I had to give him my poems only. Nice to know that your daughter and your blogger friend helped you. Thanks.
Thanks so much Kamal and it is such a labor of love when our kids show up for us~. I remember that your son was so gracious to do your book and cover for you as well. What a delight! I love your cover. So awesome and thanks so much for sharing your kind message and support always! 💖🙏
You are always welcome dear Cindy. Good our children are so talented. Love and hugs to you 🤗🤗🤗🤗
We are so lucky 💖🙏
Yes we sure are❤️❤️
❤️🙏❤️🙏
😊😊♥️♥️♥️
How wonderful, Cindy! What an amazing gift! I am sure your mom will so love it. Sending you love and best wishes. ❤️
Thanks so much Punam and sorry about the late response.. you’ve b een in pending 🥰🤷♀️
Thank you for rescuing me from ‘pending’! 😅
You are so welcome. ❤️
Wow, Cindy, that’s truly incredible! Congratulations! I hope to read your book one day.❤
Thank you so much Aaysid. That’s so kind of you! Thank you so much! 💖
What an amazing, thought provoking, and soulful gift! I love the image style and wonderful look of the entire creation. That it evoked these happy thoughts and memories in you shows it is indeed an “AHA!” moment. 🙂
Oh thanks so much Jaya! Yes indeed, it was all of that and more. I’m so happy to hear you like the image and style of it. You are soooo right it was definitely an AHA moment. So much appreciation of your share and kind message! 🙏🌷
Cindy, there is such warmth, exuberance and celebration of friendship in your post!😀 Your festivities are infections and I love the kitchen dance!
Huge congratulations on your book release and how true that it is always a team effort. Yeah! My mother has also always been my biggest supporter. I love how you describe the joy of opening your book for the first time – it is an incredibly emotional experience. For my first book I had the great help of a proofreader and the cover created by a graphic artist in New Zealand! For both my books David Cronin helped to format for Amazon, this was especially important for my children’s book.
Good luck with your book, it looks wonderful!
Hi Annika,
Thank you so much for your kind message and all of your great knowledge imparted. Yes, my girls are so entertaining when they are all together. Glad you enjoyed that.
I so appreciate that, it truly is a team effort no matter how you get it out I expect. Oh that’s soooo sweet that your mother is also your biggest supporter! It really is quite a feeling to see your work come together. Thank you for sharing how you went about yours and who you used. That’s just awesome. What a wonderful gift to share with the children of the world. I’ll have to look them up.
Thank you truly Annika! Truly appreciated
🙏🙏🌷🌷
Hello dear Cindy and I wish you and the family, great happiness and great success in 2022. I loved the photos and the video.
Hi Dear Johnnie. I so appreciate that and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this my friend. I wish the same to you and yours! 💖🙏🌷
Thank you, dear Cindy.
You’re soooo welcome! 💖
Oh my goodness, Cindy! How sweet of Bhlat! Amd congratulations on your new book! This is something I can put on my to order list! 💖
How beautifully you described opening your gift and how you talk about being mom to your children! Your quote,
“Parents give their children two gifts….
one is roots,
the other is wings.”
Now that brought tears to my eyes!
Again, Congratulations, sweetie! I’m so happy for you! And I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time! 💖 Happy New Year! 🕊
Oh thank you so much Cherie. It was truly such a gift! I’m honored and pleased that you would consider buying it. We’re tweaking it and as soon as it’s ready, I’ll let you know. Thanks so much. That is a great quote that has been extrapolated down but the best.
I really appreciate your support dear!💖🙏
You’re most welcome, Cindy! You’re an awesome person with amazing talent and you deserve recognition. ❤
I’m deeply touched Cherie, thanks again!❤️
<3 😀
Well define the element of wisdom which is lying in your mind.
Oh thank you so much Yam!
❤️🙏love and hugs!
Accepted dear
💖🙏💖
Cool post✨
Thanks Imrana! 🙏
wow, That’s sooper awesome. Such nice post, gorgeous celebration. Really enjoyed visiting you after a long time. great to see you once again with happy moments.
OMG Rising Star, thanks soooo much! I’ve been thinking of you a LOT and now that I’ve learned how to do favorites, you’re going into it. Glad you are doing well at least I hope!!!!
Thanks again for visiting my friend! 💖💖💖
Ahhh, thanks dear for such a lovely response. I am doing well and I hope you are also doing good😍❤️💞. I was just missing my sweet friends here 💞💝
Oh so happy to hear.. I am as well too Rising Star. Wonder why I can’t save you as a favorite? Any idea why not? 💖💖💖
I don’t have any idea for this query. I hope it will be resolved shortly
Not a worry.. we will keep at it! 💖💖
Actually I tried before and now as well. Any clue why I can’t add you?
Hmmm, yes, actually I was having problem with my hosting subscription and then I lost my blog backup also. I suffered a lot but now things re getting back to normal 😊😊😊
Oh NO!!!! sooooo sorry glad you are back up and running dear. I missed you! Hope you didn’t lose everything!💖
Yes dear, I recovered many things
oh good!!! 💖
🤗💞
and I was thrilled to see you. Now we’re mia again.. lol 💖
Yeah, LoL😘💞
What a beautiful book I can definitely see talent runs in your family. You have done a great job of raising your children . Tears in my eyes as I read your post so beautifully executed. I’m sure your mother is very very proud of you. You are truly a gift to the universe and your sharing of your authentic soul is commendable. Sending you light and love 💕❤️💝
I found you Marlene and sooooo sorry it took so long! What a beautiful comment and so much appreciated. When we are in the midst of raising children we don’t always make those connections so I appreciate you reflecting your thoughts back to me. Oh that is so heartfelt and kind. I know she is and I can tell your children feel the same way about you! How could they not. Lucky children you have. Thank you so much for the compliment and appreciation and gratitude. I’m so so blessed to know you and more love and light back to you 💖
What an amazing and thoughtful gift….and I love the pixelated illustrations…Priceless!! Your dear friend, Bhlat, gifted you a true, generous labor of love!!
I so agree Karma!!! Thank you so much for reading and your generous kind comment. She sure did and I feel most blessed! ❤️🙏
Such a nice surprise! I’m glad you have blogging friends you exchange gifts with. The book looks amazing! I love your poems.
I know right?! It was a total shock and so heartfelt. See what you have to look forward to someday.. (it just takes a lot of patience and gray hair 🤣). Yes, it’s so nice to support each other for sure. Oh So glad you enjoyed my poems as well. I appreciate you! 💖🙏
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I am so happy for you Cindy. Wishing you light, happiness and lots of publications dear. Have a wonderful year ❤️
Thank you so much Radhika! Your support is most appreciated!
❤️😍🙏
Congratulations Cindy! Book looks awesome😍
Thanks so much Jane! ❤️
Welcome dear ❣️
❤️
❤️
Thanks Jane!!!❤️
Welcome Cindy ❤️
😍🥰
😘
Beautiful.
Love where you said parents give you roots, then wings. So beautiful and true.
This is such a beautiful post, Cindy!
oh thanks so much Dawn!
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