You are so right Jean! Where there's a will there's a way! Sent from my iPhone

Hello Jean! Thank you so much for you nice comment. Robin has such a beautiful voice doesn't she? It was an honor to work with her! Sent from my iPhone

Hi Teri, I love that quote too! It really puts it all in a nutshell doesn't it? As I stated to Esther above, I think we all have share some commonality in our purpose. In that our purpose will always involve the serving and/or betterment of others. Isn't that cool how that works? Thanks Teri!

Hello Esther, I think you're right, we are indeed a combo of purpose and action, and if we don't wonder who we are, we'll hopefully at the least always be growing and improving who we are. :-) I appreciate you visiting.

Hello Justin, It's amazing how many times I hear that same thing from different people. I think if we all served one another in this way, the world would be significantly better! Thanks for visiting and commenting on this post. :-)

Hello Lance, Good to see you here and to hear your thoughts. The play sounds fun! I was in a play once with one of my daughters. I was actually in the live band ensemble that played during the play. It was a great time for us both and such happy memories too! I like that you mentioned "confidence" because that will come with the training as well! Thanks Lance

Hi Galen, I'm so glad you came over from Evita's place. She has a cool site going don't you think? :-) It's so cool that you have been growing (training) and it paid off when the pressure was on. Now THAT is what I'm talking about! Great job there Galen. I am also glad you found my blog and look forward to more insight from you. Thanks!

Hi Megan, I think this is one of those life lessons that we will continue to come back to. I like how you used the phrase "up the ante" in relation to this. That's an excellent way of putting it, and you're right. You CAN do this!

Hello Teri, Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate your ongoing encouragement. You nailed it when you said we all have a CHOICE in how we perceive what we encounter in life. So true! The photo's are a mixture of ones that I have taken and also my friend (and brother of Jenny, my significant other) Jon Degenhardt. I usually credit him when I use his photographs, it was my error that I forgot to do so with this video. Look him up on Flikr. He has some AMAZING photographs!

Hello Jean, As you stated, we CAN all bloom where we are, no matter the circumstances. It is a choice we make. I am very pleased you liked the song, as well as the message contained in the video. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. :-)

Robin, Your enthusiastic encouragement and support is so very appreciated. You have no idea how much. It was such a blessing to work with my daughter on this song. We'll be doing that again I am sure! I am doing well and my family is also. Life has it's challenges, but that doesn't mean it's bad. :-) I do know what you mean Robin, and if I have learned anything about you, it is that you will follow your heart, no matter what. I support YOU! Thank you again, so very much.

Sheila, Hello and thank you for visiting Straight Up Living. I appreciate very much your kind words. I like the name of your blog and am going to go check it out! Thanks again.

Hello Dad, You got it Dad! I have spoken to her already and she wants to do more, so you'll get your wish! I love you Dad.

Hi there Megan, You have never ceased to be an encouragement, even during this time when I have all but disappeared from the web. That says much about the kind of person you are and I am grateful. Thank you. Dad is doing fairly well, long road but he never quits! The title of this particular song comes from many emotions I have experienced in the past, and some I now experience. I won't go into it too much here. :-) Thanks again!