about my heart…

me/insights from a woman's heart

hi, my name is Dee and i am pleased to meet you.

it would be my pleasure to have you stop by when you can for a little heart to heart. grab a cuppa (that’s NZ slang for a cup of ____…whatever delights your senses) and sit with me for a few minutes and let’s talk about the treasures found in the heart of a woman.

i am a woman.

w. wonderfully unique, warm, wholehearted

o. optimistic, original, open-minded

m. morale, merciful, a miracle, and i matter

a. authentic, ambitious, assured, affirming, aspiring, alive

n. normal, notable, nourishing, nurturing

it didn’t take me years to understand this about myself…as a little girl, i seemed to know that there was something special about “ME”. i didn’t know “what” but my heart constantly screamed and longed for significance and respect for who i really was. it has taken me all my life, though, to share the real me with the world because i was terrified that “ME” didn’t fit, didn’t belong, would never be accepted or appreciated or valued.

have you ever felt that way? has your heart ever screamed, “i’m worth it!”; “i’m valuable-treat me fairly, love me, CARE,” or “i have something to offer-you just don’t know it yet?”

yeah, me, too.

hatfun/insight from a woman's heart

i am on a journey… we call it life. along the way, my heart became wounded. with every scar, my life experiences tried to intimidate me to hide further inside my own heart away from rejection, disappointment and pain. i feared pain but was not happy to remain wounded and scared. i began a search for wholeness in 1998 and some of the lessons i have learned are worthy of sharing.

sharing is terrifying. like the dream i used to have that i was walking around naked in a multitude of people…exposed, vulnerable, lacking and cold. i used to wonder what the dreams meant…i think it was my heart pleading with me to open up.

have you been there? longing for more but too afraid to reach out for it?

one lesson i have learned is that the heart is not content to remain wounded, empty and longing. the desire for wholeness is strong and meaningful. i would love to share my journey in a way that will encourage yours.
mybody/insight from a woman's heart
i am  52 years old. i have very gracious friends and family who tell me i don’t look my age. when i look in the mirror, i see the evidence of the years. i don’t always like what i see in the mirror but i am sure of one thing, what i see there is the result of a lifetime of experiences and i attempt to display them with as much grace as i possibly can. i love this season of my life. i wouldn’t go back. i am right where i need to be today. i realize there is an expectation out there (wherever “there” is) concerning beauty. “in here” (the place I am most safe…my heart), it’s important that i keep sight of the fact that my body is only a part of the whole person that i am. we often disagree on important matters (like how much is “too” much when it comes to ice cream and chocolate), but my heart has learned to be patient with it, accept it and keep working toward valued goals.
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when i walk away from the mirror, my heart tells me that it is still young, that it has so much left to do and that it has the courage to keep travelling on my journey…so, i keep walking. there have been times when my heart has been in pain, weary, weak and hopeless; however, simple adjustments have helped my heart to regain its courage.
tricks/insight from a woman's heart
have you ever heard anyone say, “my mind is playing tricks on me?” when the heart becomes wounded, that is kind of what the mind does…plays tricks on you. it’s a protective mechanism. the mind will trick you into believing untruths that it wants the heart to believe and when repeated the messages change our behaviours. i have had to discipline my mind and change my thoughts so that wholeness principles could be applied. the mind, body and heart/soul must work together to achieve healthy well-being. i like to focus my mind on the positive side of things and attempt to look at each step of the journey as a lesson to make my life better and build good character. there are painful, sad, heartbreaking days. for those, i am still, hold on, cry and pray. as much as i’d love to have only sunny days, sometimes it rains

My hubby

My hubby

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my daughter, son-in-law, and my grand babies

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my step sons, Chris, Tim and Bradley

Cj5

my youngest, Christopher

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Morgan and Christopher

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my grand babies, Jake and Ella

i have relationships: God, family, friends, colleagues, peers, mentors, and a circle of influence. i have been successful and i have failed. my heart longs to build stronger relationships in all areas of my life. i desire that people are better for having known me. there are people who are. there are people i have wounded because of my wounded heart (which saddens me). my search for wholeness and wisdom can impact and change my relationships. i must accept, love, and support a healthier me before i can obtain strong relationships.

Dee's photos 3047

my husband and i have a business. we grow the iconic New Zealand Bluff Oyster. we often say, “The World is Our Oyster.” we’ve had successes and failures. we have celebrated and we have cried. we have gained and we have lost.

Queenstown/insight from a woman's heart

the most adventurous thing i have ever done was move to New Zealand from my homeland the good ‘ole USA. i love the beauty i find here. i love the simplicity of pace and life. it’s a good fit for me even though i miss so many things about home.
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i have passions. i love summer and am not a big fan of winter. i love the mountains. they remind me that there is a majestic God who is beyond what my imagination can configure. i love the ocean. it refreshes and intrigues me. i want to see a whale show up in the waters across the street from where i live. i’m not sure why, but i think it would be spectacular and my heart quietly hopes that one day my eyes will have this pleasure. the water also scares; therefore, i find quiet solitude on the beach. when my day begins to whirl, as days sometimes do, i head for a walk on the beach and breathe in the salt air. i love coffee dates and girl talk. i love movies that touch my heart and soul. i love beautiful things and attempt to surround myself with as many as possible. i love a good cry. i firmly believe that there is no better detox for the heart and soul than cleansing tears (but i won’t let you see my ugly-cry-face).
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so, you have had a little look inside my heart. by the way, my heart is where i really live. it is the place where i am the truest me. my circumstances, experiences, careers, relationships and possessions do not define who i am…they are blessings, fruits and extensions. another of the valuable lessons i have learned along the journey.

i am a woman on a journey called life. it’s not a cliché to me. it’s how i roll.

sometimes it’s fabulous.

sometimes – mundane.

always it’s real and never as i fantasize- but it’s mine.

my hope is that you will visit with me often. hopefully, as i share my journey and the wisdom i have learned along the way, you will find hope in your journey. don’t wait until everything falls into place-  live the fullest life possible right now. it’s the journey that is important…not the destination.

welcome to my blog…insight from a woman’s heart.

D

125 thoughts on “about my heart…”

  1. Glad you dropped by Dee. How fabulous to think of being able to shoot the breeze, grab a coffee (albeit on other sides of the world) and share. Share our similarities and our uniqueness. Great to find you.

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  5. Dee, thanks so much for placing a follow on my blog, greatly appreciated and hope to see a lot more of you. The land of the Kiwi is on my list, the scenery looks just breathtaking. Allow me to have a further look at your blog, Happy Easter, MM / John 🍀

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    • It is my pleasure, John. I look forward to returning to your blog and enjoying your work.

      Kiwi land is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you ever get the opportunity to visit I am certain you will not be disappointed.

      Thank you for visiting my blog. Lovely to have you stop by. Please return anytime. Dee

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    • Thank you for visiting and following my blog. It’s lovely to have you as an important part of my blogging community. Welcome!

      I realized a few years back that although circumstances vary often our hearts and how they respond have many similarities. I want other women to know that we can survive and then thrive.

      Thank you for sharing your comment with me. It’s lovely to hear from you and I look forward to seeing you again.

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    • I enjoyed reading your blog. So, thank you. Oyster farming is an interesting journey. We began as novices and after 12 years are leaders in the industry here. It has been a difficult, rewarding, maddening, fun, challenging and exciting…you know, like everything in life there are highs and lows but over all satisfying because we are building something important for our nation, community and family. And I love that. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week.

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  13. Do you have any interest in participating in a B&W challenge?
    I am in search of a few people to invite. It requires 5 B&W photos over 5 days…and the task of inviting a different person each day.

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    • I don’t know how I missed your question. I think the comment went to my spam file by mistake. I’d be happy to participate if it’s not too late. Again, I’m sorry that I’m just now seeing this.

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  16. Thank you Dee for visiting my blog and appreciating my posts. I love your posts and your special way of expressing “life”. By being positive we spread positive energy.
    Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

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    • You are very welcome, it was my pleasure to spend time with your blog. I appreciate you returning the favor. I’m so happy you enjoyed reading. Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you again often.
      Dee

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  17. After reading your story, I can’t think of the right words right now… but express it with a deep smile, a light in my eyes and a knowing nod. Thank you for sharing, Dee.
    And thank you for following Daytrippers. I think we have had different paths but travelled the same way. Looking forward to seeing more. Cheerios, CC.

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  20. This is undoubtedly one of the longest and most beautiful introductions I have ever read. You are quite a lady and I look forward to following your blog. Blessings to you and to your family!

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      • Thank you for taking time to read the post. I tend to comment in terms of past posts – not because of self promotion, simply because they’re usually short and express my sentiments more eloquently than when struck by emotion out of the blue – hope that makes sense 🙂 I’ve written almost 700 posts since my daughter set up and gave me WordPress for Mother’s Day 2 1/2 years age (she thought I might have something to say and it would relieve pressures of all that rattled about my head – she was right!).

        With that in mind – just as a picture speaks a thousand words, at times so do past posts.

        I would love it if you were willing to link me to several of your favorite posts.Please don’t feel obligation or pressure. I only ask because I find it so fascinating. – call it a little nudge to the heart of your world.:)

        Happy Sunday.

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  27. hi dee, i love your “about my heart” page.. it is like i am reading my own feelings.. i love the way you write.. i wish i could write as good as you.. wishing you a fabulous week.. 🙂

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    • Thank you very much for your kind comments however, remember that your style is unique in a way all it’s own and it is very valuable (because it comes from your heart).

      I think the reason I approach my writing the way I do is because I believe within the heart of women dwells a common bond in how we see and feel about things. I’m so happy that you could relate the words to your feelings. That makes me happy!

      I hope you have a great week as well! Keep writing and sharing and giving. There will be many that will be blessed by it!

      Let your gift shine!
      D

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  28. Thanks for the follow, Dee! 😊. I am following your wonderful blog now, too.

    I am a newbie blogger but just thought I’d let you know that you can link your blog to your gravatar profile. This makes it easier for people to find your website. You can do this by editing your gravatar profile and adding the link.

    Nice to meet you. Have a happy day. 😊

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  31. Hello Dee! Thank you so much for following my blog. You live in a beautiful country…I have been longing to visit NZ and hopefully sometime soon I will make it there. Until then I shall live through your pictures and posts!

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    • I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. NZ is breathtakingly beautiful. As beautiful as the photos are…they don’t do the scenery justice. I’m sure you would love your visit when you get the chance to travel here. I welcome you back anytime. Thank you for reading!

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  32. Thanks for your visit and likes on my blog last week. Poking around here I seem to have found someone who shares a similar outlook on life. I look forward to finding out more. You have a new follower 🙂

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  38. Dee, thank you for stopping by my blog. I am still getting a feel for blogging and the whole blog community, so I have not actually commented to anyone yet. But upon reading your blog, I realized I could not leave without telling you how calming and inspiring you are. You are such a beautiful person, and your words show that. I am very much looking forward to reading more of your blogs, and your postings in the future. Thank you again.

    I hope you have an amazing day,
    Dani

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    • Dani,

      Firstly, I’m sorry I’ve been so long in replying. You completely made my day brighter with your kind comments. Thank you.

      I am honored that you took the time to share some moments reading my blog.

      I still have much to learn myself. There are days when I’d love to just spend my days here but the rest of life is pretty busy at the moment.

      Keep up the good work.

      Please stop by anytime!
      D

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  39. Hi Dee,
    Firstly, I would like to say – I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about you. You have a beautiful family – you must be very proud. I also look forward to hearing more about you, and seeing more of your posts. From what I have seen so far – It’s a great blog!
    Oh and secondly, I would like to say thank you for dropping by my blog. I really appreciate you taking the time to read some of my posts & lastly, Thank you for following me! 🙂

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    • Amanda, I have enjoyed my morning- cups (no, I don’t restrict myself to just one) of coffee in hand reading your blog. Delightful!

      I’m learning to get a handle on this techno blogging world myself…so, I’m hoping the comment I left on your about page actually went through and made sense. I got one of those “you did that wrong stupid” error messages! If it didn’t, I’ll stop by again. Lol

      Thank you for your kind comments. I am very proud of my family. They are amazing.

      It is my pleasure to be reading and following your blog. It is a refreshing read. Definitely one of my new favorite reads! (You should put pen to paper and write that book-I would buy, read and recommend it!)

      Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!
      Dee

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  41. Dear friend, Thank you very much, I was really happy to have been following your blog. I’m still a lot to figure out, and here I can only say that you are an awesome blogger, full Inspiring and hope you can inspire more readers. Thanks and greetings compassion from Gede Prama 🙂

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  42. Hi Dee,
    Thankyou so much for taking the time to read so many of my poems. It’s always a pleasure to meet new people.
    I love the introduction to your blog 🙂
    Have a great weekend and I will look forward to coming back to see you when I get home x

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  43. Hello.. i read your post, i think you are a special women who blessed by God and grateful for everything you had. This is a key of enjoying our life 🙂 Great
    Thank you for liked my post, hopefully becomes a blessing. I follow you right now 🙂

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    • Sella,

      I am honored to have you spend time in my little part of the blogging world. Thank you for following my blog. I am sure as we follow along together we will find many opportunities for inspiring one another.

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    • You are quite welcome. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog…and the photography is beautiful. I am a novice. I have loved photography for as long as I can remember. I will enjoy following your photography journey and maybe pick up a few tips along the way.

      Happy shooting! Keep up the good work.

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    • knowing that your favourite color is burnt sienna would cause me to imagine a flamboyant and fun-loving person who enjoys luxury and pleasure…no wonder you can’t refuse a dare. thank you for the nomination…what a lovely surprise I woke to this morning. made my day brighter -sunny!

      I will be happy to participate…give me a chance to figure out the mechanics (i’m still getting used to how to use the technology within the blogging world)…and I pass the sunshine along.

      happy beaming…D

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      • What a wonderful reply, Dee!! You have made my day 🙂
        …and you are right in all your estimations of me. Who knew a favorite color could be so revealing!! #laughing
        Take your time with the particulars…it took me a week or more to get to it all 🙂
        You rock my friend!! 🙂

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  50. Dee, I just discovered your blog and I have to say I have enjoyed it very much. Todays blog was timely for me and for a dear friend I spoke and prayed with yesterday and I’m going to share you with my friend.
    Thanks for your down to earth communication about our God, Carolyn Freeman Pierce

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    • Carolyn, I am so glad that you are enjoying the blog and are willing to share it with your friends. Sometimes the difficult places in our lives can be so overwhelming. I see so many heart cries of desperation and I am touched deeply. I decided to share my journey in hope that other women will see their own special uniqueness and strength for the journey they are on. Thank you for taking the time to read, share and comment. God Bless your friend and thank God she has a safe place for her heart in your friendship. What a treasure.

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