The Friday 56: SMART Goals!


Turn Your Dreams and Wants into Achievable Smart GoalsThis book is a comprehensive manual on effective goal-setting for entrepreneurs, managers, and parents.

- It offers practical strategies to identify the goals that are meaningful and matter most to you.
- It teaches you to objectively evaluate your goals and eliminate the ones that are not realistic.
- It provides solutions for overcoming challenges that arise as you’re moving along the way to your success.
- It coaches you how to face fears rather than to avoid them.
- It arms you with useful tools and know-hows to empower you to take actions that will ensure the results you desire.

What I'm Learning


After reading some of the reviews, I see that the author helps one discover how to set realistic goals, how to cope with our mindset to overcome doubt and negativity and stage fright and replace those with self-accountability, self-discipline, and self-leadership. I like stories that reveal comebacks, second chances, motivation, perseverance and inspirational victories!

The Friday 56 

56% eReader

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what? get started now!" 
          -- Anna Stevens

I'm really looking forward to reading more since it goes beyond a children's picture book (which I'm always reading) and has 124 pages! The book has received lots of praise.

"Anna provides practical information in a format that is easy to follow." -- Bambi S. Bellflowers

"I would recommend the book to anyone needing direction, or someone that just wants to find out more about how they really think or what they believe." -- Jen K

Read what others are saying:

Turn Your Dreams and Wants into Achievable SMART Goals!


storm leaving the valley: LadyD Books

cloud layers over the valley: LadyD Books

storm clouds surrounding palm trees: LadyD Books

Mostly we have warm daily temperatures here in SoCal, but there are some days where these 'smart layers' of clouds threaten us with a few showers and then they head out towards the mountains. I love this valley view. As you can see, the hills are not very green as we continue to experience drought conditions. The contrast is so huge between us and other parts of the U.S. having a hard winter this year. This week the kids will be on their Spring Break as we head towards Easter.

For more sky photos, visit Skywatch Friday

How is it where you are and what will you be doing for a little April vacation? I went to the Butterfly Exhibit yesterday and can't wait to post some of my pictures. Stay tuned and have a great weekend!







 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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The Avocado Hummingbird


hummingbird around the perrennials: LadyD Books


hummingbird perched on wind chime

Anna Hummingbird rests by the bird feeder

hummingbird perched on wind chime




hummingbird resting on avocado branch

iron hummingbird near lavender bush: LadyD Books

I've decided that hummingbirds are just too fast for me to capture with their record breaking speed. There's a remarkable number of them lingering around the fruit tree blossoms and for sure, they're glistening on the avocado tree branches. They seem to be attracted to some of my perennials (Penstemon species) around the yard. I've noticed that the young hummingbird perches itself on one of my wind chimes that are placed near their feeder. I am so intrigued by these sweet, angelic birds. The popular Anna's Hummingbird in SoCal is so graceful and sparkling with its green back and ruby red breast. They seem to like the Sage and Salvia blossoms, too... and especially the avocado!

Do you have them in your area? If so, what camera tips can you share regarding their charming image? I guess I might need to practice zooming closer but sometimes when I do then my image gets blurry. I tried to get close before they vanished from my lens. I hope my iron hummingbird yard stake brought a smile to your face!

Thanks so much for the overwhelming response to last week's post from all the bird watchers. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

For more photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday

Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide




“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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