Kaye's Blog

Hi Everyone! 

Thanks for your patience as the More Blessed Than Stressed iPhone app is being updated.  We have run into a few issues, but work is being done to get everything back on track.   I always look forward to the “Daily Quote” and have been missing that each day on my phone, so I’m trying my best to make progress with an update. 

In the meantime, can’t believe it’s already the month of May!!  So many activities and events for everyone.   I especially want to send congrats to Wes Pryor and Greg Welsch for the recent documentary premiere of “Hank Cochran, Livin’ For A Song” in the Nashville Film Festival.  What a successful event it was and more good things on the way!! 

Since a special holiday is just around the corner, we are wishing “Happy Mother’s Day” to all those very special ladies out there.  Hugs to all and thanks for all you do!   A special congrats to my own Mother as she continues to enjoy writing success and book signings that also include my Dad providing live keyboard music!  I just attended one of the events and it was very special.  Follow her updates by visiting: www.lindaswift.net

Also, many thanks to supporters of “Butterfly Rose” duo and there will be continued updates and news about more performances this year.  To learn more, please visit: www.butterflyrose.net

Keep the faith and keep your dreams alive!!

Blessings,  Kaye

Hi Everyone!

Getting excited about flowers, trees and all things opening up in the new season!  Hope your year is going well.  The flower you see in this blog post is called a “Butterfly Rose”.  That is also the name of an Americana music duo that I share with my friend, Carol Zamora Ward.  We have been blessed to share the past year writing original songs together and making a music video that my husband, Wesley, directed and filmed in Nashville and also the Great Smoky Mt. National Park.  Carol’s son, Adam, helped edit the video and you can see the results at our website: www.butterflyrose.net.   Many thanks to everyone that has visited our site, “Liked” our Facebook page and followed us on Twitter!  We are having a great time and putting together more plans to perform during the year, plus finding ways to “give back” and help others in the process.  Our goals are inspired and that’s why I can’t help but mention our projects in the More Blessed Than Stressed blog.  Both seem to be a wonderful fit with each other, so I will continue to mention us from time to time.  Whatever you are longing to create for yourself, keep believing that you can make it happen.  God will direct your every move if you listen and pay attention!  Keep the faith!

Blessings,

Kaye

“Through the power of your creative imagination you catch a vision…you dream a dream.” ~ Wilferd Peterson

I like the following quote by Stephen Chbosky,  ”We accept the love we think we deserve.”   I hope everyone enjoys a season of love and sharing with others.  If you saw the movie, “The Help” there is a very touching  moment when leading actress, Viola Davis repeats to a young girl, “You is smart.  You is kind.  You is important.”  What a true statement to remind people in their own situations and conditions that they are worthy as human beings simply because they are living and making contributions that matter to themselves and to others.  I applaud everyone’s individual creativity and desire to expand their horizons.  If you’re not afraid to try something new then you are really letting go and trusting a “bigger plan” that might be in store for you.  It’s a wonderful expression of being “more blessed than stressed” and a sign that you are willing to share the love that is your gift to the world!

Blessings,

Kaye

I’m very excited to announce that I’m currently working with my friend, Carol Zamora Ward on a music project called “Butterfly Rose”.  We’ve been writing songs and performing Americana music and our goal is to expand the project in a big way to empower young girls and women of all shapes,  sizes and walks of life.  We have written a signature song and are looking for a nationwide organization or brand to partner with and design a “give back” campaign that will continue to make a difference.  Any suggestions or contacts will be welcome.  Please visit our website and see current music video for one of our songs, “Mountain Girl” that was shot on location in Nashville and Gatlinburg, TN.  We appreciate your support in helping us spread the word.  We are two ladies on a mission to make a differend because we feel “More Blessed Than Stressed”!!!    www.butterflyrose.net

Many Thanks!

Kaye

As the month of January comes to a close, I want to thank Bob Hutchins and staff at the BuzzPlant in Franklin, TN.  Special thanks also goes to Rebekah Markowitz for her patience and help and to Leslie McCaskey for her recent social media promotion.  I am excited to share the “More Blessed Than Stressed” website and iPhone app and appreciate the creatvie input and support from everyone. I especially like the relaxing beach theme.  It’s all about keeping life as “stress free” as possible!

I have another creative project in the works, so stayed tuned for more updates and information!  Wishing a fun and productive year to all.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

Blessings,

Kaye

Happy New Year Everyone!

More Blessed Than Stressed is kicking off 2012 with some fun giveaway products, so “jump in” and participate on our Facebook page this week!  We want to know what stressed you out during the holidays and how you are recovering and moving forward.  It always helps others to hear how someone else is dealing with their own issues, so we appreciate you sharing your stories with everyone! 

It’s time to start fresh and make new choices that will improve your way of life as the new year begins.  Some of us like to ease into the new year and others like to hit the ground running.  Whatever suits your personal style is what usually works best for you, but it doesn’t hurt to try something different now and then.  Give yourself a chance to change your routine and see how it feels.  I ran across a wonderful quote by Howard Thurman that is helping me kick off the year.  It basically says, “May this moment find you eager and unafraid, ready to take the new year by the hand with joy and gratitude.”  Wishing everyone a wonderful year ahead and the desire to “Jump In.” 

Thanks to our friend, Meagan, for modeling a tee shirt giveaway product!  Visit our More Blessed Than Stressed Facebook page and participate to win!!!

Blessings,

Kaye

Hi Everyone!

Sending out my greetings and gratitude for the holiday season and many blessings for the coming year!  I am very excited about the new website and iPhone app for “More Blessed Than Stressed”  and so grateful to Bob Hutchins and the Buzz Plant staff for all they have done to fulfill this dream.  Also, thanks to everyone that is following “MoreBlessed” on Twitter and hitting the “Like” button on “More Blessed Than Stressed” Facebook page.  Your participation is appreciated and we look forward to sharing the good vibes with many more people in the new year! 

In the spirit of “giving back”, we applaud so many organizations and individuals who are sharing their time and talent to help others.  We feature many of these organizations on the “Special Offerings” page and archives, plus many business brands in the “give back” directory on our iPhone app.  It’s amazing how much good is really out there all year long, not just during the holiday season.

May you have safe travels and a wonderful celebration with family and friends as the season continues to unfold.  Wishing you time to slow down a little and have “More Blessed Than Stressed” moments to enjoy and remember!

Blessings,

Kaye

Two Nashville companies are helping family and friends make great holiday memories, plus introducing a new stuffed animal design made in America!  Matchless Transportation and Gringa Dinga (TM) have teamed up this holiday season to encourage family, friends, and/or co-workers to spend quality time together and enjoy seeing some of  Nashville’s  award winning holiday light decorations!  I have taken the three hour light tour with my family and it is a wonderful holiday memory we will always share.  I have also pledged to “buy 1, give 1″ stuffed toy to be donated to “Toys for Tots” at www.gringadinga.com

Both companies offer great ways to connect with loved ones and also “give back” to those in need.  What  a great way to relax and have a “More Blessed Than Stressed” Christmas celebration.  Everyone wants to experience the joys of the season and also help others.  I personally know both company owners and have always admired their work ethics and creative ideas!  Check them out and make some of your own great memories this holiday season !!!  www.matchlesstransportation.com

Blessings,

Kaye

As we approach the holidays during Thanksgiving week and beyond, I can already feel the “holiday stress factor” in the air!  Just wondering how each one of us finds our own way to deal with that and actually enjoy some of this festive time of year.  If something works well, please take a moment to share your thoughts that might help someone else cope with the holiday “frenzy” of the season!  I personally try to stay focused on the blessings in my life and find time to exercise, plus generally stay healthy and look for ways to help out.  I notice people around me and try to have more patience in general when I’m out driving and shopping.  I also try not to overload my schedule and “to do” list and that takes a little more effort.  Looking forward to visiting with family and friends and using the time to relax a little, have some fun and start thinking about plans for the new year!!  May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving holiday together and share with others! 

Blessings,

Kaye

In a recent Kroger ad, I saw a full page that announced Kraft Foods support of the organization, “Feeding America” by donating over 2.5 million meals.  This type of information is one of the features of the More Blessed Than Stressed iPhone app in the “Give Back” shopping guide.  Many companies that sell various products, including food, clothes, home improvment, cosmetics and more are supporting many great organizations that help others.   A portion of the money that people spend on everyday items is being used to help those in need and the iPhone app provides a list of companies and the organizations they support!  It’s a great way to shop with a purpose, especially during the holiday season when so many organizations rely on donations to survive the coming year, plus a great way to make money go further during tough economic times.  A little kindness can go a long way and a lot of companies are giving back.  Check out the More Blessed Than Stressed app on the website home page to link to the Apple Store.  I researched over 100 companies to compile a list for the app and provide a quick shopping reference.  It’s worth a look and might be one of the answers to making donations this year that can help children and families in need.

Blessings,

Kaye