Murraytalk

After spending the past weekend with friends and family I started thinking about how we all at least once in our lifetime made a decision that tests our character. I am a person that reacts. As much as I count to ten, pray first, or go to my zen place, it doesn't always work for me. Sometimes I just need to be heard, and if you're screaming and not really hearing my words I'm going to get as loud as necessary for you to hear me. It's not the best solution, trust me! But, it's my character - who I am. I could blame it on my childhood, but that would mean that I'm not taking ownership for my behavior. I don't believe it's fair as an adult to use them as an excuse for my actions in life. But, I do believe with any bond there will be some disagreement and some conflict - that's just life! We need to speak; our truths, discuss our hurts, share our joy and sadness, otherwise, it festers and it's like walking on land mines each time you're aro...

In my prior blog I mentioned my sister giving birth to a baby girl that was my father's child. I didn't feel a major shift in my life with the birth of my sister/niece. I also had a younger brother in the home at that time, so another child was my blessing of less attention directed towards me. I was at a point in my life that less was best. I cherished my solitude and would find any place without people to be. My father had an office that was detached from the main house that I would spend hours hanging out in enjoying the silence. My father liked to gamble so there were many times that  he was gone for an entire week, sometimes coming home only to grab fresh clothes. I never knew for sure when he would return, but I had become bolder with leaving the house when he was away. Such as, riding my bike around the neighborhood and staying outside until the streets lights came on. I know that sounds ridiculous to most people, but when you live in a controlled environment, it...

I'm going to vent today. Last night I was on a break talking to a co-worker when I took a look at Facebook for a quick minute. What I was seeing made me think about the people that I have as friends on this social network. First of all let's be honest - most of us are not real friends. I truly have a handful of people that really know me.(family not included) I'm noticing that some that I have accepted as friends aren't really my cup of tea. For example, don't threaten that you're going to delete everyone that doesn't agree with you politically, and I see that I'm still your friend. Now I'm thinking you're a liar. Furthermore, does anyone have their own thoughts anymore? My real friends know that I'm not political - I'm about right and wrong. They also know that I don't agree just to agree - if you're my friend you respect that. I don't believe that it's acceptable to make rude and disparaging remarks about human being...

The Murray & McGuire Women Last night we went to Eli's with family and friends to celebrate Kelsey's 21st. Kelsey was ready to go home and crawl in bed by 9... she's not a party girl, but she hung out until 1 in the morning with us dancing the night away. I'm thankful for friends and family sharing the evening with us. Unfortunately Tiffanie (daughter) ended up with a swollen and bruised foot from falling off her 6 inch Jessica Simpson heels - she wasn't drinking either. Actually, there were a lot of moments that were perfect for America's Funniest Home Videos... fun night!  Here's to another fun night and great memories. Enjoy your Sunday!

Lately I've been so busy praying and thanking God for hearing and answering my prayers - I feel like I've lost sight of some of the struggles that my friends are going through. I have three friends that I met in 1989 when I came to Phoenix. Each of them are spiritual women that have been instrumental in my life. I'm extremely close to one so I know what's happening in her world - the other two, not so much. But within the past week I've had contact with each of them, and each of them have stuff that they're going through. I felt self - absorbed after my conversations with them - I believe that was Gods message to me. We're all going through something, we all have stuff we need to deal with and get through, and we all need someone praying for us. I had a recent conversation with my friend that is going through some drug issues with her son about prayer. We talked about how exhausted and beaten up you feel when you're dealing with an addict and all y...

I love creative people, I love people that have a dream, I love people that work to make their vision become a reality. That is why I was quick to say yes and jump on board to help my friend Eric Winfield with The Shutter Release Project.  www.theshutterrelease.com Eric actually shared his vision with several friends - some said yes they would help but haven't put any time or effort in this project. And there's always those that have decided that they would rather judge and try to crush his dream. I also have experienced negativity from friends that I thought would be supportive. I am behind Eric on this project 120%, and I will fight and work hard to make his dream come true. I have given merchandise and my time for several years to help many people when I was asked. Eric has done the same with his time and his photography. Just maybe that's where we went wrong, thinking that people actually understand what reciprocation / paying forward is. I have always lived my...

Wow! The day is slipping away from me... finally I'm at the computer. My friend Lisa stopped by for coffee this morning - we sit and talk never noticing how many hours have slipped by us.  I guess that's when you know you're real friends, right? Anyway, we talked a lot about The Shutter Release Project because I was multi tasking as we sipped coffee and ate donuts. She loves photography like me so that's a topic we both enjoy. As I've said before, I'm not a professional, just love playing with my camera and love love pictures. Also, we talked about my other obsession...fashion. She was curious on what I would be wearing to The Shutter Release Event. I showed her two dresses that are on my list - one's a one sleeve aquamarine maxi, and the other is a black to the knee BCBG dress. They both require me losing 10 pounds so we'll see - my donut didn't help the cause. Here's some shots from this week. If you see something ...

I know I've talked about how much I hate facebook, but I reactivated it to advertise the Shutter Release Event. What's so bizarre about facebook to me is that it's like being in the mafia. You delete it, but you're never really gone. The minute I plugged in my old log in information there I was...all my friends, all my post, all my photos - I never really left the family. So I'm back! Happy Saturday...make it a good one!

Last night my girlfriend Arlene invited me to Manuels in Scottsdale to listen to a band that her former high school friend is in. I wasn't sure what to expect, but Alan Harkrader was amazing. ( http://www.alanharkrader.com/     He played with the rock group  The Gringos in the 70's.  First photo of The Gringos I not only enjoyed listening to Alan's incredible voice and guitar playing, but loved how the cantina was filled with Arlene's classmates. They not only enjoy the band, but each others company as well. I think it's great how they have a meeting place to reconnect and reminisce. I felt as if I had known each of them for years as I looked at cell phone pictures and received birthday wishes as Alan sang happy birthday to me.   I thank Arlene for introducing me to a fun venue and fabulous people. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend that you stop in at Manuels  http://manuelsaz.com/  and take a listen...I guarantee you won't...

As I was cleaning today I started reflecting on people that have crossed my path over the years. Some I'm still in touch with while others I have no idea where they are. I'll take partial responsibility for losing contact, because if you're full of drama and trying to act like someone you're not...I'm out!  Although I love watching the drama and all the fakeness on reality TV - don't want it in my life. But, whatever the reason is, I still have the memories. I read a book a few years ago, When God Winks at You, by Squire Rushnell. This book shares short stories of events in life with everyday and famous people. Some people call these little events a coincidence; While others may think it's predestined - I personally don't believe in coincidences. The people that I currently have in my life accept me for who I am without judgement. I'm a very simple, spiritual and real person. I'm not pretentious, I speak my mind, and I'm truthful. I...