Family life

Faith in God, love, and pursuing one’s dreams: an exclusive interview with NBC’s Ready For Love’s Angela Zatopek

Published June 9, 2013 | By Debra

Photo credit: AngelaZatopek.com

Every now and then I have the opportunity to talk with a special person whom I think will inspire our Warm Milk Journal readers. Angela Zatopek is such a person and I enjoyed getting to know her over the phone a couple of days ago.

Recently starring in the new Eva Longoria produced dating docu-series “Ready for Love” (Premiered April 9th on NBC),Angela Zatopek is an experienced sideline reporter previously working with Fox Sports and CBS College Sports. Angela is also a model,beauty queen (Miss Texas USA),and entrepreneur.

Through her balanced lifestyle and commitment to her faith, Angela’s positive message is an inspiration to a generation of young women. She recently began launching a faith inspired jewelry line called “OneLove Collection” featuring rings, bracelets and necklaces for women and men.

Here’s a brief excerpt of our conversation:

Debra: Hello, Angela!

Angela: Hi Debra.

Debra: I hear you have some exciting news?

Angela: Yes, two nights ago it was revealed on our show Ready For Love, that I was the final selection.

Debra: Wow. My daughter and I are fans of The Bachelor and Bacehlorette shows. Is this show like those?

Angela: Yes, there are similarities. It is a dating competition with twelve girls, three guys, matchmakers to help and our goal is to find our soul mate. One of the men, Ben Patton, chose me and we got engaged at the end (which I wasn’t expecting, by the way).

Debra: Congratulations! How amazing.

Angela: It was an incredible experience.

Debra: So, are you two planning a wedding now?

Angela: No, we recently called it off and we are now friends.

Debra: I’m sorry to hear that.

Angela: It was a lot of stress: long distance, not seeing each other for several weeks at a time… we decided this would be best. I only have good things to say about Ben.

Debra: What have you learned from this experience?

Angela: To be open when you are trying to find love. I personally have decided to wait for marriage (to have sex) and I am really glad I made that decision.

Debra: Do you still have faith in love?

Angela: Absolutely. Most importantly, I have faith in God, the support of my family, and confidence in myself. I am not afraid of challenges and going for what I want.

Debra: Now that Ready For Love is behind you, what are your plans?

Angela: I have a new faith-inspired jewelery line that I am creating called the OneLoveCollection. There will be rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. that represent my values and faith: love of God, myself, commitment, friendship, etc.

Debra: That sounds lovely.

Angela. Thanks. We all have our calling and this is my “ministry” of sorts. I also plan on writing a book about my recent experience, God, love, and relationships.

Debra: I am sure a lot of people will benefit from hearing your story and message. Here at The Warm Milk Journal, we have a lot of readers with issues of insomnia and anxiety. Do you sleep well at night?

Angela: Yes, I do. The hour before bed I like to read something fun (nothing informational). I keep my cell phone and electronics off. I pray.

Debra: Angela, it has been a pleasure to chat with you. Thank you. I wish you the best of luck.

Angela: Thanks, Debra

Photo credit: Houston.Culturemap.com

*Note:

NBC has cancelled Ready For Love but the episodes are available on NBC.com, Electronic Sell-Through (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, etc.) and Hulu.

*Marriage Monday dedication:

Most weeks I submit a Warm Milk Journal post to my friend, Fawn Weaver’s terrific site, The Happy Wives club for their Marriage Monday link up. I wish to submit this post and dedicate it to Angela and all of the single people out there who are ready for love. When one does find and marry one’s soul mate, it is life’s greatest gift.

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Little Pleasures… a journal writing session

Published May 13, 2013 | By Debra

Tonight’s journal writing exercise is a fun one… life’s little pleasures. Not the big stuff (or perhaps the little stuff is the big stuff…), but the little things that truly make life and daily existence worthwhile.

Writing in our journals is a wonderful chance to focus on things we love.

Remember, what we focus on grows.

What we appreciate, appreciates.

Life’s little pleasures is one of those things that just makes it all worthwhile, y’know? I even have a Pinterest Board devoted to life’s little pleasures.

What little things put a smile on your face? Little things that you look forward to? Your guilty little pleasures…? Hmmm? It’s okay. This is a safe place to share.

As always (or most of the time at least), I will start my own entry and then you write too. I invite you all to comment at the end of your post to share a few of your little pleasures. It is fun to share with each other.

Ready to start? I know I am! Let’s see…

Little Pleasures…

1. The sound of the birds singing as I sit here on my back patio writing in the early evening…

2. The smell of my roses interwoven with the honey suckles that are in full bloom right now this wonderful May evening. I am breathing the intoxicating fragrance now as I write this…

3. Going for a walk and saying hello to the friendly neighbors (I live in the South and everybody is so nice and friendly here)!

4. Being out in public and enjoying the babies and toddlers (I remember when my children were that little once and it makes me happy to remember those precious days)

5. Knowing I have a great dinner planned for my family (I love to cook)!

6. My back patio garden.

7. My first cup of coffee in the morning.

8. When we first turn off the light, melting into my husband’s arms and resting my head on “my spot” (his shoulder) that is just right.. and falling asleep…

Your turn, Dear friends. I am not by any means through with my entry. This is a really fun one. Enjoy and remember to share a few little pleasures on your list with all of us by commenting in… don’t be shy now…

Much love and peace to all of you. I am so glad we are sharing a sweet sliver of this life journey together.

Debra

Why I love my husband: an important (possibly the most important) journal writing session

Published May 5, 2013 | By Debra

If we nurture the most important relationship in our life, we will sleep better at night, guaranteed.

I invite you to think about your significant other… focus on how blessed you are that they are in your life.

Then just write what you appreciate about them.

Remember:

What we appreciate, appreciates!

What we focus on grows!

Who does not want more love in their lives, right? What is more important when it comes right down to it, hmmm…?

Okay, so my journal entry may look like this. I will begin, then you do your own. Deal?

What I love about my husband is:

1. his optimism

2. his kindness

3. his rugged good looks

4. his smile

5. his flexibility

6. his ability to put up with silly me!

I will continue in my private journal so that you may begin your own entry…

*note: if you are not married or in a relationship right now, you can write about the qualities that you appreciate about your ideal partner (in present tense with feeling as if they are in your life now).

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. ~ Kahlil Gibran

A More Mature Love (Thank God I am Growing up)!

Published April 29, 2013 | By Debra

Photo credit: Mindbodygreen.com

In my younger years, love was magical and it was splendid (as it still is now).

However, as a young woman, I had some less than mature and admirable ideas about love (as we do when we are young).

Thinking back, I can recall attitudes of:

1. “If he loved me, he would…” (a combination of entitlement and wanting my boyfriend/husband to read my mind)

2. “what have you done for me lately”? (keeping tabs, needing constant demonstration and proof that the man loves me, being selfish)

3. Having super high, unrealistic expectations of the relationship (a combination of not wanting to take responsibility for my life and that whole mind reading thing…see number 1).

Many years later, I am 46 years old and (happily) on my second marriage. I am certainly not perfect but I’d like to think that I have learned a thing or two.

A more mature love consists of:

1. Focusing on what you can give to your partner.

2. Communication and asking for what you want (men need and appreciate some direction especially when it comes in the form of a neutral request rather than from a silent pouty state or angry state because they did not read our minds).

3. Seeing the good in your spouse and remembering why you fell in love and married him in the first place (even on those bad days)

4. Deciding your relationship is more important than being right.

5. Be supportive, give feedback, listen a lot, and do not criticize (guard your mouth and words that come out dilligently)

6. Make your marriage top priority over anything else.

That about wraps it up. Oh, be sure to laugh regularly. Break up routines, have adventures and date nights (especially important if you have kids). Keep the fun and passion alive.

A list of all-time relaxing things

Published April 26, 2013 | By Debra

photo credit: Dreamstime

Here is this night’s list of all time relaxing activities:

1. Savoring a glass of wine in the early evening

2. Listening to jazz on Pandora while enjoying glass of wine (see above)

3. Reading beautiful poetry and spiritually inspirational books (Rumi, Marianne Williamson come to mind).

4. A hot lavender bath

5. Playing Yahtzee or Scrabble with my husband or daughter

6. Cooking (while drinking wine and listening to Jazz on Pandora).

7. Walks on the beach

8. Spending time in nature

9. Afternoon bike rides

10. Morning cup of coffee and writing in my journal

11. Blogging in the early evening.

12. That afternoon cup of tea and watching the wildlife in my back patio.

13. Cuddling with the most special person in the world…

In Peace,

Debra

Thank you for the smiles I received… an evening prayer

Published April 8, 2013 | By Debra

Dear God,

The day is over and sleep is near.

I am thankful for this day.

Thank you for the smiles I received,

the attentive children in my classroom,

the companionship of my family this evening.

I am excited about the new people and opportunities that are

presenting themselves to me.

This chapter is an exciting one.

I so appreciate my life.

God,

Please send your love, guidance, and healing to those out there who feel:

pain,

sadness,

alone,

stuck,

or adrift.

Thank you.

Amen.

A Three Day Wedding Anniversary Adventure in Charleston

Published March 29, 2013 | By Debra

A few days ago, we wrote about taking adventures…

I truly believe that adventure and trying new things is the spice of life. What adventures have you been on lately or plan on taking? Please feel free to share your adventures with us here at The Warm Milk Journal… (simply comment at the end of this post or you may share on our Facebook page too).

My husband and I just returned from a few days of adventure in lovely Charleston, South Carolina for our second wedding anniversary.

Did we have adventure? Yes!

Did we have romance? Yes!

Am I still glowing from this little get away? Most certainly, yes!

I wish to share with you just a few highlights of our Charleston adventure….

Day 1:
1. Discovering Pepper Palace on Market street. I thought my husband had died and gone to heaven. There’s like a thousand different hot sauces, barbeques sauces, mustards, salsas, and butters. What fun!

2. Tommy Condons: an Irish pub and restaurant where we enjoyed good beer and a real low country boil . Everyone was so nice in this place and we enjoyed watching the Florida Gators Basketball game (Florida beat Minnesota which was looking like quite a nail biter for a bit).

3. Strolling through magnificent Charleston Place filled with high end shops for fun window shopping and a lovely hotel. The Thoroughbred Club is a great place to stop, have a drink and tapas, and listening to the pianist… I have since learned that they offer a “high tea” in the afternoon but we missed that one (perhaps for the next visit).

Photo credit: Southernliving.com

Day 2:

1. Taking a cruise on the Charleston Harbor on The Carolina Belle. Captain Dave was funny and we learned a lot too. He informed us that he was willing to retrieve lost hats out on the water if our heads were still attached to them…

2. Afternoon coffee at Saffron Cafe and Bakery. This place was so incredible. Great coffee, mid-eastern foods, and the dessert showcase was such a feast (I gained a few pounds just by looking)! This place seriously made me wish I lived in Charleston.

3. Dinner at Mercato. We had one of the best Italian dinners ever! My husband is Italian and he had high praise for their lasagne (they evidently got the tomato sauce right). I was thankful to have a relaxing place to sit with my husband and sip on some wonderful wine (after a day of touring in unseasonably cold and windy weather).

Day 3:

1. Strolling Meeting Street and touring some of the beautiful homes. We just happened to be in town for Charleston’s Historical Foundation’s Festival of Houses and Gardens (which is still going on until April 20, 2013) These were private residential homes that the owners opened up to us (for a three hour window). It was awesome.

2. Taking a horse carriage tour. My husband was skeptical at first, but our guide, Ben, was both intelligent and hysterical. Our horse, Loretta (which he called “Slowretta”) was precious. I learned so much about Charleston’s history and I got to relax and cuddle up next to my hubby as we slowly cruised through some extremely quaint alleys and streets in the Historical District.

3. Last, but not least was our anniversary dinner at Circa1886, which is a lovely restaurant set in the carriage house of The WentWorth Mansion. . So many little things made this a meal to remember. My husband even had antelope!(talk about adventure).

This is how they brought our dessert out along with some champagne!

After dinner, we strolled through the lobby of the magnificent lobby, and felt rich and satisfied…As we strolled outside to our car,the full moon shined upon us…

Did we have adventure? Yes! It wasn’t perfect… it was cold, our hotel room had some issues… but now we can both look back at this experience and laugh and smile. Adventure is great. Adventure shared with your best friend in the whole world and life partner is magnificent (I will sleep well for many nights to come as I warmly bask in the memory of this trip).

To many more adventures!

In Peace,

Debra

My hubby John ordering lunch at Blind Tiger Pub on Broad Street.

Debra at the Battery

One happy couple…

Enjoy the evening, however it unfolds…

Published March 27, 2013 | By Debra

If it’s warm where you live,

go out and take a walk in the woods or sit in the sun on the beach with a good book or journal.

If it’s cold where you live,

cuddle up in front of the fire with family or your journal. Relax. Write…. perhaps put some good jazz music on and cook up something good! (like a great soup, stir fry, roasted chicken, or lasagna).

It’s cold here in North Florida tonight and it was very cold in Charleston, South Carolina where my husband and I just spent the last few days.

Well, it is still cold and that is okay.

Tonight, no matter what the temperature is outside, I invite you to:

1. Stretch and breathe

2. Look at a beautiful coffee table book that fills you up with joy (for me it is gorgeous books about old Charleston gardens)

3. Listen to jazz (or whatever delights you)

4. Pour yourself that glass of wine (or whatever you enjoy)

Now, look around… peace. love. home.

You are right where you need to be, now.

Enjoy the evening, however it unfolds (you are off to a fabulous start)!

In Peace,

Debra

Five ways to treat others for a good night sleep

Published March 12, 2013 | By Debra

How we treat others during our day will affect how well we sleep at night.

Are we spending the time with the people we love complaining much of the time?

Are we criticizing?

Are we working too many hours and neglecting our spouse and children?

Are we on the road impatiently speeding, passing, beeping our horn, or distractedly (and putting others in danger) by being on our phones texting when we should have our eyes on the road?

photo credit: Meshbesher.com

This list, unfortunately can go on…

This morning, I am setting an intention to:

1. Treat others with patience

2. treat others with dignity

3. Treat others with my full attention when I am with them

4. Treat others with an open mind

5. Treat others with a compassionate heart.

I will keep it simple. If I do these five things today I am certain I will sleep well tonight.

Oh, and I will remember to apply these five intentions to myself as well.

Have a blessed day and restful night!

In peace,

Debra

Ten ways to guarantee a great day, The Mew Way

Published March 5, 2013 | By Debra

To have a nice day, the Mew Way, one simply has to:

1. not be in a hurry to do anything

2. keep loved ones company when they are home

3. eat small meals frequently

4. stretch periodically, especially in a sunny spot by the window

5. meditate on the birds and natural wildlife outside

6. be content with what you have

7. never complain unless your food dish is empty or your tail gets stepped on.

8. invite love and affection by rolling on your back and looking adorable

9. nap throughout the day.

10. contribute to the household by helping mommy write and cook and helping daddy at the computer by sitting on important paperwork (out of sight, out of mind- no more stressed daddy)!

Thanks Mew.

Have a purrfectly wonderful day, everybody!

The WMJ Mission

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Faith in God, love, and pursuing one’s dreams: an exclusive interview with NBC’s Ready For Love’s Angela Zatopek

Related Posts:

Little Pleasures… a journal writing session

Related Posts:

Why I love my husband: an important (possibly the most important) journal writing session

Related Posts:

A More Mature Love (Thank God I am Growing up)!

Related Posts:

Thank you for the smiles I received… an evening prayer

Related Posts:

A Three Day Wedding Anniversary Adventure in Charleston

Related Posts:

Enjoy the evening, however it unfolds…

Related Posts:

Five ways to treat others for a good night sleep

Related Posts:

Ten ways to guarantee a great day, The Mew Way

Related Posts:

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