Aeroma Therapy!
The Importance of Soothing the Heart and Soul with Scents...

Lilac: Creative
Anise: Cheerful
Cedarwood: Calm
Tangerine: Inspired
Geranium: Romantic
Grapefruit: Refreshed
Ylang-Ylang: Sensual
Peppermint: Energetic
Rosemary: Rejuvenated

Heather Turns Pro!!!
The results are in..Heather Policky finally earned her pro card at the USA's!!! I am so happy for her..she has been of Pro Quality for a very, very long time-
probably from the very first time she took the stage!!!!
Way to go heavy weight Heather Policky!!!
I still remember meeting you way back in 2002 when we did Jr. Nationals and Nationals together..I actually had to compete in the same weight class with her back then..and she out-weighed me by 30 lbs!!!
Now it's about 24;)

Post -Show Update... In my Members Journal!
Also many more pictures of "Team Abrams" for November's All- Natural competition and more photoshoot pics...

Physique Art Photo Shoot Preview...
An interesting post from yesterday in my members journal also...

Members Journal...
updated with progress pictures of Team Abrams - 16 weeks out!
A HUGE Team for November!!

"The Circle of Life"...
Some pics from my routine in New York...
Never- Ever Forget ....

Dance like Noone is
watching!!!

Members Area Preview Gallery...
From my photoshoot with IFBB Pro Annie Rivieccio;

I love you Alyssa...
Everything is going to be just fine...
Mommy will be with you tomorrow:)

For The Sweet Little Girls In New York...
who wanted their picture taken:)

Here you are!!!

Several galleries updated in my members area and journal!!

I Placed 3rd In The Heavy Wt. Class...
and was the heaviest female bodybuilder in the show....
at 5' 5 1/2" 150 lbs.

Pictures from pre-judging, the finals ( my "Circle of Life" routine:))), and pictures from a few of my amazing photoshoots over the weekend All in my MEMBERS JOURNAL!
I shot with Annie R. for Muscle Angel's, the incredible
Reg Bradford, the talented Mike of Physique Art and the one and only Bill Jentz of Women's Physique World!
The photos are all exceptional and they will ALL be posted to my members gallery over the coming weeks and months along with plenty more video and new changes to my site. The changes will include a lot more of my personal training business information and work with clients.
Team Abrams- for the Nov 11th show -is now 17 weeks out...I have 8 clients competing! Go Team!!

Believe and Become The Vision In Your Mind!!!

I'm Here In New York!!
My Members Journal has my update!!

The Time Has Finally Arrived!!!
Tomorow we leave for New York! But...before my husband and I hop on that airplane with 4 days of food and every possible thing I could ever need, I must take the time to explain how this incredible opportunity went from a dream to a reality!
And so my "Thank You" letter begins....
As I sit here to type this letter I have just finished cooking and packing all my food for my 4 day trip, all the clothes, ext. for the kids who are staying with my family, and all that I and my husband need also. I am sooo preparred for anything...I have attended to every single possible detail and I am in such an amazing place right now not only because I am so pleased with the results of my hard work but also because of the loving, supportive and unbelieveable group of people who have rallied behind me this year...with their encouragement, support, sponsorship, love and generosity...
I am absolutely Overwhelmed by all of YOU!!!

First, are all of my sponsors this year..that combined have managed to pay for every expense I have encured in my prep. for this competiton!!
Just Amazing!

Women's Physique World Magazine- A huge thank you to Bill Jentz for the opportunity to shoot with you again...you have made our hotel stay possible at the host hotel!!

George, Colin & Caitlin Pradel- Thank you for taking on my documentary filming this year and for the amazing sponsorship assistance for my last stretch...there are not words to express what your faith in my abilities has ment..thank you for sharing in my "visions" for my career! And thank you for deciding to take the trip to N.Y. to film as much as possible for my documentary!!
(George is featured in my members area).

Terry Witczak- For being my "official photographer" this season and for providing incredible content for my website! It has ment soo much to me and my members. The content from training at Flex Gym alone is priceless!!

Jeff & Anne Johnson- owners of Flex Gym- www.flexgymonline.com
Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to shoot and film for my documentary and site at your gym!! Thank you also for allowing me the honor of trophy presenting at your show this year...handing the trphy to the new women's overall winner was really an incredible feeling after winning it last year!!

Dana!- Where do I even begin to tell you how much support and encouragement you have brought me this year's prep.! It is sooo wonderful to have you close by again..there have been too many years that you lived far away! Watching our children play is just magic for me...in the 16 years we have been friends...you have always been the friend who understood me and could touch my soul like no other friend...I thank you for REALLY knowing who I am and for always caring for me as if I were family..in my eyes, we are family!
You also gave me a very generous sponsorship for our after show celebration dinner that I am going to find a way to spend on you sooner or later:) Maybe I'll get ya on your birthday with a very fun adventure!! Thank you sooo much also for the warm- up suits for New York..they are so cute and comfortable!!
A water park with the kids maybe!!!? Now that sounds like a fun birthday...playing in the water, ice cream..ahhhh I love it! (Dana is also featured in my update this week)
I love you Dana, and yes you will be with me when I'm up there performing!

Kelly- I just recieved your card today and of course it brought tears to my eyes! My fellow Irish friend who can always bring tears to my eyes so easily...you are so thoughtful and soo supportive of all that I do!! When my clients representing "Team Abrams" competed in May you took the long trip, even though you had another event to attend..just to be there to support me!! Although we live and work so far apart you are always so close to my heart! You also sent me sponsorship...what a friend you are and oh how I can't wait to take you out for dinner so I can tell you all about New York!
And let's order double desserts!! Carrot cake and anything chocolate;) After our steak of course;) (Kelly is featured in my member's area).

Terese- My client of almost 3 years who has become such an incredibe friend in so many ways! Your sponsorship, encouragement and understanding of my life during contest prep. has been such a blessing! You inspire me because of the incredible mom that you are and the woman that you remain even with juggling 3 kids all under 6...- her twin boys just turned 5!! I can't wait to get back and share everything with you...you are always so excited for me and you appreciate how hard I have worked for this, just as you did last year!

Jason Wiggins- You are a true fan and supporter of female bodybuilding!!! I remeber reading about you on Heather Policky's site long, long ago...and boy was she right on about you! Your generosity for my last minute N.Y. expences was such an incredible surprise! It was great to finaly meet you and have some "protein ice cream" at Nationals in November as well...pretty good for having 25 g. of protein too!!:)

John Reddington-You have been an incredible supporter of my goals since I first met you and began training you for competition! Loaning me video's you found inspiring, sponsoring my suppliment and protein costs early on in my prep., then sponsoring me again later when my business slowed down and my focus turned to my prep. Thank you for all of it John....your kind words of support, your possitive, dedicated attitude and your willingness to go after what you wanted from the beginning with your goals..never once looking back!! What an inspiration you are! (John is featured in my members area).

Mike Oakley-Your continued sponsorship this season has been not only helpful finacially but also personally. The encouaging notes and possitive words over the past months have made me smile and made me feel that much closer to realizing my dreams...I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do!

Jen & Chris Nichols- I have more clothes to wear for my photoshoots than I can possibly use thanks to you!!! I can't thank you enough for loaning me all your amazing stuff and for buying my post- competition oufit for me...it is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Just wait until you see what my mom and I did to the pants!! Thank you for continuing to assist in my prep. expences by training with me..I look forward to helping you compete once again in November as part of "Team Abrams"! Chris and Jen thank you for being such huge suporters of my dreams that you are taking the trip to N.Y. this wekend to watch me compete!! Thank you for offering to take pictures for me Chris..your camera is just incredible and it means so much to me that you are both coming...thank you 100x's over!
See ya in N.Y. tomorrow!!!:)

Jill-Thank you soo much for the beautiful hair jewlery for my evening suit! Thank you also for ordering my Pro Tan for me..it arrived just in time! You are a genuine person and I respect and admire you for that! I look forward to seeing you after the show to tell you all about this incredible ride of life!!! This choo-choo train is almost to the top of that hill!!

Steve-I don't even know who you are and I recieved a sponsorship donation from you this week! I cannot begin to tell you how much these "little" surprises lately have touched my life and heart. I am left speechless!

Jody of www.fitweardesigns.com- Thank you for choosing to sponsor me this year and for making my evening suit!! It is just stunning and is exactly what I was looking for!! I will make you proud of your work and your decision to sponsor my suit!

Celeste-Thank you for making my prejudging suit and my back-up suit that I hope I have the opportunity to wear in Spain for the Worlds!!! Your suits always fit perfectly:)
I know every competitor is going to N.Y. with that same thought in mind..as we have all busted our butts to get to this place ...so I am honored to have the preveledge to be among so many driven, dedicated athletes...and we will see what the results end up to be:)

Andy- I thank you for choosing me as "The Goddess of The Year" on your site! You really got the publicity ball rolling for me this year!! I hope to make you proud of your choice this weekend!!

Lucas-Thank you to my brother-in-law for cutting my music for my routine! You are always so helpful and I appreciate it so much!

Michelle (My sister)- To my sister who is due with her and her husband, Lucas's first baby in just 5 weeks!! Thank you for taking our kids during the day hours we are in New York and for driving us to the airport!! I am soo at ease knowing they are in your care having so much fun!! I love you and can't wait to start spoiling your little girl!!!:)

To My Members- A big thank you to all of You! Those who have been part of my site from the very beginning, to those who have just joined...every little bit helps along the way! I am looking forward to all the incredible changes coming to my site upon my return from N.Y...and of course....TUNS of new content and as ALWAYS...weekly gallery and memebrs area updates and usually daily journal entries:)!
By the way...
I am bringing my Dad's laptop to N.Y so ...
I will be updating my Members Journal with results, pics and everything that's happening!!!
and...how can I not mention Evan...one of my members for the past 2 years that recently passed away...your support and encouragement over the past 2 years will never be forgotten! I know you are proud to see I made it to my destination!!

Mom- You came over tonight so I could show you my routine and to pick up the kids clothes for when they stay with you while we are away....you also brought a special wrapped package with you...enclosed within it was a stuffed animal..a "lion"..those who know about my routine know what that is symbolic for;) on the lion's scarf was printed.."First Place" beacuse she says I am already a winner and she wanted to be the first to congradulate me;) She also gave me a necklace in the shape of a silver "circle"..those of you who know about my routine also know the symbolism in that as well! But it was the words she chose in the card, that had be crying...

what a blessing to have a mother who makes you feel like the most important person in the world even though she has 2 other chldren and makes them feel the same way!! I love you Mom and I will come home a winner because I've already won wfrom within...and as I take that stage know this...all those years of dance training you and Dad provided for me were not in vain...every single class was preparation for who and what I am now...you helped to sculpt what I have achieved! And even though you won't be in N.Y. to cry and jump up and down like you do at all my shows:)))) I will know that our baby's are safe and having a blast with you..............."The Director of Fun" back home!!!

Dad-Thank you so much for allowing me to take your laptop to N.Y. so I can keep my members updated on this weekend's events! I can't wait for next weekend when you and everyone else come over to celebrate my return...and you know EVERYONE will want your chips and salsa:)) Yummy!! I love you Dad!

Michael...I can't believe this day has finally come! Yes, you know it's been a long journey but the rewards always out -weigh the sacrifices! I can't wait for our adventure to begin and I am soo glad I will be sharing it with you...my very best friend and husband...I'm Ready!!!! Thank you for loving me for who I am and not what I am...for keeping me grounded and for giving me what is most important..unconditional love and support in all I do! Pretty soon we get to dig into that HUGE treat bag I packed...yum, yum:) I have been soo driven and focused on this goal that food hasn't even bothered me one bit the past few months..but now that the reality of eating something yummy is near...it's starting to sound like a good idea:) I am also looking forward to all our family fun plans after all this "show stuff" is over...it's time we planned some fun summer-time events with the kids and eachother!

Alyssa and Wade- You will always be my greatest achievement in life!!! Bringing you both into the world changed me forever and made me sooo much more than I ever was before...I am a greater person for having you and I am forever humbled by both of your intellegence, love and athletisism...Alyssa WOW baby girl...just yesterday you were asked to move up to the TEAM for gymnastics!! We are sooo proud of you...you are just incredible! I know you are excited about this new challenge that awaits! I love you both and when mommy and daddy get home from N.Y. ...Momy can finally have treats with you guys!!! Big hugs and Kisses!!! xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxox- Love, Mommy!

Well, that about sums it up...I am BLESSED in soo many ways and by so many people that my energy is a glow, as I finish my letter and move onto what is next on my to-do list..not much sleep for me the past few days and I suspect through the weekend! I am ready...I am completely prparred and ready to have the time of my life in New York..realizing my dream and displaying what I have been working for over the past year!! Don't forget to check my member's journal while I'm away..I will update every day for my members!!

Coach Jen;)

2 1/2 Days Until We Fly To New York!
Where I'm at..posted to my members journal:)

"Baby Blue" Gallery...updated in members area!

Quote For Today...
"Employ the power of positive quitting. Most of us view quitting as something negative, but it’s not. ‘Winners never quit,’ we’re told, when, in reality, winners quit all the time: choosing to stop doing things that aren’t creating the results they desire. When you quit all the things that aren’t working for you, when you quit tolerating all the negative things that hold you back, you’ll create a positive ‘charge’ in your life as well as create the space in your life for more positive experiences."

-- Jim Allen

What's Happening 10 days out - Posted to My Members Journal...
also, another photoshoot preview and specail thank you's to the wonderful people around me!
Jen:)

Pictures from my photoshoots a few weeks ago...

Happy 4th of July!!
Members Journal updated with "God Bless The USA" gallery fun pics:) and
12 Days out Progress Pics...I have already achieved my goal of being my very best this year!..I am carrying more muscle than ever before and have achieved my best level of conditioning to date. My symetry and v-taper make me smile with surprise...It's hard to believe I am looking at pictures of me!

I can honestly say I have achieved what I set out to do...
I truely feel I have a "Pro Quality" physique!
I feel great with just 1o days to go-until we fly to New York!!!
What a ride this journey has been-
The pride I feel for what I have achieved I can not find the words to discribe...
I am taking in every minute...enjoying every step...
What I set out to achomplish has become a reality!

Member's Journal...updated with the latest "news" about N.Y.!

This was sent to me by my moter-in-law and I thought it was an incredible message to pass along! With just 11 days until we fly away to N.Y. for my big competition there is lots to plan and pack for...not only mysle fand my husband but for the kids while we're gone...
but there is always room for 'play time' and fun with the kids...snuggle time on the couch watching a movie, reading books, a trip to the library, an ice cream for the kids, Daddy wrestling with the kids as they laugh uncontrollably...THATs what it's all about..that's why all my eggs aren't in one basket and THAT's why no matter how things turn out in N.Y...
I still come home the most fullfilled and fortunate women ever!!!!
I hope this story touches you...

The Sandpiper by: Robert Peterson

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
"Hello," she said.
I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
"I'm building," she said.
"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes.
A sandpiper glided by.
"That's a joy," the child said.
"It's a what?"
"It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed, my life seemed completely out of balance.
"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
"Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson."
"Mine's Wendy... I'm six."
"Hi, Wendy."
She giggled. "You're funny," she said.
In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me.
"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day."
The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat.
The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"
"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
"I don't know. You say."
"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically.
The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is."
"Then let's just walk."
Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. "Where do you live?" I asked.
"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.
Strange, I thought, in winter.
"Where do you go to school?"
"I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation."
She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.
Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.
"Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.
"Why?" she asked.
I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?
"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!"
"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
"When she died?"
"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off.
A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door.
"Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was."
"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies."
"Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.
"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you."
Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.
"She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?"
I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed:
A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding lov e.
A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.
NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.
Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis.
This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses.
This comes from someone's heart, and is read by many and now I share it with you...
May God Bless everyone who receives this! There are NO coincidences!
Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?
I wish for you, a sandpiper.