Words with Meaning

Do you ever stumble across a word that you have used, but you really don't know the meaning of the word?

There are so many new ways (let me restate that, new to me) to look up words with all the new techie stuff that has come to this world.  I can be reading a book on my electronic device and a word in the sentence of the story comes up... all I have to do is touch the word and the definition will come up.

I just recently created this card for someone special.  They are a fan of Shakespeare.  Throughout the years I have heard the saying 'et tu, brute?' and could always relate it to Shakespeare, but never gave it a thought of what it means... Et tu, Brute is a Latin phrase meaning "and you, Brutus?" or "you too, Brutus?", purportedly as the last words of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar to his friend just before he stabbed him ... 

Urban Dictionary: to question a good friend's loyalty. 

it took me 0.42 seconds to get a Google search of 463,000 results! What??

When I was a kid, (in the old days ha ha...)  if we didn't know the meaning of a word we had to figure it out by the context of which is was used in the sentence.  Or, we would have to find a dictionary.   And of course, a foreign phrase like the one above, would not be in a regular dictionary... we would have to find an encyclopedia. Who has encyclopedias laying around?  Furthermore, if that was a task, we would have to do dexterity research with the library card catalog.

Which is it?  Was life simpler then?  

That seems like a lot of steps just to find the meaning of a few words.  

Or, is life simpler now, that with the touch of a button (or a few keystrokes) and 0.42 seconds later... the definition appears. 

Obviously!!!!!

As one of my many mantras, I like pretty things

and clever words... and then I like to combine them. 

I like to think I'm pretty clever.

With technology and practiced ability...this is one of my favorite things to do, ... create a greeting card from the heART.  

A few words with meaning and a little doodle ....I believe this simple activity can brighten my day and I can share my SHINE and send it on to someone else... to brighten their day.

Our language is a curious thing. How many people say things they don't mean?  How many people say things that are mean?  Mean what you say and say what you mean. I find it fascinating to learn about words and their meanings.  

However, I can overthink what I am doing and I will create a tizzy around all of this... especially when I have too much time on my hands.  

So, today's twist on life... according to my blog post subtitle....I truly need to go back to a simpler look at the meaning behind some words and realize to stay true....

One kind word can change someone's entire day.

And with that, I challenge you to change someone's day!!!

Be kind

and

Shine on!

Possibility turns toward Progress

I'm not ready to give up my word from last year!

And you know what.... that's okay.  

I'm writing the script here. It's my story and my blog!!!! I can use any words that I want to name my year.  Just because last year was the Year of Possibilities, and before that it was the Year of Simple Pleasures and before that it was the Year of Basics, and.... Year of Balance.... I can use each 'one' word forever .... if I continue to  live my LIFE, my artful life.... I continue to see the signs I need... everywhere!!

According to Ben Behunin in his book Put a Cherry on Top, the secrets of creating an artful life, "living an artful life usually requires you to think outside the box, and to look at every situation through a creative lens." "Open your mind to the possibilities."

What is fun about the paper bag in the first picture above, is that I wrote out this visionary statement about 12-1/2 months ago.  I love(d) it.... Image the Possibilities.

And, I met Ben (the potter and author) in September 2014 when I bought some more of his inspirational books and some of his whimsical pottery.  He has quotes every where.... and it was my sign!!!

Open your mind to Possibilities!  Oh yes, I know this potted sign above isn't about Possibilities, but it contains one of my many mantras that I am striving toward..... SHINE.... and I just love that!   This all validates that what I'm doing creatively in my every day LIFE.  And now I will be a 'work in progress' for 2015.

Tomorrow is another step toward .....

One Potato, Two

Just like any new fad or trend ... it got started for a number of reasons.  Someone saw it and filled a need or a void.  It's possible that the trend setter tells all about how and why it started .... but sometimes it's not known who started it or why .... and when you see a lot of people getting on board and following, you can't help yourself but be part of it too.

 

It's simple and it's positive, finding hearts in all of nature's elements!  They reveal themselves everywhere!

 

Moved by a simple message that beauty, and love, radiate all around us, ready to inspire, uplift, even heal in some small way, if we're open to receiving them. This according to my initial Google search on 'finding hearts in unusual places'.  Here

 

Throughout this past year, I have found hearts in an sun filled illuminated Grapevine leaf in Missouri, to a small rough rock embedded in the ground on a Geocache hunt. And it's true.....they often reveal themselves to those who are ready to receive them!

Over the weekend I opened my 8 pound potato bag and the first potato I pulled out was the one above.  Surprised, I had to go find my iPhone so I could take a picture.  This potato was too big to be baked with the evening meal, and I really didn't want to spoil my heart find .... so I pulled out the next potato ... and look....

... a baby heart.  Worthy of another picture.

 

Finding hearts in dirt and garbage has the same sort of spiritual quality, only the heart shape is more universal. Its magic comes not just in the power of sharing it, but in the new way people begin to look at the scenery around them — and the different ways they find to connect with a simple shape.

 

And this too, relates (in my mind) to my Year of Possibilities.  Finding something positive, learning to bring my SHINE on and working toward sharing and Brightening Someone's Day!

 

Finding hearts is not only fun to do, but it's a positive reinforcement that there is a lot of good happening in the world.

Happy Fall Y'all

 

The boys have been missing for a while. 

 

But I am getting back on track to do more of the things I love to do ...  instead of cleaning and dusting .... I am creating and crafting.

 

Stay tuned .... because every day there is a new POSSIBILITY!

 

Find your SHINE

It's All Greek to Me

When your kids get to a point in their lives... when you remember it like yesterday that you were experiencing similar situations, you know you've gotten to the next stage in your own life.... you're getting old.

It's not that I feel like I was 'just' in college, but I remember some of the old days.  I know my college experience was definitely NOT like the days my kids are experiencing in their universities.  I went to a small private Lutheran College, barely 1,000 students.... not some big university that has it's largest student population ever, over 30,000+(that's grad and undergrad)

 

I don't recall ever attending a football game or any other sporting event (I was a commuter student, so I'm sure I had something better to do off campus).... let alone plan an entire day of tailgating, socializing and drinking ... before filing into a stadium filled with over 71,000 current students, alumni, parents and friends. I don't think my parents ever owned a t-shirt, sweatshirt or a banner with my college name on it!!!!

 

But here we are, attending our 2nd college football game of the year.  The Missouri Tigers vs the Georgia Bulldogs.  The opposing team won BIG time.... 0 -37.  I didn't feel a great loss, since I'm not that vested a Mizzou fan.

 

We went to CoMo (short for Columbia Missouri) to visit Sissy for Dad's Weekend.  Her Sorority, Pi Beta Phi  (PiPhi for short) wanted to recognize their dads (the one's who assist in paying the tuition????).  They also celebrate parents weekend, mom's weekend, homecoming and whatever else when there are home football games.

 

It takes the best to raise the best.

 

Learning about Greek Life is an eye opener, at least to me. 

 

Jeff was a Lambda Chi Alpha when he attended Indiana State University. Not every University or College recognizes Greek Sororities and Fraternities as a major part of their campus organizations. At some schools it's a big deal, at other schools they hardly recognize it.

 

To many they say, what's the point?  It's snobby rich kids.  Or they exclude people.  It's a secret organization.  It's just plain weird.  I guess it can be all of the above ... but not every chapter's sole purpose is to have the best parties.  The friendships and camaraderie they establish is second behind what they stand for when it comes to volunteering for a cause or a philanthropy awareness.  Sissy's sorority has strict rules on academics and they need to maintain a high grade point average to participate and continue in the organization.  Alumni are a great support to the sororities often recommending 'sisters' for placement and employment and fundraising!

 

There are a lot of beautiful spots around campus to take pictures.  One place is in front of the 6 Iconic Columns.  These are the only remains left after a major fire in1892. Read about it here .

 

It was a nice fall weekend to drive the 7-1/2 hours to visit with our beautiful, smart and fun daughter.  We are so fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to experience some of the college LIFE through our children.  Their POSSIBILITIES for their future are endless.

You Don't Want to Shelf This One

Like I've said on my blog many times before, EVERYBODY has a story ... it's a matter of how much time we have to listen to it. Sometimes we learn some interesting lessons.  Often times we feel blessed that we don't have to live through through their LIFE'S situations. And at other times, these stories can be quite entertaining.

I'd like to think that as I've gotten older, I've become more patient and understanding in realizing that some people just like to talk.

As a young mom, I certainly was absorbed and involved in my family's lives.  Unless they were a close friend or member of my extended family, it was hard to 'hear' anything that others were saying, because I was busy.

When I took on my part-time job almost 6 months ago .... first of all I didn't think I'd last 6 months and secondly .... I didn't know I would hear so many stories.

To protect the innocent, I will not use their actual names.  And I guess that I'm lucky when I say... I don't have that many people who follow my blog, so if there is some clause that I signed when I started my job that I'm not 'allowed' to blog about my day to day activity... I don't think anyone would find out.

 

Insert fun picture: to break up the text and to give your eyes a rest.

 

There are all types of people who frequent where I work.  Most of you know where that is ... but all I'll say here, is that it is a place you buy used things! :0)

 

Over the past 6 months ... we have become familiar with the regulars who come in pretty much every day.  Sometimes even twice a day. And of course by now, we (the cashiers) are on a first name basis with some of those Tom, Dick and Harrys. We have found out why they buy what they do.  We find out where they might go with that item and we find out that for some, it is a hobby to sell on the side, and for others.... shopping and re-selling is their way of making a living. And some are buying because they discovered they can find some really cool things at great prices.

 

Our regulars are both women and men.  And each of them have a speciality that they are knowledgeable about.  A few know a thing or two about electronics.... from stereo speakers to old vinyl record albums.  Another strictly purchases toys. One looks for items in original packages that have never been opened.  One regular buys a little bit of everything, from name brand clothing to character glassware that was given away as promotional items at the gas station in the 70s. And they tell us they sell items on EBay, Craig's List and at Flea Markets.

 

It is all very interesting!

 

We are starting to look for items they might like and sort of hold them back until they stop by!  Ssssshhhhh.....

 

 

I'll end this post with a very heart warming customer story.  I can recall it vividly.  Last Friday an older gentleman was looking in our electronic department at a portable piano.  In his broken English he wanted to know if it would plug in.  For some reason it came with no electrical cord and no backing on the battery slot.  He couldn't quite understand what I was saying.  But he said thank you and moved on.

 

As I put 'new' items on the dvd/cd/cassette/8 track/album shelf, he came up to me again and asked if we had any other instruments.  He had played the accordion, maybe we had an accordion for him.  Other than kid 'toy' instruments I knew of nothing else available that day.  He nodded.  Then he told me that he liked music. And wanted to know how much the cassette tapes cost. I told him .49c and he nodded again.  He told me again that he had played the accordion.  I smiled.  He said he played when he was in the concentration camp and proceeded to pull up the sweater on his arm.  He raised it as high as he could to show me the I.D. tattoo on his bicep.  He was in a Jewish concentration camp in Poland.  He was here today because he played the accordion for the soldiers, he was a musician.

 

I didn't know what to say. 

 

He was telling me quite a story.

 

He then asked me how old I thought he was. I don't wish to insult, but I don't know if age for him was a milestone or a heartache.  So I guessed 84.  He laughed and with his strong Polish accent he said 90!  And he smiled.  Then he asked how old I was.... I said 50.  He smiled.  Shook his head and said 35.  I laughed.

 

 

He talked to me a bit more.  I told him that I had to get back to work.  And he smiled and 'wished that God be within me!'

 

Well to say the least, his story touched me. 

 

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to tell a few people that I got 'hit on' at work.  Nobody expected it to be a 90 year old gentleman.  His story touched me because recently in my book club we read a Unbroken, a book about American Prisoners in Japanese POW camps (you will see trailers for the movie directed by Angelina Jolie, by the end of the year.)  And I've also read other books about different concentration camps and about families that hid Jewish families during WWII.  Not that by any means did I understand what he may have gone through ... but I knew of what he may have endured during that time in his life.

 

Not so surprisingly, he came back in today. 

 

He smiled when he saw me.  I just had to ask him what his name was so that I could address him properly... I said what should I call you "Mister....?"  He shook his head and said no, you don't need to call me Mister.... I said that you have earned it!  I will from now on call him Mr. Todd. He pulled my hand and kissed it.  He asked if I would look out for a translation from Polish to English book for him.

 

I said I would.

 

The people that I meet....now that I have a bit of extra time to hear their story!

 

This is one of the ways that I can SHINE in the corner of my world.

 

 

 

 

What Have I Been Missing

When opening your mind and heart to an adventure, anything is POSSIBLE.

In my last few blog posts I wrote about the adventure I took with my friend Becky when I was out in her neck of the woods, UTAH. 

I'm sure there are lots of people who write about or tell stories of their travels.  Lately, I look for symbolism in a lot of the things I do.  In my second 50 years of living, I truly want to enjoy LIFE with my eyes wide open and my mind clutter free to learn what I have been missing!

 

I am interested in so many different things. 

 

I believe, but not sure how it is all figured out.... that the day I was born.... I became an Aries .... Aries personalities are independent. Being the first of the zodiac signs, they venture out and are go-getters, often leading the way. Their upbeat and magnetic personality often entices others to follow their lead because Aries personalities bring excitement into others lives.

 

Also, I'm a Dragon ....they turn out to be high achievers who love attention and refuse to compromise or take orders.

 

And I'm a  dominant*Type 4 with a strong secondary Type 1 personality~ A bold striking woman who is constant, still, firm, simple, structured and clean.

 

*I learned this last one most recently through Dressing Your Truth. Becky introduced me to her friend Carol's website http://dressingyourtruth.com/ , and we visited the actual store. I am confident that I was born this way, with a certain ' just my nature' attitude. And she made it POSSIBLE for me to visit a place I only new through the cyber world.

 

We visited a store by the name of Dear Lizzie.  A shabby chic store where a group of entrepreneurial women showcase their creations.  Many of their friends are artists who paint and up cycle stuff from the past, and crafters who make jewelry, clothing & accessories, and designers who know how to throw a fun girly party. And then they all eventually blog about their shared experiences.  They design, create and inspire ... and sell.  It was a very cute place that even had magic fairy dust!  It was very whimsical.

 

 

Look at this view!!! 

 

I wont see anything like this in my neighborhood!!! This is American Fork Canyon outside of Salt Lake City.  It was breathtaking.  This area is called Tibble Fork. It is just amazing to see other places.  I am in such awe of the majesty and beauty in the mountains.

 

 

And as a complete funny, we stopped on the side of the road coming out of Heber Utah to take a picture with a cow.  I loved the fact that Lacee and Becky had no problem pulling off the side of the road and turning around to capture this moment.  I mean for no other reason that it was weird and fun .... It's a cow, so we stopped to take a picture!

 

And finally, more beautiful than the postcard this could be, was the LDS Temple in downtown Salt Lake City.  What a view from the office building next to it, the eighth floor I believe .... and then just right after that we went back down to the inspirational gardens and walked around the solid foundation of the Temple.

 

I had a fun adventure!

 

My friend Becky shared this all with me. 

 

How special it is to see in person, places and people I've only read about.  From little eclectic art & clothing shops filled with people willing to  help you to find your inner beauty, to majestic mountains to see God's natural beauty, to a Temple that leaves an inspirational beauty through faith.

 

Through God, all things are POSSIBLE.

 

What an adventure LIFE is!!!

Writing Someone Elses' Story

Day 1 Utah visit continued .....

Just breathing in the air in Utah was different.  I can't explain if it seemed cleaner, or if it was the different trees, or the higher altitude.... but I could breathe easily.

My dear friend BE had some things planned for me on our little adventure.  After lunch, our first stop was a visit to Ben the Potters' home studio.

 

While we were waiting for Ben to finish up with a customer, we just wondered around his home compound.  Everywhere you looked, there were pieces of him.... or his art.  The side of his garage was filled with fun and whimsical faces.  The posts holding up the pergola were filled with glass, pottery and interesting other things. It was a truly awesome place to soak it all in ... head, heart & hands.

 

 

A few minutes later, I got to meet Ben the potter, and Ben Behunin the author (one in the same.)  I have posted stories throughout the past few years about Ben (like he's my friend.)  Becky met him a few years ago... I'm not sure exactly how .... I'll have to find out.  He was local. She discovered he had a great story.  He made wonderful pottery.  And he wrote an amazing trilogy about Isaac.

 

 

For some wonderful reason, Becky thought that I would enjoy Ben's story.  So, she sent me Book 1, a ceramic mug and some Forget-Me-Not seeds.  When you read the book, you will see how they all intertwine.

 

I'm not sure which story I like better, the one of art imitating LIFE or the other one of LIFE imitating art.  Either or ..... I was hooked.  If you'd like to read more of Ben's storie(s) you can go here  http://www.potterboy.com/

 

He is a trained potter.  As a young man he developed a rare arthritis in his hands.  Not such a good illness for someone whose livelihood depended on the pottery he made.  During his illness, a story came to his mind and he couldn't write it fast enough.  He thought writing was impossible because he was not trained to write .... but the words and the story came to him.  And he wrote a book about Isaac the Potter .... and then another book and another.

 

His story continues.... after he published his first book and bought all of them himself to distribute, he doubted that anyone would buy, let alone read his book.  He was a potter, not an author.  One thing lead to another and he met people in many different walks of LIFE and his story got out. Someone recommended that he use magnetic bracelets to help 'heal' his hands.  He found titanium magnets worked for him and has been pain free for over 3 years.  And now being an author, he is once again a potter and much more ... all by the time he was 40.

 

Here is another link to a video about his home that he re-built... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GkG_Clzk5I

 

I'd love to describe the books to you ... but there are excellent reviews on Goodreads here....  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2839817.Ben_Behunin

 

 

So, I got to meet Ben. 

 

He has a very firm handshake. 

 

We got to see where he creates. 

 

I got to buy 3 more books and two pieces of pottery.

 

While skimming through Put A Cherry on Top ~ The Secrets of Creating an Artful Life... I found a line that really resonated with me .... especially for 2014.  "...I have learned that opportunities abound for those who dwell in POSSIBILITIES."

 

And now I know for sure .... everyone has a story. 

 

Moving in More Ways Than One

Day 1 of my trip to Utah.

I'm happy to admit that my flight to Utah was uneventful.

I think I was too excited about the whole trip ... I forgot to take more pictures, and was actually living in the moment as I experienced my trip.

This has been a staple picture in my travels.....

 

I've noticed a few other bloggers that I follow, have the 'foot' shot.  It is pretty common. 

 

Maybe it's the shoes I'm wearing, because I really like them.  Or I'm showing my travel Vera Bradley bag, or.... I don't know.  It's the beginning of my adventure.... wherever the first step takes me!

 

The best part of landing at the Utah airport besides the glimpses of the beautiful mountains, were the crowds of families waiting at the bottom of the arrival escalators. 

 

At first I was a bit confused. 

 

Obviously I knew they weren't there for me.... there were colorful helium balloon bundles, huge banners and colorful signs... there were parents and grandparents and new babies ... all chattering in tiny groups.  You could feel the excitement. What I was witnessing were families of LDS Missionaries waiting for their loved ones to arrive home from their Missions.  

 

Since my friend Becky lives in Utah and is a Mormon, I have learned a lot about her faith.  I am fascinated by the family strength and love of the Mormon members.  These families were patiently anticipating the arrival of their sons who had been away from home for 2 years and their daughters who had been away 18 months serving their missions.  While I stood by the conveyor belt waiting for my for my suitcase to arrive, I was able to watch 5 welcome home celebrations.  Cheers and applause errupted each time a missionary came into view.  It was very, very touching!

 

There was happiness in that airport. There was love. It made the beginning of my journey be joyful. What a great way to start my adventure.

 

All I had to do once I landed was take a step on to some moving stairs.  It is quite "possible" that you never know what can be down at the bottom of the escalator you get on!

 

Brighten Somone's Day!

Me & BE in SLC

Hello Friends.... are you still out there???

I've been on a self-made sabbatical.

I'm working on my Year of Possibilities ... and I actually was able to make another one happen.

So, I could say my Year of Possibilities is a small 'bucket list' of things to do before???? 

I have a very special friendship with Becky.  It's a bit complicated to explain, but it is a real nice 'thing'.  We met over 23 years ago while working in the same company in Racine.

 

She has always lived in Utah, and me? Well, since that time I have lived in Wisconsin, Tennessee,Wisconsin again and now Illinois.

 

In Wisconsin for a sales meeting, she missed a plane home one day, and stayed in my house for the night ... and we became Pen Pals. 

 

We contacted each other through snail mail for years .... talking about our new marriages and our babies.  Becky has older children, but we both have a boy and girl who were the same grades growing up.  So it seemed, we had a lot in common.  Across the miles we began sharing ideas and our love for crafts and making people happy. Along the way were many trials and jubilations of being moms, and the milestones in our children's lives.... potty training, school, dance, sports, driving, dating, grades, graduations, college planning ....  we shared, we connected!

 

Over the years with new technology, we dropped our pen and stationary and found new ways of communicating... via the computer.  And now one of our most advanced ways of staying in touch is texting and sending each other videos over our iPhone.

 

And one day, because it's my Year of POSSIBILITIES.... she invited me to visit her in Salt Lake City, and I was able to make it happen.

 

Talk about Brightening Someone's Day!!!

 

Stay tuned, (it's a tease) more to follow.

 

Show Me Your Heart

You can be choose happy and be happy if you set your mind to it.

You can find anything, if you look hard enough.

I've followed different blogs long enough now to know that a lot of people look for a sign, anything that might be an affirmation of what they are doing in their daily life. 

One thing they look for, but most happily find along the way, are natures' hearts.

So, I am playing along.

On our recent trip to Missouri.... the Show Me State.... or Show me a SIGN state... I found a couple hearts in our daily walks.  Some are more pronounced.... and some you might have to squint and see sort of the shape.... but they are hearts none the less...

I was trying to play around with Photo Shop on this one, trying to get the heart shaped rock to stand out a little bit more.  But it has been a few months since I "played" with photo shop, and I don't quite remember how to enhance the color the way I wanted to!

 

There are a lot of winerys in Missouri.  Who knew??? While walking though a grapevine patch I saw this little green leaf peaking out.  Although most of the grape leaves are heart shaped,  this light green one with a little sun highlight on it, poked its way through.

 

This heart looked a bit tough.  But the sun streamed through the trees on Katy Trail while we walking about 4 miles round trip.  I like the ones that are a little worn.  Those hearts have gone through a lot.

Stay tuned to more posts on my blog about our road trip to visit our kids this summer.  They both are living in Missouri!!

It's Only a Stamp

I'm sure that in just about every job, employees have their good days and their bad days.

You can have a supervisor that is not very supportive, and you can have a worker that is just plain lazy.

I have worked in a lot of different environments through my years ... from a middle school to a ophthalmologist office, from a manufacturing  plant to a community theatre... all kinds of different places.

Right now I'm working in retail.  I can never predict a days' activities or a type of customer.  And because I can... I am enjoying being 'amongst the people'.

Most of the time, it really is a good thing. 

I like talking to people. 

I like that I can organize things daily in my job. 

And, I like that I can think of different ways to handle weird situations.

I would like to tell you some of the 'horror' stories.... and maybe throughout my blog postings I'll tell you about the rude customers, or the ones who smell of cigarettes, alcohol, body odor and even the ones who don't speak much English.... but that will be for another day.

Hopefully, this is a feel good story.

Not only do I work at the cash register... I put out a lot of 'goods'. 

We either have textiles, which are clothes or we have goods, which we call house 'wares' at our store.    Most items are mainly 'used' items, since we are Goodwill and the 'stuff' is mostly donated to us.  I put out blenders, coffee makers, silverware, vases, kids toys, pictures, stuffed animals, baskets, drills, hammers, mirrors, suitcases, yarn and stamps ... I think you understand what I'm talking about, right???

Last week I was on my break for lunch and happened to be in the employee lunch room with one of the supervisors.  We were talking about a few different things.  I asked him what he liked about his job and we went from there to different topics.  One thing we talked about was that he couldn't believe how many 'former' employees never got their last paychecks.  I suggested maybe that they had direct deposit into their bank account.  He said that was entirely possible, but they still get their pay stub and for some employees, he had 3 or 4 envelopes in the safe.  He thought it was bad on a managers part that they never handed them out.  But that reminded him that he needed to go to the post office to get stamps so that he could mail out the 'checks'.

Here is the honest to God truth.

About 2 hours later I had a customer come up to me and show me a picture frame.  I wasn't sure exactly what he was trying to show me.  It was a nice frame ... but he said look at what is behind the glass.  To me, it looked like the paper that has a certain colorful image on it that comes with the glass frame. You know, like those beautiful families all smiling that they have in the frame so you know where you are supposed to place the photo?

He asks me if I know what that is, as he is pointing to the center of the glass.  I just said it looked like a picture of some southwest scene.  No, he said.... those are postage stamps.  I look at him and say.... oh, you mean someone took a picture of the stamps and framed it.... no, those are real stamps. 

I say, well isn't it your lucky day!!!

And he said that maybe I would want to take it off the selling floor.  Those are 'real' stamps.

I again say, are you sure you don't want to buy it, it's only $2.99??

No, I couldn't do that, he says. This is Goodwill and I wouldn't feel right.

So, I take the frame in the back where our warehouse and pricing areas are, and pull the back off, take out the cardboard and find that indeed there are two books of postage stamps worth $7.40 each.  I took it to the supervisor I had been talking to and asked him if first of all if it was okay what I did, and then said with an astonished look on my face.... 'can you believe we were just talking about stamps?'

He smiled and said that kind of stuff happens a lot.  And yes he would use the stamps.

I changed the price on the frame from $2.99 down to $1.99 and went to put it back on the sales floor.

I saw that kind gentlemen looking at other items and thanked him again for his honesty and kindness.  And said no good deed  goes un-noticed.  He just smiled at me and said it was okay.

About a half hour later I found two more picture frames laying out of place in the furniture area.... and each frame had two more sets of decorated postage stamps in them.  I think he had moved them out so I would find them???  All totalled, it was over $44 dollars worth of US Postage stamps that someone had donated inside the picture frames.

 

It's Possible!!

There are good people in this world. 

I hope that guy had a great day. 

Purpose, SHINE, Possibilities

I like good karma.

Karma means action, work or deed; it also refers to the principle of casualty where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual.

My Home

 

Every day I struggle with some of the choices I've made in my life.  And with in a 24 hour period I have found support in a few of my choices, but that doesn't mean I fully understand where this will eventually lead me. 

But I can't wait to find out!!!

Currently being an empty nester, I have had a difficult year of seeking and finding my purpose now that my job of being a full-time mother has come to an end.

Gradually, day by day I am able to fill my days and find things to help me be creative, I find ways to challenge my mind, and I am becoming content with being a 'home' maker... and making our house  a home.  But I still struggle.... is it ENOUGH!?!  Am I enough?  Do I give enough?

Am I lazy because I haven't found a paying job?  Am I self-fish because volunteer opportunities haven't appeared? Am I socially inept because my calendar isn't full?

So, within a short period of time I found a few fascinating things:

First, this quote by C.S. Lewis:  The homemaker has the ultimate career.  All other careers exist for one purpose only... to support the ultimate career.

I have read those lines over and over and over again.  Do I believe this?  Should I believe this?  For right now.... is this where I am supposed to be?

Secondly, I start each Monday by sending special people I love a quote via text.   I search for something specific for them.   And in my search I found a great quote for myself:

I might as well do what I do!
Do what I have right in front of me right now!
Do it the very best way I can ... or why bother?

As part of my morning ritual, I check out the news from overnight, look at my horoscope for the day and read 'my friends' blogs to see what's been happening in their lives since I lasted visited.

Today's post at the House of SHINE was totally relateable.

Claudia has had an aha moment ....
helping people connect with their shine is my purpose.
It's one of the reasons I'm here.

I try to 'spread SHINE' in my corner of the world... most days. She has helped me to seek SHINE.

And finally, I went to FACEBOOK and this was the first post that popped up on my screen:

Here are a few words from Stephanie's post:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?  .....  And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

It's things like these .... 'signs' .... that really keep me going. It's the sort of validation that I need right now.  I'm still not sure of my purpose ... but I do know that whereever I end up, or whatever I do.... 2014 is my year of Possibilities....

Become a possibiltarian.  No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see POSSIBILITIES - always see them, for they are always there ~ Dr. Norman Peale

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this - you haven't ~ Thomas Edison

Now off to
smile
sparkle and
SHINE!

Robinson ReStore

What to do if you eat a lot of pickles?  Or jalapeno slices?  Or Peperoncini? Spaghetti sauce? 

Yes, too much waste ... but more often than not I clean out the jars and put them in our brown and yellow recycling bin and take it to the end of the driveway for pick up, like today!  And sometimes I just clean a few jars and stash them away in my 'to do' box and save them for .... something.

Ah, Pinterest.... a woman's  favorite idea spot like fantasy football is for men !

 

Here are two clean jars with the labels removed.  I think they are pretty enough to just sit around and hold 'something', but I'd rather up-cycle them and turn them into something.... useful!!! 

 

I have plenty of lace, burlap, twine and ribbon in my stash.  So, on a cold and dreary night I got out my glue gun, some mod podge and a flower template and decorated the jars... with a shabby chic sort of theme.

 

I haven't quite figured out what I will do with them next.  That's for another day to browse Pinterest.... but I'm thinking of filling them with cute foiled chocolates and giving them as a Brighten Someone's Day sort of gift!!!

 

News alert    ****break****     for more snow! 

 

This picture was taken earlier this week.  We have since had 5 more inches of snow.  So, when the plows came through.... see the flag on the right side of the mailbox??? The snow is now up to there and I have chiseled out the front of the mailbox!!!  This is the 8th snowiest snowfall on record for the Chicago area... so far this winter O'Hare field has measured over 60" ... we live a little farther northwest of that area, and think we have gotten a bit more here in the suburbs!!!

Project #2

 

I had some cabin fever, $10 in my pocket and a Savers discount card. *Savers is a thrift shop similar to Goodwill or Salvation Army. I love to find a deal, and when I have an idea of something I saw somewhere else (mostly on another thrifter's blog, or again Pinterest)... I get giddy when I find something I can make into what I want.

 

 

 

Chalk boards are very popular right now.  And there are plenty of sites to visit to see how create chalk ART.

 

So, I took the frame  (I believe it was one of those country type calendars that has the tiles for dates and months that are inter-changeable) I found for less than $7 dollars and with some Spray Paint Chalk and sandpaper (which I had in  my supplies).... I was able to create a fun ... IN... board that matches my decorating style.

 

Now I have to go find some more chalk!  I had 1 tiny white piece left from who knows what????.... it wont last very long if I want to 'create' cool chalk art pieces.  Skinny little chalk from when teachers used that instead of white boards or computer projections!!!

Source Pottery Barn

 

I can certainly glue on some binder clips and other embellishments to mine, like the one above from Pottery Barn for $149!!!!!!

 

I'm excited!  Two Pinterest successes this week. 

 

Just imagine the Possibilities!!!!