This Life is Real…and so are the Answers
Author of Women's Christian Fiction – This Is the Day!
A couple of weeks ago, our second oldest shared this song with me. I not only really love the song, but as our daughter pointed out, it is Orin and Annabella’s story…and that part was really neat. If you haven’t read, A Place of Refuge yet, this is a spoiler alert! But give it a listen anyway because it’s a fun song. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR4YE7htLgI
Thank you Michael Buble and Meghan Trainor for a great song!
That got your attention, didn’t it?! I’ll have more men readers today than ever before! 😉 This post may get a couple people in my family upset. My husband because he thinks I have too many shoes, my daughters because they think I should give them away…to them, of course!
Shoes!!! I love them. Pretty strange for someone that prefers going barefoot, and once did most of the time. Not so much anymore, need a bit more padding in the foot area these days. But just think of the shoe options! Pumps, platforms, flats, chunky heels, spikes or kitten heels. Beaded, sequined, ruched, leather or satin. And the lists just go on and on.
Each time we have moved, my husband has commented on the amount of shoes I have, the boxes I needed for them. To be fair, I don’t really have as many as I have seen some women. I don’t have a huge walk-in closet lined with shelves of shoes. I keep mine in their original boxes, stacked in neat rows on the bottom of my closet.
Which is why I’m posting this today. Every year, usually the first of April and the first of October, I get ready for the new season. I have posted on the cleaning aspect of this a couple of times on here, so you can go check that out if you’re interested. But I also rotate my shoes. My closet is small…sigh…and I move those stacks every six months. And yes, I’m a bit late this year. But the flip-flops just don’t work in December…really people. Unless you live in the tropics. So put them away until warmer days arrive!
When I had all those boxes pulled out, I took some pictures to share. And now you can see that I really don’t have that many. Of course these pictures show only a few of my shoes. I thought I should add that disclaimer.
You always need a dressy shoe for that special occasion. The black ones don’t show well in this picture, but they’ve had a lot of use. The silver ones are really comfy!
I love the turquoise flats and they are SO comfortable. The pump in the back has a lovely tweed look to it and I haven’t even worn the other platform sandal yet. That is one that could show up missing if my daughters have their say.
Again, more shoes that I haven’t worn yet! The navy blue and white pump is really pretty and great for summer. The slingback goes perfectly with a dress I have. The red, cute, cute shoe in the back was bought for my daughter and I have a blue pair that I have worn a lot. Again, a dress that goes perfectly with them!
And of course, boots!!! I adore boots and I wear them a lot in the winter. The burgundy pair in the background was a really nice surprise today. I had purchased them in the summer and I had completely forgot about them! Happy Birthday to me! The black ones in the front go over my knees and they are really comfortable and warm. Purchased for my daughter, but she gave them to me after a season.
Do I have a problem? Should I seek shoe therapy? I think not. Every pair of shoes I have are purchased at extreme sale prices, almost always under $20. I wear my shoes for years, wash them after each use and pack them in their little box. I don’t spend my life shopping for shoes and I don’t keep them on display. But I do enjoy what I have! Now I just need to wear them more!
This is a little bonus for you. Aren’t they adorable? Yes, we start women to thinking about shoes very early on in their lives.These cute, cute little shoes made me think of our newest grand-daughter, due to arrive on December 23rd. And no, the white pumps at the very top are not mine, but they are gorgeous! I wonder if they come in my size? 😉
Sometimes you just have to share. This video was taken a couple of months ago now. It has taken me this long to find a way to put it on here! Can you get anymore cute?! Oh, our son did a pretty good job with the guitar and singing too! 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eowI9QWsT-g&feature=youtu.be
Yes, I voted on November 8, 2016. Who I voted for is not the purpose or topic of this post. I am always disgusted by bad behavior, no matter where it comes from, or who does it. It’s not about your gender, color, background or education. It’s all about your actions in this life.
I am a Christian, and I believe in the Sovereignty of God. And as a Believer I abide by the laws of the land and respect my leaders, no matter who they are. I may disagree, be angry, want to fight, but I can still show respect. Christians are in the world, but not of it. That means you take part in what is going on…vote, pay your taxes, abide by the laws, and train your children to do the same. Yes, there are isolated situations where you may need to take a stand for your beliefs, but you can do it with respect and love toward others, shining as a light in this world.
As a citizen of the United States of America, it is my responsibility to uphold the laws of this land. This country was founded on a great value system, which included God. No, all the founders didn’t live an ideal life, no they weren’t perfect and yes they made mistakes…but we all do. I sincerely believe they were in prayer about establishing this country and they did the very best they were led to do. Now it is our responsibility to do the same.
Elections in the United States of America are not about and shouldn’t be about the candidates color, gender or most of the ‘stuff’ mainstream media has made it . It should be about the very best man/woman for the job. The person that can lead our country and uphold the values we were founded on. It has become almost a popularity contest like we all would have seen in high school.
America was great, is great and I pray it remains so. We are a country like no other. We do have equality in gender, color and background, and if you disagree, check out the news in other places. And we are still striving to be better in all those areas. People in America are standing in the streets protesting the new president-elect. Other places that I can think of, this would not be tolerated. Generally, here in America, we have the right to live our lives as we choose. That is not so in many, many places here on this earth.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall. It’s simple. I do understand disappointment, fear, anger and hostility. But our actions are what makes the difference. I can disagree with someone’s religious views, abortion, homosexuality, being a vegan and whether they don flip-flops in the winter. But once it leaves my thinking process and enters my actions in a negative way, it’s wrong. Having respect for another person in any decision they make, from whether they voted for Trump or Clinton, to how many body piercings they have is what it’s about. God looks on the heart/soul. Man looks on the outward appearance.
Let’s stand united! Let’s look toward the next four years and what we can do as a nation. Let us respect and love one another, building up and not tearing down.
I had the pleasure of attending another event in our little town on Saturday night. It’s called Candlelight Charm and it’s held every year on the first Saturday in November. The purpose is to get everyone in the Christmas shopping mode. The stores all stay open late and they have specials, drawings and refreshments for the shoppers. It’s just another neat tradition our little town has.
Of course I was there with my books! Our oldest daughter was chained to our booth, so she didn’t get a chance to walk around like she loves to do. But it was great to have her there for moral support and to talk to people. I’m a much better writer than ‘speaker-to-people’ person. If I have a speaking event, then I’m good with that. But small talk is not my forte! I usually end up babbling, talking in circles, until my face turns red and I just smile.
But when a grandchild enters, I have no problem babbling.
As you can see, when it comes to grandchildren, I can be a pretty scary person. Poor Ava, if she could walk, she probably would have jumped from the stroller and run very, very far away.
We had a good time, sold a few books, ate some fudge and met lots of people. All in all a great evening. Until next year…
Here’s the rest of the family, minus a couple working sons-in-law, and of course the picture taker, our second oldest. I think they had a good time too.
Do writers feel more than other people?
Do they have more pain, more emotional trauma, more joy or excitement in life?
Do they have more difficult lives, or easier ones?
No, to all of the above! Writers just have to express it more than other people. It is a need within them, almost as much as eating or sleeping. Although when I have a story in my head, sleep takes a back seat as well.
Some writers may also be great talkers, sharing everything. Other writes may be quiet, having the need to express only on paper/computer.
I definitely communicate better on paper/computer, and always have. When I was a child, I always had a pen pal, or someone I was writing letters to. I could be who I wanted to be, who I felt I was in those letters. Meet me in person, the two might not mesh so well!
Don’t be afraid to express yourself or let others see who you really are. Writers, photographers, artists, musicians…anything you can think of with creativity is a way of expressing yourself. We all need that outlet. I personally believe it makes you a more well-rounded person. God gave us the ability to communicate, and it isn’t only through our lips.
It’s hard to let go. This applies to so many areas in our lives. New jobs, moving, adding children to your family, losing someone close to you, and even the change of season. Change takes a certain amount of flexibility, and some are better at it than others. One person may be a real fighter and survivor. Rushing in, doing whatever it takes to live life. Another may just want to sleep it off, or bury their head in the deepest sand hill. And whatever route we choose to take, we never really understand the other side of the coin.
I’m usually a survivor. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of patience for other people that just want to curl up and sleep it off. My thinking is that if you are going to be here, you might as well live it to the fullest, doing the best job possible with what you have. I don’t understand the other way of thinking, the ‘branch bouncing down a rushing stream’ way of dealing with things. I’m going to swim to shore, fighting the current, and then I’m going to shake off the water and decide best how to handle the situation.
Is one way better than the other? Well of course I believe my way is the best way! It’s the one I’m comfortable with.
But my way also pushes people aside, just worrying about getting the job done, and not about how people are feeling or adjusting. Yes, I get the job accomplished, but I may not have many supporters when I’m through!
Am I envious of the slow-thinking, lovable, patient person that cares more about having a great time than if the chore is finished? Yes!!! And they drive me crazy! But there are many of their attributes that I wish I had.
My prayer is that I will keep changing as I grow older. I have already, just a little bit. I live with things around my house that I would never have looked at everyday a few years ago. Some of it just doesn’t seem to be as important as it used to be.
So thanks for reading my rambling thoughts for today. This is part one of this post because as you see from the first sentence, I didn’t really follow up on it. Sometimes, other stuff just needs to be said. Today is one of those days. So tune in tomorrow to find out the real reason I started this post with the first sentence!
I’ve been reading more and more lately about being an author, and handling it like a small business, especially in your town.
I don’t know if I like that or not. So I will think on it for while.
Yes, I do see the point. If you are an indie author especially, you have to market, promote and sell your books. That is the business part of writing. And that’s the part I’m not too fond of.
But in reality, I do have a small business. I want others to purchase a product from me. And when you live in a small town, there is not a lot of room to bungle your small business and you will, if you’re not careful.
In any business you want to offer a product that others want, and desire enough to pay for. In a large city, the products are wanted and needed by many people. There is competition for that product, whatever it may be. In a small town, there aren’t so many choices.
In a big city, a smart business person will offer a product at a competitive price. They will offer that product in a clean, attractive way. They will be friendly and want repeat customers. They know if they do not do those things, the customer will go elsewhere and give someone else the money for the services needed. They want to keep that customer and their money.
The small town business should up their game even more. Because people can and will travel for better service and products. The attitude shouldn’t be to support the small town business just because it is in your town. That’s a nice thought. But you also still need to give that customer something, some reason to stay local. The small town business still needs to offer great prices and sales. They have to run their business well. Treat their customers like they are royalty, offer services that are not offered other places. One place that comes to mind is our local grocery store. They carry your bags to your car! I was flabbergasted the first time I saw this twenty years ago. What big grocery store chain can you think of that does that for their customers? This same store offered tremendous sales on baking items, etc. during the holidays. They wanted you to shop there and not drive out of town to get those same items. Another great aspect of this store was seeing the owner sweeping the parking lot, carrying out groceries, and talking with the customers. The store was always clean and friendly. I wanted to shop there! It was a pleasant place to be. Our local gift shop has lovely items and they gift-wrap for free. Where do you think I go when I need something pretty and special? Not Walmart! One local restaurant offered a terrific meal for a great price, drink included. We ate there many, many times over the year or so that took place. Again, making customers feel special and giving them a fantastic deal.
I want to shop local, but not just because I should. I want to be treated better because I’m part of a community, offered better prices, shop in a cleaner, more friendly environment because that’s what a small business should do! You want your community to put their money back into it. So make it easy for them to do, and pleasant at the same time. As a small business you have the time and ability to treat your customers like royalty. And if you do consistently, they won’t want to be anywhere else.
This applies to the small business owner across the board, whether you own a restaurant, car dealership, grocery store, auto parts store, hair salon, heating and cooling, clothing, or write books. Offer your services in a friendly manner, make your business stand out and someplace people want to support and be a part of. Don’t put a guilt trip on your community about shopping local if you aren’t offering services above and beyond what they can find elsewhere.
Christmas shopping is just around the corner. Do you want to be a part of a huge chain store, an overworked clerk checking you out? Or would you rather stroll along a pretty street, popping in and out of bustling shops, music playing, being greeted by others you know and want you there? Do you want the store owner happy to see you, offering you a great deal and knowing your family, or a store clerk that could care less if you’re there or not? If you own a small business in a small town, think on that one. If you’re a savvy business owner, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out! Happy shopping!
We’ve all been there. And we’ve sat on one side of the aisle or the other. We’ve been the parent of a child or children traveling by plane, or we haven’t been.
Deep words… right? But you know what I’m talking about!
I used to love to fly, back in the late seventies. Remember when you boarded the plane, carrying half the items from your house with you? You crammed them into the overhead storage, holding the doors shut and hoping they wouldn’t pop open. You checked in the other half of your house. If you were on a long flight, they served a leisurely meal, asked if you would like a drink…anything of your choice. They stocked the beverage aisle of a grocery store on those jets. Then you could watch a movie, take a nap…and they even offered you hearing devices, pillows and blankets at no extra charge. What a concept! Oh, and you could stay dressed before boarding your flight.
Those were the days, and I miss them!
Those were also the days when I didn’t have children.
I really don’t know why I flew so much when our children were young. I was not a career woman, very content to stay home. But I did fly a few times, and once with three children under the age of seven. The youngest two months old. We landed in New Jersey, and that’s a complete post all on its own! Needless to say, I was very happy for a few minutes to have my oldest with me to crawl under the stall door and unlock it so we could use the facilities. I didn’t happen to have change on hand while juggling a baby to pay to use them!
But I digress…again! When you are traveling with children, you board the plane with armor on. You walk that long aisle, trying to focus on your seat assignment, and you make eye contact with no one. Those that see you coming lugging your child, your stroller, car seat and diaper bag, scoot down in their seats and pretend to sleep. Cover their faces with a magazine or begin looking for people to trade seats with. Seriously!
And I have done the same.
While having the privilege to fly child-free a few times, I prayed that family would pass several seats beyond me. I just wanted a few hours all to myself. But, as you can guess, I was the lucky one. A little boy of about three was my seat companion for one flight. He was fairly well-behaved, coloring and chattering. I could deal with that. I just went into Mommy-mode once again. The six-year old on another flight that stood on his seat behind me, taking the clip from my hair and spilling juice down my arm was another problem. If the flight hadn’t been so crowded, I would have been begging to trade. I would have even served drinks.
Flying with children is a challenge and I was blessed several times with seat mates that were special. While traveling with our son when he was very small, one older lady actually said out loud…I was shocked…that she was hoping I was next to her so she could travel with a baby. I almost ran because I thought there had to be something wrong with her and I had better protect my child! We sat with her for three hours. She held our son so I could eat, and while he was napping. She even fed him a bottle. We had very pleasant conversation and that flight was a joy! Another flight with our three oldest, a gentleman asked if he could assist me with the diaper bag and car seat on my way off the plane. He said his wife traveled alone with their children and he never understood what she had gone through until he had watched our little family.
The flight attendants were always very helpful and cheerful. Such a need for a worn-out, travel-weary mother.
Yesterday, our second oldest flew with our grandchild for the first time. And yes, she had the same looks. I think it was her second flight that she had the seats to herself and she said that was just fine! Does this little one look like she would give any kind of grief?
Thank you to those of you that see a need and help. And to those that hide and pretend to sleep…I won’t fault you. I understand the fear! Have a great Saturday!
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana
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