I Hope This Day Is Good

Years ago I was introduced to the wonderful music of Don Williams and I became a fan for life. That smooth voice takes me to a simpler time with straightforward lyrics. A day or two after the election, I was listening to music online and thoroughly bored with everything I could find (you know...300 channels and nothing on) when he suddenly popped into my head. Yes, that was the soothing my soul needed. As so many were, I was tired and weary from all of the negativity and protest disruptions. I was tired of all the hate. I was just plain tired.

There it was, a song that spoke to me, "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good." Take a listen and read through the lyrics. I hope it will resonate with you as it did me. Let's take one day at a time, and hope it's good. I put the verse in red that was the one I resonated with most at that time.

One More Thing...

Remember that God's in control and we only need to lean on Him for one day at a time.

Take care, and I'm always here to pray for you if you have a need or request.
Lois Lynn

Lord, I Hope This Day is Good
I'm feelin' empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful Lord, I know I should
But Lord, I hope this day is good

Lord, have you forgotten me
I've been prayin' to you faithfully
I'm not sayin' I'm a righteous man
But Lord, I hope you understand

I don't need fortune and I don't need fame
Send down the thunder Lord, send down the rain
But when you're planning just how it will be
Plan a good day for me

Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feelin' empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful Lord, I know I should
But Lord, I hope this day is good

You've been the king since the dawn of time
All that I'm asking is a little less crime
It might be hard for the devil to do
But it would be easy for you

Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feelin' empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful Lord, I know I should
But Lord, I hope this day is good

Written by David N. Hanner • Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group

This is Love

This is one of those moments in life that renews my hope for future generations. This is love. Unfiltered, unplanned, simply love in action. A teacher's battle with cancer and the students who love him.

One More Thing...

What small thing can you do this week to show someone you love them?

Take care, and I'm always here to pray for you if you have a need or request.
Lois Lynn

Lessons Learned

32 days ago an innocent post crossed my Facebook timeline. "30 Day Blog Your Brand Challenge."

I have been at the fork in the road of closing my business or renewing the lease. I was trying to upgrade the website but running into software and host issues that I cannot resolve until September. I was trying to decide if these were signs against continuing on. It suddenly dawned on me that while Red Tennies is a business, I have two blogs and one is about my own creative writing thoughts so at the last minute I went for it.

Most of the other members will post these eloquent and useful blogs today sharing their wisdom in what they have learned. Well, here's my biggest personal takeaway...I'm not normal.

There it is, in black and white and on the internet to be seen forever. I admit it, I'm not normal. I'm beginning to be okay with that, however.

See, here are my wise aha moments:

1. 30 Days is an insanely long time if you are committed to writing a blog each day or you are waiting for a vacation.

2. I have a short attention span. Even writing, I lost myself at about 200 words but the goal was 300.

3. I have too much time on my hands - I now have about a dozen new blogs to follow regularly.

4. I don't have enough time on my hands - I need to go back and catch up on all of the ones I've bookmarked and post encouraging replies.

5. It does work to sit down and write when you think you have nothing to say.

6. If you are a writer, it is incredibly important to write. It doesn't matter what, it doesn't matter what format, but write!

7. If I ever unblock the friend who got me here (just kidding Kayla), I will plan ahead instead of living in the moment. Oh, and I'll move to the east coast for 30 days so I can write until the midnight deadline, 9 pm is the beginning of the creative time for us west coasters.

8. I CAN do what I set my mind to do, I had only forgotten that I could.

9. Yes, I would do this again.

10. You should join me.

Inside or Outside the Box?

I am at my best when I am working from home, at a coffee shop, a beachside table, or any other form of telecommuting. It's not that I don't enjoy the physical location of my office, and the people aren't any bother either. I am completely adequate and efficient in all of my tasks but my soul feels a tad empty when I am confined to normal things. 

Take me out of the office and you'll see me thrive - my mind is free and unburdened, my dog will likely be with me which does amazing things for the quality of your day. It takes a lot more to ruffle my feathers when I'm hanging out with the pup in a grand spot. We have a new deadline for a project? Not a problem if I'm offsite where I can take in the news, breathe deeply, get a puppy kiss, and make the new task schedule to get it done. Give me that same situation at work and there's a bit of a sit and stare time necessary to shift gears because the innovative side gets trapped.

Perhaps that is the root below this firmly planted ability to thrive outside the office - innovators don't like routine and do not perform with passion if stifled. We need to feel and be independent, trusted, and empowered. Most people I've worked with have done this but I still feel the diminished effects of a few that didn't lead that way.

Having a particular space you connect with is so important if you are wired this way. For those who are not craving this, it would be nearly torture to work outside of the office. It takes all kinds to keep businesses going, but an understanding of allowing your employees to work in their best situation can build a solid team of efficient, happy, and thriving individuals.

Is the office your comfort zone or do you need to be released?

Anticipating Autumn

We have had a remarkably pleasant summer this year, and while I am by no means rushing ahead and wishing it away, I find myself yearning for the autumn season already. I have nobody to blame but myself for this. It began with cleaning out the kitchen cupboards for a yard sale and I discovered the eclectic collection I have of mugs. I am not a coffee or hot tea drinker and feel that a mug should only be used for hot beverages. This leaves only hot chocolate for me and I typically only sip on that about six times per year, in the fall and maybe winter. So my mugs are organized and I am ready for fall.

We have also had some unseasonably cool evenings that leave you wanting more of those cool breezes drifting over you while you nestle down into a blanket to stay warm, not quite ready to go inside. If you factor in the gas fireplace and my favorite shoe item of boots, fall is easily my favorite season.

Some people use January 1st as a kind of reset but I am recharged by fall and I am ready for a recharge this year. The kids will be back in school, clearing the way for the rest of us to finally go to the beach or the zoo without the summer crowds. Last year we headed to the coast on a Tuesday in October and found it busier than any other time we've visited and everybody had the same shock and similar expectation. Crowds and all, it was a peaceful experience for the older generation.

What is your favorite season and why? Has it always been that way or did it change with your seasons of life or as you got older? If you have lived in a variety of climates, did that affect your favorite season?

On Target

I have heard it said when teaching somebody to ride a bicycle you should teach them to look where they want to go, yet so many warn people to not run into the tree, pole, bench, pothole, etc. Focusing on the obstacles and hazards draw you directly to them but if you set your sights on the target you will succeed.

The same can be said for target shooting on the range, whether with a handgun, rifle, or bow and arrow. How successful would a hunter be if they were busy focusing on the beautiful trees or the path through the woods? It is necessary to focus on the target if you want to meet your goal.

When you set goals for yourself or your business do you keep your eyes focused on the target goal or do you tend to glance sideways at the task list or the obstacles that make it more difficult? Have you noticed that it slows you down or derails you when you do that? Many people create a list of resolutions each January, only to lose complete sight of any target within days.

There are a number of ways to keep your focus and I encourage you to try several to see what works best for you and I'd love to hear your ideas. Some people may be so diligent and disciplined that they live and breathe their goals...wow! For the rest of us, we can set micro-steps that are completely attainable and not overwhelming Be consistent, and the next thing you know you're at your target. What about the Post-It note approach where they are scattered on your mirror and office to remind you? Sometimes I will force myself to get up during commercials to take steps towards goals.

It doesn't have to be complicated, but it needs to be something you can achieve and it needs to be consistent. What do you have in your sights right now?

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

This is one of my favorite pictures from my personal collection because I find such joy in the beauty of this without the frustration that I associate with dandelions in my yard. When they are growing in my yard, they only serve to remind me how much it's going to cost in weed killer and time to remove them or the frustration that my neighbor upwind of us won't kill their weeds.

Children have the ability to see these differently though. They have no comprehension of what a weed is. To them, they are a beautiful and lovely tiny kid-sized yellow flower they pick and give to mom and dad or their friends. Then complete delight sets in when it turns to that magical puff to wish upon with eyes closed and head tilted upward as you inhale with everything in you before you release that slow deliberate exhale to send it scattering up into the wind. Oh, what a joy that was...when I was little.

Life is kind of like this at times. We may be surrounded by bad things or negative people, struggles, and burdens. I dare say there is a beauty within each if we promise to look for it along the way and not focus only on the negative aspects. Perhaps a broken arm becomes an early discovery of something worse. It was terrible to break the arm but had that not happened the other illness would have become fatal due to lack of treatment. Instead, that broken arm saved a life. The good showed up through the bad and we should try to find that value. It may be more difficult when it involves toxic people, but I still think we can find at least one good thing in each person.

If we try really hard, maybe we can even find the joy from struggles and pretend it is the beauty of the dandelion puff...breathe in, breathe out slowly, and giggle!

Time Out

If your schedule is in a high season like mine right now, I'm putting you in a necessary time-out. That's right, I'll be right there with you. We are in the early phase of an exterior house painting project and there are about 6 electrical items sanding or heating paint at any given time beginning long before my usual waking hour. The house is covered in dust and the yard is dotted with scraped paint chips and used sanding pads. I'm cooking meals for the friends who have come to help out and the dog is not getting his all-day naps in. These are not complaints, they are celebrations, but they are time stealers.

This is on top of about eight very significant life events and an overwhelming sense of responsibility to spend every waking moment working on this project. Fill in your own projects and burdens and I'm guessing most of you will be in the same position. You sacrifice all the fun things you want to do for the necessary ones. I say we put ourselves in time out, starting now! Well, at least starting soon.

We have several concerts in a variety of parks all summer and we have not made it to one due to these responsibilities. Tonight is a responsibility time-out! The Barn Door Slammers are playing tonight at a location near to home and we already have a great picnic of leftovers so we are ready to go. I want to stay home and work on the house, we're almost at a significant progress point and it would be so grand to finish that section up tonight.

However, we did promise ourselves we would not cancel this event so we're going. There is a balance we forget about, a need to renew ourselves and take moments to breathe and recover from the daily thinking and demands of us. Join me?

Check these guys out here: The Barn Door Slammers

Road Trip

Hi, my name is Lois and I am an addict. I am addicted to road trips. Sure, you can fly to great destinations and see wonderful things and I am not opposed to that by any means. However, there is something about road travel that I connect with. You can start with a guideline for your journey but the options are almost limitless. If you see something of interest, you can stop, you don't have to wait for another trip. You are there. Stop the car! You can set your own agenda and your own pace. The rhythm of the wheels and the beat of the music is your only guide to discovery.

The road trip is my excuse for the Costco bag of peanut M&Ms and fun drinks for the ice chest I wouldn't normally treat myself to. Sometimes I even throw in a magazine I wouldn't spend money or time on but would thoroughly enjoy. Grab the dog, camera, husband, music, snacks, ice chest, and suitcases and I am good...to...go. (Side note: not necessarily listed in the order of importance.)

The things we've seen tend to be the images and memories most etched into my mind. Sure, I experienced cruises, San Diego and Hawaii via airplane travel and that was wonderful. But, what I recall most in conversations comes from road trips. My family took a 2-month road trip across the country the year I graduated from high school. We saw Daniel Webster's memorial, which let me tell you was a pretty exciting rock at the end of a horribly long and slow gravel road placed there just to tell us he once spoke to the Whigs there. Memorable place...no? Memorable event? Oh yeah...still talk and laugh about it 30 years later.

Here's a link to one of my favorite stops we stumbled onto in Dover, Ohio. Definitely take a look...this was amazing!

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10049

What is your essential item for a road trip? What's the best place you discovered that you would have missed by plane, train or direct freeway driving?

Procrastination Anyone?

This is a new thing to me and I still can't decide if I embrace it or if it sets me into a panic. I was always the planner, the one with a checklist. I always made steps towards the end goal and almost always completed the project or task ahead of schedule. This last year or two has brought the opposite behavior and internal conflict. While I have never been one to relax well, I have made great strides in allowing some downtime. The problem is that this creates less time to plan and work ahead and I often find myself nearing a deadline without any progress. This is difficult and I'm not having fun living under the mental burden of the invisible to-do list.

I don't know why procrastination is so rampant in our society. For me, I know these last years have added many more responsibilities and roles and my inner juggler is getting a little older and slower. My brain is weary and I put off the thinking tasks more these days. For some, it's pure laziness and a live-in-the-moment mentality while others are so readily distracted and lose focus instantly.

Perhaps, like this photo, we only procrastinate the work we really aren't called to be doing. Or is that too idealistic and we all face tasks we don't want to do even in the job of our passion? Hmmmm....

Are you a planner or a procrastinator? Did it change throughout your life or were you always one or the other? If you are a planner, what are your tips for the others? If you are a procrastinator, I'd love to hear if you are content with that and why. Do you enjoy the frantic rush the last-minute deadline brings or are you simply one to not get around to it?

My 8th-grade math teacher had these great buttons printed with the word "tuit" printed on them and of course, yes, the button was round. The man was ahead of his time as this was a few decades ago...would probably have made a fortune now.

Talk to me folks...let me hear what side you're on and what your stories are.

Fitness Decisions

I have four brand new pairs of running shoes lined up along my dining table, three of which are waiting to be returned. About a year ago, I made the decision and I was ready to start regaining my physical strength and fitness after letting all things slide for almost 25 years. This apparently was the cue for all aches and pains that had been dormant to rise up again - the twisted hips, the almost plantar fasciitis heel pain, the lower back, etc.

I continued to live with the pain, too proud to limp in front of friends or not do all the activities I needed to do on a regular basis for work and home. September brings an annual event that I remember being in pain at last year, even losing a week of work afterward for recovery. That trigger, realizing that it's been a year or more has led me to take this next step. I simply MUST find a pair of shoes to wear that doesn't cause heel pain every single day. No pain, I can finally start to be mobile again - pain each day and it's all you can do to survive. It's time to thrive again.

I can go for 20 visits shopping and find nothing to work for me; we're looking for low budget, heel pain (need cushioning), and flatter than flat feet (need firm arches). You should try finding support and cushion at the same time! So, I skipped the affordable route and finally decided I was worth $150 and went to the pros. Now I have 4 perfect pairs of shoes here. One is super perfect and cute, but the most money while one is almost super perfect, one model year older, not as cute but $40 cheaper. Logic says to take that one, heart says to get the cool one.

Then there's the best value. Two pairs are about 75% off the ridiculous original price! I would never be able to buy this brand again so my brain says to get the best deal.

The irony is that this simple decision about a pair of shoes has held up progress for my decision to start taking care of my body by two weeks now! 

Who out there will join me in making the decision to start taking care of our own well-being so we can keep taking care of others?

Challenge on? I'm in...right after I decide which shoes to keep.

Lowered Expectations

July was my birthday month, which started us off on a series of attempts to find that elusive wonderful dining experience to celebrate with. We tried one chain restaurant famous for their cornbread muffins and we were served something that had no resemblance whatsoever to their normally outstanding product. It seems they had run out and gone with a completely inferior product, but not bothered to tell their customers. Truth be told, it kind of ruined the experience, as it is the highlight and part of the reason we chose this place. When the manager stopped by and made light of them running out, but offered no kind words of apology or understanding that kind of broke it for us.

Other attempts at the perfect celebration included an assortment of places I can't remember clearly now but nothing seemed to be working. One I do remember involved a piece of pie that had pineapple and fresh strawberries on it, as well as a bunch of other great stuff. We ordered two pieces to go and found them to be so soggy they looked like formerly frozen berries that had been partially pureed and the bananas were completely brown, no pineapple and no cherry on top either. On top of that, the experience of purchasing them was a battle to be served and noticed.

I stopped at a local grocery store and the clerk did not say one single word in greeting or as I tried to engage him in friendly conversation, complimenting the store and everything. I asked him how he was doing and he pretty much just grunted at me until I finally got a word out of him before I left.

At a bakery, we had a question about one of their products and nobody knew the answer but nobody made an attempt to find out from the baker or another employee. Really? What happened to "I don't know that answer, but let me check for you?"

This blog could go on for days, but I wonder, when did we become a society of complacency and lowered expectations? I have never worked anywhere that this level of service would be tolerated. I work too hard for my dollars to waste it on food that isn't cooked properly or that treat of going out when you aren't given a drink refill during your entire meal.

It's time to expect service again...after all, we are the customers! Rant over.

Housepaint: An Indecisive Creative's Nightmare

We are in the midst of one of the biggest decisions of our lives, or at least it feels that way. We are painting the exterior of our home and it feels like this should be an exciting opportunity. Instead, it feels like the beginning of Chromophobia, the fear of colors and decidophobia, the fear of making decisions. Neither of these has plagued me before but this is catching me at a time when my brain is tired and something that seems so exciting and simple also feels so impossible.

I consider myself creative and I love bright colors. My house embraces a variety of colors ranging from the warmth of caramel to a few different vivid bright colors you might see in Mexico or the Caribbean. I believe my home should make me feel good without a lot of concern for fitting into the mold of those around me. Obviously the hubby has to be in agreement, but he's pretty much wired the same way.

Suddenly we are surrounded by paint chips and complete indecisiveness. This feels like a permanent decision that can never be undone. It feels like we must make the right choice for the entire neighborhood. No, we can't do this color because it conflicts with the neighbor's house behind us. But this one looks funny next to the one next door. There are 28 gray houses within a few blocks - we can't do that. There are too many teal ones, can't do that...and on it goes.

When did choosing paint become such a monumental task? We fluctuate between thinking there are too many colors and that we need a new color in the world because we don't like any of them. It's paint...by its very definition it is temporary.

What are your tips for finding the right color? Don't even get me started on brand comparison!

From Pits to Pinnacles

Whether it is the phrase "this is the pits" or Erma Bombeck's classic book, "If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?" chances are you can identify with being in the pits of life. Another frequent reference is "life just a bowl of cherries" which is sarcastic for when things are not going well. Being a fan of cherries, I always felt bad for this poor fruit being dragged down into negative thinking.

It is true that life is not always everything we wish it to be, but perhaps we can challenge ourselves to focus on the pinnacles of life instead of the pits. No matter where we are in our journey each day, we can always choose to look up to the high points in life and focus on those instead. When we are feeling low, we tend to hang our head down physically and that position will prevent us from ever looking up to things that can draw us out of the pits. However, if you literally look up to focus on the pinnacle there is something that happens to you physically - you take deeper breaths, you'll notice the precious little things around you and perhaps you'll lose sight of the pits.

The day I took this picture, we were leaving Vancouver, BC for a short cruise. I was so excited and yet we were faced with a delay leaving port, which left me with two choices - focus on the pits of disappointment or find a pinnacle. The pit would have had me waiting for hours in the port building, bored and surrounded by lots of other frustrated folks. The pinnacle took us on a local tour through a new city, some great photos, a fun marketplace and lots of new memories.

Don't miss out on the pinnacles, do what you have to in order to climb out of the pits.

Unconditional Pet Love

There is something undeniable about the bond between pet and pet-parent. I'm not talking about the people who "have a pet." I'm talking about the folks who refer to their dog or cat as he, she, or their fur-child. These people have a deeper bond that envelops the entire heart. Fortunately, I am surrounded by friends sharing this same relationship and so I feel understood by those who matter to me.

Sadie in a favorite place.

Today I was reminded of this connection because a dear friend had to send her little precious kitty over the Rainbow Bridge to romp freely and be healthy at last, at least I assume cats romp. It is always a terrible day when you lose your furry kid, whether it is expected or not. She was prepared for this due to a longstanding health condition but it is still a difficult day and so I dedicate #blogyourbrand Day 18 to Sadie and her mom. Maggie, Alex, Sparky, Stanley, and others will show her the ropes!

What is it about that unconditional love our pets give us that soothes our aches, comforts our loneliness, and makes us feel like we are on top of the world? Why don't we get that from any other source? There are days when we are running errands but finally headed towards home and we both get that giddy anticipation about going home to see our little guy. How many of you are frequently almost late to work because they want to sit on your lap and have their ears or belly rubbed?

Face it, they adore us, and what's not to adore? Obviously, they have fantastic judgment and have deemed us to be royalty. After all, they follow us around, sit at our feet, gaze adoringly into our eyes, and if you're lucky like we are, offer innumerable kisses and hugs until the worries of life are only fleeting thoughts.

Go hug your little fur-child because we don't get to keep them forever.

FIRE and RESCUE

Dad worked in another state, but I wanted to use
one of my photos. Thank you Portland Fire.

Fire and smoke. Burning toxins and crumbling walls or roofs. Auto accidents and drug overdoses. These are some of the common encounters firefighters have faced throughout the decades. You can add baby deliveries and cats in trees for some of the more lighthearted events. For ages, they could pretty much expect the unexpected. This list is still intimidating to most people and society greatly appreciates those who choose this profession. Firefighters are often praised for their hard work and dedication, they hear routine statements of appreciation from their communities, they are the guests of honor at parades and sometimes they even get cookies delivered to their stations.

My dad was a firefighter so I was privileged to spend a lot of time inside the fire station. I ate dinner there a lot when Mom and I would visit him on duty. I remember playing basketball in the back of the station with the guys and they taught me to spit watermelon seeds. One year I even wore my dad's coat, boots, and helmet for Halloween. I used the helmet as my trick-or-treat bag and dumped it into a larger bag back at the curb. 

I remember the only cigar I ever saw growing up. It was from a family where he helped deliver the baby. He didn't smoke it, but I remember thinking it was pretty cool. He came to school for show and tell and of course, the kids loved it! I knew how to turn on the lights, siren, and horn on the fire truck. I recognized that unique smell of a firehouse floor. 

I'm glad my dad is retired now. It's a different time, a scarier time. Today's firefighters have the added fears of more illnesses they can get while responding to medical calls. There are more drugs in society, more chemicals, and explosions. Most of all, don't forget, there are now people who set them up and shoot at them when they respond. This is still an honorable profession and I hope there will always be people that step up to this career but I am grateful to have Dad home and retired during these crazier days.

If you see these folks out there, tell them thank you. Go online and look up your local fire stations, it's so easy to send them a note of appreciation and they deserve it.

Yes, I was a fireman's kid...and proud of it.

Memory Lane

We have been gathering items for the, "No, really, I promise this is the last yard sale we will ever do" yard sale. Our home has been in the process of downsizing and simplifying for a few years now but when expenses outweigh income you get creative. 

This time we dug deep, even going into the attic. While we did clear out some retro clothing, aka "someday that's going to fit again" and old holiday decor, we found the boxes of memories and sidetracked ourselves a bit.

There were boxes of the usual mementos like photos, cards, letters, baby toys, Hot Wheels, the sealed model for the Dukes of Hazzard's General Lee, etc. but the memorabilia I treasure most was finding my old creative writing collection.

What a variety of essays in that treasure trove! I had some writings from elementary school about jack-o-lanterns melting off the fence posts as they rotted and little mice carrying 20 books home from the library. I suppose it's safe to say I had a wild imagination!

Eventually, I moved on to high school and college assignments that included a story about a single raindrop on the window or stories of friendships. There were two I remember being so proud of. One was about the free market and one was about smoking that I titled "Should Americans Have the Right to Kill?" Apparently, I've been a bit adamant in my opinions through time.

It did leave me curious. When did we stop living in the light and creative mindset and become so serious? I am grateful to have these documents, as they are long before the days of computers when it's so easy to save things, but the value I found was in the childhood stories I wrote and I hope they will inspire me to find that inner child again.

What about you? Do you remember your inner child?

Rise up

For any of you out there feeling a bit tired or worn down from life, I dedicate this song to you today. May you find a renewed strength as you let these words pour over you. You are never alone in life and you have somebody that will stand with you as you rise up together to face your mountains. I heard this song last week for the first time and I knew I wanted to blog about it., It brought such a "fight" back and rekindled some positive attitudes. Rather than use my words though, I'd rather honor Andra and let you listen to her.

Estate Memories

We used to have a small booth at an antique mall so our weekends would find us at frequent estate sales searching for lost treasures. It was always a bittersweet experience. If we found things, we almost always felt guilty for getting a good deal from the loss of somebody's loved one. More often than not, however, we would leave with an empty heart even if we found earthly items. It was always so sad to see the possessions from an entire life subjected to strangers looking for a deal. 

A few of these sales affected us deeper than others. I remember one in particular where we purchased about 15 slide wheels full of vacation slides. It seemed so sad that there was nobody left to treasure memories and smiles from the family so we thought we'd do something artsy with them and allow others to treasure them in a new format since so many were beautiful scenic photos. Sadly, that hasn't even happened yet.

I don't know what it is, but it has a cool
groove in it that will make a great
place for file folders on my desk.
The other side has a great big
wood burl knot in it.

I hadn't thought much about this until today when we stopped at an estate sale in our neighborhood where once again we left with an empty heart even though I did find one really cool treasure. I discovered one of the saddest items yet - a homemade scrapbook filled with store-bought cards, handwritten letters, telegrams, and children's drawings all from her child, or children. This was done with so much love and through decades and now it sits in a room full of strangers with their checkbooks in hand. I almost bought it because it was so heartbreaking to see it there. But, I am one of those strangers to whom it meant nothing.

The funny thing is, we are preparing for a big yard sale ourselves, trying to get rid of stuff so we really had no business even walking into that sale today. We have a house full of items without heirs awaiting their own estate sale. Some day someone will walk through and wonder if that vase on our mantel is a 4th generation heirloom or a $3.99 purchase from a discount store. Some day someone will think how sad it is that there was nobody that wanted our memories.

The Silence in the Roar

What is it about the roar of the ocean waves that beckons us? It is vividly violent and wildly soothing simultaneously. After a chaotic and stress-filled week, I feel as if I can hear the surf calling me to visit. My innermost emptiness echoes the call and tells me to go. The struggle begins inside pitting the responsible and logical side against the impulsive and selfish side. I do know I need to experience the refreshment a visit to the edge of the tides offers, but I have to question if I will allow it to soothe the aches or if I will be haunted by the to-do list I skipped out on.

Like many people, I have had the daydream of owning a small house in a beach community. I can't quite comprehend the joy it would provide for so many, to have a little respite available. I do wonder if beach residents ever find themselves weary of the roar of the sea and wish they could silence it. I mean, come on, if you have a migraine, or are just tired of the noise of the world, wouldn't you sometimes want it to be silent? It is never silent at the beach. 3 am...still roaring.

And yet, we refer to the ocean as being a place of solitude, a place of silence, a place to sit and reflect or to let your soul be refreshed. There is nothing so peaceful as a long, slow stroll alongside the waves breaking just safely distant from your toes. I can walk great distances in this trance and after a bit of time, I don't know that I hear the roar anymore. Maybe it is the silence in the roar I am craving when I seek my solace and refreshment along the shoreline. 

To Kill a Dream?

The Delay, Then The Leap of Faith: aka "Okay, Okay...I'll Do It"

Did you catch the date back in that previous post?  2011.  Yes, it did indeed take me three years and three months to step out in faith. I never doubted the idea, I doubted that it should be me. Sound familiar? It's Biblical. It was evident God orchestrated this while He waited for me to get it together and take action. 

I found a location very near to my home. The landlord has a heart for God and that showed up. The view is of the trees at The Grotto! We had no funds to do this (my biggest excuse) and yet, we opened our doors in November 2014. I found myself surrounded by speakers, songs, and books that included themes like Action Trumps Everything, dig ditches and see how God will fill them up, "Do Something" and countless other examples telling me to take one step and see what God does.

The Hope, The Vision: aka "God, Do Your Thing"
The doors are open. The supplies are waiting. God, this is your place. Bring the people you want this to touch. Show me who to love and encourage. To quote a Chris Tomlin song that taunted me during those 3 years of waiting...

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve, I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you.

Yep, this was a theme song for me, and yet I didn't follow for three years down this particular path. I now have another theme song from Matthew West, along with this one. So God, use me to DO SOMETHING!

Have you ever had a dream that didn't yield results you could clearly point to? How did you know when to say farewell to the dream or to work harder?

Decisions, Decisions

We are rapidly approaching a decision deadline for the Red Tennies Creative Studio. Do we hang up our red tennies and shut our doors? Was this an opportunity that didn't develop? Was this a test of faith? One of the most difficult decisions of my life may be facing me in the next week.

In the meantime, here's a bit about how this came to be.

The Beginning Concept: aka "You Want Me To Do What?"
I was attending the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit in August 2011 when it hit me. Art can do amazing things for you. It had been a turbulent year, and I found art to be very soothing and comforting. I also realized I AM creative. I want to do something to help people and it's going to be about art. It doesn't matter that I'm not a trained artist, I simply enjoy being creative and am wired to think along creative lines.

God is our Creator, He made us in His image, therefore we are also creative beings. The entire two-day event had an unspoken but beautifully woven tapestry around entrepreneurship and creativity. By the end of the event, I knew I was being led to open a place where people could experience being creative even when they didn't think of themselves as creative. I wanted to help people connect with the kid inside, relieve some of life's stress and anxiety, and perhaps even find God's love and hope through art and the healing balm it can provide.

I also envisioned a way of selling art in order to fund other ways to help change lives. I was thinking along the lines of providing small backpacks of art supplies to kids after a natural disaster, abuse, or fire. I want them to have something they can call their own that would also allow them to process through some of the trauma. I also hoped to work with victims recovering from sex crimes or sex trafficking through the use of art. I hoped to provide art supplies to a small church in Uganda where a friend is serving God diligently and they have an incredible number of kids they could reach with art supplies.

Illogical Fear

July 19, 2001 - our first little dog died suddenly.

July 19, 2013 - our second little dog died suddenly.

 

July 19, 2014 - our new little dog is not allowed to take naps because we keep waking him up to make sure he's alive all day.

July 19, 2015 - a repeat of 2014

July 19, 2016 - I must admit it is "deathwatch" again, but perhaps a little less concerned.

I know it's not a logic-based fear, but admittedly, we have allowed a certain level of apprehension to cover this day. While this particular fear is diminishing, how many other fears do we hang onto that are based on the same illogical thinking? I dare say that's part of the definition of fear.

Oh sure, there are some fears based on negative experiences of life. If you were bit by a large dog as a toddler, it would be understandable for you to develop a fear of all dogs. But what about the fear of public speaking? Did you do it and get nails thrown at you? Not likely, so why are so many people afraid of that?

There's always the fear of failure to talk about. Who wants to dive into that one with me? I have been there. I have tried things and laughed in the face of that fear. I have failed at the very same things. But, what was I really afraid of? Failure these days is highly applauded. You aren't likely to succeed without a few failures under your belt. So with all the respect failure gets now, why do we still fear it? We should be excited to have that option in front of us.

So, today we keep poking our little dog when he tries to sleep. No car rides, no walks. There is no risk allowed today to increase the odds of losing him. Why? Because logical or not, fear is emotionally based and emotions are real.

Empty Head Syndrome

I'm sitting here on day nine of a 30-day #blogyourbrand challenge and I'm done. Apparently, I have reached the day when there isn't anything in my brain capable of forming an intelligent post. So I have resorted to writing about the inability to write. I think that may be a great example of irony. I have heard it said, "When you have a writing assignment you should force yourself to sit down and write even if the thoughts aren't there." I'm beginning to see this may have been good advice. At least it's working when I don't have a specific topic I'm tasked with. It appears to me that what I mistook for a case of writer's block was really only a case of empty head syndrome.

I wonder how many other tasks we put aside because we think we have to be in the right frame of mind, or completely ready to take them on when all we really should do is start the task. Are there times when the burden or dread of having a task before you weighs more heavily and takes a bigger toll on you than stepping into it and completing it? 

I am a list-maker and sometimes I have been known to do something not on the list and add it only so I can experience the joy of crossing it off! I think tasks can often hit me the same way. 

If I would create a list of small steps towards completing the task, it's likely that I'll be more successful. Every check of the box brings a sense of accomplishment and a shorter path to completion of the goal.

I'm hoping I'll feel more prepared to write my next post, but I do feel that perhaps somebody out there will be encouraged to know they are not alone in what should be an Olympic sport - procrastination.

Weathering the Storms

It seems the world has been filled with nothing but uncertainty and negativity for several months now, and a heightened amount of hostile and tragic acts in the most recent weeks. Regardless of what your own political, religious, and/or personal views are there is a unanimous feeling of awe at the weight of this burdening loss. 

We have lost people of all ages, many professions, many nationalities in numerous locations across different continents. There is an undercurrent of grief and fatigue as I look across the people that surround me. There is a question hanging in our midst asking, "What can I do?" For some, they are asking what they can do to stop the hate. For others, it is a rhetorical question stemming from discouragement.

Some may cling to the thought that this too shall pass while others feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. I urge you to take the next step that seems right for you. If it is time for you to get involved, then do something that can make a difference, but don't complain if you're not willing to do something about it. 

If it's time to show love, then go back to the basics and invite a neighbor for dinner or take them cookies. If you need to start small, invite them over for dessert on the patio or ask them to meet you for an ice cream cone at your local spot. If you are hurting then reach out to others who may feel the same and discover together how to heal and move in a positive direction.

We CAN weather the storms together and we will survive these days. Take them one at a time and look for the good in each day, in each person. Much like the carving in this photo I took at Granville Island in Vancouver BC, we may show a little wear from our trials of life, but we will survive.

Growth Requirements

Nourishing Dewdrops

If we reflect back to our school days, we may recall the components necessary for grass and plants to grow. While I can't teach a botany class, I do remember that you need sunlight, soil, oxygen, and water for sure. I'm sure there is much more to it, but the bottom line is that there are a number of requirements for growth to take place.

It's not really any different for us. I doubt any of us are so happy with the way things are that if we're honest, we would say we don't want to grow or develop any further. I hope we are all continually looking for ways to challenge ourselves to grow, whether it be personal development, business expansion, or growing physically or emotionally stronger.

I have a list of growth-related goals I put in place for 2016 that span all areas of my life. One key piece is the reminder to focus on these goals. I have been known to go for a month or two without looking at them and guess what? No growth! What about you? Do you have something you are working to improve upon in your life this year?

Do you know what the pieces are that will contribute to your growth? Do you have friends that challenge you or hold you accountable? Do you have the goal written down and do you reflect on it regularly? Just as it is for grass there are any number of contributors to growth and I hope you'll take a moment to reflect on what you need to nourish that growth in you.

As I flipped through my photograph collection preparing for this blog post, I realized that taking photos is one of the things that feeds my soul, nourishes my creativity and peace, and helps me find balance. I also noticed from the dates on my photo files, I have not done this for entirely too long. This is an added growth requirement to help me reach goals for my business and professional life. What are yours?

A Moment of Bliss

This moment has unfolded to be an unexpected time of tranquil restoration in a hectic and emotionally traumatizing week. As I sorted through pictures in a somewhat frantic manner, looking for something to blog about this one stopped me with a moment of calm. 

It looks so blissful. As I began to type I realized that the keystrokes seemed louder than usual, as if they were screaming at me with each click. I stopped for a moment, staring at my screen, and finally realized there wasn't a single sound surrounding me. I am at home, in the middle of a neighborhood usually very heavy with traffic, neighbors, children squealing, and the three construction projects in my immediate vicinity. Yet today, at this moment, not a sound.

It struck me how sad it is that it is now the quiet I noticed, instead of the chaos. We have become so comfortable with the world around us that the blissfulness of this quiet seemed out of place and I was a bit uncertain what to do with it. I know it won't last so I stopped to treasure it a bit before typing resumed.

It made me feel responsible for sharing this time with you. I felt like I was now charged with bringing you all into a time like this, to ask you to find a moment to put yourself in a "time out" and listen for the quiet or watch for the physical beauty that surrounds you. Like this tulip photo, is there something you can see right now to let wash over you and bring you some bliss?

It's okay to stop every now and then, to pause for a moment of reflection or solitude. We are strongest when we take the time for balance in our lives. Go take a peek outside and see what awaits you. I guarantee everything will still be waiting for you when you get back.

Shine

Are you trying to do it all? Are you spinning so many plates that you are waiting for one to fall? Do you juggle so many balls you often forget what day it is and where you're supposed to be? Do you get your identity from your job, your spouse or the random opinions of strangers? Do you feel that you must shine in order to be accepted and loved? Do you fear failure because you fear what people will think of you?

I think it's time to break this mold, this terrible but comfortable habit that keeps us from living a full life - the life God intended for us.

There are so many reasons we may hide our cracks, pretend that all is well, and not allow anybody to know we don't always shine; pride, feelings of inadequacy, emptiness, history of abandonment, selfishness. Perhaps we fear being judged or ridiculed by those around us. No matter the cause, I challenge all of us to stop, and allow others to see who we really are. 

I am confident there is somebody waiting to discover ALL of you, and love you regardless. I know that God loves us unconditionally, and exactly the way we are. I hope you know that also, and a deeper hope is that you can accept that love and stop worrying about looking like you have it all together.

Being 100% authentic is far more valuable than shining all the time.

"Shine" by Jan Krist

She buries the problems but they grow and bloom again

No one need see them she will deftly pretend

Playing her high cards best foot forward every time

For who will love her if she does not shine?

Hopelessness dogs her but she will not give in

She will reason fear away again

A full and leaky vessel she hides the cracks behind

For who will love her if she does not shine?

She tries to pull herself from difficult requests

Works to be satisfied with just doing her best

'Til someone doubts her courage and she struggles with resign

For who will love her if she does not shine?

She tries to pull herself from rejection's debris

And the more she pulls the less she seems to be free

When did this all begin? Was there one point in time?

And who will love her if she does not shine?

Who will love her? Shining

Who will love her? Shining

Who will love her if she does not shine?