My thanks to all who interacted on yesterday’s post, In the Name of the Lord. Today is an “off” day with my hubby, so ya’ll have a good one. And if you have a minute, take a listen to this new artist. Logan’s words in this song were part of the influence of yesterday’s post.
Logan Henry and The New Frontier
HaPpy Friday! ♥
After observing some back and forth “religion” debate on Facebook the other day, it made me start thinking about all the things that people will do and say, “In the name of the Lord.” Maybe the Lord did tell you to buy that lotto ticket. In fact, my son’s pastor told him it was fine, but if he won, he’d need to tithe double as there is a sinner’s tax, I guess? (he was kidding!) And I know He leads a lot of folks to our local casino. “Thank the Lord” is heard most often when a person wins! My hubby and I were raised in church. His dad was a pastor,and my hubby has a theology degree because the Lord told his parents that he should. They also said he needed to marry a woman who could play the piano. Well, that didn’t work out! I hope that wasn’t Lord issued, too! Forgive me, if you think I am being sacrilegious (ugh….Christianese word, sorry!) because that is not the intention of this writing. The true intention is to make me think more and to make you think more about your words and actions and the long-term that goes with them.
For several years, I worked for Hobby Lobby, a national retail store. The owners are Christian people who are very generous to the missions and ministries that they choose. This was well-known in the area where we lived at the time, and it was amazing what “Christian” people would expect because of this. Discounts, donations, cash. All in the name of the Lord, mind you. The fact that this was a business AND that the employee/manager would lose their job, never seemed to occur to them. But it’s for “the church”, you would here most often. Not all were unkind. But many were and unfortunately, “The Church” folks were the ones the employees wanted to avoid. Why? Their words turned meaner, quicker. Sometimes I would be extremely embarrassed for the scenes they would make! If you think I am exaggerating, okay. But I’m not~
A sweet friend of mine used to waitress at Pioneer Pies in Oklahoma City. She loved her job and was very people friendly. But she said she and her co-workers always dreaded Sunday lunch rush. In her very southern accent, she would say, “Those church people are the most demanding and then they don’t leave much of a tip at all, if any.”
I know that “Christian” does not mean perfect. BOY do I know that. I know that everyone has their day and messes up. But when it happens, do you fix it? Or do you just leave that person standing there with that bad taste of Christian in their mouth? If you are going to play the Christian card and speak for the Lord….then you better choose your words carefully. I sure don’t wanna be standing next to you if you don’t!
I must say that I do indeed love Jesus. And He does prompt my heart to do things for people, often. Here is what I want you to know about me on this subject. 1. If I “Bless your heart” or “God bless you”, it is with sincerity. 2. And if I tell you that I’m going to pray for you, you can count on it. 3. If you are ugly to my friends or family In the Name of the Lord, I’ll be on you like june bugs on the front porch screen. 😉
Don’t be that church. Don’t be that person. Be nice to people! ♥ We really never know what that other person may be dealing with ~
This is “Sugar” ~
As I was vacuuming the house yesterday, I started trying to psycho-analyze Sugar, one of our dogs. A couple of things you might need to know first: 1. “The girls” as we call Sugar and Baby, are sister dogs from the Joplin Humane Society. They just turned six and we have had them about five and a half of those years. 2. I vacuum often. (Vacuum Cleaner Queen post sheds light on that one.)
Sugar absolutely freaks out each time the “monster” comes out of the hall closet (dungeon). She can be playing or sleeping, (that’s just about sums up her life!)but when the closet door opens, she is totally focused on the vacuum. She might bark or hide behind something, but she NEVER takes her eye off of the enemy. When I am finished with the chore, she follows the trail back to the closed closet door, and goes on about her normal business. Her sister, Baby, could care less. She has a cat attitude of “just don’t bother me”. (Baby pictured below~)
So back to yesterday. I tried in my mind to figure out Sugar’s problem of this fear. Suddenly she is not herself. It’s like a puppy panic attack. And then it clicked! We all have those certain things that send us into a panic. My anxiety of dentist visits is embarrassing at best, but I have no control over how my body reacts. I know what’s going to happen, I always caution the new dentist, giving them an opportunity to NOT have me as a patient. My throat will begin to close up and suddenly I am hyperventilating. The “laughing” gas does not help. (even at max! lol) If I require more than a cleaning, my new dentist requires pre-medication and a driver! My dental hygientist suggested I “drug up” for the cleanings, too! But if I am medicated, how can I keep my eye on the enemy them?
Wow, thanks for the revelation Sugar….I guess in trying to help you, I kinda figured out me? We will all have anxiety over something at some point in our life. Sometimes it cannot be explained. It simply “is”. We are each going to deal with those moments differently. And that’s okay! So I’ll just let you deal with it as you have been, Sugar, until your doctor suggest puppy xanax, therapy, and more exercise. ♥
(Feel free to jump in on this! Anxiety is real. It can effect our health and day-to-day living. Ignoring it does NOT make it go away. And if you are fortunate enough to have no anxiety issues (yay!), try to be understanding of those in your life that do ~)
As a brand new blogger, who has MUCH to learn still, I am tickled hot pink to be given the VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD! YaY!
A great big hug and sincere THANK YOU to those who nominated me!
Carri Wright at Simply Done Wright. Carri has a heart of gold and is the sweetest gal ever! She is always very encouraging and willing to help me. She is also very creative, funny and has some of the yummiest recipes ever!
Naomi Baltuck at Writing Between the Lines is the writer and photographer that I hope to be someday when I grow up. She is amazing and always encouraging.
Who knew that blogging and WordPress would introduce me to such wonderful people! Sure wish I’d started this a long time ago ~
So one of the requirements of this award is that the recipient share seven random things about themselves. This is supposed to help you know me better. Okay ~ here goes:
1. The Sonic in Moore, Oklahoma, McAlister, Oklahoma and Hot Springs, Arkansas have THE BEST cherry cokes and slivered ice in the world. I go there as often as I can. It’s a good thing none of them are close! Last year we drove to Moore to go to church with my mom for Mother’s Day. We were late because I had to go to Sonic first ~ (confessions) ~ and yes, I went to that Sonic again before we hit the road for home!
2. I hate flying. I will do it. But it is not pleasant. Not for me or for anyone sitting next to me. 😉
3. I used to play the saxophone and was pretty darn good at it. Then I changed my college major from music to marketing. Music is always in the blood, though ~
4. A guy was mean to me in college one time. I let the air out of his tires. But only two tires. Cause I’m not into revenge or anything….;)
5. I have a tattoo on my right shoulder. It was one of the greatest Christmas gifts ever from my kids. Quite a surprise for my hubby though…..he adjusted just fine 😉
6. I tend to make almost everything a competition. I have a son that is just like me in that regard and I hate it for his wife.
7. Garth Brooks and his bride, Trisha Yearwood, live right up the road from us. They are good people that shop at Hobby Lobby and Reasors (grocery story) just like us. I swore I would break into song if I ever ran into them in person. (Cowboys are my Weakness ♫ ♪ ♫) But when we visited at the grocery store….I only sang in my head. Do you think they heard?
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Now for a really fun portion that goes with receiving this award ~ I get to pass it to other bloggers! And the Versatile Blogger Award goes to:
1. Stories About Life, 92% True ~ This is a great blog. It’s a dad recording stories for his wife and children. He invites us to come along. You will smile a lot ~
2. The Magnificent Something ~The deepness of the words in this blog can sometimes overwhelm the heart. The photography does the same thing. If you ever wondered about life in London, here it is.
3. 41:10 Photography ~ A new mother with a heart for her own family, strives to capture those special moments for your family. Her love for rescue animals is also portrayed in her work. Not just another photographer ~
4. Airports Made Simple ~ Tips and tricks for travel, full of life and humor. Big supporters of Puppies Behind Bars….I was hooked the first time I visited. And I hate flying! lol!
5. Daily Mustard ~ The question is asked, “God, are you still there?” It’s about miracles, it’s your story. Check it out~
6. Valerie R. Lawson ~ An Oklahoma author that shares her writing journey of ups and downs, hopes and dreams and an awesome reading list, too! Terrific articles full of great info!
7. Sundi Jo ~ Sundi is a young author, speaker, and a survivor. Her blogs will touch your heart and change your thinking. Her weight loss of 145 lbs inspires others who are looking for hope….and her humor is addictive. (“Step Away From That Diet” ~ by Sundi Jo)
8. Becoming Fabulous ~Tranae is a beautiful young woman who is all about becoming healthy, decluttering life and Becoming Fabulous through the journey!
9. Madison Blaxton’s Common Sense ~ A bit partial because this is my son? You Bet! Words, thoughts and wisdom from a soulful young man.
10. Speak Now ~ This young lady is there to empower other young women. She provides the support and the resources so that others will know they are not worthless and they are not alone. Amazing ~
11. Through the Lens ~ She captures the world through her words and her photo lens ~
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL and thanks so much for inspiring me! And remember, Be Nice to each other ♥
(Nominees, you may go to the Versatile Blogger Site for more details on your award)
They have started arriving in the mail already, the graduation announcements. Young people all over will soon begin new ventures of education, enlightenment, and many eye-opening experiences.
And that was the case for me on this day, thirty-four years ago. Okay, I’ll give ya just a minute to figure out my age. 😉 It was graduation day in Tuttle, Oklahoma. In the warm gymnasium seated on old hard bleachers, our parents, family and friends cheered us on. Our small class that had been together, for me, since first grade, would now part ways. It was a bitter-sweet transition.
This was part of our class in fifth grade. We were split into two classrooms. I wish I had a pic of the other group, too! (and yes, I can name each person! 😉 )
Here are the Senior gals from Glee Club that sang the then popular song by Barbara Streisand, “Memories”, at our ceremony. My bestest friend, Julie is not in the photo because she was playing the piano. If you listen closely, you can hear her though ~(remember Polaroid cameras? yep…that’s this pic! and then my sis did a little writing on it~)
I think that “back in the day” it might have been more difficult to part ways with each other. It was more permanent. To stay in touch was to write letters or call long distance. We didn’t have cell phones, Facebook, e-mail, twitter, etc, to easily reach each other. There were many promises made of keeping in contact, but then life happens, and suddenly it’s been thirty years.
I was forced onto Facebook by my youngest son, just before our 30th class reunion. He was taking a trip abroad and deemed it possibly the only way of contacting us while away. At that time, I was only doing it for him. It was a kid’s thing, right? Little did I know, as I began receiving e-mails about our class reunion, that a large number of us would agree to fb. We began renewing friendships and catching up. Pretty awesome.
Even with this, I was still reluctant to drive from Missouri to Tuttle, Oklahoma, for our class reunion. I found old feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence stirred up again. I didn’t like that I was feeling like that little girl in the fifth grade picture above. Where was this coming from?
So three of us made a pact. We would all agree to the reunion, Julie, Lauri and I. We would have a “slumber party” the night before and then go together.
Paula, Julie and Lauri ~ Friends Forever ♥
It turned out to be an interesting, but refreshing evening. Many people looked the same, some did not. But in visiting, one by one, you could read the heart of each pretty easily. We still had our common bonds. Our childhood; Tuttle America; The Star Pharmacy. 
Shortly after this photo was taken, we lost Mark Hogland in a tragic accident. (far right) I will forever treasure our time spent together that night. When he spoke of his children, his eyes lit up, he loved them dearly. RIP Mark ~ You are forever in our hearts ♥
When you are not a “crowd” person, like me, a situation like this really makes you reach outside your comfort zone. It was well worth the reach and many of our relationships have grown since that day.
We all got together again a couple of years later, to celebrate turning the big fifty ~ What a great time we had ~ It’s kinda like having new friends, that just happen to know a bit about your growing up years. I guess some might just call that family? 
Happy May 7th, Class of ’78 ! And if you haven’t yet accomplished all of your dreams….don’t stop trying now!
I see the moon and the moon sees me ~
And the moon sees the one that I long to see.
So God bless the moon and God bless me,
And God bless the one that I long to see ♥
(this last photo was taken by Carri @ http://simplydonewright.blogspot.com/. My moon was in Oklahoma (top two), Carri’s was in Ohio….but it’s the same big ol’ beautiful moon….wherever we may be….thanks for the great shot, Carri!)
HaPPy Sunday! Enjoy you loved ones today….and be nice to people ♥
Well no “formal” post today. Not that any of my post are formal, but today’s is “extra” random. Our neighborhood is having a garage sale today. I decided to get up early and check it out! Then an even better thought ~ carry my shopping bag and get my exercise, too! So I walked….I met friendly people along the way and some great new neighbors! (Ours is a young and growing area) I even found a few bargains!
Buying books when power walking a neighborhood garage sale….well….I guess I burned a few extra calories?
Yes ~ I bought a flute. No. I do not play. But maybe next week I will play the flute?
A cute bag to carry the flute home in AND to throw my camera in, too~
After an hour and a half……I decided I’d had enough of the experience~ Now on to water my flowers….and maybe drink outta the water hose. Yep, I like living on the edge ~
Have a great weekend, people! And be nice to each other, you never know what they might be going through ♥
I realize that today is NOT May 3rd, but I figure, it’s my blog, I can be a day late! 😉 I’m just feeling the need to do a little reflecting. For those of you who are not from Oklahoma, on May 3rd, 1999, we had a gazillion deadly tornadoes zig-zag through our state on that day. If you were in the area or had loved ones in the area, you recall exactly where you were, am I right?
Our family was going through a transition period during that time. We had recently moved back from Texas, our house was still leased out to some folks we were in the process of evicting for non-payment, we were living in a dump while waiting for “the process”, my husband was changing careers, and I was sick. I had just come back from the doctor and was on the sofa watching television when it began south and west of us. Hubby was out with our boys, fishing. Then the weather break-in started. It was still in the afternoon. I called out to where the guys were and told them to be “heads-up” for storms. This was pretty common, so we would just make sure we were “aware”. I’m going to skip the details of the next few hours of happenings and take you to the moment we discovered a safe room would not be strong enough for this tornado. We were listening to Gary England on Channel 9, and he said, “Folks, you need to be underground for this one.” We didn’t HAVE underground. And we put TOTAL trust in Gary England. So we had to get creative. We jumped into the jeep with another family, seven of us in all, and started driving to the back of this eighty acre property. A new tin horn had recently been buried, and there was room for all of us. The pounding rain had hit, the winds so strong, it was difficult keeping the jeep on path, the hail began to pounce. We drove faster. Finally arriving. ~The guys handed the kids down into the ditch to crawl into the tin horn, we followed. The water was already present in the bottom of it. Our oldest child had on his brand new tennis shoes. He hesitated….I assured him we could get more shoes….”Just GO”! The tornado was so huge. In fact, we didn’t realize it was the tornado. It looked like a large cloud on the ground. The entire time underground, we kept thinking of our loved ones that were in its path. We started trying to call and give warning from “the hole”. It missed us by approximately 300 yards. Others were not so fortunate.
As soon as it passed, we piled back into the jeep and started behind it. The destruction and devastation we came upon we will never forget. And the smell, I wish I could explain that smell. A mix of rain and evergreen from the ripped up trees and natural gas. At some points, we didn’t even know where we were in our own stomping grounds, because the houses and churches were gone. Ponds were full of dead cows. Running trucks were lodged in trees. Standing houses were doused with mudcakes. This was one of the longest nights ever. We had to make certain that friends and family were okay. Dozens of phone calls from people we hadn’t talked to in years were wanting to hear the story first hand. Feeling helpless, but needing to help.
Nope, a May 3rd cannot pass without all of this, and more, going through my mind. And each time I hear of an area hit by a “twister”, I am reminded and I get that same feeling in my gut. First of hopelessness and devastation. Then of hope. And by the way, that dump we were renting, well….I guess it wasn’t so bad after all. We had a roof over our heads when many did not. I called and got renter’s insurance the next day….;)
Are you a people watcher? I am. I try to watch body language and “read” people’s eyes to see what’s in there. What do I see? Most folks are in a rush, some are in a panic, many read blank, but I see a lot of sadness. Deep sadness.
Eye contact is important. I was raised to look people in the eye. Being raised in a small town, it was just normal to greet each person you met. We raised our kids the same way. The eyes are the window to your soul, so to speak. And if you are lying to me, your eyes will tell me that, too! (This is also why I prefer doing business in person!)
So I have a challenge for you. The next time you go out to the grocery store or the post office or even for a walk around the block….try to make eye contact with every person you meet. Not very many folks do this anymore. If you are able to catch their eye, next say hello or nod and smile. You think this sounds simple? Well, try it and report back. Life can be full of surprises~ ♥
I am headed out now, and I am taking the challenge…Ya’ll have a great one & be nice to each other! ♥
Garage Sale season has already started. I have to say it is a favorite hobby of mine and my hubby’s, too. We get up early, jump in the truck ~ with our dollars in our pockets, we head out. When I see that first fluorescent sign….my heart gets giddy with anticipation. It’s early in the morning, we shop fast and we don’t buy “junk” that we do not need. The brain must process quickly, “Will I use this or repurpose this?”, “Is there someone I know that could really use this or would it be “junk” to them?”
We also have a little competition each time we garage sale ~ who will finds the best “bargain”. Here is what we do NOT do though. We do not go in and talk down to the garage sale “owner” about their merchandise. We also do not insult them with a ridiculous offer if the price is already reasonable. I have had this done to me. It just ticks me off and I refuse the offer OR the price goes up! 😉
Great sign!
If you are thinking about having a garage sale, please allow me to give you a few tips:
1. What do you need more than anything for your garage sale? Yep ~ customers! How do you get them to your location? GREAT SIGNAGE!! Fluorescent signs are the best. They can be the seen from a far distance. Don’t try to write a book on your sign! “Sale” and an “arrow” are all you need. If you are not on a busy corner, you will need multiple signs guiding the way to your sale. Simple arrows in the same fluorescent color as you original sign will not only get them there, it will make your customers HaPpY! If they cannot find you with ease, they will give up quickly. ALSO! Place your signs the evening before. It will save you some “rush time” the next morning, and it will give neighbors a heads up. (BUT….have someone double-check your signs the next day to be sure they are still there!)” Start EARLY!
Difficult to see and read from afar ~
2. I don’t think there is any need to pay for an ad these days, but some local newspapers still offer free garage sale ads. If yours does, do it!
3. Take advantage of social media! Post your sale on your Facebook, twitter, etc, AND on Craig’s List. Just be sure and remove the ad when you close the sale.
4. Check with your city to see if they require a garage sale permit. If they do, get it. It is not worth the citation, otherwise. Sometimes during a city-wide sale, they do not charge a fee.
5. Price your items. Some customers will not ask and you will lose the sale. Do not give your stuff away, but don’t over price, either. For instance, if you have an antique chair and you want $20 for it, then price it at $30. You will satisfy those garage salers that “always” ask for a lower price, and still get your price. If you have clothing, it is easier for your shoppers if you hang them. DO NOT just throw a tarp on the ground and make people dig through piles. If items are neat, they will sell. The last few hours of a sale, many people offer half price on remaining items. It’s okay to exclude certain items if you chose to do this. It is your sale, you make the rules! (This saves you from having to pack up so much.)
6. Unless this is a barn sale, be sure your sale area (garage, driveway, porch) is clean. If it is covered in bird poop or smells like cigarettes and cat urine, well….I wouldn’t shop there because I don’t want that in my house! If you are selling items that have been stored, clean them up the best you can. You will get more money for them…just for a little dusting!
7. Have plenty of change. It never fails someone may try to pull a large bill on you. I’ve had people hand me a “ben” for a $1.00 purchase. You can say no. I have. (politely) It is inconsiderate of them, plus it may be a counterfeit bill. Also, keep a minimum change “on your body”. I use a nail apron from home depot. Once you have collected quite a bit of cash, go inside and stash it. Don’t place it in a coin box on a table. Thieves are aware, so you must be, too.
8. If someone asks to go inside your house to try on clothes or use the restroom, say NO. (unless you know them very well!)
9. Greet each customer and interact with them. They will then WANT to buy something! Really, it works! Turn on your favorite music and make the atmosphere a fun one!
10. Don’t “hold” stuff for folks unless they PAY CASH first. And be sure you get their phone number. Sometimes people forget where they bought what!
11. Don’t have a lemonade stand. Who knows where those little hands have been! But DO have an ice chest of cold water or cokes. If it is hot, you will sell them all!
12. If you have lots of little things like fast food toys, bouncy balls, etc…..make up grab bags and sell them for $1.00 a bag. Also, for true “junk”…place in a free box. At least you won’t have to haul it off!
13. Have grocery bags and paper to wrap breakables in for your customers. And keep you hangers if you want them.
14. It is best if you do not have your garage sale by yourself. There is safety in numbers, so have it with a friend, spouse or neighbor.
Most of all…..have FUN with it and make some money!!! We have always done extremely well in our garage sales, sometimes not even having any big price items to sell, following the above guidelines.
I know, this is lengthy, but I must tell you one little story. The boys had a garage sale when we lived in Joplin, MO. We had a box of misc stuff from a previous sale, so on one particular “weird” knick-knack, I made a little tag that said, “Please buy me. This is my third garage sale and I am feeling neglected.” An older guy walked up with a grin on his face. He said, “I don’t even want this, I’m just buying it because of what it says.” Again, have some fun. Garage sales are hard work, but you get to meet some great folks, clean out unwanted items, AND make money……let me know how it goes if you have one! Also, if you have any tips that I have missed, please share in our comments!
Better if it were fluorescent ~
stuff i tell my sister 