tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45666100651095942024-03-18T21:17:19.608-07:00Lois Lynn: Living, Laughing, and LearningLois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-52144812527884885552019-08-21T21:41:00.002-07:002019-08-21T21:41:41.990-07:00IMPORTANT BLOG SUBSCRIBER UPDATE<span style="font-size: large;">This was my first blog and I am so grateful you chose to follow me and read what I shared.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am in the process of merging these posts into my current blog where I've been writing. I would love to have you continue with us along the journey.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please find us at:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://thatresonates.blogspot.com/">https://thatresonates.blogspot.com/</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Enter your email address in the "Follow by Email" box located in the top right corner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. You will receive an email notification immediately - click confirm and that's it!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't panic when you see the words about receiving an email daily - you will only get an email on days I have a new post.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope to see you at That Resonates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, this one might get really weird looking as I try to maneuver things and merge the two.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lois</span>Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-16833062399661384142016-08-08T17:19:00.000-07:002019-09-15T21:51:55.678-07:00Lessons Learned<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">32 days ago an innocent post crossed my Facebook timeline...30
Day Blog Your Brand Challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been at the fork in the road of closing my business
or renewing the lease, 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See, here are my wise aha moments:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6v45ah_9IXLgbgGXkKU0Qdz1JNTPDZewUP463w1Y7nsmjynq3Yw_9IR6NZrJdpKC2sQJ6hmPgwyeHwfLpxeexlhVUEX6XVwp8mDRKZ7cpcZiw6vxVTLWsL2p6gMG9WEfimV7JD-mYXc/s1600/keep-calm-it-s-only-30-days-left.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6v45ah_9IXLgbgGXkKU0Qdz1JNTPDZewUP463w1Y7nsmjynq3Yw_9IR6NZrJdpKC2sQJ6hmPgwyeHwfLpxeexlhVUEX6XVwp8mDRKZ7cpcZiw6vxVTLWsL2p6gMG9WEfimV7JD-mYXc/s320/keep-calm-it-s-only-30-days-left.png" width="256" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. I have a short attention span. Even writing, I lost
myself at about 200 words but the goal was 300.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. I have too much time on my hands - I now have about a
dozen new blogs to follow regularly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. It does work to sit down and write when you think you
have nothing to say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 midnight's deadline...9
pm is the beginning of the creative time for us west coasters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. I CAN do what I set my mind to do, I had only forgotten that I could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Yes, I would do this again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. You should join me.</span></div>
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Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-47805925715379815782016-08-07T14:54:00.002-07:002019-09-15T21:52:12.085-07:00Inside or Outside the Box?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25IGbE2z9-eCulM_Z8eAhVoPJx7jnru0M8EoEJ6sqZ3Fdn1ipS2MfTttQ0GoRCQERI1tgneEOmXWWUvDVmxQWmZQAtmeJ2_ZSTVu-c61Z9ajMnsgjWEODCnlEnQvY1_VjLlu5J_1Dois/s1600/15646186494_501f0e6db1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25IGbE2z9-eCulM_Z8eAhVoPJx7jnru0M8EoEJ6sqZ3Fdn1ipS2MfTttQ0GoRCQERI1tgneEOmXWWUvDVmxQWmZQAtmeJ2_ZSTVu-c61Z9ajMnsgjWEODCnlEnQvY1_VjLlu5J_1Dois/s400/15646186494_501f0e6db1_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am at my best when I am working from home, 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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 truly 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is the office your comfort zone or do you need to be
released?</span></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-57361336241390456452016-08-06T19:16:00.002-07:002019-09-15T21:52:26.553-07:00Anticipating Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwQA2qblKXTNO-OGNxG9QjGMY0iR7r2VaPxsC8uE0A-ySdCovc43HfixdPSDbi1MCMNwdn9peF0uKcv2mTDQ5Y2jLv2WMwJUftBl1Kh6Z6YMqyUJvzYrhPTI_A1qUMWHd6eRP_OjcLMs/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwQA2qblKXTNO-OGNxG9QjGMY0iR7r2VaPxsC8uE0A-ySdCovc43HfixdPSDbi1MCMNwdn9peF0uKcv2mTDQ5Y2jLv2WMwJUftBl1Kh6Z6YMqyUJvzYrhPTI_A1qUMWHd6eRP_OjcLMs/s400/DSC_0446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 6 times per
year...in the fall and maybe winter. So my mugs are organized and I am ready
for fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 favored
season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 the same expectation. Crowds and all, it was a
peaceful experience of the older generation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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?</span></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-60422124523101254352016-08-05T15:10:00.002-07:002019-09-15T21:52:53.355-07:00On Target<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uVjd4mR3vT9K3qAzSPVOKvY3FWF3CnLFByJUjidMfh5-9Z-J_zjqXGf64hvBBERK3xWaMzo-6MdmjPAXmaLMHV8Q8JaRC2bAweOk27tGSrMLtptW-ahjyrIve32eIL5hEIK1PnMpmx4/s1600/2012-07-299514.18.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uVjd4mR3vT9K3qAzSPVOKvY3FWF3CnLFByJUjidMfh5-9Z-J_zjqXGf64hvBBERK3xWaMzo-6MdmjPAXmaLMHV8Q8JaRC2bAweOk27tGSrMLtptW-ahjyrIve32eIL5hEIK1PnMpmx4/s320/2012-07-299514.18.39.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The same can be said for target shooting on the range,
whether with 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 but 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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?</span></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-39015354489230957912016-08-04T08:54:00.002-07:002019-09-15T21:59:50.977-07:00The Good, The Bad and The Ugly<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "futura lt bt" , sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "futura lt bt" , sans-serif;">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 little 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8cvYh9G1j5zcGexPBbhNOFN-yFwfqJPCus8sQdeIfT7C0VJBn9AQ2Vw_cO1SKUPg72KlICzG-EYgc1aFRjJlJAy4HdXMryt6-b2q1O4zCbLlEGogKU7Dd_1J-iK2t5lhrFerM7_DV3I/s1600/10636712_10204720256396872_7056466215866681165_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8cvYh9G1j5zcGexPBbhNOFN-yFwfqJPCus8sQdeIfT7C0VJBn9AQ2Vw_cO1SKUPg72KlICzG-EYgc1aFRjJlJAy4HdXMryt6-b2q1O4zCbLlEGogKU7Dd_1J-iK2t5lhrFerM7_DV3I/s320/10636712_10204720256396872_7056466215866681165_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "futura lt bt" , sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "futura lt bt" , sans-serif;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-54622650574927027092016-08-03T15:13:00.002-07:002019-09-16T17:56:03.200-07:00Time Out<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is on top of about 8 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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
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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
Check these guys out here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nuV9JmwB1g" target="_blank">The Barn Door Slammers</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nuV9JmwB1g" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.cdbaby.name/t/h/thebarndoorslammers.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-87134615787270026492016-08-02T16:44:00.002-07:002019-08-02T20:41:25.307-07:00Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7WYzBjkgqauLxwEpLL1PqbLE0feimE5pA_xoHjcijd99vlRfv71wcmAfQHb5AmGnEkVxVa8yJYC64CHao47FgGMkwRUY8JQilk5kvkfFtyRmynxW_cqDUWOLmSYjv05GTNSHWv5gXE8/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7WYzBjkgqauLxwEpLL1PqbLE0feimE5pA_xoHjcijd99vlRfv71wcmAfQHb5AmGnEkVxVa8yJYC64CHao47FgGMkwRUY8JQilk5kvkfFtyRmynxW_cqDUWOLmSYjv05GTNSHWv5gXE8/s400/DSC_0199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 there were wonderful things. But, the ones I recall in
conversation came 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's a link to one of my favorite stops we stumbled onto in Dover, Ohio.
Definitely take a look...this was amazing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10049</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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?</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-34211340996715035062016-08-01T17:58:00.003-07:002019-08-11T21:41:28.863-07:00Procrastination Anyone?<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a new thing to me and I still can't quite decide if
I embrace it or if it sets me into a panic. I was always the planner, the one
with a checklist and 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk5igVg9QhoKiUK6i18uN1-qbopoL5AxCEDTCsu3RK3rrCBkcblNsNW3aFMrS-cpKF2j6Wdb0RDLrecnGnuH-TGxPdUJ9orVsCjHoV_GzJtC2t7_r7FJFqommwm5H81TEtIxAJSnDDWg/s1600/6187679089_25b61bf238_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk5igVg9QhoKiUK6i18uN1-qbopoL5AxCEDTCsu3RK3rrCBkcblNsNW3aFMrS-cpKF2j6Wdb0RDLrecnGnuH-TGxPdUJ9orVsCjHoV_GzJtC2t7_r7FJFqommwm5H81TEtIxAJSnDDWg/s320/6187679089_25b61bf238_b.jpg" width="246" /></a>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....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 8th-grade math teacher had these great buttons printed
with the word "tuit" printed on it 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talk to me folks...let me hear what side you're on and what
your stories are.</div>
<br />Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-28556903027628725242016-07-31T17:21:00.002-07:002019-08-11T21:42:12.714-07:00Fitness Decisions<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PUqyFDfiplBCyGoq53uO5DgBrJgOxgN2GSGdnG8oHh_WEkf0jKSSkyCYl8dkwTTTOvpg9x9FufzIhmVwvs1-lxkDiiYUXIAm1RJteaCrRkLMjVYNBKBDsJJQxb2eernZQhcGHBX3oU0/s1600/20160731_171538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PUqyFDfiplBCyGoq53uO5DgBrJgOxgN2GSGdnG8oHh_WEkf0jKSSkyCYl8dkwTTTOvpg9x9FufzIhmVwvs1-lxkDiiYUXIAm1RJteaCrRkLMjVYNBKBDsJJQxb2eernZQhcGHBX3oU0/s320/20160731_171538.jpg" width="320" /></a>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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there's the best value...2 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 2 weeks
now! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Challenge on? I'm in...right after I decide which shoes to
keep.</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-57943724131247631552016-07-30T19:28:00.000-07:002016-07-30T19:28:16.403-07:00Lowered Expectations<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3C5R6gn4v5ync7z1eT-Uul7mQhny6XJR-7Vnjgbqs2A5DTngVzkbRlt46Wz1feDS1xqNhyHVki9VUS9LUOwMADLakUXao8STDXwDu4_xoc_i0a2-Dy_RZUfq7yQ0SFzHaQp5AyuPrhA/s1600/DSC_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3C5R6gn4v5ync7z1eT-Uul7mQhny6XJR-7Vnjgbqs2A5DTngVzkbRlt46Wz1feDS1xqNhyHVki9VUS9LUOwMADLakUXao8STDXwDu4_xoc_i0a2-Dy_RZUfq7yQ0SFzHaQp5AyuPrhA/s320/DSC_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a>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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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
purchasing them was a battle to be served and noticed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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?"<br />
<br />
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
It's time to expect service again...after all, we are the
customers! </div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-986874076795310232016-07-29T15:43:00.001-07:002016-07-29T15:43:26.398-07:00Housepaint: An Indecisive Creative's Nightmare<div class="MsoNormal">
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 have 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJVWAOAIXvkpLXovhU5Ft4xq1PLKuDmyIFkwp8dsefCKwcHv1r06BAU91jH7eAgPSMhK3du5xJLi2Milyn34MJ8ERBnAVPZL7e5xqz2ARCH06T_pA27OEbBCU-3nmBKTF08RRdJwmesk/s1600/20160729_153815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJVWAOAIXvkpLXovhU5Ft4xq1PLKuDmyIFkwp8dsefCKwcHv1r06BAU91jH7eAgPSMhK3du5xJLi2Milyn34MJ8ERBnAVPZL7e5xqz2ARCH06T_pA27OEbBCU-3nmBKTF08RRdJwmesk/s400/20160729_153815.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly we are surrounded with 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are your tips for finding the right color? Don't even
get me started on brand comparison!</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-89632924208766523582016-07-28T16:51:00.001-07:002016-07-28T16:51:47.458-07:00From Pits to Pinnacles<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9cNFq4lmYBvmxUGAdWxvAmT1fB9LZkzXbUX1soEDqdBim5tGGm-i6a20OVVPXEphmmTk9dwquzpcOjli5H-RYKb5BPcV4GYyerxDDqF6tEtYNZxm1dBzXWp0BNzX2RHoHnzEGvTZY4w/s1600/DSC_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9cNFq4lmYBvmxUGAdWxvAmT1fB9LZkzXbUX1soEDqdBim5tGGm-i6a20OVVPXEphmmTk9dwquzpcOjli5H-RYKb5BPcV4GYyerxDDqF6tEtYNZxm1dBzXWp0BNzX2RHoHnzEGvTZY4w/s320/DSC_1167.JPG" width="320" /></a>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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Don't miss out on the pinnacles, do what you have to in
order to climb out of the pits.</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-49435482663752741512016-07-27T18:09:00.002-07:002016-07-27T18:09:25.559-07:00Unconditional Pet Love<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoBkzAHV-NwfCR3BO-ycM3HlWk29eMRvMAF0KA2f8pTjZjeC156H_-6jIYPy9zdSizItxOrAYq5inCZqd2N2uFYJerEiW9v-J8aau3dYokBKh3UPY-4SgxKaOuVP7RGttA8rFDlTc9-A/s1600/12363037_10206442283873272_4838097366280485808_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoBkzAHV-NwfCR3BO-ycM3HlWk29eMRvMAF0KA2f8pTjZjeC156H_-6jIYPy9zdSizItxOrAYq5inCZqd2N2uFYJerEiW9v-J8aau3dYokBKh3UPY-4SgxKaOuVP7RGttA8rFDlTc9-A/s200/12363037_10206442283873272_4838097366280485808_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie in a favorite place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 and 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?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Face it, they adore us and what's not to adore? Obviously
they have fantastic judgment and have deemed us as royalty. After all, they
follow us around, sit at our feet, gaze adoringly into our eyes and if you're lucky
like we are...innumerable kisses and hugs until the worries of life are only
fleeting thoughts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go hug your little fur-child because we don't get to keep
them forever.</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-85758890390923042712016-07-26T16:09:00.002-07:002016-07-26T16:09:15.452-07:00FIRE and RESCUE<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWKeEkplAI0J_ZGKfz02ATnXWMehsR3hXvF4PXYm9lpSiKgxoFFwFphwV5VlQx2CDwA8WweRiLXHIN3Otc_sZN7MMleG1nvQ1uXsWsnrn68HRk06iw1GtXT0sAF8VK2k5JPV6ExO0gHg/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWKeEkplAI0J_ZGKfz02ATnXWMehsR3hXvF4PXYm9lpSiKgxoFFwFphwV5VlQx2CDwA8WweRiLXHIN3Otc_sZN7MMleG1nvQ1uXsWsnrn68HRk06iw1GtXT0sAF8VK2k5JPV6ExO0gHg/s320/DSC_0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad worked in another state, but I wanted to use<br />one of my own photos I took. Thank you Portland Fire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 there. 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. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 and 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, I was a fireman's kid...and proud of it.</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-42764927847351162142016-07-25T13:33:00.000-07:002016-07-25T13:33:36.185-07:00Memory Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfUR7nLT-XUKgPJQ1e2Qt35SjAjYPRzOU4V4NQ_ZCxSmHfyly734w09EztbMj3l94ajVsD7b1H_oafcjppqBs9f9veM-YS-WwuHLjpqGmLw0CDaJVKWaApATainyIHRuEP5EK7Cratag/s1600/8351363225_21d4748b28_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfUR7nLT-XUKgPJQ1e2Qt35SjAjYPRzOU4V4NQ_ZCxSmHfyly734w09EztbMj3l94ajVsD7b1H_oafcjppqBs9f9veM-YS-WwuHLjpqGmLw0CDaJVKWaApATainyIHRuEP5EK7Cratag/s320/8351363225_21d4748b28_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 storage. 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.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were boxes of
the usual mementos like photos, cards, letters, baby toys, Hot Wheels, Dukes of
Hazzard model of the General Lee still sealed, etc. but the memorabilia I
treasure most was finding my old creative writing collection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about you? Do
you remember your inner child?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-28426186678547156972016-07-24T14:09:00.002-07:002016-07-24T14:09:38.200-07:00Rise up<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">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 attitude. Rather than use my
words though, I'd rather honor Andra and let you listen to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kNKu1uNBVkU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNKu1uNBVkU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You're broken down and tired<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Of living life on a
merry-go-round<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And you can't find the
fighter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But I see it in you so we
gonna walk it out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And move mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We gonna walk it out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And move mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise like the day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise unafraid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll do it a thousand
times again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">High like the waves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In spite of the ache<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll do it a thousand
times again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For you [4x]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When the silence isn't quiet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And it feels like it's
getting hard to breathe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I know you feel like
dying<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But I promise we'll take the
world to it's feet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And move mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bring it to it's feet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And move mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise like the day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise unafraid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll do it a thousand
times again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For you [4x]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">All we need, all we need is
hope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And for that we have each
other<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And for that we have each
other<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We will rise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We will rise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We'll rise, oh oh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We'll rise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Rise like the day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In spite of the ache<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I will rise a thousand times
again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And we'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">High like the waves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In spite of the ache<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We'll rise up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And we'll do it a thousand
times again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For you oh oh oh oh oh [3x]</span></div>
<br />Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-67863002529631754052016-07-23T20:14:00.002-07:002016-07-23T20:14:59.110-07:00Estate Memories<div class="MsoNormal">
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 that an entire life has come to
strangers walking through their house, buying partial boxes of spices for a
quarter each. A few of these 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10THCAy1NMzrfOnudWihlZvs7jTxZ_qt2H730Oo5Cw7kSO7eQWblY7Fcf9nzT3s4hxkuM828VDJCCCq4Epb9KjNY0RfEQKQ0qmyQwxMMjqggoTuPx_9vyFlShRvU1JguZxf8bVDltZY4/s1600/20160723_200832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10THCAy1NMzrfOnudWihlZvs7jTxZ_qt2H730Oo5Cw7kSO7eQWblY7Fcf9nzT3s4hxkuM828VDJCCCq4Epb9KjNY0RfEQKQ0qmyQwxMMjqggoTuPx_9vyFlShRvU1JguZxf8bVDltZY4/s200/20160723_200832.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know what it is, but it has a cool<br />groove in it that will make a great<br />place for file folders on my desk.<br />The other side has a great big<br />wood burl knot in it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-20534315467794161082016-07-22T19:26:00.003-07:002016-07-22T19:26:53.660-07:00The Silence in the Roar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbNKL3JFNR8eEiMQg64q-ENZRgs7h3z7jYE6YJjS8x7aGn6lptCOxAZ9u8l0lTTYYzvKyZKRHE_BklKccftnp6JQPs_GqGGMcGpR-nPQxDyr9EOvBiLndMYvL9TZNZMCyJlK89alDQ3w/s1600/12080342_10207896549202207_666370895368154825_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbNKL3JFNR8eEiMQg64q-ENZRgs7h3z7jYE6YJjS8x7aGn6lptCOxAZ9u8l0lTTYYzvKyZKRHE_BklKccftnp6JQPs_GqGGMcGpR-nPQxDyr9EOvBiLndMYvL9TZNZMCyJlK89alDQ3w/s400/12080342_10207896549202207_666370895368154825_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 for me to come
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 find myself wondering 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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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 along with 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. </div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-92146000146938007532016-07-21T18:41:00.000-07:002016-07-21T18:41:24.243-07:00To Kill a Dream?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IL2y5WQ6gMOVmF5hj36hpcvnsuQrsneqC8vYqYiYgrGnTh9VE6Lvd-SbBM_2tLEqi0VnSKNmcMTpc0GD9LEFkkmKk6TGW31r2G1vJTD6j-ZmwefpM1apKDr0fciebiY1Fih52KMRok4/s1600/RED+TENNIES+LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IL2y5WQ6gMOVmF5hj36hpcvnsuQrsneqC8vYqYiYgrGnTh9VE6Lvd-SbBM_2tLEqi0VnSKNmcMTpc0GD9LEFkkmKk6TGW31r2G1vJTD6j-ZmwefpM1apKDr0fciebiY1Fih52KMRok4/s200/RED+TENNIES+LOGO.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background: white; color: red;">The Delay, Then The Leap of Faith: aka "Okay,
Okay...I'll Do It"</span></strong><span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white;">Did you catch the date back in that previous post?
2011. Yes, it did indeed take me 3 years and 3 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 that 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 things like:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>Action Trumps Everything</u>, dig
ditches and see how God will fill them up, "Do Something" and
countless other examples telling me to just take one step.</span><span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.5pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><strong><span style="background: white; color: red;">The Hope, The Vision: aka "God, Do Your
Thing"</span></strong><span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white;">The doors are open. The supplies are waiting.
God, this is your place - bring the people whose lives you want to touch. Show
me who to love and encourage. To quote a Chris Tomlin song that taunted me
during those 3 years of waiting...<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Where you go, I'll go</span></em><i><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Where you stay, I'll
stay</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">When you move, I'll move</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">I will follow you</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Who you love, I'll love</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">How you serve, I'll
serve</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">If this life I lose, I will
follow you.</span></em></i><br />
<br />
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 <strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">DO
SOMETHING!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Have
you ever had a dream that didn't yield results you could clearly point to? How
did you know when to say good-bye to the dream or to work harder?</span></strong><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-16912591881517932312016-07-20T16:19:00.001-07:002016-07-20T16:19:56.840-07:00Decisions, Decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5Uu4CZdaKYiARU7ygD-iUdxN9QlWGt-CVaMA8S3-l3HMrhX9Vq0FgEysKwolicAgEvUPlQD1R2zHGTfO3aXgqnwg7w7cIntt89WJ_KrfbQCcMa-lk_8YSaEa6nCi4-i8U3z0Azfx79s/s1600/260353617_163628b0af_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5Uu4CZdaKYiARU7ygD-iUdxN9QlWGt-CVaMA8S3-l3HMrhX9Vq0FgEysKwolicAgEvUPlQD1R2zHGTfO3aXgqnwg7w7cIntt89WJ_KrfbQCcMa-lk_8YSaEa6nCi4-i8U3z0Azfx79s/s400/260353617_163628b0af_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, here's a bit about how this came to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background: white; color: red;">The Beginning Concept: aka "You Want Me To Do
What?"</span></strong><span style="color: #606060;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white;">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 <strong>AM </strong>creative.
I want to do something to help people and it's going to be about art. Nevermind
that I'm not a trained artist, I simply enjoy being creative and am wired to
think along creative lines.<br />
<br />
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 that 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.<br />
<br />
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 - 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.</span><span style="color: #606060;"><br />
</span></span></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-23759994777700510012016-07-19T15:42:00.002-07:002016-07-19T15:42:49.597-07:00Illogical Fear<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfCZ-qju90qIOEPN2CSCUJ84FRwzPKkhA_65dzcuEqt05S_XCxNOW7QNDYp2VsKeEt2DrJX-weY_5DUfV30tgZwb4YlHe5mPk0ad3C5WTBj0WUe1UbZsmA_f0OZzQxTbK2iDnxvuUl2k/s1600/10465442_10204450564534744_2801614594078939264_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfCZ-qju90qIOEPN2CSCUJ84FRwzPKkhA_65dzcuEqt05S_XCxNOW7QNDYp2VsKeEt2DrJX-weY_5DUfV30tgZwb4YlHe5mPk0ad3C5WTBj0WUe1UbZsmA_f0OZzQxTbK2iDnxvuUl2k/s200/10465442_10204450564534744_2801614594078939264_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">July 19, 2001 - our first little dog died suddenly.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">July 19, 2013 - our second little dog died
suddenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nHtyR2E5hwwB1itbtwWc4L5MESvkw1Tn9MKLththEK6fxjRDMuPMBiuaUHbBvGYTR_M4ub25s-OIxSddacii81gixO4QttKoDWREoG28snsaoGGgZPh4RuQGWHC0VMe42TWF-WGIDYw/s1600/DSC_0062+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nHtyR2E5hwwB1itbtwWc4L5MESvkw1Tn9MKLththEK6fxjRDMuPMBiuaUHbBvGYTR_M4ub25s-OIxSddacii81gixO4QttKoDWREoG28snsaoGGgZPh4RuQGWHC0VMe42TWF-WGIDYw/s200/DSC_0062+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWDz6vQX9p05hYRi6YvKFqwmkmxEmwy4s8kgZR1297AAu1nURo0P9saflgglmWe0zkFiDgf6hiXw3Odwu6M44ber-ympj5Lyr9OdBGbYpMZGkbBMD0LUGuXUYQeQpgUGMeb2LuV_WDCE/s1600/20141022_170803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWDz6vQX9p05hYRi6YvKFqwmkmxEmwy4s8kgZR1297AAu1nURo0P9saflgglmWe0zkFiDgf6hiXw3Odwu6M44ber-ympj5Lyr9OdBGbYpMZGkbBMD0LUGuXUYQeQpgUGMeb2LuV_WDCE/s200/20141022_170803.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">July 19, 2015 - a repeat of 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">July 19, 2015 - I must admit it is
"deathwatch" again, but perhaps a little less concerned.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">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 as
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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, today we keep poking our little dog when he tries to sleep. No
car rides, no walks - no risk allowed today to increase the odds of losing him.
Why? Because logical or not, fear is emotionally based and emotions are real.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-11172957638046824882016-07-18T18:08:00.001-07:002016-07-18T18:08:42.762-07:00Empty Head Syndrome<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 that
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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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?</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMwmgQOVru7WbhI4jKSHQ6liEEDJ8su826OEltHHxsjlwXJHH5O56Lp_LVpALgjJcIIY-5DkiWszMmZ6U6x-FPLFGhybt2AV6NjJVDm6C4H39SWjQQHzN8z8Qd618oeE5qGR54DlbYYU/s1600/8442012362_13d8427d33_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMwmgQOVru7WbhI4jKSHQ6liEEDJ8su826OEltHHxsjlwXJHH5O56Lp_LVpALgjJcIIY-5DkiWszMmZ6U6x-FPLFGhybt2AV6NjJVDm6C4H39SWjQQHzN8z8Qd618oeE5qGR54DlbYYU/s200/8442012362_13d8427d33_z.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-31136609943319125262016-07-17T20:14:00.001-07:002016-07-17T20:14:56.791-07:00Weathering the Storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqmnWjInArtqrDeYvNRFZzrWoPUUQAa06239wTZeOwqyPuHbLBZNRMNtEbN-vIRkc4QzXNyDIZ6N0umDsKmBPVJtICPKOvL341VibKTYvCpUL46_WPGu_O0wnofu8v-lidisPm_GkUw8/s1600/DSC_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqmnWjInArtqrDeYvNRFZzrWoPUUQAa06239wTZeOwqyPuHbLBZNRMNtEbN-vIRkc4QzXNyDIZ6N0umDsKmBPVJtICPKOvL341VibKTYvCpUL46_WPGu_O0wnofu8v-lidisPm_GkUw8/s400/DSC_1107.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 any of 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 while for others it is a rhetorical question stemming from
discouragement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566610065109594.post-83651263953886318782016-07-16T18:19:00.003-07:002016-07-16T18:19:53.396-07:00Growth Requirements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jVwIZFMuMnD6CjA6Vfz5aEB_xEEz4dQOCTLbwG8zLkGA6ZW47uX-JUfr10QvjGOzFH8qw-ErNmPC-OeZk9v-4C2ZSv8QQ4VPOq6DNiBRwbzadCfBvPqTu4m_F57N6FJkz0VcRQQQKT4/s1600/Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jVwIZFMuMnD6CjA6Vfz5aEB_xEEz4dQOCTLbwG8zLkGA6ZW47uX-JUfr10QvjGOzFH8qw-ErNmPC-OeZk9v-4C2ZSv8QQ4VPOq6DNiBRwbzadCfBvPqTu4m_F57N6FJkz0VcRQQQKT4/s400/Grass.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Nourishing Dewdrops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. My hope is that 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 just a moment
to reflect on what you need to nourish that growth in you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For
me, 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 have noted
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?</span></div>
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<br />Lois Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12325239020072738347noreply@blogger.com0