Pressing On

We have this beautiful vine crawling up one of the trees in front of our house. I love the contrast of the green color against the brownish gray bark. Maybe it's because I am still in awe of all the greenery around here but I find it appealing to see that vine grow up out of a small sprout in the ground and latch on to the base of that tree. It looks to be healthy and thriving!  Because we are nestled into the woods, we have all kinds of trees, shrubs, plants and weeds growing like crazy. Jim met with a landscaper to talk about what needed to be trimmed back and pruned to clean things up a bit. One of the first things this guy pointed to was the beautiful vine.  Jim said "oh, no, leave that, my wife really likes it" he came back with " that's fine, but you do realize  it's  poison ivy so be careful you don't brush up against it" he then showed Jim the difference and pointed out all of the poison ivy we have in our yard that is growing wild. I never k

Growing up we lived in a development on the top of a hill. The road on the way up had a large dip that we enjoyed as little kids. Seat belts were not required "way back then" so if my dad hit it just right, my sister and I would come up out of our seats, squealing as we got air and then come down just before the tops of our heads hit the plush lining of the roof top. On those late nights home from Grandmas or my Aunt and Uncles house on Christmas Eve, if I dosed off, I'd wake to coming out of my seat and know that we were close to home. The big dip was exciting and fun.  The County Fair was an annual family event we loved to go to. I have great memories of those times. Especially, this one in particular, my dad bought both my sister and I chameleons , little cute lizards that change colors and patterns to conform into the image of the environment around them. I understand it as a way of blending in. We received with purchase of our lizards, a baby leash and safety pin to

A few things happened this week that made me think of leadership and the role of a leader. It’s been said that in order for there to be a leader there must be a follower. I follow many people on Facebook and Instagram but I’ve also had to hide or unfollow those that are taking me somewhere I don’t want to go or know I shouldn’t go. I don’t want to be lead to inappropriate videos, photos or vulgar posts. So I don’t follow those people anymore. They are no longer leading me. I took an exercise course last week where the instructor as she was demonstrating the proper form of exercise said “DO NOT, NOT, NOT do this exercise while standing on your bench” , as she was standing on her bench, she continued saying… “I’m standing on my bench because..” to which, I tuned her out. For me, it didn’t matter why she was standing on her bench. She had just instructed us to NOT, NOT, NOT. I couldn’t help but think that the best way to lead is by example. The old “do as I say, not as I do” came t

I am craving for things to feel normal again. When I think of that word normal, meaning usual, I realize things most likely won't be normal again. At least not the old normal.  Things changed and a lot (practically everything)  looks different from a year ago. That doesn't mean I won't find a new kind of normal. So, that is what I am currently seeking. My new normal. I am usually one to easily switch gears, I can go with the flow and not get my panties in a wad if the plan for my day changes. Especially, if it involves people and coffee. Like if I have a list of chores and then get a phone call from a girlfriend who wants to meet for coffee. I can so easily switch to coffee with a girlfriend gear. But, I have come to realize that my temperament, needs structure. Otherwise, I get distracted, lose focus on the task at hand and can waste the day away. And we can keep that little morsel of information to ourselves. Oh whatever, it's not like it's a secret. I'm easil