If The Old Walls Could Talk

I am often reminded of an old quote when I think of my childhood home: "A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love an dreams". Ah, the memories are flowing as I think of home especially at Christmas time. If the old walls could talk what would they say?

It would tell you about a family of ten who found their home a safe haven- a place to call home and share their daily experiences. It would talk about that never-ending dining room table that comfortably seated 12 people. They would picture through words a mother's endless love for her family. She made the simplest dishes a gourmet delight.

When I was small families made their own decorations for the tree. Paper chain, strands of popcorn and cranberries graced the tree. The one thing modern we had were white electric candles my mother placed in each window. She saved her Green stamps and she got them each year until she had enough for each window, The house looked so special.

Two days before Christmas each child was given a brown paper grocery bag and some crayons. We sat at that big long table and drew elaborate Christmas designs on them and signed them. Christmas Eve night eight chairs were lined up according to age knowing we would have an apple, an orange, a candy cane. and a handful of nuts in the bag. On the chair would be one special Santa Gift. We had our tree gifts on Christmas Eve so that we would have Christmas morning for Santa. Each person earned money to buy a present for one another. My five brothers sold mistletoe and the three girls did chores for the neighbors like sweeping and doing dishes. We also made gifts in school for our parents.

My father was a carpenter. We thought that was special because Jesus was a carpenter. He made our toys. He made our crib that we all took turns sleeping in. Doll cradles, doll houses, wheel barrels, and wooden scooters were a delight at Christmas. He carved the needle that knitted the net which caught the fish and shrimp for Christmas Eve dinner.

My Mother stayed at home keeping busy with all of us. Keeping house, washing clothes, and always busy doing Mother things. She started two days before Christmas making fruitcakes, pies and a special Christmas coconut cake. The old walls would talk about the wonderful smells of food cooking.
They would talk about a mother who shared music, art, education, love, and laughter. They would talk about those big beautiful laughing brown eyes of mother Katie.

It has a familiar ring to it. The Walton's you say. No, it was the Edwards family sharing their bountiful and happy times at Christmas.

My Brand-Old Sayings part II

In the past I have talked about my reason behind using old sayings on social media. The reason is they are colorful expressions. They are two the point and say so much in such a few words. I find them amusing and they just make a fit with my twitter name, GrandmaOnDeck. It is my brand. I want to spread smiles and wisdom through these old sayings. I have heard them from my parents and grandparents. Many of them I wasn't sure what they meant. As I grew older I began to learn their meanings. In my first Old Saying Blog I had several old sayings interpretations.

In Part II these are  few continuations:
19. My mother taught me ESP
      "Put your sweater on. Don't you know it is cold outside.
20. My Mother taught me Humor.
      " When that lawnmower cuts off your toes don't come running to me.
21. My Mother taught me How To Become An Adult.
      " If you don't eat your vegetables you will never grow up".
22. My mother taught me Genetics.
      " You are just like your father"
23. My mother taught me about my Roots.
      "Shut the door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?
24. My mother taught me Wisdom
      " When you get to be my age you will understand.
25. My mother taught me justice.
      " One day you will have kids, and I hope they will turn out just like you.
My collection of old sayings are handwritten in 5 composition books. I will continue to collect and quote them. They are my Brand for GrandmaOnDeck
    

Share Christmas Season With A Senior

Christmas is a happy time to share good tidings and happiness. And, I am reminded that there are Seniors home alone that don't get out much. How can we reach them? Is is a family member or one of your neighbors in this situation? How do you reach the Isolated Seniors.

First thing that came to mind, is send them a Christmas card to let them know you care. You don't have to put yourself in senior shoes to appreciate hand written cards. It is a great feeling. Let your children make cards and delivered them to a senior facility. If at all possible let them meet some of the seniors they made cards for.

Stuff Christmas stockings for seniors . This too can be a great lesson to teach kids the gift of giving. At church or school collect items for the stockings the kids put in each stocking. Let adults collect the names and place a name on each stocking.

Take a senior to see Christmas lights. It is likely most of the seniors do not drive at night and it would be a wonderful event for them. Perhaps take a senior to hear the Christmas music and pageants at your church. Music has no language barrier.

It is also nice to invite them to coffee or tea. Letting them share your hospitality and your baking. It is sure to bring back memories of their youth
at Christmas time. If they can't come take it to them.

Create a music group to entertain seniors at Senior Centers or facilities. Also a touring dance group. Maybe a clown group to brighten their day.

What a diffrence it would make if " Each One Reached One" Don.t Isolate Our Seniors

Why I Do Social Media

It never occurred to me that my social media activity would create a little stir when filling out doctors information sheets or any other necessary papers with my personal information. "Well now, Mrs. Wilson do you have a cell phone? Do you have an email address?" Looking at my head of white hair and saying surprisingly: "You do"! Who would ever guess that I would be on Twitter, Face book, PinIntrest, Blogger, Linkedin, Bufferapp. And, oh yes, don't let me forget my little shop on ETSY.

Why do I participate in the social media at the age of 80? Let me tell you why.

It keeps me from being isolated from the rest of the world. I spend a lot of my time at home. Being retired and not out in the business world helps to age a person quickly. I totally dislike the expression "couch potato". Their is an old saying :"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is an option"

Exercising the brain is just as important as exercising your body.Social media is helping me keep up with new technologies. It gives the needed message therapy for the brain. It is a place where I can use my own pace to particpate with out punching a time clock. I. can choose my subjects and be as devirsed I want to be.

It is a great experience to find so many like minded people. Many are willing to share tips. hints, motivation, inspiration and the beat goes on. It is a time to learn without the distractions of a rushing, swirling world...a world trying to find what to do with the time they worked so hard to save.

Social Media has been a Twitter 101 for me. Not only have I learned the technical terms, I have learned many other subjects. What are they? Social Media Etiquette is one. Marketing is a great topic and I found my own branding by using my vintage age with old sayings. As folks would say, I am full of it! And, just like in real college, I keep up with my favorite sport of Pro Fastpitch Softball by using twitter and facebook connections and
college softball events. I am learning a lot about spirituality through the twitter chats. Writing and self-expression has also been a social media 101
for me. Many of writers and bloggers have shown me the way and I am most grateful.

 Because I have discovered the importance of the new technologies I have found we can keep our Seniors from being isolated with the help of new technologies. How you say? Why not put a computer with facebook in a recreation room where folks in assisted living connect with their families.
Many people in nursing homes and long term rehabs could do the same.
Audio books is another example. The equipment is easy to buy and easy to use. Many libraries have then to borrow. Assisted living residents might enjoy a talking book club. This would also be good for some to volunteer to lead the book club.There are many more ways I am sure but this is my start list. As I go forward toward social media research I will continue to promote :" Don't Isolate Our Seniors" By advancing my social media to Twitter 201.

My Brand ?- Old Sayings Part I

Several times in the past two weeks I have been in conversation with several people about my use of old sayings. They wonder why I have chosen to use them on social media. Without any hesitation I will tell you they are colorful, to the point, and say so much in a few words.I find them amusing and suits my name GrandmaOnDeck. Its my way to build my brand coming out of expressions I have heard for eighty some years. They are written down in six big composition books. I have collected them for so long I don't know who originally said them so I just enclose them in quotation marks. My collection did start from old sayings I heard from grandparents and parents. Some I did not know what they meant until I grew older. For example; when you wanted some one to move a little faster you would say:"Shake -a-leg"
When I said this to my daughter when she was four I had to laugh when I saw her shake her little leg as fast a she could. I am sure many of you have heard some of these and will remember many others:

Proud as a peacock

Bottom fell out of the bucket

Isn't worth a hill of beans

I'll give you the long and short of it

You have a long row to hoe.

Any of these sound familiar? :

1. My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done.
    "If you are going to kill each other, do it outside".
2. My mother taught me religion.
    " You better pray it comes out of the rug.
3. My mother taught me time travel.
    "If you don't straighten up I am going to knock you into the middle of
     next week.
4. My mother taught me logic.
    " If you fall out of that tree and break your neck you can't go to the store
    with me.
5. My mother taught me foresight.
    " wear clean underwear, in case you are in an accident. These are funny
    and I will continue my blog with Old Saying Part II

One Kind Act Using New Technologies

Don't Isolate Our Seniors.

It occurred to me after I wrote a blog about not isolating our seniors that the very thing that isolates our seniors could be turned into a kind act. Why not use the new technologies to help them. Consider a talking book club for seniors.

My experience with talking book machines began as a volunteer  The Library for the Blind Regional office in the city where I lived. My employer was the Southern Bell Telephone Company. Its employee service organization is the Telephone Pioneers of America who are known for their outstanding services in the communities in America. The Telephone Pioneers repair the talking book machines and record many of the books for the US Library for the Blind. Books in large print, braille and audio books are available on loan and free shipping.

Over The years the digital talking books have appeared for a new and easier way to read a book. Many local libraries have the digital talking books in which they loan. They may even have the talking book instruments on loan.

Why not start a Digital Talking Book Club for seniors. Meetings could be in a local library by arranging time and space. Local Senior Centers would love to have a new activity for its members. A neighborhood meeting space would be good. After all it would be for seniors who need activities and interactions with others. An assisted living facility could let their clients here new books just published or perhaps some of their old favorites. How wonderful it would be to hear them discuss "The Help"!

It would be a wonderful experience for everyone:the book leader who does not have access to a book club; The senior who can't see well; the nursing home patient who needs more than medical care; and the housewife who needs to interact.

How to get started?

* Contact your local library for the availability of talking books.
* Contact local Senior Centers for space and time. Also, contact assisted
    living facilities for interest time and space.
* Contact any known local book clubs for volunteers to lead a book club.
   Librarians and library volunteers could be available. Teachers would be
   another good source.
* Find companies who would donate audio books and equipment to play
   them. Some local libraries have both. Many companies have a volunteer
   program to help subsidize programs for the seniors.
* Contact companies who manufacture audio books and equipment.

  Using new techies will brighten a seniors world by staying connected.

Networking Not New

Every time I hear the word networking I think about my mother. Way before the computer was introduced to the world and even before the Business Networking Groups were formed she knew how to network. We would always take a walk downtown, look through a few stores, then sit on a park bench to do a little people watching. It was our exercise and entertainment. Yes, it was before we had television or a phone. My mother loved people and she loved to talk. She was known for her friendliness and her big beautiful smiling brown eyes. She never met a stranger.

One incident I remember very vividly was her conversation with a new resident in town.I new she was new because my mother didn't know her.
The woman sat down on the very end of the bench and just looked up and down the street as though she needed help. My mother asked the woman if she was new in town. She also ask her if she was interested in any particular store or item. By the end of the conversation my mother had recommended a grocery store, where to buy the fresh eggs, the best department store, and the woman's church of worship. And of course, she recommended my Dad, the carpenter.

What brought this method of networking back to me? It was the networking business event where you shake the hand, exchange a business card as you work the room with a drink in one hand and a plate full of calories in the other. It was the new power networking at the time.It went viral and considered innovative. You dressed up, spent a couple of hours at the event and brought home a hand full of business cards. What did you do with them?

What has happened to the interaction and building trust and respect. These are the people we actually do business with and gain them as a customer. Recommendations from a friend who has used the service you need is likely the business you try. Your friends will also benefit from your experiences.You don't have to deal with those business cards of those businesses you will probably never need.

There are still needs of social interaction to build a business or organization. Join and organization that meets and shares ideas, people who are like minded and help you grow. Use your social media to connect and engage. It gives you a chance to connect and engage building trust and respect. It still takes my mother's old fashion networking to build trust and respect. It takes interaction on social media to build trust and respect. It takes the creative ideas of a group sharing ideas and interaction to help realize the greatest reward of networking- a business or organization built on trust and respect.

Boo The Black Cat

The very black cat named Boo that you see in the photo was a subject of a conversation I had with a lady at a bingo party. I had just met her as she sat down beside me. We exchanged our greetings, introduced ourselves, and began to discuss hobbies we liked to do since our retirement. I explained to her I loved art. It was then I described my studies of colored pencils.

She immediately told me about her best friend losing her pet cat. The friend was so lonely and lost without her Boo! She took a picture of Boo from her purse. She told me she had taken the picture of the cat sitting in the front window of her friend's retirement apartment. Do you think you could do a portrait of the cat so I can cheer her up a little?

The question stunned me. I had never done a portrait of people or animals and, of course being considered a beginner in the medium.The thought of this woman wanting to help her grieving friend made me say : "okay, I will take the picture and try" So that I did! I tried and I tried, in colored pencils to do a black cat that showed a little hint of color. It took about twenty layers of color built up to come up with the portrait.To me it was a lesson in art and sharing it with another. I matted the picture so all the friend had to do was place it in a fame of her choice. I also made prints of the picture on note cards for her.

I gave the lady at bingo the picture and the note cards. She was so excited and wanted to pay me. I said no fee. I had so much fun working on Boo that I couldn't charge for helping her to bighten her friends day. She asked for my address and I gave it to her. Two weeks later, I received a thank you note telling me how much the portrait meant to her. Her Boo is with her through the picture.

Even though I never met the woman, I feel that I know her and will always be grateful for the opportunity to "share my joy of painting" with someone. With Halloween coming soon I will place my copy of Boo on my coffee table,

Make The Most Of What You Have

Make The Most Of What We Have.

The packed boxes in my garage have been sitting there for a while-a couple of years in fact. I came to realize they were not essential items I needed for everyday living. So why are the boxes still there? Are they items I couldn't part with because they tugged at my heart strings ? So on a rainy day recently my daughter helped me unpack them. It was then the thought hit me-here are items I no longer use. They are on good shape so why not let others benefit from my treasures.

For example:Two boxes were full of award plaques, given to me over the years for my various services. In fact, there were too many to hang in my little/library office. So should they remain in boxes as they had been in my former home? My daughter suggested removing the engraved plates from their wooden backs. She suggested donating the wooden backs to youth sports organizations. It would cut the cost of complete new awards. This would enable the organizations to award a youngster in his or her sport at a time when they need help in building character in our youth.

One box contained pencils, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, craft brushes
and many items left from my crafting days-all in good condition. I use to make table decorations for banquets.Here again my daughter reminded me of some one's needs. Now a school will get a gift to help fill the shelves of supplies for the teacher to reach all of her students.

The unpacking experience has taught me a new way of "being green". Creativity with matching items to needs and causes can help someone along the way. Furniture, bedding, nick-knacks in good condition are all items that a person might need for a better life. A dress from the "Clothes Closet" may give a woman re-entering the workforce the confidence to go for a job interview. Even the clipping the box tops for school education is a start.

May we make the most of what we have.

Be True To Yourself

What a glaring, knock out message it was when I read" Who has been doing your tweets for the last couple of days? It doesn't sound like you". Oh, my! What did I do differently. Will make a check list.

I used my 10 free Buffer tweets for automatic disbursement. My followers have increased and I wanted to say thank you in addition to pressing the follow button. I did a few shameless plugs for my little art business. Most people do that now and then. I promoted Profastpitch Softball because I love the game. People like to share with what they love. I support and re tweet others as well, promoting them and their websites. Used my "old saying: Grandma says: which matches my vintage soul where I can truly say
I am true to myself and my name. Ah ha!- that's it! I started adapting to what others are saying and doing!...Check

What is wrong with that? If you copy someone else, lesson learned. It is not you! If you take their message, learn from it and be creative in your own style and thoughts you will succeed. So I will go back to Twitter 101 and do some lessons on personal branding....Check

What I want to say-be creative and make messages interesting for others to like and share. Make it match the experience you want people to have. Be true to yourself. Does it match your personality?...Check

From Mari Smith, I learned the importance of my name-GrandmaOnDeck-which I chose for my brand name. The name is a true match for my love of fastpitch softball and the love for old sayings I heard from my grandparents and parents. They showcase my message Mari expressed: "the experience I want readers to have. She also said: A Brand of You! It's all in the future"...Check

Reality check time:

Devote time and energy.

Develop what you want to say.

Develop a list of those I want to engage

Don't be intimidated by others writings. Work on writing skills.

Build  my brand with my name, thoughts and experiences.

Be proud to say" I did it my way".

Do You Have A Dream Team?

The question is not new but one relevant to each and every organization. It must be answered by the businesses, services, and non profit industries a like.
Take a look at your organization.

Does each member participate in some way to the team? It takes them all to work toward the goals of the organization, Are they called upon for their expertise-their best skills? In order for the team to be successful each task should be match with the person's best skills for the job at hand. The Television show Apprentice is a good example. Each week the two team's success depends on each ones contribution to the task. For example; you don't trust your advertisement with a person who has no computer skills or graphic art design or even where to advertise.

Another important point the show brings out is the ability to collaborate and get along. It has been quoted in many articles on business that 90% of success is attributed to getting along with people. Each team member must be responsible for their responsibility,accountability, integrity, sportsmanship, and teamwork for any success. Mike Kryzewski, Head Coach of the 2102 Men's Olympic Basketball Team was interviewed on NBC right after their gold medal ceremony.He was asked how he chose the ones he did for the "Dream Team" There are many highly skilled , successful basketball players in the NBA. It was a hard choice. The one thing he said he look for was "Is he a team player. Did he play for himself or for the betterment of the team-backing each other up. Does your team work together as a team to achieve success for the task at hand? Do you have an unselfish desire for each team member to participate and share the success.

You can readily see the word sportsmanship pop into this discussion. For example, a good sports person respects teammates equally. He is responsible for his actions. He is responsible for being prepared and equipped to speak with authority. He is accountable and doesn't blame others. I added integrity . He asks for suggestions and advice when he needs it. He also provides honest opinions. The qualities of sportsmanship are the same whether it is on the playing field or in the board room. These qualities can boost morale, promote teamwork, lend to positive thinking which will provides good honest solutions.

Fastpitch Softball-Not A Simple Game.

After reading a statement on the internet declaring softball as a simple game, I had to write my thoughts. In support of the National Profastpitch Softball League; and, to promote equality for women in their chosen field, I must support their qualifications.

Softball is a sport that a lot of people take for granted. It is not a simple game. There is a great deal strategy and concentration. You can not walk out onto the field and do as well as experiencxed players. The more experienced you are the better you do. That is a given. What most people do not understand is the amount of concentration you have to have for a ball coming at your head going 65 to 70 miles per hour is no joke.

The game takes skill, talent and the love for the game. It requires speed on the bases. It takes mental fitness and concentration to hit a ball 70 mile per hour. Smart strategies, smart plays. smart hitting and smart base running all come into play. Then there is the speed in the outfield to run down the soaring balls and accurate throwing to make the outs. Infielders, are in the hot spots fielding hard hit balls, ones that comeback as fast as they were pitched. They show great glove work. The pitcher and catcher working in tandem and being accoutable for their play.

The game takes talent, skills, mental and physical fitness, and love for the game. When you watch a Profastpitch game you will see highly skilled players who are physically and mentally fit. They are very well educated
women. They play with heart and love for the game. These players are mothers, teacher's coaches, business women and play in their chosen sport.

Do You Need To Clean Up Your Language?

More and more you hear business women using foul language. Where does it come from? Do you think it is necessary to keep up with the men in a man's dominated world of business to make it to the top?

First of all, I was taught that cussing came from the lack of vocabulary. Be creative and learn to express yourself in a better way. My straight-laced North Carolinian grandmother cam to visit us. I was cutting out paper dolls for my baby sister-it happened so quick. I cut off  one of the dolls arms and said " oh darn. My grandmother told on me. My mother sent me out immediately to get my own switch!

Sometimes we get frustrated or angry and blurt out expressions to relieve the tension. What's wrong with "old turkey foot" or a food you don't like "oh liver" ! Be creative! Many foul words create more anger and offend others.

Another observation that is displeasing is the use of profound language by very young children . Some teenagers think it is so cool to cuss. It amazed me to find on YouTube a young man McKay Hatch who started a "No Cuss Club". He heard cussing in elementary school and when he moved to middle school so many around him thought it was cool to cuss. He didn't like it. He told his parents it offended him. It was then he asked his friends and classmates not to cuss around him. He started his club and now has over 30,000 members.  Youngsters and adults have started eliminating foul language.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBCfXJBjVQg
Do we need to clean up our everyday language? Do we use cussing in meetings? Is it something we feel we have to do to be in the "in" group.? Do you want our children to grow up cussing and replace good English?

Don't Isolate Our Seniors

There are so many seniors across our country that live at home and are isolated.These seniors are isolated due to physical limitations in getting around. They have no families or friends nearby. They want to stay at home for the rest of their lives. Many think that moving to a facility is a death sentence. How can we reach out to these seniors? How can we help them feel at home without that dreaded isolation? How can we help them feel more comfortable when it is time for assisted living. How can we assure them they are loved and cared for.

Being 80 years of age myself, I know my limitations and I am fortunate to live in a 55 plus community. I am comfortable in my own home and find my neighbors some of the happiest people in this world. There are 100+ clubs all conducted on a volunteer basis. We have all kinds of events from exercises, games and concerts. Outside community partnerships bring us educational and fun events. There are many amenities here: a lake to enjoy;
many trails to walk; and sports facilities to enjoy. But one of the nicest things about our community is the neighborhood care committee.We stay in touch with our neighbors and share with carpooling to local functions, dining, shopping and the list goes on.What worries me are the older folks who do not live in a retirement community like mine.

So many things come into play when it comes to helping isolated seniors. It doesn't matter whether they live at home or some type facility. People think they are too busy-not enough time in the day. Costs and under staffing creates a stressful situation when it comes to providing the care the seniors need.What good is the best facility in the world when it does not provide the loved, friendship and the feeling of being wanted.

All ages can participate in a "Don't Isolate Our Seniors" A dream world of the Walton's where three generations co-exist is a good thing. We can fill that void of money and staff with our new technologies, our power of creative thinking and people willing to share.

My first step to help my senior friends was to share what I had learned from training and walking a 5K with my 4 wheeled "Cadillac" walker for my 80th birthday. Walking with my trainer, daughter was such a refreshing self-care time for both of us. we shared the out of doors, a little family time and exercise. My personal desire is to promote "Walk With A Senior Campaign."

Here are some of my thoughts about sharing with our isolated seniors.
Start with a mother, grandmother, elderly aunt or uncle. Just around in their neighborhood or maybe a nearby park. Walk in the Mall. Be creative. A Weight Watchers group can do this as they exercise to lose weight.

Promote the idea of community service credits towards graduation for seniors in high school to share time and relieve the understaffed care providers. Students can serve and be trained as part of a nursing career by adding Senior facilities as part of their internship curriculum.

Let me know your thoughts on how we can provide a little self-care for ourselves at no cost and provide our vintage souls with a little friendship they so deserve.

Kindness A Word For Everyday

The Founder of  Affiliated Women once tagged me as their women's organization cheerleader. It is a new hat I wear. And, the reason is simple. This vintage soul, heart and mind has taken on the fast beat of new technologies without moving out of the computer chair. It is a way to connect and share. Women's groups. like AWI do share their thoughts, problems,solutions and dreams. So be kind to yourself and give yourself a chance with the organization that best suits you.I encourage each and every one of you to participate. Participation helps you grow in so many ways: speech, writing, creative thinking, positive thinking- I could go on and on.
Seize the chance and opportunity, but as you do so always be kind:

Don't wait for people to show you how.

It's Nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.

Treat people with politeness, even though they are rude to you; not because they are nice, but because you are.

Never miss the opportunity to make others happy even if you have to leave them alone to do so.

The kindess word in the whole wide world is the unkind word unsaid.

Kindness is like a boomerang it always comes back.

Gloria Keeping Healthy

Are You In A Rut?

How Often have you heard this: "So you think you are in a rut"? What does being in a rut mean? Some things are daily routines to maintain ourselves and our safe haven-home. Does doing routines mean ruts?

Tennessee had just gone through 11 straight days of record breaking heat indexes. Staying indoors was a safety precaution especially for babies and seniors. On the fifth day with 109 degrees outside I began to feel caged in. At that point I throughly began to understand the expression "doing the same old, same old." That was the answer I gave my daughter when she called and asked what I was doing.

Yes I had been in a rut for five days. My days became boring, uninteresting and down right boring. This was not me! You can get in a rut in your personal life, in your business , in a club or in schooly doing things over and over in the comfort zone. Keep things simple-don't take risks.This attitude allows you to be around like minded people with no risks and not much effort. And, there is little room for making mistakes.

Some people are happy with the same old, same old. But for me I felt like my life was passing me by. If you feel like you are in a rut and are not happy with your situation look it over and make your changes. We are not talking marathon here.We are talking about simple changes. I changed my walk time to the coolest part of the day. Every other day I walk the indoor track at our clubhouse. This helps me keep cooler, meet people and keep healthy.Then I planned lunch and  an afternoon movie with a neighbor, Fun, cool an interesting. My coffee and quiet time remains the same because it is the one thing that sets my tone for the day. In the evening I don't stay glued to TV. Once in a while, I put a jigsaw puzzle together or read books by my favorite authors-Nicholas Sparks. So with a few tweaking of my day plans life is back.

My take from this new experience is:

Acknowledge you are in a rut.
Create an action plan
Set simple realistic goals
Include both chores and activities for fun
Take your time making changes. You didn't get in a rut overnight so don't expect getting out of the rut overnight.
Keep things simple and enjoy variety

A Tribute To Mary Sue Baldwin

There is always someone special that enters your life and makes an impact. As I was painting a special vase to go in a friends shop  for a Grand Opening "a voice said to me "Gloria, keep that brush up on the chiseled edge". Yes, and through the years , 16 years to be exact , I have heard the voice of Mary Sue Baldwin.

Mary Sue is a veteran of art instruction completing over 38 years of teaching. She has taught in public, and private schools including a US Military school based in Germany. She is the Founder of the Seaside Decorative Art Chapter in Daytona Beach, Fl. which is affiliated with the National Society of Decorative Art. Inc.

Mary Sue is the reason I can consider myself as an artist. In 1996 I walked into The School of Folk Art searching for something to give back some meaning in my life. I had lost my husband, retired from my second career to recover from a bout with cancer. She was seated at the head of a large table instructing a group on stroke work and painting leaves. Sitting there, I had my doubts about painting but the easy going instructor and the friendliness of the group sold me on the idea of joining. I needed to be with the group of friendly people.

The group met once a week. There were times we did a group project. But with Mary Sue's versatility she could keep up with all her students on individual projects.The reason, the sharpness and patience of the instructor allowed this. That's where, I am reminded and hear her still miles away :"Gloria keep that brush up on the chisled edge"

There is something special about her. She cares for each and every student in her many classes. She calls to check up on a student who has been ill. She has taken several people to hospitals and doctors appointments including me. Their is a plus in being one of her students, you get her husband Bill also. He makes frames and mats to fit the art work of the students. He copies all of her art instructions for her classes. Bill is a wood carver and their art skills compliment each other. These two share their joy of art with others. I would like to share what I have learned from them. I truly miss them but stay in touch through social media and telephone. They are both recovering from illnesses and I would like to give back some of their kindness. This I share, because we all know someone like this and need to:

Be kind to others.
Believe in yourself
Share your talent and skills to benefit all.

Stop Bullying Build Self-Worth

Bullying ourselves is real. Comparison to others brings out the problem, It causes us to stray away from the fact that we are uniquely individuals. Comparisons eat away that positive attitude and lets negativity drain our energy.

Does being pushed to be at the top of our game create a problem of not living up to our expectations? Does it deflate your self-worth?

When I was in elementary school bullying was labeled "teasing"
It just seemed to be human nature to call a red haired kid "carrot top".
Shorty, Skyscraper, Freckles all seemed to be harmless nicknames.Siblings would hear;"your brother made better grades or you sister behaves better than you" from a teacher.

When we arrived at home we had parents and siblings to talk things over.
Family support was so important. Now, because we use so many new technologies kids are not interacting with others. When they face an issue of bullying they can't cope.They have no one to discuss their problems with because family members have busy schedules. Many times they don't even share a meal together.

Self-bullying starts when the family starts going their own ways. Home is no longer a safe haven to share and solve problems. When teens began to text and humiliate others it became a game. Bullying became a trendy thing to do on school campuses. Those being bullied started losing sight of their self-worth. With no one at home to discuss it with some comparisons to siblings and others entered the picture tagged "self-bullying".
If bullying started accelerating through new technologies why can't new technologies be a tool to stop the bullying?

Help to build self-worth by posting positive messages. Share you ideas.

Don't text messages that will hurt someone.

Do not stay connected to those who participated in bullying.\

Delete questionable messages.

Tell your friends you do not like it.

Talk to parents and teachers about rules against bullying.

For older folks, you know the drill because you survived the teasing and lived to be a responsible person.

Writing For Me-Self Expression

Writing for me is one way of expressing myself as a person, to share my thoughts and to build my personality. I never thought I was good at writing but I am still trying. I started writing blogs when I discovered Twitter. I noticed participants were referencing to their blogs.This gave me a start. I thought I would write a little free verse about my joy of painting, my memories of life experiences and about old sayings from my parents and grandparents.It gave me a start. Not in a professional way but just to express my feelings. In the past few years, I published a few on my blogger spot, but never felt comfortable. Most of my blogs were stored in the word processor and never published.

I learned the easiest way to share your insight to others is to blog. A twitter friend, Margie Clayman, who is really good at blogging influenced me greatly. Writing is really relaxing because you don't have to write on a subject you don't like. Yes, it is your choice what topic you are going to write. Like a journals, it is a composition that contains descriptions of events and your reflections about the events. Writing blogs gives you feedback from other people and to meet people across the world. For professional writers, they write blogs to share their knowledge and to make money. Writing build up your personality by helping you be more creative.
Think creative and be creative everyday because it is important for your brain activity, your general health, and your socialization. Writing it down helps you be more creative by writing blogs, journals and stories with wide imagination. Being creative alters us by improving our mood, self-esteem and socialization that can really help a lot in developing our personality.

So writing, what does it do? It creates stories, passes information along and helps us mentally to understand each other. And when you need a little boost in life, you always have that pen and paper. It is like a best friend because paper always listens. It is a little sad that a paper can't give advice or opinions.

What made Me Choose A 5k Walk For 80th Birthday

A friend On Twitter asks me to write something to share with her Adult Education Class. The Question was what motivated me to walk a 5k for my 80th birthday.
The answer is if you don't use it you lose it. My age and injuries have caused me to have stiff and achy legs.
The problems with my legs began a few years ago when I was involved in a very serious accident on an airport transport. My ankle was fractured across the joint between the foot and the ankle. Surgery was required and two plates were bolted to my leg down into my foot. The Doctor did not guarantee I would walk again. After surgery, I spent 41/2 months in a Rehab hospital doing therapy for the injured leg and building upper body strength so I could get up out of bed into my wheelchair. For two months my leg stayed elevated and not allowed to touch the ground-I was in a steel boot for protection.

It was a shock to my very active life. Battling cancer twice, losing my husband and now facing the fact I might never walk again. The only option I had I did a little self-care, share a little with the fellow patients in the hospital and yes, walk again. The hospital wanted to send me home in a wheelchair but I said no! I wanted a four-wheel walker. It took a year to walk without the walker. Walking around the house and short distances were okay but for long distances, the walker was used. My "Cadillac Walker "was a great reward for perseverance.

Then in a fall 2 years ago I shattered a wrist which required surgery and more plates inserted into my body. My regained active life had been turned back into slow motion. My brain wanted to go but my body said no! Lack of exercise caused stiffness in the joints. I tried exercise machines but they were so boring. I joined Zumba Chair for 24 lessons. The exercise class made me smile but some of the moves created pain in the back and legs.

Back to square one for me! I can't give up on walking. My daughter stays fit by running half marathons. I can't run! What about me! The light bulb turned on-I can walk with my "Cadillac Walker" and do 5k for my 80th birthday. Being a structured person my goal was perfect. It is like making a good biscuit or playing the piano-it takes practice to be good. My daughter guided me through the training process by walking with me through the sessions and then walking with me in the 5K.

Lesson learned: Be thankful for what you have and make their best at what you have". You will be fine that the happiest person is not the one who has the best of everything but makes the most of everything he has. Last, but not least making the most of downtime by learning new technologies, kept my mind exercised, and found a connection beyond my neighborhood. The connection is you my Twitter and Facebook Friends.

Plant A Special Garden

 Today I watered plants along my flower bed into my front door entrance because they catch the hot morning sun.These were a gift from my girls for Mother's Day. I really want them to survive. I could never grow anything but geraniums. I haven't figured out that one yet. My Mother could grow anything. She would take a little clipping from a plant. stick it into the soil,and it would thrive like a weed. For me, I figured the only way I was to have a green thumb was to paint it. But I do want my new plants to survive. I will talk to them daily if necessary.
As I watered the plants this morning an idea crossed this vintage soul's brain.I pulled out one of my four composition books where I have collected
many old sayings and such with the recommended seeds to plant. Plant them, nurture them, and watch them grow. Share your harvest with others.

If you plant honesty you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness you will reap friends.
If you plant humility you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
So be careful what you plant now, it will determine what you reap.

Handpainted Glassware

 When I started painting on glass I discovered hand painted gifts were cherished. They made such wonderful keepsakes. Art work after a while saturates the walls. You then go to ACEO's(Art Card Edition Original) and print of original note cards. Aceo's are baseball cards size and be placed in an album for coffee table conversation.
Then  came a new direction, the art of painting on glass. The usual method of painting is applying paint in layers, by adding highlights and shadows to give the art piece dimension.
Now the Art of One Stroke painting has made it possible to load your brush with medium, highlight, and shadows, and make one stroke  to accomplish a whole petal of a flower at one time. By using glass paint enamel the item can be placed in an oven to bake curing the paint in a short interval. Other wise you must wait 21 days for the paint to cure.
With the one stroke method I have painted on bud vases, glasses, wood, bookmarks, picture frames and many more. My favorite is to paint a wine bottle and fit a candelabra in the top.The different colored bottles make it a nice decorative piece.
Each type of product takes a different medium. Candles take candle medium and acrylic paint. Flower pots take patio paint or acrylic paint and a sealer to seal the porous clay.
Ah, but for weddings, what a range of items that can be painted.One of my favorites are hand painted wine glasses in white trimmed in gold roses.Then hot gluing a small bow and a miniature rose on the stem.There are beautiful hand painted bowls to hold floating candles as center pieces.There are so many more. One stroke painting makes it possible. These all can be found in my booth #304 at the Basement Marketplace 14625 Lebanon Road, Old Hickory, TN 615-754-9500  "Let me share my joy of painting"

National Pro Fastpitch Impacts Job Opportunities

An interesting statement was released on twitter which stated: "Want to help create jobs in the workplace for women...support National Pro Fastpitch." A career in softball as a player or a coach...is that all there is? Not so, As you watch television, read the newspapers, sports magazines, and attend the games you will see many job opportunities directly related to the National Pro Fastpitch League.

As you approach the parking lot of the ballpark, parking attendants are on the job. Ticket Salespeople are poised in the ticket booths ready to sell tickets. Concession stands are opening their windows and stocking ballpark
snacks and drinks. Umpires are gathering and teams are warming up. What you don't see or are aware of are Sports Trainers, Team Doctors, Team Managers, Promoters, Official Score Keepers, Color analyst and Announcers for radio and television, Sports Suppliers, Webmasters, Statisticians, Apprentice, and Vendors. There are probably many more jobs
related to softball but you get the picture.
To expand the impact Women's Pro Softball has on job opportunities take a look at the Partnerships the League has formed with manufacturers of sports gear. The impact of sports has created a college degree in Sports Management. Fitness centers, sports facilities, and parks and recreation centers all benefit from the National Pro Fastpitch League impact.
It is true, Women's Pro Fastpitch is not just about "a pretty face"It is about the talented, highly skilled and well-educated women of the sport. It is about the strong dedicated who made the commitment to a career in the field of their choice. It is to bring special family entertainment to families. And, it is about the job opportunities the sport has to offer, It is about making a better place in the workforce for women.

Bullying - Accelerated Teasing

Bullying ourselves is real. Comparisons to others bring out the problem. It causes us to stray away from the fact we are unique individuals. Comparisons eat away that positive attitude and let the negative drain our energy.

Does being pushed to be at the top of your game create a problem of not living up to your expectations? Does it deflate your self-worth?

When I was in elementary school bullying was labeled teasing. It just seemed natural to call a redhead "Carrot top" or the tall one "Skyscraper" Shorty, Tubby and Fat one all seemed to be harmless. Yet, it did cause us to compare ourselves with others. In school, we heard it from the teachers. "Your brother made better grades than you". It caused us to compare with our siblings. At home, we heard "your sister behaves better than you".
Because we use so many new technologies we are not interacting with others. When some are faced with bullying they can't cope. There is no one at home to discuss the problem with because family members have busy schedules. They don't even share a meal together.

Self-bully started at home when family members started going their own separate ways. Home is no longer a safe haven to share and solve problems. Families do not even have a meal together. Teens start using texting and Youtube as a game to humiliate others. Bullying is a trendy thing to do on school campuses. Those being bullied lose sight of their self-worth. They begin to try and answer the question why? Comparing themselves with the most popular, the better looking, the richest kids in school causes them to lose sight of their self-worth.
If bullying started accelerating with the new technology tools why can't the new technologies tools stop the bullying? Help build that self-worth through
positive messages.

Don't text messages that will hurt someone.
Do not stay connected with those who participate in bullying.
Delete bullying messages.
Tell your friends you do not like bullying.
Talk to someone about rules against bullying
For teenagers talk to parents and counselors
For adults, you know the drill you have survived so far. Help Stop Bullying

My Mothers Big Beautiful Smiling Eyes

What I remember most about my mother were her big beautiful smiling brown eyes. From the time she got up in the morning cooking a breakfast for ten, getting my Dad off to work, children off to school until she put the last one to bed she smiled through those big beautiful eyes. I often thought they wrote the song "Beautiful, Beautiful Brown Eyes" for her'
For a span of twenty five years she sent children off to school. She also spent twenty five years overseeing home work and teaching other important life's lessons. We learned through her clever games. A spelling game she called "I Spy" let each us of pick out an object in the room giving clues until the correct answer. The person answering correctly also had to spell the word. For art and creativity she would place an object in the middle of our long dining room table, give each a pencil, some crayons, and a piece of blank newsprint paper. Our reward was a big big beautiful hand drawn star on our paper. For toys and things we didn't have we made. We learned the word improvise at an early age.
We did not have the conveniences of today. TV hand not been invented. But ah, that old cathedral shaped-radio was total joy. It was a treat to listen to the "Lone Ranger" and "Inter sanctum" with the squeaking door. Along with board games and the radio we were quite entertained. My Mother loved music and we had enough for a choir so we sang. We sang mostly as we performed the duty of clearing the dinner table, washing, drying and putting them away. Two people we assigned to each part of the task. My baby sister was assigned to put away the spoons.She was just a little hank of dark curly hair and big shiny brown eyes.
We learned the importance of plans and routines working as a team to maintain a clean well kept home and yard. It was mother and girls inside and Dad and boys with outside chores. Monday was wash day. We all help make beds with clean linens first thing in the morning so mother could scrub clothes all day and hang out to dry.Tuesday was iron day. We were all taught how to iron even the boys.We all learned to cook boys included.
Thursday was dusting day. Since I was tagged for dusting I lingered a little bit when I was walking home from school. Friday night was going to downtown and people watching-even a treat of penny candy from the Five and Dime candy counter. Saturday was yard work day- painting and repairing. Ah, but Sunday, light chores and a bug Sunday dinner at home or sometimes Sunday picnic on the church grounds.
As I look at my Mother's old button jar I the most beautiful time we had was an evening meal together. My mother was tagged as the best cook around. We were each encouraged to share our days happenings.We shared a safe haven together. We were taught: "A house is built with boards and beams, but a home is built with love and dreams". Our father provided his love and discipline and life's essentials but I will always remember my mother was my first teacher and yes, those great big brown smiling eyes.

Marking 80th Birthday With 5K Walk

Rainy Start

Grandma & Grandpa Edwards

Why Aren't  Quotes Considered Social Media?

Recently I read a blog discussing why quotes should not share space in social media. This startled me a little bit. How many times have I seen quotes on social media?
Since I entered the Twitter and Facebook world  I have seen many quotes daily within the 140 character framework. There are the quotes of inspiration, of motivation and the cute ones that make you smile. Why do some consider them annoying and a waste of time? Perhaps, it takes time away from doing their own branding. But what about connecting and engaging with others?
What puzzles me is the fact that the big companies use logos to promote their brand. For, example; "Rethink Possible"-AT&T. How many logos can you identify with a company name? Social Media has brought advertising into Social Media calling it "branding".
Many top Social Media Influencers use many quotes in their blogs to motivate the reader and elevate their thoughts to a higher level. These social media coaches, consultants or strategists author many motivational books full of quotes. Quotes are powerful, motivational tools.
Then Twitter or Facebook pages are used for quotes to attract readers to their blogs or websites. It is at this point of contention that brings the value of quotes to light. To be successful in social media you must engage in communications, promote others, and gain trust for yourself.
Personally, I have found my niche. I like to share and care with my followers
and the ones I follow with " old grandma sayings" that I have collected over the years.(enough to fill four composition books). Those old sayings are short, sweet and full of wisdom. My tweets are a mixture are a mixture of quotes, conversations, retweets, mentions and just plain old being nice and cordial.
Maybe once a day I might shamefully plug my own little art business. By the way, I promote my business by using quotes like: "Let me share my joy of painting" or "Flowers are God's work of art". The title of my business might be considered as a quote: "From My Brush".
If my quotes are not politically correct for social media so be it-it is my personal branding. It is what I do. Social media is a great diverse network of people. Everyone can exercise their methods of communications by using and sharing their own unique methods. You can quote "GrandMaOnDeck"!

Should We Continue To Write Thank You Notes ?

Should We Continue To Write Thank You Notes?

Should we teach our children and grandchildren to write social thank you notes?
This past week I read two articles about etiquette on Social Media. Technology has changed the way we communicate in many ways, but politeness is politeness. Acknowledging appreciation for those special gifts should always be a part of our society.In our fast paced world the email or phone call is considered acceptable but it is that handwritten personal note that makes the message special.

The subject interested me for two reasons. First my mother taught her eight children to sit down and write a thank you note for any thoughtful gift or gesture we received. It was the proper thing to do. Secondly, take my paintings and make note cards and I use them.

Recently I invited my daughter and her co-workers to come and share a home cooked Sunday dinner with me. The girls are all away from their hometowns and parents. This gave them a chance to gather around my table
and create a local family. I received a thank you note from each one of the girls including my daughter. Reading each card made me feel special. It also made me feel proud of their parents  teaching them to say "thank you". These notes were so special I placed them on a sofa table to look at and remind me  how  special these little notes are.

Thank you notes should always be at hand. They don't have to be expensive or even purchased. Hand draw them or make them on your computer. Maybe a large post it note pad will do. Personal handwritten are the best.
Keep your notes simple by opening with a greeting. Then write the reason you are grateful, followed why it was special, repeat your thanks and sign it. Be Creative.

Growing Old And Growing Up
Growing old doesn't mean I have to grow up. I love softball and sporting events.Love reality shows and the latest movies, ice cream and chocolate.
Yesterday I went to an exercise class that made the machine workout a bore.It was an exercise with Latin Music-Rumba Chair. The music was great. The exercise provided a cardio-body workout and burned calories. Twenty vintage women and two old men danced with a vibrant young instructor. We made some really wild and funky moves all seated in our chairs.
It was a commitment I made to myself to do something for my self and for someone else. I invited a neighbor who can't do much walking or do those exercise machines.She was able to adjust to the music, adjust the movements to what she could do. She didn't miss a beat-only if it was just tapping her feet. We truly got down and funky.
Last night I help a neighbor host a block party for those who don't get out of the house much.It was the start of Bunco night with snacks and conversation.
Again it is something for me and sharing with others.It is a known fact, if you give yourself some relaxing times each week you feel much better. There are so many ways to relax, have fun, and help someone else at the same time. Tonight it is time to eat out with the "Dining Divas" There are 28 in the group. We take turns picking up others who can't drive. It is a matter of being creative. You can't stop growing old but you can continue on with growing up.

What Are You Willing To Let Go? 80 years is a long time. Living that long, a person has seen many changes in life and the way things are done. The world around us is moving at a very fast pace. My vintage brain is occupied 24/7 with learning the new technologies of the present time. Even role models have switched. The question is what will my generation do for their spring cleaning. What are they willing to "let go" and what will they bring forward to the present. First, I would bring forward the tradition of the family eating a meal together so they can share their happenings of the day. Bring forward the comfort of a safe haven. Remember: a house is built with wood and beams; a home is built with love and dreams. Bring forward the tradition of visiting Grandma and Grandpa on a Sunday afternoon or other elder family members and friends. Bring forward the "Sunday going to church and picnics on the ground". Bring forward family trips and vacations. Bring forward the importance of each one taking responisibility for their conrtribution to the family home and responsibility for their actions. Bring forward the art of writing thank you notes for gifts received. Be grateful for what one has and make the most of it. Bring forward the respect toward others. Respect their opinions and feelings. Take the time to de-clutter,one day at a time.Let go those old habits . Take time for reflection and self-care. Share time with family and friends. Bring back the old fashion networking. You t know the one where you talk to each other building respect and trust. Bring forward the necessary things to live. Old items that bring back old memories I am willing to let go because memories are locked within my heart where they belong.

The Button Jar

Just a week ago I was in a discussion with friends on social media about de-cluttering and letting go to relieve the stress that clutter can cause. Many were sentimental about some items and said they couldn't part with them. It is the same with the mind.You can clutter it with old beliefs, negative thoughts, and old theories.Letting go one day at a time, one item at the time can eased the situation. I de-cluttered two years ago when I packed up my home of 78 years and moved to Middle Tennessee. Many of the things I packed are in the garage now. After the discussion I went to de-clutter the second time. There it was sitting alone on top of a box, my Mother's button jar!This one gallon jar has held buttons for over sixty years. My first recollection of the button collection was when I was about ten years or twelve years old. The big jar was what she used to stored her buttons to replace missing ones from our clothing.With eight children to dress it was necessary to hand me down clothes from the oldest to the youngest. When the clothes were thread bare she would snip off the buttons and store them in a jar and recycle the clothes a cleaning rags. When my mother and father passed away the jar was sitting in their pantry all alone. No one wanted it so I took it home . I continued the tradition of saving buttons and placing them in the jar. I replaced missing buttons from my families clothes from the button jar.Then as we purchased new clothes, the manufactuers started attaching extra buttons to the clothings items. There were so many buttons I decided to donate some for a project my local Business and Professional Women's Club had begun to raise money for scholarships for student in financial need.Mabel Daughtery, our oldest member came up with the project of button bracelets.To make the bracelets a strip of elastic mesh was cut and seamed to stretch and go on a wrist.Decorative buttons were sewn on to the mesh completely covering the wrist band.Many bracelets were made with beautiful designs.$12,000 was raised for the scholarship fund. After the bracelet project, buttons glued on picture frames became a very popular item. By that time decorative buttons could be purchased in a yard goods store.Party stores began to sell little theme cake decorations which became very popular for theme picture frames. Many years have passed since I used or replaced any buttons for the button jar.It is sitting alone as if stuck in a time warp. Will the jar be an inspiration for another project ? Maybe it will continue to be the great vessel to hold those wonderful antigue buttons.

What Inspires Me To Be An Artist

What inspires me to be an artist? I would have to say everything. I am always amazed at cloud formations. I look up at them all the time.The ones that have silver linings are the most beautiful clouds.The flowers with there delicate petals I think of as God's artwork.The beautiful, the vivid color of birds and butterflies would give anyone a color theory lesson. My slogan is "Let me share my joy of painting with you.

My career began late in life after I retired from my second career. I became a widow one year before retirement. I needed something to do to fill my time and the void I had in my life. I walked bravely into a local Folk Art School and stated to the Instructor; "I want to paint". I became a member of a wonderful paint group.

Each year I worked on a technique in painting. I started painting with oils but I didn't like the smell of turpentine used to clean brushes. Next came decorative painting with acrylics as you can see in the picture. Next I tried pen and ink and watercolor wash. From there it was one stroke with acrylics. Colored pencils fascinated me so I spent almost two years working on this technique. I love the layering of colors Now I am into watercolor which is probably the hardest for me to do.

Watercolor can be so beautiful , so bright as the whole outdoors, and the subjects I want to paint. Landscapes are on my palette now. I love the countryside scenes and rides down the old country roads of middle Tennessee. That is why I paint. My paintings are my way of recording what I have seen.

My art work led me to where I am Now, a shop on Etsy. the largest handmade network on-line. "Let me share my joy of painting with you" is my purpose. Today I share it with you www.glory2727.etsy.com.

Self-Care on Training Wheels.

Self-care is a very trendy subject -whether it be a hot tub experience, taking a walk, listening to music or simply having a quiet time to reflect. The world is very fast paced. It gives you that feeling that you want to hit the breaks, stop the spin, and step off the world for a little while. It reminds me of an Eddie Arnold song; "Make The World Go Away"...get it off my shoulder. You can't make the world go away but you can get the stress off your shoulder by allowing a little self-care time.So what about you time? Will you put time in your schedule to do a little self-care ? Collecting old sayings is a hobby of mine and I selected this one because it isn't ancient and it will span a wide age group. Then too, I heard it from my daughter's college coaching days; "if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you do good" . She was encouraging her team to keep in good physical fitness shape through exercise and good eating habits.My daughter is a runner. She trains for half marathons daily. She runs to stay in shape physically, mentally , and for that "feel good attitude. So I started to think about "what about me time ". I really had to laugh yesterday. I was passing by a neighbor sitting in a lawn chair enjoying the beautiful sunshine. I smiled, waved at him and said; I am on my training wheels". He laughed as I shuffled by on my "Cadillac four-wheeled walker. The bright blue one with breaks,four wheels, a seat, and a basket to carry things. The walker came about after a bad injury to my left ankle and foot.I had to use it to be able to walk again and share a walk with friends., as you can see in the picture. I can walk short distances and around the house without it, but need it for long distances. As I grow older my legs are stiffening up. So, I need some self-care. I can't run, but I can walk.Now I am in training to walk a 5k, It is something I can do. I can train each day by walking the trails where I live. In bad weather I can use the indoor track at the clubhouse. It even gets better! I can reach a goal each day by increasing my distance each day.I can lose weight and breath in fresh air. Next month for my 80th birthday I will pull out my "Cadillac" walker and do a 5K completing an important goal.Hopefully my daughter will run it and be at the finishing line when I come through.

How Do You Engage People

We read many things about successful living with inspirational quotes, e-books, and from those who lead in the empowering message field. They make you feel good but they only last as long as it takes to read them if you don't follow through. It is not the people with the empowering messages that bother me. It's that nitty-gritty where do I start. Where do I begin. Did the message go in one ear and out the other because we think we are too busy to take action.

First, take a look at how you engage people. 90 % of success is getting along with people.

Secondly, How well do you engage with others. How well do you communicate both the oral and written word. Do you need a brush up course in speaking and writing?

Thirdly,are you a good listener or are you too busy thinking about what you want to say and don't hear what the person has to say?
Fourth, are you neat in appearance? Are you dressed appropriately for the occasion or do people tend to overlook you because of the way you look. Is it the lack of self-care?

Are you up-to-date on technical skills they take you in the new way we communicate in today's world.

All these subjects remind me of courses that were developed by companies and organizations to help many employees and members improve their image and gain respect. The need is still here. We all can improve.

What are your weakness and what are your strengths? Go through the list and start your journey. Re-enforce your strengths. Start to work on your weakness taking courses at work, an organization you belong to or local community centers. Do one thing daily.

Begin your list
1. Know how to engage people
2. Be a good listener.
3. Improve the written word
4. Improve public speaking
5. Improve your appearance
6. Improve your techology.