Gingerbread Men Casualties

Many stories come from Grandma’s kitchen and told down through the ages.  Mine is a little different.  You see, I am in my 80’s,  and making gingerbread men came down through my years,  but after many years of not making them, grandma caused a few casualties. Children fondly called them boo boo cookies.

The Gingerbread Men were to be a surprise for a Bunco party I was hosting.. I carefully kneaded the dough then I proceeded to roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Now, the trouble began! I pressed the cookie cutter into the dough and tried to put it on a cookie sheet. Well, it stuck.  I lightly floured the cookie cutter and tried again. Better results this time. I managed to get a dozen cut out and onto the cookie sheet and baked them according to my recipe. After the cookies cooled on the sheet, it was time to place them on a cooling rack. Casualties began to happen! A leg fell off one, an arm fell off another until I only had six whole ones left. This would never do! I needed six more.

The process for making the cookies started over again. I was working along and realized I made the recipe for gingerbread cake instead of cookies. Well I finished the cake and frosted it with the cookie icing. The cake looked pretty good but was a little plain so I put a whole gingerbread man right in the center of the cake. He looked handsome there.

When we were ready to serve the cake the lone little gingerbread man became the casualty as the cake was sliced

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

 At the age of 83, I started learning to knit at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center. My teacher, a group of remarkable senior women who meet at the center and knit and crochet for various charity organizations. They share their knowledge, skills, friendships, and a lot of conversation. I never learned the stitchery as a child. I grew up in a family of 8 children whose mother's day was filled with cooking, laundry, house cleaning, and mending. So to be a part of this group I made a bold statement:" I want to learn to knit".
Right after I made the statement I came a crossed an old saying:" Let your self-be a beginner" which I did. The thought took a lot of stress away when mistakes were made and so much quicker in learning to correct mistakes. It also allowed me to see daily improvements.

The first two scarves I knitted were for Charity. The third one, the black, grey and creamed one pictured in the upper left-hand corner, I made for myself. The fourth project I made my first hat and a scarf to match. It is the picture in the upper right-hand corner. This set also went to Charity,

Each day I am becoming more comfortable with knitting and my stitches are even. When All the quotas have been met by various Charity Organizations, I will be working with the group to fill the the Local Cancer Society need for soft cancer hats.
It is so rewarding to be able to learn new things, help fill a need, and experience a heart warming feeling of being needed.

                                                  

Jeanne Robertson | Don't Take the Hotel Room Key

GrandmaOnDeck-Challenge for NPF's 2015 Championship Series.

Memorial Day Weekend presented me with a chance to visit Hoover, Alabama for the 2015 SEC Championship baseball tournament and to see the facility. Met Stadium In Hoover is also the site of the National Profastpitch League (Women's Softball) 2015 Championship Series.
It was 3 hours from my home in Mt. Juliet, Tn. The weather prediction was excellent; the ride was short, and none other than a chance to see Vanderbilt & Florida baseball teams play!

My daughter and I started off on a bright Friday afternoon, taking our time and loving the scenery of beautiful trees, wildflowers, pastures and barns. The drive was so pleasant. It was then I realize the location where we live is almost the center of USA -easy to travel with great highways.

 We registered at our hotel and got to the Met Stadium just in time to enjoy some good food from the VIP hospitality room.  The Met Stadium is a fan friendly stadium with ample parking and includes an RV Park- tail gating which is a sport in itself! The event host and all the workers had that southern hospitality charm. Vanderbilt won their game. Next we watched The Florida Gators.

The City of Hoover is a beautiful and sports minded community just 15 minutes from Birmingham, Ala. It has a lot to offer anyone who wants to plan their vacation around the 2015 NPF Championship Series Tournament August 14 through August 17^th.  Start now to plan your vacation- pack up your RV and get it registered for a spot in the Met Stadium RV Park or book your hotel reservations. Buy your tickets for the games on-line through the NPF website www.profastpitch.com  Keep up with all the news, schedules and NPF events there also.

Check out the Hoover Chamber of Commerce website for accommodations and recreational opportunities at http://www.hooverchamber.org/.

Check out the Birmingham, Ala. Chamber of Commerce https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=birmingham+al+chamber+of+commerce

The area offers a great variety for vacation action and to watch the World’s best women’s softball players play in a city and state who love softball. The Met Stadium holds 10,000 fans. Can we fill it up?  GrandmaOnDeck  is counting on the softball fans in the state of Alabama  and Coach Pat Murphy , Head Coach of the University of Alabama to lead the challenge. You have managed to turn out great crowd so fill the stadium up and maintain the bragging rights of the “greatest softball fans”. Let's All make a statement for all who love the game.

 

 

 

Help Make Their Dreams ComeTrue

The 2015 National Pro Pastpitch (NPF) season is open. 30 of those college standouts in the WCWS will put on a Jersey for an NPF team and start play. These girls will get to continue their softball careers because the NPF provides the opportunity. Lets all promote the NPF for all women who have a dream- equality on the playing field as men who play baseball. Here's how:
1.Keep up with schedules, events, players, news and scores.
2.Wear NPF apparel or from your favorite NPF Team.
3.Follow your favorite Team Website
4.Plan trips to games-purchase tickets on line for games and   special events.
5. Be a sponsor, ask someone to sponsor for NPF. Ask the company you work for.


Here is the most important thing of all !
 Browse the National Pro Fastpitch League for all the information listed and share NPF's  posts and that of its Sponsors . It takes us all to promote.
www.profastpitch.com




NPF Website Info:
Team Rosters Team Websites
All Games Schedules
TV Schedules
Featured Players
Videos
Elite Sponsors
League Suppliers
Pro Shop
Sponsorship Info
Team Owner Info
History.

It Takes Us All

I will shout it out as a challenge to all.  As they say, I am “Older than dirt” but I find age is no excuse for inaction.  Each day as I grow older I find that it is true that if you don’t use it you lose it. I learned to paint to fill empty space in my day. I found such joy in painting I had to figure out a way to share the joy I get when I paint.  That is when my slogan was born: “Let me share my joy of painting”

What a great day it was when I discovered Etsy, a handmade website online to sell all things handmade. The learning began. Next to learn was writing descriptions for my artwork posts.  With that done, I had to figure out ways to promote myself and get my name out there and let folks know where to find me. How did I learn and grow?

 First I researched how to use social media sites and which were the best for my situation. There were so many bloggers on Twitter and Facebook who shared so many” how to do” and found the writers willing to share.  I began to communicate and find that as an 82-year old I had things in common with all ages. My first friend, teacher and role model on Twitter was a 31-year-old Margie Clayman. She has such a gift of writing.  Next was a well-known gentleman, Dave Carpenter who is a great mentor for many. Then I met Linda Fitzgerald of AWI online and later on in person. Linda writes constantly and on many topics. We both have one thing in common: too promote women in the workplace, through education; by treating the whole person personally, professionally and politically.

 Let’s all pay forward and continue to be a spokesperson for all women and share our thoughts, problems, and solutions to help each of us learn and grow.  It takes us all.

Gloria Wilson-

Compassion-True Treasure of the Heart

Compassion is two words with co-meaning of strong feelings. It is the sympathy we show with warmth and for the bad misfortunes of others. Human compassion is boundless. It provides hope and empowerment. We all need love and compassion to be happy. True compassion means not only feeling ones pain but being moved to help relieve it.

Compassion is a true tradition. I believe in honesty, equality, kindness, and compassion. Helping those in need by showing compassion is a true traditional character or core value. Compassion is giving and receiving.

It is hard to practice compassion when we are off-balance with our own authenticity. Don’t get stuck with ego. We all have different purposes. Love and compassion unfolds it. This day and time we often put people status above their more important qualities. Long letters and degrees after someone’s name do not guarantee kindness, compassion, or humor- the important qualities.

Compassion and kindness are true treasures of the heart. We need Compassion to change the conditions that support our suffering like ignorance, bitterness, negligence, and holding on. Compassion is the capacity to be attentive to others experiences, to wish the best for others, and what will serve others. At the end of the day, love and compassion will win out.

We all lean toward love. Pets have more love and compassion than most humans. Compassion is a knowledge acquired by daily practice. Compassion and forgiveness are not our storyline in the present time. People who have been through painful, difficult times are filled with compassion.

"Attitude Of Graditude"

Gratefulness, gratitude and appreciation are adjectives for “Attitude of Gratitude”. Focusing on positive things and positive people draws positive outcomes. Focus on what you do have.

Make a list each day of things you are grateful for. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping up a present and not giving it. Three things you can always put on your list; keep your word, your smile, and your grateful heart. Only with gratitude does life become rich and inward feeling of kindness is received.

We aren’t born with gratitude we are taught it. We need to teach our children. We feel joy and strength when we are filled with gratitude. Each day is Thanksgiving when we show it. It works like the power pack of the pink rabbit- lasts and is a motivator. All you need is a grateful heart and share it with others. Renew and refresh it daily just as the day refreshes itself. The best way to enjoy something is to simply enjoy the moment and be grateful for it. Savor the good times with family

Finding Things To Live For

Finding things to live for is living my life that reflects my values. To want something good, and to sense something beautiful is the purpose of life. I want to make my dent in the universe and finding my purpose is my target.

The purpose of life is to live it. It is to live, learn, and love. Every day we have a calling to do one kind act – even if it is only to smile. Your life matters and everything you experience matters. Purpose is the selfless service to others.

Your purpose defines who you are and how you live it. I read this somewhere:” You are here on earth to unearth who on earth you really are”. Be grateful for who you are so you can be the best you can be. You make your own purpose. Turn the negatives into positives. Be a value to others and not a drain on them. Your purpose is your why. “You should never be the snooze button when life gives you a wake-up call. Focus on taking responsibility for where you are.

Always Focus On The Light

The old church hymn:” This Little Light of Mine I’m going to let it shine- let it shine” reminds me to always focus on the light. It releases tension and stress. It brings balance to your life and supports healing at all levels. It achieves a deeply relaxed, calm state of being.

“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher”. Education is the movement from darkness to light. Radiate light and the darkness will disappear itself. We must each decide to walk in the light of creativity or the darkness of destructive selfishness.

“Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy” is a beautiful song by John Denver which clearly gives an example of focusing on the light. Love is light and some days you have to make your own sunshine. Life eliminates physical clutter and keeps life simple.

De-clutter the mind, de-clutter the house, and de-clutter the heart. What you really want is all you need. Take things in a happy way. Forgiveness lightens the weight of the heart because it gives you back the lightness. And, it brings back the laughter. When you feel the lightness you want more. Give your spark of light to others and hear their voices. When we work toward creating light for others we light our own path.

Love With Intention

Live with intention. Life reflects back to what we think. Whatever you think and believe you can achieve. You can create your own reality. Your life becomes what you believe.

We make an intention and act on it. Intention of fear creates painful consequences. Try to keep a positive attitude and use what you have to make others happy.

Everything has an intention. An error is not done with bad intentions. Is motivating or inspiring someone giving them intention? Caring requires the intention of love. Not acting in anger when you are angry is an intention of love. Goal setting- Is that planning intention? You can make an error in judgment but I hope not in intention.

Intention is purpose or attitude. It is determining mentally an action to take. It is something you plan or want to do. Intention is mental. You can just plan but it takes action to get it going. Train your mind to see the good in everything. “People with good intentions make promises but people with good character keep them “

Spirit Of Adventure

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dream. Adventure is choosing the only way to learn. If you don’t find anything you like you can at least find something new. You can find adventure in each new day.

A life lived in fear is a life half lived. Don’t lose sight of your dreams- you exist but cease to live. It is never too late to be who you want to be. Keep trying-trust your instincts, but most of all keep on trying. It reminds me of the old saying: “Nothing ventured anything gained“.

You have to look for adventures because they just don’t turn up and fall in your lap. Isn’t adventure another way of saying another opportunity take it? Follow your heart and intuition and live your best life.

Adventure is an attitude that we must apply today to today’s life. Listen to the inner voice for you really know what you want to become. Many people never reach their goals because they never define them.

2015 National Pro Fastpitch Best Ever

The NPF Draft for 2015 was the best NPF draft ever and probably more entertaining for both the live audience and the TV audience than ever before. GrandmaOnDeck was on the center mezzanine with a fantastic view of the stage, big screen and all of the audience seats. I even had firsthand view of the TV Cameras at work and the men working the consoles for the TV production.

The event started before the Program went live on TV with instructions for the audience as to gift give- a –ways, #hashtag tweet instructions, and sending pictures. CBS Sports Network would show selected ones.  The audience loved this one. During Commercial breaks, gift give-a-ways were to be done by drawing tickets.

NPF VP-Development Gaye Lynn Wilson was introduced. Barbara Jordan and Bernie Gunther, The TV Hosts were introduced followed by introduction of sponsors in the VIP section, NPF Sponsors, 8 special current NPF players, team owners, general managers, and coaches. The Commissioner, Cheri Kempf was introduced to welcome the crowd.

The big screen lit up and the CBS Sports Network Program began. The draft selection process was thoroughly stated. The excitement in the audience built up. The softball dreamers in the audience had a chance to select a picture placard of an NPF Team of their choice. They waved the placards energetically when a draftee was selected to their favorite Pro-Team team.

What made this draft different?

The Availability of League sponsors gave the program the feel of community.

#Short comments by TV Host Barb Jordan about benefits the draftee would bring to the NPF team while a video of then in action was shown. It was good to see their skills and how they would fit in .

#Interviews of Pro Players, team owners and general managers gave the program added interests and color to overall Draft appearance. It gave the audience a chance to see that the player’s, are smart, beautiful, and highly skilled at what they do.

#Placards and special designed tickets and event posters were upbeat and classic. It gave the audience an automatic souvenir for signing.

#Tweeting, picture sharing, and meeting the 8 Professional Players for ball or placard signing gave the audience a chance to participate. In fact, GrandmaOnDeck got all 8 Pro-players signatures.

#The Reception afterward, provided The Pro League staff, team owners, general managers, coaches, players, and interns to meet and share with Sponsors and special guests ,pro –league players and community leaders to share some good food and conversation.

 

 

SM-Know When To Turn It Off

There has to be a balance between face-to-face interactions and social media ones. We find ourselves so wrapped up in social media at times. While it is great to connect with people all over the world who have interesting things to say and share, there is nothing like the good old face-to-face conversations to keep social skills up.

To avoid being a social media addict know when to turn it off. Here are some tips.

Keep personal accounts separate from business accounts

Don’t use personal profiles for business profiles.

Schedule your usage and stick to it.

Pick your social media sites and stick to it. The fewer the better

Know that you have to turn your smartphones off and interact with humans on a regular basis.

Schedule some personal time to read a book, take a walk, or volunteer in the community.

If The Shoe Fits Wear It

There are so many online organizations formed today that it is so easy to join. Maybe you joined because it looks good on a resume or listed under skills on Linked but is that all there is. Maybe you joined because you can’t make it to meetings. The Internet lets you check in at any time to see what is shared on the organization page.

All of the reasons you list involve the time issue. Sure joining online groups are mostly free of fees. They are free except the price of your time.

After a while, you find the online organization page has very little participation by its members. Why is that? The time issue shows its head again. Busy folks find it hard to spend time posting. Without online discussions, the page becomes boring. You want to be able to connect, share and learn so you look for another organization to join.

Unfortunately, the free membership status disappears and monthly fees are being required. To add to the cost is the price of your time. The cycle of technology keeps changing and soon you are sucked into a lot of time on the Internet.

Evaluate the value of the membership benefits of any organization. Does the group satisfy any of your needs whether it is business or personal? Do you have enough time to participate? Can you afford the added expenses to your budget? Is it better to find websites written by like-minded people to learn and grow?

Before you get sucked up on spending money and time on the Internet take the time to research and find the organization that best suits you.

Harmony Is A Great Word

Harmony is a great word. It means you are in agreement.-accord and harmonious relations. It means what you say and what you do is in harmony.

It is important to recognize these things:

Recognize that it is common nature that each person has is the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Recognize that each person has something to add to this world.

Recognize you are able to be useful to others and others to you.

Recognize that you are not in harmony if you all sing the same note>

What do you do to be in harmony with the those you encounter?

First of all, share yourself with good intent. Being true to your self-attracts integrity and respect. Keep the telephone of your mind open to peace, harmony, and health. When doubt, anxiety or fear try to call they get a busy signal.

Remember Every time you encounter another person that the major percentage of that person is just like you. Know what you want what to achieve. Dig deep and ask others to help. How to have the harmony you say. Love is the answer. We are all on this planet together.

Role Model- Does Age Matter ?

This little picture about role models reminded me a lot about my life the past couple of years. My vintage age has brought me full cycle in recognizing the fast paced world we live in. My daughter has spent many years learning from older women. Now I have switched roles with her. There are so many new techies to learn to even keep up with personal chores like banking, electronically paying bills, coupons for grocery shopping and I could go on. These are things I can learn from her. So does age really matter?

Then I thought age doesn’t matter. It is about sharing with one another. The young can tutor the older ones and the older ones can mentor the younger ones. So it goes in a business or team-sharing and bringing your best skills and ideas to the table. Be willing to accept others ideas if they are better than yours. It means not accepting people for their titles but what they bring to the table. It’s about respect, responsibility, accountability, and integrity.

Here is a quote I like to talk about and illustrate my point: “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction” This is where Age doesn’t matter.

There is mentoring going on every day. The greatest successes we know is helping others learn and grow.