Paying It Forward

As I'm sitting in a gym watching My oldest son coach little league basketball, I reflect on the days when I was cheering him on as an 8 year old. Where did the time go? I'm still cheering him on and will always be his biggest fan. I couldn't be more proud sitting here watching him paying it forward, coaching the future. We never know what roads our paths may cross but rest assure if we keep paying it forward, keep giving of our talents and ourselves that in a world of uncertainty we can still make a difference. It's a new year and I really haven't concreted my goals for 2016 until now. Paying it forward seems to be appropriate in all avenues of my life: personal & professional. I encourage you to pay it forward when given the opportunity. Adding value to others is free. There's no charge for kindness. Share your blessings by blessing others. Let others reap the seeds of kindness you sow. Pay it Forward in 2016. 

Don't settle for less than the BEST

I read this quote and it inspired me to share. How many times have we settled for less than what we deserve? Why?  Maybe we are fearful of the unknown. Maybe we are impatient of waiting for the best. This applies to many avenues in our lives:  jobs, friends, relationships, opportunites, etc. I think so many times in our minds we know we deserve better but it takes effort to obtain the best so we just settle because it is easy. The easy way seems to be acceptable and accommodating to us. I do not know why that is but it seems to be true. I have been guilty of settling for less that what I know in my heart I deserved.  I deserve the best and my kids deserve the best. I do not mean in material things. I mean a quality of life that builds character, integrity and seizes opportunities.  In today's world, if we don't teach our kids to strive to do their best, then we are settling for less in them. Same with employees, if we do not expect them to perform their best then again we are settling for less in them. This is applicable in relationships too. In my opinion, you receive what you allow your expectations to be. Do not settle for less than what you know you deserve. Do not invest your time in people or things that drain you emotionally. Your time is precious so invest it wisely. Time is something we can never get back. Surround yourself with positiveness. Have the courage to move past those road blocks that hold you back. There is more to life and living than just being "okay". Be a blessing to others. Be courageous. Be more. Be the BEST version of YOU.

Seldom can we can anything new from an old place......

These words from Ron Reynolds keep playing over and over in my head. He wrote, "Seldom can we see anything new from an old place". How many times are we complacent and just keep going down the same path because...... We are scared of the unknown, change. We are comfy in our "zone". We are content. We just want to talk about doing more but our words are empty with no value. We stay in our "old place". I reflect on this quote and think about the new things I see. I see opportunities to help others. I see leadership goals being achieved and new goals being made. I see encouraging words inspring others to grow and dream bigger. Are you in that old place at work? home? personally? This applies to all avenues of our lives. In my opinion, we get content with our day to day until it becomes so routine that we are just "okay". I don't know about you but I have goals and dreams to achieve. I want my kids to know they have empowerment within them to be more, do more and there is no limit for their achievements therefore I must lead by example. I have been in that "old place" for years but no more. It's out with the old and in with the new. My blinders are off and guess what? The new view is completely AMAZING!! Looking back is a pure waste of time so don't look back. Take those past experiences, learn from them but move forward stronger, smarter and with style. Success is yours to reap what you sow but you will not have a bountiful harvest by staying in the "old place". It all starts with a new vision, new goals, positive attitude and positive people that encourage and value you as you also value and encourage them. Maybe that is my superpower, the ability to believe in people when they don't believe in themselves. I challenge you as we enter this season of Thanksgiving to remove your blinders and be open to the new opportunities that await you. Step up and step out and you will reap the blessings that are already written with your name on them. You'll have so much more to be thankful for, so get going!

Breaking out of the zone......

Stepping outside of our comfort zone is scarey sometimes. No it is actually scarey all of the time isnt it?  We are fearful of being rejected, uncertainty and failure to name a few. It takes courage to step out on faith but when we know and believe in our hearts, it gives us the nudge we often need to get out of that zone. I can remember dreading going to Basic Public speaking class in college. I despised it actually. I did not want to get up and speak in a room of twenty to twenty five strangers. Now, I do not meet a stranger. I have no problem speaking in front of two, twenty or two hundred. Working in the public for twenty four years has contributed to a majority of my fearless speaking effort but I had to step out of my comfort zone, pushing myself to grow. I am not a seasoned speaker by any means but I enjoy being able to share with others. You never know what doors your words can open for another person, which is a good reason to choose our words wisely. Say what you mean, mean what you say. Are you thinking, Oh I will talk to that person the next time I see them? What if there is not a next time? Are you telling yourself, I don't have time today but will add that to my to-do list next week? You make time for the things your heart desires and you make excuses for what your mind desires. Think about that one. If your heart says, I need to turn around and go see that person or walk down the office hall, travel across town, wherever that communication path is and talk to him/her or place a call across 5 states then do it. Instead we have a tendency to feel that heart tug to make that connection but our mind says, you are in a hurry, you will do it later. I'm guilty of it too. We all are guilty at some point. If this resonates with you then blog mission accomplished. Two things I hope you gather from this blog. 1. Step outside of your comfort zone to grow because you are fearless! 2. Make time for the things your heart desires. No excuses allowed! 

We Don't Meet People By Accident........

After a fantastic weekend with AdvoCare team members and fellow Champions (leaders), my heart runneth over with more passion and purpose for helping others. Being in the midst of a group of positive like-minded people is completely amazing and uplifiting. I heard awesome, heartfelt stories from individuals that are helping others become healthier, pursue their goals and achieve their dreams. To me this is so much more than nutritional products. I told a friend of mine recently that God's hand has been in my decision join AdvoCare from the beginning. He placed the right person in my path that introduced me to the products which led to connecting me with others in the organization. Then after a weekend that started out with 97% strangers, I headed back to Kentucky with new friendships that will grow into lifetime friends. How amazing is that?

 

Let me rewind to when I knew the decision I made with AdvoCare was the right one. I was already seeing product results and just kept feeding myself information about the company.  I opened up the IMPACT magazine (an AdvoCare publication) to read on page 7 the guiding principles of founder Charlie Ragus. #1 guiding principle "Honor God through our faith, family and friends". How many organizations have that in their principles much less the number one? I would be safe to say not very many! It was at that moment, I knew without a doubt the decision I made to join AdvoCare, was not really my decision at all. It was God's guidance that led me to this company. I know in my heart that God is using me to assist others through AdvoCare. I sat in the chapel service on Sunday listening to fellow team leaders lifting family and friends up in prayer, the praise service and the message which all tied to the #1 guiding principle. AdvoCare people are moms, dads, engineers, fitness trainers, grandmothers, grandfathers, school teachers, nurses, youth ministers, church secretaries, insurance representatives, military, real estate agents, coaches, college students and the list goes on but my point is they are real people with jobs and families that share nutritional products and business opportunites with people like me and YOU that result in positive changes for individuals and families. I see post about weight loss, more energy and results which is fantastic and I have my own results from product. I continue on products but its so so much more than "product" to me. It is a way of life that allows me to share unlimited possibilities with others that can have positive life changing results. 

For those of you that attended the retreat reading this--side note--Mr. Reynolds is not the only one that likes to write. I did not mention about making your bed but I hope you did this morning and continue to in the days ahead. I had this IMPACT magizine story in my notes for my Saturday night speech but totally omitted it, oops. Ya'll (not you alls) were a tuff crowd (haha). May blessing flow to all that read this blog. 

You Become Successful, when?

I love this saying by Billy Cox, "You become succesful the moment you decide to." I have learned that talking about doing something or merely thinking about doing it doesn't get the job done. You have to decide that you ARE going to make it happen. You have to believe in yourself and in your team. Believing is vital to success in my opinion. Believing in others so that they are more confident in themselves strenghtens the team and adds value to each person. You have to believe in yourself before you can expect others to believe in you. If you lack self belief then you will never be able to be a leader. People measure success in different ways. Some think success is based on the assets they have aquired or the position they may have at work. To me, success is helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Knowing I have helped someone else succeed is amazingly rewarding. I love motivating and encouraging others then seeing them excell is the most wonderful feeling. Sometimes those indiviuals don't even realize their accomplishments.  It's those kind of moments when you see "it" and they don't that fuel my passion to lead and believe even more. It is not about being the brightest star in the sky, standing out, being noticed. It is about being one of many stars that compliment the others so that the entire constellation is radiant--so that everyone stands out. That is team work. That is believing in others. That is setting goals and reaching them. That is passion and enthusiasm. That is being a person that adds values to others. Remember that the person raising the curtain is an important as the person on the stage. It is up to you to decide if you want to be successful. However you measure that success is your choice but ultimately the choice is yours.  

There is no time like the present for YOU!!!

How many times have you heard " there is no time like the present"? Oh I can think of many times I have heard this over the years especially when my mom was on me about cleaning my room. How many mornings or Mondays have you started a diet then blowed it by lunch? or how many times have you lost weight just to gain it back or exercised just to stop then go back to feeling blah again. We all start things then slack off when we start to see results. It is just the way most of us are geared for whatever reason. I love results but I love to maintain them more than anything. I have been able to drop weight and keep it off with not a diet but a lifestyle change. I changed the things I ate, my routine to incorporate exercise, my outlook on the future and how my overall health is valuable not only to me but to my kids. I changed. You can too. Now with proper nutrients and supplements from AdvoCare, I can continue maintaining a healthier way of life. AdvoCare offers more than weight loss products. It offers products for those like me that are on the go with a busy life fueling me with the extra energy I need. It offers performance products to give me a better workout in the gym. It offers wellness products to give me the vitamins and nutrients my body needs that I do not get from the foods I eat. If you are seeking to loose a few pounds or several then please let me intoduce you AdvoCare. If you exercise and work out then give AdvoCare a try. If you need a boost of energy that's sugar free, then ask me for a sample of Spark. I love helping people. I love seeing people succeed by achieving their goals. There is no time like the present for you to start taking care of yourself. If you don't take care of yourself then who will? Do it for YOU! Please go to the site and read about the company. Read the legacy of the founder and the guiding principles but I want to tell you what the first two principles are 1. Honor God through our faith, family and friends 2. Respect and strengthen the family.....there are 8 more worth reading.  Read about the athletic endorsements and sponsors. The prouducts are all formulated with the highest quality based on current scientific research by a medical and scientific advisory board. All of the information you desire is found on their web site. I would NOT be apart of any organization if I did not believe so strongly in it myself. AdvoCare does more than build champions in my opinion. It has built new and lasting friendships for me, provided products that make me feel amazing and given me an opportunity to help others. The possibilites are endless and I am looking forward to what lies ahead with AdvoCare. I have already received such a blessing in a short time and given a chance you will be blessed too. There's no time like the present! 

https://www.advocare.com/150815917/

Change your routine & change your life!!

Lifestyle changes are difficult. We all desire to eat healthier, exercise more and have an overall better well being. Those of you that know me can attest that I have made drastic changes over the last (almost 2 years) in my lifestyle. I exercise regularly, eat healtier and continue to encourage others to do the same. It took self-dicipline, buckets and buckets of sweat, a few tears, dedicated trainers and motivation to get to this point. I appreciate the assistance from others along the way and the continued support from my friends at the gym. I rarely suggest products of any kind because I do not like people bugging me about such things. Yet, I have stumbled upon a product line that I like so much that I must not keep it a secret. It's AdvoCare! I have been drinking Spark which gives me a boost of energy each morning. I drink muscle fuel prior to working out at the gym and am having better work outs. I am currently doing the 24 day challenge which I am loving how I feel! I can't do cartwheels but if I could I would! It's that great! There are numerous products offered from this company to help people like you and I reach and maintain overall health goals. There is no time like now to start taking care of YOU! If I can change my lifestyle and loose over 50 lbs. and go from a size 14 to a size 4 then you can achieve your goals. Talking about it sure doesn't get it done! You must make a commitment to yourself and what a better way than to allow AdvoCare to help you get started. I encourge you to visit this page, read about the products and read the testimonies. My goal with AdvoCare products is to maintain the lifestyle I have now and by using their products I can continue on the path of a healthier me. That does not mean I will stop exercising, no way! It means I will keep exercising, keep eating healthier and with the help of these products continue to be successfull in my daily quest for a better ME! I lost my weight prior to starting AdvoCare but the good news is there are products to help you while you shed pounds. What the heck! If only I had known this two years ago!  When was the last time you did something for yourself? Only you can make the change. I can't twist your arm to start the journey for a healthier YOU. It has to start with YOU! What are you waiting on anyway? Let's GO! If you want to know more or have questions please feel free to private message me. I have an AWESOME AdvoCare team that are so supportive and knowledgeable. If I can't answer your questions with one call I know people that can. A quote from Billy Cox sums it up. You must change your daily routine. 

#advoCareaboutU #ucandothis #only1lifeliveitatyourbest

https://www.advocare.com/150815917/24DayChallenge          

--24 day challenge

https://www.advocare.com/150815917/elite/                           

-- performance products

https://www.advocare.com/150815917/                                    --home page for all products

 

 

Never Underestimate

Have you ever met a complete stranger and felt a sense of connection that is unexplainable? You walk away from that encounter/conversation and say Wow! Chances are you may never see that individual again but that person impacted you in someway. There is no doubt in my mind that people are placed in our paths for a reason. Sometimes we do not know the reason until later or perhaps we will never know the reason. Sometimes the connection leads to new opportunities and new friendships. This is why I think its imperative to be kind to others, to share a smile, to open a door, to say thank you and say yes ma'am and yes sir. Actions do speak louder than words.  I will share this quote from Greg Louganis, "Never underestimate your ability to make someone else's life better - even if you never know it". What kind of impression do you leave with others? #makeitbetter 

On A Positive Note

As a new school year begins for teachers, students and parents let us embrace the future days ahead with a positive outlook. Yes, we all have the grumbles and gripes that summer vacation is over.  Where did the summer go? It's school time already?! I am a guilty of those statements as anyone. I think about how we often we dwell on the time that passed that we forget what lies ahead. The endless possibilities of what is to come awaits us. The here and now is often over looked too. Again, I am guilty of jumping too far ahead and missing out on NOW until today becomes yesterday. My thoughts for each of us regardless if you are starting back to school as a student or teacher or just going to work on a typical day is to be positive. Positive thoughts equal positive results. Positive attitudes are contagious. A smile or kind word can change someone else's day completely. You might not change someone else's day but you can certainly change yours. 

Like A Rock

I recently read something that sparked an interest about a Rock. No, not Dwayne Johnson, "The Rock" and no not "School of Rock" nor "Rock of Ages". It was more on the line of the Bob Segar song "Like A Rock". What do you think of when you hear that someone is like a rock? solid as a rock? strong, sturdy, never changing right? Those are my characteristics
of a rock. Amalia G wrote, "When you're the rock, you get put in some tough places. Everyone becomes use to brushing the dirt on you and using  you to smooth their rough edges. You become worn down until sometimes you're just a pebble, buried beneath the surface. It's deceiving to be the rock because everyone thinks the rock is sturdy and impenetrable. But eventually, all rocks wear down with time."

That statement packs a punch for me it and it may for you. I need to reevaluate my rock collection and make sure I am not wearing them down. Sometimes I think we get so complacent relying on others that we forget to return the favor or we unintentionally take someone for granted that is a rock. We need rocks in our lives to count on and give us strength at times. There are people in your life right now that you could call "your rock(s)" because they are unchanging and always there for you. Are you a boulder for others or a rock crusher? Please take time to thank those that you lean on for support. So often we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to say thank you to those that mean so much.

Best Friends

In honor of my two best friends turning 40 this week here's a best friend blog. We all have friends, most of us many, many friends but I assure you that we can narrow down our "true" friend list real fast. There are childhood friends, high school friends, college friends, work friends, church friends and the list goes on but those type of friends are connected to a time in our lives or events. Some of those people made impacts on our lives that we will never forget for various reasons. Some we may never see again while others we may run into in passing. Then there are the very few that are your best friends. I like this quote from Hoda, "A good friend knows all your stories but a best friend helped you write them." Amen to that! 

My characteristics of a BFF:

A best friend has your back no matter what & defends you till the end. Tells you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. Shares a bond with you that no one can break. Would go to jail with you because a best friend would be right by your side. Knows all of your dreams, fears and secrets. Wipes your tears while plotting against the reason you are crying. Reads between the lines without you speaking a word. Laughs with you and at you without remorse. Knows your heart and helps pick up the pieces when needed. Is always a phone call away regardless of the time of day or night but knows if it's at midnight call something is wrong. Is honest, trustworthy and dependable 24/7 365. Loves your kids like their own. Celebrates important life events with you. Never turns their back on you. Is fun and entertaining. Knows all of your favorites. Remembers the little things that are big things to you. Lifts you up and never drags you down. Loves you for you. 

I could write more characteristics for a best friend but these are ones that come to mind for me. It doesn't matter if you have known that person for your entire life or a year. In my opinion, a true friendship is a connection within the heart regardless of the length of friendship. It's those type of people we should desire to be around. Some friends come and go as we travel through life but the ones that are your true friends will never leave you and always remain the same. It's those friendships that are a rare treasures.

 

Get Out Of The Dugout

Brendon Burchard is one of my new favortie motivational speakers. I follow his daily blogs and recommend you taking a gander at his words of motivation and encouragement. Today he posted this quote, " This week try releasing your past and fears, have the intention to think bigger and take more action toward your dreams". WOW! How often do we allow our past, fears and failures to be a road block in achieving our dreams? I am guilty of over-thinking at times and allowing those thoughts to side track the path of reaching a goal or dream. I call that part of "Life" and when life tosses us curve ball after curve ball we often strike out, head back to the dugout and hope our turn to bat doesn't come back around for a long time. Thinking bigger in baseball could be adjusting your stance in the batter's box, choking up on the bat or merely believing in yourself. You aren't expected to hit a home run every time at bat but if you do then that's certainly a bonus. I personally believe it's about not giving up, taking chaces, making changes which are actions in working towards winning the game. Having an outstanding team, working together towards the same goal, is essential to winning the game (at work, at home, at life in general). I've analyzed what I need to do in order to "think bigger and take action" towards my current dreams/goals, personally and professionally. What's your plan? Are you going to sit in the dugout or get back in the batter's box? Watch the ball pass over the plate or knock the cover off it? You are the only person that can control how you play the game called "life". Take action!!

Making excuses or Being More?

I love blog ideas from friends. Recently a friend sent me this, "Anyone can find an excuse not to do something but only the strong look for an excuse to do something." How many times have you made an excuse NOT to do something? Too many to count?  The time and effort we often spend planning a way out of doing or procrastinating is such a waste. It is better to just bite the bullet, do whatever it is, get it over with and move on to something else. Have you ever listened to someone tell a story and it goes on and on and on to the point you are thinking seriously are you ever going to get to the point? To me that is like making excuse after excuse to avoid a task or making a decision. Now on the flip side, the strong look for an excuse to do something. I put some thought into this analogy and it does make sense. Strong, determined and self-driven individuals do look for reasons to do something. These type of people do not idle along in life. They are the ones that are reaching for the stars and actually touching them. They know success because they make it happen. Excuse is not a word in their vocabulary. These folks are leaders, winners, champions, etc. that strive to "Be More" every day. What are you doing? Making excuses or being more?

Today is Your Day...... and Tomorrow is Too!

Today being the first day of school for my kids, a Senior and a Fifth grader, where does the time go?There will be two graduations this school year to look forward to as well as many other events like Senior night, college visits, scholarship applications and the list goes on. It is going to be a busy school year for many of us. As we embark starting new chapters, it might be at school for both teachers and students, new projects at work or a position change or reorganizing our schedules home, don't allow your mind to limit possibilities that are within your reach. Often we are content with the same ole' same ole' therefore we do not apply ourselves to our fullest potential. We do not stretch ourselves to reach a little further, become a little stronger, grow a little wiser because we are satisfied with what is considered average or normal. I challenge you to break out of the normal and go for the gusto! You don't have to wear a superhero cape or leap from tall buildings. I believe there is a superhero in all of us waiting to seize opportunities, make a difference, conquer fears and share talents with others. It takes courage to be more than content and leap forward into the unknown. I am sure there were a lot of kiddos (teachers too) that experienced their first day of school scared of the unknown but I assume that by the end of the day everyone left school braver, stronger and smarter. Tomorrow will be another day and the process begins again over and over until your child drives off for their Senior year of high school. As adults we are merely the same but just in a different setting. Dr. Seuss stated, "You're off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!" Adjust your cape, take that step forward, claim what your future is holding, for your mountain is waiting. You can either climb it or sit at the bottom talking about climbing it and never leave the ground. I'm going with Dr. Seuss's recommendation. I'm on my way and hope you are on your way too! 

It's Never Too Late

How many times do we put things off? We make excuses to convince ourselves that it is okay to wait another day, days, weeks or longer. We often spend more time trying to justify the excuses than the time and effort it would take to make a decision. I have been guilty of postponing decisons or choices. A year ago this month, I made a life changing decision to eat healthier and exercise daily. High cholesterol was the major factor in my decison. In my opinion, I am too young to be on cholesterol meds and knew I didn't want to remain on that path any longer. So, I made a major change. It has not been easy but with lots of self discipline it is my new way of life. A better, healthier me makes life more enjoyable not only for myself but for my family. Remember IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! Whatever you are postpoing doing, don't delay any longer. It could be eating healthier, exercising, going back to college, changing jobs or reconnecting a relationship just to name a few.

I follow Joel Osteen on facebook. Recently he posted this quote, "There are times you will be given intuition, you just know something and you can't explain it. Don't override it. Don't talk youself out of it. That's the Creator giving you inside information." I think this quote can tie in with it's never too late. We talk ourselves out of making decisions or choices that we truly want to happen but delay. Is it because we are scared of what? what others may think? of failing?  Often we feel a burning desire within us that drives choices or decisions we make. Did you ever stop and think that the burning desire is the "inside information"? You will never know until you try (or decide) and if you don't try then you will always wonder "what if". Failing is not the end of the world but often we perceive it to be. Can't never did anything.  I am missing out on ______________ because I keep delaying. Fill in the blank according to your situation. Listen to your "inside information". Stand firm. Know IT'S NEVER TOO LATE.

Thank A Lineman

Today is National Lineman Appreciation Day. On this day linemen are recognized publicly in the media. I am partial to this occupation since I work in the utility industry. No I am not a lineman but I can share with you what I do know about the linemen I am privileged to work with as a team. Linemen (or often today called Line Techs) are unique and special individuals that are very passionate about their jobs. Actually, it is not just a job to them. It is a way of life. They may put their boots on like the rest of us but only if they are steel toed. They are required to wear personal protective equipment such as rubber sleeves and gloves that make working on the most humid, hottest summer days even more unbearable but working safe is priorty for them. Their jobs are often dangerous but with proper safety procedures and protection they work safely. Outages require them to leave their families during the day, night, holidays and weekends. Birthday parties, school plays, anniversay dinners and Christmas morning have been missed because that lineman was restoring power. Most people have no clue the sacrifices linemen make but their familes know. I have heard stories from family members of linemen. A daughter of a retired lineman told me that she remembers as a child her dad leaving during a big snow and not coming home for several days. There were no cell phones back then so he would call home when he was near a phone to let them know he was okay. Times have changed but spouses, children, parents and even bosses still worry when their lineman or employees are out working. I have seen: the tiredness on their faces after days of working to restore power, arriving back at the office with not a dry thread on because they were working out in a thunderstorm, their faces red and chapped from the wind and cold, hungry (not starving) because they did not take time to stop and eat. It was more important for them to get that last customer's lights on than to grab a sandwhich. I could keep listing just what I have witnessed or heard but I am certain there is much more. In my opinion, linemen give a new meaning to dedication and perseverance.  

If you know a lineman please take time to tell them thanks for all they do. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness. I am honored and proud to work with a fantasic group of dedicated linemen!! I am also privileged to have worked with linemen which are now retired and to have friends that are linemen near and far. Thank each one of you for going above and beyond keeping the lights on. The next time you experience a power outage please remember the sacrifies that others make so that we can have the luxury of flipping a switch. Thank A Lineman!

Be Safe!

It's More Than a Small Valley

If you are facebook worthy, then you know that the Wounded Warrior Outdoors is hosting a turkey hunt in this area. With that being said, it makes me extremely proud of this small town that I call home. The outpouring of support from this community is outstanding. There is no way it can compare to another small town community, in my opinion. There are so many folks that work behind the scenes with the WWO program which is strictly all volunteers. There is so much cooking and baking going on in this town while the WWO are here that there has to be a shortage at the local groceries. The amount of food brought in for these guys is overwhelming. Yes, so you read I have done my share of sampling. No need in hurting the "many" cooks feelings by not sampling the goods. Kudos to each one of them. As I visit with this group of folks, I hear so many comments on how this community is so kind, caring, giving, hospitable and etc. 

I know during the 2009 ice storm this community pulled together. I was completely astounded by the support they provided for the co-op. It was truly unbelievable the volunteers that worked helping to cook and serve hundreds of linemen until all the power was restored and for that I will always be grateful. When the going gets ruff in these parts, the tuff get going and just let one person step up and say, hey so and so's barn was damaged in that storm last week or we need to feed a group of soldiers for a week, then watch out, work is in progress. It doesn't matter the task, let it be told around the table during morning coffee at the Coon Dog Inn and things get hopping. Phones start ringing, grocery list get started or other supply list begin depending on the task at hand. Networking is amazing and even more amazing what ideas transpire over cup of coffee at the local restaurant of course that is not where all of the ideas originate. I will add there are some ideas that probably do not need to be repeated during that cup of coffee (only my guess of course haha). I shall not give that group all of the credit. It is part of living in a small town. Where we all know each other or are related (like it or not). Most were born and raised in this small town. Yes, news travels fast but there is not as many folks to share it with but good or bad I wouldn't trade this town for any other place. We know who are neighbors are. We look out for each other. We take food to someone that is sick. We give food and clothes to strangers in need passing through town. We don't like others talking about our town. We don't like outsiders coming on our turf disrupting our way of life (like a new road). We like to share our gardens, sow our seeds and reap our harvest. We love our community, our Country and God. I better get off my soapbox before I fall off. Sure I am partial of this small town but I have every reason to be. It is my home. It's my kids home. It's my families home. It was my grandparents and great grandparents home and their parents.  It is the best place on earth to be. I think often we take for granted the way of life we have in this community. We have something that many folks will never know or never have; We have a small valley with a big heart. It doesn't get any better than this folks and if you think it does then try visiting NYC. I enjoy visiting other places but there is truly no place like home, no place like small communities, no place like Fredonia. 

Blessed By A Vet....Humbled

The Wounded Warrior Outdoors Spring Turkey hunt is taking place around the Valley this weekend and all week. I was blessed with the opportunity to share an amazing lunch with real American heroes! It is always a humbling experience to sit around the table breaking bread with individuals that actually put their life in harms way, so that you and I can continue to have our Freedom. As soon as I arrived at the hunting camp, the smell of Nicky & gang cooking ribeye and chicken certainly grabbed my attention but as soon as I got out of the vehicle a friendly Veteran rolled over in his wheel chair to greet me. I had never met this gentleman on any of the other Wounded Warrior Outdoor events. This was his first time to hunt Turkey in our area. Instantly, we became friends and the conversation was on. He was blessed with the gift of gab, like me. I am not going to mention his name although he probably wouldn't mind. I will say he is a triple amputee but has an amazing attitude. We talked about a multitude of things and somehow got off on the subject how kids react to someone that "looks" different. He said it is just human nature for kids to stare at someone that may look different. He shared a story with me that will stick with me forever. He told that when his daughter (who is now 24) was in Kindergarten came home from school one day crying because some kids said her daddy didn't have any legs. The teacher called that afternoon, speaking to his wife, asking if he would come to school and speak to the class. The wife quickly said, yes of course without even consulting him (he laughed as he told this part to me, he was at work and had no clue he had been volunteered for the school visit). He went to school and as the kids were staring at him they kept their distance. He told the class that just because he looked different on the outside, he was the same on the inside like any other person. He asked the kids, what if they lost their two front teeth wouldn't it be hard to eat an apple? Most nodded or said yes. Then he said it would be easier to eat if mommy or daddy would cut the apple up into small pieces, right? The kids (still staring) nodded or said yes. He said I am no different. Just because I have no legs, one arm and a partial arm, I often need help doing things too like cutting up particular foods. Once he shared this with the kids, he said they all moved in closer to him and was touching his wheelchair, wanting to push buttons and there was never another issue about it again. He also went on to say that just opened a gate for the kids to ask questions and boy they were not shy at all then. Wow is what I say! My mind was blogging for a moment, as I continued to stand beside him talking as he showed me his customized truck (it was very cool). Yes he drives! I said you know it is amazing what folks can have with the technology of today (lots of gadgets on his truck). I said you are not limited due to such inventions in today's world. He said no, I am not limited. The entire time we spoke he smiled. 

I was just the person taking coolers of ice to the camp in hopes to see some returning WWO friends, make new friends and of course eat some delicious food.  Here I had never laid eyes on this man before but he was placed in my path today, April 12, 2014, to bless me. And what a blessing I received from him.  His attitude was fantastic. His outlook on life was positive. Sure he may be physically challenged in someways but his spirit to live life with out restrictions touched my heart. I have no reason to complain ever again about anything. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. We are all blessed and if you don't think you are then Whoa! If you are breathing, then you are blessed. I think we take so much for granted, like being able to eat an apple with out assistance, that we do not appreciate even the smallest or simplest things in life. The next time you eat an apple, I hope that you remember this story and do two things: one, be thankful for your blessings and two, thank a Veteran or someone active in the military. They certainly do not get the recognition or the thanks they so greatly deserve in my opinion. From the bottom of my heart Thank You for defending our red, white and blue and all that it stands for in this land we call the home of the free and brave. No I am not going to bust out singing the Star-Spangled Banner (lucky for you) but I will say that every time I hear it played, I get goose bumps. Yes, every single time. 

If you would like more information on Wounded Warrior Outdoors go to www.woundedwarrioroutdoors.com and you can follow WWO on Facebook. Be ready to receive a blessing from WWO; the leaders, participants and others associated with this group. 

Weeding Out The Garden

Trust is a complex subject for me. In my opinion, their are levels of trust. We have all experienced broken trust at some point in our lives. Even at a young age we learn trust issues. I can only speak with regards to my experiences with that being said, trusting someone completely is hard for me due to previous broken trust with individuals. To open yourself up to someone revealing all the components of your very being takes courage and trust. I can look back on situations when I trusted friends that didn't turn out to be real friends, previous co-workers that defied my trust for their own benefit and even family members. Situations like this brand scars within us and causes us to build up walls against the outside world. It keeps us from completely trusting others. I have taken these experiences, utilizing them still today as learning tools. If you have people in your life that you trust completely, then you have treasures. Folks like this are few are far between in my opinion. I am blessed with some awesome people in my life.  Over the years I have weeded out my garden of life to reflect only the strongest, brightest and most trusting flowers. I desire to be around people that bring out the best in me and that make me want to be a better person. These individuals encourage, support and love me at my best and at my worst. In return I provide encouragement, support and love to them. Sometimes we have to let go of situations or people that bring us down. Regardless of how long you have known someone, if that person drains you emotionally then something is wrong. Pull that weed and move on. Life is too short to hold on to stinky weeds.  Surround yourself with only the best flowers in your garden of life but make sure that you are one of the best flowers in their garden too. Only you can define your levels or definition of trust. It takes longer to build trust than it does to break it. Be a trusting, steady, strong flower in all of the gardens that you sow.