Category: life~living~learning

learning as we live

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Why Being Creative is Important

Use of creativity with resin for plant charms

Creativity stimulates brain function.

Creativity sets the mind free. Think about all the times your mind wondered. You thought about a new car or how you would want to change or update your bedroom. That is being creative. Anytime you use your imagination even to write a report for work, you are being creative.

Some of the items I created with resin, for sale on my esty shop, notgoodatnormal1.

“You can’t use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have”~Maya Angelou

Being creative gives you an outlet

If you are feeling stuck or are board, you just have to use your imagination and change your thought patterns. When was the last time you colored or drew a sketch? Had a hobby? Don’t say you don’t have time because we all make time for what we want. Television and now surfing the net and scrolling mindlessly wastes time you could use being creative.

“Creativity is inventing, experienting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun”~Marylou Cook

Started a new hobby!

Being creative makes you happier. When you are thinking of how to do something, which color or way to start, you are not stressing or letting negativity in.

“The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most apt to create, to invent and therefore to foster civilization”~L. Frank Baum creator of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book series

Creativity with resin
The Tin Woodsman from the Oz books. Use as a charm or plant decoration or for a rearview mirror.

If you think you are not the creative type, how did you get the house you wanted or the mate you have? You had to think about it and see it in your mind. Use of imagination is what drives us. Stop and think of planning a fun day. Where would you go, how much money would you spend, who would go with you? That is the creative process at work!

Mixing several of my favorite things together, creating with resin, Halloween and skulls.

Look at this blog. I wanted to get back to my creative side, a side that I pushed away for a few years thinking I didn’t have time for and wanting to fit in with someone I was seeing. Taking my own advice, Never change for anyone. I needed my creativity back. Back big time! Photography, writing, podcasting, building with wood, now arts with resin (I dabbled in stained glass but that was a one time thing).

“You’ll never be bored when you try something new, there’s really no limit to what you can do”~Dr Seuss

Using a journal, write out what you would want your day to look like tomorrow, or how you would rewrite today if you could. That is one way to get back into the creative spirit. By using our brain in a way that is either new to us, or a way that we haven’t used in a long time, you allow the creativity to flow. Sometimes, you need to give yourself permission to do it. Give yourself a few minutes in the evening or morning if that works better for you. Do this for a week and see how you feel.

Resin charms for decorating your plants and flowers. The creative process! I am always looking for new places for charms as I ran out of room on both of my charm bracelets!

Planting a garden takes planning. Imagination starts and action makes it happen. It’s all part of the creative process at work. I am doing custom items and taking orders for Halloween and Christmas.

Visit my new etsy shop at :https://www.etsy.com/shop/notgoodatnormal1?fbclid=IwAR1VAd0Nje8ASI8j_E9SVLMH2UDMZ_zJb5oz1MLB0ewFP9PsHu01zzVwt_g

I will be adding items to the shop and posting some on the blog, check back for more. Let me know in the comments what ways you are being creative or have started to do different. Have a new hobby or started a website or new business? Add that! Like and share. And go get creative!

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What We Learn From History

How History Can Shape the Future

“The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality”~Elizabeth Cady Stanton

I am a self confessed history geek. I love history. All kinds. I don’t believe in past lives, but I am drawn to certain decades more than others. Early American history 1770-1800, women’s history and the suffragettes, the gilded age, the 1920’s and 30’s( mostly for the style and movies). As with everything I do, learning about these and other time periods brings me great joy. We must not forget the past, nor the people who lived through it.

The Buildings

What did this look like back in the day? St. Louis, MO.

Seeing older, abandoned buildings, I want to know more about what it was like when it was first built. What was it used for, who lived or worked there? What happened to cause it to be no longer in use. I want to know what kind of people lived in an old house. Where they worked, were they happy there, what circumstance caused them to leave the home, sometimes leaving their belongs, where did they go and why is it no one bought or restored it.

“History, despite it’s wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again”~Maya Angelou

Ghost Signs

Passing some buildings, mostly brick, I search for old signs. Some are barely visible and some have layers of advertising through the years. These give us a glimpse of the past. How people lived, what and how they purchased. Fashions and lifestyles. An anthropologist’s dream. Or perhaps, an archaeologist. Both study history and how people lived to an extent.

MzHyde in front of a ghost sign with several layers/years of advertising! Columbia, TN Living history!

Through learning about the past, we gain understanding of what worked and what doesn’t. How not to make the same mistakes.

This building, in Benton Park, STL had a ghost sign on each side.

“History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.”~Alexis de Tocqueville

Older buildings have charm and character not found in today’s build it fast world. Historic places are being demolished in the name of progress and modernization. New is not always better.

Grand Blvd and Chouteau, What was left of the Pevely Dairy complex. Saint Louis University (SLU)purchased land to continue their expansion, despite this building being on the National Registry of Historic Places! Dated to 1915. This was a four story brick building with white glazed brick walls just on the inside.

Heritage of a City

Preserving our heritage is also practical. Materials can be recycled and reused, thereby continuing the aesthetic look of the city. This is what gives a unique, rich character. Having roots also makes us feel like we have ties to the community.

“History isn’t about dates and places and wars, it’s about the people who fill the spaces between them”~Jodi Picoult

Biographies and Documentaries

Biographies and documentaries are great sources of learning. Almost like a living history where you are in the shoes of another seeing life through their eyes. Reading a biography is my favorite, as I am also a book worm. Rich and detailed information on a past generation. A documentary can take you visually into another time. My favorites are books about inventors, movie stars and people who have changed the world.

“Those who do not know history are destined to repeat it”~Edmond Burke

Of course not all of history is good and therefore we must learn from the mistakes of our forefathers and make sure not to repeat it. Removing stories from books and monuments and not teaching certain lessons in classrooms does not remove what happened. We must not forget the pain, but teach our children the wrong and what makes it wrong and to not let it happen again.

“We cannot escape History”~Abraham Lincoln

Image via PBS

A television show I love is Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry L. Gates, Jr. , about genealogy. Knowing your personal history and where you come from is very important.

Part of the defunct Lemp Brewery complex,St. Louis, MO

I will leave you with a quote from another American President. Leave a comment about your favorite part of history. Like and share.

“The More You Know About The Past, The Better Prepared You Are for the Future.”~Theodore Roosevelt

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Ecclesiastes 3 A time for everything

A time for every purpose unto heaven

There is a time for everything. A season or reason. In the Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there is a time for everything to happen. A time to reap, a time to sow. A time to be born and a time to die. God has it determined what will happen. These are extraordinary times we are living through. No one knows what will happen or what to do. At this point it is a waiting game.

The best of times or the worst

Spring is a perfect time to get out and enjoy God’s wonder.

This could bring out the best in us or the worst. We have already seen how some people fought over toilet paper trying to hoard it. Others not following guidelines set out by public health officials and doing what they want. On the flip side, more people are meeting their neighbors and making sure medical personal have supplies. People can sit and watch television and eat all day and come out of this having gained weight, or go outside and walk, run, bike and play with the kids and be more fit. It’s a mind set. You get to choose what you use this time at home for. It could be a blessing or a curse.

Home School

So many people are complaining about having to homeschool their children. If you are a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. This one really gets me angry. It is not the school’s place nor a teacher’s to show your child basics of living or right and wrong. It’s not that hard to teach counting and reading. When my daughter was two I placed printed words around the house. DOOR on the door. TELEVISION on the TV, ect. She learned how to read, also helped that I read to her often and we didn’t spend hours in front of a screen each day.

Easy and fun way to teach basic math. Yum!

Simple math was made fun by using candy. M&M’s work best, but this is what I had when writing and taking pictures. If Jr. has three pieces of candy, and mom eats one, how many will Jr. have left? Fun and rewarding way to add or subtract. I home schooled from 4th grade through 8th, with the munchkin going to public school a few hours a week for the gifted program. It seems it would be much easier now with a lesson plan from the school online.

The Byrds

By now, you may have noticed a few themes run through my blogs. Music and Movies (Oz mostly) how they relate to life, positivity and God. How you can change your mindset and change your life. The folk rock band The Byrds had a number one song in 1966 titled, “Turn, Turn, Turn” based on the bible chapter and verse, Ecclesiastes 3: A time to kill, and time to heal, a time to laugh a time to weep. A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. See, now is not the time to embrace.

Useful

No, it wasn’t a Sunday. Feels like the Twilight Zone. Not a soul in sight!

What will you use this time for? It is a gift, for the most part. Yes, it can be difficult. I worked at a radio station, in promotions. All of the events were canceled, leaving me out of a job. The positive side is I get to see family, to read and write and do research. Drive with the top down and take photos. The things I love to do, but hadn’t had much time to devote to. Will you learn a new craft, or finish a book? Do a DYI project around the house. Plant flowers. Learn a new language. Start a journal so your kids can remember this time. Read the Bible and the rest of Ecclesiastes 3.

Maybe just spend more time with the kids and those you love. From a distance. Be safe and use common sense. Let me know what you are doing or plan to do. There is a time for everything.

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The Wisdom of Country Music

country music

What we can learn from Country Music

“For These Times -in which we live the sound of someone’s heartbreak is the soundbite at the news break” Martina McBride

The Wisdom of Country Music
Martina McBride and the author, Tee. Not only one of the best singers of our time, but a great humanitarian.

Country music, the real, older style, tells stories in melody. Each song is like a pearl of wisdom. I’m not talking about the current state of what is found on radio now, or for the last several years, with few exceptions.

The Real Wisdom

The kind of songs that tell stories about life and love and are filled with lessons. There are no shortage of these. One only has to go back a few years to listen and learn. Let’s start with Faith Hill. She sings about how The Secret of Life is the simple things, getting up early, a good cup of coffee, “the secret of life is, there ain’t no secret and you don’t get your money back!” Live a life filled with what you want and you already know the secret.

Pay Attention

Words and music by Casey Breathard and Chris Wallin

“You’re Gonna Miss This” and “Don’t Blink” by Trace Atkins and Kenny Chesney respectively, tell us to live in the moment, not to take for granted or miss out and complain too much, because one day you will look back and think where did that time go? “You’re going to wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast, you may not know it now, but you’re gonna miss this.” “You just might miss your babies growing up, like mine did. When your hourglass runs out of sand, you can’t flip it over and start again” We can also add Tim Mcgraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” to this group. Why wait, for anything? You may not get a second chance!

Songs that make you think

There are songs that make us think, cry, smile and remember a moment. Songs stay with us, mostly for a lifetime. Some of the earlier country songs I started listening to, in the late 80’s, are some of the most memorable ones for me. Shenandoah singing sad, but thought provoking lyrics with haunting melodies. Spending hours playing the what if game. “The Road Not Taken”, ” I Wanna Be Loved Like That”, and “Mama Knows” all about a simpler time. These songs craft the question, do we live in regret, or choose the life you have made.

The Big Guy

Garth Brooks even sang about the wisdom of not getting what you want. “Unanswered Prayers” reminds us, as he sees an old flame he once prayed would be the one, realizing she wasn’t and that God had someone better for him. “The Dance-I’m glad I didn’t know the way it all would end, the way it all would go, our lives are better left to chance,I could have missed the pain, but I’d of had to miss the dance”.

The Preacher Won’t Have To Lie

Some of my favorite singers also wrote a few books.

The idea for this blog came one day late last year when I was on a long drive in my convertible, and saw a billboard sign something about God is watching. I immediately thought of the Lee Ann Womack songs “The Preacher Won’t Have to Lie~I had a dream and I got a good look at myself. I stood face to face with the ghost of my past and I saw what was to come. They made it clear that on day I’d have to answer for what I had done. I saw what I’d become. The choices you make, the chances you take, they’ll follow you all of your life” and “Something Worth Leaving Behind”. Who could forget her monster crossover hit, “I Hope You Dance-never settle for the path of least resistance, when you come close to selling out, reconsider”

So many great songs, so little space. Here is a short list of some great songs to listen to again, or for the first time: Lynn Anderson “Rose Garden” The Judds “Grandpa” Suzy Bogguss “Letting Go” Kasey Musgraves “Mind Your Biscuits” Loretta Lynn, just about any of her older stuff. Grab your klennex for when Patty Loveless signs with a tear in her throat, “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye”

Martina McBride

Martina McBride Awesome in concert, especially from the front row!

I could write an entire blog on just Martina songs. She certainly can pick them, and she wrote some of them as well. Her songs inspire and give hope in trying times. “Love’s The Only House big enough for all the pain”. “Anyway sing, love, dream, do it anyway””In My Daughter’s Eyes”, which I wrote about here.

“All The Things We’ve Never Done” and “Whatever You Say” sometimes it’s not what you say or do that speaks volumes. Who could forget not only the soaring vocals but the message of “Independence Day”? Let freedom Ring, Let the whole world know that today is the day of reckoning. A song I use almost daily for inspiration, “Ride” Life is a roller coaster ride, time turns a wheel and love collides, faith is believing you can close your eyes and touch the sky. Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride.

Back to the beginning

Especially now, “For These Times-where the worst of what we live is laid out for all the world on the front page. Give me a heart full of love and kindness and arms ready to open wide”. The wisdom of country music. What are some of your picks for songs on the list? leave a comment.

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Making fast cash, just a click away.

Ways to make money between jobs or when you need extra cash

Making fast money really isn’t that difficult now days. In between jobs doesn’t have to mean out of cash. One only has to look as far as your phone. Everyone carries a phone. Everyone gets hungry. If you are in between jobs or needed fast cash, it’s easier than ever with today’s technology and gig economy. This even makes a great part time job.

Food Apps

Food delivery can be a profitable way to earn fast money!

Maybe you left a job to be a family caregiver, or had to take time off for a baby, or for personal reasons. Whatever the case, you may find yourself in need of making ends meet and paying the bills. One of the best, easiest ways to earn extra money, is to use the food apps and deliver for hungry customers. This option is best for a more densely populated location, where you would ideally not be driving too far between diners.

Great option:

*If you love to drive

*if you have a car that gets great gas mileage

*are in or near a city

*use multiple apps so you are busier and can make more money

*have a few hours open in the evening or during lunch

Bonuses

For me, moving to a new city, driving for UberEats, GrubHub and DoorDash was not only a way to make extra money, I learned quickly shortcuts to getting around my new city. I would also get to go into areas where I would not normally have had a reason to go into. You can turn down a stop if you do not want to go into a certain area.

Deliver with food apps, several to choose to use.

Want to know the best Mexican place in town? Who has the best pot stickers? Pay attention to how often you make deliveries for each one. Also talk to the customers you deliver to. Another benefit to working with the food apps, is you can work when you want. Make your own schedule and work as long as you want. You can even cash out the same day! So if you want to go to an upcoming concert, drive for a few hours, cash out and get going, fast cash!

Easy way to make fast cash!

Try out each app to see which one works best for you. Some require you to pay with a prepaid card and order when you get to the restaurant. Some provide an insulated bag to use, some don’t. You may find in your area, one app pays more than others.

Tax advantages

I am not a tax professional, but you can take advantage of some write offs from working for yourself. Keep track of your business miles and phone usage. A percentage of this could be useful, also any items you purchase for the sole use of the job as well. Oil changes and anything related to repairs and maintenance. Seek professional tax guidance.

More and more workers today, are going solo and finding non-conventional ways to earn a living. Some other creative ways to earn money are, dog walking/sitting. Making and selling crafts. Photography, website setup, become a local tour guide. Look on craigslist in the jobs or gigs section, there are often one off jobs or opportunities that are diverse and easy to do. There may be times when you get down or lose hope, but there is always something to do! What are some ways you find to make fast cash? Leave a comment below and subscribe for more content.

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Why, Not Good At Normal?

Being not normal

Be Authentic!

In front of the Mural Mile in St. Louis, MO

Who said we had to be normal? What is normal anyway? I’ve been asked, more than once, why I would rather not be normal. I am certainly not ‘normal’ in any way! Its about being authentic. I do my own thing, not caring if people like what they see or not. Have you seen my car?? (how could you not?) It’s definitely different! You see me coming and know you will not see another one like it! I may add more turquoise when it gets warmer! Why not, it’s my fun little car and if someone doesn’t like it, they will not get to take a ride in it. I love my Mini! Dare to be different!

Personality

Some people match shoes to there outfit, I have matching colors with cars!

You see, we all have a personality that is unique and different. We all have gifts and talents and ways to express ourselves. The world would be a pretty boring place indeed if we all were similar and drove the same boring four door sedan! Always wondering what the neighbors think or what so and so will say? How is that helping you live your life the way you want? Live like no one is watching, because no one is. You will be much happier. Surround yourself with the colors you love or things that make you happy!

Being me

Just like people, no two Minis are alike.

I love and embrace my uniqueness. I don’t try to fit in. I don’t follow all the rules. I make my own happiness. My choices, my life. I wear cowboy boots or pinup style clothes (not at the same time). If you’ve been reading the blogs or following along here, you know already, my love of turquoise; the color and the stone. I like classic movies~Destry Rides Again, The Women, The Wizard of Oz. A variety of musical tastes, say what I mean, and mean what I say. I won’t change for anyone.

Embrace the difference

Me Not being Normal. Even the inside has matching turquoise!

Life is too short to be uptight and stuck up. Embrace your differences! You don’t want to wake up one day regretting you hid the real you. So your mother doesn’t approve of that third tattoo, or you are a Dr. Who nerd. Don’t hide it! People will like you or they won’t, there isn’t anything you can do about!

Hiding ourselves

Oh Noooo,Silly Mr. Bill. Having fun with the Mini Mini!

How many of us are like the Wizard in the Oz stories, written by L. Frank Baum? “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain? We want to hide the flaws show only the shiny, perfect hair and makeup. Be camera worthy. This time of Social media where we edit out the bad, real life stuff causes people to think others lives are better and perfect. It’s hard to tell what’s real anymore. As the link above shows, I don’t edit the mistakes or try to make it look good! With me, what you see is what you get! I was once very funny, somewhere along the line I tried to fit in more and push that aside. Now if I’m silly, I like to make people laugh!

Be Yourself

Judy Garland /MGM

A quote from Judy Garland says it perfectly: “Always be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else”! God made us the way we are, grey hair, freckles, wrinkles and all. Who are we to think He made a mistake? Get outside your box, there’s more room! Don’t be normal, be you! What are some ways you feel you are or can be different or let your inner wild child out? You can leave a comment. Subscribe for more inspiration and fun and check out the youtube videos for more silliness!

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Are you running from your purpose?

What does God have in store for you?

We’ve all heard of the purpose driven life, or find your purpose. What if you already know it, yet you ignore it, or run from it?

Jonah ran, but couldn’t hide. You remember Jonah? In short, God told him to go to Nineveh, but he didn’t want to go so he ran. Each time God asked him to go, he would try to hide. Then, God used a whale to hold him until he was ready to stop running. He then went to talk to the people of Nineveh as was his calling. You can’t hide from God. He gave you a purpose. A reason to be here and the sooner you are obedient, the better your life will be.

Clarity

Maybe you don’t know it yet, but chances are you do. You already know. The feeling you’ve had, or dream since you were a kid but pushed aside, thinking you couldn’t achieve it or it was unrealistic, or that no one else believed you could do it. Had a feeling you should help people or care for animals, a passion or energy for something? Read to children? Save the whales? Start by joining a field and stream clean up volunteer group.

Promises

Are you running from God? Which way do you think you should go?

God never promised us only days with rainbows and butterflies or roses without thorns. As Paul wrote in the Bible, we may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken. I had to give a speech once for a small church group and started with this prayer. To me, this verse means God doesn’t promise us only good, but in believing, we can get through it, we are not alone and what an amazing testimony we will be able to share!

Trust

One of my favorite snowglobes, with glitter!

Back to that dream, you may not know how to go about it, or what to do to get started, but the world is at your fingertips. A simple search will bring you countless ideas and people who have done the very thing you want to do. Maybe life got in the way and you had to get a ‘normal’ job. Pay the bills. Thousand of people are finding new ways to earn a living thanks to the internet. God gave you gifts to share, talent that is individual to you. Because of the internet, you can reach far more people than ever. Make your dreams come true and fulfil your purpose.

ACTS 18:9

Getting our attention in different ways.

I feel like I have been running from God and my purpose for a while now. I finally, late last year, started the blog and website. I have found I have a love of writing. The other parts, podcast, speaking, ministry are in the works. (these are the scarier parts) Like in the Signs blog, God has shown me over and over again, as I run from it each time. While researching a part number the other day, it was AC189xx something, I put that in the search engine, and the only thing that came up was Acts 18:9-10! Several times! “Do not be afraid; keep speaking, do not be silent for I am with you. “

My start

Radio

Two days out of high school I went to radio broadcasting school. I was ‘in’ radio for over 11 years. Entertainment was my thing. MC of the variety shows, acting in plays and reading the daily announcements through the PA system. As I got older speaking in church, as PTA president and in work meetings. The last year or so, I have seen more signs and prodding me in the direction I should go. Speak. It’s calling me. You can’t out run Him. He sees you for who you really are and who He made you to be. That saying, no matter where you go, there you are, applies to God. He sees no matter where you go.

Shaken up

San Francisco Music Box Co. Snowglobe~Oz, of course!

I sometimes think God has a snowglobe and he shakes it up from time to time to get our attention. We can be coasting by and all of the sudden we or some aspect of our life gets turned upside down. We can learn from it, grow through it and move on. It’s how we decide to react that we can move on or not move at all.

Stories

We all have a story. I’ll share more of mine in coming blog posts, and that oft put off podcast, it launching soon! I can’t put it off any longer! God will not give up on me, and I cannot give up on Him! This is my purpose, my story. To learn by and help others, be positive and witty even entertaining. Maybe make you think, smile or laugh. You don’t need to feel alone.

Live your purpose! This is where you get to write your own story! Be the star of your life! What are you waiting for? Mine is Acts 18:9-10! Share what you feel energy or excitement about. You are loved.

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5 Things to start doing right now!

Ways to improve your day!

Start implementing these 5 things in your daily routine to make your day go much smoother.

Number one: Start by believing in yourself! Give yourself permission to believe you can do anything. If you don’t believe in yourself, how is anyone else going to? Every day, imagine how you want your day to go. See yourself succeeding in every action. You are your biggest cheerleader. Don’t let yourself down, there’s enough of that in the world. If you can dream it, you can do it! As Napoleon Hill says “What you think about, you bring about”.

Best selling author~The Napoleon Hill foundation

I made a choice to change my work environment and attitude and after a lot of thought and hard work, it paid off, the right people saw what I was capable of and I received a promotion and raise. It Does work!

Write it down

My favorite pen and planner

Have a goal? Write it down! Writing down your goals and dreams and having a plan of action, will allow you to know where you want to go and see how far you’ve gotten. You wouldn’t get on a plane without knowing where it’s headed. The pilot has a plan, a map, written instructions and a checklist to go over everyday, before every trip. If I am going to speak it, I am going to live it. Studies show successful people form a habit of written goals or have lists. Pen and paper, old school!

Forgive Yourself

Number three: Forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for things in your past. Things you may have or may not have done. You may not have known better and you are a different person now. This goes back to step one. We don’t believe in ourselves, so we don’t take action. Forgive yourself and move on. Learn from that thing you didn’t take action on, and do it. Tomorrow is a new day!

Maybe you feel like little Mia, stay in bed, put it off until tomorrow!

Live in the now

Live in the present. Now. Be present in every situation. Too many times we are lost in the past and what happened or why. Other times you are thinking about the future and what it will bring. How about just being here now. Enjoy the people around you and what is going on. Enjoy the food you are eating and those around your table. Take time to feel good about yourself and what you have. Put the phone down and talk, make a memory.

Be Happy!

Number five: Be Happy! It’s a choice to feel happy or sad. You chose to be Bitter Betty or Happy Harry. Each day you wake up, feel glad that you did. It’s a blessing! Motivational speaker Les Brown says “There are people in hospital beds praying for another day, another chance, what are you doing with yours?”

Within you lies the power

You have the capacity in your mind to do anything you want, to feel anyway you want. I’ve said it before, and will continue to believe, we can change anything by changing our minds. Learn a new skill or read a book. You are worth at least giving yourself 15 minutes a day. 24 hours in everyone’s day. You can say you don’t have time, but how much television did you watch last week? Be Happy. Love yourself. You know you can start these 5 things right now!

Bonus Content: (video)

Two extra ways to grow.

Try implementing at least one of these actions in your day. Give it a shot, what have you got to lose? It was hard for me to make videos of myself, but I did. I didn’t stop my self, I believed in me! Let me know in the comments what you focused on or tried for even just one day to belive or change the way you thought about something and how it worked out!

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Travel Local-Take Day Trips

Ways to save money while traveling!

Local travel can mean a day trip, or a trip down the street. Play hometown tourist. Day trips are lighter on the wallet and can be just as memorable as longer vacations! And when you just need to get away, you can go into your own city, or a few hours away for a one day getaway. Much less stress is involved in planning the trip. Find you have a day without much to do? Get in the car and go, no planning required.

Less than two hours from my home, hidden gem.

Promote happiness

Travel has been shown to promote happiness as a way of getting your mind off stressful situations. Just a day or two can set your mind at ease and refresh your spirit. Low on funds? No problem! Every city or town has places you can go free. Take a walk along a riverbank, or better yet, drive along a river road and find a small, almost forgotten town to explore! America is full of little known gems just waiting for you! It may take a bit of planning if you are going to expand your area and go a bit further out. Sometimes the fun is in just going without a roadmap.

Ste. Geneve, MO less than two hrs south of St.Louis. Lots to see and do without lots of money!

Recent finds

Entrance to Hidden River Cave

I recently drove through Cave City and Horse Cave KY. I made a point to go off the highway on my way back home to explore further and was delighted by my adventure! First, right off the highway was a new Dutch donut shop and cafe. I can’t pass up a good donut! Further down the road was Hidden River Cave, surrounded by a cute little town. If it weren’t so cold, I would have ventured in! Lots of mom and pop shops and a few restaurants along the ‘main strip’. There was also a self guided walking tour with signs, and it didn’t cost anything! This part of KY is only about an hour and a half from where I currently live, well worth going when the weather is warmer and I have a willing companion, only MzHyde did her best letting me take photos.

Unusual angle. Don’t be afraid to be artsy.

A few exits down the highway, I came across Dinosaur World and the tourist attractions surrounding it. Most were closed, even though it was a Saturday morning. I happily took photos for the instagram account and made note to make it back to this part of the country as well.

Travel Photo Tips

When traveling, don’t be afraid to experiment with photos. Get in closer or use a different angle. If you have people in your photo, place the person or people about 5-6 feet away from the camera and the location in the background, see photo #1.

travel, photography, Mini
Photo #1
Photo #2

Who are these people in photo #2? I don’t know, can’t see them. They look like ants next to the giant sign. Too often people will get right up to the sign or attraction and the person taking the photo is extremely far away, thinking that is what is needed in order to get it all in the frame. Again the example of photo #2. Get low to the ground for an interesting view or zoom in close to fill the frame.

My other favorite model. Photographer on the same level as subject.

Interesting or unusual compositions can turn a photo of a well known place, often photographed, into a new and exciting picture! Now with newer technology you can play with the in phone apps to make changes and adjust color or exposure if necessary. Drop a comment below about a day trip you have taken or are looking forward to soon!

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5 Things you need to stop doing, right now!

Stop these 5 things to improve your life!

Stop!

5 things we need to Stop doing! Talking bad about yourself. This is the first thing you need to stop doing. This time of year, most people are busy making New Year’s resolutions, but now is an even better time to evaluate why some things didn’t go as planned. We all have a tendency to put ourselves down, or make a light joke at our expense. Do this too often and others will start to treat you that way. Unconsciously, they will think if you don’t value yourself, why should they?

Stop making resolutions, its an excuse to put something off and wait!

How many times have you said “I’ll never lose weight” or it’s too hard. Stop saying that and instead say, I know it’s hard, but if I don’t try, I never will. You will slowly begin to think you can! It Is all in your head!

Stop Being Negative

Stop being and thinking so negative! It takes no more effort to be positive than it does to be negative and you may learn you could do that thing you didn’t think possible after all. When you catch yourself starting to say or think something negative, stop and immediately think how you could change your attitude. We all know the person who gets to work and the first thing they say is “this day is going to suck!” or “This or that sucks”. That is exactly how their day will go! No one likes to be around or work with that person.

Not Good Enough

Stop saying it’s not my job. When you are asked at work to do something or help someone you don’t normally, instead of saying it’s not my job and refusing, why not help out or if you don’t know how, tell them you will find out. You will be a more valuable employee and may even learn something new and break the routine of your day.

“I’m not good enough”! You’re right, with that attitude, you are not! Try for one whole day, not to think or say this. When the feeling comes up that you think you don’t deserve it, say to yourself, “I AM good enough, and I do deserve this”! Bonus, your self image or self-esteem will start to go up!

Control

Trying to be in control all the time! You don’t need to have the last word in every conversation. Most of us like a spirited debate now and then, but not when it turns into an argument. You will find people like to talk to you more, and you will have more meaningful relationships if people are more comfortable around you.

Procrastination

I put off blogging and podcasting fearing it wasn’t going to be good, or seen.

Stop procrastinating. We all put some things off that we don’t really want to do, but that means, worry. We think about it instead of doing it and getting over it. We may even put off something we really do want to do!

Some people procrastinate because they are perfectionists and would rather not do something if they feel they can’t do it right.

F.E.A.R

Henry Ford, Model T~Henry Ford Collection

Finally, Stop FEAR. You know what fear is, right? It’s False Evidence Appearing Real. *Failure: when we allow a failure to stop us saying things like, “I tried but it didn’t work” What if Henry Ford would have allowed failure to stop him? Or Thomas Edison? We wouldn’t have the horseless carriage or electricity! What others think: Who cares what other people think?! You’re not in high school anymore, and it’s you who have to live your life, not others. Truth is, people are much too busy living and worrying about their own lives to bother much about yours! Okay, so these are 6 things you should stop doing right now! Can you think of more things you need to stop doing in order to have a better life or to put it more positive, what can you do to change? Add in the comments below what you would do.

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