Catch A Glimpse

There are days we look in the mirror and think, 'Who is that person?' We don't recognize them. We've changed. We've gotten older or heavier or thinner or maybe we look sad or tired. How 'we' see ourselves is often quite different than how others see us. We see ourselves mostly with our minds, by how we think and feel. We forget to use our eyes; well most of us anyway. We see what's in our hearts and in our gut. Some of us have forgotten how to just 'see'.  We'll meet a stranger who sees us for the first time and their perception will most likely be more accurate; they're seeing with their eyes. They don't see the baggage or the struggles or the accomplishments. They see what is right in front of them; pretty eyes or a warm smile.

 

Recently I've taken on a new exciting project (more details to come), but I can

tell you that this project will take me completely out of my comfort zone to a place where myself and others will definitely SEE me differently. For this project I needed a photo that could be used in promotions. I couldn't come up with any that I could use; I generally seem to be the one taking the photos. So what did I do? I engaged the services of a talented young lady who was beginning her photography business. Sometimes you just feel like things are meant to be. I was nervous to get my picture taken. I was nervous that I would feel awkward. I was nervous that even though I'd recently lost 20 pounds that I wouldn't look the way I wanted to. Then I met Sarah. Sarah Zick is a wonderful new photographer who has an engaging spirit, a God-given talent, and a knack for making her subject feel relaxed. Now, I am in NO way suggesting that I am quitting my day job as a Church Administrator and becoming a super model (yah, right, lol), but I am willing to admit that after looking at Sarah's pictures I am starting to see myself again perhaps the way others see me. Yes, I have flaws (plenty of them), but I'm more comfortable now about not hiding them. I am who I am and I need to learn to be proud of that.

 

It's a rare occasion that I endorse a service or product, but if I believe in it or them then I will. I would recommend Sarah's photography skills to anyone. She was an absolute joy to work with and I wish her nothing but the best in her growing career. She truly sees her subjects (both inside and out). She finds a way to make them blend.

 

If you would like to check out Sarah's photography you can find her on Facebook at 8:28 Photography or on her website at http://www.8-28photography.com/.

 

 

Pet Project: DIY Hanging Basket Kit

The time has come to share my 'pet project'. Many of you know I have a love for flowers; the multitude of colors, the shapes, the sizes, and the endless combinations. There are so many gardens out there to enjoy; so many better than mine. They inspire me, they make me feel creative, they lift my spirits, and they give me hope.

My blog has always been conversational; the kinds of posts I share come from my heart. I write as if we were talking across the kitchen table; sharing insights and ideas while maybe snacking on a plate of home-baked cookies and fresh iced tea. I don't usually advertise or promote on my blog unless it is something I really believe in and have tried myself.

A while back I wrote a teaser review on a sample flower from Proven Winners

Direct. It was a hit, so I was willing to expand with a bigger review. A few weeks ago Proven Winners Direct mailed me a DIY Hanging Basket Kit. I was so excited when the big box was delivered to my front porch on June 23rd; I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Everything I needed was packed neatly and securely in the box (absolutely nothing was damaged in any way); the basket, the sturdy hanger, the exact amount of potting soil I would need, the packet of Premium Continuous Release Plant Food, six Proven Winners annuals, and a simple diagram with easy to follow instructions.

I carefully laid everything out and took a quick inventory.  The planting process was a piece of cake. I grabbed my favorite orange garden gloves (always a bright color so I can find them when I leave them behind) and my hand shovel and in under 15 minutes I was done! I even had a little friend stop by to watch.

Ready to get started ...

A great combination of colors!

He stops by quite often.

Just about finished.

I initially hung the hanging basket on a shepherd's hook, but after a lot of growth in just 2 1/2 short weeks my shepherd's hook started to lean and bend. That was okay. I found an easy solution and a better way to properly showcase my 'pet project'.








A good friend gave me a portable small white table. It was perfect! I easily removed the metal hanger and moved my new plant to a better location. IT IS THRIVING!! I think it likes the new location. You know what they say; LOCATION ... LOCATION ... LOCATION.

TA DA !!!

Want in on the summer fun? It's easy! Proven Winners Direct by Four Star Greenhouses, Inc. wants to offer you a chance to enjoy their premium DIY Hanging Basket Kits at a discount.

Your unique discount code is SEASONPWDIY.

Use this code when ordering from ProvenWinnersDirect.com.

The code will be live from 7/18/16 to 8/1/16.

Now go out there, plant some color, and enjoy! If I can do it - so can you.

I received this free product from Proven Winners Direct.

Where Do You Fit Compassion In?

Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering; at least according to dictionary.com. Compassion is about remembering other people's feelings and taking them into consideration. It's about being mindful and aware and hopefully respectful. Showing compassion in all that we do can sometimes be tricky. In our hearts and minds we feel empathetic, but if we have to answer to someone else there are things like policies and procedures that can get in the way of doing what's morally right.

 

Whatever you do professionally or personally, whatever your role is and your responsibilities are it's important to TRY to keep compassion in the equation. I see paramedics, policemen, and firemen show compassion a lot while still doing their job. I understand that getting the right balance can be difficult, but it's worth the effort when you consider the person you're trying to help.

 

If you are a boss and are about to lay someone off from their job, do it with compassion. See them as more than 'the bottom line'. Be prepared to give them a good referral or advice of who to contact for a new job.

 

If you're a doctor and are about to give a patient some bad news, keep in mind that they are a human being with feelings and not just another billable patient. I've known some amazing doctors over the years whose one-on-one communication skills are top notch.  If I have to wait for an appointment because my doctor is running behind I can only hope it's because he's taking the time needed to deal with something or someone important.  You never know when YOU might be grateful that the doctor spent a few extra moments with you.

 

In today's human race there are many moments where compassion seems to be missing. Some days I feel like the world is about nothing more than crime, politics, policies, deadlines, and bottom lines. So many bad people, bad decisions, and bad ideas. Sure, it's easier to just go with the flow and assume that everything in life is black and white, right and wrong, profit and loss, etc. But why settle for the easy way?

 

Some people may consider me a Pollyanna, but I don't care. I would much rather walk around reminding people of morals and values, and pose questions to them like, 'Is there another way we can do this?' 'Do we have any other options?' 'What can we do to make the situation a little better?' 'How can we show some more compassion?'

 

You remember the saying, 'No pain, no gain'? Well here's another one ... 'If you don't ask, you'll never know.' Maybe there's a better way out of your situation. Maybe there's light at the end of your tunnel that you just can't see right now because of all the obstacles.

 

Hang in there, wherever 'there' is. And remember that what goes around comes around. Start showing more compassion in your life and hopefully it will be returned to you tenfold.