Friday, July 30, 2010

, July 30, 2010

Very tired. Opened up at 7AM. worked till 3:30 with a two hour break from 10 to 12, so I could meet one of my daughters at a furniture place to look and give my opinion of a sectional she was interested in. Later went to U.S. Airways to pick up our ice cream catering station, then off to a neighborhood in District 21 to knock on some doors for Venessa.

It is nice to still feel that even as my children get older that I can still offer my years of experience to help them. Because I did have my own Interior Design Business, I was able to learn the good the bad and the ugly about furniture.

We proceeded to enter the furniture store where she showed me the sectional. I pointed out that even though the piece looked really nice as you looked at it, that the workmanship was below average. You cold feel the staples through the leather at the sides and back of the piece. It had no padding over the wood frame. It only had a one year warranty.

We then went a few doors down to another furniture store where we found a one that was very well made, all padded over the construction, and a lifetime warranty. It happened to be on sale as the other one was too. The difference in price was only a little more, and well worth it.

You know what's coming, if you know me. My analogy. Just because something appears to look good on the outside, doesn't mean that it is equal on the inside. As we take a look at ourselves, are we the same person inside and out? When we meet someone new, don't always think you know what is on the inside. It works both ways. Especially when young people are dating. they think that if they are not immediately attracted to a person that they should not date them. How many times have you met someone that may be kind of a plain Jane, and as you get to know them over time, they become beautiful.

We should not put on a false exterior, or try to be like someone else. It is fine to admire and emulate others. But be yourself. Love yourself. If you take pride in the way you look, dress and act, then the inside of you will be good and honest. Your family and friends will love you for who you are.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

What simple activities brings a smile to a child's face. Today, a mother brought her boy in who started kindergarten a few days ago. He looked so proud to be coming in and holding his,what I think was a lunch box. He went over to the ice cream to look at the flavors. Of course, the obvious choice was blue and pink. That't right "Cotton Candy" His eyes lit up as I gave him his cone. Of course Mom got one too, Birthday cake and Chocolate Brownie nut together. We Moms love our chocolate.

They proceeded to sit down and eat their ice cream. The young face of the boy now having blue and pink smudges, and a blue tongue, but happy as can be. I could tell, it also brought joy to Mom, seeing her son enjoy his treat.

Can something so simple in our lives bring us joy? Do we have to go to all the blockbuster movies when they come out? Go out to eat at a Fancy Restaurant? Have lots of our "Big Boy Toys" to bring us pleasure? Buy a new car? Do we have to have new clothes just so we can keep up on all the latest fads? Don't get me wrong, I love to shop, love a new car when the time is right, like to splurge once in awhile on things. But that is not what makes me happy or brings me joy. The simple things that surprise me all the time. My grandson Asa, saying "Grandma, I love you" My grandkids in Portland, when I talk to them, that they miss me. My daughter Jessica, comforting me when I feel discouraged about a problem. My husband telling me that kissing me still brings him the same joy that it did when he married me. Having my grandson Eli, ask if he can sleep in my bed and tell him a story. Seeing my Son Josh and Tiff with all four kids in tow and how happy they are as a family. Well I could go on further about my kids. Maybe another time.

My trip on this Simple pleasures tour is just to make you think about your own joys, that we need to treasure the moments that come to us, sometimes unexpectably, and not to be so caught up in the wordly "wants" or we might miss the'' present'' that will not be given again .

Bring a smile to ones you love. Bring a smile to YOU.

Sue
Apple Dumpling Mama signing off

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I am asking myself what I want to achieve with this Blog. I don't want it to be a what I did today kind of Blog. I can do that on Face book. I am hoping to have some continuity and forethought so that I will be able to inform, teach, make people laugh and feel good, also while incorporating tips from my experience as an entrepreneur who over the years ran a Interior Design Business, worked at my husbands General Construction office, owned a gift and home decor store, at the same time we were running the restaurant and catering business.

I hope maybe some day to write a book of experiences, lessons I learned, success and failures, not only in business but as a Mother and Wife.

My first tip of the blog, is LAUGH! I love to laugh and be silly. Last Christmas time, I had all the family over and some close friends. I asked them have you ever put a stocking on you head(Like pantyhose) Well, I proceeded to get some out and even one of my granddaughters, who was six at the time put one on her head. When she looked in the mirror, she laughed, everyone laughed. I have done this with my sister and we have made a video. Sometimes crazy things like that can produce the needed laughter that you need to lift your silly bone, and brings you back to feeling like a kid again.

I am reminded of the movie Cocoon and when they felt young again how they became silly, and did things that made them happy without worrying about what anyone thought. As we become older, we loose the ability to let loose because we are taught to be conservative, adult, professional. There is a time and place for everything. When you are with family and friends, Let loose, have fun, play twister, play Capture the Flag, Go ice blocking. Think of how much less stressful people would be.

Thanks for reading. Go make some fun!