Wake Up People

Well this past week has been an interesting one. The weather has been soggy, and my schedule, thank goodness I use pencil when I am actually writing it down and with my new phone my alerts would buzz on the 10 minute before it happened.

The older we get the more we seem to need a little push or sometimes a slap on the head to either remember something that needs to be done or maybe just to change the perspective that needs updating. Living where we attempt to get all seasons (they may be a month or two off in some cases or stuck on the same weather event) but I like to compare people sometimes to hibernating animals. We have been in the warm winter comfortable blanket and when its time to shed it, I am usually the first person stripping to spring clothing, airing the house or just making the change over as quickly as possible.

Some people might consider the town in which I live a small bedroom community, other's would say boy are you wrong it is a big town of almost 23,000. However you look at it,some people's desire to kick it into gear can be slower than slow.

This past week we had many people from according to the local newspaper, all over the globe. The weekend was a get together for Red Power Roundup International Collectors. I personally did not come into contact with any of the visitors but the traffic it brought to town made for some unique driving skills and patience for which mine became ragged. The sudden, although by the article businesses knew at least a year in advance of the event, it seemed as though most of the businesses I frequent on a regular basis were ill-prepared to say the least. I have always said don't wait until the last minute to hire someone and expect them to learn the entire operation under excessive pressure--most are ill-equipped.

I think the one major thing that never sits well with me is how people have to be told to "make visitors extra welcome so they think highly of our town". This leaves a bitter taste in my mouth each time I actually see it in print.  Hence, the title of this blog. WAKE UP PEOPLE, do you really think that impresses people when they act different than the normal everyday way? Why leave a false sense if security. This town or no town that I have ever visited rolls out the perfect red carpet.

I always go back to the same movie scenario "Funny Farm". Rent it, Netflix or however you want to watch. It's one of Chevy Chase's funniest and fits any small town to a tee.

Our society seems to have many "wake up people" moments on the horizon. With elections coming up, the economy ever changing, sometimes we need to be hit over the head. Alarm bells sound every day for the varying amount of diseases, remedies to take and ways to change our life. I am all for making changes, but don't change who you are to make everyone else feel welcome.

Over the weekend I volunteered at out annual golf tournament for the organization I have volunteered for over 10 years. The beautiful scenery, even with the rain storms brought out all the wonderful nature the hosting town has.

I captured the picture of the hummingbird, (not always an easy task). The wing speed is always fascinating to me. The fact that pictures of the little birds are a little hard to get, I felt fortunate it stopped to get a quick drink before going off somewhere else. I guess the feeder was its welcome to the clubhouse, red carpet moment and no one really made that much out of it.

I May Have Lost My Mind, but Not My Heart

I am borrowing our pastor's sermon title again. I felt it was a rather good fit for the past several weeks.

When I worked full time, had an hour commute and dropped off kiddos and navigated my way through routines in my 20's and 30's ice skating was my sanctuary. Pregnancy brain, fast-paced life I attempted to keep from losing my mind and skating was such a wonderful outlet. The ice rink was cold and would calm me and I could blow off steam all at once. Skating will always hold a dear place in my heart. Now its keeping up with skating friends on social media and gliding through a next generation of skaters.

I am still a Mom and now a MiMi, and sometimes have those lose your mind moments. You take on extra responsibilities,  have a list of projects you want to complete and those honey-do's for the hubby.  I possibly might lose my mind during the completion of the many house projects we have on the list. Doing as many as possible during the nice weather months sometimes turns out to be like the shell game. Too many things need attention before the luxury just want updates. Hopefully the smaller list will get done before the weather turns, I am hopeful. I had happiness abound last week to have two rooms painted. The older we get the more basic changes can make us happy.

Our fourth grandchild arrived the end of last month. Not soon enough for my daughter who had an eventful first trimester of the pregnancy  and by the last few weeks was feeling ready for the blessed event. It was funny how slightly similar our deliveries of our second child were. If it is any indication Gentry will be a force to be reckoned with. Now that she has two little ones, I am sure she will have many instances in the next several years where she may think she will lose her mind. Rest assured every parent but especially Mom's wonder if they are giving enough time to each kid and yet still have time for themselves.  I am a firm believer of "ME" time. If you don't give yourself a break I don't believe you can truly be the best parent you can be. Children need to grow just like the plumeria flower in the above picture. They need nurturing, water, food, a trim now and then and eventually they will blossom into what you see in front of you with maybe a little extra help.

I questioned all the time if I was around enough when they were little, was a stay at home Mom  when they were teenagers and probably around more than they wanted. I didn't always get my lost my mind time away for the last several years but tried to make do with the arrangements that I was given and roll with it. 

I have probably lost my mind more than I care to admit, but at this stage in life my heart continues to grow with the love of family, finding things I enjoy for fun and connecting with friends although most are far, far away.

Thanks pastor for the inspiration.  Starting the week with a clear mind, but a happy heart.