This is my little home in cyberspace and I don't have many followers but for the ones I have I wanted to share this fabulous post regarding the Facebook Breast Cancer Awareness game going around. So well said and I have to thank her for being courageous enough to put it all out there. As I read this post I thought of so many of my friends who have battled infertility (even I had to have "help" to have my babies). This is for you Tracie, Betsy, Sarah (a breast cancer survivor), Shannon, & Mollie, among many others. Thank you Christine for sharing these thoughts with the world. I hope you don't mind my posting the link to share. Dear Readers, if you are as moved as I was, please pass it on. And feel your boobies. - Betsey
Post from C.G.Ward Photography
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
"Life is a Special Occassion"
Most of you know I have my dream job... working for Hallmark. My name is Betsey and I'm a Hallmark-aholic. I'm about to celebrate my one year anniversary at the company although I've worked at two separate retail stores. The customers at any store however are the same - they are all just looking for some way to make an ordinary moment special. That's where I come in. I get to spend my days helping people pick out just the perfect card for a sick co-worker or just the right thank you gift for nurses who took care of a sick husband in the hospital. Its very gratifying to go home knowing I made a difference... or at least tried.
Hallmark's new media campaign is Life is a Special Occassion. I have long believed that is true. I just wanted to take a minute and share with you some of the Hallmark moments that make going to work a true joy for me.
One especially touching moment came when a woman needed help picking out a birthday card for her ex husband. She had a few specifications which included not too mushy, not too simple, and nothing that talked about birthdays in the future. You see, this would be his last birthday. He was in Hospice and the family was getting together that weekend to celebrate him before it was too late. She was not invited to the gathering though as the new wife had forbidden her to see him. Its amazing what you can find out about someone in just a few minutes if you take the time to listen. We searched several cards and finally found the perfect one. It was a beautiful card that spoke of how he had touched so many people in his life and how she just wanted to let him know she was one of those people. It was a sale that ended with a hug.
In my job we are supposed to walk the customer to the section of cards they are looking for. A man came in one day needing an anniversary card for his wife. I started to walk him over to those cards when I noticed a woman standing by just that section with a very surprised look on her face. Turns out they were married to each other! We all had a great laugh and they decided to go to lunch together instead of shop for cards. So, I didn't sell anything but it was worth getting a glimpse of this couple's life and knowing they would most likely have many more happy years together.
Last week a woman came in and purchased one of our Disney plaques that featured one of Walt Disney's most famous quotes, "If you can dream it, you can do it". She picked it up so quickly I asked her if there was a significance to the purchase. She told me that her 7 year old granddaughter had a dream about learning to ride her bike without training wheels. She told her grandma, "If I dream it, I can do it!". What a special moment!
A young man named Mario asked for my help finding a few special gifts for his baby sister who was headed off to college. He had a very small budget to work with but we found some fun things in the clearance section of the store. By the time he left, he was quite happy with his special gift bag for his very special sister. His eyes teared up when he thanked us for helping him and told us how very much he was going to miss her.
This job has even brought me three new friends who started out as customers, reunited me with an old school teacher, and most importantly, makes me feel like I'm living my purpose. I know it sounds silly... I don't make the big bucks, I don't have a college degree, I don't even have benefits since I'm part time. But to me its not "just" a retail job. Its a mission if you will - a mission to help others connect, to make memories, to love, to laugh, to heal.
When is the last time you sent a card? When is the last time you found something in your mailbox with your name on it that wasn't a bill? There are cards for every occasion you can think of - birthdays of course but also anniversaries, get well, potty training, thinking of you, sympathy, hi / hello, entering the military, going off to college, miss you, congratulations on your job, new house, new pet, even blank cards so you can create your own occasion. Next time you pass a Hallmark store, stop in. Make today a special occasion. Just because you can. The smile on someone else's face will be well worth your time.
Hallmark's new media campaign is Life is a Special Occassion. I have long believed that is true. I just wanted to take a minute and share with you some of the Hallmark moments that make going to work a true joy for me.
One especially touching moment came when a woman needed help picking out a birthday card for her ex husband. She had a few specifications which included not too mushy, not too simple, and nothing that talked about birthdays in the future. You see, this would be his last birthday. He was in Hospice and the family was getting together that weekend to celebrate him before it was too late. She was not invited to the gathering though as the new wife had forbidden her to see him. Its amazing what you can find out about someone in just a few minutes if you take the time to listen. We searched several cards and finally found the perfect one. It was a beautiful card that spoke of how he had touched so many people in his life and how she just wanted to let him know she was one of those people. It was a sale that ended with a hug.
In my job we are supposed to walk the customer to the section of cards they are looking for. A man came in one day needing an anniversary card for his wife. I started to walk him over to those cards when I noticed a woman standing by just that section with a very surprised look on her face. Turns out they were married to each other! We all had a great laugh and they decided to go to lunch together instead of shop for cards. So, I didn't sell anything but it was worth getting a glimpse of this couple's life and knowing they would most likely have many more happy years together.
Last week a woman came in and purchased one of our Disney plaques that featured one of Walt Disney's most famous quotes, "If you can dream it, you can do it". She picked it up so quickly I asked her if there was a significance to the purchase. She told me that her 7 year old granddaughter had a dream about learning to ride her bike without training wheels. She told her grandma, "If I dream it, I can do it!". What a special moment!
A young man named Mario asked for my help finding a few special gifts for his baby sister who was headed off to college. He had a very small budget to work with but we found some fun things in the clearance section of the store. By the time he left, he was quite happy with his special gift bag for his very special sister. His eyes teared up when he thanked us for helping him and told us how very much he was going to miss her.
This job has even brought me three new friends who started out as customers, reunited me with an old school teacher, and most importantly, makes me feel like I'm living my purpose. I know it sounds silly... I don't make the big bucks, I don't have a college degree, I don't even have benefits since I'm part time. But to me its not "just" a retail job. Its a mission if you will - a mission to help others connect, to make memories, to love, to laugh, to heal.
When is the last time you sent a card? When is the last time you found something in your mailbox with your name on it that wasn't a bill? There are cards for every occasion you can think of - birthdays of course but also anniversaries, get well, potty training, thinking of you, sympathy, hi / hello, entering the military, going off to college, miss you, congratulations on your job, new house, new pet, even blank cards so you can create your own occasion. Next time you pass a Hallmark store, stop in. Make today a special occasion. Just because you can. The smile on someone else's face will be well worth your time.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Self Conscious much?
No one can make you feel inferior without your permission - Eleanor Roosevelt
A friend of mine posted a blog this AM entitled Things I Like About Me. I thought it was a really neat idea and will probably attempt my own list. In the meantime though it got me to thinking about my 13 year old and what a miserable time she's having in middle school (according to her). She has a lot of friends but sees herself as one who really doesn't fit in anywhere. Thing is, I remember that feeling oh so well. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I still feel that way... a lot. So are she and I oddities or does everyone feel that way for the most part? Do you feel like you really fit in at your job? Your church? In your circle of friends?? Everyone sees me as a very friendly, perky person. They aren't wrong. But there are also a lot of times when I feel very alone in a crowd. Sometimes its on Sunday mornings when the praise band is hanging around the kitchen chomping on donuts. I've been a part of that group for 2 years now but I still feel like an outsider sometimes. I know if anyone knew that they would be shocked. And the above quote reminds me that they aren't the ones doing anything wrong... I'm just too scared to jump into a conversation and "bother" people. I don't feel like I dress well enough, like my makeup is right, like I don't have half the talent some of my band mates have. I don't start conversations because why would they really care what I did that weekend or what is on sale at Hallmark.
Insecurity has always been one of my biggest faults. I know my good qualities but I'm better at seeing the good in others. I'm never quite sure how people see me. Don't get me wrong, I'm no wallflower. I was the biggest fool you've ever seen at CMA Music Fest. I didn't care what people thought or said about me. I was there to have a good time and make some great memories and that is exactly what I did! I wish I could live every day with such wild abandon.
So, back to the kid... I'm trying to send her quotes every day so that she can think positively and make good choices in friends and just simply learn to love who she is no matter what anyone else thinks. So as I'm encouraging my child that it gets better and one day she won't feel so awkward, am i doing her a disservice? Doesn't life always feel like middle school? Or do we just get to the point where we don't care what others think? I don't think I'm there yet. I'm trying to be but sometimes don't do so well with it. Maybe that happens in your 50's or 60's. I hope I get there one day. Really though I'd just be happy if I can fake it well enough to fool my kids and give them hope that it changes eventually. I so want them to see what beautiful, funny, independent, vivacious, spectacular people they are.
If anyone has any thoughts or advice, please feel free to comment. Off to play Go Fish and remember when life was so simple.
A friend of mine posted a blog this AM entitled Things I Like About Me. I thought it was a really neat idea and will probably attempt my own list. In the meantime though it got me to thinking about my 13 year old and what a miserable time she's having in middle school (according to her). She has a lot of friends but sees herself as one who really doesn't fit in anywhere. Thing is, I remember that feeling oh so well. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I still feel that way... a lot. So are she and I oddities or does everyone feel that way for the most part? Do you feel like you really fit in at your job? Your church? In your circle of friends?? Everyone sees me as a very friendly, perky person. They aren't wrong. But there are also a lot of times when I feel very alone in a crowd. Sometimes its on Sunday mornings when the praise band is hanging around the kitchen chomping on donuts. I've been a part of that group for 2 years now but I still feel like an outsider sometimes. I know if anyone knew that they would be shocked. And the above quote reminds me that they aren't the ones doing anything wrong... I'm just too scared to jump into a conversation and "bother" people. I don't feel like I dress well enough, like my makeup is right, like I don't have half the talent some of my band mates have. I don't start conversations because why would they really care what I did that weekend or what is on sale at Hallmark.
Insecurity has always been one of my biggest faults. I know my good qualities but I'm better at seeing the good in others. I'm never quite sure how people see me. Don't get me wrong, I'm no wallflower. I was the biggest fool you've ever seen at CMA Music Fest. I didn't care what people thought or said about me. I was there to have a good time and make some great memories and that is exactly what I did! I wish I could live every day with such wild abandon.
So, back to the kid... I'm trying to send her quotes every day so that she can think positively and make good choices in friends and just simply learn to love who she is no matter what anyone else thinks. So as I'm encouraging my child that it gets better and one day she won't feel so awkward, am i doing her a disservice? Doesn't life always feel like middle school? Or do we just get to the point where we don't care what others think? I don't think I'm there yet. I'm trying to be but sometimes don't do so well with it. Maybe that happens in your 50's or 60's. I hope I get there one day. Really though I'd just be happy if I can fake it well enough to fool my kids and give them hope that it changes eventually. I so want them to see what beautiful, funny, independent, vivacious, spectacular people they are.
If anyone has any thoughts or advice, please feel free to comment. Off to play Go Fish and remember when life was so simple.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Reunited and it feels so good
Its been a few months now since my oldest daughter and her younger sister reconnected. What should have been a very difficult situation has instead turned out to be full of joy. We expected the girls to need time to get to know each other and planned to ease them into the relationship. Instead not only have we spent numerous hours as a family but the other mom and I both agree it feels like we've always been in each other's lives.
I've always been fascinated by the stories of adults who find each other after they were separated as children. All the news stories talk about how they laugh the same, walk the same, even speak in unison. Here's a great story about long lost siblings.
The two girls are so very much alike, even though there is a 5 year difference. I'm so thankful they didn't have to wait until they were in their 30's or 40's to find each other. The bonus part of the story is that my 6 year old feels like she gained a sister too. All three of them talk about their sisters. There are no halves in this story. The three of them are whole. One day the age gap will close and they will be able to enjoy movies and music, and probably theater together. All three of them are animal lovers with the two older girls wanting to be vets and my youngest, a zoo keeper. All three of them laugh with abandon. They scrunch up their faces when they smile. They talk with their hands. They love to draw and dance and sing. I can't wait to see their relationship continue to progress. It is an adventure of the greatest kind.
I've always been fascinated by the stories of adults who find each other after they were separated as children. All the news stories talk about how they laugh the same, walk the same, even speak in unison. Here's a great story about long lost siblings.
The two girls are so very much alike, even though there is a 5 year difference. I'm so thankful they didn't have to wait until they were in their 30's or 40's to find each other. The bonus part of the story is that my 6 year old feels like she gained a sister too. All three of them talk about their sisters. There are no halves in this story. The three of them are whole. One day the age gap will close and they will be able to enjoy movies and music, and probably theater together. All three of them are animal lovers with the two older girls wanting to be vets and my youngest, a zoo keeper. All three of them laugh with abandon. They scrunch up their faces when they smile. They talk with their hands. They love to draw and dance and sing. I can't wait to see their relationship continue to progress. It is an adventure of the greatest kind.
A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Dateline Nashville - CMA Music Fest - Day Two
First up - Steel Magnolia. We didn't meet them... just took the photo op. I love her sense of style though!!
Clay Walker was there... remember him? He's a bit older but still very popular... couldn't stand in his line since it was too long. He still looks great in a cowboy hat!
Aaron Kelly of American Idol fame was there. My daughter LOVED him when he was on the show so we had to meet him and get an autograph. A lot of people were charging for 8x10's and he was one of them but he was so very sweet and gracious and the smile on Kayla's face was worth the $10.
As promised here is Photo Booth pic # 2. This time we discovered the props. Well, actually the crown and Happy Birthday glasses were mine to begin with.
The Durango booth also offered free pics and we took ours "in front of the Ryman Auditorium." Ya didn't know I played Gui-tar, did ya?
While we were at the Durango Booth we met these guys. No idea what the band's name is but its a cute picture of me and Mandie. :) Once again, just killin time before meeting SAWYER BROWN!
The rest of the boys were as nice and gracious as could be. Joe, the drummer, has been with the band since the beginning. I met him once before in Tunica, MS along with a couple of the other guys.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Dateline Nashville - CMA Music Fest 2011 - Day one continued
When we last left our fearless travelers, they had just emerged from the Convention Center after meeting a ridiculous number of people in a ridiculously short amount of time. The sun was hot and bright as the rays bounced off of the birthday tiara... oh wait, sorry, got a little carried away there.
My friend was right, there is NO way to do everything! The pure amount of humanity and music and things to do and see is overwhelming. However we though maybe we would try some of the outside activities before the big concerts that evening. As we walked down the street we realized we were walking right past one of the most famous buildings in Nashville. Here is my attempt at a self portrait with that building in the background...
Yeah, I know... too much me, not enough building. Any wild guesses?? Ok, I won't leave you in suspense. Let's try again...
Well at least we got the name of the building in the shot this time! That's right, the Ryman Auditorium. On my next (calmer) visit to Nashville, I'd love to see a show here and at the Grand Ole Opry as well.
So we're walking and everytime a path clears these two jump out and start drawing on the sidewalk. They were from the Chris Young street team. That guy knows how to market! You may know Chris as the guy who sings the hit "Tomorrow" with that deep sexy gravely voice of his. To me he's very Trace Adkins-ish. I however had the pleasure of meeting him before he even won Nashville Star years ago. He was in the competition and my hubby and I were having an anniversary dinner at the Alabama Cafe. I looked over and there he was. He was very friendly, humble, and um.... yeah... long tall drink of water hot. See for yourself!
We made our way to the Gildan Fun Zone which was indeed... full of fun. There were artist signings, concerts, free Ocean Spray, the Hard Rock stage, and restaurants galore. I'll be darned if I can remember where we ate that day. Someplace that had an upstairs and I had a really good burger but yeah, couldn't tell you the name of the establishment. By this time both of us had blisters on our feet and we were hot and tired but pumped up on adrenaline. I was smart enough to have band aids in my purse so after a quick stop to bandage our poor feet, we trucked on down the road. In the Fun Zone we met in no particular order...
After going through the security line (where they really did turn people away for bringing backpacks), we started the journey to our seats. We walked and walked and walked and limped and limped and almost got to the point of a crawl when we finally reached the top of LP Field. Yes, the very tippy top. We fell into a couple of seats and sighed with relief. I'm not fond of heights and Mandie is 5'10" so her knees were in her chest but at least we had seats, right??
This was our view. Thank goodness for zoom lenses and big screens. 
Why yes, that IS Randy Travis!
And no, your eyes don't deceive you, that IS Alan Jackson!
Do yourself a favor if you've never given the Zac Brown Band a listen. You won't regret it. These boys will be around for a long time to come. 
This kid is Easton Corbin. You might have heard his hit "I'm a Little More Country Than That". About the time he came on stage Mandie and I mutually decided we'd be much happier watching from the main level even if we couldn't see much. We excused ourselves as we crawled over our seatmates and started the long journey down. We missed seeing Sara Evans as we walked but we could hear her just fine. Same goes for Jason Aldean whose special guest was Kelly Clarkson. I did however catch a pic of this guy...
Yeah, that's Ricky Skaggs. Not a fan of the hair Ricky, but you still sounded good.
Once we reached the main floor we spent the remainder of the time circling and hoping no one would ask us where we were supposed to be sitting. Eventually we figured out that hundreds of others seemed to be doing the same. The tiara got me a lot of birthday wishes and I truly felt like the Belle of the Ball. The energy was amazing and everyone was just plain nice. We enjoyed talking to lots of different people and at times even forgot there was a concert going on.
Brad Paisley ended the evening and put on a great show but he was a lot less personable than I imagined him to be. I chalk it up to him only having so much time allotted to perform. However he did bring out his own surprise guests... after all, he does have a song about them.
Won't you play me some Mountain Music, Alabama?
Think we got our $115 worth yet? Uh, yeah, and so much more!!! After the music ended we had to hike across the footbridge again but just took it step by step. Oh yeah, then we had to find our car. That proved to be quite the challenge but at some point things looked familiar and we found the parking lot we had left what seemed like days ago. Our plan was to spend the night with a friend who lived about 20 minutes outside of the city. We gave her a call and she got us on the right road... the very dark road... to her house. I think I white knuckled it the entire way. We arrived there around 2am and within minutes were on the phone looking for a hotel in town that had shuttle service. We learned a lot that first day and the the main lesson was it could have been a lot easier than it was go get around. Thanks to hotels.com we found the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Opryland. We were assured there was a shuttle to and from all the activities and booked a room. I was very thankful my friend understood our reasoning and she was probably relieved we wouldn't be showing up every night at 2am.
This was us... about halfway down from the tippy top of LP Field. We're still smiling. Before we went to sleep that night we looked at each other and simultaneously said "there's still three more days of this!"
My friend was right, there is NO way to do everything! The pure amount of humanity and music and things to do and see is overwhelming. However we though maybe we would try some of the outside activities before the big concerts that evening. As we walked down the street we realized we were walking right past one of the most famous buildings in Nashville. Here is my attempt at a self portrait with that building in the background...
Well at least we got the name of the building in the shot this time! That's right, the Ryman Auditorium. On my next (calmer) visit to Nashville, I'd love to see a show here and at the Grand Ole Opry as well.
So we're walking and everytime a path clears these two jump out and start drawing on the sidewalk. They were from the Chris Young street team. That guy knows how to market! You may know Chris as the guy who sings the hit "Tomorrow" with that deep sexy gravely voice of his. To me he's very Trace Adkins-ish. I however had the pleasure of meeting him before he even won Nashville Star years ago. He was in the competition and my hubby and I were having an anniversary dinner at the Alabama Cafe. I looked over and there he was. He was very friendly, humble, and um.... yeah... long tall drink of water hot. See for yourself!
We made our way to the Gildan Fun Zone which was indeed... full of fun. There were artist signings, concerts, free Ocean Spray, the Hard Rock stage, and restaurants galore. I'll be darned if I can remember where we ate that day. Someplace that had an upstairs and I had a really good burger but yeah, couldn't tell you the name of the establishment. By this time both of us had blisters on our feet and we were hot and tired but pumped up on adrenaline. I was smart enough to have band aids in my purse so after a quick stop to bandage our poor feet, we trucked on down the road. In the Fun Zone we met in no particular order...
The Street Preacher... being from Memphis we see these guys a lot downtown but its mostly one guy. These guys were a whole tag team.
Elvis... didn't I say I was from Memphis? Elvis is Everywhere! Go ahead, click the link... you know you want to!
Luke Bryan (shake it for me!)
This band who had just finished a set on the Lay's Main Stage
and of course, my good friend Hootie. Oh, I mean Darius. He still lets me call him Hootie.
With the night time LP Field concerts gearing up we thought we'd get in line for the convenient free shuttle over to the venue. We walked and walked and walked and walked until we finally found the end of the line along with a security guard who said in the hour and a half she'd been sitting there, the very same people were standing in the very same spots. We made an executive decision to walk across the footbridge... I mean, how bad could it be???
As we took this lovely shot, Elvis made sure to whisper in my ear "I do this for tips". Classy, Elvis, real Classy.
With the night time LP Field concerts gearing up we thought we'd get in line for the convenient free shuttle over to the venue. We walked and walked and walked and walked until we finally found the end of the line along with a security guard who said in the hour and a half she'd been sitting there, the very same people were standing in the very same spots. We made an executive decision to walk across the footbridge... I mean, how bad could it be???
One and a half miles with blisters on our feet... but we made it! At at least it was pretty architecturally. And look who we found at the end of the path... almost like a leprechaun with a pot of gold!
After going through the security line (where they really did turn people away for bringing backpacks), we started the journey to our seats. We walked and walked and walked and limped and limped and almost got to the point of a crawl when we finally reached the top of LP Field. Yes, the very tippy top. We fell into a couple of seats and sighed with relief. I'm not fond of heights and Mandie is 5'10" so her knees were in her chest but at least we had seats, right??
I love Zac Brown Band on the radio and I've heard good things about seeing them live but I had no idea what a show we were in for! This guy rocks the house!!! I will be a forever fan. And even better... he brings friends!
Why yes, that IS Randy Travis!
This kid is Easton Corbin. You might have heard his hit "I'm a Little More Country Than That". About the time he came on stage Mandie and I mutually decided we'd be much happier watching from the main level even if we couldn't see much. We excused ourselves as we crawled over our seatmates and started the long journey down. We missed seeing Sara Evans as we walked but we could hear her just fine. Same goes for Jason Aldean whose special guest was Kelly Clarkson. I did however catch a pic of this guy...
Once we reached the main floor we spent the remainder of the time circling and hoping no one would ask us where we were supposed to be sitting. Eventually we figured out that hundreds of others seemed to be doing the same. The tiara got me a lot of birthday wishes and I truly felt like the Belle of the Ball. The energy was amazing and everyone was just plain nice. We enjoyed talking to lots of different people and at times even forgot there was a concert going on.
Brad Paisley ended the evening and put on a great show but he was a lot less personable than I imagined him to be. I chalk it up to him only having so much time allotted to perform. However he did bring out his own surprise guests... after all, he does have a song about them.
Think we got our $115 worth yet? Uh, yeah, and so much more!!! After the music ended we had to hike across the footbridge again but just took it step by step. Oh yeah, then we had to find our car. That proved to be quite the challenge but at some point things looked familiar and we found the parking lot we had left what seemed like days ago. Our plan was to spend the night with a friend who lived about 20 minutes outside of the city. We gave her a call and she got us on the right road... the very dark road... to her house. I think I white knuckled it the entire way. We arrived there around 2am and within minutes were on the phone looking for a hotel in town that had shuttle service. We learned a lot that first day and the the main lesson was it could have been a lot easier than it was go get around. Thanks to hotels.com we found the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Opryland. We were assured there was a shuttle to and from all the activities and booked a room. I was very thankful my friend understood our reasoning and she was probably relieved we wouldn't be showing up every night at 2am.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Dateline - Nashville, TN - CMA Music Fest 2011
Everyone has a bucket list. I never really called mine a bucket list until the term became so popular but at the top of it has always been "Attend Fan Fair (aka CMA Music Fest)". This year the festival turned 40 and so did I. I was destined to make the trip. I put out an all points open invitation and my friend Mandie was brave enough to accept. Neither of us knew exactly what to expect or how to really plan in advance but we researched the CMA Website and made lists of who we absolutely had to see. I also checked with a seasoned Fan Fair veteran and she gave me the following advice...
After such a rough start we were very surprised to see Daryle Singletary standing there waiting to meet people with absolutely no line. We walked right up, had a nice long chat with him and then took the first pic of the day. A tad blurry but we were just thrilled to be there.
We saw Mark Wills signing autographs but his line was longer than we cared to stand in and there were several other opportunities during the weekend to meet him. Besides, we had to get to Billy Dean's booth before that line got crazy.
I have loved Billy Dean for years but especially since I saw him perform about 15 years ago here in Memphis. That growly voice of his just kills me! It doesn't hurt that he's incredibly handsome and sweet! Meeting him was fabulous... he gave me a great big birthday hug and posed for pics.
Yes, Fellow Cowgirls, you can be jealous now. Very Very jealous.
Our next celebrity encounter was completely by accident. We passed the Kentucky Headhunters booth and realized the band was there... just hanging out. Funniest group of guys you'll ever meet! Mandie and I spent about 20 minutes talking to them and getting autographs and pictures. We promised not to tell anyone they aren't really mean and redneck. (Shhhh, its all part of the act.)
Next to the Headhunters booth was the Grand Ole Opry Photo Booth where we met Billy... photo booth extraordinaire. He invited us in, asked about the tiara, wished me a Happy Birthday and before we knew it we were behind the curtain documenting the moment. Best part of the experience was Billy. Second best part was the pictures were free. No catch. We decided we must make it a part of every day's experience. I give you Day One
with fair warning that the pictures get sillier as the days pass by.
Remember Bucky from American Idol?
He's doing ok for himself.
We thought about trying to meet cute little Kristin Chenoweth but her line was way too long. I did however get the warm fuzzies watching her sign autographs for this disabled bunch. She knelt down at each person and spoke to them at eye level.
It was right around this point we decided we should take the first self portrait of the weekend. Say CHEESE!
Next we met Bobby Dean... no relation to Billy Dean. He and the other musician signing with him sang Happy Birthday to me and he gave me a birthday kiss but that pic is in Mandie's possession, not mine so you'll just have to believe me. Here is documented proof of the moment afterward however. That's one big hat.
This may have ended our afternoon at the Convention Center but our day was just getting started. However, that's a story for another day ... most likely tomorrow.
"Very important to look through all the information and decide what you "have" to do.. It is impossible to do everything. If you just play it by ear, you will probably miss something that you just have to do. And it will upset you then. So get as much information as you can get and plan your days. Unless it has changed the schedules for the stars will only be posted at the booths in the exhibit hall. Write as much as you can and see how they will be running the lines. Sometimes they were by number pick-up or just first come, first serve. If you are in someone's fan club they usually have parties during the week also and this is a good way to get pictures and autographs. All of this has to be done during the same times as Music Fest(FanFair).We counted down the days and on Thursday, June 9th, we set off for Music City! We had a minor transportation blip in the morning and although it threw us off schedule, we were determined not to let it slow us down too much. Its about a 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive from here and the miles faded away quickly. Finally we could see Downtown Nashville! Our GPS was broken but we just kept following the signs and eventually found all the action. After paying $20 for parking at some lot way further away from the fun than we realized, we picked up our tickets and headed over to the Convention Center to see who we could see.
The most important part is pace yourself, because fatigue sets in by the end of the 2nd day.
And don't forget to attend some of the label concerts. They are wonderful and you can sit then. It is very tiring for the entire festival and you will go home that way, but worth every minute if you enjoy concerts and meeting people, which I know you do.
After such a rough start we were very surprised to see Daryle Singletary standing there waiting to meet people with absolutely no line. We walked right up, had a nice long chat with him and then took the first pic of the day. A tad blurry but we were just thrilled to be there.
We saw Mark Wills signing autographs but his line was longer than we cared to stand in and there were several other opportunities during the weekend to meet him. Besides, we had to get to Billy Dean's booth before that line got crazy.
I have loved Billy Dean for years but especially since I saw him perform about 15 years ago here in Memphis. That growly voice of his just kills me! It doesn't hurt that he's incredibly handsome and sweet! Meeting him was fabulous... he gave me a great big birthday hug and posed for pics.
Our next celebrity encounter was completely by accident. We passed the Kentucky Headhunters booth and realized the band was there... just hanging out. Funniest group of guys you'll ever meet! Mandie and I spent about 20 minutes talking to them and getting autographs and pictures. We promised not to tell anyone they aren't really mean and redneck. (Shhhh, its all part of the act.)
Next to the Headhunters booth was the Grand Ole Opry Photo Booth where we met Billy... photo booth extraordinaire. He invited us in, asked about the tiara, wished me a Happy Birthday and before we knew it we were behind the curtain documenting the moment. Best part of the experience was Billy. Second best part was the pictures were free. No catch. We decided we must make it a part of every day's experience. I give you Day One
with fair warning that the pictures get sillier as the days pass by.
Remember Bucky from American Idol?
He's doing ok for himself.
We thought about trying to meet cute little Kristin Chenoweth but her line was way too long. I did however get the warm fuzzies watching her sign autographs for this disabled bunch. She knelt down at each person and spoke to them at eye level.
Next we met Bobby Dean... no relation to Billy Dean. He and the other musician signing with him sang Happy Birthday to me and he gave me a birthday kiss but that pic is in Mandie's possession, not mine so you'll just have to believe me. Here is documented proof of the moment afterward however. That's one big hat.
I'm sorry I don't remember this guy's last name...his first is Matt. When I go back and dig through my autographs,
I'll edit the post with his correct info.
Are you tired yet??? Our next surprise celeb was Lulu Roman of Hee Haw fame!
I had just tried to explain Hee Haw to my husband, a native of WI. Apparently they didn't have Hee Haw up there.
Meeting her made me think of my Gramps... he would have loved that moment.
We ended our time at the Convention Center where we started...hanging out with Daryl Singletary. We found him shopping for boots and asked if we could take another pic in hopes of getting one not so blurry. Like a good cowboy, he was happy to oblige.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Of Birthday Cake and Party Hats
In 9 days I will turn 40. Birthdays have always been "big deals" in my family. Whether you are turning 7 or 70 there will most likely be cards, presents, a big dinner, and most of the time an actual party - complete with pointy hats. Most years I plan my own party and this is ok with me. My hubby gets stressed out enough just trying to figure out what to buy for a gift so the whole party planning thing is way more than he can take. I started a routine a few years ago where I invite all my girlfriends out for lunch or dinner and a chick flick. I get time away from being a mom and just get to be Betsey for a few hours and spend some quality time with the girls. But this year, I'm turning 40. I really wanted a bigger celebration. So, I decided that this was the year I would finally make it to Nashville's Fan Fair aka CMA Music Fest. I leave this coming Thursday and can't wait for four days of meeting my favorite country music artists and back to back concerts. I told Don this was present enough for me and that he was off the hook when it came to planning anything else. He let me know that he at least wanted us to have a "date night", especially since we had yet to celebrate Valentine's Day or our April wedding anniversary.
So tonight I got all gussied up and ready for my sweet night out with my husband at some mysterious location. He dropped the kids off at my mom's and we stopped by our church to pick up a coupon from a friend for the restaurant we were headed to. In the back of my head I thought maybe, just maybe, some friends might surprise me and show up at dinner. Never did I expect what really happened next.
We headed to an upstairs room in the church because that's where Corey, the friend with the "coupon", was working on sets for Vacation Bible School. Don was in front of me and the church was mostly dark with only 2 cars in the parking lot. He opened the door to the classroom and from there it was like a dream. There was a sea of faces from all walks of my life. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. I saw my mom in her sparkly sequin shirt. My girls ran up and gave me hugs. I looked to the right and tried my best to take in who was there. The greatest surprise came when I looked to my left and sitting behind a friend from church was my sweet best friend from high school, Kelli. It was then that I felt the tears well up in my eyes. She lives in Jackson, MS which is 4 hours from here. She just happened to be in town this weekend to bring her kids up to see her mom and for her to carve time out for me in all of that was overwhelming. My other high school Kelly was there too... on HER 40th birthday... she chose to spend it with me! Wow!
There were photographers and I will anxiously await the appearance of incriminating pictures. Normally I'm the one behind the camera so to entrust others to capture the moments is a big feat for me.
There was food and cake - two cakes! - and even a chocolate chip cookie decorated with pink and purple icing. There were balloons and party hats and a DJ (thank you sweet friend Corey!). Oh, and of course I had a tiara (thanks Mom!!) Oh and a hot pink Boa! (Mom again!) There were Hallmark cards, and non Hallmark cards, and messages written on pretty handmade cards (Mom!!!) and a beautiful box to keep them all in.
We did the Electric Slide, the Cha Cha Slide, the Cupid Shuffle and the Boot Scootin Boogie. We danced until we couldn't dance anymore. I showed off moves I didn't know I had. I danced with friends and I danced alone. I danced with wild abandon for two hours straight. My feet hurt but it was so worth it! We sang at the top of our lungs with MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice and Grease's Summer Lovin.
Yes, we did the Chicken Dance!
The only downside to a party like that is not having enough individual time with each person who took time out of their day to make my day special. I know I hugged everyone in the room but I wish I had had the chance to visit more with everyone. I'm overwhelmed and touched and just feeling really blessed. I went out after the party with two sweet friends and dined on white cheese dip and guacamole and we dug through my box and read all of my "memory" cards. I keep trying to think of a better word than overwhelmed but truly, that fits the best. My mom always talks about "making a memory" and tonight we did just that. I'll never forget this night for as long as I live and I can't wait to see what 40 brings next!!!
So tonight I got all gussied up and ready for my sweet night out with my husband at some mysterious location. He dropped the kids off at my mom's and we stopped by our church to pick up a coupon from a friend for the restaurant we were headed to. In the back of my head I thought maybe, just maybe, some friends might surprise me and show up at dinner. Never did I expect what really happened next.
We headed to an upstairs room in the church because that's where Corey, the friend with the "coupon", was working on sets for Vacation Bible School. Don was in front of me and the church was mostly dark with only 2 cars in the parking lot. He opened the door to the classroom and from there it was like a dream. There was a sea of faces from all walks of my life. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. I saw my mom in her sparkly sequin shirt. My girls ran up and gave me hugs. I looked to the right and tried my best to take in who was there. The greatest surprise came when I looked to my left and sitting behind a friend from church was my sweet best friend from high school, Kelli. It was then that I felt the tears well up in my eyes. She lives in Jackson, MS which is 4 hours from here. She just happened to be in town this weekend to bring her kids up to see her mom and for her to carve time out for me in all of that was overwhelming. My other high school Kelly was there too... on HER 40th birthday... she chose to spend it with me! Wow!
There were photographers and I will anxiously await the appearance of incriminating pictures. Normally I'm the one behind the camera so to entrust others to capture the moments is a big feat for me.
There was food and cake - two cakes! - and even a chocolate chip cookie decorated with pink and purple icing. There were balloons and party hats and a DJ (thank you sweet friend Corey!). Oh, and of course I had a tiara (thanks Mom!!) Oh and a hot pink Boa! (Mom again!) There were Hallmark cards, and non Hallmark cards, and messages written on pretty handmade cards (Mom!!!) and a beautiful box to keep them all in.
We did the Electric Slide, the Cha Cha Slide, the Cupid Shuffle and the Boot Scootin Boogie. We danced until we couldn't dance anymore. I showed off moves I didn't know I had. I danced with friends and I danced alone. I danced with wild abandon for two hours straight. My feet hurt but it was so worth it! We sang at the top of our lungs with MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice and Grease's Summer Lovin.
Yes, we did the Chicken Dance!
The only downside to a party like that is not having enough individual time with each person who took time out of their day to make my day special. I know I hugged everyone in the room but I wish I had had the chance to visit more with everyone. I'm overwhelmed and touched and just feeling really blessed. I went out after the party with two sweet friends and dined on white cheese dip and guacamole and we dug through my box and read all of my "memory" cards. I keep trying to think of a better word than overwhelmed but truly, that fits the best. My mom always talks about "making a memory" and tonight we did just that. I'll never forget this night for as long as I live and I can't wait to see what 40 brings next!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My Proof there is a God - Part 3
When I wrote the first post with that title, I didn't really intend for it to be a continual thing. However, life keeps happening and God keeps taking care of it. Case in point - my husband's car has been in the shop for almost two weeks now. He needs a new transmission which would be a huge expense for us but thankfully the shop is covering the repair... not due to warranty but due to a bunch of dishonest things they did the first time they fixed his transmission exactly two years ago. It took several days of moving up the management chain but the financial end of the deal is finally settled. They offered him a rental car as part of their deal but he turned it down because we had a perfectly good working car we could just share for the next few days. That's right, I said had.
Yesterday on my lunch break (at 4pm) I was scarfing down some tacos and had my car in park but idling because it was 90 degrees out. I was sitting there for maybe 5 minutes when my car started to shake and then lost power. I thought "that was weird" and cranked it up again. Almost immediately it died. I was due back to work so I didn't really have time to mess with it but told my manager I needed a few extra minutes to make some calls and at least figure out how I was going to get home. Called the husband who threw a few appropriate swear words around, called a mechanic friend and then another for a second opinion. Meanwhile, my husband put out an all points bulletin on Facebook to try and find me a ride home. By 6:30 three people had offered to pick me up. One friend had offered to help my husband fix the problem - probably the fuel pump. His shop is open on Monday and the car will most likely be towed there. Yet another friend had actually taken the time to stop by my place of employment and change out the fuel pump relay to see if that would fix it. It didn't work but helped us rule that out as the problem. My husband was working until midnight and finding a ride home for him was probably going to be more difficult but within 30 minutes of another Facebook plea he had two offers. We have also had three people ask if we needed anything at the store to get us by the next couple of days.
The more Don and I talked the more we saw God's timing in all of this. Yes, it was inconvenient to be without both cars but at least school is out and the girls don't need to get back and forth. With Don working the weekend, he's off Tuesday and Wednesday (which is when I go back to work). We should have both cars back by then if everything goes as it should. I'm supposed to go on a road trip in two weeks and I'm thankful this happened now instead of in the middle of I-40.
With today being Sunday I was afraid I wasn't going to make it to church but ended up with three offers for rides. At church I was offered the chance to borrow two vehicles - both for as long as we need them this week. By the time this afternoon rolled around, the loner truck was in our driveway and our anxiety level was much lower than it was 24 hours ago.
This really could have been a difficult situation but thanks to everyone God put in our path, we are feeling overwhelmingly blessed and thankful. There is still the question of how much of a financial strain my car repair will be but I'm not as apprehensive about that as I normally would be. Seeing how the rest of this has fallen into place has reminded me that God is in control. He's got this.
Yesterday on my lunch break (at 4pm) I was scarfing down some tacos and had my car in park but idling because it was 90 degrees out. I was sitting there for maybe 5 minutes when my car started to shake and then lost power. I thought "that was weird" and cranked it up again. Almost immediately it died. I was due back to work so I didn't really have time to mess with it but told my manager I needed a few extra minutes to make some calls and at least figure out how I was going to get home. Called the husband who threw a few appropriate swear words around, called a mechanic friend and then another for a second opinion. Meanwhile, my husband put out an all points bulletin on Facebook to try and find me a ride home. By 6:30 three people had offered to pick me up. One friend had offered to help my husband fix the problem - probably the fuel pump. His shop is open on Monday and the car will most likely be towed there. Yet another friend had actually taken the time to stop by my place of employment and change out the fuel pump relay to see if that would fix it. It didn't work but helped us rule that out as the problem. My husband was working until midnight and finding a ride home for him was probably going to be more difficult but within 30 minutes of another Facebook plea he had two offers. We have also had three people ask if we needed anything at the store to get us by the next couple of days.
The more Don and I talked the more we saw God's timing in all of this. Yes, it was inconvenient to be without both cars but at least school is out and the girls don't need to get back and forth. With Don working the weekend, he's off Tuesday and Wednesday (which is when I go back to work). We should have both cars back by then if everything goes as it should. I'm supposed to go on a road trip in two weeks and I'm thankful this happened now instead of in the middle of I-40.
With today being Sunday I was afraid I wasn't going to make it to church but ended up with three offers for rides. At church I was offered the chance to borrow two vehicles - both for as long as we need them this week. By the time this afternoon rolled around, the loner truck was in our driveway and our anxiety level was much lower than it was 24 hours ago.
This really could have been a difficult situation but thanks to everyone God put in our path, we are feeling overwhelmingly blessed and thankful. There is still the question of how much of a financial strain my car repair will be but I'm not as apprehensive about that as I normally would be. Seeing how the rest of this has fallen into place has reminded me that God is in control. He's got this.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
My mom is...
My mom is June Cleaver
By the time I was old enough to remember things, she had put away the pearls but there are plenty of pictures of her in the 60's with the coiffed hair, pearls and a dress serving cake to 10 kids in party hats at a fabulous home birthday party. Oh we had fabulous home birthday parties in the 70's too, just sans pearls. She is the mom who kissed our boo-boos and could make our problems go away with just a simple kind word and a hug. She is The Sweetest Mom Ever.
My mom is Marion Cunningham
Her house is always spotless and if anyone stops by unexpectedly she magically appears in the kitchen doorway with glasses of iced tea and cookies. She always has sound advice (whether we acknowledge that at the time or not) and makes witty comments without even realizing it. She had the house all the kids wanted to hang out at and all my friends called her Mom (or Disco Peg - she and the Fonz would have been able to cut quite a rug back in the day). She is the Mom Every Kid Wants.
My mom is Elyse Keaton -
She somehow managed to juggle the lives of three kids, work a full time job, and still get the laundry done. I have yet to figure out her secret. She has the most compassionate heart of anyone I've ever met. She loves her family with her entire being and will not hesitate to put us in our place or defend us fiercely, whichever we need most at the time. She is my Mama Lion.
My mom is Nora Walker -
She had a difficult relationship with her mom yet somehow turned that around with our family and managed to be the one we can't live without. Motherhood is her career. Our joy is her joy. Our pain is her pain. She offers advice, solicited or not and most of the time she's spot on. She is the Matriarch... the one we all turn to. There are pictures of us all over her house - the most fabulous moments captured on Kodak paper. She does holidays like no one else can. She is the Super Glue of our family.
My mom is Lorelei Gilmore -
Although not technically a single mom, she may as well have been. My dad never learned the warm fuzzy side of life despite her best efforts. My favorite memories are those of us making midnight runs to MegaMarket to buy cookie dough and coming home with some of the silliest gadgets (my favorite being the bag opener which was essentially a razor blade you stick on the fridge - we opened everything that could possible be opened that night with one quick swipe, laughing hysterically). We love movies and late night chats. We can spend hours in a Hallmark store reading cards and laughing loud enough that the whole store laughs at us. We go to concerts, we shop, we have Oscar parties, complete with silly costumes and a red carpet lining the front hallway. There is rarely a day that we don't talk at least twice on the phone (most days even more). She looks at me like I am a living piece of her heart. We are carbon copies of one another. She is my Best Friend.
She is beautiful. She is strong. She is devoted. She is supportive. She is ditzy (just keeping is real, Mom) yet a genius. I think the blonde moments are all an act. She is selfless. She is constant. She is giving. She is understanding. She is charming. She is inventive. She is my mentor. She is nurturing. She is forgiving. She is kind. She has been a mom most of her life and not just to the three of us. She has touched so many lives with her unconditional love (can I get an Amen?).
My mom taught me how to walk, how to talk, how to be a friend, how to keep a friend. My mom taught me my ABC's and encouraged me to read. My relationship with my mom has shaped every other relationship in my life. She taught me how to laugh and how to clean my bedroom. She taught me about Elvis, the Beach Boys, and rock n roll. She taught me about appreciating others. She taught me about make-up and fashion. She did not teach me how to drive (keeping it real Mom... ).
My mom is tool cool for words. My mom is an original. My mom is the most loving person on this planet. My mom is the one who taught me the greatest lesson in life - how to love.
My mom is Mine.
Happy Mother's Day Mom... "I love you" just isn't enough.
By the time I was old enough to remember things, she had put away the pearls but there are plenty of pictures of her in the 60's with the coiffed hair, pearls and a dress serving cake to 10 kids in party hats at a fabulous home birthday party. Oh we had fabulous home birthday parties in the 70's too, just sans pearls. She is the mom who kissed our boo-boos and could make our problems go away with just a simple kind word and a hug. She is The Sweetest Mom Ever.
My mom is Marion Cunningham
Her house is always spotless and if anyone stops by unexpectedly she magically appears in the kitchen doorway with glasses of iced tea and cookies. She always has sound advice (whether we acknowledge that at the time or not) and makes witty comments without even realizing it. She had the house all the kids wanted to hang out at and all my friends called her Mom (or Disco Peg - she and the Fonz would have been able to cut quite a rug back in the day). She is the Mom Every Kid Wants.
My mom is Elyse Keaton -
She somehow managed to juggle the lives of three kids, work a full time job, and still get the laundry done. I have yet to figure out her secret. She has the most compassionate heart of anyone I've ever met. She loves her family with her entire being and will not hesitate to put us in our place or defend us fiercely, whichever we need most at the time. She is my Mama Lion.
My mom is Nora Walker -
She had a difficult relationship with her mom yet somehow turned that around with our family and managed to be the one we can't live without. Motherhood is her career. Our joy is her joy. Our pain is her pain. She offers advice, solicited or not and most of the time she's spot on. She is the Matriarch... the one we all turn to. There are pictures of us all over her house - the most fabulous moments captured on Kodak paper. She does holidays like no one else can. She is the Super Glue of our family.
My mom is Lorelei Gilmore -
Although not technically a single mom, she may as well have been. My dad never learned the warm fuzzy side of life despite her best efforts. My favorite memories are those of us making midnight runs to MegaMarket to buy cookie dough and coming home with some of the silliest gadgets (my favorite being the bag opener which was essentially a razor blade you stick on the fridge - we opened everything that could possible be opened that night with one quick swipe, laughing hysterically). We love movies and late night chats. We can spend hours in a Hallmark store reading cards and laughing loud enough that the whole store laughs at us. We go to concerts, we shop, we have Oscar parties, complete with silly costumes and a red carpet lining the front hallway. There is rarely a day that we don't talk at least twice on the phone (most days even more). She looks at me like I am a living piece of her heart. We are carbon copies of one another. She is my Best Friend.
She is beautiful. She is strong. She is devoted. She is supportive. She is ditzy (just keeping is real, Mom) yet a genius. I think the blonde moments are all an act. She is selfless. She is constant. She is giving. She is understanding. She is charming. She is inventive. She is my mentor. She is nurturing. She is forgiving. She is kind. She has been a mom most of her life and not just to the three of us. She has touched so many lives with her unconditional love (can I get an Amen?).
My mom taught me how to walk, how to talk, how to be a friend, how to keep a friend. My mom taught me my ABC's and encouraged me to read. My relationship with my mom has shaped every other relationship in my life. She taught me how to laugh and how to clean my bedroom. She taught me about Elvis, the Beach Boys, and rock n roll. She taught me about appreciating others. She taught me about make-up and fashion. She did not teach me how to drive (keeping it real Mom... ).
My mom is tool cool for words. My mom is an original. My mom is the most loving person on this planet. My mom is the one who taught me the greatest lesson in life - how to love.
My mom is Mine.
Happy Mother's Day Mom... "I love you" just isn't enough.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
It's not You, Its Me
This post is inspired by a conversation I had with a friend today, a Facebook post by my husband, and hearing the song "Never Say Goodbye" by Bon Jovi. All three things happened within a few minutes of each other and got me thinking about break ups. Mostly high school ones.
My very first break up was heart wrenching as first break ups often are. We had been at a church dance and on the way home he got mad at me for flirting with another guy. I didn't even realize I was doing it. I'm a Gemini. I flirt. It meant nothing but he thought otherwise. We remained friends but at a distance which killed me. Thankfully years later we were able to talk about it and had some closure. He is still a very dear friend of mine.
There was the guy in high school who I never even though would date me in the first place. I had a bad experience at my Senior prom and was telling him about it the Monday after when he said "I would have taken you to prom if you'd asked me". Seriously? Wow. That lead to a couple of months of bliss. However I was also involved with a guy long distance and one night he said "its me or him". I chose the long distance guy. After I made my choice he said "I'll take you home. I never wanted to marry you anyway." I know those words were said out of pain and ouch did they hurt! I also think he really did think about marrying me... I thought about marrying him too.
And then there was MT. I met him at a church dance (not the church dance mentioned above mind you). I was a Junior, he a Senior. We dated for a couple of months and he even invited me to his prom. Before prom however came the Sadie Hawkins dance. Sadie Hawkins is where the girl asks the guy and they both wear the same shirt. You get "married" by the old country preacher and sit on bales of hay for your picture. I thought we had a great time. We got in the car to go home (which was literally across the street) and he said to me "I'll call you.". I knew right then and there he wouldn't. I got a good laugh when I got the dance pictures and his eyes were closed.
A year later there was a knock on my door and it was him. He apologized for being such a jerk and wanted a second chance. Silly me gave it to him. We went out that weekend and he brought me to meet his roommates (I was a Senior now and he had graduated). After meeting the guys we went downtown to one of my favorite restaurants. Just as we sat down the roommates showed up. Just a coincidence, right? That's what I thought. They ate with us and then we headed back to our part of town for a movie (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure). Bought tickets and popcorn, found a seat and then ...yep, roommates showed up and sat with us. By this time I was getting a bit irritated. Went to Burger King after the movie and yeah, second verse, same as the first. Strangest date ever. A couple of days later I get a phone call from one of said roommates. We chatted for a few minutes and he asked if I'd like to go out that weekend. Huh? I said "um, I think M might not like that" to which he responded "oh, M gave me your number!" Needless to say I never saw MT again. Roommate and I however have remained lifelong friends. Introducing R to me is the best thing MT ever did.
High school breakups can tear apart our hearts. They bring tears and pain. They mold and shape how we handle other relationships in our adult life. With two daughters I'm glad I have these experiences to share with them one day. I remember all of those "boys" fondly (well, maybe with one exception). They all left a permanent mark on my heart. I think Kevin from The Wonder Years said it best - "Maybe part of loving is learning to let go. "
My very first break up was heart wrenching as first break ups often are. We had been at a church dance and on the way home he got mad at me for flirting with another guy. I didn't even realize I was doing it. I'm a Gemini. I flirt. It meant nothing but he thought otherwise. We remained friends but at a distance which killed me. Thankfully years later we were able to talk about it and had some closure. He is still a very dear friend of mine.
There was the guy in high school who I never even though would date me in the first place. I had a bad experience at my Senior prom and was telling him about it the Monday after when he said "I would have taken you to prom if you'd asked me". Seriously? Wow. That lead to a couple of months of bliss. However I was also involved with a guy long distance and one night he said "its me or him". I chose the long distance guy. After I made my choice he said "I'll take you home. I never wanted to marry you anyway." I know those words were said out of pain and ouch did they hurt! I also think he really did think about marrying me... I thought about marrying him too.
And then there was MT. I met him at a church dance (not the church dance mentioned above mind you). I was a Junior, he a Senior. We dated for a couple of months and he even invited me to his prom. Before prom however came the Sadie Hawkins dance. Sadie Hawkins is where the girl asks the guy and they both wear the same shirt. You get "married" by the old country preacher and sit on bales of hay for your picture. I thought we had a great time. We got in the car to go home (which was literally across the street) and he said to me "I'll call you.". I knew right then and there he wouldn't. I got a good laugh when I got the dance pictures and his eyes were closed.
A year later there was a knock on my door and it was him. He apologized for being such a jerk and wanted a second chance. Silly me gave it to him. We went out that weekend and he brought me to meet his roommates (I was a Senior now and he had graduated). After meeting the guys we went downtown to one of my favorite restaurants. Just as we sat down the roommates showed up. Just a coincidence, right? That's what I thought. They ate with us and then we headed back to our part of town for a movie (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure). Bought tickets and popcorn, found a seat and then ...yep, roommates showed up and sat with us. By this time I was getting a bit irritated. Went to Burger King after the movie and yeah, second verse, same as the first. Strangest date ever. A couple of days later I get a phone call from one of said roommates. We chatted for a few minutes and he asked if I'd like to go out that weekend. Huh? I said "um, I think M might not like that" to which he responded "oh, M gave me your number!" Needless to say I never saw MT again. Roommate and I however have remained lifelong friends. Introducing R to me is the best thing MT ever did.
High school breakups can tear apart our hearts. They bring tears and pain. They mold and shape how we handle other relationships in our adult life. With two daughters I'm glad I have these experiences to share with them one day. I remember all of those "boys" fondly (well, maybe with one exception). They all left a permanent mark on my heart. I think Kevin from The Wonder Years said it best - "Maybe part of loving is learning to let go. "
Thursday, April 14, 2011
When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best
My name is Betsey and I'm a Hallmark-aholic. I grew up knowing that greeting cards were an important part of not only holidays but everyday life. My mom and I have always sent cards to each other for every occasion and just because its Tuesday. One of our favorite pastimes has been to stand in a Hallmark store and show each other funny card after funny card. I would dare to bet we were one of the first customers to buy a Shoebox card. I can't tell you how many times members of my family have sent the same card to one another. And yes, I keep them. I have decorative hat boxes and I keep every card I get. I see it as a life history... the notes that will one day help me write my memoirs. Each card sparks a memory of a special moment or person in my life.
I've always wanted to work for Hallmark so when the opportunity presented itself in October I jumped at the chance. I worked at an independent store for about three months and recently moved over to a Corporate store - the biggest store in the South actually. Its like being in Heaven. Every day my job consists of greeting people with a smile and helping them find just that perfect gift or card. I'm a natural and it feels wonderful to do what I love. Everyone has a story to tell and I love to listen. My days are filled with what is called Hallmark Gold Crown Moments. I get paid to help build relationships. And sometimes I even get to form new relationships with my customers. What can be better than that?!
One of my favorite customers was a woman named Sara. I say was because she will not be able to come visit me at my new store as its across town and doesn't drive that far anymore. The first time I ever met her she had low blood sugar and needed candy immediately. I gave her a bar of Godiva chocolate with orange filling and I'll never forget watching her shaky hands try to open the wrapper. She stuffed almost the whole thing in her mouth at one time and within minutes had stopped shaking. Her husband has Alzheimer's and she only gets out when she can get a sitter for him. She always came with a list and I would read the cards to her and help her pick just the right one for each person. Then we had to find envelopes to match. A card with a plain white envelope would never do. She would pick a color in the design of the card and we would search until we found just the right shade of yellow or blue or green. Some would call her high maintenance but in some way I think it was her way of escaping the sadness at home. Once she picked out her cards she would always purchase whatever stuffed animal was on sale. She had no children but the animals brought her so much joy. Her face would just light up when she pushed the button that would make the toy sing or dance. She came in on the very last day I was at the other store and asked me to write down my name and birthday in her calendar along with my address. I look forward to June when I'm pretty sure I will receive my very own Hallmark card picked out by sweet Sara.
Today was filled with many Gold Crown moments. I helped a grandma-to-be pick out a special gift for her new granddaughter. I got to help a man pick out thank you cards for the gals in his office. He was giving out bonus checks and wanted to make sure they were presented in a special way. I connected with a customer because she was wearing a Michael Buble hat and she ended up showing me a You Tube video that I am now sharing with you (pardon some of the language). I helped a man find the perfect "happy" for his daughter who he was about to meet for an impromptu lunch. I spent at least 20 minutes with one woman trying to help her find just the right jewelry to match a shirt she had just bought at the boutique next door. My favorite moment today though came when my high school choir teacher came in, took one look at me and instantly recognized me (we're talking 25 years people!). We had a wonderful chat and it was so much fun catching up with her and helping her find a gift for her 88 year old mother. This all happened in a four hour time span. And every single shift is like this. I wish I could carry a notepad around and jot down the stories I hear and the moments that make me smile.
I'm so grateful not only to have a job but to have what is literally my dream job. I may not be saving lives or creating masterpieces but I'm touching hearts and funny bones and to me that's the greatest thing in the world.
I've always wanted to work for Hallmark so when the opportunity presented itself in October I jumped at the chance. I worked at an independent store for about three months and recently moved over to a Corporate store - the biggest store in the South actually. Its like being in Heaven. Every day my job consists of greeting people with a smile and helping them find just that perfect gift or card. I'm a natural and it feels wonderful to do what I love. Everyone has a story to tell and I love to listen. My days are filled with what is called Hallmark Gold Crown Moments. I get paid to help build relationships. And sometimes I even get to form new relationships with my customers. What can be better than that?!
One of my favorite customers was a woman named Sara. I say was because she will not be able to come visit me at my new store as its across town and doesn't drive that far anymore. The first time I ever met her she had low blood sugar and needed candy immediately. I gave her a bar of Godiva chocolate with orange filling and I'll never forget watching her shaky hands try to open the wrapper. She stuffed almost the whole thing in her mouth at one time and within minutes had stopped shaking. Her husband has Alzheimer's and she only gets out when she can get a sitter for him. She always came with a list and I would read the cards to her and help her pick just the right one for each person. Then we had to find envelopes to match. A card with a plain white envelope would never do. She would pick a color in the design of the card and we would search until we found just the right shade of yellow or blue or green. Some would call her high maintenance but in some way I think it was her way of escaping the sadness at home. Once she picked out her cards she would always purchase whatever stuffed animal was on sale. She had no children but the animals brought her so much joy. Her face would just light up when she pushed the button that would make the toy sing or dance. She came in on the very last day I was at the other store and asked me to write down my name and birthday in her calendar along with my address. I look forward to June when I'm pretty sure I will receive my very own Hallmark card picked out by sweet Sara.
Today was filled with many Gold Crown moments. I helped a grandma-to-be pick out a special gift for her new granddaughter. I got to help a man pick out thank you cards for the gals in his office. He was giving out bonus checks and wanted to make sure they were presented in a special way. I connected with a customer because she was wearing a Michael Buble hat and she ended up showing me a You Tube video that I am now sharing with you (pardon some of the language). I helped a man find the perfect "happy" for his daughter who he was about to meet for an impromptu lunch. I spent at least 20 minutes with one woman trying to help her find just the right jewelry to match a shirt she had just bought at the boutique next door. My favorite moment today though came when my high school choir teacher came in, took one look at me and instantly recognized me (we're talking 25 years people!). We had a wonderful chat and it was so much fun catching up with her and helping her find a gift for her 88 year old mother. This all happened in a four hour time span. And every single shift is like this. I wish I could carry a notepad around and jot down the stories I hear and the moments that make me smile.
I'm so grateful not only to have a job but to have what is literally my dream job. I may not be saving lives or creating masterpieces but I'm touching hearts and funny bones and to me that's the greatest thing in the world.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
My proof there IS a God - Part Deux
I spent the weekend at the Mid-South Great Banquet. Its a 72 hour renewal weekend and I went as a guest in October of 2004. This is the fourth team I have worked on and every weekend has its own unique spirit filled moments. There are 15 talks during the weekend and after each talk we discuss in small groups and then make a poster or come up with a skit to share with the rest of the group later that evening.
Saturday's first talk was about making time to study God's Word. The speaker mentioned how there are so many resources available to us including countless Bible translations. Our table decided to do a skit. I was the owner of a bookstore and a customer came in trying to find a Bible she could understand. One of my life verses is Matthew 11:28-30 and we decided I would show the customer that verse in three different translations.
The first was the NIV which says this :
The New Century Version says this:
We completed the service and I immediately went to Missy to explain the outbursts. She chuckled and said "When I prayed this morning, those are the verses He gave to me."
Coincidence? I think not. If anyone knows when we humans need a laugh, its God.
Saturday's first talk was about making time to study God's Word. The speaker mentioned how there are so many resources available to us including countless Bible translations. Our table decided to do a skit. I was the owner of a bookstore and a customer came in trying to find a Bible she could understand. One of my life verses is Matthew 11:28-30 and we decided I would show the customer that verse in three different translations.
The first was the NIV which says this :
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”The gal playing the customer said she was really confused about why the pastor was talking about eggs in the sermon. The routine went on for several minutes. Everyone thought it was hilarious. Trust me. It was a "you had to be there" kind of moment. As we read the verse from two other versions she realized it wasn't about eggs at all.
The New Century Version says this:
28 "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. 30 The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light."And my personal favorite, The Message Translation, puts it like this -
28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."The next day at the closing service for the retreat, the pastor had a short message before Communion. As she started to read Matthew 11:28-30, the solemn room burst into laughter. She was REALLY confused since she had missed the poster party the night before. She stopped long enough for us to settle back down and read another verse - Galatians 5:1 which says
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.As soon as she said yoke we cracked up again. Poor Missy. She had no idea what was so funny.
We completed the service and I immediately went to Missy to explain the outbursts. She chuckled and said "When I prayed this morning, those are the verses He gave to me."
Coincidence? I think not. If anyone knows when we humans need a laugh, its God.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My proof that there is a God
I don't need proof that there is a God but some days God just makes himself known loud and clear. Friday was one of those days for me. I'm about to change jobs and have been quite attached to three particular customers at the current store I work for. I had been whispering prayers since I gave my two week notice that I would be able to say goodbye to those three special people. As of Friday, two of the three had come into the store. The third, an older woman named Sarah, only shopped once a month because her husband has Alzheimer's and she has to have a sitter for him when she leaves the house. I knew it wasn't likely that she would come in but around 11am, there she was. I was so glad to see her and let her know I was moving on to bigger and better things. She said she was sad to see me go but wanted me to take her name and number so we could stay in touch. She said she would take my info but she loses things easily. I always see her with her pocket Hallmark calendar which she uses to keep track of which birthday cards she needs to buy that month. I put my contact info on the back and she made me write in my birthday as well. Sometimes God is in the smallest of things.
Later in the work day a customer came in and looked a bit lost so I asked if I could help. She said she needed gift bags for a wedding and baby shower. We got the wedding stuff taken care of and then as I pointed her to the baby gift bags she said, "its for my daughter... the one who wasn't supposed to be able to have kids". Stories like that always make me smile. We found the perfect bags and bows and I asked if she needed a card. She thought a second and decided it would be a good idea so I led her to that area and we began trying to find just the right card. She had one in her hand but I handed her one more to look at just to be sure. The sentiment on the outside was beautiful but it was the inside message that sold her and brought us both to tears. It said "God bless you as you await your little miracle". Sometimes God is in the smallest of things.
That night I got a phone call from my husband. We had been awaiting some news from friends who were at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. There was a prayer service for Cat and Paul last Sunday at church. There is a Facebook page where people can leave messages and prayers and I've received notification after notification of just that. We were all hoping for and honestly expecting a miracle. I could tell by my husband's voice that something was wrong. He said "Its definitely ALS." My heart sank for our friends... for their children... for my husband who has become quite close to Paul in the last few years. I was saddened by what this means for their family although I hoped the definite diagnosis would bring peace to them after so many years of simply not knowing.
Later in the evening there was this post from Paul on Facebook -
Yes, sometimes God is in the smallest of things. I'm so very thankful that He is ALWAYS right there with us in the Big things too. This is for you Cat and Paul. We love you!!
Later in the work day a customer came in and looked a bit lost so I asked if I could help. She said she needed gift bags for a wedding and baby shower. We got the wedding stuff taken care of and then as I pointed her to the baby gift bags she said, "its for my daughter... the one who wasn't supposed to be able to have kids". Stories like that always make me smile. We found the perfect bags and bows and I asked if she needed a card. She thought a second and decided it would be a good idea so I led her to that area and we began trying to find just the right card. She had one in her hand but I handed her one more to look at just to be sure. The sentiment on the outside was beautiful but it was the inside message that sold her and brought us both to tears. It said "God bless you as you await your little miracle". Sometimes God is in the smallest of things.
That night I got a phone call from my husband. We had been awaiting some news from friends who were at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. There was a prayer service for Cat and Paul last Sunday at church. There is a Facebook page where people can leave messages and prayers and I've received notification after notification of just that. We were all hoping for and honestly expecting a miracle. I could tell by my husband's voice that something was wrong. He said "Its definitely ALS." My heart sank for our friends... for their children... for my husband who has become quite close to Paul in the last few years. I was saddened by what this means for their family although I hoped the definite diagnosis would bring peace to them after so many years of simply not knowing.
Later in the evening there was this post from Paul on Facebook -
And today on Facebook Cat posted this -
All God asks of us is to have the faith of a mustard seed. Cat and Paul are amazing testimonies to how when you let Him God will take care of all your needs. All you have to do is ask and believe ... in other words, have faith.
Yes, sometimes God is in the smallest of things. I'm so very thankful that He is ALWAYS right there with us in the Big things too. This is for you Cat and Paul. We love you!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Love One Another
I have been a Christian my entire life. There is not a day I can remember when I didn't believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I've had my trials in life and my fair share of drama but not once did I doubt God had me in the palm of His hand and that everything would be alright.
I was raised Catholic and have spent most of my adult life in a Presbyterian church. The two religions are somewhat similar and I've been comfortable in both. Ultimately what religion my church happens to practice is not as important to me as my personal relationship with God. However I think it is important to belong to a church community for the fellowship, accountability and support it offers. During the times in my life where I have not been connected to a church, I have felt a huge void in my life. Which brings me to the point of this post.
There is no perfect church. There is no perfect Christian. We all fail God's vision for us every single day because we are human. I have been very blessed to be a part of some amazing church families in my lifetime. I adore the church community we are a part of right now. I look forward to many years of raising our children there. However, tonight I am struggling. I am wishing there was no such thing as church politics and that we could all just Love One Another and it would be just that easy. I understand that people have opinions and have every right to express them. I just wish I didn't feel so scared to express my own. I am wondering if I'm in the right denomination. I really think I'm more of a "non-denominational" gal but in this city, most of the time, that means Baptist. I know that is not the right place for me. I've had a really hard time finding a place to fit in the Christian community because I have a hard time with the hypocrisy that goes along with it.
So many Christian people claim to have an "all inclusive" "everyone is welcome" attitude only to be very blunt about their feelings when it comes to gays, drug addicts, criminals, and even people of a different race. I'm not claiming to be free from my own prejudices. I am human after all. But if there is one thing I think Jesus meant more than anything it was "Love Thy Neighbor". Jesus was all about love and acceptance and forgiveness. Why is it so hard for us to be the same way?? (That's a rhetorical question)
What got me stirred up tonight was a conversation I was a part of (well, one I listened to) tonight. As some of you readers know, I have two gay siblings. Its very difficult to be a part of a mostly conservative church when you have a family dynamic like mine. I adore my brother and sister and their respective partners. Tonight I got to hear what some of my church friends think of people with a more liberal mindset and although it didn't surprise me, its very hard for me to sit and nod my head like I agree with the majority. I guarantee those people had no idea how uncomfortable it was for me to stay silent, let alone stay in the room. My brother and sister both believe in God. They pray. They have a relationship with Jesus. But I think if they were in town and came to my church with their partners in tow, it would make many people in the congregation uncomfortable. And that makes me sad.
Luke 6:31 states the Golden Rule - 31" Do to others as you would like them to do to you".
But do you now what it says next?
32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.”
We are called to love all people as Jesus did– no exceptions. Its not easy... I struggle with it every day but I try to teach my daughters the Golden Rule by example. I guess my point of posting this is to challenge you to do the same.
Collin Raye had a song called "What if Jesus Comes Back Like That" where he talks about our prejudices against certain types of people - a hobo living under a bridge, "white trash" and a drug addicted newborn. The last chorus goes like this...
What if Jesus comes back like that
Where will he find out hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
What if Jesus comes back like that
Will he cry when he sees where our hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
What if Jesus comes back like that
Hey what if Jesus comes back like that
Where will he find out hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
What if Jesus comes back like that
Will he cry when he sees where our hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
What if Jesus comes back like that
Hey what if Jesus comes back like that
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