Labels of Life

My youngest niece and her husband are going to have their first child in January. I was thinking last evening as I did the dishes about how their world will change once the little one arrives. And I was reminiscing how I felt the first time I had someone call me "Mom" after our son was born. I LOVED it! I was one of those now -- a mother-- and it felt so right.

As I savored that memory, the word "family" arose to capture my thoughts. Because not only had I gained the former tag (just as my husband was now "Dad), we also could claim this latter term together. Being a "couple" or "married" was wonderfully sufficient for those years we shared together in the front end of our marriage but that bright-eyed infant changed it all. "Wife" is one I am especially proud of.

Once the floodgates of brainstorming opened I realized how many labels actually exist in my life. "Graduate" brings memories of that special, proud tingle I felt when I reached out to received my diplomas being extended to me from my high school principal and then my college dean. No one's smile was bigger than mine. I had done it. Woo-Woo!!! Watch out, World!!

"Sister", "daughter", "niece", "granddaughter", "daughter-in-law" all signify deep emotional bonds in my heart. The professional titles I have earned are woven into my life's resume. I am pleased to have studied and achieved those significant letters that now appear after my name.

"Christian" is not just a label but a vital personal claim. "Volunteer" reflects a soul-held desire to be a part of the lives that exist around me.

What are the labels of your life? I plan on adding a few more....how about you??

The Instrinsic Value of Thank You

About two weeks ago I gave a list of specific blessings that I was acknowledging by giving thanks publicly. Those individually mentioned had each added immeasurable dimension in my life. Today I want to shift thinking about that subject of Thanks by just a few degrees so to speak.

When you audibly share "thank you" to someone, do you ever "visually absorb" (Don't you like that more colorful prose I invented for the seemingly plain choice, "observe"?) what happens to that person in a purely physical sense? Did their altered facial expression ever register a reaction in your brain that made you blink? Made you realize that your sincere offering touched and actually altered the reality of their day? Created a blip on their personal radar? Their eyes brighten, focus sharpens. Their countenance lightens. Their mouth corners lift seemingly by invisible lighter-than-air strings. All are shining responses, reflections bounced back at you for a simple human kindness.

Wonderful habits bring wondrous returns. Heartfelt outreaches explode exponentially. For a very small investment incredible profits are guaranteed. This bears repeating.....guaranteed. This simple plan never loses value, infinitely retains its priceless status.

My Little Blue Book

The little black book. That iconic symbol of little secrets and juicy personal histories. What wondrous revelations and private details one could discover scribbled on the pages between the covers, if one had the opportunity...or motive.

I don't own a little black book. I, on the other hand, have a little blue book (ever the individualist). I started mine over 10 years ago. Is it filled with names and dates and gossip tidbits to make your brain spin out of control from the shock of it all?????

Oh, that I wish it would. But, no. Mine is filled with the lists of my life. I can't carry my computer with me ( Sorry, I don't own an iPhone or a Blackberry. Well...actually I'm not sorry at all. I'm perfectly happy with my little 'ole plain cell.) But I have a very portable collection of plethora (don't you just LOVE that word) which serves me as well as any memory stick.

Let's see. Oh! There's the listing of new items we have purchased from cars to appliances to furniture. And what to pack when traveling depending on the mode of transportation. Destinations I want to visit. Can't forget the charities I'm going to donate some of my as-yet-to-be-made fortune (or lottery winnings) to when the time comes. Restaurants I want to dine in sometime. Friends I want to have lunch with--and I am actually making inroads with that goal!! You should see the eight pages of books I want to read. There's a list of movies to watch as well.

I believe it is the Marines that have a dictate something like "Live by the code". Interpret that for my life and it becomes "Live by the list". Maybe some day my little blue book will grow up to morph to that black connotation.

Nah. Probably not. Which means my existence won't be fraught with gossip rag junk and stuff that gets leaked and lies and ugliness. Hey! How cool is that!!?!

My Favorites in Honor of Oprah

Every year Oprah has one show dedicated to her "favorites". This year's episode is to be broadcast today. That inspired me to compile my own TOP TEN list that I would be televising if I were indeed her. So here we go!

Julie's Top Ten Favorites List for 2008

Enough hot water for six extra long relaxing showers
$100 Gift certificate to a book store of your choice.
One pound handmade Triple Mints from Wittich's Fine Candies
(a family owned confectionery in Circleville, OH, since 1840)
Two Graeters White Tower Sundaes-that's all I can handle in a year!
One dozen Great Harvest Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip cookies
One weekend for two at the Greenbriar Resort
One weekend for yourself on Sanibel Island, Florida
One box (200 pieces) of beautifully monogrammed stationery
Three paid vacation days -- what you do is your choice!
A spa weekend for you & 5 friends at Landoll Castle, Loudonville,OH

"Tune in" here next year for ten more of life's little pleasures. Now pretend you're Oprah --what would you choose? Mmmmm. Think about it...

Giving Thanks

I'm sure all of you have some type of Thanksgiving tradition where you and your family share what you are most thankful for during the past year or in your daily lives. Reflecting on those blessings is rewarding because you remind yourself consciously and audibly of someone or something that has touched your life and made a difference.

Here is my list for 2008:

1. Having the ability to forgive
2. Being able to walk anytime day or night in my neighborhood
without the sound of gunfire
3. Older ladies who have been incredible mentors to me --I
have had that rare gift since I was four years old
4. The ability to read
5. Having an older sister who is wise beyond her years
6. Watching the process of my son growing into himself
7. Still reaping the benefits of a college education
8. That I live in a state where destructive weather is rare

I wish for you a holiday that allows you to recognize the blessings in your heart and the privilege to send a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord above for what you hold dear. He listens no matter how simple the praise. He hears the pure sincerity in your voice.

I WON THE LOTTERY!!!!! WOO-WOO!!!!!!!!!

This is the one single statement my husband was absolutely eye-squinting-face-puckered-up dreading ever having me shrilly scream into his ear. You see each of us used to buy a $1.00 ticket for the big Wednesday night state lottery drawing. We would watch the short television spot as the ping pong balls were air blown around the lucite cage and wait holding our breath hoping this was our lucky week. Our chance to grab the brass ring. The lure of a 25 Million dollar prize by spending such a little amount was worth our individual investments. We did it for a couple of months but then we just kind of stopped.

My husband was relieved when I didn't win with my ticket because he said I would probably have wanted to give most of it away. We both laughed when he confessed his concern because we both knew he was absolutely right!! I would love to be in the position to have enough money to share. How fantastic would that be to make living conditions better, medical treatments affordable, help those less fortunate, provide college scholarships, erase retirement worries, grant holiday wishes?

Guess that's why the current spotlight on the very small percentage of disgustingly paid executives or outrageously contracted sports figures make me so very angry. No one "needs" all the millions they are grabbing. We all only have to have just so much to live comfortably. If someone has a skill or intelligence and is given more for it I believe we all appreciate and accept that pay scale. But Heavens Sakes -- fleecing a company by pure greed while so many could use just a tiny portion to simply survive another day is not only something just this side of evil....it is just plain sad.

Knowing that all across this country there are thousands of families and working folks and children and community groups who with all sincerity work tirelessly to extend monetary and emotion support to their neighbors is heart-warming and a tribute to the innate goodness that does exist. That's why I hope someday I do win.

Why? Because one of my biggest dreams is to be a real life fairy godmother. Wouldn't that be life changing? And liberating? And refreshing? And just way too much fun! To put more smiles on peoples' faces when relief comes their way, to hear big relieved sighs when cares are erased, to share happy tears with those who will be given new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Whoops!!? There goes that crazy "make dreams come true" wand again!! I cannot wait for that to happen. Watch out, World, when it does!!!

Collecting Friends

I sent an email to a friend this week and told her how blessed I was to have her in my life. I met her about a year and a half ago at an industry gathering. Oh, my! She just "sparkled". Funny, talented, polished, fresh, well traveled, well read. Found later that she is an author, an actress (yes, you just might recognize her), columnist. She is very special.

I have a couple that are very dear to me. Met them when I was working in tandem with their interior decorator. We hit it off like three peas in a pod. We email, meet for lunch, share birthdays together. Two more friends. How lucky am I?!

A customer of mine has become a very special mentor and friend. Her mind is like a steel trap. Her memory is unparalleled. We share the same interests and tastes. I look forward to every visit. Totally unexpected. Another addition to the collection.

I could go on and on and on.......

With every person who crosses your path, be ever watchful for those you want to keep for your very personal, extra-special collection of friends. There is no greater treasure than those we surround ourselves with...and with no monetary payment what so ever. No museum to build, no curio cabinet to fill. Totally intangible, immensely more valuable. In fact: Priceless.