On Christmas Day we had supper at my folks' house, with the rest of the family- it's always so much fun to spend time with kids, especially on holidays. They've got so much to say, and I just love listening to them say it.
For example Reid, who just turned two, is crazy about anything John Deere - his dad is a farmer and drives a John Deere tractor, so he has every reason to think they're great. When I asked him what he got for Christmas, he said, 'a trike-cycle'. When I asked him if it was red, he just looked at me and said, "no, it was gween". What better color for a trike-cycle?
Do you remember the Cosby show episode where Rudy asked Cliff what a bunch of letters spelled? he told her 'zrbrt' and then proceeded to give her a razzberry on her cheek. Ever since, I've given my grandkids and other beloved children 'zrbrts' on their cheek or neck; they've learned that if they hold their chin up, it gives me more room under there, and then watch out! the noise is great, and the look on their face is even better. Thank you, Bill Cosby, for helping me make good memories with these wonderful kids.
Why is it that we feel so much younger than we thought our parents were at the same age?
Of all the things I regret, one of the things I wish I could change would be to go back in time, and find out more about my grandparents' lives. I remember vividly so many things about my mother's mother, like watching her stand by the sink washing dishes, singing 'hey, good lookin' by Hank Williams. Or that she always loved to drink Dr. Pepper - I wish I could find a bottle that looks like the ones from my childhood.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Nothing like a little excitement...
So I had to ride to Greenville to meet a friend/client for lunch, and to pick up some copies of her newest book, fresh from the printer. We'll be shipping complimentary copies out to newspaper religion editors and some other folks who might give us a good review and some publicity.
I love riding my bike, and I especially love riding by myself - very freeing to not have to worry about anybody else but myself, going at my own speed, whether it's 45 or 75, seeing what I want to, stopping when I want, and just being on my own. It's also a lot of fun when it registers with passengers/drivers in other vehicles when they realize that's a FEMALE riding that bike... most of them are not surprised, but every once in a while, you get some VERY funny faces. I don't care if it is almost 2009, it still seems to be a novelty for a girl to be riding her own bike.
anyway, we had lunch and a great visit; then back outside to pack everything in my bags (and pockets) and head back. To come back home, I have to take a bridge over the interstate; for some reason I got in the wrong turn lane, and only after there was no way out of that lane, did I realize I was headed onto the interstate, instead of back towards Highway 10, which is what I wanted.
I had two choices - either go into high panic mode and just sit in the middle of road, blocking traffic, or hitting the interstate and getting off at the next exit, about 15 miles away. Panic is not my usual way of handling things (well, maybe sometimes after everything is over), so I just tooled on down the ramp and onto the interstate, headed for Ft. Deposit.
Not really a big deal, except that was my first time on the interstate by myself, the traffic was very heavy, and there was quite a wind blowing. I did okay, except for one incident, when some traffic was merging onto the road, and I moved over into the left lane to give them room- some nimrod decided she needed to be my back bumper decoration and hung right behind me until I could get a clear space to move back into the right lane.
Not much a 600 pound bike and rider can do to a large sedan, other than scratch it up a bit in passing, and I don't do that kind of thing. If I could have told her a few things, I might have, but she was laughing and cutting up with her kids as she passed me- I still am not convinced she saw me, even though I was directly in front of her - I could have spit backwards and it would have hit her windshield.
I did get lots of smiles and waves from other vehicles, especially the three guys trailering their bikes somewhere - and it was a nice ride, anyway, despite some people showing their ignorance.
When I did get off at Ft. Deposit, a very nice clerk at a gas station gave me directions back towards home that did not include getting back on the interstate - I figure there's no need pushing things.
So now I'm home, got to see some new areas, got a very nice ride in, and still home in time to walk the dogs, get supper started and more importantly... GET BACK TO WORK!
I love riding my bike, and I especially love riding by myself - very freeing to not have to worry about anybody else but myself, going at my own speed, whether it's 45 or 75, seeing what I want to, stopping when I want, and just being on my own. It's also a lot of fun when it registers with passengers/drivers in other vehicles when they realize that's a FEMALE riding that bike... most of them are not surprised, but every once in a while, you get some VERY funny faces. I don't care if it is almost 2009, it still seems to be a novelty for a girl to be riding her own bike.
anyway, we had lunch and a great visit; then back outside to pack everything in my bags (and pockets) and head back. To come back home, I have to take a bridge over the interstate; for some reason I got in the wrong turn lane, and only after there was no way out of that lane, did I realize I was headed onto the interstate, instead of back towards Highway 10, which is what I wanted.
I had two choices - either go into high panic mode and just sit in the middle of road, blocking traffic, or hitting the interstate and getting off at the next exit, about 15 miles away. Panic is not my usual way of handling things (well, maybe sometimes after everything is over), so I just tooled on down the ramp and onto the interstate, headed for Ft. Deposit.
Not really a big deal, except that was my first time on the interstate by myself, the traffic was very heavy, and there was quite a wind blowing. I did okay, except for one incident, when some traffic was merging onto the road, and I moved over into the left lane to give them room- some nimrod decided she needed to be my back bumper decoration and hung right behind me until I could get a clear space to move back into the right lane.
Not much a 600 pound bike and rider can do to a large sedan, other than scratch it up a bit in passing, and I don't do that kind of thing. If I could have told her a few things, I might have, but she was laughing and cutting up with her kids as she passed me- I still am not convinced she saw me, even though I was directly in front of her - I could have spit backwards and it would have hit her windshield.
I did get lots of smiles and waves from other vehicles, especially the three guys trailering their bikes somewhere - and it was a nice ride, anyway, despite some people showing their ignorance.
When I did get off at Ft. Deposit, a very nice clerk at a gas station gave me directions back towards home that did not include getting back on the interstate - I figure there's no need pushing things.
So now I'm home, got to see some new areas, got a very nice ride in, and still home in time to walk the dogs, get supper started and more importantly... GET BACK TO WORK!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Don't let someone steal your Christmas
We were at my MIL's house last night for our Christmas eve celebration. My hubby's three sisters were there, along with most of the rest of the family.
I'm sure Christmas at most folks' houses was like it was at ours- not as much extra money to spend on gifts, and not doing as much traveling. I'll admit, I'd allowed that to make me feel like Christmas wasn't coming this year.
But after we got there, and I started talking to the kids, I felt much better. Tanner, 2nd grade, whose letter to Santa made the paper, had to decipher one part of his letter (they print them just as the kids spell them- so cute), and we discussed his wishes for an all Alabama Christmas (I'm a big Auburn fan).
Then granddaughters Chloe, Destiny and Neveah all had to tell me what Santa brought them (he comes to their house a night early, because of blended family issues). Granddaughter Lanie also told me her latest news - she has a wonderful imagination and she always perks me up.
Grandson Hunter, who is a teenager now, is one of the sweetest, most polite young men you'll ever meet. Even when I asked about the website I'd heard was devoted to his girlfriends, he went along with the joke, teasing me right back. He's so good with his little sister, and a natural when it comes to taking care of his new baby brother.
And speaking of babies - who can turn down a chance to cuddle with a baby? They always have a smile or a giggle for you. We were lucky enough to spend last night with two babies, both as cute as can be.
Don't let the economy or your surroundings steal your Christmas - remember that there are people out there who love you and don't care if you've got a bunch of money. They love you because of who you are to them.
And remember that the real reason for our celebration is a special baby who was born a long time ago, and who gave us all the best Christmas gift ever- because He made it possible for us to get past our own sinful natures and become a part of God's kingdom.
Merry Christmas!
I'm sure Christmas at most folks' houses was like it was at ours- not as much extra money to spend on gifts, and not doing as much traveling. I'll admit, I'd allowed that to make me feel like Christmas wasn't coming this year.
But after we got there, and I started talking to the kids, I felt much better. Tanner, 2nd grade, whose letter to Santa made the paper, had to decipher one part of his letter (they print them just as the kids spell them- so cute), and we discussed his wishes for an all Alabama Christmas (I'm a big Auburn fan).
Then granddaughters Chloe, Destiny and Neveah all had to tell me what Santa brought them (he comes to their house a night early, because of blended family issues). Granddaughter Lanie also told me her latest news - she has a wonderful imagination and she always perks me up.
Grandson Hunter, who is a teenager now, is one of the sweetest, most polite young men you'll ever meet. Even when I asked about the website I'd heard was devoted to his girlfriends, he went along with the joke, teasing me right back. He's so good with his little sister, and a natural when it comes to taking care of his new baby brother.
And speaking of babies - who can turn down a chance to cuddle with a baby? They always have a smile or a giggle for you. We were lucky enough to spend last night with two babies, both as cute as can be.
Don't let the economy or your surroundings steal your Christmas - remember that there are people out there who love you and don't care if you've got a bunch of money. They love you because of who you are to them.
And remember that the real reason for our celebration is a special baby who was born a long time ago, and who gave us all the best Christmas gift ever- because He made it possible for us to get past our own sinful natures and become a part of God's kingdom.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
2008 Review
Okay, so looking back on 2008, what are the things I'd change? what new things did I try that are now favorites? what things need to be worked on? what things do I want to try for the first time in 2009?
I still tend to procrastinate, especially when it's things I'm not looking forward to- like most people. In '09, I plan on handing bothersome tasks better- do them as soon as possible during the day, then rewarding myself with a very enjoyable activity afterwards; this way I get them done quicker, and then I don't have time to build up dread.
I will be taking more pictures of my family - I take lots of pictures, but they tend more towards nature, and the kids around me; my brothers and I created a family calendar for our parents for Christmas, using family pictures - each person or couple will have their own month's page. Next year, I'll have more photographs to choose from, instead of having to 'borrow' some from the guys.
I will also be offering a photo session to any of the older couples and singles at church who would like one - they're on fixed incomes, and can't afford to have a good portrait of themselves; one couple's last portrait was done over ten years ago. I know they'll enjoy having it done, and their children will be glad of them later.
I'm a good bit heavier than I need to be - I will drink more water and walk more often during the week; even if I don't lose a lot of weight, I'll be healthier.
In 2008, I was more adventurous in my riding - I'll continue that, branching out even farther on my little jaunts.
I will allocate more time to writing and drawing/painting. I have some talent, but it needs to be practiced in order to improve. I am also going to schedule time several times a week to practicing and improving my guitar skills - I've got a very nice 6 string acoustic, and a lovely 12-string acoustic that are begging to be played- it's an awful waste and I won't do it any more.
I'll be more aggressive in pursuing my goals and dreams- I have lots of things I want to do and if I don't make my mind up to do them, they won't get done. When they involve another person, obviously I'm not going to jump ahead, but I will lay out my ideas clearly so they can see exactly what I'm expecting.
I've always heard it said that it's just as easy to ask forgiveness as to ask permission, but I don't hold with that too much. Too many times having to ask forgiveness for doing something that goes against someone else's wishes, will eventually hurt the relationship more than it can be repaired.
Last of all, and probably the most important, I'll cherish the time I have with my family and friends - the Bible says we aren't promised tomorrow, and I know that for certain. Several of my friends have faced very close calls, and are still with us, but that doesn't mean the next time won't be the last time.
Have a blessed Christmas!
I still tend to procrastinate, especially when it's things I'm not looking forward to- like most people. In '09, I plan on handing bothersome tasks better- do them as soon as possible during the day, then rewarding myself with a very enjoyable activity afterwards; this way I get them done quicker, and then I don't have time to build up dread.
I will be taking more pictures of my family - I take lots of pictures, but they tend more towards nature, and the kids around me; my brothers and I created a family calendar for our parents for Christmas, using family pictures - each person or couple will have their own month's page. Next year, I'll have more photographs to choose from, instead of having to 'borrow' some from the guys.
I will also be offering a photo session to any of the older couples and singles at church who would like one - they're on fixed incomes, and can't afford to have a good portrait of themselves; one couple's last portrait was done over ten years ago. I know they'll enjoy having it done, and their children will be glad of them later.
I'm a good bit heavier than I need to be - I will drink more water and walk more often during the week; even if I don't lose a lot of weight, I'll be healthier.
In 2008, I was more adventurous in my riding - I'll continue that, branching out even farther on my little jaunts.
I will allocate more time to writing and drawing/painting. I have some talent, but it needs to be practiced in order to improve. I am also going to schedule time several times a week to practicing and improving my guitar skills - I've got a very nice 6 string acoustic, and a lovely 12-string acoustic that are begging to be played- it's an awful waste and I won't do it any more.
I'll be more aggressive in pursuing my goals and dreams- I have lots of things I want to do and if I don't make my mind up to do them, they won't get done. When they involve another person, obviously I'm not going to jump ahead, but I will lay out my ideas clearly so they can see exactly what I'm expecting.
I've always heard it said that it's just as easy to ask forgiveness as to ask permission, but I don't hold with that too much. Too many times having to ask forgiveness for doing something that goes against someone else's wishes, will eventually hurt the relationship more than it can be repaired.
Last of all, and probably the most important, I'll cherish the time I have with my family and friends - the Bible says we aren't promised tomorrow, and I know that for certain. Several of my friends have faced very close calls, and are still with us, but that doesn't mean the next time won't be the last time.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
"The Dragon Master" and Making New Friends
Got off the phone earlier with a new friend in Wales - can you imagine a little town chick like me making friends across the Big Pond?
He had something about me on a blog list, and saw that I love to read. so he contacted me and asked if I would consider reading his novel and giving him some feedback- he said he'd use my review on his website and possibly the book cover.
I agreed and he sent a copy of his book - It's called "The Dragon Master"; I was drawn in from the very beginning. The characters in the story are very realistic - some of the things they deal with are tough, like adultery, pornography and drug abuse. He allows us to see how our choices affect us and those around us, and he doesn't pull any punches, but he also does it so the reader isn't wallowing in the gutter. It's a very fine line to walk, but he does it very well.
He's working on the sequel to the book now, while he's prepping this book for the printer's. Nigel has quite a testimony - his site is called Still Small Voice Ministries. Look it over - I'm sure you'll find some very good information there.
He had something about me on a blog list, and saw that I love to read. so he contacted me and asked if I would consider reading his novel and giving him some feedback- he said he'd use my review on his website and possibly the book cover.
I agreed and he sent a copy of his book - It's called "The Dragon Master"; I was drawn in from the very beginning. The characters in the story are very realistic - some of the things they deal with are tough, like adultery, pornography and drug abuse. He allows us to see how our choices affect us and those around us, and he doesn't pull any punches, but he also does it so the reader isn't wallowing in the gutter. It's a very fine line to walk, but he does it very well.
He's working on the sequel to the book now, while he's prepping this book for the printer's. Nigel has quite a testimony - his site is called Still Small Voice Ministries. Look it over - I'm sure you'll find some very good information there.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Marketing Your Business Revisited
How does your customer service stand up to comparison?
I've had plenty of experiences with both very good and very bad customer service - in fact, one of my favorite memories of sales seminars is the story one instructor told about bad customer service. He had a very bad experience with a company, and when he tried to work things out with them, he seemed to run into every person in the company with a bad attitude. It got to the point that he asked to speak to a department manager in the company. When he finally was able to speak to him, he told him in great detail how horrible the company's customer service had been, and when the manager asked him what he expected him to do about it.
The instructor then began to name what it would take to make him feel he'd been taken care of, and the manager said that was more than what he was willing to do. The instructor told him it would be the his job in life to ruin the reputation of that company. He's done a good job, too- I think he tells that story at every seminar where he teaches. Any time I hear the name of that company, I immediately think of the salesman's story.
I tell you this because we each need to remember that any time our customers or prospects have a bad experience with our company, they don't forget it easily. We have to take a pro-active stand on customer service; if it's possible, contact customers after any sale or service and make sure they're satisfied. If they're not, find out why, and do everything you can to rectify it. I've had several companies that didn't get things right in the beginning, but their follow-up was so great and so pleasing that I'll continue to do business with them, because they care about how I feel about them.
I've had plenty of experiences with both very good and very bad customer service - in fact, one of my favorite memories of sales seminars is the story one instructor told about bad customer service. He had a very bad experience with a company, and when he tried to work things out with them, he seemed to run into every person in the company with a bad attitude. It got to the point that he asked to speak to a department manager in the company. When he finally was able to speak to him, he told him in great detail how horrible the company's customer service had been, and when the manager asked him what he expected him to do about it.
The instructor then began to name what it would take to make him feel he'd been taken care of, and the manager said that was more than what he was willing to do. The instructor told him it would be the his job in life to ruin the reputation of that company. He's done a good job, too- I think he tells that story at every seminar where he teaches. Any time I hear the name of that company, I immediately think of the salesman's story.
I tell you this because we each need to remember that any time our customers or prospects have a bad experience with our company, they don't forget it easily. We have to take a pro-active stand on customer service; if it's possible, contact customers after any sale or service and make sure they're satisfied. If they're not, find out why, and do everything you can to rectify it. I've had several companies that didn't get things right in the beginning, but their follow-up was so great and so pleasing that I'll continue to do business with them, because they care about how I feel about them.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Marketing Your Business
How 'linked' are you to related businesses in your area? Do you cross-market with them, to help each of you grow your business? I know this has been covered time and again, but it's still worth discussing.
As a photographer, I want to expand my business into weddings and events. One way I plan to do this is to market myself to the local florists and caterers. I'll approach one or two from each category and request a partnership with them. When I'm contacted to shoot a wedding, I'll suggest my partners as my preferred vendors, and my partners will do the same for me. I hope to also work up packages with my partners, so our clients can get a discount by using all of us together.
While it will build our business base, it will also raise us from the level of vendor to trusted professionals.
What businesses can you partner with to build your business?
As a photographer, I want to expand my business into weddings and events. One way I plan to do this is to market myself to the local florists and caterers. I'll approach one or two from each category and request a partnership with them. When I'm contacted to shoot a wedding, I'll suggest my partners as my preferred vendors, and my partners will do the same for me. I hope to also work up packages with my partners, so our clients can get a discount by using all of us together.
While it will build our business base, it will also raise us from the level of vendor to trusted professionals.
What businesses can you partner with to build your business?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Photography
I love taking pictures in and around my community - it's not a very big place, but I sure am proud of it. Lots of lovely 'hidden' places, fields, lakes, swamps and all sorts of beautiful images.
I recently entered a picture of our newest water tower, with a beautiful sunset in the background, in a statewide contest geared towards communities. I received a notice yesterday that my photograph won second place. I'm very happy about it, because it was one of those shots that just presented itself. I wasn't even thinking about photography- I had headed out the door to pick my daughter up from band practice, and when I saw the sky across the road, I went back in and got my camera.
My picture will be on the cover of the February issue of the organization's magazine.
I recently entered a picture of our newest water tower, with a beautiful sunset in the background, in a statewide contest geared towards communities. I received a notice yesterday that my photograph won second place. I'm very happy about it, because it was one of those shots that just presented itself. I wasn't even thinking about photography- I had headed out the door to pick my daughter up from band practice, and when I saw the sky across the road, I went back in and got my camera.
My picture will be on the cover of the February issue of the organization's magazine.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Homecoming Event
The Alabama Department of Tourism is sponsoring The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns in 2010. Each town that participates receives a free historic marker; Rutledge will be participating and we'll center the Homecoming Weekend around the Primitive Baptist Church in Rutledge. It's one of the oldest churches in Crenshaw County, and since Rutledge was once the county seat, the church is even more central to the county.
We've already set dates, and we also decided to have a homecoming weekend in 2009 as well - you might say it will be our practice run.
We've come up with several ideas on how to celebrate our town and it's roots - we'll be making videos of town members telling how it was to grow up in and around Rutledge; an art show is also being planned; we'll have activities for the kids on Saturday; and Sunday we'll wind up the weekend with a community church service in the morning, dinner on the grounds and an afternoon singing with local groups.
I've also come up with an idea to have a poster and postcard design competition among the residents of Rutledge. The winning posters will be used to publicize the weekend, and the winning postcards will be reproduced and sold during the weekend. Each winning designer will get a copy of all the winning designs. It will encourage the local folks to get involved, and any money raised will go towards maintaining the church building.
Check back for more details on how the plans are developing...
We've already set dates, and we also decided to have a homecoming weekend in 2009 as well - you might say it will be our practice run.
We've come up with several ideas on how to celebrate our town and it's roots - we'll be making videos of town members telling how it was to grow up in and around Rutledge; an art show is also being planned; we'll have activities for the kids on Saturday; and Sunday we'll wind up the weekend with a community church service in the morning, dinner on the grounds and an afternoon singing with local groups.
I've also come up with an idea to have a poster and postcard design competition among the residents of Rutledge. The winning posters will be used to publicize the weekend, and the winning postcards will be reproduced and sold during the weekend. Each winning designer will get a copy of all the winning designs. It will encourage the local folks to get involved, and any money raised will go towards maintaining the church building.
Check back for more details on how the plans are developing...
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