Think About it Thursdays

A five minute skit I thought was powerful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84gfPg45xOo

The EcoStore USA winner is.....

Who's going to have a few less chemicals in their home thanks to EcoStore USA?

Kathryn Magendie that's who! Congrats and enjoy. My next giveaway is scheduled for November 2nd. Hope you'll try your luck again.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman

“This book is about success and significance,” the opening line from the introduction of Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman.

This book is for the:

“Person who truly wants to succeed in life and is willing to do the hard work necessary to make it happen.”

Individual who can recognize good ideas.

Risk taker.

Ultimately, someone who gets the job done.

I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that I loved this book. From page one of the introduction through all 226 pages, this book is oozing with encouragement and insight from a man that does not just theorize about success, but has lived it. The stories that he shares from his personal experiences, makes you want to have him and his ENTIRE family over for a BBQ so you can find out more.

It’s not about money, or necessarily being given special opportunities, but taking what you have, giving 110% to wherever you are in life, at whatever job you are currently in and just having an excellence and integrity to strive for more. The encouragement and ideas in this book are excellent for any first time entrepreneur, current manager over others and even parents with kids. Being excellent and striving to get better in all areas of our lives and doing it with a smile on our face and thankfulness in our hearts, is what being a Knockout Entrepreneur is all about.

Thomas Nelson sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Thomas Nelson.

Stuck in a Rut

Once upon a time there was a little bulldozer. Bulldozer did lots and lots of hard work. He worked so much and so hard that one day he got stuck in a rut. Uh oh! What can we do to help him get out of the hole he was in?

Here is the GIANT tow truck that was sent to get said bulldozer out of it's rut.....

The two men that were sent tried different angles and really had to redirect with much effort to get bulldozer out of his dark hole. His tread just kept spinning and spinning in its same old pattern, almost making the pit deeper.

Then finally, he was free!

So I ask you, my little bulldozer friends, are there areas of your life where you are stuck in a rut? It's so easy to work so hard and have life circumstances go on for years and years, that finally when the day of liberation out of that hole comes, we are hesitant.... almost setting ourselves up to fall back into that pitfall again? When the opportunity comes for you to get out that rut, don't set yourself up to fall back in again. Back up a little, examine your circumstances and make a new path into a different mindset.

For all you Matrix fans out there....."Free your mind Neo."

Make the jump today!

EcoStore USA and a GIVEAWAY!

Look what came to my house last week....How cool is this? EcoStore USA contacted me to sample and review two of their products. I was thrilled, and of course said yes. I am all for organic and anything natural.

EcoStore's website boasts: "All of our products are made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients, free of toxic chemicals that bring people closer to nature with non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions that also help to reduce our carbon footprint. "
The product categories they sell are: Baby Care, Bath & Body, Hair, Household and Petcare. (Click on any of the categories to take you directly to the store link!)

I chose the Laundry Powder and the Auto Dishwash Powder. We have hard, well water and I figured if these cleaners could stand up to that, then I would be sold. They did wonderfully! The thing I absolutely loved, was that when I opened the washing machine up I didn't encounter a huge perfume smell. Just clean smelling and great looking clothes. Dishes came out great too.

"We know it's expensive to buy natural or organic products but we've found a way around this by safely super concentrating our formulations. "

Using less and getting more bang for your buck is what it's all about today. Smaller quantities of recycleables to dispose of, e-gift certificates available (just in time for Christmas!) and always free shipping on orders over $25.

"No Nasty Chemicals™ is the foundation of the entire product line and philosophy of ecostore." Please take a minute and check them out today.

Now for the Giveaway!

EcoStore has generously donated a $25 gift certificate for their store as a giveaway. In order to qualify for the drawing, click on the above link, look around the store, and leave me a comment telling me what two products you would like to win. You must list your favorite two products in order to qualify. All entries must be received by October 27th. with the winner announced on the 28th. Please consider signing up to follow EcoStore to receive updates and other promotional information. Good luck!

EcoStore USA sent me the above products for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the products. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from EcoStore USA.

Conduit - Can Do It!

I got payed a lovely compliment from a friend last week. She called me a conduit. Instantly, I loved what I thought the word meant but wanted to look up expanded definitions:

1. A pipe or channel for conveying fluids, such as water. (I do have fluids..... )
2. A tube or duct for enclosing electric wires or cable. (I do not have a desire to be electrified... )

Hmmmmm.......that couldn't be right, so let's try again.....

1. A means by which something is transmitted
2. To contribute or lead to a specific result
3. Contribute to the progress or growth of

Much better! I love to encourage others. I love hearing all their "crazy, far-fetched" ideas and being a cheerleader for them. I see a lot of times where a person has no one in their court. No one believing in them. This is disappointing to hear about and devastating to the person. I pride myself in being a realist, so no, I won't tell you that you are going to be the next Bill Gates, but I will tell you that all things are possible. Working conditions are hard, family situations, unbearable at times. Are you there with a friendly ear, even if that's all you can do at the time?
Are there people in your life that you could contribute to the progress or growth of? Am I transmitting something positive that may influence my child, husband, friend, etc. that will stay with them for a lifetime? Join me in getting out the pom pom's and giving out a big cheer: Go Team!

Loved this over at Christine's blog:
If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart. If someones burden was lighter,because you did your part. If you caused a laugh ,that chased some tears away. If tonight your name is named, when someone kneels to pray. Than your day has been well spent.....Author Unknown

Bonus Giveaway starting Wednesday October 21st! Don't forget to check back.

The One Thing

Many will be surprised to know that I have had a cosmetic procedure of sorts done.Growing up, nothing would make me cringe more than the thought of swimming. I can swim. I even took the Red Cross classes in freezing cold water. I enjoy swimming.... a lot. However, the problem for me arises being a woman, and having to shave to wear a bathing suit. Men are so lucky... but I digress. I'll blame it on being half Italian. Oh Diane, your hair is so thick and beautiful...... are you following where I'm going with this? I would shave and then EACH AND EVERY hair that was attempting to grow back in would produce a red, ugly sore bump. Each one. Very painful.... very ugly. So, that was it, shave one time, pay the price for weeks. Finally, at age 34 I went and had laser hair removal and wallahhh! They are gone! It is a miracle. I had it done before it was the "it" thing and they jacked up the prices. It was painful for a short time and now, at a moments notice I am ready to swim. Go ahead and ask me.... swim?.... Oh sure I'd love to, I just have to throw on my suit and I'm ready to go.

This one thing in my life turned dread and pain into happiness and confidence. So I ask you, what is the one thing you would do if money or being self conscious was not an obstacle? What is the one thing that you would like to alter or change about you?

Tommy can you hear me?

Over the summer, Tommy's daughter went missing for about a week but happily returned, now it has been over a month and no Tommy. My daughter made this picture this morning as we believe he is no longer coming back. I guess part of me can always say, well, we don't know for sure what happened and that is what I've told the kids. We all assume to know what's occured, but there is always that small grain of hope, maybe.... just maybe.

Think About it Thursdays

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

When anger rises, think of the consequences.

Joys of the Week!

Getting to sleep in my bed until 8:30 AM one morning, and then laying in that same bed and reading for two uninterrupted hours..... need I say more?
If Dove ever wanted me to be their spokesperson, I would have no problem telling it from the heart and tastebuds. I found these this past week and have enjoyed each and every one. I kinda hid them in the back of the freezer..... but I digress... Mmmmm Mmmm Mmmm Good! The plain vanilla are entirely acceptable, but the chocolate chip is three bites of complete yumminess that just leaves a smile on your face.
Come to me, my little pretty!
Conversation with my son this week. "Mom, when my wife lays an egg and has a baby, it's gonna look just like you, because I love you so much."
I know, right?!

Watching Chickens

Since I'm new to this whole chicken ownership thing.... I've found myself going out to the chicken house and just watching them. My original intent of getting the chickens was eggs. Free, organic, yellow yoke eggs. An added bonus that I had not originally anticipated, was the odd delight and sense of peace in just observing them and seeing nature just...be....nature. The way it was designed to be.

So here are my odd thoughts on how chicken nature has similarities to human nature:

1. Chickens like to be pretty. Especially the one male I watched. They preen themselves over and over. They are trying to stay clean. They aren't going on any dates or have to primp up before their spouse comes home. They just know instinctively that their outer shell needs to be kept up. Isn't it in us too? Why do we look in the mirror all the time? Making sure there's no food stuck in our teeth or that our hair hasn't windblown into an up do. Kept up, but not vain is the chicken way and should be ours too.

2. Chickens follow a leader. We have a few sticks in the coop for them to fly up to and sit on. As soon as one gracefully (ha ha on that one) flies up to the branches, the others start to follow. Regardless, if I have just thrown food in for them and they begin to eat, as soon as one goes they all stop what they are doing and follow along suit. Do I at times follow someone else's lead? Do I want to be part of a particular group and am willing to make sacrifices or even bad choices to be part of the "in" crowd? No one wants to be left behind..... Do I have the courage to be the lone one on any given issue, or do I give up thinking for myself and follow the leader?3. Huddling for warmth.... It's been 40-50 degrees here at night. We do have a light for the chickens to keep them from freezing (aren't we so kind). They know that physically apart they would be chicken Popsicles. Staying close to each other in trying circumstances gives us support. Do I turn to loved ones when I get dealt a hard blow, for a shoulder to lean on? Am I a friend that others can turn to, to keep their insides warm when the going gets tough? Isolated and alone we are vulnerable and cold. Together we are a support system that keeps us insulated from the at times hard world.

4. And lastly the indisputable, no way to deny it, final proof.... aren't we instinctively a little too good at the chicken dance for it not to be a coincidence?

Disposable....?

A few years ago we needed to buy a new TV. The one we had was selectively choosing which channels to show and enjoying sending horizontal lines to interrupt important TV moments. A friend of ours is actually an official TV repairman so after describing our dilemma, I asked him what I should do. His advice..... just get rid of it and buy a new one. I couldn't believe that this TV was so far beyond repair and nurture that this was the best and only alternative for its 10 year lifespan. He said the TV would cost too much to fix and new ones aren't that much, but in about five years I should expect to have to buy another TV when the new one craps out....

Imagine my shock. Then I began to notice this phenomenon happening in other areas of my life. Computers, cell phones, furniture, clothing, food..... the list goes on. At what point did we turn from our grandparents way of thinking, that everything can be used for something and then re-purposed at a later time to meet our new need? How did we arrive at..... just throw it out and buy a new one? Is it from McDonald's and all those Happy Meal toys? You know those things have such a limited amount of fun and usefulness. Those I do not feel guilty about throwing out.

My dilemma is that I heard my daughter speaking the words I never thought a child of mine would utter.... "It's ok, you and dad can just go and buy another one". My shock! My horror! Sac-re-lidge! The "recycle... reuse people" are trying to save a couple of newspapers or soda cans, but let's get a reality check here, our entire culture has this mentality. At what point do we REALLY TRY to go the distance with our lifestyle choices and stop treating things like disposable diapers....? (no picture required, you get the visual, right?)

Think About it Thursdays

A fellow blogger, boylerpf (check her out here), posted this quote a couple of weeks ago and I felt it's so powerful that I wanted to share it with you all here. Awesome!

“Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life. If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted. If you continue to act as you have always acted, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind.”

Quote author unknown

The winner of the Vera Bradley purse is Jennifer Shirk! Congrats and thanks to all who played. Don't forget to check back November 2nd for the next Giveaway.

Just For Me....

Driving down the road...... having one of those days.

Sorrowful.

Looking out the window and seeing a very low, full beautiful moon. Awed....

..... then a certain song comes on. It brings tears to my eyes, and I think was this perfect moment just for me? Am I so regarded and loved that this minute is mine alone to reflect on?

Feeling thankful and knowing, all will be well......

The Beasts in My Barn

Our barn last winter; used to be a cow barn 50 or so years ago. It's larger than the house. Look inside to see our animals....

The Mustang
Her cousin, "Rustang" our other Mustang!
The Colt....
A Bull..... Old MacDonald had a...... tractor!

Finally, we are a "real" farm wth 10 baby chicks that just arrived!

Can't wait for my first egg!

Scroll down to enter my purse giveaway. Only a couple of days left......!

I'm Here For You Giveaway #3

No holds barred here! For Fall, a lovely Vera Bradley cinch tote handbag is up for grabs. The bag measures 14" x 11". Gentlemen, a lovely designer name that is the perfect gift for that someone special. Ladies, I don't have to tell you, you know all about it! My very generous friend Sara (check out her blog here) donated this as the giveaway. She has just started her own ribbon necklace business. Necklaces are updated every week, so keep checking back with her!

All you have to do to be qualified to win the purse is to visit her etsy store here and tell me what the name of your favorite necklace is. Please leave me a comment dated by October 7th and I will do the drawing on the 8th. You do not need to be a follower to win but I would certainly love it if you joined and so would Sara! If you do not have a blog, please leave me your e-mail address also. US residents only please. I am planning my next giveaway for November 2nd so don't forget to check back!

Think About it Thursdays

OK Go!


I need simple delights as of late and this video always brings a huge smile to my face. It is a video by the group OK Go, and the totally amazing thing about it is that the video is done with no breaks in the camera. One long shot. The choreography is amazing and is definitely worth 3 minutes of your life if you haven't already seen it. Enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI

Side note: the "I'm Here For You Giveaway" starts tomorrow, so please check back! :O)