Brighten the Gray!

April 25, 2018November 25, 2020 | lillmi

Posted in April of 2018, it’s a great repeat for today! Texas weather… you can never tell what’s happening!

It’s a dull day!

The spring weather brings excitement, and not always the best kind, in Texas. Last year it was tornadoes everywhere and so much hurt and loss. This year, so far, it’s rain. Gloomy rain on my part of the earth… and lack of rain on the other part of the state. I think people who live in small states don’t always fathom the incredible size of Texas. We can have all types of weather in one state at any given time. The old saying “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes,” is often true and you could really add… “just drive 100 miles… it will change”.

Today, though, is dull. It’s cloudy, and gray outdoors. My attitude tends to follow. I feel cozy in the winter when the fire is roaring, open and free when the sun is out and air is warm, and dull when it’s gray, cold and rainy in April.

So, here’s the routine to bust out of the dull hum-drums.

WATER… lots of it. Room temp and ice cold. With infused fruit and just plain. With ice cubes of frozen fruit and warmed with herbal tea. With lemon slices and cucumbers. WATER!

Fresh fruit for breakfast. Served cool and maybe on a bed of cheese or some yogurt for dipping. Maybe in a shake! I’m looking for glow and shine here!

A break for my conversation with father God and jotting some notes or completing a discovery task. Briefly sketching out my day “wants” with my “musts”. Adapting them to the weather.

Mental note: chocolate is great on dull days! So are pj’s and a popcorn! However, eating healthy will certainly help cure a gray days dull! Lots of people take vitamins to restore their shine and glow. Take this vitamin quiz to get a better idea of which supplements are good for you.

Another good way to send the dull-drums packing is to play music. I love to play the old standards. Piano playing is therapeutic for me. Sometimes I turn up the volume and listen to upbeat pop or old rock, dancing with the broom while I attempt to focus on sweeping! Singing along and dancing energetically is a great way to brighten your day.

Photo by Ahdiat Fanada on Unsplash

My granddaughter can’t wait for rain! She grabs her green frog boots and splashes every puddle. One foot, then two. It’s a favorite rainy day activity… removing any gloom in that home on a gray day! We could do that, too! You are never to old to splash!

Whatever you do on a gray day… don’t give in.

Turn on the lights, make up your face and glow! Call an old friend and renew that acquaintance, save some blooms before they drown and arrange them where you can enjoy the nature. Cook a great meal and open the perfect bottle of wine!

It’s about living better... and it’s up to you!

Today Could Just Be Different

January 9, 2018November 25, 2020 | lillmi

Today COULD be the day that everything changes.

When I awoke and stepped on the cold tile floor, I thought… “why am I doing this?”

For just a few dollars, I could purchase a small rug that would make my feet warm when I wake up in the mornings. For a few dollars more, I could probably buy some new house-shoes and for just a few hundred, purchase carpet. So, “why”? I’m waiting.

I’m waiting to make the right decision for the new flooring. Of course, the decision hasn’t settled on me yet. So my feet get cold. I don’t want to buy a rug, because when I settle on the flooring, I won’t need it. Same with the shoes. That’s why. I’m waiting.

When I started my Avon business, I had waited about 6 months from the first time I thought about it. In that 6 months, I didn’t make any extra money and I didn’t meet any new friends and I didn’t add any new skills to my life that could make a difference. The price of the start up kit changed and the incentive offers changed – but I waited.

FINALLY, I moved in the right direction… starting my business with a sweet lady with an English accent that really kept my attention! I met new people, banked some cash and best of all… added some skills to my life that changed me forever. It was a gradual change, but it began with that first decision.

If you are waiting on something to ‘settle’ on you before you make an important decision, let me encourage you to move toward the ‘decidin’ part’, as my grandmother called it.

Give it some thought. Do you want to sell? Do you want to deliver? Are you handy with social media? If the answers are yes, and you can see yourself as a sales person and a team builder, get on with it and enjoy meeting others, earning extra money and adding skills to your life. It will change you.

If you can’t decide, because you can’t determine if it’s really for you… send me a note. We can talk for a few minutes… maybe I can help. But, first… I’m off to choose a rug!

Step Right In

January 9, 2018November 25, 2020 | lillmi

1986. The house was quiet when I arrived home. I opened a little Coors light and flipped on the TV. Then, the mailman called. We talked about the weather (it was hot) and the rain (it was muggy) and about mowing the yard. That phone call lasted for two hours and two minutes, but it seemed like two minutes. He asked me out, and to make a long story, short… we REALLY liked one another.

Here’s the tricky part. Children. Children of a previous marriage. Children of a previous marriage – on both sides. And, a couple that fell head-over-heels in love and fascination — all in two weeks!

What fun we had trying to plan “dates” around “kid-weekends” (they were opposite weekends).

Most of the “dates” consisted of picnics, fishing trips, dinners at McDonalds – you know the kind of things kids love to do. A few dates were actually in adult venue’s… but not many. With two full time jobs and 4 step children, we had a great adventure!

I hope you’ll enjoy the visit. Ask some questions-cause we’ve been there. I hope to share our family with you and want you to share your “step” adventures with me. So, Step In, and join the fun!

Hints for Outdoor Event-ing

October 23, 2017January 9, 2018 | lillmi

I love doing outdoor events… or I did, at one time!

Back in the day, as they say, I could set up the tent alone, unload the truck and build a display in no time.

I had the picture in my head and knew how it should look. I dressed to sell, and be warm. I had my words in their place and knew every price, markup and available swap.

I had to get back in the swing of doing my own event, after a 6 year hiatus while working for the company, instead of myself.

Here in the south, we speak to people, wave and make eye contact as they walk or drive by. I think I forgot how annoying it can be when they ignore me. Is it that hard to say “good morning”? I love speaking to people. I love hearing about their lives and families. I really enjoy talking about my business, and I’m pretty good at reading them and knowing when they prefer to talk about themselves. I can listen, at least until the next customer slips under my tent top.

I like to think the children who run free and enjoy the weather and my wares are learning something. Like how to put it back, don’t touch, and don’t spill your drink there, please. I can teach them quietly while mom enjoys my neighbor’s booth – maybe she will stop here and take them to the next vendor.

Ants and rain, wind and rude people, sunburns and unsupervised children, do not stop dedicated vendors who love the carnival atmosphere and the joy of sharing with others. There’s a “look” between them. Something akin to the momma “looks” when you slipped and said the bad word or answered inappropriately. Then, if you watch carefully, you’ll see the smile of understanding spread across the vendor’s sun kissed faces as they empathize. It’s still fun and always profitable.

So, here are my tips for a successful vendor event:

Buy the great weights for the tent. Whatever they cost… we saw several types. We opted for the Pinterest suggestion of using Gal jugs of water, tied to the tent. It’s economical and we will be using them in our Keurig. I saw someone use the same type jugs with pebbles. I have to say with the gusts we weathered this last weekend, they were not enough. Picture this: my friend, Judy and I were hold the tent poles at one time, like we were water skiing! We really had a great laugh over the wind. I learned, from the vendor across the way, that using bungee cords to join the two tents together by the legs and top rails gave us the extra support we needed. There are weights made for tents… canvas, plastic and a variety. The best one we saw was a “runner” between the two side sets of tent poles. The gentleman had 2 2×4’s from front to back poles and bolted them thru the tent poles. Then they used the wooden runners like pallets for their stock. It took him 5 minutes to install and 5 minutes to tear down. The weight was sufficient and easy to transport.

Set the tables INSIDE the parameters of the tent. Not on the edge… allow room to drop the tent canopy over your products for evening or weather.
A great booth, allows the customer to ENTER , get out of the sun and rain and have a soft spot to walk. They’ll stay longer. They’ll shop. If you have an extra seat or bench – perfect! I saw where a vendor had purchased puzzle shaped pieces of mat (like for a kid’s room) and created a great floor for her booth. Of course, she was among the last of the vendors to finish packing – but she always had people standing in her “store”.

Keep your money in your pocket, not in a register or money box. Use that for straightening and lightening your load. You’ll do better if you sell at the product display and make the change right there.
Add the tax into your price and round it to the dollar amount… no time for coins at the carnival.
Have a crew of loving family and friends help you break down. Order pizza and beer and celebrate your success. You’ll be exhausted after several days of living outdoors. I use clear plastic tubs with lids to carry product. Most are the same size, to stack easily. Each tub has a product brand or name on the paper taped to the inside. Give each helper a cloth to dust the products before packing. They’ll be dusty. Others can help you load tubs in no time, when they don’t have to ask questions. You can inventory them the next day. Ask them to set the tubs outside the parameters of the tent when they are loaded and snapped shut. You’ll be able to drop the tents while others are loading tubs.
When possible, I rent the tables from the vendor event organizers. This minimum expense and the accompanying service of setting them in place, is well worth the cost. When I have to carry my own, I use the foldable white plastic type, as they are lighter and travel more compact. I always buy the 4 foot, making my booth set up more flexible. I take a thick mat to even the surface between tables. A piece of cardboard does nicely, too.
Pack the tents neatly! Fold the canopy to lessen the wrinkles, sweep it off, if needed and stand the frames carefully. If the canopy is wet, place a reminder on your calendar to unpack it for drying at home. It’s your home away from home and you don’t want any unexpected issues when you arrive at the next event! We have seen a number of tent styles used successfully. Your choice depends on your product, space and set up staff. The guys across the way lifted my top poles because I’m so short. I appreciate them, but I really need to figure that part out. I will. I used the quick pop-up type and bought it at Tractor Supply, near my house. It came with a rolling case and clean, crisp white canopy. I borrowed a canopy with my booth brand on it and substituted it, giving our booth some clear identification.
Dress in layers and put your hair back! You never can tell what the weather will do, so be prepared. Don’t overdo your makeup, again… the weather. Be fun, simple and enjoy the ride.
FOLLOW UP is the key to continuing success in days to come. Be sure to have a reason to collect contact info. Shoppers are suspicious, but if you have a great reason, they’ll give you name, email, phone and sometimes a mailing address. Then, be ethical with that information.

Vendors like each other. We make deals and swaps and help each other when the tent blows. It’s a cool team of people you probably didn’t know 24 hours before. When vendor neighbors leave, they do so knowing they may never meet again. However, if you are lucky, you’ll have a plan to see each other down the road.

Take time to take it all in! All the smells, jokes, people-watching pleasure, and opportunities that come to you are profit. They are experiences you didn’t have yesterday. Make notes on your calendar and consider whether it would be good to rebook right now! The world is small. There’s always a new inspiration, a new friend, your next potential partner, and of course, the sell… profit comes in many ways- don’t miss out on any of them.

PROGRESS

October 18, 2017November 25, 2020 | lillmi

The girls have been working hard, while I watch, look and plan. I’m not a gardener, but I love looking at it, planning things I’d like to see and showing it off to my friends, who know me well!

Those friends know it is a chore for me to stop what I’m doing and water the pretties that adorn the ground in front of the brick. They know that I’d much rather pay someone else to make it so. Don’t laugh… I would much rather be planning a booth at the fair and gathering help to run it. But at the end of the day, I want to sit with my love in the “garden” and relax while the fur babies run and play.

So, as you can see, there’s a little progress on this day. first copy of shrubs

After removing the overgrown and ugly, the “girls” cleaned and cleaned to remove roots, grass and amazing finds (old bottle opener). They named all the critters that scampered out. PRINCE CHARLES is a lizard and Queenie is a butterfly. DAMMIT is a sweat bee, and I forgot the King Snakes’ name. Before laying the black “plastic”, as I called it, we took a day and Ronnie (our token man on the job) sprayed for weeds and whatever. That’s ALWAYS his job at this house. Now we are ready for the plastic. Of course, it has a name! Vigoro Weed Barrier Landscape Cloth. I chose it because it let the water through. I don’t want to be wasting my time watering plastic! I picked it up during one of my many trips to Home Depot to plan this project. It took 90 feet and then I bought another roll to do a smaller area in the yard, you’ll see later.

Next, they added the black lava rock. I couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was and since our roof is black and some of the brick is charcoal, it makes a nice visual contrast. I hope there’s not an obvious negative reason the cost is low. If there is… I missed it. So, for now, I’m good with it. I hope the sharp edges will deter the critters from digging up prized goodies.

I bought the lava rock at Lowes. The salesperson kept trying to sell me on the red because our dirt is redish and may stay neater and brighter, but I still love the black. I looked at river rock, white rocks, egg rocks, mulch, and more mulch! Who knew there were so many choices. The black lava rock was around $5 per bag and we have now cleaned out their inventory and are patiently waiting for more to arrive. It’s lightweight, so it’s not a problem for our handy strong girl to move it from the truck to the garden. In fact, she took care of that little chore before we even knew it!

I took off plant-shopping and found some lovely boxwoods at our local Hudnall’s Nursery in Pittsburg. Steve and Sherry are the nicest people and Steve is full of great advice. We ended up with dwarf crepe myrtles, something purple-ish and the boxwoods. They’ve been in the ground almost a month and they are doing fabulous! He suggested we use Landscapers Fill instead of peat moss, for the nutrition. I think it was a great suggestion, and again very affordable.

Next… the septic pipe. Yes, we live in the country and there has to be a clean out spout. Of course, we weren’t at home when this happened, or it wouldn’t be in the middle of the yard! So, the delimma is how to hide it, but still have access. We had the 16×8 cinder blocks, so down went the plastic and round went the block. You’ll soon see the end and the change of this project.

We only have a couple hours a day to devote to this, as everyone has another job… except me! I have a side gig. It’s my Plan C. I stay busy, helping others. We talk about how they can build their direct sales business and I share long proved tips and techniques. It makes me feel good to help, and it’s inside, where it’s clean.

I’m still looking for ideas to dress up the septic clean out spout, so if you have any, just post them below. Diana wants to build a gnome out of clay pots. We have tall dogs, so I kinda love the watering system that would fit nicely over the spout. It could be portable, but could we easily mow around it?

So, for now… the breezes are slowing as the evening comes. I’ll be lighting the keva soon and we’ll have a toddy in our garden. Everyday brings us closer to the goal. Each day we invest in it and each day it grows more comfortable. The Girl Project is coming along nicely.

It’s a Girl Project

September 15, 2017November 25, 2020 | lillmi

I finally settled on a project. Well, I’ve chosen several. Visiting with my friends, the other night, I learned it’s pretty common to “bite off more than you can chew” when you first decide to retire.

So, I’ve backed up to regroup.

Three months ago today, my company gave us notice and I had to decide what my future would look like. I’ve always had a plan and always known what my DREAM was, but not necessarily when it would happen. So, I’ve been given the opportunity to reflect and rethink the dream.

So, now… while consulting in direct sales for my “gig”, I have time to complete a few projects that will lead to that picture I see in my future.

To have what I desire, I need a pretty back yard.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just neat and comfy with very little maintenance required. I really do not like yard work, but enjoy the benefits… whether I earn them or buy them.

I called a friend that loves to do outside work and has some great ideas. She’s known me for 35 years, so she knows my likes and dislikes. She listens to my concerns and my goals and encourages me in a different direction when she knows there is upkeep on the horizon.

The message I left her went a little like this: “Hi, Sherry. I hope you are ok today. My yard and my future well-being require your assistance. I hope you are free to visit soon.”

THREE DAYS LATER, she got the courage to call. She knew it meant work, because she knows about me and outdoor work.

She asked lots of questions and I found the answers. She has another friend who loves that work and would like some extra bucks, so she can help. It’s a girl project!

Day one comes and goes… no one shows up – not even me!

Day two arrives with the overgrowth being yanked from around the house and add-on. Progress.

No more overgrowth! Only the hydrangeas will remain. The rose bush will be moved and the grapevines come down tomorrow!

They decided to save the rose bush, and use it in another area. The hydrangea stays, the monkey grass is relocated for a bit.

The numbers of critters in the garden are the main reason I don’t like gardening.

I watched with goose bumps as the spiders (of all kinds) scampered across the house, tools and ground to find a new dwelling. The King snake had to relocate and the lizards were moving quickly to the other side of the house.

We picked up the soapy water bottle to allow the bees and yellow jackets to crawl away and find a new home and I hate to admit it, but we sprayed that huge nest of wasps from under our chairs!

The mosquitoes are another story, so we grabbed the Bug Guard and the Skin So Soft to be fully prepared.

Our brick has so many colors, I’m excited to shop for ground covers, plants and “littles” that personalize an area. But, that’s another day. For now… I feel comfortable walking outside where the plants used to reside and see the cleaned area with the weeds slowly giving way for a future oasis that is lovingly referred to as our girl project.

Success is about the WHATEVER

September 12, 2017November 25, 2020 | lillmi

I’ve found that retirement is a time to do more than you possibly did while you were working!

One day I overheard someone mention that they wondered how they ever had time to work a “real job”. I just laughed it off… until now!

I love selling stuff. Mostly, I love helping people solve their most current issue, whether it’s a physical need or want or something less tangible. Since I love helping people, it stands to reason that the best part of my side gig is the face to face conversations and relationship building. adobe-spark-post (2)

I’ve met women who want so badly to become their own person, so to speak. What I love to show them is that THEY ALREADY ARE! It’s their perception of what they would look like, if they “were their own person”. I think what they mean is if they were energetic enough to work to become the person they see in their dreams.

When I decided to go back into direct sales, my friend asked…”Are you going to do whatever it takes to achieve (the incentive)?

WHATEVER is a big word, folks! I know, better than some, that it takes fortitude to build a direct selling business to the scale from which we would love to earn. Replacing a salary takes work… and if you want to “retire” at the same time… one would be fooling oneself!

At the same time (within days) of our notice of downsizing, three tragedies struck my personal world. ‘Overwhelmed’ is not even a big enough word to describe my life. Poor hubs. He’s so loving and loyal and knows when to get out of the way. So, I did not do the WHATEVER. I couldn’t hardly move. Or eat. Or make a phone call. It was like life had ended during those days and weeks.

Then, a former customer called.

We had no personal relationship – she was just a one time customer. But, she remembered, that I knew the product she needed. She remembered that I could find it for her, even if I couldn’t sell it to her. We were both excited to visit and renew our talk about our children, her skin care need, my return to direct selling and her own plans for future retirement.

She was the reason I moved passed the disaster. My relationship with her was one of helping. I helped her meet the needs she was experiencing at that moment. It took several weeks of working out her needs. I used the skills I gained in all my work years. Still needed.

I felt great helping someone else, rather than feeling sad and overwhelmed by the responsibility and loss in my own life. She became my impetus. Our relationship made me move.

Now, we have a team. We are working a local county fair this week. We are meeting new people again and doing the WHATEVER for her business. My calendar is full and my floors need sweeping. The landscaping team I hired need answers and the dogs need baths. . I need to print more tickets to my workshop (for fair follow-up) and I have a 2:30 appointment with a young woman preparing to be a stay at home mom. I’ll be helping two new young women to start their direct selling off in a positive manner… in three weeks, I plan to help her see some growth.

How would I ever have time to work a full time “regular job”? Or for that matter, retire!

Success in direct selling … is about doing the WHATEVER.

Being the business owner is about serving others! Being their helper, is FABULOUS!

I love supporting the owner that needs a little consultation. Need to visit? Just send a comment and let’s talk!

National Day of Prayer

September 3, 2017January 9, 2018 | lillmi

One of the things I can do whether retired or beyond busy, is pray. A quick prayer is as welcome to the Father as a long, deep conversation because the Father loves his children.

Simple. Honest. Bold.

Try it… Father, bless Texas as you see her need. Amen.

Texas, my home

August 31, 2017January 9, 2018 | lillmi

Sometimes I find inspiration on Facebook that is real:

“And for a moment, no one cared about statues, politics, race or religion. Everyone came together to help their neighbors, friends and strangers survive. Maybe God chose Texas to lead the way. To show the rest of America how to unify and work together towards a common goal. I have never been more proud to call myself Texan. Copy and Paste.. #Lovethyneighbor #godblesstexas #texasstrong #texasforever #ProudtobeATexan #wearetexas”
The sun came out today. I’m about 4-5 hrs. north of the disaster. In the thick of the volunteers. We seem to have been spared the rains, but not the worry and concern for those Texans and our guests trapped in the devastated areas south of here.

They are part of our family as sure as the sun came out!

In my 60+ years in this great state, I’ve seen many demonstrations of big-hearted giving.

Young men from our rural town have gathered their boats, gassed up their trucks and settled their young families.

Young women have filled their cars and SUV’s to head south to help.

The adults are mentoring the volunteers of tomorrow by encouraging them to gather water, clothing, toiletries, and other suitable donations.

The Christians are praying, the government is planning, the people are doing what needs to be done.

In our town, everyone has an opportunity to serve. In our town, children are led by example. In our town, the good citizens lock arms and hearts together and reach out when needed down the road.

Lately, it seems our differences had driven a wedge in our family. The unforgiving and the negative assumptions have closed the minds and hearts of many.

Maybe this rain will soak that wedge to pliable understanding and openness to thoughtful contemplation and unity.

Maybe God will be heard and felt and enjoined with us as we stretch to reach those in need.

Texas has a giant heart.

Move over, Harvey!