Memories of simpler days

Can you smell the fresh air? Feel the cool breeze? I'm sure there's a lilac bush nearby filling the air with its sweet aroma. Escape with me to Nana's Place; a step back in time to simpler days.  

Remember the back porch and screen door? Constant reminders of "Don't slam the door!" as you and the cousins ran in and out? ...Or going down to the henhouse with Grandma to collect eggs?There was always the one chicken who liked to peck so Grandma would reach for those eggs.  Remember how warm fresh eggs felt? After helping Grandma carefully put the eggs away, we were off again to explore. Was Grandpa in the field or the barn? No, but there were new baby kittens to find in the barn and new piglets to check out at the pig houses.  Think of all the running and climbing and exploring that happened on the farm. Grandpa taught us how to start irrigation pipes and to pump water from the pump. I never drove a tractor, but I rode with him on it many times. He always had a dog to greet us when we arrived. Some with licks, some with barks. Brownie was the greatest in my memory. 

I never helped Grandma with any baking, but she passed away when I was 7 and sick prior to that. I do remember we always had a big meal at noon and then always sat down to eat again before we left. There was always fried chicken or roast and potatoes and homemade rolls and salads of some sort, plus dessert. We never left hungry. 

Finally, the best memory that I have is when we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house, while they were busy, they always included us in whatever they were doing. It would have been easier to drive the tractor without a kid on your lap, or to gather eggs without me tagging along, but they always allowed us to join in and share in the experiences. 

I miss my grandparents, but I am grateful for the love and life they shared with me.  

Which leads me to my dream of creating Nana's Place. Not everyone grows up with Grandparents to visit and learn from. I would love to create a Nana's Place for anyone to visit, kids and adults, when they need a break or to enjoy a simpler time. A step back in time, whether for an hour, a day, or longer. Books, needlework, board games, cooking, etc are welcome. Phones would be checked at the door. 

Who's in? 

Back to the basics...

Who are we? 

Sister Hugs has been invited to speak at a ladies' luncheon; to share the who's, what's, and why's of ourselves. Of course this prompts us to reflect on those very questions and answers. Sometimes we get a little complex in our mission, but the core is always the same. 

Who are we? 

We are women, men and youth with a heart for helping others in need. If I could change or broaden our name, I would as we have many amazing males and children also working our cause. If you feel like a member, you're in. ☺️ we have some who participate with every activity, some who join in weekly or monthly, some who donate to the cause, and some who support our fundraising.  There's something for everyone who's interested. 

What do we do?

Our mission is simple. We want to console the suffering.  Cheer the broken-hearted. Comfort the hurting. We can't fix, but we can help.  Knowing others care is powerful therapy. Knowing strangers care is an unexpected hug.  That's what we try to do - that is the backbone of Sister Hugs. We care for others, pure and simple. 

When?

We receive nominations from all across the US from friends and relatives of those facing challenges and needing a boost.  If accepted, our small but mighty village put together a Love Bomb created exclusively for them.  This is then either mailed or delivered to the recipient. To nominate someone, simply message or email their story to SH. We will get back to you within a day or two. 

Where? 

We have mailed Love Bombs to most of our 50 states.  However, the majority have remained local due to a higher awareness and involvement ratio. Over 600 Love Bombs have gone out since July, 2012. 

Why?

While it's hard for some to understand why we give to strangers, our favorite recipients are those in most need.  Not everyone facing challenges needs us - it's never a contest of who can get the most "stuff", but rather who needs some extra hugs the most?  We step in for those who are not on the front page and not having huge fundraisers. We are there for your mom, your neighbor, your friend. We are the wind beneath your wing...

New Beginnings

We will be hosting another event in the spring.  Christmas has come and gone, but love is still in the air.  I just added a post stating that we are the reason for the season.  That doesn't mean that it's all about us, but that everything He did was because of His deep love for us.  As we are continuously striving to be more Christ-like, sacrificing, giving, looking out for others, sharing ourselves, respect, caring about...all are things that Christ did and asks us to do for the least of our brothers.  At Sister Hugs, we recognize that we are but poor sinners with big hearts trying to follow His command.  Some days are bigger trials than others, but daily we try to do something - a post to touch a heart, a comment, a smile, a donation, a prayer, a call, a deed, a visit from Santa, an event....and we invite any and all of you to join in with whatever touches YOUR HEART. 

As Christmas draws to a close, we can reflect on all of the kindness that was shared.  However, our list of hurting, lonely people doesn't go away with Santa's  sleigh.  As long as people need us, we will continue to spread joy and cheer wherever we can.  "Are you still doing that Sister Hugs thing?"  Common question.  While it's a part of me, it has become so much bigger than me.  I get emails all of the time from people doing our thing with others - spreading the love.  It's not my thing, it's our thing.  And I honestly believe it's God's thing.  I believe He smiles on our mission and has helped us out more times than I can count- timing, donations, motivation.  He guides us through this 'thing'.  

Last year we did a scarf collection for the poor.  Two years ago a red scarf collection for the heart Association.  This year we are once again going to collect scarves.  Red ones will be donated to the heart Association, warm ones to the homeless, others saved for gifts for Love Bombs.  

We are also in need of old China plates.  Dessert size in any pattern, but pretty, "girly" ones. 

We will be hosting another event in the spring - Spring Fling 2. Details to come.  Last year we sold out of tables - reserve yours today - $40...table of 8.  

Just a few ramblings from me....Happy Saturday! 

Peggy

Dreams

This house is currently for sale for $39,000.  While it's not exactly my perfect vision of what Nana's Place will look like, it would do.  I think Nana's Place needs to be filled with comfort and peace, chicken noodle soup in a world of McDonalds.  

One problem with Nana's Place is one we encounter with Sister Hugs - while we get a lot of support, and we do get a lot - the majority of people see it as "my" thing.  With Sister Hugs, it has definitely become a "we" thing with some of my dearest people in the world joining the mission and claiming it as "ours".  In order for Nana's Place to ever become, I think the need has to be felt and others to go beyond supporting my idea and feeling the mission within themselves.  This is not to say that everyone will or should.  I remember having a conversation with one new friend who believed in this mission because of things in her past.  I believe in pet rescue, but it's not my personal passion.  This is not for everyone and I get that.  

For those who are intrigued, though, please read on.  Nana's place is my dream for a place in which people of all ages can go to seek the traditional comfort that Grandma's House once provided. (And still does for many) Baking, sewing, games, and more would be introduced and there would always be open arms to rock the babies.  Need a safe haven or a get away?  There will be beds available, no questions asked, but listening ears are abundant if you do want to talk.  

We've talked about providing a room for our own resident "nana" who would oversee the place.   Obviously it would take a special kind of person to keep the porch light on and the coffee brewing.  Still just a thought, a dream.  However, the more advanced our beautiful world becomes, the greater the need for simplicity and the caring touch of others.  

I'd love your feedback, both pros and cons. ....

I must admit, this throwback picture is waaaaay too sterile for me!! Nana's place will be filled with warm, soft, fluffy, cuddly things.  

Blast from the past...or return to our roots...

I just returned from vacation and as always, am more tired than ever, but so spiritually renewed.  How exactly does that happen?! 

I absolutely LOVE Sister Hugs and sometimes have a hard time understanding why everybody isn't as completely smitten by it.  Why everyone isn't in line waiting for the next activity, the next love bomb building, the next response.  Why other living rooms are not full of chairs waiting for a complete transformation for the chair-ity event.  Why others don't have July 5 circled in a big red circle on their calendars for our SH shopping trip to celebrate our anniversary....why few have stopped by to see Boomerang and offered to paint...

I question myself daily as to what I could be doing, what I'm not doing, how I can share this joy with all of you and help you to feel the joy in your hearts, too.  What am I doing wrong?  But then God reminds me that my job is simply to love and to share the love.  When it's right for you, you'll be there.  When it's not...well, then it's not.  

But you know what?  It's all good.  

I pulled up the SH Facebook page and went back to 2012.  Everything was fresh.  Everything had a purpose. Everything was exciting.  We had prayer warriors and need beyond belief.  We had people craving to do for others.  We had people sharing others with needs.  We had people wanting to help.  We had joy in the giving.  

It is now 2015.  Things are still fresh, there's still purpose.  Things are still exciting.  We still have prayer warriors and need beyond belief.  We have people craving to do for others and people sharing needs and desiring to help.  We still have joy in giving

.  What has changed?? Some of the faces, some of the names; others are still the same.  As word spread, our name became more widespread, but maybe a little less personable.  In 2012 we had people sharing food and gifts and talents.  We still do, but I'm not sure everyone realizes the need for each and every one of YOU!  We are still a tiny, sweet little group of people who just want to spread a little love, one person at a time, to touch as many hearts as we can.  I'm going to return to our roots a little by sharing more of our needs and our love bombs.  I'd love for you to continue sharing your hearts and talents with us.  

A post from 2012...

"I want to give a HUGE shout out to three wonderful women and their businesses. The first is Jen Hieb Leetch and her business, Photojenics Photography. She is a cancer survivor (YEA!!!) and has offered a photoshoot to someone going through and having gone through their own battle with this evil disease. We are currently working on an offer.

Huge heart woman #2 - Barb Brown who owns Shutter Bug Photography has offered to do a free photoshoot/pictures for a lady with children who might not be able to currently afford this treat. We connected her with our own Kerrie (remember this sweet mama of three whom we bombed earlier?) and they are getting together Oct. 22 for a fun day. 

Huge heart woman #3 - Lisa Sperandio-harp, owner of Harp Strings. She has offered to set up a facebook show with us and on this specific date and time, any sisters who like her page will be in a drawing for a free prize - if you order something and put the word "Bomb" in the message, Sister Hugs will get 20% wihich we could use to get a special G.C. for special sister gift. 

All so very cool and all were thinking outside the box - I love it!! Thanks ladies!! And sisters, please check them out and let them know how much we appreciate them.

Hugs,
Peggy"

Those 3 offers were all from 2012 and not from my immediate area.  Our requests for love come from all across the U.S.  Your gifts may be exactly what it takes to brighten someone's day, an act that etches on a heart forever!  

Your next opportunity to join an activity is July 5.  A few of us...right now I believe that number is 3, but sure to grow as the day grows closer, are meeting at 1:00 to go shopping.  We have a specific recipient who will be shared soon, and we are each contributing $10 to splurge on gifts for her.  We will then combine our gifts, add notes of love and encouragement, and send it off to brighten her day.  Do any of us know her? No, but that's all the more reason for us to reach out and offer our token of a hug.  Another group of people live farther away and have plans for the day.  Is that stopping them??? Of course not!  They have a family reunion, but each are bringing an item to combine for the recipient of their choice, adding notes of love, and sending it off to brighten a day.  I don't know if they know their recipient either, it's all about being the hands of Jesus whenever and wherever we can.  If you're nearby, join us.  If you're not, grab your own family or friends.  Most of us spend $10 very easily - chose to use it on another.  Not a bad investment for a smile and a heart tattoo. (Little do you know that I'm talking about your smile, your tattoo.)

September 12

Looking for bragging rights to your famous chili???

Or maybe it's your salsa that's "to die for"!?!? 

Now is your opportunity to prove it once and for all!! Sister Hugs will be hosting another fun event for all  on September 12.  Once again we will be selling tables for $25 and the hostess will be responsible for filling the seats and decorating the table.  It worked well last time for the hostess to also provide drink for her group, so we will request that again.  

We are also hosting another "chair"-ity auction.  

I know of one special 1940's chair that was purchased by Ed and Paula Hall in St. Louis that is waiting for the auction...I've heard from others that they have some that they've been saving for our next one.  This little doll chair has been primed and is now waiting for stage 2...who knows what other treasures will be waiting?! You can be assured that whatever you buy will be a one-of-a-kind!  

Now I've saved the best for last - the location!  Kent and Lori Oelling have agreed to let us use this beautiful and perfect fall location.  

Mark your calendars, pull out your recipes or pull up Pinterest, book a table, and start prepping those chairs.  There's a lot of fun waiting for us in September!  (And plenty of time to prepare.  Don't be on the outside wishing in!) 

-Peggy

Giving to those in need

"Ours is not to judge" yet most of us do. 

"You have no idea what somebody else is going through" but many of us think we know best.  

When Sister Hugs originated, (July, 2012) our thought was to Love Bomb those who needed an extra hug and possibly weren't getting enough.  We weren't seeking the highly publicized hearts, those with Fundraisers and newspaper articles, but rather the quiet lady on the corner without visitors.  However, apparently God had other plans because we have love bombed everyone, old and young, well-known and not as much.  Men, women, boys and girls.  What have we learned?  Ours is not to judge who most needs love and who doesn't. We've also learned that God does approve of this mission.  He lets us know very clearly when something is His plan and when it's actually not!  He controls timing and gut instinct and even uncanny coincidences.  As one of our teachers likes to say, "I can't make this stuff up!" - Mail that's delayed a week and then arrives exactly when needed, random meetings with former recipients who happen to be the one picture chosen for our flyer, items placed in a love bomb that create notes such as "you had no way of knowing this, but that verse was the same one we read at the funeral..." And so forth.  Letting go and letting Him lead is not always easy, but it is always right.  Sounds like life, doesn't it?! 

We've had a few roadblocks to some of our adventures in the past and it's not easy to let go and move forward, but we do.  We are adding our Baby Hugs,

and I'm not completely sure where it will lead us, but it does feel right, and it feels like a "baby step" towards Nana's Place.  "Speak, Lord, we're listening.  Come show us the way."  I hope you feel invited and welcome to follow the path with us.  

Painted rock project

Why?? Why would I waste my time finding a rock, painting it when I gave no artistic talent, and then going out to leave it somewhere?? 

Why, you ask? Because it's actually pretty fun and for the person finding a little bit of eye candy, it's a treasure!! You never know, but that little treasure may end up being kept in a pocket for a constant smile, brought to school, placed on a window, or left there to provide a smile for the next person.  Don't ever underestimate the power of a simple act.  

Step number one - find your rocks.  I'd recommend doing more than one because as long as you have the supplies out, you might as well keep going.(and, if you're like me, after you've done one, you'll want to try another idea, and another)...look for smooth rocks and if you have a design in mind, shape may or may not matter.  

Next you'll want to take your collection and wash and dry them.  After they've dried, prime them with a base coat of black or white, depending on your ultimate design.  If you are wanting a simpler version, you can skip this step.

Your rock is now ready for your imagination.  The ideas are endless and no matter what you decide to do, it will be a treasure to the person who finds it. 

More ideas...

Have fun and send us pictures!! It's also fun to linger if you think it might be found soon.  Last time we were still in the area for some of the discoveries and the excitement was too cute!  

Never underestimate the power of a rock. 

Marilyn's Birthday Project

 Today was one of those days that will forever be etched in my mind and in my heart.  For Marilyn's birthday, she organized items to make blessing bags for the homeless. 

After everything was laid out, 24 blessing bags were built by Marilyn, Julie, and Donna.  (I was the official tag-tier).  

Next we loaded up the car and headed into Lincoln.  We parked across from Gold's building and Marilyn found the PERFECT words "It's my birthday. We'd like to give you a gift" the look on everyones' faces was priceless - so many smiles and "thank - you's" and "happy birthdays" and short conversations.

 What a wonderful feeling!! 

 We also left scarves and hats around for people to find and take.  (Thank you, Geory and Bev!!) By the time we returned to the car, the first donations had already found new homes. 

The crazy thing? - everytime we do anything like this, I'm pretty sure I receive WAAAY more than I give. It was such an amazing experience....

Hmmmm, I have until April to figure out my next birthday project!😉 Happy, happy birthday, Marilyn.  You are a gift.

Different

"You have a unique way of looking at things.." 
I hear those words A LOT!!  Mostly as a statement, not good, not bad.  I can't really argue with them.  I do have a different way of seeing things.  Not always right (WHAT?!!) but almost always different.  I'm not sure I quite get the label of dancing to the beat of my own drummer, but I could if I had that much confidence in myself.  Inside, I am a free spirit but outwardly, I often conform to what is expected.  I really do not like to be the center of attention - I love for my ideas to be the center of attention, but not me.  It's not that I mind talking to groups or mind answering questions, I'm just not comfortable having all others judging what I have to say.  I'd guess this way of thinking goes back to school, when catty girls loved to sit and judge and talk about others.  I never really got into that, and my close friends didn't either, but many loved to bring others down to feel ...ummm, I'm not really sure what, but apparently it did something for them.  I was pretty sensitive and maybe that made me a target.  I was also a nice person...not sure why that mattered but it seemed to.  For whatever reason, I felt judged a lot.  I think this has made me sensitive to others' feelings.  I would certainly hate to be the cause of someone's pain and don't think I would knowingly do that. 

This past week I learned of a sweetheart of a girl being hurt by others' words and actions.  I don't know all of the details, but I do know enough.  Other people are knowingly and willfully hurting a precious person.  I don't get it... With social media, bullying (yes, I did say the b- word) has gotten out of control.  It is so easy to hurt and spread lies behind the ease of a keyboard.  I am constantly telling my 5 and 6 year olds to worry about their own business unless someone is hurt or needs help.  Sounds like some advice that older kids could use.  Some are so busy bringing others' down; it would say so much more about themselves as people if they would work to boost others up. 

On a different, but similar note, I've witnessed A LOT of unique children over the past 21 years in teaching.  Give a person a cast, and they have friends galore.  Give them a disability that isn't as evident, or treatable, and suddenly "Let the judging begin!"  Labels, judging, whispering, laughing...WE are all so darn smart at trying to place everyone in that "normal" box. I read an article the other day that perhaps it's actually more normal than not to be on the spectrum, to have some degree of ADHD or ADD, to have our own quirks.  Most of us do have our quirks...how do we determine which ones are ok and which ones need "fixed"?  to function in society?  I've seen many children with autism who may not function the same as others, but they have amazing gifts that the "regular" kids do not possess.  I've seen kindness and tolerance from many who don't fit the norm.  Those catty girls may not have qualified to sit on the spectrum, but their brand of cool is not one I'd care to imitate.  I'll take quirks and kindness and tolerance over boxes any day. 

Friday is mismatched socks day.  - be proud to be different.  I plan to participate and have invited my students.  We need to learn to celebrate our uniqueness and special talents.  It is ok great to be different; when we can learn to appreciate each other as individuals, our world will be one step closer to living in harmony, starting with me. In this small way, I can show acceptance for those who aren't just like me, or they can show acceptance
for me!😧 Who wants to join us?

Pre-sister Hugs

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago (before July 5, 2012) there was a world without Sister Hugs.  There was emptiness, need, and desire but no Sister Hugs.  There were sleepless nights, baby projects, and talks to God, but no solutions to this strong need to do more; to be more.  I've always known it wasn't about me, that I needed to initiate something, to listen, but that it involved many others.  The problem was, I didn't know what or how. 

If we listen, God's message will eventually be heard.

There is a need for a comforting home for girls in their 20's, a place of safety and learning, a place like Grandma's house used to be.  A place to learn some skills like sewing and cooking and gardening, etc.  learn to shop and be a family.  I saw a need for Nana's Place.  The biggest problems were pretty big obstacles - no money to start and run it and who was going to live there to help oversee the place?? Where would we find the right young ladies to help?  Field of dreams played over and over in my head "if you build it, they will come" 😊 however, that little thing called $$$ seemed like a pretty big thing.  

Fast forward to the 4th of July, 2012 - fabulous day at my sister's with family.  Normal obsessing on my part over Nana's Place...came home full of whirling thoughts and concerns.  Pulled up my iPad and randomly stayed up for hours just scrolling and roaming.  Probably around 2 in the morning, I was reading a blog from someone in New Zealand talking about The Sisterhood and the work they do.  I quickly went over to their page and started reading about an angel named Sophie in New Zealand.  She organized friends and strangers alike to help people in need... A little bit from you and a little bit from me will combine to create a lovely basket to someone needing a lift.  

It wasn't Nana's Place, but it was certainly a beautiful idea.  I contacted her for info and a blessing to follow her lead.  That same day Sister Hugs was born!!  Friends were contacted, word spread, our first nomination was unanimous, we received donations and shopped to fill in the rest...and woila!!! ...our first Love Bomb was created. (See picture - Love Bomb #1!!) A few days later the first basket made a transition stop, and I left the state for Portland, Maine.  Sandy then hand delivered our very first Love Bomb to Mary,  filled with precious gifts from many generous hearts.   It was filled with chips and salsa, a comfy blanket to hug her, hair and bath products to pamper, chocolates, gift cards, a mug, a magazine...and, not sure of the rest but know it was a beautiful collection of love being showered on someone who was hurting.  

We have seen a lot of change in our two plus years.  We have grown, many faces are the same while others change.  We have done many projects beyond the love bombs, but they remain our constant.  One thing that's great about our love bombs is that they don't simply exist at Christmas.  I have done "adopt at Christmas" projects, but need is present 12 months of the years, 24/7.  While we can't help everyone,  we can work on one, or two, or our current 9 at a time and make a difference in their day.  

No, it's not Nana's Place.  Maybe someday it will be; God only knows.  What we do know is that we are making a difference.  I saw that in the eyes of the recipient we met yesterday.  We are each just an individual tool in God's workshop.  We are blessed to be the hammers, nails, screwdrivers, and wretches that the Carpenter uses to create His masterpieces.  

May you all feel the blessing that you are today. 

Thoughts from the day...

This morning Marilyn and I worked the Farmer's Market to promote the "Chair"ity Auction.  In addition to spending a morning with a great friend, sharing SH, seeing fun items at the market, and doing a little RAK, we had the honor of meeting one of our Love Bomb recipients.  As Marilyn said, that alone made the morning complete.  I can't begin to express the satisfaction that comes from meeting someone who felt our hugs.  

After the market, we went over to the theater to return Amber's table and tent and took a tour of the place where the auction will be held.  What a fabulous venue.  I love the old brick and the cool feel to the place.  There is a room for the dessert bar and a large room for the auction.  The live auction will be on the stage.  It is simply ideal.  

While 

I am beyond excited to see all of the chairs and for the auction, the roots of Sister Hugs remains our Love Bombs.  It was fun to listen to Marilyn explain who we are and what we do (she's very good at sharing the mission) and to see people's reactions.  We had 2 koozies, 2 hats, and 5 dollars donated without asking for anything.  People get the need and kind hearts are everywhere.  I am very, very blessed to be a part of this; for those of you wanting to get more involved, you are always welcome.  The auction would be an easy event to volunteer at to get your feet wet. 

No regrets, EVER!!

I had a conversation with someone yesterday about the "choice" to adopt this doll when our other children were old, and 2 were out on their own. They were questioning the whys and saying that choice would not have been for them...  Something most people wouldn't do.  The other 4 are in their 20's and we have a son the same age as our grandkids.  I'll never forget the phone call, the trip Jess and I took to meet him...Look at that face - would I change a thing? Not for all the bibbities in the world.  He really wasn't a choice, he is a blessing that we don't deserve but thank God for every day.  Never a doubt that he was intended for our family from the moment we met.  My only wish is for time to slow down!  Love you, little man! 

What is Sister Hugs??

Love Bombs?? Sister Hugs?? What exactly is that? How does it work?  How much does it cost?  How do I get involved?  ....these are some of the questions I've heard in the last week.  I want to answer those with an example - we have a family of mom/dad, and 2 boys who have offered to do the shopping and filling for specific recipients.  This time they chose a 15 year old girl who has lost every immediate family member (mom, dad, brother), one by one during her 15 years.  Together they chose items and then we added specific SH touches, like the hanky and 31 bag, to send to her.  The goal is to let her know she has an army of sisters and brothers out there, keeping her in our hearts and prayers.  Hopefully the Love Bomb spreads a little cheer during a rough time.  

Other love bombs are a collective gathering.  People donate new items and each love bomb is built specifically for that recipient, a gift from here, a gift from there.  We try to personalize each gift and send hugs, coast to coast.  We have 10 Love bombs being sent this week. New nominations are always being accepted via FB message and email, people gather to build these Love a Bombs, and help is always welcome.  Once we have a location, it will be much easier to get physically involved.  

In an instant, life as we knew it was gone...

Death.  Oh, how I struggle with death. Then I struggle with my degree of faith.  Maybe my faith is weak because I struggle so much with death?  I don't know.  I want to feel joy at death, but all I really feel is heartache.  

Today a 21 year old young man was buried.  It was a drunk driver who crossed the line and ended this life, just like that.  5 minutes prior he had been leaving his parents' home, 5 minutes later his dad hears sirens, close sirens.  Sirens that will forever ring in his mind.  All in an instant.

This time it was a drunk driver. A stupid choice.  I make stupid choices.  Not that one, but believe me, I make plenty.  All in an instant they could change the future forever.  I used to tell my kids that I never wanted that knock at the door because they weren't wearing a seatbelt.  I don't want to create a knock on the door for someone else, either, forever changing life as they know it.  

Look within your choices.  Be safe, be smart, be the reason tomorrow is another day.  No regrets.

North Platte Canteen Inspiration

http://www.lincolncountymuseum.org/the-north-platte-canteen1


You may have seen the video that I posted this morning in recognition of Independence Day.  It tells the story of a group of women who took it upon themselves to look after the service men and women during the war when the train stopped at North Platte.  By the end of the war, they had served 6,000,000 service people and every train that ever stopped there.  This is made even more impressive by the fact that they were working on slim supplies during the days of food rationing.  They decided to document about how much food they actually made and distributed during one month - the totals were:
40,161 cookies
30,679 hard boiled eggs
6,547 doughnuts
6,939 cup, loaf, and birthday cakes
2,845 pounds of sandwich meat
12 dozen different items in similar proportions
That's for ONE month!!

You need to read the article (link provided under the picture) as it is incredible what was accomplished by this group of people. 

So.....now the connection.  As I read this and watched the video. I became so inspired.  These women were so UN-self-centered.  These men and women were complete strangers, but they took it upon themselves to make their 10-15 min. stop a memorable one.  For those 10-15 min., the war didn't exist.  In the beginning, North Platte was just expected to be another boring stop.  Its reputation quickly spread and became the one bright spot that they looked forward to, as quoted, "Love chases away fear".  Today our world is still filled with fearful events and happenings.  Sickness, bullying, divorce, mother nature, war, ........  We are leading busy lives and often forget others' fears and sadness, unless it directly affects us.  My friend, yep, I'll help out.  My sister, yep, there for her.  The old lady who lives by herself at the end of town...well, I'm kinda' busy going to ballgames, and vacations, and I have a hair appointment, and I don't really know her...and...     ...and in the meantime everyone has forgotten old Gertie, whose days are filled with sadness and loneliness.  Everyone is too busy and her heart grows weaker. 

This is where Sister Hugs hopes to make a difference.  We can't know about Gertie unless someone tells us.  When we are informed, we may not be able to take away all of the sadness, but for 10 or 15 minutes, when she receives her love bomb, she will know that someone does care - that she is on someone's mind.  Often we get nominations for people that make the news, that others are doing fundraisers for, that are getting a lot of attention. The little guy who has the entire town flooding their home with gifts won't even know that Sister Hugs also sent a gift.  However, the quiet one who receives nothing with cherish his Love bomb and the cards and sentiments.   Those are the  nominations that I REALLY want - the silent ones going through a hard time.  The ones who are not getting the daily calls and visits.  The ones that most people don't give a second though to.  Those are the ones that need our Love - if only for a few minutes.  Because "Love chases away fear" and they need a little help with theirs. 

Message me if you know of someone who needs a little love from a stranger.  (I prefer "friends who haven't yet met)  We have sent out approx. 500 Love Bombs since our start on July 5, 2012.  two years and what a ride!!  I am looking forward to all that year 3 has in store for all of us!  Only God knows for sure what that means! 

Happy 4th of July - be safe, be kind, be well, be happy. 

Twisted ideas

It's better to give than to receive.

It is beautiful to give.  It is also a gift to receive as you allow the gift of giving to happen.  

Time is more valuable than things.

We are all so busy, but much of this busyness is self-created and self-inflicted.  Consider what is truly valuable and worthy of your time.  Then create time for those things.  Wounds are created when we are "too busy" for loved ones.  I'm not sure the scars ever truly go away.  

It's the thought that counts.

Ever notice that when someone has 10 reasons why they aren't available, or when they try to convince you of their importance elsewhere, you realize how very UN-important you are to them... 

Materialistic things don't matter.

This may seem contradictory, but I think of our love bombs.  They are filled with things.  However, while the things are nice, we all realize it is what they represent to the recipient.  Somebody was thinking of me, someone cared enough to send this to me.  Have things in your home that make you happy?  I certainly hope so. It is an emotion connected to it or a memory.  It pleases our senses.  Things do matter, but we remember they are only things.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

I couldn't resist this - nothing like a loyal pup.  

Just a few thoughts to ponder...we all seem to love things like vacations, summer, cabins with a fireplace and hot cocoa, the beach, etc.  What do all of these have in common?? Family time, friend time,relaxed time, stress-free time.  Maybe we need to work to create lives that closely follow these traits. Easy?  Not so much.  Possible? I think so. As I mentioned the other day - follow your heart and your passion.  The happiness will follow.  

Happy hearts

"Success and happiness comes from following your heart. "~p 

"What career should I have?" "What should I do with my life?" 

While on a college visit with Tim a few years ago, this question was addressed and stuck with me ever since. " Find what you truly love doing and you'll be successful."  When I was hired by Sugar and Spice Daycare and Preschool back in 1983, I remember being outside with the kids and telling the assistant manager, "I can't believe I get paid to work here!" I loved that job, the people, and the kids.  Another friend of mine works at a pet store.  She loves animals and recently mentioned that she loves going to work every day.  Following her passion makes everyday a joy. 

Why do I bring this up?? I think our lives need to be filled with purpose, passion, and happiness.  This doesn't have to come from our jobs.  It might come from hobbies, family, friends, outreach.  I love my job, but there is a lot of stress that goes with it.  There are high demands and a lot of variables given to me.  Sister Hugs has become a source of purpose, passion, and happiness.  It doesn't provide that for everyone, but for many it does.  It is an outreach and ministry that makes a difference.  For me, that fills a need.  

Quality time with family and friends is another source of purpose, passion and happiness.  In our busy world, sometimes this often gets placed on the "tomorrow" list.  I am guilty of this, not by conscience choice, but by lack of planning.

Hobbies- almost everyone I know will state that they used to craft, or sew, or scrapbook, or read, or sing, or bake,..... And they just don't have time anymore.  I used to clean, ...😉. We still have the same 24 hours in a day.  It's a shame to let our enjoyments slip away.  Creativity is a release, rewarding, and a gift.  Do not shove it under the bed. 

Finally, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We have now.  Examine your priorities, your goals, and your passions.  Don't let others dictate your direction.  Open that bakery if that's your dream.  Life is not about the largest paycheck or doomed failures based on others experiences.  If funds are holding you back, do not throw your dreams away, save and explore ways to compensate.  

Learn from them, plan, but follow your heart.  

Nana's Place

I can never tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing when my mind is whirling with ideas.  I know it's bad for sleeping!!! I'm excited that others seem interested in the winery outing and our Intentional Kindness Day.  Both should be good for the heart, in different ways.

The newest thing on my heart stems from an old desire ~ Nana's Place.  We have seen a huge need for a location for many, many purposes.  We've received many offers to help fix a broken soul of a place, to man a hammer, shuffle a flower, whatever needs done.  First, however, we need some bricks and mortar.  To do this without taking away money from our grassroots, we need a separate fundraiser for Nana's Place.  One idea that I've seen and love is that of a "chair-ity fund raiser". Groups, families, individuals agree to create a one-of-a-kind chair to be donated and auctioned off.  I think we have an amazing auctioneer who might agree to help us on that end, and I know we gave outstanding, creative, talent.  Would you consider designing and donating a special, one-of-a-kind chair, stool, bench, etc to be auctioned?? The obvious ideas to me are the painted wooden chairs.  Then I saw chairs created from other items...the more I looked, the more unique ideas I found.  A chair made from horseshoes? 

Who's game to help Nana's a Place become a reality for our youth, ourselves, and anyone needing a place of peace, joy, and comfort?