On My Side of the Fence

My neighbors are THE BEST!

They are funny and kind, and we often have great conversations over the fence that is between our two homes. We chat about everything from yardwork and retirement to cooking tips and raising children.

And…we share a mutual dislike for shoveling snow!

When one of us is traveling, we keep an eye on the other’s home. Exchanging sweet treats when baking is a decadent delight; we also share! Just the other day, my neighbor’s son, who now lives a couple of hours away, was home for a quick visit. While I was working in my flower beds, Jack came over to my side of the fence. With a warm smile and a bear-like hug, he made it a point to come over and say hello. It made my day!

Everyone should have a family like the Brogans living on the other side of the fence. We solve many of the world’s problems between the fence posts, and share many laughs that, at times, roar quite loudly through the neighborhood!

With the constant use of technology and busy, over-scheduled lifestyles that consume our days and evenings, how many people have conversations with their neighbors? Do they even know the names of the people who live on the other side of the fence?

We put fences around our property, gardens, and swimming pools. Fences protect our children and pets, define boundaries, add security, and enhance privacy. Now the teacher in me, wanted to dig a little deeper into the topic of fences, so here are some “fence facts” I found…

Fences have been a fundamental part of human civilization for over 14,000 years, evolving alongside the shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled agriculture.

The word “fence” itself is a 14th-century abbreviation of the words defence or (fens), highlighting its primary historical purpose: to safeguard livestock and people.

A fun fact: The world’s longest fence is in Australia. Originally called the “Dingo Fence,” construction began in the 1880s, primarily to create a barrier to protect valuable livestock, particularly sheep, from dingo attacks. It is 3,437 miles long!

Picket fences became popular in the 1800s symbolizing the “American Dream” and home ownership.

Even songs metaphorically use fences, walls, or fortresses to describe the emotional boundaries people build to protect their hearts.

Restless Heart sings a song about mending fences when we don’t see eye to eye…

Singers Dan and Shay harmonize in their song “My Side of the Fence,” the fidelity a man has for the love of his life when he reiterates in the chorus:

“So I ain’t lookin’ over fences tryna’ find a better view

My search for all that ended when I first laid eyes on you

And the grass is always greener

‘Cause the sun shines when you smile

And when I’m holdin’ you the world make sense

On my side of the fence”

Who would have thought that sitting at my breakfast bar, drinking a cup of tea, and staring out the window at a wooden fence would provoke so many symbolic meanings?!

Fences go way beyond the physical utility. For some, a fence symbolizes personal barriers or political discourse; for others, it provides protection and a sense of security. It really all depends on what stage of life you or the world are in at any given time.

What do you see on your side of the fence?

Always…Amy

So Long Old Friend…

Nine years ago, on New Year’s Eve, I decided to begin writing a blog. A platform to share my thoughts, feelings, and adventures with family, friends, and people I meet along the way. That was the same year I bought a new car…a red 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. I named her Ruby, and I loved her!

Ruby and I had many great adventures~ from road trips to Florida and Tennessee, to college visits to Ohio, Pittsburgh, Virginia, and State College, just to name a few. Alexa, Grace, and I loaded with snacks, songs, and sass, headed to concerts in Camden and shopping trips with the radio blaring. One time, we packed up and headed to NYC, where we carefully parked her, and enjoyed the energy of TIMES SQUARE and being a part of the studio audience on LIVE with Kelly and Ryan!

Three years ago, Ruby transported a new addition to the family. We picked up our furry female friend Mabel from a farm in Lancaster County. Mabel always loved going for rides in Ruby, sitting in the backseat looking out the window. In more recent years, Ruby’s strong, secure seatbelts snuggly fastened and carried the car-seats of Maverick and Parker when they were staying at Lovey’s house.

There were many country backroad trips Ruby traveled to help us search for the perfect antiquities to bring home in her spacious backseat, my friend Steph always navigating the way in the passenger seat. When her third row seat folded down, she effortlessly hauled many things, large and small…from furniture to restore, to all of Grace’s essentials when moving out to Pittsburgh for college.

With her back liftgate up, she helped host many “parking lot parties” in Hillsdale Elementary School’s parking lot. Her last party in June was my retirement farewell tour dance party. (Little did I know Ruby would be retiring soon after me…) It took many trips to bring 35 years of teaching home, but my 6-cylinder lady never once complained.

October was when I noticed my 4-tired-girl was not acting herself. It was a trip to meet Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan, promoting their new book/movie. Ruby was acting sluggish as her get-up-and-go was lethargic and hesitant. She was always up for an adventure; her 93K miles were proof of that. After a visit to the garage, the prognosis was not good, and Likely needing a new motor. Decisions had to be made.

From babies to back-to-college baggage, I needed a dependable, safe vehicle to transport all my precious cargo. It was time to retire my old girl. Ruby was apart of the family for almost 9 years. She wasn’t fancy with a dashboard full of buttons and bling, but she was always reliable and ready to take us where we needed to go. If you know me, you know I can become teary very easily. I was very emotional to see her go, and as I left the parking lot leaving her behind I felt like I was abandoning a friend…

A new car has entered the driveway this week. One that had only 14 short miles on her odometer, with more bells and whistles than I know what to do with. (But I must admit, the seat warmers and heated steering wheel are quite nice!) The new girl in town is shiny and pretty as Ruby once was. She certainly will be going on adventures with our crew, and you can rest assure her radio will be blaring while we sing along!

Our new addition doesn’t have a name~ yet, but it’ll be a good one once we get to know each other a little better.

So long Ruby my old friend, you gave us many great memories I will always cherish… Toyota Rav 4, you have some big tires to fill.

Always…Amy

Retire, Revive, Reinvent

Retire- to leave one’s job and cease work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment. –Withdraw to or from a particular place.

On June 12, 2025, I officially retired from education after 36 years. It was not a decision I took lightly. It was one I labored, worried, and had many restless nights asking myself if it will be the right decision for my family and myself.

My financial planner gave me the thumbs up, my family and friends said go for it.

So…. I submitted my letter of intent to the state and district and I never looked back. (Let’s be honest I did peek back once or thrice maybe, wondering if I made the right decision, but I put my head forward, shoulders back, and I marched on…) Talk about feeling liberated!

Now you know the teacher in me is going to give you a little lesson about the history of retirement. This excerpt is from Fisher Investments 401(k) -6/13/23…

After the Civil War, America’s economy shifted from rural and agrarian to urban and commercial. Industries like banking, railroads, and manufacturing drove the economy, with small businesses leading the way. The first corporate pension in the U.S. was established by the American Express Company in 1875. At Amex, to qualify for a pension you had to be over the age of 60, have been employed there for at least 20 years, and have been recommended for retirement by a manager, with that retirement approved by the board of directors.

However, the Baltimore and Ohio railroad came up with a different solution in 1880, the first retirement plan that drew from both employee salaries and employer contributions to build the retiree’s savings. The distinction between a pension and other types of retirement plans became more clear; pensions were doled out by the company at-will, while the retirement plan gave the individual a stake in the game. The foundation for the 401(k) was being laid almost 100 years before the first one would be offered by an employer.

So now what? Paperwork submitted, school year was winding down.

What’s next?

Clean-up of 36 years of files, books, and teaching supplies was next! YIKES!!! It was no task for the faint-hearted. Why did I save so much stuff?! Elementary teachers are a very unique breed of people. WE SAVE EVERYTHING! Why you may ask? Ya never know when you may need it! From rubber-bands, to expired calendars that have great pictures for writing activities, and everything in between were saved in my tiny office space. Bring in the big trash cans Mr. Custodian, this girl is cleaning house! It took many after-school evenings to consolidate my treasures. (If you have ever seen Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase and the attic scene where he is sitting in a fur stole and hat pining through movie reels with tears in his eyes…. that was yours truly reading cards and notes from students and parents and paging through old yearbooks of students who are now married with their own children…

REVIVAL ERA…

While everyday is a new day in a classroom or school it has its’ routines and at times can make you feel stuck in a proverbial rut. Now that retirement was not that far off on the horizon it was time to figure out how I am going to revive myself with new passions and reinvent who I am. I have started to make a list of things I want to do, places I want to visit, and challenges I want to face in order to grow. There are books and blogs to write, eventually jobs to apply for, a podcast to air, and people to be with and not need to wait until a weekend or holiday vacation to see. The world is my oyster and God willing I will have many years to watch my grandchildren grow, marvel at all the great things my daughters will accomplish, be with friends that have always supported and cheered me on, and be with people who help me discover things about myself that I was never brave enough to uncover until now…

Yes, there are a lot of changes happening and I am welcoming them all with open arms. Jimmy Buffett has a song I discovered not too long ago that seems to sum it up quite nicely and great words to live by as I navigate this life I am blessed to have….

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man floating down canal

It doesn’t have numbers or moving hands

It always just says “now”

Now you may be thinking that I was had

But this watch is never wrong

And if I have trouble the warranty said

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On…

Yes, there are big changes ahead and I will be facing them all with wonder, grace, and excitement! And if I have trouble the warranty said:

“Breathe in, Breathe out, Move on…

Always… Amy

It’s Time To Go Home…

In October of 2023, I penned a blog titled “Take A Seat!” It was a reflection on my love for chairs, the memories they create, and a brief history lesson about this important piece furniture. (By the way, since that blog I have collected three more chairs- one being a gossip bench/chair that needs some love, and will likely get her make-over this winter. I have the perfect place for this old girl to settle in my home…)

Now it’s time to tell you the story about the other two chairs I had acquired.

Just yesterday morning I received a message from a women who had gifted me two heavy metal chairs last summer that needed some TLC. They were washed and wiped, sanded, and repainted to match my outside porch area where I love to spend time in the summer watching cars go by, the sun setting, and talking to neighbors as they stroll on warm summer evenings. They reminded me of my grandparents chairs when I was a little girl. Many conversations and memories were made sitting on their porches in those same type of chairs. There were no phones, no texting, no selfies, or instagramming back then; just chatting, listening to stories and daydreaming… Those were some great times. And those chairs I acquired took me right back to my childhood days.

I digress, back to the woman with the message I received yesterday.

The message started with a regular light-hearted opening, but then turned into a request that I know was uncomfortable for the sender to ask. It read, “A few months ago I gifted you some white outdoor chairs. My mother is really upset with me for gifting them and giving them away. Apparently, they were her grandfather’s and then her father’s and she really liked them.” The gifter of the chairs remembered me telling her that my grandparents had the same style of chairs and how they brought back great memories. Now she was asking me if I would consider gifting them back. She even offered to pay for them if I would sell them back to her. Gifting them had caused a lot of tension these past several months between her mother and her. She figured there was no harm in asking and explained that her mother is getting older and becoming a bit challenging.

I knew exactly how her mother must have felt. My love for chairs runs deep, and I wouldn’t dream of holding onto something that could lesson the tension between the mother and daughter, as well as restore some of the memories her mother had.

I never met the chair giver face to face, she had left the pair out for me, but she worried how I’d respond to her request. There was absolutely nothing to worry about I assured her. Those chairs need to go back home where they belong. They bring family memories of good times and special people that may no longer be with her mom, and that brings a certain kind of comfort knowing their presence are still within her mother’s reach.

The chairs will be picked up on Monday.

My new chair friend said I was an angel, and when her mom is ready to pass the chairs on to someone else they’d come right back to my porch.

I am no angel, and many would agree, LOL, but I do know how important memories are. Something as common and simple as a chair can take you back to a special time and place. No one should be robbed of that.

So for now, I will be on the lookout for some fun chairs; and just maybe those two memory makers will find residence again on my porch someday. If they don’t, well, I at least had a summer where I was enveloped in great old memories from my childhood along with creating some new ones with my family. (What more can one ask for…?)

I am glad I received that message yesterday, and that this woman’s mom will be happy again knowing her memories have been restored and coming back home…

Always,

Amy

Take a Seat!

It’s a fact, I truly love chairs. Not sure where or when this adoration began, but recently I blurted out how I loved chairs on a car ride with my daughters. They had that “there she goes again” side-eyed look and chuckled. Maybe it’s the symbolization of comfort, rest, waiting, and a time to visit an old friend or family member and reminisce that makes me so fond of chairs. As I write this piece I am sitting in Starbucks enveloped in a butterscotch tufted leather chair. The room is full of people talking, reading, studying, and listening to music while sipping on an over-priced foamy drink in all kinds of different chairs throughout the shop.

Rocking chairs are a sentimental favorite of mine. On the Christmas Eve before my daughter Alexa was born I received a rocker as a gift. She was rocked many days and late evenings in that chair. As she grew older she loved to stand and hold on to the arm of the rocker for support. She would gnaw on the arm while she was teething. Her tiny teeth marks are still there. And now that chair is in my grandson’s room where his mom and dad rock him.

When you think about it young children have many special chairs at different stages of their development. Highchairs contain the young diners to practice their pincer skills with cheerios and other finger foods, until they graduate to learning how to use eating utensils. It’s contained and messy, but many spaghetti eating and first- birthday- cake- smashing milestones are captured in that special chair.

Don’t forget car seats. There are more belts, buckles, and snapping mechanisms to keep our precious little cargo safe. How the heck did we ever survive without car seats when we were little is still a mystery!

Remember Archie Bunker had his favorite chair? That iconic chair is in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC!

Little Miss Muffet- she had a tuffet. And Humpty Dumpty, well he should have been sitting on a chair and not teetering on a wall. (We all know how that one ended…)

Dentist chairs are definitely NOT a chair I love. But beach chairs that are set up near the water’s edge to invite the waves to lap up on your feet and allow you to drift off to faraway daydreams are priceless.

Movie directors have special chairs too, and it sits high on a movie set. Those that work around that chair have a special respect and reverence for the directives given, ” ACTION!!”

Let us not forget the man in the red suit. Children young and old wait in long lines during the Christmas season to sit on Santa’s lap in that large gilded thrown of a chair and share their wishes and hopes for that special gift from him. Speaking of thrones, kings and queens have ornately adorned gold seats they sit upon that symbolizes power and authority.

My friend Stephanie and I love to peruse barn sales and antique shops. I always gravitate towards the chairs that are wooden with chippy paint, and endless stories to tell I bet. Those well-loved chairs are soulful and a part of someone’s history. They are nothing like the chairs found in big box stores that are mass produced. Those old weathered chairs were made by skilled craftsmen with calloused hands that took great pride in their work. I have purchased some of those chairs, and they now continue their history in my home. Empty chairs look lonely to me; but I can’t rescue them all. I need to leave some for others to cherish as much as I do.

Now, TAKE A SEAT~

I would be remiss if I didn’t share some interesting facts I learned about chairs when preparing this blog!

*The first chair dates back around 5000 years, to the times of Ancient Egypt. They were used for the leader or chief of a group.

*The word chair comes from the Latin “chathedra” which means to sit.

*Chairs did not become popular until the 16th century. Before that people would sit on the floor.

Friends give us support and always have our back when situations may not be comfortable. Did you know the most important feature of any chair is the level of back support? Everyone has a different shape back and each person will need support in different areas. When we find that “just right” chair we have found an old friend that makes us feel comfortable, safe, and protected. (See how I was able to weave our girl Goldilocks in here?)

Fall and winter are right around the corner and it’s the perfect time to wrap yourself in a blanket, read, write, or call someone you need to reconnect with while being hugged by an old faithful furniture friend~ your favorite chair.

Always…Amy

Daydream Believer

I am very fortunate. We all are in many ways.

We need to stop and reflect on all the gifts we have been given and believe we are worthy .

Currently, I am at a stage in my life with only 2 years until retirement in education. It’ll be a time where I will reinvent myself and move onto another satisfying and challenging career. That’s a blessing.

I have a grandson whom I adore; and a daughter who is killin’ it at being a great mother. What precious gifts to behold.

And my youngest daughter, well, she’s on college searches before beginning her senior year in high school trying to find the “right fit” university for her.

Some feel melancholy to see their babies grow up. I believe it’s a privilege to be able to witness these milestones with pride.

With all the long rides to visit campuses it gives me time to think, to soul search, and to evaluate my life thus far with all its’ twists, turns, and curve balls. Have you really thought about what you believe in…?

Whitney Houston sang she believed the children are our future~ to teach them well and let them lead the way… I can’t argue with that. I have worked pridefully with my own daughters as well as the hundreds of children throughout my career to believe in themselves and know they can make a difference in the world.

I guess you can say on those car rides from one state to the next I was being a “Daydream Believer”, as the band the Monkeys sang.

I wonder how often one stops and digs deep into identifying what they believe in and how it shapes them into the person the world sees everyday?

After careful deliberation, here are my top 10 beliefs at this moment and time. I am certain I will tweak, and expand my list as I partake in more life experiences. Heck, I may add many more next week! This is how we grow worldly, adventurous, and become bravely vulnerable to new ideas, places, and experiences.

I BELIEVE…

*Everyone should have two solid playlists of music to listen to in the car. One list to pump us up on our way to work, and a different list to calm and de-stress us on our way home after a long challenging day.

* They say in life: “Every pot has a lid,” and we must search carefully. For some it takes a lifetime to find the perfect fit- (for the pot and ourselves).

*Money doesn’t buy happiness but it sure helps relieve some stresses.

*We must be “present” in our children’s lives and not over-indulge them with presents. The real gift we can give them is our TIME. Time playing, time reading to them, and time really listening to what our children are saying.

*My silence is my self-defense. If I am quiet (while I know that is a very rare occurrence), I am saying a lot.

*Taking time to be alone in your own thoughts and in prayer is a necessity. Solitude grounds and resets us. It allows us to listen to the whispering messages within our soul.

*We should marvel at the moon and all its’ phases. It’s ever-changing, just like us.

* We need to take photos of anything we think is beautiful. Frame them. Display them. They are the moments we will not see the same way again and a way to remember who we were at that particular time.

* Stars are meant for gazing, and fireflies for collecting, and releasing. Their twinkles offer hope, and quietly hold the wishes we desire.

*And finally, a home should not be measured by its’ square footage or zip code, but rather, by the sense of belonging when surrounded by the people we love. (As well as for those who immediately feel welcomed when they enter our threshold…).

I challenge you to take the time to sit quietly and think. Think about who you are and where you’ve been. Think of all your triumphs, challenges, and the beliefs that have formed from each experience, and believe you make a difference!

“The joy of living is inside you. Live it. Believe in it.” (TAO)

I believe you can do this!

Always…Amy

You Can Call Me Lovey

I was fortunate to grow up knowing both of my grandmothers. They had very different personalities; and I learned many life lessons from both.

They were great cooks and prepared meals effortlessly. Their kitchens smelled of comfort foods, like mashed potatoes and pot roasts. Mountains of chocolate chip cookies often were available within an arm’s reach waiting to be devoured, while the basement kitchen of my Italian grandmother always had the earthy smells of fresh basil, mint, and tomatoes from the garden that were lovingly made into sauce for Sunday dinners.

One grandmother was calm and loved all animals and shopping, while the other was feisty. She would call pretending to be Mrs. Claus each year days before Christmas~ making sure we weren’t naughty so her husband Santa could fill his sleigh with our presents!

I listened to their stories and learned lessons I still remember today and practice. They helped form me into the sentimental, spirited, hardworking woman I am today. Thinking back, I recall always watching them carefully and remember their fortitude and strength.

Recently I read: a grandmother’s energy is powerful. It is ancient. It represents generations of women feeding, nurturing, teaching~ bringing new souls along with their wisdom. They are fonts of intelligence, and observations over long periods of time…

And now in a few short weeks I will be among the ranks of an elite group of women with the title grandmother.

There will be a lot to live up to; and I am up for the challenge. Alexa, my oldest daughter will grace this earth with my first grandchild. Vividly I remember the day she arrived during a blustery snowstorm in January, 1993. The trees were blanketed in ice as we drove home, and looked as if they were bowing at our daughter’s arrival. I recall looking at her and thinking of the endless possibilities she had, and wondered what great and wonderous things she’d achieve. And let me tell you… there have been many.

Now, she will take on the new role of mother. She will nurture this next generation with boundless possibilities, guiding them to achieve marvelous things. What a gift to be a part of… a miracle, a promise for a hopeful future.

I look forward to doing so many adventurous things with this precious gift. It’s time to bring back the books that were well-loved and read so often they were memorized. We’ll go for walks and find the perfect smooth stone to bring home, sing in the rain, and continue old traditions while also creating new ones. All will be passed down to future generations and our history will live on…

There are many names for grandmother: Babuska, Granny, Baba, Nana, Nonna, Abuela, Gigi to name just a few. And, if you are wondering what this little bean will call me; it will be Lovey. While I haven’t even met them yet, they already hold a very special place in my heart.

I know my grandmothers are smiling down from heaven and thrilled with my upcoming new role. I am certain they’ll be sending me signs to guide me along the way.

Oh how I cannot wait to meet you little one! I am most certain you will teach me many lessons along the way too.

Always…Amy

Mother’s Day Wishes

People who know me well probably will think this week’s blog will be a sentimental journey down a mother’s memory lane.  As mothers we all have our heart-filled stories about that precious vocation called motherhood. The joy we felt when we first held our newborn baby…  This is a journey not to be taken lightly.  What is our primary responsibility? Raise good people. I read a quote some time ago that really stuck with me: “How we treat the child, the child will treat the world.”  ~Pam Lee

Remember, it takes a village to raise a child and no one in this vocation is alone. So today’s blog is more of a countdown of the top ten things I think mothers wish for and from their children…

1.  Do not put the milk carton back in the fridge when there is only a swallow left.
2. Sons, put the toilet seat down when you’re finished.
3. Children, if you see your mother heading to the bathroom, walk-in closet, or pantry with reading material, let that be a sign she needs alone time. DO NOT barge in or start slipping notes under the door.
4. Teenagers, when “cleaning your room”, be sure to take the case of half consumed water bottles out from under the bed and to the recycling bin.
5. Say your prayers each day and be thankful for everything.
6. Sit by the person at lunch that is alone.
7. Tell the truth.  As mothers we will always find out if you stretching the truth, and we know more than what we ever lead you to believe.
8. Always keep your sense of wonder and never give up on your dreams….ever.
9. Work hard. Stay humble and be the reason someone smiles today. Kindness is not an act. It is a lifestyle. ~Anthony Douglas Williams
10. And most importantly, no matter where you go, or what you do in this world be true to yourself and know that your mother will always stand by you and love you.

Helping our children through this journey called life is not easy.  There will be laughter, worries, and many tears. We may not always get it right but that’s Ok, we are human. Forgive yourself. The pride, honor, and love you feel when you see your child do things great or small, is well worth the effort.

You’ve got this moms!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Always…Amy

“Mabel Means Love…”

Lord knows I have been with many children over the years. Thousands in fact…

Some are artsy and doodle all over their schoolwork, while others are athletic and play at recess like Olympic athletes. Some are talkative and are never at a loss for words, while others are so quiet they hope to blend into the classroom and not be seen. Some tap endlessly on their desks with their pencils, where one would feel like they were attending a Shelia E. or Ringo Star concert. (On those days, trips to the nurse’s office for a dose of extra strength Tylenol are needed…)

There are the serious studious students; and on the flip side the comedians that will do anything for a disruptive laugh. (Yes, I too have guffawed at their silly antics.) I have had criers, and hitters, and those who like to “borrow” other classmate’s belongings without asking.

I have met and enjoyed many students that fit the above profiles over the years. Their personalities bring life to our classroom communities and create lasting memories.

Allow me to now share with you a student that holds a special place in the hearts of all that meet her. She is as big as a minute, but with a personality that fills a room. She has a perpetual smile and a giggle that is contagious. And, when she hugs you, you best brace yourself because she will squeeze the stuffin’s right out of you!

This little first grade tadpole named Mabel came to our school at just the right time. A time where adults are stressed and tired and overwhelmed. A time where students are readjusting to school routines and classroom behaviors, and trying to make up academically from the lost in-person time of remote learning.

You can’t help but feel joy when you see Mabel. I actually seek her out. I get the greatest lift when she comes charging towards me to give her koala -vice- grip- hello hug. All your tensions melt away when Mabel is around. She is a breath of fresh air and just beams joy. She loves school, her friends, and everyone around her! Even while wearing a mask, her eyes sparkle and smile! Couple that with her impish giggle, your day is made!

Once, a teacher friend of mine asked this peanut why everyone likes her so much; and without skipping a beat she simply said: “Because Mabel means love!”

We all couldn’t agree more.

The fact that Mabel knows how to share her lighthearted, kind spirit with the world at such a young age is a gift and a blessing to all who meet her.

Everyone has a special mission in this life. Some take a lifetime to discover what that is. Mabel naturally shares her gift of love unselfishly. We all need to learn a lesson from this six year old little girl.

So spread your light. Smile wide and bright, and be more like Mabel. The world will be a better place if you do.

Thank you sweet girl for the lovely reminder.

Always…

Amy

Model Mindfully

Happy Anniversary to… me!

On December 31, 2017, my New Year’s pledge was to create a blog site for journaling my thoughts.

(I have been told by many I have much to say, and might I add, that it has also been said that even when I say not a word, much is being told.)

The mission of my blog was to be a positive platform where I would share my ideas, chronicle interesting encounters, and offer insights on how we all can be better human beings to each other.

Here I am beginning year five of blogging, and actually have followers who read, comment, and offer their reactions and insights from all around the world! What an awesome gift! It is something I am proud of and enjoy writing.

We are all models. And someone is always watching. Whether it’s putting the shopping cart back in the chorale at the grocery store, holding a door open for a parent that is trying to wrangle two crying children into the pediatrician’s office, or how we react, or don’t react in a situation will duly be noted by someone observing. Most times we aren’t even aware there is someone spectating and influenced by our actions, reactions, and behaviors.

I felt this blog anniversary was the perfect opportunity to remind all of us that when we exhibit perseverance, tenacity, enthusiasm, and grit we not only model a strong and productive mindset for ourselves, but also our children, and co-workers. And yes, complete strangers will emulate these traits and continue spreading positive vibes!

I have proudly watched my daughters demonstrate their positive mindfulness and drive. My oldest daughter found her path to being a nurse by zigging and zagging through challenges and never giving in to obstacles. She worked hard and kept her eyes forward, shoulders back, and marched toward her goals. She succeeded because she believed in herself and knew we believed in her.

My youngest, has always been our “Nervous Nellie”. She thrives on routines and is not one who likes to stray from them. Covid and the inconsistency of school schedules last year left her anxious and suffering from panic attacks. She advocated for herself and asked for extra help to navigate her anxiety. She too worked hard, learned strategies to deal with her anxiety and has developed a confidence that we have never seen before!

I could not be more proud as a mother to watch both girls overcome their obstacles and forge ahead and blossom! I attribute their successes to having a mindset that allowed them both to accept their challenges and being open to pathways to overcome the hurdles. We all may need that nudge to keep going from time to time~ to never take no, or it can’t be done, for an answer. My girls know they will receive the nudge when needed.

Positive mindfulness is an exercise in productivity, for ourselves and those around us.

What is one promise you have made to yourself for 2022?(Notice I didn’t say resolution?) Resolution by definition is: a firm decision to do or not to do something. New Year’s resolutions often become abandoned quickly because they seem unobtainable.

Instead of resolution call it a promise, it seems less threatening. Write it down. It’ll hold you accountable. Strategically put it in places you’ll see everyday… on a mirror, in the car, the refrigerator door… Tell someone your goal, the promise you have made, and make them your designated “check-in” person, your accountability partner, your cheerleader. BE the superstar model you are meant to be; and be mindful the world is watching and ~cheering you on!!

May 2022 be your year for new adventures, accomplishments of all sizes, and prideful moments!

My promises for this year? I am excited to explore podcasting, work on finishing a second book, and diving into the world of voice-overs and acting.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all cheered each other on and applauded other’s successes? Be a mindful model, and be on the lookout for other mindful models . They are everywhere to learn from and echo.

Happy New Year, and I can’t wait to hear about all the great things you will do and model this year!

Always,

Amy…