This morning on the Today show, there was a wonderful story about the small town of Phillipsburg Montana. It was a feel good piece about how the town came together to help the school administrator and his daughter when they both had cancer. The scenery, of course, made me homesick, but the story made me proud.
There is something to be said for growing up in a state with less than 800,000 people in it. There is a feeling of being secure in such a huge, isolated place because you know, if needed, help is always available. Example. It was 1992 and I was driving between Missoula MT and Bozeman MT on my way to visit my sister. As many Montanans do, I ignored the weather and left is a "small snow storm" at about 5pm after work. Well I got half way there (aka Butte MT) and I was fully engulfed in good old Montana blizzard. Just the other side of Butte, because of course I kept going, I ran across a group of people whose car had gone off the road. I stopped to help. Yes, me, a 20 yr old girl completely alone, stopped to help 3 young men who were in trouble. They had wrecked and needed to get to Bozeman. A few minutes later, a gentleman in a truck also stopped. He said he would be headed to Bozeman in a few days and would bring all their stuff to them (the car was full because one of the boys was moving). They hopped in my car and off we went. It took us almost 3 hours to get from Butte to Bozeman which is only 84 miles. Two days later, the stuff from the car was delivered to my sisters house since that was the only address we could give the nice man who offered to help.
The moral of the story is this. In todays world, would I ever let my daughter stop, all alone, and help three men who were stranded on the side of the road? No. Would I trust a complete stranger to deliver all my worldly goods to me "in a few days". No. However in Montana, this isn't an uncommon experience. There, everyone feels like family and most feel completely trustworthy. I admit, I haven't lived there in a very long time. Things could definitely have changed, but from the story on the Today show today, it doesn't have seemed to. I don't know why there is such a strong sense of help and kindness resides in the 4th largest state. I'm sure it is alive and well in many parts of the country. Maybe it is in every small town in America. I hope so.
I'm a city girl. I've know it since I was very young. I love being in the hustle, bustle and fun that is a city. Country life was never in the cards for me. However, I will forever appreciate the "Montana Factor" with which I was raised. I always assume the best in people. Has it ever bitten me in the ass, of course, but I hope to never loose it. I'm not trying to be sappy, I swear. I'm just glad that 15 years of living in "the city" hasn't changed that small part of me.
Good for you, Phillipsburg. You made me remember, once again, why I'm proud to be from Montana.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
American made
I read this on Faceplace today (Facebook for all you non Kathy Griffin fans) and thought it was a wonderful idea. Now, I'm not anti-Chinese in any way (well except when it comes to scooters) however it is time people actually take an interest in their own community. I have a small sewing business and no, I can't make you a cashmere scarf for under $20 but the extra money you might spend on one from me goes right back into your own community. See I really believe that it isn't up to the government to fix our economy, it is up to us. I know we don't have the power to fix it nation wide, however we can do it one community at a time. Our community, our city, our state...its up to us. Let me know if you decide to take the challenge.
side note: I've changed the title to Holidays 2011 because, as many of you know, I believe in a complete holiday season.
Holidays 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- ... merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
side note: I've changed the title to Holidays 2011 because, as many of you know, I believe in a complete holiday season.
Holidays 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- ... merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Our kitten is trying to kill me...
I read somewhere that during their development, indoor cats will hit a stage where they forget they are indoor cats. Somewhere in the back of their brain a small switch flips and their ancestor instincts kick in for a while. The "Tiger" switch. We are hunted, stalked, tasted, and attacked on a daily basis. She waits quietly around corners for someone to walk by so she can use all her claws to run up your leg and bite your 'hind quarters'. I hadn't thought much of it until yesterday. After one of these attacks, my daughter yelled out "I'm NOT a Zebra!". The cat was hanging off her backside just like a lion or tiger would attack a zebra in the wild. Another example: About a week ago, I was sleeping (as it was about 3am) and I woke to a strange feeling on my face. The cat was licking my cheek. I reached up to move her and she bit me and ran away. I rolled over and about 2 seconds later she jumped up on the bed and looked at me. I could almost read her thoughts..."If I were 50 lbs heavier, I'd kill you in your sleep."
The dogs. The poor poor dogs. I'm hoping Kevin survives this stage. He is a smaller terrier and is very timid. We got him from a shelter and he has never really gotten out of the sad shelter dog mentality. He is Rachel's favorite toy. He often will be sound asleep when suddenly he has a black and white cat perched on his back, chewing on his face. He literally runs and hides from her on a daily basis, shaking in fear that the "Tiger" will get him.
We love her, adore her, but if I get one more scratch mark anywhere on my body Rachel may experience what a mama tiger can do. Grrr...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Senior-itis
I have a new definition of "senior-itis" No, I'm not talking about senior moments as in not remembering where you put your keys or the name of your dentist. I'm talking about the other senior-itis. The one that hits high school seniors about three quarters of the way through their senior year when they stop wanting to be in high school and get on with their lives. It is that senior-itis that I have a new definition for... Senior-itis of the wallet.
Our son, Hayden, is a senior this year. We knew it would happen. They go to school for a certain number of years and eventually you hit their senior year. I also knew it would be expensive. I had done some research about senior pictures and what the average senior party/graduation would cost. I thought I was prepared. I thought I had SOME idea. I was wrong.
Senior Pictures: $1000
Class Ring: $400
Yearbook Senior Ad: $300
Perfect Senior Year....priceless, or so they'd like you to think.
and that is just in the first 2 weeks of school. Please don't forget the Senior Band pictures, ACT fees, college application fees, and travel expenses for college visits (that's Septembers list). We'll end up going through his first years college fund just to get him through his senior year!
However, I have found a way to beat the blood sucking, guilt ridden, horrible machine that is senior-itis of the wallet. RESEARCH! Did you know, you don't have to buy the class ring from the contracted jeweler? In fact there are 100's of places online that you can get a class ring at about 1/4 of the price. Senior pictures? The studio who does the basic head shots for the yearbook also does senior picture portraits, for about 1/2 of the upscale studios. College trips? Ask the hotels if they give a discount for students checking out the school.
So...instead of $1000 for senior pics, we paid $495. Instead of $400 for a ring, we paid $75 (NOT KIDDING!). It made my husbands blood pressure go back down a bit and my son feel less guilty about milking his parents dry of their retirement. And he gets all the perks, which he deserves and has earned. He has worked so hard to maintain his grades and is a good kid. I want him to enjoy his senior year and all the extras that come with it.
Now to start saving for the dorm room supplies. Laptops, fridges, and TVs....OH MY!
Our son, Hayden, is a senior this year. We knew it would happen. They go to school for a certain number of years and eventually you hit their senior year. I also knew it would be expensive. I had done some research about senior pictures and what the average senior party/graduation would cost. I thought I was prepared. I thought I had SOME idea. I was wrong.
Senior Pictures: $1000
Class Ring: $400
Yearbook Senior Ad: $300
Perfect Senior Year....priceless, or so they'd like you to think.
and that is just in the first 2 weeks of school. Please don't forget the Senior Band pictures, ACT fees, college application fees, and travel expenses for college visits (that's Septembers list). We'll end up going through his first years college fund just to get him through his senior year!
However, I have found a way to beat the blood sucking, guilt ridden, horrible machine that is senior-itis of the wallet. RESEARCH! Did you know, you don't have to buy the class ring from the contracted jeweler? In fact there are 100's of places online that you can get a class ring at about 1/4 of the price. Senior pictures? The studio who does the basic head shots for the yearbook also does senior picture portraits, for about 1/2 of the upscale studios. College trips? Ask the hotels if they give a discount for students checking out the school.
So...instead of $1000 for senior pics, we paid $495. Instead of $400 for a ring, we paid $75 (NOT KIDDING!). It made my husbands blood pressure go back down a bit and my son feel less guilty about milking his parents dry of their retirement. And he gets all the perks, which he deserves and has earned. He has worked so hard to maintain his grades and is a good kid. I want him to enjoy his senior year and all the extras that come with it.
Now to start saving for the dorm room supplies. Laptops, fridges, and TVs....OH MY!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Dan understands...
Dan Radcliffe was on Jon Stewart yesterday. Yes he was promoting Potter but that isn't what my blog is about. No really....it isn't. I'm serious! It was something he said that actually caught my attention. He was asked by Jon if he ever has to fake being excited about something, if he ever got "over" the excitement of things as many Hollywood people do. He said no. See for yourself...
I totally get his answer. I live his answer. I am ALWAYS excited about things. My friend Laura posted a picture on Facebook the other day and captioned it "This reminds me of my friend Dayna". The picture said "Today is going to be bloody A-MAZ-ING! I love Todays!". Yeah I get excited and happy about silly things. Call me Polyana but I look forward to looking forward to things. I get excited about movies, music, concerts, dinners out, shopping...whatever. Its part of my personality. Clover asked me at the Motley Crue show how I can still get excited about hearing the same songs we've heard a million times. I don't know why, but I do. I don't get to see Motley live in concert every day so it made that day special. I get excited about special days. Tomorrow is my birthday AND I'm having lunch poolside with a few friends whom I adore AND I'm going to dinner with a few other friends whom I also adore. See...three reasons tomorrow will be a special day. Three reasons to be excited and happy.
If this blog doesn't make sense to you and you think I'm strange for getting excited about silly things, thats ok. Dan gets it. I always knew he'd understand me. ;-) Wonder if he'd like my Harry Potter Day song.....?
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Daniel Radcliffe | ||||
| ||||
I totally get his answer. I live his answer. I am ALWAYS excited about things. My friend Laura posted a picture on Facebook the other day and captioned it "This reminds me of my friend Dayna". The picture said "Today is going to be bloody A-MAZ-ING! I love Todays!". Yeah I get excited and happy about silly things. Call me Polyana but I look forward to looking forward to things. I get excited about movies, music, concerts, dinners out, shopping...whatever. Its part of my personality. Clover asked me at the Motley Crue show how I can still get excited about hearing the same songs we've heard a million times. I don't know why, but I do. I don't get to see Motley live in concert every day so it made that day special. I get excited about special days. Tomorrow is my birthday AND I'm having lunch poolside with a few friends whom I adore AND I'm going to dinner with a few other friends whom I also adore. See...three reasons tomorrow will be a special day. Three reasons to be excited and happy.
If this blog doesn't make sense to you and you think I'm strange for getting excited about silly things, thats ok. Dan gets it. I always knew he'd understand me. ;-) Wonder if he'd like my Harry Potter Day song.....?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Squirrel Mafia
For those of you who know my daughter this story will come as no surprise to you. For those of you who don't know her...this is the way she thinks, in a nutshell (pun intended).
One morning a few months ago, my daughter called to me from the kitchen. She wanted me to "see" something. Now for any parent of a teen you know that it could have been a million things she wanted to show me. Her cereal, her brother doing something wrong, the dog annoying her, her clothes, really anything. However this morning she wanted me to look outside. Our kitchen windows overlook our front yard and driveway. In our driveway were three very fat squirrels. Our neighborhood has many squirrels. I'm talking A LOT. Hundreds. No, I'm not exaggerating. So seeing the squirrels wasn't what was strange.The oddity of this was a) it was the middle of winter and the squirrels were VERY fat b) They were sitting in a perfect triangle about 4 feet apart from each other c) none were moving-only staring at each other.
Me - "Thats a bunch of fat squirrels."
Daughter - "Watch what you say, Mom. Its a meeting of the squirrel mafia."
Me - "Trouble in squirrel world?"
Daughter - "I'm not sure but I think the godfathers are mad. Something about our tree being off limits to the one on the left. There might be a throwdown."
Me- "Should we do something?"
Daughter- "I don't think we should get involved. They are pretty powerful. I'd hate for us to get a tree limb across the roof of our car because we asked to many questions."
:-)
Now you might be wondering why I am posting this silly little story. My daughter has an amazing imagination and is very quick witted. I adore her. She keeps us all laughing all the time and is such a joy to be around. Today, a day where a woman in Florida who may or may not have killed her daughter was allowed to go free, a day where no one will be held accountable for that little girls death, I decided to celebrate the fantastic wonder of a person MY daughter is. It breaks my heart to think no one will ever know how funny or witty that little girl MIGHT have been had someone been looking out for her.
Hug your kids. Love them with all your heart. Remind them daily how special they are.
One morning a few months ago, my daughter called to me from the kitchen. She wanted me to "see" something. Now for any parent of a teen you know that it could have been a million things she wanted to show me. Her cereal, her brother doing something wrong, the dog annoying her, her clothes, really anything. However this morning she wanted me to look outside. Our kitchen windows overlook our front yard and driveway. In our driveway were three very fat squirrels. Our neighborhood has many squirrels. I'm talking A LOT. Hundreds. No, I'm not exaggerating. So seeing the squirrels wasn't what was strange.The oddity of this was a) it was the middle of winter and the squirrels were VERY fat b) They were sitting in a perfect triangle about 4 feet apart from each other c) none were moving-only staring at each other.
Me - "Thats a bunch of fat squirrels."
Daughter - "Watch what you say, Mom. Its a meeting of the squirrel mafia."
Me - "Trouble in squirrel world?"
Daughter - "I'm not sure but I think the godfathers are mad. Something about our tree being off limits to the one on the left. There might be a throwdown."
Me- "Should we do something?"
Daughter- "I don't think we should get involved. They are pretty powerful. I'd hate for us to get a tree limb across the roof of our car because we asked to many questions."
:-)
Now you might be wondering why I am posting this silly little story. My daughter has an amazing imagination and is very quick witted. I adore her. She keeps us all laughing all the time and is such a joy to be around. Today, a day where a woman in Florida who may or may not have killed her daughter was allowed to go free, a day where no one will be held accountable for that little girls death, I decided to celebrate the fantastic wonder of a person MY daughter is. It breaks my heart to think no one will ever know how funny or witty that little girl MIGHT have been had someone been looking out for her.
Hug your kids. Love them with all your heart. Remind them daily how special they are.
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Birthday Month
Today is July 1, 2011. In 19 days I will be 39 years old. Excuse my language but how the FUCK did that happen? I type the number and even the numbers look old. 39. Wow.
I think everyone, around their birthday, reflects about who they are and where they have been/are going. I know I did it last year, the year before and the year before that. I'm happy. I'm in a good spot. I'm enjoying my life. But here's the thing. I come from good stock. Women in my family almost always live well into their 90's. In fact, my Great Great Aunt Lucille turned 102 this year. So that makes me ponder about what I should do with the next 50+ years of my life. 50 years. Now those numbers make me feel better. Yeah I'm middle aged and almost in my forties but hey...there is a very good chance I have a good 50 years left. I think I'll ponder THAT for a minute. I can fit a lot in 50 years. Look at how much I've managed to fit into 39.
My dear Aunt Keila, whose birthday is also in July, has always celebrated her 'birthday month'. Bought something for herself at least once a week during the whole month. Little things like teeth whiteners, new socks, a plant. Big things like ruby rings, vacations, cars. Whatever she wanted because she was celebrating her and her life. I've always loved that concept. Celebrating yourself and the fact you've managed to stay healthy enough, wise enough and happy enough to make it one more year. Just think of all the presents 50 more years of birthday months could bring. Yep, I feel better already!
I think everyone, around their birthday, reflects about who they are and where they have been/are going. I know I did it last year, the year before and the year before that. I'm happy. I'm in a good spot. I'm enjoying my life. But here's the thing. I come from good stock. Women in my family almost always live well into their 90's. In fact, my Great Great Aunt Lucille turned 102 this year. So that makes me ponder about what I should do with the next 50+ years of my life. 50 years. Now those numbers make me feel better. Yeah I'm middle aged and almost in my forties but hey...there is a very good chance I have a good 50 years left. I think I'll ponder THAT for a minute. I can fit a lot in 50 years. Look at how much I've managed to fit into 39.
My dear Aunt Keila, whose birthday is also in July, has always celebrated her 'birthday month'. Bought something for herself at least once a week during the whole month. Little things like teeth whiteners, new socks, a plant. Big things like ruby rings, vacations, cars. Whatever she wanted because she was celebrating her and her life. I've always loved that concept. Celebrating yourself and the fact you've managed to stay healthy enough, wise enough and happy enough to make it one more year. Just think of all the presents 50 more years of birthday months could bring. Yep, I feel better already!
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