I awoke early with energy to spare

Very unlike me these days...I awoke early, showered and left the house by 7:05. It didn't register with me, just how early it was until I jumped in the car!!! I'm serious. I was out the door and pulling away at 7:05...I didn't have to be at the office until 8:30.

A quick trip to A&M (the local convenience store)for my daily diet pepsi and the car needed gas...uuugh! Inspired by the beautiful morning, I was glad that I was up and at 'em...engaged in the day and delighted by it all.

As I headed north, in the sky up ahead I observed little dots in the sky...it didn't take me long to remember that the National Balloon Competition was in full swing. Oh, an unexpected moment in time. Once again, inspiring thoughts came to my mind...one of which was this entry into my blog.

I marvel at just what it was that had me up and going so early. Was it fate or God's hand in my day...he surely knew I needed it! Seeing the balloons reminded me of earlier days when we would go to Indianola every summer for the National Balloons. Fun memories...

Another inspired day...what will I do with it? Who's life will I touch in an inspiring way? It is my choice...to be inspired by the "everyday" happenings and to be an inspiration in someone else's "everyday" happenings.

It's County Fair Time...

I spent the afternoon at the Warren County Fair, in Indianola, Iowa. My office (Coldwell Banker) has a booth and it's just a great way to meet and greet. Always seeing someone I have not seen in quite awhile, it's almost a sure bet I'll run into someone...exchange a few pleasantries and play catch up...it's just delightful!

Later in the evening, my husband, Steve, met up with me and we went to the Jason Brown concert. Jason is an upstart from Pella and did a very nice job. The rain held off, but the rain clouds loomed overhead. The impending rain did not 'dampen' the evening, nor the nice concert.

I wondered where he found his INSPIRATION? What spurred him on to follow his dream of making it big in country music. He writes many of his songs...again, what INSPIRES the thoughts to be turned into words, words to lyrics, lyrics to a full-fledged song.

Are you following your dreams? Where does your INSPIRATION come from? What do you do with it...

Open houses...get inspired

Looking for a new home...maybe you're just starting out...get inspired by visiting real estate open houses.

Open houses are planned for YOU...the consumer. It's your opportunity to view homes in a carefree manner. They are also a great way to evaluate the market. What's available? What are things selling for? What floor plan do you like...what will work for you and your family. They are also a terrific way to get INSPIRED by the decor: style, colors, accessories.

Looking for a Realtor? You can evaluate them, too! If you'd like to visit with me...just let me know.

What's going on at Vintage Home & Garden

Wow! We've had a lot of fun at the shop these past few months. Being open every weekend has offered many of you the opportunity to shop VHG, when the 2 days a month was very limiting. It's a change, and with change, there is always a time of adjustment...but, we're hanging in there.

My daughter runs the shop on Fridays and then she and I are both there on Saturdays. It won't be long and it'll be time to plan for fall...can you believe it? I can't...but that's the way it is with retail.

How is your summer going? I hope well...what's new in your world? What are you doing to help with the gas prices putting the squeeze on us?

My Inspired Life

My inspired life...I find that there are so many things that inspire me...the sun, the moon, an unsolicited smile, giggles, birdsong, creative design...

I think most anything can inspire me. What inspires you? When inspired, what do you tend to do? How does inspiration find it's way in you...through you?