Daniel's Gloves...author unknown to me...in honor of 'Larry'.

Daniel's Gloves

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.
We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me:
'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.'

Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.

I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.

'Looking for the pastor?' I asked. 'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.' 'Have you eaten today?''Oh, I ate something early this morning.' 'Would you like to have lunch with me?' 'Do you have some work I could do for you?' 'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.' 'Sure,' he replied with a smile.

As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?' 'St. Louis' 'Where you from?' 'Oh, all over; mostly Florida 'How long you been walking?' 'Fourteen years,' came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'

Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona... He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God 'Nothing's been the same since,' he said,

'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.' 'Ever think of stopping?' I asked. 'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles
That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.'

I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?' 'What?' 'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?' 'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.'

My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.'

I felt as if we were on holy ground. 'Could you use another Bible?' I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite.. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said. 'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.

'Where are you headed from here?' I asked. 'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.' 'Are you hoping to hire on there for a while?' 'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.'

He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things. 'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked... 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.'

I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.' 'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.' 'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!' 'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked. A long time,' he replied

And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.' 'I'll be there!' was my reply.

He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' 'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.'

'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.

Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office.. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New
Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...

'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'

Cardinal watch

Today, from our comfy couch in the sunroom, my husband announced, "hey, there's a cardinal". Sure enough, a crimson cardinal was just beyond reach, sitting pretty on the tree limb in front of us. It is my goal to have cardinals and blue birds come pay our feeders a visit on a regular basis. We've seen each kind here and there, but they would not be considered regular diners by any stretch of the imagination.

Blue birds remind me of my Grandma Grace. Cardinals, my Aunt Kay. Both are gone now, but I don't think there's a week that goes by, that they don't meet me in my memories. Something happens or someone says something and I remember.

Today, I'm reminded of my Aunt Kay. She was my mom's younger sister and the first of the 'siblings' to pass away. Kay was committed to her church and the children that went there in her early years. I was blessed to be on of them. She inspired in me my faith.

Aunt Kay loved birds and the feeding of them. From her living room window, she could see the birds flitter and dance around the feeders, enjoying and appreciating the bounty provided them. Of those, there were cardinals.

When Aunt Kay got sick, she asked my husband and I if we'd raise her son, should anything happen to her. She had already lost her husband, so finding someone to care for her son was important to her. We, of course, said 'yes'. And, it came to be.

Knowing that what we took on was going to be a daunting task...for many reasons, but we moved forward, just as she would have done. Saying 'yes' and having it become a reality are two very different things. It was a very difficult time...especially for her son.

A couple of days after her funeral, my husband and I were sitting on the front porch having a cup of coffee. There, amongst the flowers and weeds, came to cardinals. They landed, looked and flew away. I looked at Steve and he looked at me. I could not believe it. Never before had we had cardinals...NEVER! And, we never had them again, at that place, that I witnessed. I found such comfort in that one instance. That one event. It was like she was telling me it was going to be okay. COMFORT in an overwhelming moment. It meant the world to me.

Who inspires you? With their words, their grace, their presence in your life. Is it a touch, a smile, a wink? I have found, it's in the subtle moments, the life lived, the word said unknowingly, that has inspired me...my life more than anything. Be inspired, be an inspiration, be someone's CARDINAL in life.

I need inspiration today!

Last evening, on my way to the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors annual banquet, I thought to myself: ROADTRIP! Thinking on this for a minute, pondering just where I'd like to go, it came to me...Gilbert, Iowa and JB Knacker specifically.

Acting on this energizing thought, I phoned (actually, being hip, like I am, I texted her) my soul~sister, Jill. Want to take a road trip to Gilbert tomorrow? I barely had the text sent and I had a reply~a resounding YES!

If you've not been to JB Knacker's in Gilbert, you're missing something. And, that something is a creative, exuberant shop filled with one-of-a-kind goodies...and by goodies, I mean, home decor...not the edible kind. Food for the soul, eye candy, home decorating inspiration.

Two years ago, I, and Jill, and her friend, Andi, ventured to the Junk Bonanza in Minnesota. Oh My Gosh...talk about creativity, energy, exuberancy...it was here. I vowed, with that visit, that someday I would be a vendor at the Junk Bonanza. I'm happy to say that I took that step and have signed up to be a vendor at this year's show...Sept. 17th, 18th and 19th. Keep it here, as I let you know of my progress...shopping, remaking, restoring, revamping, letting my creative energy do it's thing. I'm sooooo absolutely excited to be doing this...hope I'm accepted to this juried show.

The sun is shining although it's very cold today. The sun just makes all the difference though. I hope you get out and enjoy this beautiful crisp day...and get inspired by all the beauty that surrounds you...and be an inspiration to another.

Frosty, frigid morning...awww the days are getting longer, though

Good day...thanks for stopping by my blog. As you can see, it's been a very, very long time since I've posted anything. I'm going to try and do better with this. A

As I sit here, contemplating the work day, I'm listening to bits and pieces of the news...including the weather forecast. It's a cold one out there and I'm so grateful to have a warm home. How did the early settlers or Native Americans handle this kind of weather? I'm inpsired by their ingenuity, their strength, wisdom and ability to overcome so many obstacles and hardships. Amazing when you really think about it.

We rented the movie, The Proposal, last evening and I just love Sandra Bullock. She's such a great actress. It's nice to be able to sit down with your family and watch a show without getting embarrased or uncomfortable because of language or inappropriate content. I highly recommend it. AND, the setting...Alaska and the home featured in the movie are phenominal. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape, Inspired by the warm and cozy home, Inspired to create my own 'Alaska'.

Today, as the new year quickly makes it's way into the future, I'm excited about what this year will bring. 'Optimistic' is a word that I keep hearing and I find myself using it quite regularly, as well. There is just something in the air. An upbeat, 'can do' attitude. A fresh approach to how people are looking at their life, their world. I'm glad I'm part of that group...

What inspires you? What is it that makes your heart skip a beat, gets you excited about living, dreaming, being? In this new year, I hope you find what it is that makes your heart sing, makes getting up and getting going worth your effort, keeps you going and dreaming and living...what inspires you?

Going GREEN has been HIP all along

The View From My Front Porch
October 2009
Beth Voltmer, New Virginia, Iowa

My husband and I recently purchased a property for a rental and a part of the terms were that we’d take care of clearing out the personal property that the seller’s (two brother’s selling their father’s place) did not want. Since ‘digging for treasures’ is my thing, I thought to myself, I’m up for this. What I discovered was, recycling, reusing, repurposing…it’s been hip and here all along.

When the Tri-corner had an announcement regarding a fall garage sale in town, I decided I should probably participate…it was time to get things sorted and cleaned out. I would just combine the project with items from home and from the little place we purchased.

Having already sorted, thrown away and cleared items from the home on the property, it was time to tackle the garage. I had an absolute ball! Truly, one man’s junk is another’s treasure. What the sellers left behind, ended up being an adventure for me. The two sons told us that their dad loved to go to auctions and if a box of something wouldn’t get a bid, the auctioneer would just sell it to their father for .50 cents.

I started at ‘one’ workbench. I say ‘one’ because there were several. I unearthed can after can of nails, screws, bolts, tacks…you name it, I found it…I just didn’t always know what it was, that I had found. Empty cans, jars, and box after empty box, just waiting and ready for whatever the homeowner needed it for. I thought to myself…he must have spent hours upon hours out in the garage just tinkering. Tinkering…I’ve decided, is a good thing and something I need to do more of.

Tinkering…I like the word and all it entails: mindless sorting, effortless organizing, fixing, dabbling, repairing and best of all…puttering. Puttering…another good word. As I went about puttering around, I pictured the homeowner in his bib overalls or worn denim jacket (they, too, were in the corner of the garage), just picking up and putting down. Fixin’, patching, repairing and replacing. Just tinkering…puttering, with only your thoughts to get in the way.

Coming from an auction, unloading his pickup truck of treasures, must have given him the same pleasure as this was giving me. Wondering what something had been used for, what an item was and ‘why’ someone would even have it, let alone keep it. Maybe thinking of a way to ‘repurpose’ an item or two. A treasure here and a treasure there…but mostly, just stuff…or maybe even ‘junk’. BUT…one man’s junk…”

My son was helping one afternoon, readying the garage and the items in it that I would be selling. He said to me, “Mom, you do realize, this is just junk, don’t you?” I whipped around and said to him,” this is what I do, this is what I like…” he then said to me, “well, I’m the one going to have to go through it all and clean it out when you’re gone.” A little while later, as we were clearing out a corner, I turned to see him checking out some kind of metal thingy. He turned it right, he turned it left…I saw the look in his eye. When he realized that I had seen him put it with the items he was storing in the garage, all he could do was grin, he’d been caught! Again, I say…another man’s junk…” I clearly would have thrown that metal thingy away!

As the garage sale unfolded and I was visiting with shoppers, a young man came by. He and I were talking about all the stuff I’d found. He reminisced about his grandpa having the same kind of stuff…jars and can after can of nails and screws. He mentioned his grandma had saved every plastic butter dish she’d ever purchased. He found them in the basement one time, while searching for something else. He said, it’s not that it’s messy or anything, they are nicely stored and she knew where they were. He just didn’t know why a person would keep them.

This got me to thinking…AGAIN. There is something to be learned from this. This generation LIVED green. They didn’t throw things away, as it would be useful another time for another purpose. Or NOT. They were raised during a much different time. A time of “waste not, want not”. And so it was, and so here we are…becoming mindful of reusing, repurposing, restyling, re…re…re! Re-learning to live in a greener way…being green is hip…and it turns out, it always has been. So, my dear son, I’ve told you all along I’m pretty hip, and this just proves it!

And this folks, is the view from my front porch.
Beth Voltmer lives on a farm in rural New Virginia

Jack Mack has inspired me!

The View from My Front Porch March 15, 2009/Jack Mack

The rain was coming down…lightning lit up the sky. An early spring rain. Coming home from work, Mackenzy ran from the car into the house. Loud and stern, she was telling Callie, our dog, to stay out…she was covered top to bottom with mud and was wet from end to end. Why she wasn’t under the protection of her dog house, I don’t know. Progressively getting louder, Mackenzy’s screams brought us to our feet. We ran from the sunroom upstairs to see what was going on.

As Steve entered the living room, he exclaimed, “it’s a little dog!” Upon entering the kitchen, after flying down the stairs, I saw my daughter, Mackenzy, on top of the kitchen island. Petrified, she didn’t know what had ran into the house as she was making every effort to get Callie back out.

This is how Jack Mack (named by us) came to live with us. Where he came from, one only knows. How he came to our place is anyone’s guess. A most jovial dog, he has made a home right in our hearts. This, alone, is an amazing feat for me.

You see, dogs and cats just really aren’t my thing. This wasn’t always so. When I was little, I had a cat named, Cartoon. We’ve had pets all my life, but, I prefer them outside to inside. I love having Callie around and I’ve even gotten soft with her, letting her in the house on cold winter evenings. She’s old enough now that she’s easy to have in the house. Not exploring all over the place, wanting to be petted and licking your face. She’s mellowed out, so to speak…my kind of dog. She’s mellowed, and I’ve softened. It must be an ‘age’ thing.

So, this little Jack Mack has been chipping away at my heart, much like my nephew, Camden, suggested to me he does. He is endearing, he minds well, although he has had a few accidents, has a really cute face and whines when my husband leaves to go to work or outside. I’ve gone so far as to let him climb up on the furniture and nap with me on the bed. This is really something for me. What is it about this little dog, Jack Mack?

Knowing he’s really not ours, we’ve taken over the role of care-takers until we find out who he belongs to. I’ve asked around town, checked for ‘lost dog’ signs in the local bank, post office and gas station. Who could he possibly belong to? Why isn’t someone looking for him? Our place would not be the easiest one to find and go hang out at. A trip to the store to get a few things for the dog, has provided food, treats, breath and teeth cleaning ‘bones’, a collar and a leash, and a little stuffed pig that squeaks.

We took Jack Mack with us to go visit my sister and her family (another milestone for me). We were talking about all of my efforts to track down the dog’s owner. I said, “I just can’t figure out why no one has put up a lost dog sign?” My nephew, Riley, said, “Maybe they don’t have a computer” Now, if that isn’t a sign of the times, then I don’t know what is. As soon as he said it, we all giggled…and offered this to him, “they could do it the old fashioned way with markers and paper”. Now that I think about this, maybe I need to go online to the ‘lost and found’ and see if anyone has posted anything on the newspaper websites. I guess it’s a bit old fashioned to look in the newspaper, after all!

Jack Mack has a place with us, if that’s the way it turns out. I firmly believe that things happen for a reason. That’s the only reasoning I can give for this…a couple of days after Jack Mack came to our house, I picked up my husband’s copy of the Progressive Farmer magazine (not a regular read of mine) As I always do, I flip to the very last page of a magazine to read the article found there. The page was filled with little antidotes. The first one I read was this, “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don’t even know we have.” Thom Jones. Now, what kind of an explanation could you give for that? I’ll leave you with that thought. And this folks is the view from my front porch.

Beth Voltmer lives on a farm in rural New Virginia.

November 11, 2008 The ultrasound

The View From My Front Porch
December 2008

It was such a special day for us…so much anticipation. So much excitement! And, it all started back in August. Just passing the day in the usual way, I picked up the ringing phone and heard this on the other line, “Mom, how do you feel about being a grandma?” I replied, “Do I have a choice?” and we both laughed. Then I said, “what are you telling me?” “Alisha’s pregnant!” Tanner exclaimed.

The questions didn’t really come at me too fast. I just sat their taking the news in. How did I really feel about this? No great emotions…that I recall. Maybe a little giddy, as the news sank in. Then, as I came to my senses, so did the questions. When? How far along is she? I handed the phone to Steve…absolute happiness could be seen on his face. I sat there with a smile on my face wondering: Is she far enough along to find out the sex of the baby? Do I really want to know? Yes, No, Yes, No! and, then finally, YES!

We hung up the phone after telling Tanner we wouldn’t tell anyone. We wanted him to be the one to call his sister’s and grandparent’s, with the big news. This was good news…really good news.

The day that was filled with so much anticipation and so much excitement was November 11th, 2008. Courtney, my oldest, and I, were included in the ultrasound appointment…this was the big one. We, along with Tanner, Alisha (of course) and Alisha’s five year old son, Kobe, and her mom, anxiously awaited the nurse’s coming. Let’s get this show on the road, I kept thinking. Patience would not be one of my virtues!

Tha…thump! Tha…thump! Tha…thump! There it was, the heart beat…good and strong! Oh, and there was the hand…an arm, it’s nose, tha…thump, tha…thump, tha…thump. And the heart beat, some more. Instantly, I loved this little thing. Tha…thump, tha…thump, tha…thump, went my heart. In unison…we were bonded together, each of us, by this one little baby in the safe cocoon of its mother’s tummy.

From my vantage point in the corner, I was able to see the face of my first born, as she watched her first niece or nephew on the ultrasound. I got to see Tanner’s face, up close and personal, and I wondered what he was thinking. Tha…thump, tha…thump, tha…thump. I was sure I knew what he was feeling.

On this same day, November 11, 2008, Courtney was celebrating her 30th birthday. Tanner was concerned that his baby was healthy, I enjoyed watching my children witness such a neat event and we all found out that Courtney would be an aunt to a niece, Tanner would be a daddy to a baby girl, and I would become a grandmother of my very first granddaughter.

Tha…thump, tha…thump, tha…thump. My heart beat, is her daddy’s heartbeat, and her daddy’s heartbeat is hers…and the love continues one heart beat at a time... Tha…thump, tha…thump, tha…thump!

And this folks, is the view from my front porch
Beth Voltmer lives on a farm in rural New Virginia

I just finished reading my youngest daughter, Mackenzy's Ethnic Autobiography and am inspired by her last paragraph:

"One other very interesting thing that I have learned just from doing my research for this paper is just how mixed I really am. When I look at all of my ancestors from all sides of my family, I am part German, Italian, Swiss, Swede, English and French. This just supports my thought that for as discriminating and manipulative as Americans can be of other races or ethnicities, we are probably the most mixed group of people in the world. We have no right to shun someone for their color or beliefs because we are the mutts of the world; we have every type of blood running through our system, and I stongly believe that inthe end we are all intertwined with one another at some point in our family's history. I may not be an African American or Latin American on the outside, but I could very possibly be on the inside. Most of the sterotypes and beliefs we have come mainly from two things, one being parents and family, and the other being the media and society. I come from a family that does not discriminate against anyone, whether we believe in the same things or not. I also know that some of my ancestors had beliefs that were probably very racist and demoralizing, but I think as new generations form and society evolves and becomes more accepting of everyone, the younger generations become more tolerant and understanding of the people around them. I think that as a younger generation, we understand who was wronged in the past and are more willing to make peace with the situation because there will be no way to survive ourselves if we cannont unite together." Mackenzy Voltmer

What a wonderful thing, to see your child's viewpoint in print. For me, her openness and ability to see so deeply is inspiring...who could ask for anything more?

From starkness comes light

I'm in the sunroom. It's a cold, blustery day. One would think we're at the beginning of the short days of winter, instead of the longer-each-day ones of the springtime. It'll be here sooner, rather than later.

Inspired by the intermittent rays of sunshine...the room warms, it cools off...and so our days go. Shadows of bent and frozen tree limbs dance across the furniture and floor boards. Soon, these lackluster appendages will give way to green leaves and the shadows will take on a whole new quality. I'll welcome the shade from the trees from the sweltering heat...heat that is longed for now. This, too, will change!

As the ground warms, I'll be in search mode for the first inspiring signs of spring. We've seen a robin or two...surpising us in a most splendid way. Removing old leaves, a piece of paper that has gotten away and rested in this quiet spot, I search for the green tip of the first tulip, daffodil or hyacinth. They too, are inspired by the suns warmth and come to life.

Spring and all it inspires in me is a welcomed friend...what once was old is new again. What left us in death will reemerge with life...and the circle continues, one inspiring ray of sunshine at a time.

Creative Inspiration

Wow! Two friends and I took a road trip to Minnesota this weekend to take in the JunkBonanza event in Medina. WHAT A FUN TIME!!!

Talk about inspiration...around every turn, in each booth, in the car...the motel room...it was all around us.

My friends...well, I've found my 'soul sisters'...magazine junkies, junk junkies, decoration junkies...we are so much alike. We even had to walk away from an item we wanted, because the other wanted to purchase it.

Colors of fall filled the space...orange, rust, yellow, brown...oh, how I love this time of year. The cooler temps and crisp morning air...invigorating! I'm always inspired to redecorate my home, clear the flower beds and garden, trade out the summer wreaths with the fall ones. Out come the heavier throws and window treatments. There was plenty of accessories and decorative decor to inspire...to fill in with what I already have and to freshen what's older and tired...time to refresh and renew.

My getway with my 'soul sisters' was fun-filled. Laughter followed us everywhere. Having someone to run a purchase by, someone to verify a color, talk us out of a 'poor' purchase...that was all part of the weekend.

Happiness found me as I dropped each of them, with their haul, at their homes. Taking each item out of the car brought back fun memories of when and where the purchase was made.

I was anxious to get home...so close, yet so far away. I couldn't wait to share my purchases with my hubby. I picked out a few things for my office. A few things for home.

My inspired life...filled with friends. Soul Sisters...those who share the same interests, the love of the same things, or at least the appreciation and acceptance of the things we love. The same temperment, the same humor, so many things that are alike.

What inspires you at this time of year? Do you have a soul sister?

Teachers who inspire...

Inspiration comes in all forms and I believe we all have the opportunity to inspire someone else through our positive contributions in life.

I can't think of any career that would offer more opportunity, though, than a teacher. How rewarding it must be to inspire the love of reading, writing, the arts, history, etc. I think back lovingly to the teachers that meant the most to me in my formative years.

As I reflect back on those in my past that have had the most influence on me in my education-both in the classroom and as a person. I think about my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Voss. I remember him calling my mom and me in one afternoon to discuss the possibility of me 'going down the wrong road'. Seems I started taking an interest in a different set of friends...he cared enough to mention something to me...and to my mom. I'm forever grateful. An excellent teacher! He inspired me to look at my life, what I want from it and where I want to go in life...

Mrs. Lemon...picture this...Mrs. Lemon was coordinated from head to toe. The earrings matched the broach, the broach matched the bracelet, which matched the dress, which matched the shoes...and she was as round as a lemon, too. BUT, she never sent us home with homework. She said, your parents don't come home and do 'their job' work, and I don't believe children should either. Now, if we didn't get it done in class, because of daydreaming or goofing off, (a.k.a talking) then that was another story. We were responsible for ourselves. I have always remembered her philosophy on that for some reason. Inspiration came in the form of 'taking responsibility' for yourself and what was put in front of you.

Mrs. Davidson...she was my 6th grade science teacher and she was great...really made science exciting. One night, we all got to come back to the school to watch meteors in the sky...She sat up several telescopes and we just had the greatest time. It was in her class, too, that I got to work in a dark room. I often think of that when I'm taking photos now. There are others, too. Mr. Dirksen who introduced me to writing and Mr. Wilkinson who brought world history to life for me.

Inspire someone today...to create, to learn, to take the initiative, to stand up for what's right...INSPIRE!

Time flies...of course, we're having fun!

I can't believe that summer is almost over and fall will be here before we know it. Fall inspires me. The cooler temps are invigorating. The fresh apples induce the interest in baking. Pumkins, gourds and corn stalk bunches encourage a room redo.

We went to the Iowa State Fair twice. Talk about inspiring! As I meandered through the fabric and threads exhibits, I stood in awe of the tremendous talent, creativity and beauty of all the entries.

I realized just how much I've missed sewing...something I used to do quite frequently. If I could make a clearing to my machine, I might take it up again (ha, ha)

On display, the granduer of the Budweiser Belgians was amazing. Stately and big...they are truly a wonder.

Have you visited the state fair...Iowa's or your own states? Tell me about it...what's your favorite thing about the fair?

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?