Treasures

 

These are my new fuzzy socks, aren't they wonderful?  I've grown quite fond of fuzzy socks, they make my feet feel so cozy in the winter time.  We have hardwood and tile floors in the house, and sometimes they're not so warm.   They were given to me by my work Secret Santa...obviously they know me!  LOL   I've always had a Can Do attitude and Believe that nothing or no one can stop me....except me.  I have Girl Power, I am Strong, I am Confident, I AM Powerful!

With the Christmas holiday in full force, it's always good to remember the Christmas rules.   I saw this on Facebook and couldn't help but save and repost it here.  My perso!  nal favorite....#3.  I've been doing really good on my eating....obviously as there are still baked goods still chilling out in that garage.  However, I'm on my 2nd batch of chocolate chip cookies because somebody (named Tom) ate the first 6 dozen in a week and a half!   We had a discussion and he assured me that he would leave this 2nd batch alone. 

It' OK though.  He deserves a few extra cookies.  He had some excitement last Monday.  He walked in on burglers at the farm house.  Without going in to a lot of details, T was incredibly lucky that he was not harmed in any way.  My heart went to my toes when he called me and told me the news.  The culprits were caught largely due to T and his insane heroics!  (He chased them down, with the aid of a neighbor). 

I had friends over on Saturday for some drinks, good food, conversation and friendship.  I'm incredibly lucky to have great friends in my circle.  After the holidays I want to do something more for a wider circle of friends...maybe an open house of some type.  Maybe for Valentines?   I want to celebrate women, our strength, and our sisterhood.  

Soooo, getting back to #3.  I have 5 days to eat and excercise "good"....cuz come the 21st - 25th, all bets are off!   lol

Love Can Be Found in the Kitchen

This is my mother's recipe box.  It's filled with love - all the recipes that she accumulated in her life time.  Her treasured "go to" recipes for the delicious meals and morsels of goodness that she placed on the supper table  every day, every week, month and year.   As I read them, I smiled.   They're in my mother's handwriting....a lasting memory of her...Bernice.  

You could tell the ones that were her favorite for they are the most worn and stained.  I knew these dishes for I ate them often; the hamburger hot dish (top L) was a weekly staple at our house.  To this day it is a favorite of mine, although assuredly it does not taste "like Mom's".  

The molasses crinkles were cookies that Mom made only around the holidays; they were Dad's favorites, and my  Grandmother Jongewaard's too.  I never much cared for them as a child, but I'd give anything for a batch of Mom's right now.  

I pulled out a few cards that had notes on them; "Good" or  "Double Batch", "Use more Salt" or "Mom's" (referring to my Mom's Mom).  

Mom  loved to cook....or maybe she didn't?  I don't know, exactly as I never asked her.  It was just something she did for her family - and she did it very well.  If you went away hungry after eating at our table, it was your own fault.

She did tell me once that she learned to cook from my  paternal Grandmother - Blanche.  Grandma and Mom would cook for the thrashing crews at harvest time.  They'd put out elaborate breakfasts the Dad and Grandpa Schulz as well as the hired hands and neighbors.  As soon as they were done and in the field, Mom and Grandma would do the dishes and set to making lunch for the noon meal.  Can you image it in a time where everything was made from scratch and limited cooking appliances?  I can't.  I can barely pull off a Thanksgiving feast.

Mom would bake every Thursday so that she'd have treats in the cupboards for any visitors that may grace our doorstep on Sunday.   That's what people did on Sundays; they'd go for Sunday drives in the afternoon, check on crops and go visit neighbors.   We always had Sunday visitors; Art Sperger would generally  stop a few Sundays a month.  I remember him because he always had a quarter for me and Mom would always have chocolate cake or a cookie for him.  Art was a bachelor (one of three bachelor brothers) that  would do anything for my Dad, as my Dad did for them.  Then there was Uncle Bobby - who actually was my grandfather's hired man - who was sweet on my Aunt Delores (Nannie) and married her.  He liked my Dad and would come around on Sundays for a cup of coffee and shoot the breeze  with Dad.  He liked my Mom's baking powder biscuits, said they reminded him of home (he was from Mississippi).   It wasn't lost on me that both Art and Uncle Bobby had birthdays within days of mine and my brothers.  :)

Everything Mom made was made with love....she was the epitome of Love.   I miss her terribly, especially this time of year.  Her apron dusted with flour, the counter tops filled with Angel food cakes resting on top of Coke bottles to cool, rosettes cooling on the counter  and Mom laughing  in the kitchen over something that Dad said as he tried to sneak a  a fried potato from the frying pan as Mom was making supper.

Life was simpler, life was easier, life was treasured....Love was found in my  Mother's kitchen.

Christmas Baking 101

I scoured my mother's recipes, sorted through some of my own, scrolled through Pinterest and came up with the winning list of tasty treats that  were going to grace my holiday baking list.

It was an ambitious list.  My sister Peggy's chocolate chip cookies (with pudding in the mix), cinnamon candied pecans, caramel puff corn, peanut butter blossoms, double chewy bars (new), salted chocolate pretzel bark (new), and peanut butter delight bars (new), praline Chex mix (new).

Rules to successful Christmas Baking

1.  don't be ambitious with the list.
2. when trying new recipes for the first time, do not multitask and make two at the same time.  Invariably you'll forget an ingredient one recipe or double up on an ingredient in the other.
3. remember to set the timer and make sure the temperature on the oven matches the one listed in the recipe.  
4. measure the ingredients correctly.  Don't mistake 1 tsp for 1 tablespoon, or vice versa.
5. Baking powder is not  the same as baking soda
6. referring back to #3, remember to take baking item out of the oven when the timer goes off, not 15 minutes later
7. open windows to let the smoke out of the kitchen
8. open wine bottle, pour a glass.
9. scrape charred remnants of recipe in to garbage, set pan to soak.
10. pour another glass of wine
11. remember that caramel is hot and can burn fingers
12. find Band-Aid in medicine cabinet for blister on finger
13. pour another glass of wine
14. assure yourself that even though the final product looks nothing like the pictures, it will still be edible (hopefully).
15. finish off wine 

Weekend Update

So here I sit, in my recliner, watching Hallmark Christmas movies.   I've never been one to watch these types of movies;  I always found them sappy and predictable.  But it seems that I've grown quite found of them last year and have continued this year.   The world is full of strife and trials....if you can find a little bit of uplifting joy, you take it.  

Once again, I was involved in building the JRCC float for the Holiday Dazzle Parade, which was held Friday night.   It was slow going this year with minimal help, but we pulled it together in the 11th hour and somehow managed to win an award, Outstanding Amateur Built.   This is the 5th year we've managed to pull off a win.  The weather cooperated with us as we walked the parade route as it was a balmy 25 degrees.  It was definitely a great time and we're already making plans for next years float.

Today I cleaned a bit, went to the gym, put a big crockpot of venison stew on to cook and decorated for Christmas.  I don't do a lot; I don't even put up a tree - I haven't for years. But I do pull out a few treasured ornaments that were Mom and Dad's or that were gifted to me throughout the years.  Memories were in abundance today, for sure.

I'm going to try and do some holiday baking this year, which I haven't done for a while.  I don't need to have a lot on hand otherwise I'll eat it all.  But I thought I'd make some trays up and take them in to work for the shifts to enjoy - maybe even keep one for some holiday get togethers I plan on having.  Pretty sure there is a game night or movie night in the future!

Stay tuned for future weekend updates. :)

A Time for Gratitude

Today is Thanksgiving.  In truth, this is my favorite holiday.  Some of my fondest memories are of this holiday. From  Mom cooking in the kitchen (the smells, the sounds, the warmth and coziness of the house), my sisters and brothers coming home to the feast, dad carving the turkey and cutting in the pumpkin pie and getting scolded by Mom.  The laughter, smiles and hugs....Family.

It's such a wonderful time for families to come together and count their blessings.

This is quiet Thanksgiving for T and I this year; it's just the two of us.  We had a slight difference of opinion on the turkey.  I bought a turkey breast for us to enjoy, but T wanted dark meat so he went and found a 6 lb turkey for us to enjoy.  

He told me had the pumpkin pie covered too.  Cool!  I thought he ordered it from Perkins. Nope.  He had told his friend Mike to have his wife bake us a pumpkin pie in exchange for T giving Mike a box of shotgun shells.   A win for Mike and T, but poor Linda got stuck making us a pie. For the record, I was mortified that T would be so bold as to ask to have the pie made for us.  Secretly, I'm like "All right1" LOL

Last night I had a great phone call with my niece Karen and my sister, Peggy.  In the past three years, Peggy has invited us to her table to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Beckman family.  However, this year she is in Minneapolis with her daughters Karen (Dave) and Joan (Matt and Iris).   How wonderful to have both daughters in the same city again.   Peggy was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is in Minneapolis due to having just had surgery.  Although cancer is not something to be grateful for, everything does happen for a reason.  Her daughter, Joan, is a Hematologist/Oncologist for the University of Minnesota.  How grateful we all are that she is home and able to help her mother navigate through this health event.  And how comforting to know that she is staying with Karen (Dave) and being taken care of.

As Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and family, I wanted my siblings to know that I was thinking of them and to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. I called each one of my siblings this morning; each were busy preparing for their respective gatherings with family, as it should be.

So while I'm waiting for the turkey to cook, I am reflecting on my gratitude.  I'm thankful for Tom, my loving family, truly amazing friends, the gift of life and health and the abundance in which the good Lord has allowed us to enjoy.  

May you all  treasure this day;  reliving  memories of Thanksgivings past, and making  new memories for the future.

With Love and Gratitude,

~Sherry~

I'm Still Standing!

Hello Blog Stalkers!   

Can you believe it?  It's been three months since my last blog post!  That can only mean one of two things.....I either fell of the face of the earth OR I was busy living life this summer.   Since I'm writing this post, it must mean that the later is the winner.

I know I did a lot of things this summer but as I'm writing this, I cannot remember every single thing that I've done.  

I do know that I spent a lot of time in my back yard this summer.  I planted a lot of flowers and found great joy in taking care of them and enjoying them every evening and weekend.  I never thought I'd be a flower gardener, but my mother lives on in me.   They're coming to the end of their life however, and I'll be dismantling the pots within the next couple of weeks.  T bought me a propane outdoor fireplace around the 4th of July, so many of the summer Saturday nights were spent outside, toes cozied up to the fire, drinking wine and fighting off the mosquitoes!

Probably one of the biggest highlights of my summer was meeting my new grand niece, Iris Grace Larson.she came to Jamestown, along with her parents, for her baptism and a meet-and greet with family and friends.   I knew I loved her when she was born, but I absolutely fell in love with her when I held her in my arms for the first time.  She's so mild-mannered, observant and trusting....dare I say, an old soul.   She was passed from person to person and didn't so much as whimper.  She'd simply look up to see her then go back to occupying her time with the fingers or toes.   That little girl will be the granddaughter I won't have of my own.   So, to Joan and my sister Peggy...thank you for sharing her with me!

Another highlight of the summer was taking in a Journey concert with my nephew Blaine, his girlfriend Erika and my friend, Donna.   We had a most fabulous time and there will be NOTHING that will ever compare to sitting alongside Blaine, belting out Don't Stop Believing!  My heart was full in that moment!

I'd like to say that I spent a lot of time on my bike, making those miles towards my 500 mile goal.   Sadly, I fell off the bike - figuratively.  I'm not sure what happened.   Life?   There was a lot of it being lived...and I'm afraid that I fell 200 miles short of my goal.  I gave myself to the end of October, so there is still time.  However, with the nights getting longer, I don't perceive a lot of riding after work.  It is what it is.  I still road more than most people, and I'm content with that.  There is always next year!

T and I took a vacation this year.  We went to East Glacier Park, Montana the last week of August.  Four years ago I fell in love with the Grand Tetons and Jackson, WY.   The minute I saw the majestic mountains of EGP, the Tetons paled in comparison.  We spent 4 awesome days exploring and taking lake boat rides.   I would have loved to have spent more time and gone to the West side, but due to the wild fires raging in that area, it was closed off to the public.  Next time.

I'm renewed my efforts at the gym and joined a 3 month strength challenge (i.e. weight lifting).  One week down and 11 more to go.  However, I fear that I may need to bow out of the challenge due to a left shoulder injury.   I have no clue what I did, but about a month ago it was so painful that I went to the walking clinic.  The doctor diagnosed bicep tendonopathy and prescribed stretches, ice/heat and anti-inflammatory.  It hasn't gotten better, so I start physical therapy on Wednesday.   My massage therapist says that I'm also developing frozen-shoulder, much to my dismay.  It takes a lot to knock me down, so I'm NOT going to let this hold me back.  I still exercise but modify for my shoulder if it gets too painful.   I'll fight through it, just like I do everything else in life.  

September 9th I turned 56 years old.   T gave me flowers on Saturday and my sister invited T and I up for supper on Sunday (my birthday), along with my brother Terry and his wife (his birthday was on Saturday).   It was a great day.  As you already know, I refuse to let age define me.  I'm still living life on my terms...bum shoulder and all!  :)

Work....is work.  I have 10 years before I can retire.  LOL   While I'm grateful for the job, and I love what I do, I will not let work be all consuming.   I put in a honest day's work for an honest day's pay.  Do I agree with everything that is happening with the DOCR?  No, I do not.  But it is my job to work with the changes being implemented.  I hold my own beliefs and share them with those that I absolutely trust.  

As Autumn is making itself known with shorter days and longer nights, I can't say that I'm sad.  While I don't like the next season (winter), I am enjoying the sense of "downshifting" and giving myself permission to be in my recliner, in sweatpants, chilling.    I am making a list of projects that I want to achieve in the house this winter.  If I get to them, great...if not, I'm not going to be distressed.  I'll get to them eventually.  

For now, I'm living life on my times....with hubs, great family and close friends.  Nothing else matters.

Until next time...

Sherry

Father's Day 2018

What a beautifully relaxing day today.  I slept in for a change, enjoyed some coffee then struck out for the gym and had a  fabulous cardio workout.  It was very much needed.   Since closing my studio a month ago, I've managed to gain 4 lbs.  I'm not a vain person at all, but with the history of diabetes and heart disease in my family, I do try and keep on top of my health.  It is quite easy for 4 lbs to turn in to 10 rather quickly.

Laundry and grocery shopping were on the agenda today.  Oh, and I watched a movie (thriller), Shut In, with Naomi Watts.  It was quite good and held me spellbound between trips downstairs to the laundry room.  

As you can guess, we don't have children so there was no Father's Day celebration in our home.   But that didn't stop me from remembering my own father.  He's forever in my heart and on my mind.   I feel his presence with me each and every moment of my life.  I'm forever grateful for my parents and the presence they had - still have - in my life.  I miss them terribly.

It is hard to believe that we're already past the middle of June.  Someone had the audacity to state that there's only 6 months to Christmas!  Shut Your Mouth!   Summer is so fleeting as it is without being reminded that we're already 1/2 way through year.   I, for one, am going to cram as much in to the summer as possible.  I've said it before, but I'll reiterate:  Sun, books, wine, and plenty of family and friends.  

I've been doing well with riding my bike and even put my 500 mile goal up on the board at the gym....if it's in writing, it's going to happen.  

I sound like a broken record....gym, bike, gym, bike LOL   I DO have a life outside of the gym and riding bike.    I think. :)    Serious, I do.   Last night we went out to supper with my sister and her beau, which ended up at our house for more drinks and conversation.  Peggy is going to have a busy month ahead of her as her oldest daughter is moving back to MN and starts her new position at the U of Minnesota as Hematologist/Oncologist.  Peggy turns 70 in July as well.  So there is a "meet and greet" for the family to meet little Miss Iris Grace (my new great niece) and to also celebrate Peggy's birthday.  It should be an amazing time.    But...before then, it's the Stutsman County Fair in two weeks.  I'm So excited!   I've written about the Fair on my blog before.  I'm just like a little kid....I can't wait!  I'm already planning which activities I'm going to enjoy with friends, Blaine (Johnny Holm Band - a Fair Icon) and with T.   Stay tuned, cuz I'm sure there will be more on this to come.

Since my last post was about music and I shared a song that I liked, I'm going to continue the theme and share another song that I heard on my fav. station, Mix93.3 (Jamestown).    I love new music and this one absolutely reached out and grabbed me.  Enjoy

Beyond by Leon Bridges

Soul Therapy

I went on a 15 mile bike ride this morning. Although it was extremely windy, I pushed through it (and the gears) and had a good ride.  It's always good to ride - a way to clear my head - or as I call it, soul therapy.

I can't say that I accomplished much this weekend, which is probably alright.  I find it difficult to give myself permission to chill out and enjoy some down time.   Other than bike riding, I went to the flower shop and bought some more flowers, which I needed like a hole in the head.  But they are ohhh, soooo pretty.  I definitely take after my mother as she loved gardening.   She planted a large vegetable garden and enjoyed fresh eating as well as canning produce in the fall.   She always saw that her family's needs were met and she loved providing fresh produce for our table.  

Now flowers, that was her joy; she would tend them morning, noon and night.  And I find myself doing the same.   There is something so uplifting about seeing the blooms, the aroma, the delicate petals waving in the breeze, soaking up the sun.  I find myself walking around the house just enjoying the beauty.  It is, in its own way, soul therapy.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the DJ's of my local radio station...Mix93.3.  I listen to music almost 24/7.  This station plays the most amazing music and it's due largely in part to the DJ's and the request line.   It's one of the few live and local stations in the region.  The DJ's are hilarious and always entertaining.   I've always wanted to show appreciation in some way.  This past Wednesday, my day off, I purchased snacks and beverages and delivered them to the station.  They were most appreciative.  To show their appreciation, they gave me a behind the scenes tour of the station and even let me introduce a song live On-Air.  Yes, I selected Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."  It was amazing.  I'm pretty sure that I found my calling if I were ever need to start a 2nd career.  To say that music touches my soul is an understatement.   I connect with the songs, the lyrics move me and speak to me, my soul.  I laugh, I cry, I reflect, I dream, I live.  Music is ....soul therapy.

Whatever You Want

Exhausting WeekEnd

It's Day 3 of a 4 day holiday weekend and I'm mentally and physically exhausted.    Either Tom, myself or both of us have attended 4  funerals and 1 graduation in the last 72 hours.  I'm funeral'd out, to say the least.

Friday and Saturday were not very productive days other than funerals. T and I did the yearly trek down to Ypsilanti to spruce up the graves of my paternal grandparents, Aunt Nanny and Uncle Jr  There wasn't much to do so the main event was having burgers and beers at the Ypsilanti bar.  It was a good time, as always.  This year my sister Peggy couldn't be with us.  My brother Ron, surprised us girls with a memory bear made from clothing of his late wife, Pearl.   He said, "you know, she kind liked you girls.  She was closer to all of you than she was to her own sisters."   I cried.  What a treasure!!   And it will be treasured with all my heart.

 Today started out a rainy day so I got up and busted my ass at the gym.  It felt good.   I did one of the workouts my trainer sent to me this week.  Tomorrow, if it's  raining, I will go to the gym and do another one.  If it's not raining, this girl will be out on the bike.  I have a long ride planned for myself tomorrow and hopefully I get can get out there early before the heat hits. 

I was able to clean house today, detail my car (of it's winter grime), do two loads of laundry, start organizing my office, went to a high school graduation and made chili dogs for supper.  T didn't say much, so I don't know if he liked it.  It wasn't the normal meat and potatoes fare and he was less than enthusiastic, so I'd say that was all the answer I needed.  hahaha  :)

Everything else seems to be going ok.  I'm looking forward to the summer.  I have my stack of books ready to be read, my wine rack is stocked, and I'm officially putting my inside projects on hold until next fall.   It's going to be my summer.  

And another thing....

I admit it....I can be rather slow when it comes to quick witted retorts to the workplace smart ass.   Hard to believe, but it's true. I'm also the last one to get the joke...the last one to laugh and often the one getting laughed at.

But the joke is on everyone else.  Because those of us who come late to the party are actually planning the slow, untimely demise of everyone around us.  We're having heated, verbal arguments with everyone...granted, they're in our head...but we're having them....all the while hurling daggers and brandishing insults about like Hulk Hogan throwing his opponent over the ropes.  Take THAT!

So, while the cat may have our tongue, rest assured we have an arsenal of word weaponry at our disposal....the minute you walk away!  Lol :)

Living Life

I'm one week away from closing down my studio.   I'm going to be sad the day of my last class, and I'll miss all the wonderful people that I've met along the way, but I'm so freaking excited for the extra time that I will have on my plate to Live Life.

I did pick up one extra class at Anytime Fitness on Monday nights - I'll be teaching Pilates at 5:30pm.  But It's ok, because I planned on making Monday nights my extra gym night.  

I've also made the decision to make a goal of riding 500 miles starting May 1st to the end of September.   I know, it's a pretty lofty goal, but one I'm willing to try and tackle.  I think I have it figured out that it'll be 22.5 miles per week.  Now, if I can get the weather to cooperate, I'll hopefully be on attain my goal.  If I don't, well - there's always next year.

And of course, I'm looking forward to being out in the sun, drinking wine on my back patio, reading a book, and just enjoying time to myself.

I'm going to be a little selfish with this next statement...and please forgive me if it offends you in any way...but you're reading my blog...so if it does offend you, you don't need to come back.

I'm living life....my way.   Like me, hate me, judge me, embrace me, you're with me, or you're not...  I really don't care either way.   Just get out of my way...cuz I'm going to be living life.

Judgement

What the heck, people!  When did we get so judgmental of everyone?  We are SO quick to judge and quick to determine that a person is "good" or "bad" based off of today's idiotic set of standards.

You cannot...and SHOULD not judge a book by it's cover.  Open it up, read the story, get to know the characters.  Then, maybe if you have an understanding, form an opinion.   I freaking guarantee that your original judgment may be off base.

And if you think you're so almighty high and proper...guess again.  Someone right now is forming an opinion about you.  Kinda sobering, isn't it....to know that you are being judged with an equally critical eye.

So think before you judge....the person you deem unworthy may be looking at you the same way! #nobodysperfect

Connections

We are, if we are very lucky in life, to have a group of people with whom we have forged tight bonds and friendships.    These bonds - connections - are forged through shared experiences, similarities, and affection.  Trust is earned, and these people have earned our trust.  They know your dirt - and they still like you.  

We are fortunate to have these people as support systems, to help us navigate through the mine field of life.  We call upon them in troubling times to listen, offer advice, to laugh with or to shoot straight from the hip with the "what were you thinking!".    Those of us fortunate enough to have such people in our life, cannot fathom life without them.   

I have many acquaintances in life, but a very VERY tight circle of friends with whom I have this trust, connection.    They are my tribe.   Each has a significant role in my life; each brings with them their own particular strength and wisdom which I need in my life to help me through whatever trials or tribulations I may be experiencing.   

These connections are precious.   They need nurturing; they need tending as much as a farmer tends his crops.   Sporadic contact will not feed these connections; they will starve and fall dead to us.  We must also assume that even the closely tended friendships evolve and change throughout the different stages of life each of us goes through.  I firmly believe that people are brought in to lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.   Some may leave us because their reason or season has served their purpose.   It is the way of life - perpetual change.   But oh, those that stick with us, see us through the muck, day in- day out, they are the lifers...the lifetime friends that you hold on to with both hands and never let go of....no matter what.

You came in to my life when I was searching for my soul,

my darkest hours had me shaken to the core.

Your gentleness, your kindness reaffirmed in me

everything I was, everything I believed,

was something to be treasured,

a me, proud to be.

Your faith in me, your trust

was all I needed to see,

that in you, in us,

our friendship was to be.

A reason, a season,

a lifetime will it be?  

The answer remains to be seen,

You see....it makes no difference,

you're a friend

to me.
~Sherry~
April 15, 2018

Little Trips

T and I had the most marvelous time in Minneapolis....Owatana...this weekend.   Thanks to an understanding and gracious supervisor, I was able to take the entire day (Friday) off from work so that we could leave a bit earlier and make the trek.  

The roads were a bit frightful for the first 30 miles, but after that they were fine.   Of course, the brutal cold and the wind were another thing.   Despite that, we had a great time.   

We've been going to the Gopher  State Archeological Society's annual show for the last 15 years or so.  It had been a  time to get away from the farm for at least 24 hours (when we were ranching/farming) and to show off part of T's collection of artifacts.   It was probably our only time away from the farm.  

He looks forward to it every year - and so do I.  We've met so many wonderful people through the years; there's always a comradery amongst collectors and like-minded people.   They're always so supportive of each other's collections, finds, trials and tribulations.   They speak their own language of hammers, axes, Clovis points, bird points, grinding stones, dovetails, patina, pottery, beads, bone owls.  And of course, each can't wait to show the others the "find of a lifetime."

T's collection is just as good, if not better, than a lot who display there.   It's so fun to watch him meander around the room and visit the other tables.   Of course, I'm along to mind our own tables, which allows him to leave and do his visiting.  I don't mind at all.  In fact, I enjoy it.  I've learned a thing or two throughout the last 29 years.  I can hold my own when visitors come to our table and ask questions.  But T is ever watchful and is quick to return to the table if he notices a crowd gathering around our display tables.   When it's quiet, I have my nose stuck in a book.

There are very few wives that come with their husbands to these shows or auctions.   I wouldn't even dream of not attending with him, unless there was a conflict in schedules (as was the case last year).   I enjoy it as much of he does, and I'm quite proud of him and his knowledge on the subject and his collection.  

Perhaps the best part is the uninterrupted driving time.  Other than the occasional ccellphone call, it's just the two of us, alone.  Sometimes we talk, sometimes we don't.  We figure out some problems, sometimes we create them.  But most importantly, we're communicating and we are together.   

New Goal

I should be further along in my my health/fitness goals than I am.  I keep seeing the scale yo-yo between five pounds lost/gained.   In truth, I'm not as concerned about the scale as I am my over all health and fitness. 

I can blame a host of things - like weather, depression, schedule, age - but it all boils down to determination, willpower and the desire to stay healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.

So, now that I made the declaration yesterday (on my Instagram account), what am I going to do to achieve my goals?)

Well, it all starts with a plan, right?   Here's mine.

Food

1. Portion Control
2. More vegetables/limited fruits
3. Less processed (white sugar, white flour) foods
4. More protein, fish, nuts, legumes

Exercise

1. Trainer 2x per week
2. Weekend workouts (Sat, Sun)
3. After May 19th (when yoga ends), add in 1 or 2 fitness classes at the gym 
4. Cycling. - lots and lots of cycling

Mind/Soul

1.  Believe everything happens for a reason and is life is as it should be in the moment
2. Work is a job, it isn't my life.
3.  Enjoy life, stress less.
4.  Smile, laugh, dance, sing
5.  Live the best me that I can be every day.  
6.  Be true to me

Pretty tall list, huh?   Achievable 100% every day?  Absolutely not.  I'm not perfect, and never will be.  I'm smart enough to know that my plan is always just that...a plan.  Some days I will succeed, somedays I will not,

The key is to Never, Never, Ever Quit.

Spring...Sometime...Hopefully?

I'm getting a little tired of this snow.    We received another 6 inches of the white stuff last night and there is more predicted for Monday night in to Tuesday.   It certainly isn't the weather that shouts Spring, let alone Easter.  

T, always a rancher at heart, was feeling sorry for all the cattle ranchers out there who are calving at this time of year.  For many, many year he was one of them.   I can remember many Easter's where I ate alone because he had to go tend to a calving case.  I don't know how he (and his brother Bill) did it for as long as they did; I'm just glad that they no longer have to.

Yesterday we helped my niece Karen, and husband Dave, load up a U-Haul with furniture and other items from their mother's house to take back to their new home in Minneapolis.   It was a mad rush to get everything loaded so they could get on the road and beat the storm.    We did it, with a couple of hours to spare on this end, but Karen said they made in to Minneapolis just before it started to snow there.   Good Timing.  I'm anxious to see their home when they get all moved in and settled.   

That time might come sometime in June or July.  A friend and I are looking at doing a girls weekend in the Cities.   I would like to do it to coincide with the arrival of my niece Joan (and family) from NC.  They'll be moving back to MN in June so that she can start hew new job at the University of MN.   So, if I could swing it, I'd get to see Joan (and family) and Karen and Dave too.  Double win!

I had another reading with the Military Medium.  My dad came through again and his message to me was "now is the time to do something new....new learning, new classes, new growth".  I've been thinking of doing some new things  with the time that I'll have when I no longer have my yoga studio.   Dad is validating that for me and letting me know that it's time.   I agree, Dad, I agree.    For so long I've done things for everyone else....but it's time for me to get selfish and start doing for me.  

I'm looking forward to Spring, a time of renewal.....for nature....for me.   

Thoughts

I'm sitting here, on March 25th - what would've been my mother's 98th birthday.  I miss her terribly and wish I could sit and talk with her.  To ask her if she loved the life she chose,  what her deepest fears were and if she had any advice.

I wrote a few months ago that I wished that I had taken more time to listen to her, spent more time with her and to have taken every opportunity to absorb who she was.   Now, I live on the memories and try to understand the mother that she was, to relive the good times with her.  Every girl, woman, needs her mother....and there are so many times that I wish I had mine. 

I am getting all kinds of questions on why I abruptly announced that I was closing down my studio.  Of course, there are speculations such as I'm sick, I have cancer, my husband is sick, we're getting a divorce, I'm moving ....and my personal favorite, I'm pregnant. (I'm not).  

I've made no secret that I'm not a religious person, but very spiritual and in tune with the Universe.  I feel people emotions, vibrations, energy and have a somewhat empathic and intuitive nature.   Along with the fact that I've been teaching this schedule for 12 years, I feel as if the Universe is telling me to clear my plate.....to make room or time for my next chapter.    It's hard to explain.  

This upcoming weekend is Easter weekend.  On Friday night, my best friend and I are going to the Military Medium for a gallery reading.  Last time my Father came through and told me that "I was exactly where I needed to be".   I'm interested to see if Dad comes through again, or Mom, and what they have to say.     Then on Saturday, we're taking an Intuitive class from him.  This class is to tune in to our intuitive side (we all have intuition, we just need to learn to recognize and listen to it).   I'm excited for this as well.  I've always "felt" things, so it'll be good to learn more about it and how to channel it.   T says this is all "hocus pocus" stuff (same thing he said about my teaching yoga!)  LOL  but he's good natured and goes along with it even though he doesn't understand it.  

Also coming up....my friend and I are looking at going to Minneapolis, to schedule our "past life regressions."   What is that, you ask?    Well, when we die, our body stays on  earth but our souls travel to the Universe to be reincarnated (my belief).  We live several lives and often our lives follow patterns until we "get it right."     One of my friends and her husband just had theirs done and it was "life altering"....their words, not mine.    I've always felt like I am an old soul, that I've lived before.  I've always fancied myself as a gypsy in Ireland or Scotland. (To validate those who way that I have a gypsy soul!) LOL  

Anyways, stay tuned!

The Book

My great nephew, Hayden T. Schulz, started a school project called My Journey Journal.  In it he tells a little bit about himself, then asks for those on the list (which includes his grandfather, his aunt, and his great aunts and uncles), to do the same.

This book has been traveling though my family since around Christmas.   Last week Thursday I sent a text message to two of my siblings, Peggy and Terry, asking them who had the book.   I was informed was just sent with Terry.

Now, I know my family.  The fact that this book has been floating around my family since Christmas tells me that I'm in a family of procrastinators.  :)   Anyways,  after a little coaxing to my brother, I received the book yesterday and finished it this afternoon.

Hayden, being 9 years of age, is quite the deep thinker (according to my brother Ron), a bit of a wise cracker too.   

As I read through each of my siblings' writings, I saw that they wrote of their life, work, and their family.   They shared pictures of their children, their accomplishments, pictures and some funny anecdotes of growing up in the Schulz family.

So when it came time for me to write, I wasn't quite sure what to write.  The only thing I knew was that the reoccurring theme of the book was Family.

I shared a picture of Hayden's Great Grandparents (my parents), and then told a little about myself.   Was it interesting to a 9-year old?  I'm not sure.  I hope so.  

I tried to leave him with a few words of advice to take with him through life: 

Now matter what happens to you in life, the one thing that will always be constant and true, is family.  No one can ever take that away from you.  Always be true to yourself, always Believe in yourself, work hard, cherish family and dream big.

In truth, those words can be mean to any one of us.  

The book is finished and tomorrow it will be in the mail back to my brother Ron so that he can give it to his grandson, Hayden.   

I'm will be anxious to hear what he thinks of our letters to him.  

The Next Step

I just finished my 8th annual, and last, yoga retreat at the Lakeview Meadow Cabins here in Jamestown.  Thirteen beautiful souls attended my retreat this year.   We had a great time of yoga, food, drink, laughter, and plenty of tears.

I've been doing yoga for 16 years, and teaching for 12 years.   I've thoroughly enjoyed teaching all of those 12 years, helping students begin their own yoga path.  I'd like to think that I was the inspiration for two of them to move forward in their yoga path and become teachers.   

But with every beginning, there is an ending...and a new beginning.  

It was with a heavy heart that I made the announcement to the retreat attendees yesterday that Saturday May 19th would be my last class in my studio.   I could not hold back the emotion and the tears flowed.   My heart was sad. 

I've built my business organically and through word of mouth.  I've taught two classes, two nights a week and Saturday mornings for the last 12 years.  I've looked forward to seeing my students, hearing about their trial and tribulations, working through life together on the yoga mat.   In truth, they've all helped me more than I've helped them.   

But there comes a time when one knows that you just need to take the next step in your life journey.   The Universe has sent me some signs that I cannot ignore any longer.  I do not know what is in store for me, but I believe I'm meant to clear my plate for something headed in my direction.  I can only have faith and Believe that all is as it supposed to be.

While I will miss my students, I look forward to more free time. Although knowing me, I'll probably fill it up with something -family time, more gym time, bike riding, maybe I'll be the student and take some classes at Anytime Fitness.   I'm not one to just sit around, so I'm sure I'll find something to occupy that free time.

And to clear this up - I'm not quitting yoga.  I'll still be teaching two yoga classes per week at Anytime Fitness. Plus, I'll keep doing my home yoga practice. 

I'm looking forward to my next step in life

Mom

Today was the day my mom passed away, 24 years ago.

I didnt wake up thinking about it.  But as I sat at my desk working, remembering her...my eyes welled up with tears.

I miss her.  There have been so many times when I'd give anything to sit down and talk with her....to ask her questions, get her advice, listen to her laugh or just see her crinkle up her nose just one more time.

The last years of her life, those without dad, were such lonely years for her.  I tried to spend as much time as I could with her.  But as I think back on it, I wished I had spent more time visiting, called more, listened more. 

I didn't get enough time with her.   

So tonight, as I write this with tears rolling down my cheeks, I treasure the memories all that much more. 

They say time heals the pain of loss.  They are wrong.

I love you and miss you very much, mom!

Star Date January 15, 2018

This is my first post for 2018.  We're already 15 days in to the New Year and half-way through January already.    I have not, nor will I, make any New Years resolutions other than my standard anthem for each and every day; Be a better version of myself each day, to look well to each day and to live in kindness and with love in my heart.  Some days I succeed at all, some days one or two, some days none....for I am always a work in progress - I'm human.

So, what has been going on in my life?  

Work continues to be busy as we're short staffed due to a co-worker/friend's ongoing health event.   My heart aches for her as she made the difficult decision to retire at the end of February and go on medical disability.  We've advertised her job, which will be temporary for February then move in to full-time March 1st.  At this point, I am unsure if Marlane will be able to come in to train the new person or not.  That is the least of her worries, for sure.   I do not know what is going through her mind; I can only imagine.   I have worked alongside her for 13 years an we've become close (how could we not) even through disagreements from time to time.   She's worked so hard to improve her health throughout these 13 years and then bam! out of the blue she gets hit with this.   And a year from retirement too.  It's totally unfair!   I pray that she can overcome this.  I will walk with her through this journey as much as I can and as much as she'll let me.

We've had a joyous event in my family as we've welcomed a new little member in to the fold.   Out of respect to my family, I will not offer any more details on social media than what I have just shared.  But needless to say, I am over the moon and very happy for my family.  

I'm making a concerted effort to take better care of myself in 2018, which means that I'll be taking one Saturday and one Monday evening off from my yoga classes.  I've hired a substitute teacher for the months of January, February and March in order to give myself a little extra time for myself to do the things that I enjoy doing - which may include staying home to read, watch a movie, cook, go to the gym, snowshoe, dinner with friends...whatever I choose in order to give myself a bit of a break in both mind and body.  Is it a bit unnerving to me to turn my classes over to someone else?  No!  Why not?  Because I'm very confident that the teacher is someone that I trust implicitly with my students.  Kim is someone that has gone through the same teaching foundation and philosophies that I've gone through, so I know that she will take care of my students while bringing her own unique style of teaching to them.  It truly is a win-win situation for me and for my students.   

I am also making a concerted effort to nurture my relationships with husband, family and friends.  We surround ourselves with people we love each day.  So by nurturing those relationships to make sure they are the best that they can be, we also bring happiness and joy to our own life.  Make sense?

I live with this simple word as the foundation of my personal mantra for 2018 -Believe.   Those who know me, and know me well, will understand the true meaning of the word.  :)

Be kind to each other, everyone, be kind.  

Namaste'

Sherry