What makes a good leader?
Someone ~
- who has a servant’s heart
- who leads by example
- who allows for mistakes
- who shows respect
- who maintains integrity
Month: January 2024
Homelessness
If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
In a perfect world, children would have a warm bed, a hot meal, and clean clothes. They wouldn’t sleep in the cramped quarters of the family car….huddling together to chase away the bitter chill….a cold so deep it clings to your skin and your very spirit. In a perfect world, a child would not live in a parked car in front of their middle school building…
Sweet Memories of my Special Guy
Clutter
Where can you reduce clutter in your life?
Sigh. Where do I start?
But let me start from the beginning. I came from a long line of pack rats that kept things, ya know, for just “in case.” When I moved to my little house over 20 years ago, I downsized a lot. I had a garage sale and gave things away. But I still had boxes tucked away after my move. In over twenty years, I am ashamed to say I have never opened those boxes. I meant to, but my busy life kept me from the dark corners of my little basement.
Some of the items were from my daughter’s childhood, things she adamantly stated that “she did not want.” All these years later, she and her daughters are glad that I kept her childhood mementos. So the rest of her things will finally be cleared from my basement storage.
But I also have boxes full of memories that I could not squeeze into my smaller home. Long ago gifts from my childhood; favored toys, cherished items passed down from one mother to the next. Those are the items that tug at my heartstrings. I had planned to divide the items among my granddaughters and my niece, and one day I will.
But did I mention my garage? Oy! Old teaching materials, patio furniture that needs refinishing, an iron bedstand that needs painting, an old lawn mower that needs to be repaired, “new” tiles for my kitchen and bathroom floors, and the list goes on.
Did I mention my summertime plans? I believe it’s time to have another garage sale!
Photo by Şahin Sezer Dinçer on Unsplash
Beau
What is your favorite animal?
For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.
Melissa James
From an early age, this former city girl has always loved horses. I grew up listening to the stories of my mother and grandparents, especially the Western tales of ranch life filled with wide-open spaces, hard work, and loyal horses. Generations of my mother’s family owned and raised these wondrous creatures; a love for horses ran through our family like a shared inheritance. In many ways, it felt woven into our DNA. My grandfather was not only a rancher but also a skilled horse trader. During World War I, he served his country by breaking horses for the Army, relying on his saddle and steady hands to prepare them for service. His father and grandfather before him also raised horses, proudly earning ribbons at county and state fairs throughout Ohio.
Growing up in California, I had only a handful of chances to ride, but I cherished every one. One of my favorite places was the stables at Half Moon Bay, where I rode a spirited horse named Rowdy. True to his name, he was full of energy, and I loved racing him along the sandy shoreline with the ocean breeze in my face. Those moments felt like freedom itself. I eagerly anticipated each visit, even as I quietly dreamed of owning a horse of my own someday.
In time, that dream became a reality when I received Beau as a birthday gift from Leslie’s dad, David. Beau was the perfect horse for this former city girl, gentle yet strong, patient and loyal. I loved my “baby” from the moment I met him. We bonded quickly, and he became a constant presence in my life. Even while I worked in the yard, I often let him out of his pen, trusting him completely. True to his nature, Beau stayed close by, content simply to be near me.
Over the years, he became far more than a horse. He was my best friend and my confidant. He knew secrets I never shared with anyone else and seemed to understand when words failed me. Beau had a quiet way of listening, of offering comfort and reassurance when my world felt uncertain or turned upside down. Even now, after all these years, I still miss my faithful friend.
Today, I am no longer able to ride due to a back injury and balance issues, but my love for horses has never faded. I visit them whenever I can, drawn to their gentle strength and familiar presence. And sometimes, in my dreams, I ride again, astride a black beauty with a white-blazed face and four white socks. We move in companionable silence until we reach the open lands near Brush Hollow. Then, once more, we soar along prairie trails, flying as one, our manes flowing freely in the wind.
Beau and Leslie , 1988
Brush Hollow Reservoir – Penrose, Colorado
Photo by Lindsey Bidwell on Unsplash
Online Communication
- emails and group chats at work
- facebook to catch up with old friends and family
- text messages on my cell phone
- blogging
But in all honesty, I miss talking. I just want to have a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart with the people I love and adore.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Key West
Think back on your most memorable road trip.
One memorable road trip was my trip to Key West. I made the trip with a childhood friend, and it was a fun day of sand and sea. I enjoyed everything about that special day from the sightseeing to drinks on Duvall Street. Someday I would like to return with my buddy in tow.
Photo by Braden Egli on Unsplash
Snacks
Since I have started eating healthier, my old go-to snacks do not hold the same appeal. Refined sugars make my body ache, and they zap my energy. With that in mind, my favorite snacks include a low-carb yogurt, a healthy chocolate chip cookie protein bar, and of course my sweet coffee concoctions. Aww, life is sweet…
Photo by Annerose Walz on Unsplash
Globetrotting Grammies
Jetsetting grammie-style would be my idea of a a crazy business plan. Hear me out. I would travel the world, visit ancient wonders, and view the Renaissance masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Albrecht Dürer, and Raphael. During these travels, I would lounge on the soft sands of the Mediterranean and walk along the cobbled streets of Circus Lane. I would finally visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Okay, you get the idea. And how would I pay for it all? Well, that’s the glorious part of my crazy business plan. I wouldn’t have to shell out a single dime. Hotels and restaurants would be calling me and sending me invitations to stay at their luxurious accommodations and dine at their extravagant eateries just so they would be mentioned in my world-famous travel blog.
Sigh. Well, one can dream.
The Piggy Bank
Daily writing prompt
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
When I was a little girl, I lived in my mama’s hometown, Hotchkiss, Colorado. On my first birthday, I celebrated the day at my grandparent’s house, a small cabin situated on Roger’s Mesa. One of my gifts from my grandparents was a little piggy bank. It was a pig in a barrel. I still have that little bank, and it means the world to me. According to my mom, my grandparents fussed over this gift before they decided on this little guy.
Sweet memories.
This little bank is a patchwork of color, and the details even resemble stitching. The adorable face has large dark eyes and long eye lashes, and he glances to the side. A cute smile and rosy cheeks also provide an oomph of charm. Piggy bank collectors would pay up to $20.00 for this little gem; however, I could never part with this chubby little guy! Currently, this little fella resides on the top cabinet in my kitchen.
Tales of a Family 