Before and After

Apple Cheeks before and after (during)

Another Lesson in Letting Go

I thought perhaps I would share my latest experience with you.

With my recent post on "letting go" and "riding the roller coaster"...... I must say that I have learned to really let go. I took a ride on the style of coaster where the floor drops out- thanks to my sweet adorable 4 year old daughter!

Allow me to set the scene: Monday morning (8:45 ish) - coffee brewing- Football Superstar is

reciting his routine- I am filling my coffee mug good to the last drop

dogs and cat are fed-all is well........

Apple Cheeks in her squeaky-excited little voice asked to finish a craft she started Sunday afternoon for Grandma Ice Cream. As she begins to collect her craft supplies, there is a request for her craft box. The craft box includes; tape-glue stick- stickers-washable markers-age appropriate scissors and retired greeting cards.

As Football Superstar and I continue to discuss our daily schedule, I walk over to Apple Cheeks to see her finished project. Grandma Ice Cream a.k.a Grammie will LOVE this screeches Apple Cheeks! I notice a pile yes a pile of blonde hair directly underneath her chair.... we own a Golden Retriever, so finding hair is nothing out of the ordinary in my household. I did not have my contacts in, or my glasses on so of course I needed to really examine the clump of blonde locks- knowing darn well this was not Sam's clump of fluff..... I was thrown off- for the first time had nothing to say- nothing would come out of my mouth! My eyes had to be as wide as a deer in headlights or better yet when it sees a hunter in the woods.

Apple Cheeks noticed I found the secret stash.

Now, looking directly at her little round cheeks you couldn't notice where the clump of golden locks were clipped from until I combed my fingers through her long golden wavy hair. My ride floor just gave out.

There wasn't a lot of talk- a few tears from Apple Cheeks- an appointment was scheduled with our stylist- the remaining 7 inches of golden locks were cut and placed in a plastic sandwich bag.

Apple Cheeks sat so proud in the stylist chair- she was given praise for sitting so still- the perfect client. I took a few photos - before and after. I cried a few happy tears.

The scissors will remain in the craft box. Under much more supervision of course. A new revised lesson on scissors was conducted.

If Apple Cheeks is willing to "let go" 7 inches of her hair..... her momma certainly is willing!

I did plan on having her hair cut- perhaps she didn't want to wait any longer?!

Another Life Lesson learned.

Funny thing is.... I did the same thing when I was her age. Mmmm.... isn't it funny how life makes complete circles.

Enjoy your day! Go ahead- take the ride! Just be sure you are strapped in!!

Peace&Love,

Lis

Resumes.....Cover Letters....Interviews...OH MY!

Today I take a break. one with coffee and chocolate

I've completed two separate resumes. One for the education field- the other resume is prepared for the human service field.

I've sent out a total of 12 resumes. All complete with cover letters-detailed I must add.

I now sit and wait for the phone call. Or e-mail. The magic phone call from the Human Resource Director- the call that tells me let's set up a time for an interview! I'm waiting- patiently for the call....e-mail....snail mail.....or white dove.

As I patiently wait, I also continue to tidy up loose ends of Simple Dimple Primitives. My Closing Sale was fantastic....I never even shed one tear. I had a few "regulars" who came by to purchase and say good-bye. And even with those few who had a tear in their eye....I had not one. I had no regrets.

As my Coachman brother and his wife watched - and took on a few duties here and there- they both noticed my excitement- my peace of letting go.

This week held a lot of a lot to do's. Major tweaking, planning, seeking and with that comes prayer. I feel for the first time in my life, I am making adult decisions. Trying to hang onto "things" that have no true value, except for the price value we may have paid for that particular item. House, business, investments, ....... what is your thing?

What was once extremely important to Football Superstar and myself, has taken not just a back seat- we took "it" to the land fill. Priorities have been completely adjusted on the list.

What freedom that brings!! Pride- set aside. sorry, Dr. Seuss Left foot- right foot- right!

As I watch my husband prepare for a new career change- I have no doubt that he will become successful in the change. And in this successful change, he will begin to find peace and calmness- high power sales have been taken to the land fill. Stress...no more. So when we speak of success- it no longer means financial success or the fear of not having "it".

This new path will be challenging I'm sure- it will bring days of glory and days of defeat.

We are prepared for the storm(s) as I mentioned in a recent post.

I've shared with Gracie during our time together yesterday about the amazing roller coaster ride I recently experienced. I was strapped in, safety bar latched as the coaster whipped at record speed- surviving the loop and the drop. Walking off the coaster feeling refreshed...I wanted to ride it again! Gracie began to give me that look "what are you talking about"- you know the look- head titled....lip curled at the side of her mouth....nose wrinkled.

"OH!!! I get it!" she screams. She wants to ride the coaster now too. wink

Life Lesson: When riding the roller coaster- sit in the front.

Peace&Love,

Lis

Decision

Today I made a decision. This decision will bring sadness....yet with this decision I will have peace.

My decision came easy....but there was a spark of regret.

After this decision became final....my heart pounded out of my chest.

That was a week ago.

Today....I'm so ready again my heart is pounding out of my chest.

I decided to close my little business.

Simple Dimple Primitives came to life April 2007. A dream, put on paper with the assistance of my business advisor Football Superstar and my partner Gracie.

A little red cottage was transformed from ugly duckling to adorable prim style swan.

Perfect location for this business. Directly outside my door- sitting on the edge of our property.

And our property sits in the midst of antique shops and gift shops near historic Gettysburg.

What big plans we had for Simple Dimple Primitives. Huge! We were going to be so huge there would come a time for us to purchase the one room school house that sits beside our property and create Simple Dimple Vintage! Yeah yeah..... well then comes the big bad wolf-

Economy. With this economy we are all effected by- my little business suffered from lack of sales, lack of traffic from tourist and too much inventory.

So, my last day in the biz will be September 11th. The next huge in Simple Dimple is a closing out sale. A huge closing out sale. Feel free to stop by if you live close by.... you can begin your Holiday shopping by saving $$!!

Like Kathleen Kelly You've Got Mail I will be just fine. New adventures will be coming my our way. We are now moving forward.

Football Superstar is working on a career change. I am ready to return to work.

Human Services/Teaching

Our children are doing fine. We may have a move on the horizon.

We have no idea what's around the corner for us.... but one thing I do know is that today- tonight I will go watch my Freckle Boy play one heck of a football game. I'm proud to say he was moved up to second string varsity. I will cheer China Doll while she plays "middy" on the field hockey turf. And I'm proud to say she was given the title "Team Captain".

Apple Cheeks, of course is not on any sports team....but her number 5's are looking fantastic!

These troubled moments of decisions have brought Football Superstar and I even closer.

What can rip apart couples, families and business partners has made us stronger.

I'm anxious but nervous for what's ahead. Like the photo of the tight rope walker- I remain steady. Today.....I'm at peace.

Life Lesson: Let Go.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Peace&Love,

Lis