Celebration of Memories, A Valentine's Day Special

It is Valentine's Day and I don't get to spend any time with my sweet heart. What can I say, we both work odd hours and during the work week we don't get any time together. We know we love each other, so for us, it is okay that we don't even get to have dinner together.

I feel blessed, very fortunate to be working where I am at this time in my life. I get to meet new people every day, I see repeat customers coming back to buy more jewelery for special occasions, for their loved ones and even for themselves.

I met an older woman today, that I will remember for the rest of my life. She walked into the store with her head held high, a thoughtful expression on her face with what looked to be a secret smile on her lips. You know, the kind that say I have a secret, a special secret; one that means the world to me and it is giving me an extra skip in my step.

I greeted her and introduced myself and she gave me her name. Her kind blue eyes had a sparkle in them as she smiled at me and told me she wanted to look at a pair of earrings. I took them out of the case and she smiled. "They are perfect," she said, "they go perfectly with my pendant and I'm going to get them." A co-worker who happened to be right there, pointed out a ring in the same blue diamonds as the earrings. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw it and after trying it on announced that she wanted the ring as well. She said she wanted to look in the other cases to see what caught her eye. She found a couple more pieces she absolutely loved. They were her birthstones, one being a very pretty pendant and the other a ring to match it.

During this woman's visit, I learned that she was a two time cancer survivor. It was about that time that I really started to admire this woman. She made a comment that she lost her husband and went on looking at the jewelery and asked about putting a blue diamond in a ring she had. A few minutes later as we started ringing her up I had the opportunity to really talk to her. I asked about when she lost her husband and she told me a few months before, just before Christmas. She said that Valentine's Day was a very special time for her. She was purchasing her jewelery because that was what her husband would be doing for her if he were still here.

Upon hearing this, my heart began to break. I didn't let my feelings show to much (at first) but I did give my condolences to her. She went on to tell me that she and her husband met many years before at a convention during Valentine's week. It also happened to be his birthday that week, so from then on, Valentine's Day (Week) was always celebrated in a flurry of activities.

The way this charming woman spoke about her husband and what they shared, made me see how they commemorated their life together. I could see the pain in her blue eyes as tears shimmered, mirroring a lifetime of joy, laughter, love, sadness, pain and heartbreak. When I started to blink back tears unable to control my own emotions, she grabbed my hands and held them tight as we literally cried together. I interpreted a thankful expression on her face, she knew she was understood and that she was not alone during this very difficult time in her life.

My co-worker, a very nice young man, gave the woman a hug as he witnessed the whole thing. I told the woman I admired her for being such a dynamic inspiring woman, and that I believed that she had gone through so much and survived because she has a bigger purpose in life. She told me that she believed me with her whole heart which is the motivator that really keeps her going.

It wasn't enough that I was already teared up, but when she told me her plans for this Valentine's Day, I almost lost it. Her words really painted a picture in my mind about what this woman was going through and it hit me hard.

"I'm going to go home, grill a steak, pour myself a glass of wine and sit with my memories for the rest of the night."

I gave the woman a hug before she left the store and I told her that I was praying for her. Her look of appreciation said more than words ever could. She walked out with her head held high, a secret smile on her face, and yes, an extra skip in her step as she disappeared in the crowd outside of the store.

I'll never forget this woman and I hope and pray to have this woman's courage as I live my life.

Even though I did not get to spend Valentine's Day with my husband, I did get to see how significant this day is to one very special woman who clearly misses the love of her life.

The Job Hunt

I often get asked if I'm rich, or well off, because I'm a writer. Well, I wish I could say yes, but like most writer's we have to work day jobs, or other jobs to pay our bills, and to take care our family's needs and to support our writing craft. Nothing is free.

I have recently started looking for a job. My husband relocated to Washington state starting a new career. Unfortunately the new career doesn't pay enough for me to get to stay home, I have to work too. I'm on my second week of trying to find a job. I've gone to numerous companies already and like anyone who is looking for a job, it is disheartening.

Most of the people I have encountered have been nice, one in particular has been extremely helpful. I won't give names and the company, because they don't know I'm writing about them. This lady, we'll call her Dori, went out of her way and gave me websites to go to for tutorials that would help brush me up on my computer skills and other things, letting me in on what the company was going to do and the tests they give potential applicants. When asked what kind of college degree I had, I told her I didn't. I never went to college, but I want to work in the office. Dori smiled and said that she to did not have a college degree, that she only had her high school diploma as well, and that she was there to tell me that it was possible to get to where she was at without a degree. That woman gave me hope, she was helpful, personable and friendly. I thanked her for her time and left after completing my online application. They did not have any jobs available yet, but she suggested that I check every few days, because things open up all the time.

Now, as we all know, not all job hunting goes this smoothly and not everyone is that nice, or helpful. I was driving around looking for companies to put my application in and found one that looked interesting. I thought what the heck. I stopped and went in and asked the receptionist if they were accepting applications and she said they were, that they were actually looking for someone. My hope meter jumped, what luck, I thought. I completed the application and attached my resume to it and gave it to the receptionist, I thanked her for her time and left. On Tuesday the next week, I called for the human resource contact, we'll call her, Kim. I introduced myself and asked about my application that I had turned in. I didn't expect Kim's response. She was not professional, nor was she very nice. Her clipped response and rudeness was not only offending, but had me feeling like I did something wrong by applying to the company. The woman's voice reminded me of a mother scolding her teenager. Kim told me that in no uncertain terms that the company did not accept applications when no job openings were available. There was an uncomfortable silence, because I was a little shocked by her response to me. I said to her then, I was led to believe there was an opening, which is why I filled out the application. Does this mean the application I submitted would not be considered? She flat out said, "No." in a very snotty way leaving another very uncomfortable silence between us. I said, "Okay, thank you for your time." It took everything I had not to say what was really on my mind.

I understand that people have bad days, but come on. For us who are looking for jobs, we are already stressed. We need a job, or we wouldn't be looking for one and we certainly don't need to be disrespected. Needing a job, shouldn't put us in a sub human category to be treated like crap. I will always remember that woman's name and I plan on living in the area for a long time. She represents that company, I wonder if she has forgotten this little fact.

The last day of 2012

I woke up early this morning, made my coffee and built a fire in the wood burning stove to warm the house up. The last few weeks literally had put me in a tail spin. I had to leave my job of seven years, because my husband got a job in Washington State that would give him a better opportunities for the future. It's one of those things you really have to think about. I asked him when this job offer came up, 'Years from now are you going to kick yourself for not taking the opportunities that could lead potentially into a better life, or do you think you'll be happy staying somewhere you already know you've reached your potential?'

We both knew that if he didn't take the opportunity, we'd always wonder if we had made a mistake. Our friends thought he'd be crazy to not take this chance, so we did.

He left for Washington State, rented a house and started training for his new job. I gave my notice at my job then Nicole and I waited until the semester ended, so that she could finish her classes and not leave mid year. The day finally came and the movers arrived. They packed everything up. I said my last goodbyes to a life I sincerely thought I'd never leave and we were off. (I am going to miss a number of people I worked with, my friends, bosses and co-workers. They were my working family, where we worked, laughed, cried and supported each other through all the ups and downs. Yes, I'll miss that closeness we had.)

In the whirlwind of moving and trying to get settled during Christmas and New Years, I really hadn't put much thought behind what I'm going to do for a job. I have to work, so there is no choice in me staying home. The only thing I know, is that there is more opportunity for jobs here, so I believe I'll find one that I will be happy with very soon.

I sit here now and think of what last year has brought us and am pleased to say that we had a great year. We took jaunts to Vegas once in a while to get away on weekends,and went on drives to see the beautiful country of Utah.

I will miss being able to photograph one of the most beautiful states I have ever seen. Zion is spectacular, the high desert landscape and the eye catching skies with it's openness and beautiful colors of the morning dawn and evening sunsets will always be etched in my memories.

Who knew that clouds with the right lighting could be so awesome. Many times there are no words to describe what you see, you are in the moment and you just have to take a deep breath and just take it in. It's a force of power to be reckoned with as it fills your being with something akin to hope and inspiration. Many times I turned completely around in the midst of a those moments and took joy that I was part of those settings. I felt like I was in a painting forever imprinted in those moments in time.

Going on the cruise to Alaska was an experience all of us enjoyed. Joining my sisters was not only special, it was an opportunity to spend quality time doing something together that all of us could take memories from and re-tell the stories to our children and grandchildren.

I especially loved taking photos on the cruise of everything, seeing some of the most beautiful rugged country in the world took my breath away and I am still in awe of the memories I possess from the experience.

Now, I am here in Washington State on this quiet morning on the brink of a new year. A new state, a new home and on the verge of meeting new friends and looking for a new job.

I never thought in a million years that I'd come back to Washington State to live. I grew up here and Graduated from High School not far from where we live now. The good thing is, I get to live nearer to my mother and brother. I look forward to spending time with them and getting to know them better, since I only saw them on vacations before and talked to them on the phone. I get to spend time with my nephew and get to know that wonderful boy who still has his whole life in front of him.

Sipping my coffee, enjoying the quiet morning on this last day of 2012 is a blessing. It has been quite a journey and a new chapter is just about to begin. How cool is that?

Big Change and Faith to Move Forward

Seven years ago on Christmas Day, my family moved to Utah from Southern California. The culture shock was welcome, we came from a fast paced life, long commutes to work, and barely any breathing room for a life outside of work, to a small community with a small town feel.

My daughter finally had a chance to play outside without the fear of drugs being dealt, gun shots in the distance and illegals being dropped off on our driveway. I could never allow her to play outside without supervision, heck I felt as if I needed supervision from the crap that was taking place in our town that we once loved when we moved there years before.

Thankfully my husband had a job lined up in Cedar City, Utah, but I had to go out and find one. I finally found a job in February working with people with disabilities. I didn't know at the time that I would stay at the company for as long as I did. As challenging as it was, I used all of the experiences to learn and grow from, even though there were times I would have gladly welcomed change. I started as a regular direct care staff, then was promoted to Manager where I have grown as a person.

I am going to miss my co-workers as we are a network of people who support, listen and understand the unique jobs we all do as we care for and support the individuals we serve. I will miss the individuals who have a place in my heart whose lives I have had the opportunity to be apart of and who has taught me to become a better person.

The Associate Director actually summed it up quite eloquently last night at our annual Christmas Party for the managers, when he addressed us and our families. "We are a family with jobs that are a way of life that includes every member of our family, because without their support and acceptance of the things we are called to do, it would be very difficult. Our job calls for us to deal with, being called out at all hours of the night, have sudden schedule changes and having to deal with emergencies and situations that most people can't even imagine." I can't remember his words verbatim, but this was the message as we gave our families a round of applause for their support.

Now, seven years later, my family is moving once again to start a new chapter of our lives in Washington state. I ask, what our future holds, but as scary as it is, I am looking forward to the opportunity for new experiences, a new job and new friends to add on to the great circle of friends I already have.

Change is difficult, but we have faith that we are doing what it is we are meant to do, going in the direction that will bring us to the place we are meant to be, while giving us the opportunity to grow and learn new things.

Defining Moments

"I've come to believe that in everyone's life, there's one undeniable moment of change, a set of circumstances that suddenly alters everything." - Nicholas Sparks

As we live our lives in this changing world we are all faced with obstacles. The road blocks and detours that we face gives us opportunities to stop and choose the path we are going to take.

These are defining moments. We discover bits and pieces of ourselves and what it is we stand for when we are met with resistance, because it is then that we must dig deep within ourselves. Do we take the path of least resistance, or do we take a path that takes us in a different direction.

It is disappointing when others find fault in the paths we take and judge us by what we believe and try to knock us back, because we dare to think differently than them.

The ever moving crowd that moves in one direction is a powerful pull, even if it is something not everyone wants, but because it is an easier path to follow, people settle and resign themselves to the belief that where they are going in life is just the way it is supposed to be. They stop daring to believe there is something else out there.

I found this link online, Biography Online. Read through the biographies of these great people who dared to make a difference.

Can you imagine, if these people chose to follow the crowd? Not standing up for their beliefs, or taking a stand on their individual strengths? They come from all walks of life, proving that each person can make a difference in how they live and how they have made a difference in the world around them.

We are not all meant to change the world, but we can make a difference in the world we live in, by being educated and informed of what is going on around us. Are you going to follow the crowd, because the collective says so, or are you going to nurture growth and mold your own future into something you can personally be proud of?

Being supportive, inspiring, and encouraging.

How many of us writers run into obstacles?

It is a rhetorical question of course, because we all do.

Life throws out those curve balls and we have to be able to adapt and deal with them as they come out of nowhere. We do this in life anyway. It is often frustrating as a writer to have to put what ever we are working on, on the back burner as we live go through what ever it was that took us from our writing and then to get to the point where we can bring it back up to the fire again.

If you are lucky enough to be able to make enough money from your writing to keep you living your dream, I applaud you. Most of us aspiring writers need to work other jobs/careers to pay the bills in order to write. I hope to one day be able to write for a living and make enough to live on full time. I know a lot of writers who have that exact same dream.

For those who have succeeded, I look to you as my role models. Hearing your stories about how you got to be where you are is not only inspirational, it is encouraging me to keep going.

As writers, we are all in this together and we must be able to compliment and give encouragement to each other.

We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. I know I certainly do and I'm constantly working and striving to improve to be the best that I can be, but to do this I need help with my weaknesses, so I can improve on my strengths.

I think it all intertwines together as we all try to reach our personal goals. We need to realize that we can't be the best at everything and we all need help along the way. No one can reach their goals alone.

We are a network, a living breathing organism that needs each other.

After all is said and done it isn't the other writers we are trying to impress, though having the respect of our fellow authors is nice. It is our fan-base, our readers that we are working for. They are the ones who are going to rate us on our work.

Working together, inspiring one another, and helping each other will help all involved.

I want to thank those who have taken the time to help me and encourage me. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today.

Thankful for those who have Honor & Conviction

People most of the time don't surprise me about how mean they can be. I've known and dealt with all kinds of people with different agendas, but I do stop and think about why people do what they do.

I believe there is something to be learned every-time something negative happens. It helps me to be more aware, so that maybe next time I can see it coming. I have to admit, that this time, I did not see this one coming, and it was a personal hateful attack actively trying to tear me down.

I won't elaborate on the details about this particular instance, but I do want to celebrate the good that came from it.

You never know who truly has your back until you are in a situation you truly can't control. It humbles me to know I have friends who step up and go to bat for me and are able to see things as they really are. I'm thankful they saw the truth of what was really happening. I want to thank those who spoke up when it mattered the most to me. THANK YOU!

I try to believe the best in people and try to give them all a fair chance, because not all people are evil and mean. I think we all tend to try to open up to do this, because we want others to give us the same chance. It is our faith that allows us to open up even if we are reluctant from past experiences.


I work with people, so I have the opportunity to teach everyday. I have also spent a life time of teaching my daughter that things work out most of the time. That there are those people who strive to do what is right even when it isn't comfortable to do so. I try to teach that we must always show by example how we expect to be treated. That when the opportunity arises we must stand up for what we believe and show conviction in our words and actions.

Have convictions, have honor and believe in God, because he will never steer you wrong. We are not be perfect, but if we go about our daily business with values, life can be a little easier.

I am thankful for those people who have the same standard, because when they rise up and help just because it is the right thing to do, they teach more than words ever could.