For Fun

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Travelling Close

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Growing up, our house had regular visitors from overseas. My Irish relatives would typically descend in the summer and as a result, I would be on hand to be part of the entertainment. Truly, my parents were planning and executing the day trips. Typically my mother would take the actual trip and do the driving. As the youngest, I was along for each ride for many, many years. From Boston, Plymouth Rock was not far. Bunker Hill Monument and The Constitution were only a few miles away, as was the seashore. So before the age of twelve, I had climbed over “The Rock,” sat on the cannons and climbed the stairs of these historic monuments many times. In junior high, I was shocked at how few of my classmates had even been to one of these local sites I had frequented.

This summer, I decided on rather than one long vacation, a series of Fridays off would give me freedom for long weekends or day trips on a less crowded weekday. So far, this option has created many adventures and opportunities to see novel places and even act as a tourist in Vermont.

Let me be clear – this does not feel like the recent “stay vacation” movement of past years, where a week was spent at home. Or the overall goal was to save money. Rather, I have time for long weekends that are not too far away. Or daytrips where I can be the “visiting” tourist in my own backyard. None of this involves undue planning or plane flights which takes more energy. Long drives leave time for exploration and side roads. No matter that there seems to be construction everywhere in Vermont. None of these excursions are time sensitive.

The result? August is here and I have been to several unfamiliar places and had new experiences. In Vermont, I went to a couple of local festivals from Beer festival to Street festival to a few Vermont state parks. I visited places that had been long remodeled and well touted since I was there a decade ago. I acted like a tourist at the King Arthur Store and Simon Pierce outlet. And I was home in my bed that night. Relaxing and fun.

There was energy to head to the Eastern Townships of Canada – a whole new area I had never experienced. Lakes, scenery and a foreign country all rolled into one. There was a day of photography with friends, a day boating on the lake with a generous friend with a boat and an afternoon ferry ride across the lake to New York to cool off one afternoon.

One weekend, my husband and I went away to Ontario. We had the pleasure of staying with friends a night who introduced us to their main local summer event – The Scottish Highland Games. The music was fabulous! (Thanks Louise and Jamie!) Then, we headed to the city of Ottawa for a night. We caught a street festival of performers and an amazing light show on the Parliament Building. Each night we had fireworks too. A bonus: These unique city events were all free! We came home refreshed after a total change of scenery for a weekend.

Attitude is what has made these days fabulous. And of course, the weather has helped. But the perspective of doing something different and having a day or two of open time meant each trip was rejuvenating.

We all get so caught up in doing activities that we have enjoyed for years that even vacations happen on autopilot. A bit of variety from our way of doing things may just be the ticket we want and need to finish off this summer and move into the cooler months of the fall.

I suggest you try an experience that is different this month. Worried about the cost? Remember the event does not have to be expensive. Festivals are often free. Renting a kayak or bicycle for an hour or two costs less than a dinner out.

And best of all, according to research, experiences mean more to us than buying things. So skip the new purse and take yourself and the crew on a beach day!

No time for more, as we are off to the Addison County Fair!

Enjoy Summer!

Light Up the Holidays!

Here are some of my favorite things:

Newgrange Winter Solstice

Want to learn more about the Winter Solstice and light at Newgrange Celtic site in Ireland? Start here

Becoming a Minimalist

Becoming a Minimalist is a newsletter I have been getting for years. Until this morning when I read deeper into the website did I learn that Joshua Becker started his movement in Vermont. Read a recent newsletter that struck a cord with me:

Ten Steps to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Done and Done Home

This mother and daughter team help people get organized. Their recent newsletter had a great suggestion for giving gifts that do not add to clutter. Buy something you eat, use or share right away. I also loved the "Holiday Bucket List" they shared on Instagram.

Holiday Bucket List

Want to learn more about MoneyPeace? Sign up for the Newsletter

Get More Green with MoneyPeace

Anyone out there remember S&H Green Stamps?  

S&H Green stamps  were issued at grocery stores, department stores or gas stations. Then you would collect them in a book. And once you had certain number of pages you could turn them in for a “free gift.”  (Sounds a lot like the reward credit cards today.   Right?)  Yes, they were popular in the Sixties and Seventies to the point that the company issued more stamps than the post office!

The catalogue was a glossy tome of all sorts of goodies – mostly household treats and small appliances.  My Mom got me interested as I was task oriented and trained by her to be motivated to get something for free. One time she told me I could save the stamps for something I wanted.  I remember the joy of collecting those stamps, cautiously sticking them to the pages.  I loved the idea of a prize at the end.  I cannot remember the prize I got but the process of organizing and planning grabbed my attention as a system with an outcome.

Today, the MoneyPeace philosophy is much like the Green stamp principal.  MoneyPeace is built on first saving.  Saving money, a bit at a time and with a system for that money to be held in with a personalized goal.  With the system in place, the path to the goal is clearly laid out. And like S&H Green Stamps, you can set many goals. 

Getting there may not be half the fun for everyone, but most people who have adapted the MoneyPeace approach have been preaching and teaching it themselves to others.  They recognize they are indeed more peaceful as they have stabilized their finances, accomplished their goals and feel more financially flexible than they ever have in their life.  They have the flexibility to adapt to the ups and downs of life without losing their balance.

Many people were never taught to manage their money.  Financial “gurus” teach their way as the best and only way.  With a MoneyPeace system, we start with the basics and then, personalize the system so you get what you want.  This takes you beyond getting out of debt, saving for retirement or buying a home to a  financial life for the long-term.  When you know where your money comes from and where it goes, you can appreciate your personal cash flow and more importantly, adapted as needed.  Making conscious choices for the future is building a wise financial plan to sustain you and keep you in the green.

So if you liked S&H Green stamps, collecting bonus points or just need a financial boost, learn more about MoneyPeace through our videos, sign up for the newsletter and prepare yourself for a more peaceful life. 

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Happy International Women's Day

Today is Women’s Day. Just a time to remember those special and powerful women who raised us in life and love and career journeys. They may be Mom’s, mentors, aunts or friends who support us and our passions. We can thank them or acknowledge them quietly. And then we do something to bring up the women who need our support. That is the greatest step of the journey of support.

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Don’t be Complacent! Act Today

Signs Your Thinking & Acting Complacent:

        My vote does not count.

        The stock market always goes up.

         Nothing I can do helps improve the world.

Those are the comments of the complacent.  So now we hear so much about voting.  Get out to vote – And your vote matters.  You have heard all about voting by now.  But have you been complacent in other areas? 

Think specifically about your engagement in your finances.  Taking care of your money and knowing what you have is a key ingredient to financial success.  On the investment side,  believing they always increase is an uninformed statement. By nature, the stock market goes up and down. Position your investments for the long-run, rather than following the latest trends is an important strategy.  You may not have control over the market, but you do over your finances. 

Every day we have opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life.  You do not have to do anything major to improve someone’s life, nor does it have to cost money.  This may be with a phone call, a smile or a kind word.  These things can make a difference for a moment or a day.  Never underestimate your power.

Engagement in our world matters.  Complacency is the problem.  Whether it is your vote, your finances or your community.  You can make a difference. Improve your world intentionally today.

What a Grandmother Teaches us to Weather these times:

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I have found myself thinking of both my grandmothers during this strange time of times.  Nanie is the grandmother I knew and loved and spent time with the most.  Her influence was more of a third parent than an elder once removed.  I also have thought of Nan, the paternal grandmother I never met.  I knew her through the stories my Dad and his siblings told me of her life in Ireland with a few years in Boston as a young woman. 

Nan feels especially close during this health crisis.  My Auntie Mae, her daughter, told me how Nan had survived the Spanish flu of 1918. She was a young mother of 5 who got so sick a nurse had to be called in for daily care.  The nurse died from the flu.  Nan survived or I would not be here writing this blog.    

Nanie is on my mind because so many of her lessons are meant for today.  She lived through the depression with her own young family.  Still, she managed to hold on to their home and husband while feeding her family of five and a few more immigrants.  How did she do it?  I cannot tell you for sure as that was long before my time.  However, I do know the invaluable life lessons she taught me. I share them as a way through this pandemic for all of us:

  1. Sleeping - Nanie always said an hour of sleep before midnight is better than all the hours after it.  This may have been a farmers’ tale, however I learned it best myself. I never had to get up and milk the cows.  In this time of crisis, sleep is crucial.  For health – physical as well as mental.  And a great way to relieve stress. 

  2. Cooking – My Nanie could make anything taste good.  She was an amazing yet simple cook.  Leftovers were fabulous when they came out of her electric fry pan, off the stove or out of the oven.  The first time around her meals were large enough to feed an army.  She also made the best Irish bread and treats.  What was truly remarkable is that I never saw her consult a cookbook or watch a cooking show.  She was a natural.  Nothing fancy but love enclosed with practice and talent. 

  3. Cleaning – I loved helping my grandmother clean her home – a direct contrast to cleaning with my Mom.  Nanie and I would dust, sweep, vacuum and wash.  Then, she would say, “We have done good enough.  Let’s have some tea and a treat.” This is true today.  Clean. Disinfect.  And do the best you can. Then, rest. Perfection is hard to come by. Do a good job. Consistency and cleaning will keep us safe. Stressing lowers our immune systems.

  4. Sharing With Others - Nanie always shared what she had. This included her home with close relatives and friends who needed a place to stay. She sent money home to Ireland so others could immigrate to the United States, like herself. And she fed so many people. She never had much herself, but always welcomed others.  (See #2)

  5. Daily Dressing - My Nanie was a widow who rarely had anywhere to go but was always dressed each and every day. Unless someone was coming to pick her up for church, or a doctor’s appointment or grocery shopping, she could be found at home. She looked forward to social gatherings and going out but spent a lot of time alone. So in these times we can learn something from Nanie. Get up. Get dressed, wash your face and start your day. No matter what you are doing or not doing getting ready is energy clearing. Washing the sleep out of your eyes, brushing your hair and your teeth are a sense of clarity and readiness. Having a routine is important. Start your day with one.

Remember the generations ahead of us paved the way. They may have not lived through anything like this, but they have pearls of wisdom that may just help make your today better. Practice some of Nanie’s approach to living or find a few favorites from your ancestors. 

Take an Extra Moment and Get Unexpected Benefits

Yesterday in the midst of travelling home after a lovely weekend with friends. I stopped to grocery shop at a Market Basket just off the highway. I do that because the pause breaks up the long drive but most importantly, it’s a great place to shop. – Great prices and lovely employees. (I never mind giving a plug to a business I admire.)

This was a quick shop as I was trying to get home before the early darkness of the time change. One thing on my mental and empty stomach list, was an already cooked chicken. They do a great job and I knew I was not up to cooking when I arrived home. And I am always up for eating!

I was disappointed to wheel my shopping cart by the warming spot and find no chickens – only cooked chicken legs – not nearly enough to feed my husband and myself. I did the rest of my shopping and swung back by the deli area to find still no chicken! My dinner plans will have to change. I paused in thought and considered asking the busy deli men behind the counter if there were more chickens anywhere. I decided to just skip it and head to check out.

When I turned around, I found another woman looking forlornly at the empty warming shelf. She said, “No more chicken? How disappointing!” I smiled, looked at her and said, “My thoughts exactly. I was just thinking of asking them if more were coming out. Would you like me to do that?”

“Oh, that would be great!” she said with a big friendly smile. The harried man behind the counter told me more were coming. Still considering the mountain roads ahead, I asked how soon – “They are just taking them out of the oven,” responding as if he had answered this question twenty times already. I can wait I thought. And I responded to the lovely lady that they were on their way.

The small dog in the child’s seat in basket was a perfect conversation starter. The red plaid flannel was covered with security dog. I asked about the animal. Another women approached and asked if she could pat the dog. “This is not my dog, it is my husbands. He is away. “ She started to educate us. “The dog is because he is deaf and assists him in hearing everything from the phone to the doorbell or alerting him to safety issues.”

I had never heard of a hearing dog and had many questions. It was fascinating! The dog could even tell when his migraines were coming on. She spoke of other dogs that helped with diabetes and epilepsy as well as other ailments. We marveled at the miracle of animals natural senses. They are so attuned and aligned with nature. Our conversation meandered from there about Maine – where I had just come from and where her husband was hunting, to maple sugaring because “Sugar” was the canine’s name to just smiles of understanding of the woods and beauty of nature.

Linked by chicken, we could have stood there all evening. After everyone else had wandered away and we had introduced ourselves, I started to think I would not be having any chicken for dinner. I told her I may need to give up and she said she would do her shopping and circle back. “But wait a minute, “She paused, “I’ll ask this time.”

My co-conspirator in chicken snatching, Dawn, was assured they were just labelling the chickens and our conversation continued. She was glad she was not going to have to cook something as now she had more time to read! So we were off on the pleasures of a good book… We could smell the chickens before they appeared. Our wait was so worth it. The young man informed us they could not keep these on the shelf. He was only carrying six.

I was so glad I waited. My heart was smiling as I parted from my new fleeting friend and headed to the checkout. I got my chicken – hot and fresh from the oven. But I got so much more from that moment. A wonderful connection. Education on hearing service dogs. And a recommendation for a great read for an upcoming flight! Take an Extra Moment this week. One never knows what goodness and smiles will come from the pause in your busy life.

Olympic Mania

I Love the Olympics!

The games, the amateur nature of the sporting events, the faces of the athletes who train four years to get there. 

This year’s Olympics in Brazil is a special treat because I get to watch more events; both because my schedule allows and the wonderful television coverage on several stations, thanks to my husband’s insistence that we pay to get his favorite sports stations. 

I have been thrilled to watch sports that typically I would not see on TV; sculling, shooting, archery, sailing.  I have learned that trampoline is an Olympic sport, and why that is so. What a tough task these aerial gymnasts have to face--the twists, the turns and moving surface. It is challenging and tough to watch. 

Are these games so enticing because I am watching with a new interest, or am I watching at such a fever pace because I can flip through the stations, record programs and then speed past the commercials?  Contributing to the intensity, I know that at age 54, I cannot do what these athletes do. I no longer train hard and never did at that level. Nor do I have the athleticism. I realize that there are sports that have older participants – from shooting to archery to equestrian. However, it's doubtful that they took up the sport in their 50’s, as I would have to do. 

I‘ll keep watching to share the athlete’s joy and their tribulations and trials too.  The stories are fabulous... from what they have given up to train, to who their coaches as are. One young crew recently graduated from medical school. Her Dad, who was a former Olympic qualifier, is her coach. She is now an Olympic Silver medalist. Other athletes have family members as coaches or have been with their coaches for decades.

Michelle Carter, the gold medalist in the shot put, has the Olympics in her blood. Her father also medaled in the shotput in 1984.

These stories ignite my interest, and the surprise winners do too   Maya Dirado and her gold ... a woman with a quiet faith, as it turns out, who already is married with a home and fabulous job to go back to after the Olympics. Will her medal change her mind? Will she want to ride her gold to glory, perhaps to the next Olympics, taking advantage of the promoting and marketing potential of her gold status? Her quiet, vibrant ways are in direct contrast to the Great Britain male team of synchronized divers who medaled and proudly said, "We have our faith in God that carried us through the event. It is His plan."

Such a diverse host of stories and people. That is the draw of the Olympics for me -- nations coming together. From seeing a woman from Saudi Arabia in her hijab run the 100-meter dash to watching Estonia's female triplets participating in the marathon. From knowing a 35-year-old got a medal in swimming to the O’Donovan brothers winning a silver in light weight sculling--Ireland’s only medal so far in the games. All these hardworking individuals who not only have talent but work hard to accomplish much, now sharing on the larger stage. 

The Opening ceremonies were beautiful.  Brazil did an incredible job with the event with a far smaller budget than London, demonstrating that creativity does not cost money and the budget of the Olympics is far from the point of the races.

The beauty of the night was highlighted by the standing ovation given to the refugee team.  That is the true nature of the power of the Olympics. There is a space for all athletes, even these ten without a country. The Olympic committee made a statement opening up the competition to these refugees at a time when refugees are marginalized.  These athletes fought to get here beyond what anyone can imagine.

The coming together for greater good and sportsmanship are the point. These events are the focus on the positive that the world needs.  

I am delighted to get the reminder every two years. The Olympics may be an inspiration to train but for now, I am doing my share of experiencing the thrill of the game. My back hurts from sitting, yet I will keep on watching.

Montreal, Why Not?

A Friday afternoon road trip may not be everyone’s idea of a good time.  Or convenient enough for you to hop in the car and head out.  But it was for me and my friend Susan.  We both had appointments in the morning but could hit the road at 11 am.  We had briefly talked about a possible road trip a couple of weeks before and decided we would pencil it in.  We never fully decided or discussed it until two days before…and it was a maybe.  We checked the weather for smooth driving.  And reviewed our work commitments. 

Thursday night we talked and Susan said, “Let’s go.”  I  had been on the fence and thinking of alternative ways to spend the day from skiing to working to reading…. Could not believe my change in energy and perspective after that call.  I dug out my maps, dreamed of city life and was really looking forward to a change in scenery.

I wonder how many times we talk ourselves out of doing something that would feed our soul because we are on the fence, or we can think of other things to do or there are other practical priorities seeming more pressing.  Going to Montreal after a major snowstorm meant the roads were not totally clear and parking was difficult. We had not thought ahead to exchange money or planned exactly what to do.  An afternoon roadtrip to a foreign country did not make sense. Yet, we decided to go.

As I left work to go get Susan, a colleague asked, “Are you going for the weekend?”  I shook my head.

“Overnight then?”  “No, just for the afternoon.”  I left her puzzling with her own thoughts.

Passport in hand, I hopped in my car.  I knew the addresses of a couple of bookstores I wanted to visit (See next post.)  And there was a neat exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts.  Susan added to our list of potential activities with lunch and a possible pedicure.  We hit the road and discussed all the possibilities.  I was energized by doing something completely out of the ordinary.  We compared notes – I had ten dollars in Canadian change for the parking meters, thanks to my husband who hunts across the border and keeps the change.  She had Canadian dollar bills thanks to her Canadian born husband. With a full tank of gas, we were good to go.

 And smiling even though the trip did not make sense.

 

Morning Symphony

Getting up before 4 am has never appealed to me.  Which is why I typically do not rise at that hour.  As I told my husband, I have been up more times in my life at this hour coming in than going out. This morning I was up though and I do not regret it for one moment.  Despite the start of my day without caffeine and with only a glass of juice in my stomach, I was do delighted to  share this moment in nature.

And I learned a bit in the process.

This is turkey season in Vermont.  My husband is a turkey hunter. And despite my city roots I occasionally will join him.  Okay very occasionally, this was my third time in seven years.   "Rarely" would be a better word.  

Here is what I experienced: A ride in the dark on dirt roads until we came to the edge of a field purported to have turkeys.  We traipsed along through an acre of field through a few puddles and wet grass – I know now why hunters wear high rubber boots.  

We entered the woods and sat on the rocks surrounded by maples, birches, pines.   Watching the shifts in lighting as the morning woke up and greens of the field, the trees and all that was around me was powerful.

Sitting in the canopy of trees it was the music I heard that placed me a state of pure realization and delight....

The birds of every imaginable sound and tone a were orchestrating the welcoming of the day.  Their lightness and energy and joy was so powerful.  Even when my mind would wander and I wondered truly what I was listening to… I could sense the beauty of the moment.  I finally understood the bird watchers who experience this in so many ways.  Making me consider a new activity.

What happened next is what amazed me…I could distinguish the noise of a roosting bird.

Do not ask me if it was the noise of a hen or a gobbler, I just knew it was a different bird and I pointed to my husband from the direction of the sound.

Moments later two turkeys flew into the field to start their morning. 

As still as we sat, they never did get close enough to get a good look or to consider shooting.  That is okay with me.  I considered it a successful morning as we journeyed out.  I spotted two turkeys in the wild, enjoyed a personal symphony and shared the light of the morning in the special way that only nature can provide.

Silent communication, another intimacy of strengthening relationship.

Best Side Benefit is that now almost twelve hours later, I still feel the joy of that time spent among the trees and birds and power of nature.

 

A little bit of time off can go a long way

Small business owners think the need to work more and harder to make their business successful.  Knowing their craft, understanding the management of a business and handling money effectively are valuable tools in operating a successful business.  So too is taking time off. 

Sounds counterintuitive.  Time off to make a business operate more efficiently?  The time off makes the business owner operate more efficiently.  So with time away from the business, the trials, triumphs and issues of business take a back seat.

The mind is refreshed.  The heart is clear and the body is rested.  These are all critical to operating a small business smoothly and successfully.

If you operate your own business, try some time away.  Something simple.  Start with one day or a weekend escape.  The point is not to attend to your business consciously.  This is your respite. 

When your mind goes to your business focus it on something else…go back to the hike, the national monument or fabulous museum.  Our minds are amazing and when we gather info from somewhere else our creativity and abilities are enhanced. 

From Beer Runs to Book Runs…Always Fun

How far will some people go for a book?  Turns out over a three hundred mile roundtrip is not problem.  No, the book is not contraband but The Cornish House is published in Europe and England.  There is not an American deal yet. However, the book is sold in Canada.

Back in college days, beer runs to Canada for Bradoor beer were part of UVM culture.  The beer was more potent – thanks to a higher alcohol content and tasted better in my estimation.  We would find the closest liquor store on the other side of the border, make our purchase and go home.  Although I seldom had a car to instigate a trip, one such road trip was motivated by a visit from a dear friend, Liz.  She was at the more sophisticated and all girls school of Mount Holyoke.  She had brought with her  a younger coed who had not traveled much.  And a car.

When I mentioned Beer Run, they said “Let’s go!”

To this day Liz has mentioned this trip as a highlight of her college days. The wilds of Vermont and the social atmosphere of the University of Vermont impacted her life.  Now , she is an author and I recreated the journey in her honor.

When The Cornish House came out, I discovered it was not sold – yet – in the United States.  But would be available in Canada – I told Liz I would be off to Montreal at the first possible moment to get my copy.  She said be sure and take pictures…this is a great story!  I said from Beer run to Book, run what is the world coming to?

Although the book had come out in August in Canada, my schedule never allowed for the trip.  Then came bad weather and the holidays.  Hopeful for a Spring road trip until a spontaneous one worked.  I had long ago read the book but finding the book on the shelves was neat. Having my friend Susan along was terrific.  How exciting to find the book and share the fun!

 

Just Because I wanted to Try

Yesterday I was working at home when quite a beautiful sight ran by my window….Two horses plodding through the snow.  What struck me first was their form and gracefulness despite two feet of snow on the ground.  Their strong dark bodies against the white of the snow and the evergreens was something out of a movie.

My delayed reaction was what was important:  Our neighbors horses were loose!

Our neighbor happens to be my husband’s daughter so I knew where to find her- at work.  I called her and told her the bad news and let her know I had the flexibility to go get them if she told me how.  Her simple directions were: ”Get the grain from the barn which is in the trash can. Fill the bucket.  They will follow you home with that in your hand.” 

My husband is typically around when the horses get out and he wants to call someone. He does not usually want to try or have me try.  He was nowhere around, so I took it on.  I loved venturing out on a clear crisp winters day with a purpose.

Find the grain, check.

Fill a bucket, check.

Go toward the horses with bucket in hand. And they do follow completely and easily.

Get to the small gate – it is stuck. 

Go to the large gate and observe how to unwind the rope to open the gate.  Before I could try – a neighbor yells for me to come back as he has the small gate open for me. 

Thanks to Jim – I lead the horse right back to their yard.  And on our stroll down the road, he tells me how to find the opening in the fence so I know what needs to be repaired. 

Sure enough it is easy to find the opening thanks to the horse tracks and the fallen branches on the electric fence.  My repair skills are lacking. …but I piled some branches in hopes of deterring any future escapes in the short term.

Contented and rosy cheeked, with snow covered legs arriving home I was motivated to head back to work – at my desk.  But first I left a message that mission was accomplished and Tracy had no need to worry. Later, her husband would come home and fix the fence.

But it was in the evening, when I told my husband what I did and how good it felt that my days activities were reinforced.  He was impressed by what I did!  That I could handle horses.   Okay, handle may be too strong of a word.  He is not a horse person.  A true horse person would not think twice about what I did.  As a first for me, I had two things going for me.   I like horses. And I had some help from my neighbor.

Quite rewarding to do something new and different.  And the balance of being outdoors and doing something physical against the ….inside stationery desk work was great …energizing.

I did not have to do it.  I rescued the horses Just Because.