I’ve received over 170 birthday wishes! It does make me feel special! Thank you all for taking the time to wish me a happy birthday. I appreciate each and every one of you!
Aug 2
One of the new designs I am working on this month… I am considering long sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, morphing mugs, Christmas ornament… what else? a tumbler? a bag? pillow? what do you think?
Aug 8
Surveying the weeds, I told Bob “Too bad all that greenery isn’t flowers.” Then, I spotted them… and went to get the camera.
We still have LOTS of weeds, but the blooms have lightened my mood.
Aug 9
Not long ago, I watched someone share an invitation in a business networking group. Her heart was in the right place—she wanted others to join her for coffee and learn about her team and business. Unfortunately, the post received a flood of harsh, negative comments that hurt her so deeply, she took it down.
My heart ached for her. No one deserves to be bullied for putting themselves out there. Still, it made me reflect on something I’ve learned: sometimes the way we share our message matters just as much as the message itself.
In this case, she could have reframed her invitation—not as recruiting for her business, but as a chance to gather, learn from one another, and grow together. From there, she could naturally share her own story and business with anyone who felt drawn to it. To me, that feels more like a true exchange of value and connection.
Sadly, she felt that adjusting her approach would be “underhanded.” That struck me, because in life—and in business—we often get stuck in this place. We say we want things to change, yet refuse to shift how we show up. We stomp our feet, insist life is unfair, but miss the opportunity to try something different that might actually open doors.
Network marketing is a valid business model. But like any business, it works best when you lead with your “why.” Why did you choose this path? What do you love about the products that makes you excited to share? Who do you truly connect with? That’s where authentic relationships grow.
It takes courage to put yourself out there. My hope is that more of us will choose kindness when we see others trying—and also that we’ll stay open to adjusting our approach when the old ways just aren’t working. Sometimes, the smallest shift can change everything.
Aug 18
I was taking pictures of out-grown clothes to list in some groups and Cheddar came over wanting to help.
Aug 18
I decided early this year not to plant a garden. Something in me just knew I wouldn’t have the time or energy—and I was right. This year has been busier than I ever imagined, and I’m grateful I didn’t take on more. But apparently Mother Nature didn’t get the memo… my garden bed is overflowing with weeds that are now taller than I am! Sometimes life has a way of reminding us that even when we don’t plan, growth still happens—just not always the kind we expect.
Aug 21
We had a fun surprise visitor this morning! I went outside to investigate what the dogs were barking at… I figured there was a raccoon passing through or the horses were messing with the fence again. I wasn’t expecting this precious creature! She came running over and let me carry her to a kennel for safe keeping while we made a few calls to find her person.
I love goats! But… they are highly mischievous and can be a lot of trouble. Besides, the guys would not be impressed with hoof prints all over the vehicles. She is safely home already.
Aug 22
Bob’s artwork
We are thankful to be done with the hot, humid days!
Time to get some work done!
The weekend weather finally cooperated—and we got our very first line of fencing up!
Last year I was too weak to do much, and the guys were healing from injuries. This summer has been full of hot, humid days I couldn’t work in and thunderstorms that always seemed to hit when the guys were free. But at last, the timing lined up, and together we made it happen!
We’re super excited to see this piece done! Already, we’re dreaming about doing the next, shorter, line of fencing… Of course, before that comes, we need to put up a gate, add panels to play with the horses, barn window repairs (again!), do some weed control… all while hoping winter doesn’t blow in too quickly. 🌬
Every little step brings us closer to creating our dream space—a place we can open up and share with others for equine-assisted activities. One project at a time, the vision is coming to life!
Aug 25
“Who you spend time with matters.”
I was thinking about this last night. In my old life, I spent ten years trying to start a business. Every time I made a little progress, my ex-husband would find a way to stop it—adding to my workload, belittling my efforts, and discouraging me. It’s true: the people around you can either lift you up or wear you down.
Building a business takes time, learning, and a strong foundation—especially when you’re low income and can’t afford to hire help. His constant negativity, in business and beyond, eventually took such a toll on my nervous system that I developed constant trembling (similar to Parkinson’s) and even bouts of temporary paralysis. It was a harsh reminder of how draining the wrong environment can be.
On the flip side, being with the right people is deeply healing. Once I stepped away from that negativity, my life began to change. Having a supportive partner has been life-changing. While I still experience short periods of trembling when I’m over-whelmed, I’ve now been free of daily trembling for 8 years!
I started my non-profit almost a year ago. I have made more progress in one year than I did in an entire decade of trying to get a business going before. While I’m not where I want to be yet and am not seeing big financial results, I feel successful in the progress I’ve made and confident that I’m living in alignment with my life’s purpose.
Does it really matter who you spend time with? Yes! 100%
Aug 28