Motivational Monday - "Are You Still Smiling?"

"Are you still smiling?"  My mom asks as I come in at the end of the day - after working for several days - setting up her rummage sale.  I laughed and said "I always smile."  She says "I know, but after dealing with all those people - you are still smiling."  

You know, being happy is a choice.  I know I've posted about this before, however it is TRUE.  You can choose - happy or sad.  

I really "busted my butt" over a 24 hour period.  I basically set up my tents and pulled stuff out of the garage and basement on Friday - the sale was Saturday.  This was on purpose...as, I knew the longer time my mom had to look at an item, the more she would want to keep it.   We did "pull" it all out, set it up and let her look it over to see if she wanted to keep anything before the sale.   I know this was hard for her - it was on the family as well.  Seeing all of the items we grew up with, played with and have memories of - sell.  I was just happy that by doing this  it let the family have a chance to buy something they wanted - first.  My mom wanted each grand/great grandchild to have one of her cookie cutters for a memory.  That was such a nice addition to the sale.  I loved watching each little one choose.  

(Some of the great grandkids at the sale)

I'm the youngest of 6.  My one sister said to a customer that wanted a price on something - "go ask her - she's the boss here...the youngest sister and the boss."  My other sister said "I am happy YOU did this, as I'm not emotionally strong enough to do it."  My mom thanked me over and over for helping her do the sale.  

I know I'm the youngest, I know I'm bossy and I know I'm strong.   It all goes back to choice.  I guess I would rather choose to be strong - you can you know.  My inner peace and strength come from my faith.   Not just faith - like my religion - the faith that comes from learning to trust in Jesus to help me in EVERY situation.  

Yes, I could have been sad.  There were a few items that pulled at my heart.  You can't keep everything.  I just let it go - it is only stuff.  Now someone else will be able to enjoy it. 

What I was most pleased with was that no one was fighting.  Trust me when I say this - I've bought out and worked with MANY families over the past 20 years - MOST fight over something.  We had none of that.  My immediate family is huge - my brothers and sisters and their children - over 80 of us.  That is a testament to how my mom and dad raised us.  We love and respect each other.  

So, the next time you start to feel sad, mad, bitter or whatever, remember you have a choice.  It is that simple.  Only you can control your emotions!  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/09/homestead-barn-hop-129.html

Thanks Pete Hittner

"If you can't use your head, you gotta use your feet"  Pete Hittner.  One of my old bosses.  I would hate for him to use this line on me.  

When Pete would "buzz" one of us to come into is office - we had to be on top of what we anticipated his needing.  Without fail...if we came in unprepared, he would say..."if you can't use your head, you gotta use your feet."  I hated it!

So, when he would "buzz" me, I would come in with all types of things I thought he needed.  That might be a document, staple gun, stamp...an answer to a question on a case...who knew.  It became a game for me to think ahead of what he wanted.  In turn, making me think - keeping me engaged through out the day.  I was like a puppy getting praise for not pooping on the floor - "good job."  

I would laugh when one of the other girls came out of his office - shaking her head repeating that quote - looking for something he needed.  

I might have hated that quote then - however, I have used it over and over in my life.  My kids know it - I have used it on them.  I just said this yesterday while running back out to the barn forgetting to do something..."Jacky, if you can't use your head you gotta use your feet."  

So, thanks Pete Hittner - that actually was a pretty good quote.  It has kept me on my toes for many years.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wiscosnin.  

Motivational Monday - 1 Year of Change

October 19th is Evaluate Your Life Day.   Last year, I made a personal challenge - to be better - grow and change.  Read about it here:  http://dickybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-19th-evaluate-your-life-day.html

So, it has been a year - wow!  I have made reference to this post several times throughout the past year sharing all of my baby steps to change.  So, here is the 1 year reflection and what I feel I have learned about myself.  

My daughters and I joined Weight Watchers at the beginning of this journey.  Becoming more healthy was at the top of the list of things I needed to work on.  I am happy to report, that I have lost almost half of the total weight I need to.  I have been faithful in attending the weekly meetings.  I have changed my relationship with food - I now put a point value on what I eat; "is this worth it?"  Balance is the key to success.   

As most of you know, I am self employed.  This past year, I have placed a priority on building my business.  Becoming more selective and learning to look at the pros and cons of each venture I decide to partake in.  I have learned that not doing something might actually be better than doing it.  That applies to shows, markets and buyouts.  "Will this be worth it - my time vs. profit?"  Learning that I don't have to "do it all" has rewarded me with clarity to pick and choose.  Balance is the key to success.

Facing my anxiety this past year has been the hardest challenge for me.  However, I made myself do it!  Making yourself do things you are afraid of is so empowering!  Jumping up and selling at auction - using the tools I learned at auctioneering school - huge progress for me!  My anxiety stems from what people think of me.  How dumb is that?  Like I can control what people think.  Unfortunately, I say and do stupid stuff without thinking - all the time.  Not mean things, just dumb things.  This still needs work.  However, I haven't said or done some of the things I wanted to.  I am learning to curb my opinions, as most people really don't want to hear them anyway.  Learning to face my fears and curb what I do and say to reflect a better me has been the most challenging part of this year.  Balance is the key to success.

As I reflect on this year, I would be remiss without mentioning this: all of the above issues - the lessons learned, weight loss, curbing my opinions - all of that has built up my faith and in turn helped me grow spiritually.  Getting my physical and emotional issues in check - has directly improved me spiritually.  Praying for guidance, reading and studying His word are vital for growth.  Balance is the key to success.

Do you see the theme here?  Balance is the KEY.  You might be thinking:  "I know, I have heard this all before...ya, ya...balance.  Who has time for that.  I have to do this...then this..then this..."  I'm telling you, from a whole year of reflection and change - find your balance and you will be healthier, happier and benefit from it spiritually. 

I hope this will challenge some of you.  This year has been hard and rewarding.  Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Fruit Fly Trap

We have been making applesauce.  With all those scraps - come fruit flies.  I mentioned this to my sister Bonnie and she had this ingenious fruit fly trap she saw on the internet.  

You put apple cider vinegar in a coffee cup along with a few drops of liquid dish soap.  Within like - minutes - really, this is attracting the fruit flies.  This really works.  We have made this concoction 2 times already and have attracted many of those annoying buggars!

I'm so happy Bonnie saw this one and shared it with me.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Linked to:  Down Home Blog Hop:  http://www.tillysnest.com/2013/09/down-home-blog-hopnumber-55-fall-leaf.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TillysNest+%28Tilly%27s+Nest%29

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Start with a pork roast - any one will work - I used a shoulder roast.   I made a dry rub:  1/2 C brown sugar, 1/2 t pepper, 1/2 t red pepper flakes, 1/2 t chili powder, 1/2 t garlic powder and 1/2 t onion salt.  Mix together and roll your roast in to coat.  Drizzle some olive oil in your slow cooker, put the roast in and cook on low all day.  This slow cooking will make the roast pull apart tender.

About 30 minutes before your meal, take the roast out of the cooker - let cool and rest.  Drain all the juices/fat from the slow cooker - reserve.  Turn up the heat on the slow cooker and add your favorite BBQ sauce.  Let that heat up while you pull apart the pork - add to the sauce.  I did use some of the reserved cooking liquid to thin out the pulled pork.  

(Kim's BS Sauce - is made in Wausau, WI.)

Heat back up in the sauce.  Serve on a bun.  I also added to the top (Food Network tip) my home made carrot and craisin coleslaw.  I made this by dicing up cabbage, carrots, radishes.   I mixed up the sauce - 1/2 C lite mayo, S & P, splash of milk, little sugar and dehydrated onion flakes.  Pour over the cabbage mix.  Add 2 handfuls of craisins.  This is super good on top the the pulled pork - the craisins really add something.  

I also made potato salad - from my home grown reds!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Motivation Monday - "You're An Overcomer" - Mandisa

My new favorite song - "Overcomer" by Mandisa.  Here are the lyrics:

Staring at a stop sign
Watching people drive by
T Mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing's really going right
Looking for a ray of hope

Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He's not gonna let it get the best of you

You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You're not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when He reminds You
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer

Everybody's been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Oh, you're not alone
Just take a breath, don't forget
Hang on to His promises
He wants You to know

The same Man, the Great I am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of You
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing He can't do
He's telling You 

Here is a link to the song so you can listen to it:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z29olPjFbqg

This song is based on 1 John 5: 4-5  

1 John 5:4-5

New International Version (NIV)

4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

The video is awesome.  Using the "cancer" story to show those that overcome.  You all know where that hits me.  Our theme song when Anna was in treatment was Casting Crowns "Praise You In This Storm."

Mandisa wrote this song for her friend who was battling breast cancer while pregnant.  She wanted to give her a positive song and words to listen to, to help her during her fight.  

I was on my way in to town at 6:30 a.m. to "help" take care of my Mom this past Friday morning.  I was thinking about her, her rummage sale, Ringle Harvest Day, 4-H issues, Elderon Bible study, Weight Watchers weight in, 2 weddings in 2014 (my daughters - blog followers, Anna is getting married too.  I didn't post about it yet as I was waiting for their engagement pictures), my friend Lola, Syria....you know life...when this song came on the radio.  Just what I needed to hear!

I tweeted:

2. Jacky Luetschwager ‏@DickyBirdsNest13 Sep

   "You're an overcomer" @mandisaofficial Listening to this AM whatever it is in your life that you are battling Jesus can help you overcome!

   Collapse
   

   •  Reply 
   •  Delete 
   •  Favorite 

   • 1FAVORITE
   • 

   8:28 AM - 13 Sep 13 · Details
   
   

   Tweet text
   

   Reply to @mandisaofficial 

   Image will appear as a link
3. Mandisa ‏@mandisaofficial13 Sep

   @DickyBirdsNest Amen! John 16:33

   Collapse

John 16:33

New International Version (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

So, what more motivation do we need this Monday.   Being an overcomer isn't something special for a chosen few.  Jesus can help you with any problem you may have.  I know, because he has for me - and I'm no one special. 

We might not get the "answer" we feel we need or expect - but, we will get the one He has planned for us.  I can't help but think of Dan Julson for an expample.  He was a young man in our church that battled cancer for many years.  He did pass from his illness.   At his funeral, our pastor at the time said "we might not have witnessed Dan healed here in the physical world, but rest assured he is in Heaven.  God's promises still hold true - even in death - we rest on the faith that 'by his stripes we are healed' and Dan is today."  I actually think about that funeral service a lot!  The wisdom in that statement.  Dan is healed and we will witness it one day. 

We might have daily challenges, like the ones I was thinking about on Friday.  Life can and is hard at times!  Just remember you can be an overcomer!  Jesus can help you if you only ask.  He is waiting.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Motivation Monday - Blog Followers

Motivation Monday - wait it's Tuesday.  That just shows where my motivation level was yesterday.

Actually, I try to think of positive things to write about as motivation for myself.  I hope that others who read my blog find it helpful as well.

I guess that is actually what I chose to write about.  This past weekend, while set up at the show, a customer paid me a nice compliment about my blog.  So, Chris - this is for you.  

I really like writing this blog.  It truly is an extension of my creativity.  I also follow many blogs.  I always look at the amount of followers they have and the amount of comments on each post.  How do these blogs get those responses?  Not that I think I have anything important to write about, I just wonder how they do it.   What makes them so popular in blogland.   

Then I have to remind myself - Jacky it's not a competition.  I have to remind myself of that a lot in different areas of my life.  It is one of the things I continually work on.

Then, Chris comes along...reminding me of something really important.  I didn't know that people I knew here - that are not "followers" - actually follow me.   Other friends over the past few months have come up to me and said...."that was so funny when...or, I tried your recipe and ..."  How flattering.

So, Chris and others, thanks for motivating me.  Knowing that people I actually know read this is all the inspiration I need.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

   

Boost to My Creativity - Totally Selfish Post - Shame on Me!

This is a totally selfish post - I'm almost embarrassed to write it.  I had such a fun time at the End of Season Flea Market at Grand Repeats in Wausau.  I've been kinda "out of the loop" - as far as seeing my old customers.  When my shop was open here at my farm, I had some pretty awesome regular customers.  I miss not seeing them the most!  This weekend in the Wausau area is the Artrageous Weekend held in conjunction with Leigh Yawke Woodson Art Museum's "Birds in Art."   I was a vendor for many years.  Once we started showing sheep - we attended a show held this same weekend instead.  This is the first time in like 9 years I sold and set up a booth on this weekend.  I only wish now that I would have spent more time creating this summer.  I need to get busy before Ringle Harvest Day - I need inventory!   Here is a picture of my booth.

I forgot my camera - so these were taken with my phone.

I bought some really cute stuff from Kathy Bird.  She was/is one of those awesome customers.  She and her mother would come out to my shop on the farm almost monthly.  She said the nicest thing to me.  After I bought these cute items, "wow, I'm so excited, Jacky is like my 'idol' and she is buying my art."  I said "wait a minute..." and we agreed that "idol" wasn't the best word.  I will admit, I was flattered beyond belief!  

All of the nice compliments really got me inspired again.  I have had some ideas floating around in my head - now I have to get creating.  My booth for Ringle will be all folk art, primitives and something new....kind of like Oddities (show).  I only hope I have time to get some of them done.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

End of Season Flea Market at Grand Repeats

Just a reminder for those followers who live close....we are having our End of Season Flea Market at Grand Repeats https://www.facebook.com/GrandRepeats

What do I plan to bring:  My vintage inspired Halloween folk art, potpourri and candles, upcycled military bags, vintage paper to include postcards, sheet music and school displays - some could be used in your own altered art creations - and all $1 or less;  LOTS of books all 50% off sticker; vintage costume jewelry - also cheap enough (most under $5) to be used in your own creations; other vintage items for your home.  I am still digging out different stuff today - so I don't know what I will find yet.    

I plan to set up both days.  Hope to see you there.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Milwaukee - Sea Gulls - Popeyes Chicken

We helped Jon move back to the dorms in Milwaukee.  It was such a nice day, so we stopped at the beach.  There were silly Sea Gulls on the Lake Michigan shoreline.  

With each visit down to Milwaukee, I find another reason to like it.  I'm not saying I want to live there...Ringle population 1,700 - Milwaukee near 600,000...but, a visit is nice.   

I do love the thrift shops - things are cheaper down there than up here!  Al and I already know some of the "hot" pickin spots.  I also enjoy the food in the ethnic shops, cafes and bakeries.   

We ate at a Popeyes Chicken (we don't have those up here).  Al loves the chicken there (he grew up in Maryland) I only had it one time on a visit out East.  When we placed our order I told the young man how much Al loved the chicken here, that we didn't have them where we lived and we just had to turn around and come back to stop.  When he gave us our order, he winks and said "I might have given you an extra tender or two."  We had excellent, friendly service.  We might not have stopped had we known that Capital Drive was the known area for gang violence and criminal activity.  I'm glad we didn't know - we had a great meal!  Remember, people are people, no matter where you live - it is how we treat each other that matters!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Wild Canoe Ride

Al and I bought a canoe this year for our 25th wedding anniversary.  This would give us something to do in our "empty nest" years.  We live in Wisconsin were rivers are plentiful and the Eau Claire River is in our back yard.  We decided to try out a new area of the river.  We knew that the Eau Claire Dells has rapids and rocks, but that was up stream a bit.  We asked our friend Leon - who knows the river and he said to keep left on the river - or did he say right?  We couldn't remember, but we were sure that it was up stream and not in the section we were on.   So we started out under the bridge on Hwy. Z.

Northern Wisconsin has received ALOT of rain this past week, so the river was high.

It was so calm and relaxing - at first....

There were beautiful rocks, bubbly sounds of water - this should have been our clue.  Then the river divides...do we go left or right?  The current was pushing us left.  I was in the front and could see what was up ahead.  There was another canoe with people in it down below - I could see them getting pushed from side to side.  I was scared!  I tried to hang my foot over the edge, grabbing a tree branch to stop us....nope, down the rapids we went.  It kicked our butts!  We flipped it!  

Well, I went totally under - but, my phone survived.  I was able to grip on to a rock.  When I looked back, there was Al trying to hold on to the canoe, paddle and seats.  He told me to climb on the rocks and walk up the hill and around till I saw him down stream.  He jumped in the canoe and went on down.  He is such a good husband!  

Al was waiting for me at the bottom.  He had a huge cut on his hand.  I don't know what we would have done if one of us would have been hurt - badly.  I have bruises on my knee and legs.  We jumped back in and paddled down to our truck - we had no idea it would take us 3 hours!!  We met up with the family in the other canoe.  They were down stream tipping the water out of their canoe.  They didn't tip over.  They were surprised with the rapids too. 

We had a good work out and so much fun.  We laughed about hitting every rock in the river - and we pretty much did.  Do you know those pinterest pictures that show what you imagine you look like and then what you actually look like.   Al said, you thought you were like Pocahontas or an Indian maiden floating in your canoe....then I see what I actually look like...maybe only I think this is funny.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.