The morning didn’t start out the way I imagined. I thought I would get up enjoy a coffee, head out to do errands like getting my nails tidied up, pick up bread from The Crusty Bun and end the day with doing much needed housework.
Instead I am tapping at the computer because upon waking I had the economy of all blessed things on my mind. Why? Because I am sick to death of the droning. Boring. Surely something good is going on out there!
Recently, one of my cohorts who is in the the know, mentioned to me that people are not spending money because they don’t think they have money to spend when in fact they do. Fair enough. I think it goes deeper than that.
After the last economic meltdown I started to focus on needs rather than wants. After several heart to hearts with Busty from Bust A Blog I went a little further; where do I want to make my investments? The answer: in experiences. Stuff comes and goes – but experiences stay with you.
Don’t get me wrong “stuff” is part of creating experiences. The “stuff” around you is also how you express yourself. But, if the right “stuff” isn’t there, I am not going to be buying it.
I go to the gym. The reason for bringing up the gym is that one of the dynamics about being there is everyone is waltzing around with ear phones stuck in their ears. No one talks to one another or if they do it is rarely. I am not sure if you are suppose to or not, talk that is... kind of thinking it may be bad gym etiquette to go up to someone and say hi my name is... when the dude is throwing around 300 lbs of weights.
Communication is 80% body language. Whether people realize it or not everyone is still in fact communicating. The whole experience has been fascinating because out of the hundreds of people who trip in and out of the gym there are about five to ten people who really stand out. They have something going on. They express themselves with a certain spark. Since I don’t know their names I have blessed each of them with a new one.
One person who I call Big Red really makes a statement. When I first re-joined the gym I was working out on the women's side rather than the co-ed area. Leaving one day I happen to glance over on the co-ed side and he caught my eye. I said to myself “who is that?” “I would like to get to know him, he looks like a really interesting person. I wonder what I could learn from him?”
Why? Because he has a style all his own. Clearly he has put some thought into it. Everything from what he wears to how he does his exercise routine is done with care, patience, a little bit of love, and confidence. He has an edge and that is what makes him noticeable.
I love to shop. I have the most amazing shopping angels. The outfit I wore yesterday jeans, sweater, and boots all in $45, it looked like I had spent a whole lot more. I have a certain way I express myself: uptown rocker chic and I love being part of that experience.
I haven’t been buying a whole lot of "stuff" lately. Why? Because what is out there on the market especially clothes seem ugly, poorly made, and lacking attention to detail. It looks like re-runs from the 1980’s and the material feels like it was dug it up from that time period as well.
Here is the point. Where is the love?
If you want me to spend my money. Show me the love. Show me that you care. Show me that you have thought about your product and this isn’t about power and money or money and power. Asking me to invest my money on your product or service because you exist is no longer doing it.
Maybe I am only the one with this perspective – maybe I am not – maybe no one else is saying.
My point is even though the economy is struggling, countries are re-defining who they are – this is a prime opportunity for real creative activity, for inspiration, new and exciting ideas to come forth and for artists, scientists, storytellers, manufacturers, designers and musicians to express themselves in new ways. It is a time to be thinking, and thinking big, acting and acting big.
On the right hand side of this blog is a list of businesses, organizations, and foundations. They are put there because I am familiar with the people, the product, the service, the thinking, and the passion. These places exist because someone was motivated to have a new experience, to create possibilities driven by love, passion, dedication, focus, and a whole lot of other things I don’t know about. In the process, they have also given others the opportunity to shift the way the world is seen. And, that is BIG.
I blessed the fellow at the gym with the name Big Red – because he is pretty darn hot and I like being around that vibe.
Pretending that the economy is not struggling is unfair, dishonest, and dishonourable to those who are experiencing difficulties. The truth is I don’t ever remember things not being tough. However, if the economists and the powers that be – meaning you and me - want the economic tides to change, then the thinking has to get a whole lot hotter, lots sexier, and more exciting. People need inspiration, people like to raise their game. And, that is not boring.
Then again, it’s just my Opinion. What’s yours? ThInQ About It.
Life is compiled into a serious of moments. As I have discovered some of our experiences seem to be frozen in time. This is a story about one of those moments.
After several months of contemplation I did it. I signed up on Facebook. The reason? After my cell phone purchase and the sales person nearly having melt down as to why I wasn't on Facebook, I thought I should check out.
It didn’t take too long until I was in the middle of a happy reunion with my Ringette team. One night we burned up cyberspace for nearly six hours, by the time I logged off I was experiencing vertigo.
When our team was formed - a long time ago - we were the only one in our area. To play a game we had to drive at least an hour or more. Then we would get our butts whipped. Literally. The teams we played were exceptionally good at pushing their sticks on the backs of our skates and down we would go. Clever little trick for a game with no body contact.
Somewhere in our career Boissevain hosted the Westman Games. The Ringette finals were scheduled on home ice. My Sunday School teacher’s husband was also the local sports reporter. At that time The Boissevain Recorder was a nationally recognized rural newspaper. The International Turtle Derby was at the height of its existence. The sports commentator’s opinion had influence. We found that out the hard way. Prior to the start of the Games he crucified Ringette in one of his write ups.
I have never admitted this until now but it confused me as to why my Sunday School teacher’s husband was behaving that way. Wasn’t she teaching us the opposite kind of thinking and behavior?
What happened the day of the gold medal game was pretty amazing. Even more outstanding was our team being in the finals. The arena, not a word of a lie, was filled to the brim with spectators. A lot of pressure for a group of girls. It was also warm outside which meant the ice was melting not only on the surface but from the roof as well. We weren't just dodging rings, we were on the run from buckets of ice water falling on us!
Like a true Disney story, the game was tied up, everyone of us was soaking wet, and with a few minutes left on the clock in the third period Kai made this amazing deek outside our zone by the boards on the left side, passing the ring up and viola we scored; winning the gold medal. I can see that move today.
After that Ringette took off. My sister’s team followed behind and their group was very competitive. Today, in that area of the province, the game is not around. My sister and my cohorts have enrolled their girls in hockey and who knows where these young ladies will take their possibilities... now a days they can, if they wish, dream of the Olympics.
This is a story about a group of girls who had some kind of mojo going on, who broke boundaries, and have continued to defy the odds – all of us - in one way or another ever since.
As I watched the text roll across the page that night on our Facebook marathon all I felt was joy. Some talked about the gold medal game, I dug out the picture and my year books, others talked about the uniforms and the jackets and how wearing those outfits made them feel – mine is in a closet somewhere, others chatted about the number of times we were billeted and one of us was still playing.
Despite all our differences as individuals put us together and we bond like crazy glue. The energy takes off like a rocket. Being on Facebook has rekindled a whole lot of possibilities especially with these women, and who knows where that will lead to, I for one am looking forward to the adventure.
Life is a series of moments where we have the choice to move from the mundane into something completely extraordinary. Do you stand still – listening to the nay Sayers - or do you jump in with your complete being and enjoy the ride?
ThInQ About It?
Image via Wikipedia… the Bombshell and her cohorts would rather see everyone raised a level rather than swim in the sea of mediocrity. – Jacqueline Bradley
Arriving at the last five chapters of The Bombshell Bible I have become quite charmed by Ms Bradley’s no nonsense manner. It is here is where she dives into paying attention to the value of your relationships and the importance of surrounding yourself with friends and colleagues who uplift you rather than being around those who squish your natural desire to express the higher parts of yourself.
… if you have people questioning your lofty ambitions and planting small seeds of doubt… recognize those seeds before they take root! – Jacqueline Bradley
According to Bradley part of expressing your true self includes the use of your personal colour, taking time to study symbols of beauty and grace, and discovering your signature move.
Being a Bombshell isn’t about being 5'2 with eyes of blue…. it really is about being authentic and honest with no one else besides yourself. The Bombshell Bible promises that it is about making over your style and soul. It delivers if you choose to embrace the opportunity.
Last week while sweating it out at the gym to a newly acquired Paul Plakas fitness program a woman came up to me – a total stranger - and said, “You know, you look fabulous. I’ve been watching you for a long time; you use the Precor machine as well, and whatever you are doing keep it up you look fabulous.”
There I stood all greasy, dripping with sweat, really smelly and starring at a woman that just told me I looked fabulous. Stunned would be a good adjective for the moment. Truth is I have only lost five pounds, but it felt like I had just lost hundred.
It wasn’t my only adventure on the Bombshell treadmill last week, but that one moment opened up to the next and then the next.. really it did... and before I knew it a whole week of really cool experiences flew by.
My one and only criticism of this book is I wish there were pictures especially when she was talking about the exercises and things like how to tie a ribbon onto your sandals. I have seen Jacqueline on television and a few snaps would have really add to the value of the Bombshell experience.
Was The Bombshell Bible life changing? Yes. For me I regained my confidence in singing out loud, out of tune and I mean totally off key. The best part is I am not particularly worried if it bothers anyone because I am happiest and in my most creative state when I am singing out loud like the true Diva - I mean Bombshell - I am.
The Bombshell Bible was a fun read and opened up a path to new possibilities. My favourite? Chatting via email with Jacqueline. Happened by accident, but what a great encounter and a total surprise. Turns out - Jacqueline Bradley - is a former Winnipegger. Lived in River Heights.
I love my life.
Let me know what you thInQ and in the mean time check out the Bombshell Cher in Believe as posted on YouTube.
Image via Wikipedia
