The Positive and the Negative

 

Lately, I've come across quite a bit of information about the subject of positivity. Being positive is a good thing during this time in our history. I believe it's important for us not to fall into a negativity trap because that's actually not helpful.

Here are some positive and negative tidbits I'd like to share with you to help illustrate this-

Sometimes things happen that we think are bad, that are negative, but they are actually positive when you look for the good in any situation. 

For example, a man might have missed getting a certain job for which he had applied. However, shortly thereafter, he was hired for another job that was much better in every way! 

A romantic relationship might have ended, but, then, another person comes along that is much nicer, more caring, and respectful.

Everything happens for the best!

Recently, I noticed a "Special Edition" of "Time" magazine which has an intriguing title, "The Power of Positive Thinking why attitude matters." Good to see this type of publication; the more, the better!

Recently, a woman came up to me and said that she enjoyed reading my "The Art of Positive Living " blog. She also said that she had a personal story to share with me about being positive- She explained that one night she didn't get much sleep, and that she felt bad the next day. In fact, she said she was also in bad mood, so much so that she noticed that negative things started happening to her. She had gone out to shop that day, and she described a series of negative events that happened to her before she got back home.

Thankfully, once she was home, she finally realized that it was her negative attitude that had drawn the negative events to her. She then told me that whether a person is positive or negative makes a huge difference, that she's made a determined effort to be a positive thinker and feeler from now on!

I know a woman, who, although she is not a classic beauty, makes the most of  her assets, and dresses attractively. She is very kind, friendly, likable, and seems very happy. She has a nice life, plenty of friends, and she is married to a great guy. I believe her life is the way it is because of her positive attitude.

"Positivity has more power than you think."- "Woman's World" magazine (which is full of positivity!)

Not long ago, I was in a small shop in a small town when I overheard the shop owner tell another lady from another shop that she was barely hanging in there. My heart went out to her, and I wanted to support her, so I bought a wedding gift out of several possibilities that she suggested, not knowing if the gift I finally selected was the best choice for the couple or not. I finally decided just to go with the flow, and to buy something from her rather than go somewhere else to try to find the perfect gift. (I'm still working on my obsession with perfectionism!)

As it turned out, the couple loved my gift, and I felt really happy that I was able to support a small business that was struggling. Looking back, I know that I had been led to that shop for important reasons.

We can make a positive difference in people's lives!

"Please check out my latest (Kindle) book, "Down Memory Lane" which is on Amazon. (See widget above.)

Positive thought: "During these trying times that we are having worldwide, the spirit world is so active because they really want you to know that your loved ones in heaven are close by, offering protection and love during these trying times. It is like they are showing up big-time to provide their support."- Bonnie Page, psychic medium

Thanks for visiting! Until, Sunday, August 7, 2022, Becky

Go with the Flow, Etc.

 

So many times we try to make things happen, to do it our way, to force things to be the way we think they should be.

The truth is, there may be one or more possibilities out there that are better than anything we could ever imagine.

For example, the first few years of our marriage, Greg and I lived in rented apartments. We wanted a house of our own, but we didn't know if that would even be possible anytime soon.

Then, one day, when Greg and I were traveling, we took a wrong turn and went down a street where we'd never been before. Not far down that road, we saw a house that we really liked. It was a Cape Cod in a rather run-down condition, but we decided that with some work, it could become the house of our dreams.

Before

We were, however, concerned that we couldn't afford it, but after some creative financing, the pretty diamond-in-the-rough, fixer-upper house became ours. 

After

We really enjoyed fixing it up and having it the way we wanted it to be. We lived there happily for several years.*

We sold that house, and we bought two other houses to renovate. We sold those, and we're currently living in an old (1901) house that we're also renovating.

That "wrong turn" that we took those many years ago turned out to be a right turn for us! 

One day, I went shopping for a package of ink pens, but when I looked for them, I couldn't find the ones I'd been using. I even went to several stores, looking for that particular brand of pen. When I still couldn't locate the pens, I finally resigned myself to buy another brand.

When I got home, I tried out one of the new pens, and to my great surprise, it was actually better than the type that I'd been using for years! The new one was smooth and didn't skip at all. I couldn't believe that I'd become so attached to the old pens, that in reality, they weren't doing a very good job!

Also, just recently, I lost a small, natural stone that I was wearing as a pendant. I wore it a lot, and I miss it, but I feel confident that I'll find another one just as nice, if not better than that one.

Rather than trying to make things happen, just go with flow,** and notice how much smoother everything goes. We just need to have a positive attitude, to do the best we can, and to know with God's help that everything will turn out for the best.

Also, at the same time, I think we need to keep in mind that it's good to have nice things in our lives, but instead of counting on material things to keep us happy, it's far more important to cultivate good qualities in ourselves, like kindness, compassion, love (for ourselves, as well as others), (and being positive!), etc. So, "things" should just be sidelines.

Something kind we can do is to support small business, especially right now.

When Greg and I can't find things we need from small businesses locally or from small businesses when we're traveling, we seek out small businesses online, like the ones on eBay and Etsy, which are reputable companies. You can find some nice things for reasonable prices from good online vendors.

After buying something from these online sellers, it can make us feel good to get something we needed and wanted and at the same time, to know that we've helped someone else.

Many of these vendors are so appreciative that they send little hand-written notes that say something like, "Thank you for supporting my small business," "Thank you! xoxo, Karen," and also-

One person even sent me "Bible" passages, and offered to pray for anyone who needed prayers.

We are all one, and we need to love and support each other now, as never before.

Memorial Day-In Honor of Our Heroes

*Although we loved our pretty house, we gradually found out that it was actually haunted! For more information, please see my book, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind," in which I describe in words and pictures our encounters with the supernatural, there, as well as other places. Just click the widget above which will take you to my book which is on Amazon Kindle. Also, you might enjoy my memoir, "Down Memory Lane." For more information, and to buy this memoir which is in both paperback and Kindle, please see the widget above.

**This flow doesn't just pertain to things, it also can include people, careers, as well as infinite other possibilities for one's life. (For example, I just happened to be on an outing one day when I ran into a man who told me about a job opening, and because of that chance meeting, I ended up getting my first teaching job!)

Positive thought: "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." -Unknown

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, June 12, 2022, Becky

Fun-days

 

We all know we can have fun at home, but since this is such a beautiful time of year, why not go out somewhere and have fun!

That's just what Greg and I have been doing these last few months, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air and going places and doing things, as have many other people.

"Never underestimate the importance of having fun." -Randy Pausch

We have been having picnics-

like at Veterans Memorial Park in Abingdon, Virginia.

We've visited interesting places like- 

 historic 150-year-old White's Mill which is near Abingdon.

They have a great gift shop with crafts, souvenirs, jams, etc.

We really enjoyed the recent-

in Abingdon which is an annual event.

There are arts and crafts and all types of unusual things at the festival.

There was a lot of food, like delicious hand-packed ice cream which is a cooling treat on a warm day.

And, I pulled out my old-

Fun Fest tee shirt to more fully to enjoy Fun Fest!

Fun Fest in Kingsport, Tennessee is a really popular event. It features hot air balloons, an outdoor food court, races, live music, as well as other fun things to do.

Some people bring their own seats so they can be more comfortable eating the great local food.

Bet this cute dog hopes he'll get some of this yummy food, too!

The person who painted the barrel above has an inspiring message.

"We didn't realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun." -Winnie the Pooh

Remember to make every day of the week a fun-day no matter what the season!

Featured Business-

The Arts Depot in Abingdon

It was wonderful to visit The Arts Depot and see artists creating their pieces of art. One man was painting portraits and others were painting landscapes and still lifes. There were also collages and mosaics. There was something for everyone. Most things were for sale, and others were just on display, like the unique guitar with its front covered in pieces of mosaic. 

Also, they have classes, galleries, and consignment space.

If you enjoy art, you would love this place.

Please remember:

Especially small business!

Positive thought: "Today is waiting for you. Enjoy!" -"Woman's World"

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, September 5, 2021, Becky

 

 

Small Businesses in a Small Town

 Welcome! 

And...

As I've mentioned before, we live in an area where there are many small towns, and Greg and I are gradually working our way around to all of them. Our latest trip was to the town is Meadowview, Virginia. We have been there a couple of times before.

Meadowview is a quaint little town with a few small businesses.

One of those businesses is a bookkeeping place where Greg goes to get our taxes done. The owner is a woman who has her business at home. She's very accurate and through. She does a great job.

This year, after we'd finished at the bookkeeper's, we decided to stop by two businesses that are side by side.

They are the Meadowview Farmers' Guild and the Harvest Table Restaurant.

It was time for lunch so we decided we'd try out the restaurant first. To get to the restaurant, you need to go through the Farmers' Guild country general store, which we didn't mind at all since it's a pretty neat place.

Friendly shop clerk, Denita, greeted us when we went in and escorted us to the restaurant.

The walls of the restaurant are full of the paintings of talented local artists.

This is where you can watch them fix pizzas, etc. right from your table.

Is this a good-looking meal or what! You don't leave hungry from this place! What's more, the food is very healthy, and locally and regionally-grown.

Two Satisfied Customers
Photo by New Server Madeline Who Did an Excellent Job!

No room for dessert? That's okay, because there's always take-home! 

After we left the restaurant, we looked around the shop that was chock full of interesting things...

including books by Barbara Kingsolver whose book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" inspired the opening of the restaurant. There are books by other authors as well.

These are our purchases from the store. Two of them are gifts for others.

We loved our visit to both the restaurant and the shop. Bet you would, too!

FYI

www.harvesttablerestaurant.com

Making a difference: Support small business. That's something we can all easily do!

"You can, do, and will make a difference."- "Woman's World"

Also around Meadowview-

The Old Railroad Depot

A Large Church Near the Railroad Tracks

Kit-Cat Update: The little stray cat that we adopted a few weeks ago is doing much better. It seems a lot healthier. It has gained weight, its fur is prettier, and its eye infection has cleared up. That just shows what a little love and attention and healthy cat food can do!

Quick Quiz-Can you find the bunny in this picture?

Positive thought: "Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life."-Janine Di Giovanni

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, May 2, 2021, Becky

.

How Can We Make a Difference?

Many people are wondering what we might do to help with the situation that we all find ourselves in right now in this country. How can we make a difference?

Something that Greg and I are trying to do is to support small business all that we can, especially locally since many are struggling right now.

(Food for thought: Why were the big chain stores considered essential, and allowed to open when most of the small businesses were not?)

Small businesses might include restaurants. The following four restaurants are in Abingdon, Virginia:

Greeko's Grill & Cafe, Serves Authentic Greek Food, Inside or Out

Bella's Has Delicious Italian-Style Food

Pal's is a real success story. The first Pal's opened in Kingsport, Tennessee in the 1950's, and now there are 29 Pal's in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Their architecture is unique, and they always have a daily message on their signs. A large American flag flies over each Pal's. One of their menu items is Frenchie fries.

North Carolina is not that far from where we live, so we go there occasionally. This restaurant had just reopened the day we were there. They remodeled while they were shut down.

Besides restaurants, there are other types of small businesses:

This garden shop also has food items for sale. It would be a great place to buy Christmas gifts.

We found a pretty old Victorian-style floor lamp here in Abingdon for a bargain price.

I got three items here in Hansonville, Virginia for only $11.00, totally! Many small businesses operate in this antique mall.

This is one of the three items I bought, and it was handmade!

If it's vitamins and herbs you need, this is the place!

The woman who owns this sewing shop did a nice job making us a couple of valances out of some old fabric that we already had.

Statuary, anyone? Here's a nice piece at "11-W Concrete &Statuary" in Blountville, Tennessee.

Besides shopping at small businesses, we listen to talk radio to find out what's really going on, and then we share our newfound knowledge with others. Another good resource is www.philvalentine.com .

We also work to get rid of ineffective political leaders via recall elections, and we actively work to help the good guys win political office.

Positive Thought: "When it rains, look for rainbows. When it's dark, look for stars."-Author Unknown

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, August 2, 2020, Becky