T-Shirts

Genuine, life experiences.
Offering inspiration and hope to those bumbling through this life. 

I'm doing the best I can, I'm a work in progress and I've a purpose. 

So. Do. You.

I don't know about you, but I prefer a 'uniform' when I work.  It takes out the guess work each day.  It takes me twice as long to get dressed on any given Saturday or Sunday.  And don't get me started on the summer (even though I still sported a 'uniform' of sorts - long skirt / tank top / sandals)

It's funny.  

My life has been somewhat defined by t-shirts.

When I wore BDU's, it was a black t-shirt under the very starched shirt.

A few years later, I was wearing a t-shirt at the cooking school.

On the days I wasn't at the cooking school, I was wearing the t-shirt for the preschool I worked for a few days a week.

And just recently, my t-shirt changed to the 'new' preschool that I will start working for this week.

T-shirts.

Identity.

It's a bit of a conundrum.  

When I chose to get out of the Air Force, my 'identity' took a hit. It was my claim to fame, "Ooohhhh...you're military...?"  --Aw and wonder ensue--

Once out of the military, I was hired to work for FOX4 in South Dakota. "Oooohhh...you work for a TV station...?"  

--Aw and wonder ensue--

After the T.V. station, I as a waitress at a fairly nice place. Everyone knew of the place. "OOOohhhh...you..."  You get the picture.

But I digress.

How do you identify?  WHAT / WHO do you identify as?

The t-shirts I wear only identify WHERE I work.
Not WHO I am, yes?

I ask again, how do you identify?

Short and Sweet (literally and figuratively...LOL)

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

Just The Messenger...no, really.

I have the privilege of volunteering at one of our local charities. I've been there abooouuttt....10 years.  I go in on Friday's for half a day.  When I went back to work a few years ago, I would just do summers.  It fills that 'administrative void' that I have / love.  

This particular organization does everything except provide shelter.  We offer financial assistance, household items (to include furniture), dental, medical, clothing...the entire gambit, free of charge.  

I'm not gonna lie, it's tough sometimes to get a call, "Hey...so...I'm about to be evicted.  Can y'all help with my rent?" Sigh...really?  Eviction is a lengthy process.  Not my business though. 

We all have our hurdles.  It is not my place to judge or draw conclusions.  

That. Said.  On a lighter note, might I offer some...'tips' when calling a business.  I've worked for two for which I've answered phones.  If I'm answering the phone, I have a fairly good idea why you're calling.  For example, at the cooking school.  We did Groupon.  I did not need you to explain to me that "you bought a Groupon for a 90-minute cooking class...etc."  Yes.  I know.
(Oh...and READ the fine print.  It'll save you a headache or two).  

SO...here are my...suggestions?  Tips?  Two bits on calling ANY organization.

1) Always assume the person that answers the phone is just that.  The one that answers the phone.  Period.  

2) This person PROBABLY cannot help you.  Chances are they will need to get you to someone that CAN help you.

3)  Assuming they can't help you, do not launch into your entire reason you're calling.  For example, I do not need to know you would like to be tested for an STD.  Simply ask for the medical clinic's number.  Thank you.  Good Talk.

4) If your name is involved, PLEASE do not assume I know how to spell it.  For example, if you have a very foreign name that does not consist of any vowels, do not assume, that by just saying it, that I know how to spell it.  Chances are you also have a thick accent, adding another layer to the entire exchange.  Please don't allow awkward silence when I sit, presuming you'll spell it.  Don't 'make' me ask you. ALSO, if your mother jacked up the spelling of your name.  For example, your named Jennifer, but your mom thought it'd be clever to spell it Jennyfer...please mention that tidbit o' information.  

  

5) Stop Talking.  Seriously.  When you call somewhere, think of the most concise way to ask your question.  Please do not launch into your five minute tirade / story, only to learn that 'I'm just a volunteer.'  (Oh...and even when you say the same thing, three different ways...really, I caught it the first time.)

6) This next example is a little more specific to the organization.
We schedule pick ups for household items.  We recommend a three day window. SSsooo...when you say, "I need my big o' couch picked up TOMORROW."  And I reply, "Our next available is next Thursday." When you come back with, "You don't have anything sooner...?"  Sigh..."Uhm...no."  

7) FURTHERMORE...insisting that it is, "Really. Nice. Stuff."  Guess what?  I cannot produce an extra truck or extra volunteers for your 'really nice stuff' any sooner than Thursday. Sigh...

8) Regarding your pick up.  If you've scheduled it, please don't call and ask if, "You're still on the schedule"  Seriously.  We do not have a dart board in the back and arbitrarily pull people from the day you are scheduled.  (Verifying time is different).

9) Regarding time.  We have a WINDOW, just like the cable guy.
7a - 12n / 12n - 5p.  If it is 11:45, and they're not there yet...call me back at 12:30. At that time, THEN they're late.

10) Finally, as frustrated as you may be with the process, please don't take it out on the person on the other end of the line.  We / they (usually) are 'just the messenger' - if you will.  

Ok...so maybe this was more of a 'rant' / venting session.

Please understand, I really do love volunteering each Friday at this place.  It allows me pause each week to contribute, appreciate and keep my reality in check.  We are one decision away from a very different path.  Every person that calls in...they made a decision - good, bad, indifferent.  And sometimes, someone made it for them.

As I said, it is not my place to judge or draw conclusions. Someone could easily do the same with me.  Just because I happen to stumble upon this particular chapter of their life, does not mean I have one iota of understanding of their story.

I hope you laughed a little.

This one is certainly not all that deep or insightful.

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

Joy...meh

Joy.

Apparently, I used to hate that word. 

We moved my mom recently.  In the process of that move, assessing all of the stuff being packed up, I kept asking the question, "Mom, does this bring you joy?" and I would hold up various items.  

As we were sitting in her new place, my brother points out, "You used to hate that word."  Followed by several mock-ing examples, "Joy...joy...ew"

I thought about this...why did this word used to bother me?  

I couldn't answer that.

Maybe it was how it sounded...jjjooooyyyy...ick (think nasal-y, drawn out)

Now...I may seem like I am jumping around, but bear with me.  I'll bring tie it all together.

Some of you may know that I embarked on a journey around Christmas 2016.

However, I didn't KNOW I was embarking on a journey.

A friend posted on Facebook, 'Just watched a great documentary called Minimalism.  It's a MUST SEE!!!'

I was curious, so I watched it.

Then I watched it with my boyfriend.

Then watched it again with all the girls.

It completely spoke to me.  I would completely recommend watching it.  I'll even come over and watch it WITH you...LOL. And in order to save re-writing their entire message, just...watch it.

HOWEVER, I will try and summarize the impact it has had on me. And to honest, continues to impact me.

I'll begin by saying I am absolutely a work in progress on 'minimizing' process. So, I do not come to you as an expert on any level. 

I do come to the table to share a movement that is...refreshing.

While they speak primarily of living with intent; purchasing with thoughtfulness (does this bring value?  joy?  purpose?) rather than just buying to buy ("It was ONLY $5!!!"), Josh Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists) have spoken into my life
So.
Much.
More.

They have promoted (and perhaps not knowingly), NOT 'tolerance' (I can't stress that enough!  no...no...no!!) Instead, they exude a level of respect and appreciation for others that come to the table at different stages in not only the minimizing process, but in life.

They come to the table with respect and appreciation for those with different beliefs (gasp!).  They are an example of what it would look like if we each
just ...observed.  

When I say 'observed', I think of picking up, say, a beautiful piece of blown glass, with all sorts of colors, aspects, flaws and a fragile state.

Maybe how the light shines through.  

The weight of it.  

The artist that created it.  I simply...look.  

Think.  Admire.  I don't have to buy it.  

I can put it back, maybe taking away a little memory of it's beauty.  

I don't hate it or reject it.  

I simply don't 'need' it or will 'use' it.

Yet...with people, they bump up against us.
 
Instead, we react.  
They don't believe like we do.  
We have an opinion about how they dress or look.
The light doesn't shine through quite as brightly, for whatever reason.
They voted for someone else.  (WHAT?!)

WHAT IF...
- we saw how their light shone through
- the weight of who they are as a person (good / bad / indifferent)
- the artist (God) that created them
- think.  admire.  i don't have to 'buy in' to their beliefs
- I can 'return' them to the shelf, with a memory of that person
- I don't hate or reject them
- I simply choose not to 'need' or 'use' them
- they, too, are fragile and flawed (aren't we all, on some level?)

What would be the harm in observing?  In LEARNING from this person?  How about appreciating THEIR beauty?

I love the foundation of my faith.  
I try and read my bible everyday.  It gives me great direction on HOW to love others.  I'd like to think it shapes how I interact on a daily basis, with a filter of love.  And guess what?  It's not my ONLY source on HOW to love.  I get all sorts of input, influence and help.  To include, but not short of, The Minimalist.

So...back to my 'journey'...

I watch.

I find out about their podcasts.

I begin listening...avidly.
I decide to give a little (because ads suck*).

Incredibly impacted.

Josh and Ryan field 100's of questions, often the same questions asked a different way.  

Grace. 

100's of followers / fans that come to the table seeking their 'permission' to keep a collection (uh-hem) on some level or another.  

Grace.

If there is A-1 thing I walk away with from Josh and Ryan, it is to appreciate where each and every person is at in their life - be it stage or season.

I have not mastered this.  I still get fussy with stupid people.
(no, really....true story).  

I CAN however circle back around.

Joy...I like it now.  I like how it sounds.  I even like how it feels.  I can have joy, even when I bump up against someone that is difficult to 'observe.'

I assure you, I'm constantly learning.  
Thank you for learning with me.

The Texas Ginger
Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time
*The Minimalist use PATREON as a way to raise money for their meaningful work and efforts to promote impacting lives, ad free.  SOMEDAY, when I am a grown-up writer, maybe I'll use PATREON too!!!  LOL  

Ideal.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to join in on hosting a baby shower. 

A baby shower, for a baby, that had come along in 'less than ideal' circumstances.  Mom and dad, not married.  Dad comes from a solid home of faith, home school upbringing, original set of parents.  Mom, a bit more of a troubled background, having had one baby already and a history of abuse.  

I then got word from THEE host organizing this event.  I was given my marching orders, list of food to contribute and then a few days later, she asked if I would do a five minute devotional.

(emoticon:  SHOCK face)

I humbly said, 'uhm...yes'

ME?!  

She knows so many other people!  So many more...friends that she has a much longer history with than little ol' me! Regardless of the 'why' I accepted the privilege to speak over this young father.

Monday rolls around, I look over my text outlining the food and see the request again.  "Oh...that's right.  I really need to put something together."  

Promptly forget.

Tuesday...Wednesday...Saturday morning.

Reading my personal devotional. "OMGee...I need to put together a devotional for the shower today!!!" (gulp!!)

I finish up my devotional.

I read the scripture for the day again...

That's it.

Fast forward. 

I'm at the shower.  I stand up and say, "Ok...so...after I wrote this all out this morning, I felt really confident.  It seemed like I really encapsulated what was to be said today.  NOW...standing before you...I want to throw up!"  I was SO nervous!!!  Surrounded by sages and friendships, going back years and years (uhm...so far back as the young father's baby shower we were there to love on!!)

Anyway...the following is the devotional that came to me to share at the shower.

******************************

BE STILL BEFORE THE LORD AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM;

DO NOT FRET WHEN PEOPLE SUCCEED IN THEIR WAYS, 

WHEN THEY SUCCEED IN THEIR WICKED SCHEMES. – PS 37:7

Ooookkk…that’s a weird scripture for a baby shower.  Certainly not the traditional, warm and fuzzy ‘I know the plans I have for you…knitted in my mother’s womb…’

And you’d be right.

Because this entire journey that C. and his precious family have been on, so far, has been anything but warm and fuzzy.  

There’s been nothing ‘traditional’ about it.

It’s been a lot of waiting.

It’s been a lot of (trying) not to fret.

It’s been hoping wicked schemes didn’t weigh out.

Today, while there is still a bit of a ways to go on this road ahead, we celebrate J’s life.  We rejoice that he is healthy.  Well cared for and loved by a community of people.  People that recognized and seized an opportunity to extend grace where otherwise, it could’ve been withheld.

 

Let’s be frank – the circumstances do NOT appear to be all that ideal.  

But who are WE to say they’re NOT ideal?

God was not caught off guard by any of this.  

WE may have been, but God was not.

He was not scrambling around when Jacob made himself known to his mother.

God did panic or fret.  Or slap his forehead, “Great…now look what they’ve done!”

I’d like to think that He knew EXACTLY what he was doing.  

I believe that our God is the epitome of grace, love and mercy (something most of us barely scratch the surface on any given day).  Knowing this about our God, I believe he considered – who better?  Who better to face the stares, whispers and flimsy opinions than this rock-solid family of faith?  A family that has rallied, prayed and trusted.  A family that has cried out to that very same loving, gracious, and merciful God.

I also believe that God knew this baby shower…this celebration was the best way to demonstrate HIS amazing capacity to love his children.  The humbling part?  We got to participate.  We were allowed to be the hands and the feet.  Apparently; the best tools in the tool box, expressly equipped to extend love and grace.  Because let’s be honest, we all come to the table with our own ‘non-traditional’ journeys, yes?

So…while each of the steps that led to today were not traditional, perfect, or what we would consider, ‘ideal’.  

May I gently remind you that our Savior did not come to us traditionally either.  

His circumstances far from perfect.  Dare I say, not even all that ‘ideal’.

However, the outcome was perfect.

It was exactly as God planned.  Let’s pray...

(here is that prayer)

Abba

What joy it is to call you ‘daddy’.  To curl up in your lap, exhale a breath of sheer relief.  The comfort of a Father that knows us all too well.

We celebrate today not only J, but each and every life that is here today.  We celebrate the bumpy roads that brought each of us here today.  Roads, that took turns, had a few bumps and in the end turned us to YOUR amazing grace.

We ask today a special blessing on J’s life.  For continued health.  We trust that, while things unfold, we will not fret.  We trust that, while WE think we know what’s best, ultimately YOU are the one that knows best.  

As we have spoken of mercy and grace, it would be negligent to not say a prayer over J’s mom.  Let’s recognize that she could’ve made a very different choice.  We celebrate the choice that she DID make today.  It goes without saying that she is hurting deeply and floundering a bit.  Our prayer is that, while the justice system plays out – knowing you’re in full control – that J's mom would catch glimpses of YOU.  That there would come a day when she looks back and can see your fingerprints all over this.  That she would come to KNOW YOU through all of this.  Show her…help her recognize the ‘something different’ in this family.

Thank you for allowing each and every one of us to gather here today and pour into C and J.  May the grandparents, aunts and uncles marvel at the outpouring of love and support that continues to flow from you through us.

Thank you for babies.  

Thank you for Jesus.  

And thank you…for saving our floundering souls. 

Amen.

 ******************************

I will leave you with that today.

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

Fill 'Er Up

Remember when you used to pull into a gas station and an attendant would come to your car?  I do.  It was a Diamond Shamrock. Our attendant's name was Ross.  Nice guy.  He'd check the oil, he'd wash the windows, make small talk and fill up the gas tank.  

His role, at that moment, was 'acquaintance.'

I went on a whirlwind road trip to Arkansas recently, during which time I met my boyfriend's grandma.  She was a feisty lady, conversation did not come easily and it was definitely one-sided. You know, you ask a question, the person answers and then...crickets.  Conversation just didn't...flow, yes?

As I left, I contemplated what would it have been like had information not been volunteered, no questions asked of her, because she was not asking anything of us or volunteering any information of her own life.  

It really begged the question - Why?

Why was she not interested in, say, my life?  Or her grandson?  Or even her granddaughter that was sitting there.  (stay with me here...I'm not so egotistical that I wanted her to ask my anything or hold court to talk about myself...)

Then my thought was followed with - good for her.  

Having released the 'need' the make small talk or fill the space with information that, truth be told, she could probably care less about.  I don't say that with any malice or meanness - I genuinely mean it in the nicest way!  

It could almost be applauded.  Would the visit have lost anything or meant any less to her had we all just sat there in silence?  And who knows, given the chance, maybe she WOULD have initiated conversation had we not spoken? 

Honestly, I would've been ok with it.  'It' being - to just be.  Just be there with this woman I was meeting for the first time.  

As I sat in her living room, taking in all of the stuff she had collected and displayed over her lifetime - glass figures, pictures, collectibles - I noticed a HUGE book.  

'TWIGS and BRANCHES' was the title of the book.  

Seeing the title, I thought it was a gardening book.  She had several thriving plants in her home, so it only made sense.  With conversation lacking, I decided to ask if I could look at it. 

Low and behold, it was a book of her family's genealogy!
'Old school', I'm talking TYPED pages!

(for those of you that do not have a frame of reference, just Google 'typewriters'  LOL)! 

There was something...weighty about flipping through those pages.  

She shared that she was one of TWENTY-SIX grandchildren (I am one of THIRTEEN, and I thought THAT was alot!!).  She came around to look over my shoulder, pointing out herself in the book, her parents...people that she had known.  I'm sure a little nostalgic. 

These people, they knew her.  Well, some of them.  (You understand what I'm saying).  The three of us, sitting in her living room, knew hardly anything about her, yes?  And even if we DID, the people in those pages knew her very differently.

What struck me was - we know people in different roles.  I know, I know...be who you are ALL the time.  Let's be honest.  While there are some constants in every exchange, we all 'perform' different roles in different settings.  
 

Friend.  My friends know me as funny (at least I hope they think I'm funny); I'm the one that says out loud what everyone is thinking (not always ideal...sigh).  I recently saw a quote, "The thoughts in my head just roll around and sometimes they stroll out of my mouth."  HA!!  I'd like to think I'm a good listener.  I'm certainly a locked vault of secrets.   

Mom.  I'm not terribly coddling or...uhm...'soft' (much to their chagrin). My mission statement as their mom has been, "I'm launching an adult into the world."  That means, when they leave their lunch at home, I do not take it to them.  When they need money for something, they earn it.  When they have an issue with a teacher or friend, I coach a 'how to' conversation (occasionally I have to intervene).  You get the idea.  (see: Love and Logic)

Daughter.  My mom knows...oh boy!  Way. Too. Much!!  While I do not put her on the same level as God, my understanding / on-earth example of unconditional love and acceptance - she exudes it.  She has loved me through some really mucky-muck parts of my life.  Some great, shining moments.  Some stupid, awful moments (that may have involved grape hubba-bubba bubble gum and underage drinking...but I digress)  Of ALL the people in my life, she has been THE. ONE. Still standing by my side, loving me.  (thanks mommy)

Employee.  My managers and bosses have trusted me with the jobs I've had over the years.  Loved me when I've missed details, applauded when I've had a great idea.  I'm not the easiest employee (really?  they say...LOL).  I am reliable.  I'm loyal.  I'm dependable.

Partner.  I'm not married, but I've been married.  (Jokingly, if you want to get technical, I've BEEN married for 20+ years, just not to the same person).  That said, I am in a relationship.  I am happy.  We're compatible.  He is an incredible compliment to my life.  He has come along after several past relationships, kids, hurts and hang ups.  So, we're still learning, yet he makes this season so...easy.

Stranger.  Yes.  The cashiers, the servers, the flight attendants. Strangers, but only for a second, because I inevitably ask them questions.  Conversations ensue.  Life-long friends created?  Not usually.  But for a brief moment, they're human and we connect and smile.

I guess two points have morphed in this writing.  

1) We have people in our lives that, you know, are known by other people in very different ways.  I guess some would say we put on a 'mask.'  I would encourage you that it's not a mask.  It's just...who we are in THAT moment.  I am not a DAUGHTER in the moments I meet a waitress (I mean, I am...but you get what I'm saying).  

I do not KNOW my boyfriend's grandma.  I probably never will.

However, I sure appreciated what she brought to me that particular day.  

2) Just be.  

That afternoon, this woman demonstrated a comfort with NOT talking.

Not really interested. 

TOTALLY ok.

Rude?  Some may think so.  I, on the other hand, eh...it was fine with me.

Go forward, be quiet in a few moments.  

Just. Be.

And perhaps, just be in your role.

The Texas Ginger
Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

Storms and Cocoons

*this particular post likens itself to a prior post, 'BUBBLES / 2011'
It's an important reminder  though, so forgive some repetition - thank you*

Went to a mani / pedi on over the weekend with my friend.

As we went for an early dinner / snack, the host sat us in a booth where we couldn't see outside.  However, walking in it, looked super ominous.

Dark clouds.

Windy.

Thunder.

The host even affirmed, "Yep, big storm comin'!"

We walked in, ordered and continued our conversation.  Oblivious to any weather event that was 'certain' to come through.

As we left, we could see that it had, indeed rained.  And this occurred to me...

How often to we sit in the cocoon of comfort while a storm rages around us? A storm that, in some cases, directly impacts those around us?  I'm reminded of two scenarios that, personally, bring this to light for me.

The first was 2006, when I experienced my first miscarriage.  I had been 5 months pregnant. His name was Jacob.  We had gone in for an ultrasound. And while I had had some misgivings that something was not right, I was still hopeful.  The ultrasound tech listens, and listens.  Then, very stoically excuses herself to get the doctor.  

Sigh...no heartbeat.  

I walked around for three days after that, awaiting the scheduled DNC. Apparently my body had not gotten the memo and was not 'miscarrying' Jacob.  

I walked into a coffee shop.  

The barista innocently asks, "How are you today?!"  

All I could think was, "Uhm...carrying around a deceased baby in my body. Like...I'm coexisting with death as we speak."

I'm sure I answered, "I'm alright.  How are you?"  And even as I ASKED HER, I wondered, 'What are YOU up against right now, besides the pressure to get my coffee order to my liking?'    

Fast forward three years, two more miscarriages.
It's 2009 and I delivered Jordan Brook Fox, via emergency C-section.
Full-term - yes?
Complications - you bet.
The moment they cut the cord and she starts to turn blue.  I am no expert, but that wasn't normal.  After investigating, it's discovered that the vein, that is SUPPOSED to connect to the RIGHT ventricle, had been 'wired' to the LEFT ventricle.  You may or may not know, the LEFT ventricle is supposed to be dormant while in utero.  When it is not, it becomes very tight, creating a tough muscle vs pliable.  She also had holes in her heart, causing the mixing of her blood.  They fixed the problem; she was never closed up and succumbed to infection.

For 5 1/2 weeks, we were traveling back and forth to Cook Children's in Fort Worth.  I often remember sitting at a light, or passing someone on the road. I'd look over and think, "Do you even know that I'm going to see my daughter, my baby girl who is fighting for her life?  So many tubes in and out of her, on ECMO* I'm heading the the hospital RIGHT NOW and will sit there most of the day.  I wonder what YOU'RE going to do..."

No judgment or resentment.
Simply an observation that we / I have no clue what ANY-ONE is going through.  That car next to me...may also have been going to the hospital. Or a party.  Or work.  Who knows??

It's now 2017, I have three amazing girls; two are 'half sisters' to Jacob, Baby November, Baby January, Jordan, Jaelyn and Baby September
(yes, one more miscarriage AFTER Jaelyn).  Jaelyn is the picture of health and gets to experience this side of heaven with all of us.  I have had several pregnancies.  I lost FIVE babies and get to raise three of them.

I've also gone through another divorce.

I was asked to leave my church, of ten years.

Faced a few bumps at work.

Struggle with how well I'm parenting my kids (one is especially challenging).

I've had to redefine a few relationships and set up boundaries
(and stick to them!!).  

My storms are no better / worse than the next person.

Equally...

I get to work as an administrative assistant.
I get to WRITE!
I partner through life with an amazing man.
I have a home (albeit smaller than my olders would like, as they share a room...GASP!!)

I am making new friends; the friends 'still standing' are genuine friends.

I have a God that has NOT given up on me (unlike a few 'Christians')

I have three beautiful AND smart girls 

May I encourage you today - please, please, please...

PAUSE.  

LOOK into the eyes of those that you get (yes, you GET to) to encounter today.
Consider that they may be facing their own storm.  

And maybe they're not.  

Maybe this is a season of sweet calm and serenity.  

Regardless, as we all have heard, we're either in a storm,
                    about to face one or
                                     we're coming out of one.

Maybe you're in a cocoon.  And THAT'S ok.  A cocoon is a place to rest; renew, and return more beautiful.  It's said you shouldn't pry open a cocoon.  That the object inside needs to wiggle out and experience the struggle. 

I don't know about you, but I've wiggled out of a few cocoons.  I'd like to think I'm more confident, more compassionate, more empathetic and more understanding because of it. I'm certainly stronger.  While no one 'pried' me out of those cocoon seasons, I sure had some loving people, having patiently waited, waiting for me as I unfurled my wings.

For those (and you know who you are) I'm grateful and still standing today BECAUSE of you. 

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace, One Hug at a Time

*ECMO is the 'iron' heart & lung, as support during a surgery, yet Jordan was on it for 10 days.  I called it 'Tickle me ECMO'.  Sigh...there was nothing ticklish about it. 

Budding Blogger

I walked into an art gallery today.  

A lovely woman approaches, tells me about the concept of the gallery.  A collective group of artists, each displaying their work...rather, their love. Their hearts.  Because truth be told, if you're putting your art 'out there' then there is a passion behind it.  A...love. And it cannot be called 'work', yes?  I digress though...

Then...the dreaded question, "What do you do?"

Oh boy...

"I'm a writer.  Well...I'm trying to be.  A blogger.  I'm sort of...I'm trying it all out.  I love to write and people seem to like what I write."

"OH!  You're a budding blogger!  Let me take your picture and send it to the gal here and she can put you on our page..."

I was speechless.

Touched.

Humbled.

In awe.

Another nudge.  

I JUST made a choice, in that moment, to 'put out there' what I'm desiring for my life and this sweet soul simply wanted to help.

Will THIS be my 'big break'?  Who knows.  What I DO know is that I took a chance.  An awkward, uncomfortable chance at identifying with what I WANT to be / do.  

I writer.  And one that can / WILL inspire and encourage others.

It felt a little awkward.  Uncomfortable.  Like...what if she sees that I'm a fraud?  LOL

I am overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed with the number of 'signs', nudges, encouragements.

Seriously, overwhelmed.

I'm resourceful

I'm creative

I'm capable

I'm deserving

I'm determined

I'm scared

I'm nervous

I'm an overcomer

I'm a great writer

A few days ago, I read in my devotional on July 4th.  It spoke about 'not giving up on dreams'.  I embarked on a very new, scary venture 27 years ago on July 2nd (the Air Force). And the nudge on that day, to embark on something really scary, on the anniversary of my Air Force journey...coincident?  I think not.

i'm choosing to embrace my dreams.

they're God given.

who else would say, "food truck * blogger * speaker" ??

i've no idea how to begin the journey.

and every journey starts with (A) step.

One. Step.

I'm completely overwhelmed (have I mentioned that yet?  overwhelmed?)  with the number of 'signs', nudges, encouragements...to include, but not short of: 

- My daughter
("That would be totally cool...my mom is following her dreams!")

- Recent readings
(Self Coaching 101, The Work, even a fictional book 'State of Wonder')

- Podcasts
(to include Gary Vee, The Minimalmist, Lewis Howes)

so...eyes tight.  

deep cleansing breath.

here...

i...

GGGGGggoooooo......

(stay tuned...I reckon I'll be posting more, since...you know...I'm a writer)

The Texas Ginger
Bringing World Peace, One Hug at a Time