“Always leave things better than the way you found them.” ~Tim Easley
These were Tim’s words whenever he left an event, a group of friends, or even difficult situations. Saying words is one thing. Living by them is inspirational.
How do you want to be remembered?
Shari Stauch is the CEO of Shark Marketing Co., a PR/Marketing/Social Media team that specializes in working with writers to increase their platforms and create bigger audiences for their words.
Shari is one of those remarkable women who steps into your life and it is forever changed. I first met Shari at Charleston’s Center for Women, where she and Kendra Haskins co-taught a class on Website Design and Social Media. After the class, I signed on the dotted line. Kendra designed my awesome website and Shari’s social media skills have taken my website to a new level at a rocketing speed.
Shari is all about her peeps. Just recently she created an “Author Social Media Exchange” where folks can like your pages and follow you. Once you add yourself to the list your job is to follow the folks on the list and everyone increases their traffic. What an awesome idea! Visit Shari’s website and sign up today. And while you’re there spend some time cruising around. She’s one lady that’s making a huge impact in the writer community.
Today signals memories of the past - lengthy conversations, laughter, the comfort and joy of hearing your voice, and knowing you were just a phone call away. I know you are surrounded with all your heavenly friends and family, and together you are celebrating your remarkable journey on earth. Please know, I too am rejoicing you, yet wishing for one more Father’s Day… one more kiss… one more hug… one more magical moment with” you”- my friend, my hero, my Pop.
Thank you for being an integral part of my life’s journey, adding richness to every twist and turn, filling thousands of pages of my book with your guidance, support, compassion and sweet priceless Daddy love. Miss you Pop. Miss hearing you sing “Thank Heavens for Little Girls.” Miss you clutching my head in your infamous football hold, rocking me in your loving arms saying, “How’s my bird-dog?” Miss hearing your stories of the past: Navy Captain in World War II; Welek Fabrics – your need to stretch your wings, break loose from the past, and create your own destiny; digging up the neighbor’s tree late at night, replacing it with yours because his tree had a straight trunk and yours was crocked; memories of old friends who came and went, their impact on your life, the lessons you learned; sharing your “egg” story and the importance of keeping life simple; painting pictures of family memories – precious stories held captive in your heart; and so many more.
Miss seeing you in your rocker, gazing into nature, recharging your soul and giving thanks for the beauty of mother earth. Miss you watching your birds, and being drawn into your heart-felt wonder for God’s magnificent little creatures. Just like the birds, destined to fly, the time came for you to fluff your wings and take flight.
Miss you so much, Pop, but am grateful for a heart full of memories embossed with your name that I will always carry in my heart.
Happy Father’s Day…
Forever and Always,
Your Bird-Dog
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles. Continue reading »
Life is filled with unpublished books. Every person has a story. Some courageously put theirs to verse; others tuck theirs away, sharing them with a select few when the precious moment is ripe.
Sitting at Starbucks, sipping on your coffee, focused on writing the written word, a complete stranger drops her bod in the seat next to you, breaking your trend of thought. You raise your cup, whiff the java’s bold aroma, trying to resurrect your fleeting ideas. But the whimpers and body language coming from the person next to you, shifts your focus. Filled with compassion you reach out, gently touching her knee, asking, “Are you ok?”
Broken words begin to sputter, and her quick introduction gives you a glimpse into her life. She continues, painting a picture of the vivid characters playing an active role in her saga. Some seem realistic, others believable, others not, yet you listen. Without taking a breath, her life chapters begin to unfold, and events start rolling in. A connection is made. Continue reading »
I’ve had that verse printed on my pig chalkboard for years. Read it dozens of times a day. Quoted it more times than I can remember. But it wasn’t till I fell into the throes of unemployment, traveling rapidly into the abyss, that Ghandi’s words of wisdom rang in my ears, and reversed my direction mid-stream.
What I realized was my fears blocked my forward motion. They clipped my wings, and prevented my adventurous flight. Once cognizant that the only thing standing between me and my dreams was “me”, down came the walls. Saying “YES” to myself… “YES” to creating the life I always dreamed of… “YES” to risk… “YES” to change… “YES” to stepping into my authenticity, I effortlessly slid into my passion, finding my joy. Continue reading »
Joy is a state of happiness. With everything currently happening in the world – wars, tsunamis, earthquakes… it feels like conversations are centered more on doom and gloom than on joy. A shift in consciousness can be created by showing up in our lives, and enjoying the simple pleasures our friends, family, community members, and animals have to offer.
I am blessed to live in a neighborhood filled with children. The main group, which I will call the “6 pack”, is constantly in my yard, telling me stories, and sharing their life experiences. They are so innocent, viewing life through kaleidoscopes filled with love, laughter, happiness, richness, beauty, and curiosity. Freedom is their playground. Living in the “now” is their dance. They are my joy teachers, awakening me to my child-like wonder. Continue reading »
This blog is dedicated in memory of Braxton Bennet Snyder: 1949-2011
I just received a phone call that a long-time friend passed away on Sunday. My heart is broken for the family and his loved ones. Brax is now in the arms of the angels and he’s pain-free. His authentic spirit will live on through countless, humorous, heart-felt stories. He was a kind man, highly admired, with great integrity, who walked proudly and respectively upon this earth. His footprints are embedded in the hearts of many. His life was too short but his legacy lives on. Thank you, Brax, for sharing the priceless and precious gifts of your soul. Continue reading »
