Movie Time

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I love watching a funny movie with my kids.   Then, we find ourselves quoting things from it for the next week.   For instance, The Grinch with Jim Carey -  we'll find ourselves saying, "nice girl, bad judge of character" when we kid with each other.   (ok, maybe inside joke).

The point is that we laugh, we cry and we connect.   And, I love it.  

Things to do in Southern Minnesota - Bowling

If you have not checked out Spare Time Entertainment in Owatonna, you need to.  Spacious and well cared for, this bowling alley has snacks, bowling and fun.  There is also an arcade area so bring some quarters.  Their birthday packages are great as well.  We took our son there with his friends and they had a blast.  My daughter was able to go as well and take a friend and bowl on a lane near but not the same as her brother...teens, ya know.  So, everyone had a great time and we were able to get pizza, pop and some appetizers to keep everyone feed.  For this mom, I loved that I did nothing but show up.  Oh, and I brought a cake.  LOVE IT.

If you are looking for adult time, there is the Southside within Spare Time Entertainment.  It features a pool table, full bar and a dance floor. You can dance each Friday or Saturday to a live DJ or band!  Check out their website www.funtimebowling.com for a calendar of events.

Oh, and the cosmic bowling.  It is a must.  So fun...

Check out Spare Time Entertainment.  You will be glad you did!

Nelson Decorating Center, Owatonna, MN

So, I have this fantasy that I am an interior designer.... ok, well at least I can match colors.  So when we replaced our window coverings, I looked at the holes where we had made errors in drilling in the past and wondered how we would do on this one.

Then, I started looking for new blinds.  Do you know HOW MANY there are out there?  But, we tried.  I thought I saw ones I liked.  Ordered them.  Got them.  They were the wrong size, the wrong color and completely would not do.  So, after I stood in line to return them, I knew there was a better way.

I looked and found #Nelson Decorating Center in Owatonna, MN and connected with Beth.
She took the time to ask me questions about our lifestyle - room darkening or light?  And, she came to my home and measured the window...huge relief.  AND, she has someone come install them. 

My new blinds -wonderful.  The cost - about the same as the same ones I had ordered and wanted to do myself.  My wall with no holes?  Priceless.  :)

Now you can "like" Nelson Decorating on Facebook -

Or Visit them on their website.    Thank you for saving me Nelson Decorating Center!

Thorns in Life

 

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I have had my share of thorns.  :)   Haven't we all?

 

 

I think what sticks with me is that when you have had a thorn (sometimes they are really big ones), it makes you appreciate what you have.   Then, I started thinking about my thorns and what made me thankful....  so thought I would make a list.   Make your own list and think of the thorn and the good.  I am not including people, mind you.  :)

 

Thorn:  Hitting a Deer      Good:  I am more careful and aware (and alive)

 

Thorn:  Losing my full-time job     Good:  Started my own business that I LOVE

 

Thorn:  Having a knee issue        Good:  Found out and can now address it

 

Thorn:   My husband snoring so loudly it wakes me     Good:   He is beside me

 

Thorn:   Losing my parents       Good:   Knowing my whole life I was loved

 

 

Well you get the idea.   Tears are bound to come.   Yet there is also wonderful.

Plant A Signal Fire

 

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I read in a Facebook post that a friend said she was feeling down. It made me think of a poem that I had posted on my bedpost my first year out of college.   It went something like this:  

Lord, give me due respect for the abilities you have given me.
Do not let me cheapen them through indecision.
Do not let me hide them when others make fun.
Plant in me, Lord, the necessary determination.
And, when the way seems dark, plant a small signal fire

so that I may keep plodding steadily toward it.

 

 

I know there was more to it, but you get the idea.  Every night I read that poem.  It became my mantra.  Still today, when I take on a challenge and it seems dark, the words "plant a signal fire..." echo in my head.   We all need that signal fire.  Sometimes it comes in the words of hope, sometimes it is a hug, sometimes it is a friend making you smile, sometimes it is prayer.   Whatever your challenge, I hope you find that signal fire!   You WILL make it. 





Am I running my race?

I am a mom first and forever.  I am a marketing person always.   Yet, in today's world of technology with a tweets and likes and emails and....    It can be overwhelming at times.   The distractions of everyone wanting attention can sometimes drown out my own thoughts.  

I hear, "Oh, look at what they are doing?"   "Hmmm, that is a new technology, should I use it?"  "Wow, that person really has it together, should I follow them?" 

Then, somewhere in the midst I think,  "Am I running my own race?"   We all need to listen to our hearts.  We need to hear the voice that says, "THIS is where your spirit is."    A dear friend recently told me "There's only one Holly!".   Isn't that true?   No one else has my experiences.   Just like there is only only Paula or Sara or Peggy or Rick or Carson or Amber or Randy.   Each of us has our own talents, our own well to draw from that makes us shine in our own right.

So, I will still listen.  And, I will slow to make sure what I hear is in line with what is in my heart.

 



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