Conversation...

"I've always been a person who can talk about anything and everything. So much so my family has to give me that look that screams... Enough!!!

Have you ever experienced a time when a conversation just fell flat?

You know awkward silence starts to creep in... and the conversation turns toward the weather.

I've found an inexpensive way to keep the conversation fun, interesting, informative, and best of all... no awkward silence.   

"Conversation Stones"

Here is everything you'll need to make these conversation stones:

• 8oz Mason Jar
• Glass Gem Stones
• Modge Podge (Matte-Mat-Mate)
• 6"x6" Designer Paper
• Colored Paper
• Black Sharpie (fine point)
• 1" Paper Cutter
• Label

Instructions:

• Decide what topics to discuss (Funniest moment together, I'd like more help with, Actors to play us in a movie, Dream date, You're awesome at, Favorite tradition of ours, Best memory of you, I hate when you...) Take different color construction paper and cut into 1" rounds. Write topics on 1" rounds. Cut out 1" rounds from the 6x6 designer paper.

• With a thin paint brush apply Modge Podge to back of conversation paper and glue to back of designer paper.

• With a thin paint brush apply Modge Podge to front of conversation paper and place on the bottom glass gem.

• Allow gems to dry.

• Place your conversation gems in your labeled mason jar and enjoy your conversation gems.

Wishing you a Saturday filled with interesting-fun filled conversations with friends and family... and no awkward silence!

Silence...

Have you ever wondered what happened to compassion, respect, kindness, and love in the world? As I sit here contemplating this... I can't wrap my head around events around the world... Near and far.

So, today, I sit in silence. 

I sit in silence out of respect for those experiencing hatred, turmoil, and senseless acts of violence.

I sit in silence as I watch the misery being experienced by families near and far.

I sit in silence praying for peace.

I sit in silence wishing for mutual respect of all.

I sit in silence hopeful the madness will end.

I sit in silence grateful for those who believe love can conquer all.

On this Saturday... I sit in silence.

Summer Lovin...

My brain is fried… literally fried! I spent 4 days with approximately 300 teenagers in the Valley of the Sun experiencing a dry heat (FEAR).  I was amazed at how many of those teenage girls didn’t flinch while outside waiting for this or that.  I felt my face melting away and wishing I could be in a pool with Scuba Steve! All the while I’m thinking you all are CRAZY!

I recall one teenage girl saying, “What’s the big deal… it’s not hot… you all live in Arizona!” Um… listen people… I don’t live in the VALLEY of the SUN! I live in a portion of the state that actually experiences all FOUR seasons. My version of a heat wave is 90 degrees at best on a bad day.

Note to self… send a gift basket to my parents… love them to the moon and back for moving  my brother and I away from the DRY heat.

As I recuperate from my brain fry, I got to thinking about everything I love about summer.

I love sleeping in. Yes! I am a teenager. Sleep is a luxury in my house. I have to abuse that luxury when I can… especially when “Get off the Couch” is away from home!

I love hanging out with my friends and enjoying what I consider an awesome dry heat during the day and cool evenings! Star gazing is the best you can almost touch the stars where I live.

I love being able to volunteer at our local community church, hospital, and nursing homes!

I love eating cake for breakfast! Dad says it has all the nutritional values required for growing children! This is another luxury that is experienced when “Get off the Couch” is away from home.

And the #1 love of summer 2016… learning how to GOLF! This is one day dream I shall keep to myself.

May your Saturday be filled with lots of your favorite loves of summer… here’s hoping  we all get to sleep in this lovely Saturday morning!

Fear...

F-E-A-R an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Definition of Fear…

Fear usually comes from a phobia of a childhood memory. For example, fear of spiders, clowns, schoolwork... you catch my drift, eh? One of my favorite phobia stories is my little brother’s fear of losing his security blanket in the form of SCUBA STEVE. Whoa... let me tell you that was a MELTDOWN of major proportions. My poor Dad was on EBAY in search for another when Scuba Steve revealed himself in the restroom... ever see the Quilted Northern toilet paper commercial with Conductor Randy and Constable Bob?? Yep, enough said!

 “Scuba Steve”

My fear of losing my security blanket in the form of a beanie baby…remember those… Beanie Babies? Mine is named POET. Listen people…stop laughing… you know you all had a security blanket or wubba! Don’t judge…

 “POET”

Better yet FEARS or Phobias acquired when we grow into fanatical TEENAGERS! Case in point… My very best friend in the whole wide world is terrified of the ZIPPER. Um, no, not the clothing ZIPPERS… ya, this ZIPPER!!!

Meet “The Zipper”

My boyfriend was so sweet, humored me, AND got on the ride. Now, I’m quite certain there were some choice expletives going off in his head while this lovely contraption was whipping us around like rag dolls. I heard a scream or two but in the end he conquered his fear of "The ZIPPER". Did you catch that folks, yep it's official! My BOYFRIEND!

Um Yes... This kind of SCREAM!!!

 You may be asking yourself what in the heck is the point of this week’s saga!?! So, my Phobia was realized this past Thursday in the form of a dorm room filled with 8 teenage girls at a Leadership Conference! Me being... um... well... I'll say it... SOCIALLY AWKWARD! Yes, I've never been in a confined space with that many girls for more than 24 hours. This conference is scheduled to last four days! Yes... these are the moments that you just have to face FEAR and her sidekick PHOBIA and say, "Hey dudettes... How's it going?"

Imagine being far away from home and not knowing anyone. FEARDOM set in as I saw my mother inching her way to the door. I wanted to scream and say... "where the heck is SCUBA STEVE when you need him?!?" I was sweating bullets... still am...This post is coming from that dorm room!

I WILL my blog to my favorite cousin Joslyn!

I'm quite certain I will survive being socially awkward! My roommate Jess, teammates Grace, and Anya are GREAT! Just in case I succumb to any PHOBIC drama... this was fun while it lasted. May your Saturday be free of FEAR of the unknown, socially awkward teenagers, and OH, "The ZIPPER"!!!