Father's Day Shopping

Hello, I'm starting to save up funds to pay for gas and parking on the many upcoming hospital/doctor visits we are about to encounter.

As an affiliate I earn a few pennies off of every shopping order placed through this link. The company takes the order, makes the order, sends the order and collects your payment. I'm free to take care of him and drive him back and forth to his appointments. 

Pennies add up and every dollar helps! Thank you for your prayers, messages of hope and continued support. 

God Bless

Another great place to find gifts for Dad's an Grad's is here @ 

Mary & Martha's  

We earn a few more pennies here, plus we love sharing the word of God and have found the products to be beautiful and inspirational. 

You can also shop at any of the links or ad's on this site and we will earn a couple pennies! It's all going to help with gas and parking for the many appointments to come. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

The Appointments Start tomorrow!

 

First it's the primary doctor, for a physical and to touch base on the 'issues' at hand. 

Then it's the surgeon on the 15th. For a consultation and we don't know what all else. 

Then we check him in with the heart doctor the first of next month, to make sure that is still doing well on the pills they put him on. 

We both have our fears and suspicions of what is to come, just hoping and praying we could be wrong. 

He is particularly concerned seeing how his father and brother both passed away in their mid 50's and he's already 56. 

Cancer has been in the family and he already inherited the BiPolar, so there is another avenue of concern running there. 

God knows, God has gotten me this far in life, God will get us through this as well. But I got to tell you it is a dark scary road. A bit lonely as well as we really don't have a lot of family support for him. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

 

Of course ~ Everyone is having a SALE for the Memorial Day weekend. Seems it's somehow part of the tradition..

Avoid the crowds and spend your time enjoying family and friends! You can shop on line and visit any one of our affiliate shops to find yourself some great deals to get ready for summer...... shop with a friend and save even more! 

Are you looking for ~ 

• Books and Games for the kids visit Paper Pie for some great bundle deals. Keep those kids minds sharp and give them plenty of adventures this summer - by reading! 
• Sparkling jewelry for Mom, of course visit my sparkle shoppe of Touchstone Crystal jewelry We have some beautiful new pieces out to celebrate summer. 
• Need to freshen up the house, while your doing your spring cleaning ~ stop by PartyLite and grab some candles and oil warmers! Special Memorial Day bundles available.
• While your in the mood to redecorate, stop by Mary and Martha's for some inspirational pieces to add for a finishing touch.
• Visit Timber's Photography to grab a beautiful Nature Photograph canvas for the perfect backdrop. 
• Don't forget to stop by Jessi's Tupperware Shop to stock up on all the essentials for the picnics this summer! 
• Finally - hit Safeway for the groceries and BBQ supplies.

There you go! Plenty of great savings and beautiful products without ever leaving your home. Delivery right to your door. Be sure to check out at least one of our shoppes, there is something for everyone. 

With Father's Day and Graduations coming up there are plenty of gift ideas, as well. Happy shopping and thank you for supporting small local business folks like myself. When Social Security disability just isn't enough, you make a big difference! 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Hanging On Still.

In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life.

Click the image for more details on this beautiful pendant offered by Touchstone Crystal. 

 Well, Winter is trying to turn into summer, it's hot one day, cold the next. Not normal.... We did get a cool storm the other night, with lightning and thunder; Hard down pour of rain too. 

I'm getting really tired of the cold it makes My bones ache. 

UPDATE ON PAPA ~

 We have an appointment with the Surgeon, for the initial consultation... it's only a couple weeks away rather than months! Thank you Lord. I really was worried at how far out this one would be.

I don't have all the answers of how - yet, still just taking it all one day at a time. Retirement - is looking the best option, for being able to heal, rest and take it easy. Especially since we don't know what's next health wise. Plus** it would mean keeping a steady income and getting a lot of bills paid off and out of the way while we go through this. 

You heal better with less stress. 

I have managed to all but quit smoking. It's been a steady on and off battle for the last few months, but the front line has been the last couple weeks. The final dentist appointment has removed all that they are taking out for teeth. I won't be talking much for a while. . . Now my mouth gets ready for the new partials. This part takes a while waiting to heal and dang my mouth feels weird. Losing lots of weight not being able to eat. So, Hopefully new teeth before my birthday! 

SUMMER BBQ'S

Can't eat and we have Memorial Day coming up! I have a Granddaughter with a birthday that weekend, as well......  We all still remember the camping trip the weekend she was born 21 years ago! Oh the memories!

Partylite has some great sales for Memorial Day too. Click the image to Add some candles to your holiday decorations for the summer. I love how they make the house smell!!!

 Blessed by God

Life's getting better @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Yikes! My world just turned upside down.

 

13 months ago - what was supposed to be a 20 minute colonoscopy turned out to be 1 hour and 15 minutes of hell. 

They found cancerous polyps, as well as a big blood clot and some other issues. He felt better for a while, but - None of this cured the internal and external hemorrhoids, which have continued to bleed off and on for the last year. 

His mental health and quality of life have diminished with this, He misses 1 to 2 days a week from work when it's so bad he can hardly sit stand or walk. He's lost weight, lost an appetite. {I think he avoids eating to avoid going to the bathroom}. I can see the pain in his face, he can't even lie about it anymore. He pretends he's ok, when he's sitting funny or walking weird.

Several months ago he called his doctor for an appointment that finally happened TODAY. The appointment took about 15 maybe 20 minutes and he was back out to the car. Doctor said it was bad and gave him a referral to a surgeon..... That's it. No explanation of WHAT is going on, NO note to say he should or shouldn't work, if he should be taking it easy - nothing.

We called to schedule the surgery consultation and had to leave a message. About all we know at this moment is basic surgery recovery takes about 4 to 8 weeks if everything goes well and they 'don't find anything else'.....

We still don't even know the WHAT yet.

Little bit worried tonight. I hope we don't have to wait months for the appointment with the surgeon!!!!! The situation has gotten worse for him the past year. He needs to know the WHAT'S WRONG and to HEAL.

My world is turning upside down, 

All plans have been halted and rearranged and changed...

His health first - help figure out the bills second - back to life third

There is no compensation at this point to cover the wages that are going to be lost. I have to find 2 months worth of $$ to make up for what's going to be lost.

On line sales commissions and party sales help, hopefully the events this summer will prove successful as well. . . This one might take a little work to figure out.. Lots of prayers, a little luck wouldn't hurt..

Blessed by God

Life's a blessing @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Yep - Another One

 Affiliate links.... I like discounts and don't like paying full price when I can get everything with at least a 10% savings. Share something with a friend, they buy it and I earn a few pennies for sharing. Usually as an affiliate our pages have a few extra sales perks! You should check it out.

 Absolutely NO RISK shopping. Your order and payment information go directly to the companies, they fulfil the orders and ship them out, they collect your payment, then send me a few pennies for commission. I only link up with Good Reputable companies. So your assured GOOD service and GREAT products.! 

 Shopping from home ..... my favorite. Stores are getting crazy. You either risk getting your car stolen, your catalytic converter stolen off your car, your belongings stolen from within your car ~ or you risk the 'hold up' in the store. 

 Not to mention.... stores skimming on your purchases, {check your receipts} the poor customer service, rude fellow customers, parking lots full of homeless asking for handouts. 

YUK

 With the price of gas, the amount of 'road construction' going on all summer, and the traffic. I'd rather sip an ice tea in a lawn chair in the back yard and have - even my groceries delivered.! 

 Not to mention, this keeps my days open for Notary appointments so I'm able to meet a clients expectations and immediate needs for service. It allows me to better serve my people and still get everything I need done. 

 Time, is the one thing you can't get back. Spend yours wisely.

Check out Mary & Martha's Faith based Gifts. Our newest addition to the shopping at home experience. 

 Those pennies I've talked about. That's my income. Social security doesn't quite do it all. Notary jobs don't happen every day. So those pennies that trickle in, they make ends meet. So thank you - for shopping with us and know you've helped small business families, not a corporation.

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn 

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

32 to 90

  The beginning of this month the heater was still on and my power bills were through the roof. Now, the middle of the month we are hitting 90 and digging out the fans.

 Summer isn't due for another month! So what are the temps going to get up to this year? I believe we hit 114 last summer. Yikes!

 I think it's kind of scary how they play with our weather. So many folks don't realize they go up in the planes and release the 'rain gas' - then it rains a few days later. Hasn't anyone wondered how the weather person on the news can predict the weather so accurately. {He knows the rain planes flight schedule}. 

 Oh, I know some folks would think "She's crazy". But did you know that it's illegal to gather rain water in our state. Why? Because they know the gas rain in concentrated portions could be hazardous to one's health. So they don't want you to gather and drink the water. 

 The thing that scares me, is how out of control it's gotten. Global warming isn't just because of pollution. It's because of how many trees we've destroyed around the globe. It's because of the garbage in the water. It's because we play 'god' with the weather. It's because we've turned at least a third of the planet into a garbage dump and the gases let off from the garbage contribute to the cause of the heat wrap we're feeling.

 In the end we're either going to die from the poisonous gases of the garbage, or melt in the heat of global warming....

 Crazy thoughts I know...

Oh Well,

 We were supposed to have a storm tonight. We had one little crack of thunder and that was it. Bummer. We need the storm. I love watching the lightning and the smell of the real rain ! Still hoping.....

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

The Next Horse

 OMG - Yakima Rez Orphans When I first found out about these babies I just about jumped in the car and headed over the mountain. I have been wanting a baby horse to raise up for a few years now. Finding out about this beautiful Lady, Suzanne who created and runs the Sugar Shack Horses orphanage for these babies, made my day! 

 So I started doing my 'homework'. 

Little babies do better in 2's.

Time - Babies are currently eating every 6 hours. Little bit older ones going 8 hours. She has some yearlings that are almost weaned? if not already.

Fencing - Lil Star my Shetland found every single hole in the fence and when my board host thought she had them all fixed. Lil Star, made new holes. So a baby is going to need secure fencing for the nursery.

 Housing - We have predators and the babies will have to be 'locked' in a stall in a barn at night for protection.

 Training - If we're going to do this, it requires a consistent commitment to training. Every day - rain or shine - warm or cold . . 

 Star Bright ~ my girl. How is she going to respond to having a little one around and 'how little should we go?'. 

Well, as you can see, I haven't jumped in the car and headed over the mountains YET.

First ~ I need to get an oil change on the car, brakes checked, 2 new tires on the front... and a day for the trip!

We have tried a few times now to find the 'second horse' ever since Buddy passed. Getting the pony was probably not the smartest idea, but I really thought we'd have a few more years before everyone outgrew her. 

We need a horse that can grow up with them...

I believe if something is meant to be - it will work out to happen. So, as we plan and prepare... I did get good news in the feed line that they would not be rounding up the horses and there will NOT be any more orphans at this time, so these babies are it for this year.

Yay!!!!!!! for the horses.  Sadly, it means I might miss out on my baby, but I was looking at the yearlings today and thinking a yearling is a year closer to being ridden than a baby! We can always look at babies next year, because I'm sure the round up will happen again Sadly.

A baby horse is a 30+ year commitment! They are cute! They grow up! These babies have been through enough losing their mothers at birth. They don't need to have a cruel life or end up in an auction on a truck bound for slaughter, so THINK before you buy ANY HORSE. PLEASE!!!!

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Mad Max

 

If you ever watched the original Mad Max, back in the days... you would have asked yourself - how did it get to be like that? What happened - right before? 

About 40 years ago the world, at least our world here - was much different. 

People had respect, neighbors were friendly with each other and everyone on the block knew everyone's kids. You had each other's backs. 

Your kids didn't disrespect teachers, if they did - trouble landed on both ends - in school and at home. There were consequences for wrong choices. YOU LEARNED RIGHT FROM WRONG.

Teachers had respect for students and wanted them to learn. They taught relevant subjects like reading, cursive writing, math, how to count money, how to mop a floor, change a car tire, budget money, how the government was supposed to work. . .  

Sexuality, religion, politics.... PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS for kids to have with their parents. School has no business ... NONE.

It used to be that people went to churches.... although there were several different religions - THEY ALL WORSHIPPED GOD. The SAME GOD. Now .........

It used to be shop lifting was a crime and seldom happened. Now stores teach employee's to DO NOTHING. Idiots in charge have DEFUNDED THE POLICE. Now 'hold ups' in convenience stores are a daily thing. Don't worry they don't need your wallet or money - they want your PHONE. Everything they need to destroy your life - is on your phone - and they know it.

Order on line - they steal packages off your porch. However you are still safer shopping at home and arranging delivery at a time your home, or with a neighbor. 

They steal the converters under your car while your in the store... They steal the car.... 

The president has opened the borders and you can bet - other countries are not sending US THEIR BEST. No, they are sending their own criminals and thieves and murderers.. all to us. 

Not that long ago - roughnecks took over city blocks and caused quite a few problems in Seattle.... That was only the beginning.

You wonder how it got to be what it was in the movie? We are well on the way there.!

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Let's Play Croquet!

We could spend the weekend researching where the game originated and 'who' created it?  It appears to be from the European side of the world. Here is the 'best' information I found this weekend. on the History of Croquet

How to play? Can be just as lengthy of a research, since there are several ways to play the game. From number of players to court set ups....  

We will be playing the Nine Widget {Back Yard} Game, for the Community Tournament project I'm working with.

Here are the Rules we'll be using, the court layout and how to play; 

Go Pro

To learn the 'official Croquet rules' with all the variety of games; I have collected the following documents for download. You can also print them out for a hard copy.

• Official Nine-Wicket Croquet Rulebook: Backyard Croquet Rules
• United States Croquet Association USCA : Rules of Nine - Wicket {Backyard} Croquet
• Woodmallets.com Complete rules/diagrams/how to play BOOK.

Registration Forms to our 'mini' Croquet Tournaments:

• July 22 - 2023 ~ Diamond Valley MHC Croquet Tournament Entry Form
• Up next - 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Make it Right

 

This is the last picture I have of my oldest son. It's one of the last pictures I have of my oldest Granddaughter as well.

When things go wrong - make it right.

When problems happened between my son and I it was complicated because of his dad's violence towards me. I showed up to get my son and was chased off the property with my son standing there watching. That was pretty much the end of US.

I have never been 'complete' since.

I had 4 kids and 3 wanted to stay with me and get away from the violence and move forward in life. Hoping to find a little peace. My son looked up to his dad, And somehow - he thought he could fix him. Instead his father broke him.

I hope everyday that I will see him again. I pray he is safe and well.

Sometimes, you can't make everything right. 

My Life - 

Trying to get away from a second violent situation, I wasn't able to 'be there' when my granddaughter needed me the most. I blame me for some of her problems because as the Grama, it's my job to be there when my son or daughter's can't. As the Grama, is still my job to Make it Right.

So many times I've thought if only I never met HIM. I might not have lost my son, I might have been able to save my granddaughter. I might have this or I might have that. Believe me, at the time it's happening you really do think your making the right choice. and Sometimes you just know this was a wrong choice and there is no other choice - you know it's not going to end well......

I love my kids they are and always have been my world. Anytime something is wrong between us, {myself and any one of them} I lose sleep, can't eat, cry too much, and almost become paralyzed with grief depending on how bad it is. I'm persistent until we fix it. In my heart, I just can't lose another one. 

Having people jerk children out of your life and play yoyo with them, is something you never really heal from. People believing the lies, pumping stories into children's heads, to think 

things were then - as they are now....

NO ---

Laws and the way things worked have changed over time. Once you could shoot and kill a simple trespasser no questions asked. Now you can't even stop a shoplifter.  

Men used to be ALLOWED TO BEAT THEIR WIVES.

 {Seriously, think about that.}  Believe me THINGS HAVE CHANGED. 

So when things go wrong - Do all you can to MAKE IT RIGHT.

Don't let SOMETHING sit there and rot.

Blessed by God

LIfe's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Anxiety 101

 I have spent my whole life trying to control or fix, something that cannot be fixed. I knew something was 'wrong with me' or that I was different a long time ago. 

 People have told me I needed 'anger management', others have called me 'bi polar'. I'm neither. I have anxiety and with that comes high blood pressure. Having a lot of trauma resulting in PTSD was issues itself on top of the anxiety. Having anxiety only made it worse and harder to get through everything else.

 It's something in your brain and you fight with it every day. It's like having voices in your head and one is always talking and won't shut up. It causes you to over react to things. Regardless of how you really feel.

I have bad lungs {COPD} and catching my breath when my heart is racing causes me to sound like I'm yelling when I'm talking. It isn't that I'm 'angry'. In fact most folks don't know that I like      QUIET. 

I don't like people yelling, slamming or banging things. I don't like being pushed to have to yell myself. I don't like people saying negative things and fighting with other people. I don't like hearing the kids fight when they play, whether it's pretend or real. 

I went from a calm quiet childhood to a marriage with domestic violence and a few bullies. I left that for a family that treated my kids and I like we were invisible. And a person who is bi polar, and was untreated for years.

I've made a lot of wrong choices while coping in the 'reactive' state of mind. I've spent a few years trying to heal. I have finally felt like who I really am sometimes. There are moments when I really feel like me. Not the person who 'was surviving the situation'. My own kids really don't know me, they know 'super mom in survival mode'. and she isn't who I really am. She is who I had to be.

I don't like people avoiding talking to me about things. They act like I'm going to explode if they say something I don't like. Mind you they have all said and done things that hurt me deeply and I say and do nothing but cry alone in the dark about it later. They don't know how I really feel about things.

Doctors say it goes hand in hand with depression. I think that's because when you have a break down or episode you feel like crap. People seem to be able to forgive the alcoholic or drug addict. They excuse and pardon the bi polar. 

But me, with anxiety disorder. Many treat me like I'm a monster. Like I go around and look for ways to hurt people on purpose? And forgive me when it happens. Not likely. 

I didn't want kids when I was young, because I wanted to figure me out first. I knew it would be hard. I was always afraid I wouldn't be a good mom because of it. It wasn't that I didn't like kids or didn't want kids. I didn't want them to suffer with my illness, whether it be from me or to have it themselves, same as me. 

Blessed by God

LIfe's a struggle @ the Bright side of the Barn today

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe & Happy Trails.

VISIT US AT LOCAL SUMMER EVENTS

We are keeping it local this year, with all of our summer events in Black Diamond WA. We will either be downtown on main street or over at the Ten Trails development with many other wonderful and talented vendors. 

We love our community and enjoy being a part of events and celebrations with our friends and neighbors. Mark your calendar and come on out this summer!

**Remember, you don't have to attend an event to place an order, and you don't have to wait for the event for delivery. When your making your order you can select direct delivery and your order will ship right away! No matter which event you order from. Just click a link, select sorry can't make it to let me know, then hit the shop button. 

Savings are yours for the taking. Spend $100 save 50% on  any 1 additional item.

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  June 16th Father's Day Pop Up in the Park
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  July 1st Independence Celebration @ Ten Trails
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  July 15th Black Diamond Miner's Day
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  July 21 st Sunset Market @ Ten Trails
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  August 11th -Sunset Market @ Ten Trails
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  Sept 16th HomeTown HoeDown

AT EVENTS ONLY ~

I have several pieces available cash & carry. +tax, NO shipping.

I also have 

Ring boxes in so many cute and elegant designs.

Busy Building Blocks

  Ok, ask.. Busy Building Blocks, What does that mean?

For me,

Hopes and Dreams become Reality, when we work on Steps that Lead us in the Direction towards, Achieving the Goal. 

AKA - Building Blocks. 

Others call it - Stepping Stones.

Every thing we do and every step we take towards what we want -

 is progress. 

I'm big on Post It notes, Lists and Everyday Planners. 

A few years ago I attended a 'Time Management Course' put out by Franklin Covey. The Datebook Masters - {in my opinion.} 

I used their planners for years! Back when I had more going on with 4 kids home schooled, sports, work and building a business.

Now, I use 'Happy Planner'. What I have to plan isn't as serious and neither am I. But, all is just as important. I have OCD's about being organized and now with 'age' and 'medications' FORGETTING is much, much easier than it used to be. 

So, with that, let's get back to the 'Building Blocks'. 

• Lists of everything I need for each different project and assignment that I have going on.

• Lists attached to lists of what I still need to 'think of' or 'solve' or 'find' towards a project that is in the works.

• Shopping carts full of what I need for all my projects at all the different stores. This allows to figure it in the budget coming up.
•  {DYK - If you put everything in the shopping cart and let it set, within a few days the company will be sending you discounts and coupons to get you finish checking out}. Never, ever check out right away. Also, check your credit card reward partners and see if you get a cash back or percent off by using that card for the particular store.. savings ADD UP!}

• Events - To make this business work, I need to attend events!        Last year was a total wipe out with getting scammed in the $$$hundreds. So this year, we've moved slower, more cautious, and doubled back to the places we had success with last year.  
• The efforts have led to at least 1 and up to 3 bookings a month from now until October! {Yes, I've been busy today!} With each booking requires setting up the Event pages in 3 different locations online, so there have been hours devoted to sitting in front of the computer both yesterday and today. 
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• Posters, Post Cards and Flyers to be designed, Created and Printed, then have more printing done. Finding Volunteers to help out with a couple events. Food, Prizes..... Got to love summer.... (It feels a bit like the days of Adults for lil Sprouts, again!)

All this - Building Blocks. Things that help my business in the community.

Attending public events with the products and opportunity, Hosting fun gaming events for the kids in the home community, bringing neighbors together. 

Every direct sales company out there has an opportunity. And they have a few people that are very successful and a lot of people that are doing ok. The thing is not very many people really build their business. Whether it's direct sales with a floor plan, or something you do yourself from scratch. There are hundreds of 'Building Blocks' that one can utilize in their business structure. Regardless of the product or service being sold. So many folks, just don't. Just don't use the tools. 

Back in the old days, we all had 'Phone Books'. That was how you found somebodies' number. The yellow pages was how you located a business, especially when you needed someone in a hurry. Such as a Plumber on the weekend. Getting your business listed in the Yellow Pages, meant 'Getting Business', YET do you know how many business elected to not list in the yellow pages. Most went out of business shortly after starting . . . .

It's like weeding a garden without gloves. You get the job done and you have to work a little harder to get your hands clean. Where as the one who wore the gloves had extra time to do something else. . . . . 

I believe the more 'Building Blocks' you use to build your business, the better your business becomes. The foundation is stronger and your client base builds you UP taller. 

Build your Blocks!

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.