Friendships.... Are the Best Medicine

Did you know that by having lots of friends and interacting with them can be good for your health? It may even lengthen your lifespan   http://longevity.about.com/od/liveto100/ss/life-expectancy_2.htm

I know that by creating a group that engages people to get together and communicate has first of all kept me very busy, but also given me more purpose. I think we all long to fit in somewhere. We experienced that when we were surrounded by a group of friends back in school. As we grow older we part our ways and unite with our own families. Our lives keep us busy keeping up with this sport and that school function and so forth and so forth.  Although we want all of these things for our children we seem to lose focus of our own individual needs. Allowing ourselves the luxury of catching up with old friends and meeting new ones puts a whole new perspective on our lives. It helps energize us to come back to our daily ritualistic lives with more of a spring in our step.
I remember when I attended youth camp when I was younger. It seemed like for a whole week, time seemed to stand still. And when I would go home I was ready to change the world.  The social events we have tied to VanBuren Cruisers only lasts for two days, but it stays with me all year. The friendships I have developed from the group have enriched my life. I interact with a lot of members from VB Cruisers on Facebook that I have never met face to face on almost a daily basis.  We encourage, listen, laugh and even pray for each other.
My degree is in Communications, which is marketing. I have never sought out a career in this field, but I think the job has found me. I enjoy all the aspects of finding ways to promote and bring awareness to things. Whether it be my social activities centered around this social group, me selling Avon, making people aware of a somewhat rare heart disorder I have or just expressing my views by blogging.  I try to help others market whatever event, book or product they have going too. I hope I don't come across to others as a nag. I just  think it is important to help others to pursue their goals so I will be the first to try to give a hand up if I can.
Setting goals has become one of my constants. Getting organized falls in there somewhere, but I haven't quite got there yet. Like writing this blog was supposed to be done before 1am, but this is the time slot I had available.  
So back on track here, my best advice is to develop relationships whether it be via Facebook or Face to Face. Being sociable allows you to express yourself and drives you to have purpose. So now you have a reason for living longer. Case closed...hehe  See you at the next cruise night June 18, 2011.  www.vanburencruisers.com

Are You Proud To Be An American?

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.


And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
well There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:

that I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A

I cannot listen to this song or read these lyrics without tears streaming down my cheeks. Who could? This song was not given to this person by chance. It is tangled up with emotions. PRIDE is when one feels the value in something and treasures it! Our country was founded and established by others blood and tears. It was a gift given to us by the hard work of others before us. We as a nation are going to have to stand up and show the pride we have for her. If the government in place is failing us then we need to take back the reigns and put the right leader in charge. Step out of our comfort zone cause otherwise there will not be one left to stand in. How can God bless our country if we are always shutting Him out? He has been kicked out our schools where we send our children. How stupid is that? We should want Him there more than anywhere. We want our children safe. Don't we?
Sometimes the people that immigrate to our country see the value of our freedom more than we do, just because where they came from didn't have it. But then there are those that come to our country and and they want to bring their baggage. They only bring harm to our country. Instilling pride in our youth is a harder task today than it was a century ago. We look at our electronic advancement and say "Wow, look at our accomplishment", but in a lot of ways we take that and abuse it. Our freedoms should have value to us. We should respect them. Our freedom of speech should be used to express positive ways to improve on our lives. We should use our freedom of religion to allow God in all areas of our lives. People in today's society waste America's time fighting for things that are corrupt and unjust. They do not serve the people better as a sound and moral society. We should not go backwards and strive to act uncivilized.
Some people might read this blog and say I am talking harsh and what right do I have to slam others? I only speak truth and sometimes the truth hurts. Sticks and stones do break bones and yes words can hurt you. We need to use that freedom of speech to help protect our freedoms. So stand up today and be proud to be an American and do what it takes to secure the value there is in being an  American!! God bless you and the USA!!

Homemade Harmony: Change Is Good

Homemade Harmony: Change Is Good

Change Is Good

People usually freak out over change. We get into a routine and are comfortable. Changing things takes work and who wants to be bothered with that? Well "change" is exactly what I need to do. I have set idle for way too long and let things get out of control in my life. Life just doesn't improve on its own, you have to get out and make it better. Life really is a challenge and if it gets too easy that is actually where we find ourselves headed for disaster. Some people might disagree with that statement. But I really believe if we are not challenging ourselves all the time we tend to become content with just whatever foxhole we have landed in.

This month I have been pondering on the year ahead and what changes I need to make. I believe once you recognize your weaknesses you can work on making them your strengths. I must note that I am a reader and I strongly believe we can learn from others. Take from their experiences through their failures and successes and have them help you in your own life. I recently read the book "Eat, Pray, Love".  I am not going to run off and leave my husband and family to find me, but I am willing to put more focus on these areas that will affect how we live and communicate as a family and in society.  I am going to be working on three main areas in my life this next year.  Mind, body and Spirit is my focus. Once I get these areas in check I believe my universe all around me will begin to make more sense.

The first change is focusing on consumption of food. One bad habit has been connecting food with entertainment. That can have negative results. My mind thinks to be entertained or have fun that I need to go eat. If I get depressed or upset I need to eat.  Junk food is more affordable. That is another myth I have taught myself. It really isn't a myth, but I just need to learn how to buy healthier foods on a budget. Garbage in garbage out.  Feeding me and my family this junk results in bad health, no energy and low self esteem.  I am responsible, not only for my well being, but the well being of five other individuals. It is about time I took responsibility for us. My goal is to get out of this terrible habit and find a new menu and redefine the way I spend money on food.  Less going out to McDonalds and Taco Bell and more staying at home with nutritious and interesting meals. I have to make the right choices now, so my children will have a healthier approach in their eating habits and what they teach their children.  My first weakness is bad eating habits. Making the change here will help my appearance, health and the way I feel about myself. Next year I will be writing about a new me. I am already getting excited!

My next focus is on my mind. I mentioned earlier about being an avid reader. Knowledge is very beneficial on our journey through life. We can learn a lot by studying what others have done. Their steps may become ours and it helps to have some foreknowledge along the way. Encouragement or rather instructions in life sure come in handy. There is confidence gained by learning what others have overcome and accomplished. It helps us to raise our goals and standards to a higher level. Challenge yourself to always want to know more and have a greater understanding of life.  It is really sad that we can't all have the maturity and education offered at the same time. Imagine how much greater our world would be if this were the case. When teens are going to college to get the education to get them that wonderful career, their minds are more interested in what party is going on that weekend or what they will be doing over break. If we could all just make it to 40, make our mistakes and leap back 20 years and do it again with the maturity we have gained and know what to do with that education, to value it more, what a difference we could make. Since I can't do that I need to focus on what I can do from this day forward to make a difference for my children's future. Encourage and reinforce being the key elements here. Everyone does better when they are encouraged. I need to acknowledge their strengths and help them with weaknesses. Discipline and consistency go hand in hand. I need to reinforce what I set out to do by being steadfast. I don't need to make promises I can't keep. There is a lot of learning and teaching ahead of me this next year. I am going to have to become more patient and adhere to perseverance.  My other weakness is finances. I am not good at managing money. A lot of waste on food and unnecessary items. I need to not be a glutton of food or useless items. Make the change (money) make a change (difference) in my life.

In some respects I would think the biggest challenge for me would be the food and spiritual would be easy. At this time of my life though, my spirit is crushed a lot. I do not run so much to God for everything as I did as a child. I find myself doubting and confused and feeling unworthy. I am responsible for my own relationship with God, but I tend to lay blame at others a lot when I lack in my commitment to Him. I am going to have to become a stronger individual to blaze ahead through the turmoil I have in my life. When I got married, my husband and I were on common ground. We were equally yoked and both believed the same religious beliefs. We wanted to share these same beliefs with a family that we would have some day. Further down the road, my husband changed the way he believed and it has made for a rocky road to travel on. He has disregarded his belief in God and doesn't attend church. I, myself have become lazy and fallen into the bad habit of not attending church. I know this is wrong and I am doing a disservice to my children. I have to change this behavior. I am writing this publicly for accountability and prayer request, not to be judged. I know that God has a plan for my life and He always has. He knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. I know that I have gotten sidetracked and lost my way at times, but because He loves me He always gets my attention and reigns me in.  One day at a time. 

   The changes I want to make in my life for this next year, I hope will become my way of life from here on out. I am looking and longing for positive results.  I am going to make it a point to journal this journey in my blog. If anyone else can learn through my experience all the better. I hope others can make their own changes to live and have a more productive life. I welcome all prayers and encouragement.

Looking For Jones

I recently read a book titled "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews. One might say I was drawn to the book. I was looking for a good find at the book store and this one caught my attention. And after reading it I now understand how significant that experience was. It was more like the book chose me.
The lead character in the story is named "Jones" not Mr. Jones, just "Jones". I believe that he made that clear to people to not be given great recognition for all the great things that he accomplished. He was not looking for fame or attention. He just had a great wealth of knowledge to share and he gave it freely. The author of the book is one of the many that Jones helped find their way in life. All the way from homeless to being very successful. We all have it in us to find success,whatever that success may be. It could be as high end as a great professional to being just a volunteer at a soup kitchen. Whatever we do with the life we are given we should charge forward with valour and gratefulness. When others see that in our approach it is contagious and makes for a very positive and fruitful society. Who said we had to live in a time of tribulation. Just as one says age is a state of mind, so the world in which we live can be as great as we personally make it for ourselves and those around us. Wouldn't it be great if this message of renewed positive living were to be contagious and everyone caught it. Wow, what a wonderful world we would live in. It is not about how much you have or even have to offer. It is in what you do with what you have and are willing to offer.
When we speak of the good old days, what made them good? Was it that people were different, behaved different in the past therefore the ways of society were different? We as a nation should not be so willing to accept corruption. We should not just frown on it and sit back and sulk. We need to change it. Put a different perspective on the negative. Give it a positive turn.
Many have looked for ways to speak out against the way our country is being governed. They have started what they call "Tea Party" rallies. I am for what they speak about. Looking at the way the media portrays them in a negative light would make me angry. It made me think about why they are calling themselves the "Tea Party". Tea party was a rebellious act against the government, saying that we didn't want to be taxed for the tea. So it is the rebellious approach that the media is able to capitalize on and discredit the group and what it stands for. So to put a positive approach on the situation maybe the party should be called  "Revitalization" or "Renaissance". Each implying new birth or restoration. Our country once was held in the opinion of others as a great nation. Now it is showing ware because of corruption. What can we do as individuals to make a difference? I know this sounds like a political speech, but it really is a cry for mankind as a whole to wake up and be a productive part of society again.
I do not have a paying job. I am a mother of four and I appreciate that role. I have tried working outside of the home, but it is not where I feel most productive. I want to be available for my family as needed. After reading this book I am challenged to go and find other ways that I might benefit society. I am going to keep my mind, eyes and ears open to the opportunities that come my way. I challenge all of us to find a way to spread more cheer and kindness on our paths. Let the day lead us to brighter tomorrows. It speaks in the book not to let the past keep us from enjoying our present. We need to focus not on negative things, but on the positive things in life. The things that may appear as a negative, we need to learn how to put a positive outcome on them. May we all feel a fire under us to get out and make a difference. Even before I could complete writing this blog to post, I was approached with a situation in which I could be of service to a community in saving an older building that holds a great deal of memories and stories for my hometown. I hope that those that will read my blog will follow what I do and be inspired to help with my passions as well as their own.
Looking for Jones, is the title of this blog. It is what most of the people in the book aspired to do that had had the great pleasure of taking his advice. I am looking, not necessarily for Jones, but what he represents, the opportunity; the best that life can offer one when they give the best they have to give. The best is yet to come...read the book. I am starting the rest of this author's series next week. So you haven't heard the last from me...

Midlife Crisis or Just a Reboot on Life?

   Some say when you do something out of the ordinary when you reach a certain age, that there is something wrong with you. Maybe when that something is rather extreme, it might be seem like a crisis. I know that as we get older we tend to look back more than forward in our lives. We want to cherish and hold onto what we left behind. There is a lot to be said that a lot of things are wasted on the youth. You don't realize the value of time and energy when you are young...you just enjoy it. Maybe that is what makes it such a carefree experience. If we focused on losing that as a youth we made not enjoy it as much at the time. Now I am just rambling..sorry.
Since all of my kids are going to be in school all day this year; for the first time in 12 years I will have some time to myself five days of the week. With this new found freedom I saw that I was able to have a vehicle that was not so mommy-fied, but somewhat carefree.
I have always loved convertibles and had one up until I was pregant with my second child. There is something about driving without a top on the car with all of nature open to your viewing. The beautiful blue skies and puffy white clouds in the day. And the open dark skies starfilled at night.  The car I got is a black Mustang convertible.
My husband commented to me that guys usually go for the black motorcycles to rebel and he guess womens version of that is a black sporty convertible. I am seriously going to get a nameplate that reads Rebel on the front. I turn 40 this year and I started coloring my hair blond as a way to rebel against old age and this is just another way to rebel..lol 

The car group I started back in my hometown had great success because there are a lot of us out there that wanted to go back and live it up a little more. We didn't want to just roll over and die or say well that's that. We actually feel younger when given the opportunity to act it. No crime in that. Hanging out with friends  and sporting a cool car gives you a boost in life. So my thoughts here are plain and simple ...don't give up living until you absolutely have to.

VanBuren Cruisers of Enid

I started out to find "harmony at home" and I have actually been led to bringing
"harmony" to a community. One definition I found for "harmony" is this...

   Concord or agreement in facts, opinions, manners,
   interests, etc.; good correspondence; peace and
   friendship; as, good citizens live in harmony.

This group I started in January on Facebook called 

"VanBuren Cruisers of Enid" has grown to nearly 2000

members. We had a reunion in June over Father's Day 

weekend. There were so many classic vehicles and not 

so classic vehicles come to the event. It was most 

impressive. People parked in the businesses up and

down Van Buren. Some folks even set out in their yards

just watching and cheering at others as they cruised by. 

There were maybe a thousand or so cruisers over the 

weekend.

 It was a bonding time with friends of the past that

reunited as well as the youth that participated with 

their parents and grandparents. I would even venture 

to say that there were great grandparents there too. 

This is what we did when I was growing up in Enid. 

Every weekend we would head out to Van Buren to go 

cruising. 

It was where you found your friends hanging out. There

were kids from surrounding towns that would drive in to

Enid to hang out too. By creating this group page I have 

been able to find a lot of those friends from this link 

that I had lost contact with. In doing so others have 

found theirs too.

 I think we get so busy in life moving forward that we 

forget about the steps or paths we took to get there. 

It is sometimes beneficial to retrace those tracks and

find the value in them. Some of our traditions or ways 

of life,the more "simpler" ways you might call them. 

Before we had access to the internet or cell phones. We 

had to actually go out of our homes to meet people face 

to face. We had a lot of fun times hanging out and 

goofing off. 

People that attended have posted nearly 300 pictures on 
the group page of the cars there. They posted their fun 
experiences and how we needed to do it again. And because 
a lot of people didn't want to wait another year for a 
chance to get together and cruise again, I set another 
date in August.
And cruising is just one aspect of this social 
gathering. I sparked an interest in all the car 
enthusiasts in the community. 
There were so many there that love car events. So I 
scheduled a car show. Then I got a lot of emails and 
people confronting me to have a drag race. I had one 
person that came forward and said he would even put 
together the drag race. I have been given a crash course 
on drag racing. The drag race is still under review until 
we can get approval from the City to have it. Apparently 
if it is approved people from several towns are 
interested in coming to participate in it.
I have been approached by radio station owners to help 
with my events, people suggesting bands for concerts. 
Members of car clubs and motorcycles clubs have wanted 
to help me plan events. 
In some aspects I can imagine how people who won the 
lottery feel. Except I don't have money to give 
just opportunities. That must be it. 
Everyone sees what you are a part of and wants to 
join in. 
That is what always made cruising so much fun, 
was all the people, "the more the merrier" holds
a lot of truth to it.
The event was covered by the local paper on several 
occasions. The local magazine did a story on it. 
I had several come forward willing to help with 
any future events. A friend of mine from high 
school, now lives in New York and happens to 
work for a web design company. He made our group 
a web page and they are even hosting it for me. 
How awesome is that? 
vanburencruisers.com 
I have just been overwhelmed by the reaction 
this event or group I created, has had on people. 
Wow is my response! What a thrill and honor to 
have been responsible for something that sparked 
or rekindled, should I say, the interest in a 
community bonding from a favorite pastime.
I am just amazed at how just a cruise down 
memory lane has turned into almost a full time 
job for me. I am now in the process of setting 
up a non-profit organization for the group so we 
can contribute funds raised back to the schools 
in the community.
This past year was my 20 year high school reunion. 
I was unable to attend it. I will turn 40 this year. 
Maybe this was just my way of stepping back in time. 
The tradition we had of cruising had lost its appeal 
to the youth of today. The cops haven't been as 
trusting. I hope that through our cruise nights 
we are able to pass on and renew a treasured time 
to our children and their children. 
So maybe they will get to enjoy it like we did. 
 
Did I mention that when I am not organizing cruise 
nights, car shows, concerts and drag races that I 
am also a mother of four, ages 4,7, 10 and 12. I 
stay home with them. I have a degree in Communications. 
I love marketing. This job feels more like a hobby 
so no complaints from me. Thanks Enid!! What a 
homecoming!! 
I'll see you out on the drag..probably in a 
minivan..lol!!