I wasn’t sure how I’d feel today! It’s November 24th … it’s my mother’s birthday … and I miss her.

The thing is, it’s also one of my favorite holidays … it’s the last Thursday in November and that can only mean one thing! We celebrate Thanksgiving Day in accordance with President Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation {October 3, 1863}. In contrast, in England, there is Harvest Festival, where we give thanks for a bountiful harvest, which is traditionally celebrated on the closest Sunday to the harvest moon, so the date can vary in September or early October.

Sometimes I feel like I have one foot in the UK and the other in the US, straddling the massive body of water we call the Atlantic Ocean. Lol! That idea brings a smile. Me as some kind of enormous human bridge? Interesting vision to say the least. Haha! Continue reading →

This coming Tuesday, we the people of the United States of America will determine the future of our Republic for many years to come … in the ballot box … by voting for candidates who collectively will govern us.  

The way I see it, the stakes are extremely high this year. In my humble opinion,
they’ve never been higher. I believe the next few days will be some of the most exciting times in the history of elections in this country. Who will win? Who will be our next President? Who will be elected into Congress? Continue reading →

Part Two of Two

The word ‘revolution’ has a number of similar but different interpretations. In contrast to my last post on June 30th, the reference to it in the context of this particular blog is interpreted as “a far-reaching and drastic change, especially in ideas, methods, etc“.

The time has come to …S…T…R…E…T…C…H… your “thinking” beyond the norm.

Do you agree we live in an era of economic*, cultural and social change in a world that is evolving {and revolving} at what feels like break-neck speed? Are you giddy yet?  Does it seem as if “time” is accelerating? Gaining on itself? Does it feel like uncontrolled momentum-on-steroids?

Welcome to life in today’s world. Continue reading →

Part One of Two

Let me just say right up front that some of my readers will be surprised by this topic. Some will be aghast as I express my opinion {yes … I really do have one of my own} Others of you will not see eye-to-eye with me and may even be angry with me!

You may accuse me of being “political” or even “hypocritical” since I’ve stated many times “I refuse to engage in arguments over politics”. Please note that the key words are “refuse to engage in”.  It’s not that I have no political opinion, quite the contrary … it’s more that I rarely publicize my opinion, I choose not to confront others who differ with me … and I refuse to engage those who would attempt to persuade, shame or bully me to their point of view.

Therefore I won’t get drawn into an argument by others, not in person or on social media, but rather I will seek to understand their point of view … and respect their right to differ with me … and I will love them, not because of any shared political preference, but based solely on the essence of who they are as a decent human being.
Continue reading →

Today is Mother’s day!  As you well know, this is the first mother’s day since Grandma left us to join her celestial family and make a new home in the Kingdom of Heaven.

What a glorious time she must be having! So much to celebrate up there. I recall so clearly the awe and wonder on her face when God favored her with a glimpse of where she was going as she lay dying.  I feel overwhelmed by peace today … as vividly as the day I witnessed that experience.

I often stretch my imagination in an attempt to visualize the beauty of the world beyond and though I strain to do so as best I can, I fall so utterly short of words to illustrate the wonder of it all … the sheer magnificence of what awaits us in the next life. With so much love and indescribable beauty on which to feast her eyes and feed her soul, your Grandma must be ecstatic. I am filled with joy.

I love and miss my Mum with all my heart {and I know you do too} but I rejoice in who she is and where she is and I know you join me in wishing her a happy mother’s day! Continue reading →

Yesterday was the 35th anniversary of our business!  Chuck and I signed the paperwork to start our business on March 13th 1981.  It’s truly amazing to think that next year I’ll reach a major milestone … I’ll have been in business for half of my life! C.R.A.Z.Y!!

While I’m not here to talk specifics about our business {I’ll save that for the business blog} I’d like to remark on the fact that building a successful business from the ground up has been a thrilling ride through the last 35 years of life …. in so many ways.

We’ve stuffed a 35 year story into 5 minute clip. Hope you enjoy it!!

35 Years of Amazing from Anthea Tripp on Vimeo. Continue reading →

It’s been years since I gave any thought to the drawer. The one on the shadowy landing upstairs.

Not surprising really … it’s been more than 55 years since I visited my grandparents’ house. A good 65 years {and a whole lot of life has passed by} since last I peeked into the drawer.

What’s even more mysterious is why those memories came flooding back to me now? Random thoughts of the drawer have monopolized my mind for the last couple of weeks, and try as I might I have no rational way to explain their persistent presence. Even when I banish them, a few minutes later they bounce right back! It’s all very puzzling! Continue reading →

If ever there was a day to eat pancakes, it’s TODAY!

WHY?

Because it’s official Pancake Day today … Tuesday 9th February 2016! In case you’ve never heard of it before it’s also known as Shrove Tuesday! It’s always the day before the first day of Lent, a Christian observance which begins on Ash Wednesday {which happens to be tomorrow} … and the actual date each year depends on the timing of Easter. Continue reading →