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 →

I’m so thankful for quiet moments in time. Still small moments to reflect. A few minutes of uninterrupted silence from the noise of life’s disturbances. Rest for the mind and body and a break from the often unwelcome and uninvited intrusions that bombard us from within and all around.

Doesn’t everyone yearn for little pauses from the self-inflicted head-chatter, relief from routine demands, and some down time from the unexpected distractions {I call them side swipes} that life relentlessly hurls at us? I regularly seek these quiet moments, so if it means getting up earlier than planned that’s okay, I’ll take it! I’ll seize every opportunity to be engulfed in tranquility. How about you?
Continue reading →

J.O.L.L.Y …. I bet you can even hear the old familiar catchy tune ringing in your head …. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, . …. fa la la la la, la la la la. The well-known lyrics in the first verse of Deck the Halls, the famous Christmas carol – a jolly, frolicking song of good cheer!

With that said, are you JOLLY right now or are you feeling too jaded to embrace the “jolly” frame of mind? Are you numb, stressed and totally confused? Are you overwhelmed with too much on your schedule {and on your plate – ugh that means weight gain – oh no – NO comfort eating please} or are you flat out paralyzed and don’t know what to do next? Continue reading →

Today marks the 100th day anniversary of my mother’s death. She is greatly missed. I think of her many times during the day … every day … and I intentionally envision her healthy and happy, frolicking in her new heavenly home. It helps to heal the hole in my heart knowing that she’s at peace in a beautiful place surrounded by love and light.

Many of you have kindly asked how my Dad is doing now that he’s alone after almost 72 years of marriage to his life-long love. As he’s expressed a few times recently, “Mum was the anchor in my life”. She was his and he was hers. Even though Mum suffered from dementia in the final stages of life, she was physically THERE with him. In his presence. Her well-being became his sole purpose in life … to care for her and see her safely up to heaven. Continue reading →