Nov. 15 coffee updates

 

 

 

I'm going to take a minute to pat myself on the back, I don't do this normally... I have been speaking in front of 25-50 people for several years. It's not a big deal. When I have a grasp on the topic at hand, it's quite easy for me. However, speaking to a group well over 100 people, with a few new talking points...OMG! Talk about nerve wracking! Not to mention the venue, was full of Veterans, the people I admire the most. I never want to appear foolish to them. I gave my speech it went a little off topic briefly, but I still fit it in a 10 minute window. It was a little intimidating seeing the program of speakers...Mike Mortensen - a combat veteran, Sgt. Patrick Perkins - another combat hero and President of Heroes Hunting Foundation, Scott Wright - Marine veteran, and Deb Moeller - Iowa City VA...and Me. I was one of very few non-veteran speakers. It was especially humbling. Even more so, it was the first time I had been able to attend the event, so I did not know how it worked. I know I will be much more prepared next time. I was able to make a few networking connections, that could help us to continue to improve our veteran hunt.  That is always my first priority, improving what we do, to give more back to our veterans. I have to give Van Buren County Veterans Affairs, VSO's Barbie & Marcella, a ton of credit for organizing not only such a big event but keeping it running smoothly. They did an incredible job! I can organize and plan with the best of them, but organized chaos can still be chaotic. 

I am venturing into our holiday season gatherings and decor beginning today. I'm still on a bit of high after last night. There is just a small amount of decorating(by my standards)left to do inside, and a little bit outside, and that will be finished. I have been taking pictures as I go, but not sharing too much on social media. I just haven't taken the time. I will later. I am pushing myself pretty hard this year, to find some spirit. My little girl is more excited for Christmas this year, than she has been for several years. It's a little easier to find that magical spirit when the people I spend all my time with, are bursting at the seems with it. Not to mention, a couple of exciting prospects have been added to my life, giving me more hope for better times ahead. I've said before, the past several years have been tough. 

So, with a blanket of fog to start the day...I will be working around the house. I have a little paperwork to deal with, and will be adding to my growing grocery list. It's a little ominous not being able to see beyond our vehicles, but it's kind of pretty too. I've seen the first forecast calling for some snow showers next week too. Guess that means it's time to wrap up the outdoor preps...the winter weather is going to make its first appearance. Remember to take time to count your blessings, and hug your loved ones a little tighter. Even though I've questioned this a lot, I still believe that family is our number 1 priority. Have blessed day and weekend. 

Coffee Chat

 

It's finally starting to feel, "fall-ish." The leaves are falling and the winds seem to howl a little more as we draw nearer to the Winter Solstice. It's kind of unbelievable we are at this point in the year. After several years of insults adding to injury, it's quite nice to feel a ray of hope again. Even if it's still a little wobbly. 

Each morning, as I sit with my coffee, say my prayers for the day and go over paperwork...I reflect. Some days, it is inspiring while others is a bit dreary. We are all guilty of making excuses for things - both good and bad, that happen in our lives. I have always told my kids, the universe tends to help us see the forest through the trees. It shows us the realities, and even when we can not understand the events, it's there to guide us to betterment. Whether that be bettering ourselves or our situations. I don't believe in luck, luck seems to show up with some good, old fashioned hard work...and a whole lot of prayer. 

This week, even with a lovely sinus headache, I've really felt some much needed hope. It's like a veil is being lifted after years of dark. I know, that is a little dramatic. Still. That is my feeling. In September, even with just our family to run point, we had one of the biggest veterans hunt to date. It sure seemed as every veteran enjoyed themselves, which is the entire point. We had great people that stepped up and made/bought food, great veterans - as always!, and some incredible help in several areas. Now, we just need to improve the field volunteer lists! I have notebooks full of notes that have helped me keep organized, and improve what I can. We have already set the dates, reserved the lodge and most of the rentals/services, and have a big jump on the fundraising. We are in a good place. I am looking at a little better structure for the fundraising/sponsorship side. October was fun. We attended the 7th annual gun show in Bonaparte, Iowa. We have actually been part of it, from the beginning. It's incredible to see the transformations it has made, and the leadership of that show are great people. It was also the month, I did the first ever media interview for our veteran hunt. That was a bit nerve wracking! I'm still trying to figure out how to make that visible for everyone to read. I wanted to stress the importance of outdoor events for veterans, not just our event, but all the events available to veterans through so many different groups. All the groups I've been in contact with, offer benefits to veterans, and should not be used as a competition. If it is, it's defeating the purpose of actually helping veterans. Working broadly together, will get the most impact possible. 

Now, we are in the second week of November. It's hard to believe! I normally have all my Christmas stuff up and out...but I'm lagging really bad this year. I have some up, but not much. I'm working on it. As I said earlier, I have felt really out-of-sorts, for several years now and I'm starting to see a little light at the end of a very dark tunnel. One thing I will tell you, don't wait for someone to notice you not being yourself. They won't show up. It doesn't matter if you are ill, depressed or feel like you've lost all hope - you have to find some solid ground to build yourself back up. Most are too busy to even notice. You have to be your own hero, your own rock. It's not easy and you will have a lot of set backs...but keep fighting! Each new day, is a new chance to make improvements, and if need be...start over again. Sadly, we've been conditioned to believe in victim-hood, and make excuses to hold us back. It's always a good practice to reject that, and start taking stock in our own self. 

It's a great day to start fresh. Take inventory of what is serving you well, and what is not. It's said that insanity is doing things and thinking the same ways, while expecting different results. Let's break the insanity! We have a gift given to us, each day we open our eyes. Use it wisely. This is my reminder, as much as it is for everyone else. It's easy to get lost in the minutia, and noise. It's in these last few weeks of the year, that I am truly being reminded, of God's grace. Learn from your experiences, and grow from them. I am trying to do just that!