The Greatest Gift

Image via Wikipedia

Yesterday's post seems very self-centered after what I saw today.    I've been told that when providing a gift of service many times it is you (the giver) who is truly the recipient.   I understand this better after spending my morning at a day-shelter for homeless women.   Our "service" was providing a warm meal and some "personal touch" treatments for the women (eg., hand and neck massage, nail polish, etc. as well as sharing bible verses and prayer)

I've mentioned previously that I never had time for service; I gave through monetary donation; it was enough to ease my conscience.  I contributed, right?    I'm not saying that money does not do a great deal of good; obviously its necessary.  But involvement requires personal commitment; putting yourself  "out there" in a place that's just not as cozy as you might be used to.    And that was me today.   Definitely not cozy.    

Other people's misfortunes have always made me sad.    Just reading about them can put me over, so imagine my reaction to confronting it first hand.   The group of women I had the privilege of serving today were not so easily recognizable as "homeless" at first glance.   I've seen women like these in stores and passed them on the street.  Poor, yes, but nothing about them that shouted "I'm homeless".   One begged me to cut her hair and nearly cried when we set up a station for impromptu hair cuts.  (Thanks to a talented volunteer who had the foresight to bring her scissors!)    A trim and a braid had these women glowing.   And I agonize over style!

But, the most disconcerting was the children.    Did I not know that children were homeless?  Was I thinking there was always a grandparent or relative to take the kids, or what?  So today my heart was touched by "Faith", a young girl with lots of energy and curiosity.  A little girl who just kept telling me how hungry she was, and who, when held, would not let go.  Who when I asked if she wanted to sing, told me she knew no songs.    But when I sang softly as I held her and swayed to the music playing, she relaxed and let her eyes close until time for lunch.  Faith.  Her name.   Coincidence?  Irony?   Or perhaps a reminder for her and me of the greatest Gift and faith is our only pre-requisite to receive it.

Feeling Good

Image by Photos by Lina via Flickr

Tonight I got my hair cut - about 4" cut and I am feeling good!!!    It would have been heaven to have it professionally colored but oh well!!!    I have a date this weekend with Loreal at the end of which all my greys will be washed down the drain!  Thanks to a fabulous stylist who worked for a long time trying to figure out how best to shape my hair which had really gotten out of control.    So I'm feeling like a new woman!   To make my day even better - I received an email from RealSimple with more "New Uses for Everyday Stuff" which is my absolute favorite.

Side Note:  Just to be really clear.    I only read one magazine and its Real Simple.  They have no idea who I am and I am not paid by them or get free stuff or anything when I mention them.   We could argue that maybe I should but I don't.

ANYWAY....did you have any idea you could use salt & vinegar to remove odors from your hands?  As well, lip balm and cooking oil double as cuticle softeners?   And if that wasn't enough to just make your day, Pam (or a version of vegetable cooking spray) can be used to "set" your nail polish color for quick drying.    I know you are asking yourself how you lived without this knowledge and difficult as it is to believe, you did.   Now, however, you just get to live better and cheaper!!!!  

And since we're talking about hair and beauty and things, I will pass along a couple of tips that I have used lately that I am loving.   No more expensive skin products for me.    Actually, many years ago a dermatologist "prescribed" a simple cleaning-toning-moisturizing routine involving simple drugstore products.    I did, however, greatly enjoy facials and some specialty products like exfoliation scrubs.   Those, however, are no longer in my slim self-care budget.   So I've had to improvise.  Thanks to some on-line research I found a couple of make-yourself potions that have provided me great results!

Exfoliation scrub:  Olive oil and brown sugar.   Not much at all.  If you've used a scrub before, just kind of imagine that quarter size amount in your palm and mix up the two ingredients.   I was amazed at how soft my skin felt upon rinsing.

Mask:   Yogurt and honey.  Okay - I have dry, "aging" skin so this may not be the right mask for you.  But if you are 40+ something this might just be the thing!   I eat Greek yogurt so I used this.   Its much thicker than other yogurts, too.   Mix with the honey and apply to face.  Let it "dry" for about 15 minutes and rinse off with warm cloth, followed with cool water.   Lovely!!

The only problem with both of these is that when I was done, I was kind of hungry!!!

Dreams

I've commented before on how inspiring it is to me to see young people today going after their dreams.   Not the practical or focus on money approach I had in the '80s - but trying to make what they are passionate about their career.

Last night I had the opportunity to again be in the audience at Boy 1's show at a local club.   (I'm starting to feel like a groupie. I recognize the kids showing up to see them.  I know their show dates and words to their songs.   And I worry about what to wear so I don't look so much like "Mom"!!)     I again got to witness the change in my son when he is on stage.   He lights up and truly shows a passion for what he is doing.   It cannot be ignored; music must be in his soul.   (Band Name: Mute the Idol).   Even though I sometimes want him to take the safe route (college, job, family - and probably in that order!!!), I know that as his life moves forward he will always know that he pursued what he loved.  It may or may not work out; but he tried.

I wonder what I would have done if I had the courage to follow my passion when I was young.   I can't dwell on that, I know, and I'm happy with my life.  I 'm also thankful for my current "opportunity" that is allowing me to change my focus.    Its never too late to go after a dream.    

Light at the End of the Road

Image by Vainsang via Flickr

This image caught my attention. Its titled "There's always light at the end of the road".    So as if the beauty of the photo wasn't enough, its also full of meaning and relevance for my situation.   Another reminder, and reason to be patient.   And I need those.    They allow me to re-focus when I get discouraged or impatient. (Me, impatient? smile!!)   They help me to banish the "what was I thinking" thoughts.    Its reminders like these that push the self-doubt into the far corners of my mind, helping me to get back on track.

As I've shared I am experiencing some pretty amazing revelations on the spiritual front.   The women's bible study I have been attending is amazing, and this week we will "put our faith in action" in a service project for the homeless.  Specifically, serving a meal and interacting with homeless women.     This is not a comfortable place for me as I've never done this "hands on" thing.   In the past it was donations of money or time that passed for "serving" on my part.   Never anything "hands on".     But my "comfort" isn't the issue here; its something I feel I must do.    Its about walking the walk.    If I truly want purpose and faith to be guiding my life, then I need to actively participate!  (I love the church's title of "Faith in Action" - simple but it makes it clear the involvement level!!!)   So stay tuned later this week for my thoughts and reactions.  

Side note:  Ran a 5k on Saturday.    Turned out to be a beautiful morning.   Took about a minute off my previous best time.   The weather and the light will soon create a time where I am forced to run on the treadmill only which makes me sad.    This will be the last 5k I run until next year I think and that makes me kind of sad.   BUT I am thrilled when I think just a few months ago I had never run and I have now ran in three 5k's!!!!  

Side Side note:   For anyone still struggling with Halloween costumes - check out this link!   Some cute ideas and they look pretty easy to me.
http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/easy-diy-halloween-costumes-00000000045622/index.html?xid=weeklynews-10-20-2010