Manuel's Manual

I hate grocery shopping. I mean I absolutely hate it. I have to gear up to go, and even then, sometimes I back down and put it off for another day-or even another week. It exhausts me.

I used to love going grocery shopping. It was my day out when the girls were little. I loved good sales and seeing how much money I could save. I faithfully cut coupons every week. I loved seeing what I could do with my budget. Now I can hardly stand it. Food costs so much. It takes such organization to make the things I am able to afford turn into something we can actually eat! I am usually so worn out after work that I have a hard time keeping my social battery charged to make it through the store. And if I have to go to more than one store, well that's another ballgame all together. When I had my shopping buddy with me it was more fun. When it cost less it was easier. Before the Covid bizarreness it was more friendly. Now it's just a chore that makes me walk out of the store wondering how I could have spent that much money and have nothing to make for dinner! 

That being said, almost every Wednesday after work I set out to face the masses with a little money, and a lot of hesitant hope. After work I am usually spent-therefore I try to get through the store as quickly and with as few interactions as possible. I can be shy, to be sure. But since the Covid fiasco where we walked down opposite aisles with our faces covered and sorely lacking oxygen, facing the deluge of society's offerings seems much harder than it used to be. People turn away-just as we were trained to in 2020. I have to force myself to be aware of those around me and try to make contact if only with a smile. 

I recently set out on one of my excursions into the jungles of retailer greed. I was tired. I was running behind schedule. I didn't feel well. I was very disenchanted with many things I had dealt with that day. I felt distrustful of people around me, and I just didn't feel like going in for highway robbery via grocery merchant. As I pulled up into the parking lot of our local Winco, I sat in the car to gather my wits and take a deep breath before venturing out. My goal was to be fast-in and out of the store in 20 minutes or less. 
 

I was in the home stretch-only a couple more aisles to go, and I spotted him. A man coming towards me. My first instinct was to turn around and pick a different place to be. But something about him struck me. He looked like a 70's singing legend. A little weathered, ruggedly handsome, with long, feathered, jet black  hair that was reminiscent of my teenage years. As we walked toward each other, I knew I had to either engage, or run. He looked at me and I knew I had to smile and say hello. After I did so, he responded in kind, and then said to me, "Thank you for your smile. It lit up my day like our mountain." I must have looked puzzled because he went on, "Our beautiful Ben Lomond mountain smiles on us every day, and makes us blessed. Your smile does the same thing." I almost burst into tears. This alone made my day infinitely better, but we stood in the store and talked about many things that would also touch my heart and change my perspective. 

Our beautiful Ben Lomond Peak

I learned his name was Manuel. He has lived in the Ogden Valley his whole life. He has always loved our mountain. It gives him hope and happiness and a smile every day. He is 70 years old. He married his high school sweetheart, and they are more in love than ever. They have 29 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He took his 11 grandchildren fishing a few weeks ago, and it was one of the best, most chaotic, most fulfilling days of his life. He loves children. He knows they are our future. He said there's no better calling than to do what I do-and work with children. He thanked me for doing it. 

Manuel asked about the blue streak in my hair. I told him it is in memory of my dad, but it has morphed into so much more in the almost 9 years since I put it in. He smiled, and told me, "I can tell. I can tell it's part of your heart and soul. It is you." I told him I loved his hair. He said, " I have never colored it. It has been this color my whole life." I was incredulous as to how he could still have such full, perfectly black hair without having done anything to maintain it. I asked, "How?"  At this point, he put his hand on mine and looked me straight in the eye with compassion and wisdom, and he said, "My dear, I don't worry about anything I don't have to. I trust in the plan and I don't worry about things I have no control over. I stay happy and grateful to be me, and to have my life." 

Oh my word-those words. Though all of us have heard a version of this, it struck me stronger than it ever has (though being Heather, it will take work to put this into play in my life, I am getting better, but am far from being able to put worry aside.)  I was amazed at this intentional meeting I was blessed to have with Manuel, and was more grateful than I can convey. I was quite overcome with emotion and profoundly aware that my life had been changed, if only for that twenty minutes with Manuel in the middle of the chip aisle of Winco. But I plan to work on those things so my life can be better from his wisdom. 

Manuel and I realized that time was going on, and parted ways, wishing each other the best and hoping we would bump into each other again someday. He told me to please remember the beauty in my smile, because it would change lives and make mountains. Not move mountains-MAKE mountains. Beautiful mountains, like our Ben. I spent the rest of the day in a daze. I went over the words that had been spoken to me by a seemingly random stranger-who-in real life was an angel that was sent to me in that specific moment to do specific things. It gives me goosebumps to think about it still. I hope I did as much for him, although just being with him made me believe I was. 

There are no coincidences. Whether you believe all things come from God-as I do, or you believe in a greater being, or energy, or karma, believe this was supposed to happen to me. Right then, right there. It put me in a whole new direction for the remainder of my day and I remember it often. I received the gift of Manuel's Manual of life. And I am grateful. 

It's Christmastime and I'm a little rough around the edges-something that I really don't want to be, and it's taken me the the entire season up to now for me to be able to admit it. I don't need Christmas to be perfect, but it has always been a healing, rallying time for me-and I'm struggling to keep ahold of the brightness this year. Oh I have had moments of joy. I live for them. But this December has brought loss, illness, injury, fear, worry, costly repairs, and taxes on time and energy. It all just kind of cropped up. 

I'm noticing this is happening for other people as well. I'm not sure why, but it's a different kind of December.

This doesn't keep me from enjoying the season, but I've worked up quite the proverbial sweat in chasing Christmas Spirit. I try not to let it make me grouchy that it has been difficult-but Christmas Spirit comes naturally to me and it throws me off not to have it always at my beck and call. Having to reach for it is not too common a skill in my wheelhouse. I have hit some lows as I beat myself up for letting life get to me, but in the endless conversations in my head I have realized a few important things. To be clear-there are many, many important things, but these three stand out to me right now.

We Three Things:

People Need Each Other-all the time, but especially right now when the world NEEDS to be full of hope for everyone. If you become aware of anything-large or small-that will make someone's day brighter, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Give the compliment. Say hi to someone who is having a hard time meeting your gaze. Do a favor. Let someone in your lane. Smile. Be involved in cheerful things instead of just watching them. Be happy for people. Give grace to the ones who need a moment to gather their strength. Be present-if only for the two seconds you have to stop in your flurry of busy-ness. And listen when you hear those whisperings. You'll feel the joy of being needed, and others will have whatever you gave them in their time of need. I'm always so grateful to know I have listened and followed through appropriately. We don't always get to know-so those times when we are graced with the knowledge that our follow through made the difference can be priceless.  I've been given  chances to remember to do these things countless times this month-and been the recipient countless times as well. I want to carry them with me.  

There are ALWAYS blessings to fill in some of the holes in our souls. I find myself treasuring the smallest of things from  a checker who actually smiles in encouragement across the store when I'm weary-to a dime found on the ground at the end of the conveyor belt on his line. The news that a friend is well after being ill. The child who asks me if he gets to see me in groups today. Having the song that means so much to me sung by the very children in my little school choir. Gifts I wasn't expecting. A parent's thank you for loving their child. Hugs.

And then there's the big stuff. Being allowed to leave right after the children left the school and start my Christmas Break. Coming home to my little slice of heaven. Learning my beloved relative was able to end her radiation treatment. Finding out though my grown children were close, they were not in the German Christmas Village that was on the news because of a very sad incident. Having friends invite us to their beautiful home to give us a night of music and Christmas Spirit we have been so desperately craving. Meeting two talented and kind musicians who shared their exceptional music, love of God, and graciousness with us. This evening filled my Christmas cup to overflowing and then some. I am forever grateful for the people who made this night possible. I will never forget. it. They even took time in making connections. What a night!

There's something to be said for seeing the good in others and being the recipient of that good. Just the best hole filler for the soul that there ever was. I tend to think that God himself provides these "hole fillers' for our soul so that during the soul sucking times of our lives we aren't left completely empty because He finds these blessings to fill us up until we are stronger. I can't tell you how many times I have felt them happen in my life and also be prompted to help someone else receive them in theirs. What a great plan-to fill the needs of another-and then get our needs filled from someone else as well. Genius. 

The wonderful Rob Richards taking time with us. He is
delightful in every way.

Rob and his dear friend and musicianary Alex Zsolt.  Just 
amazing, genuine and gifted people.

The Reason

This gives me goosebumps! Alex Zsolt and Rob Richards are 

incredible both independently and as a team!

Everything- and I mean EVERYTHING-really is just about love. Every action or reaction, every incident or blessing, every moment of trauma or glory-love plays a part some way, somehow. It's  your errand to find it. Love makes the world go round. It heals hearts. It opens doors. It breaks down walls. Love listens. It is energy. It is peace and comfort. Love softens blows, opens the mind, and seals the cracks that heavy things leave in us. Love smooths out the rough edges and makes the potholes of life less deep. Love is how we got here and how we will leave. It is how the Universe runs. It is pure. It is from God and anything else good you have in your life. Use it. Believe in it. I do. And I am grateful. 

To see and hear more wonderous things from Musicianary Alex Zsolt, go here:https://pianocreations.com/  

To find out more about the incredible Rob Richards, Disney's El Capitan Theater Organist, go here:https://www.facebook.com/rob.richards.9440

Do You Really Though?

I have been working on this post for almost a month now, filling it with wonderful words  and thoughtful phrases. I poured my feelings into it to let the reader know how much I  truly love. How deeply I feel. The time and energy I expend...all the Heathery things you've come to know and expect. It all started to look the same to me- the same old stuff. So I erased that sucker and here's what's left.

 I need to know if you know. 

If life gets crazy for me do you still know I love you? If I'm tired and unable, do you know then? If my body takes me down and I cannot be there, do you still know I want to be? If my brain is too full  and I can't form cohesive thoughts, do you understand I still think of you? Do you fathom that when tragedy strikes my life and am trying to pick up the pieces, I still care about what is going on in your life? Would you guess that when I need prayers for my life, I am praying for yours?  If we haven't seen each other in awhile, do you know I miss you? When I remember all the good times we had, I always wish we'd had more? And if we parted ways with good feelings or with awkwardness, I still wish you the best there is in life. I do. I really do.

It does get hard for me to have all this love inside of me-just bursting at the seams, and hope it's getting to everyone when they need it. I hope my actions show it. I hope my words do too. I hope the feeling you get when I am sending my love makes an impression that lasts and that you never have to wonder if it's there. It is. My love is a living, breathing thing that is all encompassing and never ending...even, yes even...if our friendship has ended and we never see each other again. This girl is wishing the best for wherever your life takes you. I wish you success. I wish you joy. I wish ways for you to find yourself-and find yourself happy.

So there is is. If you didn't know, you sure should now. If I have  been remiss in showing you, call me out on it. I'll do better. It is my job to love. My Promise. My joy. And I am grateful. 

MAGIC of GIANT Proportions

Me and my giant, Bumblebee

You know those moments in life when everything just seems to come together and you're amazed that everything could have been orchestrated that perfectly? There are more moments like these than we realize-I mean getting home safely every day in this insane world is pretty magical if you ask me, but there are stand outs that need to be acknowledged as well. I mentioned in my last post that I was going to share...and it's time!

I have never been to Colorado. Things kept whispering to us that we needed to plan an adventure there, so we got to work setting up a last minute trip before I went back to work at my school. Things seemed to fall into place quickly and rather easily, so Chad and I were looking forward to it. We had several activities lined up, and we were excited to see somewhere new. 

You know how I am about dimes. Before we even checked our bags I had found two dimes and a penny, and I felt this was a great start. Our flight went well, even through turbulence, and we arrived in Denver after a huge rainstorm-their first in weeks, and one that helped quell some raging wild fires there. 

While we rode the shuttle to the car rental place, my daughter Meghan let me know that one of our favorite bands, one we know and call our friends, was IN Colorado Springs to give a concert and help debut the new Ford Amphitheater there. MAGIC GIANT was opening with OneRepublic and they were giving away some tickets on Instagram!!!

https://www.fordamphitheater.live/venue-info/

I messaged Magic Giant and so did Meghan,  and then Chad and I  went along our way (crossing our fingers)  in absolute awe of the Colorado beauty we were in. After a fresh rainstorm, it smelled heavenly and looked so green and lush. Our hotel was lovely, surrounded in forest and green. We went towards Old Colorado Springs and spent the evening in the charm of it all. It was just beautiful. I mean absolutely breath taking and every kind of terrain you'd imagine all around us in vivid colors. We went to bed that night just stunned at the beauty we were in, and excited for all the places we were going to adventure to. 

In one of the store fronts in Old Colorado Springs.

Had to take a picture of this because it reminded me of  my Jennifer.

Right before lights out, I checked my Instagram and had received a message from Austy (Magic Giant) asking if we still wanted tickets. Of course I said yes, and we went to sleep. 

https://magicgiant.com/

Not to bore with travel logs, but the next day Chad and I headed out to Garden of the Gods. That in and of itself is absolutely stunning.. Rock formations shot out of the ground in every direction, forming wonderful feasts for the eye. Everywhere we looked there was something beautiful. Just glorious. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and again marveled at the astonishing beauty of it all. 

https://gardenofgods.com/

By 4pm, the ticket giveaway was over. To be honest, I felt so special and loved that Magic Giant had even found the time to say hi to us, and that was enough for me. But as we were hiking by a stream, my notifications went off and we found we had tickets for that night (August 10). They asked if we thought we could make it. I was thrilled as we flew to the hotel to freshen up and get to the venue. I was so excited to see everyone from Magic Giant and so grateful they had pulled strings to get us there. I hadn't expected it, and I was so very surprised and pleased. 

You have to understand that Magic Giant really is magic. They have amazing, uplifting, happy music. Their spirits are just wonderful to be around. Every one of them in the band and crew are just lovely humans. Meghan met them at a music camp that changed her life and saved her life and soul. Literally. They are magic. They reach people. I got to meet them last year and I did not want the time with them to end. 🎵I know I know, that we're all pretending, this night is never ending🎶  They just make the world feel good and their light gives so much hope. They are incredible individually, and as a whole. I can't describe the feeling you get just being in their presence and being able to soak up their energy and love. So this was big. I couldn't wait for Chad to meet them after the show. 

When we got to the box office, our tickets were there. I honestly was so excited to have them and figured we'd be on the lawn taking it all in. When we opened the envelope, I almost fell down. 14th row!!!! Right in front of the stage. It made me cry. I felt so blessed. I was very happy to be able to catch Austy and Zang before he show to profess my immense gratitude. I know they had to work to get that done for us. And they were just gracious. They said it was their pleasure, and thanked US for making time for them! My word. I am still humbled. 

That's me!!!!!!!!!!

And the concert. Oh, the concert!!!! It was magnificent! I knew every word. I sang and danced and even cried a little. It was truly magical. They put on an incredible show. The talent is unreal. The feeling you get watching them in unbeatable. 

After they sang we went to find them and got the most magical hugs and personal interaction with them. Bonus that some of their significant others and even one of their mothers was there too-with the same warmth and goodness. They again thanked US for coming and we left promising to stay in touch. Have you ever had a band tell you they love you, too? They do. And they mean it. I can never thank Magic Giant enough for this opportunity to just BE WITH them and witness the magic they make. They are incredible. And thank you to Meghan for introducing us to them. Luckily she was going to see them 6 days later in LA. 

The incredible band. Just amazing people. 

 

Zang, me, and Austy.
I am not photogenic-especially when I am with famous people. I get so 
happy I smile too big and the camera catches me at weird angles. But I
feel like my happiness shows, so I treasure these photos.
BELOW🠋The boys in action.

And then I have to mention OneRepublic...they were also just wonderful. They sang all the songs I know and love. They had an encore and their last song was "I Lived" at which time Ford set off the most gorgeous fireworks display that lit the whole night. We were already on such a high, and that just topped it all off. We left the venue on cloud 9-reveling in the kindness we had been shown snd the experience we had just lived. What a night. And not a word I say can really put into perspective the joy we experienced that night. I will never forget it. 

https://www.onerepublic.com/

There was so much more to this trip. One of my favorites ever. We saw Cave of the Winds with beautiful caverns and rich history.    https://caveofthewinds.com      We drove up Pikes Peak, stopping all along the way for glorious views, varied terrain, lakes and even a Big Foot Crossing! When we reached the top there was a fantastical storm that enveloped the entire mountain top for an hour. The layers of clouds and varieties of landforms was mind blowing. It was very cold at the top and I had to wear every layer I had available. But it was so worth it. Then coming down the mountain we had the most glorious thunder storm!

https://www.pikes-peak.com/

Another place I would really recommend is Royal Gorge Bridge. It's exactly what is says-a marvel of a ginormous suspension bridge crossing the huge expanse of a deep gorge. The beauty is staggering and the thrill of being on it is electrifying. There's a zipline and sky coaster and a few theme park rides-even a raptor show with live birds. It surpassed every expectation. I loved it there. The drive  back from it was lovely as well. 

https://royalgorgebridge.com/

I could go on, but I already have. One last thing we did was go visit the most charming mansion in Manitou Springs called the Miramont Castle. It is just gorgeous and has a fabulous history on so many levels. It was definitely worth the trip just to look but the ongoing history is what I loved most. 

https://www.miramontcastle.org/

If you get anything from this post-besides picture overload, I hope you get at least these three things:

1-Life is Magical-go LIVE it! Especially when you can celebrate the things you love with people you love.

2-There is beauty EVERYWHERE. I can't get over the beauty we saw in so many ways on so many levels. It is out there. Find it.

and 3- PEOPLE provide magic. MAGIC GIANT and their generosity and their genuine love of what they do and the people they do it for made an already wonderful vacation truly MAGICAL and unforgettable. I will always be in awe that we were such recipients of their grace. Their music changes life. GO LOOK THEM UP. They make a difference. And I am grateful!