The Missing Link

We watched the grand baby last Saturday morning, and prior to his arrival, hubby and I made sure to straighten up the blankets on the bed so he would have a nice flat surface to play on. While slinging the blankets around, hubby’s NEW tablet went flying through the air and landed face down on our hardwood floor. NO!!! Fortunately, we had purchased the replacement coverage, so it was just a matter of going up and talking to our trusty Geek Squad.

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

After dropping the grand baby off and picking up a new replacement tablet, we decided to grab  some lunch. We stopped in at the Olive Garden (my favorite!) and low and behold, our waitress was one of my old kids from work. Years ago, before I started teaching preschool, I spent my days and evenings with the school-agers. I had the oldest group (4^th and 5^th grade) and there were about 6 girls that surrounded me at all times. They loved me, respected me, admired me, and loved our brainstorming sessions. At that time I was still in the “research” phase of my business ventures, so we would come up with different ideas for craft projects, books, games, and so forth. One of my girls loved to draw, so I told her that one day we should collaborate together (as adults) on a book. Who would’ve thought that it would actually come to pass?!

If you’ve been with me for a while, then you know that I’ve had an “Heirloom” picture book (you know, those sentimental books they sell at Hallmark) waiting in the wings for several years now. I even wrote a post about it-Future Best Seller-Check it our HERE.

The 2 factors preventing it’s publication have been:

•  A Publisher/Funding for Self-Publishing
•  An Illustrator

Back in July (at my daughter’s birthday party) my step-father expressed an interest in financially backing a self publishing venture, so I tried my hand at putting together some illustrations. Unfortunately, my hand drawn and digital portrayal of the story just doesn’t do it justice! I had sat down again this past Friday evening with a new angle to try my hand at, only to get disgusted and set it aside. I suppose the Universe was trying to tell me something.

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

So, throughout the course of our meal, Hope and I caught up, and she shared with us some of her recent drawings (she just so happens to be attending Art School). OMG!!! She’s absolutely AMAZING!!! Her “style” syncs up PERFECTLY with mine; you couldn’t plan out a better match, let me tell you! My missing link, that piece that completes my puzzle, has been placed before me on a silver platter. Needless to say, we are hooking up this weekend to get our collaboration going. I am NOT going to pass up this opportunity! We can rise to the top together…what fun! It’ll be nice to finally have a creative partner. It gets SO lonely sometimes!

I’m hoping to get this bad boy printed up and available in shops in time for Christmas…

The Law of Attraction is finally opening the right doors for me. Do you have any experiences with the Law of Attraction? I would LOVE to hear YOUR story!

Birthday Success

I just wanted to share that my son’s birthday party was an absolute blast! He had SO much fun, and declared it the “BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!”

Our menu consisted of (at his request):

• Cheese Enchiladas
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Refried Beans
• Chips, Salsa, and Homemade Guacamole
• Butter Cake with Homemade Chocolate Icing
• Vanilla Ice Cream

He wanted planets to adorn his cake, and despite my numerous hours of scouring every single shop in town, I came up with only stars. Couldn’t even find any aliens! What is that?! Do not EVER just assume that your local party shop will have exactly what you need…you will be sorely mistaken!

On to the entertainment…

I began the fun by presenting my boy with an envelope that said, “Are you ready to have some fun?” Contained within the envelope was the first clue which would kick off his scavenger hunt. The clue read, “It has 4 legs, but does not run. What is it?” It took a few minutes of searching under every chair and table in the house before he actually looked under the table he had been eating at. I had strapped a gift under the table with a TON of tape. I couldn’t risk it “accidentally” falling prematurely! On the front of the package (Flamin’ Hot Cheetos) was his second clue. “What loses it’s head in the morning and gets it back at night?” This would be my poor pillow; I never give her enough attention. Propped against it was a GIANT (1 Gallon) jar of pickles. Kids request the strangest things, don’t they?! Nah, I love em too! Slapped on the front of this fancy package was the next clue…”What has a net but can’t catch?” Thank goodness the rain let up long enough for our game because his next gift/clue was hidden out by our basketball hoop. I had pulled out the jumbo umbrella just in case. This particular gift was a jar of glow in the dark neon green slime (which was one of his favorite gifts by the way) and the clue attached read, “Rub a dub dub, there’s a clue in the…” Well, who in their right mind couldn’t guess that one, right?! He takes off running to the tub and returns holding a cylinder shaped package that’s covered on both ends with silver curling ribbon. His eyes light up when he pulls 16 candy sticks from the Cracker Barrel out of the wrapping paper. This next clue had everyone stumped for a few minutes. The clue read, “I start with an “E,” I end with an “E,” but I usually contain only one letter. What am I?” The consensus was EYE until I told them they were putting too much emphasis on the phrase “letter.” They finally concluded that it was an envelope. So my boy takes off to discover his newest package, only to holler back, “I can’t find it!” He was looking for a wrapped gift rather than an actual envelope. Who would’ve thought?! I go and save the day, and he returns to the group with his envelope in hand. On the front of the card is a dirty sock puppet with google eyes, and the card’s sentiment read “Son, no one else could fill your shoes…and no one would even go NEAR your socks!  Anyway, Happy Birthday.” Inside the card I wrote..”Birthday boy, Make sure to wear fresh socks on Tuesday. We have a special birthday surprise for you!!!”

His big birthday surprise was a trip to our local Family Fun Center. A co-worker of mine gave me a Groupon Coupon that equaled $40 of fun and games for FREE. You CANNOT pass up an opportunity like that! The catch was, you had to use it ONLY Monday-Thursday. Well, Mondays and Wednesday’s I work around 10 ½ hour days, and Thursday my little guy has a dentist appointment, so therefore we were left with Tuesday. He was SO excited when we pulled up, and I can’t tell you how many “Thank You’s!” I received before the night ended. A moment that will always stand out in time!

So, back to the hunt…

Inside the card was a slip of neon green paper which contained the clue, “I grow up big and tall, but lose my clothes in the fall. What am I?” Without a second thought, he took off outdoors. I had originally planned to drag out the ladder and tuck this next package in among the branches so he could get his wish and climb a tree for the clue, but there had been a consistent rain earlier that morning, and that was the last thing I needed was an emergency trip to the hospital because I had created a slippery situation for my kid. I wedged it into the base of one of our smaller trees, and he knew right where to go. Great minds think alike I suppose! The tree revealed another long cylinder shaped package. This one contained about 100 pieces of interconnecting glow sticks. What kid doesn’t adore glow sticks? Plus, it KINDA goes along with the space theme. This gift held the clue, “What has a tongue that can’t taste, eyes that can’t see, and a sole that will never die?” They figured that one out immediately. He just had to figure out WHICH shoe I had his gift/clue hidden in. He finally decided it was most likely the shoe rack in his closet, which of course was correct. There he had a box of tasty runts, and the clue which read, “Alive without breath, as cold as death. What is it?” He was obsessed with the answer being the freezer, so he searched them both inside, outside, up, down, and all around. Mama threw out possible solutions, but she was unaware that we had recently adopted a few small fish. Sitting beside our little fish tank was the new Avenger movie, Civil War, and the next clue. It read, “Take a walk and step outside, this is where you go for a ride.” He swore up and down it was in my car and proceeded to search each crease and crevice of it. I thought he was just pretending to be confused because he had been outside beside his bike when he was waiting for his party guests to arrive. I had another card for him, tucked in the spokes of his bike tire. Apparently he hadn’t been paying attention after all.

Once we were back together as a group, he opened up this latest card. He caught a glimpse of the monkey with pooched lips on the front and said, “Really Mom?!” The sentiment read “It’s your Birthday…so close your eyes, pucker up, and kiss another year good-bye!” I added this little bit…”We have super exciting news for you!!! Your name has been added to the EXCLUSIVE Lego Club. With your membership you will receive the club magazines. and you will be the first to know of upcoming events. There are TONS of other perks! (Username/Password were included) Your first magazine will arrive in a few weeks.  Love You!” Tucked inside this card was the handwritten clue, “What is long and skinny, but soft on it’s tip?” A few guesses were thrown out, but Q-tip was finally mentioned. Hiding behind the Q-tips was a box of berry flavored Sour Patch Kids, and the final clue…

“Roses are red, violets are blue. If you put me in this, I’ll look like new!”

“Washing Machine!!!” he screams, and takes off running. When he looks in, sees his package and starts pulling it out, he repeatedly comments on how BIG it is. He knows that he has finally reached the grand finale. On the front of the alien gift wrap is a piece of bright blue paper folded in half that says, “Happy Birthday Kolin!” and inside it says, “We love you SO much!” He rips into the package, sees that his HAD TO HAVE birthday present was inside, and starts ripping the paper faster. Inside was the new Lego Dimensions set for the PlayStation. Oh what a glorious day!

Later in the evening, before picking up my oldest from work, we stopped by the store so he could spend his birthday money. He loaded down his buggy with a TON of Lego Dimensions characters, so I asked him how he was intending on paying for all of these sets? He said, “with my birthday money Mama.” What he failed to realize was that he had almost $1,000 worth of product in the cart, and only about $200 to spend. He widdled down his choices, and then we made sure that he would have enough money to cover everything. Before we headed to the front I asked him one single question (just like I ALWAYS have before the children make a large purchase), “Are you sure THESE are the ones you want?” He looked at me and said, “Mama, why do you always have to give me a guilt trip?”

WHOA!!! Didn’t see that one coming!

Apparently that was how my younger 2 had always interpreted that question. I simply wanted to make sure that they wouldn’t regret their purchase decisions, because a lot of the things that they have bought over the years are not returnable. How in the world they had twisted that absolutely baffles me?!

So, needless to say, the party and all of the birthday celebrations were a complete success! I hope that you have enjoyed the overview, and hope that it has sparked some creative ideas for YOUR next party.

Gotta ask…Have YOU ever planned a scavenger hunt before?

Disclaimer: The clues used in this scavenger hunt were found in various locations online. I DO NOT claim credit for them.

A Little Motivation for your Day…

For those of you who are unaware, I have been burning the candle at both ends lately. I have finally committed to my book, and will be announcing soon, my anticipated launch date. I will tell you that I have given myself just 6 months to complete it. Every time that I put a specific date on a project, something inevitably gets in my way, and I feel like an utter failure for not getting it done “on time.” But, whether I stick to said date, or whether I’m a few days off, the important thing will be that the 1 single project that has haunted my mind for 12 years, will finally be complete. It’s been a LONG time coming!

So, with that being said, I wanted to do something just a bit different than normal today, and I hope that it inspires you in the ways that it has me. I have decided that I am going to live my life from here on with positivity and purpose, and I am welcoming The Law of Attraction into my day to day. I will Ask, I will Believe, and I WILL Achieve!!! I have always been a realist, but I know that I need to embrace optimism into my life. The vibes that I am tossing out into this vast planet will not disappoint! I WILL be successful in all that I pursue, and I WILL conquer my dreams!  On Christmas Day, I will be hitting my 4 year mark in my ultimate 5 year plan. I have been saying since last year that 2016 is GOING to be my year, and I believe, DOWN TO MY CORE, that I am correct in saying this.  The wheels have been placed into motion, and there is NO going back now! I love each one of you for the contributions that you have made in my life! I am SO blessed to share this life with you!

YouTube has an abundance of inspiring, thought provoking, and emotionally gripping videos available for the taking, and I have decided to share 2 of these videos that spoke to my soul with you today. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did!

I am anxious to hear your thoughts on these videos!

6 Ways To Be More Successful In Everything In Life

Lead Your Greatness put together a fabulous post a while back that I just HAD to share.  I hope that you are as inspired as I was when I read it.  Take the time to explore their blog.  You will be SO glad that you did!

The 6 Ways to be More Successful in Everything in Life are:

Number One: Know Yourself

Number Two: Be Optimistic

Number Three: Focus on Details

Number Four: Act Like you Already Have It

Number Five: Trust Your Feelings

Number Six: Be in the Present Moment

To explore each of these topics, head on over and check it out HERE.

Do YOU have any points to add?

5 Major Goal-Setting Myths That Keep You Stuck

Michael Hyatt put together an amazing post a while back that I wanted to share.  This man has an amazing site, and more valuable/life-altering posts than you can imagine.  Make sure to take the time to explore his site.  You will be SO glad that you did!

His 5 Major Goal-Setting Myths That Keep You Stuck are:

Myth #1: Your Past Determines your Future

Myth #2: Safe Goals are the Best Goals

Myth #3: You Fail if you Fall Short

Myth #4: Writing your Goals is Unnecessary

Myth #5: Specificity Doesn’t Really Matter

To explore these myths, visit his post HERE.

Can you think of any additional myths?

Implementing 5 Changes for a Successful Year

For those of you who are unaware, my grandson was finally released from the hospital. YEAH!!! He was one day shy of turning a month old. Things are FINALLY getting back to normal here, and with a few days off of work (Thank You Snow!), I am finally able to form a rational thought. I’m about a month behind in my “Goal Planning” for the year, but better late than never is what I say!

So, I have been giving this year A LOT of thought (as this is Year 3 of my 5 Year Goal), and I have decided on 5 changes that I want to implement. I feel that these changes will REALLY help me in obtaining my ultimate goal, and this is the year for diving in head first.

So, let me give you the little run down of my list…

• #1 My “Studio”
  This past weekend I dug into my craft studio with the full intention of making it work FOR me, rather than against me.   I have been SO busy these past couple of years trying to get this ball rolling, that my craft supplies have managed to get extremely jumbled and disorganized. Prime example: I went on a hunt for my hole punch a couple of months ago. Not only could I NOT find my one hole punch, I couldn’t even track down my 3 hole punch! That thing’s HUGE! You would think it would be easy to find, but nope! I spent the entire weekend going through things, and I have yet to run across either of them. Instead of having my beading stuff here, and my paper crafting items there, and so on, I am simplifying it. Remember those awesome plastic drawers I was telling you about? Well, those bad boys are being filled with “Tools” in one drawer, “Adhesives” in the next, “Paints and Inks” in the next, and so forth. Enough of this, “That clay tool would sure make this distress job easier!” Now, I’ve got it ALL together; I’m loving it! Still have a little work left to do, but she’s coming together nicely.

 

• #2 My Editorial Calendar
  Putting this binder together has been one of the best things that I have ever done! Not only does it hold the posting schedule for my blog, but I have all of the ideas for my creations contained inside as well. My craft supply wish list, my book ideas, my sporadic thought process scribbled in the margins, my marketing plans, and the list goes on and on. This book has proven to be a life saver on quite a  few different occasions! BUT, I do believe that by re-evaluating and then re-organizing it, I can create an even more valuable resource.

 

• #3 Commitments to Projects
  I have thousands of creations stuck in my mind that are screaming to be released. But, I have decided that I need to hone in on just a few specific projects, and take the extra time necessary to make these creations top notch. I have been dabbling with my book (which this blog is based on) for some time now, and I have decided that the time has come to get stubborn and make it a priority. The path/keys to my success will be contained in those pages, and I want to share them with others around the world. I have decided to STOP procrastinating, and just get the thing written all ready. The sooner I can release this book from my mind, the sooner I can get to all the others. My list is massive, and my time is short. I have SO much that I NEED to share!

 

• #4 Breaking Free from the Comfort Zone
  When I started down this path, I definitely detoured away from my comfort zone, but the time has come to shake things up just a bit more. I have decided that this is the year that I am going to really make my presence known to others. I am planning on reaching out to my local media, getting more involved on my social media, getting my YouTube channel out of the crib and into school, and sharing some of my creations around town. I would love to start teaching some local craft classes, but I’m still rolling that one around. I have been giving a lot of thought into putting together some eCourses; just have to work out the kinks. Being successful doesn’t happen overnight after all!

 

• #5 Re-Evaluate My Schedule
  I work non-stop and stay SO tired that when I finally do have the opportunity to get some productive work done, my brain is too fried to make it beneficial. I believe that I need to take a step back from my work, and establish a healthy balance in order to be successful, and capable of creating more. I honestly believe that if I do less, I’ll become more, which will be a WIN-WIN for everyone involved.

So, there you have it; my list of changes for a successful new year. We’re only a month in, let’s make this the best year yet!

What changes are YOU implementing this year?

Introducing the Talented Matthew Roby

I first discovered this talented artist over on Donna’s blog, My OBT (My daily quest for one beautiful thing). The post was entitled: Lucky Thirteen. I was taken back by this man’s level of talent, and felt compelled to tell him how much I appreciated his work. I then took it a step further, and asked him if he would be willing to do a Guest Post on my blog. He was more than happy to oblige. Between his busy schedule and mine, it has definitely been a work in progress.  Better late than never!

“Matthew Roby can best be described as a vivid storyteller; one with a wild imagination that knows no boundaries. He is a painter, an illustrator, and a sculptor of captivating characters and curious worlds. He is renowned for his distinctive dark blend of weird and wonderful, which he describes as, “a pickled circus of grandiose gloom.” Over the years Matt’s personal artwork has found its own unique niche in the alternative/pop surrealism movement. Both darkly amusing and enchanting in equal measure, his signature style has captivated fans and collectors alike; creating artworks for numerous commissioners, galleries, and public spaces.”

-Description found online

So, let’s begin with the Q&A session. I hope you enjoy…

How old were you when you discovered your passion for creating art?
My passion for art came as soon as I grasped a crayon with my little fingers, and drawing dinosaurs was my first true love.

What is your favorite creation thus far?
I’ve created so many things, it’s impossible to single out one piece. Usually my favorite creation is the one I’ve just completed, so that would be a 6 foot chandelier light sculpture, featuring a Gothic clockwork doll!

What inspires your creative channel?
Inspiration can come from a combination of many things such as people, places, objects, history, fashion, mythology etc. But I’d say my biggest source of creativity stems from films and literature, as I love to weave theatrics and narrative into my work.

Who encourages you when you hit a creative block?
Fortunately I rarely get creative block; but if it does happen there’s no real source of encouragement. I find it best to just step away for a while and focus on something else. Then soon enough inspiration strikes again.

What is your favorite medium to work with? Why?
I love working in many mediums, such as oils, acrylic, clay and watercolor. But drawing in ink or pencil comes most natural as it suits my instinctive and expressive style.

Do you have a certain “tool” that you can’t live without?
Probably my gnarly old dip pen that’s been worn to perfection over the years, and also my customized clay tools for sculpting.

Do you enjoy music while you work on pieces?
Without doubt, music (and audio books) nearly always accompany me whist I’m working away in the studio.

What was the first piece that you sold? How did you feel letting it go?
My first gallery sale was a roller skating chimp sculpture, which I was reluctant to let go of at first as I was quite attached to him. These days however I’m happy to see my art go off to new homes and bring pleasure to others.

Are you working on anything right now?
I always have numerous projects on the go at once. Right now I’m painting an Alice in Wonderland series and sculpting various new pieces for Toycon 2016. Not to mention other top secret stuff for clients. I’m also making steady progress on my new book, which I hope will see the light of day by the autumn.

How many times have you had pieces featured in a gallery?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work exhibited in numerous galleries around the world, both in group and solo shows. I usually create artwork exclusively for galleries 3-4 times a year.

Has your “style” changed over the years? If so, how?
I wouldn’t say my ‘style’ has dramatically changed over the years as it’s always possessed a dark humored narrative streak. Initially I kept switching between realistic and cartoon art, but gradually I blended the two together to form my signature style.

What/Who encouraged you to open an Etsy shop?
The site was recommended by fellow creatives I knew, who’d opened their own shops to reach a wider audience. Most of my gallery originals and one-of-a-kind pieces tend to be out the price range of casual collectors. So I wanted to use Etsy as a platform to predominantly sell limited edition prints/sculpts and generally more affordable art to fans and collectors with smaller budgets.

Is there a special meaning behind your shop name, “Pickled Circus?”
The ‘Pickled Circus’ was originally the title of a book idea I had (which may still appear at some point). I decided to use it as the shop name, as it captures my art’s essence; wondrous fun soaked in strangeness.

What artists do you admire or gain inspiration from?
Too many to name! I grew up reading comics like the Beano and 2000AD and later gained inspiration from artists such as Quentin Blake, Edward Gorey, Arthur Rackham, Gerald Scarfe. Paul Kidby and Peter Howson. And not surprisingly I also admire the film work of Tim Burton, Guillermo Del Torro, Ray Harryhausen and Jim Henson

Do you have a studio that you work in, or do you set up anywhere you can find a spot?
I’ve had my own studio previously, but the last couple of years I’ve been on the road a lot, working in residence for design companies and art galleries. I can adapt and work in most spaces, but nothing beats having your own creative HQ, so I hope to set one up again this year.

Do you make a living from your art? If not, what industry do you work in?
These days I’m now fortunate enough to be a full time artist, be it creating personal work for galleries and collectors or working on various projects for clients in design industry.

What item do you constantly find yourself running out of?
Time

What are some of your favorite things?
Autumn, cats, old movies, rock music, orchestral music, Guinness, mysteries, peanut butter, libraries, snow ball fights, Victoriana, jogging in the rain, books, astronomy, dinosaurs, breaking the coffee foil lid with a spoon.

What do you love most about being an artist?
Simply waking up every day and having the freedom to bring my imagination to life, it’s my Raison d’être

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m probably proudest of my ‘Fateful 13’ touring exhibition, based on a story book I wrote. The project was very ambitious in scope and depth, combining stories, illustrations and sculptures on a grand scale. Creating all the work, almost finished me off, but it was worth it, as the show toured thirteen galleries over two years to great acclaim and made my name in the art world.

What is one life lesson that you feel everyone should know?
Failure is merely a dress rehearsal for future triumphs.

I love this lesson!!!

What obstacles have you overcomCreate to get where you are today?
A great many, you can have all the talent in the world, but it means nothing without hard work, perseverance and belief in yourself.

Is all of your skill self-taught, or have you taken art courses?
It’s mostly self-taught, but I have picked up some new skills and techniques along the way, during my time at college and university.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
These days I’m pretty much always working! But when I get chance, I enjoy the great outdoors, watching movies, going to music gigs and getting lost in a good book.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still doing what I love to do in some shape or form

Goals that you hope to obtain:
At some point I’d really like to stamp my artistic vision on a film or animation

Are you surprised by your success up to this point?
In a word, yes. I’m continually flattered and gratified that my art connects and brings enjoyment to so many people around the world.

Do you take custom orders?
Yes, depending on how busy I am with other projects, but I’m always open to commissions.

Where can people find your work?
My work can be found all over the place if you search my name online. I also post updates on various social media…

• Facebook
• Red Bubble
• The Pickled Circus on Etsy
• Twitter
•Instagram
• Website/Blog

One of my favorites!!!

Thank you SO much Matthew for taking part in this interview!  It was wonderful learning more about you, and your creative process!

Inspiring Quote for the Day…

I’m thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.

-Alexandra Elle

The Secret

I want to share a story with you today about a man named Jack…

When Jack was in his 20’s, he worked as a school teacher, and was pulling in around $8,000 a year. He was frustrated with the way his life was turning out to be, so his mentor and friend, W. Clement Stone, influenced Jack to change the fate of his future. He told Jack that he should set a goal SO big and SO unbelievable that there would be no doubt that it was the direct result of his program for success. So Jack gave it some thought, and concluded that he would be happy if he could make $100,000 over the next calendar year.

To test the theory of the program, Jack took a one hundred dollar bill, and using a projection screen, created a larger image that measured 3ft X 2ft. He then added 3 zeros to it to make it look like a $100,000 bill. Once that was complete, he took it and placed it on the ceiling above his bed, so he could visualize living life with that amount of money.

Each morning when he awoke, he would look at the bill on the ceiling and recite his daily affirmation: “God is my unlimited supply. May large sums of money come to me quickly and easily under the grace of God, for the highest good of all concerned. I am easily earning, saving, and investing $100,000 a year.” Then he would take a moment to reflect on how this money was going to enhance his lifestyle, and the lives of those around him.

I would like to report that he was successful in his endeavor. He didn’t quite hit the $100,000 mark, but came in close at $92,325 in book sales (with a book that had been denied publication on numerous occasions). I don’t think that little bit of a difference would concern me too much, how about you?! He was so pleased with the outcome of this experience that he decided to set yet another goal. This time he visualized depositing a million dollar book royalty check into his bank account. It took just a few short years, but he eventually found himself doing just that. The book that changed Mr. Jack Canfield’s life was Chicken Soup for the Soul. I’m sure that you’ve heard of these books, but did you know the story of the man behind the vision? Me either.

So, a couple of years ago, my husband told me about a documentary that he had watched (while I was at work) on Netflix. He said that I just HAD to watch it, that everything they discussed was screaming my name! I appeased him, and started watching. After just a few moments, I was hooked, leaning into the television and taking mental notes. Jack talks throughout this documentary, and this was where I first heard of his story. It made such an impact on me that I have readjusted my way of thinking since.

The name of this powerful, life-altering documentary is called “The MetaPhysical Secret-Law of Attraction.” I haven’t checked lately to see if it is still available on Netflix, but you can watch it on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Jack has since taken up motivational speaking, discussing The Power of Persuasion, and has continued to be successful. He is a powerful, yet down to earth speaker, and I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have heard from him! His process for success is to visualize it; to ask, to believe, and to receive.

Since beginning my 5 year plan, I have caught myself on several occasions getting SO hyped up and excited over my ideas that I honestly have forgotten that I haven’t succeeded yet. How crazy is that?! I have actually convinced myself that I have big money sitting in the bank and that life is no longer a struggle. Then, without warning, reality comes washing back in, and I realize that it hasn’t happened for me yet. But that hasn’t stopped me! I KNOW my day is coming, and I believe in myself and what I have to offer. I know that I will be successful in my endeavors, and I’m ready to make a difference in the lives of millions around the globe.

The Power of Persuasion is an amazing tool that should be utilized by everyone! After all, perception IS reality.

If you don’t believe in yourself and your dreams, who else will?

The Story of a Teacher

My sister-in-law sent this to me some time ago.  It made quite an impact on me, and I felt the need to share it here.  I hope you enjoy this TRUE STORY…

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat,was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant.    It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X’s and then putting a big ‘F’ at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child’s past records and she put Teddy’s off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy’s first grade teacher wrote, ‘Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners… He is a joy to be around..’

His second grade teacher wrote, ‘Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.’

His third grade teacher wrote, ‘His mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn’t show much interest, and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.’

Teddy’s fourth grade teacher wrote, ‘Teddy is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class.’

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy’s. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.  Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume.. But she stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, ‘Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.’

After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded.. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her ‘teacher’s pets..’

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he’d stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer…. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married.   He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson’s ear, ‘Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me.. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.’

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back.. She said,  ‘Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn’t know how to teach until I met you.’

(For those of you that don’t know, Teddy Stoddard is the doctor at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Did you cry?  I did…