We have all been been scrolling Facebook, only to find ads based on our interests that we pursue outside of Facebook. I watch a lot of home improvement, renovation, salvage, historical architectural preservation type shows, and so in early 2020, when FB suggested an account for me to follow, I was overjoyed and made plans to go as soon as I got time. We all know how that went.

Things have changed since then, but I still had a lot going on in different ways, and so my trip was put on the back burner. Sure I have been to Columbus a gazillion times in the last couple years, but I am a firm believer of everything in it’s own time, and some things deserve a special, carved out time slot at that. Many things keep rapidly, positively changing in my life, and I felt it was the perfect time to finally go. I asked Bill a couple weeks ago if he would like to go with me, and he happily said he would like to make a day of it with me.

Finally, I made it to Columbus Architectural Salvage!

Ooooooh people! I walked in the door and I had to open all the drawers on a huge old card catalog that held bits and bobbles…well, more like antique cabinet hardware, house numbers and letters, chandelier crystals and much more. Holy wow. And all the doorknobs…swOOOooon!!! Holy moly. I was in awe, in love, and in a happy place! I tend to take a Frank the Tank mentality, what it if is something I have never seen before?? I hadn’t even made it past the smalls y’all, Bill had to come back and retrieve me as I was chattering about, making myself a nuisance for other customers that wanted to also look in the drawers, although I think my enthusiasm was contagious and joyful and this prompted their desire to look too.

Bill and I saw so many things that we oohed and ahhed over. I was seriously like a kid in a candy store, so much wonder and awe, perhaps the feeling was more like being in a magical kingdom? I touched a lot of things…A LOT. I felt the history, the stories untold. I felt nostalgia with my own experiences, in my own places and time. It was in this wonderful place, that my thought about these things materialized fully.

If we do not love and preserve the things that bring us these moments of nostalgia, will we remember to feel, to recall, to relive and appreciate or show gratitude for the times in our lives?

-E.Robinson

I think not, I think it will be wiped from our minds and our memories, and from our history. So I gripped this place a little tighter in my heart.

As I was meandering about, not hearing or seeing others around me, in my own world, a man approached us. This man was either the owner or an esteemed employee, he stopped and asked us if it was our first time there. I said yes, was it obvious? I acknowledged that I didn’t know how to feel, I was so positively overwhelmed. He said, like you may faint? I smiled, and said you know, clearly. He told us to enjoy, I declared we would be back, first time, definitely not the last time. I made a mental list of what I am going back for, I checked the prices of a few things I would dream about, and I left with the biggest smile on my face and amazing joy in my heart!

I was floating on a cloud all the way up 71 to our lunch destination. I could not stop smiling or remembering the feeling of the woods, metals and marble under my fingertips. The positivity of being around amazing old things filled my heart to an overflow, an overwhelming overflow! Bill kept telling me how happy he was to see me so giddy and happy, I was happy to see him delighted and filled with joy too!

I love that we share a love of history, architecture, and overall cool old things. Bill has his eye on a few things, none of which surprise me. We are both convinced he was a military man in a past life, and the things he is drawn to, support this thought. I tend to be drawn to expensive things, but I think it is more so the quality and value of an item. I keep telling Bill I saw the quality in him long ago, he sees it now too. I love that!

This brings me to my question today. What old things from your life, bring you nostalgia? What old things from your life bring back memories of your youth? What old things do you feel drawn to or compelled to touch? Maybe that was three questions, but please drop me a line, I absolutely would love to know! If you would enjoy a trip to find a treasure, or a step in to history, head to Columbus Architectural Salvage, you will be amazed at what all comes back to your mind!

Yes, well, I find myself longing for the beach today. The warmth, the relaxation, the sunshine, the waves.

Instead I am dealing with water of a different sort. I am redirecting a man made current, to protect myself and others. I can show gratitude however, for my knowledge in physics, for my dad teaching me a plethora of common sense know how, and for my proactive attitude.

Drop me a line, let me know what your day consisted of. Mine was a bit more cussing and declaring physics facts, but job re-done!

Do you think there is a reason for everything? Or do you think differently? Do you think your answer ties to optimism or pessimism? Perhaps you have something really mind blowing to share on these questions, and it will make us all thing and ponder. I would love to know what you think or embody in these thoughts.

I personally think all things either add or subtract to go forward…even if it means going backwards at times. Forward progress/momentum is seldomly linear, and more than not, it is a series of events that take us in multiple directions, all with express intent to take us forward. This outlook is very grounding to me, keeps me calm and centered, and it actually propels me forward quicker than if I were to resist, fight or be upset about it. I am not saying it isn’t challenging, but my outlook helps me make it through, forward!

Drop me a line, let me know what you think. I would love to chat about it!

Do you like positive language? How about conveying a point so the message is delivered directly, yet without negative attachment or expectation? How do you feel about the intent, delivery, projection, or indirect message of words? Yes, that was a very loaded question, but this is a very important subject. How do you view these sentences?

• We do not have that available.
• Bob did not copy that document.
• I want to help and support you.
• Do it our way, or fail.
• I don’t co-create a good environment, and that contributes to my stress.
• I am unhappy because you stress me out.

These are clearly paired statements, but the negative impact statement of each pair does not invite further exploration or explanation, they are more definitive. Which would you rather hear? Which would you rather not hear? What would you do if you constantly encountered the negative, definitive statements from someone you regularly interacted with? Would you stop interacting or severely limit interaction? Something to ponder.

How do you choose your words? How do you deliver your words? What is the intent behind your words, or what message are you directly, or indirectly delivering? Are you aware of the short term and long term impact of your words? What message do you want to deliver now, or later?

Words are mighty powerful, in positive or negative impact, in the short interim or long run. If we want our words to hold the weight of water, we must weigh and measure the impact, we must have foresight as to how things may stem from our words, or develop from what we just said, and cannot take back, at that. How do we want to be talked to, how have we been talked to, what do we respond to, and how do we want others to respond to us?

What words do you include in your vocabulary to convey your message? What words do you avoid? What tone do you set and carry out? What tone do you avoid? How are you positive and forward moving in your prose? How might your words be construed as negative?

These are all things I think of when I am writing. I will rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, or scrap if I don’t feel my message is being conveyed in the way I am aiming for. Have I written in the vein of negativity? Yes, as this is typically borne of frustration. In that frustration, I will bare my emotions and my vulnerability, because I want to move forward. I do not want to stay stuck, I want progress and communication for advancement. I do not want the negativity that negative words can, and will bring about. I want resolution, growth, relationship, and community.

Tell me, how do want to be talked to? How do you want a message to be conveyed? Which approach would motivate you most? Which would bristle your hairs? Drop me a line, let me know!

Just think, in a few months, it will be warm, the evening will be fragrant and thick. I just wanted to remind you of that on this January day.

Drop me a line, let me know what you are looking forward to on a summer’s evening.

This morning, I was inspired by reading John 2:24-25. Who are you inspired by? Who are you influenced by? What works have you witnessed that cause you to be inspired by this person, influenced by this person, willing to follow this person and walk in their likeness? Another thought provoking one today, and one of which I hope you know the answers to, and the reasons behind it.

Drop me a line and let me know what you are hoping to accomplish this week, I would love to know. As for me, I am hoping to get myself and my house in order and back on a regular operating routine…it shall be done! Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

Whether you start or end your week on Sunday, this is always a good thing to reflect on. No regrets.

Today, I literally stayed in my room all day, did yoga, watched some of my favorite show, and just relaxed. Bill says you can see a difference because I did that today. We were planning an evening out, but honestly, I haven’t slept good for a month, and so we went to the bar on the 32nd floor(Bar 32)had a couple drinks, and will be sourcing dinner at the hotel. Although I hear Mabel’s is good if you are ever in this part of Cleveland!

It dawned on me today just how much I needed this break, and how my life is ready to change in a multitude of ways. Hopefully the rest of the weekend is as peaceful and restful, even without good sleep. Even Bill is looking relaxed, for the first time ever at a Kick Off event!

Drop me a line, let me know what your Friday consisted of, I would love to know!

It’s that time of year! We are attending Snap On’s Kick Off in Cleveland this year, so our view is different, but oh so beautiful. I am sure you will want to visit before this weekend is through, I know I want to come back here again, already. Check out our drive in, and the view from our room.

This year we are in a different place, with different people, and without our girls. While it is bittersweet, it is also good to meet new people, experience new things, and to get out there in the world…even if it is a few hours north.

What are your weekend plans? Drop me a line and let me know, I would love to know!