The Idea Man - Paul Allen

You can think big and that's only a dream. You can talk about it over and over but talk is cheap. Taking action makes an idea a reality. My statement epitomizes how I viewed Paul Allen. Mr. Allen was known for Microsoft, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Portland Trailblazers. There is Vulcan, Allen Institute, Cinerama, MoPOP, Flying Heritage and Combat Armory Museum and one of my favorite Seattle museums: Living Computers: Museums and Labs. His philanthropy cannot be forgotten. After I heard of Mr. Allen's passing, I reflected on how Seattle has changed since I moved here 19 years ago. I thank you, Mr. Allen, and I am humbled by your ideas and actions taken for the betterment of a community and the world.

My Person of the Week - Touched by an Angel

I have not posted a person of the week in a while. On my way home from visiting friends, I stopped at the Value Village (thrift store). I dropped off donations at the outside drive through. I then parked the car and walked into the store to look at my favorite book section.

A woman named Valerie leaned on her cart as I perused at the books around her. She was bent over from scoliosis and looked at me with the kindest eyes and sweetest smile.

Valerie shared with buying used children's books. She goes through each book, making sure the all of the pages are available for a child to tell the story. Valerie donates the books to an elementary schools so children can own one. I picked out three "I Spy" books with her. She selected a few Dr. Seuss books.

Valerie said that her husband of of more than 50 years had passed and how much she missed him. I then asked her about the angel she wore on her blouse collar. Valerie collected three angels throughout the years. She place one angel on her husband when he was buried with it. She wears it everyday so they are with each other. The third angel is on her winter coat lapel.

I walked with her through the dark parking lot. She turned and said. "I can't wait to tell my friends about the woman I met at the Value Village."

I smiled and nodded. I explained that she was my person of the week, and I had been 'touched by an angel.'

Look Through My Eyes (And What Do You See?)

My Aunt Judy said last week, "It will be 6 years on the 19th of August since my mom’s passing. I think of her everyday. What a blessing she was to me. She always loved the clouds in the sky."

Look Through My Eyes (And What Do You See?)

I instant messaged my cousin Amy to ask if her daughter, Hallie would create the artwork for the book "Look Through My Eyes'" cover from her experience of Great Grandma Ruby living with dementia. Or what she thought Great Grandma had experienced and could not share with us.

Hallie, who is in high school, designed the cover. I am unsure of the representation or meaning of each of the items, nor the use of colors Hallie compiled. I can only imagine my Grandma seeing the images and colors in her mind.

Thank you, Grandma for touching our lives!

I Am Your Child- Happy Father's Day!

Grandma Ruby, my mother, Mary Jane, Aunt Judy and Grandpa Kenny (1951), Wabash , IN

On this Father’s Day weekend, I would like to give gratitude for the “’men’tors” in my life, including Grandpa Kenny, Grandpa Shaffer, Dad and Uncle Roger.

One of my favorite song lyrics about “’child’ren” was written by Barry Manilow, “I am Your Child:”

I am your child
Wherever you go you take me too
Whatever I know, I learned from you
Whatever I do, you taught me to do
I am your child
And I am your chance
Whatever will come, will come from me
Tomorrow is won by winning me
Whatever I am, you taught me to be
I am your hope, I am your chance
I am your child
Whatever I am, you taught me to be
I am your hope, I am your chance
I am your child

I am your child and thank you for the teachings, hopes and chances throughout my life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6BF2TSXKEg

Talking With A Man of Faith & A Mentor

 mentioned in a previous Facebook post that I was looking for a mentor. Since my post, I have subscribed to Daniel Ally's Youtube channel. I listen to one of his segments every morning.

Daniel is more than a guide. He is a man of faith.

What a pleasant surprise. We talked yesterday for maybe 45-minutes. I give gratitude for our conversation and connection.

Thank you, Daniel!

Don't Discount...

...the good customer service and the people who give it, no matter how a building looks or a perceived physical limitation.

My trusty, longtime computer would not turn on. Okay, it was still running on Windows XP. I tried to revive it to no avail. My laptop deserved a proper burial. I stopped by REPC. I shared with Darren my questions and concerns.He provided the answers and demo the equipment for me. (Please take time and see their free computer museum.)

Then last evening I popped into T-Mobile. A young man helped me. He obviously had a hearing deficit as he wore very large hearing aids. His personal phone also flashed a notification light when it rang. He gave the best customer service besides Kevin, who originally worked at this location.

I shared with this young man about the project I was working on so he could assist me better. I appreciated his words, "You're inclusive."

Playing Monopoly. Big Dividends.

Which Monopoly piece should I play? Iron? Wheelbarrow? Thimble? Top Hat? I passed "Go." I am a winner! I am a winner!

As the week begins, I give gratitude for the small/simple things that can possibly give the most. Each year, I avoid playing Safeway's (grocery store chain) Monopoly Game. I have enjoyed tearing the pieces apart to see my possible winnings. I have won in the past two visits enough items to fill an extra large shopping bag with goodies for a food bank donation and a handful items for my church's coffee time, too!