(Yes, I stole and changed the title of this blog from a movie and a book, both which I recommend but the book is better. If you don't get what I mean here, never mind!)
Yes I am looking at the positive side of my hair color. And I will openly admit I never cared for or embraced it until recent years. I'm still not sure if I like red hair.
Lets go back...I'm the youngest of five...four of us are redheads in various shades and the odd one has red headed traits and his beard used to be red. So all my life I've had people make comments about the hair color-"Where do you get your red hair?" as my redheaded mom and three siblings would be standing there. Really?
People love to single out redheads and/or embarrass us or make us very uncomfortable so we blush and turn red-I hate this. Or the always popular comment "Is that natural?" which is more normal now that I am "older". Yes it is! Do you really think I would color my hair this color????
Unlike my siblings I did not have the redheaded skin as far as freckles-I really never had any freckles until I was an adult. I would burn and peel but usually ended up with a little tan. Otherwise I was pale white and looked sickly from August until the end of May....lack of sun does that to a person.
I'm a strawberry blonde, it was the first thing the doctor who delivered me announced, even before the fact that I was a girl and my birth certificate also confirms the fact! All the other red heads in my family have darker red hair-the hair color gene must have been running out! I had a grandmother who I'm told had dark, dark red almost auburn hair so I guess with the gene on both sides of the family I didn't have a fighting chance to be any thing BUT a redhead. Although I'm not sure what happened to my brother??
The redhair drew a lot of attention, and not in the way or how I wanted as a kid. I remember being called "cow eyes" as a scared kindergartener on the play ground by older kids-I have no idea why I remember that and it is the only time I've been called something not related to my hair color. Otherwise the nicknames or other "names" have always been related to my hair. Some people just think calling me "Red" is okay...no my name is Lynn. My mom, thank goodness never chose a non-redheaded nickname for me...Lindy Lou, was my name when I wasn't in trouble!
In my high school heath class I remember a classmate calling me carrot top...until one day while sitting behind me in class he pulled out one of my hairs-which hurt and I smacked him for it. He proceeded to look at the hair very carefully on it was on a white piece of paper. He then announced to the teacher and entire class that my hair is NOT red or orange BUT gold colored-really, in front of EVERYONE. But honestly it kind of was the turning point for me-maybe, just maybe having this hair color was not the worse thing in the world. It wasn't carrot orange or fire red. I'd always draw myself as a kid with my box of crayons with a mixture of red, orange and that flesh color crayons to try to come up with my hair color-I never said I was a creative kid or artist!
I was getting my hair cut a few years ago and an older lady in the chair next to mine asked her stylist what color you call my hair...I turned, smiled at her question and replied "natural!". It is what it is. God gave it to me and it is a good representation of my family and heritage and does come with advantage too!
I honestly hoped each time I was pregnant that the baby was NOT a red head. I didn't want my child to go through what I had growing up a very shy and quiet red head. No one has red hair and the closest I got is Ranen with his pale skin and freckles. Sometimes his hair will have a reddish cast to it but he escaped the red hair. Besides they say it skips a generation so the grandkids may be the next round of red heads!? You've been warned!
The perks of being a red head:
1. Only 1% of the world has red hair and blue eyes...yes I'm rare-leave it alone!
2. I can blame my paleness on being a red head-I was born this way! Plus lack of sun exposure means less chance of skin cancer-whew!
3. My closet has a limited amount of colors-only certain things go with red hair-NOT the pale yellow my mom always dressed me in because it was her favorite color either! I'm learning as I go!
4. It takes a higher dose of meds to work for me...this includes antibiotics and anesthesia and aspirin. While big 200+lb guy can take a small amount of antibiotic or cold medicine, it usually takes a truck load for things to affect and work for me.
5. It is said red heads have a high threshold for pain...or we are just that dense and we don't feel it?! I like to believe I have a high pain threshold here!
6. Yes we have a temper-everybody has a temper. It's just that redheads get a bad rap and are grouped because of their temper. Hey, I'm using it as an excuse, don't knock it!
7. I stand out in pictures! It's hard to miss the redhead! : )
8. You are very fortunate if you have a redhead in your life! We bring color and a whole host of other things to your life!!
And there are people out there who either absolutely love red hair or hate red hair, or the freckles or the pale white skin...so what. Looking beyond the hair color and the outside package is where the true person is. It's what is on the inside that counts.
Yes we all have things about ourselves, physical and personality-wise that we'd like to change or wish were different. But we are who we are and how God made us. I'm a mixture of both my parents having an equal amount of tendencies of both as opposed to my siblings who usually favor one parent or the other-I'm the best of both! And embracing my hair color and the attention it gets me is a very slow process. I've always been a "blend into the background" kind of girl....kind of hard to do when you've got red hair and no one else does. But that's life!
Positive thought of the day: It's a great day to appreciate the little things in life, whatever that may be for you!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
How they make you feel
Your tone of voice and body language speak volumes, even when you don't mean to or you do! Everyone has their own "battle' that they are fighting so be kind! And a cardinal rule most people forget is think before you speak and when in doubt keep it to yourself.
I'm battling my own battle at home....a deaf kitten who can not tell my tone of voice, much less hear me when I yell at him to stop biting the other cat who is a bit handicapped, over weight and just a sweet cat who has a kind heart! Babs would not hurt a fly but moves like I do most mornings, very slowing and slightly handicapped! But she and I are fed up with the opened mouth, sharp tooth attacks coming her way, and my way too at times. This overly energetic kitten is also an enjoyment to have around, a companion for all of us! But we do have a language barrier as no one understands sign language!! My latest method of "dealing" is stomping my foot on the floor-ya that's not working so great. Babs and I hear mournful crying whenever Frosty is left alone now, like the other day when Babs and I were upstairs. We both heard Frosty crying, we looked at each other and knew it would do no good to call or stomp as he would not hear us. Actually Babs gave me a look like please don't find him-I could relate! He got lost looking for us and I wasn't sure where he was for about 10 minutes as I'm sure he got side tracked while searching! But I knew as soon as he did find us as he was tormenting Babs with kitten bites and Babs was crying now. I also started to notice Frosty was starting to cower from me and I felt badly, after all he is a kitten, he needs to learn. Only I would have a deaf kitten and a handicapped, over-weight cat as part of my household. So to remedy the fear Frosty was having regarding me I started some one-on-one time. Time I would only spend with Babs before this. Well it is working! Frosty is my morning buddy, following me while Babs plays in the water from the shower. He helps me dry my hair. He can't hear the blow dryer and thinks it is great fun to have it blow on him! He grabs at my toes from under the bed while I dress and has now taken to jumping up on the counter to be closer to me while I continue to get ready. I think he enjoys it and he seems to be calming down! Yay! He's figuring out that I'm not a big meany but I can about him.
My point in all of this is you don't have to say a word and your actions speak louder than any words ever can. Even deaf kittens can tell how you feel and your attitude towards them. It's all in your approach-how you make them feel.
Positive thought of the day: I'm trying hard not to let my expressions and actions show to people I don't care for or what around...we are all human. For some people a kind word or look is the only nice part of their whole day.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Learning each day
I like to think that we all learn something new everyday. It can be any kind of knowledge, but learning means you are moving forward, living life. In reality I think we all learn many new things everyday but we may not always realize it at the time or ever in some cases. Some lessons are practical ones-like adding baking soda to the water when you boil eggs or getting a stain out of clothing. Other lessons are more educational like the meaning of a new word or how to do something you never thought of before. And there are those life lessons that come with life experiences that make you wiser!
I know it is not the end of the day and thinking back on what I learned each day should come at the end of the day, when the day is over and complete. But this is rolling around in my head now and is not all about just today, but in general. So here it comes out of my fingers and for you to read if you want!
Things I've learned:
-There are all kinds of people and you have to use a different set of rules and methods of dealing with each! There are nosy people, clueless people, people who would not know common sense if it kicked them in the shins, people who will schlep their way through life, people who will annoy the heck out of you, people who make you happy just to think about and the list goes on and on. You learn as you go!
-Grapes taste better cold than at room temp-they are sweeter!
-People don't know how to push their chairs back in when they leave a table and yes adults are some of the worse at this.
-Some people are just naturally messy.
-Some people are over-the-top neat freaks and they have problems when things are not all organized in their little world. Messy people are more laid back! I have a foot in both the messy and the neat world-a happy medium-at least I think so!
-Some people just can not not talk LOUD. I think they like to hear themselves talk, I don't know I could be wrong. Or maybe they have a hearing problem?!
-There are some people and pets who you never forget. Their memories come back when you least expect it.
-Kittens bite-A LOT!
-Exercising puts you in a better mood-do it every day.
-You can tell some people something several times and they will still act surprised each time you tell or remind them, like it is the first time they've heard it....this drives me nuts.
-Once a mom, always a mom! And I understand my mom more and more each day-I wish she was here so I could tell her, but she knows.
-Alone and quiet time is good for you. It gives you the opportunity to do what you want, when you want and not live according to a schedule someone else has for you. If you choose to sit and watch tv and do nothing, that's your choice. If you choose to turn the world over and get as much as you can, that too is your choice. It's all your choice.
-Some people live from meal to meal. I can easily skip meals and have popcorn or a salad or cereal instead of a full blown sit down and eat meal. Where or what my next meal will be is not a source of constant concern for me-there are a lot more important things go be concerned about.
-We are all different shapes and sizes, weight and height. You are you, stop comparing yourself to someone else. Like what you see in the mirror not what you think other people think or how they see you. What they think of you is none of your business and who cares. Love yourself and take care of yourself.
-Some people are so talented and they don't realized how talented they really are. I just want to shake them and tell them to wake up and use those talents!!
-Some people are just slow to pick up on things. Your dirty dishes sitting around for days is annoying and makes me a little more irritated each day-especially when it is at work. Be responsible, unless you are like 3-years old.
-The dehumidifier does not empty it's self and fills up fast when it is hot and humid out. No magic involved here, but some people are oblivious here.
-There are people who constantly say one thing and then do another. They ask or make promises then bale on you. Leave them be and don't believe a word they say, it's all about them.
-Be positive, no matter what the situation or day brings, helps make life better. Don't let people suck your fun circuits dry.
Live and learn....
Positive thought of the day: Think about all the life lessons you've learned, good, bad or otherwise they make us who we are and happen for a reason.
I know it is not the end of the day and thinking back on what I learned each day should come at the end of the day, when the day is over and complete. But this is rolling around in my head now and is not all about just today, but in general. So here it comes out of my fingers and for you to read if you want!
Things I've learned:
-There are all kinds of people and you have to use a different set of rules and methods of dealing with each! There are nosy people, clueless people, people who would not know common sense if it kicked them in the shins, people who will schlep their way through life, people who will annoy the heck out of you, people who make you happy just to think about and the list goes on and on. You learn as you go!
-Grapes taste better cold than at room temp-they are sweeter!
-People don't know how to push their chairs back in when they leave a table and yes adults are some of the worse at this.
-Some people are just naturally messy.
-Some people are over-the-top neat freaks and they have problems when things are not all organized in their little world. Messy people are more laid back! I have a foot in both the messy and the neat world-a happy medium-at least I think so!
-Some people just can not not talk LOUD. I think they like to hear themselves talk, I don't know I could be wrong. Or maybe they have a hearing problem?!
-There are some people and pets who you never forget. Their memories come back when you least expect it.
-Kittens bite-A LOT!
-Exercising puts you in a better mood-do it every day.
-You can tell some people something several times and they will still act surprised each time you tell or remind them, like it is the first time they've heard it....this drives me nuts.
-Once a mom, always a mom! And I understand my mom more and more each day-I wish she was here so I could tell her, but she knows.
-Alone and quiet time is good for you. It gives you the opportunity to do what you want, when you want and not live according to a schedule someone else has for you. If you choose to sit and watch tv and do nothing, that's your choice. If you choose to turn the world over and get as much as you can, that too is your choice. It's all your choice.
-Some people live from meal to meal. I can easily skip meals and have popcorn or a salad or cereal instead of a full blown sit down and eat meal. Where or what my next meal will be is not a source of constant concern for me-there are a lot more important things go be concerned about.
-We are all different shapes and sizes, weight and height. You are you, stop comparing yourself to someone else. Like what you see in the mirror not what you think other people think or how they see you. What they think of you is none of your business and who cares. Love yourself and take care of yourself.
-Some people are so talented and they don't realized how talented they really are. I just want to shake them and tell them to wake up and use those talents!!
-Some people are just slow to pick up on things. Your dirty dishes sitting around for days is annoying and makes me a little more irritated each day-especially when it is at work. Be responsible, unless you are like 3-years old.
-The dehumidifier does not empty it's self and fills up fast when it is hot and humid out. No magic involved here, but some people are oblivious here.
-There are people who constantly say one thing and then do another. They ask or make promises then bale on you. Leave them be and don't believe a word they say, it's all about them.
-Be positive, no matter what the situation or day brings, helps make life better. Don't let people suck your fun circuits dry.
Live and learn....
Positive thought of the day: Think about all the life lessons you've learned, good, bad or otherwise they make us who we are and happen for a reason.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Home!
Home! What is home? Is it the house where you grew up? Or the place you live now, be it a tent, an apartment or a dorm room?
For me home is where you make it!
As I watched my first born child drive down the street early this morning in a moving truck towing a trailer with a car attached I watched until I could not see them any more....gone. I stood briefly in the middle of the street and look back at the house where we had carried his belongings out of yesterday to load and move nine hours away. The same house we've celebrated birthdays and holidays and came home to and left countless times-it's just a house like any other house.
I'm excited for this next chapter for Ryan, and for all of us. But on the flip side my heart ached to walk by that room knowing his visits would be fewer and short from here on out. His room will always be his room, but this is different-no longer a student but working and having a career I know life and distance will make the opportunities few and far between.
On the pillows of his bed was his teddy bear-a gift when he was a newborn and named Fischer when I walk by his room after he left this morning. Fischer was always a source of comfort for Ryan. A bed buddy for many years. He has came and went as far as appearances. He was around through the childhood and early elementary years, then kind of was forgotten and put away as the teen years rolled around. He's been washed and dried a lot and has traveled many times to various places, but he is still in great shape for a bear of 26! Fischer resurfaced this past summer from the attic when Ranen found him and put him in Ryan's room. And now Fischer is a reminder of that tiny baby boy that I was so unprepared to take care of 26+years ago when we brought him home from the hospital and I was all alone within an hour after getting home! I remember Fischer in the school bag on teddy bear day, or always on Ryan's bed. And next to him each night when I would go into the kids room for one last look, kiss them on the forehead and a whispered "I love you" which I did for years. I still think of each of them each night and tell them I love them, even though they are not here but many miles away-that's life.
Now Fischer is a source of comfort for me. He will reside in Ryan's room and wait for his next visit when ever that will be. And if Fischer is chosen some day to make the trip to Ryan's new home in the future that is okay for he will be home where he should be, with Ryan.
So as there is a different feeling in the house with Ryan and most of his belongings gone it is okay. He's doing what HE wants!
Home for me is when ever and where ever we are all together. And the funny thing is I still find myself calling my hometown "home" even though I have no place to go, no parents to visit, no house to stay at. Home is where you make it so make it a place you love to be, make great memories and love those who are with you.
Positive though of the day: I'm so bless to have family and people who I love.
For me home is where you make it!
As I watched my first born child drive down the street early this morning in a moving truck towing a trailer with a car attached I watched until I could not see them any more....gone. I stood briefly in the middle of the street and look back at the house where we had carried his belongings out of yesterday to load and move nine hours away. The same house we've celebrated birthdays and holidays and came home to and left countless times-it's just a house like any other house.
I'm excited for this next chapter for Ryan, and for all of us. But on the flip side my heart ached to walk by that room knowing his visits would be fewer and short from here on out. His room will always be his room, but this is different-no longer a student but working and having a career I know life and distance will make the opportunities few and far between.
On the pillows of his bed was his teddy bear-a gift when he was a newborn and named Fischer when I walk by his room after he left this morning. Fischer was always a source of comfort for Ryan. A bed buddy for many years. He has came and went as far as appearances. He was around through the childhood and early elementary years, then kind of was forgotten and put away as the teen years rolled around. He's been washed and dried a lot and has traveled many times to various places, but he is still in great shape for a bear of 26! Fischer resurfaced this past summer from the attic when Ranen found him and put him in Ryan's room. And now Fischer is a reminder of that tiny baby boy that I was so unprepared to take care of 26+years ago when we brought him home from the hospital and I was all alone within an hour after getting home! I remember Fischer in the school bag on teddy bear day, or always on Ryan's bed. And next to him each night when I would go into the kids room for one last look, kiss them on the forehead and a whispered "I love you" which I did for years. I still think of each of them each night and tell them I love them, even though they are not here but many miles away-that's life.
Now Fischer is a source of comfort for me. He will reside in Ryan's room and wait for his next visit when ever that will be. And if Fischer is chosen some day to make the trip to Ryan's new home in the future that is okay for he will be home where he should be, with Ryan.
So as there is a different feeling in the house with Ryan and most of his belongings gone it is okay. He's doing what HE wants!
Home for me is when ever and where ever we are all together. And the funny thing is I still find myself calling my hometown "home" even though I have no place to go, no parents to visit, no house to stay at. Home is where you make it so make it a place you love to be, make great memories and love those who are with you.
Positive though of the day: I'm so bless to have family and people who I love.
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