Swipe, Tap and would you like to donate.

 Swipe, Tap....and "Would you Like to Donate ?"

There was a time when pulling out a credit card felt simple.  You bought what you needed, signed your name, and went on your way. At the end of the month, you paid off the balance. Now days it's as if we are put through a wringer if we don't use a card at every store.   

I was at a store last week and I had to wait 20 extra minutes in line because there were two people checking and two people at the registers signing up to get a new credit card.  When it finally came time for me to check out, the guy waiting on me wanted to know if I would be using my credit card for that particular store.  Of course, I said NO...that I do not have one and I do Not want one.  

His response was:  You could save 35.00 dollars TODAY.  I politely said no thank you!  

He then went on to explain to me that since what I was purchasing was only $xx.xx including tax, I would actually get it free plus have a credit on my  NEW Card.  I again said No.  

And then...as my transaction was nearing the end, the sales guy asked if I would like round up to the next dollar.  88 cents is what I would be giving to "communities in school" for which I have never heard of.  I again said NO.  

Don't get me wrong...Giving matters. Helping others matters, and I do believe in this deeply. But somewhere along the way, generosity has started showing up in every single store. 

Cash is the only way to go....but even when paying cash, you are asked to round up to the next dollar.  There was one day that I decided to keep up with the amount that stores were asking for just from "rounding up" (all in one day).....It would have equaled $6.31 cents.  No thank you....I think I will add this to my own piggy bank.  

No wonder so many people are now shopping online...You get to avoid the hassles at the checkout line. 

Only one more thing on this kind Rant ...Since penny's are no longer being made, I've been amazed at some of the comments the stores come up with.... 

"We don't have pennies so it will cost you an extra 3 cents". Really?

"We don't have pennies so we will not be giving you back the two pennies from your Nickel". Really?  

Oh my...how the world is changing.  Back in my day....a penny would have bought a nice piece of bubble gum.. Thank you, I'll keep my pennies.  

Shug.....💛

  

Sunshine on My Shoulders

 Sunshine on my shoulders....

Yesterday, the sunshine poured down and this morning it is doing the same.  After a stretch of gray skies and gloomy days, the sun felt extra special.  

I found myself sitting outside at a softball game, soaking it all in.  I rolled up my jeans, let the sun warm my skin, and just sat there enjoying not only the game, but the very excitement of the sun rays.  

                            Leaning Tree Source

I also was engaged in some healthy conversations with friends as we waited for the next batter to come up to the plate.  And...it was so much fun listening to the teams doing their chants back and forth at each other.  

Isn't it funny how something so simple can feel so healing?  It can change your entire outlook and it honestly feels so good.  

                                Source: Bonnie Christy

I totally enjoyed the sunshine as it was resting on my shoulders.  It was a beautiful Saturday! 

Shug....🌞

"Let it Go..."

 FROZEN ❄❅❆

How many of you have seen this animated musical either on TV or on the big screen?  I must confess....I had not.  I went, completely unaware of the storyline, the music, or what emotions it might stir up. 

BUT....last evening....Oh my dear heart!!

I had the sweetest opportunity to attend this musical at Mylee's school, and let me tell you...I  was more than impressed...It honestly was captivating. 

Shanda, Mylee, Trista and I all enjoyed watching the show and seeing many of Shanda's students as well as Mylee's friends playing some of the main characters in this production. 

This theatrical presentation was well worth the cost of my ticket. This story came together through young hearts who are very talented. 

The costumes, the lighting, the music....all of it was beautiful. What truly made the night unforgettable was the passion shining through each student on that stage...The audience could feel it through every song that was sung and in every step they took.  I know that I certainly did.  

I walked in not knowing a single thing about this musical ..... and walked out feeling like I had experienced something truly meaningful.  

This morning I woke up singing

"Let it Go, let it go" which was the main number.. I have heard the song before, but now it has meaning for me. 

This theatrical performance was a reminder for me that sometimes we hold onto things a little too tightly.

Worries, expectations, even fears.  

Maybe just maybe this song is one that we need to keep close to our hearts...

"let it Go..."

I'm here this morning....waving at you all from my front porch..  

Wish you were here to join me in a warm cup of coffee...or hot cocoa.  

I HAVE PLENTY OF BLANKETS..

It's chilly outside this morning...

hugs, 

Shug...💛

  

Rain, Rain.....

    

Here in East Texas, we've officially entered the season of "Rain, rain, go away....come again another day," and we mean sometime in August when we are standing in the yard with a garden hose pretending it's rain.

Meanwhile, my friends over in Florida are singing a completely different tune:  "Rain, rain, come today..Please, please make plans to stay."  They are out doing rain dances while I'm considering the need to build an ark. 

My rock garden area is loving all this wet stuff. ...The few plants that I've planted in this area are really liking the natural fertilizer (nitrogen) that is coming from all the lightning we have had.  

We have had several inches of rain over the past two weeks and the grass is thriving a little too much.  I think the frogs are throwing nightly concerts, and my poor zinnias are looking at me like ..."Ma'am, we did not sign up for this...We are Sunshine flowers."

I do enjoy the sound of rain, but I am ready to be singing...  "Here comes the sun" (the Beatles 1969)

Can you see me?  I am laughing at this picture...It looks like my biceps are the size of apples.. 

I was actually taking a picture of my shadow in one of the water puddles.  

Hoping everyone gets what they need...If you need rain...I hope you get some.

If you need a breeze...I hope it blows your way.

If you need some sunshine....I hope the sun brightens your day... 

Shug...💛