During this weekend’s training session for new volunteers with YouthBASE, the topic of success was discussed. According to dictionary.com, success can be defined as the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like. Interesting…that used to be my definition. Success is different for everyone, we all agreed. And we shared that our definitions of success have changed over the years. For me…success, which I used to think was indeed fame and fortune, has now become “inspiring others to be who they are; developing rich relationships with positive people and groups; living authentically; helping those who can’t help themselves; making others smile; and just “being” love.

There is a line in a song by singer songwriter Sarah McLachlan…”the more we take, the less we become…”  Those words changed my life. Sarah is an example of  success to me, because through her words, she inspired me to really look at my own life and determine…am I actually a success..am I living the life I truly want to live. 

What is success to you? Is it tangible..or is it something that is difficult to describe?

I realized too, after seeing so many people at my Mama’s funeral earlier this month…that all those words we wrote about her, all of her accomplishments…and all of her acts of kindness we described to those who didn’t know her…were just words. Her real success was evident in all the faces in that sanctuary…and in all of the tears that were shed that day out of love and respect…and inspiration.

Have you ever been walking through downtown Greenville and stumbled into the Christopher Park Gallery..the shop is right across the street from Falls Park, and next door to Spill the Beans.  Believe me, if you have been there..you would never forget it. I have never seen so many cool pieces of art under one roof. And so much of it is from recycled materials, which I love. I have always been a fan of functional art too..and this place is loaded with stuff like that. For instance…handbags and totes made out of recycled gum wrappers, candy wrappers and soda bottle labels..in great eye-catching colors and styles…also, the metal shoulder bag is in now too..made from recycled aluminum pull tabs…sewn together with hand-crocheted nylon thread…AND they’re all on sale through July 15th!  Not only does it support local artists, it gives us all ideas on art and craft projects we can do at home…this place is great too for gift ideas. If you have no clue what to buy that special someone in your life…start here…one-of-a kind, unique gifts.

Another cute place I found, which is near the Peace Center on Broad Street…is the Brew and Ewe…many lovely hand-made gifts, children’s clothing, pet toys with a coffee shop and cafe..LOVE! And one of my dearest friends is a local artist, Susan Sorrell..she is one of the most unique people I have ever known, so you know her art is too. She concentrates in fiber art, and does really intricate work and beading. Look at her stuff at www.creativechick.com

Venture out and tell me what you have stumbled upon too…one day soon, I will share with you some of the art that I have purchased for my home..that didn’t cost a fortune. And I’ll also share some of the art I’ve made as well…I think it’s the kind of stuff though that only I find interesting, but who knows, maybe it will give you some ideas for your home. And don’t forget…I find a lot of “art” and furniture along the side of the road…if someone asks why you are “stealing” people’s stuff on the side of the road…just tell them you are recycling, and helping the environment : ) 

My friend Ric and I were talking yesterday about how much better we feel about our own lives, when we give to others. He said he’s been “hired” to do landscaping for all of his senior citizen neighbors…a little mulch goes a long way apparently.  He of course didn’t charge them, but I’m sure they’ll pay him with pie or a little home-cookin’!!  Why does he do it…it makes him feel good. 

Yesterday…I found myself in my kitchen cookin’ up a storm honey. I was thinking about my Mama the whole time..she loved to cook…I made her homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, green bean casserole and a carrot and raisin salad…for my babies at YouthBASE. They need dinner sponsors almost every night during the week, so I signed up for Wednesday night.   These kids are so precious, and sometimes, this is the only nutritious, hot meal they get for the day.  Anyway, seeing their faces light up when dinner arrived…was priceless. They loved the mac and cheese…and that made me feel good.

It really is the simple things in life isn’t it. Other charities I’m involved with need help too…like Meals on Wheels…not only do they need drivers to deliver food..they need boxed fans for their clients. I also delivered for MOW yesterday with a co-worker here at Entercom…and I grabbed one of my new fans as I ran out the door : )  I’ll buy another one later. They need it more than I do. To help MOW, call 233-6565.

Our friends at the Salvation Army need boxed fans as well. They also are in need of non-perishable food items, hygiene items for the shelter, sponsors for their kids to go to camp, school supplies…the list goes on and on. Contact Pam at 235-4803.

And, don’t forget about our heroes at the Upstate SC Chapter of the American Red Cross on Grove Road…another fire this week claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy. The family is devastated. Can you imagine losing your baby like that…and of course the last thing they need to worry about is where to live now, not to mention how to buy clothes and food. That’s when the Red Cross steps in and takes over. They do wonderful work…they do God’s work…and they need funding BADLY!!!  Keep them in mind…

Please post your favorite charities too…and if there is anything we can do for them, please let us know!!!

Just remember, a little mulch goes a long way…so does a little mac and cheese…and the joy of helping others…well, that feeling never goes away.

How did Robert at Barrett’s Flowers create the most beautifully-perfect arrangement in honor of my sweet Mama, Patricia, who died June 5th…

I’ll tell you…it’s because he knew her heart.  Robert was one of the first people I phoned after she passed away, because she loved him deeply as a friend…and also because I knew he would be the only person on the planet to design something for her memorial service that would capture her true spirit…and he chose sunflowers.  It was so fitting, because my Mama spread sunshine wherever she went. And she showed her beautiful heart to everyone.  When I walked into the sanctuary of St. George the Martyr last Saturday, before the funeral, I almost fainted…not because of grief, but for joy. The first thing I saw…the most gorgeous flowers I had ever seen…it took my breath away. It was almost like I saw her in that arrangement. Those sunflowers, so tall and proud, just as I remember her years ago…those beautiful sunflowers…shining so brightly like the morning sun…it reminded me of her smile…the color, so golden and warm like her love….and her touch.

How will I ever show my gratitude to Robert. And not to mention, all of you…for the cards, letters, emails, calls, texts, flowers, advice…and tears. You have been right there with me…through all the pain, sorrow, the emptiness…and also in the joy..the joy of knowing she is now safe again in the arms of our dear Lord.

I think I will show you my thanks by walking in my renewed faith with pride and living my life completely, with no reservations. I will spread as much sunshine as I can..and I will love with my heart wide open.

The next time you see a sunflower..I hope you will smile, and think of someone you love too.

Folks, thanks for your patience. I am now working on a new entry for my blog…with Mama’s passing, it has been difficult to get back in the swing of things. I would like to share some things with you about these recent events. Check back in a couple of days. Thanks again to all of you who are praying for peace and comfort for my family..we certainly feel the love.