A Family Rhyme Lasts For All Time

On August 29, 2017August 31, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn BooksLeave a comment

I’ve been reading lots of good books recently such as Being a Rockefeller Becoming Myself a Memoir, by Eileen Rockefeller. This book helps to illustrate a family rhyme lasts for all time.

What I liked best about Being a Rockefeller Becoming Myself a Memoir is how the author honestly reveals herself by sharing stories of her family. It is apparent that just because a person is born into an affluent family they aren’t exempt from having to learn to grow themselves and their relationships.

I loved her stories of adventures on Buckle Island including building rafts and adding a magical door to a forest path. It seems every family has to deal with competition for attention and keeping egos in check.

My favorite lesson from the book is that it is never too late to become closer to someone.

Coming from a big family myself, I understand how family life can be like a rhyme. Sometimes families repeat themselves singing back familiar sounds. Other times family members whisper quietly between each other. In the end everyone connects like they were meant to be for all time.

A perfect example is the Addam’s family. I’m sure you’ve heard, “They are creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky…”

Years ago my mom and I collaborated on a poem about the dining room table that kind of represents life growing up in our house.

The Dining Room Table

The dining room table – a gathering place,

Where memories begin from face to face,

Prayers of thanks offered, the family sits down to feast,

Thanksgiving dinners, Easter breakfasts, birthday treats.

At graduation, anniversary, Valentine’s Day,

China and crystal are set in finest array,

Or set with mug and spoon for a weekday guest,

This simplicity is sometimes the best.

On it fabric is laid out to be cut for new clothes.

Siblings hover over it with homework woes.

It holds puzzles or games sometimes for hours.

Displayed in the center are fresh garden flowers.

There are times the table takes on a romantic air,

Lovers share in candlelight a quiet affair,

In a space in time only the table can hear,

Sensual whispers of one into the other one’s ear.

Late at night tucked in bed – if you are able,

Listen to adult voices rise from the table.

Laughing, reminiscing, talking of places they’ve been,

The dining room table is where memories begin.

I’m grateful to have been born into this big bunch. Naturally, I’ve repeated the rhyme and have a family of my own which I am also grateful for.

Growing up in my family led me to a love of reading that has stayed with me. You might like some of the other books I’ve read recently. They could make a great gift for someone on your list to buy for.

I’ve reread Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson – you can’t go wrong with pirates – Argh!

Also, I’ve enjoyed reading The Right Words at The Right Time by Marlo Thomas and friends, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, and The Coincidence of the Coconut Cake by Amy Reichert.

What book are you reading?

via Daily Prompt: Rhyme

Road Trip to Columbus

On July 16, 2017July 16, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Down in the Garden, Life's a Romance, Ohio, Traveling OhioLeave a comment

The first day of our road trip to Columbus, Ohio for the Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament was pretty soggy. Most of the baseball games were canceled as there was an incredible amount of rainfall. Fields and highways were standing in high water. I-70 was shut down for an extended period in two different places. It looked like some of the boys on teams that played should have been wearing swim suits instead of ball uniforms.

We stayed in the Embassy Suites on Corporate Exchange Drive at Cleveland Avenue exit of I-270. It has lovely, clean, accommodations with efficient service. Since our games were canceled for the first day we used the Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang button in our cars and ventured out to Roosters for some stress reduction and lunch.

Our team did not play until late in the day on Friday. This was my son’s team’s last baseball tournament of the year and our second out-of-towner of the season. Our first out-of-town tournament was in Indianapolis and my daughter and I went to the conservatory there, so this time in lieu of ball games, we decided to check out the conservatory in Columbus, Ohio on this road trip for Plan B (as Suzy Toronto would say).

Picture_20170715_101439290 — Flamingo topiaries

We were lucky to see “Topiaries at the Conservatory, Wild Wonders” as well as “Blooms and Butterflies” plus all the other exhibits for our admission price of only $14 each adult. The topiaries were so fun and playful – I especially liked the expression on the lion and panda.

The Pacific Island Water Garden was loaded with over 2,000 beautiful, colorful, butterflies. In the Rainforest we tried to get the macaws, Mic and Max, to talk us but they weren’t feeling chatty. Outside the John E. Wolfe Palm House guests were arriving for a ceremony and they were setting up tables inside.

IMG_20170715_193339_257 — Elephant topiaries

I don’t want to spoil the exhibit by showing all 13 of the topiaries. If you want to see them all you won’t find them here until I update in November when the show is over. The butterfly exhibit runs through September 17, 2017 and the topiaries will be displayed until October 29, 2017. We took about an hour and a half to buzz through the conservatory, but I could easily have spent another hour or so.

Leave it to us to find time for a gift shop! On the way out we stopped in the Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse and bought some little pots and a hoe for our fairy garden and a 2″ succulent and a little ceramic pot for it. So far we haven’t killed the succulents we planted in our terrarium earlier this year so we thought we could handle another one.

We attempted to go to The Thurman Cafe in The German Village on Friday night, but it was packed and we were already running on empty so we decided not to wait. If you are on a road trip to Columbus I recommend this cafe for a tasty burger.

We found it once by accident years ago when we were visiting COSI which, by the way, is an excellent place to visit if you are ever on a road trip to Columbus, Ohio. Give yourself at least 4-6 hours to explore this science and industry museum.

Cincinnati Stix 15U team won all three of our pool play games ranking us fourteen out of over 80 teams so we got a bye and enjoyed a late Saturday lunch at The Winking Lizard.

Unfortunately, we fell hard and fast this morning at 8am losing by too many runs to report 😦 .

So that is the end of the tournament for us, the end of our 2017 baseball season, and the end of our road trip to Columbus, Ohio.

Have you ever been to Columbus? What’s one of your favorite places to eat or visit in Columbus, Ohio?

What do County Fairs, Outdoor Movies, & Road Trips All Have in Common?

What do county fairs, outdoor movies, and road trips all have in common?

Summer!

Picture_20170713_073422684 — A pig named Charlotte

We took a trip to the county fair yesterday and had a great time watching all the aggies show their animals. We saw a pig named Charlotte and learned that some pigs like marshmallows.

Horse Grooming - No Soap! — Horse Grooming – No Soap!

We watched part of a horse grooming contest where the participants had 30 minutes to groom their horse without using soap. It looked like the horse was getting an all over mud mask.

Of course we had to ride the ferris wheel – it’s a fair classic. We saw a walking horse show, the pee-wee showmanship show, and a turkey show.

It was fun to watch tikes as young as two years old try to stay focused on keeping their pig in front of the judge.

Have you ever seen a girl turn a turkey half her size upside down?

There is always something going on at the fair. A naturalist was showing a snake.

The Green Mobile was busy educating on ways to recycle.

Down the hill the tractors and trucks were showing off their power.

For the weekend we’ll be setting up the outdoor movie screen again for a double feature. We might have to draw straws to see which movies we will watch for our double feature.

Picture_20170710_111031548 — Choices for our double feature

Today we are getting ready to take a road trip to Columbus, Ohio for a baseball tournament. I love taking the time on short little road trips to visit new places along the way. Our next road trip will be a little longer to Cable, Wisconsin by way of the little Swiss village of New Glarus.

Road trips, outdoor movies, and the county fair – which one do you like best?

Any road trips in your summer plans?

On July 13, 2017July 16, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Entertainment, Life's a Romance, OhioLeave a comment

Magic of Love Part 2

On July 6, 2017July 6, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Believe, Books, Dreaming, Leadership, Ohio, Positivity1 Comment

Continuing from Magic of Love Part 1 .

I have answered my own question.

Big Magic may simply happen to some degree, but for the most part, the love and the magic you receive are what you get in return for what you contribute by just being who you are.

Letting your soul take the lead instead of your ego brings magic into your life.

My daughters missed each other when my oldest daughter went off to the university. My older daughter discovered a paint-your-own pottery studio on campus. It ended up being the perfect place for them to go together on visits to enjoy each other’s company and stay connected.

Fast forward to when we moved to our country home almost two years ago. I had to rent office space because my job required a faster home internet connection than we have at our new house (our download speed is <1). Over time “one thing led to another” and we ended up buying a very small office building nearby. In the meantime, I had quit the job that needed faster internet access.

Last year our gift shop had a vendor booth outdoors at a nearby flea market. The vendor next to us sold concrete statues and was liquidating his business because he had been doing it a while and wanted to try something new. “One thing led to another” and I bought some of his smaller molds. My parents added to those giving my younger daughter some more fun concrete molds for Christmas this past year.

So now we are in the midst of figuring out what to do with the building and having a little fun with it. In Big Magic there is a story Gilbert tells of a playwright who had a flop of a play with bad reviews. He then spent a summer painting stars on his daughter’s bicycle and her neighborhood friends’ bikes and got his mojo back.

Because of my work (or maybe it’s just in my nature) my mojo wears thin at times. We are doing some painting projects just for fun and some with purpose at the new building. The painting is helping with my mojo and I’m excited because I can feel the magic working.

The magic swirled into my car one day as I was on my way to work. There was a radio show discussing the recent Youth in Iceland program. That topic has been in the back of my mind for a few months percolating. I’m afraid to say it out loud or commit to the idea in writing. I mentioned it briefly to my dad a month or so ago and we haven’t talked about it since.

If you haven’t heard, Ohio has a drug problem (and alcohol). It is one of the main reasons I don’t want to go back to working at the bedside in a hospital. I really don’t have it in me (at least not at this time in my life). In Ohio this problem is not exclusive to youths… it’s across generations.

I created my other blog so that I wouldn’t have “scope creep” or bring my depressing topics into the wonderful area of gift shops. But there is a little bit of overlap here so I’m going to let it creep in a tiny bit.

At this point you are wondering how that connects to my story? It’s a tiny thread (that maybe only I can see) holding it together.

We have hosted a couple of events that were to paint-your-own concrete pieces at the new building. For instance, one day we painted stepping-stones, another day we painted gnomes. It was a low turnout which was fine because we didn’t advertise it much and we were just experimenting to see if there was any interest.

I believe that some of the behavioral problems and drug problems I am seeing can be treated with stronger communities, beauty, and a little more joy, love, & hope.

The end of the second quarter has arrived. A few 2017 goals are being met sooner than expected. We are building on some of those and setting new goals.

We will continue to work on our previous goals and share gift giving ideas and products we enjoy or carry.

Also, going forward in 2017 I would like to set a goal to bring some magic my community. Obviously that is not a SMART goal. Here are three SMART goals I came up with that I hesitate to say out loud because they might be a bit of work and I’m going to feel a little exposed:

In 2017 I will host 8 or more events inviting the community to create with us.
I will going to further research starting a meet-up and/or book club to use to host regular events in 2018.
I will organize a fall and/or Christmas “gift shop hop” with other area businesses to promote community.

This post may seem a little abstract, but that’s the way magic and ideas work for me. This post has already gotten a little lengthy for my tastes so coming up I will show you our painting projects I’ve been referring to, I’ll tell you about other books we’ve read that have added to the magic, and I’ll share our the tiny doors & fairy gardens we’ve been creating.

We’d love to hear if you have ever had a time when you “painted stars on bicycles” just because you could?

Feature photo is the cupcake that started some of this magic and our dog Copper wondering why in the world I’m taking a picture of the cupcake instead of him 😀

Here’s the link again to buy the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Beautiful Day

On June 27, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Down in the Garden2 Comments

Early Stop on the Underground Railroad

On June 11, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Entertainment, Ohio, Traveling OhioLeave a comment

If you are traveling southwest Ohio I recommend embarking on a little trip to Ripley, Ohio. Ripley sits on the Ohio River east of Cincinnati. It is a town rich in history. One of the most popular spots to visit in Ripley is the John Rankin House. It is a national historic landmark. John Rankin was a Presbyterian minister and abolitionist who is estimated to have helped over 2000 slaves escape to freedom.

The little house is estimated to have been built in 1826, making it over 200 years old. The grounds are natural & beautiful providing a fantastic view of the Ohio River.

Parking is free, but hours are limited, so check the museum schedule before heading out. Cost is around $5 per person to tour the house.

After overlooking the Ohio River from the John Rankin House, we couldn’t help but get a closer look on the River Walk along Front Street in Ripley, Ohio. We recommend a stop Rockin’ Robin’s Soda Shoppe to get ice cream and watch the boats on the river.

The Parker House is also on Front Street, Ripley, Ohio. Parker was a former slave, inventor, and abolitionist. Another house on Front Street is known as the Signal House. It was owned by Vic and Betsy Billingsley and is where the attic lantern signaled Reverend Rankin that it was safe to cross the river leading slaves to freedom.

If you want something a little more filling Cohearts Riverhouse is also on Front Street, Ripley, Ohio. My daughter and I have eaten here and enjoyed it. The food and service were good.

20170602_225800 — Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant

Another dining option a little further east up the river is Moyer Vineyard Winery and Restaurant . My daughter and I ate here a few weeks ago. What we really enjoyed here was the restaurant’s setting on the river. I bought a bottle of River Valley Red, but haven’t tried it yet because I’m waiting to have someone to share it with 🙂 . It is described as a soft, mellow, moderating dry red wine and is made from grapes on the property. I’ll update you after I’ve tried it.

Needing a place to stay? Brown’s Motel in Aberdeen, Ohio is modest & inexpensive. It’s right across the river from Maysville, Kentucky which is also a historic little town (and home of Rosemary Clooney) worth exploring. I’ll tell you more about it another time.

Have you ever been to Ripley,Ohio? Tell us about your favorite place to visit when there.

Gifts for Dad

On June 7, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Birthdays, Father's Day, Gift Ideas, Wrap It Up WednesdayLeave a comment

Eleven more days until Father’s Day! Who is easier to shop for than good old dad?

This post is chock full o’ links because I am spilling over with ideas for gifts for dad.

My dad is a grill master. He loves to receive gifts like this grill set, gloves for handling hot stuff, or Jim and Jack Together At Last. If your family has a new bundle of joy any proud papa would love a father baby matching set. Awww.

If your dad is a beer drinker he could probably use a bottle opener , or maybe some helpful socks, or a natural wood flight paddle.

What hobbies does your dad enjoy? Does he like to play guitar? Maybe he would like a new guitar pick, or a key chain. Every dad I know loves music and gadgets and would swoon over this little gift that covers both!

Or does your dad spend his spare time out hitting the links? Why get him a magazine subscription when he could be practicing his game instead?

Uh oh – Don’t get me started on dad jokes 😀 😀 😀

No matter what makes your dad tick. I’m sure he is the

Best. Dad. Ever.

3 Terrific Gift Ideas

On May 25, 2017June 26, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Birthdays, Down in the Garden, Gift Ideas1 Comment

I want to share with you the gifts my children gave me for Mother’s Day because I think they are terrific ideas for birthdays, graduate, anniversary, or even bridal.

My oldest son lives in California and he and his fiance sent me the first two seasons of Pushing Daisies and The Big Book of Pies and Tarts.

Picture_20170524_210913602

Pushing Daisies is new to me. I’m part way through the first season and so far it’s meeting the description of quirky and fun. I can’t wait to cook up some of the delicious recipes in the cookbook.

I think this could also make a great birthday, anniversary, or bridal gift.

My oldest daughter and my son-in-law live in Florida and they sent me a terrarium kit.

Picture_20170524_210856790

My daughter recently joined a garden club and has been learning about succulents. She knows I am interested in trying my green thumb on them too.

I think a terrarium would make a great gift for a birthday, anniversary, or the graduate going off to college. A tiny little garden could give a touch of home to a dorm room or to anyone who occupies a small space. Terrariums are a fun way to bring a little outdoor life to an office cubicle too.

My youngest daughter gave me a beautiful handmade card. I love orange and pink together so this card is right up my alley.

Picture_20170524_211004842

“Life comes with a mother, not a manual. I think you are great at being the manual.”

These ideas can be used for a family member or friend that you know well, but they are also terrific birthday gift ideas for someone you aren’t as close to – like a neighbor or co-worker.

Here’s a picture of my terrarium. Let me know how you think my terrarium turned out and I’d love for you to give me any tips you may have for keeping my little green friend alive.

Read our blog to find inspiration for gifts and life.

Shop online or check us out at an upcoming event.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

On May 12, 2017May 19, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Gift Ideas1 Comment

love makes all hearts magnet

I was listening to the radio on my drive to work yesterday. The DJ was asking moms to call in and say what they wanted most for Mother’s Day.

Their answers? – The overwhelming response was SLEEP!

The moms that called in said they wanted to sleep through the night uninterrupted. They wanted to sleep in. They wanted a day without having to take care of everybody. They wanted to be pampered.

If this sounds like a mom you know we’ve got some last minute gift ideas.

If she wants sleep why not give her pajamas or a fun sleep mask or some embroidered pillowcases?

If she doesn’t take time to pamper herself consider getting her a manicure or pedicure (or both!) I don’t think I know any mom who wouldn’t appreciate this gift.

Here are some other great last minute gift ideas your mom or wife is sure to love:

A mug for her coffee or a new water bottle.

Bath salts, bath bombs, or lotion.

A picture frame with a funky flower.

A Journey of Grace angel.

A Willow Tree figure

A rose pin.

A flag for her garden.

A plant pick in a beautiful bouquet or pot.

A glitzy pen from Bauble Lulu.

Any soccer mom or baseball mom might like a new chair, spirit wear, a scorekeeper, or sunglasses.

Suzy Toronto coasters or prints.

Still not sure or need more ideas?

Check out our Mother’s Day board on Pinterest.

Read The Real Truth About What Moms Want for some other simple ideas for Mother’s Day.

We’d love to hear what you are giving your mom this Mother’s Day?

Or tell us what was the best Mother’s Day gift you ever received?

The Real Truth About What Moms Want

On April 26, 2017May 1, 2017 By Cat_littlegiftohIn Gift Ideas, Wrap It Up WednesdayLeave a comment

Flowers are lovely. Jewelry is exceptional. Perfume is wonderful. Chocolate is heaven.

But do you want to know the real truth about what moms want for Mother’s Day?

It’s something more valuable than all that.

Mom’s want your time and your love. Period.

It’s that simple.

We know we are hard to deal with sometimes.

We know we aren’t perfect.

We know we don’t always deserve it, but we want to know that you love us anyways.

We want to spend an hour or two (or as many as we can get) looking at the beautiful faces we brought into the world.

So instead of giving mom a cut bouquet, what about spending some time planting flowers with her in the yard?

Take her to lunch, dinner, or a movie. Or make her dinner and afterward chat on the patio or in the living room.

Make something together or take a class together and learn something new.

Take an hour out of your day and give her a ring on the telephone or Skype or FaceTime.

Go on a walk with her.

Photo by Jon Flobrant.

For the mom of young children I’ve heard of people giving time a different way. They give mom time to spend alone – a day off from the kids. This is a great gift too. Moms need time for themselves, but be careful with this one. Mother’s Day may not be the day she would pick to spend away from the kids.

It would be nice to have Mother’s Day off from cooking and cleaning and all the other repetitive mom chores. So consider that as an option for the day.

The real truth about what moms want for mother’s day is that this is one of those days where your presence is more important than presents.

Spoil her with your presence so that she can’t possibly doubt that you love her.

What’s your favorite way to spend time with your mom?

Feature photo by Alexander Dummer.