ANNM2705 – S.A.I.L.

ARBONNE REVIEW

If you read my prior blog and article published by Prsuit: “DEALING WITH JUDGEMENT OF YOUR ASPIRATIONS BY OTHERS” then you will know that part of this experience had to do with my joining Arbonne International as an Independent Consultant, so I wanted to share my experiences with you about what it’s been like for me since I joined this past October 2016. This is a network marketing company and many are skeptical of those type of companies, I was too, until I opened my mind to learn more about it and dispelled the myths. The truth is nothing happens overnight and it requires dedication and perseverance to build a business, so as long as people know that, they will not be misled. The reality about reputation is, when a company is growing, some people who affiliate themselves with the company may not reflect the company very well and that of course damages a reputation. Arbonne International is not a new business, but is 35 plus years and growing. Reputation is a concern for every growing business because as a company grows, the people in front of us represent the company, and if those people don’t make a good impression, the company is then tied to that impression.

REFLECTION OF OUR VALUES

My opinion and experience throughout my life is that we should not get involved with a company unless it truly mirrors our values and purpose in life, because we become a reflection of the company and the company becomes a reflection of us. If a company changes and no longer reflects the values and purpose that drew us to the company, we should end our relationship with that company. As in life, nothing is perfect, a company is the makeup of its affiliates or employees, and likewise if a person no longer reflects the core values and purpose of a company, they are usually terminated.

ARBONNE: PURE, SAFE, BENEFICIAL

Arbonne has done a great job of summarizing in the three words: Pure, Safe and Beneficial, the inspiration behind their products. When I joined Arbonne, I had done a little research on my own on nutrition, but nothing on cosmetics or skincare, that was something I didn’t think about. What impacted me most of all was the statement that our skin is the largest organ of our body and absorbs what we put on it, which affects us and our health. It does matter what we use for skincare and obviously, our nutrition too. I’ve researched more since joining because I wanted to verify statements and there was so much I didn’t know, and I’ve learned a lot already. I encourage you to research on your own too, not necessarily blogs, but medical research clinics and hospitals, such as Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins on various topics that we may question.

ARBONNE: MANIFESTO

This is what I connected with and related to when I made the decision to align with the company, it matched my core values:

ARBONNE: THE PRODUCTS: NUTRITION, SKINCARE, COSMETICS, BATH/BODY

Before I would recommend any products to my friends or family, I wanted to try them myself. That is just who I am, I can’t stand behind something I don’t believe in. My experiences with Arbonne are in process and being reflected on my Facebook Page: annm2705 but truly I haven’t used something I didn’t like, I do have favorites and products that maybe are not necessary for me personally, but they still are high quality, effective plus I feel comfortable using them or recommending them because of my experience as well as Arbonne’s stated product purpose: PURE, SAFE, BENEFICIAL.

NUTRITION

In January 2017, I started the 30 Days to Healthy Living and Beyond Program and I am so impressed by the resources offered to those who participate. Of course, we buy a 30-day supply of Arbonne products that may seem expensive at first, because we are buying a 30-day supply, but when you break it down to a per meal cost, you can get the products, for less than the cost of a muffin and cup of coffee. When you participate in the program, you will also receive the resources of Nutritionists who provide a weekly grocery list, recipes for nutritious meals, as well as suggestions for challenges we face in our eating habits, cravings etc. I’ve found that my grocery bills are less, but I’m eating healthier. My shopping cart is primarily filled with organic vegetables, some fruits and protein: lean meat: chicken, turkey, grass fed beef, and fish. And yes, organic is more expensive, but I’m eliminating the sugar and not so good for you type of carbohydrates, so that offsets the organic cost. And when I thought about what I’m feeding myself and my family and how it so greatly affects our health, this will likely offset medical bills in the future, by taking a vested interest in healthy eating! Not all medical bills of course, but this is something we should all consider with the rising cost of healthcare: taking better care of ourselves and our family. I have met people who changed their diets and then no longer needed medications. Medications are expensive and some of the side effects are destructive too. Take some time to think about that. If you want to join a future 30 Days to Healthy Living program with Arbonne, I provide my contact information at the end of this article.

ARBONNE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS

I decided to become an Independent Consultant to get the greatest product discount after using a few skincare sample products, because I liked the products and knew I would be buying more. It wasn’t a significant upfront cost, so I could justify it. I wanted to learn more before I suggested the products to anyone else, which is what I’ve been doing these past several months. When I joined Arbonne, the products and the company reflected something important to me: a healthy life style and improvement, so I decided to do it; there was no downside. Becoming an Independent Consultant has its advantages: a discount on the products plus we can make income from products that others buy through our introduction, so why not? Especially if we like the products and will be using them ourselves. If others like the products and want to join as Independent Consultants, they can too, there is no competition here, this is a team and growing! The more products I tried and the more people I met through Arbonne, my thoughts on this expanded. I saw this as such a great business opportunity for motivated individuals, who have a passion for the products: the freedom and personal development it offers too. The improvement side of Arbonne is amazing! Not only do the products help improve others, but the Independent Consultants are provided with such great positivity, motivation, self-improvement, personal development from what I’ve experienced. I have never met so many positive uplifting people in one place, the positive energy/vibes from the people are the best I’ve ever been around. So vibrant, supportive, welcoming, fun, dedicated, ambitious, motivating, positive people who want to help others too. We all have seen quotes that say we become what we surround ourselves with, right? And I must say, this truly describes the ensemble of Arbonne Independent Consultants whom I’ve met personally. It wasn’t long after joining that we were making plans socially, outside of the business, to have get togethers.

I met Independent Consultants who have had their lives changed by embracing this as a business and from the nutritional aspect; this certainly doesn’t happen without efforts, but, it is possible for anyone motivated to build success and willing to work for it. And the great thing about it, our team can be our friends, family, or anyone around the world, all we need is internet access to connect! The success is not overnight like so many may be led to believe with online business promotions, it takes years of dedication and staying with it, but it is a possibility. You truly get what you give to others…you will be improving yourself and improving the lives of others!

SIDE OBSERVATION

I have not seen this emphasized in the company, but after hearing from or talking to Independent Consultants with Arbonne, I noticed there is a tremendous amount who openly talk about their faith in God (as you may know, I am Christian; however, it doesn’t matter if others believe in something different, I have respect for all. We each choose our belief based on our culture, experiences and connection with something Greater than us.) Anyway, this faith component is important to me personally and I wonder if there is more purpose here than what is initially seen, especially because the core is all about improvement and giving back? There are some amazing heartwarming stories that have happened as a result of someone’s Arbonne business success. Truly inspiring!

If you are interested in anything I’ve shared, joining my team, or have questions, you can reach me as follows:

Facebook at: annm2705 (Ann Dulle- Arbonne Independent Consultant Page, on this account, my purpose is posting beneficial and informative information about the products, how I’m using them, health and nutrition, my personal experiences or promoting upcoming informative events (which I have yet to do!)– so “Like” my page and follow if you are interested in receiving updates)

or Instagram: annm2705 (this is my personal account where I post anything related to Faith, Family, Friends, Travel, Fitness, Improvement = My passions in life)

or my Arbonne Independent Consultant Page (where you can shop Arbonne Products): www.anndulle.arbonne.com

Wishing you success in 2017! I hope it is a great year for you!

January 16, 2017 by annm2705 Categories: entrepreneur, FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, Following Passions, HAPPINESS, Health and Beauty, Improvement, Make It Count, Nutrition, RELATIONSHIPS, TRAVEL, WellnessTags: ANNM2705, ARBONNE, ARBONNE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT, ARBONNE REVIEW, AUTHENTIC, BE REAL, COLLABORATIONCOMMUNITY, FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, FRIENDS, GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, HEALTH, HONESTY, Improvement, INSPIRATION, MAKEITCOUNT, NETWORK MARKETING, POSITIVITY, RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-IMPROVEMENT, SUCCESS, TEAMWORK, TRAVEL Leave a comment

CHANGE, RELATIONSHIPS, MUSIC

It’s 4:30 am and this is what comes to mind? Well, why not write about it? Most people are probably still sleeping, so when this happens to me, seemingly out of nowhere, it’s time to write about it, because it doesn’t happen all the time.

Tomorrow will be one month before February 14, 2017…. Valentine’s Day, so maybe it’s a good time to do this? If you’ve seen the acronym CRM in business: Customer Relationship Management, this is somewhat related, but in this, it’s personal and it relates to Change, Relationships and Music.

ABOUT MUSIC…

“Passion for Music” probably means a lot of different things to different people, but for me, it means music is a constant in my life, and will always be, I’m rarely in silence from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep, music surrounds me and I couldn’t imagine it any other way! That is why I refer to it as a passion of mine. Music has an incredible power and can literally change an emotional state for us, that fact still completely amazes me! If I think about that fact, music truly is more powerful than drugs or medication; it really is!

Here are a few links and examples of this: Music is a source and a gift for health and wellness and used for the following, to name a few:

Military, Autism, Alzheimer’s, Correctional Facilities, Trauma, Medicine, Pain Management, Young Children, Depression, Substance Abuse

http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-07-21/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

http://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173

Getting back to music and relationships, for me, and others I know, a certain song will bring back memories of a person, an experience or a specific time in life, just like a photograph does! Music captures the emotional state of being in that moment of our memory. What we remember in life is our experiences and how the experience made us feel and if music is a part of someone’s life, it gets tied to music, good or bad! The same holds true for people in our memories, what we remember in life may not be the exact words spoken, but how the person made us feel.

It’s interesting how we may relate a certain genre of music, a musician, or a song to a person in our life, just because of an experience. I am one who connects first with the melody, the rhythm, the sound, including the voice. The music can be amazing alone, but when the right voice is paired, it becomes incredible and irreplaceable. Eventually I learn the words, but I have friends who immediately seem to pick up all the lyrics. I connect with the message in the lyrics, but I’m usually one of the last to memorize the exact words for some reason.

ABOUT CHANGE….

Change can be uncomfortable, even when change is chosen, it happens when a person finally faces the fear of the unknown and decides facing the fear is better than remaining the same. Change makes us grow, improve and learn, but it’s not easy. In my experience, music helps us get through change. Sometimes change happens without our choice, but it always seems to result in growth, self- improvement and learning if we stay positive with our outlook and thoughts during the change.

Change can be good, sometimes it forces us to do things we never thought we would be able to do. We may not know our strength, until the only choice we have is to be strong. Change is about improvement and improvement is good!

Change is also about becoming a better person, it doesn’t matter how long we’ve been a certain way, if we don’t like that way, we can change it at any time, but it’s a decision that only we can make, no one can make that decision for us. Because change is uncomfortable, we need to want that change more than anything because the effort to change will require commitment and isn’t easy, it’s work. But I believe we can be anything we desire, it just takes effort; nothing lasting comes without continual effort and commitment. If we want it, work for it!

ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS…

We learn the most about relationships from experiences and observations. And those who’ve had a lot of life experiences know more, but the key to success is applying what we know, experienced and learned to improve our relationships.

This relates to the “Never Settle” topic: if we learn something once from a bad experience, then don’t settle into that familiar place again, because if we are not making a change, we are likely going to get the same results and that is how people get stuck and stay stuck, don’t do it.

Experience also relates to recognizing good experiences and applying them. We often become so immersed and self-absorbed in what’s happening in our lives, that we forget to be grateful for what we have and forget to show appreciation for those important to us. That forgetfulness lowers our quality of life in relationships. Relationships need attention and when it’s not given, the relationship suffers. It’s important to recognize what we value in life, what means the most to us. We don’t have unlimited time, so the time we do have should be spent on what is most important: our priorities.

Relationships will always experience change and they only last if there is a reciprocal involvement, they don’t if it’s one-sided. Let that person, who is important in your life know they are important. Relationships are constant work, but rewarding. If we get lazy with relationships, we can lose them. If those who are important to us are not treated as a priority, we lose them.

CRM- Change, Relationships, Music

Pulling all these topics together, there are some good examples of people doing things right, and I personally respect them for this. My blog since inception has been tied into Instagram, which is an interesting media, and powerful, so be careful how it’s used because it can make a difference: both good and bad as I’ve experienced. As you know, I love music and follow some of my favorite musicians on Instagram. I look forward to posts about upcoming events or concert details because sometimes that is the way I find out about new festivals, events, etc. I also like seeing the journey musicians go through: the creation, behind the scenes joking, and rising in success; Instagram is a great tool for connecting with fans. There is also something that some do well and that is appearing authentic and inspiring. While we all know that no one is perfect (everyone is human and imperfect), and everything is not as it appears on social media, there are a few who do something a little different and step out of the norm. I can’t even imagine what it is like for musicians and their partners to have a long-term relationship, talk about a massive amount of work to keep it real and keep it a priority especially with all the outside influences! But there are a few who seem to do this well, they appear genuine, know their priorities, live by them and are very inspiring people because of this. They have a special gift – musically talented and staying true to, and publicly acknowledging, their values, especially in a culture that often glamorizes the opposite. These are a few that stand out to me:

@lukebryan, @sammyhagar, @thomasrhettakins, @michaelraymusic, @flagaline

There is also one more on this list, who isn’t really in the music arena…yet (haha)…but if you follow him and know his very early on comedy scripts, you will know the tremendous amount of change that he has been through, a master of change and very inspiring: @kevinhart4real

There is no time like the present to Make It Count – create an incredible relationship this year and get out, enjoy the music!

January 13, 2017 by annm2705 Categories: Entertainment, Face Fear, FAITH, FAMILY, Following Passions, FRIENDSHIP, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Make It Count, MUSIC, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: ANNM2705, AUTHENTIC, BE REAL, BRAND LOYALTY, COLLABORATIONCOMMUNITY, CONCERTS, FAITH, FAMILY, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, FRIENDS, GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, HONESTY, Improvement, INSPIRATION, MAKEITCOUNT, MUSIC, PASSIONFORMUSIC, POSITIVITY, RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-IMPROVEMENT, TEAMWORK Leave a comment

DEALING WITH JUDGEMENT OF YOUR ASPIRATIONS BY OTHERS

I wanted to share my article published last week by Prsuit, click on this link to read my article. It’s about my own experiences and realizations with judgement.

Life doesn’t always follow the path we expect; the only thing constant is change. And when there is change, I’ve experienced judgement as a side effect: sometimes good, sometimes bad, but other people always have an opinion, only some voice it.

Secondly there will be a forthcoming related article about my experiences with my new venture mentioned in the article, near the end of January or early February.

CREDITS:

If you arrived at this article from Instagram @annm2705, then you’ve already seen this, but if you found this article in another way, I should recognize a few who are making a meaningful contribution to entrepreneurship and creators, if you don’t know them already, you should check them out and get to know them on Instagram @prsuit @hdfmagazine, or their websites: PRSUIT, HDFMAGAZINE, podcasts: The Hustle Sold Separately

If you read my very first blog, you will see how I found them in the spring of 2016 on Instagram and since then have seen so much growth from their companies. Matt Gottesman and Case Kenny have an incredible drive and are helping others: great resources for entrepreneurs and creators!

January 11, 2017 by annm2705 Categories: Careers, Face Fear, FAITH, FAMILY, Following Passions, FRIENDSHIP, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Make It Count, Nutrition, RELATIONSHIPS, TRAVEL, WellnessTags: ANNM2705, AUTHENTIC, BE REAL, BRAND LOYALTY, COLLABORATIONCOMMUNITY, DESIGN, FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, FRIENDS, GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, HONESTY, Improvement, INNOVATION, INSPIRATION, MAKEITCOUNT, POSITIVITY, RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-IMPROVEMENT, TEAMWORK, TRAVEL 1 Comment

DIGITAL DISCONNECT- RINGING IN 2017

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day- break time

This year my New Year’s Eve plans are very different from any other year during my entire life. Unfortunately, the plans won’t be that exciting to anyone else because I’m ringing it in solo and disconnected: no parties, no Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter, and no hangover! (So, that means next year, I might change plans up, depending on how this goes?) I’m challenging myself to this, because I’ve never done it before and it’s the opposite thing that I would normally choose to do. I like to push myself to be uncomfortable, to face my fears, and learn something in the process. And yes, I do have that FOMO right now…but that’s part of the challenge, to push myself to face what I fear, stay disconnected from 1/31/16 – 1/1/17, and find out what I learn from this, because with every experience we learn something, right? And truly, will I really be missing out on much? Well maybe some laughter…oh yeah, and the Kid Rock New Year’s Eve concert 😦

WHY?

TO BE FULLY PRESENT AROUND OTHERS AND FOCUS ON THEM – TO BE IN THE MOMENT

TO WORK ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME – MY FUTURE GOALS

TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS AND TIME WASTERS

TO START THE YEAR DIFFERENTLY

This idea of taking a social media break for me personally is something I just woke up with, today. I realize it’s a short, temporary break, yet I know it will be a challenge for me, isn’t that crazy? Just two full days, but, knowing in advance, that this is going to be a challenge for me, is bad! But the experience will be good.

I enjoy social media, but it can really become addictive, it’s like society’s life line today as well as a source of escape from reality for me over this past year. I admit that I spend a lot of time on social media, some productive, but sometimes wasting time (which I want to do less). I continue learning about social media and how it can make a difference, the positive aspects, and I see so many opportunities. I enjoy seeing how others are using it: what works, what doesn’t, in my opinion, of course. My mind is constantly active and thinking; I tend to be an overthinker that’s for sure, during my alone time, but thankfully the overthinking is counter balanced my normal spontaneity and underthinking!

I’m too distracted by social media recently, so I need to make an adjustment going into the new year. This is a test and a transition for me, to rethink how I’m involved with social media and start the year with that plan.

How often have we had a breakfast, or any meal, with others and everyone is looking at their phone, not present? Or get togethers, so many of us are never without it. My family went camping a lot when we were kids and those were some of the best memories I have, because when there aren’t distractions, we are forced to truly be present: talking, listening, and laughing- life experiences, vacations, trips, etc., those are the memories I hang on to. So, whomever I’m around these two days, I will be fully present, and when I’m not around anyone, I will be wrapping up that self-reflection of 2016, refocusing and working towards my goals in 2017. I’m excited about this new year; it could be the best year yet!

Just looking at the 2017 calendar, I’ve already booked my monthly social activities January through May, because that’s my way to make sure that occasional fun happens. Plus, it provides something to continually look forward to with excitement every month.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing this New Year’s Eve; I hope you have a great night and a successful 2017 ahead- a year that connects you with what you love most!

Happy New Year Early!

December 30, 2016 by annm2705 Categories: Following Passions, Improvement, Make It CountTags: ANNM2705, AUTHENTIC, BE REAL, CAMPING, COLLABORATIONCOMMUNITY, CONCERTS, FAMILY, FITNESS, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, Improvement, INSPIRATION, MAKEITCOUNT, MUSIC, photography, POSITIVITY, RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-IMPROVEMENT, TRAVEL Leave a comment

2017?

So what will 2017 be like?

Reflecting on what happened in 2016 helps me focus on how to make 2017 better, below is an outline of my end of year thoughts and action plans (the first chart is blank, if anyone wants to use it for themselves, and the second one is filled out- hopefully the filled-out version will motivate me to follow through, after publicly stating this):

2016 Reflection	My Thoughts	2017 Plans	2017 Specific Actions
For what am I grateful?		Make plans to do something that enhances, improves, what I am grateful for: Make It Count, Make a Difference.
What did I enjoy most?		Spend more time and energy on what I am passionate about and identify ways my actions will benefit others: create purpose!
What did I do to benefit, give back to others who are important to me?		This is success. Continue with more and if something is lacking make specific plans to elevate this action.
What improvements did I make from the prior year?		This is success. Continue with more, what else can be done? Change is constant, keep it up, find ways to improve more, or lose it; complacency will lose it.
What didn’t work out?		This is failure, but temporary, because I will learn from it and make changes.
What were the challenges?		List them along with what I learned from it.
What did I want to do, but didn’t get around to doing it?		Schedule it in 2017.

2016 Reflection	My Thoughts	2017 Plans	2017 Specific Actions
For what am I grateful?	· Faith · Family · Friends · Health/Fitness · Music · Nature/Outdoors · Travel Opportunities · Business Opportunities · People who have supported/mentored me throughout my life	Make plans to do something that enhances, improves, what I am grateful for: Make It Count, Make a Difference.	· Get involved in a helpful way with church to contribute/give back with my time · Plan and Spend quality time with Family and Friends · Research and Improve Nutrition through better meal planning · Schedule 3-4 days of workouts per week and stick to it · Support Musical Artists by attending concerts, buying music, blogging · Nature/Outdoors/Travel: plan trips and share experiences and resources with others · Make weekly goals and follow through to grow business · Find an organization that helps people act and improve themselves; I’m not much a believer that “just dumping gifts in someone’s lap is the best way to make a long-term difference (if they are not trying to improve themselves on their own), but I want to help people who are trying
What did I enjoy most?	· Time spent with those I care about · Music · Traveling · Improving via Design or Personal Fitness	Spend more time and energy on what I am passionate about and identify ways my actions will benefit others: create purpose!	My Lifetime Goal/Dream: I have a grandiose dream of creating or being involved with a luxury get away place that provides a place for people to get healthy, relax, work on fitness and enjoy music – all without leaving the getaway place. A place for others to recharge, reflect, improve.
What did I do to benefit, give back to others who are important to me?	· Time spent with those I care about, I tried to be present whenever someone needed it. · 2016 I probably spent more time than ever before reflecting, so next year I want to increase the time spent in action.	This is success. Continue with more and if something is lacking make specific plans to elevate this action.	· Increase time spent on actively giving back to others – this area needs improvement for me.
What improvements did I make from the prior year?	· Stayed physically active throughout the year · Attended more often at Church · Acted to improve my situation, rather than complaining about it · Acted on Real Estate renovations	This is success. Continue with more, what else can be done? Change is constant, keep it up, find ways to improve more, or lose it; complacency will lose it.	· Continue plans and focus on health and fitness · Get more involved with church · Find other opportunities to renovate real estate · Continue focus on self-improvement/purpose
What didn’t work out?	· Failed relationship · Relationship damage with others	This is failure, but temporary, because I will learn from it and make changes.	· Try to keep interactions peaceful · Make efforts to repair relationship damage with others
What were the challenges?	· Stress · Turmoil · Negativity · Disrespect · De-valued self-worth · Flight · Escape · Sadness · Emptiness · Simply existing, not living · Fallout	List them along with what I learned from it.	· I learned to Let Go. · I learned not to let significant time pass without positive action and improvement in any given situation. · Improved Independence · Let go of stress related to unimportant/insignificant events · Remove myself from turmoil and surround myself with positive people · Exercise relieves stress · All people deserve respectful interactions, even if there is something bad happening · Self-worth: continually work on self-improvement and don’t be affected by others who de-value that self-worth- ignore it · Fleeing from a problem doesn’t solve it; it must be tackled head on · Get away from environments that can’t be improved and cause sadness · Improving my relationship with God and following what I am passionate about removes emptiness · Pursing a passion with a purpose leads to happiness and is living, not simply existing · Change will create fallout; that is a tradeoff unfortunately and will require more effort to improve but if not; let it go; nothing forced works in the long term. · Finding forgiveness for “wrongs” because they fueled improvement, so the “wrongs” turned into a positive outcome.
What did I want to do, but didn’t get around to doing it?	· I wasn’t as affective as I wanted to be in 2016, because I didn’t spend enough time on it.	Schedule it in 2017.

It is important to me to live life the way it matters most: TODAY. When I look back on 2016, I can’t really say that it was a good year, or a bad year, because there were both experiences, almost to the extreme at each end, and somewhat surreal in retrospect. So many disruptive changes occurred all at once (my dad’s death, a new business venture, loss of employee benefits at my current job but at the same time, my best year ever there, a divorce, giving up a condo on a lake, moving into a new home, renovations, challenges with my kids brought on by the divorce; it’s just been busy); so, I’m hoping that 2017 will be a little bit calmer. I welcome change, just not as much disruption all at one time, it was an emotional roller coaster year for me and a bit of a blur with so much happening.

I plan to make 2017 a better, calmer year.

I also will pray for guidance, every day, in 2017, it can’t hurt, that’s for sure!

I hope to have the opportunity in 2017 to work with other motivated individuals, to pursue further success in life, because that aligns best with my passion: continued improvement. This is what I do in my current real estate career (help successful people become more financially successful) and my new business venture (which provides motivated people an avenue to become financially successful).

If you read the original reason, “ABOUT”, from the menu in my blog, which I just started three months ago, this is it: I am looking to connect with like-minded people and collaborate.

I realize the internet is filled with a lot of fake people and get rich quick schemes…and this is NOT me, nor what I’m pursing. I believe I put enough information out there about me, my thoughts, in my blogs, so you can get to know me and hopefully realize I’m a “normal” person, if there is such a thing. If you search social media (Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram): annm2705, you will find all my information. I’m simply at a point in life, ready for the next step in a new venture and excited about the possibilities and opportunities in life.

December 21, 2016January 31, 2017 by annm2705 Categories: Careers, Entertainment, FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, Following Passions, FRIENDSHIP, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Letting Go, Make It Count, MUSIC, Nutrition, RELATIONSHIPS, TRAVEL, WellnessTags: ANNM2705, AUTHENTIC, BE REAL, COLLABORATIONCOMMUNITY, CONCERTS, DESIGN, EXPLOREMO, FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, FRIENDS, GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, HONESTY, Improvement, INSPIRATION, MAKEITCOUNT, MUSIC, OUTDOOR CONCERTS, PASSIONFORMUSIC, photography, POSITIVITY, RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-IMPROVEMENT, TEAMWORK, TRAVEL 1 Comment

THE LANTERN FEST

“Letting Go,” my prior blog, was written before attending the Lantern Fest, I waited to publish it because the releasing of lanterns symbolically fit the topic of letting go and I was hoping I would get some great shots to add to that post. But there was so much more to the Lantern Fest we attended, beyond the symbolism, so I wanted to write about it.

LEADING UP TO THE EVENT

I found out about the Lantern Fest on Facebook, which, in my opinion, is Facebook’s strength right now: finding events of interest. I’ve seen so many photos of Lantern releases in other countries and the events always appeared so magical, so I knew when I saw the event on Facebook, I wanted to experience it. I also found out that it is an event that runs nationally and was founded in November 2013. There are several other USA locations forthcoming.

EVENTS WITH TEENS

I’m going to bet that many people with teens know that, at this point in life, spending time with mom or dad isn’t high on their priority list. In fact, I think, as parents, we rank near the bottom of the list of whom they want to hang with on the weekend! I am faced with this reality; despite all the travel and events we did when they were young and they couldn’t wait to go somewhere with me. But that is a part of them becoming independent, which is important. So, most of the time, they spend their time based on their plans. This time, I wanted to experience this with them because we don’t often have that opportunity very often: with just us, so I signed us up. Heading to the event I didn’t have two very excited people with me. One kept asking how soon we could leave once we got there and the other was just silent and both were exhausted from the soccer games they played all day.

ARRIVAL

I love Google Maps especially because it reroutes us based on traffic jams, so we ended up taking some back-roads and missed most of the traffic arriving quickly. We arrived just after sunset due to the soccer game schedules and getting ready after them, but if I ever go again, I would be there before sunset. Immediately upon arriving we could see lights all over a field ; it was a huge festival. We headed through the Brookdale Farms gates, opposite the activity for parking and took a long windy gravel road back to the corn fields where we parked. It was dark out now so we found our way back to the event from headlights shining on the gravel, highlighting a few mud puddles, but of course one of us found a puddle on the way.

THE EVENT

I wasn’t sure when the release was going to happen, so I wanted to find the lantern packages as soon as possible. I knew the event started at 2pm and there were little ones running around, so people with them would be getting anxious to release the lanterns soon.

We initially saw all sorts of food trucks and tents lit up, then asked someone in one of the tents where we would find the lanterns. They directed us to the back of the event and told us to look for a white tent. We walked for quite a while, and kept going, following the crowd. As we passed in smoke filled air, we saw fire pits with groups surrounding them, tiki torches, and groups enjoying s’mores- awesome! We made it to the tent where we were given our lanterns and boxes with the instructions and s’mores sticks. We stepped to the side and noticed we were at the edge of a lake which was so beautiful reflecting the lights. We could hear music in the distance, then heard the announcement that the launching would soon occur. We didn’t have much time to figure it out, so we waited to launch ours, preferring to watch and video this massive launch. It was beautiful, incredible sight!

I attempted to get some good photos, but it was so dark I couldn’t see my camera settings and fumbled around with the camera, taking whatever I could get and hoping to capture some of it. Most ended up blurred.

LAUNCH TIME

Learning how to light the lantern, waiting until the gas filled the balloon then releasing into the dark sky…

BON FIRE

Our arrival timing worked out because many people left after the launch, so some of the fire pits were now freed up. We found one near the lake and decided to try out our newly purchased GABOSS inflatable loungers. These were perfect for the night. We had an energetic one with us who loved filling these bags with air.

As soon as we had them set up people kept stopping by asking us about them and where we got them. Click the GABOSS link if you want to order one! They are sold with a shoulder bag and are much easier than carrying a folding camp chair. They can be used individually or as a lounger with two or three people and will support over 400 pounds.

GABOSS inflated!

Patience? S’mores

S’mores

We made s’mores, then relaxed in the loungers, waiting for the second launch. By this time, my phone died, but I still had my camera and could get a few more shots of the night. The music added to the atmosphere, the night was a little chilly but when the fire was going it was an exceptional outdoor night. Being near the lake was perfect too, as the first wave of people were leaving, the white and red car lights looked like Christmas lighting. We decided to lounge outside until the traffic died down.

LEAVING THE EVENT

By this time, everyone was starving. Because of the soccer schedules, there was very little time between games, so none of us ate much since breakfast, besides a few snacks. The craving was Italian pasta, needing those carbs! My daughter searched on Google maps and found Joe Baccardi’s which was still open, thankfully! It was about 9:30 pm, so we headed there and everyone ordered. We barely made it through the meal, with my son was falling asleep at the table, so we headed out just before closing time. I think all but me fell asleep in the car on the way home. I know for me; this was just what I wanted: spending time with them and both of my teens seemed to enjoy it too! We talked about attending one again.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SCIENTIFIC CREATIVE PEOPLE

As with anything, there are multiple viewpoints. After I posted pictures and videos on Facebook the next day, I had a friend send me some pictures of the after math. This was bad, it looked like trash everywhere, on trees, homes etc. The event was so much fun, but this was not good. Hopefully with technology and creative people, there can be a solution for some biodegradable, quick dissipating material that could possibly be used in the future for lanterns to avoid the landfall? I’m hoping that someone reading this knows someone or is creative and comes up with a solution, maybe a future Patent? If you read this and know of someone who might be able to do this, please share this post!

Lanterns in a backyard

Lanterns in the trees

Lanterns on roofs

November 7, 2016November 7, 2016 by annm2705 Categories: Entertainment, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, HAPPINESS, Lantern Fest, Make It Count, MUSIC, RELATIONSHIPSTags: ANNM2705, BROOKDALEFARMS, CAMPING, COLLABORATIONCOMMUNITY, EXPLOREMO, FALL, FAMILY, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, FRIENDS, GABOSS, GRATITUDE, HAPPINESS, INNOVATION, INSPIRATION, JOEBACARDIS, LANTERNFEST, MAKEITCOUNT, MUSIC, photography, POSITIVITY, RELATIONSHIPS, TRAVEL Leave a comment