TIME

Okay some may feel this is a cop out for a "local" gift but it is the most precious thing you can give.  YOUR TIME.   There is no replacement for you.  None.  And you have friends neighbors and family that can benefit simply by your presence.  Instead of ordering one more Amazon shipment, instead give a note with the promise of 2 lunches out together with committed dates. Or how about a " let's tackle that house project together friend, Ill bring the wine for the after party.

This shows so much. One you value them. Two you are willing to give your time and your undivided attention to the relationship.  A truly rare find in today's world.

Here are just a few ideas to get your mind rolling:

1. buy movie passes ( good for anytime) and suggest 2 dates to put on the calendar
2. Offer a "surprise" day for a friend that doesn't get out much.
3. Offer a night of free babysitting
4. Offer free dog sitting
5. Give a Free manual labor day to your newly married kids or your parents
6. Make dinner and deliver to your friend with the crazy , hectic schedule
7. Offer your skills to a friend who wants to learn; Sewing, cooking  whatever
8. Clean the house for an overwhelmed family member
9. Take your kid, spouse, out on committed date night and set 2 more in stone
10. Put up holiday lights for your elderly neighbor

Tell me what you have thought of. I know there are a ton of ways to bless people.

Art is for everyone

Today I want to feature a local artist that has a great influence in our community. Each one of my children have met in school or at the library.  He is a rare artist with an incredible outlook on life and truly inspirational to all he speaks to.    His website describes him as "a Christian Artist who is physically blind and Spiritually Sighted."   I  couldn't agree more.  

Ricky lost his sight in two separate freak accidents. While having to give up a great deal of independence it did not deter him form his love of art. He paints in a 3D style with thick paint and molding compounds.  His art is displayed in many local businesses in both Mobile and Baldwin county.  The uniqueness he displays in all his creations are a beautiful addition to any home.  What an extraordinary gift for a loved one and a way to support your local economy and the arts. If your not in my neck of the woods check him out anyway and see if there isn't something you love. Then find the local artist in your neck of the woods and purchase with purpose for a one of a kind gift that gives long beyond the initial purpose.

You can find Ricky here.

Today's Thank You goes out to all the volunteers at the polling stations today!!

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!!!!

Purpose Your Time

I have got a bit of a unusual suggestion for today's local purchase . I am featuring Habitat for Humanity Baldwin County.  There are numerous ways to get involved through building, volunteering to work at the Restore and donating to the Restore and shopping there too.

 You will also find all kinds of treasures there for your home. Contractors often donate what they have left from a recent build.  Check them out in several locations or call them to schedule a pick up of your donated items. Just think how much room you will have in your house when you donate that big item that no longer holds anything because you have already emptied it donating its contents.

So where does this fit into purchase with purpose?  It involves a bit of sweat equity on your part as well. Have your parents wanted to replace that ceiling fan? Redo the small bathroom floor? Well you pick up new items and donated contractor tile for both. Then give a gift certificate with your services on it.  It will make for a great and lasting gift and time with family in the future,

Ill catch you back here later for the Getting Grateful time!!

Sweet Grannie

Today  we received some sad news about my husbands grandmother . Sweet sweet lady at 94 passed away in her sleep last night.  What a kind legacy she leaves and we are forever grateful for her life.

So I will just post today with a reminder to thank those in your life every chance you get and remember that no man is an island. Someone has prayed for you, payed for you, taught you, been patient with you and worked hard for you to place you in the position you are today.
I leave you to reflect on those people and their love for you today.

I'll return tomorrow with some grateful purposeful suggestions.  Have a good night.

Health and Happiness

I'm late, I'm late!!  I know. First order of business is extending grace and being grateful to double up on ideas today.  I flew in from Austin yesterday and just couldn't get the mind and body to coordinate.

Today's purposeful purchase feature is for any and everyone because it is all about health!! Everyone has it; could be good or not so good but here is where Wild Magnolia Kombucha comes in.  This company makes handcrafted , small batch kombucha right here on the Gulf Coast. The benefits of fermented beverages has a ton of data behind it supporting your health, Wild Magnolia makes small batches using the "mother" again and again. Think of it as the Amish Friendship bread of beverages.

  Last year I stocked up on their Elderberry syrup to gird up my immune system for the coming winter. My family and I remained flu free throughout a high reported season.  They can deliver or you can purchase at several local businesses form Lucedale Mississippi to Pensacola Florida. 'Im jonsen for some Lemon Ginger refreshment right about now.   If your not on the Gulf Coast find out what is made in your neck of the woods and buy local. Make up a basket for your culinary stars or health nuts and pass on the local goodness. 


Today's getting grateful : Goes to a friend who I don't see nearly enough even though we only live a mile apart!  Iv'e been all over the country for about 2 months due to some unplanned health issues with extended family members. My sweet friend kept a loving eye on my mom while I was gone. Taking her out to lunch and baking her some goodies.  So grateful for friends like this!!  Since I am headed out of town again this Thursday I'm writing the thank you note because while our distance may be close, circumstances are keeping us at bay.    Have a restful Sunday everyone!!!

Local take and give

Today we are in every room of the house looking for one specific item: BOOKS

 Gather up those mysteries, romance and autobiographies and put them in a box along with cookbooks, how to manuals and self help to donate to your local library.  Have your kids go through their books and drop them all off at the library while you check out a few more treasures.

Most libraries also have a small book nook where you can purchase books, Cd's and prints. See what you can find for the bookworm in your family. You could put together a mystery basket for Uncle Bob filled with the classics and some newbie of dastardly tales. Or a few cookbooks for the chef in your life. Add in a few accessories like tongs or an apron and there you have it. A thoughtful gift that keeps giving and a great way to support your local library.  If you make a basket , head back here and share the picture.

Getting Grateful Day One

Getting grateful tonight. I am at my dads. A few weeks ago his wife passed away unexpectedly.  We all loved her so very much.  When the funeral was held scores of family members came in. My dad's neighbors are bed and  breakfast hosts in a 1989 gorgeous Victorian Mansion.  They opened up the entire establishment and  housed as many relatives as they could. We were all just a few steps away form my dad at all times.  This was a tremendous blessing.  So tonight I wrote a thank you note to that sweet couple. 

Of course I blurred for privacy

Oh and as a bonus this gorgeous place is for sale.
                               

Bonus picture of our room. That's my man writing out Scripture 

         

Good Morning November 1st!!  Lets get started with some purpose!!  The USA is in full Turkey mode with Thanksgiving just a few weeks away.  Its the most gluttonous meal of the year!!  SO today I have two great ideas.  The first is find your local food pantry, community center or church that provides meals. Today is a great time to donate non perishables, contribute momentarily to give a turkey to a family or sign up to help deliver then yourself!!!   Do it now!! Don't think about it !! Seize the moment.  Seriously I'll wait.........................

Got 'er done? Great! Me too. Prodisee Pantry has my turkey donation, I put my youngest on can food collection and we are signed up to put together the meals for distribution.

 Now the second purpose I have for you today is form a local artisan in my area.  When it is time to carve the big bird it should be done in style.

Austin Legacy Knives has got the blade to get the job done right.
Austin Andrews is a passionate young man with impeccable craftsmanship. Locally located in Orange Beach Alabama each knife is handcrafted with your choice of blade style and handle material to create a one of a kind legacy piece.

One of the most unique styles is the Heritage  collection where you provide the handle material. It could be from grandma’s rolling pin, your uncles shotgun or a tree where the swings once were hung. What an incredible way to pass on a treasured piece of family history.

Choosing a knife for the hunter, chef or collector in your family will be a gift that brings function, beauty and family heritage.

Check back here this evening for the get grateful portion of this month's challenge.