Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Embrace the Runt

As we grow older, we are drawn towards those who are marginalized, outcast, people who may not fit in to society as easily as others. This sparked a lengthy discussion between us about the reasons for some of our choices in friends, opportunities, jobs. We remembered that when we were little, we had a hamster who had six babies. Our mother said we could not keep them all so we gave all but one back to the pet store: the runt. We loved that tiny little furball and had him for awhile. He died despite our efforts to care for him, but he had a nice home while he lived. This got us to thinking about people and situations we surround ourselves with. Everyone makes choices in life. Everyone lives with those choices, good or bad. The poor, the weak, the young may not have the choices or voices that others do.  Doing something positive for a person or cause that needs help is a wonderful example of selfless giving. Befriend that person that might not always be included.  Help that charity that might not get a lot of exposure.  Sometimes even despite our best efforts, things don’t turn out as we’d hoped.  But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth the effort.

In loving memory “chilly willy”

Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Make Cards for the Elderly!

There are a lot of elderly people who live alone or are in nursing homes. Some of them don’t get many visitors or are unwell. How nice to do something for them to brighten their day. Why not make some cards?  It’s quick and easy and will definitely bring a smile to their faces.  If you volunteer with a group for girl or boy scouts, a religious group or just have friends over, it’s a great way to teach your kids the importance of thinking about the elderly.  Sit down with a pile of construction paper and some crayons.  Fold each paper in half, draw a big smiley face and write a nice message.   Something as simple as “I’m thinking of you” with a colorful picture is great.  Take the pile of finished cards with you when you are running your errands and drop them off to a nearby nursing home.  Or send them to a far away relative.  It’s a little thing to do that will mean so much to someone.

Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Have a Sister’s Weekend!

We are busy in our daily lives and love the idea of getting away for a sister’s weekend once a year. Summertime is an easier time to plan an overnight, there’s no homework to worry about and our schedules and kids activities are lighter. This past weekend was only our second time going away, just the two of us, but we hope to keep up the yearly tradition. We don’t go too far or too expensive. Last year we went to Peddler’s Village in PA.  Just a short drive, it’s a quaint little village where shopping reigns supreme!  This year we went to the MGM Grand at Foxwoods to see a comedian. How great it was to laugh for almost two hours! Usually girl time involves a little shopping, eating out and plenty of uninterrupted talk.  A quick getaway, even if just for a night is always rejuvenating.  We’ve done it with our spouses, couples and just the girls.  Having time with your sister to bond and catch up is always special.  Any ideas on where else we could go?  We’d like to start planning for next year…

Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Go with the Ebb and Flow

We live near the ocean and love going to the beach in the summer. There is something mystical about the water – watching it, hearing it, immersing yourself in it. Is it any wonder they use the sounds of the ocean on relaxation CD’s? Watching the tide come and go can be a magical experience. This got us thinking about the comings and goings of life – relationships, jobs, homes, vacations, experiences that may last for a short while or a lifetime.

We believe in the “seasons” of life, the idea that people and things might come into our lives for a reason and then go. We might not realize the reason for it at the time.  It might be painful when they leave us or a relief that a difficult time  in our lives has passed. Try to go with the ebb & flow of life.  Look to embrace the future; new possibilities…new beginnings. It is hard sometimes when we look back at the past with longing or regret. How beautiful would it be if we could all just acknowledge what was, good or bad, and move on. Maybe we have been made stronger in unexpected ways.  Perhaps we could see something valuable in the experience and smile to ourselves.  For surely we know a new tide will once again return.