Watch Out for those Little Ones

 

It's that time of year again! Please drive cautiously in school zones and on route where school buses run. They make frequent stops and sometimes children have to cross the road for the bus. Remember the one main rule ~ NO PASSING!! Especially when the stop sign is out. 

Give yourself extra time to get where you're going, so you don't have to rush or be delayed. And please don't forget the pedestrian students that are walking their way to and from school. Give a second look at cross walks and intersections. Sometimes kids don't read the signs and will walk anyway. Residencial areas, don't all have sidewalks so be aware of those walking on the sides of streets. 

Blessed by God

Life's a lesson @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Welcome New Friends

  

 Life has truly been a journey.  

From My amazing children

To all the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

I have been blessed.

I have lived in many places, born in North Dakota, raised in BC and Alberta, Canada, 

returned to the states ~ Washington is where I settled and call HOME.

Life hasn't always been easy or fun, without the challenges we don't grow. No matter how old we get, we learn new things. We grow smarter.  With family there is always joy along the way. Many mistakes turn into Lessons learned. Forgiveness is an important part of life. No one is perfect, yet. Love concours all. 

I chose family over career and in so doing we were never 'rich' financially. We always got by. Things are getting tougher all over and living becoming a struggle for more people every day. From the great depression to the oppression now, making ends meet is a challenge, for many good people. 

After 40 plus years in customer service I am 'retired' and 'disabled', I would prefer to consider it 'limited' rather than disabled. Social Security is helpful but not enough to live on ~ so I still 'work' part time ~

My means of 'making it' consists of being a Mobile Notary Public, An independent contractor, compliance inspector, mystery shopper and an ambassador for several companies.. 

I also do custom sublimation printing on a variety of products. Use Our images or your own photos.

Being a 'mobile' Notary means I will come to you. Depending on the distance there may be a small travel fee. 

As a compliance Inspector I do jobs all over Western Washington for businesses large and small. 

Mystery shopping allows me to eat in some fabulous restaurants at no cost to me, ensure good customer service at some major shopping stores and gain a few dollars in free gas at popular stations. Visit the page link

Bright Side of the Barn: Mystery Shopping on the right to learn more. 

As an Ambassador 

For Avon, my cost is reduced and as a customer you get great service ~~  https://www.avon.com/repstore/melindaohara

Wtih PawTree, I earn a small commission on orders

Healthy food for your fur Babies

Dresden is an amazing American Made

Handmade Baskets and Home Decor

Again, I earn small commissions on orders.

No one of these will supply a living, however all of them together add up to 'making ends meet'. 

I also share my 'Amazon Wish Lists' for all the times folks 'wonder what to get me' on, Birthdays, Mother's Day and Christmas,, and any other time, one feels the need. The 'Things we need' has been almost completely fulfilled. My 'Wish List' is always changing. With each move, the needs vary.

A new adventure in a new place has begun. I'm truly hoping this will be one of my final moves. There have been so many I've lost count along the way. 

From Apartments, to old houses and Brand New Houses, RV's in a variety of shapes and styles. 25' to 30' trailers, 5th wheeled trailers to Class C's. Hotels and Motels ~  Sometimes 'HOUSELESS' but never 'HOMELESS". 

{Home is where your heart is}

With that being said, Welcome new friends, to my world ~ At the Bright Side of the Barn.

Blessed by God

Life's a journey @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

And it's Done

 7 loads in the car and 2 in the truck. 2 different trucks actually. The first one broke down Sunday. So grateful it didnt' happen Saturday when the truck was fully loaded.

The house was completely empty by Sunday evening. It was 3 of us and we did it all. Now today, I'm hurting. Temp were in the high 80's - low 90's, we all lost a few pounds sweating. The new house doesn't have ceiling fans so the air doesn't move { It gets pretty warm inside}.

But it is a cute little house. The neighbors that have come over were nice. We even got some Blackberry syrup from one. It's an older more established community {55+} so everyone is from my generation or beyond. 

Need to get a few things now that I'm settled somewhere. It feels weird to unpack. It's been 16 months since I've seen most of my things. Looking at boxes, only unpacking what I needed. I've only unpacked a few things, again, mainly just what I need and a few of my other things. There is still a ton of boxes, but that's okay. Like I said it feels weird to unpack.

Pain in my left foot, lower back and legs, has me sitting around today. Anxiety takes over, and my lungs are hurting - I lost my breathe a few times carrying boxes. Today was recovery day. I did make the calls to connect the services, but other than that, Not much has been done. Hopefully I'll feel better soon, I have a job to do Wednesday. Other than that I'm taking the rest of the week off.  

So much to do and so much to recover from. Tomorrow will again be Rest and Relax 

Blessed by God

Life's anew @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time Stau safe and Happy Trails.

Moving Day has begun

 The day has arrived. Time to go sign papers and get the keys. 

First load to unload will be the plants I've been gifted from a friend who is also moving. 

My Car is full, it's going to take 2 loads just for plants. 

16 months without any plant life. My yard shall be beautiful and fragrant and the house bright and fresh!!

Blessed by God

Life's changing @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Watering House Plants.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/832703339/houseplant-guide-plant-care-guide

 

https://www.artofit.org/image-gallery/205124958022107377/houseplant-watering-guide/#google_vignette

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Blessed by God

Life's Anew @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Judging from the Rumors

Having someone you don't know, walk up to you with an attitude, gets you thinking...

 They say one thing one day, then they change what they say another day. Depends on what suits their purpose on any given day. They often mean well on either occasion, they just don't realize - you remember what they said the first time. Sometimes they purpose to interfere with your relationship with the other. 

 I've recently learned to limit what others know about my interactions with people. Being misjudged is a common occurrence. Having someone interfere in the relationships another common occurrence. Seems everyone is good when information is limited. 

Many of us would call it privacy. Something you don't get much of as a parent. You can find yourself feeling very exposed. If you have ever had to go to family court for any reason, you have learned to explain yourself and defend yourself, over and over again. Being exposed to a room full of strangers.

People that have never been through trauma, don't understand those that have. While you do your best to 'get over it', You are better off not trying to 'get over it' but rather to 'put it behind you'. Something that is hard to do when others keep bringing it up. "Well I heard...." 

You find yourself defending yourself outside of any courtroom, long after the case has closed. 

People will hold onto hatred for life, rather than try and understand the other side of a situation and possibly have 'understanding' if not ever 'forgiveness'. People can hate another person that they have never known based on 'what they have been told'. Nothing that ever happened to them personally. Just rumors spread by others. It's so important in life to keep your character with morals, standards, and integrity. Because reputations, are nothing more than other people's opinions.

I had someone tell me recently "you know it's never been an issue between us that has caused a problem, it's always been because of other people, that we haven't been able to have a relationship". Now how sad is that when you think about it. So it's best no one knows we have a relationship between us, and honestly it's been working out quite well. Now I'm sure there are those that assume I am referring to an affair. Again it's sad, as they would be dead wrong. 

Cheating has never been my thing. While I have friended many of the opposite sex, I haven't gotten too personal with most. Doesn't matter what the book cover looks like, you would have to read the pages to understand the story. As they say, ' you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover'. You have to keep it real, with respect. For me, it was a situation where I was 'hated' because of how someone else felt love and confidence with sharing intimate thoughts, with me. A jealous wife has made me an enemy on more than one occasion. Through no doings of my own and someone she may have never met.

It's interesting how many people will judge another based on rumors they have been told. How many true relationships, friendships and families have been destroyed by rumors. Most often small facts twisted into large lies. I think the saddest part is when someone has known someone else forever, and yet when they hear a rumor, they jump to the conclusion it's truth. Yet they have known the truth with their own eyes long before they heard the rumor. 

Times cause changes. The system, schools and laws by which we live have changed from one generation to the next. Just because something doesn't happen with your generation, doesn't mean it didn't happen in generations before you. Judging someone by things that happened before you were born can be tragic. Laws can differ from one state to the next and one country to another. 'Right and wrong' have been clouded and confused because of many of societies rules.

A favorite saying of mine is "God knows my heart, God knows my intentions, and God knows what they did". One place you can always find comfort and know the rules haven't changed is with the Lord. He knows the truth, and He knows who lies. When you live "with God watching your life" - You can live without conviction and walk in confidence that you are doing what's right, regardless of what people think and say. 

People tend to think everyone thinks like they do, that's why when they have done something to someone else, they fear that the other person will be returning to do something just as bad as well. When there are many who think differently. Some of us can move forward, others need revenge. Ever noticed when someone 'hates' you, everyone assumes that you 'hate' them in return.

Ever been accused of 'always bringing it up' after a bad situation. Ever thought maybe you were the one actually bringing it up with the allegations you've heard from rumors?  Maybe you're the one holding onto what you have heard, rather than getting to know someone and judge your own experiences rather than someone else's rumors. I'm sure your belief in the rumors has hindered your ability to have a true relationship with the other person. 

You miss out on knowing some amazing people, because you believe the rumors and hold it against them; when you don't really know the truth and don't give it a chance to be real. 

Blessed by God

Life's real @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails  

Leap of Faith

 Sometimes there is nothing you can do about a situation. Nothing you say will change the way someone thinks. You have to just let it go and keep moving forward. Prayer helps. God knows the truth, leave it in God's hands and let Him do what He chooses to do with it. Sometimes He will fix it and sometimes even He will let it go. It's not your sin, you didn't do anything wrong. We are all instruments of 'free will'. He doesn't change our minds, to do what is right. He gives us opportunity to do what is right on our own. Sadly, not everyone has the conviction for it. 

 Life is messy. There are so many influences in each one of our lives. The good, the bad and so many in between. Parents raise their children, but the world influences them. 'Free Will' gives each of us the choice to decide what we will do and which way we will go. More often than not, people are hurt by other people's choices. How we handle the pain is our own choice. We can let it continue to hurt, or we can choose to heal and move forward. 

 We cannot change the past, not our own nor anyone else's. We live in the now. Too often that is forgotten with planning the future. 'The now' is missed out on, because we are waiting for 'tomorrow'.  It's good to think about the plans for tomorrow, but not to let it waste our time today. Every minute is an opportunity to live in the 'now'. Look for the good in this moment, don't wait for the 'good' to come. Look around right now and you will see something to smile about. No matter how dark a moment might feel. 

 Living in a dark situation can be depressing, hard to cope with and sometimes it feels like it's never going to end. Shut it out. Ignore the people that choose to bring you down and make life so dark. Remember who you are and be YOU. Live for you. It's okay to hope and pray that the situation will change or come to an end. And one day it probably will. Don't let it make you so bitter you forget who you are. Don't let it stop you from finding happiness and joy in life, today. Tomorrow will come. 

 You just have to have faith. Sometimes you have to jump with a leap of faith, to get to where you really want to be. Sometimes you have to walk away from people and situations that are not right for you in your life. No matter how scary or uncertain it can be. You can't always get rid of the negative in an instant, sometimes it takes time. Don't live paralyzed waiting for tomorrow. Remember to live for today. 

 Make the changes in your own life that will bring you closer to God and let God, work on everything else. Focus Forward and Just Breathe. Be real, keep it real. Respect yourself and life. You don't have to respect those that bring you down, but you don't have to be disrespectful either. 

 God knows the truth; God sees your heart. Trust in God. Take the leap of faith. 

Blessed by God

Life's getting better @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by'

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

All in God's Time

 

You hope - you pray - you wait.  God works in God's time.

It really is a cute little house. With potential and promise of peace at last. I will miss the sunsets, as they are so beautiful here. Even when living in the truck, I was always looking forward to the sunrise and sunsets. 

The go ahead on moving has finally happened, the location and the timing set. Now for the stress of packing and coming up with the moving truck, to make it all one load. It's a bit of a distance so I don't want to waste time and extra gas making multiple trips. The cost of a rental truck vs the cost of gas and time, makes me lean towards the rental truck more. Still a few things needed to make it a home, some furniture pieces and necessary elements. They too shall come in time. 

This weekend was spent helping friends with things on their 'to do' lists. Saturday was replacing a post on the horses shelter, Sunday cleaning out a garage so the electricians can get to the breaker box for repairs. In between was a drive to the house to confirm it will work for me. Managed to get a couple work 'shops' done along the way. It felt good to be of service to others, to those that have done so much for me along the way. I will never be able to repay all I owe to all who have helped, but I will always be available to help with things that need done. 

Now this week, I have 57 shops and inspections to complete by the 15th. Totally do able just need to plan the route to be most gas efficient. Packing is minimal, as I have been living out of boxes for over a year now. What needs packed up can be done in an evening before the move itself.  The house here will need a good cleaning once I'm moved out, which will be just as easy.

The thrill of being able to unpack and feel like I'm finally home, Is overwhelming with emotions. It's been a long wait to get here. There have been so many 'what about doing this or that' So many 'go here go there'. Finally, a place to stop and plant my roots back into the ground.

Somehow in all the Cáos I've managed to renew my licenses both for the business and my Notary Public. 

I've built up my client base to exceed the disability - So now I take a leap of faith and end my disability to rely on myself. Hoping the income will increase and continue to carry me forward. 

Many prayers and praises have gotten me to here. God has blessed me with so many miracles and blessings I can't help but think this too shall be a blessing overflowing. 

I continue to pray for my family and all the healing they need to happen. All the issues that still need resolved. The devil will do all he can to destroy the family, look at how much he has already destroyed family values all over the world and in this country alone. My little family has been ripped apart in so many directions, I pray for each of them daily. 

Alcohol, drugs and 'other people's beliefs' have done so much damage to so many families. You do all you can to protect them when they are young and you pray all you can as they grow up. The final resolve is in God's time. I have friends that have lost their child, from this life, from their love, and from so many outside factors. It is truly heartbreaking to see what has happened to so many families, of friends. 

I'm looking forward to a peaceful life. I will be far enough away from all the past memories and bad things that have happened in life, I just might be able to see a beautiful future. No negative, no blame, no having to defend myself. Nobody coming up to me to accuse me of things, nobody that 'remembers' how I used to be or what people have said about me.  A chance to be myself, the person I am inside that has rarely been seen because of all the trauma and lying enemies in my path. 

Everything happens for a reason and everything works out in God's time. 

 It's finally my time to enjoy life, without all the negativity, accusations and attitudes. 

Blessed by God

The future is bright @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Alas, it's Time to Move

 North! 

Not to the area of the first plan. A new direction, still North. A good hour drive. Once all the road work on the freeway is complete, possible not even an hour. 

The apartment plans fell through, it's all good. Instead of being told sorry, that isn't going to work, you need to figure it out. I was told we have another option if you are interested. . . . . 

Admittedly the location is in sad need of repair. They {My friend} like to buy older communities and breathe new life into them. Full disclosure he tells me. Pointed out all the negatives, as if to talk me out of it, rather than into it. 

Brand new house never lived in. A bit smaller than here, which is fine by me. It's the community that is run down. It has been neglected for years, and the residents are bitter. The company bought it recently and have a plan to fix it all up and there are some great features to it. 

My questions ~

Do I get to fully unpack this time? 

My pets ok? 

What's the rent going to be? 

When do you want me to move? 

I'm sold!

 I agreed to go look today, and told him, probably a yes on my end. He said no hard feelings if I feel it's a no. 

I'm thinking to myself..... 

I've been praying to know where God wants me, and what am I supposed to do about a few things. This in my opinion is one of my answers. 

So, with that said, I'm about to embark on yet another new adventure. 

Hoping to be completely moved in by my birthday in September.

Blessed by God

Life's a journey @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

God's Gifts

 When I left the hospital, Doctors had given me 5 years. They didn't expect my lungs to last much longer than that. I was told to get my ducks in order, it could happen anytime. My lungs could collapse again without warning. It was my left lung that puzzled them the most. My 2 youngest kids were teenagers at the time. I prayed hard to be able to at least see them to adulthood. 

 It was rough for a while. The mental stress of it all caused me more physical problems and made the whole thing hard to cope with. It took a long time for my lungs to heal and for me to be able to breathe right again. Special breathing therapy, oxygen tanks and a focused agenda. I ended up having an emotional break down at one point. The thought of dying had overtaken the ability to live. 

 There was no one for support, I had only my kids to rely on for help. Some of them had other influences misinforming them on how to help me, and to not help me. My mate had walked out of my life and refused to give me the much needed divorce, so I could move forward with my disability. He caused me much financial duress at the same time I was dealing with the physical limitations and mental anguish associated with all that was happening. 

 There was a few years of not knowing if I would wake up the next day. There were days my chest hurt so bad, I didn't want to keep going. Breathing alone became the most difficult part of living for me. There are still days I fight to catch my breathe. Days I wake up in pain not knowing why it hurts. So many things I can't do anymore because of the inability to breathe normally. 

 There is an element of depression that comes with it all. Some days are rough, other days it's like nothing is wrong at all. Mood swings is an understatement. I'm sure nobody understands from one day to the next. The whole adventure has cost me many relationships with family and friends. I prefer to be alone rather than constantly having to explain 'how I'm feeling' or why. 

 I cherish life for the most part. Admitting there has been a few times I tried to die. To get it over with and end it once and for all. The not knowing is hard to cope with at times. The way I have been treated by some of those close to me, made it hard to want to continue. 

 I prepared and have minimalized my life. Making sure to not accumulate too much 'stuff' so it will be easier on those left behind. I've let go of so many hopes and dreams and don't make much effort to create anything new. I live, I exist, I don't make future plans. I put no effort into making dreams come true. Life is one day at a time. 

 Every day I wake up I'm grateful to God. Sometimes I wake up in the worst of situations - still thankful I woke up. 5 years has become nearly 20. Some days a blessing others a curse. So much I'm grateful for and yet there is so much I wish I never would have had to live through. The pain people have caused has scarred my heart. 

 I don't always understand why God has kept me here. Why I have had to endure the things I have had to endure. As I get older, I know my time is truly coming and getting closer with each passing day. As for the doctor's prediction, I really wish they would have kept it to themselves. They really mess up a person's mind when they put a time limit on your life. 

 Only God knows when it will come to an end, and God can make miracles happen that doctors will never understand. Life is a gift. Meant to be appreciated. Meant to be lived. 

One day at a time. There is something good in every day, no matter how bad a day can be. 

Cherish it. 

Just breathe. 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.