Happy Thanksgiving

It was a Thanksgiving unlike any other. Due to covid restrictions, most people stayed at home. Even for us as we travel to Somerset, we made the decision to stay home. Despite everything, I found the joy in having a quiet Thanksgiving at home.

In this time of COVID, I felt that there was a lot to be thankful for. Family is doing well. Work is going good. Still steady despite all the fear. But what else is causing me to give thanks this 2020 holiday season?

What am I thankful for on this uncommon Thanksgiving? That we’re all here. That this pandemic has taught me to appreciate small business more and more (Wolf & Whisk Baked Goods, Majesty Christian Store, Masterspieces and The Trendy Bunny Studio).

My visit to Masterspieces on LaborDay Friday was awesome. I got to meet Courtney’s family and hooked up once again with Kelsey. She had her sugar cookies there and I would buy a few. We talked about night market and this is when I began to ditch my insecurity. I worried that people would look at me weird because of how I wore my clothes or my bag. But everyone made me feel confident. I made out pretty well that night. The Mister Rogers book and shop local tumbler are still two of my favorite purchases from that night.

My visit to Trendy the next day would be the first of many. I introduced myself to Jen and Lacey and got to know more about the business. We talked about life and I learned that we’re all Hempfield graduates. Soon after, in subsequent visits, I got to meet more of Team Trendy. The girls have all become wonderful friends of mine.

I’m also thankful for the friendships I’ve built though District 13 Toastmasters, Cornerstone Ministries, and those local businesses (esp. you Team Trendy). Of course how I can forget Kevin Clougherty, who is one of my longtime friends? He and I continue our long standing friendship which will mark 25 years in 2021.

I hope you had a nice thanksgiving. I smell snow this week. Another blog coming this evening.

Thankful 2020

It has been a great thanksgiving holiday despite staying home. Taking a page from my Instagram blogger joyfullyyoursamanda, you have to find the joy in everything no matter how bad things may be. Also, you want to keep it real. No matter how perfect life is on Instagram, it’s ok to share your flaws.

Despite 2020 blessing me with new friends and an appreciation for small business, I feel like I don’t matter and like I’m ignored. I may be 39 and old enough to feel independent, but I want to share my passion and it feels like I’m brushed aside.

On to my Thanksgiving adventures and what I’m thankful for. On the mild day before Thanksgiving I took to the mall. I saw the new casino 🎰, had lunch at Chick-fil-A, and checked out the Maisy Cakes cart (bought some macarons from the cart), and stopped at Majesty.

I then made my way into town. I visited Alisha Matthews Edwards and Emily Parker at Trendy. We takes about our stay at home plans for Thanksgiving. After being unsuccessful on Monday, I finally found the new State of Virginia Boutique. I introduced myself to owner Ginny Clara and she even asked me what to put on the rack. One think I’m thankful for is my Greensburg Small Business family and the friends I’ve made in 2020. After picking up a latte at Sun Dawg, it was time to go home and prepare for Thanksgiving.

I’ll talk about my Thanksgiving spread in the next blog. The pies looked scrumptious and ready to eat. For now I’m going to close this off with some advice to myself and you all that Mr. Clougherty and I shared last Sunday.

You absolutely matter!!! Sometimes people will have a hard time adjusting to things they’re not used to or don’t expect. Often they don’t like things that are different from them. If you ever feel like you’re shamed, don’t. There’s nothing to feel shame about. People just don’t understand that you’re different. Different can be great!!!

Never doubt that you’re a good person. Most importantly, be you.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Happy Bloggiversary

One year ago this week, I launched my blog (under a different name than what I have it as now). Since then, a lot has happened in my life. In tonight’s blog, I’m going to embellish on some of the big events in my life, how I dealt with my time off from COVID-19, and what I plan to do with this platform in 2021.

In the middle of December, I attended our Winter Toastmasters Training event at Westmoreland County Community College. The blog was just getting started. My District 13 Toastmaster family was already giving me rave reviews for the blog. They encouraged me to stick with it. A couple of days later when I visited Cranberry High Noon, the members were very happy to see me and were excited about the launch of the blog. We all knew that I was going places with this project.

Around the holiday weekend just before New Year’s Eve, I began to get into Gilmore Girls. I watched all seven seasons on Netflix. It really related to me this time aroundy. The series ran during my college years. I didn’t have as much interest for it when it aired on the WB. Now I’m a huge fan of the show and would definitely rewatch the series. Here’s some of my GG merch and some Stars Hollow things I wish I had.

Not everyone met my blog with open arms. A total stranger took it upon herself to criticize my blog and attack me for taking selfies (saying teenage girls only do that). At our makeup training, my Division C Toastmasters family offered me nothing but love and support as I fought this battle. Haters are my motivators. I offered this same encouragement to one of my Instagram friends who just recently went through the same thing herself. You’ll meet her later. Eventually, my cousin had this person reported for repeated harassment of me on social media.

Downtown Greensburg had a grand opening for a store that would have a major impact on me later on this year. On March 6, the Trendy Bunny Studio opened it doors to a packed house. The line to get in stretched all the way back to South Pennsylvania Avenue. The place consisted of three women, three businesses, and big dreams. For a long time, I followed Trendy and another business (Masterspieces) on Instagram and learned about them by following their posts and watching their videos. Eventually we began to share common interests. Alisha and I both love Gilmore Girls. She wanted to be like Lorelai and I wanted to be like Rory.

When COVID hit in March, Trendy was shutdown along with everything else. They were only open a week before being forced to close. But they persevered though it all and reopened in June. This pandemic would teach me to appreciate small businesses and to support my local everything. When I was off work for almost two months, I also began to follow a routine.

Toastmaster Christina Keener presented a speech on April 19 that proved to be very helpful. She gave us five tips for remaining positive and productive during the global pandemic.

The first point she shared was that we need to get outside at least once a day. Of course, we still need to practice social distancing. A great example here involves taking a walk. Yesterday I took advantage of the beautiful late April sunshine and drove up to Ligonier.

The second point is we should call at least one friend or relative per day. I prefer texting on going on Facebook (I’m not really a phone person) but I am turning into an old pro with Zoom meetings. I post these blogs and share the link on Facebook so that everyone can see them.

The third point she talked about was that we need to give ourselves something to look forward to. I always look forward to blogging for you guys. I look forward to my visits with my Trendy Bunny friends. Toastmasters meetings are always something to get excited about. In fact I have two visits coming up this week.

The fourth point that Christina highlighted in her speech was that we need to acknowledge our feelings. Let’s face it. Most of us are frustrated, we’re expressing disappointment, sadness, as well as anger.Express feelings of gratitude. Count your blessings and pray. Write down in a journal what you are thankful for. Show appreciation to those people, places, or things whom you took for granted but would give anything to have them back right now.

The fifth and final point that she talked about was something a lot of us aren’t doing right now. Especially if we’re living our lives at home. We need to shower first thing in the morning and put on clean clothes. When you practice this number one tip, you’ll feel better in spite of everything going on in the world. Have a nice outfit ready to go.

This summer, due to COVID-19, was uneventful. Our Cape May trip was cancelled as my family worried we’d bring home symptoms. Therefore, we settled for Erie. It was still fun but nowhere near as fun as the shore. The end of August marked 20 years since I’m started college. Rather than try to relive it all again and again, I felt it was best to just let it go once and for all and leave the past in the past. My walk around HGA on Labor Day Saturday marked the end of an era. Just as last year when I retired my SRU homecoming tradition, so I did the same thing with Johnstown.

Just as I wrapped up my visits to the past, I began to shop small and support my local everything. I attended the Greensburg night market and the first person I met was Kelsey (owner of Wolf and Whisk). I introduced myself and told her that I followed the Trendy Bunny and Masterspieces and was looking forward to visiting them in person. I bought some cookies and a sticker to put on my pink water bottle. I made plans to attend Courtney’s upcoming grand opening the week after night market.

My visit to Masterspieces on Labor Day Friday was awesome. I got to meet Courtney’s family and hooked up once again with Kelsey. She had her sugar cookies there and I would buy a few. We talked about night market and this is when I began to ditch my insecurity. I worried that people would look at me weird because of how I wore my clothes or my bag. But everyone made me feel confident. I made out pretty well that night. The Mister Rogers book and shop local tumbler are still two of my favorite purchases from that night.

My visit to Trendy the next day would be the first of many. I introduced myself to Jen and Lacey and got to know more about the business. We talked about life and I learned that we’re all Hempfield graduates. Soon after, in subsequent visits, I got to meet more of Team Trendy. The girls have all become wonderful friends of mine.

In September, the Trendy Bunny Studio held a blogger event. I read about it on Instagram and while I knew most of Team Trendy (I’d meet Juliet a week later), I got to meet some other new faces and start following their pages and reading their blogs. One of those is Joyfullyyoursamanda, and boy does she have a story to tell. She has had her struggles with depression and isn’t afraid to talk about her mental health. But she started her page to spread joy, and I’m blessed to call her friend, just like I am friends with Team Trendy. Other bloggers include; Tiffany (breakfastattiffanymaries), Vanessa (thebombshellsuite), and Bria (accidental_farmgirl). I hope to meet more of these awesome boss babes and bloggers soon.

I’m going to close off the blog with this. I’m feeling very full this year despite all 2020 has thrown at me. My best Christmas present singer this year has been all these friendships I’ve built.

There’s some things money can’t buy. Friendship is one of them. Big things coming to the blog in 2021.

Have a great Sunday. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Trendy Honors Veterans 🇺🇸

This past Wednesday was Veterans Day. While I gave thanks to my family and friends for their service, I’d like to honor a few more. Dave Jones, a fellow Toastmaster from Johnstown, served in the U.S. Army. Alvin Smith was in the Air Force, and Jim Teague also served his country.

The Trendy Bunny Studio did their part as well. On Wednesday and Thursday they held a fundraiser to raise money for a cause near and dear to a member of Team Trendy (Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing). Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. Healing Those Who Serve.

Brook Brewer is the Assistant Manager at the Trendy Bunny Studio. Her husband serves as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Her goal was to raise a set amount of money over the two days (which expanded a couple of extra days). Customers could pay money for a ticket and win a prize. Some of the businesses helping out included Sun Dawg Cafe, Invisible Man Brewing, and Chick Fil A. Four Oaks Bakery gave away an exquisite cake that you could put in a ticket in for $10. I didn’t win but I had fun donating to the cause.

Jennifer and I were talking on Wednesday about our favorite Christmas movies. I saw a few of her new holiday rounds. She would have more out as the week went on. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Trendy.

I came back on Friday to make my rounds as tried to coordinate my visits when I worked local. Sometimes easier said than done. But I still pulled it off. With the exception of Emily, I got to see everyone. Aleah, Jen, Brook, and Alisha on Wednesday; Lacey and Juliet on Friday. It was almost closing time but they were glad I stopped by. I got a preview of some of the Christmas items that would be coming. I saw the new rounds and Lacey’s sweatshirt. The Christmas music was playing as well. The girls at Trendy were all in the Christmas spirit.

I got to hear who all the winners were from the Veterans Day event. Sadly I did not win the cake or the Sun Dawg gift certificate, or even the Chick Fil A gift card. I gave to Brook’s cause and that’s what was most important. Final tally: $1233.

I got some love on yesterday’s blog and I’m sure I’ll get some tonight. That’s part of my joy. I also had a great Toastmasters meeting today. But what’s bringing me joy for the upcoming week?

Zoom meeting with Nate and Tina for the upcoming Spirit of Toastmasters panel we are doing at the club officer training on December 5. Getting an email from past District Director Denise Etter about joining the District Leadership Committee.

Also, Wednesday night is Greensburg Toastmasters and Thursday is a visit with the Penn Hills Toastmasters club (via Zoom). Thursday also marks one year of my blog. I’m grateful for the support as always and I will continue with it. Doing a lifestyle blog is the way to go and I will continue to give you all amazing content.

Of course there’s also my upcoming Trendy visits and a local travel schedule for work. Three day weekend coming with a visit to Cranberry High Noon to end it next Monday.

I’m grateful that I’ve gotten to know the bloggers from the event held at Trendy on Sept. 20. Amanda and Tiffany and others are amazing. Even though I didn’t attend, I enjoy talking to them and following them on Instagram.

Have a great week. Thanksgiving is almost here. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Why You Should Shop Small?

Imagine Greensburg or Latrobe or Ligonier without any of its small, local businesses.

Coffee shops, hair and nail salons, corner stores, spas, boutique clothing stores, consignment shops, restaurants, craft stores, bars, fruit markets, shoe/bike/tire repair shops, laundromats, art supply stores, gift shops, gas stations, pet stores, and more – all gone.

What would be left? What would the streets look like? Desolate, depressing, empty, boring, abandoned… like some towns in the Mon Valley or parts of Johnstown.

A tradition conceived and promoted by American Express back in 2010, Small Business Saturday last year alone attracted more than 88 million people to “shop small.” But what exactly are the benefits of shopping small, and why should you do it on Small Business Saturday, and every day? Here are some huge reasons:

Small businesses give back (more) to your community. When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood. Plus, that tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.

Small businesses make a major economic impact. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.

Small businesses provide better customer service

Small business owners strive to survive and one of the biggest advantages they have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service.

Small businesses provide greater access to product diversity. Small businesses have just as much access to vendors (who also determine pricing, not stores) that big box businesses do. If a small business doesn’t have the products you want or need, ask them – they’re also usually much more receptive and willing to order them for you.

Small businesses create a sense of community.

You’re much more likely to get to know a small business owner in your neighborhood. According to a study conducted by Trulia and noted in Forbes, the second most popular desire amongst urbanites is a stronger sense of community – number one being more local restaurants.

You’re going to feel good. Would you rather feel the pang of guilt buying so-so coffee from Starbucks or a lifeless burger at McDonalds, or be entirely satisfied with your latte made with love from Sextant Coffee Roasters, and a bangin’ burger from V Cafe?

Christmas Haul Part Deux

I made plans to attend the Earlybirds meeting this morning. I served as humorist and jokemaster Wordmaster was Distinguished Toastmaster Walter J Smith. The Word of the Day was Veteran. I paid homage to those who served. I honored my grandfathers who both served in the Army (my maternal grandfather served during World War II and my paternal grandfather served during the Korean War). My dad (U.S. Navy in the late 70s) also served. He and his friends served together. Thank you all for your service.

I also thanked Tom Payne from my church (retired Air Force) and, Brook Brewer’s husband who is serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Army. Brook is the assistant manager at the Trendy Bunny Studio. Check out her blog at bbmilitarywifelife at WordPress.

I’m also a veteran… Toastmaster—9 years—and employee at WIS International—12 years—in the Pittsburgh office.

After Walter J and myself had a little time to catch up and socialize, I was off on a Target run to buy some more holiday decor. After a 45 minute trip, it was Target Run and done! I ate lunch at Eat’n Park (Bacon Cheeseburger 🥓 🍔) and then I was on my way home.

Today was my Christmas Haul part two. I needed some towels and washcloths to make my bathroom look more festive.

The gnomes will add a nice touch to my holiday decor. I’ll be busy Black Friday working on this project. I’m planning to put together a little gingerbread village. I’d like to graduate to the gingerbread row house if I’m feeling lucky.

What holiday isn’t complete without some Milano cookies? These will go great with my Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. I also bought some ornaments and a star to put on… my Christmas Tree.

I’m going to take a page from my Instagram friend Amanda (joyfullyyoursamanda) and post the things that bring me joy. She does this when she shares her stories on Instagram.

I also bought some candles and pine cones for a makeshift Thanksgiving centerpiece (I was hoping for a cornucopia 😒 oh well I’ll make it work).

My joy for today: Attending the Earlybirds Toastmasters meeting, buying holiday decor and listening to Christmas music, and attending church for the first time in three weeks. I missed my usual Trendy visit but I keep in touch on the stories on Instagram. Hallmark movie tonight after I get home and reading my Christmas Countdown book.

Have a great Saturday night. I’ll be talking about some of the new stuff at Trendy. That’s coming up tomorrow. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Toastmaster Visits and Thanksgiving

It’s been one year since I regularly started posting to this blog. How has it changed me since starting it last November 19? It has reignited my passion for writing and helped me to share my feelings. I talked about my Toastmasters experiences. When my friends were live on Facebook, I shared in the blog what I learned.

More recently, I’ve used it to promote small businesses (in addition to Toastmasters events) as I’ve become more invested in the community. Shops like The Trendy Bunny Studio (Trendy for short) and Masterspieces have gotten great attention on my blog. I’ve also gained followers in Team Trendy and other prominent local boss babes.

I’ve used my blog to promote Toastmasters events and Division B and highlight some of their bigger events. I’m a regular supporter and unofficial member of clubs such as Cranberry High Noon and Earlybirds and I’ll be making in person visits there next month.

So what will I talk about in the blog in November? I’m going to continue to promote small businesses like Trendy and Masterspieces. I’m also going to include Majesty (I’m a longtime customer since their days in Westmoreland Mall] and RSVP in my posts. I’ll work off of their stories in social media.

I’ll be making the first of my Toastmasters visits on November 14. It’ll be at the Earlybirds meeting and it will be in person. They meet downtown at the Butler YMCA. I attended as a guest at their virtual meetings in the Spring. I’ll be attending my favorite club, Cranberry High Noon, on November 23. They were the first club in District 13 to try out the hybrid method of running meetings. They meet in Seven Fields at the community center. I’m also planning to attend virtual meetings at Penn Hills (Nov. 19) and South Hills (Nov. 24). Fun fact: Three of these clubs won Club of the Year. All four were Distinguished or higher. I also plan on taking part in my usual clubs as well. I’m giving an evaluation on November 15 at Achievers and giving a speech on the 18th at Greensburg. The title of the speech is “Why You Should Shop Small”. Appropriate with Small Business Saturday coming up.

Thanksgiving is going to be November 26. Yes it will different than it usually is for a lot of families this year. For us, it’s not much different as we usually have a small gathering. Some of our family members have moved away, married, and some now have kids of their own. Not sure where we will end up but it will still be a great holiday 🦃. I plan on making my rounds on Small Business Saturday. I’m also going to attend the holiday market on November 29 in downtown Greensburg. More on these events as they get closer.

Time to close off the blog. I’m giving thanks for what a crazy year it’s been, but also a great year that’s brought me plentiful harvest blessings. I’ve gained confidence in myself and let go of my past. I feel better about myself again and I’m beginning to prioritize myself more.

Remember to live your best life. Be your best you. Be a ray or sunshine. You might just save someone’s life. If you see someone sitting alone, pick up your tray and sit with them. You might just change their life.

Remember to turn your clocks back tonight before you go to bed.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

My Cup Runneth Over

If I told you 2020 was a better year (for me) than last year, you’d think I was crazy.

Despite the year 2020 has been I’m feeling a lot better now than I was last year at this time.

Last year I was struggling with the loss of my Grandma and more recently my cousin, plus the one year anniversary of my aunt passing away. I was dealing with loneliness and living in a half-empty house, getting ready to move back home.

I was trying to hold back feelings for a girl whom I had a crush on. In the process I didn’t want to betray a close friend of mine. Luckily I held them in until the week before Thanksgiving when I told my friends as well my cousin Katie my feelings. Unfortunately that crush lingered until the Spring.

Despite the year 2020 has been I’m feeling more confident than I ever have and I’m learning to be someone who makes me happy. I’ve ditched the insecurity I’ve had for years. I’m letting go of my past and am learning to live for myself.

I’m learning to appreciate my community by eating and shopping local. It’s given me a new avenue to work off of and I’ve gained some new friends in the small business community. I’m talking about you Courtney, Kelsey, Cheri, and of course Team Trendy. I’ve enjoyed getting to meet some of you and reunite with others at Greensburg Night Market this year. I’ve known about Sun Dawg, White Rabbit, and Oliver’s Pourhouse for years.

On Wednesday night, we had a great open house. 23 people in all showed up at the meeting, including our Program Quality Director Robert Johnson. We had an excellent program with Marissa Crystal Wallace and James Teague giving great speeches and Michelle Teague leading an outstanding Table Topics session. Sam moderated an excellent panel discussion on “The Value of Toastmasters” with three of our dedicated members. Tina LaMont Kramer did one on Monday at Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters with three of our experienced DTM’s. That meeting I did not attend but it’s on my blog.

If you want find your voice, build a better you, join Toastmasters. The value is well worth it. Our club meets virtually first and third Wednesday at 6:30pm.

Yesterday I finally received my Spirit of Toastmasters award. I was going to head straight to Trendy after work but when I learned Terye got her award, I went home to see if mine arrived and it did.

Big shoutout to Team Trendy. Alisha, Lacey, and Juliet all celebrated with me when I showed my award to them at Trendy.

Alisha read my note out loud. It really made me feel good. Juliet complimented me on my sense of style and fashion sense. Compliments go a long way and she found the right words to say. Alisha even gave me some new stickers for my collection.

I’ll find a nice home for my stickers too. The girls at the Trendy Bunny Studio are all very encouraging and I’m blessed to have met them. I leave Trendy feeling complete every time. I might have even found a new passion along the way.

After these last few days I’m definitely feeling blessed to have great friends and “family”. Your love and support means a lot.

Remember this weekend to live your best life. Be your best you. Be a ray of sunshine 🌞. You may just change someone’s life.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Build a Better You: Join Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters

Your home for Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters (along with Zoom) every Monday from Noon to 1pm

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters held its hybrid open House this afternoon at the Seven Fields Community Center and via Zoom. They had 22 people in attendance, including 7 guests. Two of the guests have joined.

VPE Linde Riley and President Tina Kramer during the CHN Open House on October 19. Linde served as the meeting’s Toastmaster.

Serving as Toastmaster of the meeting was Vice President of Education Linde Riley. She picked a great theme for the meeting, “Build A Better You!” She then introduced the role players and the speakers of the day.

Program Quality Director Bob Johnson talking about his Toastmasters journey.
Tina Kramer moderating a panel discussion with DTM’s Kathleen Kuznicki, Denise Etter (IPDD), and Melissa McGavick (PRA) for her Pathways project.

Bob Johnson was the first speaker. He gave a overview of Toastmasters through his speech titled “Your Toastmasters Journey”. Tina Kramer was the second speaker, and she gave a 15 minute speech in the Dynamic Leadership path. She moderated a panel discussion with three experienced and distinguished Toastmasters. I wish I’d have been around to hear both speeches.

Amit Grover led the Table Topics session. The questions tied in very well with the theme of the meeting, “Build A Better You”.

Maria Lamorey served as General Evaluator. Bob’s speech didn’t have an evaluator. Tina’s panel discussion was evaluated by Sarah Souri. The role of grammarian was served by Adie Kurtanich and timer was performed by Judy Wang.

Before I close off this post, I want to share Sarah’s testimonial on why she joined Toastmasters.

Sarah joined Toastmasters in 2016 and had no idea how it would change her life. Her personal and professional life has improved greatly because of Toastmasters. The experience she has received has been invaluable. She has even been given a chance to speak as a mental health professional on KDKA-TV twice. This is something she would not have dreamed of if it weren’t joined Toastmasters.

I’m proud to be a part of Toastmasters with Sarah and I’m even more proud to call her my friend. The Cranberry High Noon chapter treats me like their own and even made me an unofficial member.

I’m planning a visit to CHN on November 23 as I get back to making my rounds and showing my Spirit of Toastmasters.

Trendy Trick or Treat and Stylish Achievers Hybrid

This is a short but sweet blog. Saturday was the Trendy Trick or Treat party at the Trendy Bunny Studio. It ran from 10am to 3pm. I didn’t attend but I viewed all the stories on Instagram and it looks like it was a success. For TTBS owner Alisha Edwards, it was a dream come true for her (as well as for Team Trendy).

Families connecting, little ones playing, and local talents being showcased. This was a great event for the community and I hope they do more like this. It’s what Trendy is all about.

I learned about Trendy on social media from Suzanne Ward as well as through Across Westmoreland. Courtney Masters was a part of Team Trendy before she branched out and opened up her own storefront, Masterspieces, in September. Soon after, I made my first visit to Trendy. I was greeted by Lacey Douds and Emily Parker. We chatted and I got to see more of the studio. I knew I’d be returning. I’m now a regular customer and all these girls have all become good friends. Learning to support my local everything and shop small as well as letting go of my past has changed my life for the better.

Today was my first in person Toastmasters meeting since March 15. Only four of us showed up at Blairsville while the rest attended via zoom. Our tech team did a bang up job and our speakers did well. Myself included. I spoke about the Spirit of Toastmasters and rocked a nice outfit. I’ll be giving the same speech again in December. Next month at Greensburg, I’ll tell you why it’s going to be a different kind of holiday and shopping local.

I’ll close the blog with a quote from one of Latrobe’s favorite people, Mister Rogers. ‘You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are.’ You are special.

Have a great week. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.