What I Learned in June~2016

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July! We enjoyed a fun BBQ and then had friends over to sit on our deck and watch fireworks exploding all around us over the Puget Sound.

Here's a look back at some things I learned during the month of June:

1. Planning summer activities when I'm an empty-nester looks quite a bit different than back in the day... Case in point: I don’t have to go to the library this summer, I get to. I got a notice in the mail about the Library summer reading contest for students. They obviously don't know that ALL of our kids are now college graduates and out of the house and that I get to read what I want...when I want...how I want! (Paperbacks, Kindle, magazines, borrowed books) I also don't have to enroll kids in VBS, camps, lessons, etc. My summer will revolve around work, figuring out when I can SEE my kids, vacations and enjoying our deck! "Yes Sydney, I'll take you for walks."

2. The first Flight attendants were also registered nurses. United Airlines hired the first woman in 1930. Before that, men called Stewards served food on American flights. During WWII nurses were needed to help with the war effort so airlines relaxed the rule and hired women who could be trained in safety and emergency procedures. Another interesting fact...flight attendants used to HAVE to be single (available) women. The minute they became engaged, they could no longer work for the airlines. The history of this transportation career is fascinating and as with all things has changed a lot over the years. Do you have a favorite airline? Do you have a bunch of friends who are flight attendants like I do? Have you ever considered applying for the job?...

3. Facebook can be a little creepy and sometimes try too hard. When I clicked on my youngest daughter's name on Facebook last week "IT" decided to inform me that I had some things in common with her. Here's what I discovered:

You and Sarah                                                                                                                                                Also went to GHHS Senior Baccalaureate and Project Hope Benefit Concert Also lives in Gig Harbor, Washington Also visited Spokane, Washington, Port Townsend, Washington and 9 others Also listens to Cold Mountain Yeti Also watched Winnie the Pooh

Dear Facebook, 
I love my girl very much so you don't need to remind me what we have in common!
Yes, I went to her high school Baccalaureate! That was four summers ago since she just graduated from college! I don't remember the Project Hope concert, are you sure I attended?

She doesn't really live in Gig Harbor anymore since she has her own apartment in Spokane.

Yes she went to the Women's retreat in Port Townsend and many other towns with me. Are you stalking us?! I don't really listen to Cold Mountain Yeti. Name me a song...

Yep, we LOVE Winnie the Pooh.  P.S. Do you really have to show me pictures of all the items I look at but decide not to order?

Kind of creepy the way Facebook stalks us...

4. When you don't know, look it up! The entire time I was reading The Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O'Neal, I was saying the Priest's name incorrectly in my head. (Somehow I forgot that my name in Spanish, Juanita, starts with the "W" sound...) Finally I looked up HOW to say the name Joaquin and I was WAY off. I might not agree with the author's theology, but I enjoy Barbara's stories; interesting characters, always a dog and yummy descriptions of food are in her books.

5. They're sisters! Did you know that the actress Rooney Mara who plays Tiger Lily in the movie Pan, is the younger sister of Kate Mara who plays Zoe on House of Cards? I thought Rooney looked familiar, but couldn't figure out how I knew her! These two sisters have been in lots of movies and shows and their family is well-connected. Don't you think they look a lot alike?

Rooney

Kate

6. Having all the kids in the same place at the same time doesn't happen often when they're all adults! My hubby and I went to Spokane the last weekend of June for Hoopfest. What is Hoopfest? It's the biggest outdoor 3 on 3 basketball tournament on earth! Our two sons and one of our daughter-in-laws were competing and even though they didn't win every game, they did great!  Our two daughters were returning from a 2+ week road trip so we had quite a fun family "reunion!" #happymama

7. God really DOES go ahead of us! My former Nashville daughter who is now back in the PNW arrived in Spokane the afternoon of Hoopfest. In less than a week she found a cute little apartment right across the street from her little sister. What are the chances? The Landlord had stopped by her little sister's place and informed them that one of his other properties had just opened up. It's in her price range and month to month. Such balm for this Mama's heart, and my daughter's too. Answered prayers are the best!

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 31:8

In His Grip,

Jane

P.S. Here's a good devotional about Deuteronomy 31:8.

Photo sources:
https://us-east.manta.joyent.com/condenast/public/cnt-services/production/2014/07/31/53daa9fddcd5888e145c3b21_flight-attendant-uniforms-3.jpg
http://www.silence-action.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Rooney-Mara-3.jpg
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/8000000/Kate-Mara-kate-mara-8028126-1920-1200.jpg

What I Learned in May~2016

Here's a  look back at what I learned in May, besides the fact that my Loft sneakers totally match the furniture at the Davenport Tower Hotel in Spokane, Washington...

1. That tummy roll of mine that seems to have inflated the last several years has an official name: Meno Middle.

Anyone else out there in their 50's who is wondering what that roll is that won't seem to go away?Yep, another lovely side-effect of growing older. 

Photo source: alovelyflock.com

2. Preschool Art Tip:

When I substitute taught Preschool this month I learned that if you add a tiny bit of dish soap to paint (especially red paint) it will wash off hands, tables and clothes more easily. This tip was shared by a wonderful veteran teacher, Mrs. Rohn, who will be retiring next week. She looked at the mess I was cleaning up after our fun Ladybug project and realized she'd forgotten to add the soap...I'm amazed I escaped without getting ANY paint on my clothes! I forgot to snap a photo, but the project was a lot like this:

photo source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipLcwEhp3yk

3. Siri can be a nutritional coach:

I've talked about my love of Pao's donuts before. They are the BEST! One afternoon I was almost ready to pull through the drive-through for a snack, but decided to ask Siri how many calories were in a chocolate frosted cake donut. When I received the answer (370 calories!!) I was able to gain enough self-control to just drive straight home. I obviously need to talk to Siri more often so I can lose the "meno middle," (See above.) Update: after my doctor visit this morning (I've been sick in bed for over a week) I said to heck with Siri, Meno middle and calories and got myself a donut on the drive home. #sorrynotsorry

photo source: commons.wikimedia.org

4. One of my issues has a name in the dictionary:

Do you sometimes have trouble making plans, choosing paint colors, or ordering at restaurants? If you do, you might have Decidophobia!

(Decidophobia is, according to Princeton University philosopher Walter Kaufmann, a fear of making decisions. He coined the term in his 1973 book Without Guilt and Justice in which he writes about the phenomenon at length.) Wikipedia Dictionary

5. My budget won't allow me to dress like Reese Witherspoon:

Have you heard of the new line called Draper James? I consider myself someone with grace and charm, but obviously I don't have the right clothing budget or paycheck to order anything from her new Nashville store. Even her sale items are out of my reach! Sorta, kinda, fun to look and see what I would order if I could...

photo source:http://williamsonsource.com/witherspoon-opens-store-in-nashville/

6. Nashville is coming to an end:

The series "Nashville" came to an end this month. I did NOT like how it ended, but apparently the writers wanted to leave us hanging in case another network picks up the show. You can read about that here. 

My daughter who lives in Nashville is also ending her adventure. She moved there two years ago without a job and made quite a fun life for herself. She made SO many dear friends, loved her first grade teaching job, was very active in her neighborhood church, and enjoyed ALL that Nashville has to offer! 

She felt God calling her back to the Pacific Northwest so she's obeying. She'll be helping to plant a new church in Spokane, and hopefully she will quickly find just the elementary school that needs her experience and heart. She'll be in the same town as her younger brother, sister and sister-in-law; let the shenanigans begin! Stay tuned for updates~the sisters will be doing a cross-country-camping road trip to move her back!

When she arrived back in 2014 after our cross-country road trip

7. I have very compassionate family, friends, co-workers and employers:

I have been a bit like the character in The Grouchy Ladybug for the last week, while I've battled this cold/infection. I haven't had the energy to do ANYTHING. My husband has waited on me "hand and foot," my sweet friends have sent me texts and brought by flowers, and my work associates have been totally understanding when I've called into work sick. I am thankful! 

8. The world thinks I have four independent adult children:

Our baby girl graduated from college, signed a year lease on a charming wouldn't pass code apartment, and is interviewing for jobs. For 30 years we've given our four love and roots and wings and $ and now they are all living life under their own roofs, not ours. They are independent adults, but they're still my babies!

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always.

As long as I'm living, 

My baby you'll be."

Robert Munsch

I'm linking up with Emily P. Freeman at Chatting at the Sky.

What did you learn in May?

In His Grip,

jane

What I Learned in April (2016)

I love the pink Flamingos that I saw on my walk one day.

Hello friends and Happy May! I didn't have time to write and post a blog on the last weekday of April, because I was in a packed car heading to our church's Women's Retreat. I'm linking up to Emily P. Freeman's Chatting at the Sky and here's a quick re-cap of what I learned last month:
1. Women's Retreats require more preparation and "stuff" than Men's Retreats.

This probably doesn't surprise most of you, especially if you've ever been on a retreat team. My hubby organizes our Men's retreats and he was astonished by the phone calls, emails, crafts, shopping, packing, etc. Women show love this way... In the midst of all the Martha-type busyness, I reminded myself to focus on why we were retreating; to be in God's presence and to be present to others...

"There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it-I won't take it away from her!" Luke 10:42

2. Having your own spot can make a huge difference.

I can't explain it. I have a large farm table I used to spread out on to work, do computer work, write or do bible study. But I still wanted my own spot/desk. There it was! At Homegoods one morning I saw it! Small, sleek, the perfect size to put behind our sectional! I was thankful it was still there the next day when I returned after asking my hubby and measuring. I am so happy to have a little place that allows me to stay organized AND watch TV or look out at our glorious view. Do you have a desk?

3. I possibly chose the wrong major.

When I taught preschool and kindergarten, decorating the classroom was one of my favorite things, so I shouldn't be surprised that I dream about being the CEO of Land of Nod. Everything about the store brings me joy. When I get their email ads and catalogs I relish every page.  I love ALL things for little one's rooms even though I don't have any young children or grandchildren! (That's one of the reasons I love working at the baby boutique, Charlie Barnes!) I wish I'd gotten my degree in interior design! Have you seen the new bedding that is based on the Little Golden Books?! Combining vintage and books and design?! Adorable!  I found the pillow above at Target and am using it in my guest room.
(If I had been a boy my parents were going to name me Peter...)

In my search for photos, I found a REAL land of NOD on a bible map!

4. Notes of encouragement matter.

When my hubby left for a week-long business trip last month I discovered little notes around the house. What a blessing! I believe everyone would benefit from surprise notes or sweet cards.
"Pleasant words are like honey...sweet to the soul and healthy to the body." Proverbs 16:24


5. Voting matters. Research matters. So does praying...

So...this is happening around my state of Washington. Lots of places are opening that sell weed. Back in 2012 my state passed the Washington Initiative 502 that legalized Cannabis/Marijuana. I remember hearing from a police officer-friend that they could focus on more pressing issues if they didn't have to spend so much of their time making Marijuana arrests so I voted for not against. (Insert sad, embarrassed face. Please don't hate me.) If only I'd done more research. If only I'd prayed about it!

"Seeking God's will first brings perspective." Proverbs 3:6

As the National Presidential election draws nearer, I ask that you don't despair but research, pray for America and it's future leader and vote. This Thursday is not only Cinco de' Mayo, but it's The National Day of Prayer. Look for a gathering that you could attend (On Thursday, May 5 at Peninsula Baptist Church at 7:00pm, our entire community will gather in a concert of prayer.) or pray on your own (and then go sip a yummy Margarita, if that's how you roll...)

What did you learn in April?

In His Grip,  jane

What I Learned in October

I'm looking back on the month of October, and here are five things I learned: 

1. Shoes do matter sometimes.

In an attempt to save money, I decided to wear the same sling-back shoes I wore to my oldest son's wedding five years ago, to my younger son's wedding that occurred the first weekend of October. My decision seemed fine until the rehearsal. I realized I'd be walking down a grass aisle and my "kitten" heels would sink in... The only store near our hotel was Nordstrom, but I dashed in to see if they had anything affordable. NOT! The salesperson suggested heel protectors. (They do not work. They do not stay on. Do NOT buy them!) I survived the sinking and my shoes did not spoil the day. I do remember throwing my shoes to the side during the mother-son dance... I can't wait to see those pictures!

 

2. Do not assume that your cell phone app is giving good directions.

When my two sisters were in town for my son's wedding we did a day trip up to Seattle. We had a fun time on Bainbridge Island, a ferry ride to the city, shopping, lunch and a walk in the sunshine. All was perfect until it was time to drive home. As my sister looked at her phone and read off which way to turn, I realized something was amiss. We were headed straight toward water, not the highway. No, we did NOT want another ferry ride which would add two extra hours to our trip home... Thankfully we figured it out but I have learned to double-check Mapquest's "steps." I hope the next car I purchase will have a built-in GPS system!

3. "Call the Midwife" makes me want to be a more helpful person.

Do not EVEN get me started on how much I love the PBS series "Call the Midwife" that I binge-watched on Netflix! I love the characters, the voice of the narrator, the health topics, the early 1950's timeframe, the way the nurses and nuns helped their poor community in London, the clothes, and then of course there were always babies... Have you watched it? It can be a bit graphic at times, but it is SO good! The focus was always on caring for others and I want to be more intentional about helping those around me. Perhaps I'll even ride my bike next summer!

photo source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0118t80

4. All major moments contain love, tears and Jesus.

My son got married on October 3rd on a beautiful sunny fall day in Spokane. Oh what a day of joy our family shared!  I'm a bit bias, but the day was perfect and I can't remember being that happy! We laughed, we cried, we danced, we prayed, we toasted, we ate, and we knew Jesus was with us.

Another major moment happened last week. One of my dear friends from my couples small group suddenly passed away unexpectedly as she recovered from surgery. It has been a week of sorrow as it sinks in that I'll never see my friend Malinda again until I join her someday in Heaven.  Her Memorial on Friday was full of love, lots of tears, and was such a testimony of a life well lived. If people didn't know Jesus before that day, surely they do now. 

5. Friends are a precious gift and sometimes words aren't necessary. 
Malinda's passing has reminded me not to take time with friends for granted.  I've been spending lots of time with friends and I hope I've told them all how much I love them. Sometimes we've just sat by each other and words weren't spoken. That's OK. It's just being together that matters.
Even two year olds know that...

Sweet little BFF's at Charlie Barnes.

What did you learn in October?
I'm linking up with Emily Freeman at Chatting at the Sky.

                                                                              

In His Grip,

Jane

Thank you for reading "See Jane Learn."

Six Things I Learned in August

I love August! It's the month I was born and the weather here in the PNW is typically fabulous. I'm linking up to Chatting at the Sky, where we share new things we learned during the month. Here are six things I learned in August:

Do not give your dog a bath if you're inviting friends over that evening. That horrible wet-dog smell lingers... Even three candles doesn't mask the odor. 

The second astronaut to walk on the moon took communion and read scripture.  I was just a little girl back in 1969 when I watched the amazing walk on the moon but I don't remember hearing the words of Jesus. I read about this a few weeks ago while reading "For Your Weekend" on Emily P. Freeman's blog. I researched Buzz Aldrin to find out more about this Holy moment on the moon.

Some "45 minute make-overs" take longer... My daughter and I signed up for make-overs at the Bobbi Brown counter a couple weeks ago. We wanted to learn some tips for the upcoming wedding and try out new products. It was really fun and our artist was one of the professionals trained under Bobbi. She goes to Nordstrom's around the country. Should I be concerned?...It took her a LONG time to do me up from start to finish. I do think she made us look "wedding-ready." Hope we can recreate this look ourselves!

New math: 5 years + 10 pounds= 5 dresses. When my oldest son was getting married back in 2010, I saw a dress I liked one day, tried it on, and bought it. Boom. The End.

This time was a tad more complicated. I ended up bringing home five different dresses; one from J.C. Penney's, two from my private appointment at Nordstrom, one from Target (What?! Yes, they have a bridal department online and it was a returned dress I found in the clearance area.)

The winner was found by chance when I went to a different mall with a friend. (I'll share a pic after the big day.) The "rejects" have all been returned. They all had potential, but most of the colors washed my pale Norwegian skin color out. The plum one below was definitely the runner up.

Maroon 5's debut album was named after me! Ok, not really me, but the 2002 album is called "Songs About Jane." I just learned that while listening to Pandora last night. The muse was a former girlfriend of Adam Levine. 

Good grief, I can't even pretend it was me since I was in college the year Adam was born! Which leads me to the last thing I learned this month:

Celebrating my Birthday with family and friends is fun even if it means I'm getting older. On my actual "day" my hubby and youngest spoiled me with a Mexican fiesta on our deck. Margaritas, enchiladas, beautiful roses and perfect weather; what's not to love? 

On Friday night lots of my best girlfriends helped me celebrate at a local spot called Zogs. (It's a hidden gem on Fox Island. You walk through the Shell gas station store to get to it.) 

Each time a friend showed up I felt my heart swell bigger. I am blessed! We had an "after-party" too, with cake and bubbly. I felt totally loved and spoiled and I'm thankful to have been given another year to spend with all the people I love!

"So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

What did you learn during the month of August?

In His Grip, 

Jane

What I Learned in July

It’s time to share what I learned during the sunny, hot PNW month of July. I wrote this list on my flight to Nashville. I always love the view of the mountain from the window.

  

Our Northwest summer has trumped my family’s weather back in Indiana. BIG time! We experienced gorgeous days and amazing sunsets, while my former Hoosier state set a record for the wettest month on record. EVER! Due to our sunny month our blackberry bushes all over the Harbor have bloomed early. I made blackberry crumble for dessert last week. Yum!

Nordstrom’s reputation for great customer service continues... Not only do they put on quite an Anniversary sale each year, but they are on top of fraud. Our family has been dealing with some identity theft (boo!) and when I tried to use my credit card I had to speak with a financial person on the phone. Our card had been compromised and they quickly stopped it and issued me a new card. Just in time to start hunting for a Mother-of-the-groom dress...

There are times when it's OK not to be nice to spiders. Last week our fire alarm went off at 6:30 in the morning for no reason. Well, there might have been a reason; spiders. Apparently, if they get near a smoke detector or webs are inside it, the alarm might go off or not work efficiently in case of a real fire. Lesson: change batteries AND dust off any webs. 

Be careful storing any birdseed if it’s not in a can. We've been invaded by uninvited guests; first spiders, then mice!! The reason our sweet convertible is in the shop is apparently mice. I have the heebie-jeebies just thinking about mice being in our garage. Besides, we have a cat! TIGGER! Why haven’t you solved this problem? Oh, because you’re 15 and overweight and lazy?...  

My favorite new app is my alarm and devotion! Check out the new free app that was designed by Lysa TerKeurst at Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s called First 5 and it guarantees that you begin your day with God before you tackle the world. 

Nashville is a great place to visit! I knew this already but if you haven't visited here, plan a trip! I'm having a glorious time with my hubby spending time with our daughter Allie who moved here back in January of 2014. I'm wishing we didn't have to leave Tennessee in the morning after church, but excited to head up to Indiana to see my Mom and sisters! Sure hope their rainy season is over!

What did you learn in July? I’m linking up with Emily P. Freeman at Chatting at the Sky.

In His Grip, 

Jane

What I Learned in June

I'm linking up with Emily P. Freeman at Chatting at the Sky. Here's what I learned in June, 2015:

1. Marriage and weddings are on my mind, and so is a new song. Yep, since my son, child #3, is planning an October wedding this Mother of the Groom is having fun listening to their plans for their special day. Of course I'm also scoping  out Pinterest for ideas and checking out books from the library. What I REALLY appreciate, is that my son and his fiancé are aware that they are also planning for their marriage~all the days that follow day one as husband and wife. 

All around me there are SO many couples separating and divorcing and struggling. (Even Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are splitting. Sad!) I'm sure they weren't thinking about that possibility when they were planning their weddings. Marriage is wonderful...but hard! Without including God into the relationship that He invented it seems impossible... 

Casting Crowns has a new song out that I love called "Broken Together." Listen and I think you'll love it too.

 2. My bedroom was a crime scene. We sell the cutest sleep buddies at Charlie Barnes called "Herbal Animals." They have cute names and smell wonderful. Mine is filled with lavender. I need it DARK in order to sleep, so my sheep is always by me in bed, ready to pop on my eyes. Do not ask my husband how he feels about it! I woke up one morning and it looked like my sheep had been murdered; there was a small slit in the seam and lavender was all over the bed... It was also stuck all over my face since I've been putting Vaseline and scar salve on my nose. I stitched her up and she's good as new!

3. My favorite new "genre" of music is called Yacht Rock. No we can't afford a yacht like some people in our age group that the genre was created for, but the music is great. Everything 1970's is coming back in style, even the music!

4. I've been to 35 of the 50 states. I took that test you might have seen on Facebook. It's fun to see all the places I've been (or at least driven through.) Here are the 15 I hope to visit someday: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island. The Carolina's and the upper East Coast states are on my wish list to see first. How many states have you been to?

5. There have been a lot of Christians talking about the Supreme Court Decision and this wonderful response is my favorite. It's written by Kristen from We are THAT Family. I love her heart, ideas and passion for helping others.

6. Our area now has the K-love radio station on 104.5 F.M. I missed it when we returned from Chicago!  Yesterday I heard the disc jockey on K-Love mentioning the Veggie Burger at Burger King so I tried it. I'm more of a Carnivore, but since I'm attempting to eat healthier I gave it a try and it was not bad!

7. It doesn't always rain in the Northwest in June.  The golfers and spectators that came here for the Chamber's Bay U.S. Open Tournament experienced hot, sunny weather. It was a long, hard, hilly course with zero shade. Maybe the venue wasn't super popular, but I believe the Nation saw how beautiful our area is. We didn't have tickets to attend, but enjoyed seeing our former Fox Island neighborhood on T.V. and seeing all the private planes at our local airport. 

What did you learn in June?

In His Grip,

Jane

Thanks for stopping by See Jane Learn! 

What I Learned in May

June is here!  Since I awoke to a new month, it is time to share a miscellaneous list of some things I learned as I reflect back on the month of May.

My love for Poppies continues!

1. The best place to pick up baby-sitting jobs is at your Mom's place of work. That is, if your Mom works at a baby store. My college daughter was visiting me at Charlie Barnes one morning and she now has quite a few jobs lined up for when she returns to the Harbor after her summer school session ends. That particular morning a bunch of mommies I know (who know my daughter) came shopping so they were able to connect and share contact information and dates.

2. Sip and See. What a fun idea that I'd never heard of! In the south, as an alternative to a baby shower, women host "sip and sees." Friends stop by to sip on tea (or wine?) and to see the new baby. I think this concept can be adapted for SO many things! Come see my (you fill in the ____________.) I'm sort of having one Wednesday! My friends are coming over to see my nose bandaged and we just might sip some vino.

3. I won't be serving that one particular bottle of French wine. 

While on vacation with my husband during his Palm Springs business trip we went to dinner at a French restaurant.  Glancing at the wine choices, we checked out glasses vs. bottles. One particular bottle cost a mere $12,750. Really? Perhaps that price-point  isn't shocking to some people who live or vacation in the desert, but this Mom-of-four-who-often-shops-at-Grocery Outlet, thinks that amount of money could be spent in so many smarter ways to help others... I'll stick to my $6-$12 wine budget at Trader Joe's. 

4. Perhaps Trader Joe's needs to hire me. I brought some of my favorite items that I buy on my trips to TJ's to raffle off at our last MOPS meeting and gave my spiel about them. Afterwards, some of the Mommies said my enthusiasm was evident and perhaps I should be Trader Joe's traveling Public Relations gal. I like that idea!

5. When you only pay $10 for an online swimsuit it will arrive the day after your trip to the ocean. I won't be sharing my source because after I ordered it I actually began navigating the online catalog and found out their idea of dance clothes and mine were NOT the same. Ha! Anyway, the one-piece is OK and fits. Hoping the floppy little "skirt" keeps the eye off the 10 pounds I need to lose...

6. The Drought in California is another reason to give up bottled water. While on our trip, I didn't experience a lack of water. It was in the hotel pool, endless drinking water was available and golf courses looked green. The ways I personally noticed a lack of H2O were: ice was only available at the hotel if you requested it, water wasn't automatically brought to your table at restaurants, and the big Mormon church near my son and daughter-in-law's apartment has chosen to allow their lawn to die and go brown. The big topic to residents is bottled water. SO many companies that produce bottled water are right in the heart of the drought areas of California. I learned that many private labels are manufactured in lots of states all over the country. I'll just keep refilling my bottle with tap water (thankful the Harbor water is so fresh and yummy) and I think I'll start reading the labels to see where it's manufactured...

7. There is a tool to help us take better "selfies!" Have you heard of the new product for your cell phone? I walked by a whole display of them last week at Michael's.

I suppose it would help keep those awkward arms out of the way but won't it be awkward to carry around? How often do we need to take selfies? Here is an example of what NOT to do, followed by a selfie of my hubby and I enjoying the ocean yesterday.

My sweet friends & I in the dinner line. Notice the bunny ears?

8. Sometimes you need to keep the door open and stay standing (Literally and figuratively!)
My friend Andrea and I were given the task at the retreat of setting  up the lunch salad bar at the  house where we were staying.  After doing just that we sat down and had a lovely visit. After a bit we heard a noise so I thought maybe I should check the front door.

photo source: babble.com

Imagine our surprise when we saw all the retreat attendees (almost 100) waiting in a friendly line winding up the street.They were NOT grumpy like the nanny applicants in Mary Poppins, but that scene did come to mind.  I laugh just thinking about it! So sorry friends that you were hungry and kept waiting for lunch Saturday! Please knock next time!!

I learned SO many things about becoming FREE over the weekend at retreat. Our guest speaker was amazing and my housemates were a blast. I'll have to share some tidbits in a future post.

It's always a bit hard to return from a sunny "mountaintop experience" back to the ordinary and gray skies. And yet...
God is good, all the time!

I'm linking up with Emily P. Freeman at Chatting at the Sky.
What did you learn in the month of May?

In His Grip, 

Jane

xo

Thanks for stopping by See Jane Learn!