Sep 3, 2008
posted by Shelley
Thoughts of work always slip into my personal thoughts, so it’s no wonder that work posts will slip into my personal BLOG. It’s bound to happen — especially when what you do for fun is your job. It’s no secret that I LOVE, love, love taking photos. I wanted to share a couple of ‘work’ photos that are also pretty darned personal…
We roll a ton of material out of the southern branch of McKain Performance Group, Inc. Some of it leaves here to go to print, but much of it is distributed electronically. While I enjoy connecting with new clients and loyal friends, the part of my job I like best is when I get to show off my creative side.
Sep 2, 2008
posted by Shelley
Mountain Memories isn’t just any old business — at least not to Sherry. She’s poured her heart and soul into her service and her flowers. Her talent is her passion. There’s been lots of talk that small, hometown businesses should thrive with the ever-rising cost of fuel. Now that might be true if the business provides necessities (toilet paper, milk, bread, eggs, etc.), but if you must choose between flowers and gifts or food for dinner, it’s not going to be a difficult decision. Sherry has decided that the time has come to let go. Mountain Memories will be closing later this month.
From Sherry’s BLOG:
“Sitting down at the table, I opened the day’s mail. There was the usual junk that comes every day and then the always present bills that seem to find their way into my mailbox. I then came upon a card from a person that I didn’t know, but recognized her name from an order from Valentine”s Day. It goes as follows: ‘For my Birthday on February 14, I received three floral arrangements. Yours has held up and still looks pretty. The other two had slow deaths. Thank you!! I’m still enjoying your flowers!’”
Sherry continues, “To me this card is priceless. This is why I pamper my flowers the way I do. This is why I work 12/14 hour days. I take great pride in floral designing. To me it is not a job–it is my passion. Each floral arrangement that leaves my shop is given special attention. I design each arrangement as if I was going to send it to my own Mother. If it’s not good enough for Mom…it’s not good enough for my customers! For those friends who wander into the design room, they will find one entire wall that is covered in cards and letters just like the one I received.”
I know that the upcoming weeks are going to be difficult for my friend, and that she’s going to receive cards and personal well-wishes as she closes this chapter of her life. She’ll store the memories away — just like the cards that already adorn the walls in her shop — and she’ll hold her head high. I’m so very proud of Sherry for her successes and contributions to the community, but even more importantly, I’m excited as she embarks upon the opportunities that are waiting for her just around the corner.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller
Sep 1, 2008
posted by Shelley
Yummy — another holiday that folks normally celebrate with food. Since I’m especially fond of foods cooked on the grill, today’s meal (and holiday) was better than Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping ya’all enjoyed your day too!
I’m not political, and I most likely never will be. Today’s revelation that McCain’s running mate’s 17 year-old daughter is pregnant, and that fact becoming breaking news is a good example of why. To some, it may make Palin seem more ‘human’ or vulnerable (which may be a good or bad thing considering she might be president at some point). To others, it’s merely a weak spot that deserves criticism. I don’t see how this issue has anything to do with Palin’s ability to make decisions — let’s face it, she most likely didn’t encourage her 17 year-old to have unprotected sex with her boyfriend.
No matter your political affiliation, you surely feel sorry for the daughter. I know that I do! Can you imagine the burden she must feel? It’s not enough that she’s young and pregnant and has to tell her family — that alone is enough to make any teen sweat. No, she also has to think that it might change the entire US because of an election? That stinks, doesn’t it?
