Monthly Archives

October 2017

Lifestyle Random Acts of Kindness

A Little Halloween Fun

October 19, 2017

Halloween is one the most enjoyable days of the year for me. Here lately, I have become so intrigued with Disney female characters that I have chosen one each year to try to recreate and put a smile on my face but on others as well. Mary Poppins was one of my favorites but this year, it has to be Snow White.

I started earlier in the year cruising the websites for the perfect Snow White costume. I purchased this particular costume off of Amazon. Knowing that I did not have the short black hair and not any wig would do, I hit the internet again to find creative ideas or vendors that might have the perfect solution. Etsy was one of many sites that I hit and well, it is starting to become my go to site for accessories that are unique and hard to find.

When my costume came in, I was so thrilled. At the time I ordered it, I was concerned about the sizing. I use to be 100% spot on with regards to guessing my sizes with garments and costumes. Ever since I started fitness training four years ago, I noticed a lot of changes in my body.  I realized that I am no longer an X Small or Small any more. The muscles in my back have grown and filled out wonderfully which makes it hard to fit in some shirts now. I was truly keeping my fingers crossed that this lovely costume would fit!  As I carefully placed it over my head, I did notice it was a little snug around my latissimi dorsi muscles (lats) but overall, it was perfect.

As I swirled around and around in this costume, I kept looking at it as though it was missing something. Of course, it was missing a red antique brooch. I hit my favorite site again and searched vintage red brooches. It was perfect. As each accessory arrived, I would try everything on to make sure it all fit together. The last thing to do was makeup.

As you know, the trend nowadays is makeup. You have seen them. Spoon contouring, perfect eyebrows, and the perfect black cat eye are just a few that are show continuously on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube. I truly thought that I would be a Pinterest fail. I truly underestimated myself. See, if I took my time, miracles can happen.

Now that the costume was all put together (hair, makeup and all), I shared a picture of myself in full costume with many close friends and my husband to see their reactions. It was a hit and the responses were so kind that I truly couldn’t stop smiling.

But wait, there was one more creative idea in the mist. Maleficient! I retraced all of my steps to create another Disney female character but can I be Maleficient? She does have a very stern face.  Come to find out, I can!

I look forward to sharing my many adventures as Snow White and Maleficent. Who knows, you might see me transform into another Disney character real soon.

What are you going to be for Halloween? Comment and share your costumes. I would love to hear from you.

Lifestyle

Hospice Volunteer – My Story

October 5, 2017

A few years ago, I saw one of the friends post something about her visits as a hospice volunteer. I was so drawn to those moments that I would review her page often to see what she was up to next. She would bring her dog along for most of her visits to provide comfort and/or distractions during this difficult time. I was so impressed on how much she loved doing those little things for her patients.

I reached out to her to ask her a couple of questions. The wealth of knowledge that she provided me and how she felt about volunteering was so helpful that I reached out to the local hospice center to sign up for the next available volunteer course and orientation.

After graduating from the hospice volunteer course, I waited for my first assignment. My focus was nursing homes and patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.  It wasn’t long before I got that special person.

Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m., I would go see my girl, (MG*) MG smiled every time that she saw me. She would gladly point to my head when my bangs were not styled down on my forehead. It was almost like she told me that clipping them back was not an option. I shared books, music and my doll with her. Each moment, MG would show different sides of herself. From throwing out a cuss word while taking a stroll around the hospital to pointing a finger and telling me the gospel in a rambling session to sitting quietly by my side, I smiled because I truly felt that I got her.  Her smiles and laughter light up a room and truly warmed my heart.  Over time, she did regress. She slept more. Her speech soften. Even though I knew that my time would be limited, I was so honored and privileged to be a part of each of those visits.

Then one Thursday, I went to go see MG. I walked quietly to the community room and I knew. I looked in the Community Room Assistant’s eyes and nothing else needed to be said. I mouthed, “Thank you” and left just as quickly as I arrived. I sat in my car for a bit and reflected. Yes, it broke my heart but in the same breathe, I felt at peace because I was so honored to be a part of MG’s life. It was truly a gift.

If you are interested in volunteering in this type of setting, I highly recommend you connecting with your local hospice or palliative care service organization. There are so many ways to give from administrative support, bereavement duties, arts and music enrichment and more.

What has been your most rewarding experience? I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email or comment below.

*Due to privacy, my patient will be noted as MG throughout my blog.