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38 Random Acts of Kindness - Balloons to Heaven !

This year, so many people that I hold dear to my heart, have taught me more than they could ever imagine, through their strength and their loved ones. So many have had to endure what no person ever should. From parents, grandparents, brothers, sister, aunts and uncles, losing a loved one, to friends who have lost their courageous fight to cancer and other illnesses.  Having lost many loved ones in my life, I know the hole and void it can leave in your heart. Although, I cannot ever imagine what some of my friends have gone through this past year, I wanted them to know that there is not a moment in the day that I don't think of them. no matter how busy life can get. That there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of the struggles they have had to endure and that mightily I continue to pray. Praying for peace, understanding, comfort and joy to be brought to their lives. Although the miles and the waters may separate us - I would like to think a bridge has been built - from - heart to heart.

What can you say or really do in such moments of adversity ? There are never enough right words to say that can ease the pain. There is nothing you can say or do when someone you love fights the good fight and only seems to lose the battle anyway, although not the war. We love, we lose - no matter how unnatural the order of things may seem. Some people come into our lives only for a moment, while others can be with us for years. I'd like to think that no one is ever really gone.That we are all Angels and some of us are just called home sooner than others.

In this life we are and can be taught so much by others, if only we open our hearts and minds. No matter the age - there is something to learn from everyone. A baby, someone's son or daughter, can teach us innocence and purity. With every breath they take they can breath so much life into a person. The innocence of a child teaches us that we can do and be anything if only we believe. The purity of a child brings us unmatched, unconditional love that remains forever in our hearts no matter how long they get to share those milestones with us. Without expecting anything in return, they give us joy and hope for the future. While the mature one teaches us courage, strength and perseverance. No matter their life struggles, they become fighters until the very end, teaching us that life and love are worth fighting for. Courageously they climb the highest of mountains - with no fear of falling and they persevere to the top, waving, loving, smiling all the way there.

So many have taught me so many things about life. I watch the faith of others and stand in awe. That they could face the most difficult time in their lives and still know that the God they love and serve is not a mean God. That the God they serve through it all loves them and is and will continue to bring them peace and comfort. That no matter their struggles there is HOPE. Something that many of us forget and all to often take for granted.There is a lot to be learned and said of someone's great faith and I continue to learn from them.

Today, it's my turn to give back because so much has been given to me.

The Caulk Family - Have taught me so much about love, faith and family. Through all of their struggles they never forget who they are. I love them all.

The Baker - Sodero Family - Their beautiful son taught me about innocence and how big things do come in such small packages. Love You Al and Desiree.

Sharon Young - Taught the true meaning of living life to the fullest and no matter what hand you are dealt, you still just live and love. RIP Dear one.

Joe Ferrara - Taught me what it means to be a great teacher - in life and in business. Thank You Joe, forever in our hearts.

Clint Miller and Family - This family has taught me courage. Courage to face things head on. To know that it's okay to be tired but never to be scared. Our thought and prayers are with you always.

So many, have taught me such beautiful things. I thank God for all of them and I thank God that I have had the chance to know them and love them.

So, I, we, sent balloons to Heaven. In honor of our friends and their loved ones who passed away because they are ALL special to me.

 

38 Random Acts of Kindness, it's my birthday present to myself : http://www.aserendipityworld.com/2011/11/38-random-acts-of-kindness.html

Special thanks for Midori Miller, Jeanette Neerpat, Vicky Wyman for joinging me in 38 Random Acts of Kindness. To my neighbor for helping me shoot my video, lending me the beer and allowing me to spew it all over her porch. You all ROCK !

See Jeannette here : http://browardcountyreview.com/2011/11/happy-thanksgiving-from-our-family-to-yours/

See Vickie here :  http://blog.allaccessre.com/2011/11/23/random-acts-of-kindness-pay-it-forward-day-two/

 

 

This past Christmas my husband and I bought our little one Cole a set of Golf Clubs. He is always trying to be just like daddy and he loves sports so we decided to break down and get him his very own clubs. My husband throughout the winter has been teaching him his swing and how to hit the ball on our acreage. He is pretty good at it. My husband is like some pro golfer who should be on tour. Once that club hits the ball in half of a half of a second you have lost sight of it. I think he might have hit a bird yesterday though...

So, yesterday we decided for family day we were going to go to the Cumberland Cove golf course and driving range.It was a beautiful day, nearly 70 degrees with a gentle breeze. Cumberland Cove is the most sought after subdivision here in Crossville TN. From the Golf Course, to hiking trails, to mountain views, creeks and streams Cumberland Cove is both a beautiful place to live and play. Many relocate here to Crossville TN and retire to Cumberland Cove.

We loaded up our golf clubs. My husband spent the winter trying to find me a couple of golf clubs. I am lefty so imagine how hard that was ! Ya know, I have to say Golf looks easier than it really is. For the life of me I could not get that stupid ball off the tee but I took chunks, chunks I tell you of grass and slung more dirt in an hour than a backhoe could in 5 minutes.My children were hysterically funny. Gracelyn somehow kept hitting the balls behind her ????? Cole seemed to be a natural and of course tried to help Mommy and his big sister. The whole time I kept thinking to myself " no wonder why men drink beer on the course ". You have to if you want to get through this game. As for me I am already dangerous with a club, add a couple of beers and well, we will just not think about that.

Four an hour for me it was a swing and a miss. Finally, I got the ball off the tee only to find it landed on my foot. In the meantime my husband swings and hits some cat that decides to run through the course, the cat is okay by the way...but he won't run through the course again :). Half way through I decided I needed bengay, a handicap and someone to hit the ball for me. My daughter was still hitting the ball behind her and my husband was convinced we were going to hurt ourselves. For the life of my daughter and I we could not figure out how to position our feet and my husband was convinced I was trying to hit a softball.....a softball would have been easier. Give me a golf ball and I am a fish out of water. It was a good thing I wasn't playing for charity or something. Poor charity organization.

In the end my husband told me I was better at driving the golf cart :) :). It's probably safer for myself and everyone else involved as well. It's a good thing we decided to hit at the range and not play 9 holes. With my daughter and I playing I wouldn't be writing this blog....we would still be on the second hole. I'm leaving the golfing to the men in my home. Gracelyn and I decided we were much better "sports" at the mall.I have to say muscles I didn't even know I had hurt this morning. I mean really, golf seems like a self inflicted torture game.....why do men do that to themselves ?

I think I figured out my problem :

• The Club is Longer Than My Arms ?
• The Ball Was Crazy Glued To The Tee ?
• I Was Afraid I Would Hit The Welcome Center ?
• I Didn't Want To Be Better Than My Husband ???
• I Didn't Want My Daughter To Feel Alone ?

 

For more information on Golf in Crossville TN, Homes For Sale in Crossville TN or just about Crossville TN , contact :

• Melissa Grant, Realtor(r) , Century 21 Fountain Realty
• 931-210-8277 Direct
• 931-707-2100 Office
• Melissa@C21Fountain.com
• www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com

Dear Diary,

Today, I sit and remind myself of the beauty that the world brings us and how easy it is to get caught up in " drama", losing sight of the things that really matter.

Diary, my passion has always been to explore and discover. Yes, I am an explorer. I enjoy exploring because when I explore I find the things that truly matter. Sometimes the hardest part of exploring is discovering the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. Other times it's like a breath of fresh air. The hardest part of being an explorer is ' getting rid of the old to make room for the new "and being confronted with the  "truth be known"............

When I was 20 my thoughts were different. A goal consisted of a net you kicked a ball into. At 20 I thought I " knew " it all and didn't dare surrender to anyone or anything. As I explored age 21, 22 and so on I realized " truth be known ".....I knew nothing.

At age thirty five I have explored the wonders of the world or almost...but I still dare to explore. I've explored caves and what sometimes feel like dungeons. I have explored my own truths. I have explored the deep waters of time and the endless possibilities of the never ending sky. I have discovered that the walks I take through the trails of life with my children remind me of the perfect harmony between a woman and a man...and how very deep family ties can run. I have discovered that sometimes the friends we think are friends are classified as the relationship between a hungry tiger and his prey. While discovering still waters I have also explored the possibility that there is a time to sit, watch and just, well, be still....

I have explored that things change. Some things change for the better and some you have to welcome whether you are comfortable or not. I have explored that sometimes people, friends or family think they know what is best for you but only you know what is best for you. I have explored a good and bad touch, I have explored how easy it can be to become addicted to someone else's addiction. I have explored that my thoughts are my own and the words I speak whether good or bad are for me to own. I have explored that at times I can be my own worst enemy and I have explored the many " truths to be known ". I have explored you cannot be something or someone to everyone know matter how hard you try...you will always let someone down. To explore and discover that with every wrinkle I obtain there is a story to tell. And with every gray hair there are wise words to be spoken.

While the wheel of the world keeps turning I have discovered my greatest passion is to keep exploring. To explore new things with my children, my husband, my friends and family. To explore the endless possibilities that exist and discover the fear that sometimes holds me back. To explore the vast possibilities that life has to offer whether big or small. To dream big and live large. To explore and discover how the moon pulls the tied and yet no-one ever asks " why ". To explore and discover if a man could walk on the moon, " why can't I "....

To explore and discover life's greatest challenges and to triumph as I cross the finish line. To explore and discover that God has taught me all these things so my children can become a beautiful woman and man. To explore and discover the courage of another person so that I can dare to dream. To explore and discover the hidden messages within the earth's core. To explore and discover that while the wheel of the world continues to turn...it is my choice to turn with it or stand still.

Diary, today, I will explore and discover how I can be a hero in someone Else's eyes and how one picture can speak a thousand words.....

photos courtesy of flickr

                                          You Left A Footprint On Many Hearts

 

My life here was just a stepping stone...

to learn and teach the things God wanted you all to know.

I was never meant to stay....

some journeys just last longer than others.

Now that I am gone, I need you to let me go...

there are so many things that God needs me to do.

Today, I must be the wind that blows...

the gentle breeze you feel upon your skin.

Today, I will be the keeper of the stars...

watching over you from afar.

I'll be the innocence you see in the smile of a newborn child...

I'll be the serenity you hear as you listen to a river run...

Tomorrow I'll be the beauty you see unfold...

I'll be the voice in your heart you will hear way down to your soul.

I am alive in you always.

There is no difference in the way that I love you today than I did yesterday.

Everyday I'll be smiling down on you from Heaven...

Everyday I will be exactly where you need me to be.

                                             Melissa Grant

 

 

You will be greatly missed. I love you, Melissa

In the early 1950's " Johnny Warner" now owner of Warner Natural Herbs walked on the side of his Grandfather John Frank Warner every chance he could. Together they walked along the Cumberland Plateau, through the woods and dug " sain ". The " sain " was later dried out and made into medicine. Through the years little " Johnny Warner" was just as good as his Grandpa with finding Ginseng, Yellow Dock Root and Wild Indigo to name a few. Today, young " Johnny Warner" is the well known Herbalist here in Cumberland County following in his Grandfather's footsteps. Teaching people about medicinal plants and the power of healing through herbs....

If some of you are like me...a skeptic, follow along on my personal journey through Warner Natural Herbs in Crossville TN.

I remember walking into Warner Natural Herbs. Relaying on over-the-counter flu remedies, vitamins and such the aroma of natural herbs is one you cannot narrow down to one of " that smells like". As Herbs flooded the shelves I wondered how could one get so many plants into these bottles. For a long time I felt tired, lacking energy. I always seemed to be sick with some sort of cold or flu. My lifestyle is that of a busy one and my eating habits were not good as well. As I would run out the door in the morning to lead my hectic life nearly every time I would forget about breakfast. Alot of the times Lunch would long be forgotten or by the time I needed to eat it was so close to dinner that I wouldn't be hungry when dinner time came around. Hence, my one meal a day with loads of caffeine from Coffee or sweetened Ice Tea. Aside from all of these things my Kidney's felt like they were on fire ! I had been to my Doctor twice and there was never a sign of a kidney infection and/or other. My lower back would hurt so bad there were days I didn't want to get out of bed.

My initial reaction of Warner Natural Herbs was that of one like walking into a Psychics dark room. Although I have never been to a psychic reading the images from movies or media seemed to dance around in my head while standing amongst thousands of herbs. John Warner approached me and we casually talked. Where he then offered me an " eye reading". In my mind I wanted to turn my palms face down and reject what I did not understand and had never done. He explained the process : How our eyes are the tell all. Whether staring someone in the eye as you talk right down to how your eyes can tell you everything that is going on with your body. Reluctantly and full of skepticism I sat in his office, opened each eye wide while a beam of bright light shined within my pupil. Pictures through what looked like an eye exam machine were captured and sent into his computer. From there was the sound of a printer. As I looked down I seen my own eyes staring back at me with charts and graphs and blocks of red, some shorter than others.

The skeptic in me was quickly subsiding as John Warner began explaining what was going on in my body. Imagine my astonishment when he mentioned my Thyroid, something I have long been battling with and NEVER disclosed to him. He went on to tell me the good things and the bad things. I remember him asking " How old are you " I replied, 34, " He calmly and gently said " Your body is a lot older, your stress level is to high, your eating habits are bad, your thyroid isn't working", and the rest of your body is " screaming for help". A hard pill to swallow but the effects of living your life in fast forward, through fast food chains and allowing the things we have no control over to stress our/my body. The sad truth, I knew he was right, there was no denying it anymore. It all had taken it's toll on me and I could feel it in my body only I couldn't diagnose it and a lot of bad habits, were just that, bad habits.

John Warner put me on a herbal diet. With several different herbs and educated me on the foods and drinks we should NOT be putting into our bodies. Did you know even the best water filter still allows mercury, lead and parasites, yes parasites in our water that we consume everyday. Did you know that Digestive Disorders are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other category of medical problems in the US today ? It is also worth noting that many other diseases that at first glance appear to have no connection with the digestive tract have actually been related by many Doctors to Functional Bowel Disorder and includes : Diabetes, Gall Stones, Kidney Stones, Gout, Hypertension, Varicoseveins, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis and Obesity and all americans are afflicted with Intestinal Parasites !Our lifestyle of lack of exercise, refined, processed , low fiber foods, animal fats and stress can lead to both men and women suffering from colon/rectal cancer ?

After 4 weeks of my Herbal Diet I can say, I feel great again ! I feel like I did when I was a teenager, full of life, energy and not even a common cold could keep me down. I notice many differences like in my skin, my hair, nails. I have lost 6 pounds, my energy level is up and that is only after 4 weeks. The sad truth is that it takes 3-6 months to cleanse the body. In reality that is nothing compared to the lifetime we have spent putting many bad things into our body.

If you do not like taking herbs, although I will say it is not bad at all, in fact I feel wonderful, here are some things you can do to lose weight and avoid putting things in your body that will not help your diet :

• Do not use sugar or artificial sweeteners. Use pure Honey to sweeten instead. I cringed at the thought BUT it works, truly it does and does NOT taste bad.
• Steam or cook your vegetables in olive oil rather than in butter.
• Do not use white flour or other grains.
• Do not eat raw vegetables during a diet process as you do not digest them.
• No dairy of soy products. Many things are now made " dairy free" and taste good.
• Avoid soda, if you cannot stop drinking coffee all together like me even though I am suppose to limit your cups and replace with an herbal antioxidant tea sweetened with honey.
• Stay away from fruit and juices. Juices and Fruit naturally are turned into sugar within your body.
• DRINK DISTILLED WATER. I cannot tell you the difference drinking distilled water has made not only on my kidneys but the rest of my body. Distilled water grabs the impurities in your body and flushes them out with the water. I have been drinking distilled water for a month now. Yesterday I ran out and filled my bottle with our filter water ( I could smell and taste the chemicals to the point I could NOT drink the water and went and bought my distilled), sounds crazy but it's true !

Some common herbs are as follows : ( my herbal diet )

• Total body Cleanser ( colon, liver, etc )
• Parasite Cleaner
• Blood Cleaner
• Vitamin, Minerals and Amino Acid Supplement
• Thyroid Formula
• Kidney Cleaner
• Lung Cleaner

Individual herbs will vary depending on the needs of the individual. Warner Natural Herbs has thousands of herbs in capsule and liquid form to benefit your health and longevity. If you would like more information on Warner Natural Herbs, their History throughout the Cumberland Plateau please visit their website at www.warnerherbs.com

Brought to you by Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker, Crossville TN Real Estate. For more information on Crossville TN Real Estate for sale in Cumberland County and surrounding areas please visit my website at www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com or call me direct at 931-210-8277.

* This blog and the contents within is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It is of personal opinion. Statements and/or herbs have not been evaluated by the food or drug administration. Always talk to your Doctor before starting any diet or exercise regimen and always tell your Doctor if you are taking any over the counter or herbal supplements as they may have interactions with other prescribed medications *

I remember my 6^th grade year of Elementary School. A class trip was scheduled for a 3 night, 4 day trip to Washington DC. All year long we saved our money, our allowances, we held car washes and sold cookies to raise the funds needed for one of the most educational trips I have ever taken. Those were the good ole' days.

Today, during my children's Elementary School years they have fond memories of 3 field trips per year to the Jamestown movie theater or maybe to a nearby lake to " feel the sand" while learning Science in class. Not one fundraiser to ever " earn " the needed funds and learn the power of a dollar.

We adults seem to have turned out just fine from way back when. In a time and a place where you learned to live within your means, where calloused hands were not faux-pau and "champagne appetites" never occurred on a "beer budget". Where you walked to school, up hill both ways, in the snow with holes in your shoes as my father would say.

Today, we are taught throughout society and within our schools to shoot for the stars and not accept anything less. Whatever happened to shooting for the stars and being okay with landing on the moon? That's not such a bad thing or is it ? Whatever happened to not buying the things you couldn't afford? What ever happened to buying a whole chicken and cutting it up ourselves instead of the over-processed, full of preservatives, lazy mans way of buying it pre-packaged ?

 Today, we build more schools when we cannot afford to operate the ones we already have. We neatly manicure football fields instead of getting down to the true root and meaning of the game " having fun", "teaching teamwork". Instead of enhancing the programs that already exist we don't finish what we start but rather we add " new ones " perhaps to make the old ones not look so bad ?

Today, Custodians, Maintenance and other School personnel lose their jobs to a budget shortfall because of a champagne appetite on a beer budget ! Today, my 16 year old JROTC son came home and said " Mom, I have nothing to look forward to in school anymore ". For those children who would rather walk on hot coals than go to school, you should be so proud, you just rocked their world and took away the only thing that seems to keep them going. Please tell me why our Children have to suffer because no-one can figure out how to balance a checkbook?

Superintendent VanWinkle says " It breaks her heart" This is a Professional who has made our children suffer over and over again this year ! Our County should be ashamed of themselves. A valuable program such as JROTC that keeps our children off the streets of Cumberland County has just been cut because they have been spending beyond their means.

Many Children in Cumberland County are faced with un-excused absences in school as many parents as well as students do not have medical insurance to provide a Physician note but faculty and staff are insured to the hilt...my point, why are the children suffering the most ? Faculty and Staff these days seem to be worth far more than our Children.

Books, Tutoring, Summer School, Drivers Education, ROTC to name a few are now long forgotten. Our Children suffer with substandard education so it should be no wonder why my children come home with " The lightbulb blowed" or " I got " rather than I have !

It appears to me that no-one has any " problem solving skills" the burden falls to our children, a heavy load they should not be introduced to at such a young age. Many of our "Future Leaders", many of the "Future Leaders" who are being taught to defend the freedom of our County, our Country, to stand on enemy lines and fight for what our Country claims to not have enough of just stepped on a "landmine" in a financial war they should have never been a part of. Congratulations to the Cumberland County School Board and County Commissioners for teaching our Children to be the "best they can be" ! You lead by example and you just taught the children of Cumberland County to cut the things that are most important in their lives, to never finish what they start and that education is last. Great job !

Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker

Yes, I am saddened by these events. I am saddened that our School System has failed our children. I am saddened that many have risen to the occasion to save JROTC and that our Superintendent would rather pay a penalty for breaching a contract with ROTC than save it. I don't and have not seen her cut her salary, or remove personnel from her office. But yet, everywhere we turn something is taken from the students. Tutoring, Text Books, Summer School, Drivers Education, JROTC. Please do NOT tell me you are looking out for our Children. You have only proven you are looking out for yourself !

Today, I have cried for and with the Children of Cumberland County who are loosing the things so very dear to them. If I could pay for all of them I would. If I as one person could raise the funds needed I would. My heart has never broken for so many students as it has today. Cumberland County we are BETTER than this, step up to the plate and do whatever it takes. I WANT TO SEE YOU OUT THERE WASHING A CAR ! Or SELLING COOKIE DOUGH, stop leaving it up to the Children of this County to suffer the consequences for spending way to much money on things NOT needed !

Nestled among 12,000 acres of woodlands in beautiful Cumberland Cove, halfway between Knoxville & Nashville high upon the Cumberland Plateau mountains you will find Log Cabin Homes For Sale and Log Cabin Vacation Rentals. With outstanding hiking trails, premier overlook & scenic parks and an abundance of outdoor activities. Only minutes to many major attractions, activities, shopping, dining and nature.

As you enter the long private driveway into these properties you'll quickly be awed by high rock bluffs, mountain views and running streams and creeks.  Explore huge caves inside those massive rock bluffs throughout Cumberland Cove. ! Private and peaceful begins your stay!

With covered porches and some rocking chairs you can rock and relax the day away! Escape from all the stress of life in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee. If you feel like you've lost connection with the land and want to reconnect with it...you've found the place! Some come for a vacation and some stay for a lifetime as you'll find... Most Folks NEVER want to leave and many come back to make Cumberland Cove their home.

 

This Cabin would make a Great Second Home or Vacation Rental. This log home has an open greatroom with beamed ceilings, a gas log stove and an open eat-in kitchen with an abundance of custom oak cabinetry, refrigerator, smooth top cookstove and built-in microwave. The two master bedrooms feature caathderal beamed ceilings with trapozoid windows to bring in lots of light. One bathroom features a huge whirlpool tub & step-in shower. The other bathroom features a tub/shower and laundry closet with stackable washer/dryer. All nestled on 1.7 private acres.

This Log Cabin Home is For Sale at : $159, 000 or can be rented with a 2 night stay minimum at $100.00 per night ( for 2 people ) or $120.00 per night ( for 4 people )*prices are subject to change without notice*

For more information on this property or other Log Cabin Homes in Cumberland Cove or Real Estate in Crossville TN please contact Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker direct at 931-210-8277 or 931-277-3327 Office.

Serving the Cumberland Plateau, Crossville TN, Cumberland Cove, Cumberland Lakes, Fairfield Glade, Lake Tansi and surrounding areas.

4544 Greenfield Drive, Lot 016, Cookeville TN, 38501

Convienantly located within minutes of I-40, Fine Dining, Shopping, Hospitals, Premier Medical Facilities, Schools and Church.

2193 of open living space. 4/2 1 1/2 story with 2 car garage, lots of kitchen cabinets, plenty of storage. Vaulted ceilings. 4th bedroom upstairs can be used as bonus room, office, media/rec room or game room with 441 sq ft. Wood laminate floors ! Neutral colors throughout ! Above ground pool with 6ft privacy fenced in park like setting back yard. HUGE back deck for entertaining, covered front porch. Nice quiet neighborhood.

Features :

• Cathedral Ceiling
• Dishwasher
• Master Bdrm Main Level
• Microwave
• Office/BR Main Level
• Pantry
• Range/Oven
• Refrigerator
• Smoke Detectors
• Split Bedrooms
• Washer/Dryer Connections
• Walk-in-Closet in Master Bedroom

Outside Features :

• Porch - Covered ( front )
• Deck ( back - custom, 10 x 26 )
• Fenced Yard ( 6ft privacy fence )
• Insulated Windows
• Above Ground Pool
• Mature Landscaping

Construction :

• Frame
• Traditional
• Central Heat and Air Conditioning
• Crawl Space
• Vinyl, Laminate and Carpet throughout

Additional Features :

• County Tax : $826.26
• Lot Size : 121 X 165.33 Irr
• Greenfield Village Subdivision

Melissa Grant , REALTOR® 931-210-8277 Direct www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com lissalgrant@yahoo.com Crossville TN Real Estate