Chicago

There is so much we can add to others lives; things that are so simple that anyone can do if we just get out of our comfort zone a little bit and reach beyond our little bubble we are in. We have the most beautiful opportunities day in and day out to add to the beauty of life, and here are some of them. . .


noticing the cashier when you are checking out and asking them how their day is going with a smile, 


when you pass people in an elevator or a door to a building, just smile,


when I got into my cabs this weekend in Chicago, I got to know the drivers; they have such sweet hearts most of the time, and enjoy chatting...


when you see the hotel "maid" in your hallway, tell her you appreciate her hard work...


when others might not be talking to you or treating you well, treat them good anyway, it's easy to love others that love on you, love others that don't...


bake something for your neighbor "just because",


tell someone you love what you think they are good at and watch their face light up,


write a letter to someone in prison telling them that God is the God of second and millionth chances,


ask to pray for someone,


being thoughtful, and thinking of someone else can take effort. we are so prone to think of ourselves, but if we make the effort and keep reaching out, it will become more natural...It's such a humbling experience to add these things and more to someone's life and to this world. it feels good to get out of my own selfish rituals. I think what made me think about writing this now is because whenever I get out of my own element, like going to a different city, I notice more how I can reach out; there is something about someplace new that pulls you out of your same ol' patterns and you can see things with new eyes. It's like new land and new people waiting to be loved on.


And now for some Chicago pictures! The trip went really well. And my daughter's show choir group took 3rd place! Which is really cool and a total honor.

 Almost packed American Tourist

 Arrived in Chicago!

 Michigan Avenue

 Tulips on Michigan Ave.

Can not go to Chicago without having their pizza, oh boy-YUM Giordano's this time. I still think Lou Malnati's is my fave.

Mom and I.

 Such supportive Grandparents!

 The girls after their rockin performance! And they are besties!

I dug the carpet at McCormick Place.

 At a rest stop on our way home, Onalaska Iowa, so beautiful.

Ooooh I was so happy to see this little guy! And his fur just keeps getting more and more perfected as it grows. I love it when I can't see his eyes :o

I handled the trip better than I thought. The roughest part was Saturday toward evening time and into the later night. I could hardly function, and then the last couple hours on the bus ride home. But it was worth it to me, it was so so cool to see them perform there and then place 3rd, what an exciting time. The entertainment in between show choirs was awesome too. The M.C. was a young performer from Branson and he was actually very very entertaining. There was also a laser light show with hip hop music too. Glad the season is over but so very proud of my daughter---now for dance season (few more competitions and a recital) to finish up it's season, a couple more months and we are free of activities til September!

Have a lovely Monday everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend!