You can pivot…and walk right out of your prison.
This talk is so good:
#GetUnstuck #TodayIsTheDay #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone
The rest of those wide open states out there were, too. Especially with the windows down.
When’s the last time you felt alive?
#StartDriving #TodayIsTheDay #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone
If this is supposed to be the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, why can’t we just stick with the parties for hosting and marshmallows for toasting, and leave the shopping madness behind? I watched this TED Talk last week, and thought it was perfect for a post today, the day when we’re all supposed to rush like crazy, scouring various retail websites for 24 hours to spend money many of us don’t have, buying crap nobody really wants, so we can take advantage of all those online “deals.”
Year after year, when I see ads for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, they make me want throw my shoes at the TV, the billboards, and my computer. We all talk about how “things” are not important, that people and time are. We greet every Tom, Dick & Harry from the street, our offices, and the grocery store, with huge smiles and “Happy Thanksgiving!” during the 3rd week in November… and then? We forget what’s important just like that. (Please snap your fingers here.) Before granny has passed the cranberry sauce, we’re racing out the door to the mall elbowing that woman next to us in the aisle for the last coffee mug with snowflakes on it set, or we’re opting out of an in-person conversation with our brother we only see once a year, so we can log on and fill up our virtual shopping cart with gifts, putting us farther into credit card debt.
Did we seriously already forget what we’re really thankful for, before we even had a piece of pumpkin pie? Again?
Gallup reports that Americans will spend an average of $885 on Christmas this year. That $885 is not just $885. Add in your time running around trying to find something, anything that person X might want, sitting in traffic cursing at people in parking lots who don’t move quickly enough out of that space you want, fighting crowds like you’re trying to get to the front row at Lollapalooza, and the stress monkey you turn into as you freak out about whether or not person X will even like what you bought them. Now add in items that will end up as waste in the the landfills, and the interest we will accrue on our credit cards over the next 12 months for those purchases.
A Merry Christmas, indeed.
Notsomuch.
The actual COST of what we buy is far more than what a price tag reads.
Before you call me Ebenezer Scrooge, you should know that I fully believe in and promote gifting of time, and/or experiences…at any time of year; Coffee, dessert, lunch, drinks, or dinner out with your bff’s. A gift card for your mom to get a mani/pedi or massage because you know that selfless woman would always feel guilty buying a spa service for herself. A weekend away for you and your sister to have some fun. A special “skip” day for you and your 10 year old to have pizza in the park and hang out when everyone else is at work or school. A hot date night out with your honey- get gussied up and go out to a restaurant you never would otherwise try. A day with me to help your parents, your recently divorced aunt, or your new mommy friend purge all the stuff in their houses that makes them feel buried. (Who can argue with these effective and enjoyable ideas?!:)
I can see the rolling eyes of parents with 3 kids under the age of 12 right now as they read this. Yes, you are probably the only ones who should be speed-racing in a furry to wrap toys and games for stacking under the Christmas tree while your sweet little nuggets still believe in Santy Claus. A living room full of boxes, bows, and screeches of joy from the young ones on December 25th is a cherished and beautiful thing. But for the rest of us adults:
Can’t we all just give each other the gift of a little more time together?
I’m guessing that person who loves you would be thrilled if you spent the money sending yourself on a plane to see them, instead of sending a fruit basket:
*Photo credit goes to my selfie arm in a sister and mom sandwich. Spain, holiday 2016*
My Christmas wish this year is that we all say THANKS a little more, do more GIVING of ourselves, and we remember to show love throughout the year by SHOWING UP when someone might need us. That is the best kind of gift we could ever give, my friends. (Ok I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I also wish for those delicious cheese straws my friend Sandy makes, too.)
Here’s to more time sharing laughs over pumpkin pie and cheese straws.
#LessStuffMoreFreedomHappyLife #ExperiencesNotThings #TheYearOfLessCrap
Holy moly it’s TRUE! We just turned TEN this week!
I still remember the instant the name “Blue Lollipop Road” popped into my head. I was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina happily driving down the road the day before a friends wedding. At the time I was engaged myself. I couldn’t wait to start writing and sharing stories about my travels. I also wanted to create a way to help others find more freedom in their lives because so many people constantly shared with me that they felt stuck.
Here we are 10 years later and I get to help people simplify and better manage their time, space, and money, so they can have the lifestyle they want.
Oh happy day!
I went for a solo walk last weekend on the beach in South Carolina. It was right after a crazy storm. The air was so incredibly humid- as if I was on a tropical island. I was in heaven. Here’s a photo:
I walked so long it became pitch dark by the time I turned around. I may have gotten a little lost, but I loved every minute of it.
When’s the last time you were so in love with what you were doing you got lost in time?
At one point as I wandered through the warm night shallow waves, I posted a different photo of the sunset with this, on Instagram:
Ever stop for a minute in your days and think about what you would do if you didn’t have any more? I do. All the time. Maybe too much. The good thing is, I celebrate everyday like I’m doing right now, during my no filter sunset beach walk. Don’t like something in your life? Change it. That’s the BLR Lifestyle. We all have far too little time to waste any of it. Respect the clock. What are you waiting for?
For 10 years now, plus far more I’ve been inspired to keep reminding myself and others around me, that we don’t have to wait for anything; approval, perfect timing, or permission.
(Isn’t this the coolest? It’s a life sized red Blow Pop sculpture! Not a blue one, but I like it. I took this photo in San Antonio, Texas Thursday night during a delicious client dinner at Battalion. I thought it was perfect timing for the BLR birthday week.)
Life is so simple, and we complicate it. Aren’t the best times spent with people instead of things? Isn’t a meal shared with interesting conversation and laughter, the best kind of medicine? Don’t you think it might do your body good spending a night out looking up at the sky, instead of staring up at the television?
Not much sticks around for 10 years. My engagement didn’t last after the launch of Blue Lollipop Road (thank goodness, because I’ve finally found my right person!), my friend who got married that weekend in the Outer Banks is now divorcing, and there have been a zillion other ups and downs since then. What sticks for me though, no matter what swirls around in this crazy life, is that everyday is a chance and choice to change what’s not working. We are never stuck unless we don’t have our health. The things that weigh us down or break our hearts are not worth keeping us stuck, as days tick by.
I hope I get to continue sharing my stories and doing the work I love for 10 more years, another 10 after that, and more. I hope the same for you.
(Yep, they still have a row of phone booths in the historic San Antonio, supposedly haunted Menger Hotel.)
Ready to get kicked out of the drone zone? Call me, maybe…
#GetUnstuck #LessStuffMoreFreedomHappyLife #StartDriving
And just like that…poof! There goes another month. Time flies too fast.
I spent the first month of 2018 celebrating and sharing here, and the second, not sharing here. Don’t fret my loves, I’ve still been having a lots of fun! I’ve been celebrating things like helping to get client donations to women and children coming out of domestic violence situations:
(Doing good feels so good! Thank you to so many people who volunteer their time to help others!)
…waking up in beautiful places and sipping coffee on balconies:
…uber windy chilly afternoons on the beach:
…breathtaking sunsets:
…purging and packing for cross country client moves:
(Remember, PURGE BEFORE YOU RELOCATE! Why in the world would you want to spend your hard earned money on moving a bunch of stuff you no longer need/use/want? There are so many more fun ways to spend your cash, like on cheese, the waterpark with your kids, coffee, a concert with your lover, or that mani/pedi you need to take a few minutes to yourself, for:)
Now let’s continue the celebrating with throwing a surprise birthday party for a friend:
(Like bubbly? Fill a flute 80% Prosecco or Cava, and the rest with grapefruit. Fresh grapefruit is best, but bottled will do, too. Yum!)
…onto events that promote inclusion, diversity, health, wellness, and human rights!
Equality now and forever! (You do you, girl, boy, or whatever word/term/name/thing that suits you/you feel like you want to rock out.)
…a little bit of road trippin’ for Carolina Blue basketball:
…and food! Oh how I love cooking and feasting with amazing people…one of the best ways to spend time:
Chimichurri cauliflower!
Crunchy french toast! Roll your egg-battered bread through corn flakes and voila…french toast kicked up a notch. Especially with Schoolhouse Maple syrup, made by my friends. It doesn’t get better than this, and sugaring season now. Mmm. (Yes! You can order some here.)
2 months down in 2018, 10 more to go, and some really fantastic things are on the horizon. This Blue Lollipop Road party isn’t going anywhere, so be prepared to keep those sunglasses on, because the light is shining bright, baby. Whether you celebrate in quiet or out loud and proud, it’s all about taking a minute to appreciate simple things…every…single…day.
Today is the day. What are you waiting for?
#EverydayAdventures #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone #RememberCelebrateLive
2.1.18
Hi there. If you haven’t been here before, welcome to the celebration. This is day 32. For the year 2018, anyway.
I’m Diane. This is me goofing around at Domaine Carneros a couple of weeks ago:
I love the bubbles there. They’re extra special with good company, too. Life is about celebrating everyday, right? And the people. Yes. The ones you love and those who make you laugh.
I don’t think we celebrate enough. I think we wait until it’s often too late. I think we’ve made a bad habit out of “saving up” for the perfect time or chance to live like we are actually alive.
The clock is ticking. When will we learn?
I do my best to work and practice what I preach by getting all fired up and excited about small, silly, insignificant things everyday, and taking anyone who let’s me, along for the ride. Kid in a candy store baby, it’s the only way to be while all the sweetness is there for the taking. When we practice having more gratitude, we have less attitude, and a helluva lot more fun.
So about this whole “celebration” thing?
Since meeting Noah Scalin years ago at an event where he shared his Skull-A-Day art project, I’ve been a little obsessed with doing my own 365 project. I attempted one in 2014 and it lasted for a bit over two months. This year I’m determined to go all the way for 2018, filling your inboxes with funny, strange, head-scratching things each day that I’m having a little party (celebration) about. I hope you will continue to follow along, and think a little more about feeling the thrill of at least one little ridiculous awesome thing everyday, too. (Scroll down to the bottom of my webpage and sign up for daily email notifications if you haven’t already.)
When we do things that make us happy, we stay unstuck, when we are not stuck, we are more badass, when we are badass, we take life by the you know what’s and don’t wait for damn permission from anyone to do whatever the heck we want.
Did you know you have the choice to do whatever the heck you want?
Bingo!
CELEBRATE! DO IT UP! TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE.
This Blue Lollipop Road was inspired by a couple of crazy joyful girls who didn’t care what day it was, they lived like they meant it. I will always be inspired to do the same. Today I celebrate making the choice to celebrate. Staying happy is a practice. Lace up, buttercup, and get in the game. The whistle just blew and it’s go time…
How are you going to start celebrating more?
#StartDriving #LifeUnstuck #TodayIsTheDay
*Feeling stuck as a pig in a pit? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.
1.30.18
I’m a AAA member, and have been for years. (Road Trippin’/travelin’/nomadin’/adventurin’ peeps, unite!) These horrifying stats just came to my email inbox from AAA about National Plan For Vacation Day:
Last year 54% of American didn’t use all their vacation time?!
Oh. Em. Gee. My heart breaks for people out there who are a part of that 54%. WHAT ARE Y’ALL WAITING FOR?! (I just had to get all southern for a minute, I’m so sad for that fact!)
Dear Friends,
Let’s start respecting the clock. Shall we?
Love, Diane
I bet:
*You could use a break
*You have a grand baby across the country you want to snuggle more with
*Your mom has been bugging you to visit
*Your jeans are bursting at the seams after the holidays and the gym is calling
*Your college reunion is coming up
*You’re in love with someone across the state you want to smooch
*You have needed to go to the dentist for a while now
*You are so over that closet piled full of crap you don’t use, need, or want
*Your kids kept you up all night last night
*Granny keeps calling, she wants you to meet her for lunch
*The Big Game is coming up and you sure would like to stuff your face with nachos watching it with friends
*Your passport is about to expire and it has no stamps
I’m wrong? None of the above? Ok, then I bet:
*That nonprofit you’re super passionate about could use some more extra help
*Your brother misses you
*Your guitar is collecting dust
*That cooking class only has one spot left available
*Your convertible hasn’t seen the sun in ages
*That book! That book is still sitting half-read on your bedside table
*You keep staring at that photo of the glaciers in Patagonia wondering why you haven’t been
*You’re daydreaming of a palm tree, a cold beer, and a moment of silence
One or more apply to you? Think it’s maybe time to go, be, see, and/or do what you want, need, or should?
Today I celebrate saying goodby to the office/cube/”work” for a day, week, or month, and hello to taking the time you have earned.
Not taking vacation…time…for your heart, health, and well-being, is about as bad as showing up to your should be inspiring commencement speech and telling all the fresh faces in caps and gowns the world sucks, there’s no hope for anyone, and Dr. Seuss was wrong, because they will never go anywhere.
Please don’t do that.
I challenge you to walk in to the big kahuna and tell her (see what I did there?) you’re going to take a few days to go hiking in nature alone, then spend the rest of your other few days just hanging with your family doing a whole lot of nothing other than being together. (Or whatever other very simple or over the top thing you can think of.) You will be taking ALL of your vacation days this year thankyouverymuch.
Let’s wipe out waste (of every kind.) Especially wasted time.
#RespectTheClock #TodayIsTheDay #LifeUnstuck
*Ready to get outta dodge, near or far? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.
1.29.18
Today I celebrate bright work space windows:
Baby it’s cold outside, but not in here facing out to the sun and blue skies!
How are you staying inspired to crank out your 9 to 5?
#LoveYourWork #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone #AlwaysLookingUp
*Feeling stuck in your day job? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.
1.27.18
Today I celebrate friends who start their own travel companies:
Check out this trip to Ireland in May! A great deal and opportunity for off the beaten path adventure with a couple of experienced and talented hosts. It’s pretty awesome when people find their super passions and want to share them with others.
Maybe it’s time for you to fly away, little birdie?
#Wanderlust #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone #ExperiencesNotThings
*Ready to take a trip but don’t know where to start? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.
1.25.18
Today I celebrate kindness, and notes from strangers.
I went to this event last night at Advent Coworking, and when we were about to walk out the door, a woman asked “Do you know anything about this place, and details about membership?”
I don’t work there, but told her how great I think Advent is. (Who can argue with affordable work space, interesting entrepreneurs, free events, and great opportunities for networking with a zillion different kinds of cool, creative people?) I gave her my card after we chatted for a few more minutes, and of course threw in, drop a line if you ever want to come join for girls wine night or some other fun! (I’m never afraid to invite more people to the party. You’re all welcome too. Anytime:)
Today this note popped in on my phone:
Amazing! Lesson for the day:
AN UNSOLICITED NOTE OF KINDNESS CAN GO A LONG WAY.
It really doesn’t take much.
You know what else made me feel high as a kite today? During my morning run, I saw a Pepsi delivery guy unloading stock going into a CVS store. He had parked his huge truck in the middle lane of a 4 lane road. As he crossed the road his computer clipboard flew off his cart and he couldn’t grab it. (No free hands and traffic coming fast.) I ran into the street and picked it up to bring it to him and was on my merry way. Big deal? Maybe not to some people. To me? Totally. To that guy? A huge help. (He and the computer were about to get run over.) One little thing that was so easy peasy for me to do and made me feel like a million bucks even though I’ll likely never see Mr. Pepsi again.
We may never know the kind of impact a note, smile, or bit of help has on another person. And really? It does reward us so much more to give than to get. Take an extra minute in your day today to help someone, or say something NICE. The karma gods are watching, when nobody else might be.
How are you being kind?
Thanks for the note, Cooper!
#AlwaysLookingUp #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #DoWhatYouLove
*Feel like you need a little more happiness in your life and don’t know how to find it? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.