We are under construction! Since we last spoke many things have changed. I will begin the blog again in April. Over the next few weeks I am going to publish my speech made last week to The Professional Women in Building. I used that time to wrap up my experience in professional organizing, running a business and making time for me. I believe it will post in about 4 parts.
I feel very strongly about what I put together and would like to share with you also. Since my husband and I experienced our miscarriage in January many opportunities have come since. I am so proud to now be our NARHA State Chairperson serving 2011-2012. I was also offered a full time position with the therapeutic riding center I was instructing at as assistant to the executive director. I will share more about this experience when I return in April, the feelings I processed and where I felt God was calling me.
The blog/s, Facebook and Twitter pages will all stay up and running but Lula is officially not accepting clients at this time. I would like to spend my time observing and writing on things that interest me. Of course I will still focus on my journey, ways to live with less anxiety (as I am a recovering anxiety addict), technology & gadgets that makes our lives easier and how we can run our homes more efficiently. I will be sharing lots of what I have learned helping my clients along with my own profound moments of how to live my best life!!
Hope you will stay with me and see where this goes! I am excited about this new chapter and can't wait to share it with you!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Working Around the Page
I have left the blog for a few weeks but am slowly returning back to myself. In the last two weeks much has happened. I find myself sitting tonite working at the computer for the 4th hour and realizing Im doing it again. Im taking on more and more and more and more and more...you get it!
But in life I am learning how to balance what I love. Balance what works. Balance what pays. I recently attended a clinic for horse training and our instructor, Mr. Craig Cameron, was filled with wise sayings.
Two of them being...
" Make the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy"
"The secret to success is to find something you would do for free and find someone to pay you to do it"
I really took these sayings to heart. After our recent loss I realized I can plan nothing in my life for I do not steer this ship. Some opportunities to follow my passion have occurred and I have seized them. I am only going where I am lead to go at this point. God is showing me that the wrong thing is hard and the right thing is easy.
In college, during one of my first drawing classes, I was told that I did well at working around the page. I sit here tonight working on two email accounts, a blog, 3 facebook pages, two discussion boards, two committees, and a twitter feed, simultaneously.
I have spent the last 4 days around horses and horse people and have determined a kind of bluntness comes with the territory. Balance is not always the easiest thing to do but in order to keep moving forward it is necessary.
Will I try to manage it all? Or will I listen to His plans for me and follow His lead?
All I can say is if you needed Lula in the next 4 months....you just missed her!
But in life I am learning how to balance what I love. Balance what works. Balance what pays. I recently attended a clinic for horse training and our instructor, Mr. Craig Cameron, was filled with wise sayings.
Two of them being...
" Make the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy"
"The secret to success is to find something you would do for free and find someone to pay you to do it"
I really took these sayings to heart. After our recent loss I realized I can plan nothing in my life for I do not steer this ship. Some opportunities to follow my passion have occurred and I have seized them. I am only going where I am lead to go at this point. God is showing me that the wrong thing is hard and the right thing is easy.
In college, during one of my first drawing classes, I was told that I did well at working around the page. I sit here tonight working on two email accounts, a blog, 3 facebook pages, two discussion boards, two committees, and a twitter feed, simultaneously.
I have spent the last 4 days around horses and horse people and have determined a kind of bluntness comes with the territory. Balance is not always the easiest thing to do but in order to keep moving forward it is necessary.
Will I try to manage it all? Or will I listen to His plans for me and follow His lead?
All I can say is if you needed Lula in the next 4 months....you just missed her!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Time to Heal - We'll be back
Lula's blog will be back in a few weeks. Melissa is not accepting any appointments until Jan. 20th. We are dealing with some difficult circumstances and using this time for healing as a family. We would appreciate your kind words and of course ask that you keep us in your prayers as we know only time will heal all wounds. Thank you for supporting Lulagrace.
For just those few weeks
I had you to myself.
And that seems too short a time
to be changed so profoundly.
In those few weeks,
I came to know you...
and to love you.
You came to trust me with your life.
Oh what a life I had planned for you!
Just those few weeks...
when I lost you,
i lost a lifetime of hopes,
plans, dreams and aspirations.
A slice of my future simply vanished overnight.
Just those few weeks...
It wasn't enough time to convince others
how special and important you were.
How odd, a truly unique person has recently died
and no one is mourning the passing.
Just a mere few weeks..
And no "normal" person would cry all night
Over a tiny unfinished baby,
or get depressed and withdraw day after endless day.
No one would, so why am I??
You were just those few weeks, my little one.
You darted in and out of my life too quickly.
But it seems that's all the time you needed
to make my life richer
and to give me a small glimpse of eternity.
~S. Erling
For just those few weeks
I had you to myself.
And that seems too short a time
to be changed so profoundly.
In those few weeks,
I came to know you...
and to love you.
You came to trust me with your life.
Oh what a life I had planned for you!
Just those few weeks...
when I lost you,
i lost a lifetime of hopes,
plans, dreams and aspirations.
A slice of my future simply vanished overnight.
Just those few weeks...
It wasn't enough time to convince others
how special and important you were.
How odd, a truly unique person has recently died
and no one is mourning the passing.
Just a mere few weeks..
And no "normal" person would cry all night
Over a tiny unfinished baby,
or get depressed and withdraw day after endless day.
No one would, so why am I??
You were just those few weeks, my little one.
You darted in and out of my life too quickly.
But it seems that's all the time you needed
to make my life richer
and to give me a small glimpse of eternity.
~S. Erling
Friday, December 31, 2010
Reflection!
Every day I read... a lot! From all your posts to multiple blogs and lots of articles published referencing anything from A-Z. Today, it seems we all have a common thread running through out our lives. We are all collectively ready to put this year behind us.
All of us on some level have dealt with unpleasantness and pain, things dealt in our hand that were a bunch of no fun.
It is nice to see such optimism. Feeling everyone's hope for a better year is such a refreshing feeling. Knowing that we are ready to put the past behind us and move on without looking back. I think we can all agree some tough lessons were learned for sure. In the same breath we must also praise our ability to cope with our emotions as well as the courage we all posess to tell our story. The bravest thing we can do is share our strife with others. We certainly help to inspire each other with our stories of triumph. For those personal struggles of mine this year I am thankful for what they have brought me. A greater understanding of what true faith is all about. I have never felt more in touch with my priorities than I do right now at this moment. There is strength in my convictions like never before. I am truly excited to see what God has in store for me next and I leave it completely up to Him.
As we spend our last few hours of reflection, let's toast those hardships for leaving a burn in our belly to continue moving forward, Happy New Year!
All of us on some level have dealt with unpleasantness and pain, things dealt in our hand that were a bunch of no fun.
It is nice to see such optimism. Feeling everyone's hope for a better year is such a refreshing feeling. Knowing that we are ready to put the past behind us and move on without looking back. I think we can all agree some tough lessons were learned for sure. In the same breath we must also praise our ability to cope with our emotions as well as the courage we all posess to tell our story. The bravest thing we can do is share our strife with others. We certainly help to inspire each other with our stories of triumph. For those personal struggles of mine this year I am thankful for what they have brought me. A greater understanding of what true faith is all about. I have never felt more in touch with my priorities than I do right now at this moment. There is strength in my convictions like never before. I am truly excited to see what God has in store for me next and I leave it completely up to Him.
As we spend our last few hours of reflection, let's toast those hardships for leaving a burn in our belly to continue moving forward, Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
diggin in for 2011!
One of the perks of my career is seeing what happens on the other side of pushing through. I usually start with a client who is in despair, feeling very cautious about what to expect and by the end of a few days that person is more confident and at ease about letting go and living in the moment.
Something I have always tried to do for my clients is to witness their collection of desires. Recognizing what they have collected and its pattern along with listening to what they value most. Often, I can realize a hidden passion or a longing to pursue a dream. Just like I can tell after organizing a closet what colors you like or not. A lot of folks don't really like to wear yellow I have found.
By organizing my clients and often times realizing those dreams I am able to discuss options for taking their first steps into a new business. Sometimes they may not have even thought of connecting the dots but mostly I find they are stuck with the how-to part.
Every year I teach several components to the students in AUM's Interior Decorating program, one of them being client communications. Fortunately I have worked with many advertising agencies and planned annual marketing schedules for automotive dealers as well as real estate agencies. Planning your campaign is the most important thing you can do for your business.
With my clients I am able to discuss objectives and establish goals along with time frames to achieve these things. They are left with new motivation along with new tools to begin these ventures. In the recent How-To guides that were popular with last month's package it occurred to me, it's nice to have a map!
I have established someones home office and set them up to create and market on more than one occasion and happy to say my most recent success was a dear friend that I knew wanted to be more creative in her life. I clearly understand the importance of social media and online tools as I network with professional organizers from across the country and stay up to date on what's working and what is not.
A lot of times you have everything you need, just not sure where you should start. Sometimes we can even sabotage our own desires by repeating behavior patterns that are not productive. We are so overwhelmed by ideas and plans that we short circuit in the getting-around-to-it phase.
Having been a business owner for the last seven years I have tried a lot of things and love sharing my successes and failures with others. The number one reward for me is helping someone figure out their mission statement in life. What is even better is when I can prevent someone from making a two steps back mistake.
I feel truly blessed to have been able to pursue my goals and I am excited to venture into new territory this year with my art and providing more coaching and consulting with my services. Lula's not going to be doing very much physical work, it will be limited.
Working in media advertising for several years I was able to benefit from top selling techniques from Gannett Corp., parent company of USA Today. I have relied on this training in my own business along with the tools we use to teach Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and happy to share that motivation with others. I have decided to put all my passions together and create a small business consultation service along side the organizational aspect.
At the same time I realize I am in no way done with my own growth and discovery. By counseling others I am able to provide myself constant encouragement from the bravery I see. People helping people is what it's all about! Creating a sense of community is essential to a small business.
So, if you have that idea, something nagging at you after all the lists are done for the day...but just not sure how to take the first step, take advantage of our January small business package. Receive coaching from me along with organizational tips for setting up and running your home based business ( a $500 value ) the entire month of January for $150.
Receive a complete two hour consultation along with follow up for 3 months to ensure you hit your goals for $300.
For those of you that desire a personal home organization consultation, Lula will continue December's package of a 90 min-two hour consultation plus "how-to" guide for $100.
For questions you may contact me at melissa@lulagrace.com or 334-799-4598. Thank you to all the great folks who supported Lula in 2010, it was a great year, but lessons learned for sure! Happy to say 2011 looks like it is going to start with a bang, so call today to book your appointment!! Wishing you much success in the New Year!!!!!!!!
**Small business package available state wide, personal organization package limited to Walker County residents only.
Something I have always tried to do for my clients is to witness their collection of desires. Recognizing what they have collected and its pattern along with listening to what they value most. Often, I can realize a hidden passion or a longing to pursue a dream. Just like I can tell after organizing a closet what colors you like or not. A lot of folks don't really like to wear yellow I have found.
By organizing my clients and often times realizing those dreams I am able to discuss options for taking their first steps into a new business. Sometimes they may not have even thought of connecting the dots but mostly I find they are stuck with the how-to part.
Every year I teach several components to the students in AUM's Interior Decorating program, one of them being client communications. Fortunately I have worked with many advertising agencies and planned annual marketing schedules for automotive dealers as well as real estate agencies. Planning your campaign is the most important thing you can do for your business.
With my clients I am able to discuss objectives and establish goals along with time frames to achieve these things. They are left with new motivation along with new tools to begin these ventures. In the recent How-To guides that were popular with last month's package it occurred to me, it's nice to have a map!
I have established someones home office and set them up to create and market on more than one occasion and happy to say my most recent success was a dear friend that I knew wanted to be more creative in her life. I clearly understand the importance of social media and online tools as I network with professional organizers from across the country and stay up to date on what's working and what is not.
A lot of times you have everything you need, just not sure where you should start. Sometimes we can even sabotage our own desires by repeating behavior patterns that are not productive. We are so overwhelmed by ideas and plans that we short circuit in the getting-around-to-it phase.
Having been a business owner for the last seven years I have tried a lot of things and love sharing my successes and failures with others. The number one reward for me is helping someone figure out their mission statement in life. What is even better is when I can prevent someone from making a two steps back mistake.
I feel truly blessed to have been able to pursue my goals and I am excited to venture into new territory this year with my art and providing more coaching and consulting with my services. Lula's not going to be doing very much physical work, it will be limited.
Working in media advertising for several years I was able to benefit from top selling techniques from Gannett Corp., parent company of USA Today. I have relied on this training in my own business along with the tools we use to teach Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and happy to share that motivation with others. I have decided to put all my passions together and create a small business consultation service along side the organizational aspect.
At the same time I realize I am in no way done with my own growth and discovery. By counseling others I am able to provide myself constant encouragement from the bravery I see. People helping people is what it's all about! Creating a sense of community is essential to a small business.
So, if you have that idea, something nagging at you after all the lists are done for the day...but just not sure how to take the first step, take advantage of our January small business package. Receive coaching from me along with organizational tips for setting up and running your home based business ( a $500 value ) the entire month of January for $150.
Receive a complete two hour consultation along with follow up for 3 months to ensure you hit your goals for $300.
For those of you that desire a personal home organization consultation, Lula will continue December's package of a 90 min-two hour consultation plus "how-to" guide for $100.
For questions you may contact me at melissa@lulagrace.com or 334-799-4598. Thank you to all the great folks who supported Lula in 2010, it was a great year, but lessons learned for sure! Happy to say 2011 looks like it is going to start with a bang, so call today to book your appointment!! Wishing you much success in the New Year!!!!!!!!
**Small business package available state wide, personal organization package limited to Walker County residents only.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
CONTEST!!!!
Refer the most friends to our Facebook page :
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Lulagrace-Organized-Interiors/123242845254
and enter to win this "Lead Without Limits" water bottle from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University!!
Help us get to 500 Likes....refer the most friends to our page by Jan. 5th, make sure they enter your name on our wall to register you for the free drawing!!
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Lulagrace-Organized-Interiors/123242845254
and enter to win this "Lead Without Limits" water bottle from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University!!
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