Hello everyone! Today, I would love to tell you about a discovery I made the other day. It isn't that large of a discovery, but I feel that it has opened up my world to more opportunities to make more friends that are more meaningful. The best way to display my point is to, you guessed it, tell stories of how this discovery has affected not only me, but the people around me as well.
Yes, this post in going to be a little long, but I feel the message is worth reading about. So please give it a chance and I guarantee that you will feel enlightened. You're welcome. :)
Two years ago, I was at a church camp during July with nearly 200 teenagers that I didn't know. If anyone knows anything about me, it's that I'm an introvert. Talking to people may be easy for some, but for me, talking is so much out of my comfort zone that I sometimes remain silent and listen to the people around me. I decided that day that I was no longer going to be the listener, so I put that to practice. Searching for a target, I almost instantly noticed a girl sitting across from me at our picnic table. The entire camp was split into groups, so we were waiting for the rest of our group to arrive. She looked at her hot dog and poked it instead of eating it. We smiled at each other, acknowledging each others existence. No, I needed to do better than that.
I asked her about her drive to the campus we were staying at, because it was very remote and difficult to find. She answered, "A little hard. I've never been here before." Then I agreed with her. That would be the end of our conversation, but I reached even further out of my comfort zone and tried to find something we had in common. After nearly five minutes she was chatting up a storm with me, and we talked for the rest of lunch about so many random things I can't even remember half of them. The rest of the week I saw her reaching out to others the same way I reached out to her, and we soon she was known by many for being the one who listened just as I had done. Who would've thought that a girl as quiet as I usually was would start acting the complete opposite instantly and have so much to say? That was the first major stepping stone of my journey.
This was the case with one of my good friends. We'll call him Sam, the same as Lord of the Rings Sam because he's my right hand man. I had known Sam for nearly ten years when I realized that I barely knew anything about him. My best friend and a few other girls would gossip constantly about the way Sam never talked or did anything fun. I always thought this was as exaggeration. Perhaps he needed a friend who could tolerate him. I started paying more attention to him, and I realized that even though he didn't talk that much, he loved having conversations. I would mention to him what I thought were the dumbest things, and we would have hilarious conversations about them. The girls and Sam's parents were dumbfounded to see him talking to me so much. No magic was performed here other than I gave the oddball a chance, and he was soon one of my most meaningful friends. We're going to the same college this year and we're super excited to see each other again.
My last example is of a girl I met yesterday. Because I'm a Mormon, I often take visits to go to one of our temples and perform certain ordinances, specifically the one in Washington D.C. One of the ordinances I did was that I found an ancestor of mine from the 1600's, and decided that I would be baptized for them. After I was finished, I changed back into my dry clothes and went towards the bathroom to style my hair when a temple worker gently pulled me aside and asked if I could keep a young woman with me until her friend was finished with her own temple work. I graciously accepted because the young girl looked terrified to be meeting me, or more specifically, someone who was new.
We went to the bathroom together and I immediately began my usual styling routine when the young girl no older than thirteen says shyly, "I really like your hair," I admit that I was very flattered because I could only imagine how much courage it took for her to say that. I turned on my diffuser, which was loud enough that I wouldn't be able to hear her if she were to talk to me. As soon as I heard her voice, I immediately turned off my diffuser and listened to what she had to say. We listened intently to each other, then I would diffuse my hair a little more before the process was repeated. I didn't mind being interrupted because I could slowly see a transformation happening before my eyes. By the time I was finished she was a completely different person! She was so talkative and had many experiences to share with me. We were so enlightened my each other that we would have conversations with girls who passed by. It seemed that our need to talk was then becoming infectious.
Now, that's a lot of story telling to handle. I know. But those stories are all connected for a very obvious reasons:
1. Introverts are only introverts because they don't like making that first step out of their comfort
zone to talk to others (I discovered how to overcome that anxiety only recently). Okay, there are
many reasons, but this reason is MAJOR!
2. Anyone can become a meaningful friend no matter how quiet or shy they are
3. Giving people chances will change your world, especially theirs, for the better
I have realized that people who talk less are those who have more to say than the average person. This seems almost too simple once I type it out loud (wow, I think I'm sooo funny...), but it is a fact that we too often forget. If we reached out to those people who seemed lonely, shy, or excluded, imagine the impact you could have on their lives. Of course you will see a change in you as well, but sometimes to be a better person you need to forget yourself a little.
I find that the best way to talk to people who are shy is to ask them questions about the things they are interested in, because everyone has a passion or hobby that they are willing to expand on.
The next part is a little tricky: Show that you are interested in what they're talking about by listening and engaging in further conversation, and never pretend to be. This one is sooooo difficult because you could be polar opposites. Here's what I would do: I would not be defensive or angry about their passion. Easy right? If you like listening to classical music and they like hard metal rock, don't stereotype them or think they are distasteful compared to you. Simply agree to disagree and ask them how they first discovered that genre or how many songs they've purchased. I don't know about you, but for my school district that's an entire bus ride's worth of conversation. Easy! and one of the most important things.... NO SARCASM!!! This will make you seem condescending and bitter. This isn't typically the case, but until you really know a person, sarcasm can make you seem more annoyed than joking around. Shy people are just the same!
Happiness spreads. Keep the conversation positive! Sometimes we slip into talking about our dislikes more than our pleasures. Good conversations with someone who is shy tend to be more meaningful than others. I'm not sure why that's the case, but maybe it's knowing that you know more about this person than many others do because you gave them a chance. And if that person is having a bad day and you can feel their sadness, try to cheer them up in a genuine way. I feel that because I'm shy, I see things as black or white, meaning I can tell whether someone in genuinely concerned or not. Be that person they know they can listen to, because shy people think A LOT, and they are very smart at detecting those things.
When I turned off my diffuser to talk to that girl, she then knew she was important enough for me to stop and listen to her because she mattered. Read that sentence again. Most of the time people who are shy tend to feel an overwhelming sense of invisibility. They feel they are looked over. When you take time to pay attention to them and their feelings you have made them feel more important than you'll ever realize. Even if it isn't on that grand of a scale, people who are shy appreciate attention much more than you think they do.
Being friends with quiet people does not mean that you have digressed down the slope of the extroverted norm people desire. Being friends with someone who's shy is an accomplishment. As you continue to genuinely befriend those who need friends the most, you will see a change in them, and others will see it too. I believe that having a couple very dear friends is better than being in a group of two dozen acquaintances, and that's why I go out of my way to specifically give shy people my attention. I am a very shy person when it comes to being social, so I treat other she people as I would want others to treat me: with genuine interest and respect.
There's that word again! Genuine! Making friends with quite people isn't supposed to be a game, but an extraordinary opportunity for you to develop meaningful relationships than can last a lifetime. Please don't ever think shy people not being worth your time. From experience and a little hard work, I can assure you that it is quite the opposite. Have a wonderful day, and know that everyone deserves a chance at having a friend, especially those who need them the most.
P.S. That should be our new word. GENUINE. :) Stay genuine everyone!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Pin-Up Curls How-to!
Last winter I just got sick of my hair not curling correctly, so I was searching up dozens of hairstyles that I could try so I could hide my wimpy hair. Finally, I saw a tutorial on how to make your hair as darling as Shirley Temple's! (RIP) I immediately thought, "This is another tutorial on how to use a curling iron that will singe my delicate hair," but there ended up being NO heat in the process. The only things she used for this beautiful hairstyle were bobby pins and a good night sleep. Too good to be true? Not so! There really is a genuine hairstyle that will give you curling iron results that will last all day! Here's what mine look like:
The best part about this hairstyle is that no two curls are exactly alike. Now, here's what you'll need:
- A whole bunch of bobby pins. I use around 25-35 bobby pins. The amount you use solely depends on how many curls you want and how tight or loose you want them to be.
- Hairspray. You want something with a firm hold, but you don't need your hair to be a brick either. You will use this after you take the bobby pins out in the morning.
- Beyond The Zone Noodle Head curling cream (Or any hair product that works best for you). The purpose of this product is to lower the amount of frizz you may have.
Step 1: Take a shower. Your hair needs to be wet or else this hairstyle will not work out! No special shower treatment is needed for this hairstyle. Do your normal routine.
Step 2: Apply your favorite hair products. If you never style your hair and don't know what to buy, go to your local RiteAid or Wallgreen's (or Walmart, or Shop 'n Save, you get the point) and search for hair products that say 'Anti-Frizz'. You don't need to buy the most expensive product either.
Step 3: Pin up your curls! This part will need some explaining. The way I do it is I first take a lock of hair (maybe a half a pencil thickness...?). I wrap the hair around two of my fingers, then pin it flat to my head. Kind of the same situation the 'winding a bobbin' motion (sewing terms). Make sure that the bobby pin is placed across the entire curl so that it stays in place.
I am not going to lie to you. These. curls. take. practice!!! You may get frustrated, but please keep going! It really is worth it (as you can see). Eventually, you will feel like a ninja because you can pin the curls on the back of your head without looking. Boss!
Step 4: Sleep it off. If your hair dries in no time then you're all set. For people with hair like my sister's which never dries and can barely be styled, I believe that this will work for you too. You'll just need more hairspray to keep the curls in their prime after you take the pins out. I forgot to mention, this works for nearly every hair length, it's just a lot more dramatic with longer hair. (Because there's more hair. You got me?)
Step 5: Take out the pins and admire your work! After all that pinning and sleeping, you now get to finally witness the fruits of your labors!
Step 6: Using your fingers, gently comb your curls for a more natural look. Sometimes these curls can look a little harsh (as in SUPER curly and unnatural), so use your fingers and gently comb them out. Or, use the more enjoyable technique: Whip your hair back and forth!
Step 7: Use your hairspray to keep those curls in place.
Now, go out into the world and rock your hair like there's nothing to it!
Here are some problems that I had to troubleshoot:
1. Some of my curls are looser than others, and others are very tight.
Solution: Unless your fingers like to change sizes on you, this problem will be solved with practice.
2. My hair is still wet when I wake up and I need to go! What do I do?
Solution: This is when you can take out your hairdryer. Turn on a warm setting to dry the curls while they're still pinned to your head.
3. The bobby pins are not holding my curls in place.
Solution: In my case, when I used too much of my hair product it made my hair more slippery, believe it or not. Another solution is that you've probably twisted a lock of hair that was too thick, and your bobby pin won't hold it in place. It will take more time, but take your time and make the curls as small as they need to be, depending on your hair thickness. Or you could buy jumbo bobby pins, but I don't know where to get any.
If you think you have the best brand of bobby pins or the best hair products for this hairstyle, please comment below and let other girls know what's best for their hair. Thanks, and happy styling!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is meant to be an overnight hairstyle! I cannot give you a style that takes less time than a good night's sleep. Maybe you could blow-dry the curls for a while, but heat isn't that great for your hair, so I wouldn't recommend it.
***Because I'm a perfectionist, it took me 45 minutes to pin the curls to my head. The next time I tried it took me about half an hour. If you love loose curls and only place 10-15 on your head I can't imagine it would take you more than 10 minutes.
- A whole bunch of bobby pins. I use around 25-35 bobby pins. The amount you use solely depends on how many curls you want and how tight or loose you want them to be.
- Hairspray. You want something with a firm hold, but you don't need your hair to be a brick either. You will use this after you take the bobby pins out in the morning.
- Beyond The Zone Noodle Head curling cream (Or any hair product that works best for you). The purpose of this product is to lower the amount of frizz you may have.
Step 1: Take a shower. Your hair needs to be wet or else this hairstyle will not work out! No special shower treatment is needed for this hairstyle. Do your normal routine.
Step 2: Apply your favorite hair products. If you never style your hair and don't know what to buy, go to your local RiteAid or Wallgreen's (or Walmart, or Shop 'n Save, you get the point) and search for hair products that say 'Anti-Frizz'. You don't need to buy the most expensive product either.
Step 3: Pin up your curls! This part will need some explaining. The way I do it is I first take a lock of hair (maybe a half a pencil thickness...?). I wrap the hair around two of my fingers, then pin it flat to my head. Kind of the same situation the 'winding a bobbin' motion (sewing terms). Make sure that the bobby pin is placed across the entire curl so that it stays in place.
I am not going to lie to you. These. curls. take. practice!!! You may get frustrated, but please keep going! It really is worth it (as you can see). Eventually, you will feel like a ninja because you can pin the curls on the back of your head without looking. Boss!
Step 4: Sleep it off. If your hair dries in no time then you're all set. For people with hair like my sister's which never dries and can barely be styled, I believe that this will work for you too. You'll just need more hairspray to keep the curls in their prime after you take the pins out. I forgot to mention, this works for nearly every hair length, it's just a lot more dramatic with longer hair. (Because there's more hair. You got me?)
Step 5: Take out the pins and admire your work! After all that pinning and sleeping, you now get to finally witness the fruits of your labors!
Step 6: Using your fingers, gently comb your curls for a more natural look. Sometimes these curls can look a little harsh (as in SUPER curly and unnatural), so use your fingers and gently comb them out. Or, use the more enjoyable technique: Whip your hair back and forth!
Step 7: Use your hairspray to keep those curls in place.
Now, go out into the world and rock your hair like there's nothing to it!
Here are some problems that I had to troubleshoot:
1. Some of my curls are looser than others, and others are very tight.
Solution: Unless your fingers like to change sizes on you, this problem will be solved with practice.
2. My hair is still wet when I wake up and I need to go! What do I do?
Solution: This is when you can take out your hairdryer. Turn on a warm setting to dry the curls while they're still pinned to your head.
3. The bobby pins are not holding my curls in place.
Solution: In my case, when I used too much of my hair product it made my hair more slippery, believe it or not. Another solution is that you've probably twisted a lock of hair that was too thick, and your bobby pin won't hold it in place. It will take more time, but take your time and make the curls as small as they need to be, depending on your hair thickness. Or you could buy jumbo bobby pins, but I don't know where to get any.
If you think you have the best brand of bobby pins or the best hair products for this hairstyle, please comment below and let other girls know what's best for their hair. Thanks, and happy styling!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is meant to be an overnight hairstyle! I cannot give you a style that takes less time than a good night's sleep. Maybe you could blow-dry the curls for a while, but heat isn't that great for your hair, so I wouldn't recommend it.
***Because I'm a perfectionist, it took me 45 minutes to pin the curls to my head. The next time I tried it took me about half an hour. If you love loose curls and only place 10-15 on your head I can't imagine it would take you more than 10 minutes.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Crochet 'Lamby Hat' Pattern
I don't know if I have mentioned already, but crocheting is kind of my thing. Okay, I'll stop lying. I love it! I'm nearly obsessed! And because I'm obsessed, I've tried to create some of my own patterns instead of finding other people's crochet patterns online. So here's the story of this pattern:
It was a week or two before Christmas, and I was watching a short clip about christmas when I saw it: a family was reenacting a Nativity, and the little girl was wearing the most adorable sheep or lamb hat (whichever you prefer). It was one of those hats that made you say, "I need that child, or her hat." So, here I am to provide you with the pattern, 'cause I can't kidnap the kid for you (hehe).
So, let us begin!
Lamby Hat Pattern (Child size)
Materials needed:
1 skein of white worsted weight yarn (specifically the Pound of Love in White by Lion Brand Yarns)
1 skein of coffee worsted weight yarn (specifically Red Heart Super Saver in Coffee)
1 skein of pink worsted weight yarn (specifically I Love This Yarn brand in Soft Pink. This yarn can
be purchased at Hobby Lobby or on their website)
8.00 mm crochet hook
5.50 mm crochet hook
Large yarn needle (for sewing the ears to the hat)
Difficulty:
Beginner - Easy
Abbreviations:
rnd - round
st - stitch
sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
lpst - loop stitch
sp - space
dec - decrease
Stitches Used:
single crochet
slip stitch
loop stitch
single crochet 2 together/decrease
Notes:
- If you want this hat to be a larger size keep continuing the increase rounds until desired size.
- On that note, after increasing to desired size, the hat will still increase is size for the next 2 or 3 rounds, so make sure that you crochet less increase rounds than you think you should so your hat doesn't end up too big. (I hope that makes sense...)
- If you use other brands of yarn than the ones I have suggested, I will kill you. Kidding! Use whatever brands you want, just make sure they're all worsted weight.
*Watch this video if you're not sure what a loop stitch is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAg1ygQb97s
Pattern
Body:
With size 8.00 mm hook and white yarn, start hat by chaining 2.
Rnd 1: Crochet 6 sc into second chain from hook. Join with sl st in first sc. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, 2 lpst in each st around. Join with sl st in first st. (12 lpsts)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next st, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last st. Join with sl st in first st. (18 lpsts)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next 2 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 2 sts. Join with sl st in first st. (24 lpsts)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next 3 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 3 sts. Join with sl st in first st. (32 lpsts)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next 4 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 4 sts. Join with sl st in first sc. (40 lpsts)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in nest 5 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 5 sts. Join with sl st in first sc. (48 lpsts)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, 1 lpst in same st, 1 lpst in each st around.
Rnds 9 - 18: repeat Rnd 8.
Brim:
Rnd 19: Switch to coffee yarn.
Here's the funky part: It turns out that your hat has been made inside out! Well, if you were to make another kind of hat you would turn it inside out to show the right side of the stitches. But, the loops you've crocheted were made on the wrong side of your hat. Don't turn it inside out! Obviously you want those loops to show, so don't let it bother you.
If I haven't scrabbled up your brain yet, then here's the kicker: when you switch to the chocolate yarn for the brim start working in the opposite direction. Why? Because there's a right and a wrong side to crochet stitches. Your hat was made inside out, but we need the right side of the brim to show. I guess the best way I can say it is:
Rnd 19 (cont.): When you finish with Rnd 18 you will be looking at the inside of your hat. Make a
180 degree turn so that the loops are facing you. Ch 1, sc in each st around, working to the left. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 21: Repeat Rnd 20. Fasten off.
Ears:
Make 2.
With size 5.50 mm hook and pink yarn, ch 11.
Row 1: sc into second ch from hook, sc in next 9 sc. Ch1, then continue to sc on the opposite side of the chs. (20 sc, 1 ch 1 space) Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next st, sc in ch sp, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts.
Row 3: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Switch to white yarn. Sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Ch 9, sl st into first sc on opposite corner. (You are starting the other half of the ear) Ch 1, turn.
Row 6: Sc in same ch, sc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 8 - 11: Repeat row 7.
Row 12: Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn.
Row 13: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 14: Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn.
Row 15: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 16: Sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog. Fasten off and leave a very long tail. (about 18-20 inches)
Sew the two connected halves of the ears together using your yarn needle. After all the edges are sewn, sew the two corners together. Keep the long tail so you can sew it to the hat.
Assembly:
The simplest way to attach the ears to the hat is to lay the hat flat on a surface, place the ears where you want them to be, then pin them in place so they don't flop everywhere. Sew them on, making sure to overlap the stitches (in sewing we call it backstitching) a few times so that the ear is solidly in place. Fasten off and weave in the ends, and voila!
Use these adorable hats for a nativity, or let your little girl wear it like a champion! Or make one for yourself! (Why wouldn't you!?)
Enjoy!! If a part of this pattern isn't clear or you have a question please feel free to leave a comment. I would love it if you would use this hat for personal purposes and please not sell it if you have a shop. I don't want to be that way, but I would love for this pattern to remain mine. Thank you sooooooo much and happy crocheting!
Here are the links to the materials I used if you don't have them at home:
Pound of Love in White: http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/pound.htm
Pink yarn: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/soft-pink-i-love-this-yarn-solid-yarn-248757/
Coffee yarn: PageID=62&CategoryID=4&ProductID=1969&RootCatCode=01000
Crochet Hooks: PageID=62&CategoryID=42&ProductID=2079&PPG=1&RootCatCode=03000
Yarn Needles: PageID=62&CategoryID=123&ProductID=2770&ItemID=4112&RootCatCode=04000
It was a week or two before Christmas, and I was watching a short clip about christmas when I saw it: a family was reenacting a Nativity, and the little girl was wearing the most adorable sheep or lamb hat (whichever you prefer). It was one of those hats that made you say, "I need that child, or her hat." So, here I am to provide you with the pattern, 'cause I can't kidnap the kid for you (hehe).
So, let us begin!
Lamby Hat Pattern (Child size)
Materials needed:
1 skein of white worsted weight yarn (specifically the Pound of Love in White by Lion Brand Yarns)
1 skein of coffee worsted weight yarn (specifically Red Heart Super Saver in Coffee)
1 skein of pink worsted weight yarn (specifically I Love This Yarn brand in Soft Pink. This yarn can
be purchased at Hobby Lobby or on their website)
8.00 mm crochet hook
5.50 mm crochet hook
Large yarn needle (for sewing the ears to the hat)
Difficulty:
Beginner - Easy
Abbreviations:
rnd - round
st - stitch
sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
lpst - loop stitch
sp - space
dec - decrease
Stitches Used:
single crochet
slip stitch
loop stitch
single crochet 2 together/decrease
Notes:
- If you want this hat to be a larger size keep continuing the increase rounds until desired size.
- On that note, after increasing to desired size, the hat will still increase is size for the next 2 or 3 rounds, so make sure that you crochet less increase rounds than you think you should so your hat doesn't end up too big. (I hope that makes sense...)
- If you use other brands of yarn than the ones I have suggested, I will kill you. Kidding! Use whatever brands you want, just make sure they're all worsted weight.
*Watch this video if you're not sure what a loop stitch is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAg1ygQb97s
Pattern
Body:
With size 8.00 mm hook and white yarn, start hat by chaining 2.
Rnd 1: Crochet 6 sc into second chain from hook. Join with sl st in first sc. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, 2 lpst in each st around. Join with sl st in first st. (12 lpsts)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next st, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last st. Join with sl st in first st. (18 lpsts)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next 2 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 2 sts. Join with sl st in first st. (24 lpsts)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next 3 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 3 sts. Join with sl st in first st. (32 lpsts)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in next 4 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 4 sts. Join with sl st in first sc. (40 lpsts)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, 2 lpst in same st, *1 lpst in nest 5 sts, 2 lpst in next st* around, 1 lpst in last 5 sts. Join with sl st in first sc. (48 lpsts)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, 1 lpst in same st, 1 lpst in each st around.
Rnds 9 - 18: repeat Rnd 8.
Brim:
Rnd 19: Switch to coffee yarn.
Here's the funky part: It turns out that your hat has been made inside out! Well, if you were to make another kind of hat you would turn it inside out to show the right side of the stitches. But, the loops you've crocheted were made on the wrong side of your hat. Don't turn it inside out! Obviously you want those loops to show, so don't let it bother you.
If I haven't scrabbled up your brain yet, then here's the kicker: when you switch to the chocolate yarn for the brim start working in the opposite direction. Why? Because there's a right and a wrong side to crochet stitches. Your hat was made inside out, but we need the right side of the brim to show. I guess the best way I can say it is:
Rnd 19 (cont.): When you finish with Rnd 18 you will be looking at the inside of your hat. Make a
180 degree turn so that the loops are facing you. Ch 1, sc in each st around, working to the left. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 21: Repeat Rnd 20. Fasten off.
Ears:
Make 2.
With size 5.50 mm hook and pink yarn, ch 11.
Row 1: sc into second ch from hook, sc in next 9 sc. Ch1, then continue to sc on the opposite side of the chs. (20 sc, 1 ch 1 space) Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next st, sc in ch sp, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts.
Row 3: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Switch to white yarn. Sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Ch 9, sl st into first sc on opposite corner. (You are starting the other half of the ear) Ch 1, turn.
Row 6: Sc in same ch, sc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 8 - 11: Repeat row 7.
Row 12: Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn.
Row 13: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 14: Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn.
Row 15: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 16: Sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog. Fasten off and leave a very long tail. (about 18-20 inches)
Sew the two connected halves of the ears together using your yarn needle. After all the edges are sewn, sew the two corners together. Keep the long tail so you can sew it to the hat.
Assembly:
The simplest way to attach the ears to the hat is to lay the hat flat on a surface, place the ears where you want them to be, then pin them in place so they don't flop everywhere. Sew them on, making sure to overlap the stitches (in sewing we call it backstitching) a few times so that the ear is solidly in place. Fasten off and weave in the ends, and voila!
Use these adorable hats for a nativity, or let your little girl wear it like a champion! Or make one for yourself! (Why wouldn't you!?)
Enjoy!! If a part of this pattern isn't clear or you have a question please feel free to leave a comment. I would love it if you would use this hat for personal purposes and please not sell it if you have a shop. I don't want to be that way, but I would love for this pattern to remain mine. Thank you sooooooo much and happy crocheting!
Here are the links to the materials I used if you don't have them at home:
Pound of Love in White: http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/pound.htm
Pink yarn: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/soft-pink-i-love-this-yarn-solid-yarn-248757/
Coffee yarn: PageID=62&CategoryID=4&ProductID=1969&RootCatCode=01000
Crochet Hooks: PageID=62&CategoryID=42&ProductID=2079&PPG=1&RootCatCode=03000
Yarn Needles: PageID=62&CategoryID=123&ProductID=2770&ItemID=4112&RootCatCode=04000
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Passion for Piano
The piano is one of my best friends. No joke. Maybe a little... Anyways, I have heard people call the piano "the most beautiful instrument on earth". Well, you better believe it because pianos can be played at almost any age and there are so many possibilities that come from a piano. Musical composition possibilities. Oh yeah. I have made some of my own music, but it's not worth mentioning. Everything I play isin the key of C. If for some strage alienistic reason I end up making an album I will name it "Key of C". Sounds lame, but that's exactly what it is.
I listen to piano when I study, when I'm getting ready for bed, when I'm online, when I'm driving... I listen to music almost compulsively and whenever I do it's either cute love songs, country, or piano. Piano is music you can listen to anytime. It's awesome when piano is your favorite music. Youcan listen to it and it gives you double the peace and inspitarion. I also daydream a ton, so a good piano song can make me think for hours. But hey,
"Everything starts as somebody's daydream." -Larry Niven
Pretty boss, huh? This is just what piano is! It makes you feel great things that you couldn't feel otherwise. It's truely something amazing.
My favorite music genre is piano, no doubt about it. I'm not going to say it's the easiest instrument to compose music one, it's just easier than most. Sometimes I get so into piano I compose an entire song 20 minutes, but I usually don't have time to write it down and I end up forgetting it the next day. It's sad, really. But when a song I compose does stick in my mind I remake the song through Noteflight.
It's an amazing website where you can create your own music. The best part about this website is that there are multiple instruments to chose from, and the website play your notes outloud! Even when you first sign up you are given multiple instrument options, you can change the key and time signature, and you can hear how your music sounds as you're composing! It's a dream come true!!! I very much suggest this to you if you are someone who wants to compose their music digitally in the easiest way possible.
For school I am required to write four small papers and one big research one. For one of my four small ones I wrote a long poem about how piano is so influential and truely is the most beautiful instrument ever created. I bet it's not even formatted correctly! Even though I've never been into writing poetry past Haikus, I thought this poem hit a home run.
Music is Life
Music starts to flow through your fingers,
The way a river flows through a valley,
It does not involve math, or numbers, or
reading,
It’s about something else entirely.
When your fingers tap the notes,
Of those angelic keys you know so well.
Your spirit and soul will start to float,
As far as you eyes can tell.
It starts with a chord.
Then an arpeggio, mezzo piano, crescendo.
And soon you’ll tell you’re in another world;
A world of peace where melodies grow.
You’ve developed for so long
And now it’s time to show you can really shine
For when you start to express your heart through
song
Beauty and peace will build line by line
Not by note,
Measure by measure,
You will start to find music is your greatest
treasure
It sends a message pure
So clear to dazzling
Soon you’ll see that you’ve been lured
Back to that seat again and again
Suddenly your fingers stop
The fluttering they have done all along
The crowd cheers and everyone starts to clap
And you sadden because the song can’t be
prolonged.
But you stand and bow
Like you’ve just changed the world
Because you feel something inside
That starts to unfurl.
You open your eyes
And you are sitting at your home
sitting on your piano bench
Where your imagination roams
You know you will play one day
On that stage shining in the spotlight
Because you know you can change the world
When you know that music is your life.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
My Sewing Projects
Sewing is the best thing that has ever happened in human history. Sewing is definitely my biggest passion, and I soon want to take clothing construction classes over the summer at the local college so I can actually create all my clothing visions! In the meantime, I'm sticking with patterns.
First of all, I would love to thank Simplicity, McCall's, and Vogue patterns for providing such beautiful patterns for clothing that I can make right at home whenever I please. Also to Joanne's fabric stores for providing nearly all the fabric for my projects. I have so much fun doing these, and the wonderful pattern and fabric makers of these companies are making my dreams come true. Even though I don't know you guys, you're pretty dang awesome.
And, my mom loves sewing as well, so she was and is willing to help me during tough/new steps and translate the instructions for me. I'm working to understand them on my own, but mom has helped me a lot so I don't screw up. She's awesome, so I should thanks her too. Thanks mom!
This is simply going to be a collection of all my projects. I strive towards sewing dresses that have sleeves and skirts that go down to at least my knees. I call them 'fidget-free' dresses. No pulling up or down, just clothes that are easy to wear but are still very stylish and cute. This is merely just a gallery, so I hope you enjoy all my creations, because I sure did, and do!
First of all, I would love to thank Simplicity, McCall's, and Vogue patterns for providing such beautiful patterns for clothing that I can make right at home whenever I please. Also to Joanne's fabric stores for providing nearly all the fabric for my projects. I have so much fun doing these, and the wonderful pattern and fabric makers of these companies are making my dreams come true. Even though I don't know you guys, you're pretty dang awesome.
And, my mom loves sewing as well, so she was and is willing to help me during tough/new steps and translate the instructions for me. I'm working to understand them on my own, but mom has helped me a lot so I don't screw up. She's awesome, so I should thanks her too. Thanks mom!
This is simply going to be a collection of all my projects. I strive towards sewing dresses that have sleeves and skirts that go down to at least my knees. I call them 'fidget-free' dresses. No pulling up or down, just clothes that are easy to wear but are still very stylish and cute. This is merely just a gallery, so I hope you enjoy all my creations, because I sure did, and do!
My Halloween costume and the perfect dress to wear to the Renaissance Fair this summer. Took us 23.5 hours to finish. Whew!
This dress is SUPER fun to wear. The zippers on the hips tie the whole thing together. And, they're real pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
Properly named my "Picnic" shirt. Awesome to wear during the summer. I wore it to the 4th of July, and wore it like a champion.
My Valentine's Day dance dress. (Blush) The pattern originally had no sleeves, so I created my own. Yup, those are some pretty nifty improv. sleeves is you ask me. Too adorable to handle.
I made the skirt, and I just happened to have a shirt that matched it perfectly (unintentionally). This skirt is feminine because of the ruffles, and spicy because of it's color. The best skirt to spin in EVER!
I call this my 'Cinderella' dress. It is the first one I have ever made, and it turned out great! This is the best dress to spin in. Light, spinny, beautiful... sign me up.
And this is my pride and joy! My homecoming 2014 dress!! I'm so proud of it!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Daily Quote!
Who doesn't love a daily quote to start the day off right? In fact, I love them so much I might just post one daily! Quotes can truly be very motivational and can have a huge influence on us, so I feel that they are important. I have found these quotes from multiple resources, but I mainly use Brinyquote. So here's lucky quote number 1:
Daily Quote #1 June 3rd, 2013 -
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."
- David Brinkley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #2 June 4th, 2013
"Happiness is a direction, not a place." -Sydney J Harris
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #3 June 5th, 2013
"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."
- Paul Valery
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #4 June 6th, 2013
"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."
- Bill Cosby
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #5 June 7th, 2013
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." -Bruce Lee
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #6 June 8th, 2013
"Don't find fault, find a remedy." - Henry Ford
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #7 June 9th, 2013
"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action."
- Banjamin Disraeli
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #8 June 10th, 2013
"There is on way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will." - Epictetus
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #9 June 11th, 2013
"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."
-Anges Repplier
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #10 June 12th, 2013
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #11 June 13th, 2013
"Expect problems and eat them for breakfast" - Alfred A. Montapert
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #12 June 14th, 2013
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
- Maya Angelou
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #13 June 15th, 2013
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #14 June 16th, 2013
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas A. Edison
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #15 June 17th, 2013
"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."
- Charles Spurgeon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #16 June 18th, 2013
"Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice."
- Anton Chekhov
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #17 June 19th, 2013
"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
- Abraham Maslow
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #18 June 20th, 2013
"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you."
- Aldous Huxley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #19 June 21st, 2013
"Honesty is the best policy." - Benjamin Franklin
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #20 June 22nd, 2013
"By three methods we can learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitaion, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."
- Cunfucius
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #21 June 23rd, 2013
"Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye."
- H. Jackson Brown Jr.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #22 June 24th, 2013
"Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines."
- Robert H. Schuller
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #23 June 25th, 2013
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
- Thomas Paine
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #24 June 26th, 2013
"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."
- Henry Ford
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #25 June 27th, 2013
(One of my favorites!!)
" A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
- Phyllis Diller
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #26 June 28th, 2013
"To be a good loser is to learn how to win."
- Carl Sandburg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe in smiles. Smiles I tell you! They're the best and you cannot, I repeat, CANNOT live without a smile. Please enjoy these quotes which should leave a smile on your face! :)
Daily Quote #27 June 29th, 2013
"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do."
- Mother Teresa
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #28 June 30th, 2013
"I have found that a smile and a stick will carry you through all right, and in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred it is the smile that does the trick."
- Robert Powell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #29 July 1st, 2013
"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside."
- Denis Waitly
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #30 July 2nd, 2013
"As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it."
- Buddy Hackett
(Story of my life.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #31 July 3rd, 2013
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #32 July 4th, 2013
"My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth." - Abraham Lincoln
Happy 4th of July to everyone! And I would love to thank all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect the best country on earth, and who have made our America home such a wonderful and safe place. I love you all, and too all the troops, we all love you too.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #33 July 5th, 2013
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."
- Willie Nelson
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #34 July 6th, 2013
"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."
- Zig Ziglar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #35 July 7th, 2013
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
- Mother Teresa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #36 July 8th, 2013
"Faith is taking the first step when you don't see the whole staircase."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #37 July 9th, 2013
"I think that anybody that smiles automatically looks better."
- Diane Lane
I couldn't agree more! We are basically the same person.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #38 July 10th, 2013
"A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can't do. I always look on the positive side of ehat I can do."
- Chuck Norris
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote # 39 July 11th, 2013
"When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It's very simple."
- Paulo Coelho
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #1 June 3rd, 2013 -
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."
- David Brinkley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #2 June 4th, 2013
"Happiness is a direction, not a place." -Sydney J Harris
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #3 June 5th, 2013
"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."
- Paul Valery
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #4 June 6th, 2013
"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."
- Bill Cosby
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #5 June 7th, 2013
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." -Bruce Lee
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #6 June 8th, 2013
"Don't find fault, find a remedy." - Henry Ford
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #7 June 9th, 2013
"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action."
- Banjamin Disraeli
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #8 June 10th, 2013
"There is on way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will." - Epictetus
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #9 June 11th, 2013
"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."
-Anges Repplier
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #10 June 12th, 2013
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #11 June 13th, 2013
"Expect problems and eat them for breakfast" - Alfred A. Montapert
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #12 June 14th, 2013
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
- Maya Angelou
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #13 June 15th, 2013
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #14 June 16th, 2013
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas A. Edison
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #15 June 17th, 2013
"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."
- Charles Spurgeon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #16 June 18th, 2013
"Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice."
- Anton Chekhov
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #17 June 19th, 2013
"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
- Abraham Maslow
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #18 June 20th, 2013
"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you."
- Aldous Huxley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #19 June 21st, 2013
"Honesty is the best policy." - Benjamin Franklin
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #20 June 22nd, 2013
"By three methods we can learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitaion, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."
- Cunfucius
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #21 June 23rd, 2013
"Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye."
- H. Jackson Brown Jr.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #22 June 24th, 2013
"Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines."
- Robert H. Schuller
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #23 June 25th, 2013
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
- Thomas Paine
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #24 June 26th, 2013
"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."
- Henry Ford
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #25 June 27th, 2013
(One of my favorites!!)
" A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
- Phyllis Diller
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #26 June 28th, 2013
"To be a good loser is to learn how to win."
- Carl Sandburg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe in smiles. Smiles I tell you! They're the best and you cannot, I repeat, CANNOT live without a smile. Please enjoy these quotes which should leave a smile on your face! :)
Daily Quote #27 June 29th, 2013
"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do."
- Mother Teresa
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #28 June 30th, 2013
"I have found that a smile and a stick will carry you through all right, and in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred it is the smile that does the trick."
- Robert Powell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #29 July 1st, 2013
"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside."
- Denis Waitly
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #30 July 2nd, 2013
"As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it."
- Buddy Hackett
(Story of my life.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #31 July 3rd, 2013
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #32 July 4th, 2013
"My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth." - Abraham Lincoln
Happy 4th of July to everyone! And I would love to thank all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect the best country on earth, and who have made our America home such a wonderful and safe place. I love you all, and too all the troops, we all love you too.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #33 July 5th, 2013
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."
- Willie Nelson
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #34 July 6th, 2013
"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."
- Zig Ziglar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #35 July 7th, 2013
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
- Mother Teresa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #36 July 8th, 2013
"Faith is taking the first step when you don't see the whole staircase."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #37 July 9th, 2013
"I think that anybody that smiles automatically looks better."
- Diane Lane
I couldn't agree more! We are basically the same person.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote #38 July 10th, 2013
"A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can't do. I always look on the positive side of ehat I can do."
- Chuck Norris
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Quote # 39 July 11th, 2013
"When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It's very simple."
- Paulo Coelho
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Mission Statement
It seems as though every successful business has a mission statement. It might be kind of silly, but if we wanted to be successful wouldn't a mission statement help us through the times we think we can't do it. Well, think about it: there are some very successful businesses out there who have superb mission statements, and why can't we sound superb too? Here are a few awesome ones...
(All the fallowing mission statements are provided by www.missionstatements.com.)
1. Ford Motor Company - "We are a global family with a proud heritage passionately committed to providing personal mobility for people around the world."
2. Microsoft - "At Microsoft, we work to help people and business throughout the world realize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible."
3. NIKE Inc - " To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. "
And many, many others, but these are more of my personal favorites. The ones that were simple, short, yet sent a powerful message about what they were all about and what their company's goal is.
When I was in early morning seminary, my teacher gave us a lesson on what our mission statements should be. It truly is a deep thing to think about. You start to think, "What is my purpose in life?" Or maybe, "How could I possibly change the world?" To start, we all have a purpose. No matter how great or small, we are all influential. You may be a working mother or father trying to get by, but think about how all your hard work is going to pay off and how much others will recognize your unstoppable determination.
You may be a student, like me, in school who has trouble with either grades, students, etc. Grades are degrading. I'm serious! If you have an A, you are praised by fellow students and their teachers. But if you were like me and don't make the honor roll every year, you or others will make you feel like you are incompetent or not smart because you are not that shining gold student who's perfect in every way. By that point (when I was still in public school) I was feeling pretty crummy about myself, and felt that no one payed attention to me because of my low grades and shyness. Which was true, but I'll save you the sob story. Anyway, I felt that no one really cared. In public school, if you don't fit the standard, you are rejected. At least, that was my case. But when I decided to be homeschooled my freshman year of high school, I started realizing that public school was stressing me out so much that I wasn't paying attention to my emotional or social growth, only my academic. Later that year, I had discovered a passion for baking pastries and other treats, sewing, crocheting, and other crafts which I still do to this day.
Now all of these things were fun for a while until I didn't have enough money for the yarn I wanted and I had gained a jean size from eating too many pecan bars. But I still loved doing them whenever I could, so I decided to give a plate to the boy I liked from my church. He was genuinely surprised, and from that day on It became a new high for me. About once or twice a month I would go on "Pecan Bar Runs," and it was so amazing to see everyone's smiling faces. We soon started having sign classes for a deaf boy in our ward, so I baked treats every Friday for when the classes were over. I started saving up some money from the weekly paper route I did (passed down to me from my brothers) and bought some yarn. I eventually ended up with a bunch of colors, and I knew I could never use these all on myself. So, I started making animal hats for the young women in my ward. They soon figured out how time consuming they were, so I have been taking a break from them. It was always so amazing to watch them open their gift and find a soft animal hat that was beyond adorable.
Finally, it hit me. After all the things that I have done in life, the things that I remember most are times when I made others feel happy. I now know what my mission statement is:
"To spread as many smiles as possible."
Its simple, it says it, and it reflects everything I have done. For those who don't like to read and scrolled down to the bottom, let me say real quick that the quicker you find our own personal mission statements, the happier you will be. There is a quote I love about happiness that I had just recently wrote in my quote book:
"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." -Henry Ford
I guess this quote doesn't really relate entirely, but I sure was happier when I had discovered how to be happy while influencing others around me to be better as well. You may not know it, but people are watching you, so you have to be an example. (I also learned that in seminary.) Be your best, and people will give you their best back. When you recognize your full potential and grow confident in your abilities, you will influence others more that you realize...
(All the fallowing mission statements are provided by www.missionstatements.com.)
1. Ford Motor Company - "We are a global family with a proud heritage passionately committed to providing personal mobility for people around the world."
2. Microsoft - "At Microsoft, we work to help people and business throughout the world realize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible."
3. NIKE Inc - " To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. "
And many, many others, but these are more of my personal favorites. The ones that were simple, short, yet sent a powerful message about what they were all about and what their company's goal is.
When I was in early morning seminary, my teacher gave us a lesson on what our mission statements should be. It truly is a deep thing to think about. You start to think, "What is my purpose in life?" Or maybe, "How could I possibly change the world?" To start, we all have a purpose. No matter how great or small, we are all influential. You may be a working mother or father trying to get by, but think about how all your hard work is going to pay off and how much others will recognize your unstoppable determination.
You may be a student, like me, in school who has trouble with either grades, students, etc. Grades are degrading. I'm serious! If you have an A, you are praised by fellow students and their teachers. But if you were like me and don't make the honor roll every year, you or others will make you feel like you are incompetent or not smart because you are not that shining gold student who's perfect in every way. By that point (when I was still in public school) I was feeling pretty crummy about myself, and felt that no one payed attention to me because of my low grades and shyness. Which was true, but I'll save you the sob story. Anyway, I felt that no one really cared. In public school, if you don't fit the standard, you are rejected. At least, that was my case. But when I decided to be homeschooled my freshman year of high school, I started realizing that public school was stressing me out so much that I wasn't paying attention to my emotional or social growth, only my academic. Later that year, I had discovered a passion for baking pastries and other treats, sewing, crocheting, and other crafts which I still do to this day.
Now all of these things were fun for a while until I didn't have enough money for the yarn I wanted and I had gained a jean size from eating too many pecan bars. But I still loved doing them whenever I could, so I decided to give a plate to the boy I liked from my church. He was genuinely surprised, and from that day on It became a new high for me. About once or twice a month I would go on "Pecan Bar Runs," and it was so amazing to see everyone's smiling faces. We soon started having sign classes for a deaf boy in our ward, so I baked treats every Friday for when the classes were over. I started saving up some money from the weekly paper route I did (passed down to me from my brothers) and bought some yarn. I eventually ended up with a bunch of colors, and I knew I could never use these all on myself. So, I started making animal hats for the young women in my ward. They soon figured out how time consuming they were, so I have been taking a break from them. It was always so amazing to watch them open their gift and find a soft animal hat that was beyond adorable.
Finally, it hit me. After all the things that I have done in life, the things that I remember most are times when I made others feel happy. I now know what my mission statement is:
"To spread as many smiles as possible."
Its simple, it says it, and it reflects everything I have done. For those who don't like to read and scrolled down to the bottom, let me say real quick that the quicker you find our own personal mission statements, the happier you will be. There is a quote I love about happiness that I had just recently wrote in my quote book:
"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." -Henry Ford
I guess this quote doesn't really relate entirely, but I sure was happier when I had discovered how to be happy while influencing others around me to be better as well. You may not know it, but people are watching you, so you have to be an example. (I also learned that in seminary.) Be your best, and people will give you their best back. When you recognize your full potential and grow confident in your abilities, you will influence others more that you realize...
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