Feelings!

Feelings/Emotions, these nouns refer to complex and usually strong subjective human response. Although feeling and emotion are sometimes interchangeable, the one thing that is for certain, Everyone has them. The true challenge is how we understand and deal with our own feelings.  At best an ongoing learning process for the majority of us.  Yet these feelings are what also direct us in our actions toward others.

 Every day we make decisions based on past experiences that effect others in the work place as well as in our personal lives. It is these experiences that our emotions(feelings) draw upon.  We, as individuals, interpret  our feelings and make our decisions.  The universal question should be each time, is it the correct action?

 I just learned that how I felt best to deal with an issue involving a friend was exactly the opposite that I should have done.  It was my delayed action, due to my past experiences, that actually upset and hurt the feelings of this friend.  Would I have done it differently, most likely not.  But only because of my own experiences and feelings that govern my actions. Never to intentionally hurt someone. So how do you avoid hurting someone’s feelings?

If I had the answer to that question, I would not be sitting here typing this article.

I can only attempt to express my deepest regret and hope my friend understands that my actions were in no way ever to hurt their feelings or upset them.  Learning this only reinforced the issue that I still need to work on my own feelings and try to understand them to make sure I don’t incidentally hurt someone else’s feelings.

Yes, I can sit here and type that I will do better, but we all know, eventually, I will inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings.  When dealing with  human beings, you never know what may truly hurt someone’s feelings.  What seems right to you, may have a negative effect.  It just proves we all need to attempt to treat each other as fairly and openly as possible.

Hope my friend will eventually understand and accept my deepest apology.

If you have someone you would like to say I am sorry to.. here are some picks from LB.

Wellness Wish Gift Basket-An absolutely gorgeous gift basket filled to overflowing with heartfelt wellness wishes. The wonderful Touch of Wellness Wishes gift book is filled with cheerful stories of people triumph and uplifting stories. We’ve included an aromatherapy candle, chocolate drizzled biscotti and more delicious gourmet treats to fill their senses along with their bellies. A very upscale and lovely get well gift basket!

The Healing Spa-An absolutely gorgeous gift basket filled to overflowing with heartfelt wellness wishes. The wonderful Touch of Wellness Wishes gift book is filled with cheerful stories of personnel triumph and uplifting stories. We’ve included an aromatherapy candle, chocolate drizzled biscotti and more delicious gourmet treats to fill their senses along with their bellies. A very upscale and lovely get well gift basket!

Gourmet Choice Gift Basket-Here’s a special treat to make any occasion unforgettable! Our popular gourmet gift basket includes sweet and savory treats such as cheese, summer sausage, crackers, cookies and more. Our expert designers arrange these mouth-watering treats to create a gift that is sure to delight everyone .

Till next time, LB

A Visit with Dad

As my title implies, I am finishing up a week visit with my father. February has become his month to escape the winter chill of the Midwest and visit his sons in Florida.  He continues to drive down over two days and takes a new route each time.  He is known to avoid major highways and probably has seen more of this country, than most of us, due to this habit. My mother use to complain about taking longer to get to my house each year because Dad could not stay on the major highway. Truth be known, I believe her complaining simply inspired him to find alternative routes even more.

Dad  was always a little of a mystery to me, growing up in rural Missouri.  His laid back approach to life was simply confusing to me. You see, I tend to take after my mother, Type AA , if you know what I mean. So growing up, I just never got, who this man was and how he just seem to not be bothered by anything.  I know now that part of this appearing not to be bothered is a fantastic performance,  he only lets a few in to see the real man.

So now  time we get to spend together, I learn a little more about how his simple yet complex approach to life has developed.  He simply keeps himself on a schedule and does what needs to be done to maintain his well-being and his way of life. I look back now and see that this way of life has always been his approach. You see as a young man with a his Mother’s Type AA approach to life, I just could not understand how he could just let someone do him wrong and he just shrug it off as a learning experience with that person.

What I did not understand is he would adjust how he dealt with that individual to the point that they had no direct bearing on him or his family. The slow approach to conflict resolution, was something I could not grasp. I understand now that it  was his down to earth upbringing by his grandparents that instilled this man with the wisdom to let the world unfold around you and you choose what fits into your life. It is this understanding of my father that has brought us closer over the past 3 years. I have a better understanding of his relationship with my mother, it was their differences that complimented each other and brought out the best in each of them.

So as the end of his yearly visit comes to a close, I realize how much I still have to learn from this man, my Father, my Dad and my friend.  How part of each parent  is instilled in my actions and how I perceive the world around me. My goal is to find the perfect balance of both and turn it into my way.

Here are my picks for the Father/Dad in your life:

Gourmet Desk Caddy-For the desk at work or the desk at home, every man will be proud to display this desk caddy long after the goodies inside have been devoured. Sweet and savory snacks will ease the tension of the work day while the solid wood chest graces the office decor. Make sure the gift you select for the man behind the desk remains in pride of place with this gourmet desk caddy gift basket.

Jim Beam’s Favorites Gift Pail-You can’t go wrong with Jim Beams favorites. This glossy gift pail includes sweet and tangy Jim Beams beef jerky, Jim’s mild salsa, his friend Jacks gourmet coffee and more.

Dan’s Premium Pail of Treats-No, we haven’t started selling paint like Martha Stewart. We do fancy the can though. Whether it is the office, home, or outdoors – all Dad has to do is spread this out and paint a smile on his face.

till next time,  LB

Thank a Mail Man Day

As you all know, I am always researching for the strange and unique holidays/days of recognition,  to ensure you are provided with as many new reasons to send a surprise arrival to someone in your life. So I just had to start this entry out with a Big Shout Out to Paul and his colleagues at the US Postal Service.

February 4th is “Thank a Mail Man Day” .  This your chance to say thanks to the guy, or gal, who delivers your mail. After all, they are there six days a week. The reliable postal worker is always there doing their job, regardless of the weather. They are a hardy lot and I have to say the crew I know are a lot of fun.  So try and catch your mail person on this day. Give him or her a great big smile and a great big “TY”.  If you happen to visit your local post office, give them a thank you, too. They are there standing behind the counter all day with a smile on their face to serve you with your postal needs.

We should also note that February 1st is “National Freedom Day”. This day celebrates freedom from slavery, and recognizes that America is a symbol of freedom. This date was established in 1948 to remind us that America stands for, and is a symbol of freedom for all people. The roots of this special day come directly from the end of slavery and the signing of the 13th amendment outlawing slavery. Celebrate this day by reflecting upon your own freedoms that you enjoy by being fortunate enough to be in America. Millions of people in the world are not free.

The unique day that caught my eye at the beginning of February is on the 7th. “Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day”. This would be the perfect opportunity to greet your neighbor with a big wave. But, to show your respect and appreciation on this very important day, you must wave with all of your fingers!  This day was created to put a smile on your face, and upon your neighbors.. So go out and greet everyone today with a big five fingers wave and don’t forget to include a big, bright smile on your face!

Then there is February 11th which is “Make a Friend Day”. Do you have enough friends? The answer should be no. No matter how many friends we have, more of them increases our wealth. That’s because friends are one of life’s valuable assets. ‘Ya just can’t have too many friends. There must be a gad zillion ways to make new friends. It often helps by smiling and just being friendly or helpful. Spend “Make a Friend Day”  just being friendly, and by doing special or nice things for others. Oh, by the way..I hope that you will be my friend!

Of course, all these unique and fun days are leading up to February 14th,Valentine’s Day, the day of love. So let’s all reach out to those in our lives and spread some love, friendship and give a big wave to the neighbor or postal person.

Larry’s favorite picks this week.

Kiss Me Valentines Gift Set- Kiss Me Darling! This adorable valentine gift set delivers your heartfelt wishes along with a delicious assortment of valentines goodies.

Man’s Best Friend-A most unique gift to be kept for years to come. Empty out the goodies from this adorable hound doggy’s belly, put in a tea light, and eat by the light of this wonderful lantern. Everyone who receives this whimsical, unique gift will give the pooch a nice little smile while snacking on our delicious sweet and savory treats.

You’re a Shining Star-Make them feel like the shining star they are with this glittering star gift container filled to overflowing with scrumptious treats. Long after these sinful sweets are gone, the basket remains as a shiny reminder of your thoughtfulness.

Till next time. LB

Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010

Wishing all of you a great Valentine’s Day, may you find or renew the love in your life. The roots of Valentine’s Day goes back to ancient times, when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia, and was celebrated even then on February 14th.

The rise of Christianity in Europe saw many pagan holidays renamed for and dedicated to the early Christian martyrs. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day. He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century. It is this St. Valentine whom the modern Valentine’s Day honors.

It was during the 14th century that St. Valentine’s Day became definitively associated with love. By the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards on Valentine’s Day had become common in England. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts began to be created on this day and handed over to the man or woman one loved. This tradition eventually spread to the American colonies.

The traditions of Valentine’s Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates and jewelry are the big hits of this holiday as is romantic dinners. It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and family. Many a couple become engaged or wed on this day. For others it is a day to fall in love.

Make this Valentine’s Day a special day for the loved ones in your life. So surprise the kids with a special gift. Plan a special dinner or even a cruise to the Bahamas for that significant other in your life. The possibilities should be endless when it comes to showing those in your life the love you have in your heart for them.

SupriseArrivals.com is proud to announce we have our Valentine’s Day Gift baskets and sets available. Below are Larry’s top picks for this year and check out the other great gifts for Valentine’s Day.

The Valentine Teddy Bear is cute, plush, and cuddly! This little guy will warm the heart of the one you love, and the yummy truffles will deliver your sentiments of love and affection in good taste. Sent the Valentine Teddy Bear to him or to her to show how much you care this Valentines Day.

The Cuddles & Kisses Gift Set Valentine Gift will send your hugs and kisses across the miles this Valentine’s Day! A soft and cuddly plush bear arrives with a tower of sweets, including milk chocolate pretzels, White Frosted pretzels and milk chocolate Ghirardelli squares. A wonderful gift to express your love to friends, family and special loved ones.

Sweet Heart Chocolate Kama Sutra Gift Box-Open yourself to new possibilities of love when you show the true colors of your heart. Enjoy the sweet delights of strawberries & white chocolate body treats or indulge in assorted sinfully rich chocolate body treats. Whatever your pleasure, your lover will be begging for more.

Happy Valentines , Till next time.  LB

Love and Food

First let me wish everyone a  great Martin Luther King Day in remembrance to this great man’s birthday.  Take a few minutes on this day to think of how you can serve your community this year.  As I was looking to see what special holidays we have coming to us for the rest of this month. I realize many of them are food focused leading up to February 14,  Valentine’s Day.   Which I will discuss more next week when I can announce that we have our Valentines gifts available.

This got me to thinking about how many times food and love are connected. You have a special dinner when you propose to your loved one, a special dinner on your anniversary, special dinner for birthdays and the list continues.  So it seems that one thing we all have in common when it comes to showing others our love is Food.

So what days can we look forward to next week involving our love of Food.  On January 19th, it is “National Popcorn Day”,  a day to celebrate healthy (until you load it with salt and butter), and addicting popcorn. I believe it was set up originally close to the Super Bowl as the original snack food for watching the big game.

On Wednesday, January 20th, celebrate “National Buttercrunch Day”. Buttercrunch lovers, this is  your day, so can enjoy Buttercrunch ice cream, candy, or anything Buttercrunch. Spend the day with one of your favorite snacks. Make it your personal goal to have something with Buttercrunch at each meal, and as a snack. Tomorrow, you can return to the diet.

The day I am looking forward to this week has nothing to do with food, but still has that love factor.  Thursday, January 21st is “National Hugging Day”. What a great day! This is an opportunity to give and to receive. Give a hug, and you automatically receive one in return. Sure, someone might not hug back. But, how often does that happen!?! Hugs are loving, therapeutic, caring, and celebratory.  Hugs make you feel good inside. That’s proof positive that you’re loved and cared about. Celebrate this day by giving hugs to family, friends and loved ones. You’ll love the warm feeling you get.

We end the week with two more food days.  Friday, January 22nd is “National Blonde Brownie Day”.  This is a special day that is set aside to bake and eat blonde brownies.

Finally Saturday, January 23rd, is “National Pie Day”. The American Pie Council created this day simply to celebrate the pie. This is a special day that is set aside to bake and cook all of your favorite pies. Most importantly, it’s a day to eat pies! A great way to celebrate National Pie Day is to bake some pies and give them away to friends, neighbors, and relatives. You never know, you may be starting a tradition of pie giving between your friends and family.

The Popcorn Pack gift basket – It’s America’s Favorite snack complemented by a wealth of additional favorite snacks, chocolate and cookies in a movie theatre popcorn box! Available in small  and  medium, you’ll be the star when they receive a Popcorn Pack gift basket from you!

You’ll find old-time movie going goodness in the Movie Madness gift basket. There’s movie theatre popcorn, cookies, Cracker Jacks, peanuts, and candy plus Classic Root Beer in this popcorn gift box.

You’re a Superstar! And this terrific movie gift box will tell your family and friends that you think so in great taste! Give an evening of fun and great snacking when you send your movie-buff friends this collection of movie theatre treats. Send the You’re a Superstar Movie Gift Box to say Thank you, Get Well, or I’m thinking of you.

Till next time. LB