Sunday, May 25, 2014

Memorial Day


This is a picture of my incredible grandfather, Jack Schipani.  He was a soldier in the army in World War II.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded by shrapnel on December 24th, 1944.  He spent 2 years in a hospital in France. He nearly lost his leg and because he had no feeling below the knee, he wore a brace for the rest of his life. He never  talked about it, and never complained about his condition.  In fact, once I asked him why he didn't park in the handicapped space. He said there were so many worse off than he that he would walk because he could.  He eventually died at 88 years old from complications related to an infection in his leg. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a musician, a teacher, a friend and a soldier.  I miss him and his wisdom and humor every day and feel blessed that he made it through that terrible time. Thanking all the soldiers and their families this Memorial Day who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.


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Diane Graci
Noble Niches

Treasures for Children & Home
www.nobleniches.com

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Happy Belated Mother's Day


I'm sorry for the belated wishes.  I hope all my friends in life and business, and all my customers who are moms had a beautiful day.  Why bother when I'm a week and a half late?  Well, this blog post has been on my mind along with all the other important tasks we moms keep in our heads and allow to spill out on to lists and sticky notes.  A never ending to do list.

I wonder how many other moms stress over the smallest details and who lets some things slide so they can accomplish the most important ones. And what happens when we let things slide?  Do we feel guilty we never made it to eat lunch at school with our kids more than once this year? Or worry that if we don't keep perfect records for our home business we'd have to pay more taxes?  Well, yes and yes.  It's hard to keep a good balance when you are a perfectionist.  I am not saying I'm a perfectionist to give myself a pat on the back.  I am a perfectionist more out of fear for what will happen if I don't get it all done, and done "right." With the stress of that,  I don't even always get joy and comfort from the fruits of my perfectionism. 

I read an article recently (see below link) about what you should stop doing so you can become more productive and lo and behold, there was my problem!  As a belated Mother's Day gift to myself (and my family who puts up with me when I'm not paying attention to them because I have a million things on my mind), I am going to do my best from now on to let some things go so I can do other things really well.  I never liked getting a million things halfway done anyway (or half-assed as my mom would say, God rest her soul and happy belated Mother's Day! Oh, and thanks for the OCD mom!). If I can "perfect" being imperfect, I'm sure I'll be a happier and more productive mom.

7 Things You Need to Stop Doing To Be More Productive, Backed By Science
https://medium.com/business-marketing/a988c17383a6

Thanks for reading!  Come see what I'm passionate about --  Visit my webpage at www.nobleniches.com for Vintage Inspired Treasures for Children & Home. Add your email to subscribe to my blog posts. 

Diane Graci
Noble Niches

Treasures for Children & Home
www.nobleniches.com
(704) 962-0089