Friday, April 17, 2009

A Quote

My grandpa was the king of quotes! I wish I could remember all of the funny things he always used to say. I would love to write them all down and publish them. Seriously he was the most clever, witty man. Not to mention the most hilarious man I ever knew.

Yesterday I called my dad and we talked for a while. I told him all of things I was up to, like the fact that I've been getting a bigger clientele base over here. I've been painting a little and working on my jewelry. I also have been getting better at using my SLR camera, learning more about it and taking it more seriously. I told him I might be doing my first photo shoot soon and that I was really excited about it.

Of course he always gets excited when I talk about taking photos, he thinks my pictures are great, when in all honesty I'm not super stoked about them.

Anyway, my dad was just glad to hear that I have been getting busier and have finally started back into all of the things I used to do at home.

While we were chatting my dad said "well you know what your grandpa always said...... Be an entrepreneur, not a PILE of manure."

I just cracked up when he said this and I still smile now when I think about this quote, because that is so my grandpa. But really it does make a lot of sense. When we first moved here, I felt like a BIG pile of manure. I had ABSOLUTELY no idea what I was going to do everyday. I had no job, no friends, no hobbies. NOTHING. Well I can't say I had nothing, my amazing husband was there with me and stuck by me through every bad day I had in this new world. I am so very thankful for that!

But after a month or so of living here, I started getting back into making jewelry. Jon spread the word for me at his office that I was a hairstylist and I was getting a couple of clients here and there. I made myself get out and start taking pictures of the beautiful town I live in and tried a little harder to find things that I enjoyed doing. It was a tough time because we arrived right when it started getting colder here, and I found it extremely hard to get out and about while it was rainy/gloomy and cold outside. Most of the winter you never see the sun, when in Oklahoma the sun rarely leaves the sky.

It took several months from being a pile of manure to SLOWLY (very slowly) feel like I have found my place here in Germany. I have several clients now, that come on a regular basis and I've met some wonderful people. I am trying to stay busy with all of my hobbies and finally feel like I am worth something again. I can completely relate to this quote and thanks to my ever so wise grandpa, I can appreciate his saying. It definitely opened my eyes a little wider.

This man is greatly missed!
Me and my gramps. I think I cut my own bangs in this pic!
and yes he is holding a ciggy in his hand while holding me ;)
Boy did I love this man!

Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

20 comments:

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I'll bet your grandpa is watching over you and whispering in your ear about the things he knows you love. You were such a cute little kiddo and your grandfather was very debonair! Very sweet photo.

New Girl on Post said...

I think you are doing a great job making the most of Germany. I haven't traveled as much as you yet and so for that I'm in awe of you, because you guys seem to get out and do something every single weekend. That's really taking advantage of where you are living. :)

The Purple Carrot said...

Haha, that is a fabulous quote from your grandpa! : ) I'm sure he would be VERY happy to see it living on and to see you getting out of feeling like that pile of manure and more and more becoming that entrepreneur!

I can't imagine how difficult it would have been to move somewhere not knowing anyone except your husband and being so far away from what you're used to. Girl, it sounds like you've done a WONDERFUL job, even if at times it might not feel like you have! : )

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I am so going to have to remember this qoute! I don't think its likely that I'll forget it seeing as I let out a really loud unexpected laugh when I read it and am still chuckling over it:p I alway wondered what it would be like for newbies over there trying to find a foot hold...It sounds like you had a lot against you but your really kicking ass! I'm so proud of you girl...I would totally get you to cut the hair that I actually do have (lol) if we lived near one another:) You look like you'd be super good at it! Have a wonderful day!

Kelley said...

that's the best quote ever! I can't imagine how hard it was for you guys to move so far from everything you know! It's great that you are making the most of it! I hope you have a lovely friday!

Lisa said...

Such a great picture! I think my grandpa and yours would have gotten along quite well. :)

You are doing an amazing job in Germany, I have no idea how I'd manage that at all!

Chase said...

great words!
i need to be less manure-y (written at home on a friday night)

I'm working on it! :)

Lindsey said...

Hahaha LOVE that quote!!!!

tokentommy said...

I miss grandpa a lot. I find myself randomly bragging about him to my friends and people from work and they could care less but at least we know how much of an amazing man he was :)

valerie said...

My grandpa was like that too. (he smoked too) :) You'll have to ask Brian about one of his sayings. I'm sure he'll remember. Mention a guy named Harry Hall who came to visit him in the nursing home. :)

What a great picture of the two of you!

I'm glad things are looking up for you there and so glad everyone is learning what a great hair stylist you are.

Have a great weekend!
(It's not long now until your birthday....any hints yet on your gift from Jon?)

Grand Pooba said...

What an adorable picture of you and gramps! I LOVE that quote! One funny man! That's awesome that you are selling jewelry! do you have an etsy shop?

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Haha! I love that quote from your grandpa! Have you ever thought of putting the jewelry you make on etsy?

d.a.r. said...

Your grandpa is probably so incredibly proud of you :) You are adjusting and living this new life far better than I ever could!!!

jlc said...

Hahah!!! A man of wise words. Thanks for the laugh!!


That pic is just precious though. Only you would say you cut your own bangs there!!! Hahah!! You're too much!

And I agree with Kelley. You truly are doing a great job making the most while being away from your loved ones. Have a wonderful weekend!

Samantha said...

AWww tat is adorable! and makes me miss my own grampa! anywho... thanks for coming by my blog. Yea... unfortunately someone was offended when I wasn't offending them and it's been like pulling teeth to show them that... so now I've just drawn the line in the sand and hopefully it goes away! I would much prefer the way things were respectfully addressing others and more positivity! Please hang on with my blog though the nonsense will stop soon. :)

Kaci said...

I love it! I'll have to use that. HAHA! Great picture of you both. XOXO

Unknown said...

what a sweet post! :) I'm late to reading it, but it is so very special! I know your Grandpa is watching over you and admiring the beautiful young woman you have become! LOVE the quote as well! I believe the man is 100% correct! :) And I believe I have told you this before, but if we ever get stationed in Germany, I'm looking you up and you're gonna be my hairstylist! :) Only if you agree to make me 1/2 as beautiful as you are!

Impulsive Addict said...

Awww...your post makes me miss my grandpa too. They are the best, aren't they? If you were in Oklahoma, I would be your BEST client! =)

Anniebanannie said...

Love that quote! May have to remember that one myself!

Such fun memories.

morewineplease said...

that is the sweetest picture, its awesome that you have those memories! And what a great quote!