The Pressure of Their World (for Introverts)
Faith Burgess is a bright and charming stay-at-home mom. She has a toddler, Joshua. Faith is an introvert and so is her three year old son. I asked Faith to try and put into words what it was like to be an introvert so I could help get the idea across to my readers. This is the story she told me.My husband has an uncle who is clearly an introvert.
I've heard him called "quirky", "cold and humorless", "reclusive" and "a strange bird". He married into our very large family and has been dragged to every family gathering for nearly 50 years ? always sitting off by himself reading a book or watching TV ? never talking to anyone while everybody else socializes, eats and plays games.Last year, I drew his name for the Christmas gift exchange and was stymied about what he'd like. The family members who had all drawn his name in previous years laughed pityingly. They informed me that he wants the same thing every year, white undershirts and gray dress-shirts. I got him the nicest ones I could find, writing something goofy on the card like "try not to think of me when you wear these."He disappeared sometime during the Christmas gathering (very clever) and we never even chatted.
The next family gathering happened to be the death a family member and I spent most of the time crying. In a quiet moment at the hospital, he singled me out and very sweetly, very quietly, said "Thank you for the gift, kiddo. You've got good taste. As a matter of fact (he said with his best devilish wink) I'm wearing your underwear right now." I stopped crying and started laughing and gave him a hug. He pinched my cheek and moved on with a smile.
I just loved him for that moment. I go out of my way now (at family gatherings) to give him a kiss on the cheek but I keep on moving. This is for his benefit. I know, introverts are intensely cool.Today's story: The family was sitting around talking about how Uncle Introvert is 70 years old. Once again, they describe him as a strange, strange bird.
My husband, however, compares him to a rare exotic fish that lives in the deepest ocean. He says, "You know, the ones you can only get to with a submersible. The ones that have beautiful brilliant neon colors that flash and glow in the dark ? but if you bring them to the surface, their stomachs come out their mouths." Something about that imagery struck me as hilarious. He did a good job of helping me understand how bizarre introverts appear to the rest of the world. I can't count the number of times the pressure of their world has brought my stomach to my mouth..
HOT HOLIDAY GIFTS, ONE-STOP SHOPPING, AND MONEY FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY AT WWW.IGIVE.COM
EVANSTON, Ill.(ContentDesk) November 14, 2003 -- It's holiday time again and that means shopping!
Find everything you need at www.iGive.com, shopping that gives back. Shop for Thanksgiving Day preparations, cooking, decorating and traveling. Shop for the Office Holiday Party preparations, supplies and decorating.
Shop for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas gifts, preparations, cooking, decorating, and even greeting cards. And, don't forget winter break vacation, traveling and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Make life a little easier on yourself and support your favorite charity at the same time, by doing all your holiday shopping through the 470 + popular online stores at www.iGive.com. You'll find everything you need from paper goods, decorations, office supplies, clothing and accessories, appliances, cooking supplies...
HOT HOLIDAY GIFTS, ONE-STOP SHOPPING, AND MONEY FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY AT WWW.IGIVE.COM
Gift baskets > HOT HOLIDAY GIFTS, ONE-STOP SHOPPING, AND MONEY FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY AT WWW.IGIVE.COM
Precious Cargo: Childbirth and Cradle Baskets In California Indian Culture
PRECIOUS CARGO:Childbirth and Cradle Baskets in California Indian CultureChildbirth and California Indian cradle baskets are the topics of a groundbreaking exhibition that opens February 20th 2004 at the Marin Museum of the American Indian (MMAI) in Novato, California."Precious Cargo: Childbirth and Cradle Baskets in California Indian Culture," is a multi-faceted project that examines traditional beliefs and practices concerning childbirth and the use of cradle baskets, both historically and contemporarily, among Pomo and Western Mono peoples, with additional material from 28 other tribal regions throughout the state.Precious Cargo is the first major exhibition to present cradle baskets in their cultural context through direct collaboration with contemporary California Indian weavers, according to the Museum's Executive Director Shirley Schaufel.
As part of the project the Museum commissioned 30 California Indian weavers to create examples of cradle baskets characteristic of...
Gift baskets > Precious Cargo: Childbirth and Cradle Baskets In California Indian Culture
Putting Your Life Together, Collage-Style
Working with information and memorabilia supplied by Shriver, collagists Miriam Hacken and Helen Linden created a 4'x7' collage that included photographs of Arnold through the years, as well as body building and movie mementos.Let's face it - memories are in, as evidenced by the great interest in the create-your-own-photo album business.
Collagery takes it a step further: They design the collage for their clients and the photos/mementos are always on display.
Their time-capsule pieces have filled the niche for the "milestone" occasions, e.g., 50th anniversary, 40th birthday, when giving a personalized gift capturing years of memories can be meaningful."The essence of our company is to bring out the best in people by creating artwork that reflects their lives, passions, and achievements", states Miriam Hacken, co-owner of the 16-year business she shares with twin sister Helen Linden.
"By receiving a gift all about themselves, the recipients discover how they...
Gift baskets > Putting Your Life Together, Collage-Style
Starting a Gift Shop? Running a Non-Profit Store? You need this book!
(ContentDesk) March 1 2004--Nancy Kirk has written the ultimate guide to running a successful non-profit gift shop in her latest book, Profits for Non-Profits: Running a Successful Non-Profit Gift Shop. It's a must read for anyone involved in a non-profit organization that wants to make money for their club, group, hospital, museum, zoo or other non-profit group.In her book you'll learn how to minimize efforts to maximize profits regardless of whether you are opening a new gift shop, or running an existing gift shop. Anyone running a hospital gift shop, a gift shop in a zoo, a local library gift shop, or gifts shops in municipal parks, or museums gift shops will find valuable information in this easy to read 184 page how-to guide that includes:-Over 20 different "quick to use" business forms to get started - A complete Gift Shop Manual -Hundreds of online resources listed -Insiders tips on how to promote your gift shop -Floor plan and case designs for gift shop displays -Real-world examples...
Starting a Gift Shop? Running a Non-Profit Store? You need this book!
Gift baskets > Starting a Gift Shop? Running a Non-Profit Store? You need this book!
Fleeting Gifts
During a recent visit to a toy store looking for the perfect gift for a child, the insight I received gave me a very rude awakening. A child is born with all kinds of gifts tucked right in there with the cute little smile and the tiny toes and fingers. There is creativity, inspiration, imagination, and fun. It is all right there - just waiting to be encouraged, and allowed to grow and mature. What really happens when family and friends lavish gifts of the latest toy trends and gift ideas that toy manufacturers insist are the "in" thing? These precious and fleeting gifts are not nurtured and give the "food" they need to become the basis for future careers, jobs, and lifestyles.
Instead, they allow the child to be a bystander and "watch the world go by" - but not become a "mover and shaker" of what is going on. In other words, the script, cast, and everything in between has been scheduled, programmed, and packed - all in one box. Children are the future of each and every one of...
Fleeting Gifts
Gift baskets > Fleeting Gifts
Gift Giving Ideas
Photographs and Frames: Everyone loves to have photos of their family!
Why not take some time to bring the gift receivers children to a reasonably priced professional photographer, like Sears! They have great prices for pictures of kids!
Put them into a frame, and Bobs your uncle!Baking: Home made cookies and cakes are always a favorite! Why limit it to baking! If your great in the kitchen, expand this though to include soups, or dips!
Check out local country stores for great ideas! Don't forget to decorate the top of the container with a bow, or ribbon!Sewing: Are you handy with a needle and thread? Know how to work the sewing machine?
Why not look at the local library of easy sewing projects!
Check out Amazon.com for great sewing books that would allow you to make wonderful gifts!
Lunch bags are always handy!A Night Out:
Do you know a couple that has been dying to see a play, but perhaps they can't get the time away because...
Gift baskets > Gift Giving Ideas
"Give Bush The Boot" Bush Doormat with new, "last chance" pricing.
All models and styles of the Bush Doormat are now price reduced for the last 4 weeks before the election. While supplies last, a "Give Bush The Boot" doormat can be purchased for as little as $11.95 plus shipping and applicable taxes from the dedicated website: www.BushDoormat.comSuitable for use indoors or out, the BUSH DOORMAT has proven to be a very popular gift item during this election year. Bush Doormat customers can choose from the very direct "Give Bush The Boot!" or the kinder, gentler "Please Wipe Your Feet" message. Measuring 18" X 27", these quality mats are functional and fun and make a great gift. With only 4 weeks remaining before the election, the Bush Doormat price has been reduced, while supplies last, and are available online at: www.BushDoormat.com, or toll-free at 1-888-8-BUSHMAT (1-888-828-7462)..
"Give Bush The Boot" Bush Doormat with new, "last chance" pricing.
Gift baskets > "Give Bush The Boot" Bush Doormat with new, "last chance" pricing.
A Mother?s Day Gift Like No Other: Giving Mom the Gift of her Voice and Her Legacy; Los Angeles Filmmaker Transforms Stories Of Ordinary People Into Unforgettable Memoirs
When Los Angeles filmmaker Loren Stephens began interviewing her mother several years ago, little did she know that her journey to memorialize her mother's life would lead to a passion for supporting and guiding ordinary people in their quest to write about their extraordinary lives.
When Stephens' mother succumbed to ill health two years ago, everything changed. Her mother's memoir, published under the guidance of Write Wisdom, Inc., Stephens' memoir creation company, was no longer just a gift that Loren presented to her mother on Mother's Day. Instead, her mother's legacy as captured by her memoir, was transformed into a priceless gift for the entire family.
???Now through her company, Write Wisdom, Stephens is breaking the mold when it comes to memoirs, transforming lives and empowering scores of ordinary people by giving voice to their life story and their legacy.
Write Wisdom dispels the notion that memoirs are only appropriate or available to a select...
A Mother?s Day Gift Like No Other: Giving Mom the Gift of her Voice and Her Legacy; Los Angeles Filmmaker Transforms Stories Of Ordinary People Into Unforgettable Memoirs
Gift baskets > A Mother?s Day Gift Like No Other: Giving Mom the Gift of her Voice and Her Legacy; Los Angeles Filmmaker Transforms Stories Of Ordinary People Into Unforgettable Memoirs