A turtle’s perspective – In memory of my father

Are you a turtle? My father used to ask everyone he met that question. As a young military man he was inducted in to The Turtle Club. Up until the day he died he lived the Turtle Creed!

“Turtles are bright eyed, bushy tailed, fearless and unafraid folk with a fighter pilot attitude. They think clean, have fun a lot, and recognize the fact that you never get any place worthwhile in life unless you stick your neck out.”

He was a POW in World WAR II. This Memorial Day (and everyday) I honor him by giving you 5 tips for living a slower, more complete life – consider the turtle!

1. Take it Slow – that’s right. Slow down and enjoy the view. Be present in the moment. Don’t let life move so fast that you miss what’s right in front of you.
2. Play A LOT and nap often - My dad literally danced through life. Although he worked hard, he danced when he could, played cards and games with his family and friends, and went fishing several times a year. He also rested when his body told him it needed to. Do something fun everyday and give yourself permission to take a siesta!!
3. Eat when you’re hungry – Listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry. Be sure to eat nutritious foods that fuel your mind and your spirit. Turtles tend to eat a natural diet, one that consists of proteins and vegetables.
4. Celebrate your accomplishments – It’s important that we recognize our accomplishments, especially the small ones. This creates a positive response that propels us into a bright future. (Remember, turtles are bright eyed and bushy tailed for a reason!)
5. Don’t be afraid to stick your neck out – Make mistakes; they’re life changing. Help someone in need; it’s worth the effort for everyone, including you. Speak up; let your inner voice be heard, someone really needs to hear your message. Show the world who you really are and be proud of yourself.

Yes, this was my father’s creed. He believed that life, to be lived fully, meant slowing down and enjoying the view. He helped as many people as he could, napped a lot and ate when he was hungry. I’m following in his footsteps and am off to take a nap!

“You will find that life is more fun and takes on new meaning when you are a Turtle!”

Blissings…Teri

P.S. If you’d like to become a turtle, simply email me and I’ll send you the 4 questions every member must answer for initiation.

The Turtle Creed

Turtles are bright eyed, bushy tailed, fearless and unafraid folk with a fighter pilot attitude. (That's me, lol!) They think clean, have fun a lot, and recognize the fact that you never get any place worthwhile in life unless you stick your neck out.

The "Turtles" are indeed an illustrious group and include in their membership ranks some of the country's foremost leaders in fields of government, finance, entertainment, aerospace and other areas where aggressiveness, a feeling for fair play, clean thoughts and a sense of humor are keys to success. Started by a group of test pilots during WWII, the club has progressed to its present position as one whose membership is diligently sought after and highly esteemed by those lucky enough to be initiated.

Adherence to the creed and always giving the password when asked are the only responsibilities placed on our membership. You will find that life is more fun and takes on new meaning when you are a "Turtle".

Want to become an official member of the club?
Email me, The Bliss Lady at Teri@theblissnetwork.com

Blisstory Question: What do you do to honor your father?

Are you a turtle?

This week marks the 14th anniversary of my father’s death! He is one of the greatest men I will ever know. I say ‘is’ because he is alive in my mind and heart and will be till I join him on the other side.

For those of you that have not had the honor of meeting him, I’m sharing a little bit about him. He was a WWII P.O.W., captured at the Battle of the Bulge and held, initially, in the Nazi Infirmary then sent to the adjoining camp. After being liberated, he was given a Purple Heart for serving his country. He never really talked much about the experience, but shared one love he gained from his countrymen; becoming an honorary member of The Turtle Club.

Every time a friend came to visit he shared The Turtle Creed (read above) and inducted them into the club. The Turtle Creed (again, read above) starts with “Turtles are bright eyed, bushy tailed, fearless and unafraid folk with a fighter pilot attitude. They think clean, have fun a lot, and recognize the fact that you never get any place worthwhile in life unless you stick your neck out.”

Yes, at first it was quite embarrassing, as a teen, to have your friends cornered by your Dad for some stupid club! As an adult, I am reminded that those words and the gifts he gave my friends are not so stupid. In fact, it’s incredibly brilliant and probably accounts for a big reason I am “The Bliss Lady.”

Why am I sharing this with all of you? I’m here to remind you that no matter what your circumstance, no matter how downtrodden and in the dumps life seems to be, there’s always another second to turn that all around. Carry a fighter pilot attitude and start flying high! Call or email me at Teri@theBlissNetwork.com and I’ll induct you into the club, where you’ll get your own “shell” and a complete copy of the Turtle Creed.

Don’t forget to ask me if I’m a turtle… If I don’t give you the secret password, I’ll owe you the drink of your choice. (I’m sure you all know mine…Coffee!) Most importantly, you’ll have a constant reminder to go ahead and “Stick your neck out!”

A few people I know that are "sticking their necks out"

* The Pink Fund is hosting their "Turning Burdens in to Blessings" luncheonat The Glen Oaks Country Club, Sunday, October 18. They'll be fun, fashion, a ton of information and delicious food. The Pink Fund financially assists women and men afflicted with breast cancer. We all know someone affected by this terrible disease. For more information visit their website at ThePinkFund.org.


* Le Cocoa Bee Honey will be at The Farmington Farmers Market selling lots of delicious honey. You can also grab some home made Baklava and pick up my books, The Blisstory Journal and The Sisstory Journal. Proceeds from the journals support two great causes. (Read my blog from last week for more info!)


* Check out Hippie Chick Resale hosted by none other than Lisa Marie. Lisa and her lovely daughter, Jillian, will be at the Royal Oak Farmers Market on Sunday, October 25 with some of the most amazing things you will ever find! They'll have only the coolest vintage clothing, retro gifts, soy candles in recycled containers, handmade items and soooo much more! Email Lisa Mare at metrochickradio@gmail.com or give her a call at 248-730-4407 for more details!

Confirmed Chocoholic

Chocoholic

Yes, I will stand on the podium and confess – I am a chocoholic! In an effort to become healthy, for over two years my husband and I stopped eating sugar all together, including chocolate. We gave up everything processed. This year, though, on Thanksgiving, we decided we’d binge a little. Both of us have been binging ever since – that’s almost seven weeks ago.

We’ve made a commitment to each other to go back to that lifestyle; however, I’m not giving up my weekly dose of chocolate. And the perfect place to feed my addiction is Sweet Essentials, located in downtown Berkley, Michigan.

When I was growing up my brother brought my mom Sydney Bogg ‘s Chocolates on special occasions. To my mom, I’m sure every weekend was a special occasion. I remember them so well – sweet, creamy, gooey and delicious! The look on my mom’s face was orgasmic! Guess what ladies and gentlemen, Sweet Essentials is the only place you will find the original recipes from Sydney Bogg 's Chocolates. The owners, Lisa, Gary and Debbie, grew up working at the chocolate factory and relive their childhood every day, in a big way! They are the best chocolatiers in town, maybe even the Universe!

My friend Kim and I stopped at Sweet Essentials this week. Kim was awestruck; she didn’t even know you could still grab a Sydney Bogg’s Turtle. She had never tasted anything so delightful. As I watched her savor every last tiny morsel of her mint wafer, I took my vow to not give up chocolate and make Sweet Essentials a regular stop on my way home. I believe I will create my own chocolate of the month club. This month, of course I brought my husband turtles, but I also couldn’t pass up the chocolate cashew cluster. WOW! The perfect mix of chocolate, cashews and caramel! My husband said it was better than Bear Claw Ice Cream – now that’s a compliment!

Here’s to Sweet Essentials – anyone interested in joining my chocolate of the month club? I’m thinking the first Saturday of the month works pretty darn good, maybe the second, third and fourth Saturday’s too…No Chocoholics Anonymous for me!

Better get started on that Valentines Day order. Don’t forget to have some ordered for me!!! Just tell Sweet Essentials The Bliss Lady sent you!!

http://www.sydneyboggs.com/

http://www.theblissnetwork.com/

Home of the Blisstory Journal - the perfect companion for your box of Sydney Boggs chocolates.