Have you ever opened up your mail to find the envelope with the big red stamp or the yellow sticker, "RETURN TO SENDER?"

It feels like it is hitting you with a stick for doing something silly.

Maybe you missed a number in the address. Perhaps transposed a number in the zip code?

Why was it so painful?

Listen in to find out.

Please grab a piece of paper and something to write with for this podcast - only if you are not driving!

Every time I look at social media, it is another special day or a special month.

You know what I mean. Boss's Day. Hot Dog Day. Cancer Awareness month. National No Rhyme nor Reason Day.

Yes, the last one is an actual day. It is a day celebrating words that do not rhyme with anything.

Some special day designations are serious, and some seem frivolous. But for some person or a group of people, that one topic was so intriguing, interesting, or heartfelt; they wanted to recognize it with its own day or month.

Often these specially designated days are not interesting to us until they hold meaning. 

It is not wrong to do so; it is human nature. We are drawn to those things that impact us personally or those close to us. If not, then we may not pay too much attention.

For the days that may seem more frivolous, like Blue Popsicle Day or Guacamole Day, there are reasons for the days. They are to educate on the history, the joy and share curious facts about that particular day.

This podcast is about MY favorite monthly designation.

Fall Hat Day.

Go Fedoras!

For more information about what we do at Push Up the Sun, please email us at [email protected]

Did You Hear the One About the Pink Pig?

The pig sat in the middle of the table and...   brought giggle, joy, fun, and family moments.

Getting together with family, we often hear the same stories over and over. Those are the favorite stories that the storytellers love to share. For them, it shares moments of past times. It brings back memories. It provides a moment of remembrance of a time and an experience that has impacted them somehow.

Family gatherings are times to not only share stories but also pass them down.

One day when you get older, you will hear yourself repeat a story you heard in your family, to your friends, or your children, or at gatherings.

Stories weave the fabric of family, pass down traditions, and create lasting connections to who we are, why we are, and our values.

What stories does your family share/

What stories do you tell?

What traditions are passed down through stories?

Any stories about a little pink pig?

I am not a mixologist and honestly have never had a Mojito before, but the delightful homemade mix made virgin style just for me was exquisite on a hot summer day. Yet as refreshing as it was, it was not as refreshing as meeting a new friend.

Yesterday, my dad would have been 98 years old.

I don't know about you, but I learned a lot from my Dad. He did not share a lot of stories while he was alive. He had some very hard life lessons and frankly, for him, they were just life. 

I learned a lot more about my Dad after he passed away. I heard more stories from his friends and family.

I wish I had known more because I know in my heart, I would have understood him better.

But you, you have a chance to learn more about those around you.

Everyone has a story, maybe it is time to ask and listen. Take time to listen, learn, and love even more.

That lesson and many more in today's podcast which celebrates my Dad.

Three feet from gold. Three feet away from reaching your dreams and desires.  So many people stop just three feet, or even three inches away from hitting their stride, making an impact, and achieving their dreams. Sometimes you need that one person to steer you to the right path. That may be all you need to accelerate.

When was the last time you had a good old fashioned belly laugh?

Laughter is such great therapy. Find the humor in the absurd, the mundane, the silliness of those things around you.

Three Dogs Snoring may be your first step after the long last year.

During these times as we search for normalcy, be open to the simple things that bring joy to your heart, as mile to your face, and maybe even a tear to your eye. Commit each day to finding aspect of your life for which are grateful.

Parents, as leaders of your family, you are missing a huge opportunity if you are not talking to your children about prison. Kids, especially teens, are bored, frustrated, and not having fun like they are used to having! Remind them that the next time they want to do something stupid because a friend says it is fun - just say no. Let's talk about prison.

The stories of goodwill, love, and care for one another are so heartwarming. I do not want it to end. It took a pandemic to start it. Will the end of the pandemic end it?  I hope not. It is up to you.