4. Four. For...

Andrew was home sick today. We spent lots of time snuggling. Just looking at his innocence reflected in those tiny facial features makes my heart melt. We flipped through some TV as well. I think I would be happy everyday if I had a voice like Elmo. We stopped for a few moments (Andrew did not even say a word. He was fine with the time to "be a toddler again". ) It sent me back to days when they were so young! It was nice. Remember ABCs and 123s.

I've been spending my time rediscovering. I know, it should be that I am out hunting. I am sure guys do this too. Reflect on past hunts. The journeys taken. The people who came along. The successes. The failures. The misses. My last few hunting seasons have been extremely successful. I am not sure if I would call it beginner's luck...I've been hunting for years. But when the Shoe Hunt came around a few years ago...well, let's just say I took it pretty serious.

This year while it's the time of year this normally would start happening to the deer, I am the one in the rut. I know what it is...guilt. I hear so many stories each day about loss of job, home, and/or health. I still have all of those...and several really nice pair of shoes! Todd and I have also been spending a lot of time talking about finances...the future is uncertain.

Today I came across an organization called "Four Years. Go" (check it out at www.youtube.com search four years.go). It is true. The next 4 years are crucial, it seems. It is that quintessential time to "be the change you wish to see", as Gandhi spoke so eloquently. 4 years...just like the last 4 years we have dedicated to the Chix 4 a Cause movement. 4. Four. For...

So my focus and way to motivate myself this hunting season...4. Whether it be 4 years...four shoes??? or for someone. I do like the number 4, always have (even if Brett still wears the number, it was well before he came around!). A basket with 4 items to raffle, $4 drink specials, 4 "best of" give aways, 4 fun hours! Ahhhh...4 days of shopping in Vegas! Oh my...now this is getting weird- the plane takes off at 4 and lands 4 days later at 4! Though I am only going with 2 friends, which means someone may end up marrying someone ( to make it 4) while we are there like in Hangover or WHO WANTS TO COME ALONG to make it a 4th????

Ok, I think I am set. Quattro. Let the hunting begin...and it's good to be in the rut sometimes!

It's meant to be

Saturday I went to a wedding. In preparation for the wedding, I needed to pick out an outfit. I found the perfect little black dress hanging in my closet. While I know that some may say that is boring, I felt it was the perfect attire. I wanted to use accessories to create the extra style! I love this pair of gold shoes I bought a few years ago on our first shoe hunt. You know the ones you see in the Victorias Secret ads (picture me but without the boobs and flat stomach of the model...ok, maybe you don't want to do that). I went to Oh Laa Laa in West Bend, the perfect accessory store. Costume type jewlery and handbags.

While there, in and out went many women of all ages. There were many finishing off their homecoming dresses. There were some who just happened to bump into the store. And still some who were there just shopping. I heard a reoccuring theme that day. Something I had not picked up so clearly before..."it was meant to be". You know when you find the absolutely perfect item. The one. The item that says it all. The feeling you get that goes along with that. It may seem silly. It sometimes even feels a little selfish to me. But there is something about being a girl, getting dressed up, and feeling just right.

I ended up finding some nice glittering bracelets and earrings that I thought finished off my outfit elegantly. I polished my toes when I got home. Took some time with my hair and makeup and off I went. I know each women that night had done the same. Had taken pride in who they were smiling in the mirror before leaving the house...so often when we look in that mirror it can be met with criticism...so those times can be cherished when you can leave with a smile.

I spoke with many women that evening, all dressed up, dancing, singing, socializing. The real beauty lies within who they are. Each one I know. Very caring, giving, forgiving, fun.

Shoe and Accessory hunted started to connect women who may feel a little disconnected at this time of year. We know the hunt can be fun (last year I hunted in Chicago with friends..this year it's Vegas baby!) but it is so much more than that. The party is grand (and I am so excited about it this year!!!!). We show off our kills...And we give because that really completes who we really are.

I hope your hunt ends with "it was meant to be". See you at the party December 3rd!