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Hello and happy GRATEFULNESS FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!
Woah, I know. ANOTHER gratefulness Friday?! I’ve had such great feedback from your comments to answer the giveaway question to enter and support from online vintage sellers who want to sponsor these giveaways. It’s hard to stop doing what you do when you know that people enjoy it — which is exactly why Gratefulness Friday may become a weekly occurring component of this site!
Last week’s giveaway with the Krickett’s Jewel asked the question, “Describe a moment you cried tears of joy.” I was nervous posing this question, because I wasn’t sure how you would respond to it. Was it too personal a question? Did you have a moment to remember when you cried tears of joy? Was it a question which took away the “positive” spin of Gratefulness Friday?!
So many insecurities ran through my mind as I pushed “publish.” But a quiet voice within told me that this was the right question to ask that week. And I’m happy to share that the quiet voice of wisdom within was CORRECT!
I can’t thank you all enough for leaving such thought-provoking responses to last week’s question! So without further ado, keep reading after the jump to learn how you can win the AMAZING vintage prize pack shown above thanks to giveaway sponsor Slapsy Maxi Vintage, and to learn what question I ask next to inspire your thoughts and feelings of gratefulness for all that you have and all that you are this week.
I wanted to share a few of my favorite responses from last week before launching into this week’s Gratefulness Friday Giveaway. Every single response was meaningful and thought provoking — these comments are something I’d like to package into a book someday, like “Chicken Soup for the Vintage Soul!”
I cried tears of joy when my son first told another child that, no, he didn’t have daddy… but he has a Mommy, a NiNi, a PopPop, an Uncle…etc… At two years old, he understood – without ever having had it explained to him. My heart grew three sizes that day, and I’ve been so proud of him, ever since. <3 <3 <3
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Thank you to everyone for sharing their gratefulness and for spreading vintage love!
These giveaways are organized as a means to say thanks for all that you do for Sammy Davis Vintage. THANK YOU!
xx, SD
I AM GRATEFUL FOR … YOUR STORY!
I live in an area of New York City that not many people would be interested in moving to. It’s an area called Spanish Harlem, located approximately between 103rd street and 120th between Pleasant Ave on the east and Park Avenue toward Central Harlem.
20 years ago, NO ONE would have wanted to live here. Imagine every bad thing stereotypical about NYC — drug lords, guns, violence, burnt out buildings, dirt, grime, graffiti … that was the Spanish Harlem of yesterday.
Today’s Spanish Harlem is a (yes, Spanish!) community of strong family values and a growing presence as the “next big neighborhood” of NYC. The evidence is in the new stores and cafes opening, as well as a handful of luxury apartment buildings near completion just waiting for a gentrifying population to make their home.
Now, the thing about living in Spanish Harlem — and NY, in general — is that while you can be surrounded by people at all times, unless one of you reaches out to connect, you can go about your day literally wordless and without communication to others.
Recently I’ve decided that I want my day to be full of stories. Not Sammy — not Sammy’s thoughts, or Sammy’s desires, or Sammy’s needs — but the stories of others whom I am blessed to encounter throughout my day.
I heard a very strong statement last night that inspired me to write today’s Gratefulness Friday post: “Every one of us has a story.”
We so often get caught in the stories of ourselves. What are going to do today? How are we going to get our lunch? When is our work day going to be over? What are we going to put on our Facebook? (<—- so guilty of this!)
Our minds scream “ME ME ME ME” and we miss out on all the wonderful stories and connections right in front of us with OTHERS.
I live on the 4th floor of a walk up apartment building. The apartment building has about 300 people living in it. Want to know how many people living in my building I have made connection with?
Four. Out of more than 300 people, and after living in this building for 3 years, I know about 4 people.
I know! I’m embarrassed and surprised at this fact myself, which I recognized just now writing this post.
But the reason behind this stat: I do know the “stories” of these 4 people. Instead of letting them know pass by with just a simple “hello, how are you?” we stop to talk. We stop to share information about our day, about the neighborhood, about OUR STORIES.
My relationship with my next-door-neighbor Anne is a perfect example of this.
Anne is 68 years old. From the outside, she seems like just an old woman who moves slow and likes to poke her nose in your business (we can all relate to this!)
But instead of letting my judgement get the best of me, about two years ago I befriended Anne. And the more we talked, the more I learned (and she shared) about her amazing, inspiring life & its STORY.
Anne has lived in Harlem since she was born. So, all of those drug busts … street violence … you name it, she saw it (and lived it). Even more amazing than that, Anne has lived in her current apartment for 38 years. She takes care of her daughter’s children (her grandchildren) AND she runs the a neighborhood non profit which provides support for tenants rights in East Harlem, especially those of the underserviced and under represented minority groups.
For a few months — before I STOPPED to connect with Anne and allow both of us to open our **stories** to one another — I thought Anne was just another old lady. I hate to say it like that, but that’s the phrase which entered my mind.
But now I know that Anne is an inspiration. She is a hard worker. She has a huge heart. And she is a reminder to me of what great things we can do in our lives, no matter our age and no matter our socioeconomic situation.
I’m so proud of Anne and her story. I love that I can share her story with you — a black woman born and raised in Harlem who lobbies on behalf of a non profit to support quality of living for those around her. Wow. Talk about selflessness.
Today, as you encounter the people in your day-to-day life, think about their STORY. I love examining the faces of people on the subway and thinking of all the great things they’ve done, and what is to come in their lives.
We all have stories. We all have success. We all possess inspiration when we share these stories with each other.
Prompt someone to share their story with you today. I promise you’ll feel fulfilled, and I promise you’ll want to share that story with another person, as well.
Thank YOU for your story!
xx, SD
THIS VINTAGE PRIZE PACK INCLUDES ….
Slapsy Maxi & Timeless Treasures Boutique WOWED me with this vintage prize pack! That’s why I’m calling it the “HUGE” prize because it includes such an array of vintage goodies that will find a happy home with one of you!
It includes ..
Includes … (1) late ’50s hat
Includes … (1) late ’50s gloves
Includes … (1) ’80s enamel bracelet
Includes … (1) vintage face powder compact
Includes … (1) ’60s scarf
Includes … (1) ’60s vintage book, Ada Dallas by Wirt Williams which you may remember from the movie!
Includes … (1) ’80s necklace
Includes … (1) late ’50s Corde purse
HOW TO ENTER GRATEFULNESS FRIDAY #8
For a chance to win the entire vintage fashion prize packed listed above valued at $50, you must enter between today [Friday, June 10th] and by midnight on Monday, June 13th.
You can only enter once, and all winners will be drawn at random using the site random.org. Winners will be announced by Wednesday, June 8th.
Enter by answering the following question in the comment fields or Facebook comment fields below this contest post:
**Share a moment of pride & personal accomplishment — YOUR story!**
OTHER IMPORTANT RULES
**Entrants/Winners must be legal U.S. residents of the lower 48 states (not including Alaska and Hawaii) and at least 18 years old as of June 10th, 2011.
**For full contest rules and regulations can be found here
**All information submitted by contestants is subject to Sammy Davis Vintage’s privacy policy found here
SPECIAL THANKS TO SLAPSY MAXI VINTAGE
Sammy Davis Vintage Gratefulness Friday Giveaways are made possible thanks to the generous donations of online vintage sellers.
To spread vintage love, I host these giveaways to not only introduce one lucky winner to the world of vintage, but to introduce all of you to an online seller with other vintage finds that you may want to give a happy home.
Please support the Gratefulness Giveaway sponsors by visiting their online shops and saying hello!
**This week’s sponsor is Slapsy Maxi Vintage. The curator of Slapsy Maxi, Dawn, sells vintage on Etsy and on Ebay.**
PLUS! For over two decades, Dawn has also been the proprietor of Timeless Treasures, a vintage boutique in Wisconsin!
TIMELESS TREASURES BOUTIQUE
Timeless Treasures is on Facebook — say hi!
VISIT TIMELESS TREASURES IN WISCONSIN!
Ever in Wisconsin, or live there right now?! Visit Timeless Treasures in Manitowoc!
Thank you for supporting vintage sellers to spread vintage love!
HAPPY ENTERING & GOOD LUCK!!!!
I started playing the flute back in fourth grade, and while I really wanted to excel I didn’t pick it up as easily or as quickly as most of my peers. It was important to me that I learn, though, so I spent the following summer practicing constantly.
Shortly before classes started up again I had a breakthrough – something finally clicked and I knew not only that I could play, but that there was no reason I couldn’t keep progressing, because I loved it and I loved working at it. From then on flute came naturally to me and by the time I was a sophomore in high school I was playing at an all-state level.
I’ll always remember that moment of pride when I realized that my work had paid off and that this was only the beginning.
My life isn’t extravagant and flashy, but rather simple and filled with many cherished moments. Upon reflection, there are so many moments in my life that made me proud and joyful such as marrying my best friend, being a parent, overcoming the obstacles of my upbringing, scoring a solid career, and obtaining an education, etc. However, when considering the MOST significant moment, I have to admit it belongs to someone close to me rather than me; and this person is my husband, JD. JD is one of the most giving people you could ever know, and he’d give you the shirt off his back even if it was the only one he owned. The two of us struggled as young parents, conceiving our first child as a teenager, but he never got discouraged due to our hardships and worked so hard to sustain us. I remember as he eagerly volunteered to work a second job when our first child was born, making minimum wage, but still persevering. That’s just the type of person he is. At 25, when things weren’t great, but we still made ends meet, JD approached me with the idea of joining the U.S. Air Force. I admit, I was extremely apprehensive and shuddered at the fact that he wanted to move a few steps back (financially) in the decision. In addition, we had a young child, and naturally I was more than a little concerned about wars and deployments. Regardless, I saw the determination in his eyes and knew this is something I needed to support him in. So in 2006, at 25 (which is pretty old considering most new recruits are 18) JD joined the U.S. Air Force. He left for months with basic training and technical schooling, while I stayed home and raised our 2-year old daughter. It was a challenging separation, and it was even harder when having to explain to a child why there daddy wasn’t home while trying to make it financially work.
Then, my daughter, in-laws, and I traveled to see him graduate basic training on hot June day in Lackland AFB, TX. We hadn’t seen him in months and were so excited to see him! That day, we watched his squadron march proudly onto the field, head held high, as he graduated with many young Airmen. He hadn’t seen us in months, and letters and phone calls were minimal, so when we were able to finally reunite it was such a heartwarming moment. He went from the stability of a 9 to 5 job to the challenges of serving in the U.S. military. I remember the tears streaming down his face, as he saw the family that he sacrificed seeing and the pride of being part of a bigger purpose. Many people cringed when we announced this decision to join the military, not only due to his age, but it was a risk that definitely challenged us financially and emotionally. Regardless, he went for his dreams and persevered with true determination and it was a decision that helped us grow as a family. His beaming smile as he looked upon his proud 2 year old daughter, crisp uniform and statuesque gait…yes, I will never forget that day.
Sorry this is so long ;)
I am a college student and I am an adult leader in my youth group. I took pride in myself of being the older one and having the authority. I’ve made so many difference in these kids lives that it made me feel great,that I am doing great work. Though, I shouldn’t be so prideful of these kind of things but rather be humble about it. These kids’ happiness shouldn’t be my reason for a boost of pride, I should do this because of God and because I love these kids. I’ve realized this and I am serving for God rather for myself.
A few months ago the cashier at my fav thrift shop told me I had a great eye for vintage which made my day, week, year….so I opened up my own little booth in a new antique, collectable mall and it is doing very well. :) Yea!
Growing up I was abused pretty much in every way by family members & by a couple of people who were supposed to protect me. I was so angry at the world, felt so alone. When I got older, I didn’t want kids for fear of treating them the way I was treated. It was in my blood, in my head. Then I was told as a young teen I couldn’t have kids because of medical reasons. At 19, I found out I was pregnant. After I had her, I decided to get help. Over time I was told by others how they could tell I was a good mom. I couldn’t see it. I didn’t know how to raise a child properly. Then one day Carroll-Ann hugged me & said I’m the greatest mommy in the world. That’s when I realized I broke one of MANY family chains. That is one of many moments of pride & personal accomplishments that I feel every day when I’m with my kids {& they’re not driving me bonkers : ) }. To this day I’m still breaking family chains, feeling more & more free from my past. And at 13 yrs old, she still thinks I’m the best mom in the world, sometimes in the universe (& so does my 6 yr old son). <3 For those who were abused, you can break free from those family chains. Just because they made you, doesn't mean you are them. The Lord & Lady gave you a brain to think for yourself, & a heart to feel for yourself. It is hard…it is scary, especially when you face yourself & your inner child…but believe me, when you find your true self, it's so worth it. Break the chains, it can be done. Sending out lots of Luv, Shell <3
The proudest moment in my life: After a childhood spent in group homes & shelters as a teen. I started saving $ in my twenties {thrifting helped!} & finally bought a modest house by the time I was 29. Finally a place to call HOME!
My own moment of personal pride and accomplishment happened three years ago when I graduated from the Army’s Military Police Academy. It had been some time since I was active duty, some time since I had been in great shape and some time since I had lead troops… Changing career fields this late in life was a definite challenge for me – At the ripe young age of 38, I was the oldest member of the platoon. Everyone called me “Mom”. Some had doubts that I could accomplish the tasks at hand and endure the physical pains that came along with being an MP. I too at times had my doubts… somehow though -I mde it through and landed on the Commandants list for achievement! I surprised alot of folks when I walked down the aisle for graduation! Not only did I transform myself from a stay at home mom into a promising Army Sergeant but I led a swad of 10 men and women. It was truly a great accomplishment for me to complete this training and with honors to boot . My three children and husband were so proud of me which made it all worth while.
I feel pride quiet often — not necessarily being proud of myself, but being proud of those whom I love!
I am so proud of my entire family and our strength.
My Dad is an amazing man — always giving of his time and energy — He has received all of the highest awards within the Lions Club for all of his charity work …
My sister recently graduated with her Master’s degree — specializing in Autism — she is so patient and caring! …
My ‘big brother’ — raising two amazing children — and always caring for my sisters and I (despite picking on us)!
and my mom … *HUGS* … Recently my mother won the “caregiver of the year” award in our county — and it makes me happy and proud to know that she is MY mom! — MY caregiver for many years! I hope to one day be as amazing as she is!
And I am MOST proud of my ‘baby sister’ — officially the strongest person I have ever met/will ever meet.
FULL OF PRIDE! LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH!