Monday, June 16, 2025

"Sprinting for Dad" Monday's Warm Cocoa 6.16.2025

Fans cheer as a little girl runs to her father after a baseball victory.

Sprinting for Dad

When thinking of American baseball many connections come to mind. Summer, hot dogs, peanuts, a seventh inning stretch and a group singalong of “Take me out to the Ball Park” are certainly some front-of-mind thoughts. Yet, a new, inspiring connection played out, the other day, in a college ball park at the conclusion of one particular NCAA Super Regional baseball game.

The host and winning team of the baseball game gathered in the center of the infield to celebrate their win. They were surrounded by joyful reverberations, intermingled with music floating from the still-full stadium as players, coaches, managers and fans cheered and applauded each other. After-all, it had been years since they’d enjoyed such a victory. This win qualified them to compete against seven other teams in the 2025 College Baseball World Series. Thousands were blissfully focused on baseball success, until a concurrent happening played out.

A young toddler sitting in the right field stands had waited patiently for the end of the ballgame. She had waited almost four hours to reach her own envisioned victory. Her dreamed for victory was different than that of all other spectators celebrating in the stands. Her only interest in the baseball game was that it would be over, win or lose. So, as soon as the game ended and the team gathered in the infield, she could no longer be contained.

With one quick, decoy move this toddler shimmied away from her mother and set her sight on reaching one person on the field. She ran to reach the arms of her father, a coach for the winning team.

The girl’s run began in right field on small, churning legs at the edge of the warning track and picked up speed and attention as her feet hit the grass. The crowd caught sight of her streak not long after she hit the grass. One could her a slight roar begin to build as fans noticed her intent.

The growing roar continued to rise to crescendo until her father sees her, scoops her up in his arms to capture her love and in one smooth twirl, lifts her to victory position on his shoulders. One small girl had successfully shifted attention from an unforgettable baseball victory to a remarkable winning of viewing hearts. Perhaps such winning of the heart is evidence of the importance of having a loving father and a foreshadow of more love to be shared on Father’s Day, happening a short week and a half, from her victory run.

It was a run that, from now on, whenever I think of baseball, will cause me to reminisce and smile, as I recall one little girl’s baseball-field-sprint into the arms of her beloved father.

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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as a real estate agent and Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Both Sides of the Fence, About the Dish, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharing

Monday, June 9, 2025

"Unimaginable" Monday's Warm Cocoa, 6.9.2025

“I received an unimaginable gift as a result of my accident.” - Susan Edgmon

Unimaginable

“I was in a horrible traffic accident,” Susan Edgmon began. “The immediate result was an unimaginable, life-altering brain injury.”

For a performance-oriented entrepreneur, Susan’s new, brain injury reality was devastating. Her entire life and her imagined future vanished instantly. Or, so she believed.

“My recovery team focused on getting me healthy and moving forward. They worked patiently, asking me to set new goals. I didn’t want to! But, I finally surrendered and told them my goal was to learn drive again,” She said with a grin.

Susan was in psychotherapy twice a week for two years. Her recovery was not a brisk stride of process.

“My condition, after the accident, forced me to sit a lot. For the first time, I watched oak tree leaves sprout and open, over days,” Susan said with a pleased smile. “I was a workaholic before the accident. I had never experienced life or the world at such a pace.”

Susan’s mother hoped to encourage a more engaging pace of life, so she called and asked her to take a water color painting class.

“I said no! I don’t paint,” Susan said laughingly.

Her mother responded by saying, “I paid $60 for the class, so you’re going to go!”

“The first day of class we painted only brown! The second day we painted a sunset,” Susan said in a mocking tone. “The teacher asked me how long I’d been painting. I told him, this was my second painting. He said, no, really! How long have you been painting?”

From that point on, Susan continued painting, learning and exploring varied art forms. She entered a local art competition and as a result, a gallery owner approached her about having a show in her gallery.

“I soon found that as a creative entrepreneur, you need to do a lot of different things just to survive financially. It’s not easy,” Susan said of her life as an artist.

“I’ve always remembered what my friend and mentor, Sam Walton once said to me.”

“Find a need and fill it,” Sam advised her.

Susan has focused on Sam’s advice faithfully. She has found an unimagined need, within herself, and has filled it beautifully by sharing her artistic gift with others.

“My art is the gift of my accident. I have received it, so I need to share it! It isn’t something I’m supposed to keep to myself. I must share it,” She explained.

I asked Susan, “What advice do you offer others who are still seeking their own gifts?”

She responded quickly by saying, “I would say, believe! You don’t have to be perfect. Just do the best you can and that’s enough. Your self-worth is not tied up with how you perform. Always ask yourself, what did I learn, even if you fail. Because you learn, whether you fail or succeed. Be patient and keep trying. Keep trying different things. Keep learning. And, seek your joy.”

Imagine the unimaginable for yourself.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharin

Monday, June 2, 2025

"Angel High-Five" Monday's Warm Cocoa, 2 June 2025

"No explanation." – Traveling Mother

Angel High-Five

The end of the Memorial Day weekend proved to be a little hectic for our household-guests as they began the process of finding all of their belongings. I looked at the once bulging, huge pink suitcase. It was practically empty, as were the other smaller bags that had all arrived three days earlier. Upon arrival, they were all filled.

Now, mother and father were scurrying about, picking up the clothing, binky’s and all sorts of other items, while stuffing them back into the quickly filling bags. I filled one bag.

The bag I filled was small zip-sandwich bag. I crammed it with, prior-to-three-days-ago untasted, glazed animal cookies. These particular grandchildren had never enjoyed this delicacy. Now that they had nibbled on those tasty-crunchies there was no going back to a quiet domestic life without them! (Yes. That’s what grandparents are for.) Such inspiring tranquility could not be left alone in a dark cupboard when they’d be sorely needed on the three-and-a-half-hour flight soon to face this family of four. Now, it was time for me to complete the last task facing me in preparation for their departure.

We loaded everyone and everything into my car and began driving to the airport. It was a large load. I wondered how only two parents could transport all that stuff and two kids to the jet bridge.

My daughter was fearing the same as she asked, “Do they have skycap service at this terminal?”

“They don’t,” I responded with trepidation.

“Oh!”

The conversation had ended. The concern had not. And, the ride was completed shortly thereafter as we arrived at the departure curb.

We stepped from the pavement to the curb and sidewalk over and over again. We lifted bag after bag, setting them on the sidewalk. Then, we got the strollers out and carefully secured the kids. My work was done and all I could do is watch and wonder again, how they’d get to the bag check counter with all that stuff.

We gave hugs all around. I got in my car, pulled away from the curb slowly and watched as a man suddenly appeared next to that just-stacked, pile of luggage and humanity; seemingly out of nowhere.

It made me wonder. So, as soon as I arrived home I sent my daughter a text message.

“I saw the guy come out to help you into the terminal. How nice! What was his story?”

“Just nice. No story. No explanation. Just an Angel. High-Five!”

“It was wonderful,” I responded with slightly trembling fingers.

Memorial Day is a day when many of us have trembling fingers and watery eyes. It’s a day set aside to remember those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf. Such sacrifices continue daily and we often don’t give our benefactors a thought now, or a remembrance later. Here’s to every one of you good-deed-doers!

Angel-High-Five. Thank you.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharing

Monday, May 26, 2025

"Transformation," Monday's Warm Cocoa, 5.26.2025

"We have hundreds of volunteers making this possible!"

– Ashley Wardlow

Transformation

“We’re, first and foremost, an educational organization,” Ashley Wardlow, Executive Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks explained as we walked the butterfly pathway to their Butterfly Garden.

As our walk began, person after person came up to Ashley to speak with her about something an idea they were excited about. They were all volunteers who were clearly, deeply and personally invested in this garden. Ashley greeted each one personally with a broad smile, and gave them her full attention as she listened. Her smile never wavered.

“We have hundreds of volunteers making this possible!”

As we arrived at the Butterfly House I spotted a little basket, on a small side table, at the entrance. There were small plastic bags, each containing a butterfly or a chrysalis. The bags had been placed there with great care.

“What are these?” I asked.

“We host more than 6,000 students on field trips each year,” Ashley replied. “The students and others in our community scour the area gathering them. Then, they bring them here to be placed in the Butterfly House, where they’re safe and can transform. In the early summer, the chrysalis emerges as a butterfly. It is the most magical place then and for the rest of the summer! The butterflies are happy and thrive here, because of nectar producing plants we have inside the house.”

After spending a few minutes of enjoyment, absorbing the wonders of the Butterfly House, we headed back to the hubbub of their Chefs in the Garden event; a showcase and competition between some of the region’s best chefs and their restaurants. It’s the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks annual spring fund raiser. So, soon we walked the same butterfly pathway past a large butterfly sculpture, located on the south side of the path. And, once again a myriad of people came over to speak with Ashley.

“She is the embodiment of the butterfly pathway,” I said to myself. “She plants eggs with every conversation.”

Those eggs had transformed into individual chrysalis, who had changed into beautiful butterflies, who were now fluttering all around us, with beauty in their wings. They are the ones who had and will continue to transform the surrounding garden into something greater that plants, animals, and insect residents. They have created a flourishing community.

I was marveling at Ashley and the way she orchestrates all of it, through her joyful caring, listening and educating. Her work floats on butterfly wings and bedazzles with her beckoning smile.

“No one who comes here can leave without a smile and a heart filled with happiness,” Ashley says.

I believe her and believe in her. She is the living inspiration of an amazing, ongoing transformation of nature and people.

__________________________________________

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharing

Monday, May 19, 2025

"The Giver," Lynn Butterfield's Monday's Warm Cocoa 5.19.2025

"He’s always helping us, when we’re the ones who are supposed to be helping him!"

– Darian Harris

The Giver

It was “Demo Day” for the Fuel Accelerator last Wednesday and perhaps it was serendipitous that it was being held at the new Heartland Whole Health Institute. But, the serendipity was just beginning to be unveiled, as Darian Harris loped up, in his larger than human stride and smile, to say hello.

“Andrew Bart tells me that your new Fuel Cohort in Phoenix is going very well,” I said, knowing that Darian was a key contributor to its successful launch.

“Yes!” Darian responded before continuing on with, “He’s always helping us, when we’re the ones who are supposed to be helping him!”

“That’s who he is,” I said while adding. “I’ve never met anyone who knows as many people and is constantly and happily connecting them to others in an effort to be helpful!”

As those words left my mouth I remembered recent research that reveals how telomeres, tiny bits of DNA, can reduce stress while lengthening life. And, yes, this connection between telomeres and Andrew Bart came to me, while standing in the Heartland Whole Health Institute!

Scientific studies show that specific individual practices can help slow the deterioration of and even lengthen telomeres, potentially slowing down aging and improving overall health. The best news is that, unlike treatments such as Botox and facelifts, these don’t come with much of a price tag. I won’t go into the details of each research suggested practice, just the first one, the personal practice of helping others. After all, it’s the trait that Andrew has fully assimilated into his life.

It can also be called the characteristic of compassion and fostering social connections.

Research studies have shown that when elderly people are given something as simple as a plant to care for, they live longer. And many studies continue to make the point that helping others helps all of us individually.

A study from the University of Wisconsin found that people who practice loving-kindness meditation increased their telomerase activity, through an enzyme that helps maintain telomere length.

Showing compassion to others, as well as ourselves, lowers stress hormones like cortisol and triggers positive physiological responses in the body. When you and I practice self-compassion or offer kindness to others, we feel calmer, more connected, and less stressed, which helps reduce the strain that stress puts on our bodies.

Best of all, you and I can start receiving such benefits immediately by practicing small acts of kindness each day, whether it’s offering a kind word to a colleague or sending positive thoughts to someone you care about.

I’ve decided to call such small acts, “Andrew’s-micro-moments of giving.” Because when you give to others, life gives right back to you and your health, just like Andrew, The Giver.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharing

Monday, May 12, 2025

"Angels Around Us" Lynn Butterfield's Monday's Warm Cocoa 5.12.2025

"Excuse me sir, have you seen my brother." – A stranger

Angels Around Us

"Excuse me sir, have you seen my brother?"

The older man was caught by surprise. He didn’t know this approaching boy who was about ten years of age, dressed in his soccer uniform.

“He’s dressed in a soccer jersey. It looks like the one I am wearing, but it has a stripe across here,” the boy continued, while using his hands to identify where the stripe would be, had it been on the jersey he was wearing.

The man listened intently, as the distress in the boy’s face and voice were clear.

“I was asleep in the car,” the young boy continued. “When we got here my brother woke me up and told me he was going into the store and that he’d be back soon. That was a long time ago. Will come into the store with me to look for him?”

“It’s a big store and it is very busy today,” The man replied. “It’s busier today than it was at Christmas time. If we go in there and begin to look, he’ll likely come out of the store and we’ll miss him. If that happens he’ll be worried about where you are. I think it is best for us to wait for him by your car. Do you know where your car is”

The boy responded with a “yes” and the two of them walked to the car, which was parked not far away.

“I’m afraid,” The boy said with tears beginning to glimmer in his eyes.

“Would you like me to wait here with you until your brother comes back so you aren’t alone?” The man compassionately asked. “I remember being your age and feeling alone.”

“Yes, I would like that,” the boy said in gratitude.

So, the two strangers stood by the gun-metal-gray van waiting together. The boy was relieved to have someone with him, but he still tipped up on his toes with a stretched-look, anxiously seeking his brother every minute or so.

“Does your bother have a phone?” The old man asked as a way to relieve the anxious boy.

“Yes.”

“Do you know his phone number?”

“No. My mother does, but she is visiting her mother today, because tomorrow is Mother’s Day.

The man followed with, “Did you play a game today?”

“Yes,” the boy responded earnestly. “We won and I played well. “My brother is our coach.

Silence followed for another ten or so minutes.

“I’m sorry this is taking so long,” the boy said anxiously.

“There is no place I’d rather be right now,” the man gently replied.

The boy’s face relaxed as a result.

“I’m happy to be here with you until your brother comes out,” the man assured him while both sets of eyes stayed fixed on the store’s exit.

Then, with a sudden burst of brightness gleaming from the boy’s face, words of relief resounded.

“There he is!”

Man and boy stood conjointly, tracking the cart-pushing-twenty-year-old’s progress toward them. They stood united until the brother was fairly close.

“Thank you for waiting with me,” the boy said in gratitude, as he locked eyes with his cherub.

His eyes were communicating, “I’m glad you were here to be my guardian angel.”

_________________________________________

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharing

Monday, May 5, 2025

"Every Version" Monday's Warm Cocoa 5.5.2025-Lynn Butterfield

"Every house I lived in while growing up is gone."

Every Version

“I told my wife that even if we lost everything, except each other, we would be just fine.”

Jon Buckner pulled up a blue velvet covered chair to the table, while beginning to talk. He had just finished a phone call with his wife. They were discussing the challenges they faced in their dog grooming venture.

“We’ve been having such a hard time finding people to work in our business. Sometimes it feels as if we’ll never be able to get over that hump,” he said, before taking a pause and turning more philosophical about life. “I’ve lived here my entire life and I’ve done many different kinds of work. I’ve built houses, been a surveyor, a mechanic and seen much of the world as a designer, all while living here, in this place.”

When Jon was a young boy, this place, his home town, was much smaller than it is today. In fact, earlier in the day, one person who had not been in the town for twenty-five years commented that it wasn’t even the same place then, as now. There are thousands of more people. There is construction everywhere and opportunity is abounding now as compared to that quarter century-former-self.

“Sometimes it’s just hard to remember the way things were when I was growing up,” Jon reflected while describing his past. “When I was a boy, if we were lucky enough to be living in a double-wide mobile home of questionable condition we felt grateful.”

His description deepened as he when on to say, “Every house I lived in while growing up is gone. You know that condemned, boarded-up white house just off of east Central Avenue? It was my home for a while. When I lived there it seemed to be made of nothing but asbestos and dust. But, we were happy, because we were together and we had a roof over our heads.”

There was determination in his voice and a steel-like-strength shining from his face as he rehearsed end-part of the conversation he had just finished with his wife. He had told her that things would work out fine for them, even if their “extra things,” the things that provide them with additional comfort, such as their Escalades, were to go away they could still be very happy, and perhaps even more so.

After all, the life he used to live, the one currently dancing across an invisible stage, up front in his memory as he was story-telling, transmitted certain peace and joy into his present.

“I’ve done many things throughout my life. I know how to work in different vocations. I’ve had less and I’ve had more. And, the thing I always keep in mind is that I’ve had happiness in every time and every version of my life.”

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktZfblXh2jAyKce2-EJazGOdQnaERL3A/view?usp=sharing

Monday's Warm Cocoa

Monday, June 16, 2025