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DEC 2022
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TAKE TIME OFF TO SEE THE DIAMONDS IN YOUR LIFE
RUSSELL CONWELL
HOW A STORY BY RUSSELL CONWELL CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE
Once, an older man lived on a farm full of beautiful flowers, fruits, and gardens. One day, a stranger visited this man. The two sat around a fire, and the stranger told the old man how he thought the world was made by swirling fog into fire, fire into rain, rain into land, and so forth. He explained that this event also created acres full of precious diamonds around the world, too. The stranger said that if the old man were to find just one of these diamonds, he would be rich beyond his wildest dreams. And the old man, saddened by his poverty, felt determined to find these gems. But after many years of searching the globe, the old man died without seeing a single diamond. Shortly after his death, the man who purchased the old man’s farm brought his camel to drink from the river flowing near the farm and noticed something sparkle beneath the water’s surface. It was a diamond in the old man’s backyard! This story is from “Acres of Diamonds” by Russell Conwell, and it’s something that has stuck with me over the years — the idea of something great being right in front of us while we try to search for something “better.” After reading this tale, I decided I always wanted to be able to see the “diamonds” already in front of me, both in my business and my personal life. It turns out the best way I have found to do that is by taking time off now and then. Many business owners struggle with taking time off and leaving their businesses behind, especially during the holidays. But honestly, doing this has given me the clarity to view my job from a fresh perspective. I’ve found that overworking builds up over time, and the daily decisions you make as a business owner can wear you down. The more frazzled I am from my job, the harder it is to work efficiently and be creative. Ultimately, the mental fatigue from working without any time to pick our heads up is what can blind us from seeing our diamonds.
Taking time off doesn’t always mean you have to leave town on a big getaway, either. I often work Saturdays at my nursery, tending to the plants and the business. It can be easy to get sucked into working the weekend away, but I always keep my Sundays work-free. That day is for me to spend time with my family and God. It is also a mental break from business so I can focus on my life outside of work, and it has made all the difference. When I take time off, whether just a day or a week, I have the opportunity to reset my brain and think clearly away from all that decision-making. To do this, I always meet with my manager and business partner to let them know when I’ll be gone and for how long, even if it’s six months out. Then, once I’m off of work, I try not to carry my phone on me at all. The point of time off is to unplug and refresh so I can return to my job better than before, not just work from a different location. I’m able to look at my life with clarity when I’m away. I can enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach with my children and focus on being the best husband possible to my wife. I not only stop and see the diamonds before me but also appreciate their extraordinary beauty. The same goes for work, too. After my time off, I have gratitude for my business and how far I’ve come. I can view projects from a fresh perspective and enjoy each day rather than constantly worrying about what’s next. In the end, it makes me better at what I do. If you’re considering taking some time off, ask yourself this question: What kind of diamonds are around that you can’t even see because you have your head down working? Give yourself the time to step back and notice the acres of diamonds already in your life.
Robert Burns
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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As the temperatures drop and we spend more time outside, take a moment to think about your backyard. The outdoor space you have to entertain your guests or family can be utilized for many different activities in the coming season.
So, ask yourself this: “What am I doing in my backyard this weekend?”
Maybe you’re planning to watch a movie with your family or have an exciting birthday party featuring an inflatable bounce house. Perhaps you’ll be enjoying warm days by the pool or chilly nights in front of the firepit with tasty roasted treats.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN YOUR BACKYARD THIS WEEKEND?
With Christmas around the corner, you might want to have a holiday party with family, friends, and colleagues in your outdoor area or maybe even use it to ring in the new year.
Whatever your plans are, picture them clearly in your mind. How does your landscape experience look? Take note
ELLA, THE NATURAL ARTIST CHICKS DIG IT
After a long day of hunting, we finally returned home with our haul, and it was time to get to work. I laid out my shells and let the inspiration come to me as I looked over them. Before long, I had an idea. I darted out to find my dad and asked him, “When is Christmas?” He told me it was in December, and I realized I didn’t have much time. So, I ran to grab some red paint and picked the best shell for the job.
Hi, everyone — it’s Ella! Over the past month, I have realized something important about myself: I am an artist.
While I always knew I had some major creative talent, my suspicion that I’m a natural artist was confirmed last month on my birthday. I decided I wanted to visit the beach to celebrate, so my family made a trip to New Smyrna Beach.
I organized my space (as all good artists do) with some newspaper and water cups to stay clean as I worked. I was super careful with my painting technique as I covered the shell in red and let it dry for a few hours while I started on the second part of my project. I measured the perfect string length from a ball of yarn and snipped it with my safety scissors. This part was important because if I made the string too long or short, it would ruin my project. But a great artist always has a keen eye. I attached the yarn to the back of my red shell with some glue and let that sit so everything would hold tight. After about an hour, I looked over my creation with pride. I had made my very own sea shell Christmas ornament! Now that I’ve made my first decoration, I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I plan to create a bunch of awesome things with my other shells and give them to everyone I know. I just can’t help it; it’s the artist in me. — Ella Burns
As my siblings spent time playing in the sand or swimming, I was on the hunt for artistic inspiration. My dad and I prowled the beach, looking for the best shells we could find. I didn’t know what I was looking for at the time, but I knew my intuition would guide me once I gathered enough beautiful shells.
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LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST! Outstanding consult, design, installation, and follow up! From professional design product delivery to timely installation, all work done with expertise, care, and attention to detail. Highest recommendation for Robert and his team.” – Stephen K. SUDOKUWEB
of any water features, lighting, colors, or trees in your ideal backyard landscape. Hear the wildlife, the feeling of the gentle breeze, and the fragrance of flowers that surround your space. Imagine the beautiful foliage and soft lighting on a cool winter night as they envelop your yard in a relaxing atmosphere. Picture your guests as they move around your backyard space, food or drink in hand, and create memories they will celebrate for a lifetime.
Are you enjoying your outdoor areas to their fullest potential?
If you feel your backyard isn’t living up to your weekend plans, visit BLGEnvironmental. com/Free-Consultation to schedule a FREE landscape design consultation. We’re dedicated to making that weekend movie, party, or quality time with your family a reality, all in your very own backyard.
Robert Burns
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“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6–7 HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS?
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• First select a number/operator and than apply it to a sudoku cell.
EASY OUT
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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How Taking Time Off Gives Me Clarity
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An Exercise in Design: Picture the Backyard Space of Your Dreams Chicks Dig It: Ella, the Natural Artist
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients Take a Break!
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Best Christmas Tree Attractions to Visit This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, the twinkling lights and spectacular Christmas tree attractions are always a must-see! Here are the best travel destinations to catch a glimpse of one of the pillars of the holidays. The Rockefeller Center Tree in New York City The Rockefeller Center tree is located just west of 5th Avenue from 47th through 51st streets in New York City and dates back to the Depression era, with the first tree placed there in 1931. This beloved tourist attraction draws thousands yearly with its dazzling lights and grand scale. To even be considered a contender for this role, a tree must be at least 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide! The National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. This American favorite has long been a tradition. Every year, the ceremony begins with live performances by musical artists, and an annual highlight is when the president delivers a message of peace. President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to light the National Christmas Tree in 1923. The tree was 48 feet high and decorated with 2,500 red, white, and green electric bulbs. A local choir and a quartet from the U.S. Marine Band performed as the tree was lit. LIGHTING UP LIFE ONE PINE NEEDLE AT A TIME TRAVEL-WORTHY CHRISTMAS TREES
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Tree in Idaho Also known as the World’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, this grand fir holds the record at 162 feet tall. It is festively decorated with more than 40,000 lights that twinkle in time to the music of “Jingle Bells,” and the tree is crowned with a 10-foot-wide star! The Biltmore Christmas Tree in North Carolina This majestic 55-foot Norway spruce tree is in front of the Biltmore Estate and lit as guests make their way down the path of luminaries. With ornaments and miles of garland, this tree is selected for the Banquet Hall each year for guests from all over to see. Some are lucky enough to live near or in a city with a magnificent tree, but if you don’t, consider traveling to one of these locations to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
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LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
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