How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
By Tracy Schruder
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that a perceived failure in my early career as a hairdresser was actually a stepping stone to success. My story begins with a passion for beauty and a desire to become a hairstylist. I landed an apprenticeship at Delilah’s, a local salon, and was eager to learn from the experienced owners, Barb and Joanne.
However, my enthusiasm was short-lived. A series of mishaps, including a particularly pungent pedicure client, led to a stern reprimand from my bosses. Despite my best efforts, I struggled to meet their expectations, and the criticism continued to mount.
The final straw came when I was reprimanded for greeting a friend who had come to the salon for a haircut. My boss’s harsh words and refusal to cut my friend’s hair were the last straw. I realized that I didn’t want to become a hairdresser if it meant adopting the same attitude and behavior as my bosses.
I left the salon and enrolled in college to complete my cosmetology course. Although I finished the program, I couldn’t secure another job in the field. It was as if the experience at Delilah’s had tainted my reputation.
But, as it often does, adversity became an opportunity. I found work at a coffee shop and began to focus on my true passion: writing. I went back to school to study creative writing and started working on my craft.
Today, I am proud to say that I have built a fulfilling career as a writer, administrator, and Reiki practitioner. My first self-help book for women is awaiting publication, and I am working on several other manuscripts, including a memoir and autobiography.
In hindsight, I am grateful that my hairdressing career didn’t work out. If it had, I might have missed the opportunity to discover my true calling as a writer. My experience at Delilah’s was a failure, but it was also a blessing in disguise. It taught me that sometimes, what seems like a setback can actually be a stepping stone to success.
You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?
By Tracy Schruder
Me and my grandmother Hazel
Writing my autobiography is a project I’ve been working on since I lost my grandmother. She was my first real experience with death and loss. At the time, she was 53, and I was 21. We were incredibly close; she was my mother’s mother, and I affectionately called her “Mum” because she disliked the word “grandma.”
After she passed away, everyone seemed uncertain about how to describe the person she was. Since she wasn’t much of a writer, there were no journals or written records to reference. Eventually, my uncle, who spoke at her wake, shared his experience with her and his understanding of who she was and what she lived for. I felt uneasy, thinking to myself about all the things he didn’t mention about her.
My Grandmother Hazel Patients
If I had been the one to speak, I would have included some personal details about Mum – like how she could win a card game by inciting a battle between her opponents, insisting that one of them had cheated. She loved watching her opponents fight against each other. Mum had a gift for manipulation, and even though she didn’t always win every card game, she made sure she could win by default by rallying everyone up and ending the game with her score at the highest.
Some of my Journals
This experience made me realize that I didn’t want my family to be uncertain about my life and legacy when my time came. So, I decided then that I would write my own autobiography, keeping a detailed account of my life through writing and journaling.
Some pictures of me at various points in my life
My Opening Sentence (s)
I left a mark, not a stain. I broke the mould, no one could be the same. Unique in all my uniqueness, I did it my way! As Frank Sinatra sang it. As I lived it.
My Indispensable Trio: Books, Crystals, and Computer
As I reflect on my daily life, I’ve come to realize that there are three objects that I couldn’t imagine living without. These treasured possessions have become an integral part of my existence, each serving a unique purpose that enriches my life in profound ways. In this blog post, I’d like to share with you why books, crystals, and my computer are the three objects that I simply couldn’t live without.
Screenshot of my app
Books: Gateways to Knowledge and Imagination
Books are my gateway to the world. They transport me to historical eras, fantastical realms, and unexplored territories of the human experience. Through books, I gain access to a vast array of knowledge, from scientific discoveries to philosophical insights. I can delve into the minds of authors, learning from their perspectives, and expanding my understanding of the world.
Whether I’m researching a topic, seeking inspiration, or simply escaping into a good story, books are always there for me. They are a constant source of comfort, education, and joy, and I feel grateful to have them in my life.
Some of my Crystals
Crystals: Guardians of Energy and Beauty
Crystals are another essential part of my daily life. As a healing practitioner, I use crystals to channel and balance energy, promoting well-being and harmony in myself and those around me. But crystals are more than just tools for healing; they are also breathtakingly beautiful, with their unique structures and vibrant colors.
Did you know that crystals are formed deep within the Earth’s crust, under intense pressure and heat? This process can take millions of years, resulting in crystals that are not only stunning but also imbued with the Earth’s energy.
I find that working with crystals recharges my own energy, helping me to stay grounded and focused. Whether I’m meditating, practicing Reiki, or simply sitting in stillness, crystals are always by my side, radiating their gentle, loving energy.
My laptop computer
My Computer: My Creative Companion
Last but not least, my computer is an indispensable tool that enables me to express my creativity, connect with others, and share my work with the world. Through my computer, I can write articles, blogs, and stories, as well as work on my photography projects, editing and enhancing my images to share with others.
My computer also allows me to stay in touch with loved ones, colleagues, and friends, no matter where they are in the world. I can communicate with them instantly, sharing my thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
In addition, my computer provides me with access to a vast wealth of information, enabling me to research topics, learn new skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my books, crystals, and computer are the three objects that I couldn’t imagine living without. Each one brings a unique set of benefits and joys into my life, from the knowledge and imagination sparked by books to the energy and beauty embodied by crystals, and the creative expression and connection facilitated by my computer.
These three objects may seem disparate at first glance, but they are, in fact, intimately connected, each one influencing and enriching the others in profound ways. As I continue on my life’s journey, I know that these three beloved objects will remain by my side, guiding, inspiring, and nurturing me every step of the way.
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?
By Tracy Schruder
(Venutian) Valiant Thor
If I could be someone else for a day, I would choose to be Valiant Thor. He was (alleged) an alien from the planet, Venus. This visitor fascinated the world with his extraordinary story.
Venus
Valiant Thor’s visit to Earth supposedly took place in 1957, when he landed his spacecraft near Alexandria, Virginia, and met with President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Valiant Thors mission was to share advanced technology and promote messages of peace, love, and unity, warning humanity about the dangers of nuclear weapons, poverty, and environmental destruction.
Federal troops sent into Little Rock, Arkansas
In 1957, humanity was still reeling from the aftermath of World War II, which had ended just over a decade prior. The world was divided into two blocs, with the Western powers led by the United States on one side, and the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union on the other.
Two Block division Google Image
This Cold War era was marked by ideological tensions, proxy wars, and the threat of nuclear annihilation.
Nuclear Weapons Russia vs. United States
Famine and poverty were widespread, particularly in developing countries. The post-war economic boom had not yet reached many parts of the world, and millions of people struggled to access basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare.
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Governments around the world were often rigid and authoritarian, with many countries still ruled by colonial powers or authoritarian regimes.
The Civil Rights Movement was just beginning to gain momentum in the United States, while the Soviet Union was still under the iron grip of Joseph Stalin’s successors.
Civil Rights Protesters Civil Rights Document Google Image
Despite these challenges, 1957 was also a year of great scientific and technological progress.
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into space, marking the beginning of the space age. This achievement sparked a sense of wonder and excitement around the world, and marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and discovery.
Image of Sputnik
Thor’s story, as told by Frank E. Stranges in his book “Stranger at the Pentagon,” describes him as a humanoid extraterrestrial who came to Earth with a delegation to help humanity avoid self-destruction .
Dr. Stranges Book
He allegedly lived in the basement of the Pentagon for three years, taking regular meetings with high-ranking government officials and scientists.
The Pentagon building United States
While the authenticity of Valiant Thor’s story is disputed, his legend has endured as a symbol of hope and cosmic benevolence. I admire his motives and bravery, and I’m fascinated by the prospect of being an alien, visiting other planets, and experiencing life beyond Earth.
I wonder what kind of living accommodations they have on Venus, what kind of houses they live in, how they grow food, and whether they live under the planet’s surface or in the clouds. The possibilities are endless, and being Valiant Thor for a day would be an incredible adventure.
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Unfortunately, there’s no concrete evidence to confirm Valiant Thor’s existence or his achievements during his alleged stay on Earth. However, his story continues to inspire and intrigue us, reminding us of the importance of promoting peace, love, and unity.
conclusion:
I would like to be Valiant Thor for a day because of his inspiring values and visionary plans for a peaceful Earth and universe. His courage to reach out to humanity during a tumultuous time in history, and his dedication to promoting love, unity, and understanding, resonate with me, deeply. By walking in his shoes, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of his unwavering commitment to creating a better world, and to be inspired by his extraordinary example.
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.
By Tracy Schruder
When I was a child, I would collect discarded items to create art projects. I used things like bottle caps, pieces of wood, sticks, tinfoil from cigarette packs, nails, washers, coins, and any other small items I found in my dad’s garage or around the house.
This brings me to the most ambitious DIY project I’ve ever undertaken. I promised my mom that I would make her something special for her birthday that year. I was seven years old, and it was the end of springtime and the beginning of summer. My dad had just finished a DIY kitchen project, and there were various sized pieces of chipboard, some slats from the trim, and a few nails left over.
I gathered all these materials and headed outside to design and create the perfect birthday gift for my mom. I set everything out on the picnic table and organized it into piles. I needed some more items, so I went to my secret junk trunk and gathered some tinfoil and bottle caps.
My younger brother got involved, asking, “What are you up to?” I replied, “I’m making a gift for Mom for her birthday.” Being the ever-helpful little brother, he offered to help. We discussed the materials we had on hand and decided that we would need some tools to help with the project.
On our way to the garage, we had the extra slats from the trim in our hands. I was scraping mine on the pavement, and my brother noticed something: “Hey, that’s looking kind of like a sword.” I responded, “Yes, it does.” This led to a side DIY project – we created two magnificent swords by scraping the slats on the pavement. We took some rope and tied smaller pieces of wood together to make the handles and proceeded to have a good old-fashioned sword fight. “On guard, de la sword” I stated standing in a battle stance. “I shall protect the princess at all cost!” He responded and the battle went on, haha. Such a nice memory.
I regress, after the sword fight, we continued with our original project. By this time, I was full of ideas – I imagined the castle and my brother as the steadfast guardian of the princess, I imagined his armour with a shiny silver cross on the breast plate and then a decision was made, “We will make a silver cross for Mom,” I suggested. My brother agreed, and the creative process began.
I set out a large square of chipboard and washed my bucket of bottle caps with the garden hose. We set them out in the sun to dry as we organized the rest of our supplies. We needed as many pieces of tinfoil as we had bottle caps and just as many nails – about 100, if I remember correctly.
After the bottle caps dried, we wrapped each one in tinfoil and arranged them into place on the chipboard. My little brother became bored and took off with both our swords on another adventure. I thought, “Yeah, great, so he takes off just as the hard work begins.”
I nailed each covered bottle cap into place on the chipboard; it took me at least four hours. The rest of the afternoon, as my memory serves. Extra time was spent flipping the board after each bottle cap and hammering down the nails sideways, as they were a bit too long.
As the last nail was secured, and the project-gift-masterpiece was completed, I relished in my success. I wish I had a picture of it to share, as it was a divine piece.
Later that week, it was Mom’s birthday, and for some reason, all my siblings – three sisters and my brother – decided to present this gift to Mom from all of us. I thought it must have been a real, genuine work of art for everyone to hop on board and take a piece of the credit. I hesitantly agreed, and on June 9, 1978, or ’79, we presented this beautiful gift to Mom for her birthday, and she loved it.
She put it on the wall and showed it to everyone who came over to our house. I was very proud of that, even though I had to share credit with my siblings. As far as Mom was concerned, it was a gift from all of us, but I knew secretly that it was my own, heartfelt, creation.
In 1986, we lost our house to a fire and lost almost everything. The gift survived, though it was burned around the edges, and the cross was blackened a bit, but it held its integrity. Mom held onto it for years afterward, but after she passed away, I couldn’t find it in her belongings. It must have met its demise sometime over the years.
This concludes my story about the most ambitious DIY project I ever took on.
I hope you enjoyed my story. Thanks for reading 😊🙏
If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
By Tracy Schruder
I’ve been racking my brain all morning over today’s daily prompt, and I must admit that I’m stumped. Given the concept that I could ban a word from general usage, I drew a complete blank. I couldn’t think of a single word that I’d like to see banned.
However, there is a phrase that grates on my nerves: “Have a good one!” This phrase has become commonplace in the retail industry. Every time I shop, instead of a hearing genuine “thank you” or “have a nice day” from the cashier, my ears are met with a casual “have a good one.”
My inner response is always, “Have a good what?!” But I bite my tongue, smile politely, and thank the clerk. After all, they’re only trying to be friendly in their own way, using their own lingo.
Still, it’s frustrating to see language evolve in ways that don’t align with my own preferences. My stubborn and proper side dies a little inside each time I hear this phrase.
Nevertheless, I recognize that language and communication are constantly evolving, and we have limited control over these changes. Just as I’ve come to accept the transition from being addressed as ‘Miss’ to ‘Ma’am’ after turning 50, I’ve learned to adapt to these shifts and navigate them with ease and grace.
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
By Tracy Schruder
I can’t say, I don’t think that far ahead. If a challenge should present itself, in the next six months, then I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
2025 Calendar with a piece from my Floral series of oil paintings
If I could give my teenage self advice based on my current experience, it would be to settle down. As a teenager, I was wild and restless, with little patience and a stubborn determination. I partied hard, often suffering from hangovers, but that never slowed me down. I attended school every morning, regardless of my condition, and even held a job at the same high school, working in the office and library.
Between the ages of 15 and 17, I worked in the office, preparing morning announcements and handling late slips for students. I also directed students to the waiting area for meetings with the principal. During my lunch break and after school, I worked in the library, checking in and out books, and using the Dewey Decimal System to shelve them.
In hindsight, although I was achieving success in my studies and career, I realize I rushed through it all, taking on too much and moving too fast. I also regret not appreciating my amazing boyfriend at the time. I was young and refused to commit, dragging him along until he eventually left and started a family with someone else.
If I could go back, I would advise my teenage self to settle down, take a breath, and seriously consider a life with children. I could never really grasp the importance of having a family back then. I likely would have had children and a rewarding career had I heeded such advice, by now.
Although I am satisfied with how my life has turned out, I do have some regret about not having children. I occasionally imagine what my life would be like being a parent or if I could have given birth to a boy or a girl but reality always comes to mind and I chose to live in the present with all the joy and happiness that comes with it.
I am fulfilled through the love of my nieces and nephew, as well as the next generation, which is currently growing every year. I now have four great-nieces and am very close to them all. I’m grateful for my husband, pets, and successful career, and I’m excited to see what comes next. Who knows what the future holds?
I conclude this blog post with a well-intentioned piece of advice to my teenage self: “settle down.” However, I’m aware that deep down in my heart, I know I wouldn’t have listened to it. In all likelihood, things would have unfolded exactly as they have, regardless.
I’ve had the misfortune of dealing with numerous narcissistic individuals throughout my life. As a result, when I’m forced to interact or work with them, I find the experience extremely tedious and mind-numbing.
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The Same Old Patterns
The repetitive patterns of behavior exhibited by narcissists have become all too familiar. It’s always about them; they cut you off mid-sentence, portray themselves as victims, and claim to have experienced everything. You can’t share anything personal without them turning the conversation back to themselves.
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Lack of Substantive Conversation
What’s most exhausting is the absence of meaningful conversation. Narcissists dominate discussions, leaving no room for others to contribute or share their ideas. I often feel like I’m just watching them wreck everything, without being able to engage in a reciprocal exchange or add my own ideas.
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The Monotony of Watching Them Wreck Everything
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is watching narcissists wreak havoc on relationships, projects, and organizations. Their self-centeredness and lack of empathy lead to destructive behavior, which can be painful to witness.
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Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While I acknowledge that NPD is a legitimate mental health condition, my experiences have left me feeling worn out.
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Personal Encounters with Narcissists
My first encounter with a narcissistic individual was in 8th grade, where my teacher exhibited aggressive and violent behavior towards me and other students. He would often pick on students and make fun of their work in front of the whole class. I barely had a recess break that year because he always had me in detention for my spelling errors, using the opportunity to taunt me to tears.
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Since then, I’ve encountered numerous narcissists in various contexts, including bosses, coworkers, family members, and romantic partners. Each experience has left me feeling bored, drained, and unfulfilled. I often feel exhausted during these interactions, counting down the minutes until they’re over. This impatience drains my energy reserves, leaving me feeling depleted. To recharge, I frequently find myself meditating as soon as I return home, seeking to realign my sense of sanity and regain my balance.
Coffee, the beloved beverage of many, has a rich history and cultural significance. Grown in over 70 countries worldwide, with Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia being among the top producers, coffee is a true global treasure. The ideal climate for coffee production is found near the equator, where mild temperatures and rich soil allow for optimal growth.
Coffee Plantation google images
As a coffee lover, I relish the perfect cup. I enjoy a fresh single cup every time using my Keurig coffee machine. I like my coffee straight up, savoring the rich flavor and aroma that never fails to invigorate me.
For me, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it’s a delightful companion throughout the day. I appreciate how it gets me going in the morning, provides a nice warm drink after a meal or with dessert, and adds a zing to my day. The bold flavor and aroma of coffee also provide a delightful contrast to sweet treats and desserts.
Strawberry snacking Cake
Whether I’m starting my day, taking a break, or enjoying a quiet moment, coffee is always a pleasure. With its rich flavor, invigorating aroma, and countless health benefits, it’s no wonder coffee remains one of the world’s most beloved beverages.
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