"Finding your beauty is not about looking like everyone else. It's about accepting yourself - the parts you love and the parts you don't and then working with all of it ."  (Scott Barnes)

...Do you accept how you look and what you do? Please read on...could this be you?
" Too short, too tall, too skinny, to fat...My hair's too big I should wear a hat..."
STOP!!! Enough with this enough with that! Be like the gal and let it all go for greatness awaits it's time that you know!
Look in the mirror, who do you see?
"There's a beautiful person staring at me...how did she get there who could it be??
...oh wait, that's ME!"   - taken from the Primodonna Story


I love the quote above...especially about the part of 'working with all of it"  Lord knows that with a little money (or credit) we can get pretty much anything changed on our body that we don't like but accepting what we've been given and working with it (talking in terms of our bodies) is a FINE alternative!  We all have different "things" and we must chose what feels right and comfortable for each of us.

Let's talk about "Flat is all that" ...  Let's just say, I'm 40 and still waiting to develop-- That Primodonna story for those of you that don't know me personally...it's based on me...the hair...the flat boyish figure and yes, my toes are bit odd as well (okay not quite as odd as hers)-  For many years I considered breast implants, especially during the time I worked at a plastic surgeons office...perfect breasts everywhere, and those Victoria Secret catalogs !!! ....It's sort of like I'm missing out on a key element of being a woman??

But...WHATEVER!!! It would be cool if kids could embrace the "whatever" but unfortuneatly I think it just takes age and wisdom. It takes being able to put things into perspective and realizing that when you have your health, and life around you is relatively good...who cares about boobs or a little sag in the facial skin? (okay, I admit, I'm still working on accepting the facial skin stuff).

This was my turning point: I said to my friend..."I would just love to fill out one of those cute tank tops and not have it be all droopy, they look horrible, I can't wear half of what's out there" ...her response " are you kidding skinny bitch (okay, she didn't say that but I know that's what she was thinking) I can't fit my fat ass into most of the stuff out there, I can't wear everything I want...just stop trying those tank tops on and wear something else."

HUH....She had a point--I really took that to heart...we all have our thing....

I started to come to an acceptance. I would wear a little tank top without a bra and just go flat...and say (to my girlfriends) I'm embracing my flatness! Eventually when we'd go out on a girls night they would say to me ..."I see you're embracing your flatness tonight"  ... I  felt empowered!!

Two years ago I was working out at the gym, I had one workout top that looked cute on a flat chest. My choices for the gym were extremely limited if I didn't want to look like a 10 year old boy...I recall laying there on the chest press bench thinking I need to create a line of work-out clothes for flat chested woman ....(light bulb) I'll call it 'flat is all that" !!  So here we are ...there's no full line, but I thought a tank with a built in 'shelf', no bra necessary, making a bold statement is a great place to start. Check out www.flatisallthat.com  or of course www.findyourprimo.com

"Embrace your challenges"  as Primo would say-

Flat is all that ! ....It's a beautiful thing!

        

Laugh - It always feels good!
Appreciate Someone - because of the little things!
Do the Right Thing - even if it is hard to do!
Smile More Yourself - you will be happier!
Be Thankful - for something/anything!
Serenity Now - don't sweat the little things!
Say Hello More - especially to those you don't know!
Make Someone Smile - it's a win/win proposition!
Stop & Smell The Roses - slow down, take a breath!
Realize How Lucky You Are - things could be worse!

        

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.  ~Edgar W. Howe

Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day.   It would have been called Independence Day,  but that name was already taken.  ~Bill Dodds  
        - hahahaha, I love that!


Well it's that time of year again...Today the kids went back to school (in the South we go before Labor Day) ... It's that time of year that I start to feel guilty because all my friends are boo-hooing that their kids are getting older and going off to school again and there's me telling my kids "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way to the bus!!!"  I'm soooo mean! Someone please tell me it's the dynamics of having 3 boys at home every day from 7am to 10pm (no one sleeps in) that makes me feel different from my friends! 

I adore my 3 boys for each of  their unique and special ways, and individually we have a lovely time together, but 3 straight months, day in and day out of the of the 4 of us....well, enough is enough.  It's being referee 24/7 that makes me nuts,  the constant  fighting, wrestling, touching, poking, arguing, annoying, noise-making (you know all the noises boys make), excessive junk food eating, video game playing, "it's too hot to go out-side" complaining....I'M DONE!  After 3 months going to the pool and making plans with their friends was even boring to them !  It's time...before somebody loses an eye..............or I end up in that insane asylum!

As I stated before....it is healthy for all of us to get a little break from each other, and despite them being another year older... they are another year older...growing up and blessed with all their goodness, and that's a beautiful thing!

SIDE NOTE: Speaking of healthy...Here's a link to some school-lunch ideas...that school food is REALLY not healthy for our kids...Oh yea, for a quick meal/snack try a wrap, tortilla, or syrian bread with a layer of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese...stick it in the toaster oven - 10 minutes tops...VOILA....sort of the updated version of an english muffin pizza....

I am very excited about all the teachers my kids got this year, I am excited about all the new things they will learn and experience in 4th and 7th grade; I will brace myself for the early mornings, for the start-up of sports, the fights over taking a shower, the fights over eating cold cereal, the fights over doing homework, the fights over getting to bed early, the fights over wearing certain clothes (okay, I know this isn't nearly as bad as you moms with girls)....and I will enjoy my 6 hours of daily quiet so I can lay on the couch and eat bon bons....blahahahahahahaha.....

Seriously...I am anxious to get back to my daily routine...my random jobs, my volunteering at the school but mostly spreading the Primo message...learning more on social network marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Excel (I'm facing this fear), writing speeches, writing blogs, writing books, conjuring ideas, creating stuff, selling stuff ...all the usuals!!

Tic...Tic...Tic...4 hours left....I gotta go change into my Perseverance t-shirt , get some work done and make my famous homemade chocolate chip cookies for when the kids get home....See, I'm not THAT mean!!




 First Day of 4th Grade...It's a beautiful thing!
 

 


 

        

"Men are made stronger on realization that the helping hand they need is at the end of their own arm" -Sidney S. Phillips

"I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end"
 - Larry Bird

From something teeny tiny to something gigantic, as a parent we are faced with issues, problems, concerns when it comes to raising our kids. But, when we see our kids struggling, hurt or upset, how do we do the right thing? How do we stand firm to what we know is good and right and will eventually make them a better, stronger adult?

I'm going to admit this right up front....I'm feeling like a hypocrite!!  I don't believe in the participation trophy...you have to work hard and persevere to win...right? 

Here's the thing, my son has been trying out for some pretty competitive baseball teams for next spring (his cozy little team that he had been with for a few years had come to an abrupt end)  and despite all I know and believe I really just want him to be handed a fabulous spot on a fabulous team.  He's an awesome player, he'll dive flat on his face to catch a ball, he runs like lightening (he didn't get the nickname Wheels for nothing), he hits the ball...most of the time...when he's not in a slump, his parents are easy to get along with and he has the most even temper of anyone I know (on the field anyway) .....he's perfect !!! 

So my core beliefs are being put to a real test.  We all feel our kids are perfect and deserving (for the most part)!

As a parent and the child we experience countless "firsts" with our children....

This is truly the first time he's ever really wanted something and may not get it.
This is the first time he's realized his small size is setting him at a disadvantage. (He's quite short for his age)
This is his first experience at having to consider a plan B
This is his first experience of 2 steps forward 1 step back


Maybe it seems so hard for me to watch because this is my kid that crawled at 6 months, walked at 9 months, spoke at 10 months and by 2 years was making you feeling like you were dumb...... he never had to to try for anything....
I knew this day was coming.....

Like Larry Bird said above, "give 100% all the time and somehow things will  work out in the end" - I know this is true but why  is it so much harder when we are talking about our kids?

If this team doesn't work out, or that team doesn't work out...maybe GOD has a different plan. Why is that so much harder to swallow when it's our kids?

Embrace your challenges....My son is genetically small, what if he never has the power to hit one out of the park? Why is embracing our kids challenges harder than embracing our own?

I know all this stuff I speak of seems so petty in this giant world we live in and that I'm sounding like bit of a cry baby .... but its all relative, it is real, and it's all part of raising kids. Despite how I sound I do know it's not the end of the world and do fully intend to use all of this as an awesome teaching moment ..............

Hey, if Primo we can do, we can do it too, right! This is where we dig deep, work hard, believe in ourselves and our character will shine through-

HARD WORK: "it's blood, sweat, and sometimes tears"  (bob hayes)

Life.... it's a beautiful thing!

        

August in a few more days....really??? You know what that means...school, Halloween, The holidays...BAM...another year!!

I hope everyone is having a fun and relaxing summer (do relaxing summers exist anymore??).

We have been very busy here at Find Your Primo. Our website just relaunched and it's totally cool and better than ever. My goal is to share with kids and parents the idea that hard work, perseverance, living your dreams, achieving your goals and living life with maximum umph are all things to embrace and celebrate. Check out the new home page, grab yourself a Primo screensaver (actually, just a background for your computer ), hop over to Planet Primo, and learn to be a Primodonna . The Press page remains the same however I added this article which ran in last weeks Newburyport Newspaper...my awesome little hometown in Massachusetts.

Last week the Primo shirts were a hit when the Harlem Globetrotter Greats gathered for a fundraiser basketball game and a youth basketball shoot-out. Shoot me a message to learn more about this fundraising event or for Primo co-branding opportunities for your group or organization.

On Tuesday, Primo had a tent at a roadrace (mentioned in the above article) where we gave away over 150 Persevere/Believe/Win wristbands -- we will also be sending out t-shirts and Primo Award certificates to the kids that worked really hard to train, run, and finish first in the 10 mile run....that's right...there were kids in the 10mile portion of the race...very impressive!!

Lastly, as summer vacation enters into it's last month and plans for the fall start to rev up, keep The Primo Lady in mind for small group workshops or speaking engagements were you feel your young girls or boys could benefit from what Primo and Primodonna have to say.

I'm leaving my "happy place" at the beach in approximately 45 minutes...I do hope you have found yourself in your happy places this summer   Below are a few photos from my 2 week vacation (okay, there was a splash of work in there) -- stayed tuned here and on the website as I will bring you regular words of wisdom, dashes of motivation, funny quotes, new videos, new photos, and special deal on one great shirt every couple weeks!!  Did I mention we have some new Primodonna shirts...wicked cute (haha been in Boston too long)

Peace out my Primo friends!

        

"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything," - John Wooden

 "I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."  - John Wooden

A friend's post on facebook the other day read, "Where did June go? I'm still planning Memorial Day."

Seriously, where is the summer going? It’s been almost a month since my kids got out of school...I panicked when my blog stats said it's been 30 days since my last post...uugghh...

I've been working diligently behind the scenes to make changes to Primo Activewear/Find Your Primo...get Primodonna finished up...the website overhauled...girly shirts designed. I chose the above quotes because they are so relatable to me and Primo…the way we both jump in with 2 feet and face things head on!!!  We are both doers, but no doubt making mistakes.   Lately though I’ve been struggling with following my heart/gut and just jumping in VS. analyzing, thinking things through and making a proper business decision.  What I find, is with the later,  I become paralyzed and don’t accomplish anything.  Is following my heart and jumping in always the right decision?...NO, do I make mistakes?...YES...but hey, no one can accuse me of not being a doer...until now.

I just can’t decide if Primodonna is ready for press or if I need to make some changes...I also can’t decide if I want to post both versions and let you all decide for me.  A vote sounds good in theory ,but in my experience too much feedback gets you no where..  I hate when I can’t decide and I’m certain everyone around me hates when I can’t decide!!  It’s all I can talk about as if the more I talk the answer will just come to me.  I'm at a stand still...and standing still makes me antsy!!

• So what kind of person are you?
• Do you jump in with 2 feet? Are you a doer?
• Do you analyze and scrutinize over big decision? What about the small ones?
• Does the fear of 'looking bad' or failure keep you paralyzed?
• Have you started something but haven’t finished it?
• Is there something you really want to do or accomplish but haven't yet out of fear? What are you going to do about it? What are you waiting for?
• What's the worst that can happen? Is it worth the risk?
• How will you feel if you never get it accomplished?

Self Doubt... debilitating

            Nay Sayers…. I could knock ‘em out

Remember the Who is Primo story? Primo does struggle with these things but if he believes it he will achieve it…he will persevere and defeat!

What great accomplishments are waiting on you???  Hurry up…June is almost over!!

        

It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through. - Zig Ziglar

 

I’ve always had a habit of beating myself up for not doing enough, or not doing something good enough. As an adult I remember saying to my mother “why didn’t you push me harder when I was in school?” and her response was, “you were so hard on yourself I just couldn’t do it”. I look at my 2 year old business and think, “it should be doing this” or “it should be doing that by now” but when I think back to January ’08  to where I am now and the projects I have accomplished and am working on today it is quite mind blowing what I have achieved...especially because I've always been someone to stop in my tracks when I got to something that was too hard, too confusing, or too scary.   I love the above quote by Zig Ziglar…it is so true, that when you take action and have the discipline (and determination) to follow through you will get an end result. 
 

When I think about the big picture for Primo and the dreams I have for the business I get so overwhelmed and think I can’t possibly get there, but I realize that every day I get out of bed and my discipline moves me to action it always brings me one step closer to the bigger picture.

A few weeks ago I got out of bed and went to sell t-shirts at an event, I started telling people that I was doing motivational speaking (even though I hadn't started or knew anything about it yet), someone asked me to speak to their group, I faced my fears, jumped in with 2 feet (like Primo) and did it! I now know what it looks like to speak to a group and have opened up a whole new avenue in the Primo business. Although I have a lot to learn and perfect , the fun, excitement, comfort, and ease I felt speaking to a large group confirms that I am doing exactly what God has intended for me.

 

I seem to be surrounded by graduating Seniors, I feel so envious of the time on their hands. If only I could instill my wisdom in them so they would truly know that they have the world in their hands right now. If they make good decisions and work hard, face their fears, do things others aren't willing to do, and believe in themselves they can truly do or be whatever they set their minds to. What stinks is that so often we don’t know what it is we want to do at that age and even beyond... just not fair...hmm, more of lifes unexplained lessons.

 

Speaking of lessons, here's my latest realization...obviously something I already new but finally decided to start living---

 

Success:Only YOU can define what that means!!! What does being successful mean to you? Stop comparing yourself to others and with action and discipline you can create a life of happiness and success suited just for you! ...just a thought.

"Persevere and believe is what she will do

to achieve those things she sets her mind to--
With peace in her heart all is in place--

The where, the what, the who’s she won’t chase"
 –From the PrimoDonna Poem

 

 

I regret that I don’t have any photos from my first speaking engagement to the Girl Scout leaders and their daughters but I do have a few from the 3^rd annual Rock Star Fundraiser.  The event was a lot of fun and the boys raised lots of money for their friend in the neighborhood battleing MS. Check out the co-branded t-shirts!!  Primo Lady also got her hands on the mic to give away some "I Found My Primo" Award Certificates for the talent show contestants.

        

"Dream as if you will live forever -- Live as if you'll die tomorrow"

Charity is Good! I learned today that volunteering and doing charity work is one of the number one ways to cope with issues and problems in your life. This stands true for kids that suffer from peer pressure and bullying as well. Besides that, it just plain makes you feel good!!! 

On Monday I had the pleasure of putting my 'old' profession to use by volunteering at "My Day of Beauty"  a very special day plannned by special olympics swim coach, Gloria Owczarski.  A day of hair color, cuts, make-up, waxing and massage for special needs kids and adults. It was an awesome event! Here's a picture of me doing a brow wax...that's right...I have many talents!!  Oh yea....Gloria is looking for a lawyer interested in doing pro-bono work so she can get her non-profit status..........in case ya know someone.......




I'm going to end the week at the 3rd Annual RockStar Fundraiser -- Friday night, May 7th, 5-8pm @ The Brookhollow swim/tennis parking lot. So if you live in the Alpharetta, GA area you must stop by to support two 9 year olds who organized their 3rd Rockstar Fundraiser to raise money for a neighbor with M.S. There will music, a talent show, jumpy thing, bake sale, minute to win it challenges, and of course some Primo Activewear t-shirts and award certificates...FUN STUFF for a GREAT CAUSE!!

The weather has been in the upper 80's, another school year is coming to a close, I have my first speaking engagement to the Girl Scout Leaders and their daughters in 4 days.........

LIFE....I mean....CHARITY IS GOOD!!!

P.S  Primodonna is about 90% created...whoo,hoo!!

        

"Never be bullied into silence.  Never allow yourself to be made a victim.  Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." ~Harvey Fierstein

"Learn to... be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not. " ~Henri Frederic Amiel

My friend Lisa-Ruth recently started an amazing new business called Ruthies Nest .  She takes old t-shirts, one that may be a favorite with a big stain on it and another which is on it’s way to the rag pile…she cuts that one up and sews it onto the stained tee in the shape of a flower or wavy ruffle…voila…like magic.. a beautifully UNIQUE creation (this is called upcycling)!!  Each piece is one of a kind, this uniqueness is coveted and woman are buying them up for themselves and their daughters for  far more than a ruffled tee at Target……

 

Us woman love to shop at local arts and crafts events to get our hands on something unique and different, and when we are on vacation we usually have that one boutique we have to visit because their stuff is so unique you can’t find anything like it any where else. ……

 

If different and unique is so awesome and coveted, WHY THEN….do our young kids have to try so painfully hard to be like everyone else or risk being made fun of ???   If their hair isn’t right, their clothes aren’t trendy enough, back packs not cool enough, eyebrows  too bushy, noses too big, (and the one I heard last night) your part is weird….part…as in, hair part…really???   Imagine a middle school full of kids being and doing exactly how they want to…everyone of them cool as a cucumber in their own skin, wearing their favorite things, participating in their favorite activites, joining groups they feel passionate about…and NO ONE ever saying a word, picking fun or saying "that’s dorky".  A parent not having to worry how much their child can take before slipping into depression, and these kids not having to spend the next 25 years rediscovering the things they once new about themselves but forgot just to conform.

 

I don’t know the answer…maybe this is just another part of Gods life plan ??

 

"She’s a gal with a figure some might call boyish, outlandish toes, and hair most unrulyish" 
 a line from PRIMODONNA~ a Princess Spirit with a Primo Heart

………so, in a bathing suit she looks like a 10 year old boy, that big toenail that never seems to heal just adds to the already funny webbed toes, and that hair...kids thought she stuck her finger in a light socket………

 

 

She recalls the years that kids had so much fun making fun of these things but she worked it out, endured, persevered….and now during a time where thousands are being spent on breast implants she "embraces her flatness" (stay tuned for a “flat is all that” tank top ), her hair….well…thousands more are spent on perms to get curls like that, and the toes….well….really, who checks out your toes ???

 

………..and that’s a beautiful thing!

Embrace your uniqueness...B.U.

 

        

 “The Circle of Life” …. My dad’s response to births and deaths

…I think Lion King was his favorite movie J

 

This little stretch in April and especially today are very special days because of very special people, I really want to take the time to honor and recognize several people, places, and things.

 

Where to begin….I use the quote above for a reason today….In life we celebrate birth and we celebrate death and if we are wise we will celebrate every day in between. Being present in times of both birth and death I am completely overwhelmed with the profoundness of both…the utter miracle, strength, grace and courage for everyone involved where life comes in and life goes out….Today I honor both, as well as a few others who are simply making our time here in between a better place to be.

 

April 16^th – I get a text from my friend and hair stylist of 12 years who gave birth to baby Lucus…her first born…I told her “It gives love a whole new dimension” …you parents know what I’m talking about- CONGRATULATIONS ANNE AND WALT!!

 

April 17^th – I have deepest sympathy for my dear friend and neighbor whose mom passed away today, I lit a candle for her, it burned also for my grandmother and my friends mom that passed away 3 years ago both who would have been celebrating their birthday today.

 

April 18^th – I make a 911 call. As I’m exiting the highway,  I saw a car pulled over on the side of the highway with 2 people helping a woman in the backseat who appeared to be delivering a baby… God, I hope I was a right; for my own conscience I had to make the call. I’m certain with 2 deaths this week, it had to be a baby coming into the world…”THE CIRCLE OF LIFE”

 

TODAY April 20^th  - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my one of my oldest and dearest best friend HEATHER…my gosh 40 went by pretty quick J and to my best sister-in-law LAUREN…hold on tight to those 30’s !  Hope you both have fabulous days…Carpe Diem!

 

Honoring Ashley.  Our sweet friend Ashley who was a third grader lost her battle to leukemia in October of 2006….the amazing outpouring of love, support, strength, courage, commitment and LOTS of hard work from her parents, family, friends, and community have lent a way to  keep Ashley alive and present in our school and community.  From the schools beautiful garden that is often adorned with flowers, bows and stuffed animals, to the library’s new Critters Corner, a loft structure where kids can hang out and read books about Ashley’s favorite subject…animals, the plaque as you leave the school, the bench in the court yard that was donated by her elementary school graduating class and TODAY!!  April 20, 2007 was deemed by the city of Alpharetta as “ASHLEY ANDERSON DAY” – April 20^th is a day to remember…you go girl! We Miss You!

 

Today’s PRIMO KID of the month goes to an awesome Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L) survivor/ entrepreneur/ hero/middle schooler named Christoph Bartschat. This is the son of a  very old friend of mine from middle school (thank you Facebook).   Christoph founded a non-profit organization, Christoph's A.L.L. Stars, to raise awareness of leukemia, help comfort kids receiving cancer treatments and to help support childhood cancer research. He started with a lemonade stand and grew his mission into an organization with many volunteers. He has helped raise more than $81,000, collected DVD players, books and DVD’s and inspired people to donate hundreds of pints of blood. He and his works are incredible…a motivation and inspiration to all. Thank You Christoph, keep up the great work!!

 

In memory of those who died on April 20, 1999 at the Columbine High School massacre. I was on the treadmill at the gym watching the events unfold. I still think back on those kids and the courage and strength they found to face the horrific fears…and that of the families who lost their kids. Also in memory of those who died in the Oklahoma City Bombing, yet another event in our lives when we remember where we were when we heard the news…yesterday was the 15 year anniversary.

 

Finally…EARTH DAY, April 25, 2010 – 40^th Anniversary

I’ve got to “shout out” to my favorite t-shirt supplier, Anvil Knitwear; the official t-shirt and knitwear partner of The Earth Day Network (founded 1970).  A few years ago, facing obstacles, these guys embraced their challenges, worked hard, persevered, and believed in themselves….today they are the industry LEADERS in environmental, social and product responsibility – they’ve perfected their lines Anvil Organic, Anvil Sustainable, and Anvil Recycled (to name a few) and are making a difference not only in the industry but in the world we live. They’ve got the Primo spirit J   Click here to become a facebook fan !

 

"The Circle of Life"…..It’s a beautiful thing!

 

Phew….Done!   Have a Primo Day! 

        

"I Speak the Truth" - Jenny Primo

We lost another legendary Primo this week….

My grandmother….Grams as we called her passed away Monday, she would be 91 tomorrow.

She was greeted by 2 of her sons (My dad and Uncle John) , my grandpa, her parents, sisters and a million others…talk about a family reunion! The way I see it ( we always have to try to make sense of death) is that her boys needed her, “I don’t worry about  Anthony, he’ll be fine” is what she always use to say about her oldest son who is now the only living member of the family.  It was Jimmy and Johnny that she had to worry about so I guess she figured it was time to get up there to keep them out of trouble.

My Grams was the toughest hardass I ever new, she was a straight shooter, said it how it was “I speak the truth” is what she would say; you don’t like it… too bad.  She demanded respect and she demanded what was rightfully hers and the beautiful thing is she didn’t care what people thought...(I really wish I had a little bit of that in me).  The only people she wanted to please…ever…was her family.  "Family is family" she would often say.

I have a gagillion memories of Gram but if I had to pick one it would be Christmas Eve. She was one woman and you know the men didn’t help…Christmas Eve was a 20 course meal, it never ended, ALL the family was there,  the presents, the envelopes with money, the red light off in the distance that was Rudolph. Eat…Eat…God help you if you didn’t eat!! 

The guilt of not taking the trip up for the wake is reeeallly getting to me but being that I have 3 boys just like she did I always felt that extra special bond with her and I know she understands why I couldn’t come. I promise Gram to come visit next month and bring you fresh flowers and don’t worry; I’ll only buy the ones on sale

I have yet another Primo in heaven who will lend their hand in my Primo business…all I do comes from Higher Powers, that I know for sure. From Gram I hope for her incredible strength as I pursue my journey of public/motivational speaking.

...off to the chapel to go light a candle...she taught me that....

 

        

"There's a right way and a wrong way"...when my dad muttered those words as some of his last before he died I did my best to comfort him and let him know that both God and I knew he chose the 'right way' (in his heart anyway).  The next day when my brother and I were going through his stuff in storage I came across a poem done in calligraphy, framed, dated 1983 and signed by him....James Charles Primo....it was entitled "There is a Right Way and A Wrong Way"...goosebumps...tears. In 1983 I was a freshman in high school and I recall those were the beginning of some dark days for him.

We have choices in life, some so clear some hazed over in a cloud of black smoke...yet we need to choose. The poem is deep, dark and profound...I love it!

I sit and think all night till dawn,

To try and find what's right from wrong,

But then I realize by the morn,

That I'm the one that's really gone.

I start again from dawn to light,

To try to find what is wrong from right.

The time it takes is not much fun,

But in the end I'll pick from one.

If it's right or if it's wrong

We just don't know until it's done

But then again I sit some more,

Because I doubt my thoughts before.

Again I see the dawn and dusk

I wonder why I have such lust.

My feel for life is oh so great,

But yet I sit and wait and wait.

What's right is right and wrong is wrong,

I'm getting tired of the same old song.

So do for now as life goes on,

For who's to say what's right from wrong.

-JCP

It turns out I have my dads love and ability for creative writing...who knew, it actually started when I sat down to write his Eulogy. I may have mentioned in a past blog that some doors were closing and some were opening, writing a book using "Primo" as my platform is one of the open doors.  A consultant just suggested to me that I blog about my journey, the Primo evolution...wow, that would really be putting it out there... I'm going to do my best.  I started today by sharing one page that will be in the "Who is Primo" book!

Got something cool, profound, inspirational, courageous, motivational...please share...it could be next page!

It's sunny, beautiful and the birds are chirping....it's a beautiful thing!

        

“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself”

“Experience: the most brutal of teachers but you learn, my God do you learn” cs lewis

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."  Chinese Proverb

I love this last quote and recently have started started using it often…I’ll be trying to figure something out on the computer and I’ll say to my husband “I need your help, I need you teach me to fish”, or I’ll have ten piles of dirty laundry on the floor and I’ll say “come here kids, I’m going to teach you to fish”,  or when my 9 and 12 year olds say “can you get me some water” I’ll say, “go fish!”

My husband is quite the doer, the active achiever, the “numbers his to-do list and has to get it all done” kind of guy, where I’m one who proudly wears a necklace that say “a clean house is a sign of wasted life” and with a smile use the quote “why do today what I can put off until tomorrow”… we are a classic case of opposites attract.

I am blessed to have a husband with an “I’ll do it” attitude however over the years I became very comfortable with just letting him do “it”. I’m not sure if it’s that I’m older and wiser or it’s because I own my own company now but I realize what a disservice I’ve been doing to myself over the years.  I hear my single friends, and I know they would love a spouse to take care the stuff they don’t want or know how to do but I admire the fact they figure “it” out themselves because they have to.  This makes them such a stronger and more independent person. So what are we teaching our kids when we do everything for them because we can do it faster and no doubt better than them??? Won’t they grow up to be much stronger more independent adults if they have to struggle a bit, fail, keep trying and then get “it” done?

...My son can’t find his pants but he’s going to be driving in 3 years??? Yikes! I believe as a parent it is my job to give my kids the opportunities to show me that they can do things on their own, work independently, figure things out, etc. How often do you give your kids those opportunities?

It’s 80 degrees today, Good Friday, and the start of my kids spring break. The “I’ll do it” man has to work so we're going to stay in town for vacation and GO FISHING!! 

….it’s a beautiful thing!

Wishing you all a blessed Easter weekend!

        

"Keep your dreams alive.  Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe" - Gail Devers

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer.  Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman

"Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul;  the bluprints of your ultimate achievement." - unknown

"If he dreamed it, he would achieve it" ...about my dad, the original Primo (in my mind anyway)

                                                              
     


As most simply stated by Nike .... Just Do It.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the D.R.E.A.M girls last week. Their program is a division of Project Future which was created 5 years ago by a group of college kids who wanted to do something great to help others.  So when I speak of these "awesome girls" I speak not only of the young teens in the program but these ladies half my age who had the foresight to start such a great program. As I said to Miss Taylor, the program director, "parenting is hard, whether home life is strong and solid or broken and complex...us parents will take all the help we can get with teaching, helping, and mentoring to our kids."   (I don't think I was just speaking for myself here)

I was so impressed by these young middle school girls who have big dreams and have already set goals to start achieving them.  I look forward to working with them as they seach for their Primo...  I'm certain that along the way it will be them helping me to find mine! 

Last week was a meet and greet with "the girls" and 2 young ladies who are working hard, believing, and following their dreams. Zoe Myers is a beautiful and talented musician, song writter, model, and actress and Jenna Hall is passionate about "making it" as an actress. See Jenna March 27th on the Lifetime movie "Pregnancy Pact" (based on the true story) and visit www.ZoeMyers.com to learn more about who your teens will be asking to go see in concert.......


 


Remember - Finding  your Primo comes in many shapes and sizes! Embrace it!!

Happy Monday!

        

"Sow a thought, and you reap an act;

Sow an act, and you reap a habit;

Sow a habit, and you reap a character;

Sow a character, and you reap a destiny."
Charles Reade

"When one door of happiness closes, another one opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."  -helen keller

Do we not all struggle with wondering what our destiny is...and too struggle to actually see the opportunities being placed in front of us that could lead us to our destiny?  Why is it so easy to overlook opportunities? Why do we fight them? Why for heaven sake do we listen to other people?

SIDE NOTE: (When we talk to our kids about life experiences we can only hope they're are listening and storing the information somewhere for later on....I shared 2 stories with my 12 year old son recently) --

When I was in High School and preparing for college my guidance councilor told me that based on my grades I shouldn't bother to apply to a 4 year college. I should go to a community college and then transfere. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT??? Thankfully I had enough sense to not listened to him...or her...I don't even remember...but I remember what they said ( note to any adult speaking to a child). I got into several 4 year colleges and graduated. I then told my son about when I was chosing a major in college... As I mentioned before I've always had this feeling that I wanted and needed to help people. I wanted to major in Sociology/Social Work but all I heard from people was how there was no money in that and I couldn't make a living;  one of my biggest regrets is that this time I actually listened to them and let them talk me out of that major.  I didn't follow my gut, I went through several majors and since then several careers/jobs.

So we talk about destiny and opportunity and here I am with a t-shirt business. Interestingly, the business which started out as just another t-shirt company has evolved into a platform for motivating and inspiring others. It's been a long time now that I (and others) have been saying "it's not about the t-shirt."  
My focus at the moment is on the "doors" and on not repeating old mistakes.  Some doors are closing and some are opening and I'm doing my best to NOT do as Helen Keller says (stated above).  Lately, due to Primo, opportunities to work with teens has been knocking ...due to fear and the unknown, I've ignored the knock as long as I could, but man, is it getting annoying!   So,  I'm stepping up and stepping through the open doors and this time around I refuse to listen to people when their response is "how is that going to make money?"  We've all heard the old saying "do what you love and the money will follow".
Wish me luck today as I am going to meet with an amazing organization and a great group girls at Project Future!!

In any event while I attempt to motivate and inspire you to be and do your best do not be surprised when new and fun changes start to appear.  For starters you can now reach the Primo Activewear website site through www.findyourprimo.com as well as www.Primoactivewear.com. 

Remember to nominate a Primo kid!! Who do you know that has been a motivation or inspiration to themselves or others??? Tell it here!

I think you're all Primo!!! ......until next time....


P.S. On the topic of destiny, a friend recently sent me this blog...it's bold, I like it!

        

"The only difference between "ordinary" and "extraordinary" is that little extra"

"It's not about what people think of you, it's about what you think of yourself"

"Friends are like shoes, they come in different shapes and sizes"

"Life is a race, you can give up or go on"

"Opportunities are like clouds, they can go by in the blink of an eye"

"Feelings are like chocolate chip cookies when they come out of the oven....all warm and gooey"

"The brain is like gas, it helps you to get to new places"

There's nothing like wisdom from a child. These are a sampling of proverbs that were written by my sons 6th grade classmates. (1 or 2 may have been said before)... I always loved the infant stage but I really enjoy now that my kids are older seeing life through there eyes and actually learning things from them. Doesn't it kill you when your arguing with them because you're the parent and you know you're right but then it turns out you were wrong.  I always admit I'm wrong and then apologize ....do you?

I'm making today all about the kids! Do you know a "Primo" kid? Someone who has worked hard and persevered to overcome? Or perhaps is a motivation or inspiration to you, his/her peers, or teammates? I want to hear from you!! Tell me what makes them so great. Drop me a line here or on the facebook fan page. I want to recognize these Primo kids...give them a "shout out" and send them a t-shirt!

"Be an example for others...you individually can make a positive difference in this world!" - Sikes (6th grade teacher)

        

"There is no failure except in no longer trying" -Elbert Hubbard

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do."
- Confucius

"It is not enough to begin; continuance is necessary.  Mere enrollment will not make one a scholar; the pupil must continue in the school through the long course, until he masters every branch.  Success depends upon staying power.  The reason for failure in most cases is lack of perseverance." -Miller

Food For Thought-

When does perseverance become stupidity? In whatever you are doing I believe it changes over when it no longer feels right in your heart and it stops bringing you those moments of joy and excitement....

-peace out-

        

" I learned about the strength you can get from a close family life.  I learned to keep going even in bad times.  I learned not to despair, even when my world was falling apart.  I learned that there are no free lunches, and I learned the value of hard work."

"Find Your inner strength, embrace your challenges, work hard, persevere, believe, and win!"

I am a mother of 3 boys, I spend a lot of time at youth sports.   I have to laugh every time the term "participation trophy" comes up.  Primo Activewear has evolved A LOT in the last 2 years but I have to admit it was founded on the participation trophy theory. One of the first business conversations was about kids and competition, it was about how competitive my kids were as well as both me and my husband, and it was about this theory that everyone should get a trophy just for showing up. I've softened a bit......Primo has evolved from the "First 1 Up Wins" line (competing against others) to now include "Find Your Primo" ( competing against yourself to be your best); I admit now too that the participation trophy is acceptable in cases with kids under say the age of 9, while they are still trying to determine how they feel about each of the sports or activities they are dabbling in or perhaps in the case of special needs kids ( I'm sure moms have different theories on this....I'd love to hear it).

My son had his first soccer practice last week and sure enough the trophy conversation came up....right after "we are here to have fun, doesn't matter if we win or lose" --- again...I've softened-- they're young--- I get it

It reminded me of something I wrote back in the early days of Primo Activewear....but opted out of posting back then....

"We can't deny it; we are that of a competitive spirit.  Many of us learned competition as a young child; first one to the beach wins, first one to the water wins, first one out wins....it went on and on.  But somewhere, somehow, something changed, the competitive spirit had waned so not to hurt anyones feelings or leave anyone out. 
We believe that success is a result of practice, patience,  and perseverance.  It is the ones that work the hardest and win that should be recognized with that trophy ---not for simply  participating. You don't get into a good college for participating in High School! You don't get a good job for simply participating in college!
We believe in this competitive spirit and we believe that it is not only fun, but healthy--- We can all be winners, we can all be Primo, we can all be the first 1 up!


With that said....our kids hound us for their allowance. We use a poker chip system so we are not always having to produce 1's -- they want their money, "how come I don't have any chips?", "how come we never get paid?" .... how come the laundry isn't put away, how come the dog wasn't walked...fed...played with....how come the trash isn't out...how come the barrel hasn't come back in ...how come the recycling didn't go out...how come the toilets were cleaned???? It dawned on me....they want a PARTICIPATION ALLOWANCE. They want to get paid for showing up...but they don't want to do the work!!! This could get ugly as they get older and become adults...
We put our foot down. No more participation allowance...they have to get their hands dirty to earn the money. They are all over the age of 9 now...I don't feel bad that they don't get a trophy until they've one the playoffs....such a coooold mom

Both kinds of trophies..........it's a beautiful thing!

        

"The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all."  ~Leo Rosten

"Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful."  -Unknown

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." - Ben Disraeli

"We may make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give". -Winston Churchhill

I was never one of those people who knew what I wanted to be when I grew,  but I've always known I wanted to help people. I never quite knew in what way so I dabbled in many college majors, jobs and careers in search of doing something I enjoyed and gave me the satisfaction that I possibly was helping others.  

Somebody gave me a questionnaire a while back titled "What is my true purpose in life"  uugghh...what a daunting task to have to dig that deep to answer the questions. Well, the other day for some reason I felt compelled to work on it (I have listed all the questions below and encourage you to dig deep and take a stab at it).  What makes me happy? What are my strengths? What do I hate? The answers and lists started to flow and then I heard a voice loud and clear in my head...."I just want to help people".   It became clear to me that while I am building a business, building a brand, manufacturing t-shirts etc...ultimately my purpose and passion through Primo is to help people.

• To encourage them to "find their Primo"
• To encourage them to recognize and celebrate when they do
  
• To recognize other peoples good
• To inspire others
• To motivate others
• To empower others to be their best                                                                                                                                                                                         ...and that's a beautiful thing!

...In keeping with the theme of helping others, today's "Shout Out" goes to Rachel Van Dyke. An amazing 12 year old (or there abouts) from Atlanta who dedicates her time and talents to helping other kids.  In 2004 (with some help from her mom) Rachel created an amazing program called Special Twist ,  a nationally competitive special needs cheerleading program.  Thanks to Rachel these kids are getting opportunities that otherwise they would not have.  I think this program and this young lady are Awesome! Rachel you found your Primo and are helping others to find theirs...You go girl!

Questionnaire Cut-Paste-Print (below) and save for when you're ready....

What makes me happy?

What are my strengths?

What do I like to do?

Where do my strengths overlap with the things I like to do?

What am I passionate about? What do I love to hear about/talk about/learn about?

What do I hate?

What am I truly bad at?

What % of each day do I play to my strengths and what am I doing during that time?

What % of each day do I do things I like andwaht am I doing during that time?

What kind of person do I want to be remembered as having been?

What do I have to offer, waht are my God given gifts?

What are my needs?

What invigorates me?

What drains me?

If money were not an issue, what would my dream jobs be given my passions and my strengths?

What do I want to do to achieve balance in my life?

        

"The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the promptings of a brave, determined spirit." -mark twain

I am truly fascinated by human beings. How incredibly different and unique we all are from each other in body, mind, and spirit.  I question how much of this is based on who we were created to be and how much is based on our circumstances? 

What I love to hear about and am always so blown away by are the people who make the CHOICE to give themselves a better life. What gives people that motivation and determination to make a better life for themselves?
 
In everything we do we have the ability to make choices. Generally speaking it's either a good choice or a bad choice and by choosing one or the other you are creating your future. Again I ask, where does the motivation come from in that person that is making the right choice verses that person that makes the wrong choices.

Are they stronger people? Has their circumstances given them more strength? Why is it so much easier to make the wrong choice?

 Here's my "Shout Out" -- Three great stories that wowed and impressed me....

Alexis Roland...she is somewhere between 7-9 years old and is already being called the next snowboard champion in the world. What drives such a young little mind to want to be the best?  My son wants to play for the Red Sox but he is not outside everyday until the lights come on playing baseball and perfecting his game...does that mean he has no shot?

Then there was the guy in yesterdays Living Section "Success Stories" -- I love these stories! R.J. Rees, director of the Organization of Christian Musicians ( www.theocm.org ) ,  lost 136 lbs and has completely transformed his health and wellbeing. Hard work and perseverance no doubt!!

CHOICES...why is it so hard to live our best life in our best self TODAY? Why do we wait for illness or near death to motivate us?  Too many of us ( I'm very guilty) take our health, relationships, blessings for granted... a little something to think about....

Lastly, good ole Disney has a program called Disneys Dreamers Academy (a career training program ) -- which is giving kids amazing opportunities to live the life of their dreams...(doctors, screenwriters,  social workers.)   Six kids in the Atlanta area who are faced with adversity and a difficult childhood wrote an essay to be accepted into this program. How awesome are these kids who were faced with violence, gangs, drugs, autism,  etc. to have the foresight, motivation and determination for a bright future?  One boy says in the article that he attributes his motivation to radio host Steve Harvey who came to his church and spoke to them about "how you can make it even when people tell you you can't". In the Primo story I call them the "nay sayers".  These kids are finding their Primo !!!  I love it!

Don't forget...you are running out of time to pull out your crafts or get to a store to get your loved one a little somethin, somethin for Valentines Day!  

HAVE A PRIMO DAY!