<![CDATA[PLUMA DESIGNS - The Snippets Blog]]>

<![CDATA[PLUMA DESIGNS - The Snippets Blog]]>Sun, 03 May 2026 06:05:09 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[Who Are You and What Do You Want?]]>Sat, 02 May 2026 13:23:28 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/who-are-you-and-what-do-you-wantAs another birthday approaches at the end of this month, I begin the process of taking inventory of the past year. Looking back and evaluating my “year at a glance” daily planner for appointments, progress, events, trips, relationships, celebrations, challenges, and of course, where and with whom I have spent my time, it becomes clear who I have become and what I have welcomed into my life in the past year.

It’s not complicated to look at our lives objectively and begin to see the patterns in which we schedule our time and become who we are and move toward what we truly want. Beginning with our morning routines as simple as exercising, eating, listening to or reading the news or not, do we decide to greet the day or instead regret the day? Anticipating the workday, are we happy and satisfied in our environment and the people we work with, or do we feel a sense of frustration. I hope not. Every birthday reminds us how quickly life moves through us.

At a Stanford University commencement speech, the late Steve Jobs, CEO and co-founder of Apple and Pixar, urged the graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life’s setbacks…. including death itself. He talked about the questions that he asked himself every morning for 33 years: “If today were the last day of the rest of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answers were ‘no’ for too many days, I knew I had to change something. Your time is limited. Don’t waste your time living someone else’s life."

Who we are is what we think about ourselves in our thinking time. What we desire to have in our lives is how we decide to spend our time imagining, creating and wanting more. Wanting more is the process for learning and growing for our future time.

How about happiness in who we are? In his research on happiness, Shawn Achor, author, Harvard professor on human potential, asks the question: "How happy can we be? Why are some people happier than others? What makes the difference between one person to another? How happy can we truly be? The answer is simple; Happiness is experienced not by what happens in the world, but happiness is how your brain processes the world.”

Again, the answers are obvious; we have only one choice in order to understand who we are, what we want, and how happy we want to be. Capture the current time, and add time to our days and weeks, by choosing to be who we are in this very moment.

Enjoy your time………. it’s who we are and what we have.
Love,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[Spring Cleaning One Task at a Time]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:48:10 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/spring-cleaning-one-task-at-a-timeHow do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you Spring Clean? One task at a time. While browsing the internet for a simple Spring-Cleaning Checklist, I discovered Abby Lawson’s Spring-Cleaning Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions. “What month should you start spring cleaning? Though you can start spring cleaning whenever it best fits your schedule, beginning on or around March 20th– the first day of spring– is a good rule of thumb. Most people complete their spring-cleaning tasks in March and April. How do I know how often I should be cleaning each area? There are some cleaning tasks that should be done daily, some that should be done weekly, others that can be done quarterly, and still other cleaning tasks that should be completed yearly. Do people still do spring cleaning? Absolutely! With more people working from home than ever, it is especially important to make sure that we have a clean, healthy environment in which to spend our time.”

We each have an opinion about when, where to start and why spring cleaning is important. The concept began with the idea of opening doors and windows after a cold winter to let fresher air in to purify a home. The idea of letting fresh energy into our homes and getting rid of stagnant energy is a worthwhile consideration. Simply put, spring cleaning is traditionally the annual 'deep clean' of a home. Not just letting in fresh but removing anything that is no longer beneficial. This means completing tasks that aren't covered as part of a standard cleaning routine. Getting rid of germs and bacteria that can accumulate in our homes and possibly harm our well-being.

Beyond our living area as we accumulate more ownership; physically, mentally and emotionally, it’s important to unclutter, remove energetic noise and simply create space for reorganizing and refreshing our physical, mental and emotional health. Even friendships need a re-fresh by reviewing, releasing or reframing and renewing the relationship. This is tricky, for it demands our honest assessment of ourselves in the relationship. After all, "People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime" emphasizes that not all relationships are meant to last forever, often serving as lessons for growth rather than lifelong companionship. These temporary connections, or "seasons," help teach us lessons, boundaries, or self-respect.

As for spring cleaning my closet, I felt as if I had an elephant in my closet to consume. Until I met Clarisse Ringwald, a professional image consultant, styling fashion Feng Shui Master, Capsule Wardrobe consultant, and much more. With our task at hand, clearing and organizing a large walk-in, packed closet, Clarisse made it fun, informative, and a money-saving experience. Now fortified with a handy color palette, appropriate patterns and styles for my body shape to consider before purchasing, and attention to my refined maturing presence, Clarisse made it easy as we took one piece of clothing, one task at a time, and either cleared or reevaluated.
Clarisse helps people dress to the best version of themselves

Happy Spring Cleaning!
With love,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[Life is Windy]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:35:58 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/life-is-windyMarch is considered a windy month primarily because it is a transitional season where the atmosphere struggles to balance warming air from the south with cold, retreating winter air from the north. This intense temperature contrast creates steep pressure gradients, resulting in high-speed, gusty winds. March serves as the bridge between winter and spring, creating a volatile atmosphere.

Like consistent weather patterns, our lives exhibit the balance of retreating cooler times with gusting warming winds of events, through our entire lifetime. Circumstances change in everyone’s life, no matter who you are, good and bad, right or wrong exist and the seasons come and go, and nothing lasts forever. Yet we persist in being surprised when our cool and calm personal temperature advances into high speed and gusty winds.

]]><![CDATA[Good Friends]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:12:09 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/good-friendsIn my continual search for interesting ideas, I explore classes, books, movies, documentaries, podcasts, politics, and presentations, including talks at church.

For the month of December, our church pastors explored the subject of ‘Good Friends’, the friends that shape you, the friends that shape your future, and how friendships start with taking initiative and why being present matters most.

Here are a few initial aspects I’ve gathered from the weekly presentations. The quality of friends you have reveals the kind of friend you are.

Which are the four most popular TV shows on friendship of our lifetime?
Mash came in at # 1 - an American war comedy drama television series based on the Korean War aired from September 1972 to February 1983
Cheers, at # 2 – a show about nothing but good friends based in a Boston bar where locals gathered aired for eleven seasons from September 1982 to Mary 1993.
Coming in at # 3 Seinfeld started with a pilot episode July 1989 and launched as a regular series in May 1990 to 1998 about the continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally phobic New York City friends.
Friends came in at # 4 from September 1994 to May 2004. An American sitcom becoming a cultural phenomenon about six young adults in New York City, known for its relatable characters and memorable storylines.

According to research on friendships, in the 1990s, most people had six friends they could count on. Currently, most say they have three friends. Defining friends are those you trust to be there for you, to take care of your children or animals when you become ill or travel, to share meals with and to trust fully. Why is it important to have friends? Psychologists say for every new friend you make; your physical health improves and so does your emotional well-being. And as we now know, humans thrive in community.

Where is the most common place people make friends? School. The problem is most of us are no longer in school. The number two place would be church. What is the most important action you can take to make a new friend? According to psychologists, take the initiative to invite them into your life, and perhaps go back to school and take classes or join a church.

Unfortunately, most of us are too busy to initiate new friendships. Yet, this is what it takes for healthier happier lives. There are times when we will have to sacrifice our time and ego and instead remember that we is much greater than me. And in the long run, being together is better than being alone.
What do the above most popular sitcoms have in common? Working out challenges together. We may have enjoyed watching the lives of others, in their celebrations and challenges, there were always challenges in the sitcoms, and we could certainly relate, but in the end, they were together, for each other. We must create our own friendship lives, and we don’t have to move to New York, or hang out in a bar or be a veteran of a war. But it is highly advised to be fully present to be a friend….it matters. Not that sending a heart, praying hands, smiling face or flowers in a text isn’t nice, showing up in person is what matters most.

Here is another principle of friendship: in five years, you will be the average of your five closest friends. Look around and see your friends. If you need new friends to take you to places you can’t go on your own, you are going to have to take the initiative. After all, greatness begets greatness and currently there is a great need for connection and community.
Wishing you a Happy Valentines Day my friends,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[Love the One You're With]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:35:06 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/love-the-one-youre-withIt’s hard to remember life before cell phones. When we were together, we were to gather with each other. Families looked at each other across the dinner table and talked to one another. Riding in a car with friends meant talking to each other and if you didn’t know or remember something, you asked a real person, or looked it up on Encyclopedia Britannica, which engaged your brain, and you didn’t go straight to Google, without engaging the brain.

Like the frog boiling in hot water slowly, not noticing the water getting hotter, we have taken to the lonely-hearts club without warning. Yes, numerous reports and surveys suggest people are experiencing higher levels of loneliness than ever, often described as the loneliness epidemic. Contributing factors include societal individualism, the changing nature of work, and a shift towards more digital and superficial connections.

From a Health article, America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told All Things Considered:
In response to the loneliness epidemic, the advisory outlines the framework for a new national strategy. It is based on six foundational pillars, which are:
1.Strengthening social infrastructure, which include parks and libraries as well as public programs.
2.Enacting pro-connection public policies at every level of government, including things like accessible public transportation or paid family leave.
3.Mobilizing the health sector to address the medical needs that stem from loneliness.
4.Reforming digital environments to "critically evaluate our relationship with technology."
5.Deepening our knowledge through more robust research into the issue.
6.Cultivating a culture of connection.
I personally like number 1 and number 6. Parks and libraries and cultivating a culture of connection, almost certainly with less use of cell phones.
In case we need help to pry away from our phones, here are some extra pillars.
Amazon offers a variety of signs and labels for businesses and services and perhaps in our homes to inform the users: No Cell Phone Use Please; Please Silence your Cell Phone; Be Courteous- no cell phone use during your appointment; If you answer your cell phone during your medical appointment, the doctor will be happy to leave the room and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment' and my favorite, God may be calling YOU but probably not on your cell phone. Please turn off your cell phone during our service.
I also found several books on cell phone etiquette: Cell Phone Etiquette by Michelle Cimino, Electronic Etiquette, Cell Phones, Netiquette, Social Media Oh My by Rebecca Black, Mobile Madness, and A Guide to Mobil Phone Etiquette by Mark Lynch. I cannot recommend any of these books since I have not read them.
While Stephanie was in my chair for her hair appointment, her cell phone hummed. Instantly, I asked if she needed to answer. Most clients do. “No, she answered, love the one you’re with!” I asked her again, “Do you mean, I’m the one you’re with and I get your love and attention?” “Yep! Love the one you’re with,” she replied.

For those who have been around since the 1970’s Stephen Stills made the song "Love the One You’re With" popular. I loved it! It still has the same meaning for us. Stephanie said I could use her comment for my next Snippets and reference her name so here it is! It’s worth mentioning as we are at the beginning of a new year and all resolutions are on the table to consider.
Happy New Year!!!!
With love,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[More United Than Divided]]>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:48:54 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/more-united-than-dividedIn a time when we appear to be inexplicably divided, I believe we have more that unites us than divides us. We have reasons to be in agreement and in consideration to work together for the good of all, more than ever.
At our core, we all want peace of mind. Not only in our homes and external relationships but in everyday dealings with life circumstances. Getting along with others begins with us. At the very least, considering a ‘response’ instead of a ‘reaction’ could establish a peaceful conversation and resolution.

We care about our health and the wellbeing of those who we care about. Who doesn’t want to feel good and be happy? We enjoy good jokes and love laughing out loud and hearing a feel-good story. Nothing spells happiness like a great romantic novel or movie or series with interesting and positive characters solving the age-old problems of cracking a crime or falling in love and rendering a happy ending. Call me old fashioned, but most still love a good ending.

How about financial security? Most people would love to feel financially secure. We certainly have that in common. I hear the secret to this monetary ambition is in the answer to the question, "are you a consumer or an investor?" It’s like food; ingest with moderation.
And speaking of food, who doesn’t appreciate great cooking? By the looks of our city’s restaurant topography and grocery stores, we all love eating and sharing our meals. We have that in common.

Freedom is another common denominator. My mother grew up in Mexico. Women were not free to make decisions for themselves. Of course, much has changed since she was a young woman in Mexico, but it has taken years for women to demand, express and live their independence. The pendulum has swung, and women have freedom, options, and opportunities, that will influence their outcomes.
On the popular series, The Reluctant Traveler, comedian/actor Eugene Levy, on his trip "Living the Royal Life in the UK," had a visit with Prince William. When Levy asked what he struggles with, Prince William implied that most people are all sweating about something, including work, health and family. I thought immediately that most young parents with children must have this in common with the same concerns of raising children, protecting and providing for a family.

In the Blue Zone Study and other longevity theories, including a presentation at The Global Conference 2025 titled The Roadmap to Longevity, people are united by 5 variables determining longevity: 1) Nutrition 2) Sleep 3) Physical activity 4) Stress mitigation and 5) Human connections, which is the most important and least studied, according to an expert on a panel.

I believe community and unity with others is a human necessity not only for longevity but for a healthy and happy life. Reinforcing what unites us and recovering more common ground to stand on with each other, is a worthwhile consideration. We must be the change we want to see. The bottom line is that we need each other.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. There is much to celebrate!
With love,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[We Don't Know What We Don't Know]]>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 18:04:05 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/we-dont-know-what-we-dont-knowIn February of this year, I attended Scottsdale Government 101. For 10 weeks, 40 participants were presented with numerous departments that organize building, maintaining and managing our city. The presenters ranged from City Council Members to the department heads of Tourism, Planning, Fire, Police, Water Resources, Zoning, Parks & Recreation, and Courts, including a tour of the Scottsdale Jail. The classes were informative and interesting and gave us an inside view of what it takes to run our city. There was much I didn’t know.

The classes were so thought-provoking and educational, I decided to register for the Scottsdale Citizens Police Academy. My friend Isabel, another perpetual student, and I are like moths to light, drawn to Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 to discover the foundations of the Police Department. Each week the classes include presentations by 3 departments. For instance, Week 1 was our welcome by the officer who would remain with us during the entire duration. He presented the Body Camera Program followed by the Officer Training Unit. The Body Camera is now required as part of the officer’s uniform. Now I know.

Week 3 was Vehicular crimes and Reconstruction Unit, Forensics with Lab tour and Crime Scene Specialist Demo. The lab tour is where we met K9 Bizy, a 2-year-old Black Labrador Retriever. He comes to Scottsdale PD though our partnership with the United States Secret Service Arizona Cyber Fraud Taskforce. Bizy is an Electronic Storage Detection K9 trained to detect the odor of a chemical coating (Triphenylphosphine oxide) on devices that assist in the dissipation of heat. This coating is on devices to include but not limited to SD cards, USB flash drives, hard drives and more. K9 Bizy will also be assisting the Scottsdale Police Department with human trafficking search warrants, internet crimes against children warrants and other things throughout the department. I knew dog lovers would appreciate this interesting bit about K9 Bizy. So cute!

On Week 4, Sargent Lewis was our Certified Fraud Examiner with financial crimes. There is not enough space for me to write about all the current cybercrimes proliferating through our phones, computers, and mail, but I will leave you with this; The more convenient you make your life, the more risk of fraud you have. And Scottsdale is a target for crime because of the wealth and single women looking for love on the internet. Who knew!

With all this said, there is much to be thankful for to our Police officers, and the support staff behind the scenes, no matter where you live. We don’t know what we don’t know, and I encourage you to know more about your surroundings and conveniences this coming year.
Stay happy and stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Much love,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[Walking]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 23:25:08 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/walking5879045According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, the obvious benefits of walking are: Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat; prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes; improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones and muscles; improve muscle endurance, increase energy levels, improve mood, cognition, memory and sleep; recover balance and coordination; strengthen immune system and reduce stress and tension.

My thoughts on walking: There is knowing when to walk away just before saying something you will regret! I haven’t yet mastered this walk away before saying it, my timing is still off but getting better.

In the 1960’s Dionne Warwick sang the hit song, "Walk on by". Part of falling in love includes the pain of failing at love. The song still brings back memories of the heart ache of love as a teenager. If we knew then what we know now, perhaps we would have "Walked on by" sooner.
Walking the floor for those who enjoy worry walking. As if walking makes it easier. And according to the Mayo Clinic Staff, walking does reduce stress and tension…. walk away my friend.

Walk the Talk. it’s not easy to align our behavior while becoming who we want to be. It takes failing, regrouping, recovering, and learning to communicate who we are, walking the talk. Don’t stop walking and observe the talk.

There are walking trails to consider, walk-in closets, walking sticks, walking pneumonia, walking in Faith and walking through an open door after a door closes. While researching the word walking, I surprisingly discovered Walking Tacos. Yes! Walking Tacos are an on-the-go dinner or campfire or game night meal. You can go online and find the recipe.
Walking the dog. A dog may or may not exist in a family home. But when a person needs to get away from a situation, going out to walk the dog may objectively save a relationship.

And to wrap up walking…. enjoy this little ditty of walking humor:
Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $6,000 per month.
My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we have no idea where the hell he is.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
The only reason I would take up walking is to hear heavy breathing again.
I walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing.
The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they’ll say, 'Well, she looks good, doesn’t she?"

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.
I know I got a lot of exercise in the last few years ......just getting over the hill.

We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. Keep walking to keep the rest of your body light.
With love and a bit of humor,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[Eyes Wide Open]]>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:48:15 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/eyes-wide-openWhile listening to an audio book, "The Secrets of Lovelace Academy" by Marie Benidict, I heard the following statement, “Understand well as I may, my comprehension can only be an infinitesimal fraction of all I want to understand.”

In the research for longevity, one of the components of living a healthy long life is curiosity. Of course, there are other moving parts that factor in a healthy life, including environment, nutrition, movement and attitude. But not to be dismissed is a mind that is interested in living with eyes wide open to what is beyond what we see, and what we don’t yet see, or possibly imagine…..there is a there there? Yes, there is! And so much more. What more can I understand in a world where I choose to see opportunities instead of uncertainty.... the beginning of a new era instead of the end of the good old days.

Is my cup half full or half empty?

"Curiosity killed the cat" is a well-known idiom that serves as a cautionary tale, warning against excessive or reckless curiosity, especially when it comes to prying into matters that are best left alone. The phrase suggests that prying into things you shouldn't know can lead to trouble or even danger, but the complete phrase, "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back", suggests that while curiosity can lead to problems, it can also lead to discovery and satisfaction and a more interesting, fulfilling life.

Many of my friends and clients are world travelers, curious and adventurous. I appreciate their ability to throw caution to the wind and allow curiosity to fuel and flex their exploration muscle. Most don’t even consider if there is any caution to contemplate while traveling the world. And if they do, oh well, off they go gathering more fractions of what they desire to understand and experience!

With Eyes Wide Open, there are only 4 months left in this year. What opportunities are available for us to experience the vastness and wealth of our lives? Let’s not take our environment for granted, complain about our grocery stores filled with food from all over the world, ignore our ability to move our bodies, or dismiss an attitude of curiosity nurturing gratitude. Let us not overlook the benefit of friendships and family, landmarks and traditions. We get what we vision, we grow from understanding what we experience.

Let's prepare for the holidays and celebration of a future of health and longevity.
With love,
Hilda

]]><![CDATA[Lighten Your Load]]>Sat, 02 Aug 2025 13:05:10 GMThttps://www.pluma-az.com/the-snippets-blog/lighten-your-loadLife is challenging. Why not lighten your load with some humor. And speaking of colonoscopies. . . prior test results and my insistent medical provider pressed me to schedule the dreaded procedure. Fortunately, my friends came to the rescue. My friend Bod came to keep me company at the end of his workday. He was famished and brought his dinner along. He asked if I minded if he ate and of course I said not at all. I watched him eat pork barbeque topped with avocado and I couldn’t imagine it was as tasty as my chicken or beef broth, water, apple juice and the MiraLAX I was about to start drinking. Bob left and my friend Mary Beth came by at 6:30, ready to spend the night overnight bag in hand with breakfast treats and PJs, I was prepared at home with a new 500-piece Boardwalk Puzzle for us to dig into.

I will spare you the details of the evening, only to say that Mary Beth was my personal cheerleader all through the night until half past midnight, when she went to bed. I stayed up until 2:15 and up again for my last dose of MiraLAX at 3:30…. yummy. On the morning drive to the medical office, Mary Beth and I shared stories, laughed, and unraveled the world’s religious and political questions and best of all, she assured me everything would be just fine. Her calm and gentle nature with a bit of supervision over every detail, including bringing along adult pampers, gave me a sense of protection. Nonetheless, the colonoscopy was a rather enjoyable experience. Although I don’t remember any of it or what I said to the doctor afterwards or that Mary Beth dressed me and took me home, in the end, it all came out fine. Thanks also to all the texts from my buddies during both days.

An entrepreneur at heart, I’m trying to talk Mary Beth into a new business venture. Living Brave Colon Care! I think it has a nice ring. If you hire us, one of us will come to your home for the prep day, bring the broth, favorite clear juices, popsicles, Gatorade and a fun activity for the evening entertainment. We will stay awake as long as you need encouragement and support and in the morning on the drive, we will keep you calm and laughing. After the procedure, we will help you dress, have a snack and water in the car and drive you home. Staying until you feel well enough to be alone, we will leave quietly. I think it’s a great idea, but have yet to convince Mary Beth, or anyone else, that this may be a worthwhile business.

While discussing our business concept at the salon, our client Janice spoke to say that she has an idea for a new business venture as well. Without going into the details, her story was funny and compelling, with a personal experience to consider the need for the service. Her business is akin to “My Sisters Closet”, but more specialized, and after much consideration, I couldn’t write about it on Snippets. But you are welcome to ask me privately.

Please Lighten Your Load and infuse your life with a bit of humor. There is always something to laugh about. After all, we know that laughing has health benefits….and when you’re laughing, the whole world laughs with you. And don’t forget, Living Brave Colon Care for the best colonoscopy experience ever…don’t be alone, share it with your friends.

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