THE GOOD STUFF... ATTITUDES AND LATITUDES
On Business: Remain passionate about your work; success will usually follow. Common-sense and perseverance won’t hurt either.
On Design: Nothing is more exciting than a spectacular finished product with your signature. Inanimate objects are just that, until we bring them together with balance.....and then, you have a masterpiece.
Getting Your Start: It was a natural progression. I loved design and art, but most of all, I loved giving presents. After many requests from friends and family, my client list grew and grew and now we service many businesses. We have been blessed.
Motto In Life: DON’T WAIT.....to love, to be loved, to thank, to cherish, to praise, to savor, to pray, to give, to ask, to do. Don’t wait.
On Humor: Nothing brightens my day faster than a sharp wit and a good laugh. It really is the best medicine.
On Miracles: Well, I’m blonde, and I do have a brain....it can happen.
On Marriage: Always remember that the pillars of the temple stand alone. Be you; be strong.
On Religion: Oh no, the taboo subject for neutral party lines. Guess what? God is great! God is good and merciful. God is all things, but above all.....God is love. Reflect and remember this.
Favorite Place: The Outer Banks, N.C. Kitty Hawk to be precise (oceanfront of course).
Favorite Expression: “ Let’s Rock and Roll”....makes me feel like Elvis.......but he really is dead you know.
Mentors: My Grandmother, an entrepreneur ahead of her time....lived to be 97, and what a business wiz! She was from the old school. And then there’s American Express... efficient, profitable, and most of all, customer service oriented. They have trained their people exceptionally well. They are from the new school. We’d like to fall somewhere in the middle.
On Family: Truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. Cardboard forts, squirt-gun fights, ghost stories. puppies, popsicles, gardens and prayers....family reunions, chocolate-chip cookies, and children on the beach. These are the moments that make the memories. May you be blessed with many....and if not, stop by my house; I’ll give you a few. You may get more than you bargained for.
On Aging: Well, we’re not getting any younger...and some days, I just can’t remember if I’m suppose to “Just Say No”.....or “Just Do It”.....(strange society we live in.) I do know one thing: All of us could learn much from our elders. They are like good, old books. They should be cherished, respected, and allowed to tell their stories. Their wisdom and experience are invaluable. Senior-citizenship has earned them the right of passage through this often crazy, mixed up world. Be good to them.
Things You Hate: Indifference and indecisiveness...Who’s Who, and keeping up with the Joneses......not to mention thin people who are always on a diet. Get real.
Things You Love: Going barefoot, real Christmas trees, things of the past (paintings, antiques and stories), Coca-cola Classic, fresh coffee, good books, solitude, yard sales, nice wine, tennis, fine chocolates, the underdog, French, thunderstorms, satin PJ’s, art, poetry, spontaneity, sunroofs, snow, roses, fireplaces, old houses, the ocean, men who can run the vacuum, and women with their own checkbooks (this is the short list...life is good; soak it up!).
Short-term goals: To weigh what my driver's license says I do.
Long-term goals: Be happy, be successful, and finish writing my book.
Most Influential People: My Mother, who taught me generosity, love, and the appreciation of beautiful things (both old and new). My Father, who taught me the meaning of integrity, justice, and responsibility. My crazy, fun-loving sisters, who taught me to laugh, love, and to stay together at all costs.
Fame: We are still a very small company. Most of our clients have been referrals from people who have either seen our gorgeous gift-baskets, or who have received one. Personally, I think we’re the best kept secret in
Virginia Beach........but I could be biased.
Fortune: Rich in the spirit and heart. I’ll get back to you on the off-shore accounts and the Rolls Royce.
Relevance (Of All This): I think it’s important to know what drives a company. You know, the heart and soul behind the products. People who order from us want something special and we can deliver. When a client tells us about the recipient, we do our very best to deliver a quality product which makes them feel great and makes our client look wonderful. It’s a win-win. And just for the record, I do take it personally if a client is not pleased. After all, it’s my reputation.
Business Future: Well, I have big plans and big dreams. Unfortunately, as a small company, there’s not always the capital to back that up. Certainly, we could use a Financial Angel....someone who sees our vision, and not only wants to get involved with a great company, but who would like a good return on their investment. (Dear Angel, call me, we’ll talk stock options).
On Destiny: Anyone who really knows me will tell you that I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Call it fate, or Divine Providence, it is there... powerful and ever present. But I also believe that one's destiny can be shaped or even altered by the choices that we make. Opportunities will present themselves everyday; whether we recognize them and take action is another story. This seems like a good time to ask for your order... brochure= opportunity, order=destiny. Order Now!
Closing Comments: Carpe Diem (Seize the day!) Find a reason to be happy. If it's not a special occasion, make it one. Laugh often; Love much.

Sincerely,
Lynda Waddell
President, Oceans of Notions