“Make one person happy each day, and in forty years you will have made 14,600 human beings happy for a little time, at least.” -Charley Willey

Who can you make smile right now? That is your challenge of the day. We all need laughter in our lives. Giving people a little humor and entertainment leaves them with a good feeling of upbeat enthusiasm. It can be great for businesses, families, and friends.

Whenever you interact with people, even if it’s to say hello, you leave them with a feeling of kindness. If you give out cheerfulness you will get it back. Try smiling for 60 seconds straight. Concentrate on only smiling for a full minute and doing nothing else (if you try this on the cottage porch in a group you’ll all laugh so hard you might roll into the lake!). It’s amazing isn’t it, because know you start to think of all the fun things that make you smile and laugh. Your whole body feels good. It’s hard to feel down and out if you’re smiling. Smiling costs you nothing- remember the best things in life are free.

How does it make you feel to be around complainers? They just bring you down listening to their whining sessions. Now don’t get me wrong people everywhere have real problems and they do need a good friend to listen to them, but be careful that they don’ t do this every time they see you because otherwise all they’ll do is drain you of your energy. You came to the family cottage to relax and sometimes it’s difficult if you run into too many complainers.

Find the upbeat people in your everyday life and think about how they make you feel. I’m sure you’re thinking about all the laughter and stories you share with that person. My friend Cheryl and I like to laugh at all the fun things Casey, our youngest twin, has to say. Casey has the best sense of humor and he gets people in all their situations of life. He got my message about leaving people in life better than you found them. My challenge for him was to try to make at least one person smile per day. It is a great challenge to take on. It’s kind of nice when you know you can do this for people anytime you want to. And it’s free! Just think when you pass on your smile what will those people think of you?

If you are up for the challenge of trying to make one person smile it will not only change you it will change your life. When you smile it will help you forget your problems and give you a better outlook on life. I want to leave you with a funny story from the family cottage. Now Jake, one of our cottage dogs, has a daily grooming session from our grey cat named Shark. Shark sits on top of our bench and Jake just stands right next to him while he grooms his ears and his head and the top of his back. This can go on for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. They have this thing going on, it’s really quite funny to watch. Shark loves Jake, and then pretty soon after this session is over Jake will start to groom Shark. Now this doesn’t last nearly as long because Jake literally gives Shark a bath. I keep telling my teens and Dan we need to grab this on a video and upload it to YouTube. Shark does not think he is a cat, he thinks he is another cottage dog.

So grab the smiles and laughter at the family cottage. Smile every day, many times, it will do you and your family and friends good!

Dori

“The greatest things on earth have been done little by little” –Thomas Guthrie.

I started thinking about that word multi-tasking, after reading that quote, and I really began to realize that I try to do to many things at once. I recently read an article on being a multi-tasker, “The secret to doing more is doing less.” While this may seem odd, in research from the University of Michigan it shows that while we think we’re doing all the multiple tasks on our list of to-do’s we are simply forcing our brain to rebound among two tasks. This reduces our productivity by 20% to 40%.

When we attempt to multi-task we reduce productivity and work quality. According to motivational speaker Deanna Davis multi-tasking reduces our quality of life. There are ways to kick this habit, but it may take some convincing. I used to think my teens were the best multi-taskers in the world, until they got cell phones, because they can’t text and carry on a conversation with me or anyone for that matter unless of course you are the “text receiver”.

If you find yourself at the family cottage with a multi-tasker, take a look at my list of ways to help you or someone you know who is a multi-tasker:

Wait and hold-off on checking your e-mail for at least two hours. (Now this maybe impossible for some, but trry it.)

Create deadlines-plan your day in blocks putting the most important tasks first. I try to get the project that needs the most attention out of the way- this may be big or small. Hey did you go to that e-mail yet? I said to try to wait two hours.

Take and give yourself breaks. Give your mind a mental break and rest. This will help you focus better when you need to. This refreshing break may even be a walk outside for a breath of fresh air. It maybe even be grabbing a bottle of water. Everyone needs a mental break because as much as we are programmed by society, nobody can work 24/7 and get the job done efficiently.

Last but not least keep a to-do list. If you’re like me, I am a very creative person so my mind tends to wander and I think everybody is on the same wavelength as me. I found, when I am like this, it is best to write it down so I know I won’t forget it. Then I can return to this task or tasks later on.

My positive affirmation for you and your family/friends is to enjoy staying focused on one thing at a time. Try to regain your balance in your responsibilities. It doesn’t do any good for you or others to be fleeting all over the place. If you focus on the thing you should be focusing on, you’ll be able to do it well and then you’ll be able to go on with your next task with full potential.

If you must, and are true to yourself, you can read your e-mails now. I hope these tips helped you where ever you are in your daily life. Remember you are the most important you. Keep your mind intact and slow down at the family cottage.

Best regards, Dori

Oops I missed a spot!

Final rinsing

Born retriever of the mouth

Waiting for the cook to grab something out of the frig

Hanging out with a conspirator

Waiting for the squirrels to come into our range

Teeth cleaner and acorn chewer

Day dreamer

They have plenty of fans

They like to try on new hats

Stick taster

Garbage disposal

Ooo I missed something!

Sun bathers at the family cottage

They like to find ways to take in fiber – more sticks and acorns

Did you find the other sock? Missing pair. Love to break in new socks

Double trouble

Ice cube chewer

Perfect pillow

Hugs all around

Love to siesta alone

Love the finer drinks of life

Enjoying sleepovers with human kind

Remember that people won’t remember what you say they will remember what you do. If you belong to the circle of kindness you don’t run around with a badge or a sign saying, “Look what I did for so and so”. You just do your thoughtful gesture because you want to.

Have you ever helped someone find something and feel like you have made their whole world a better place? My oldest son Tucker and a group of friends helped bring a stray dog back to its rightful owner. When the dog was given back to them the faces of the little boy and girl lit right up. They were so happy to get their dog back. These teens truly belong to the circle of kindness.

Sometimes a simple act of kindness can jump start your whole day. I have witnessed the circle of kindness in my own life when someone holds a door open for you. A simple easy little thing but it makes you feel important and special. When someone says a kind word or lets you cut in line at a busy drive through it gives you a lift and then you believe there are some pretty nice people out there.

I have also seen someone they don’t even know buy a person’s cup of coffee at the local coffee shop. My whole impression of this is, “Wow, it is the perfect little way to make someone’s day start out right.”

You can belong to the circle of kindness just by giving a smile and a friendly hello. It is a nice way to make the day better for someone else, and yours too!

You never know when you’re going to make a difference. My husband just made a real impression on me with an act of kindness today. He helped a friend today by picking him up from Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan. It was kind of a scary two days for his friend. He under went stint surgery for his heart. This friend, Terry, never asked my husband to play nurse-maid after his procedure, or become his main support person to care for him. It was my husband’s kindness and friendship for this friend that made him do it. This heartwarming kindness is truly admirable and belongs at the top of the circle of kindness. Get well soon Terry! Smiling at this thoughtfulness, “this will be the best medicine of all.”

So when you are out and about in this sometimes crazy and mixed up world, please take time to belong to the circle of kindness because you will not only make a difference for that person or persons, it will do you good and your soul will be lifted. Your gesture of goodwill will be truly rewarded.

Dori Penning

Visit Cottage-Law.com for all of your cottage succession planning needs and for learning about saving the family cottage. Keep that good will and circle of kindness going for you and your family and friends.

A few days later we discovered that our pets were not the only critters at the summer cottage. We had a family of skunks living under the shed in the back of the family cottage. There were 5 skunks to be exact. A mother skunk who was not happy we had invaded her space and her 4 babies. I did not want her spraying the dogs. We had that happen before to our very first dog Baily, a yellow lab. It was awful -the smell smarts your eyes. I believe we used tomato juice and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of the smell. I absolutely did not want her spraying the boys.

Our nature buff and animal lover Conor was already checking things out, way too close for comfort. We needed to get the skunks out quickly. I, first of all, did not want to adopt any skunks. I don’t care how cute and fluffy they are. We called Critter Control. They came to set up three traps to start with. Now let me tell you this doesn’t happen right away so I had to keep the boys and dogs away from the shed. Easier said than done.

The first two babies were caught in the trap and then the mother skunk. Two more babies to go. It was overnight by the time we had those two captured in the third trap. They were taken away and let go in the woods.

I was thinking to myself any smart woman would pack up teens, cats, and dogs and go back home. But I couldn’t leave the family cottage, besides my boys were waiting for their next adventures and critters to appear.

I do need to let you know that our neighbor across the street from us actually thought we owned these skunks as family pets. He believed we came with them and they were just outside getting some fresh air in their cages. Seriously, did he not think I had enough going on with 2 dogs, 2 cats and 4 teenagers? If you come across critters at the family cottage take time to enjoy them, but be careful about leaving them as permanent extended family members. I did get a real laugh out loud moment when our neighbor thought we owned these black and white beauties.

Visit Cottage-Law.com and believe your family will be secure in leaving your cottage to family members. I don’t know if you can get help in leaving all your wildlife critters at the family cottage. Maybe there might be a way to add critters and family members at the family cottage.

Good luck!

Best wishes,

Dori Penning

Cottage-law stands for:

-C- completeness
-O- for openness
-T- for togetherness
-T- for time spent with loved ones,
-A- for awesome
-G- for generosity
-E- for eagerness.

The Law stands for

-L- look ahead not back
-A- for amazing
-W- for the wow factor

Dan Penning is a lawyer with a positive attitude and an incredible knowledge of the best ways to keep your family cottage intact, so the togetherness of family and friends can last. Dan Penning lives a life full of purpose and goodwill toward others, so surround yourself with a positive upbeat attorney who makes a difference working for you. Achieve your dream at Cottage-Law.com. Visit this website so that you can get a positive attitude and the “Power of Know” when dealing with the laws concerning your family cottage! You will like this, Dori Penning

If a child is given love, he becomes loving . . . If he is helped when he needs help, he becomes helpful. And if he has been truly valued at home . . . he grows up secure enough to look beyond himself to the welfare of others.
Dr. Joyce Brothers
1974

This is so profound and so very true. I found with each one of our boys, their gifts shine through with encouragement, wit and humor. It is amazing how three children all from the same family are so different. I have labeled them country 1, country 2 and country 3. Depending on which country you engage with it really makes you stop and think how unique and special each one is.

A fun place to visit
Tucker, now 18, and paving the way as the older brother, provides a country of confidence, leadership, technological savvy skills and hockey. His country shares a group of the 10 most closest friends. He is very enthusiastic and very sports minded. ESP is now unfolding in another room of the house. Do you know any professional hockey teams that need a smart and witty accountant? Tucker’s country of friends are always visiting our Farmington home. This well rounded country is a fun place to visit. There is not a lot of drama. If you visit Tucker’s country, be sure to bring your running shoes and lots of H20. His country is all about keeping in shape.

Never a dull moment
Country number 2 is our middle born, Conor. In Conor’s country you will learn about nature and his gift and love for animals. His country has had a red nosed tortoise, a few frogs, fish, a lizard, 2 cats and our dogs, Jake and Ginger. Conor has a magical way with animals so be sure you bring photos of your pets. Conor also has a group of friends but it amazes me because he can walk in a room no one knows and come out with 2 or 3 new ones. Conor is in constant, and I mean constant, motion. He loves lacrosse – the new sport on the block. Be prepared because as loving as Conor is, there is a lot of drama. I call his friends the groupies. They all sit practically on top of each other. If you visit his country the groupies like to be around girls which escalate the drama. Thank goodness we are not into dating yet (at this time). Conor does everything with gusto – never a dull moment.

Every holiday is loved
The third country and the baby of the family is Casey. His country is fairly peaceful and calm. There is no drama but rather contentment for Casey lives in the moment. In this country you will find historical facts about everything. Casey can tell you how a burger was first made and who invented Wendy’s. His country is very factual. Be prepared because Casey loves all different types of foods – portabella burgers, sloppy joes on hot dog buns (latest invention), lobster and shrimp. These last two entries are the finer things in life. In this country you will find every holiday is not only liked but it is loved. If you are up for celebrations be sure to bring along dessert.

I believe every one of these countries share value so whether I am visiting the healthy country or the full of gusto and drama country or the laid back, live in the moment country, it makes me appreciate how wonderful they really are. Thank the Lord they are not all alike.

Dori Penning

The labs enjoying air conditioning tire from sunning outside and decide to siesta in the family room. Jake, our chocolate lab, probably dreaming about the lake vacation romp at the family cottage, promptly starts snoring. Ahh – the life of a dog. Our backyard has a pond with four fish. The water rushes over rocks giving that soothing sound. The scenery changes at home. There is no big lake or cottage to sit by, but there is peace in the backyard with the birds chirping and butterflies flying on the bushes. Returning from a cottage always amazes me at how much you miss the beauty of the water.

I remember as a little child picking up all the flat stones to skip on the shoreline of the beach. Whoever started that must have viewed how the flat surface of the stone skipped when it hit the water. A science lesson in the works. I had contest after contest with my boys – always loosing. I believe the highest count was six skips. I also remember collecting every stone we possibly could ever find trying to find a Petoskey stone that was the prize.

The best times of owning a cottage are the sunsets that go on forever and the yummy taste of s’mores. My boys learned to make and eat dirt cake when they were younger spending those carefree days at the family cottage. What a tasty treat. The long lazy days of summer will soon come to an end. The kids will no longer be bored because studies and school now will occupy time. Enjoy the long days and relaxing weather. Find time to enjoy an ice cream, a sunset, a good novel, and your toes in the sand, a friendly face or a picnic by the lake. Discover a new adventure – it gives your life meaning.

Summer Fun
Trying to decide
Which is best, the children
laughing at the lake or
the chocolate labs digging holes in the sand. I decide
both make my day grand.
For both have found fun while their discoveries abound
by the water in the sand.
(Remember the best memories are free)
—by Dori Penning

To plan, protect and preserve your family cottage and keep your family in the family cottage to be enjoyed today and in the future visit my husband’s web site www.Cottage-Law.com He was recently named a Five Star Wealth Adviser by Hour Detroit Magazine and is available to assist you with the process of keeping the family cottage safe with a cottage succession plan specific to the needs and requirement of your family.

Dori Penning

Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.
– Milan Kundera

Jake and Ginger, our chocolate labs, have returned from their adventures at the lake. This is a time to reflect, if only they could describe the wonderments of the water and nature at its best.

The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.
– Samuel Butler; Notebooks, 1912

Take time to visit a family cottage or lake this summer. If you don’t own a dog, take pleasure in watching the contentment and happiness of a dog swimming in the lake. It will sooth the soul.

-Dori Penning

Our beautiful chocolate Labradors summer with us at the family cottage. Each year, they become dogs at the beach. They love the water and would jump off the docks in Suttons Bay, Michigan to swim. It’s usually Ginger first, and then Jake.

This year, a family friend offered to give our labs a vacation at a farm in Elhart, Indiana. I hope you enjoy the photos and their adventures on the farm. Ginger is the princess and very mild mannered and then there is Jake – the lab who does everything with robust and character. My husband and I should have known why he was the last puppy left in the litter.

I believe these pictures will capture your heart with joy and laughter. I only hope when we return that they will be happy in their own home. They are having way too much fun!

-Dori Penning