Make a Memory is a movement, a challenge to turn
I wish I had into I’m glad I did in 2015.
Reach out and claim an adventure this year. Make a Memory before it’s too late.
I met Shark Tank’s Leslie Haywood at a ladies’ luncheon. She invented Grill Charms, a grilling accessory that helps identify which meats belong to a particular eater. Kind of like wine glass charms for meat.
Her idea was revolutionary enough to garner her a slot on the television show Shark Tank. Charm and grit earned her success in licensing her products with a bigger company.
I’m honored to feature Leslie’s Make a Memory contribution today. She highlights how easy it is to make memories.
Make a Memory.
In Leslie’s words.
I come from an extremely close Navy family consisting of my parents and 2 younger sisters. My dad was on submarines and was “out to sea” quite a bit during my childhood. BUT….
When he was home,
he was all about making memories.
Everything he did with us was crazy and funny and wonderful. I don’t think it was a conscious effort on his part, but everything he did was memorable. His love for us, his talks with us, his silliness, everything he did made an impact.
He passed unexpectedly back in 2009.
All we had left were
the memories HE gave US.
My sisters and I talk about how even though we didn’t have a ton of money or “stuff” growing up, the memories he made for us live on. It was a gift he didn’t even know he was giving and only now… after he is gone, do I understand and recognize just how priceless that gift is.
He totally affected the way I parent my daughters. My sisters and I even say “making memories” all the time. There are times when we do stuff with all the cousins and the family and sometimes it can be a real pain in the butt and crazy and LOUD…. But we always say…
“We are making memories”.
We have so many family traditions and great times and gatherings because we know firsthand that after WE are gone, memories are all our kids will have left of US so we want to make sure they are ALL GOOD!! Pa gave that gift to US, so it’s the very least we can do for our kids.
About Leslie Haywood:
How did Grill Charms happen? Well, that’s a story.
While sitting down to eat at a dinner party I was hosting, my husband served me an extra hot Jamaican Jerk piece of chicken instead of a mild one because he had forgotten which pieces were which. After this very memorable and very spicy light bulb moment in April 2006 I have felt what I can only describe as a compulsion to insure every American gets what they want – how they want it – hot off the grill.
And Grill Charms was born.
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Read Not Without My Father. Grab a loved one. Make a Memory that will live forever. The Huffington Post calls Not Without My Father “one literary ride you don’t want to miss!”
Click to read a sample of Not Without My Father
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9 Comments
Last night we went out to hear a band whose members have been my friends for over half my life. We have many memories together and revel in sharing them. Making music does that. The joy in those shared memories is boundless. Last night, we all vowed to make more. It was a very good evening.
You’re right, Jim. So much of my life is wrapped around music. It always amazes me how a particular song can make me feel sixteen again. I quickly wake up and realize otherwise, but those few moments are a blessed blast of youth, of people I miss, of memories I made with people, both in my life and no longer around.
While Mike and I were at the cabin this weekend (it rained the entire weekend) I plugged in my iPhone and listened to all the music you listened to on your walk. 🙂 Loved it. Thank you for the introduction to Leslie…she sounds mighty blessed with lovely Memories.
I’m glad you’re enjoying that playlist, Lori. I listen to it often. It puts a bump in my step, too. 🙂
How is it that I’ve never heard of Grill Charms? What a wonderful way to keep track of what’s what! So smart. [I’ve never heard of Shark Tank, either– but because it’s on TV that makes sense to me.]
They’re popular with grillers, especially when several people have different preferences. I’m happy they’re doing well for Leslie.
What a sweet story! I’m sure it was hard for Leslie when her dad was away when she was a kid. And I’m sure she misses him.
My brother needs those Grill Charms! I’ll look for them!
Easy to find online. Let me know how he likes them. 🙂
How awesome for Leslie to have had a father that made every minute a memory. He sounds like he was one cool dad.
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