Billy Jean

If you've ever walked into Waynesville Animal Shelter, more than likely you've seen Billy Jean sitting at her desk working hard, or having a light hearted conversation with someone or perhaps loving up on one of the shelter dogs waiting for their forever homes. She's cheery, kind and has a heart of gold.

Billy Jean and her husband, Joe, moved here from Oklahoma 42 years ago and never looked back. They've watched this area grow and have met many different families over the course of their time here. For 30 years, she ran a state licensed day care out of her home, which gave her the great opportunity to be there with her children. Three years after she retired, she realized that she wanted to still do something and not sit at home in a rocking chair all day. She began volunteering at the Waynesville Animal Shelter about 6 years ago, which came easy for her because of her love for animals. Two years later, she became a part time employee and has been for the past 4 years.

The Waynesville Shelter is a clean, well kept building with nice big cages , comfy dog beds and lots and lots of doggie toys. They have an average of 300 - 400 dogs that come through there a year! Dogs are taken care of very well by staff and volunteers and are walked and loved on daily. You can see that Billy Jean loves her job through all of the care that is put into the Shelter and those that work with it. She knows all of the animals that come through there by name and learns as much as she can about them before adopting them out. She is also super wonderful to the volunteers and keeps in touch with them outside of the shelter.

While we were chatting, I asked her what the most difficult thing about her job was...
"The most difficult part is seeing dogs being surrendered by families who have had them for a few years... they come in so scared and so frightened. They don't know what's going on, and it's just so heartbreaking."

I asked her what she would like to see more of in this world...
"I'd like to see more compassion for each other. Just because they're different, doesn't meant they don't have feelings. Just like animals."

Her last piece of advice to me was to always show loved ones you love them, and don't take anything for granted. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Thank you, Billy Jean, for sharing your love with those around you, both humans and animals. The world is a better place because of you!

Rose

Rose is a friend of mine. Over the 6 months or so, I've gotten the chance to get to know her. I met her at the Ark Community Center when I asked her for some advice with working out. I watched her go to class after class after class... and I was barely managing to get my butt into one. At that time she told me she was working towards becoming a body pump instructor. 

Fast forward to the present, and here she is, a body pump instructor and working towards becoming one for Body Flow. I'm amazed at her motivation and her strength. She has inspired me to be stronger, lift heavier and eat lighter. She writes me a few days a week to encourage me on my own path to being healthier. She also works at Studio 5 and does amazing things with hair! Rose has a big heart and is always willing to help someone. She also has a hilarious sense of humor. 


I visited with her today while she cut both of my daughter's hair. Sadie, my 5 year old was excited all week to have her hair done by Mrs. Rose. We got to talking...

If you could go back to your 16 year old self, and change anything, what would it be?
Rose: ""My biggest regret was running away from home when I was 16. It was the most selfish thing I could have done to my mother. If I could go back, I would tell myself to face up to my problems and not run away."

(Her mood had shifted instantly and I decided it was best to ask her a happier question.)

What is one of the happiest moments of your life? Or a moment you are so glad happened?

Rose: "One of my biggest gambles was meting Danny for the first time. Everyone told me I was crazy. But I flew over to London anyway. It's been 10 years since I've met him and 7 years since we've been married!"

And lastly... What is one piece of advice you'd give to anyone listening?

Rose: "Appreciate your life. Don't take things for granted."

An Introduction

Once upon a time, in a land not that far away, there existed these amazing creatures. Although they appeared weak to their larger counterparts, they were strong. They carried a spirit of survival and of hope. They were filled with emotion. They carried on their shoulders the burdens of others willingly, and had the ability to jump at an opportunity to save another in danger. They were vulnerable and sometimes miserable. They suffered through tragedy and pain. They were willing to sacrifice everything for a greater cause. They worked hard to make sure that the future generations would be safer, happier and healthier. They walked the land with history so rich, they almost found themselves lost in it. Through it all, the good, the bad and the ugly, they survived. They found the happiness in the little things, the warmth in the sun and the beauty on cool, dark nights. We call these people Humans. And they're the most beautiful things to walk this earth.

I'm here to introduce you to some of these humans. In the world with over 6 billion souls, I will only touch a fragment of them, but they are no less important. We often pass by the same people on a daily basis and don't realize it. We quickly pass judgement and don't take the second to think of what they've been through to get there. But we are all amazing. We all have a story. And I want to hear about it. I want to know your past and your dreams. I want the world to know that we are all simply human. And being human is pretty.darn.awesome.

If you want to be featured on this blog, let me know. I will also be going around town and interviewing business owners so that the people in the FLW area will get to know better where they live.

If you see me with a camera at any point, pull me aside and say cheese! :)

Cheers!

Erin.

P.S. I'd like to say my inspiration came from HONY... check it out :)