The ordinary world has shifted since I was young in the MiddleWest.
I know. Newsflash.
Roles of Ordinary Young Women Changed Over Time
For real, the role of writers, teachers, parents and even common roles like, “mom,” flipped when I wasn’t looking.
Yesterday, as an eager college student, I thought not of staying home and raising kids, but of working in an office where I had my own desk and looked professional in every way. This included: Daytimer, a business suit, panty hose, and that’s about it. Other than untold wealth. Seemed like a plan.
The reality is that I didn’t look much further out than that as I cruised through college in my Ford Mustang: stick shift, radio, and no kidding~no AC.
Then, I up and decided to homeschool those three kids. So 17 years after that, I stepped into the open door of teaching. Even this role looks nothing like the teacher I thought I signed up for. I’m also learning the art of copy writing over at The Open Door Sisterhood online. And basically every ordinary ELA thing I teach, I disregard online. It’s downright UNCOMMON.
Today, if I were in college many ordinary classes would take place from my own personal laptop at a coffee shop whilst I drink a beverage of choice: iced tea with lemon in the summer or in the bleak midwinter strong coffee with a shot of half and-half. Post college plans might include world travel, working from home and occasionally checking into an office via a computer with a phone and camera on it.
Plus, eventually raising a family and being a homemaker–and definitely on terms of my choosing.
Picture a Sunday afternoon home with breads and chocolate chip cookies scented air, five boys and one girl. A home cooked meal and the family has returned from church and now anticipates the afternoon spent with each other. It’s one of those homes where the men are strong and kind, most everyone is tall (even the girl is nearly 6 feet) and Stetson aftershave wafts around when the wrestling begins. She and all her brothers play the piano, so a favorite pastime is singing hymns together and maybe even opening a pop songs book and playing and singing whatever it opens to.
Chandler Lear is an Ordinary MiddleWest gal and embodies the new way to be a homemaker, wife, mother, and business owner.
Chandler said that she always loves hangin’ with the boys whether during their homeschool life or out somewhere. “When my family would make a line, no one could see around us!”
Good to Know Families Like Hers Still Thrive
Naming her parents as her heroes, Chandler nurtures her own family culture and wonders what signature her new Lear crew will be.
If a recent gathering is a predictor, the Lear family is one that works together. Luke was herding kids like a boss and Chandler kept them fed and watered like an seasoned professional. It’s delightful.
Earning her BA in Nursing and a BA Bible, Chandler served in pediatrics, surgery, and currently is a NICU nurse. Able to work on her own schedule, she can still love on her adorable twin boys pictured above. She and her spouse, Luke, connected through Facebook and their shared Southern Baptist faith. He is passionate about auto engines and spends his free time repairing and refitting vehicles. Characterizing the men in her families as strong, kind, and as leaders, she found Luke to be a good fit to the family mold.
Now that the twins are into their threes, Chandler has taken on a new interest which allows to her to be home and create some income.
She knows she is helping others find uncommon pricing and good quality for ordinary needs.
Inspired by her paternal grandfather’s refusal to pay full price and always looking for the best deal, twenty-first century Chandler shared deals on Facebook. Realizing that not all people in her FB groups wanted to shop, Chandler began the Fun2finddeals.com site. When she had a little better handle on managing her home, she found that she desired a challenging outlet while still being present for the twins.
Using her phone or computer, Chandler searches the web for best deals on practically anything. She clarifies that it’s not just the cheapest price:
It’s the best price on the highest quality item in question.
The audience is a broad age demographic~probably between 18 and 65~so it has huge appeal. Recently making more than 1K likes, which is a huge milestone in the digital world, Chandler stepped up her game this past winter so that she could grow her presence. (Let’s all give her a share and a like to bump her up to 2500+)
How Fun2FindDeals Works
Once her blog was up and running with a personal presence, then the affiliate groups approved her. She actually contacted Amazon to understand why the company would not allow her to come on board as an affiliate. Surprisingly, Amazon wanted evidence of real life behind the website. They want a unique person who is offering the deals, not just a list of items for sale. Chandler changed some content and was then accepted into multiple affiliate programs.
She peruses the web looking for great deals and posts them several times a day on her Facebook page. The affiliates also email her previews of things to look for and recommend. Because of the nature of online shopping, Facebook is the primary vehicle to showcase deals in real time. Many times the items will only be offered for a few hours, so followers could check in a few times a day if you’re in the market.
Most items are useful, ordinary, and fun things she is shopping or already using.
Mindful of the analytics, Chandler can monitor items that sell or are clicked on. She wants everyone to know that no personal purchasing information is viewable by her, but she does see what is selling so that she can serve her audience more. Give her a shout out on her page to ask about items before you put your money down. She may find you a deal!
So, at the Emporium here in the MiddleWest, I’m living my ordinary life. And I see you doing the same.
The ordinary gifts we have can serve others. Chandler shows this as she serves her family, holds to family ideals, and now offers you a model for home life and for shopping.
This is a new feature for MiddleWest Pen & Page. I have been wanting to highlight some the people who inspire me, so it’s high time you were reading about them.
Thanks for checking in and return soon,
(Don’t forget to give Chandler a like and share~Let’s lift each other up!)
Debra