﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss xmlns:a10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title>Staff &amp; Reader Submitted</title><link>https://clayton.bubblelife.com/community/stlouis_ireporter</link><description>Staff &amp; Reader Submitted</description><item><link>https://clayton.bubblelife.com/community/stlouis_ireporter/library/35823171/key/352621330/Life_Puzzle_Pieces</link><author>Eckankar Missouri</author><category>Lifestyle</category><title>Life Puzzle Pieces</title><description>&lt;p dir="ltr" align="left"&gt;&lt;span&gt; Lifes Puzzle Pieces by Janet S&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Life is like a box of chocolates.: That famous line from the movie, Forrest Gump resonates with many. What if you could adopt your own special way through life with a new uplifting perception. Recently I inherited many puzzles. Life can be like a box of puzzle pieces. They come in many images, shapes, colors, and sizes. Some of the puzzles are very challenging.. Life seems to mimic the whole process. Once you find the steps that work for you, the puzzle pieces can be seen quicker. The image comes into view..&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Everyone approaches life differently. There were moments when I looked everywhere for that missing piece and realized it was there all the time. Why couldn't I see it sooner?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;In the teachings of Eckankar the answers come through the waking dream. Are you looking for answers? Something that will help you according to your situation. A simple piece that helps bring it all together and gives us answers and understanding to a fear or situation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;The waking dream is a daily occurrence. Messages and signs from the divine give guidance to our deepest concerns. Usually they appear after wondering or praying about a need we have. Many times the answer given by the divine can be missed because they dont fit our expectations of what we think it should be. Yet, that piece, that answer is always there.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;A way that helps me to become more aware of those answers/pieces is to sing the sacred and ancient name of God-HU. It helps me connect so the pieces of my life are more visible and easier to find amongst the sometimes chaos or pains of living.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Recently, I was asked to accept a counter cash offer on a house. It seemed like the process was going so fast. After singing HU, I asked the divine inwardly if accepting the low offer was a good choice. Later that day, while walking across a parking lot to an office, a car suddenly raced in front of me. We both stopped at the same time. The driver put up both palms outwardly as if to say stop and sorry. I knew immediately- the answer was clear. I passed on the house offer and slowed down. A better offer came shortly after.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Past Lives, Dreams, and Soul Travel are helpful spiritual tools.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Listen to the song of HU at: hearhu.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Information on Eckankar The Path of Spiritual Freedom: eckankar.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;State and Local information: eckankar-missouri.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Saint Louis Eckankar Center is located at 9958 Lin Ferry Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63123&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://stlouis.bubblelife.com/viewimage/key/3564449570/problem-solving_hi.png?w=512&amp;h=384"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:00:00 Z</pubDate></item><item><link>https://clayton.bubblelife.com/community/stlouis_ireporter/library/35823171/key/350628633/Seeking_Community_Support_to_Secure_Future_of_Cloud-9_Bethalto_Sports_League_Bethalto_IL</link><author>Editor EmailWire</author><title>Seeking Community Support to Secure Future of Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League Bethalto, IL</title><description>&lt;div&gt;BETHALTO, ILLINOIS  (&lt;a href="https://www.emailwire.com/" rel="nofollow"&gt;EMAILWIRE.COM&lt;/a&gt;) -- &lt;a href="https://www.cloud-9bethaltosportsleague.com/"&gt;The Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League&lt;/a&gt;, a not-for-profit youth sports organization founded in March 2024, is calling on community leaders, philanthropists, and investors to help secure the future of youth sports in Bethalto. Over the past six months, the league has brought together more than 1,200 local youth and adults to participate in soccer, baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball. However, without additional support, the future of this valuable community program is in jeopardy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The league currently operates out of a sports field in Bethalto, IL, which is owned by the Village of Bethalto. These fields, however, are up for sale at a price of $2 million. With limited resources, Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League does not have the financial ability to purchase the property. This has raised serious concerns, as the loss of this facility could leave the community without a dedicated space for its youth and adult leagues.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Growing up in Bethalto, I remember when there were plenty of places for kids to play," said Adam, founder of Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League. "Over the years, these spaces have dwindled, leaving our kids with fewer opportunities to play sports locally. Many families are forced to travel to other towns and pay higher fees to participate in their leagues. Thats why my wife and I started this leagueso every child, no matter their background, could have access to low-cost sports and a chance to play in their own community."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The success of Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions. With rapid growth and an increasing number of registrations, the league has already outgrown its current facilities. If a new owner were to purchase the fields for development or another purpose, the league would have nowhere to go, potentially leaving hundreds of children without access to affordable sports programs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To ensure the future of youth sports in Bethalto, the Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League is actively seeking potential donors, investors, or community-minded individuals who are interested in helping secure or build a new sports complex. The potential new facility would not only provide a permanent home for the league but could also include a gym for indoor sports during the winter, expanding the opportunities for year-round engagement.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"We are reaching out to anyone who might have the ability to help," said Adam. "This could be an incredible opportunity for someone to invest in the future of our children. Whether its through a donation, an investment, or naming rights for the new complex, we are open to any form of support that would help keep this league alive and thriving for generations to come."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League has become an integral part of the community, providing children with not only the opportunity to play but also to learn teamwork, build friendships, and develop important life skills. This effort is about more than just sportsits about keeping the spirit of community alive.&lt;br /&gt;"Weve created something special here, and we want to continue to give our children a safe, fun, and affordable place to play," said Adam. "But we cant do it alone. We need the communitys help to make sure these kids have the opportunities that they deserve."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For more information on how to support the Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League or to discuss potential partnership opportunities, please contact Adam Jones or visit &lt;a href="https://www.cloud-9bethaltosportsleague.com/" rel="nofollow"&gt;https://www.cloud-9bethaltosportsleague.com&lt;/a&gt;. Donations, sponsorships, or investment inquiries are welcome, and contributions are tax-deductible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Founded in 2024, Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League is a not-for-profit organization providing affordable sports programs to youth in prekindergarten through 8th grade, as well as adult leagues. The league offers a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball. Based in Bethalto, IL, Cloud-9 is committed to fostering a love of sports and creating positive community experiences for all participants.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span class="summary"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contact Information:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="summary"&gt;Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="summary"&gt;Adam Jones&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class="summary"&gt;Tel: 618-567-7184&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This press release was issued through EmailWire.com (&lt;a href="http://www.emailwire.com"&gt;http://www.emailwire.com&lt;/a&gt;) a global newswire with effective press release distribution in local, state, national and international regions.  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://stlouis.bubblelife.com/viewimage/key/3518404200/cloud-9_bethalto_sports_league_logo.jpg?w=512&amp;h=384"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://stlouis.bubblelife.com/viewimage/key/3518404222/collage_of_cloud-9_bethalto_sports_league.jpeg?w=512&amp;h=384"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:19:39 Z</pubDate></item><item><link>https://clayton.bubblelife.com/community/stlouis_ireporter/library/35823171/key/359775764/Essential_Tips_for_Selecting_a_Landscaping_Company</link><author>John Hanneken</author><category>Lifestyle</category><title>Essential Tips for Selecting a Landscaping Company</title><description>&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src="https://stlouis.bubblelife.com/viewimage/key/3512170580/beautiful_landscaping_on_a_sunny_day.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So, you finally decided it's time to spruce up your outdoor space  whether it's for a new home or an overhaul of your existing landscape. Ever thought about how to find the right landscaping company for the job? Sure, you might be tempted to think it's an easy DIY project, but trust me, a quality landscape job that stands the test of time involves more than just dropping a few plants in the ground.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;First off, many landscaping companies offer more than just planting services  they come equipped with landscape designers to help you craft a custom plan for your yard. These designers don't just pick pretty flowers; they consider your regions climate, local vegetation, and shade levels to ensure your plants thrive and your landscape design matures gracefully without overcrowding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you want to add hardscape elements like pavers, a patio, or a retaining wall, a good company will handle excavation and dirt removal or relocation, ensuring proper water flow in your yard and preventing drainage issues.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How to Choose the Right Landscaping Company&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a Plan:&lt;/strong&gt; Before you dive in, think about what you want. Are you into low-maintenance landscaping or do you prefer something more hands-on? Think about how you want to use your outdoor space  is it a relaxing garden or a play area for the kids?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Gather Recommendations:&lt;/strong&gt; Seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors to get a firsthand account of working with a company. If you like a neighbor's yard, ask them which company they used.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Qualifications Matter:&lt;/strong&gt; Check the company's credentials  education, experience, certifications, licensing, and insurance coverage. It's essential for protecting your home and your investment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get Pricing Bids:&lt;/strong&gt; Compare estimates from multiple companies, ensuring they cover the same scope of work. Ask for project timelines to make sure they match your expectations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Give Yourself Time:&lt;/strong&gt; Start your search early for ample time to research and make an informed decision. Fall is an excellent time to lay the groundwork for a spring project.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Trust Your Gut:&lt;/strong&gt; Consider intangible factors like communication, responsiveness, and your overall impression of the company. Go with your gut when making the final choice.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In conclusion, GreenScapeSTL Landscaping and Outdoor Living, a landscaping design company, is your go-to partner for all your outdoor landscaping needs. With tailored plans and a commitment to excellence, they can transform your outdoor space into an oasis or an entertainment haven and can help you develop new outdoor landscaping ideas tailored to your needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you need &lt;a href="https://greenscapestl.com/" target="_blank"&gt;landscaping St Louis&lt;/a&gt; and are looking for a trustworthy landscaping partner, GreenScapeSTL Landscaping and Outdoor Living is your solution. GreenScapeSTL is ready to work with you on improving your outdoor space. See &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/sVKwZkrPFuPFrrsPA" target="_blank"&gt;our location&lt;/a&gt; today!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://stlouis.bubblelife.com/viewimage/key/3512170912/beautiful_landscaping_on_a_sunny_day.jpg?w=512&amp;h=384"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:50:12 Z</pubDate></item><item><link>https://clayton.bubblelife.com/community/stlouis_ireporter/library/35823171/key/359219532/Potbelly_Gifts_Fans_Free_Sandwich_and_Soft-Baked_Sweet_Surprises_for_47th_Birthday</link><author>Donna Kang</author><category>Food &amp; Dining</category><title>Potbelly Gifts Fans Free Sandwich and Soft-Baked Sweet Surprises  for 47th Birthday</title><description>&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Neighborhood Sandwich Shop Celebrates with a Weekend of BOGO Sandwiches and Complimentary Cookies &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CHICAGO &lt;/strong&gt; Potbelly is turning 47, and it's giving fans a weekend full of gifts to celebrate the occasion together. The beloved brand is thanking fans for nearly five decades of frequent shop visits, giving their fans a free sandwich* on Friday, January 12&lt;span&gt;th&lt;/span&gt;, and a free cookie** on Saturday and Sunday, January 13&lt;span&gt;th&lt;/span&gt; and 14&lt;span&gt;th&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Potbelly kicks off the birthday celebration offering fans nationwide an exciting sandwich deal. For one day only, fans can purchase any Original-sized or BIG sandwich and get a second original size sandwich free. This exclusive promotion is available for everyone, but only with orders placed through the Potbelly app and online at Potbelly.com with promo code BOGO.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The celebration continues over the weekend with an exclusive offer for Potbelly Perks Members. On January 13-14, Perks Members can enjoy any baked fresh daily cookie complimentary with the purchase of an entrée. That includes the all-new Birthday Cake Cookie which is only available for a limited time. This soft-baked cookie with rich birthday cake flavor is loaded with colorful sprinkles and is sure to add a festive flavor to the celebration. When ordering on Potbelly.com, the Potbelly app, or in-shop scan, its a golden-baked opportunity for fans to savor a delightful cookie alongside their favorite entrée. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Potbelly is turning a page on another year we celebrate 47 years of satisfying cravings for our hot, oven-toasted sandwiches. To thank our legions of fans, we thought it was only fitting to give them more of what they love, whether a sweet treat or their fan-favorite sandwich, said David Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer at Potbelly. Were approaching nearly a half-century of building meaningful relationships in the neighborhoods we serve and wanted to ensure we celebrate those connections as we turn another year older.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For exclusive offers and rewards, Potbelly encourages fans to join the Potbelly Perks program, where they can unlock free sandwiches, cookies and special offers throughout the year. To sign up for the Potbelly Perks reward program, visit &lt;a href="http://www.potbelly.com/perks" rel="nofollow"&gt;www.potbelly.com/perks&lt;/a&gt;, and, for more information on Potbelly, visit &lt;a href="http://www.potbelly.com/" rel="nofollow"&gt;www.potbelly.com&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Potbelly&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers smiles for more than 40 years with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-scooped ice cream in creamy shakes, customized just the way customers want them. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast &amp; Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country, with more than 400 company-owned shops in the United States. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate over 40 shops in the United States. For more information, please visit our website at &lt;a href="http://www.potbelly.com/" rel="nofollow"&gt;www.potbelly.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*With the purchase of an Original-sized or BIG sandwich&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;**For Potbelly Perks members with the purchase of any entrée&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="https://stlouis.bubblelife.com/viewimage/key/3519168972/bday_image-3.png?w=512&amp;h=384"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:15:00 Z</pubDate></item></channel></rss>