tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13220551454604138992024-03-13T21:06:52.292-05:00SIMPLICITYAutumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.comBlogger643125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-58643085013758563132018-02-19T21:04:00.000-06:002018-02-19T21:04:36.722-06:00Resting ...thinking...regrouping...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m still working at tidying up this big old house...but I’ve had a few hiccups along the way.<br />
I’ve made a couple trips to the thrift store and still have some boxes in my truck, and I’m staying with the program.<br />
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There are days that are turning points...no matter how they turn out.<br />
Days that you SEE things that change your perspective on life...sometimes nobody else knows or sees those same things, but when YOU see them, and know they are turning points you cannot help but stop and think and regroup.<br />
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I’m regrouping right now- keeping the people first and things ...well, a lot lower on the list of things that are important.<br />
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I’m happy to say that by the grace of God we have carved out a little niche’ in the woods and created a life that allows me to simply stop and reflect. That little niche’ was named PROVIDENCE-<br />
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Every little twist and turn of our life led us here...to this place that has sheltered,enriched and framed our life for over 30 years.<br />
May everyone have a place like this! ❤️❤️❤️<br />
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<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-42407956560585258352018-02-10T09:11:00.000-06:002018-02-10T09:11:03.503-06:00It’s not pretty...but it will be!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first step in Tidying up the place is going thru clothes- ALL the clothes!</div>
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I’m a pretty regular declutterer so I didn’t expect to have a lot leaving.</div>
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The enlightenment of HOW I thought about things while decluttering made a huge difference!</div>
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Rather than a small bag of things I removed 3 HUGE bags for donation and another for </div>
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resale in the spring.</div>
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I was shocked!</div>
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The hangers look forlorn and sad ...and they have been moved to the outdoor laundry storage room</div>
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Where they can stay sad. LOL!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The clothes are gone! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m well on my way to clearing the space in my house </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and enjoying my new skill of being tidy!</span>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-30045451654211831812018-02-08T20:24:00.000-06:002018-02-08T20:24:05.374-06:00Relaxing does not mean napping <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leaving Facebook and slowing down to find peace has meant reading a couple of books that I’ve wanted to make time for.</div>
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Both books are motivating and reaffirming ...what a pleasant surprise!<br />
I’ve also taken the time to reconnect to a few blogs that I followed a number of years ago- also a pleasant surprise to see that those amazing creative folks are still busily creating beautiful,wonderful lives full of beauty and love.<br />
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The busyness of life and the rush of time has landed me back here... with a life full of blessings and years of both deep loss and amazing discovery!<br />
This little guy here is my youngest grandson- the youngest of 18! <br />
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Time has left some holes in my heart too... friends gone now, kids grown up and fractured families-<br />
With all that being said, it feels good to slow down and savor the days at a slower pace.<br />
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The slower 60’s pace of life! JOIN ME? 😌Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-46460669540684923662018-02-04T18:42:00.000-06:002018-02-04T19:14:43.868-06:00Retreat! Funny how I keep returning here...to an outdated blog.<br />
After 10 years of Facebook, I find myself tired,irritated and fed up the more time I spent on fast social media.<br />
Aren’t things fast enough already? I mean what’s the rush? Ya wanna be FIRST to report,or comment or what?<br />
When I started asking myself these questions I had to recognize that I was becoming or had already become a drone in the march to...well ... what looked like a cliff of self centered disregard for almost everything- a never ending bottomless pit of rush to speak, and ignore the present....<br />
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I’ve had very few times ( in 10 years) that I felt I could not endure the social rhetoric and sharing of information both intelligent and ridiculous- but this is that time.<br />
Our society is turning into a ferocious cannibal of human spirits. We have so easily exalted our own ideas above the ideas of others and gobbled up the meek, the thoughtful and the kind until there are very few of those humans left.... at least in the fast paced social media conveyor belt of doom!<br />
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Don’t get me wrong- I know there are nice people there- and I know it has its place .<br />
I have found myself frustrated at trying to be kind and thoughtful only to have my thoughts trampled like so much garbage.Then I was hurt...then angry and well, we all know where that is gonna end up.🤭<br />
With a day or so of thought I decided to end my days with Facebook- for how long , I don’t know.<br />
I don’t like the me that was becoming more and more isolated though a great many folks were present on my “ friends list” - my thoughts becoming more and more self centered and less and less long suffering as each day passed.<br />
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A few weeks prior, (I guess I was unconsciously realizing my unhappiness) I stumbled onto a picture with a word that I had no idea the meaning of.<br />
HYGGE- it’s Danish.🤨<br />
It means...loosely: the art of creating intimacy, coziness of the soul,the absence of annoyance, cozy togetherness.<br />
What? How DOESN'T want that?<br />
It marks the beginning of understanding what my physical body was craving- something I knew and lived before and needed to experience again!<br />
So here I am...back to blogging and slowing things down a bit.<br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://2f55203e-d3dd-46f2-9778-df7bcaf3f36f/imagejpeg" />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-16570195382791534162016-05-29T23:05:00.000-05:002016-05-29T23:05:51.518-05:00New Series about ... I want to put the spotlight on some amazing women that neither seek nor like being the center of attention- rare in this age of SELFIE ADDICTIONS.<br />
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These are women who get dirty... they do what needs doing because ...well, it needs doing and they are not the kind that look around for someone to appoint to do it- they just roll up their sleeves,put on an apron tie their hair up in a knot and Just DO IT.<br />
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I am literally amazed at the number and caliber of these women and the hardships they endure daily ...yet most folks around them are completely unaware of any suffering or discomfort.<br />
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While their friends are getting pedicures, they are changing adult diapers for their ill husbands, or racing to a neighboring town to rescue their aging mom from a wrong turn leaving her lost and afraid-<br />
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Their dreams of relaxing in a stylish beachfront condo have been dashed- they look out a window that needs washing, into a yard that needs mowing...and they aren't relaxing with a glass of wine in manicured hands-but likely a plastic cup of leftover koolaid from the kids.<br />
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and they are OK- even happy.<br />
But its a different kind of happy-<br />
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This series is not gonna make you feel sorry for any of them- but you will rethink what success means.<br />
its not always clean,manicured and comfortable...sometimes its very dirty work.<br />
Its sweat,tears and yes some blood from the heart of a very alive Dirty woman!!!!<br />
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Standby to meet some amazing <i><b>Dirty Women</b></i>!!!!Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-6779479272975926112015-10-05T01:24:00.000-05:002015-10-05T01:24:40.862-05:00To fit or not to fit...I've been thinking alot lately about the undercurrent or subculture within christian churches -<br />
you know...the things that make you look at someone and say,"oh they look Baptist,or Pentecostal or Amish" lol<br />
Our family has been called Amish in the past and I know the Amish people would cringe at that!!!<br />
Finding our place is a struggle -kinda like arm wrestling! LOL!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VY3QXHs8vk4/VhIJMJEPjQI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/_cF-FMumj2Q/s1600/01f753164b7a87d2ff5751273c9719bb24e36840c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VY3QXHs8vk4/VhIJMJEPjQI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/_cF-FMumj2Q/s320/01f753164b7a87d2ff5751273c9719bb24e36840c8.jpg" width="320" /></a>First let me say that I think our family is unique in that we don't really fit the mold of...well ...of anything. Its not on purpose either.<br />
It gives me pause ...long years of pause sometimes, to analyze and try our motives and actions.<br />
But still no real answers.<br />
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For lots of reasons,some very good and some not so much,our family has had a very broad experience with church cultures.I guess we're sorta likable which draws us into circles within the larger church, our flaws are quickly noted and alas or maybe <i>at last</i> we find ourselves back in the distant onlookers orbit.<br />
Please believe me when I say that its not mean spirited or hateful people that I'm speaking of but good,honest normal folks who love God and other people.People who clearly have no trouble fitting in.<br />
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We are THAT family that just isn't easy to hang with- we have lots of quirks from health limitations to spiritual anxiety- its not on purpose but its who we are.<br />
Its taken years to see this but clearly we have the tendency to make the normal folks a bit unnerved. We are unnerving- even to ourselves !<br />
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We know it- so don't feel bad for thinking it-we already know it.<br />
Its the source of almost weekly discussion -we tear it apart,turn it over and always end up realizing that its us and we can neither hide nor change it - at least not much.<br />
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Let me give you an example of how this works(or doesn't) in a church setting-<br />
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- when you are in a 300 person church and feeling <i>comfortably</i> invisible,and the pastor or music leader stops the music or whatever and asks "everyone turn to the person beside you and...."<br />
whatever it is... shake hands or say something repeated after the speaker- it is over for us!<br />
All of us!<br />
You have just invaded our personal space and demanded that people we just saw in the<br />
hall pass us unnoticed, greet us (it feels quite unnatural on demand) because he said so.<br />
You have just secured our distrust and unnerving suspicion.<br />
As a frequent visitor to different churches I cannot imagine how leaders think or imagine this would make a visitor feel welcome.<br />
Now those same people greeting us upon entering or passing in the halls or even as we are being seated seems completely appropriate - not structured demanded or unnatural<br />
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Church face happens when we KNOW its one of those things thats about to happen...again.<br />
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You get the idea- I'm sure.<br />
We've been to churches who embrace everything in the name of love and those who shun everything in the name of love.<br />
Can both or either be right?<br />
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Ive listened to prayers that 3 generations of a family say that could be dubbed over in a recording and you'd think it was the same person and Ive listened to prayers that are spoken spontaneously with passion -<br />
Sermons with 3 points and a conclusion and sermons that ramble from Genesis to Revelation with little more than a point to it all.<br />
Churches that only fellowship with "their own" - so much so that they have NO idea what those folks across the street are like because they stay so immersed with themselves- and churches that welcome and fellowship with anyone- anywhere so much so that its hard to define their direction.<br />
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About the only thing I have figured out is that there is a lot of good in all the places we've been- and the best good is when you find people who just allow you and themselves to be who you are and yet still hold to convictions without apology.<br />
Its the most refreshing thing in the world to experience people and their varied beliefs within Christianity.<br />
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Being so hyper-aware(as my son observed ) its easy for our family members to assess a group and see quickly when things will not go well for us. I mean who are we to step into a place and expect everyone to make US comfortable- or worse yet for us to make THEM uncomfortable.<br />
Its far easier to stay at the fringe,assess and enter when and if it can be positive and retreat when its not.<br />
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Are we cynical? I hope not- but I constantly question that too.<br />
Are we judgmental? Probably so,but we are all working hard not to be.<br />
Are we unfriendly? I really hope not!<br />
Are we insecure? Umm, not likely :/<br />
We are just a family that thinks,feels,discusses,and analyzes (for more reasons that I care to explain) constantly-<br />
Some of us wish we could just be normal and "fit in" and some of us don't -<br />
So whats the point?<br />
If YOU feel like you don't fit, take heart - likely there are others.<br />
Maybe fitting in isn't for everyone- its a luxury in our world- so if you fit then celebrate!!!<br />
If you don't, well, find a seat in the back with us and happily exist observing the<i> fitters</i>.<br />
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But please don't judge us as unconcerned,uncommitted or unfeeling- we could be saving you from a world of confusion! :) <br />
<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-6217165146619371712015-09-21T00:47:00.000-05:002015-09-21T00:47:24.567-05:00Dumb things Moms do~<div style="text-align: left;">
It comes as part of the job description...moms are supposed to do dumb things.</div>
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We really are!</div>
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I mean think about it... didn't your mom embarrass you when she waved goodbye as long as she could see you as you rolled off on your first adventure to school...and you were leaving for COLLEGE.<i>.in the same city</i>???</div>
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And when you parked the car at the Supercenter,she felt the need to remind you to park a certain way...and <i>you are 30 years old</i>????</div>
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How bout that time she loaned you her debit card to run some errands for her when she was unable to get out herself and she cautioned you,"now don't lose that card,its important."-<br />
and you were the one that explained to her that checks were obsolete and a debit card would work just fine...<i>just a few months ago</i>-and you're half a century old!!!</div>
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There's a whole generation of people who have no idea why the natural impulse of a mother(over 50) is to throw her arm across the front seat if the car stops or lurches suddenly.</div>
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simple...WE didn't have car seats when our kids were babies and they would've rolled to the floor if we hadn't stopped them.<br />
(Yep,this was laying across the front seat with a baby strapped in! )<br />
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And why on earth would a mother subject herself to sniffing Superman underwear when their cleanliness was in question?<br />
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And for Pete's sake, why would you curl your daughters hair like that????<br />
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Or make her wear those hideous pants?<br />
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Or make little kids go to that smelly nursing home?</div>
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Can you really call a bearded man ...<i>your BABY</i>?</div>
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It all seems so cruel.</div>
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You don't see dads doing that kind of thing...</div>
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Lets face it...moms can be embarrassing.</div>
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Here's the reason- remember seeing that sports commercial where the athlete's Mom was in the stands and it shows the adult athlete the world sees and the little kid that only the mom sees...<br />
well that never changes.</div>
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Oh maybe a little... we stop sniffing the superman underwear for ...well, you know ...and we start smelling your clothes for whisky or smoke.</div>
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We trade out making YOU wear the hideous pants and we pay you back by wearing them ourselves!!!</div>
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We remember every sweet thing you ever did and cant recall the bad things-</div>
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our hearts are bent on saving,protecting and rescuing you even if it is only from bad parking spaces and bad hair.</div>
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So when YOUR mom does dumb things....remember ...if youre a mom ,you'll do them too.<br />
Its your job1</div>
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Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-65474964293469863912015-09-12T01:06:00.000-05:002015-09-12T01:08:29.672-05:00Simplicity?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As much as I love SIMPLICITY it is an idea more than a reality for me.</div>
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We are a huge family and each member has quirks that provide the exact opposite of SIMPLICITY.</div>
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No matter how much I chase after it,still it eludes me except...</div>
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when all my people fill their spot at the table</div>
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even if only for the prayer</div>
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This past Easter Sara asked if we could have an outdoor table meal</div>
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I LOVED the idea but seating our crew is no small task.</div>
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The idea that ALL of us would <i>sit down</i> together was so special that I wanted to make every effort to make it happen.</div>
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Each of us took our place and stopped for a minute and prayed- and that time embodied everything I have ever wanted for my family- </div>
the fact that they <i>wanted</i> to be together and that they all <i>were</i> together-with us.<br />
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The kids almost outnumber the adults which tells me that we have many more years to enjoy those few truly simple moments. Time to be silly and laugh and and love each other exactly like we are.<br />
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And the kids still have lots of time to learn the ways of the illusive uncles!!!!<br />
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I read a quote a few weeks ago that a mothers desire for her children is that they would love each other long after she is gone- and I realized for the first time that's exactly what I want!</div>
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As complicated as we are it takes a lot of work on everyone's part to hang in there with this anything but SIMPLE family!!!<br />
<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-20503653386592378952015-09-07T23:29:00.000-05:002015-09-07T23:29:09.728-05:00What would I say to the younger me...if I could?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've thought about this for awhile now and I really don't know. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I've made plenty of mistakes and took a few wrong turns...but seems like I've been blessed even in the bad times.</span><br />
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I think I might tell the younger me to trust my ideas and don't feel bad that I didn't want to do what everyone else was doing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd definitely tell the younger me that no matter how badly I want to be musical...I am not..stop trying so hard and go do something else!</span><br />
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Id tell the young me that all the things I was most afraid of never happened...lots of other stuff did and I plowed thru- somehow.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Id tell the younger me that the man I love really does love me- and he didn't marry me out of pity LOL</span><br />
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Id tell the younger me that I was far better at grammer than Ms Klett said Id be!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Id tell the younger me that it was definitely true that my kids were and still are my favorite people on the planet and Id drop anything just to be with them.</span><br />
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Id tell the younger me to stop and listen to those I love because in a blink they could be gone...memorize their voice...laugh and quirks.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Id tell the younger me to read more and that Ice Cream is poison!!!! :)</span><br />
Id tell the younger me to shape those eyebrows and get a flat iron( oh my the 70-90s hair was bad!!!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Id tell the younger me that the older me still feels 20,loves a motorcycle,and still wants to take great adventures- </span><br />
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What would you tell the younger you?<br />
<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-26648368081305720472015-08-30T23:43:00.001-05:002015-08-30T23:43:14.243-05:00The news doesn't say much about some of my heroes....so I will<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our family has been slapped with some devastating genetics that are rearing their ugly heads to those of us nearing retirement age.<br />
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My husbands oldest brother Tim was diagnosed with ALS about 5 years ago and before we could fully grasp the understanding or ability to help ,he was gone. In a matter of months he went from running and playing basketball to a wheelchair and then suddenly he was gone.<br />
He left behind his wife,Arlene and two amazing sons...and they have marched thru this loss bravely!<br />
Still today they just keep moving forward with such strength and grace that it makes all of us stronger.<br />
My Heroes!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6jpPa1_DMI/VePXGaX6TUI/AAAAAAAAGgM/Ux7-NAJdUdE/s1600/arlene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6jpPa1_DMI/VePXGaX6TUI/AAAAAAAAGgM/Ux7-NAJdUdE/s320/arlene.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arlene and Sara</td></tr>
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Just a year after Tim was diagnosed Susan,the baby of the family was diagnosed with a form of dementia. She suffered a loss of memory that landed her near death in the hospital and finally in a care facility.Her daughter and son in law had to take the decision making role to care for her ...and they did.<br />
My Heroes<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWObKCVrG3s/VePYOX24KyI/AAAAAAAAGgo/U85vfIUTSSQ/s1600/sue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWObKCVrG3s/VePYOX24KyI/AAAAAAAAGgo/U85vfIUTSSQ/s320/sue.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bub and Susan</td></tr>
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Shortly after Susan's episode( about 2 years ago),Ric ,the youngest brother was diagnosed with ALS-we were shaken to the core to realize now what he would face.<br />
He determined from the moment he was diagnosed that he would fight..every day and never...ever raise a white flag of surrender...and he has done that every day since- without fail!<br />
His wife,Jan works full time and manages his care (and keeping him out of trouble ) with help from all 3 kids.<br />
.My Heroes!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWMm4FItHq0/VePZgA30bNI/AAAAAAAAGg0/rQqdH7xjlYA/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWMm4FItHq0/VePZgA30bNI/AAAAAAAAGg0/rQqdH7xjlYA/s320/IMG_0609.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob, Bub and Ric</td></tr>
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Just A few days ago another diagnosis- this time for Bob,(the middle brother),shook us to the core again-Frontal Lobe Dementia. In the past few months it was clear something was wrong and now we know what it was.<br />
His personality and behavior is not the same Bob we have all known and loved since our growing up years.He has good moments-not good days and it is a frustratingly difficult illness to manage both socially and medically. Once again his wife,Lenore has not gone limp and pitiful under the strain -but stronger and more resilient.<br />
There are lots of questions about how he will be cared for when she returns to teaching next year but there's one thing I know- she and their 3 boys wont buckle under the strain- they will figure it out and walk through caring for and loving Bob.<br />
My Heroes!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIHOYVo8MM0/VePXNBgJ1-I/AAAAAAAAGgU/v3qRCBslmaw/s1600/janlenoreme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIHOYVo8MM0/VePXNBgJ1-I/AAAAAAAAGgU/v3qRCBslmaw/s320/janlenoreme.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lenore,Me and Jan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't mistake this post for a "sympathy bait" type of post-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to be clear-I am celebrating the people that are walking thru hard things and choosing to hold their heads up and fight to stay positive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm celebrating the people who choose to rely on a God that knows their struggle and knows He can carry them when they cant take another step.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm celebrating the people who still go shopping and go to movies and have friends over on the porch rather than hiding away in the darkness of self pity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm celebrating the ones that have lost their very dearest and face holidays,reunions and those awful death anniversaries mostly alone because no one else really remembers those days </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">like they do-and they don't feel the need to make it an annual show of grief- they feel,cry and remember but they get back up and LIVE!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every one of you amaze me with your faith,strength and resilience!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I'm glad we are in this together!!!! </span></div>
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<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-95892506002584512015-08-27T23:52:00.000-05:002015-08-27T23:52:24.560-05:00Blog,Facebook...whats the difference?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rants...that's the difference! If you have more than a sentence or short few words its mostly considered a rant and therefore inappropriate for Facebook( who made that rule up anyway?)<br />
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Blogging is for the thoughtful person...the one that wants to share or, believe it or not READ more than a sentence or two.<br />
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Blogging is slower...kinder ...and just a little more relaxed.<br />
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Whoever wrote the rules for Facebook must've been in their teens and wanted to coax all the adults to revert to impatience and snarky wit rather than thoughtful consideration.<br />
So why do I blog?<br />
I wish I knew- I've left off for periods of time but I always return.<br />
Doesn't matter to me if 3 people or 300 people read it. (I'm not exactly certain how to tell how many folks stumble across this blog)<br />
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i suppose that I've blogged for close to 20 years- long before Facebook arrived to our quiet little party.<br />
I've made some friends from parts of the country that I will never visit in person and they have shared their lives openly with me and it has been amazing.<br />
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So I'm thinking with all the crowd gathering over on the noisy side of the cyber social world, i may just spend a bit more time here...where there's plenty of time to think a thought...<br />
<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-35775892330934596552014-12-07T19:17:00.000-06:002014-12-07T20:10:34.868-06:00Its just a little ole' hometown parade........Thats all it is- just a little ole hometown parade.<br />
But,honestly, its a whole lot more than that!<br />
Years ago...like 10 + years ago, our little town put on its very first Christmas Parade.<br />
This is the only picture I have of that day- :( it was long before the iPhone and always present camera.<br />
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It was downtown(amongst a few struggling businesses ) on Ruth Street and it lasted about 15 minutes.<br />
There was nothing impressive unless you count the happy smiles of the few folks that gathered along the street to watch our local heroes.<br />
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But it was a day that for some odd reason we reveled in our little town.<br />
The happy,no agenda fun moment that is magical because it is just that- a moment.<br />
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We were proud that our little hometown put out the effort to do something ,just for fun!<br />
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Little queens with big crowns,sleek muscle cars ,cowboys on horses, people walking....it was sweet and felt good.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Every year since then Ive attended -sometimes with only one or two of the kids but so far never alone.My kids have grown up,had their own kids, loved,lost and rejoiced - and we have grown...a LOT!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This year It looked like my work schedule was gonna prevent me from making the parade. I was heart broken. Sure I could've asked for the day off, but I had already arranged to work and I decided about a week ago that I just needed to accept it and grow up. </span><br />
<br />
I told a coworker that it was the first one in 10-15 yrs that I would miss- but that I had gotten over it-<br />
She looked up the parade info online and what do ya know???<br />
They had pushed the time back to<br />
6 PM !!!! If I left 30 min early from work,I could go!<br />
After a few quick texts it was set-and some of the kids were willing to go!!!!<br />
<b>Why is it such a big deal?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
Because it serves no other purpose than fun,kid friendly happiness -even for all us old folks!!!<br />
So many difficult moments happen in family life and I search for moments that soothe,relieve and refresh us so we can can endure the difficult.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">My youngest son ALWAYS grumble- and pretends to HATE it-but he goes. :)</span><br />
My oldest two boys were grown and gone when we started this tradition,but both of them came<br />
tonight!!!!<br />
One on his motorcycle and the other in his minivan with all 4 kids and his wife.<br />
It took them longer to get here than the parade would last!<br />
But they came!!!<br />
My oldest daughter got 4 kids out again,after a day full of finalizing details on selling their home<br />
- it was no small feat to have so many of us there!<br />
(My youngest daughter & her hubby were hosting a youth group bon fire and couldn't make it- but I'm so happy they had a happy event just the same.)<br />
<br />
We laughed and talked and took a million,(well, ok, maybe just 20 )selfies).We cheered for Shorty,the Grand Marshall.<br />
We teased each other and wore reindeer ears and we HAD FUN!!!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEBmDFeWUxQ/VIRq4Z07ZzI/AAAAAAAADsE/J5_EOxWVn4U/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEBmDFeWUxQ/VIRq4Z07ZzI/AAAAAAAADsE/J5_EOxWVn4U/s1600/image.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then it was over-</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">And I'm still smiling!</span></b>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-38474054942729240742014-11-27T02:09:00.000-06:002014-11-27T02:09:02.279-06:00Reality check.....<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">You know those pictures that show how you <b>THINK</b> you look when your running and then the way you <b>REALLY</b> look? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Well, I want to be the first to admit that I am the person who sees the lovely picture and ...well.. the REAL picture...I never really see that. LOL</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It gets me thru a lot of stuff, so it </span><span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> really bother me...probably drives my family crazy.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Anyway- so maybe for a second or two when you didnt know us very well, you imagined a sweet,little family out here on Providence- one kinda like this-</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQjAjQQpjwA/VHaWvt4EzcI/AAAAAAAADVQ/SlpU7jZ9ak8/s1600/photo_2%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQjAjQQpjwA/VHaWvt4EzcI/AAAAAAAADVQ/SlpU7jZ9ak8/s1600/photo_2%5B1%5D.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Well read on for the REAL picture!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">( My daughter,Sara wrote this to our family today- its completely on point!!!!!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">"It's funny, I was thinking about my folks and that I was gonna miss being with them for another crazy, busy, loud, funny thanksgiving and how every single year we have some new tradition that never happens again but we love the idea and how mom always cries at some point in the day and all five of us kids seem to hudd</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">le around to see why, if she's sad crying or happy crying or just tired.<i class="_4-k1 img sp_vOYEWpFssLd sx_7a20a2" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yA/r/_Z8-fcANn0c.png); background-position: 0px -7999px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i> and dad always says something he shouldn't and we all fuss and laugh and argue about nothing, all the boys hide outside with cigarettes and talk about something manly I'm sure, and all the girls are inside bumping into each other trying to put the finishing touch on our meal, and mawmaw's watching us like we're insane cause she did all her work the night before, and dad's trying to help mom but isn't quite doing it her way of course he doesn't know that!</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> Kids are everywhere! Playing, crying, getting into food before it's time, the guys rush in through the front door past the kitchen and out the back door talking about building something that will burn, go really fast or hurt... and we don't even try to stop them cause it's crunch time and they would get in the way if they stopped... The last thing comes out of the oven and mom says to "round everyone up" and after only five seconds the whole family 20+ are ALL in the kitchen/dining room and dad's quiet voice hushes the whole group when he asks one of the boys to "offer thanks" and the room is quiet and we are all just standing there together, and at the close of the prayer the sounds errupt from the bottom up and all the noise that was spread out has all joined into one room.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> Mommas fixing kids plates, guys fixing guys plates, kids spilling drinks, shuffling kids and plates out side to the porch and eating for a long time, and after eating you would think naps all around... Well more like, potato guns, a ride on the mule, some dessert, coffee, a few naps that don't last, someone doing handstands in the yard, a fire always shows up whether it be mom starting one for marshmallows or the boys burning a spider, some one on the porch swing, and a never ending hum of talking until the last moment that the last door on the last car shuts...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> And that's basically just cutting off a continual conversation we have been having for years, and will start right back the moment the first door opens on the first car that pull in when daddy greets you with bare feet a big grin and a skip in his step as he walks on over already talking about something....And that's not even thanksgiving day ... It's always at the Carroll's family gathering... I love our imperfection... It's fun! "<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAdCnKNCJmI/VHaZgRYExuI/AAAAAAAADVc/5Afiiw9luNk/s1600/my5%2Bkids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAdCnKNCJmI/VHaZgRYExuI/AAAAAAAADVc/5Afiiw9luNk/s1600/my5%2Bkids.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The REAL DEAL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHkfrYuVVxE/VHaWruWkRUI/AAAAAAAADVI/YS2qv-mPrRM/s1600/photo_1%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHkfrYuVVxE/VHaWruWkRUI/AAAAAAAADVI/YS2qv-mPrRM/s1600/photo_1%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> Have a great time with your "perfect" family- I plan to enjoy mine!</span><br />
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-31853173018175732252014-11-23T22:50:00.001-06:002014-11-23T22:50:54.078-06:00Super Heroes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sometimes ya need a Super Hero- a tiny little Super Hero </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URkm6SCRi_w/VHKyiAIs_jI/AAAAAAAADUc/cL9LMlBHEOg/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URkm6SCRi_w/VHKyiAIs_jI/AAAAAAAADUc/cL9LMlBHEOg/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
These little guys still live in a world of carefree, pretend and play- just as it should be!<br />
I remember watching their parents when they were carefree too- and I remember them being in a hurry to grow up.<br />
<br />
Nothing I could say would convince them that this time -"this playful,happy ,carefree time is so very short-you must enjoy it- it gets you through the world when it becomes unbearable"<br />
<br />
Before you can blink tiny super heroes have to start school,finish school,get a job, take care of a family and become a different sort of Super Hero- the kind that pays insurance,fixes the car,fixes supper,takes care of laundry,banking and the mortgage.<br />
The kind that loves,loses and hurts-sometimes all alone.<br />
That's what Super Heroes do- they just do what needs to be done- whether anyone notices or not.<br />
<br />
<b>It's a lonely job....</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRXR4aSdzYg/VHKyhzlRuFI/AAAAAAAADUY/W9qh46fGWhw/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRXR4aSdzYg/VHKyhzlRuFI/AAAAAAAADUY/W9qh46fGWhw/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
My tiny Super Heroes are all grown up now - and life is no longer carefree.<br />
<br />
Its almost impossible for me to watch as they struggle through difficult times- knowing I cant do much.<br />
Also knowing I cant convince them,even now, that this time will pass too quickly also- after all, nobody could convince me. :/<br />
<b>My therapy?</b><br />
<br />
Watch the tiny Super heroes( AKA grandkids) that visit on weekends- and agree with them that they can fly,protect and save...<br />
<br />
Hug a Super Hero today!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-2163948428309319842014-11-17T22:09:00.000-06:002014-11-17T22:09:08.401-06:00Growing ...?...gracefully?Growing up...wait growing old... Ugh- I don't like the sound of that!<br />
<br />
Anyway I wanted to reach this age and the rest of my twilight years gracefully.<br />
More and more I see less grace and more desperation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnvkxpilSGo/VGrEof0m3CI/AAAAAAAADSM/nAKwqYsb07A/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnvkxpilSGo/VGrEof0m3CI/AAAAAAAADSM/nAKwqYsb07A/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>More serious and less whimsy<br />
More worry and less contentment..<br />
I didn't plan to be away from my husband so much at this stage in our marriage- but then again I didn't plan to be 25 % heavier than I was in high school either.<br />
I work full time and I'm overweight despite working out.<br />
So much for expectations,huh?<br />
<br />
<br />
Today,I found myself envious of another's easy ,good fortune - not graceful at all!!!<br />
Even if they never know- I do!<br />
<br />
I saw a glimpse of my own dark thoughts and it was anything but graceful.<br />
<br />
Sure I justified my feelings- but they were still dark and not what I want to be.<br />
<br />
I guess it's time to re-calibrate and get thankful for all that I have and am that someone ,somewhere will never have or be.<br />
Time to look at how blessed I am and not how tired I am.<br />
<br />
<br />
Forget about grey hair- I'm looking to get rid of the roots where the grey thoughts slip in and turn everything inside black !<br />
<br />
<b>Its prickly business- </b><br />
<b>Reset... GO!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74Yzb45CaazobXcByziP0l6Mee9WQsCF82NuBfaXexxRJqki61sDPQ23nzxp8gpKCugEoniiGaRCy8A-K5BGh8Xtk4EoaiRDxuN8N4q8-KPZhGxKXQU3jhSywPWCADemnTf3R2mK6fn0/s1600/thorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74Yzb45CaazobXcByziP0l6Mee9WQsCF82NuBfaXexxRJqki61sDPQ23nzxp8gpKCugEoniiGaRCy8A-K5BGh8Xtk4EoaiRDxuN8N4q8-KPZhGxKXQU3jhSywPWCADemnTf3R2mK6fn0/s1600/thorns.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-32165653450585147512014-11-16T06:06:00.001-06:002014-11-16T06:12:04.460-06:00Look both Ways<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsnWQDypM_k/VGiRkfIGJdI/AAAAAAAADRE/TH8_DzNEPFY/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsnWQDypM_k/VGiRkfIGJdI/AAAAAAAADRE/TH8_DzNEPFY/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Looking forward.......looking back......I don't know, seems like I can only afford a glimpse either way. </li>
</ul>
Gotta stay focused on the here and now- so here we go again!<br />
Facebook stole me away,blogger,but I'm back. Facebook is fleeting and instant ,but you Blog, you have waited while I wandered away.<br />
<br />
You've kept my pictures,and stories and the journal of my life ,however boring or arrogant it may have been.<br />
You've held my place here so that when I finally came to my senses and longed for more than a fleeting comment,or quick quote I could come back,sit down and slowly remember what it was like when we were together... Learning,sharing and writing together.<br />
<br />
I'll try to keep my head this time- really I will!<br />
<br />Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-44376991995870031922011-02-27T21:41:00.000-06:002011-02-27T21:41:36.378-06:00Friendly reminder!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KynLQiVypdQ/SotvO1J_HsI/AAAAAAAABrk/pHkJH5Sm2tI/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KynLQiVypdQ/SotvO1J_HsI/AAAAAAAABrk/pHkJH5Sm2tI/s320/bike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yeah-I know-this is an old picture but it was handy!<br />
Today when we took a ride on the new bike I was reminded of something that I had nearly forgotten!<br />
<br />
We were out on the deserted roads between starks and DeQuincey(AKA the middle of nowhere) when another biker turned onto the road following us.<br />
He stayed behind us for a long time- 10 miles or so -it was kinda makin me feel funny -apprehensive.<br />
We passed lots of turn offs but he took each turn we did.<br />
Then we pulled up to a red light in Vinton and he pulled up right beside us.<br />
He chatted briefly about the poor road we had just navigated,the nice weather and the bikes in general.<br />
Then the light changed ,and he politely excused himself and led the way(same direction we were going) back toward Sulphur.<br />
If we had both been in cars we would have sat quietly in our own little spaces,never spoken and likely not made eye contact.<br />
Just a nice reminder that "friendly" isn't all that hard.:)Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-70113860546452019412011-02-23T22:37:00.003-06:002011-02-23T23:09:49.388-06:00So it really is about the journey,then?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwzzOH2y7mw/TWXkuF9S9FI/AAAAAAAAC1w/zwV5fqKREl0/s1600/Edgemont_Road.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwzzOH2y7mw/TWXkuF9S9FI/AAAAAAAAC1w/zwV5fqKREl0/s400/Edgemont_Road.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577115194092614738" /></a><br />I sure hope so, because other than a few short rest stops this life has been an ever changing road with events popping up constantly! <div>Seems as soon as I adjust to one set of events and circumstances a whole new scenario appears and I'm right back at square one -learning to walk in a whole new way.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm actually amused by it all now-and it makes me pack LOTS into every day-because who knows what tomorrow will bring?</div><div><br /></div><div>Things are sooo changeable-and life moves like a raging river. Just aboutthe time ya start feeling refreshed here comes a wave of water,washing you down the river gasping for breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>My babies are all grown up-and have babies of their own. My parents are aging and I'm starting to see the sand in that old hourglass run pretty low.</div><div>The older I get,the more I find myself turning inward,talking less and savoring simple things-but at the same time(lest you think I live a serene ,quiet life) I find myself chasing dreams,and living every moment-not putting things off.</div><div>I don't think I'm scared of dying- I can see that I'm on the backside of it now and there's no sense in getting ready anymore, this journey requires my full attention!</div><div><br /></div><div>For your entertainment~</div><div><br /></div><div>A few things I've learned on this latter half of life: </div><div>~How to shop for frozen dinner entrees</div><div>~How to ignore the telephone</div><div>~How to accept a compliment</div><div>~how to keep my mouth shut</div><div>~how to use a straightening iron</div><div>~how to trick kids(mostly grandkids) into obeying so I dont have to spank em!</div><div><br /></div><div>See ya here again soon!</div><div>:)</div><div>~</div><div><br /></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-64804366595468053522011-02-09T18:44:00.004-06:002011-02-09T19:23:26.371-06:00Therapy ...#1,#2 or #3 ??<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><i>n.</i>, <ol style="margin-top: 0px; "><li>Treatment of illness or disability.</li><li>Psychotherapy.</li><li><b>Healing power or quality: <i>the therapy of fresh air and sun.</i></b></li></ol></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIpDt4FMFJ0/TVM2etc47VI/AAAAAAAAC1o/cPYzEDr_yr0/s1600/garden%2Bfabric%2B008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIpDt4FMFJ0/TVM2etc47VI/AAAAAAAAC1o/cPYzEDr_yr0/s400/garden%2Bfabric%2B008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571857065212177746" /></a>I've always thought of my stitching as therapy,of some sort- a way to keep busy ,be creative and be productive. I know it to be so now. <div>Over the past week,I have struggled to think clearly after losing my precious niece ,Linda and her husband Chad.</div><div>I'm not ready to write about her just now-it's all still so painful and fresh- </div><div>For the past week,as I grieved her absence I was aimless and lost. I longed for something to focus my mind so I could STOP thinking about the sadness of it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I finally stumbled into my sewing room to do something productive, I sat down in front of my 20 yr old sewing machine ,I hoped I would be inspired. </div><div>Nope- no inspiration.</div><div>I pressed the pedal and it lurched, groaned and then spit out a few irregular stitches.</div><div>I immediatly felt panic-</div><div><br /></div><div>To make a long story short- I went sewing machine shopping very shortly afterward.</div><div>Therapy?</div><div>I think so!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIx5ccEch2g/TVM2egpj88I/AAAAAAAAC1g/sdsE_S9iOl4/s1600/garden%2Bfabric%2B001.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIx5ccEch2g/TVM2egpj88I/AAAAAAAAC1g/sdsE_S9iOl4/s1600/garden%2Bfabric%2B001.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIx5ccEch2g/TVM2egpj88I/AAAAAAAAC1g/sdsE_S9iOl4/s400/garden%2Bfabric%2B001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571857061775668162" /></a><br />And now I need some SPRING!!!!!!!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jzKE1QxEes/TVM2eNrodbI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/rSJ1hG60Qms/s1600/garden%2Bfabric%2B002.JPG"></a></div><div>Liz's sprouts promise that it won't be long, but here we are -freezing rain- below freezing temps and the last 6 logs are waiting to be burned in our wood heater- SPRING seems so far away!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jzKE1QxEes/TVM2eNrodbI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/rSJ1hG60Qms/s1600/garden%2Bfabric%2B002.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jzKE1QxEes/TVM2eNrodbI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/rSJ1hG60Qms/s400/garden%2Bfabric%2B002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571857056684078514" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Liz's farm,<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Earth-Botanicals/121874727850393?ref=ts">Pure Earth Botanical</a>s,</span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" > is busily sprouting and encouraging me to wait...a little longer ....It's comin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" >g!</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" > Stitching~ gardening~ sunshine~ </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" > I say #3-healing power</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><p class="ety" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><br /></p></span></div></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-10290490744564507692010-12-24T18:50:00.002-06:002010-12-24T19:09:27.218-06:00GHOSTS or ANGELS???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TRU_3P48i4I/AAAAAAAAC1I/vk4eziAkXUI/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TRU_3P48i4I/AAAAAAAAC1I/vk4eziAkXUI/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554415933822110594" /></a>This is Christmas Eve-and most of my kids are enjoying the get togethers of their "other" families.I am missing them, but I am so happy that they have "other" families to enjoy and love them.<div>We had our celebrations earlier in the week and had a great time! </div><div><br /></div><div>Knowing this ahead of time made it easy to plan to do something fitting for the three of us that are home alone. The weather was beautiful so it was easy to see we needed to take a bike ride!</div><div><br /></div><div>We drove south ,towards Moss Lake, and an old homeplace of ours.</div><div>When we arrived at the lake front we stopped at our old place, now a million dollar development.</div><div>We sat and looked at the empty spot where our little house(ok-it was almost a shack!) had been-30 years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>I heard my little boys romping in the woods in their rubber boots-and ships out on the channel and dozens of birds fishing and calling to each other as they dive and dip for shrimp and fish.</div><div><br /></div><div>We got going again , taking the long way home-past hubbys old homeplace and our old school bus route.</div><div>All along Choupique Road, I saw US-</div><div> I saw the bully from the bus ride, the quirky country couple who made chocolate milk with water and Nestle's quik- I saw where my brother in law got into a fight with a GIRL on the bus and the driver-HOMER- stopped the bus and told them to "go on-finish it so we can get on home!"</div><div>I saw my friend Renee and I camping in her pasture in an old station wagon-and I saw my mom and Ms Ethel sitting on the bank of the bayou visiting while we all hooped and hollered and jumped off the bridge into the bayou.</div><div><br /></div><div>I saw the old country grocery store where the bus would stop and let us load up on candy(surely it was against the rules)-I saw me and my first crush -on our way to orchestra practice and finally I saw the place I stopped to unlock my freezing hands from my Honda 350 motorcycle (back in 71) -it was a cold winter morning and I was all of 16! </div><div><br /></div><div>Funny how much you can hear when ya really listen.</div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-43149371025803255842010-12-15T23:00:00.002-06:002010-12-15T23:17:38.262-06:00'tis the season...<div><br /></div><div>Last Saturday I attended a fashion show at J C Penny's-</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't just an ordinary fashion show- it was a teen run production-a 4H project by a sweet girl that I've known since she was a tiny girl.</div><div>That's her right there, seated in front of the models.</div><div>She put together the outfits,arranged all the models,makeup and the other million things that have to be done to pull off a successful event!</div><div>I'm so proud of her- it's a great thing to see a kid grow up and do such cool things!!!</div><div>Good job Celia!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQmeDIWQpxI/AAAAAAAAC0w/jX3EKs0o578/s400/dec%2B2010%2Bpics%2B030.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551141792328492818" /></div><div>Now it's time to switch gears and get ready for our family Christmas Party on Friday night -I FINALLY got some decorating done here at home-and got a huge pot of gumbo made!!!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQmeDjzRhHI/AAAAAAAAC1A/Y3m5ug8yyIk/s1600/front%2Bporch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQmeDjzRhHI/AAAAAAAAC1A/Y3m5ug8yyIk/s400/front%2Bporch.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551141799697941618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><div style="text-align: center;">LET the FUN begin!!!!!!!</div></span><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQmeDS2vaVI/AAAAAAAAC04/O57FpqZXkG0/s1600/spring%2Borny.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQmeDS2vaVI/AAAAAAAAC04/O57FpqZXkG0/s400/spring%2Borny.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551141795149080914" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-58987939888517446322010-12-10T18:32:00.006-06:002010-12-10T18:54:02.466-06:00Holiday Cheer!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQLHcnKkcVI/AAAAAAAAC0I/WKDJBCwgu-s/s400/holiday%2Bcheer%2521%2521.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549216985237451090" /></div>WELL FINALLY!!!!!!!<div><br /></div><div>I have not even cared to think about, much less decorate for the holidays ...at least not until today!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It's hot and muggy, and I didn't hear a single Christmas song- so how did I get so cheerful about it??</div><div>No-I don't drink, so that's not it. :)</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQLIg-vBTII/AAAAAAAAC0o/ZOVoOzj0P1k/s400/market%2B%2526%2Bkids%2B002.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549218159795457154" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I think it was the company of good friends!!!</div><div>We were more like school girls on the playground than women, tired from the difficulties of life- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Today we were happy, able and yes, we were a bit tired but the terminal illnesses, recent losses,sadness and pain were all packed neatly away </div><div>for the day and we just lived the "right now" for a bit.</div><div>I feel refreshed and inspired- just having been in the company of good women!!!!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQLH6Q4KMPI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/wo00PD2ttk4/s400/blue%2Btop%2Band%2Bchristmas%2Blights%2B008.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549217494650728690" />I came home and trimmed the fresh greenery and placed it on my living room inside windows.....<div> and a little more greenery around my fun industrial looking holiday thingy that I love...<br /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQLHdDC1v-I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/CoH2HjGN4Nw/s400/blue%2Btop%2Band%2Bchristmas%2Blights%2B027.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549216992721223650" /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TQLH60JUxJI/AAAAAAAAC0g/_vBEAIxZ6ec/s400/blue%2Btop%2Band%2Bchristmas%2Blights%2B012.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549217504117965970" />...added greenery to the twinkle lights on the back porch....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >HAPPY TODAY!!!!!! </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Spend time with friends....... it's good for the soul!!!</div><div><br /></div></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-21276939102213833682010-12-02T21:04:00.008-06:002010-12-02T22:25:56.649-06:00Enlightenment...<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TPhekgdNV4I/AAAAAAAACzw/GC5OqxuTGkE/s400/christmas%2Bpics%2B008.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546286922387511170" /><div style="text-align: center;">CHRISTMAS is nearly here!</div>I can hardly believe it's nearing the end of yet another year!<div> And what a year it has been-so many things have changed...and most of them unpredictably. Things I've taken for granted .<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I suppose that all of life is just a chain of ever-changing events ...but somehow I had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unconsciously</span> thought I would arrive at a place of stability and routine existence.</div><div>That hasn't happened so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a young mom ,I dreamed of the day the kids were grown and independent and I could do all the things I only had time to dream of while they were young. I</div><div> never thought about the trauma of them leaving and learning how to be independent. </div><div>Those things take lots of steps and mis steps to happen and sometimes it takes years to get fine tuned.</div><div>I also never thought about how much older,tireder and road-weary I would be after 35 years(so far) of this process.</div><div>I didn't inject all the new people and relationships that would be a part of our life as a result of all the roads we would travel.... or all the events that would change "who" we were forever.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of those events would shake my world nearly to destruction...at least the world I knew and understood. Some of those events are playing out right now-and in ways I would never have dreamed of.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life has been turned upside down in every way I can think of...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>What's the moral?</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TPhsGp5xKfI/AAAAAAAACz4/YkJ8ssFfOH8/s400/christmas%2Bpics%2B004.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546301802689931762" /></div><div>Things are not always as they seem- and hey sometimes things turned upside down (like life gets sometimes)actually turn out to be a good thing!</div><div><br /></div><div>SO if your a young mom, go ahead and dream -but remember,somewhere in your mind, that it's just that- a dream.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reality is FAR better -and much different than you can imagine!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Matthew 6:34</i> Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-12570588541727632302010-11-21T19:49:00.005-06:002010-11-21T20:45:32.989-06:00Treasure Hunting...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TOnWmQBz4LI/AAAAAAAACzg/xoHWnSO6ZMg/s400/treasure.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542196769082040498" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've been thinking about this for months.<div><br /></div><div> It all started in September when my husband took me to Canton to the monthly flea market.</div><div> The Flea Market was enormous-to say the very least!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I went with a specific list-I had good evidence that I would come home with many impulsive purchases otherwise. Trying to be wise and frugal , I planned a few projects and put my "wish list"together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happily ,I found everything on my list and stayed within my budget! Amazing and ful</div><div>filling-but I had to ask myself why? Why did it make me sooo happy to find these odd items? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TOnXzESH_RI/AAAAAAAACzo/nMDkYLwsXjo/s400/canton%2Btrip%2B10%2B031.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542198088779169042" /></div><div>I put the thought in the back of my mind for a bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Each time I would see an opportunity to shop thriftily at a garage sale,thrift store or flea market I did-and the thought came to me again and again. </div><div>I didn't have to spend a lot of money and I always found such great items-but I didn't always buy them-and that brought the thought to me again-but from a different perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why was this cycle so happily filling my life and was it a good or a bad thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhere in the last few weeks ,I got up early on a Saturday morning to go to an estate sale-</div><div>I was already tired from a busy week, and my budget was fairly small -so I had to ask myself WHY was I going ? </div><div> </div><div>Suddenly it became clear to me that I was doing exactly the same thing that many folks do during duck or squirrel season.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't the purchase or ownership of a great find or treasure that brought me such joy-it was the hunt -the search- the utter surprise at finding an unexpected treasure.I didnt have to buy,own,or purchase it-just FIND IT!!!!!!!!</div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322055145460413899.post-52663785089785008062010-11-07T00:52:00.006-05:002010-11-07T01:28:58.908-05:00Cupcakes & candles....<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TNZEoroZbVI/AAAAAAAACzI/0G_VoNsyXZc/s400/bday+g+sale+001.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536688257596222802" />Some things never change... but most things do...especially people.<div>It just wouldn't be right if we were static,unchanging and rigidly regular.</div><div>I know I've changed over the years-at least I hope I have.</div><div>I'd like to think that as I learn and experience new things I reshape my life etc. to fit new understandings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Sometimes those changes are difficult-</div><div>I thrive on routine-sort of an unrecognizable kind of routine to most but for me there really is a pattern-some predictability-and I kinda need that.</div><div><br /></div><div>My circle of friends is a comfortable constant-something I can count on.</div><div>I've heard that a person was indeed fortunate if they had 1 true friend-a friend that remained through thick and thin- having more than 1 was rarer still.</div><div>Well, I must be off the charts in rarity because I have several(I dare not number them)..... true friends. </div><div>We've seen a lot of life together-shared a lot of happy and plenty of sad..</div><div> Our relationships have changed through the years-some of us are going through phases in our lives that demand we change...so we do....but not always easily and certainly not without protest at times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Still, our friendships remain-altered,adjusted, reshaped and refitted but still friends.</div><div>And from time to time we can stop and just be....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8S3yyXRPxCQ/TNZFrs1QqKI/AAAAAAAACzY/dAl3cebSQ88/s400/bday+g+sale+004.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536689408969844898" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And when those times happen ...we usually have cupcakes and candles!</div>Autumnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18029077838521105307noreply@blogger.com0