SIMPLICITY

Friendly reminder!

2011-02-27T21:41:00.000-06:00

Yeah-I know-this is an old picture but it was handy!
Today when we took a ride on the new bike I was reminded of something that I had nearly forgotten!

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.
He stayed behind us for a long time- 10 miles or so -it was kinda makin me feel funny -apprehensive.
We passed lots of turn offs but he took each turn we did.
Then we pulled up to a red light in Vinton and he pulled up right beside us.
He chatted briefly about the poor road we had just navigated,the nice weather and the bikes in general.
Then the light changed ,and he politely excused himself and led the way(same direction we were going) back toward Sulphur.
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.
Just a nice reminder that "friendly" isn't all that hard.:)

So it really is about the journey,then?

2011-02-23T22:37:00.003-06:00

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!

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.

I'm actually amused by it all now-and it makes me pack LOTS into every day-because who knows what tomorrow will bring?

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.

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.

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.

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!

For your entertainment~

A few things I've learned on this latter half of life:

~How to shop for frozen dinner entrees

~How to ignore the telephone

~How to accept a compliment

~how to keep my mouth shut

~how to use a straightening iron

~how to trick kids(mostly grandkids) into obeying so I dont have to spank em!

See ya here again soon!

Therapy ...#1,#2 or #3 ??

2011-02-09T18:44:00.004-06:00

n.,

Treatment of illness or disability.
Psychotherapy.
Healing power or quality: the therapy of fresh air and sun.

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.

Over the past week,I have struggled to think clearly after losing my precious niece ,Linda and her husband Chad.

I'm not ready to write about her just now-it's all still so painful and fresh-

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.

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.

Nope- no inspiration.

I pressed the pedal and it lurched, groaned and then spit out a few irregular stitches.

I immediatly felt panic-

To make a long story short- I went sewing machine shopping very shortly afterward.

Therapy?

I think so!

And now I need some SPRING!!!!!!!!

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!!!!

Liz's farm,Pure Earth Botanicals, is busily sprouting and encouraging me to wait...a little longer ....It's coming!

Stitching~ gardening~ sunshine~

I say #3-healing power

GHOSTS or ANGELS???

2010-12-24T18:50:00.002-06:00

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.

We had our celebrations earlier in the week and had a great time!

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!

We drove south ,towards Moss Lake, and an old homeplace of ours.

When we arrived at the lake front we stopped at our old place, now a million dollar development.

We sat and looked at the empty spot where our little house(ok-it was almost a shack!) had been-30 years ago.

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.

We got going again , taking the long way home-past hubbys old homeplace and our old school bus route.

All along Choupique Road, I saw US-

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!"

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.

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!

Funny how much you can hear when ya really listen.

'tis the season...

2010-12-15T23:00:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday I attended a fashion show at J C Penny's-

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.

That's her right there, seated in front of the models.

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!

I'm so proud of her- it's a great thing to see a kid grow up and do such cool things!!!

Good job Celia!!!!!!!

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!!!

LET the FUN begin!!!!!!!

Holiday Cheer!!!

2010-12-10T18:32:00.006-06:00

WELL FINALLY!!!!!!!

I have not even cared to think about, much less decorate for the holidays ...at least not until today!

It's hot and muggy, and I didn't hear a single Christmas song- so how did I get so cheerful about it??

No-I don't drink, so that's not it. :)

I think it was the company of good friends!!!

We were more like school girls on the playground than women, tired from the difficulties of life-

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

for the day and we just lived the "right now" for a bit.

I feel refreshed and inspired- just having been in the company of good women!!!!

I came home and trimmed the fresh greenery and placed it on my living room inside windows.....

and a little more greenery around my fun industrial looking holiday thingy that I love...
...added greenery to the twinkle lights on the back porch....

HAPPY TODAY!!!!!!

Spend time with friends....... it's good for the soul!!!

Enlightenment...

2010-12-02T21:04:00.008-06:00

CHRISTMAS is nearly here!

I can hardly believe it's nearing the end of yet another year!

And what a year it has been-so many things have changed...and most of them unpredictably. Things I've taken for granted .

I suppose that all of life is just a chain of ever-changing events ...but somehow I had unconsciously thought I would arrive at a place of stability and routine existence.

That hasn't happened so far.

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

never thought about the trauma of them leaving and learning how to be independent.

Those things take lots of steps and mis steps to happen and sometimes it takes years to get fine tuned.

I also never thought about how much older,tireder and road-weary I would be after 35 years(so far) of this process.

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.

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.

Life has been turned upside down in every way I can think of...

What's the moral?

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!

SO if your a young mom, go ahead and dream -but remember,somewhere in your mind, that it's just that- a dream.

Reality is FAR better -and much different than you can imagine!

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Treasure Hunting...

2010-11-21T19:49:00.005-06:00

I've been thinking about this for months.

It all started in September when my husband took me to Canton to the monthly flea market.

The Flea Market was enormous-to say the very least!!!!

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.

Happily ,I found everything on my list and stayed within my budget! Amazing and ful

filling-but I had to ask myself why? Why did it make me sooo happy to find these odd items?

I put the thought in the back of my mind for a bit.

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.

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.

Why was this cycle so happily filling my life and was it a good or a bad thing.

Somewhere in the last few weeks ,I got up early on a Saturday morning to go to an estate sale-

I was already tired from a busy week, and my budget was fairly small -so I had to ask myself WHY was I going ?

Suddenly it became clear to me that I was doing exactly the same thing that many folks do during duck or squirrel season.

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!!!!!!!!

Cupcakes & candles....

2010-11-07T00:52:00.006-05:00

Some things never change... but most things do...especially people.

It just wouldn't be right if we were static,unchanging and rigidly regular.

I know I've changed over the years-at least I hope I have.

I'd like to think that as I learn and experience new things I reshape my life etc. to fit new understandings.

Sometimes those changes are difficult-

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.

My circle of friends is a comfortable constant-something I can count on.

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.

Well, I must be off the charts in rarity because I have several(I dare not number them)..... true friends.

We've seen a lot of life together-shared a lot of happy and plenty of sad..

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.

Still, our friendships remain-altered,adjusted, reshaped and refitted but still friends.

And from time to time we can stop and just be....

And when those times happen ...we usually have cupcakes and candles!

Familiar "old things"-

2010-10-31T07:47:00.001-05:00

I don't think a single piece of ribbon could have been added to this box!!!It was fairly bursting at the seams!!!!

To top off a productive busy day like yesterday(as if the symphony were not enough) I had a package waiting for me.

I didn't remember ordering anything,so I had no idea what it was.

As I read the return label , I had to smile. I mean really smile!!!

It was from a long-time Farmgirl friend that has been so good to keep u

p with me. She has watched as my outlook has gone from HATING to make clothing (especially traditionally made) to looking for a new way to make every outfit special-and actually have other folks like what I do enough to spend their money on my creations!

A couple of years ago ,I had asked her to make me something, because I soooo disliked making clothing-she pointed her finger at me(all the way from Colorado) and said,"NONSENSE"-

-and she sent me a great dress! :)

I asked Bonne about wool-which is my second favorite fabric/texture because I knew she did a bit of spinning-and one day a box arrived filled with everything I needed to try my hand at spinning!

SOmehow, having another person share and talk about trying new things opened up a part of me that wanted to be more inquisitive about things-less afraid to try and fail and more willing to fail than not try at all.

Somewhere in that time I began,quite without knowing it , to "do my own thing".

I had been subtly released from the "traditional" sewing/crafting rules and turned loose into my own ideas...

Of course many things and people, along the way have shaped what I do now,and I hope keep shaping me as time goes on.

I'm FAR from an artist but whatever it is that I am, I owe a great debt of gratitude to the people who have nudged and encouraged me along the way~

~who kept me from giving up easily on things that I have come to enjoy.

~those who have come to every market I have been in and supported me both emotionally and financially(buy purchasing my little creations)

~those who have been honest enough to say-"nope-thats not workin for me"-and especially ~those who refuse to let me give up easily-but know when I need to.... and let me!!!

I'm having a great time!

Thanks friend!!!

Around and around she goes...............and where..

2010-10-29T22:29:00.008-05:00

she stops nobody knows!!!!

Funny how time flies....I remember

both of these days...vividly!

The first one was taken in 1978-with a Canon AE-1-my brand new 35 mm camera-about 2 miles from where I live now..

The second was taken 32 years later....last month~

As I look at the

young, thin "me" I realize that I had no idea what adventures were ahead of me.

I had no idea of the steps that I would take-nor did I know how to prepare for those steps.

If I HAD known...would I have taken them? Doubtful....I'm not particularly brave or adventurous and I certainly don't enjoy conflict~ yet my life has been all of these things!

Quite honestly I think it's been a circus~ at least from this vantage point

Today, as I walked out to the road to get the garbage can I was just taking care of business-not really thinking and suddenly I was immersed in wonderfulness- it was completely unexpected!

I stopped and just stared...it was the simplest thing- the wildflowers were swaying gently in the sunshiny breeze and all I could do was wonder at the perfect balance of color and texture and the way each played a perfect part in this visual symphony...and ALL FOR ME!!!

I wanted to take a picture..but I knew that the breeze would be missing...or paint the scene...but the texture would never show.

So I just stood there ....and felt... and listened..... and enjoyed the symphony.

Lilies in the Bible: Matthew 6:28-29
Anyone who doubts that God will provide for His followers need only look at the meticulous care and love with which He maintains the natural world. If God adorns the flowers so beautiful, doesn't it make sense that he'd lavish even more support and love on His children?

Psalms 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

In that moment I realized how many,many things God had ordained in my life and how many ways He had prepared me to meet each challenge-I could neither have planned OR prepared myself for any of it!

It was refreshing to REMEMBER that i wasn't in charge of all the things that concern me...... I finished my walk and felt 30 yrs younger... :)

My HAPPY thought!

2010-10-26T14:37:00.002-05:00

As I think about the past few months I wonder how on earth this man could still put up with me!!!

He has been a prince-truly!!! Always looking for ways to make life better for ME-not just providing but going the extra mile by making things easy when he can tell I'm edgy and need a break and don't know how to find it!!!

We have enjoyed so much the time we have had together in these months of change.

It's quite an adventure to transition from homeschooling for 30 years to ....well ..to what we do now-

I think that what we do now, most folks normally do-go out to eat-have lunch with friends-work-and mostly anything else we want to do.

No more rigid schedule,lesson plans and constant learning for me.

I take that back-I am learning every single day how to NOT homeschool,lesson plan and .....you get the idea.It has so far been far more challenging than I had ever dreamed!

God has been more than gracious to me in allowing me to educate my kids, giving me a husband that adores me and a place to enjoy many more blessings than I could ever number!!!!

I think the hardest part of this adjustment may be over-I do feel much more normal-whatever that is!!!!

Stay tuned and we"ll both find out!!!!(Not about normal-just whether the worst of it is over!!!) :)

What to do? What to do?

2010-10-24T22:31:00.005-05:00

Life is BIG sometimes.......and the direction of it all ...sometimes as confusing as the crowd that wanders the fairgrounds.

So many choices and different directions to take...

I haven't blogged in quite sometime-I just don't have a lot of confidence in my thoughts-and especially in my ability to express them-I kinda feel like the guy in this picture-

surrounded by people-yet standing all alone,with choices...numerous choices before me.

Nothing terrible has happened in my life-quite the opposite

life has been nice-but ever changing.

Over a year ago, I started noticing that my emotions seemed out of balance-things overwhelmed me easily and I just couldn't seem to get a grip on things.

I am ,no doubt, in the midst of change-and I am quite honestly

stumbling along as the changes come.

I hope to stumble less but somehow the desire to blog is back.

I'm not sure I have anything of value to share but I think I'll give it a try.

So if I stumble here, please...please extend your hand

down to me ....and help me back...... UP.

Meanwhile-I hope the ride is smoother and I can share lots of happy things with you!

Swirling thoughts....

2010-09-18T21:58:00.004-05:00

Writing...

It's kinda like painting-you get inspired and just have to paint that sunset or cloud- once painted the painter feels ..completed somehow. A thought springs to life and you just have to sit down and write about it-

but sometimes writing can be dangerous-to the writer and the reader.

It has the potential to injure others if misinterpreted,but somehow the writer must write to "get free" of the thoughts. It doesn't matter if the thoughts are corrrect or original, they just have to be written so that they can rest.

At this season of my life, I have lots of thoughts swirling around every day.From the hundreds of choices, I pick and choose which thoughts to snatch out of the whirlpool to focus on.

And then ,what do I do with it? Share it? Think it to myself? Write about it?

Lots of people "FACEBOOK" it-or blog it(like Moi') :)

Maybe I've just gotten so accustomed to "sharing" that I've forgotten how to think through something.

-I'm honestly trying to figure this out-

I'm not trying to make a point-I really don't know the answer.

I've had the opportunity to think about some things lately and rather than "share" I've been trying to keep my thoughts to myself - it's a bit unsettling to others when they are so accustomed to hearing what I think.

I think it takes a bit more work when you keep your thoughts to yourself, but I can see already that it simplifies things ......at least some things.

I also see the potential for becoming reclusive and guarded and thus being less approachable-

so- it appears that I am still in question about exactly what to do with all the thoughts that swirl around,begging for my attention.

So I guess I'll just keep pondering it-

Canton Trade Dayscondensed version

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Any event with it’s own street name and traffic light has got to be big!!!!

I had very mixed feelings about the BIG-ness of it too! I KNEW my hubby would be in pain and my teenager would be bored before noon-and I would feel like I had seen only a tiny portion of what was there-

All the info said that the hours were dawn to dusk-now that’s MY kinda hours!!!! SO AS ANY GOOD JUNKER KNOWS-YA GET THERE EARLY-LIKE 8 A.M.!!!And we did!!! Parked right by the entrance –easy street!!!

Many of the vendors were not as anxious as me and so weren’t open yet-but no matter-with soooo many to choose from we began with the early birds who were open…..the layout was overwhelming-the directions of “where to shop” meaningless, and the items and prices were all over the place!!!

In the first hour I could see that THIS is where my hubby probably should be settled-this was not a man-event to be certain!!!

Guess that’s why these guys were elbow to elbow on the benches!!!

Aren’t they great- I neglected to get the artists name-but his display was impressive!!

Great folk art- everything from wooden bouy markers to iron sculptures….

I was so pleased to see that this was a good idea-I did it years ago with some lace that I just couldn’t bear to keep hidden away in the trunk…think I’ll give it another go with this year too.

A better photographer would have done this picture right-the wood,the paint –everything about this canoe was just wonderful! No way for me to capture how “storybook” it seemed to me!

The Junk Palace…… need I say more?????

Girls Gone Junkin’-my favorite stop!!!

These gals were SOOOOO busy, I didn’t have the heart to ask them to stop and pose for a picture-they were so nice –even when I told them I wanted one of everything in the shop!!!!

I settled for just a few yards of vintage ribbon- and lots of looking,touching and enjoying!!!

The boys were gettin tired…..

We needed to see the good doctor,for sure!!!

…but having found everything on my list…..we left the sea of people….

..and the acres of cars that had appeared after we arrived…

…and went back to the hotel-and collapsed!!!

It was only ONE O’CLOCK!!!!!

As much as I hate to admit it, I was tired and could barely walk-my feet were killing me!

I’ll show ya my treasures soon-after my feet recover !

“The Good Ole’ Days”

2010-09-05T23:58:00.001-05:00

We made a quick…(o.k. , it wasn’t really quick, but we didn’t stay long, so that makes it quick,right?)trip to Canton,Texas to the BIG Trade Days event this weekend.

We stopped at this little reminder of “the good ole days” – an old rest stop,where families used to stop and unpack sandwiches or fried chicken, let the kids run around a bit , adults, stretch their legs,and then get back on the road again.

Even though this one wasn’t all that old, it reminded me of when I was little and my family stopped at just such places.

We didn’t have a lunch to unpack..:( but it wasn’t really lunchtime anyhow, so it was ok- but we did have the metal detectors, so the guys,Luke and my hard-workin man, scanned the place for fun stuff- and I sat under the little roof…

…thinkin about …stuff. Just stuff.

The holes in the roof let the sunshine through and reminded me that even the good ole days had holes in them. If it really rained, you’d get wet-and everything wasn’t just “so” about the good ole days either- just like this great old “marker of the past”-

I heard one time,that we only remember the good things about the “good ole days” and I think it must be true.We hang on to the pleasant memories and embellish them along the way, creating an even more magical moment than likely ever existed.

I wonder why?

I still wonder why….

Movin’ on……..

These two have exactly NO INTEREST in the trade days,I’m certain-except to make me happy..and that’s good enough to make em take the trip I suppose.

Sweet fellas ,huh?

It WAS a whirlwind trip-so not a lot of pictures, but stay tuned to see the few I did take…

Time to think....

2010-07-28T19:43:00.002-05:00

Today while I was working out on the Elliptical machine at the gym, I was watching several elderly people walking the track that adjoins the mini-workout room.
On the lower level, about a dozen teenagers were taking part in a basketball camp-running,passing,dribbling and just doing all kinds of drills.

Since both groups were clearly in my vision, I started wondering what the elders were thinking.
I wondered if they wished they could still run and play like the kids....or if the noise and commotion bothered them......I wondered if they felt like me...like it seemed just a short time ago I WAS one of those kids(except that I was completely NON-athletic)...

Kinda made me sad to think how very quickly life passes-before ya know it you ARE the old person watching the young ones.
I'm definitely on the older side but hopefully I'll remember to make each day count so that I'll enjoy watching those loud kids have a blast,while they dream of bright NBA futures!!!!

Room with a View?

2010-07-26T21:32:00.003-05:00

I've been busy with lots of things so I have really fallen behind in blogging-pictures are not as numerous and motivation to share all the busy-ness is just very low.

Im gonna assume it's a season and I'll get back to busily posting.

I did however work on a fun project for my living room wall-actually, Ive been working on it for months now-in my mind! :)

I have had a wool applique quilt over my loveseat for over 5 years now-thats a little too long for me-but I finally found the right thing to replace it!

What do you think?

I just love it!!!! The wall finally looks balanced without being cluttery.

I also worked on some cute throw pillows-I love em!!!! Too bad I didn't do them for myself!!!

I took them to the store to get some feedback on em.

Music makes it all better!!!

2010-07-17T17:57:00.001-05:00

My hubby surprised me today by planning a visit to the Cajun French Music Festival. Oh my what a treat!!! A cajun band playin Ti NaNA( don’t ask cause I don’t know what it means in Cajun frenc!)

All I know is its a regular and I bumble through the words with the old cajun guys as they play-and I have NO IDEA what its all about-it’s just good music!!!

And where there is music there is ALWAYS FOOD-LOTS of food!!!

Jamablaya-Etouffe-Boudin-Red beans n rice- (actually everything eaten here seems to be served in or with rice) Gumbo-and more, more ,more!!!

These guys are cookin up cracklins!! MMM! We forgot to buy em,too!!!!

And all those yellow chairs ,left of the dance floor are full of ….ahem….hefty cajuns eatin that good food!!!!

We got there just in time for the Cajun waltz,jitterbug and two step competetion-and hey-where else do ya see a QUEEn with a 2 foot rhinestone crown on and t-shirt and blue jean capris with flip flops????

And dem dere folks-dey is cajun to de core ,sha- passin’ a good time at da festibal! eeeee iiiiiiiii!

Laissez les bon temps rouler-“Let the good times roll”

(Translation link) :)

http://cafebojangles.com/lagniappe/lagniappe7folkloresayings.htm

OOOOPS!!!!

2010-07-14T23:27:00.001-05:00

I'm afraid I got busy yesterday and let the drawing slip my mind!!!!!!

SHAME! SHAME!

SO sorry friends- I'm still playing catch up from down time when I was sick.

I think I have officially caught up now though-so on with the drawing!!!!

First I have to thank you for stopping by and leaving kind words-such good friends I have!!!

And now-******** Drum roll****************************************
the winner is........................................................

.............................................
Kimberly Kane!!!!
YAY Kimberly!!!!!

Email me and I'll get your "Silver Sayings" piece to you-hopefully a bit more promptly than this drawing was held. :)

Hangin' out!

2010-07-06T07:43:00.003-05:00

I can't seem to think long enough to get a blog post out , so I thought I'd just give me and YOU a little break for another week.

Some of my sinus meds make me forgetful,goofy and downright non-sensical- more so that regular...:)

So I decided to give myself a break and just hang out(mentally) until the brain cells get all lined back up!!!

BUT- as an incentive to keep my readers interested I think I should celebrate a little-when I DO get back-so I think I'll host a giveaway!

Celebrate what??

How about Abby's birthday today!

Our 36th wedding anniversary ,yesterday

my daughter in laws bday tomorrow-Happy Birthday KIM!

Over 10,000 visits to this site

over ten yrs of journaling online*I was doing it before 'BLOG" was a term!! :)

hmmmm-theres so much more to celebrate but you really just wanna know what the prize is, right????

How about one of my hubby's very cool Silver Sayings???

Yep! That's it-(if ya haven't seen em yet I'll post a pic )

Now here's how ya enter-

Visit this site and leave a comment(so I can have a list of names ) and on JULY 13th, a week from today-I'll choose a name from the old crock bowl!

Thanks for reading and sharing your time with me!!! Now YOU POST something and I'll read what YOU have to say for a bit!!!!

New friends and old buttons…

2010-07-02T08:45:00.001-05:00

For the past few months I have had the extreme pleasure of participating at a local Flea Market with my good friend Marilyn. We’ve had so much fun-designing,creating, re-creating and starting all over again! At the end of every market weekend we are both ready to give it all up-almost! But neither of us can quite throw in the towel-it’s just to much fun-once we get rested.

I think the most enjoyable part has been meeting new friends that share our interest in ….well whatever our interests are!!! ***I’ll be the first to admit that we are a bit odd in our mix-eclectic ,I’d say.

e·clec·tic (-kl k t k) adj.

1. Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles

One of those new friends is Tanya, and recently she stopped by while I was working to brighten my day with a lovely gift!

It was an Inspiration Bundle!!!

A lovely linen jumper(that will be redesigned),wonderful flat eyelet lace,a collar edged with fantastic cotton lace and a lovely blue shimmer fabric,that will reappear as a shabby flower corsage,hopefully-and it was all wrapped in a narrow lace with the lovely old buttons attached to top it off!

I hardly know Tanya, but how well she seems to know me-all my favorites wrapped up in one small parcel!!! SWEET!!!

As this July Market date nears the inspiration seems to be building(as always at the last minute!!) and time is growing short-as always!!! I can hardly wait to get set up again –visiting with our fun new friends and selling our wares to help pay for making more of them!!! Come see us if you can!!

July 10th & 11-at the Sulphur Fairgrounds on Lewis Street.

A PINK pony!!!!

2010-06-29T16:11:00.001-05:00

Who knew they still had these funny horses for kids to ride???? I hadn’t seen one in years until last week when Abby insisted there was a “real pink” horse at Walmart. I nodded,playing along, but she could see right through it. When we walked in the door,she insisted on showing it to me-who knew!!!!

I agreed,as is written in the

ethics code for all mothers

that she could ride it,if “she was a good girl in the store” that is the rule, right mothers everywhere??????

As you can see- she was a good girl and rode the pink pony!!!!How fun to watch her enjoy it so much!

Since I’m stuck on the couch with a sinus infection, I figured I could catch you up on my latest junk finds!!!

My hardworkin man and I got out on Saturday morning and went to a few Garage Sales-and Lo and behold we stumbled onto a wonderful going out of business sale. I had heard about it but really hadn’t thought of going-you know, Im cleaning out things-so it seemed counter-productive.

To make a long story short-we went! And look at the loot!!!Porcelain signs,vintage sheet music,printers trays,a wool stripping tool,some wonderful old rusty collanders, and theres more- but it’s upstairs and I can’t get myself up there now.Most items were under $2. –I’m not joking!!!I asked the dealer if it hurt-he said-“Nah! It’s ok.”

I’m not sure what this tool is-but my man is using it for jewelry work somehow.

This is just the end of an old box-but I love it!!!!

The wool stripper-

We had such fun- and got some very cool stuff-

Now back to cleaning out!!!!! You know, sometimes getting new junk makes you clear out some of the old junk-so stay tuned and see how that works out!!!!

Here we go again!!!

2010-06-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

Deck building again!!! Actually we should call it deck-rearranging!!!

This is location #3 for this deck-the only difference? We’re gonna slice-n-dice it ……..

…and hammer a few nails…

and put the puzzle together for a cool pier!!!!

Didn’t quite finish-but it sure is gonna be nice when we do!!!!!

Once upon a time…….

2010-06-21T22:28:00.000-05:00

I found this great little chair at the Flea Market last month-I fell in love with it the moment I saw it!! All I could think of was GOLDILOCKS-it just looks like a storybook chair-so I had to have it!!!

I’m sure glad I sold enough to make a few very fun “junk” purchases!!!

And this old phone was at a yard sale on the side of the road. I’ve always wanted an old phone like this-why? I have no idea!!!! But it’s so cool!!!

Just more JUNK!!!!

Tomatoes, cucumbers and kisses

2010-06-20T00:06:00.001-05:00

These two love each other sooo much! They are adorable together! Wendy imagines herself to be so much bigger than Ryland-she pats his head and calls him Ry Ry.His eyes just twinkle when he sees or hears her.

Seems like yesterday I was snapping pictures of my own little ones in this very same place…

The garden is doing great-but no thanks to me! I’ve done little more than water once in a while! My hardworkin man has been diligent with water,fertilizer and all the other garden chores and it has paid off!!!

Last week Abby and I made pickles-and she wanted to share her recipe with you-from the vine to the jar.

Here’s what ya need-Vinegar,Mrs.Wages Dill pickle mix,some cukes and a little water.

Slice cucumbers and fill each jar with the spears or slices.

Mix the vinegar,water and seasoning mix(as the pkg directs) and fill each jar to the top

Then just put the lids and rings on!

Then wait till the next day to eat ‘em!!

Be sure to refrigerate ‘em so they’ll be crisp and yummy!

Next you go outside with your Granny and eat popsicles and blackberries!

YUMMY SUMMER!!!!!!!

Good ole summertime…….

2010-06-14T22:07:00.001-05:00

Yummy!!!!

Our tomatoes are the best-I mean THE BEST!!!!

I don’t remember ever tasting a better tomato in my life. I’m not sure if it’s the variety ,or just that it has been sooooooooo long since I’ve eaten a good tomato!

My hubby really knows how to grow em!!!They are all about 5 feet tall.

Rather than stake them individually he placed two posts,one at each end of the row, and secured a wire ,firmly at the top of each post. Then he tied cord from the wire ,the length to reach the ground and tied the loose end loosely around the base portion of the tomato plants.As the plants grow,he supports the new growth with the cord. As you can see, it’s a great technique and is working beautifully!

The berries are coming along-but I am surprised by how much time and care they require. The wild ones grow rampantly but these fade,droop and die if they miss water for more than a couple of days. But the berries are yummy!!Tart but sweet and large.

The fish are happily growing and even biting when we get to stop and fish with the kids.

The flowers always seem happy-even though the heat index is in excess of 100 degrees!

BLACK EYED SUSANS…

COSMOS

It’s been a very busy few weeks but I am happy to report that things are finally slowing down a bit-and it really needed to. I miss my kids,grandkids and just the quiet. This weekend the kids came out and we had a bit of just sitting by the pond,wetting a hook and visiting as they “jerked perch” from the pond.

These will be the times I(and I hope my kids & grandkids) remember as the good old days.

M.I.A.

2010-06-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

WOW!

I know I've been busy- but I had no idea I hadn't posted in over a week!!!!

Sooooooo.......where have I been?

First, to the BIG H to see my dad who had surgery-

.................................then back home to work the Cal-Cam Flea Market..............

and immediately to the church..................

...to help get ready.....

for Vacation Bible School...

and now to teach the 9-12 year olds!!!

So now ya know!!!!!!!

I have so many great pictures and some very fun projects from the market to share and ...oh...so much more!!!!!!

Next week,maybe?

Home-grown food!!!!!

2010-05-31T10:38:00.002-05:00

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES!!!!

It's NOT just a movie!!!!!

It's a staple on southern tables-and mmmmmm! soooo good!!!

Its really easy too-just slice a green tomato,sprinkle with salt and pepper and dredge in cornmeal.
Plop the slices into hot bacon grease and fry about 1.5 minutes turn over and fry the other side till brown.
Don't fry em up till just before the rest of supper's done-these need to come out of the fryin pan and onto your plate!!!!
NOW you've tasted southern fare!!!!!!

But wait-how bout a little fresh catfish(also from the our place)-just pan fry the fillets in butter and baste with lemon juice butter and salt and pepper until flaky-5-8 minutes,depending on the thickness of the fish.

And FINALLY some fresh from the garden green beans!!!

It's good to pick,catch and cook food from your own place!!

It just tastes better!!!

Heritage Festival…

2010-05-29T16:47:00.002-05:00

Louisiana is famous for all the festivals we have- I’m certain there’s one every weekend! Crawfish,gator, frog, Buggy, Sulphur Mines, Rice and that’s just the first few that come to mind.
We are a state rich in culture and folks that like to kick up their heels !!!
I don’t make it out to many of these ,for obvious reasons……like we would never be home if we went to even half of em!!!
But I did get to go to the city square last night with all the kids and listen to some good Zydeco music at our Heritage Festival here in town!!!

Zoom in on this pic so you can see the little guy on the washboard! He was beyond cute and could he play!!!
That kid sang every word in french AND english and kept a rythym like crazy!!! He was so much fun to watch!!!

I sure would have liked to dance with all the old frenc folks!! Everybody had fun from where I was sittin!

Abby cuttin a rug!!!

Back to the road trip…..

2010-05-28T08:18:00.001-05:00

I have a really short attention span apparently!! I forgot to finish showing you some of the cool stuff we saw on our recent trip to…”wherever we end up”

Entering Natchez Mississippi, I could tell we were in for a treat. It’s a lovely old place…look at the tall church spire in the right hand side of this picture.

I had no idea how very much of the landscape it dominated-actually I hadn’t noticed it at this point on the trip. I was busy looking at the old homes and yards…

Brick streets….

Old stores and buildings…

and the wonderful walking downtown amongst art galleries,coffee shops and yummy shops to wander through!

Then…I saw it!Honestly-there is no way for a camera to show the enormity of this thing!

To be really truthful,I’m not into “religious art” or architecture-but this demanded my attention!!!

I was mesmerized….so much so that I opted to forget downtown shopping and we walked over to see this up close!!!

Just a side note here- EVERY time we crossed the street the sign said NO WALKING- we never did figure out how that technology worked. ;)

I honestly could not stop staring at the ceiling-it was stunning..so much detail!!It was awe inspiring!

I never really got good pictures because it felt to …irreverent to be snapping pictures there- I honestly wanted to stop and kneel ….and I couldn’t speak above a whisper!

Just for perspective-look at the size of that door!!!!!

The entire experience surprised me-and I was so glad that we turned aside to see this work of art!!!

(St.Mary’s Cathedral I think was the name)

Time to hit the sack now-we were both worn out and ready to stop!!

And did we stop!!!!!

Our room was …..perfect-and just as we settled in it started raining and it was a perfect evening for relaxing! And we did!!!

“….and they lived happily ever after..”

Coastal changes....

2010-05-23T21:37:00.000-05:00

I know you are all sick of hearing about the oil spill-but it appears it will be newsworthy for a good long time. It's hard to decide how much is reality and how much is "NEWS".

There's no doubt that our coast has changed- the first signs came this weekend when the fishing Rodeo was cancelled.

There's a fishing ban in the Gulf -so reality is beginning to take a new shape...and so is the coastline.

It's unbelievable how MUCH oil is spewing into the water- but here's a great visual from our local news site.

http://www.kplctv.com/global/Category.asp?c=186625

This oil spill will affect our area for a long time to come.

The fishing industry,wildlife and marshes are all suffering and if the news reports are true, some of the marshes may never recover. That's a hard pill to swallow, here on the coast.

The actual spill is east of us but apparently the magnitude of the spill means it will/has affected our area.

If that was not enough we are in the midst of a drought!

Our ditches are cracked and dry-the grass is beginning to die and I am sick of watering plants every day!

So there ya go- I guess I needed a good whine today!!!!

Now- moving on!!!!

Garden time.....

2010-05-19T14:04:00.001-05:00

It's taken a while, but finally I'm getting some pictures of the garden posted.

My hardworkin man fenced and installed a great watering system this year and as you can see- the tomatoes are unaware of the drought we are experiencing here in sw Louisiana.

This place is soooo dusty- not something we say very often here in the swamp!

Seems like just a few miles north of us ,things are green and lush and there's no sign that we're so low on rainfall.

As luscious as this berry looks, it's half the size of last years fruit. But I'm not complaining!!! The bushes are bearing and they taste heavenly!!!

One good thing about such dry conditions is that I'm not mowing the grass so often-

which gives me time to water the drought-ridden plants!!!

I'm not sure but I think it cancels each other out!!!

So it really was a BIG river!!!!!

2010-05-17T19:24:00.000-05:00

Too bad it wasn’t the Big Muddy!!!!!:)

We had no idea that it was the Atchafalaya River we had followed for miles!!!! The levee was high and as you can see this was no little creek either. We had a great laugh at ourselves.

Our quest to follow the river-the MISSISSIPPI RIVER ,north was to continue. We aimed at Vidalia,the city that borders the river .

That levee along the right side goes on forever and ever and ever and……you get the idea!

But we DID get to the end ,at 3 o’clock!!!It was WAAAAAAAY past lunctime and we were really hungry!!!We had planned to eat at only local spots- no fast food if we could make it work.This is where we landed in VIDALIA and my oh my!!!

Look what $6. will buy ……

I ate less than 1/4 of this-so supper was a cinch!!!!

Now to cross the river, the REAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER, into Mississippi…

Natchez Mi to be exact. Beautiful little town!

Stay tuned for some lovely pictures of this little town!!!!

Road Trip!!!!

2010-05-16T06:34:00.001-05:00

In the midst of a life full of activity , you can never underestimate the power of …..

a much needed BREAK!!!!!

Especially when it comes in the form of a road trip to…” we don’t know where”!

Our only destination is/was to head east.Here’s a peek so far!

CRAWFISH HARVESTING near Elton La

A real JAIL HOUSE!!!! Also near Elton.

I have wanted to go to a tiny town called Washington for years-my sweet hubby routed us that way and what a treat!!!

This is the Old School Antique Mall!!! YAY!!!!!

It was full,top and bottom story, of antiques and amazingly the “smell of school” perfectly in tact!

Then we aimed at the banks of the Mighty Mississippi-backroads ONLY!!!!That’s the levee we followed for most of the day.

Finally a peek at the river!!! It was the first access place we found and it’s quite impressive!!!

At least until we found out it WASN’T the Mississippi River!!!! It was the Atchafalaya River!!!! Oh well- we were getting closer to the big river!!!

STAY TUNED!!!!

Fifteen Chances!!!!

2010-05-13T07:57:00.001-05:00

Some of you may remember Gary, my husbands friend/”jesus”(a reminder of how we should treat him).

Recently, Gary was hospitalized with bronchitis –it was a busy time for us. Lots of other ,truly important things going on-not that Gary was unimportant, but we knew he was being cared for and was ok.

We busily took care of the extra work hours,travelling to co-op class, watering our drought thirsty garden/flowers and collapsing at night.We aren’t as young as we used to be!!! Our kids,even as adults need us from time to time and some of them are struggling with health,car problems and just curves that life throws you.We are happy to have them nearby so that we CAN be a help ,even if it is as simple as a ride when a car is broken.

In the meantime-Gary started calling.The first day or two it was 2-3 calls a day-my husband and I both dismissed it,since Gary is quite childish(for real-he suffered a brain injury as a small child when a family member backed a vehicle over him) and we DO have to say no to him at times. This appeared to be one of those times.

The next day there were 4-5 calls-each one exactly the same, in his childish ,toothless speech he said,

”Brother Bubba,you come to see me tonight?I sick in the hospital.This is Gary.”

We grinned as we listened to the 5 messages-and talked about needing to go see him but we didn’t go that night either.

On the third day he called 15 times-same message over and over-my heart just sank! I had been out all day so didn’t hear the messages until after 6 pm.

I turned on the speaker phone and we all sat, listening to his simple speech pleading for us to pay attention!With each message I felt more sadness, guilt and finally shame.

I wondered if God felt the same way-like He had to call me 15 TIMES just to get to me- and I KNEW He DID!!! He used Gary to once again remind me that although I was taking care of things that needed to be taken care of I must remember the simple kind things that HE asked me to do! As soon as we finished our dinner, we loaded up in the car and went to visit Gary!

If only you could have seen the childlike joy when He saw my husband!!! His toothless grin and silly jokes assured us that God was patient and forgiving of our misguided time management skills and so was Gary! :)

It took 15 calls to remind me -

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (KJV)

Gary’s smile and BIG BEAR HUG reminded me of that reward- it was total peace and comfort in knowing that God would call ME 15 or 1500 times if it took it and he would wait for me!!!!!

***Please don’t make the assumption that I think we have been noble in this small act-quite the contrary is true and I know it! :)

Spring cleaning!!

2010-05-09T23:02:00.001-05:00

Wintertime leaves our place looking dingy and cluttered outdoors so I always look forward to the big clean up at the beginning of Spring.

I relocated the snack bar and seating and got rid of lots of JUNK!!!!

Can you see my fuNkY GardeN MobiLE?

So simple- I just hung some VinTaGE GardEn tools from wire attatched to a cast off iron disc-don’t ask me what it was before this, cause I have no idea!!!

We had a chance to try out the new arrangement this weekend and it worked out perfectly!!! So pleased it’s done and ready to use easily this summer.

It was a Happy Mother’s Day! We had a ton of fun this weekend!

Abby visited some baby chicks this week and loved em –every one of em!!!!

On to pick out the perfect pool for Abby and Wendy to play in the water.

Yay Summer has arrived!!!

Nothin to say....

2010-05-06T08:28:00.000-05:00

Nothin' to say -Just sayin'

Garden talk…

2010-04-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

This is what it looks like to have the “seeds cuddled up in the soil”- ask my husband how to do it if you need to know more!!! :)

I don’t think this picture needs any explanation- it’s just LIZ-

Iris’

Garden fellowship- refreshing!!!

Proud momma!!!!

Cassie treated US to a feast at Lisa’s wedding shower!!!!

A week rich in friends,flowers and fellowship!!!!

The LONG way HOME.....

2010-04-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you don't know exactly what you want for your kids...as adults.

That is until you see it....

This place that we call PROVIDENCE is HOME to all of us- but in reality as the kids grow up and have their own families, it becomes less HOME to them - and it should be that way.

They are their own family and they need a place that becomes HOME to them.

I didn't really see that coming because I always wanted THIS to be home- but now, in the last few years I have realized that this place,Providence, will always be special to them, but HOME for them needs to be their very own.

When God gives them the desire of their heart I can hardly contain the emotion.

Read this sweet post and you will understand -

HOME...SWEET,SWEET,HOME!

I laughed out loud amidst tears of some weird kind of sadness -bittersweet is a good description of the feeling I guess.

I am so blessed that this new chaper-( no wait a second- it's a NEW BOOK, not a new chapter)has begun for my firstborn and his sweet family!!!

My heart swells with love for all 5 of my kids and the lives that they have- right this minute!!!

Every single one of them are just a blessing to me!!!

OK since the tears are back, Im gonna have to stop babbling here and move on to the sunshine outside and finish counting my blessings there!!!

Any guesses?????

2010-04-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

Here's another rescue project- it's a great old mirror frame from a bureau. I rescued it from the side of the road several weeks ago.

Any guesses what I'm gonna do with it????

I admit it's a unique project- not sure it'll even be a workable item.
Go ahead- guess what I'm doing with it!!! And yes it will be for sale at the Flea MArket!!!!

I am clearing out lots of my ViNtaGE TrEasureS- so come shop on May 1 &2 at the Cal-Cam Flea Market!!!

Self portrait Friday…again!!!!

2010-04-23T15:43:00.001-05:00

WOW, this seems to sneak up on me every week!!!

Handy time to have a quick snapshot- some girlfriends and I went to a wool dyeing and spinning class today. It was in a botannical park so we ran-literally- through the flowers before we left!!!

So fun to spend time with these girls!!!

FUN RefurbishinG project

2010-04-22T21:04:00.001-05:00

Luke rescued a pair of chairs like this little beauty several months ago. I waited to see if he had an idea but they just kept sitting on my back porch…..beckoning to me. What else could I do- just keep ignoring them , and their pleas for….repair?

Not me!

I thought about lots of things to use for the new seats but when I saw an old pair of jeans headed for the trashcan- well, need I say more????? What on earth is more comfy and durable than denim????Not much!

I think these will be for sale at the Flea Market in May.

Blah,blah, blogging!!!!

2010-04-18T22:38:00.001-05:00

I was thinking about how long I've been blogging- a loooong time! Over 10 years now.

I actually started out with a real live web page and maintained that for 5 or 6 years- then I first heard the word "blog" about 5 years ago and slowly warmed up to the idea of a journal type format.

It didn't seem attractive to me at first because of the single entry format- but as you can see I've adjusted!

-Just in case you care here's the beginning of blogging info-

After a slow start, blogging rapidly gained in popularity. Blog usage spread during 1999 and the years following, being further popularized by the near-simultaneous arrival of the first hosted blog tools.

As of December 2007, blog search engine Technorati was tracking more than 112,000,000 blogs

From the number of blogs (over 112,000,000)I'm not the only one who regularly blogs!

By the way- blog is a contraction of the words web log- just in case ya wanted to know!!!

Now on to the business of BLOGGING!!!!!

I think I’ve blogged through every life event imaginable, so I figure why stop now????

Did ya see my new white cabinet? Isn’t it just wonderful????

And here’s a pretty picture of my sweet Sara!! She’s a beautiful grown up, isn’t she?

And here’s Abby- adorable as always!!!

And wait till you see what I do with these great burlap bags I snagged at a garage sale this weekend!!!Come out to the Cal Cam Flea Market on May 1 &2 TO SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!!

RYLANDS SWEET LITTLE TOES!!!!

Self portrait Friday.....

2010-04-16T22:35:00.000-05:00

This is the end of the day....and this hammock (a gift from Luke) is THE BEST PLACE to end the daylight hours!!!!
It's been a busy week but a good one!Lots going on and my old bones are tired. I am savoring the quietness of this place that we are blessed to live. I am sooo thankful that I can stop and breathe in the last minutes of daylight in peace surrounded by beauty(and a train,once in a while) and love from a wonderful family and fantastic friends!
Abby sat in the hammock this week too!

Teenage surgeons???SCARY!!!!

IT'S OK- THEY WERE ONLY OPERATING ON A WORM!!!

Ugly women…..

2010-04-13T09:07:00.001-05:00

As I was working in the garden a few days ago a thought kept circling around my head…I finally stopped and listened.

I was thinking about how we treat one another- I know I’m impatient and irritable with others at times and really I should be a bit more longsuffering. As I thought about HOW to be more patient and longsuffering it occurred to me that with some , I overlook far more than with others.

“Why”, I asked myself am I able to make a difference? I came up with lots and lots of reasons(which I won’t bore you with :)…) - some were good,solid reasons and some….well, they were just plain old excuses.

I did come away with a thought that I hope to put into practice,though.

How would I treat _________ if I knew she had a terminal illness? I would overlook the sarcastic comment, the overlooked invitation,the sharp tongued criticism and so many more things that I normally respond to,either actively or passively.

Why? Well, because obviously a person with a terminal illness has much greater things to deal with every day than my petty “feelings” and diva attitudes! I mean they have LIFE issues to think about- big stuff.

So I overlook the offense and move on, forgiving or even completely ignoring the offense, which makes forgiving it unnecessary. So why can’t I just apply that “CODE OF ACTION” to everyone? Because really, aren’t we ALL terminal? Sure, some will be leaving sooner than others but all of us are only here for a short time- so in essence we ARE all terminal.

I read one of my favorite quotes on Facebook the other day and it fits right here with this thought.

“Life is too short to dance with an ugly woman”

That ugly woman is any forgiveness or bitterness and I think I’ve danced with her long enough!

"Love covers a multitude of sins" (1Pe 4:8)

Good friends….there’s nothing like it!!!

2010-04-11T22:24:00.001-05:00

This weekend was lots of fun….and well, honestly it was a lot of work too. Good friends’ support and kind words made the work seem as nothing.

The flea Market booth looked great- lots of folks asked if Marilyn and I had a store- now that’s a compliment!!!! :)

So many of our good friends came out to support us and I want you to know it means the world to Marilyn and me!!!! Thank you seems so insufficient- but THANK YOU is all I can come up with!!!

So much for a picture of me today…

2010-04-09T20:54:00.001-05:00

Today was the final set up day for the local Flea Market-tomorrow is the opening day for THE NEST- a combined effort of Marilyn and myself!

The market stuff is ready to go and Marilyn’s art added sooo much!!!

Actually now that I think about it I do have a picture of me- sort of…..

It’s me…in the faces of my girls! I am so proud of these girls!

I don’t know of any young women that can do what these two can- especially together!!!!

And Happy Birthday to Sara- she’s a big 20 today!!!

And here’s another ….

Only your true friends will haul a 6 foot fence section purchased at a Garage Sale (next door to a baby shower!!) home to yet another friends truck …….

anyway- my friends!!!!!!! They’re the best!!!!!

So , it was self-portrait Friday after all!

UUUUMMMMMM...I think this is for little kids..?

2010-04-07T22:41:00.000-05:00

But we have mostly BIG kids- sooooo the big kids have to do the little kid stuff!!!
Sweet kissin cousins!!!!

Sweet Uncle Drew helped Wendy and Abby find eggs

And big ole Unc Chris kept Ryland in the middle of things..

Wendy was so happy to find the treasures hidden in the grass!

More fun in Texas….

2010-04-05T00:04:00.001-05:00

Yep- that’s Liz trying to retrieve a treasure from the trash!!! A true recycler!!!! : )

Finally had to call it a day!!! My oh my did we have fun!!!

Maybe too much fun? !!! I’m sure the night clerk thought we were imbibing in something other than good old girly fun!!!

MArilyn tried to convince William that we were being hard on her- he’s smart- he didn’t buy it!!! :)

Next adventure!!!!We were up early and out to have more fun-

A wonderful treat!!!!
The Antique Rose Emporium!!!

There really is a yellow brick road!!!!!

Home again!!! Tired and happy-very tired!!!

Always the artist- Marilyn was tweaking ideas for our flea market next weekend- come out and see us at the Fairgrounds in Sulphur!!

Self portrait Friday……..FUN!!!!

2010-04-02T23:14:00.001-05:00

A couple of very happy farmgirls….why are we so stinkin’ happy?

Liz,Marilyn and I were on our way to Texas for a fun couple of days together. I think we officially called this trip a “Bucket List” trip.

Marilynn got us motivated when she kept after us to quit putting it off. She’s had a tough year and we all finally realized that we needed to just do it!

So we did!!!!

My bags are packed..(of course I needed my curling iron!!!)

We rolled out of Lake Charles at 5 am-headed for the “BIG TIME”……… well, ok it was just the Biggest Flea Market in the south- ROUND TOP,Texas!!!

The very first glimpse of a very LARGE flea market!

There is no way to describe this place- there were miles and miles of fabulous flea markets –each one more varied and colorful than the one before!

There just wasn’t time enough for shopping,visiting and taking pictures sooooooooo…….

Here are just a few shots of our wonderful adventure!

Pink and blue chandelier!!!

Magnolia Pearl world..

Annah fit right in at Robyn’s tent of lace and linen…

So did LIZ!!!

More pics comin’ up !!!

That’s right-another birthday!!!

2010-03-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sweet grand-girl Kaydence has a birthday today!!!

She had a special request for her birthday and it took me a bit to find it but I did!

Now if only she gets it in time for her birthday!!!

Your “Real Granny” loves you so much KK!!!

Can’t wait till I can hug you in person again!!!

My new helper!!!!

2010-03-29T07:24:00.000-05:00

In the absence of my human helpers this is my newest buddy in lawncare!!!!My hubby treated me to yet another way to make my outdoor work easier-it’s a lawn sweeper.

It’ll also help build my compost pile.

We are still waiting for warm weather – but when it FINALLY gets here I’ll be ready to manage all the tasks!!!!

COME ON SPRING and SUMMER!!!!!

Perch jerkin’

2010-03-27T07:17:00.000-05:00

It’s time to stock the pond again.

Abby went with me to pick up all the big plastic bags of fish at the feed store.

She donned those pink striped gloves all day – not just for the fish project. They were a real hit too! :)

She helped temper them and then release them into the pond-

She even named a few of them. This one is named SMUDGY.

Hopefully,Smudgy and his friends will have an appetite for worms this summer!!

The catfish we stocked with last year are impossible to catch on a line- no fun for the kids at all.

We’ll see how this fish population works out pretty soon I think.

Friday self portrait…sigh…

2010-03-26T16:21:00.001-05:00

Words cannot express my sadness this Friday as I reflect on myself and my thoughts once again.(For those unaware, I am part of a challenge to take a self portrait each Friday, and reflect on my thoughts and actions for the week)

A dear friend lost her son in an auto accident yesterday- he was 26.

He was raised up with my older sons and together we have all seen lots of life- both good and bad.This morning as we gathered to clean the church building for the funeral service I realized that once again we were “doing this” together- burying a son-Leesa’s son- together.

We are so much stronger together –I cannot imagine my life without the women who faithfully gather to “do this” whether “this” is a good time or bad.

My new treasure!

2010-03-25T15:42:00.001-05:00

Isn’t this antique rubber stamp set cool?
I found it it recently at a flea market and splurged!
I am so glad I did- The stamps are in perfect condition and not a letter or symbol is missing.
Best of all the letters are large.
I’ve already used the set several times for tags and other art pieces.

The original ink pad is labeled
“Fulton 1912”

Last minute agenda…..

2010-03-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

With time running short we really had to cram a lot into our last day together!

We started out at the park- after yet another attempt to play PuttPutt failed.

The kids had a great time!

The big ones AND the little ones….

By 1 o’clock we had been to the park and then on to Cici’s Pizza – can somebody please tell me why we did that?

The really weird thing is that there were lots of people there without kids- why would anyone in their right mind go there –especially without kids? It’s loud- crowded – tons of cryin kids and pizza on the floor as well as the tables……

By the time we got to the interstate all 3 girls were sleeping!

Wendy started her day out with a nap….good thing too because we still had LOTS of day ahead of us!!!!!

Guess I’ll have to make this a “to be continued”-we still have lots left to show you about our last day of fun!!!

Can penguins run?

2010-03-22T08:07:00.000-05:00

Sometimes God gives me things to do that I’m not very good at. I keep reminding Him that I’m a penguin and not good at running, but He just pats me on the head as if to say,”That’s ok, I know what I’m doing”
To make matters worse, lots of others know that I’m not so good at running- and they remind me and others who may not have noticed , that I’m not so good at running.
I would gladly quit if only God would let me! But alas I have no choice but to continue to run, all the while knowing just how unqualified I am for this very assignment.
Honestly, it is humiliating…..humbling, and almost overwhelming, but somehow He keeps embracing me and nudging me forward to overcome all the voices that say,"Give it up!”
Funny how it works- ya get a job to do that you don’t ask for, you’re no good at and you’re totally unqualified for – and everybody knows it- but still it’s your job!
Ya gotta wonder WHY?
I do!
Moses did!
Wait a second- this is exactly how Moses felt- he was instructed by God to SPEAK before the mighty Pharoah(Don’t worry, I don’t fancy myself to be a “MOSES”) and he told God that he couldn’t speak well. (Exodus 2)
Moses’ answer to God-“Who am I that I should go unto Pharoah and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
God said- “Certainly ,I will be with thee!”
(Exodus 2:11-12)
And to Paul He said-
2 Corinthians 12:9 ..
My grace is sufficient for thee:for my strength is made perfect in weakness.Most gladly will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
I’m thinking I’m gonna have to trust God to walk me through, and pick me up when I fall on my face, and forgive me when I rail at HIM for making me RUN.

TIME TO GO RUN!!!!
If you don’t like the way I run…please close your eyes, cause I’m gonna run as long as HE tells me to.

SpRinG has arrived….

2010-03-21T15:36:00.001-05:00

The calendar says SPRING is here….but it sure seems a lot cooler than in years past.

I am really needin a little warm sunshine ….how bout you?

Dear SPRING,

I have missed your warm days and sunny skies

I can’t get motivated to go outside and I really need to be there.

Please come and stay awhile- I’d love to bask in the sun and listen to the birds …plant new flowers and seeds and even clean up the winter “messes” in the yard.

Sincerely,

your friend

I thought you might enjoy this article on LOVE by my eldest.(click the link to read ) LOVE

UGGGH! Self portrait Friday …again?????

2010-03-20T00:04:00.001-05:00

It’s my own silly fault…what was I thinking when I took up this challenge????

I have to admit- I thought about the self reflection topics alot this week- even with all the busy-ness of my grandkids goin’ on around me.

Haven’t drawn a lot of conclusions but I certainly have consciously realized “how” I think .

It is calming, in a weird sort of way, to actually kind of come to terms with who you are and how you think. :)

Since this week has been void of those troublesome compliments,I haven’t had a chance to practice on that- maybe next week.

This week it seems that I need another dose of humility- so here are two really awful pictures of who I really WAS in the 70’s(brace yourself- I was an awkward teen at my very best!!!) :0 and who I am now- as a Granny - after spending the last 3-4 days literally eating pizza,playing in the park,planting flowers,painting the dog house, roasting marshmallows and a million other tiny things I can’t remember- all with my grandkids plus a few!!!

Hmmm.maybe next week my eyes won’t look so tired and my double chin will shrink a bit???:)

I'm lagging behind....but still in the race!!!

2010-03-18T08:03:00.001-05:00

I'm posting a little late(like 2 days behind!!) but I can't help it- we are having such fun!!!!

We started Tuesday off with a visit to PawPaw Jack's.

He was so pleased to see the girls.

He got to share his "own personal fish tank" with them all

(Assisited living gives him sooo much to share without the load of caretaking those things!)

Next we were off to Lake Charles- for some fun.

The plan was to go play PuttPutt- but the weather turned nasty and so we switched gears and played indoors- at Chuck E. Cheese's

Am I crazy, or what???????

I'm not sure how Andie escaped before I snapped this pic- but she did!!

Bekah and kids plus her nephew,Caleb, met us there and the kids had a great time!!!

We did too actually!

Of course the chores had to be done - and we did them too!!!

Everybody helping each other- such a sweet time!

Wide open spaces to walk and run

Time to rest and read stories...and yes go to bed!!!!!!

ATTA BOY!

2010-03-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

I just had to share this with all of you!!!

My hardworkin' man received this yesterday, in appreciation for his work on securely installing lots of communication stuff in preparation for Vice president Joe Biden.s local visit.

(No we didn't go to the event)

Sometimes we forget to thank the people that do the unseen things to make life- fun, safe and easy- so it meant a lot to me for somebody to actually recognize his work- even if it is only a small part of his work.

ATTA'Boy!!!!

Happy times-

2010-03-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

I won't bore you with details!

We're havin a ton of fun and it's only day 1!!!!

4 Wheelin'

Kid cookin'

New friends-a vising cousin-in-law???

Adventure walks with PawPaw

Farmyard chores

Fresh Eggs!!!!!

Even a bike ride for our big boy!!!

(Thanks for the safety adjustment Uncle Christopher!!)

More to come as the week continues!

Grandgirls have arrived!!!

2010-03-13T22:21:00.001-06:00

The girls are here and the fun can begin!!!

It actually already has- starting with fresh squeezed lemonade and homemade sugar cookies.

Hugs from a happy cousin and fun with Paw Paw on the 4 wheeler!!!

Self portrait Friday!

2010-03-12T19:55:00.001-06:00

Scary as it may be , I have accepted a challenge from a lady in blog-world-here’s her post-Ornamental

No preplanning or any of that- I just opened the web cam and clicked- as you can see I’m not alone! This picture pretty much describes my week too- happy,but a little tired-and spending the days with my hard-workin man- always close by.

These Friday self portraits should accomplish a couple of things-

First- perhaps some of my vanity will be minimized by actually looking at what all of you see all the time!

Second- I hope to see myself more objectively and get a bit more comfortable with my “very own ME” :)- Sometimes the old lady in the mirror is a total stranger to me- she looks much older and ….ahem….heavier than I remember…or feel!

Finally- each week as I look at me, I hope to look deeper into myself to find the areas of discomfort that I deal with and work on them a bit- acceptance,if you will.

The very first thing that comes to mind that I need to figure out is how to accept a compliment graciously. I’ve been caught off guard a couple of times in the last few months and each time I stumbled around and landed badly – just escaping the moment awkwardly.

Ever since the third time it happened I started watching others (smart,right?) and have been trying to memorize the ones who graciously accepted kind compliments.

I’m still workin on it- and I have a long way to go but I am determined to learn this skill!!!!! Is it false humility to be amazed that someone would compliment me in the first place? I don’t know- I just know that it just stupifies me and I deflect and run as far and fast as I can!!!

OK-I have now given myself an assignment for the week- or the next several weeks if it takes it!!!

How hard can it be-right??

The End of an Era…

2010-03-11T17:09:00.001-06:00

period with its own chronological system: a time period within which years are consecutively numbered from a particular significant event that provides its starting point

Synonyms: age, epoch, eon, period, time, years, date

I’m thinking this project fits that definition!

Since the recipients will soon celebrate their SECOND anniversary,and this WAS a wedding gift ,I think it’s safe to say that it has been part of an “ERA” that has ended! WHEW!

It was a bit ambitious for my skill level but I did it!!!

I think with this complete I have accomplished most of the “I wish I could do that” ideas I’ve had.

I guess everything else will be Lagniappe?Translation=unexpected bonus: an unexpected bonus or extra

AAAAIIIIEEEEEEE!!!!

2010-03-09T22:43:00.003-06:00

Yeah- that’s the “Cajun National Anthem”-(Jolie Blond)- you hear playing. I just LOVE cajun music and I got to listen to a little bit today.

I listened to Zachary Richard on LPB tonight. He has some great tunes- but even before that I was havin a Looziana day- just lovin this swampland I live in!

Took a drive to a funeral today and was reminded of how unique this place is.Swamps, crawfish farms,rice dryers,levees,and cajun music!
I love this place- so much culture.
Traditions?
Oh yeah- Easter Sunday most yards will be filled with happy folks boiling crawfish- finally!!!!
The season is full on after that- and the festivals begin- one after another- zydeco music with words I’ll never understand- but love the sound of.
AHHHHH- Louisiana!!!

ANOTHER Birthday!!!!

2010-03-09T08:35:00.000-06:00

We are so rich in Happy Birthdays!!!

This time it’s Aidan’s!!

I sure wish I could give him this hug in person for his birthday!!

I miss my sweet little lamb!

Happy Birthday precious boy! Granny loves you!!!!

The Birthday buddies are ONE!!!!!!

2010-03-05T17:15:00.001-06:00

It’s hard to believe but today these sweet girls turned 1 !**Lillie had a busy schedule and couldn’t stay for birthday cake- but we sang to her just the same!!****

Sweet Lillie and Wendy – together from the beginning! It’s really funny because they are so different..in some ways ~ one a first born the other the youngest of 6- but in some ways they are exactly the same!

Both are well loved babies born to godly parents seeking to nurture them in the admonition of the Lord. Both are cherished by the women who meet each week to pray together as our very own !

God is so good to give us these precious children ~ our own and those of our sisters to love and cherish. Some of us have already raised an entire generation of kids that are now joining us with their children. How wonderful to see and experience a new generation of women, our own young women, doing such a fine job of raising up another generation of children of the great God of the universe!!!!

He must be smiling!!!!

These little guys will be running and making noise with trucks, blocks and scaring the girls with bugs before we can blink!!!!

Noble and Ryland

The reason I'm NOT a FIRST RESPONDER!!!!

2010-03-03T21:23:00.000-06:00

Thankfully this is a humorous recollection!

It takes a special person to be a first responder-I am NOT one of them.

All my kids know this.

WHen they were young and one of them seemed to be choking, I would just

sit frozen in my chair and watch !!

Today I topped my own performance-let me explain.

I was busily going about my morning routine - workout,cleaning house,baking cookies to deliver and then I got to my sewing room to finish up a small project- a 15 min job.

The phone rang- it was my daughter.

She calmly told me that her husband was unresponsive and she had called the ambulance to come .

He's a diabetic and this is dangerous.

Although she was concerned, her voice was calm and direct.

Once hanging up - here's the ridiculous part-

I went right back to my sewing project- I was trying to think about what to do

but still just sitting in my pj's, no make up, hair a mess-

as though all was well in the world!

AAAAAGGGGGGG!

Finally it occured to me that I needed to do something-

Did I jump up and get dressed?

NO!

I called my friend Liz-and told her what was going on and she flew into action

and to Rebekah's house , just a few blocks away.

Finally I felt myself begin to act- I fumbled for clothes, and stumbled out the door ....finally!!!

Amazingly I arrived while the ambulance was still there.

My sweet son in law was on a stretcher, confused and completely unaware of what was going on.

The paramedics were calmly giving him information and instructions and Bekah was getting things together to follow him to the hospital. The kids were sitting quietly beside Liz watching the events.

The END of the story?

They got Andrew adjusted and stable at the hospital and sent him home to recoup.

I will not be trying to get a job in First Responder type work!!!!

You are all safe!!!!

Another great recipe!!!

2010-03-01T19:39:00.002-06:00

I’m telling you- if you haven’t tried Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook- you are missing out!!!
Yesterday I made her chicken pot pie and it was simply perfect!!!The crust was wonderful(her recipe too!) and the filling was easy and delicious!!!

Another delicious treat- these two sweet babies- lovin’ each other!!!

And FINALLY~ my soap adventure for last week included a new scent-Citrus Circus!!! It is simply the coolest scent.
Lemon-lime,grapefruit,blackberry – a hint of cucumber & Jasmine and finally champagne!!!
It smells “bubbly” fresh and FUN!!!!!!

CONFUSION!!!!

2010-02-26T21:23:00.001-06:00

I’m sitting here thinking… how can I be so confused all at once?

I know the devil is throwing darts and I know how to fight him off but I’m telling you I’m spinning in circles!!!!!

Sure I could skip posting about it but then somehow you’d have the idea that I NEVER have crummy days- and that is definitely not true!

In fact, today was a pretty good day until this evening. Then one event after another, each a little more negative than the one before it, began unfolding- each seemingly unrelated.It was as if all at once a shower of blackness had fallen out of the sky!

All proof that I am indeed not capable of controilling EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!

“Words are the voice of the heart”~

2010-02-24T23:09:00.001-06:00

I take the ability to express myself in words that others can understand far too often!

It’s such a simple thing- I can say ,”Hello”or ,”No thank you- I prefer chocolate” and just like that my desire is met or an explanation is offered as to why it can’t be met.

I can explain to a friend why I’m sad- or what I was thinking of that made me happy. I can order food from a menu or tell an old story.

Such simple things- but today they were insurmountable obstacles for my father in law. He suffered a stroke several years ago and despite huge improvements, this skill of expressing his thoughts in coherent words has not improved.

So many other skills- important skills- have been relearned and he is overall doing extremely well.

His words are not back. So many times as he “talks” with great feeling, it is a complete mystery what he is saying. His heart must be fairly exploding with things he wants to express but cannot.

His mind is clear and his memory amazing! His simple yes and no nods and sometimes even the words themselves are proof of that.

I needed to remember that today- and be thankful that I can express the thoughts of my heart today and so can most of you!

What an incredible blessing words are!

Any idea what this is?

2010-02-20T16:49:00.001-06:00

I was just thinking about how perspective changes the way we see things.

I never would have seen it at all unless I had completely changed my perspective.

Still no idea?

It’s the inside of one of the red tulips!

WHO KNEW?

My hardworkin’ man bought these for me last weekend after hearing me admire my friend’s that were just popping out of the ground.

They are just the very essence of spring-don’t ya think?(Now that depends on your perspective!)

But I’m not fooled- no siree! I know better than to start plantin’ my seeds and playin’ in the dirt.

It’s far too much work to waste when I know(well, I think) we have at least one more cold snap commin’ our way.

Funny- when ya get to be old like me, the seasons are marked out so well that ya hardley have to look at the calendar-

I mean right after the fireworks(New Years) the King Cakes and purple and green appear(MardiGras) and then the clover turns greener and the trees bud and out come the frilly dresses(Easter) and BAM! Carolina Jasmine appears and Then…and not a moment before then… I can turn the dirt over in the garden!!!!

Well I haven’t seen the Carolina Jasmine yet- so the warm day and blooming tulips are not foolin’ this old girl! I’ll just enjoy the warm day and wait for the Jasmine!!!!

The Front Porch

2010-02-17T21:42:00.001-06:00

The Front Porch

is now open!

About a year ago I started making soap, hoping to sell it at the local Farmer’s Market. That plan has hit one snag after another- market permits,location and vendor limits- ***sigh***

I really enjoy making soap and my family cannot possibly use all the soap I make so I really need to find a way to sell some of it –so I can KEEP ON PLAYING!!!

Go take a peek at

The Front Porch

my brand new ETSY Shop-it’s an online store to sell some of the creations I am accumulating.

Thank you to all my sweet friends who’ve encouraged me to keep on playing ….uuumm I mean working….on all my hobbies!

Evidence of a sheltered life…..

2010-02-14T13:47:00.001-06:00

I’m certain I have been far too sheltered….because I have never tasted Crème’ Brule’!

My favorite candle scent for the last 3 or 4 years has been Crème Brule, but I really didn’t even know exactly what Crème Brule’ was.

As many of you already know I have been trying recipes from Ree Drummonds cookbook, PIONEER WOMAN COOKS~Today’s recipe was Creme’Brulee’ and I’m certain I will never be the same after tasting it!

The only warning in the recipe was to cook only until set- but not browned…a little tricky, but I managed to get it right.

After chilling the dessert cups of this tasty goodness,then comes the FUN!

Of course Luke was happy to oblige with this step- browning the sugar on top forming a crisp ,brown top.

I was short a few ramekins,(small,shallow,oven-safe dishes) so I used a pie plate once all the small dishes were filled.

There is no way I can describe to you how delectable this treat is…I simply cannot think of the words- let’s see- smooth~ velvety~rich~light~ exquisite~

It is so simple to whip up and only calls for a few ingredients-heavy cream,egg yolks(10 of em!) and a tiny bit of sugar & vanilla.

Since I can’t bear to throw out good food (remember those 10 egg whites?)I used the egg whites to whip up a quick Angel food cake!

BON APETITE!

Friends~Old & New

2010-02-10T22:54:00.001-06:00

These little beauties are gifts from friends –one from an old friend and one from a new one.

I cannot express what each means to me-the friends and the gifts!!!!

I want to tell you about each of them-

These earrings are one of a kind- handcrafted by my “old” friend,Marilyn for my birthday.

The long turquoise vintage beads are wrapped delicately in silver and copper wire and embellished with a tiny pearl bead.

I just LOVE turquoise and I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see this wonderful one of a kind creation!

Thank you sooooooo much,Marilyn!!

Next is another one of a kind gift!

Recently I started working part time at my favorite antique store ever-“81”.

I’ve met so many wonderful people in the time I’ve been there and one of them is my “new” friend,Ellen.

In our visiting we’ve discovered a great many similar interests. One of those was a blog that features an American woman living in France.

Corey's Blog

We were visiting about a few items that Ellen had purchased from Corey a few weeks ago. She mentioned some of the pretties she had purchased and we were both wondering how long before her treasures would arrive.

When She returned to the store this week she surprised me with one of her treasures-it’s called a “ferve”- at least as much as Ellen and I could make out.

It’s a small,lovely, ceramic tile,very thin and used during the holiday ,Epiphany. It’s baked in a pastry much like the baby in a KING CAKE during Mardi Gras. The Eiffel Tower is just lovely and oh so FRENCH!!!!!

Thank you so much ,Ellen!!

To my special friends who have blessed me with their talents,ideas,gifts and outlooks –THANK YOU!!!!

You have made my life richer and fuller and oh so much more fun!!!!!!

WHO DAT has DUN DAT!!!!!!

2010-02-07T22:12:00.001-06:00

Super bowl history- a great game- fun party- and sooo much more!!!!!!

Louisiana needed this win…and it’s not just about football. It’s been a tough few years and honestly morale is pretty low in these parts.

Just like a movie with a good ending the big win tonight gave us all a moment of joy and excitement and a “feel-good-about-home” moment!!!!

I’m thinking Fleur De Leis will be a hot item in the weeks to come!!!!

Even Abby knows a good thing when she sees it!!!!

Another local business to support!!

2010-02-04T22:56:00.001-06:00

I'm a big believer in supporting our local business folks-

Here's another great local business for you to support!

PIT STOP TIRE & LUBE

Grand Opening

March 11

Jeff & Julie Johnson have recently expanded their tire and auto shop

in Reeves to include another location in Dequincy.

Please remember them when your shopping for tires and other auto repairs.

Here's their spot on Facebook!

Pit Stop Tire & Auto

Fleur DeLeis...football...saints......oh my!

2010-02-02T23:11:00.001-06:00

**Just in case you missed the story on KPLC here's a link**
KPLC News Story- "81"
Nah- I'm not really a big football fan- but it just

seems to be unavoidable to

pull for the Saints this time!

It's a first in lots of ways and .....well ..with the

economy woes, job insecurity, and the suffering in Haiti- it's kind of a nice diversion.

It's also a diversion from my daily workout!!!! UUUUGH!

I'm really working hard and not seeing lots of results- but just like pulling for the Saints...it's unavoidable to see where my weight and muscle tone are heading If I DON'T keep working out!!!

Why oh why does it have to be so hard ?

All the time I'm sweating and working out I keep thinking of reasons that I can't do this...

I'm old, I don't care, it won't work, nobody else cares......

and on it goes!!!

I go through the same routine every day...

and some days I'm just about in tears by the time I finish!

I've worked at working out for the past 10 years..

never did it in school-except when I played softball-

I'm clumsy and awkward and it just doesn't appeal to me.

But the alternative is to gain weight..feel sluggish and get weaker as I age.

eeny-meeny-miney-moe

do I eat or

touch my toes?

If I eat

I'll grow and grow

and if I don't

I'll touch those toes!!!!

Funny the things ya do when ya get older,huh?

Update on the cookbook adventure!

2010-01-31T20:43:00.001-06:00

I don't do many book reviews- especially since I'm not a big reader.

Shocking,no?

I'm a really good reader but I'm afraid I don't enjoy it.

ANYWAY.................................................

I recently bought a copy of a fantastic cookbook- and the author is a hoot to read!

She fits my writing specs- short-sweet- and full of reality!!!!

I have tried recipe after recipe and to my great surprise and delight my hubby likes every one of them!!!!

I think you will too!

One of my readers asked me to let her know which recipes I'd tried so here goes Kimberly-

Meatballs,Choc cake,sweet rolls, Olive Cheese bread,Enchiladas,Marlboro mans sandwich,Sour cream pancakes,Maple scones...(I told ya I've been busy!!!)-

Migas,Breakfast Puffs,Prune cake(yes- he even liked this one!!!)Potato skins(my fave)

and Pico deGallo

                                                                          The Book
                                 If you need a great kick start to some new recipes try this book!!!
                                                       Let me know if you try some of them!

Speaking of death.........

2010-01-27T15:40:00.001-06:00

While visiting my sweet friend,Marilyn,yesterday, she told me about a touching and comforting message that she had recently heard. When I got home last night, I was grumpy,tired and kinda discouraged because Marilyn is getting sick again-my house is upside down- I have no energy- and generally speaking I just can't get it together!!!!!
I sat down to check my email and remembered the link to that message Marilyn had sent.
It was late- she warned me it was moving so I decided to listen while I was alone.

All I can say is that the things I was undone about didn't change- but the way I saw them sure did.
I'm putting a link here for you to see this message too.
Rachel- the young woman speaking took my breath away right from the beginning.
Young ,beautiful, successful - wife and mother of two little ones-and battling cancer. She informed the audience that just that day she had gotten news that she was not going to recover. Furthermore she had just a short time- very short- before she would leave her family to mourn her loss.
Please take the time to listen(when you have 30-40 min)
http://deathisnotdying.com/eventvideo/
It was heart-wrenching but oh so encouraging!!!!!!!
What a courageous woman!

http://deathisnotdying.com/eventvideo/

A profound thought?

2010-01-25T23:52:00.000-06:00

Last week in a tragic accident a young father's life was ended .

He left behind three young sons and a wife and no doubt many,many friends and loved ones.

He was a public servant, a State Trooper and by all accounts(I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him or his family) was well loved and respected.

Most importantly , he knew and loved his Saviour, according to those who knew him.

His passing was mourned publicly by hundreds and hundreds of people, covered in the news and escorted by his fellow officers,friends and coworkers in a moving display of honor and kindness.

Last week a middle aged father 's life ended after a 2 year struggle with lung cancer.

He left behind a wife and married son & daughter and a few friends and relatives.

A life of hardship and difficult choices made his life less than picture perfect but happy all the same.

He was in and out of church, his family has had numerous setbacks and in the end his passing was noted with a small service with a few friends and a bit of family in a small chapel with little or no notice from the rest of the world.

Both will be missed .

Both were loved.

Psalms 116:15

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints

I wondered as I watched the final moments of the simultaneous events how each of the families felt.
I know a bit about it....and I know that losing a loved one hurts, no matter whether they were honorable, upstanding heroes or just plain old every day people.....like my people.

I know that people surrounding you at the time of your loss is like a warm blanket on a blustery cold night! It's still cold and but it makes you feel much better to be wrapped up in the warm blanket.
I also know that both families will face the same difficult things ahead..learning to live differently... but living still.

Some ladies were mentioning the events of the week at prayer meeting last week and Rebekah put it all into perspective for us with this quote from .....".Horton Hears a Who"

"..A person's a person,no matter how small"

Don't forget to listen for the little people.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

2010-01-23T18:52:00.000-06:00

Wednesday was my mom’s birthday and we had a wonderful time celebrating together!!!!It’s so good to be close enough to share special days like this one!!

The little ones had a great time too!!!!

Supporting local talent!

2010-01-21T15:23:00.000-06:00

I have recently become aware of a few locals with extraordinary talent.

I'll be posting links and contact info for those who'd like to support our own- right here in town.

One of those is Grace Meaux- <> she's Gracie to me- and she still resides in my mind and heart as a little girl<>
but reality is she's grown up and possesses some real talent with a camera!
Take a peek at her blog and see for yourself.
http://graceavephotography.blogspot.com/

Vintage Lady

2010-01-19T22:53:00.001-06:00

This is another fun project I finished this weekend- an altered art doll.

It was oh so easy and lots of fun!!!

Start out with a vintage can- mine was an AVON Talcum powder can called Here's My Heart.

I used a ceramic head from a thrift store figurine, bits of lace,buttons,old jewelry pieces ,fringe and fur to embelish her. Finally I hung a gold rope with a heart button attatched around her neck.

Now she's ready to give someone her heart!!!!!!!

A new treasure!!!!

2010-01-17T14:16:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't wait to share the latest creation from the jewelry-makers den!!!!

I requested a pair of silver and turquoise earrings several weeks ago and to my great delight my in-house silver-smith finished these yesterday!!!!

I just LOVE them!!!

I just had to hurry and share them with you!!!!!!!

Birthday fun and memories..

2010-01-15T23:13:00.001-06:00

Thursday was my 52nd birthday~ and it was a good one.
I mean, if you're still here to celebrate then it's a good one , right? :)
Anyway, it was a quiet, low key day.
My daughters and my mom prepared a brunch and tea at Sara's house.
We had a wonderful time visiting and relaxing together.

Abby informed us all that she had worn her RED PANTIES especially for my birthday!!!
Who knew I'd be honored so???? :)
While I was stretched out in the recliner Abby snuggled up in my lap(very rare for her to be this still) and looked up at me and really quietly said, "Granny, I am so happy it's your birthday! I love you so much!" and then she rubbed my face in her chubby little hand!
Is there a more precious gift???

Speaking of special gifts I must tell you about the looking glass in the picture .

It was one of my gifts yesterday.

At first I hadn't recognized it-

The last time I saw it , it was dusty with face powder and "rouge"(my grandma always called blush that) and the glass was broken. There was a tiny space you could see yourself in but mostly it just lay in the left hand drawer of the dressing table amid hair nets,rouge pots, and hairpins.

It was there for as long as I can remember-

and I remember being as young as 8-10 and barely able to see myself in the mirror over the table!!!

My mom had it repaired then cleaned and polished it and presented it to me for my birthday!

As I look into it, I can't help but think of my grandmother as she looked at her hair and face

to ready herself for her day.

It's a nice memory to start off my day.

Oh goody!!! Free stuff.....

2010-01-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

No, no- I didn't make these adorable treasures- this is just a snippet of Marilyn's work.

If you want a treat then hop on over to Marilyns blog http://my7sparrows.blogspot.com/

She's giving away INSPIRATION-in the shape of "pretties from her craft room"!!!!! Go read the description of the goodies!!!!

All ya have to do is leave a comment- the drawing is on Friday! !HURRY OVER!!!

While youre there- click that little "FOLLOW" button and keep up with her blog.

You'll be glad you did!
Here's the link-
http://my7sparrows.blogspot.com/2010/01/give-away.html

Hey do I get extra points Maire???Oh please...please pretty please?????? :)

A peek into parenthood........

2010-01-10T23:45:00.000-06:00

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.
~John W. Whitehead,

In just a few days my husband and I will mark not only our oldest son's birth but our 34th anniversary as parents.
We will have parented 5 children for a total of 34 years-on his birthday.
Boy have things changed since those days!!! Mostly hair!!!!!!

Really, we have changed so much - seems we've raised five seperate families actually.
Most of the kids are 5 years apart so they span in ages from 16-34.

That means we raised kids in the 70's-80's -90's the new millenium and forward!!!!
Right through Dr. Spock-Phil Donohue- television without remotes-smurfs -backward masking -
destruction of the Berlin Wall- -9-1-1, dial phones, princess phones, bag phones, cordless phones and now cell phones!!!!
I think you get the idea.
The world has changed so much in such a short time- is it any wonder that WE have changed a lot too?
Some things have not changed- and this letter reminded me of that. It's one of those timeless moments as a parent that defines why we do what we do.
With my husbands permission- I'm leaving it exactly as he wrote it to them- over 15 years ago!!!
Neither of us could even remember whether or not it was ever delivered to them.

Enough from me- now hear the heart of a father who loves his children ~

Dear Children-
I suppose I owe you this and I guess it's about time. Having children over such a long period of years leaves some of you ignorant about one end or the other of those years.It's been over 25 years since my first child was born and I guess you could say I have over 25 years of experience now. The same is true of my walk with Christ,knowledge,wisdom and marriage, etc....

To my older children I may have seemed to be vigilant,faithful and strong,strict, maybe fun, smart and surely young. I know from things I've heard you say ,you thought I was stronger,faster,smarter and godlier than most anyone you knew. You knew me as some sort of preacher. And you knew other people who thought the same of me.
My younger children?....They've seen me unable to preach, seemingly defeated,older and much slower, no apparent energy...you get the picture.

Have you seen the attacks in the presedential campaign? People are using the arrogance and foolishness of youth to define men of age , experience and perhaps wisdom.I don't know much about either candidate but I know that a portrait of them as youths is not a true portrait of them as old men. A photo of me when I was 20 compared to a picture of me now is sufficient evidence that men change with age physically. Youth would like to think that wisdom and knowledge follow the physical image ...and yes it does fade away...just not as fast as the physical.

Let me explain....
When I was your age I was stronger than a great many of my peers. I deemed myself smarter,wiser and godlier too. Because I was so smart and wise I could see things clearly that men twice, nay, thrice my age blundered over. Because I was so energetic,I could express my arrogant knowledge for hours, hardly taking a breath.(Not really- I had to breathe heavily because of my excitement at being so powerful)
Because I was strong, I was proud.
You perhaps still get a glimpse of that pride when I reminence of younger days(thats foolish vanity)
You have heard my warnings about so called health club memberships. You young people are probably not proud and vain as I was but because I was and am, I warn you.( I never worked out in a gymexcept for about a week in college and up to about 5 years ago I could have whipped any of you any way you wanted it)
Vanity and vexation of the spirit- you see? How do I advance the gospel by flattering my flesh?
Did I say I liked to spew my arrogant knowledge?
This too is vanity.
I am ashamed of the way I belittled people with my wonderful knowledge of the bible, all the while showing a lack of wisdom that comes from above.(a bruised reed he did not break, he didnt put out a smoldering flax)

Lest you use these things as fodder for your excuses as to why you are the way you are, let me take that away.Because I love God and his ways and desire to follow his teaching, I committed myself ,when you were very young, to giving you all I could in the way of godly upbringing.
True, it was done when I was about your age, in arrogance and ignorrance and with stumbling, but it was all I knew to do at the time.
Now, if you use the sacrafice of my life as an excuse for mistakes you have made, or troubles you experience, you are weak and need to look inward.
Seek the true liberator.

There- I took your excuse, now I give it back! Your upbringing is an excuse for what you are.
What are you that you were not guided to be?
What do you have that was not given?
Does God not still control?
You are who you are because your momma and I, because of Frank,Liz, Maplewood,...because of Gary,Steve,Barry,Tim, Jerry J, Larry R., Brandy,Penny aunt Marilyn,pastor Larry,Jennifer,Jonathan,Micah,Vineyard,Ms Queenie,Randall,Billy...because of USA,because of Louisiana,Sulphur,Moss Lake Providence,the cabin,the big house,the little house the hopes and dreams.
You are who you are because God made it so!
But what is it you will glory in? Where is it you will boast,in whom will you put your trust?
It is Jesus.
It is in Him that we live and move and have our existence.
Praise God we are all saved in spite of ourselves by the free gift of the love of God in Jesus Christ.

"Flee youthful lust,but follow after righteousness,charity,peace with them who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." You know,when you get angry at something I am trying to tell you ,it's probably at my inability to convey eternal ,spiritual things through this carnal body,but you can bet that I'm telling you because I love you you and not because I want to prove how bad you are.
You can bet that I know more about it than you and you can bet that I know more because I've wallowed in it for much too long and I dont want you to waste your time bowing to that devil.
Praise God for deliverance,for mercy.
Oh children, raise your hands to Him now in praise for He is excellent!He cleanses us and makes us righteous. in His son.
Praise your maker- He is ever around you.

To my younger children, God has given me to you at this time...older,slower,weaker, maybe wiser and more knowledgeable, but having experience behind me,feeling ignorant and short on wisdom.Some of that attributed to my seeming inability to carry anything to fruition. Some because of the weariness of battles that you may never see or understand(for that matter I may never understand)

You have only heard that I was strong,that I was a carpenter,a mechanic. That I preached ,some say with the spirit,some say being devisive. They are probably both right.
Youth is sometimes cruel- it doesnt let you know how foolish and ignorant you are.
Old age may be crueler...it does.
Nevertheless, it has brought me to where I am now(oops forgot I was talking to the younger ones) I mean...It got me here!

I almost fear for your teen years. They wear hard on me. I dont know if having you all close together would have been better. I would all be over faster, but it might be like an atom bomb! :)
As it is, I will have raised teenagers for about 25 years. Thats a long arduous task for anyone. Add in Bi-polar illness,age,stupidity,wore-out-ness etc, and you see where I might be a little apprehensive. You cant imagine the almost unbearable pain when one of your sweet children suddenly deem you his/her enemy. Though youve given your life for him/her for 16 yrs you are now trying destroy him/her.

It's as if I've fed you for all these years secretly scheming to slaughter you when you were fat enough. Now you realize the conspiracy and can think of nothing but escape.(Be easy on me young ones- I'm not as strong as I used to be)
It reminds me of how my Saviour must feel when I deny Him.
Lord, forgive me.
How long will I continue to pierce your side?Lord, I love you so much...or do I just SAY so?

Children, perhaps it is good that you are seperated by several years. I am better able to pray and concentrate on your difficulties and mine through these tough years for both of us.
Although I am only writing from my perspective, I ask you to remember your momma. We are coworkers in the Lord on your behalf. We have battles between ourselves in your behalf. Our strength ,courage,wisdom and love is tested almost daily during your teen years.(mostly on weekends....go figure) and usually past my bedtime!!!

If any of you thin you know how to raise kids please let me kno. Even with all my years of experience I'm clueless(you may agree)
Of all the jobs I've hadraising kids is way the hardest, but I shall not quit! I love it! I love YOU and YOU and YOU and YOU and YOU!

Anytime you want to cut me down to size , you go ahead. Smash me,bash me...turn me into dust for the wind to scatter to the hills. That is easily done, because I have built much of myself up with plaster and mud and shaped it to look good as I like people to see my image. What vanity!!!
But the things of God ARE in there. God has put them there and they will not crumble.
You will only make them more visible by taking shots at me. I am built on a firm foundation. I am not speaking out of pride but hope that you will learn to only...only see the God in me and not the me...in me.

All my love always,
your daddy

Make-over pictures!!!!!!!!

2010-01-09T20:31:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love BEFORE and AFTER pictures?

I couldn't resist !!!!!

Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.

~Henry Ford

Did my Hardworkin' Man make this look great or what???????

I am so pleased!

I decluttered the entire room AGAIN! This is the second time since Christmas!

AHHHHH- My mind feels better already!!!

An accidental find....a real treasure~!!!

2010-01-08T19:14:00.000-06:00

I stumbled onto this fantastic cookbook just before the holidays- quite by accident!

Oh my- what a happy accident!!!

I have tried several recipes and each one is better that the last!!!

She is a hoot to read-both her cookbook and her blog http://thepioneerwoman.com/

are full of great photography and lots of great country living tips- not to mention great inspiration for those of us who don't truly love cooking!!!!

I treated my hubby and I to scones this morning and Pioneer Woman came through again!!!!

I bought the book on AMAZON and it was quite reasonable-

The migas....Pico deGallo...sour cream pancakes......

and mmmmmmmmm........ each is wonderful!!!

Treat yourself!!!!

Just thinkin' ..............

2010-01-04T23:18:00.000-06:00

I just finished watching a documentary on relationships- not so much a "how- to -do- it" as an observation of physical reactions and markers in the complicated relationships we all experience.

Babies,children,parents, friends and mates-

I was captivated by the compilation of observations- though none of it was new to me. It was good to watch it at length and think about the fragility of it all and just how hard it is to maintain all those relationships!

In capsule form here's what I was reminded of
- babies need lots of cuddling
-parents who love their children aren't perfect
- friends can survive conflicts- marriages are hard work- and life rarely turns out like ya thought!!!!

I was most intruiged by the end result of healthy conflict- it actually strengthened friendships when worked through rather than run from!
UGH! I just hate conflict!!! It's unrealistic but I want everyone to be happy and I hate causing or being part of a conflict. I will go a loooooong way to get away from it!

I realize my outlook isn't healthy so I am taking a look at it- but I'm not looking forward to it.

Pr 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

The most moving interview was a dad who had adopted an eastern European child.
The boy was adopted after living in an orphanage for 2 yrs. He was reported as being a fussy baby and was emotional when his American parents came on the scene. He was adopted at the same time as another child, a girl, from the same orphanage. She was only 9 months old.
The boy had bonding problems due to the early neglect at the institution.
As a teen his parents were grieved at the lack of emotional contact they were able to establish with this precious boy.
When the reporter asked if "it had all been worth it" or "were they sorry they had gone this route" the dad answered-
" What is difficult is that I have never been the kind of dad I wanted to be with him- I wanted to shower him with love and acceptance but he was unable to endure it. That has been a hard thing to give up- but ...I suppose.... that I have become the kind of dad he most needed- and maybe that's what a good dad is."

How wise and how gracious! This man was heartbroken by the distance that existed and distraught that there was little hope of it changing- but he loved his son in all the ways that he could.

He defined parenthood for me-
we dream that our children will believe us when we do whats best for them- and we somehow hope they will accept our love in the ways we know best to express it- but it isn't always to be.

Somehow the thought that we were supposed to be "perfect parents" entered in and caused unrealistic expectations that caused frustration and confusion- shoulda seen that comin'!!!

Shoulda listened to God!!!!! Shame on me!

It really is almost time again!!!!!!

2010-01-03T21:48:00.000-06:00

OK I admit it- we have time to plan- but honestly this is the best thing,next to the seed catalogs arriving in January!!!!

It's my VBS catalog!!!!

I'm ready to start planning and assigning duties so we can have fun with all those kids again this year!

The theme is an Egyptian marketplace!!

Woo HOO! How fun is this gonna be!!!????

Meanwhile......back at the ranch........

Luke did a little hunting............

The guys dangerously popped firecrackers...AT EACH OTHER!!!!

And 4 layers of our life at this house were exposed and upgraded!!!!!

Those of you who have known us a while may remember the plywood days- first plain white,then red then terra cotta and finally the "sticky-tile!!! UGH!!!!!

But my hardworkin man decided to treat me to my newest upgrade this New Years Day!

A luscious wood floor in the dining room and kitchen!!!!

Isn't it beautiful?

I was soo inspired that I started de-cluttering AGAIN!!!!!!! I mean I have to be able to see the floor ,right?
So out with all that cluttery- on- the- floor-sweep -around- and move -to- mop- stuff!!!!!
Pictures coming up after the entire project is done! That should be tomorrow- before his MAJOR dental surgery on Tuesday!!!!
Now that should be worth blogging about!!!!!
His "grill" will be shiny white- no more gold!!!!! Who knew a girl could dis-like gold so much!!!!
Story to follow...stay tuned!!!!

AND THE WINNER IS............................................

2010-01-01T23:26:00.000-06:00

I know it's late but I did get it done before midnight!!!!!
First of all I want to thank each of you who shared your heart about the past year!
I was so encouraged to hear from each one of you- and all of you are winners~ but I promised to pull a name out of the old hat for a special surprise and I did!!!
And that name is.....................................

CAROL SUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol Sue has been a long distance friend for several years and I am so happy to share

a special little gift with her!!!!

Carol Sue- I'll put your package in the mail on Monday morning!!!!

Do you want to be surprised or shall I tell you what I'm sending?

I hope each of you have a wonderful 2010!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking back....looking ahead

2009-12-29T14:51:00.000-06:00

I found this posthttp://michaelhyatt.com/2009/12/seven-questions-to-ask-about-last-year.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+michaelhyatt+%28Michael+Hyatt%29&utm_content=FaceBook by the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and thought it would be fun and enlightening to post a similar set of questions here- please play along!!!!!

Such good questions!!!!!

Don't think too hard- it's just a brief reflection!!!

Should I offer a prize?????

I think so!

I think I shall pick at random from those who participate in the questionairre.

The prize??? How about ........it'll just have to be a surprise!!!!!!! :)

I'll announce the winner on New Years day!!!!!

#1 If the last year were a movie of your life, what would the genre be?
Drama, romance, adventure, comedy, tragedy, or a combination?

#2 What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring? These can be single words or phrases

#3 What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of?

#4 What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t?

#5 What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year?

#6 What was missing from last year as you look back?

#7 What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year? Boil this down to a few short, pithy statements.

The Messy mind...

2009-12-27T14:07:00.025-06:00

My mind feels like this over full trash can!
It starts about midday on Christmas Day... the itch to clean up...I mean really clean up and get rid of stuff!
The more I think about it the worse it gets!
You'd think that after spending so much time putting out the things I love to see once a year I'd want them to stick around a while longer- but NO! my mind screams!
"Pick it all up! Throw away all that old worn out stuff and don't do this again next year!!!"
I fight with my self until one of us wins.
This year my messy mind won.....it looked like this

Confusion ...no discernable items.......jumbled mess!!!!
Methodically I scooped and tossed all the junque- and packed the good stuff away.
I have a huge pile to give away or donate and I'm only done with the ground floor!!!!
I feel like we are squished up and yet there are only 3 of us in this huge house- like the overfull can above!!!
It'll take me days to really do it right, but it must be done!!!
I just don't know how or why I have so much stuff I don't need!But I do know that my mind is cluttered until it's all cleaned up.
Hopefully after finishing my mind will rest again.....and it'll feel ..........

shiny and clean...uncluttered .

SIMPLICITY

Friendly reminder!

So it really is about the journey,then?

Therapy ...#1,#2 or #3 ??

GHOSTS or ANGELS???

'tis the season...

Holiday Cheer!!!

Enlightenment...

Treasure Hunting...

Cupcakes & candles....

Familiar "old things"-

Around and around she goes...............and where..

My HAPPY thought!

What to do? What to do?

Swirling thoughts....

Canton Trade Days*condensed version*

“The Good Ole’ Days”

Time to think....

Room with a View?

Music makes it all better!!!

OOOOPS!!!!

Hangin' out!

New friends and old buttons…

A PINK pony!!!!

Here we go again!!!

Once upon a time…….

Tomatoes, cucumbers and kisses

Good ole summertime…….

M.I.A.

Home-grown food!!!!!

Heritage Festival…

Back to the road trip…..

Coastal changes....

Garden time.....

So it really was a BIG river!!!!!

Road Trip!!!!

Fifteen Chances!!!!

Spring cleaning!!

Nothin to say....

Garden talk…

The LONG way HOME.....

Any guesses?????

Self portrait Friday…again!!!!

FUN RefurbishinG project

Blah,blah, blogging!!!!

Self portrait Friday.....

Ugly women…..

Good friends….there’s nothing like it!!!

So much for a picture of me today…

UUUUMMMMMM...I think this is for little kids..?

More fun in Texas….

Self portrait Friday……..FUN!!!!

That’s right-another birthday!!!

My new helper!!!!

Perch jerkin’

Friday self portrait…sigh…

My new treasure!

Last minute agenda…..

Can penguins run?

SpRinG has arrived….

UGGGH! Self portrait Friday …again?????

I'm lagging behind....but still in the race!!!

ATTA BOY!

Happy times-

Grandgirls have arrived!!!

Self portrait Friday!

The End of an Era…

AAAAIIIIEEEEEEE!!!!

ANOTHER Birthday!!!!

The Birthday buddies are ONE!!!!!!

The reason I'm NOT a FIRST RESPONDER!!!!

Another great recipe!!!

CONFUSION!!!!

“Words are the voice of the heart”~

Any idea what this is?

The Front Porch

Evidence of a sheltered life…..

Friends~Old & New

WHO DAT has DUN DAT!!!!!!

Another local business to support!!

Canton Trade Dayscondensed version