Birthdays

I've pondered all the Birthday wishes I have to catch up on from the past few months.  I don't know why I let life sidetrack me so.  At any rate, it will be done. I will catch up.  But there was one Birthday I was fixated on all week.  I worried how it would affect my lovelies in Kentucky.  It was their Dad's Birthday.  The 23rd of September. The first birthday without him.  It weight heavy on my heart for them. I knew there would probably be tears and brokenness. But I prayed for strength for them.  Near the end of this week, his birthday to be exact, I had a thought.  A very eye opening thought. . . . . .

We celebrate the day we are born.  Our "traditional" birthday.  Then, if you are a Christian and can remember the exact day, we celebrate the day we asked Jesus into our hearts.  Our "salvation" birthday.  But ~ in reality ~ as believers ~  when we close our eyes to this world and open them in glory ~ isn't that our true Birthday?  The day we die is actually the day we shed away all these old bones and nonsense and take on a new body.  We are literally a new being. A new "person". Knowing this helps to ease the pain of "death anniversaries" and prompts me to want to celebrate "Heavenly Birthdays". And if I see it this way, my Mom would be a mere 39 years old!  Thirty-nine!

It's just a thought to ponder.

It's not text book material.

It's not even written anywhere.

I just found comfort in that thought.

I eases the heartache.

I Write Poetry. . . . .

I write poetry for myself
It's what I need to do
See. . .  I have trouble sometimes
Speaking words from me to you.

I write in lilting rhyme
To tell you how I feel
Make no mistake as you read
My feelings are . .  very real.

My heart may be heavy burdened
Or it may be light as air
I may write with anticipation
Or pen words without a care.

But no matter the circumstance
My words are written down
They come from a special place
And they utter not a sound.

In my head and heart they live
Uniting to "sing my song".
If I pen them quickly, you see
They'll live my whole life long.

But if I tarry, but just a bit
The words will whirl around 
And quickly the "winds" will carry them
Their passage wayward bound.

So, I write in lilting rhyme
To tell you how I feel.
Make no mistake as you read
My feelings are  . . .  very real.

"Needy"

I had an epiphany this morning.

My Boy had said to me something along the lines of: "a girl being needy".

I pondered these words as I was throwing laundry into the dryer.

I realized ~ women in general are a needy lot.

We need:
To love, be loved and feel love
To be independent but dependent
Affirmation, support and acknowledgement
Appreciation
Freedom to be ourselves, but belong to someone
To be creative
To cry, laugh and be quiet. Sometimes all at once.
Company and quiet time ~ alone.  Sometimes at the same time.
Affection
To play and be serious
To ponder all that is and all that will be.
To be emotional without judgment
To be protective and protected
To be soft and firm at the same time
To fix what we think needs fixing

Therefore, we are needy.

I'm sure the list could go on and on.
If you are a woman and think none of these things apply to you, well, I'm sorry for your loss.

I know without a doubt we needed men so we could be women.  Without them,  we aren't.
God didn't make a mistake in making Adam first.  He made Adam in His image and realized, I think, He needed an emotions roller coaster to be his help mate. No need letting him go  through life's ride all by himself.  God then needed Adam to make us. We needed Adam to exist.  There's no shame in that!  We then wrapped all our emotional mumbo jumbo around the corner post God provided us with.  Men may not understand, but that's ok. They just need to realize and know that fact ~ 'cause let's face it ~ it's a bigger picture than they can see. 

Go ahead ~ be needy (not cling-y).  Need the things that make you who you are.  Own them. Don't settle for what the world is trying to impress on you.  Look within and you'll see you already have all that and then some.  So don't get your britches in a bunch, be the woman you want to be and be thankful for those men in this world because without them, we wouldn't be.  They are our corner post, not our whipping post.  We are their equal, not their superior.
 
End of epiphany.

I'll get off my soap box now. 

K-5 Bound!

In just a few short minutes days this Itty Bitty will be heading off for her very first encounter with school. I am excited for her on the one hand: new friends, stretching her mind and growing in so many ways.  Also, I am ready for some "me" time.  But (there's always a "but"), on the other hand I will desperately, terribly, undoubtedly miss all this:

Playing with her babies and her kitchen

Silly lunch times

Making her own "cocoon", sucking her thumb and

watching her shows

Going through the grocery sales circular and circling

things "we" need.

Helping in my kitchen

Shopping tools with Uncle Ben

She has a thing for "hats" of all kinds

Wearing a splash guard ~ who knows why. . .

Strumming her guitar and singing

Reading ~ always reading

A hat and a bouncy ball ~ what more could

an Itty Bit want?

Best way to watch TV

900 degrees outside and she dons the wooly hat ~

then. . .

climbs the ladder ~ 'cause Pop-Pop said she could

 
Yes, I will miss these days just like I missed Goldilocks' time with me. 

Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to find a corner to melt down in.

July 4th ~ Part One

It has become tradition to do July 4th at my house.  I have the perfect set up here. 

1.  The kids can swim whenever they want 

 

 

 

This year Joseph and Allie brought their snow cone machine and made snow balls so we could have a snow ball fight ~ right in the middle of summer!  The kids (and grown-ups) loved it!

 

2.  There's a bathroom at our beck and call

 

3.  We can graze snack whenever we want ~ 'til the food hits the table

4.  The kids can play or watch the boob tube or read or help out  or get in the way

 

 

 

 

5.  There's the annual bicycle parade we can watch from the front porch

6.  We get to watch fireworks from the deck and . . . . see #'s 1, 2, and 3

7.  We have our own little display of sparkles

 

 

8.  Then, if time permits, we can have S'mores, night swim or just  hang out ~ This year it was Jello and whipped topping.  Simple, but at least it was red, white and blue.  ;)

All this from the comfort of "home".   Family and friends rotate in and out.  I'm never quite sure who will show up.  We just roll with the flow.  It's better that way.  No one expects perfection on this day.  It is simply a time to enjoy each other and the freedom we have.

This is the "usual" fourth "stuff".  More goes on here than you can shake a stick at.  With that being said, I will leave you with the traditional "stuff" and get on to the other "stuff" in a bit.

Catch ya on the flip side!

Sunshine On My Shoulders

Today was one of those rare days where I embraced being home all by myself.  The sun was shining, the weather was warm toasty, and it was perfectly peaceful and quiet.  I don't get these kinds of days too often anymore. Family keeps me busier than a one armed paper hanger in a wind storm!

So, just what did I do with all that extra time?  I used all that extra time to work on, and almost complete, a quilt for one of my gals.  I had the radio tuned to oldies, and when I say oldies, I'm talkin':  "The Wanderer", "I'll Cry If I Want To", "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" and so many more.  I would sew some, stretch some, dance some, sew some more, eat, sew, dance, sing a little,  and peruse the internet.  I took Audrey out to do her business so we could get some fresh air. Did I mention it was a little toasty out there?  And I stuck my hands in the pool (that we haven't closed up yet). Then we would come in a and get a treat and some iced tea and continue on.  And I had a chance to reflect ~ a LOT ~ today.  It was wonderful.

Near the end of the day John Denver's song, "Sunshine On My Shoulders" came on.  It was the perfect finish for the day.  As I was listening (I love his voice, by the way) I couldn't help but think how I would love to give everyone I know a day like I had today.  Not that it was incredible, but that it was just so relaxing.  Incredibly relaxing.  I think his words pretty much summed up the condition my spirit was in. 

So, here's my gift to you.   Just sit back, close your eyes, take calming breaths and let your cares ease away.

Vintage Vibe

I know you know that I love all things glass ~ and vintage (well, not ALL things vintage, but a good amount).  And I love finds, steals, gifts from family and friends and, aaand, a "shout out" from a kindred spirit on Pinterest!

Have you ever wanted something when you saw it?  Ogled over it?  Wanted it?  Couldn't afford it? Never got it, but it was always in the back of your mind?  I would say, "One day. . .. one day, I shall have one".  Well.  A month or so ago I was playing with paper at Dolly's house and before I left she sent Miss Sarah to the attic to fetch something.  Down came the following:

 

"Would you like this?" she asks.  Say what?  Be still my beating heart!  Why, yes, YES I WOULD!
You could have knocked me over with a feather.  Oh, Dolly!  Thank you so, so much! Insert Happy Dance! Ahhh. . . . chippy love!   I have pondered for a while as to how to use it. 
I'm sure the perfect thing will come to mind, but if not, I love 'er the way she is!

Then a couple weekends ago the Lion's Club here in town had a "community yard sale" in their building.  I hemmed and hawed over whether or not to go and finally caved around 11:30AM.  I know from experience that all things good and pretty and valuable are usually gone in a matter of minutes.  So I figured I was just going on a scenic tour of the place.  (I've  never been in their building before.)

But someone, aka: God, was watching out for me and my addiction!  Just look at what I came home with (all for under five buckeroos!):

Not one, but two, serving dishes!  $1.00 each.  They are pretty good sized.  Larger than a relish tray. The pattern is called "Star of David".  Told ya He was watchin' out for me.  Used them on the 4th.
Two little candle holders that I'm going to turn into pin cushion bases.  They are heavy as lead and very, very sparkly. And they were only a quarter each.
And lastly, (Heidi Jane ~ I can't believe it!) a tiny little Banana bowl!  That's right.  A.  Banana. Bowl.  It's a pressed diamond cut kind of pattern.  Cute.  Shiny. And tiny.  For ~ hold on ~ two smakeroos! Two!   Ahhh. . . . . Happy Jig! Happy Jig!

On our Annual 4th of July get together my sister surprised me with these:

Like my old Maxwell House coffee jars, they are vintage and they came from Dad's. (All but the little one in front ~ she picked it up at a thrift store).  The star lid on the little one belongs on one of the bigger jars, but the OCD in me wanted consistency.  (go ahead and laugh) The lids even have the old cardboard seals still in them!  I asked her why she gave them to me and you know what she said?  Because I said I liked them and if she ever got rid of them I would like them.  Now, how's that for sharing?  I'm going to use them on patriotic holidays for sure!  Already have it planned out in my noggin.  I love the scene on them ~ a kitchen counter with a window, a coffee mill, a coffee pot, a jar of coffee, utensils, a loaf of sliced bread and a vase of flowers.  Love it!

And then, today.  I'm on Pinterest and see I'm mentioned in a pin by my Kindred Spirit on the West Coast of this here United States of America.  She thought of little ole me when she pinned this:

It's an old Coke carrier like the one I have, only this gal (http://www.infarrantlycreative.net) put shelves in hers to hold pretties.  She even used black, white and red accents!  Can we say: "Oooooo, ahhhhh"?   It was sweet of Christie to think of me after reading my blog post about my Coke carrier.
Even sweeter that she remembered!

Life is too short not to enjoy things around us. It's too short not to share your love, your heart, your talent, your spirit and the things that connect us to one another.  Every day it seems I'm reminded of those that God has led into my life, be it for the long haul or for short stints.  I'm grateful for each and every one, even if I fail to say it.  I feel sometimes I am a miserable friend.  Sometimes I fall short ~ but mostly I just fall.  Flat.

Forgive me?
I love you guys!

Living in A Small Town

Living in a small town has it's pros and cons.  But, here in my little town, I can't think of hardly any cons.

Saturday I had my hair cut.  No biggy.  Everyone gets their hair cut (at some point and time).  I just happen to have a hair salon in my little town ~ Kellie's Hair Place.  It is within walking distance from my home, as are many conveniences we use in our lives ~ Churches, a Post Office, a grocery store, a bank, Town Hall, Fire Department, carnival, Schools, antique store (when Pop-Pop Ayers is there), a little Diner, a car repair shop, day cares (both in home and "free standing"), and on occasion, a Mom and Pop store will spring up. All this, tucked inside farmland.  In addition to these things we are only minutes from the "bigger" city, the "Bury", a half hour from the beach and day trips from sites to enjoy.  Our little town even has an Easter Parade and hosts a marvelous fire works show in honor of the Fourth!  All of which I can enjoy either from my sidewalk or the comfort of my deck.  Yea, I am ideally situated in my little town  and I am spoiled rotten about it.  I would probably  NEVER have to leave this town for sundries, but I love me some Marshall's, and Lowes, and Hob Lob! 

But, that is not what prompted this post.  As I was getting ready for my hair appointment on Saturday I had and "ah-ha" moment.  Kellie's little shop reminds me so much of the beauty shop on "Steel Magnolias".  Everyone knows everyone. You can catch up on the "goings on" around town.  You can talk girl talk, you can confide, you can ask someone to pray because you can openly talk about God. You can "let your hair down"!  You have the freedom to be who you are and be accepted for who you are because everyone knows who you are!  Chances are you know most of the guys and gals that come in there, too.  Even Pop-Pop Ayers strolls in with his fury friend Annie and a Cup 'o Joe to shoot the breeze or chew the fat!  Local artisans can ask to display a taste of their work in her shop and she is happy to oblige their requests. It's an eclectic place with a homey feel.

Kellie started her little shop in the back of her home. My girls grew up working there, shampooing hair, tending to her kiddlings while she worked, learning life lessons and responsibilities.  A small shop in the back of her home with a big heart! Where else can we get that?
Now, now. . . . she has a free standing shop, and   . . . she commutes from her beach home in DE every day just so she can stay connected to us town folk.  Talk about love.

With all this said, that does not mean I would not move back "home" (to the south) if opportunity presented itself, 'cause I would.  I would have to be very picky as to where I lived, for I know I would not find this setting anywhere else.  I would miss this little town.  I own being spoiled rotten living here in this little town.  It has somehow managed to sabotage my life quietly slip into my bloodstream.  How'd THAT happen may I ask?

So, here's to all the small towns and those who love their small towns.  May they forever hold their place in our country, because they are what makes our country.

Summer 2012 ~ Part 3

Between the major events of our visit we tried to squeeze in some of the necessary things of life. We didn't make it to Erica's games, but were able to see her practice.  Can I just say it was hotter'n Hell Hades?  Yep, it was. Stinkin' hot. 

Don't let the size of this wispy little thing fool you.  She has passion.  She strikes with a vengeance.  She sets her sights and shoots for the mark.  She excels in the sports she plays.  I would want her on my team. 

We even made some "one on one" time with our oldest and one and only grandson.  I love this boy!

One. Boy. Out. of.  Eight.

We climbed into good Ol' Bessy and headed out for ice cream.  Sorry girls.  Even your brother needs

some away time!  All those raging hormones, it's a wonder he's even sane!

He's a good boy and I love our talks.  Did I say, "I love him!"?  I do!

Our time there passed way to quickly.  Before we knew it we were on the road home.  Sarah and Hope left a day before us with their other grandparents.  We would retrieve them once we got home and got all the details ironed out.  Then our summer in Maryland would officially kick off.

I hate good byes.  Really hate them.

Summer 2012 ~ Part 2

Sometimes when you pray for something specific for someone you don't always get instant gratitude.
And then it happens.  Answers to many prayers ~ the fruit of hard labor ~ the end of an old era and the beginnings of a new one.

Graduation Day.  A welcome event for anyone who has struggled to get to that point.  A blessed event for the parents of that someone.

We are no different.

We are thankful.

We are proud of her.

There she is!  Right in the middle.  With her diploma!

She did it! A job well done. 

Were the struggles worth it?  All the tears, the heartache?  The unknowing moments of her life?  The mistakes?  The huge trials?  The long awaited triumphs?  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  I think this one says it all and points to a much bigger picture.



A Gentle Reminder

Sometimes gentle reminders are needed.