Uncategorized – Long walks and dark chocolate

No to stripes and plaid; together that is

January 24, 2013 2 Comments

English: capri pants 1960. Deutsch: Caprihose von 1960. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have I ever said I love my forties! Oh, I have? Many times? Well, excuse me for repeating myself. I think repeating myself is coming right around the corner too so I might has well have a little practice.

I cannot help but ponder all the things that used to vex me daily. Mostly about how I was perceived and how I looked. It’s always been the little things that get me. I would call myself a perfectionist in some areas, but then not at all in others. And, I’m not over all of my little idiosyncrasies by any means, but I find myself happier and more at peace with myself every day. Oh, the absurdities I’ve allowed to plague me!

Just today, I was telling a friend how that I’ve always had to match, even with sleepwear. I’m not one of those people who can run around the house with stripes and plaid on. Now, I’m not saying this is the way to be, but it is what it is at this point. In high school, when the Gloria Vanderbilt, Jordache and Sasson (I am really dating myself here) jeans were in style, my shirts had to match the thread on the jeans. I have harassed girlfriends when they wore white shoes in the winter; which is not a fashion faux pas anymore, by the way. The fact that my toenail polished is chipped has often caused me to wear closed toed shoes in the heat of a blistering Florida summer.

Like I keep saying though, things they are a changing. This morning I had on a below the knee nightshirt and this FL girl was cold in this frigid 53 degree weather. Let’s take a moment until the laughter from our northern friends dies down. So, I decided to add a pair of sweats, but all I could find was Capri length. Then I realized my feet were the coldest thing on my body so I was strolling by my daughter’s room and caught a glimpse of her ankle high leopard print slipper/booties. I’m really not sure what they are. She wears them out of the house; I would not. I slipped them on.

So, I walk by the mirror and had to laugh. I looked ridiculous. But no one knew (until now of course). This admission, sharing it with all of you is success in itself as far as I’m concerned. Don’t get me wrong, if someone would have knocked on my door, a mad dash for the closet would have ensued.

Maybe I will end up being one of those little old ladies with a mismatched outfit and lipstick in the wrong shade feathering into the creases around her wrinkled old lips, and a winter shoe with a summer outfit. But, you know what? Who cares, as long as I’m happy? J

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Animal print, Capri, Clothing, Florida, Gloria Vanderbilt, Jeans, Jordache, Shopping

Slow down

January 23, 2013 Leave a Comment

Clock (Photo credit: Dalo_Pix2)

So what if the beans don’t get done and the blog doesn’t get written. This is what I told myself in the shower, although I didn’t really believe myself. I thought I had to be somewhere early tonight and I was in a rush. You know the feeling, when you feel your blood pressure rising a bit because you are frantically trying to figure out how to get an hour’s worth of tasks done in 20 minutes.

You work until whatever time and then you have a list of things to do (have you noticed this list never goes away, it just changes). The way I plan things, if all goes according to plan, everything usually goes pretty favorably. But, let something or someone throw a wrench in my plan it can go from smooth sailing to a tropical disturbance fairly quickly. It’s my own fault because I don’t tend to leave much wiggle room in my plan; something I need to work on.

Have you ever blow dried your hair, while putting on lipstick and picking up a stray sock with your toes to sling it in the laundry basket? Yeah, that’s how I roll. How about brushing your teeth while throwing in a load of laundry or knowing exactly how much time you have to do simple chores in the morning while waiting for computer to boot up, or talking on the phone while doing dishes or cleaning the shower while you are taking your shower? Nifty little multi-tasking, time savers but are they really necessary?

The thing is, there are not many things in my life that are truly so important that they are worthy of so much stress and rushing. It’s not like I’m up against a multi-million dollar deadline or that anyone will be largely impacted by my being a few minutes late. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to plan ahead and have some goals and be on time. However, if something doesn’t get done, what will the outcome really be? How important is it? Things to think about.

So while I was ironing my shirt (because you always find something you want to wear that needs to be ironed if you’re in a hurry), the phone rang. I answered and continued to iron (no sense in wasting time) and the call was to inform me that I no longer had to be somewhere early. See, all of that anxiety was for naught. So, here I sit, hot tea in hand, comfortably and leisurely writing my blog.

Have a blessed, stress-free night!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Bathroom, Blood pressure, Health, Home and Garden, Mental health, Shopping, Shower, Stress

Your cousin’s sister’s husbands nephew

January 22, 2013 8 Comments

Cherish your human connections, your relationships with friends and family- Barbara Bush

Family Reunion (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Granny, how am I related to him? “Well, let’s see, you’re double kin because between Pop and me, you’re cousins on both sides”. This was my life story, growing up in a small town. It’s a wonder I ever found anyone to “like”. Thankfully, by the time I was in for serious dating, we had moved away and there was a smorgasbord of available young men who I had no familial ties to whatsoever.

I originally had mixed emotions this past weekend about attending a family reunion. When I was younger, it had seemed that being related was more trouble than anything. The fact that I am a notorious introvert probably contributed to my angst. The plus was that my husband would be with me and he is the opposite and usually fills in the gaps for me.

In the past, the mere thought of chatting it up all day with a large gathering of people would have sent me hunting an excuse to retreat. This time though, I made reservations as soon as I heard about it and for the most part, looked forward to it. Do we crave this type of interaction more as we age because we’re afraid of being old and lonely so we are trying to add to our list of go to friends? Or, are my forties just going to continue being full of surprises for me?

We arrived at the beautiful park where it was being held and I was anxious to hear some of the almost forgotten stories, figure out who was who and get reacquainted with old friends and family. I also wanted to get a look at that family tree and try to figure out this double-kin stuff for once and for all.

I enjoyed watching the children running around, sounds of their laughter mixed with the lighthearted banter of the adults. I took pleasure in the grandparents proudly displaying pictures of the most brilliant grandchild ever to be born and some of the “elder” cousins harmlessly arguing in the same way they probably did in their younger days. The food was plentiful and delicious and I hoarded some of my Aunts delectable fudge for later in the hotel room.

I was honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed myself as in the past I ran from this type of event. But on this beautiful Saturday, I found myself hoping for another one next year, making silent vows to see some of these people more often. Some are old and we don’t know how much time we have left, to hear their stories and learn about them as well as from them. So I ask myself again….Have I really changed that much or do I now just finally possess the wisdom to appreciate them more?

Whatever the answer, I am blessed to have so many wonderful and interesting relatives. There are a lot of similarities and also some differences, but when all is said and done, we are blood. We should get to know each other, be there for each other and love one another regardless of differences.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, Cousin, Family, Granny, humor, love, reunion, Saturday

Change can be good

January 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

What if we could look at things differently sometimes?

We are all on that carousel of life going round’ and round’, involved in so many different things.

What if we could stop it and step off and take a good open-minded look at some of our situations? We’re great about observing other homes and lives and making what we think are wonderful, albeit sometimes critical observations. What if we looked at ours from that same point of view?

Take a deep breath and look at your home, your family, your job. Look from the outside instead of from where you are. What are the things that are working? What isn’t? Could any changes be made for the better?

I find that the more time I make for prayer and reflection, to slow down, find a quiet place and think, the more likely I am to recognize or realize problems, to see the areas I need to work on, to allow my Creator to whisper solutions to me.

We have to be able to admit it when things need to change, that we aren’t always right and that we don’t always have the answers. This is the hardest part for me, the surrender. I have to surrender all of my earth-bound dreams and desires and goals and ambitions to the lover of my soul, the One who knows the best route for me, the One whose plans are perfect.

Sometimes I feel like a stubborn, know-it-all child who doesn’t want parental intervention. Surely, God sees me that way at times. As my walk progresses and my faith is strengthened, I find it easier to “let go and let God”. I’m finding that when I do this, this life is a glorious one to live.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christianity, Creator deity, God, Jesus, Prayer, Religion & Spirituality

I wish it were me

January 21, 2013 4 Comments

My girls

I wish it were me instead of you. If I could take your pain upon myself, I would.

How many mothers have said that over the course of your child’s life?

Whether soothing a feverish infant, watching your toddler get their shots with tears rolling down your face, waiting for that daredevil adolescent to have the cast put on or holding back the pony tail of a puking teenager, we’ve all been there.

This pain doesn’t have to be physical either; it can also be emotional. Those cruel words spoken by a classmate, that first break-up, insensitive teachers and all the other situations they face as they grow. We know these are life circumstances they have to bear alone, with our tender guidance.

I’ve often wondered what what my girls think when I utter the words, “I wish it were me instead”. They might find them comforting or maybe even hard to believe. The truth is; they will never understand the sincerity or truthfulness in them, until they have a child of their own. One of mine does understand completely now as she has already experienced this very thing with my granddaughter.

Another thing I know is that our feelings never change, no matter how old they are. I’m still fairly young myself but I’m firmly convicted that “mother-love” is undying. It’s too strong to die this side of heaven.

I can imagine being 90 and one of my girls suffering physical or emotional pain. I know what will come to my mind and the words that will flow from my mouth. “I wish it were me instead of you” and I will still mean them from the bottom of my old heart.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Adolescence, daughter, Family, love, Mother, teenager

Mean big sister

January 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

It was a gloomy, cold, windy day, much like today. I emerged, clad as an alien, from between the two buildings that belonged to the Baptist Church next door to my granny’s house. My 5^th grade imagination coupled with findings from an elderly woman’s closet probably didn’t provide the most believable attire, but the costume served its purpose in deceiving my unsuspecting siblings.

“My name is Zeus and I came from another planet. If you don’t do as I say, I will take you back there with me.” This is what I told my younger brother and sister in the best alien voice I could muster. They didn’t realize that earlier, I had disappeared into my granny’s bedroom, adorned myself in some of her clothes, wrapped my hair up in a turban using some material she had, and covered my face completely in white powder. While I readied myself for the subterfuge, I prepared my story. And don’t ask me why I picked the name Zeus, it had nothing to do with Greek mythology.

Before going outside, I clued Granny in on my plan and she giggled and said, “I don’t know Lisi-O (her pet name for me)”, you might scare them. I’m sure the old green and white floor length curtains rustled as she kept a close eye on my movements, taking care that things didn’t go too far.

After I told them who as was, and my intentions to take them away with me as soon as my spaceship returned, they cowered on the ground, visibly shaken. Their eyes were wide as saucers and they hovered together anxiously awaiting my next command.

It didn’t take very long for me to either feel sorry for them, or my grandmother to intervene. In all honesty, I don’t remember which occurred first. However, they had to be convinced of the truth to abate the tears. I remember having to remove some of the garb or say or do something right away to make them recognize that it was only I, the meanie; the elder sister who made their lives miserable enough without adding such fear to it.

I mentioned that I was writing this to my sister and she reminded me that after I told them the truth we all went back outside and played “Zeus and her prisoners”. I ordered them around and they willingly complied, anxious to continue the fun.

Looking back, I have no idea why they believed I was really an alien, or fell for the ruse, but when you are young, you are more gullible, you see things through the imaginative, all-believing, trusting eyes of a child.

I know this is an odd little story, but there is comfort in the memories. I think of Granny, laughing and plotting and rescuing. Then there is the quality time (well, most of it was quality) spent with her and my brother and sister. We had many “Norman Rockwell” moments 🙂

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: brother, Granny, kids, play, sister

One of those days

January 16, 2013 1 Comment

Okay, time to humiliate myself again in front of all my blog followers.

Do you ever have those days? You know….the ones where you wonder where you left your brain? I prefer to think that mine is just so full of great information, that it can’t possibly process anything more.

We won’t even go into work today and how wonderful that went. We’ll just begin this little story right after I got off. We also will not discuss the interminable phone call with Verizon or the barking dogs.

First, although I am loathe to admit it, I had to take down the Christmas tree today (yes, it is artificial) and pack up the decorations that have been sitting on a table for two weeks now. This is so unlike me. Usually that stuff disappears by January 2^nd at the latest. I will blame it on the traveling, and the strep and all the other little things that got in the way.

So today was the day. I meant it would get done today or else (or else what, I don’t know? Don’t you find that expression strange?). I got started and was immediately on a roll. I was packing up the decorations while my daughter cooked dinner. She made a meatloaf and was peeling potatoes and we were listening to music and enjoying our conversation.

In my haste to complete this detestable task, I was snatching ornaments off right and left and dropped one of the most expensive ones and it broke into a million (well, more like 5) pieces. This irritated me, but was grateful that I didn’t even cut myself.

About that time I go into the kitchen to check on things with Morgan and she is mixing the potatoes with the blender and she asked me to check on the meatloaf. I pulled it out of the oven, poured some ketchup on top, and intended to put it right back in the oven. My husband had also walked in and was watching and waiting, in anticipation of a tasty dinner. I went to open the oven door and I have no idea what happened next except that the meatloaf pan went flying out of my hands, the hot grease in the bottom of the double layer pan flew in Morgan’s direction. She was hit with some of the grease and frightened at the same time and the blenders went flying slinging mashed potatoes everywhere.

I did have the sense to reach up and snatch the plug out of the blender. Then, I checked on Morgan, and made her go rinse her foot where she sustained the worst of it. I salvaged enough meatloaf for dinner (barely) as there was some that didn’t hit the floor. Then, I had to mop the floor, clean the cabinets and wash the rugs.

Finally we ended up eating a delicious dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and peas. I’m very thankful that Morgan is okay and I realize that this could have been much worse. And, I am earnestly ready to call it a night and not touch anything else breakable or potentially injurious to anyone. I think my brain needs a break and so does everyone around me!

Oh, and this was supposed to be posted last night, but my internet quit working about the time I was ready to post…whew, what a day!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas tree, Cooking, Dinner, Family, Mashed potato, Meatloaf, Oven, Potato

Reading is my favorite

January 14, 2013 Leave a Comment

Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love to read. When I was a child reading was my favorite pastime. Where I read was important too. Depending on where we lived, or whose house I was visiting, I had my favorite spots.

While at home, I loved to paddle our little jon boat (flat bottomed boat with 3 bench seats) out and tie it to a big inner tube in the middle of the man-made lake (called “the rockpit”) that we lived in front of. I would lie out there, not a care in the world and let myself be transported to another time and place. I could read until dark or whenever mom called me in for dinner. If I was inside, I was most likely on my bed, but it had to be made. I don’t like to read in messy areas.

At Granny’s my preferred spot was outside in front of her house perched in the middle of a big, old ficus tree. I would take a grape soda and some cookies out there and settle in for the long haul. In later years when she moved, I made a cozy spot in her spare room/office, and often when I was younger I would make a fort over her desk and chair with sheets and blankets and use a flashlight to read by. My surroundings have always been an important part of the equation when I want to read or think.

Whether it was Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, The Hobbit or Anne of Green Gables and Judy Blume boxed sets, I was captivated (unless of course, the reading was a ruse and I was actually eavesdropping on adult conversations which I enjoyed immensely).To this day, if I see a young girl with a book in hand, it brings back such warm memories. I feel happy for them that they have discovered the joy of reading. It can fill up lonely hours or make good use of time that you would spend waiting (at the dentist, doctor, hair dresser…I could go on and on ) and chase away boredom rather quickly.

My reading habits have changed somewhat over the years; sometimes I read more than a book a week, sometimes I go for a time without finishing one, but I still like the quiet. I like to read my bible first thing in the morning before the sun or anyone else is up; just me, my cup of coffee and God.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anne of Green Gables, books, Hardy Boys, Hobbit, Nancy Drew, reading

Hold the door

January 13, 2013 2 Comments

Guys! Hold the door for me. Please! I expect it. I’m not sure if this is part of my southern upbringing or my age or just the fact that I am a girly girl, but if there is a man in the vicinity and I am approaching a door, I expect him to do everything in his power to have it open for me by the time I get there. I also expect to be offered the last chair and if I drop the load I’m carrying, I want help picking it up.

I just want the male population to know that there are some of us who appreciate and expect your consideration.

I talked at length a while back with a male friend about this conundrum and he no longer knew what to do when faced with one of these possibly volatile situations. He was raised to treat women with respect and open doors, pull out chairs and pay for dinner, but he never knows when his civilized gestures are going to make him the brunt of an attack. He’s been subjected to cursing by the ones who don’t need or want his help, but he’s also experienced the thankfulness of those who do. Ladies, men have a hard enough time trying to figure us out, don’t you think? I pity them sometimes.

To all the guys out there, if you open a door for me or perform any other chivalrous act, you are going to get a great big thank you with a smile.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: chivalry, gentleman, Girl, respect

Heartache in the making

January 12, 2013 4 Comments

Do clothes really make the woman? I think we all know the answer to that and it’s a big negative. However, you have to admit, there is just something about getting all gussied up. It makes us feel good to look our best.

I had the pleasure of taking my daughter and her friend shopping today for that perfect dress and shoes for a special event. Both of these young ladies are very girly and have been known to be somewhat picky, so I was dreading the hours of scouring the stores, possibly to no avail. The road trip to the particular store they had in mind, took about an hour. I got to listen to them talk and sing and laugh and ask me how much longer.

When we arrived, they started by rifling through the racks to see what was available. After tossing several over their arm, they headed to the dressing room. Then they proceeded to try on, turn, twirl, take pictures of each other, try another and then try on the same one again. They look to see who might be looking at them, and hope for some input. There is something about the look on their face, when they find “the one”. It is quite different than the look on my hubby’s face when I tell him what it cost us.

The moment when my daughter says, “Thanks mom, you’re the best”, is the highlight of the day. You see, I’ve already done this with one daughter and I know that she will be gone far sooner than this mama’s heart is prepared for. This is why I relish these invites and tolerate the aching back and forget about the money spent.

This is my youngest daughter’s last year of school and every “event” is making me emotional. Just thinking about it, my heart has a pang of grief in advance for the times that I know are coming. Next year at this time, when I think back on this, I will have the memories and the knowledge that she has them too. I will also take comfort in knowing that every time I possibly could be, I was there.