Uncategorized – Long walks and dark chocolate

Love the you that God created you to be!

November 30, 2012 10 Comments

This morning my facebook post said, “Thankful that I’m comfortable in my skin, with who I am, how I look, what I believe in and how I live – All the thanks goes to God ♥”. I wrote it, walked away and began to get ready to go pick up some Christmas things.

For some reason, I was thinking…I wonder if people will in any way think that was vain, especially the part about being happy with how I look. I’m hopeful people won’t take that the wrong way.

To elaborate, maybe I can take you back to high school. Was anyone ever insecure, trying to “fit in” or mold yourself to a ever changing standard? Did you think you were too fat, too thin, too quiet, too loud? Were you jealous? Did you secretly wish certain people liked you more, paid you more attention? Were you a part of the ‘in” crowd, but too scared of the ramifications of reaching out to those who weren’t? Did you morph yourself into every boyfriend you ever had taking on their likes, dislikes as your own, turning yourself into someone you didn’t recognize? Everyone had their own set of issues, fears, concerns.

I don’t remember when things really began to change for me, maybe in my thirties, about the time I renewed my faith. Coincidence? Not for me. I also know that the many things we go through in life also mature us and change us.

I just know that one day I realized that I was no longer bound to what the world and the magazines and whoever was the most popular told me was socially acceptable or a worthy goal. I am very capable of deciding how to dress, how to please my husband and raise healthy, happy children. My guidebook is the bible, not Cosmo, and strangely enough, I’ve done well.

If I could give a gift, all wrapped up in a BIG RED BOW, to all of the younger women I know, I would tell them this. Love the you that God made you to be. We were not all created to be cookie cutter images of each other or of some pop culture icon. Be healthy, exercise self-control, give much, love more, and cherish moments, not things (can never say this enough), be happy with your body; take care of it as you will need it for a long time, but don’t make it your God or an obsession. After all, beauty is fleeting. It’s what’s on the inside that’s going to last and make the biggest impression, good or bad.

Find that peace that comes with knowing who you were created to be. Recognize your unique gifts and talents and use them to promote love, kindness and peace. Keep the faith!

Be Blessed!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: body image, love, peace

Soup and a blankie

November 29, 2012 2 Comments

Today is one of those days when I need comfort food; I’m hoping to fulfill that need with red bean and ham soup, a recipe that I’m making up as I go, so we shall see. My daughter already said that the cooking beans smelled “gross”. That wasn’t very encouraging, but in light of her frequent negative opinions and observances of some of the things I cook, I’m going to ignore that. Normally, after tasting, she changes her mind.

Work was particularly taxing today so I’m happier than usual that it’s my Friday. Couple that with the back pain that is lingering since yesterday, and I’m feeling a tad out of sorts. Hmm, a nice quiet evening at home with a bowl of soup? And, I don’t have to set my alarm clock for tomorrow? Yes, I’ll take it.

Tomorrow will be a better day; I will probably rise early in spite of the fact that I don’t have to because that’s just how I roll. I’ll make coffee, then devotion and prayer time, and I will feel compelled to check my blog for comments and then I have a list of things that must be done. For now, time to check the food, snuggle up and relax.

Happy Thursday evening to all, Be safe, blessed and happy!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Comfort food, Cooking, Home

Gone are the matching bows

November 28, 2012 6 Comments

Ribbons’n’Bows (Photo credit: starryeyez024)

I remember years ago, the day after Thanksgiving was the day for putting up my perfect tree. There would be matching ornaments, bows, ribbons, tree skirt, you name it and it was beautiful. I was extremely proud and looked forward to all the compliments I would receive on my fabulous tree.

I don’t remember what year it was exactly when my mother in law passed on some words of wisdom. Just FYI, she is a good mother in law and I love her very much. She has provided me with wonderful advice many times over the years. She told me that the Christmas tree should be filled with decorations that children would enjoy. I don’t remember her exact words, but she let me know that she would prefer my tree be covered in whimsical, frivolous, not necessarily matching ornaments AND the kids should help do the decorating. This was monumental for me; this was my thing and surely they would mess it up. If my memory is correct, I heeded her recommendation that very year. When the time came for the kids and I to decorate the tree, I had to bite my lip to refrain from telling them exactly where to put each decoration. I’m sure I failed in that regard plenty of times and one of my kids will probably hasten to remind me of this. They are also aware that not all of their home made ornaments made it on the tree. And, I know I still had issues with how the tinsel was applied. It really does need to go on ONE strand at a time, you know? But, all in all we enjoyed every minute of it and looked forward to doing it together.

Of course, as my mother in law already knew, the kids would enjoy this so much more and from then on every year I let them pick a few more. Sometimes they would pick one to express their love of a favorite sport, or another interest, sometimes just because it was cute, but it was always fun to watch them choose. I still have most of them and continue to use them, which is why my tree is now a mixture of old and new, pastels and brights, classic and trendy, childish and mature. But, as a friend mentioned today when talking about her tree, there are memories with so many of them and memories of decorating with my girls. Thank you, Nancy for your wisdom. You are at least partially responsible for helping me mature from the selfish, silly girl I was in my twenties and for that, I am grateful.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Candy cane, Christmas, Christmas tree, Costume, Decorations, Holidays, ornaments, Shopping

I hate runny yolks

November 27, 2012 8 Comments

I find it slightly embarrassing that at my age, with as many years as I have been cooking, I found myself looking online to find out the “perfect” way to boil eggs. I’ve always just boiled them to death and when they begin to crack and the white stuff runs out, they’re done, right? It just never occurred to me to research this, or even ask someone. It’s not like I don’t have plenty of better than average cooks in my family. Maybe, it’s because I rarely boil eggs. There is the occasional need for one to throw in the tuna salad, or my husband might want egg salad for lunch, but that’s it. Who cares what they look like? Then the other day, I just happened to be paying attention when one of my friends was discussing the process of egg boiling (yes, there must have been quite a lull in exciting conversation). I heard him say, “just bring to a boil, then remove from burner and let them sit”. Interesting. You mean I don’t have to cook them for 20 minutes?

So today when I decided deviled eggs would go well with the pork ribs we are having for dinner, this conversation flashed through my mind. I couldn’t remember exactly what to do, so I went online and clicked the link to the first “How to boil eggs perfectly” link I could find. Again, I felt entirely stupid doing this. The very informative article, flaunting lovely pictures, said to bring to a boil, remove from burner, cover and let sit for 12 minutes. Simple, right? You would think so. I followed the instructions to the proverbial “t”. It was finally time to peel. They peeled rather easily, but then immediately fell apart like the half raw eggs that they were! Nice. What now? I doubted that even Google would be able to help me here. I decided I was finished with flawed directives. I put those eggs right back on the stove and proceeded to boil them to death (well almost). I ran cold water over them, peeled away and voila, nice COOKED eggs. I proceeded to make my filling, add it to the sturdy little halves and finished in no time at all. They are delicious, I might add.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Boiled egg, Deviled egg

The comforts of home

November 26, 2012 7 Comments

Home is where the heart is (Photo credit: countrykitty)

I am a home body; always have been, probably always will be. I love to be at home. Some folks immediately throw those of us who feel this way into the “boring” category and that is quite alright. Like I’ve said before, one of the wonderful things about my forties is being superbly comfortable with myself and my decisions.

In the early mornings, I love the solitude. the quiet times with my bible and my coffee, knowing the ones I love are sleeping peacefully and safe and secure. As the house begins to come alive I love the way they need me for something; the missing shoes, the sandwich for lunch, that one shirt that just has to be worn today, the signature for school. After the chaos when all is quiet again, after some time has passed, I miss them.

In the afternoons I delight in being here when they come home, hearing the front door open and either, “Babe” or “Mom” called out. I love knowing that either of them are going to come find me wherever I am, my husband for a hug and my daughter to tell me about her day.

In the evenings, I enjoy the talk and laughter (there is usually plenty of that around here), and the winding down from the day. I relish in the dinner shared, the stories told, the shows we enjoy watching together.

And at bedtime,the goodnights and I love you’s and the, “Mom, don’t forget to wake me up!” (like I haven’t been doing this for years).

Yes, I love home and everything that it means to me. I rejoice in knowing that my family looks at this home as a place of refuge, somewhere they can run to when life is throwing its inevitable punches. Home really is where the heart is and I am so appreciative that my mom taught me how to make a house a home.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Family, Relationships

No guilt over napping!

November 25, 2012 1 Comment

About two years ago, I decided that Sunday afternoons were an amazing time for naps. I had never been a napper. I always thought napping was for lazy people, until the urge started to hit me to nap. Isn’t that just how we think? So, a big, sincere sorry to all of you busy, effective, successful people who I hung the lazy tag on inappropriately. Enjoy those z’s and may they make you even more awesome!

That’s another wonderful thing about your forties. You begin to realize that you can do things like nap, stay at home when everyone else goes out, be picky about ordering your sweet tea “half and half” because the full southern brew of sugary liquid is just too much. You can do things that embarrass your children like wearing your pajamas to drop them off at school because quite frankly, you don’t care what people think!

I’m so happy to have graduated from the class of “putting on airs for other females”. I’m just me and that’s all I’ll ever be and I have my own sense of style, my own way of doing things and that’s okay. No longer chained by how I look every minute of the day and what a freedom it is! My face is lucky to get a splash of lipstick after my original face painting in the morning (on the rare days this actually occurs anymore). I remember the days of carrying around a full arsenal of makeup for multiple touch-ups throughout the day. Who has time for that anymore? If you do, more power to you, but don’t judge me for not jumping back on that bandwagon; I’m happy to be off of it.

And happily, I don’t suffer from as much guilt over things like napping or doing nothing at all for a few hours. We have to take the time to recharge or we’ll burn out and then what good will we be for anyone? I have so much I want to accomplish for God, my family, my church and community, but first, I must nap 😉 Oh, and don’t call me……

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Deer, March 2012, Big Cypress NP

November 25, 2012 1 Comment

Deer, March 2012, Big Cypress NP

Beauty in nature

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Big Cypress, deer

Slow down, have some fun

November 24, 2012 2 Comments

I’m sitting here with heavy eyelids looking at all the Christmas decorations scattered all over the place. I had good intentions, I really did. I was going to have the inside of my house completely decorated today.

I got up early this morning, did my devotions, enjoyed my coffee and started off with a bang. Seven boxes later, tree up and the remaining mountain of merriment covering my dining room table and floor, I lost my momentum. Then my daughter said, “Let’s go to the movies”. That was the end of it, so here I sit at 10:00pm surrounded by nutcrackers, snow men, greenery, angels and scented candles galore with no energy left at all.

But, I will have to say, I’m very proud of myself. Normally when I put my mind to something, there is nothing that can stop me. I tend to be a very resolved, stay with the program, planner or some might say more like a rigid, unbending, fanatic. It’s unlike me, out of character to just drop everything on a whim, just to go have fun.

This felt good though; more quality time with my daughter and her friend and I got to see a movie I’ve been wanting to see, not to mention the peppermint chocolate chip milkshake from Chick Fil A. Honestly, I look back and wish I could say that I had done this a lot more often, especially when my children were younger. The house might not have been as clean and maybe I wouldn’t have felt as “in control”, but we would have had more fun. I’ve heard it asked before, “What will our children remember? A clean house or the priceless memories we shared with them?” Thankfully, I was blessed with lots of good memories and I’m sure my children were as well. However, I know there were times when I was too busy, or just too devoid of flexibility to mix things up a bit for the sake of frivolity.

If you have young children, don’t hesitate to stop whatever you’re doing and embrace those moments. They are gone all too quickly. Sometimes I think that is why grandparents are so amazing; because they have learned this and will more often make the time to make a memory.

If God has blessed you with a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or any other child you spend time with, share your knowledge with them, lead them, guide them, but take care to just stop what you are doing sometimes and have fun! Play in the water hose, make pictures out of the clouds, play that game and listen with your heart. You won’t regret one minute of it!

Good night; I’ll be dreaming that elves come in and finish my decorating by morning….

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: chick fil a, children, grandparent, milkshake, play

Weekly Photo Challenge: Thankful

November 23, 2012 Leave a Comment

Weekly Photo Challenge: Thankful

I’m thankful for the beautiful SW FL sunsets we are blessed with and the opportunity I had to share this one with my youngest who will be leaving the nest soon!!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Daily Post, Gratitude, photography, postaday, sunset, SW FL

Love on Black Friday and other days

November 23, 2012 2 Comments

It’s difficult to get inspired today. I’m plagued by post-Thanksgiving, carbohydrate and sugar overload and all I want is my bed. My youngest daughter and I did make it to the mall after we slept in little. We strolled around at a leisurely pace, picked up a few things and had a nice peaceful lunch together.

On Black Friday, the mall, traffic and people will test your patience (and other spiritual fruits like love and kindness) so you must be prepared to practice forbearance in the face of provocation. I recommend you do not even attempt this if you are tired or hungry or in any kind of pain. After all, we must make a difference out there, right?

Some of the shoppers amaze me. Really, is there anything out there that you need so desperately that you will mow over an elderly person to beat them to it? Are we in so much of a hurry that we can’t stop to hold the door for someone laden down with bags or struggling with toddlers? What about the people who are so overbearing and condescending to the cashiers? I know that some of them should be glad to have a job and not spend their time texting while they should be helping you. And yes, some of them are rude and incompetent. However, I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. Kudos to all of you who already practice these things. A little kindness really does go a long way.

My prayer is that I will exude the true spirit of the holidays this year in every thing I say and do; that the money I drop into the Salvation army bucket or the offering plate at church will be given joyfully with a heart of thanks that I have it to share; that I will remember those less fortunate and do all I can to help; that sharing and giving will overcome my selfishness, and that while I am out and about in the midst of all of it, I will show love and kindness, always (whether they deserve it or not) – God Bless!