A year of blogging

what lies behind you

Happy Anniversary to me!  Today is November 21, 2013 and it was exactly one year ago today on an evening much like this one after church that I started my blog.  It read:

I’ve been contemplating starting a blog for a very long time.  It’s been easy to put it off because I lead a busy life, but today I decided it’s now or never.  Procrastination isn’t going to win the battle this time.  The hardest part is deciding the “one” thing I’m most interested in, or what genre my blogging will represent.  I can’t do that.  So, I decided that this will be a mixture of interests, a conglomeration if you will.

Since this is my first ever entry, I will strive to keep it short and sweet and then let my eldest daughter know it’s done, so I can quickly obtain my first follower.

Something is changing and it isn’t just the weather.  My interests are and somewhat dramatically at that!  Whereas I used to loathe all things crafty, I found myself in Michael’s on Saturday searching for felt, buttons and ric rac.  My mantra was always, “Why make it when you can buy it?”  But now, laid out on my dining table in all it’s glory are the materials for my newest project; making these cute little felt owl ornaments I found on Pinterest.

Stroll a few feet further and you will find the kitchen.  This used to be a place I barely tolerated.  The greatest thing about it was that it housed my coffeepot and that of course is essential.  Now, I have recipes galore, new ingredients in my pantry that I’ve only just learned existed and I have a desire for new cookware, bake-ware and am seriously contemplating buying one of those expensive mixers.

My hope is that this journey deep into the heart of middle age (or am I already there?) will prove enlightening at the very least.  Hope you will join me!

My hope was to bring encouragement, smiles and yes, even the occasional tear to the eyes of my followers.  You see, if I could accomplish this, it would prove to me that my writing could move people.

My eldest daughter has been brutally honest with me.  If a post was lacking in emotion, content, creativity or purpose, I have been able to count on her to tell me.  Thank you Ashley!

I’ve met new friends and gained much insight from fellow bloggers.  They have been very helpful and willing to share knowledge of writing, technology or whatever assistance I needed.

For those of you who read or share my posts, visit my facebook page regularly and shower me with input and encouragement, I am sincerely thankful.

I look forward to continuing on this journey and hopefully make strides in my goal to write that book and be published!

Thank you and God Bless!

Lisa

Too blessed

City Park, New Orleans

City Park, New Orleans

We are finally home from vacation and although I had a wonderful time and wouldn’t take back the beautiful visit and fun times and laughter, I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

I was browsing facebook earlier and saw that a very wise, young lady posted a status that said, in essence, ‘lighten up, everyone has depressing statuses today”.

Her status reminded me once again how very fortunate most of us are.  I had to stop and reflect on this trip and how many times I made silly negative comments about a late cab or a long drive or even (as ridiculous as it may seem) about eating too much.

As soon as these utterances leave my mouth, I regret them.   I think of the family living in a car because they have lost their home, or people who can’t afford to go on vacation this year because they have too many medical expenses.  What about the starving children?  What if they could be a bug on a wall as we rubbed our bellies, filled with all manner of delicacies while exclaiming, “Wow, I did it again; ate way too much”.  I would be embarrassed.

So what can I do?  I can start by making sure that I voice good things, that I focus on the positive, and that I remember at all times how very much I am blessed.  For me, it’s about remembering from Whom I get my strength, hope and peace.

I truly believe that what we say can influence for good or bad.  If I grumble and complain, that propagates more of the same.  And seriously, isn’t life arduous enough at times without me broadcasting the bad like the ratings-hungry news media does?

So, once again I vow to try to remember those less fortunate than me when I find myself in a far from horrid situation that beckons a complaint or murmur.  I will silence the fuss with praise or a blessing!

Pondering prom

IMG_3473

I was just there to do a favor; take pictures that the kids would like, with a decent camera.  My role was photographer (not even close to professional and not pretending to be) and spectator.

One of the first cars to pull up after my friend and I arrived was my daughter and wow, she looked amazing.  She had that perfect dress on and when she smiled at me, I considered how blessed I was to be here, a part of her senior prom.  I could watch her from the sidelines, beside myself with emotion that was pushed way down deep, yet ever threatening to bubble to the top and overflow.  But, I promised myself there would be no waterworks tonight.

As I watched the young adults begin to arrive, I was amazed at how beautiful and handsome they all looked.  Since I’ve known most of them since they were in diapers, my heart lurched for them too.  For some, this would be the final big event of their high school career.

They let me take their pictures, ate a wonderful meal and then the dancing began.  This was a great group, not the kind you constantly have to worry about and follow around to intercept any mischief.  They were content to be together.

Looking around the room casually, careful not to let my eyes linger anywhere long enough to be that nosy parent, the memories overwhelmed me.  The sleepovers, the birthday parties, little league games and youth group.  Many have been found eating at my table, riding in my car, sharing secrets and dreams.

We complain sometimes because we live in a small town and our kids go to a K-12 school.  It’s small so it doesn’t offer as much variety or choice in sports or academics as some schools.  Everyone knows each other’s business, so gossip can run rampant.

But, sitting there thinking about these kids and some of the lifelong friendships, I realized that where we fall short in some areas, we far exceed in others.  We’re like family; we all come together when it’s needed.  They may argue, but when push comes to shove and there is a need, it’s met.

Their futures loom just ahead of them and no one knows what tomorrow holds, but whenever they return home, they will have those of us who welcome them.  We will share in their joy of accomplishments and feel sorrow in their losses.

I had been home about an hour when my daughter arrived and we went through the pictures together and discussed the night.  She was happy with how things went, so of course, so was I.   (and I was glad she was home and off the road early so this mom could get some much needed rest!)

Mitch Teemley

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