I went to Christmas play practice tonight and one of the young men there, Ethan, asked me how Ben was. As conversations always do one topic led to another and we found ourselves talking about Ben’s tattoos. Ethan said he was going soon to get his first tattoo. It will be a cross and in the middle will be the dates his grandmother was born and died. I thought if a young man is going to get a tattoo how sweet that he wanted to get one in memory of his grandmother.
Some who know me might find it a little surprising to learn that I am a secret fan of tattoos. Not getting them, but looking at them on others. My kids have tattoos, as does Randy. When they gather at the house you can bet that sometime during the visit one of them will try and convince me to get one. So far I’ve held out.
I think tattoos are fine as long as you are old enough to get one. I don’t think 16 years old is old enough, or 18 for that matter or really your early 20’s unless it is tasteful, in the proper place and for the right reason.
Tasteful is subjective so I won’t comment on that except to say I have an aversion to skulls and vampires though dragons are good (Go Pickens !!). The proper place is where it cannot be seen while you are interviewing for a job or working on a job unless the folks you plan to work with are more covered with tattoos than you are. Some of the right reasons to get a tattoo in my opinion are to honor something that is meaningful to you, like your branch of the military or your heritage, or in memory of someone who was very special. These are things that don’t change and are a part of you forever as opposed to a girl or boy friend you dated for a while or the fad symbol of the moment.
I like it when someone works with the tattoo artist to come up with an original design. Those are so much more interesting. When our niece’s son passed away Randy and Ben wanted to honor his memory. Little Charles was a one of a kind kid who had a double portion of musical talent packed into his little 3-year-old body. To honor his memory they had the artist draw up snowflakes because his pre-school teacher used to call him a little snowflake. It was tasteful and for the right reason (though I would not have put it on the back of my leg like they did).
Can you really see me getting a tattoo? I’m 52 now, but one day I’ll be 83. My mother is 83 and can you imagine little Doris Fouts with a tattoo? It’s the silliest thing ever. And what would it be??? Randy has the kids so I wouldn’t want to do that. I could get a rose in honor of Daddy because he loved his rose bushes but I really don’t want a rose tattoo and well John Deere just isn’t gonna make it on me. So what to do????
WITHOUT !!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Yesterday was a mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly. The bad and the ugly was that most folks I spoke with had bad days.
My co-worker was late because they had to put her father-in-law in the hospital. My best friend called in tears because her cousin’s child has a dangerous tumor on her arm and they have to do surgery Wednesday. Randy’s day at work was not good. Our church play director's day was not good (not sure if it was work or a bad practice – maybe both). And on top of my day at work being exhausting and still not getting done all I needed to get done I received all the above news.
After work I had to run by the vet’s and then do that chore I really dislike – buying groceries. Though it could have been worse. It could have been raining. By the time I got home I was ill as a hornet and snapped Randy’s head off (sorry Sweetie). It was just really one of THOSE days. But then that was the bad and the ugly. There was also some good.
I did get a little joy out of my trip to the grocery store. You see just about every variety of folks there. My Grandma Fouts was a people watcher and she would have had a field day if she had been with me yesterday.
There were those folks who stand around outside the grocery store chatting, catching up on all the gossip while their ice cream melts. Inside was the lady in the motorized chair. Bless her heart she accidentally knocked over a bag of radishes onto the floor but if she hadn’t been speeding it wouldn’t have happened. I picked up the bag for her and headed around the corner.
Going down the pasta aisle I met a woman with a child in the cart seat who threw up his snack just as he got past me. Poor baby – poor mama. Watching the whole thing with us sympathetic mothers was a single guy, older man – handsome actually. How do I know he was single??? Because later, at the frozen food case, someone he knew asked him over for supper. He declined and said he was going to have a light supper tonight. Does that sound like a married man to you????
There were also the usual suspects. The giggly girls who run into you, act embarrassed, then talk about how funny it was. The rough looking teenage guys buying snacks. Don’t want to know what they will be doing later. The sweet little older couple. The friend on Facebook you hardly ever see in person. The former co-worker. You know how it goes. So while I hate buying groceries I do have to say the trip was interesting.
And here is the icing on the cake. My nephew, who has been out of work for 17 months, finally got a job. An answered prayer - what a great way to end the day.
Later.....
My co-worker was late because they had to put her father-in-law in the hospital. My best friend called in tears because her cousin’s child has a dangerous tumor on her arm and they have to do surgery Wednesday. Randy’s day at work was not good. Our church play director's day was not good (not sure if it was work or a bad practice – maybe both). And on top of my day at work being exhausting and still not getting done all I needed to get done I received all the above news.
After work I had to run by the vet’s and then do that chore I really dislike – buying groceries. Though it could have been worse. It could have been raining. By the time I got home I was ill as a hornet and snapped Randy’s head off (sorry Sweetie). It was just really one of THOSE days. But then that was the bad and the ugly. There was also some good.
I did get a little joy out of my trip to the grocery store. You see just about every variety of folks there. My Grandma Fouts was a people watcher and she would have had a field day if she had been with me yesterday.
There were those folks who stand around outside the grocery store chatting, catching up on all the gossip while their ice cream melts. Inside was the lady in the motorized chair. Bless her heart she accidentally knocked over a bag of radishes onto the floor but if she hadn’t been speeding it wouldn’t have happened. I picked up the bag for her and headed around the corner.
Going down the pasta aisle I met a woman with a child in the cart seat who threw up his snack just as he got past me. Poor baby – poor mama. Watching the whole thing with us sympathetic mothers was a single guy, older man – handsome actually. How do I know he was single??? Because later, at the frozen food case, someone he knew asked him over for supper. He declined and said he was going to have a light supper tonight. Does that sound like a married man to you????
There were also the usual suspects. The giggly girls who run into you, act embarrassed, then talk about how funny it was. The rough looking teenage guys buying snacks. Don’t want to know what they will be doing later. The sweet little older couple. The friend on Facebook you hardly ever see in person. The former co-worker. You know how it goes. So while I hate buying groceries I do have to say the trip was interesting.
And here is the icing on the cake. My nephew, who has been out of work for 17 months, finally got a job. An answered prayer - what a great way to end the day.
Later.....
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanksgiving
It is almost Thanksgiving and I am getting that mixture of dread and excitement I always get. Dread for the amount of work that goes into it and excitement that everyone is coming over once again.
Our house has become the gathering place for a multitude of occasions. While Mom’s is still the place to go for Christmas and some birthdays the other occasions are usually here. That was planned when we built the house. Though of course if I had to do it all over again I would make some changes. I’d take down a wall and expand the living room. But even without that everyone seems to have a good time when they come over.
Thursday we will gather again. The usual suspects will be here; parents, siblings and their families, children. One of the highlights of the day for me is the other guests that come. I have always enjoyed it when folks bring their friends over. And I usually don’t know till the last minute who it will be. While Ben was in college it was whoever couldn’t go home for the holiday. Some of them, like Michael and Toniya Stinnett, kept coming and are now part of our family.
You can bet there will be loads of food. There always is: turkey and ham without question and Mom’s sweet potato soufflé, my pumpkin pie. The fun part for me is what everyone else brings. I love seeing what my sister comes up with (though this year she is doing the turkey and helping Mom with the sweet potatoes (thanks !!). Wanda’s casseroles and desserts are legendary. My newest sister-in-law Brenda is doing the dressing this year. I’m glad. It takes it off Mom’s plate. Yum, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
The big unknown is the weather. If it’s pretty there is porch sitting and walk taking. If it’s yucky we will be stuck in the house but I have something up my sleeve for that.
The reason we get together this time of year for me is not so much to celebrate the Pilgrims (look what they did to the folks who were here already) but to remember what I am thankful for. All this month I, and other folks on Facebook, have been posting on a daily basis what we are thankful for. Some of it is the big stuff: our salvation, our families. Some of it is the small stuff: a child napping, a warm day.
That is what “Thanksgiving” is. Being thankful every day that you woke up, you have health to some degree, that you can still find a way to be useful, that you can be with folks you love and who love you. There are a million things every day to be thankful for. It’s just on Thursday we get the added enjoyment of a great meal when we say ‘Thank you Lord”.
Our house has become the gathering place for a multitude of occasions. While Mom’s is still the place to go for Christmas and some birthdays the other occasions are usually here. That was planned when we built the house. Though of course if I had to do it all over again I would make some changes. I’d take down a wall and expand the living room. But even without that everyone seems to have a good time when they come over.
Thursday we will gather again. The usual suspects will be here; parents, siblings and their families, children. One of the highlights of the day for me is the other guests that come. I have always enjoyed it when folks bring their friends over. And I usually don’t know till the last minute who it will be. While Ben was in college it was whoever couldn’t go home for the holiday. Some of them, like Michael and Toniya Stinnett, kept coming and are now part of our family.
You can bet there will be loads of food. There always is: turkey and ham without question and Mom’s sweet potato soufflé, my pumpkin pie. The fun part for me is what everyone else brings. I love seeing what my sister comes up with (though this year she is doing the turkey and helping Mom with the sweet potatoes (thanks !!). Wanda’s casseroles and desserts are legendary. My newest sister-in-law Brenda is doing the dressing this year. I’m glad. It takes it off Mom’s plate. Yum, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
The big unknown is the weather. If it’s pretty there is porch sitting and walk taking. If it’s yucky we will be stuck in the house but I have something up my sleeve for that.
The reason we get together this time of year for me is not so much to celebrate the Pilgrims (look what they did to the folks who were here already) but to remember what I am thankful for. All this month I, and other folks on Facebook, have been posting on a daily basis what we are thankful for. Some of it is the big stuff: our salvation, our families. Some of it is the small stuff: a child napping, a warm day.
That is what “Thanksgiving” is. Being thankful every day that you woke up, you have health to some degree, that you can still find a way to be useful, that you can be with folks you love and who love you. There are a million things every day to be thankful for. It’s just on Thursday we get the added enjoyment of a great meal when we say ‘Thank you Lord”.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Tomatoes and a Shake
Earlier this year I gave Mother one of those Topsy Turvy tomato planters. Since everyone had told us it wouldn’t work we were determined to plant it just to see for ourselves.
I went to the fruit stand and bought her a small container of plants and just for fun I bought one for me. Mine were Roma tomatoes. I had this bright idea that I would plant them in a planter and have salad tomatoes all season.
Mom and I - with the help of Nathan and Thomas – put her planter on the back porch. On the ledge below the planter Mom had put a small container of sugar water so ants would be drawn to that and not her humming bird feeder, which I thought was pretty smart. In addition to the ants, bees were also drawn to the sugar water therefore when her blooms began coming on the tomato plants there were lots of bees to pollinate the plant. Long story short, the plant grew, buds blossomed, bees pollinated, green tomatoes grew into red ones and TA DA the Topsy Turvey is producing tomatoes for her lunch. Total success.
I went to the fruit stand and bought her a small container of plants and just for fun I bought one for me. Mine were Roma tomatoes. I had this bright idea that I would plant them in a planter and have salad tomatoes all season.
Mom and I - with the help of Nathan and Thomas – put her planter on the back porch. On the ledge below the planter Mom had put a small container of sugar water so ants would be drawn to that and not her humming bird feeder, which I thought was pretty smart. In addition to the ants, bees were also drawn to the sugar water therefore when her blooms began coming on the tomato plants there were lots of bees to pollinate the plant. Long story short, the plant grew, buds blossomed, bees pollinated, green tomatoes grew into red ones and TA DA the Topsy Turvey is producing tomatoes for her lunch. Total success.
I, on the other hand, could have been another story were it not for the happenstance of a radio broadcast one early Saturday morning.
Everyone in my family knows I have a black thumb. Oh I can plant but I’m one of those folks who doesn’t tend. Stuff has to be pretty hardy to grow around our house. The last house plants I had were ones Mamaw gave me. They got watered every once in a while. When Sherry and the twins lived here she took care of them for me but once she was gone they died a sad and wilted death. (I’ve since reused the pots so onward and upward but that’s another story). Having said that, I don’t know what made me think I could grow tomatoes to fruition.
I’d tried to grow tomatoes before in the flower garden. It was disastrous. Every morning and every evening I had to pick off these fat green worms that were eating the plants to death and who finally ate holes in the tomatoes – gross. I said I’d never try that again. How soon we forget. Or maybe not so soon since that was well over 6 years ago.
So there I was full of enthusiasm planting my Roma plant in a 
planter on the screened in back porch. My thinking was if the plant was right outside the door I’d water it and take care of it. And if it was on the screened porch high above the ground no fat green worms could get to it. Sure enough, I was right - I watered, I watched, and I waited. Finally I had a beautiful tomato plant with little butter colored blooms. So I watered, I watched and I waited but I had no little green tomatoes. I waited some more and still no green tomatoes. I couldn’t figure it out. I was doing everything right – or so I thought.
The only time I listen to the radio is while I am in my car. Kicks 101.5 (Cadillac and Dallas) in the a.m. for my daily dose of country music and either WSB 750 (Sean Hannity) or WGST 640 (Dave Ramsey) in the p.m.
One of these a.m. stations was on when I hopped into my car one Saturday morning to run up to have coffee with Mom. As I listened during the short ¼ mile, 1 minute ride there was an agriculture call in show on. Turns out someone called in having the same issue with their tomato plants as I was. What are the odds ???? Of course I listened intently.
The host told the caller that the most likely reason he didn't have tomatoes was that pollination was not taking place. Even if a bee doesn’t land on a bloom their wings shake the blooms and pollination happens. The host suggested that the caller simulate that process by using a battery powered tooth brush and holding it close to the bloom. The vibration should do the trick.
That was a real “Well Duh !!!” moment for me. Since my porch was screened in no bees could get to my plant. No bees, no vibration. No vibration, no pollination. No pollination, no tomatoes.
Now remember, I have a black thumb so the thought of watching for blooms, running to get the toothbrush and carefully holding it near the bloom while it “did it’s business” is just too labor intensive for me. Solution? I just shook the darn thing. When I saw a new bloom I’d grab the plant somewhere – didn’t matter where – and give it a little shake. In no time flat I started seeing little green tomatoes.
Today I have 2 small Roma tomatoes to have with my lunch, grown with my own black thumb and assisted by a little shake or two.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Everybody went through Grandma's house
When I was a child summer at Grandma’s house was a revolving door of company. We lived next door so naturally the company migrated to our house as well. It was great (most of the time). The cast of characters that came through taught me a lot about life, love, and tomatoes for breakfast with pepper on top.
Grandma’s sister, Aunt Azalee, always brought kids in tow. The guy, Tony, had a mean streak but didn’t bother me much. The girl, Peggy Sue, could also be mean but usually not to me unless her cousin was also staying that trip. Then they ganged up on me and made my life miserable for the duration of their visit. The best part about their visits was Uncle Porter. We’d take walks around Grandma’s yard and up around the garden. And we’d pick blackberries or grapes together.
Aunt Azalee was the one who taught me to eat tomatoes for breakfast and she put lots of black pepper on top. Nothing better than biscuit, gravy, eggs, bacon and tomatoes to get your day started. Yum….
There were loads of good-looking guys who came and went during the summers. I tried not to fall in love with my blood relations but sometimes the like was really strong. I guess Lynn was one of the first. Lynn was Vernon’s son. He had been brought up the old Southern way where men treat women like the jewels that they are. He was the most polite of my cousins, always helpful even without being asked. Vernon was a good-looking man and Lynn inherited his good looks. Yep, Lynn was a family favorite, which made it so devastating when he was in the car wreck. He didn’t survive. Proof once again that the good die young.
Then there was Kim. Kim was charming like Lynn but with an edge and much more humor. Where I put Lynn up on some sort of a pedestal Kim was right down there with me. Both of these guys were older than me but to have such great guys pay attention to me fed my ego to no end. I was spoiled and loving it.
Oh I can’t leave this topic without mentioning Craig. Now Craig actually wasn’t my cousin. He was my cousin’s cousin on their other side so we didn’t share a blood link. Therefore I totally fell in love with Craig, mooney eyed and the hole nine yards. I don’t think I did anything to embarrass myself while he was here but I sure did a lot of daydreaming about him when he wasn’t. And you can believe I looked forward to seeing him come around again.
What is funny is that a lot of the girl cousins felt about my brother the way I felt about all the guy cousins. My brother was (is) a handsome guy and he was not only handsome but also cool. At one point he had this little MG Midget, which was a tiny sports car with a drop top, and no back seat. What is cooler than that? He also got the best hair in the family. And truth is he was just plain fun to be around.
Enough of the love part now on to the lessons I learned from this parade of quirky individuals.
Think young.
Read. It makes you more interesting to talk to.
Family is everything. Keep it together.
If you burn the beans, that’s gonna be somebody’s favorite thing to eat.
Snuff tastes awful.
Don’t dare somebody to fight if you think you can’t win.
It hurts when you are bitten on the arm.
Cartwheels on green grass are fun.
Drugs get you in trouble and hurt others. Don’t do them.
Work as hard as you have to to support your family. That’s your responsibility.
If you hide a sex magazine, kids are gonna find it.
It’s not usually a good idea to put 3 kids over the age of 6 in a baby bed, even if it does make a great tent.
Catching crawfish is a little scary if you are a prissy girl.
It’s boring to talk to someone who either knows it all or has a negative attitude.
But I guess the best thing is Laugh. Laughter relieves stress, feeds the soul and is contagious. Laugh often, laugh till it hurts, laugh till you cry. Laugh with others and at yourself. And when you are done laughing get a big ‘ole glass of sweet tea, pull a chair up under the mimosa tree and chat with the cousins till it’s so dark you can’t see each other any longer.
Oh yeah….Good times…..
Grandma’s sister, Aunt Azalee, always brought kids in tow. The guy, Tony, had a mean streak but didn’t bother me much. The girl, Peggy Sue, could also be mean but usually not to me unless her cousin was also staying that trip. Then they ganged up on me and made my life miserable for the duration of their visit. The best part about their visits was Uncle Porter. We’d take walks around Grandma’s yard and up around the garden. And we’d pick blackberries or grapes together.
Aunt Azalee was the one who taught me to eat tomatoes for breakfast and she put lots of black pepper on top. Nothing better than biscuit, gravy, eggs, bacon and tomatoes to get your day started. Yum….
There were loads of good-looking guys who came and went during the summers. I tried not to fall in love with my blood relations but sometimes the like was really strong. I guess Lynn was one of the first. Lynn was Vernon’s son. He had been brought up the old Southern way where men treat women like the jewels that they are. He was the most polite of my cousins, always helpful even without being asked. Vernon was a good-looking man and Lynn inherited his good looks. Yep, Lynn was a family favorite, which made it so devastating when he was in the car wreck. He didn’t survive. Proof once again that the good die young.
Then there was Kim. Kim was charming like Lynn but with an edge and much more humor. Where I put Lynn up on some sort of a pedestal Kim was right down there with me. Both of these guys were older than me but to have such great guys pay attention to me fed my ego to no end. I was spoiled and loving it.
Oh I can’t leave this topic without mentioning Craig. Now Craig actually wasn’t my cousin. He was my cousin’s cousin on their other side so we didn’t share a blood link. Therefore I totally fell in love with Craig, mooney eyed and the hole nine yards. I don’t think I did anything to embarrass myself while he was here but I sure did a lot of daydreaming about him when he wasn’t. And you can believe I looked forward to seeing him come around again.
What is funny is that a lot of the girl cousins felt about my brother the way I felt about all the guy cousins. My brother was (is) a handsome guy and he was not only handsome but also cool. At one point he had this little MG Midget, which was a tiny sports car with a drop top, and no back seat. What is cooler than that? He also got the best hair in the family. And truth is he was just plain fun to be around.
Enough of the love part now on to the lessons I learned from this parade of quirky individuals.
Think young.
Read. It makes you more interesting to talk to.
Family is everything. Keep it together.
If you burn the beans, that’s gonna be somebody’s favorite thing to eat.
Snuff tastes awful.
Don’t dare somebody to fight if you think you can’t win.
It hurts when you are bitten on the arm.
Cartwheels on green grass are fun.
Drugs get you in trouble and hurt others. Don’t do them.
Work as hard as you have to to support your family. That’s your responsibility.
If you hide a sex magazine, kids are gonna find it.
It’s not usually a good idea to put 3 kids over the age of 6 in a baby bed, even if it does make a great tent.
Catching crawfish is a little scary if you are a prissy girl.
It’s boring to talk to someone who either knows it all or has a negative attitude.
But I guess the best thing is Laugh. Laughter relieves stress, feeds the soul and is contagious. Laugh often, laugh till it hurts, laugh till you cry. Laugh with others and at yourself. And when you are done laughing get a big ‘ole glass of sweet tea, pull a chair up under the mimosa tree and chat with the cousins till it’s so dark you can’t see each other any longer.
Oh yeah….Good times…..
Friday, August 21, 2009
Here we go again.....
I was talking to Randy this evening about something that’s been on my mind for the past few weeks. Every few years I begin to feel that I need to “do” something important in my life. First it was be a mom. Then it was become a Sunday school teacher. Then volunteer for literacy. Then join the literary organization. Then help the kids finish high school and get to/through college. Now all that is over and I’m feeling a stirring again.
I was thinking about it on the way home. This is the time of life when most folks my age are beginning to have grandchildren. (No rush meant Sara). And while I would LOVE to learn I’m going to have a little addition I must wait patiently with arms aching. So what do I do until then?????
A few things came to mind. I could do as Sara did and get involved in our theatre group. I’m sure Tater Patch is always looking for volunteers. The up side is being able to get my creative side going again. I feel it has been dormant. The down side is spending less time with Randy and we already spend so little time together. Guess that idea is not a good choice.
I could get involved with Sassafras Literary Exchange again. I hesitate to do that though. Last time I attended a gathering it had gotten a little “uppity” and I didn’t care for the politics that was going on. I felt totally out of place in a place that used to feel like home. So that isn’t a choice either.
I guess the one thing that is pulling me, and that will allow me to still spend time with Randy, is my much neglected writing. Not the organizing of what I have written already but putting pen to paper and getting some new stuff down. However, as all who write know, it isn’t that easy. I’m one of those who waits on the words to find me instead of me going out to search for them.
Writing for me is a very mystical process. I ponder – sometimes for days – and then all of a sudden BAM words are falling onto paper faster than I can write. I hurry to get it all down and finally get to go back and read it. It takes some re-write and some moving things around sometimes but it’s usually all there.
Yep, I believe that focusing on my writing is probably what is currently missing in my life right now. Randy has told me for years I should publish something. Most of what I have written is poetry and folks don’t read (or buy) poetry. It’s nice to write and fact is it is most of what I write but it doesn’t sell. However it is good for my soul. I get great satisfaction from writing it or rather it writing itself through me.
Maybe I’ll just keep writing here. But if my past track record is any indication I wouldn’t wait up for it.
I was thinking about it on the way home. This is the time of life when most folks my age are beginning to have grandchildren. (No rush meant Sara). And while I would LOVE to learn I’m going to have a little addition I must wait patiently with arms aching. So what do I do until then?????
A few things came to mind. I could do as Sara did and get involved in our theatre group. I’m sure Tater Patch is always looking for volunteers. The up side is being able to get my creative side going again. I feel it has been dormant. The down side is spending less time with Randy and we already spend so little time together. Guess that idea is not a good choice.
I could get involved with Sassafras Literary Exchange again. I hesitate to do that though. Last time I attended a gathering it had gotten a little “uppity” and I didn’t care for the politics that was going on. I felt totally out of place in a place that used to feel like home. So that isn’t a choice either.
I guess the one thing that is pulling me, and that will allow me to still spend time with Randy, is my much neglected writing. Not the organizing of what I have written already but putting pen to paper and getting some new stuff down. However, as all who write know, it isn’t that easy. I’m one of those who waits on the words to find me instead of me going out to search for them.
Writing for me is a very mystical process. I ponder – sometimes for days – and then all of a sudden BAM words are falling onto paper faster than I can write. I hurry to get it all down and finally get to go back and read it. It takes some re-write and some moving things around sometimes but it’s usually all there.
Yep, I believe that focusing on my writing is probably what is currently missing in my life right now. Randy has told me for years I should publish something. Most of what I have written is poetry and folks don’t read (or buy) poetry. It’s nice to write and fact is it is most of what I write but it doesn’t sell. However it is good for my soul. I get great satisfaction from writing it or rather it writing itself through me.
Maybe I’ll just keep writing here. But if my past track record is any indication I wouldn’t wait up for it.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
The party's over ...
The announcement party for Alex and Sara was wonderful. The day began with Randy, Ben and me heading over to set up. Alex and Sara joined us and by early afternoon we were ready for our guests. Mixers, receivers and mikes were in place for the music. Tables and chairs all set up. Fans turned on because it was HOT HOT HOT.
We went home, had lunch, cooled down a little, freshened up and headed back over at 3:00pm to turn on the food warmer, ice down the drinks and wait on the caterers who arrived right on time.
As they were setting up our guests began arriving and by 4:15pm we were in full swing. Randy officially welcomed everyone, Ricky blessed the food and the lines formed.
Alex was introduced to everyone and the wedding pictures were passed up and down the tables for all to see. I went from group to group, trying to get around to everyone. I think I ate a small plate of food – yes, I’m sure I did because I remember carrying it and my bottled water around with me as I moved from table to table.
We were so pleased at how many came out for the event. Most all of Sara’s friends that were invited came and her friend Beth brought her new baby. The group passed the little sleeping beauty around from one to the other, dreaming of the day they would have one too. Actually one of the friends is 7 months pregnant now.
So many members of our church family came. We had asked Molli to play some songs for us. So while everyone was having dessert she went to the piano and played 4 songs – one of which was entitled “Bagpipes” because our Scottish heritage was honored at the wedding. I thought that was so thoughtful of her. The last song she played was one that she wrote herself. As far as I know this is the first time she had played it to anyone except family. She plans to play it for her recital in July.
In addition to the usual suspects from the Lindsey side of the family we were delighted that Mattie, Doris and Aunt Margie made it. Mattie lost her husband 4 years ago, the same day Connie died. She said she thinks she is finally ready to turn loose and sell her house in Snellville. I told her she should just move up here near us.
Our dear friends, Brad, Gwen and their daughter Alexis also came. Before they left Brad said for us to be looking for him about 5-6 acres of land to buy up here. Alexis starts high school this fall so by the time she graduates they may be ready to build. I remember when they moved into the house where they live now. The kids were little and it seems like yesterday. Now my two are in college and Sara is married. Their Shelly is in college and Alexis has grown into this beautiful teenager. I really don’t know where the time goes.
Rounding out our guests were Vanessa, June, Aunt Sue and Andy from the Fouts side; Naomi, Marie and Deb from the Pendley side and Mike, Toniya, Arnold, Casey and guest from Ben’s friends.
After our meal was finished the entertainment began. Toniya and Tatelyn sang a song together. Then Randy, Ricky and Uncle Joe sang “Love Will Keep Us Alive”. After that Papaw joined them on the guitar, Rick picked up his trumpet and they all played and sang a little while.
It was a great, great day. Everyone seemed to have a good time - I know we all did.
And so…. what were my favorite moments of the day? Let’s see…
Alex pushing Sara around on the dolly cart during set up.
Me catching the guys shooting hoops with something soaked in the beer that wasn’t supposed to be on the premises.
When Alex and Ben danced to “Love Will Keep Us Alive”.
When everyone kept asking who the caterer was because the food was so good.
And finally, when I dropped into bed and fell asleep from the exhausting, but absolutely wonderful and happy day.
Yes, the party may be over but we have lots of memories that we will treasure and think about and tell stories of for years to come.
Rhonda
We went home, had lunch, cooled down a little, freshened up and headed back over at 3:00pm to turn on the food warmer, ice down the drinks and wait on the caterers who arrived right on time.
As they were setting up our guests began arriving and by 4:15pm we were in full swing. Randy officially welcomed everyone, Ricky blessed the food and the lines formed.
Alex was introduced to everyone and the wedding pictures were passed up and down the tables for all to see. I went from group to group, trying to get around to everyone. I think I ate a small plate of food – yes, I’m sure I did because I remember carrying it and my bottled water around with me as I moved from table to table.
We were so pleased at how many came out for the event. Most all of Sara’s friends that were invited came and her friend Beth brought her new baby. The group passed the little sleeping beauty around from one to the other, dreaming of the day they would have one too. Actually one of the friends is 7 months pregnant now.
So many members of our church family came. We had asked Molli to play some songs for us. So while everyone was having dessert she went to the piano and played 4 songs – one of which was entitled “Bagpipes” because our Scottish heritage was honored at the wedding. I thought that was so thoughtful of her. The last song she played was one that she wrote herself. As far as I know this is the first time she had played it to anyone except family. She plans to play it for her recital in July.
In addition to the usual suspects from the Lindsey side of the family we were delighted that Mattie, Doris and Aunt Margie made it. Mattie lost her husband 4 years ago, the same day Connie died. She said she thinks she is finally ready to turn loose and sell her house in Snellville. I told her she should just move up here near us.
Our dear friends, Brad, Gwen and their daughter Alexis also came. Before they left Brad said for us to be looking for him about 5-6 acres of land to buy up here. Alexis starts high school this fall so by the time she graduates they may be ready to build. I remember when they moved into the house where they live now. The kids were little and it seems like yesterday. Now my two are in college and Sara is married. Their Shelly is in college and Alexis has grown into this beautiful teenager. I really don’t know where the time goes.
Rounding out our guests were Vanessa, June, Aunt Sue and Andy from the Fouts side; Naomi, Marie and Deb from the Pendley side and Mike, Toniya, Arnold, Casey and guest from Ben’s friends.
After our meal was finished the entertainment began. Toniya and Tatelyn sang a song together. Then Randy, Ricky and Uncle Joe sang “Love Will Keep Us Alive”. After that Papaw joined them on the guitar, Rick picked up his trumpet and they all played and sang a little while.
It was a great, great day. Everyone seemed to have a good time - I know we all did.
And so…. what were my favorite moments of the day? Let’s see…
Alex pushing Sara around on the dolly cart during set up.
Me catching the guys shooting hoops with something soaked in the beer that wasn’t supposed to be on the premises.
When Alex and Ben danced to “Love Will Keep Us Alive”.
When everyone kept asking who the caterer was because the food was so good.
And finally, when I dropped into bed and fell asleep from the exhausting, but absolutely wonderful and happy day.
Yes, the party may be over but we have lots of memories that we will treasure and think about and tell stories of for years to come.
Rhonda
Thursday, June 08, 2006
I'll Be Back......
Sorry I haven't posted. This is the countdown to the big party Saturday and Ben is in town. Mike and Toniya are visiting and Sara is due today. I even had to cancel my piano lesson.
It is so great having Ben in the house. He was here for the wedding but only for the weekend.
If anybody can tell a story it is Ben. I have stayed up WAY past my bedtime the past two nights listening to the stories.
I'll write more when it calms down. Ben will be staying through next Tuesday so it may be after that.
In the meantime....YEA SPECIAL FORCES - THE WICKED WARLORD IS DEAD !!!!!
Rhonda
It is so great having Ben in the house. He was here for the wedding but only for the weekend.
If anybody can tell a story it is Ben. I have stayed up WAY past my bedtime the past two nights listening to the stories.
I'll write more when it calms down. Ben will be staying through next Tuesday so it may be after that.
In the meantime....YEA SPECIAL FORCES - THE WICKED WARLORD IS DEAD !!!!!
Rhonda
Monday, May 29, 2006
Remembering Memorial Day ...
This is Memorial Day. It is a different one for me. Our family lost a soldier this year. David wasn’t immediate family he was a cousin’s son. We saw him at the family reunion once a year – if that. I heard about him through the family grapevine – that sort of thing.
I remember when he went to Iraq the first time. I was proud of him. I knew it was hard on his mom. But he came back and I saw him again at the family reunion. We talked a few minutes. He said he was being deployed again soon. I never once thought that would be the last time I saw him.
My sister and I went to his funeral. It was standing room only. As we went outside to walk to our car all of Jasper was out lining the street. I’ve never seen anything like it in our small town. We drove from the funeral home up to the cemetery and on either side were folks of all ages and all walks of life. They were standing there showing so much respect.
Many of them cried, many held their hands over their heart as we drove past. Though it was heartbreaking it was also heartwarming. It was a comfort. I would guess these folks didn’t know David personally, though they might have known of the family. It didn’t matter – he belonged to them.
All soldiers belong to us. They are our children, the ones we worry over, pray for. I hope they know how often we think of them.
Randy and I were staying in a hotel a while back. As we walked into the reception area one day a soldier was sitting there on the couch. He looked so tired. His bags were at his feet. I don’t know if he was headed in or headed out. But I knew one thing – he was his homeland's son, volunteering to serve and protect. I walked over and put out my hand. He shook it and looked a little perplexed when I said “Thank you”. He may have thought that he hadn’t done anything to be thanked for. But he had.
The life of a soldier is hard, the toll on their family heavy. When they come home the relief we feel is immense but they are never the same. Daddy came home following WWII, married Mom and raised the three of us. He seldom talked about his experiences until the last few years of his life and then we learned how close he came to not coming home at all.
When David came home we did not feel relief, we felt shock and sadness. But we also felt a measure of pride. David was a soldier in his heart and he served his country well doing what he felt he had to do. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Today is Memorial Day. It is a different day this year. We are living in a world without David…. and I remember.
Rhonda
I remember when he went to Iraq the first time. I was proud of him. I knew it was hard on his mom. But he came back and I saw him again at the family reunion. We talked a few minutes. He said he was being deployed again soon. I never once thought that would be the last time I saw him.
My sister and I went to his funeral. It was standing room only. As we went outside to walk to our car all of Jasper was out lining the street. I’ve never seen anything like it in our small town. We drove from the funeral home up to the cemetery and on either side were folks of all ages and all walks of life. They were standing there showing so much respect.
Many of them cried, many held their hands over their heart as we drove past. Though it was heartbreaking it was also heartwarming. It was a comfort. I would guess these folks didn’t know David personally, though they might have known of the family. It didn’t matter – he belonged to them.
All soldiers belong to us. They are our children, the ones we worry over, pray for. I hope they know how often we think of them.
Randy and I were staying in a hotel a while back. As we walked into the reception area one day a soldier was sitting there on the couch. He looked so tired. His bags were at his feet. I don’t know if he was headed in or headed out. But I knew one thing – he was his homeland's son, volunteering to serve and protect. I walked over and put out my hand. He shook it and looked a little perplexed when I said “Thank you”. He may have thought that he hadn’t done anything to be thanked for. But he had.
The life of a soldier is hard, the toll on their family heavy. When they come home the relief we feel is immense but they are never the same. Daddy came home following WWII, married Mom and raised the three of us. He seldom talked about his experiences until the last few years of his life and then we learned how close he came to not coming home at all.
When David came home we did not feel relief, we felt shock and sadness. But we also felt a measure of pride. David was a soldier in his heart and he served his country well doing what he felt he had to do. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Today is Memorial Day. It is a different day this year. We are living in a world without David…. and I remember.
Rhonda
Monday, May 22, 2006
That's no bull.....
There are two sports that Randy and I like to watch on TV together - football and bull riding. This weekend it was bull riding.
The industry is taking a step into the 21st century by testing some new technology and we had the privilege of getting a preview this weekend. A patch is placed on the bull that electronically measures the forces of kick and spin. By virtue of a weighted calculation the result is what they are calling an “Xtreme” score. The rides this weekend were being judged the normal way for the competition but were also issued the Xtreme scores. It was all very interesting.
The MOST interesting thing however for any bull riding competition is what happens around the shoot - normally when the bull - rider atop - rushes out in a jumping whirl of power while the cowboy tries to stay on for 8 seconds.
This weekend we got a "2 for". Not only did we get to watch the competition, but our favorite commentator was on the show - Don Gay. Now for those who aren't familiar with the sport, imagine the ability of Babe Ruth, the excitement of Harry Caray and the words of Yogi Berra all tied up in one bundle - that is what Don Gay is to bull riding.
We can be sitting around, watching a normal bull ride when suddenly something out of the ordinary happens. Don will get all excited and out will come one of his famous "Gay-isms". We were not disappointed this weekend.
A bull was in the shoot - cowboy atop - waiting for the command that would open the door. All of a sudden the bull got spooked and started bucking in the shoot. It is always scary when this happens because in a tight space like a shoot if the bull jumps he could crush the legs of a rider. Fortunately the rider was ok but during the moment Don let loose a zinger...
“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”
Randy and I hit the floor laughing!
Let’s just ponder what other circumstances might be appropriate for that particular “Gay-ism”.
You are keeping your 2 year old grandchild and just fed him a bowl of chocolate ice cream topped with Hershey’s kisses when his parents arrive to take him home.
“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”
You lost your beloved hound dog a few months back and your daughter feels like you need a new canine companion. She arrives with a dog carrier filled with a yapping little chihuahua.
“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”
And that's no bull....
Rhonda
The industry is taking a step into the 21st century by testing some new technology and we had the privilege of getting a preview this weekend. A patch is placed on the bull that electronically measures the forces of kick and spin. By virtue of a weighted calculation the result is what they are calling an “Xtreme” score. The rides this weekend were being judged the normal way for the competition but were also issued the Xtreme scores. It was all very interesting.
The MOST interesting thing however for any bull riding competition is what happens around the shoot - normally when the bull - rider atop - rushes out in a jumping whirl of power while the cowboy tries to stay on for 8 seconds.
This weekend we got a "2 for". Not only did we get to watch the competition, but our favorite commentator was on the show - Don Gay. Now for those who aren't familiar with the sport, imagine the ability of Babe Ruth, the excitement of Harry Caray and the words of Yogi Berra all tied up in one bundle - that is what Don Gay is to bull riding.
We can be sitting around, watching a normal bull ride when suddenly something out of the ordinary happens. Don will get all excited and out will come one of his famous "Gay-isms". We were not disappointed this weekend.
A bull was in the shoot - cowboy atop - waiting for the command that would open the door. All of a sudden the bull got spooked and started bucking in the shoot. It is always scary when this happens because in a tight space like a shoot if the bull jumps he could crush the legs of a rider. Fortunately the rider was ok but during the moment Don let loose a zinger...
“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”
Randy and I hit the floor laughing!
Let’s just ponder what other circumstances might be appropriate for that particular “Gay-ism”.
You are keeping your 2 year old grandchild and just fed him a bowl of chocolate ice cream topped with Hershey’s kisses when his parents arrive to take him home.
“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”
You lost your beloved hound dog a few months back and your daughter feels like you need a new canine companion. She arrives with a dog carrier filled with a yapping little chihuahua.
“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”
And that's no bull....
Rhonda
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Baby, that’s just life……
Right after Sara and Alex got married Alex had to spend 2 weeks in PA for Hazardous Material training. While he was gone Sara had to handle post wedding and pre college enrollment issues by herself. Name changing, financial aid, looking for a new job, etc. It was very stressful.
She called me one day with yet another issue that had popped up. All I could think of was “Baby, that’s just life. Stuff will always be popping up.” She got upset and hung up on me.
Of course she called back later and all was fine. Everything – except the dreaded FAFSA – worked out and all is happy in her world.
And then her father and I had our week…..
Monday I learned that the surgery Mom had schedule on her eye was actually this week, not next week like I thought. I had to make arrangements to take this Thursday off so I could take her for her follow up appointment.
Wednesday I had one of those piano lessons where my brain takes a mini-vacation. It would not recall notes that I know like the back of my hand. Site reading was slow and difficult. My teacher mercifully ended the lesson a little early. Very frustrating.
Mid week we learned that Randy’s parents have unexpectedly put their house on the market and want us to look for them a place to buy up here. I called a friend who is a real estate agent and now have multiple listings from the multi-list. We spent last evening riding around Jasper looking at potentials and will most likely need to do that again today to narrow the field down to the few that may have real potential.
This is the “drop dead” time to get invites out to the big party in the kids honor. I was going to spend the weekend creating lists, composing the invite, addressing envelopes, etc.
Toward the end of the week Randy called from work. Seems there was a little construction accident that caused roofing to fall on his truck. The first estimate is that there is $3000 worth of damage. So he should probably go today and get a couple more estimates.
Sara called Friday just to check in. She wanted to come over to bring her wedding dress back to our house. Seems her apt is a little too small to hold it. AND while she was here could I please help her with her FAFSA?????
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH !!!!! EEEEEEEEEEE……!!!!!
Ok, I feel better now.
So much dropped in our laps with little time to get it done. But what was that little piece of advice I gave my daughter just about a week ago?
Oh yeah…. “Baby, that’s just life. Stuff will always be popping up.”
Hanging up now….
Rhonda
She called me one day with yet another issue that had popped up. All I could think of was “Baby, that’s just life. Stuff will always be popping up.” She got upset and hung up on me.
Of course she called back later and all was fine. Everything – except the dreaded FAFSA – worked out and all is happy in her world.
And then her father and I had our week…..
Monday I learned that the surgery Mom had schedule on her eye was actually this week, not next week like I thought. I had to make arrangements to take this Thursday off so I could take her for her follow up appointment.
Wednesday I had one of those piano lessons where my brain takes a mini-vacation. It would not recall notes that I know like the back of my hand. Site reading was slow and difficult. My teacher mercifully ended the lesson a little early. Very frustrating.
Mid week we learned that Randy’s parents have unexpectedly put their house on the market and want us to look for them a place to buy up here. I called a friend who is a real estate agent and now have multiple listings from the multi-list. We spent last evening riding around Jasper looking at potentials and will most likely need to do that again today to narrow the field down to the few that may have real potential.
This is the “drop dead” time to get invites out to the big party in the kids honor. I was going to spend the weekend creating lists, composing the invite, addressing envelopes, etc.
Toward the end of the week Randy called from work. Seems there was a little construction accident that caused roofing to fall on his truck. The first estimate is that there is $3000 worth of damage. So he should probably go today and get a couple more estimates.
Sara called Friday just to check in. She wanted to come over to bring her wedding dress back to our house. Seems her apt is a little too small to hold it. AND while she was here could I please help her with her FAFSA?????
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH !!!!! EEEEEEEEEEE……!!!!!
Ok, I feel better now.
So much dropped in our laps with little time to get it done. But what was that little piece of advice I gave my daughter just about a week ago?
Oh yeah…. “Baby, that’s just life. Stuff will always be popping up.”
Hanging up now….
Rhonda
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Oops!!! Forgot a hat.... Post also includes a disclaimer
In my welcome post I mentioned that I wear many hats. I accidentally forgot one. We recently broke down and bought our first digital camera. So I can add the "beginning amateur photographer" hat to the list.
Since this blog is out here in the public I probably need to say the following: The photos posted on this blog - Dandelion Knoll at www.blogger.com - are the personal property of Rhonda Lindsey and may not be used without permission. If you wish to use please e-mail me.
There...I said it.
Ok, now let me show you something.
Randy and I were driving to D'vill recently and I noticed that the weeds in this field were in full bloom. I HAD to take a picture.
I LOVE this picture because it makes me think of my Grandma Fouts. She had a green thumb trimmed in gold. Everything she planted not only grew well but was absolutely the most beautiful it could be. Now me - I was born with a black thumb. I have cultivated a green one through effort but it doesn't come naturally. Anyway, one day when I was a kid walking around with Grandma, looking at all the pretty stuff, I pointed out this really pretty yellow flower. Grandma started laughing....turns out the "pretty flower" was a weed that she delighted in pulling up.
Funny isn't it...most folks want to get rid of dandelions but I love them. hhhhuuuummmm. Makes one think about the people you know. How many folks have we labeled "weed" when they are actually pretty yellow flowers? oops...stream of consciousness, sorry for the diversion.
Point being...I am beginning to look at things differently now that I carry a camera with me everywhere I go. Which, by the way, is courtesy of one of our church ladies. We were at Jasper Steak House one day several years ago and ran into her and her family - including her beautiful granddaughter. They asked us to join them, we did and had a wonderful, fun meal. Sometime during the meal she pulled a camera from her purse and started snapping pictures. Later on she gave us a copy of one with us in it. I was surprised - and delighted.
Now my mom has always been the camera junky in our family so I never had to be. If it wasn't for her we would have very few pictures of our kids. But mom is feeble nowadays and can't get out as much as she used to. So SOMEONE had to pick up the torch.
After we got the camera I found myself acting like our sweet church lady. I took it everywhere. And wanted to take pictures of everything. Matter of fact, Randy grumbled that I hog the camera so I started leaving it at home on his days off so he can have a turn.
I now feel the joy that mom has probably always felt but never told us about. It is so fun to take pictures. Who knew??!!??
So go take a picture of a Mom today.....
Rhonda
Since this blog is out here in the public I probably need to say the following: The photos posted on this blog - Dandelion Knoll at www.blogger.com - are the personal property of Rhonda Lindsey and may not be used without permission. If you wish to use please e-mail me.
There...I said it.
Ok, now let me show you something.
Randy and I were driving to D'vill recently and I noticed that the weeds in this field were in full bloom. I HAD to take a picture.
I LOVE this picture because it makes me think of my Grandma Fouts. She had a green thumb trimmed in gold. Everything she planted not only grew well but was absolutely the most beautiful it could be. Now me - I was born with a black thumb. I have cultivated a green one through effort but it doesn't come naturally. Anyway, one day when I was a kid walking around with Grandma, looking at all the pretty stuff, I pointed out this really pretty yellow flower. Grandma started laughing....turns out the "pretty flower" was a weed that she delighted in pulling up.
Funny isn't it...most folks want to get rid of dandelions but I love them. hhhhuuuummmm. Makes one think about the people you know. How many folks have we labeled "weed" when they are actually pretty yellow flowers? oops...stream of consciousness, sorry for the diversion.
Point being...I am beginning to look at things differently now that I carry a camera with me everywhere I go. Which, by the way, is courtesy of one of our church ladies. We were at Jasper Steak House one day several years ago and ran into her and her family - including her beautiful granddaughter. They asked us to join them, we did and had a wonderful, fun meal. Sometime during the meal she pulled a camera from her purse and started snapping pictures. Later on she gave us a copy of one with us in it. I was surprised - and delighted.
Now my mom has always been the camera junky in our family so I never had to be. If it wasn't for her we would have very few pictures of our kids. But mom is feeble nowadays and can't get out as much as she used to. So SOMEONE had to pick up the torch.
After we got the camera I found myself acting like our sweet church lady. I took it everywhere. And wanted to take pictures of everything. Matter of fact, Randy grumbled that I hog the camera so I started leaving it at home on his days off so he can have a turn.
I now feel the joy that mom has probably always felt but never told us about. It is so fun to take pictures. Who knew??!!??
So go take a picture of a Mom today.....
Rhonda
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Here I am, stuck in the moment with you.....
If you are over 45 your gonna go around the rest of the day humming that tune. Mission accomplished!! Sorry.... (I know it's "middle" not "moment")
I was just thinking about the lesson I learned when Daddy died. He lived every minute of his life as if it were the last one. He didn't put off anything till later. That is so hard to do. But for the past 3 years I have tried to be better at it. And part of doing that is to really enjoy being "in the moment".
With Mother's Day approaching we planned an outing to get the presents. We met Sara at Longhorn then went to Target and Wal*Mart (yeah we are lower middle class folks). Sara and I walked the aisles while Randy cruised the music, electronics and office supplies. While we were strolling, Sara asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. Now I had been thinking about how I would answer that question if asked so I was ready. She and Alex are newlyweds and we all know what that means. So I told her truthfully that what I wanted was a gift from the heart. She rolled her eyes and told me she was too old to be making me macaroni necklaces, but she knew what I meant.
Recently we were rummaging through a box filled with old greeting cards and we found letters that she and Ben had written to Randy for Father's Day. They were teenagers at the time and the gist was "Thanks for putting up with me". A gift like that makes the giver and the receiver stop and think about the past and be thankful for it all. But you know what, if this Sunday I get a box with a homemade macaroni necklace inside I will love it. Chances are it will be a little more refined than the one she created in the second grade.
So what does all this have to do with being "in the moment"? Well, we were standing at the checkout counter with our Mother's Day stuff, talking about macaroni necklaces and chocolate candy when I pulled the digital camera out of my purse (that's another story) and asked her to take a picture of me so I could scrapbook our outing (for practice since I am a beginner). Again she rolled her eyes - MOM! Not gonna take a picture in the store! But you know what...I would have. And I actually did when we walked out.
Two things - 1) It's ok to be spontaneous (Lord knows my straw blowing husband has taught me that - again, another story). and 2) Make the absolute most of every moment - your supply is limited.
Happy Mother's Day
Rhonda
I was just thinking about the lesson I learned when Daddy died. He lived every minute of his life as if it were the last one. He didn't put off anything till later. That is so hard to do. But for the past 3 years I have tried to be better at it. And part of doing that is to really enjoy being "in the moment".
With Mother's Day approaching we planned an outing to get the presents. We met Sara at Longhorn then went to Target and Wal*Mart (yeah we are lower middle class folks). Sara and I walked the aisles while Randy cruised the music, electronics and office supplies. While we were strolling, Sara asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. Now I had been thinking about how I would answer that question if asked so I was ready. She and Alex are newlyweds and we all know what that means. So I told her truthfully that what I wanted was a gift from the heart. She rolled her eyes and told me she was too old to be making me macaroni necklaces, but she knew what I meant.
Recently we were rummaging through a box filled with old greeting cards and we found letters that she and Ben had written to Randy for Father's Day. They were teenagers at the time and the gist was "Thanks for putting up with me". A gift like that makes the giver and the receiver stop and think about the past and be thankful for it all. But you know what, if this Sunday I get a box with a homemade macaroni necklace inside I will love it. Chances are it will be a little more refined than the one she created in the second grade.
So what does all this have to do with being "in the moment"? Well, we were standing at the checkout counter with our Mother's Day stuff, talking about macaroni necklaces and chocolate candy when I pulled the digital camera out of my purse (that's another story) and asked her to take a picture of me so I could scrapbook our outing (for practice since I am a beginner). Again she rolled her eyes - MOM! Not gonna take a picture in the store! But you know what...I would have. And I actually did when we walked out.
Two things - 1) It's ok to be spontaneous (Lord knows my straw blowing husband has taught me that - again, another story). and 2) Make the absolute most of every moment - your supply is limited.
Happy Mother's Day
Rhonda
Friday, May 12, 2006
So why Dandelion Knoll??
Most of us wear many hats. Mine are working woman, wife, mother, new mother-in-law (for 4 weeks now), piano student, beginning scrapbooker and poet - not in that order. It is that last hat that provided the name for this blog.
One spring morning a few years ago I backed out of the driveway on my way to work and there, where the old house stood, was the most wonderful carpet of yellow dandelions. For days I couldn't get that picture out of my mind. Then I started thinking about all the folks who had traveled across that little patch of land.
Where our house sits was used by the Cherokee as hunting ground. There are the remnants of a stream, the land is high and looks out over the distant mountains and we have picked up arrowheads while digging up garden spots.
The poem that was born from the sight of those dandelions that day begins ...
There is a spot where the dandelions grow
Near the woods on a little knoll
Many have come, and many will go
Over the spot where the dandelions grow...
The poem talks about the land's primeval beginning long before man walked here. Then it goes on to the native ones who hunted here. And it tells about me and my Granddad walking these woods when I was small and finally my children playing in the yard of our house.
Many have come, and many will go.....
So I thought that "Dandelion Knoll" was an appropriate name for this blog. Like the dandelions I will be the constant. But then here you are - looking around - and I'm sure there will be more after you to read the "stuff" that I pen.
So Welcome to "The Knoll"
Rhonda
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Entering the Blog World.....
Some of my friends have blogs and until now I had resisted the urge to have one. I am creating one today and will tell more about how it all came about later. I am a journaler and this is a place to journal.
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