Simple Reflection

This day is a time of memories and making more where possible. My memories provide such comfort, especially tonight. Yes. I am a thinker and thankful for my thoughts of those so dear to me that are no longer here on this earth to celebrate this season of joy in Christ. However, I know in my heart and mind that we will be together again. 

I am being reflective, not depressed, so it would be difficult for some to understand that in my mind I am experiencing the "silent" personal joy of having those people to share in my life during their stay here on earth. Being quiet and needing to wind down my mind does not mean sadness. For me it's just taking the time to recall those special moments in life that cannot always be fully expressed to others that I also love. 

May the joy of this special day make your heart lighter and your laughter louder as you celebrate with your family and friends. 

God is good always and in all ways.

Merry Christmas 

First time off schedule

I have an organized way of completing my Christmas and New Year’s Day baking of pies, 35-60 ready and waiting just for New Year’s Day with five particular pies saved as gifts for our sons, daughter in law and grandson. I enjoy this so much and have been doing it yearly since we moved into our current home. 

This year I am off my schedule considerably but not for anything bad. One could say that I am having a blonde senior citizen moment but I will not go there.  I am smiling even now while writing. 

For the first time in my 42 years of being a mother I will not be sharing Christmas Day with any of our sons.  The oldest has a nasty cold, my youngest is celebrating in heaven and my son Jason, his wife and their 22 month old son (our only grandchild) will not be joining us either but for good reason.  His little family will be celebrating Christmas Day together, just the three of them together.  It is time for them to start establishing their own traditions and we are still thankful that they were here last year.  I certainly understand and do support their decision. They will be here Wednesday and through New Year’s Day which is truly wonderful. The real reason for the Christmas season is celebrated every day in our hearts anyway.

Yes, I am happy but my “mental” schedule of doing things is out of balance.  I will need to reset it before next year and I will.  If not then no desserts will be ready when needed or desired which would be travesty (of sorts). Until then I will happily spend my Christmas Day baking but only after the hubby and I enjoy our standard Christmas breakfast fare together but this time “alone” for the first time EVER on Christmas Day. I am smiling already at the new memory in the making. 

As an aside, where are my Christmas Betty Boop socks?  I have twice checked my collection of Betty Boop socks that are kept together in the middle of the bottom right hand side dresser drawer.  Alas, yet another reason to bake myself into the right frame of mind.  Yes, I am laughing.

Merry Christmas 2016 from my home to yours.

2016 June 1st National Pen Pal Day

Wow! The thoughts that come to my mind are many so here we go.  This may include communication at its best … sort of.  Please, please begin with a good pen which is of course for me is a fountain pen.  Nothing is better even now than a handwritten note filled with sincerity and kindness which also coincides with another national day for today “National Say Something Nice Day”.  Oops, I am off topic.

I remember sending pen pal letters as a young girl back in high school.  They were each in various military branches of service from a list found at church or a magazine from church.  I understand that the parents, probably a mother, submitted the names to whatever publication I used back in the 60s. It was at the height of the Viet Nam war so one can easily understand the importance of mail and hearing from someone “at home” in the states.

I did not really expect a response but wanted each of them to know that someone was thinking about them, praying for them, and praying for their safe return.  I wrote a letter every couple of weeks to two different people; one soldier and one sailor.  The names changed but for the most part the letters were about the same.  It was important these guys received something from someone so that they knew that they were not forgotten.  Shame on me for not continuing the practice with the same dedication after graduation.

Now we have many more options available to reach those we know and countless others in computer la-la land: text, email, Tweets, Facebook, LinkedIn for business, and my personal favorite of blogging.

You may reserve your most private thoughts for your journal (the 21^st century diary) but sharing with others is so valuable.  Someone could benefit from the sharing of ones thoughts like the pen pal from times past.  The Internet may be an unregulated industry but it has an inherent value in communication for each of us. 

That old expression “all things in moderation” certainly applies to current media outlets.  Another expression that seems appropriate here is “exercise caution”.  This certainly applies to privacy issues and the relinquishing of same through its use with theft of our thoughts, expressions, and even photos.  Unlike “snail mail” the recipient and response cannot be controlled to the same extent.   “Return to Sender” takes on an all new meaning, dynamic, and dimension.  What you say can be used against you and be evidenced as proof. 

To say that we are leaving footprints is an understatement.  Tread lightly. 

The Ruby Locket by Anita Higman

A widow with a teenage daughter that might be financially challenged but they are rich in love and devotion to each other.  Enter a wealthy suitor who seems a dream come true for the mother, Dauphine.  Anne is the daughter who is ever watchful which proves to be life saving.

This is an engaging book by a favored author.  It has some interesting characters, a mystery that held my attention, and an ending that I did not fully expect.  While I am not generally a fan of serial reads I really want to know what happens in the next chapters in the life of Dauphine and Anne plus how they can turn the gothic mansion and their tumultuous, near death experiences into a positive situation. The mansion is quite the inheritance considering it was to come with their respective deaths. 

The writing of this author keeps getting better and better so far as I am concerned.  

Donald Paul Harriman Scholarship, My Nephew and My Memories

I was quite honored when my sister asked me to write a letter to the scholarship recipient this year. It is awarded annually in memory of her son, my much loved nephew, Donald Paul Harriman.  It is important that the recipient understand what he valued and how he lived his life vs existing in life.

Donnie was a remarkable young man who truly knew how to appreciate the many moments that came his way.  He took nothing for granted. He was a great athlete who excelled in Cross Country track.  He practiced even during his summer vacation from high school.  During our family weekend trip to Corpus Christi he got up much earlier than anyone, went for a run and got back in plenty of time for our family breakfast time.  He valued education and clearly understood the long term benefits it afforded.  He worked full time after high school graduation, attended college and made good grades. He liked to tease but was not a bully. He was an encourager and valued his family relationships above all else.

I must admit to being most proud of Donnie earning the level of becoming an Eagle Scout. He continued to practice that code of ethics throughout the remainder of his life.   

Donnie loved to laugh and cherished life.  His life was cut short but his appreciation for education lives on through the scholarship awarded in his memory.  His high school renamed their track meet in his honor to reflect his name. 

 I am equally pleased that the scholarship will help move dreams and goals forward. Donnie wanted to make a difference and this scholarship will make a difference in the life of another. 

Houston Post vs Houston Chronicle or Leon Hale

I was a faithful subscriber to the Houston Post.  This was in a time when you had three options for a newspaper in Houston, Texas: Post, Chronicle or Press.  The only woman that I knew who loved the newspaper more than me was my mother. We read every single page, even the Classifieds that held no real interest to either of us.

I saw an announcement which changed my mind.  As a result, I switched to the Houston Chronicle.  The following month I received a lengthy phone call from a representative of the Houston Press.  He inquired as to the reason I had not renewed with them since I had been what he called a loyal customer of many years.  My response was this “Leon Hale is now with the Chronicle.” He proceeded to sell me the benefits of switching back to the Post and said that he would have delivery resumed immediately and follow-up with an invoice.  I said “No thank you.” Again he asked why.  My response was the same.  His response followed “What could I offer you to come back to the Post? A discount perhaps?”  I said that it would take the return of Leon Hale.  He naturally said that he did not have the authority to make that happen.  I said “Goodbye. Have a nice day.”

News is just news for the most part.  Yes, presentation and method of delivery of information is important but it is the columnists that give it a personality and add the real value to the publication.

With Leon Hale there is never a blah-blah-blah experience.  One can feel the warmth and sincerity in every written column. I could and still can see (feel) the words come to life.  He writes with humor and truth, plus I feel like I am sitting on his porch or his porch steps with him. 

Current so called columnists pale in comparison.  Their passionate bias is so thick that the best knife money could buy could not cut through the bile.  It feels forced, not fresh, and no longer interesting.  My 30 years+ subscription to the Houston Chronicle is now canceled but at this point was not tied to my fierce loyalty to Leon Hale. 

Thankfully technology has come to my rescue for catching Leon Hale’s blog plus various mediums for obtaining other types of news. 

It is so nice to have options and I will enjoy my freedom to choose, while it still exists. 

Justice or Revenge

For some reason I am on a roll of thought these days and it is not even near Christmas.  Here I go again.

In a book, article or on TV recently was this quote: Justice is better than revenge.  I wrote it down in order to really think about it later.  Now is that later.

I feel strongly that one allows for personal growth and relief (sort of) while the other comes with possible regrets.   Before you get all in my face with “What do you know about it?” please know that my family has endured four separate robberies: three involved a firearm and each of them was shot, one of the shootings resulted in a fatality with the trial for two of the five involved in the crime and convicted, the fourth was an elderly cousin beaten to death with both of them apprehended, tried and convicted. My youngest son was a passenger in a driving accident where there were no survivors. I am more than familiar with the notion of justice and revenge. 

Justice is certainly open to interpretation and goes beyond a dictionary definition.  I believe in our justice system even when the convictions are not enough to make us feel better. How much justice would be enough to make the loss of a loved one feel any less painful or fill that void in our life?  Is there even enough justice available in our lifetime? I desperately wanted and needed to have someone to blame and held accountable.  Please do not belittle what I found to work for me and it was the only way for me. True justice allows for God to prevail. I am not talking about the here and now.  I am talking about the “pay now” or “pay later” justice.  Regardless of what a court will determine as justice for each of the offenders, I have and take great satisfaction in knowing that they will face supreme justice before God, their everlasting judge and juror, when their earthly life is over.

Revenge can bring more regrets and lead to more revenge.  Where would it really end? Violence begets violence. One can see this on various forms of media throughout the world today and in our history.   Revenge is not always physical violence but emotional or professional in nature. Each act requires another action and can spiral into a situation that was not intended.  Maybe the end result is to your satisfaction but at what cost. 

Everything comes at a cost. Is it worth the price paid? Only you can answer that question for yourself.  Just remember that you will face the same judge in the end.  Pay now? Pay later? Choose wisely and exercise great discernment.  

2016 April 9 National Cherish an Antique Day

The first thing that comes to mind is my vintage fountain pen collection that dates back to 1874.  While I do love my many, many fountain pens which directly relates to the name of my blog, I have other thoughts to share on this matter.

Okay, so here are my personal feelings about these pens that I absolutely cherish. 

·         How many lives were saved or put together by the written words from each pen? 

·         What sentiments were shared or secrets? 

·         How many greetings and what types of greetings?

·         What secrets were hidden in a diary or even now a journal?

·         How the answers on a written test or research paper grew to support a career choice or change the course of a career?

·         The information and signatures on a marriage license or a birth certificate?

·         Our wonderful historical documents, particularly The Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

·         Handwriting analysis?

·         Beautiful cursive that might change with each emotion from happiness to sadness?

All of these things are changed with technology.  Yes one can easily change the font but to me it lacks the fluidity from the pen, up through the fingers, the hand and to the heart.

Yes, I wrote most of this out in pen before posting it here.  I think better with a fountain pen.  This is a true statement, happily acknowledged and written in Serenity Blue Waterman ink dispensed through a much favored Waterman fountain pen with a fine point nib. It is a younger model of about 20 years old.  Your inquiring mind just might want to know.    

Laughs and Love in Flowers

I can always count on the Hallmark Channel for entertainment that does not need to be filtered for the unmentionables, brain dead words, or objectionable body stripping that adds no value to stories for me. Tonight’s program “Hearts of Spring” included a great line that is perfectly in line with my love of flowers. It is actually a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Before tonight I had never heard this great quote.

In the instance of the program it provided direction to a young single mother who needed something beyond the supporting of her daughter.  It provided a career that allow her the time and work hours to rear her then young daughter. To me there was even more though nothing is more important to me than being a mom.

For me flowers spur thoughts, encouragement, comfort, even emotion that at times produces action.  I read a wonderful a book titled “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh which opened a whole new world for me in the meaning behind flowers and how it affected the life of that young woman in the book as well. Believe me there are a lot of meanings and those meanings have changed over time.

I was particularly taken by the yellow roses in the program, the memory of that book and an especially fond memory of my own.  As a new single parent back in 1983 I had no plans to date and especially not have a relationship  that might turn into the direction of marriage.  The journey to where I am now included expanding my circle of friends and acting on my fears to either lessen them or eliminate them.  My friends in my church Sunday School class were the best which of course included the male species.  There was a particular man whose feelings towards marriage tended to mirror my own so we considered each other “safe” to be around more than on Sundays. On the first anniversary of my divorce I decided to send someone flowers to commemorate this new courage that I was experiencing.  Yes, I sent yellow roses to my safe male friend and made sure he understood that it was to celebrate this new phase in my life with my sons and nothing more. Fast forward.  I am now married to that guy and have been for over 20+ plus.  Thinking back, it started with an article read about the meaning behind each color of roses.  

Yes, for me the earth does laugh in flowers and I do laugh often.  

Choices and Change

I was watching an enjoyable program called “Signed Sealed & Delivered” and heard a couple of lines that produced some thought:  1. Begin by doing the thing that scares you the most., 2.  He’s her sliver of light. Both of these brought one word to my mind immediately, Change.

Sometimes, in fact most of the time for me, change does begin with fear, fear of the unknown and unfamiliar.  The journey will not be like the preferred straight line but the things that can be learned along the way will just add to the journey.  Some specific examples come to mind that I would like to share.

As a long ago single parent I was afraid of just about everything which included freeways, roller coasters, long distance driving and freely talking with anyone that I had known for many years.  However, with two young sons I was determined that they learn new experiences that could be fun which of course included overcoming my fears in a few areas.

·         Roller coaster rides with my sons and my mother - She was screaming with her mouth closed so that her false teeth would not fall out.  My sons were laughing so hard at my mother that we all forgot about our fear. 

·         Chasing my youngest son Eric around the Swing Ride at Six Flags in Dallas - My mother was on one side, I was on the opposite side and my oldest son Jason was running interference as we each tried to catch Eric and “place” him on the ride.  At the conclusion of the ride, Eric wanted to get back in line to ride it again. We did.

·         Rafting in New Braunfels – Neither my mother nor I could swim. Her boss along with others said that we could not, should not even try, it was dangerous and that “women” could not do it without a man along to help us.  Twice the raft almost tipped over as we got in, lost the oars twice but managed to get them back in the raft, drowned my keys and my car would not start when we were ready to leave, but survived it all with huge belly laughs throughout that day and we had matching sunburns. We rafted together three more times in future years. 

·         Driving the 610 loop  and freeways in general – On a Saturday and with a full tank of gas, I left to make a day of driving for hours on the loop, Hwy 59 and I-45 until I felt calm.  

·         Long distance driving – I drove to visit family in Arkansas and to Indiana to visit with family as well starting after the one year anniversary of my divorce. 

My youngest son who became a roughneck in the oilfield shared and embellished our stories many times over the years. My oldest son may still have a discomfort of heights but at 40 years of age decided to marry and is now the father of a 14 month old son of his own. 

I have mentioned my mother in these memories.  She was single as well and we shared expenses to have fun making memories together for the four of us. My youngest son passed in 2005 at the age of 27 and my mom passed in 2014. My memories are a blanket of comfort.

The second line about being a sliver of light comes to mind every time I see my grandson or peruse the many pictures enjoyed between visits coupled with my son Jason’s smile. 

Closing thoughts brought on by the name of the program. Sign but do not seal your heart from possibilities plus what change(s) can and does/do bring.  Deliver love in words, actions and kind communications. 

Intimacy. Hmmm

From my today’s devotional content about love is an interesting line: "Secrecy is the enemy of intimacy." Yes, I have my own opinion and comments added below. 

Intimacy is so much more than the first word or thought that might come to mind.  Real intimacy is defined differently and I must agree to these descriptive words: togetherness, rapport, friendliness, attachment, affection and confidence.  Add to that it is tightly woven together with trust in every sense of that word “trust”. The closer one’s relationship, the greater the trust factor hence the greatest type of intimacy and level of intimacy. 

I am also reminded of what I learned from my youngest son.  He often said that secrets kill people, like a cancer that kills from the inside.  This is true, so true. 

The physical side of intimacy, however wonderful it is, can and will change over the course of time. Real intimacy such as described earlier is forever lasting, for everlasting, and is really who you are which does not change vs what we do which will change, like it or not.  

Get real.  

Lost and Found

A great line in the movie and also a song in “Frozen”: Love is an open door. Many choose to close the door to love or are stingy with their love thereby limiting one's self of memory making moments.  Odd as this may seem, my temporary loss of a much loved “memory necklace” came to mind.  Please allow me to elaborate. 

Yesterday my to-do list covered a few miles with several stops along the way. When I finally got home, I noticed that my memory necklace was gone.  I was in a panic, depressed, tearful, and quite devastated at the loss. It was a gift from my son Jason that had my favorite picture of my youngest son Eric taken in July 2005. It was also my birthday present in September 2006, received shortly before the first anniversary of my son’s accident which took him from this life (my life) on September 16, 2005.

The only place that I had any hope of finding it was my car, my pathway to the house, and rooms I had been in before discovering my loss. My tears were no consolation and I could not stop them and yes, I prayed, however hopeless it seemed.

I sat down in my recliner feeling quite sorry for myself (silly waste of time for anyone), looked to my right to get my cup to make me some tea (my cure all) and what did I see --- my necklace, my much loved necklace, my everyday wear, my connection to memories.  It had either fallen off my neck, had never made it to my neck, or popped out of nowhere in an answer to prayer.  The “however” did not matter at that moment. I truly thanked God for my discovery.  I was at that moment flooded with memories of and with each of my sons. I felt flushed with the warmest feelings of love at the first sight of that necklace.

Memories and love are equally powerful and are tightly wrapped up in that necklace. I am a happy, happy, happy mother of sons who loved and continue to love me in my mind and in life. 

WE are our memories

I admire the power of the mind and how our thoughts can be put into action.  I have always been equally struck with our memories and the actions that they produce.  These thoughts were brought on tonight as I watched the movie “Frozen” and how the erasing of memories was used as a cure.  Thankfully this only worked for a time.

I count my memories as priceless. They have taught me to establish boundaries, strengths on which build, comfort when recalling those no longer here with us and keeping all kinds of love alive. 

Stop Blaming Your Genes

I was watching the game show called Wheel of Fortune and a contestant made the following statement “Genes are your history, not your destiny.”  I was only half way listening and believe that part of what she was talking about applied to nutrition.  To me that statement was true in a broader way. 

While some are legitimate so many things are unjustly being blamed on our genes.  In some instances it is used as an excuse to justify bad behavior and life style choices. 

For the most part, it is still and always will be about choices.  Choose wisely.  

Marriage of Equals

While posting to an earlier blog I was reminded of a line in Downton Abbey: money and position are less important than strength and passion. Those who know me well won’t be surprised that thoughts and definitions and meaning behind that phrase began spinning through my mind.

·         One’s position or title does not provide much comfort when you are alone.  A room full of your peers or in a preferred social setting does not necessarily compare with other things that truly enrich your life like family, fun with friends who knew you “way back when” and appreciate your time with them vs what you can provide for them.

·         Money can buy “things” that provide comfort on the outside while feeling extremely empty inside. Things are not important but people are.  One cannot place a price tag on a friendly smile, a compassionate hug, the flower or rock that your child or grandchild brings to you as a gift with the bright light of love beaming from their eyes.

·         Strength can include physical, emotional, spiritual, intelligence, wit and character.  One’s appearance and physical strength fade so I believe that the others are where the real value lies for the long term and bring much joy and satisfaction.  When my husband and I share a laugh, it is a priceless moment. Sharing the same religion and values is the greatest foundation that supports all aspects of a committed marriage relationship. 

·         Passion includes the obvious physical attraction and “activity”, but more so how one’s life is lived and loved, one’s commitment, and uncompromising values.

With all of these words to ponder, I feel the most important is to acknowledge and accept the balance required for a lasting, worthwhile, relationship of values and the truest love. Marriage is a balancing act of equals and in my option the equals are in strength and passion for a fulfilling life and a life lived well. 

Sisters and Friends

Just as blessings and what seems like curses come at times so do the tornadoes of emotions between sisters. Friends can provide support and voice of reason when there are family disruptions.  Our mind and heart does battle and there are no winners but plenty of scars.

Many of such thoughts came to mind while watching Downton Abbey and drama of words between two sisters, Edith and Mary.  Awful, hurtful, angry words were exchanged with Edith packing and leaving the family home. 

Mary who is historically cold, spiteful, and insensitive finally understands the damaging situation that she created and the ultimate hurt that she caused. She is hurting too, quite unhappy, and genuinely wants to apologize, which in itself is truly rare, but does not know how.

Edith, the timid, kinder sister who has experienced more sadness than any of the family, finally found her voice and stood up for herself against her sister for the first time. She also actually had the courage to leave.

It was actually Edith who made the successful effort at reconciliation plus she also had the best lines of this episode: “In the end you are my sister…  Our shared memories are more than our mutual dislike.”

That last part of her dialogue sums it up perfectly.  Shared memories are priceless and valued considerably more than the temporary dislikes or words or actions seen or experienced between family members.  At least it is for me. 

Two favored books "Jane Eyre" and "Behold Your Queen"

When asked by a much favored author DiAnn Mills, whose blog I follow, about any favorite books then I will gladly and genuinely respond. I must say that two books come to my mind immediately and are proudly owned.  Each is a story of an orphaned young girl who ultimately finds happiness but not on the route one would expect.  Each has a personal “of note” for me and one includes a spanking with my eighth grade history book.

The first is “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte.  This will always be a favorite and is as real for today as it was when published in 1847.  Jane was a girl and woman who persevered,  who did not have a glamorous life, did not compromise her values for love, and she did get the man that she loved however different  the path it took.   

·         Of note here is that while reading the book in my youth I did not hear by mother calling my name to do something and as a punishment was spanked with my history book and I was forced to return Jane Eyre before finished reading it which was the true punishment.  A few years ago I was reminded of that incident when my mother "unnecessarily" apologized for the incident.  It is true I did not hear her calling me but it was on a Saturday which was a regular chores day for us and I was to complete them prior to reading.  Shortly after that fondly remembered conversation I bought my own copy which can be read at any time, for as many times as desired, and now with another memory of my mother too.

The second book is my absolute favorite which is actually “the book” that sparked and fueled my desire for reading, “Behold Your Queen” by Gladys Malvern published in 1951.  I did not realize at the time that it was based on Esther in the Bible which is quite ignorant on my part even at 14 years of age.  Then and now I clearly recall my attachment to the story of an orphan girl who had to conceal her identity, wins a beauty contest,  wins the love of a king and saves her nation.  In the process she listened to her elders,  her mentors younger and older than herself, willingly learned what was necessary to give and receive love, and keep her faith and values without compromise.

·         On a personal note, I was in a bidding war on eBay to purchase an edition of this highly favored book.  I had lost in two previous attempts to acquire a copy but an answer to prayer prevailed and at the right price, I became an owner.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts on these two much loved books. Reading makes a difference and in the words of Mark Twain “If a man doesn’t read good books, he has no advantage of the one who can’t.”  Read, read, and then read some more.  

Trees in parking lots

I was watching a Hallmark movie and a line caught my attention and interest: “You look as confused as a pine tree in a parking lot.” A couple of memories come to mind, each a contradiction to nature and progress.

Trees are tied to our oxygen, shade, leisure and in number of other uses from construction to crafts.  Land is used up in the name of progress at the expense of some nature, particularly trees.  Some developers replace the trees lost in the process with other trees carefully grown by commercial growers.  If what was destroyed was carefully reused perhaps thoughts and opinions would be different.

On the way to work one morning I was passing a commercial concern of concrete, equipment, heavy trucks and a railroad line down the side of the property and in the middle of the “yard” was a tree with a deer standing in its shade.  The tree and deer was a beautiful sight, both of which were a contradiction to their immediate area.  Each had little chance of survival in those surroundings.  However, the business provided jobs and together they fueled economic growth.

My youngest sister worked for The Federal Reserve Bank when it was located downtown.  In the parking area was a huge, beautiful, majestic tree that had been there a 100 or so years plus a few benches and possibly a table. The employees enjoyed their lunch and shared time together many times over the years until additional parking space was needed.  There were many groups of people who tried to have that tree saved but ultimately the tree was sacrificed in the name of progress. Now even that older, beautiful historic building is no longer used but a huge, quite grand facility has been erected a few miles away which of course required even more land area.  

Where is the balance or the end? 

A Poem is a Choice

What a treat for me yesterday to watch three episodes in a row of Hallmark’s “Signed, Sealed and Delivered”.  With a hubby this is not the norm but there was no football and he gladly said “Watch what you want. It’s fine with me.”  Unless it is the news or football he rarely has an opinion and I generally prefer reading to most TV options.  Oh dear, I am digressing from the topic. 

The programming referenced had so many great lines that I could not do them justice on this blog.  That being said a casual remark in the show caught me quite at odds in my thoughts.  It was spoken in a cavalier way about the possible ending of her marriage. She asked her husband what he wanted and he said “Peace.... Ending a marriage shouldn’t be an easy thing to do.”  With a few additional words between them she responded “I think that I'll write a poem about this.”, or something similar.  

How does writing a poem solve or clarify anything?  At first my thought was how silly was that remark. Thankfully I had a second thought.  How is a poem different from my writing letters to myself, journaling or blogging? The answer is that there is no difference at all.  It is just another choice among many of expressing one’s self. 

For me my writing efforts are a form of expression, being direct and straight with myself. It allows me to process unclear thoughts, situations, make acknowledgements, voice an opinion, and make book reviews without interruption. My way works for me and many times includes prayer, sometimes lots of it. 

Write yourself a poem whether it rhymes or not, whatever the mood and whether you feel you have a reason or not.  It is your poem anyway and your choice of expression. It is not silly at all.  It is only silly to avoid your way of written expression. A word of advice: Be kind. 

Interviews and Ignorance

As a young girl and many years to follow I was quite shy and easily embarrassed.  Upon graduation the many job interviews were torture for me. All of those questions on the application and then the actual interview.  It would be hard to say which was worse.

While completing the applications I was so nervous to answer correctly that a few blonde moments come to mind.  For some reason when the question of being handicapped was on the application I wrote that I wore glasses.  How stupid is that??? No wonder the interviews were short or I received the comment “We will review the application and get back with you.” which of course did not happen. 

While going through the process of becoming a City of Houston employee it was required that I go the Houston Police Dept. for a photo, minimal background check and to answer a few more questions. I was sked about any moles that I might have and my response was “on my chest?” and said it in a squeaky and questioning voice.  He looked up, smiled, stamped the form and asked no more questions. However, I was offered a job and started to work the following week. 

I have been known to stay on jobs that I did not enjoy because of not having the nerve to resign hence another conversation could be avoided.  This changed when I became a single parent. 

Becoming a single parent made me realize that changes must be made if I was going to be able to support my two young sons.  I decided to face my fears of talking to those to whom I was not related or known all through school or church, driving Loop 610 until I stopped perspiring, riding a roller coaster until the terror passed (it only took twice thankfully) and leaving a secure but low paying job to take a chance on an opportunity not just for more money but professional growth which was my heart’s desire.  I felt successful for the first in my life on the emotional level and beyond.

This propelled me into a future that I could not have imagined, one full of happiness, fulfillment, security, and remarriage, another story all by itself.  All along the way it was God and some great mentors that kept me moving.  I am thankful.

Handicapped: No. 

My favorite quotes. Why?

The blog from favored author DiAnn Mills included some of her favorite quotes and why she favored them.  She asked that we share ours to her blog.  This really got me to thinking.  

While rearing my sons, I told them “Things aren’t important but people are. Be kind. ” People get so caught up in making a living, collecting things that they value (however temporary) that they forget to experience their life with memory making moments and sacrifice their family in the process.  Including kindness in one’s day adds such value to each life that experiences your smile, a kind word or deed, and lightens our hearts in the process. 

Being fond of Mark Twain, Oswald Chambers and C. S. Lewis it would be remiss of me not to include my favorites from them.
• “Men who don’t read good books have no advantage over the man who can’t.” by Mark Twain. Reading has expanded my awareness of other cultures, ideologies, history, motivational, self-help and of course biblical.
• “Never let the sense of failure corrupt your new action.” by Oswald Chambers. My survival mode as a single included a huge sense of failure with my failed marriage.  This quote along with my mentors afforded forgiveness and propelled my career in a positive direction.  
• “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”  by C. S. Lewis.  This quote actually speaks for itself.  However it does speak to many a professional or political figure that chose or chooses to forsake their values, God given and God inspired beliefs for fame and fortune.  In the name of progress much has regressed. 

Each of these quotes has fed me at different points or parts of my life both personally and professionally. I have many other quotes that are favored but these speak to my essence and who I am. 

Having said that, they pale in comparison to one of my favorite, most supportive, encouraging verses in the Bible which is my ultimate guide book and book of instructions: Philippians 4:13 (KJV)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Memories and Biscuits

Today I saw a picture and recipe for buttermilk biscuits on Facebook that reminded me of a much beloved aunt and grandmother who taught me the "palm method" for baking.  No one could cook better than these two women, true southern cooking.  

My Grandma Buck showed me by using her palm to measure the shortening, baking soda and salt. For the salt she had me cup my hand and use the little rectangle formed by the lines in my hand. Grandma also told me to add a little sugar to give it a yeast flavor which I still do. When we got home after that visit I tested the teaspoon measurement and she was exactly right. 

She and my aunt assured me that a recipe should be made my own and not to get so caught up on using exact measurements or even using a biscuit cutter or rolling them out (again the palm). 

My cooking, particularly the pies on New Year's Day, reflect what was learned from two of the most remarkable cooks that I was blessed to know. The last pie recipe that my aunt shared with me was what I call the Berry Mallow since she didn't recall the exact name. I make that pie often and just about every holiday. 

Memories are a blessing and comfort....

Here are recipes.

 Buttermilk Biscuits

Preheat oven to 450*

Mix together 

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Use a fork or whisk to mix dry ingredients together.

Cut in
1/4 cup shortening

Add just enough buttermilk to moisten the dough.
Using a wooden spoon, or your hand, mix together until all dry ingredients are moistened.

Pour dough out on to the counter that has been dusted with flour.
Dust your hands with flour.
Knead the dough until it has thickened and easy to handle.
Pinch off about 3 inches of dough, dip end in flour, then roll between your hands.
I do it like Ma did and juggle it between both hands, turning the ball of dough each time.

Place biscuit dough ball in a greased cast iron skillet.
Pinch off another 3 inches and repeat.

Brush tops of biscuits with bacon grease, shortening or butter. 

Place biscuits in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Berry Mallow pie from Aunt Dude

Bag frozen berries (strawberry, blueberry or mixed berries)

Large bag of marshmallows

Can of evaporated milk

2-Graham cracker pie shells

Combine frozen berries and marshmallows into large cooking pot and cook over low-medium flame, stirring constantly, until marshmallows break down and berries are fully incorporated into the marshmallow fluff. Remove from burner and set aside.

In large mixing bowl add the can of evaporated milk and whip on high until stiff peaks are formed.

Slowly stir the berry marshmallow mixture into the whipped evaporated milk mixture, until well mixed. 

Once combined well pour into the pie shells and chill until firm. The pies freeze well for future use.

National Opposites Day 2016 January 25

Today is National Opposites Day which naturally calls to mind the hubby and I. Our differences include(d) with Weldon McAdams on the left side and yours truly on the right:

• blue collar vs white collar
• moderate vs conservative
• beef and pork vs chicken and fish
• cornbread vs biscuits
• grits vs oatmeal
• brown gravy vs cream gravy (He is now neutral)
• ballpoint vs fountain pen
• home body vs social
• one of the youngest vs oldest child in birth order
• Assembly of God vs Baptist (he is now Baptist but I am not responsible) Thank you Don McAdams for making the introduction in our Sunday School class. 
• Democrat vs Republican until eight years ago when he changed parties.
• Our communication style is much different as well.

You get the picture and this post is done in jest however factual. Of special note is that we have weathered onward with God's continued grace, much prayer and forgiveness, open and even tempered dialogue, and love, love, love.