2021 October 15 Jason Lee Sample is 47

 

What a special day to celebrate.  In fact it's what I call a "two-fer". Today my son Jason Sample turns 47 years old plus it's also National Boss Day. 

 Yes he's officially his own boss and working his dream job to making a goal his reality. Seeing his artistic side in action is beautiful to see and makes me proud. 

I've watched him grow from crochet booties to white high tops, to cowboy boots as a child, to desert boots, and now his Chucks with black shoe laces. Life from his first bicycle, to a Jeep, to a motorcycle, to his current trucks. From running in the house to walks in the woods on his property.  From shy looks at girls, to questionable relationships, to finally marriage to my much loved daughter in-love Shaina Sample with a son of his own named Eric. One thing remains the same is with each look in my direction and each smile or hug received really warms my heart and I truly covet and cherish each.  

 I love him more each day and am most proud of him. As mothers do I shared his artistic creations with others on a video to Facebook plus some cherished picture collages.

I pray that he greatly enjoys his special day. He is my one and only "Love Bug".

Peace can be a choice

I choose peace. Discontent and anger steal ones joy. It is also a choice not to hate and is  part of our sinful nature. God gives us a new nature if one chooses to have it. 

I am thanking God today, as always and in all ways. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

Two different stories and several lives tied to a scarf might sound odd but it fits. Each story resonated with me and the characters could indeed be real in the telling.

It's hard to express how attached I now feel to this book so just let me share some lines that spoke to me.:

"... the freedom to love or be loved,  though it shook you to your core,  made life exquisite."

"Everything beautiful has a story it wants to tell."

Freedom Writers TV special

I recently watched "Freedom Writers" which is based on a true story. One teacher with passion for education and a classroom of students that were forgotten, neglected, abused, fearful of everyday life with good reason, hurting hearts, and each was valuable to her. This one teacher made a difference and offered a "Taste for Change" opportunity. The school did not provide support so this one teacher even took part-time jobs to buy books, supplies, funded field trips that introduced them to intolerance on a whole new level: WWII, Hitler, the Holocaust, and a young girl near their age by the name of Anne Frank. 

Yes, I am now looking for "The Freedom Writers Diary" published in 1999 to cement the story and sequence of events in my mind. The teacher Erin Gruwell is an educator that every child deserves and she also learned a few lessons for herself along this journey. She taught from the heart.

Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg

What a delight of a book. It is written in the form of a diary beginning when Daisy Fay is 11 though about age 18 in the decade of 1950s in the southern state of Mississippi. 

So many situations for a young girl to experience and her optimism keeps her moving. I can appreciate how she handled her family dynamics, loss, variety of friendships, being a teenager, and the list goes on.

I laughed and smiled throughout the book. Her final words on a given day might seem at odds from what is happening but it is actually part of the charm of the book and so Fannie Flagg as an author.  

I admit to looking for more after the last page. After thinking about it I can accept the ending.  It is so Daisy Fay.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

I just finished this book that was highly recommended in another Facebook reading group. It's even better than "Salt in the Sea" by the same author  and again I was unaware to this extent of the subject matter.  Twenty million lives lost!! When one thinks of genocide the Holocaust comes immediately to mind and Hitler.  Well Stalin wasn't far behind! 

 It will forever hold a place in my memories and as a favored reading experience. 

It's a work of fiction but based on facts and real stories from actual survivors. Imagine being targeted and sent to labor camps in Siberia because you are educated,  a doctor,  a teacher, stand up for what is right or your freedom, voice your opinion, and to dumb down and control a nation by fear and force tactics! 

It happened.

2021 June 20 Father’s Day

Yes, it is Father’s Day. Please accept my special thanks and prayers of thanksgiving to the real men who hold this role in the family by choice every single day. You are highly regarded by so many just like me.  I do not stand alone in my appreciation for each of you.  Enjoy the remainder of your day.

It takes love, devotion, commitment and sometimes a sense of humor to be a dad, daddy, or father.  Fatherhood is so much more than science or a biological function and a real man understands that and makes a choice, the responsible choice, in my opinion.

2021 May 9th Mother's Day

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31:31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My mother loved life and had an appreciation for everyone in her life. She was a daddy's girl and had many traits of her mother. She absolutely loved her siblings and encouraged her children to also love each other REGARDLESS. 

Thank you for loving me and forever setting an example for me as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

I loved you then and still do. I miss you everyday and will definitely see you later.

Color Can Be Intimidating

You don't need to understand my intimidation at the walls of color in a nail salon but it is my reality. I worked with my nail polish therapist Shaina Sample for several months.  Her talents are many and I hope that she knows that I appreciate her skills as my personal therapist. I am smiling.

I now feel like a grown-up and it only takes me about five minutes to select a nail color which is a huge progress for me. The teal color just spoke to me as thoughts of my mother came to mind with her love of green and my favorite color blue. 

My daughter in-law really had been selecting some beautiful colors for me. In fact the nail techs would ask me as soon as I enter the room "What color did your daughter in-law pick for you today?" and I would hand my cellphone to her so that she can see the text. The memory still brings smiles to my face.

By the way nail color therapists don't really exist but my daughter in-law helping me is real. I just decided to put a spin on my difficulty in selecting nail polish colors. Whew! I feel better telling this truth.

If you could only see my happy feet fully adorned with color.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

This is fiction but based on a real event where 9k+ lives were lost when the Wilhelm Gustloff passenger cruise ship was deliberately torpedoed during WW2. It reads so true and each character is a reminder of the types of people who could have been on the ship.  People who loved and were loved and had plans for a future. People who were victims and victimized,  people who lost people precious to them all because they didn't fit the desired pattern for humanity by Hitler, Stalin, etc.

I feel emotionally exhausted after finishing this book. I barely recall learning about this sinking of this ship and the others that faced the same fate during WW2. This book is a reminder that thousands on board were trying to escape their respective war torn country with their families or the remainder of families. Hoping to be delivered to safety elsewhere but instead their loss of life was considered a victory for the country from which its military had created so much death, torture, and defilement.

To think that the commander of the submarine is considered a wartime hero dragged at my emotions. Then I sat back and understood that wars bring tragedy and the commander was supposedly carrying out his duty but at a later time the decision of that commander came into question. 

I was drawn into each character which was well written by the author.  I am not generally a fan of this style of writing but now I am pleased that it was not written as a one narrator.  The authors notes at the end plus comments from survivors and the divers that actually explored the ship really added to the overall appreciation of this book.

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

Beauty, brains, intelligence, and resilience. Hedy Lamarr had it all. 

Hedy Lamarr was not only beautiful but intelligent, extremely intelligent. She escaped an abusive marriage in another country and she managed to make it all of the way to our beloved USA,  Adolf Hitler was entertained in her home during her marriage to do business with her husband, Speaking of her husband he concealed her being Jewish for his business convenience and she knew that he could change is mind at any time. As a result of her intelligence she has greatly enhanced our everyday day life through her patent.

One of the inventions that she held a patent on could have saved  many lives during WW2. Through great persistence she finally was granted an audience with certain military staff to introduce her invention. The military agreed that it could be useful but because she was a woman they did not know how to introduce it for approval simply because of her gender. Our military should feel shame for the additional lives lost for their ignorance. Talk about gender bias!

I now think of Hedy Lamarr often when using my cell phone since its design and functionality is directed tied to her invention so many years ago..

Ernest Hemingway was indeed human

I learned a lot about him from reading "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. Interesting man who lived life by his own confused terms. The book put his life into perspective for me. He never really wanted children and fatherhood proved difficult for him, especially emotionally.

After recently watching the PBS special about his life, marriages, writing career and stages of writing, and his mental state through the end of his life I actually have a renewed interest in him and my opinion has somewhat changed but only marginally. Perhaps I can finally finish the book by Paula McLain titled "Love and Ruin" that I started over a year ago.  It is just not as interesting as the one about his first of four wives.  This one is about the third wife in the life of this hot tempered and abusive cheater.  He appeared to believe in marriage just not celibacy within marriage. 

Hemingway shared the wise words with us many years ago. His war time experiences, less than happy childhood, and depression drove him and haunted him which led to his suicide. These words from him take on a special significance for each of us and it's all about choices. Choose wisely. It is sad that he did not take his own advice but it does not at diminish the value of these words.  

"Before you act, listen.

Before you react, think.

Before you spend, earn.

Before you criticize, wait.

Before you pray, forgive.

Before you quit, try."

 

- Ernest Hemingway

2021 March 9 National Get Over It Day

Yesterday was National Get Over It Day.

There are those who belabor everything and would beat a dead horse. The verbal hysterics and tirades have gotten old. Some continue in their attacks then say I love you to their respective audience. Talk is cheap.

Differences and differences in opinion are just that ... Differences. Stop being a two legged volcano. Then again there are those in attack mode that actually think that belittling others or playing the victim will change the mind of another. Fact check, it doesn't.

Here are some real truths that I have copied and pasted from the National Day Calendar website. :

"It” may be a variety of things. .... Even news such as being passed over for a promotion, poor grades, or an argument with a family member shouldn’t cause us to live our lives in a state of misery forever.

Say goodbye to the worry of the “if onlys” and “what ifs” and look forward to days with a more positive attitude.

Falling into dirt

My maternal grandmother always told me that you couldn't be around dirt without getting some on you. Today's media, political pundits, opinionated messages seen on Facebook, etc. reminds me of what compromises can do to us and the confusion that comes with it. The term "convenience thinking" comes to mind.

Sexual abuse, violence, and even ones sexuality have escalated over the years and the messages serve as a painful reminder of what is becoming of our society in this country, what it condones in the name of freedom. It's freedom run amuck.

"Freedoms" are exploited rather than seeking atonement for sin clearly defined in the word of God. In the name of progress we have regressed to lower our moral standards and make excuses to justify ones behavior. Yes, what I am seeing and reading has struck a chord, a painful one.

The real story behind the book The Shack by William Paul Young

After watching the TV documentary I now realize that there was and actually is a real story behind the book and movie, The Shack by William Paul Young. 

How it came to exist pulled at my heart in several ways. There is a powerful message about hiding and carrying with you your  own "shack" built by your experiences and relationships, forgiveness, OUR sins against those that we love, the facades that we build and hide behind, who we really are, expectations and lies that we hide behind, secrets and how they destroy us and interfere with God's plan for our life, and how we might lose everything by the world's standard to "reach" the bottom and that God carries, walks and leads us if and when allowed. 

Life is a journey and God's invitation is ever present. It was two hours well spent and thankfully with supportive Scripture. I included prayer before and then again after watching this exceptional documentary.  Bottom line is that God can use any one person and in or from any situation(s).

Be Thankful

BE THANKFUL that you don't already have everything you desire.....if you did, what would there be to look forward to?

BE THANKFUL when you don't know something....for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

BE THANKFUL for the difficult times....during those times you grow.

BE THANKFUL for your limitations...they give you opportunities for improvement.

BE THANKFUL for each new challenge...which will build your strength and character.

BE THANKFUL for your mistakes...they will teach you valuable lessons.

BE THANKFUL when you're tired and weary...because it means you've given your all

BE THANKFUL!!!!!! AUTHOR- unknown

2021 March 8th International Women's Day

March 8th is International Women's Day. God made us unique in every way but Gods plan is one of unity not divisiveness, love and not hate, inclusion and not verbal castration of either gender.

Celebrate who you are and accept that we are a result of our experiences but not defined or held hostage by them. You are you!

I am thankful, so thankful, for the privileges afforded me and the freedoms as a woman tied to the women in history who took a stand at their own peril for our united freedoms as women.

I am a woman but do not want to forget or neglect the importance and value of being a lady as well. Special thanks to the many women who helped me and inspired me throughout my life who are indeed too many to list here.

National Milk Day

Today is National Milk Day. We started our day with homemade  buttermilk biscuits (thank you Aunt Dude and Grandma Buck), milk gravy (thank you Mom), scrambled eggs (with milk and vanilla per Paula Deen), sausage, and bacon.  Biscuits and gravy are a favorite of our grandson so extra smiles for us. Lol

Two years ago today we had started our day as a family and shared a meal together before Jason, Shaina, and Eric headed back home to the Metropolis of Springtown, Texas.. We had also just returned from our great family vacation time on a Disney Cruise on the ship Disney Wonder out of Galveston, Texas. HOWEVER, I continue reliving  our time through my pictures which have been thankfully saved on my Facebook albums.

Memories made and cherished. 

Boundaries

I was reading an article about establishing boundaries at an early age with our children and so many memories came to my mind.  This made me smile plus there is a lot of truth in it. I well remember my mom and both of my grandmothers telling people not to move their things from a coffee table, etc. and to teach their children to behave. They were somewhat firm in their thoughts, words, and deeds but 99% of the time I absolutely agreed with them. 

I have a sweet, amusing memory of my youngest son Eric Sample watching me while moving his little hand closer and closer to a little alabaster bird on my coffee table. I told him that I was counting to three to give him time to change his mind. I only made it to three one time but his challenging sweet little smile is clearly in my mind for every other time that he tried. Even at two and three he was testing boundaries. 

Memories are precious and priceless.  

Adult version of Jesus loves me

I saw this post on Facebook and just had to share it. Copied and Posted from a post that had been shared so many times that the original author's name was lost.:

Not many people will read this but that’s ok, just a few of us WILL! While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. 

After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. 

Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...

The only thing that would comfort was this verse....

"Jesus loves me this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

We are weak but He is strong.....

Yes, Jesus loves me....

The Bible tells me so."

The old pastor stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."

"Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)

YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..

YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I'll go

On through life, let come what may,

He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song..

Telling me in words so clear,

"Have no fear, for I am near."

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,

And life's victories have been won.

He will take me home above,

Then I'll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

National Winter Skin Relief Day on 2021 January 8

Yesterday was National Winter Skin Relief Day.  In that case I must extend my thanks to Bath & Body Works for providing such wonderful and fragrant body lotions and creams.  My favorite is Rose.  

Floral scents are preferred even with perfumes hence my affection for Chanel No.5 which has Rose notes. Glad that I stocked up on perfume before retirement. For real!

One thought always triggers another thought from me which surprises no one who truly and really know me. I am smiling. 

Kenneth James McAdams from March 26, 1933 to January 2, 2020

 I read a few words recently that describes my brother in-love Kenneth McAdams perfectly: "Some people come into your lives and leave footprints in our heart and we're never ever the same."

He left this earth and his sickness one year ago. We may be one less in our earthly family but his legacy of love surrounds us and fills us. His commitment to his family is an example to all. His love of God filled his heart and spilled out through his laugh and interactions with everyone. He was also ready to talk and share his love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The videos and pictures of him with Calen will bring an instant smile to you. His love, commitment, and care for his wife were something that you generally only read about but we were blessed to see his faithfulness and love for her.

He was also a great cook. He brought something homemade every New Year's Day and my favorite is still the Italian Meatloaf.

He welcomed my two sons and I as family long before the 'M" word was even a thought. As they matured and moved out on their own he always asked about them and did so by name and then laughed and said "Any grandkids yet?"

Kenneth was all this and more. I am assured that I will see him again but for now the early loss is still painful.

I love you  dear brother in-love and am praying to be the spouse and grandparent that you were.