This Life I Lead by Rory Feek

I listened to this book while traveling. Learning about their life before, during, and after was quite moving but certainly not a tearjerker. If you enjoy love stories please read this book.

Their backgrounds were quite different and the open, honest sharing of Rory's early years and life before he met Joey was surprising. He is totally relatable. He shared his married life with Joey honestly. He didn't play the blame game at all during the book and each stage of his life was discussed in a manner that will bring clarity to those who have made similar choices.

Here are two good lines from the book. "Hurt people, hurt people. " "Great moments aren't great moments until they are shared."

Rory did not have it easy growing up and relationships were difficult for him.  Then came Joey…

“This Life I Lead” by Rory Feek is a love story worth reading. 

My Uncle E. W. "Ett" Buck and the Buck generation

It is such an odd feeling to live without ones father, mother, child, grandparents, etc. As they predecease us it rarely feels timely even if tied to an illness or injury.

The last of my mother’s siblings was laid to rest yesterday. It marked the last of a generation for the Buck side of my family. Three special aunts remain who were married to brothers in the family. I am comforted to know that I will see these Buck siblings again, one of whom is my mother.

The funeral service yesterday was a tribute to my last uncle, Uncle Ett, known to some as E. W. This Buck family as a whole was a generation to be remembered, loved, respected, and definitely honored. We would do well to recall their faith in God and example of their love and appreciation of family and not just as a provider of food, shelter, or education. I am content in the knowledge that each knew how loved they were beyond their children, grandchildren, etc. but by their many, many nephews and nieces, plus their personal and professional friends. I am proudly one of those nieces who loved them each so much. It is an extra blessing that I got to see and talk with the last of that generation a couple of weeks ago which is now an added memory.

Love your family and accept their love in return. Life is short enough as it is so do not waste it in the “woulda, shoulda, coulda” on either side of a conversation. I am certainly proof of the Buck and VanMeter genes which contributed to what made me ME.

See you later Buck generation - Uncle Tom Buck, Uncle Junior, Aunt Dude, Uncle Donald, Uncle Elwin, Uncle Ett (EW), Uncle Ronald Neil and my mother Margaret Key PLUS my VanMeter generation ; Uncle Eldon VanMeter, Aunt Erma, Aunt Evelyn, Aunt Esther, and my Dad Elmer Leon VanMeter, Sr.

Memories bring comfort so don’t let your memories include regret.

My Uncle Elwin Buck is the Dearest and Best

During my devotional last night came the words “apologetics and apologist”.  These words have been bantered about for the last several years and in good measure.  However this time the name Henry Elwin Buck, Sr. came immediately to my mind. I immediately looked up the definition of each word per Wikipedia and then synonyms. Sure enough and clear as day I understand why my Uncle Elwin’s name flashed into my mind.  (Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense") is the religious discipline of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse. Apologist synonyms are defender, supporter, advocate, apostle, champion, promoter, spokesman, and this is just to name a few.)

For my entire life he has been my mentor, confidant, second father figure, and “the man” for any theological discussions as well as my discussion buddy for whatever confusion or hurt was being experienced at any given time.  His deep, calm voice was soothing in itself and whatever was going on with me he would talk me through it and included scripture verses for me to use in greater detail after our call.  He never passed judgment or told me what to do but we explored options and potential consequences with the ultimate decision being mine. It is through him that I learned and came to understand the power of prayer and to do it regularly, not just when I needed Gods’ help but to also thank God regularly as well.  His wisdom was shared when sought but never pushed onto anyone. 

His devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren were always Christ centered. That love was shared with his nieces, nephews, siblings, parents, and to whomever was fortunate to come into his presence.  What a gift he was to 100s and 100s.

He performed my marriage to my husband and others in my family.  He and his brothers made sure that there was food on the table and the mortgage was paid when my dad left for another woman. He provided wise counsel when I found myself divorced with two young sons.  He was a barber for many years and was known as Buck, partner of “Buck and Carol Barber Shop”. He was a deacon in his home church, Sunday School teacher, and choir member.

Years ago he wanted to become a full time preacher.  He may not have had a full time pulpit but he certainly pastored his large extended family, church members, and friends.  What a blessing!

I have been quite reflective, emotionally full, and to the point of spontaneous crying since Friday evening.  It is the moment when my beloved Uncle Elwin left this earth for his heavenly home.  I still cannot imagine my life without Uncle Elwin but I along with everyone who knew and loved him will learn to endure that loss.  He is whole again and walked through heaven’s gate straight and tall into the arms of Christ and eagerly greeted by his family that have gone before.  His beautiful bass voice is now part of the heavenly choir.  I will always love you and will definitely see you later

Best laid plans … sort of

The term “all dressed up and no place to go” took on real meaning for me tonight. My friend Debi Ronca is scheduled for a book signing at Champions Golf Club near where I worked before retirement.  Champions is a wonderful place and I have not been to similar functions since retiring.  I dressed in some of my favorite professional black pieces complete with pearls.  It was even a good hair day. I had on my favorite lipstick and Chanel No. 5.  I was all in.

I got to thinking about my friends that I would meet that I do not see often enough and was wondering which room would be used at the club.  I decided to check the “save the date” notice to see if I had just overlooked that information.  Put on the brakes sister!  The date is actually next month and I was so disappointed and immediately embarrassed.  I am known to have a better than average memory and in my excitement for the event I had moved it up … way up on my calendar.

Oh well.  I will at least get to watch “Father Brown” on PBS.  Hold the door! It is not on tonight.  Okay, all is well since Mountain Men is on back-to-back for two hours.  My evening is saved. Such is retirement. 

Now I am comfy cozy in my favorite fall robe, Betty Boop socks, full makeup and hair to boot, and enjoying the gentle fragrance of Chanel No. 5 as I recline. 

I choose to find positives in all situations. 

• I dropped off my package to the local UPS office so that can be marked off my to-do list. 
•  I do not need to think about what to wear on November 15^th since my outfit, jewelry, and shoes are hanging together, patiently waiting. LipSense and ShadowSense choices might change but no worries.
• I refuse to blame my faulty memory on retirement but will choose not to berate myself. After all I received a really nice compliment and an extra kiss from the hubby.  

Life is good. 

I Tripped and Then Made Choices

My day started with running into and falling over a chair.  Yes, the chair won the battle that I did not know existed.   Now I have a partial black eye, swollen bruised lip, raised sensitive area on my foot, bruised knee, pain in my side and lower back, and delivery of soup and cornbread muffins for my Kids Hope USA lunch for the staff and teachers of my designated elementary school was more important to me than my minor discomfort. All of this happened because I did not want to turn on the light.  However, the favored cup in my hand survived without mishap and I spilled only a small amount of my hot tea.  In fact the cup landed perfectly as if I wanted it to be under my jewelry stand. Go figure…

Thank you Silver Violet and Garnet ShadowSense for concealing my partial black eye,  Napa LipSense for masking my swollen bruised lip, LuLaRoe for covering my knee with your buttery softness, and of course my comfy Bob’s Sketchers that did not pain the bump on my foot.  Thank you for saving me from the visual embarrassment that you did not know was needed. Okay ladies keep selling, selling, selling because I know for a fact that other ladies need your help to disguise, mask, cover, or enhance our whatever. 

Yes this is also a product endorsement (of sorts) and product appreciation. 

Now for the other choices to which I referred. 

·         I did not choose to hobble to the medicine draw for Aleve and hug my pillow for nap.

·         I did not allow my tumble to cast a shadow over my day.  

·         I did not make a fuss about the chair that my hubby moved to accommodate our Christmas tree.

·         I did not get mad at the hubby for not getting up to help me. 

·         I did not allow it to make me late to deliver or void my delivery of the soup and cornbread made for my Kids Hope USA lunch at my designated school.

I chose to continue my day as planned and was happy, happy, happy all day.  I can be a klutz but a “pity city” girl I am NOT. I chose to forego any “would have, should have, could have” (woulda-shoulda-coulda) since it serves no purpose, does not change anything that happened, and is waste of my time plus steals my joy.

It is always about choices.  Life is good.  

The Mysterious Mr. Whistler (The Ragamuffin Sisters) by Anita Higman and Hillary McMullen

I enjoyed the read and could personally relate to the young female characters. Throughout the book I was reminded of the importance of friendship and how sometimes we derive courage, discover truths about ourselves, and the things we do to get even or more importantly make things right.

The boys were equally entertaining and it was nice to discover the truth behind their behavior.
The story line was interesting and brought some real life situations and current events with it. Poor Mr. Whistler. However his demise opened the door to some much needed community information and the joint efforts of what were two rival group of kiddos.

The opposites were not really opposites as they soon discover together

Hurricane Harvey Visits a Library

People have lost their homes, lives have been lost, businesses have been destroyed or severely damaged, loss of income for those who could not get to work, and then I saw pictures of the damage to the Kingwood Library and the mounds of books that were damaged.  I was instantly emotional and it brought tears to my eyes again tied to the far reaching arms of Hurricane Harvey.

Yes I know that things can be replaced. This visual reminded me of the many children and families who find great enjoyment in their experiences shared at a library through reading and the many organized activities offered through our wonderful library system. A library is a window to the heart and mind which feeds our thirst to learn, to learn more, and grow not just intellectually but in our character, our family, our careers, and community involvement.

Libraries are a source to be valued. Not everyone has access to a source without fees like those driven by technology. It is wonderful to have options and I want this one protected, funded, and restored as soon as "humanly" possible. I read about the Tucker Foundation which appears to be for books, computers, etc. which I hope is availed soon along with other public money.

The library was my solace as a young girl and my excitement was not easily contained when it was time for the visit from the Bookmobile.  As an adult my library card was as important to me as my driver’s license.  Actually my library card is right next to my driver’s license in my clutch wallet.

Many things have changed over time and not always for the better. I hope that this disaster does not move this library to make fewer paper books available and move more towards technology at an increased level.  Those who may appreciate the books and access to books the most may be the ones neglected the most in that decision. It is nice to have choices so please do not remove the paper choice for those who prefer it or even more so those who desperately need it who may have limited options. 

2017 July 20 National Know Your Customer Day

Reading what today is brought a smile to my face but others perhaps not so much. Yesterday I went to my bank for two transactions; close a safe deposit box and cash a check.  Here is what happened.

As I walked inside the front desk person lowered her head and turned to her computer so I went to the teller line first.  I call the teller by name and provide my check for $250.  I request five in $10 dollar bills and the balance in $20 bills.  She takes my check and says “How would like the cash?” I repeat it to her.

Then she says “Would like some $5 and $10?” I repeat my request to her.  She then says “So you want 10 in $20 and five in $10?” I say “Yes please. “

I go to the other area to close my safe deposit box and after a short while she turns and asks if I need any help.  I tell her that I need to close a box and sit down because I know that I will need to sign a form.  She asked if I was in a hurry and I said that I had the time.  She then tells me that she does not know how to do it and will need to either wait until her manager returns from lunch or she will need to check to see how to do it.  I indicate that I would prefer not to wait until the manager returns but if that was necessary then I would.  She excuses herself from the desk then returns asking for my driver’s license.  I give her the two keys and we go to the box to confirm that it is empty. We return to the desk and she asked if I had both keys.  I pause and she realizes that both are in her hand.  She pulls the contract and I sign where indicated.  She then replies that she will get with the manager for further information as to what she might need to do. 

I am a retired banker with 38 years in the industry so I understand the importance of customer service, training, listening, communication, and meeting or exceeding the expectations in a customer interaction.  These are key customer factors within any industry.  It was an interesting experience.  I could clearly identify with the frustrations of a customer and this time I was the customer. 

There are numerous banking choices but at this point in my life I have learned to expect or anticipate the “Needs Improvement” category which is a banking examination term.  I was not frustrated with the situation but felt sympathy for the other customers.  I am not changing banks since at this point in my life I am more concerned with the financial stability of the bank and I can sleep at night knowing that my accounts are secure.

If the subject were technology then I would need to add “Don’t get me started.”  which is another conversation all together.    

Yes, I am shaking my head.  

My Mother and idle hands. Not hardly!

Many years were spent cooking, cleaning, cuddling and correcting: my mother’s hands, busy hands, happy hands.

During one of the times that I was her caregiver she caught me taking pictures of her hands. She said in her weak voice which she thought was loud and still firm “Linda Sue what are you doing?” I told her that her hands were beautiful, that I had always thought so, and that as much as I enjoyed taking pictures that I did not recall ever seeing them idle and was taking pictures of them now.  She then smiled up at me and said “Okay Lin”.

In that one sweet moment shared between mother and daughter she went from questioning my actions as her daughter “Linda Sue” to accepting and calming to her daughter “Lin”.  I wish that I knew how to post those pictures of her lovely hands here for all to see.  Two months later those precious hands were forever stilled with her passing. Blessed am I to have been touched by that most precious pair of hands.

A few months later I received a compliment that truly warmed my hurting heart.  This person said “You have hands just like your mother”.  Wow, just wow!

Thank you dear God for this unexpected gift that could only come from you.  

Memories.   

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Interesting reading with a compelling storyline that definitely held my attention to the end. The characters and their flaws just kept coming but not in a way that detracted but instead pulled me into the story tighter and tighter.

The main character seemed weak which irritated me on a few levels until I started to understand her need to help, become involved in or part of something and her secrets.  Over a period time she created a story about a couple she watched each day from a train window and developed an attachment to them.  One of them goes missing and her already upside world becomes even more of a challenge.  Every character had secrets that drove them and she was someone that they all had in common.

She was also an alcoholic who experienced blackouts.  As she starts to remember things from her “blackout” periods, she sincerely wants to connect not just with people again but the truth, however deadly.

 I must admit to feeling exhausted by the time the book came to an end but not from disappointment. Since the books is full of liars, cheaters, beaters and a murder it is a small wonder why Hollywood would find the appeal for possible movie viewing.  My surprise is that it was not a TV movie until I actually finished reading the book.