We seem to be the kind of people that others call when there's work to be done, help to be given and service rendered. And that's not a bad thing. We enjoy helping others, like feeling productive and are pleased when our offerings are what is needed.
But it also seems that when there's partying and fun to be had we aren't on the list of invitees quite so much.
I've been wondering about that quite a bit lately. Don't mind the label of hard worker. Am not quite so fond of the label that means I'm not the first tier of important people to be around, to be seen with. Almost feels like I'm an embarrassment. (And party planner/creator wasn't one of those talents I was given. The ability to be content and low-key is a talent I claim.)
Fortunately my head (and mostly my heart, too) knows that the One whose opinion counts the most doesn't care about that "status" thing. It was suggested the other night that in actuality my offerings might be acceptable to Him. And that is the most valuable thing.
I guess I can live without being known far and wide for my party-throwing-creativity-spending. As long as I am assured that my works will merit that coveted spot in the eternities I will continue to strive, to be and to do.
So, if you need something, give me a call. I'll do my best. (And perhaps have some fun at the same time.)
Cupcake
Went off to the store to buy a fancy rose-decorated cupcake to take to a friend for her birthday. Decided to wrap a cute ribbon around the container. The ribbon slipped and "voila": munged decorations. Couldn't take it to her looking like that (The Husband is thrilled that he gets to eat it!) so off to the store, again for another one. I think she liked it.
Hate to spend money. Really hate to waste money. Hate being such a dufus.
Just call me Grace.
Hate to spend money. Really hate to waste money. Hate being such a dufus.
Just call me Grace.
Another Favorite
This time of year the Nashi pears ripen and are ready to eat. This fruit is a delectable luxury that requires eating fresh - they don't preserve well and aren't particularly good for baking. (They are also tasteless if you buy them in the stores.)
However.....several of our neighbors still have trees in their yards from when the subdivision was a farm. So last evening our doorbell rang and there was a neighbor couple stopping in with a heavy boxful of nashis.
Even though I'd already brushed my teeth for the night, I had one. (Yes, I brushed again.) And again consumed one for breakfast. And will for lunch and dinner over the next however long it takes to munch our way through the supply.
We'll share with our kids and friends and there will still be enough to sate our appetite for this gem of a fruit. Thanks, Neighbors. We love your generosity.
However.....several of our neighbors still have trees in their yards from when the subdivision was a farm. So last evening our doorbell rang and there was a neighbor couple stopping in with a heavy boxful of nashis.
Even though I'd already brushed my teeth for the night, I had one. (Yes, I brushed again.) And again consumed one for breakfast. And will for lunch and dinner over the next however long it takes to munch our way through the supply.
We'll share with our kids and friends and there will still be enough to sate our appetite for this gem of a fruit. Thanks, Neighbors. We love your generosity.
Jammies
I've often said that if it is dark outside, I want to be in my jammies. The days and nights are mostly evenly divided at the moment, but the days are getting shorter. Pretty soon it will be dark at 5:30 p.m. We eat about 6. So in not too long, I can legitimately eat dinner in my jammies. YAY!!
Another Favorite
Heard tonight a word to add to my favorites list:
constancy
It's a lot like steadfast - my primo favorite word.
constancy
It's a lot like steadfast - my primo favorite word.
$$$
Horrendous noise from the garage = broken spring = service call = replacing said spring (along with 12 wheels and the cables) = $300 that could have been spent on something fun.
Result: a garage door that opens quietly, several thousand more openings and closing before having to replace the opener, and a bank balance that is whimpering.
Result: a garage door that opens quietly, several thousand more openings and closing before having to replace the opener, and a bank balance that is whimpering.
You is....
Ever since we saw "The Help" I've kept thinking of those words that Abilene repeated over and over to Baby Girl: "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." I love that.
IMHO, in today's society we focus too much on other things when we praise the young'uns. They're pretty, they're princesses, they're good at sports, they're the "best" at something (which always carries the implication that others are losers - not a good message).
How much better to be instilled with the knowledge that one is kind. Kindness is in short supply in this world. What we are told we are, we tend to become. How fabulous to be kind.
To be told one is smart - wow - how empowering that is. Whether one is truly smart or not, if one thinks one is, one can accomplish much more than if one is told they're dumb.
Important! If I'm important I count! I mean something. I'm not just cells taking up space on this earth.
How I've longed my whole life to be important. (Thanks, My Love for giving me a sense of value!) How lovely it would have been to be told as a youngster that I was kind, that I was smart and that I was important. Each time I mull those words in my mind, I have a mental picture of that sweet lady tenderly cradling the face of that little girl teaching her very soul her inestimable worth. What a treasure.
And I'm thinking this should maybe be my new mantra: I am kind, I am smart, I am important. Wonder if I can make it be true.
IMHO, in today's society we focus too much on other things when we praise the young'uns. They're pretty, they're princesses, they're good at sports, they're the "best" at something (which always carries the implication that others are losers - not a good message).
How much better to be instilled with the knowledge that one is kind. Kindness is in short supply in this world. What we are told we are, we tend to become. How fabulous to be kind.
To be told one is smart - wow - how empowering that is. Whether one is truly smart or not, if one thinks one is, one can accomplish much more than if one is told they're dumb.
Important! If I'm important I count! I mean something. I'm not just cells taking up space on this earth.
How I've longed my whole life to be important. (Thanks, My Love for giving me a sense of value!) How lovely it would have been to be told as a youngster that I was kind, that I was smart and that I was important. Each time I mull those words in my mind, I have a mental picture of that sweet lady tenderly cradling the face of that little girl teaching her very soul her inestimable worth. What a treasure.
And I'm thinking this should maybe be my new mantra: I am kind, I am smart, I am important. Wonder if I can make it be true.
Preparation / Blog
Melvin J. Ballard: ..." If we are not preparing for eternal life, we are preparing for something less..."
Heard this in a movie last weekend: "A blog is nothing more than graffiti with punctuation." Let's hope I can get the punctuation right.
Heard this in a movie last weekend: "A blog is nothing more than graffiti with punctuation." Let's hope I can get the punctuation right.
Hair
I knew the day was going to be problematic when I washed my hair (no, not on purpose) with my exfoliating body scrub. At least it smelled nice.
Anniversary
41 years. And we've only begun to have the time of our lives.
Here's to 41 + forever more.
Here's to 41 + forever more.
We're Back!
1. "Southern" isn't just a place or even an accent. It's more a state of mind.
2. Never buy a peach just because "it smiled at me" - that's usually the oldest one. Try for a shy one, they're usually fresher.
3. The Sacrament is much quieter when some thoughtful soul lines the water trays with paper towels so the cups don't make any noise when dropped back in after use.
4. Relief Society lessons read straight from the manual can be just as enlightening and uplifting as others that are supplemented and expanded. Loved it. (The best part of Sunday: spending most of it with The Granddaughter out there for college. Well worth the 7 hours round trip on the road. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!)
5. Walks on the beach by the light of the full moon might be more fun if critters didn't crash about in the underbrush scaring me so.
6. Love the Carolina style BBQ. Bart's in particular. And also their hushpuppies. Yum.
7. Don't care for the cockroaches. So glad we only found 2 - one dead and another soon-to-be-dead.
8. Postal workers are surly all across the country. Although I did manage to wrangle a chuckle out of her. (Along that line, I read this that same day "It's hard to live grumpy.")
9. Sea stars are slippery little things. Try to grab them quick before the next wave sweeps them away. Bye...
10. Early morning walks along the beach are still one of the best ways to start the day.
10.a. Shade is your friend.
11. One of life's sweetest and most expensive little luxuries: 99 cent-fresh-hot-Krispy-Kreme doughnuts.
12. The beach saved the coveted sand-dollars for the last day. I knew mine wouldn't survive the trip home since it was already cracked and fragile. But the elation of finding it is a sweet savored reward - whole sand dollars were rare on the beach this trip, thanks to hurricane Irene.13. Never underestimate the importance of high-quality 2-ply toilet paper. Forget the single-ply bargain brand. Not worth it.
14. Charlie's is our new favorite BBQ restaurant. If you don't mind the folksy atmosphere, the community seating and chats with the owner, the food is groaningly good. Stop in when you're in Garner, N.C.
15. Even grey, cold, rainy days at the beach can be fully appreciated. (But so glad we only had one day of it this trip.) Nothing like the surf, the sound, the soul-healing peace of the beach.
Sigh....
And the list grows:
1. Still The Husband's back. He tried to get in to the dr. this morning. The receptionist was less than helpful, with the result: no, the dr. can't see him until next week.
2. Gopher. Still causing havoc in the yard. It seems like he's determined to kill our lovely blue atlas cedar we've invested 9 years and hundreds of dollars on.
3. The washing machine. First thing yesterday morning giving me fits. Today: rinse and repeat (the troubles, that is.)
4. The kitchen faucet. $45 for parts online. Have to wait for arrival. Hope the faucet doesn't burst and fill the house with water while we're gone.
5. Maria: still heading toward our beach house.
While I realize there is nothing here (except The Husband's back) that's earthshattering or life threatening, this was not the time for the hassle, inconvenience and cost. If The Husband didn't need this vacation so much I'd just bag it, find a hole (the gopher's?) and crawl in until the disasters are over. :^)
Good times!?!
1. Still The Husband's back. He tried to get in to the dr. this morning. The receptionist was less than helpful, with the result: no, the dr. can't see him until next week.
2. Gopher. Still causing havoc in the yard. It seems like he's determined to kill our lovely blue atlas cedar we've invested 9 years and hundreds of dollars on.
3. The washing machine. First thing yesterday morning giving me fits. Today: rinse and repeat (the troubles, that is.)
4. The kitchen faucet. $45 for parts online. Have to wait for arrival. Hope the faucet doesn't burst and fill the house with water while we're gone.
5. Maria: still heading toward our beach house.
While I realize there is nothing here (except The Husband's back) that's earthshattering or life threatening, this was not the time for the hassle, inconvenience and cost. If The Husband didn't need this vacation so much I'd just bag it, find a hole (the gopher's?) and crawl in until the disasters are over. :^)
Good times!?!
Anxiety
As if my usual pre-trip jitters weren't bad enough on their own, I've acquired some additional things to be concerned about:
1. The Husband has a sore back.
2. My knee is sore.
3. Gopher?
4. Got up this morning to start the pre-trip laundry and the washing machine wouldn't start. (Thankfully doing that re-cycle thing - unplugging and then plugging back in again - seemed to work.)
5. Pre-recorded calls at 11:30 p.m. from the airline (waking me from a deep deep sleep) telling us our flight leaves on time. W-h-a-t?
6. Maria? Yet another storm aiming directly for our precise beach house.....
1. The Husband has a sore back.
2. My knee is sore.
3. Gopher?
4. Got up this morning to start the pre-trip laundry and the washing machine wouldn't start. (Thankfully doing that re-cycle thing - unplugging and then plugging back in again - seemed to work.)
5. Pre-recorded calls at 11:30 p.m. from the airline (waking me from a deep deep sleep) telling us our flight leaves on time. W-h-a-t?
6. Maria? Yet another storm aiming directly for our precise beach house.....
Sparkles
I've never grown up when it comes to all things sparkly. I love them. Always have. Discovered that some of my sisters share this trait. We come by it legitimately from our Mom.
This years birthday required a replacement license plate holder. Check it out!
Those are Swarovski crystals all around the edge and in the sun they are absotively sparkly-blinding. The only downside: they are on the back of my car where I can't really enjoy them much. But knowing they are there is a huge reward. Thanks, My Love, for catering to my whims. I'll try to tone those whims down. (But thank you for the can opener!)
Here it is, bedtime, and I've had a day! Been the recipient of many cards (and gift cards), hugs, flowers, and birthday songs. People have been so kind. Had dinner with friends at a tepanyaki - a young couple at the neighboring table enlisted our help (all 8 of us) in singing to her for her birthday. Angel food cake with strawberries - yum! Today I've felt loved.
This years birthday required a replacement license plate holder. Check it out!
Those are Swarovski crystals all around the edge and in the sun they are absotively sparkly-blinding. The only downside: they are on the back of my car where I can't really enjoy them much. But knowing they are there is a huge reward. Thanks, My Love, for catering to my whims. I'll try to tone those whims down. (But thank you for the can opener!)
Here it is, bedtime, and I've had a day! Been the recipient of many cards (and gift cards), hugs, flowers, and birthday songs. People have been so kind. Had dinner with friends at a tepanyaki - a young couple at the neighboring table enlisted our help (all 8 of us) in singing to her for her birthday. Angel food cake with strawberries - yum! Today I've felt loved.
Critters and Lamps
So...after yesterday's 7 a.m. gas-bombing of the gopher we eagerly hurried out this morning expecting there to be no fresh evidence. Alas, a brand new mound of gopher tailings. The Husband was growling. After digging and more digging a new tunnel was discovered and promptly gas-bombed. As of this evening nothing fresh to indicate viable critters creating havoc in the grass. Anxious for tomorrow morning.
One of today's goals: to find a lamp to replace the one that succumbed to the rough-housing of The Husband and the Grandchilluns about 1 1/2 years ago. (I just didn't want to spend the money...but as time went on, I missed that lamp more and more.) Walked into our favorite furniture place and after walking the multiple acres of the store went back to the very first lamp I saw and walked out with it (after parting with the required monies). Had debated about whether to get one or two lamps, but again, not liking to spend money we only got the one. (What a delightful surprise to find we had a rebate on our account, providing us with a $32 discount!)
Once we got the lamp home, bulbed and plugged in, it was clearly evident it required a mate. So off we went again to the store where we purchased the companion and brought it home. Viola! Instant re-decorating! I absolutely love the lamps. So sad that I waited so long, but so happy that just the right lamp was in the right place at the right time. How did it know?
So honored to have a friend drop by with a birthday gift. And love, love, love the "Life Is Good" cup with lid and straw from The Daughter. What an absotively perfect b-day remembrance!
One of today's goals: to find a lamp to replace the one that succumbed to the rough-housing of The Husband and the Grandchilluns about 1 1/2 years ago. (I just didn't want to spend the money...but as time went on, I missed that lamp more and more.) Walked into our favorite furniture place and after walking the multiple acres of the store went back to the very first lamp I saw and walked out with it (after parting with the required monies). Had debated about whether to get one or two lamps, but again, not liking to spend money we only got the one. (What a delightful surprise to find we had a rebate on our account, providing us with a $32 discount!)
Once we got the lamp home, bulbed and plugged in, it was clearly evident it required a mate. So off we went again to the store where we purchased the companion and brought it home. Viola! Instant re-decorating! I absolutely love the lamps. So sad that I waited so long, but so happy that just the right lamp was in the right place at the right time. How did it know?
So honored to have a friend drop by with a birthday gift. And love, love, love the "Life Is Good" cup with lid and straw from The Daughter. What an absotively perfect b-day remembrance!
Perfect
I'm starting to think I don't like this word anymore. We use it all the time. When we ask for something that someone else then provides and it's just right, we say "perfect!" We often use it to describe something - "Oh, it's just perfect!" Or - "She's so perfect!"
And yet: things, situations, relationships and people are rarely really perfect. I seems like if we use the word enough we can convince ourselves that things are perfect. And we shortchange ourselves and others.
Too often people will be held up as an example of perfection, sometimes by others around them, and sometimes by themselves. And who can live up to that expectation for very long? And what standard is used for the judgement?
This is an imperfect world, peopled with imperfect people pursuing that vague status of perfection because we think it must be attained before we can rejoin those in the world to follow. But it is not a status that can be obtained in this world, nor is it really expected of us.
What is expected, in my opinion, is to have a pure heart, a kind soul, an unselfish attitude and a willing spirit. Those are things to strive for. (And leave the perfect out of the equation. It isn't going to happen.) And what is also expected is for us to continually work on improving our hearts, souls, attitudes and spirits. To reach ever higher in our actions and motivations, to keep our eyes fixed on the goal and work toward that end.
I don't want to settle for anything less than my best - and that has nothing to do with anyone else.
Perfect? Schmerfect!
And yet: things, situations, relationships and people are rarely really perfect. I seems like if we use the word enough we can convince ourselves that things are perfect. And we shortchange ourselves and others.
Too often people will be held up as an example of perfection, sometimes by others around them, and sometimes by themselves. And who can live up to that expectation for very long? And what standard is used for the judgement?
This is an imperfect world, peopled with imperfect people pursuing that vague status of perfection because we think it must be attained before we can rejoin those in the world to follow. But it is not a status that can be obtained in this world, nor is it really expected of us.
What is expected, in my opinion, is to have a pure heart, a kind soul, an unselfish attitude and a willing spirit. Those are things to strive for. (And leave the perfect out of the equation. It isn't going to happen.) And what is also expected is for us to continually work on improving our hearts, souls, attitudes and spirits. To reach ever higher in our actions and motivations, to keep our eyes fixed on the goal and work toward that end.
I don't want to settle for anything less than my best - and that has nothing to do with anyone else.
Perfect? Schmerfect!
Age
Does everyone's body know when it's time to start falling apart?
Is there an expiration date on it? Or on good health?
I have a sore knee. The Husband has a sore back. We're a couple of oldies -- but goodies. (Can someone please tell that to my body - the goodie part?)
Is there an expiration date on it? Or on good health?
I have a sore knee. The Husband has a sore back. We're a couple of oldies -- but goodies. (Can someone please tell that to my body - the goodie part?)
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