My Valentine

“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows.

Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

And the sky of the sky of a tree called life;

Which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide.

And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.

I carry your heart.

I carry it in my heart.”

E.E. Commings

Growing Old Gracefully...

2011.

A new year.

It brings thoughts of promise;

new beginnings,

new dreams,

old dreams fulfilled,

more time with precious friends,

less time complaining,

eating well,

walking more,

reading the Bible more,

reading more,

smiling more,

hugging more,

treasuring family times,

traveling,

encouraging others,

being kind,

loving the unlovable,

comforting those in need,

being more compassionate,

reaching out to others,

resting peacefully,

being still,

lavishing loved ones with love,

savoring a good cup of coffee,

relishing the moment,

looking up,

thinking before speaking,

laughing at myself,

traveling more,

being thankful,

saying thank you,

praying without ceasing,

praising the Lord,

allowing myself to be inspired anew,

and....

maybe buying a pair of red cowgirl boots:)

Christmas in Photos

Saturday, Christmas morning, everybody gathered here at 8am to open gifts & have Christmas brunch--egg & sausage casserole, oj, coffee, blueberries, & tea rings.

Opening gifts took a while, especially with Wyatt & Three Three entertaining us simultaneously:) Skye loved her aqua KitchenAid mixer, Keith was excited about his gas blower, Cameron really liked his Rock Band Keyboard, Kelley seemed glad to see her king comforter, & I loved my jewelry & new Kindle cover:)! Blessings galore:)

By noon, S&K & Three Three had to leave to celebrate at K's mom & dad's. Cameron stayed on most of the afternoon.

Snow was forecast for the afternoon/evening so we were all on snow watch:) I prayed for enough snow I wouldn't have to work Sunday:) And, low & behold, the Lord answered that prayer! By the following morning we had 7 inches of the most glorious fluffy white stuff!! A first for NC on Christmas!

My extra special Christmas treat...a Sunday to sleep in, rest, & pack for our trip to Pa. A day for our part of the world to be calm & quiet since most activities in the area were cancelled--no church, no traffic, just a peaceful beautiful snow day in N.C. A day to look forward to our time the following week with the Mc Clan, a whole week away from regular routine, a week to be with family.

So sweet:)

Christmas

A sweet day of family & good food & nice gifts:) A day to relax after the hustle & bustle of the season:)

Tonight weather forecasters are predicting a possible 3-6 inches of snow! Could we end the night with a white Christmas? It would be the first measurable snowfall on Christmas since 1947!

I must say I'd love to spend tomorrow packing for our trip to Pa. rather than going to work--but time will tell.

Blessings to all this new year of 2011. May it be one of delight, compassion, deep peace within, & sweet joy in each new day, for every day is a gift:)

Top photo: a dusting of snow a few weeks ago

Bottom photo: the Mc girls, Kelley, Skye, & Brenda opening gifts this morning:)

December Wish List

1. Will we get out Christmas letters/cards this year--stamps are bought, draft is written, but...I'm writing this blog instead:)?

2. Will I get down the big tree?

3. Will I get Swedish Tea Rings made?

4. Will my cold/cough go away??

5. Will we have another snow dusting before Christmas? It's been cold enough lately:)

6. Will Skye be able to get home this week after the blizzard forecast for Boone the 13th/14th?

7. Will I figure out what to get Keith for his birthday/Christmas?

8. Will we have bad weather traveling to/from Pa. the week after Christmas?

9. Will I find joy in my job this Christmas season (need an attitude adjustment some days:))?

10. Will calmness & peace be foremost in my life this season?

11. Will I find time to get a haircut & a pedicure--sort of essential for a happier me?

12. Will I get Wyatt to the groomers for a bath?

13. Will I be able to meet with my care receiver before Christmas?

14. Need to finish shopping:)

15. Have our girls' birthday celebration for Lorraine Dec. 14th at Brigg's:)

16. Plan to spend Dec. 21st shopping with Lisa & Kathy:)

17. Have a Small Group lunch Dec. 18th at Biaggi's:)

18. Have a couples' birthday celebration for Keith & Lorraine Dec. 17th:)

19. Where will we celebrate Keith's birthday lunch with the family Dec. 19th?

20. Plan to go see Tron at the IMAX Dec. 18th with Lindsay, Cameron, Seth, Skye:)

21. What will I serve for Christmas morning brunch?

22. Will I give generously to those who need my help/my time/my smile?

23. Will I remember countless times daily to be thankful & grateful for the lavish love of the Father who pours out His love & blessings upon me continually!:)

I give this all to Him.

Welcome December 2010

"Christmas is a time of little time.

How we get there is a mystery.
Racing madly mall-to-mall, we climb
Into fields of sunlit harmony.
Shopping, cooking, clearing walks and yards,
Trimming house and tree while working, too;
Making phone calls, wrapping, writing cards,
As all worn out we do what we must do
So that this day of joy might joy renew."
- Nicholas Gordon

Thanksgiving Fair

Life tends to be unfair. Now, I don't know who came up with the notion that life should be fair (I'm sure it's an American idea), but most of us buy into it, hook, line, & sinker.

Well--surprise, it isn't!

I know you're shocked.

I am always shocked when I beat my head against the unfairness "wall". Oh my, & I whine with the best, & complain, & carry on like a 5 year old:( And I'm long past 5.

My latest tirade: I have to work all Thanksgiving week. And Skye is coming home. And Keith's niece Molly is visiting for the week. This is her first visit in years--who will entertain Molly? When will I see Skye? I've really missed her this summer & fall:( And they both are craving home cooked meals...well, so am I!

But, many people work all week. I'm not the only one--Not. At. All.

And it will turn out ok, I'm sure.

I can see Skye & Molly in the evenings. They can meet me for lunch. Seth & Kelley can have them over. Cameron can drop in. I will have Thanksgiving Day off. Plus a BIG THANKS to my DIL, Kelley, (& Seth) who has offered her house for the feast on Thursday:)

Bless your heart, Kelley:)

Then Keith can gather the troops Friday & Saturday.

I'm not sure why it's worked out that my co-worker Jane & I are carrying the load next week, but our manager Yvonne & co-worker Toni need to spend time away, cuddling with grandchildren. There's nothing in me that can argue that loving on grandkids is less important than my schedule.

My kids are adults & they can do fine without me (did I really say that)??

Attitude is a decision.

Pray I will have a thankful attitude as I celebrate Thanksgiving this year:) Because I am so grateful for my countless blessings:)!