Down the Lane and around the curve

Remembering Eulita-And Other Cousins~

2011-10-31T10:41:00.002-05:00

I am at a place in life where the focus is on Cousins..none of us in my family have living parents at this point in time and have begun to loose first Cousins. The memories we share are truly unique. Consider the world as it is today in the 21st century..my generation was blessed to live in such a special and unique time. It was by today's standards such an uncomplicated, simple life. People had time for each other. Children actually had summer vacations even though VACATIONS were not a part of our lives. It wasn't always playtime. Work was almost always a part of our Summers but so was free time, carefree time to roam the fields, woodlands and make up games as we walked the railroad tracks and what a sweet treasured memory I have of sitting on the front porch rail of Jack & Laura Mobley's farmhouse with my slightly younger cousin Eulita-[Laura Eulita Mobley] we called her Leedie- as she and I leisurely awaited the sight and sounds of the train and a chance to wave at the Engineers and workmen as they passed by. I have total recall of climbing fences and gates into fields to get to Pear trees and ambling through the woods discovering things like Wild Violets?

We first cousins spent summers & holidays together if we didn't live in the same community. Many of us went to the same school & church. We shared bedrooms, beds..and quilt pallets on the floor. There was no such thing as a room for each person. If two double beds would fit in a room It had two beds. Then the children, as families showed up for special occasions, would be sleeping 3 or four to a bed depending on the size of the children. If they were little ones there might be one sleeping cross ways at the foot of the bed.

There was always room or a way to make room for the company that would show up. No invitation-truly Old Fashioned Southern Hospitality at it's best.

We could never have imagined that one day not so far in the future we would be scattered all over the Southeast, even the Midwest..and not see each other often for many, many years. Still we have what we shared. It's ours..the past, the family-the reunions, the kick the can games at dusk, building tunnels with square bales of hay in the barn loft...raiding the burlap bag of pecans in aunt Laura's pantry at the end of the dog trot[side porch].
My cousin "Leedie" was so much more privileged than I. I was at times jealous I am sure of things like that wonderful painted Doll House she got for Christmas..I'll bet that beauty cost $5.00, came from Sears I am quite sure and I was so easily impressed..they even had AVON products in their house. I remember some of the containers that came to be "keepers" like the little powder jar I now have on an old vanity in a spare bedroom. I forgot to mention Eulita who was Leedie to most of us as a youngster, had another nickname. Uncle Jack called her "monkey." That's all right. It's a southern thing I suppose? Her next in birth order brother Eugene had several nicknames over the years. His Grandma Kitchens called him "Biddie" then as we grew a little older, I'm not exactly sure when "Biddie" turned into "Bennie". It could have been when we advanced from the local Mershon Elementary School to Patterson on our way to High School. Again at some point it became Gene and I think his contemporaries all know him as Gene. Their next older brother James had the "nickname" of "Baker". I was told that someone [was it again Grandma Kitchens?] tagged him with that saying his feet were as big as a Baker..referring to a particular baking pan. I don't recall the other 3 cousins in that family having a nickname. I never had one and since I never was thrilled with the name Jonell..encouraged people with whom I worked to feel free to call me Jo remembering how I loved the "Aunt Josephine" who became Aunt Jo to all of us.
I cannot write about my childhood without recalling special times with cousins and Eulita was a special part of those years. I was able to see her about 4 years ago. Communicating was difficult then but with patience it was possible to connect and for that I am so thankful.

A Few Fav Things!

2011-09-28T16:06:00.001-05:00

All Things Natural, Vintage, Antique-Pottery Less Than Perfect-"It's had a Life" - Old Treasures Blended With the New & Modern. Hydrangeas are one of My very favorite beautiful things in the world. That's fresh cut or dried. I enjoy the challenge of working with a "nothing" and turning it into something. Something beautiful, of course! Sticks, Twigs and branches especially those with lichen. Curly Willow branches make a statement all alone. Repurposed less than perfected pieces of pottery, old jars, dishes..architectural pieces that have been discarded can be the beginning of a memorable decorative accent or feature all alone. Wild flowers dug up "roots & all" can become just what's needed for an outdoor wedding. Broken depression era dishes or glassware or pottery chards are difficult to trash. That's why they often end up in flower pots or flower beds [at my house]. Yes, I do have just a few 'favorite things.'

My Gramma's House~

2011-09-26T13:39:00.001-05:00

Time changes so many things. Loved ones are no longer here. Landmarks dissappear from the landscape. Entire communities are seemingly erased. Homes have burned leaving scarcely a footprint in the earth where they once stood. Even so, we still refer back to things 'the way they once were' as being ~Like Gramma's House~ http://mygrammashouse.blogspot.com/

Justa Thought,

~Jonell

Times Past-Treasures Found

2011-09-21T09:31:00.005-05:00

Clarence Turner [1st Cousins]

Benny & Lila Mae Mobley-Turner-Strickland

1959/JWH

Earlish Arnold Mobley & Vera Loper-Mobley

Eddie Walters & Josephine Mobley-Walters

Glenda, Josephine,Troy, Ivis,Audrey Mobley
[Troy & Josephine Brother/Sister]

Troy Mobley's Girls Glenda,Ivis,Audrey w our Aunt Josephine

Annie Bell Mobley Williams & E.D. Williams

My Dad-Walter E.D. Williams & My little Sister Gwenell

Wonderful Old Mobley Pictures

2011-09-18T13:35:00.010-05:00

Audrey, Ivis & Glenda Mobley-Uncle Troy & Aunt Annie's girls~

Our Mobley Grandparents: Marion Albert & Rachel Lee-Mobley Looks like this may have been taken on a rare trip to Atlanta [Aunt Josephine's ]

Uncle Henry Mobley as a Young Man-Brother of Marion Albert Mobley

Mobley Sisters: Lila Mae & Annie Bell

Mama-Annie Bell Mobley-Williams

Rachel Lee-Mobley-Grandma

Marion Albert Mobley-Grandpa

Annie Roundtree-Mobley-Uncle Troy's Wife

Left-Right: Ileen Mobley, Laura Kitchens-Mobley, Eulita Mobley, Rachel Lee-Mobley [Laura is Ileen & Eulita's Mother]

Mobley Brothers: [order of Birth] Jack, Troy, Earlish, Marion

Marion & Dolly Strickland-Mobley

Marion Albert Mobley-Grandpa

Mobley Brothers- A Guess : Jack & Troy

Audrey Mobley on Right-Left ?

Troy & Annie Mobley's girls plus a Grandchild?

Troy Mobley

Annie & Troy Mobley

Material Loss ~

2011-06-17T17:30:00.001-05:00

Observing and pondering a family's dilemma after a house fire:

You don't realize what you have until you have nothing. When you have Nothing- You need Everything.

Have you ever driven up to your home and it was not there? Where do you turn first? Ihave had this experience of driving up to the house where your family lived and finding 'it was not there,' burned to the ground, when I was only 18 years old. At that time in 1959 my family saw so much love and generosity from the community. That was almost unbelievable. I can put myself in the shoes of a family I see going through this now.

It appears today many people can give until it hurts...immediately, without reservation or question when the need is in a distant place ~ [another state, area or country]. When the need is in "our own neighborhood"..[ community/church ] we sometimes respond differently-with more cautious generosity. Why is that?

Reason for Celebration-

2011-04-21T11:50:00.001-05:00

HE IS RISEN~

Once Upon A Time~

2011-04-17T17:27:00.002-05:00

Yes, there was a time in the far distant past when I longed for those 'little ones' to be able to just feed, dress and bathe themselves!

And there was the time when I wished they wouldn't run so fast, scream so loudly or allow the doors to slam so often.

Later still I prayed for them to be home on time, to talk to me about their problems and to just tell me the truth. I could handle most surprises armed with the truth.

Some time passed and I could adjust to just seeing most of them once or twice a year if I had to..and sometimes we did.."had to".

Now in the 8th decade of life I find myself longing to see my children -that includes their mates too. In years past we have often said emphatically that we do not want to live down the street or around the corner from our children..Now, that sounds pretty good.. Nothing quite compares to that moment when they walk in the door and greet us with big smiles and hugs. Nothing!
What's going on..mmm maybe I'm just getting old?

Share Jesus Without Fear

2011-04-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

Share Jesus Without Fear

Our Gardner does Great Work~

2011-03-24T16:09:00.003-05:00

Early Birthday Celebration~Brundidge,Al

2011-03-19T20:54:00.003-05:00

Left-Right: Johnny, Loretta, Turner [behind], Steve & Carol [behind Steve, Jonell & Ted, Patrick & David,Rita with Reagan in front. [explanation for "gun" Loretta is holding. It's a pellet gun she had retrieved from Reagan] We tried to use the bridal wreath as the backdrop; don't know quite why we ended up in front of it.

They said this was supposed to be a seventy-th birthday celebration..but surely they didn't mean ME..mine is not until the 29th.

[there was only 8 things wrong with this day..the 8 who are missing from this picture: Deanna, Tim, Dylan, Zack, Samantha, Ethan, Ryan & Sarah]

Your Invitation~

2011-03-11T11:12:00.002-06:00

~ Pour yourself a Cup of your Fav Tea, turn the TV off, Pull up a Chair and soak in all the Pretties I have scattered about the house for you - join the conversation-Leave Me a comment, feedback you want to share. If I did not like tea I would drink it anyway just to have an excuse for collecting pretty tea cups and teapots.

I look forward to your input! http://mygrammashouse.blogspot.com/

Daddy's Girl~

2011-03-08T11:30:00.006-06:00

Aren't we all? If we were not Daddy's Girl we were wanting to be. Fortunately I as the oldest child and my sister as the youngest got to have that kind of "daddy's girl" relationship with our Dad.

My father was not the most upstanding citizen in the community. He was not always a picture of respectability or being responsible. He was not "always there for us." I am reasonably sure he was not always a faithful husband. He let us down. He left us in a lurch numerous times. Daddy was not a Wise Man. He was not always the example his two sons and two daughters should have had. Oftentimes he did not even come close to 'measuring up,' as a father, husband and man.

Having said that I have to share these additional thoughts and observations. My Daddy did always love us. I knew that. He taught me to do things like tying my shoes, learning the alphabet, counting, memorizing multiplication tables. He taught me to "tell time." I think that was about the first or second grade if not earlier. Daddy only attended school through the fifth grade. He taught me what he knew and was learning. Daddy didn't go to church with me..but he never hindered me from going or discouraged me concerning church or what I was taught. If he had money he always gave me money for the offering at church..back then if you had a penny or two you knew you had it covered. You had an offering for church.

I know my Daddy was proud of me; I never doubted that. In 1957 when I was in the 10th grade my Dad stood outside the school auditorium and watched through the window as I received a satin and tinsle crown and bouquet of red roses as Miss Patterson High School of 1957. I wasn't aware of this until weeks afterward when my Mother told me. I was never sure if he didn't go inside because he felt he was not dressed well enough or if admission was more than he could pay. Realistically, if there was a charge it would not have been more than a dollar. I never asked him.

My Daddy had a sense of humor. Perhaps I might describe him as a 'charmer' . I realize as I look back at some of the photos saved in my inner photo album that Daddy didn't lie easily. I recall conversations between him and Mama when I suspect he was lying and he didn't do it well. That would be a good trait. Daddy didn't use good judgement in choosing friends and he was not strong as a leader. He was not a man of strong character. He was easily led by others and there were always consequences our family paid for those poor choices in following others.

I saw how he hurt my Mother. She didn't talk a lot about it but children see and hear and perceive more than adults often know. He broke my Mother's heart but he didn't break her spirit. She was encouraged to leave him and by most anyone's standards she had justification. She did not. She stood strong and faithful in every way. The struggles that were more than a few lasted until the last few years of their lives together. Of course that saddens me even today [after they are both gone years ago] It saddens me that my Mother [ & Daddy too] didn't live long enough to know the joy of seeing the wonderful life we have had and how their Grandchildren grew up [quickly] to be such fine adults.

The saddest reality to deal with is that I have no assurance that My Daddy will be in Heaven when we get there.

For my Mother I thank God for the knowledge that she'll enjoy Heaven for eternity.

[My Mother: Another chapter-another time].

I couldn't write this any other way. This is the way it was. It cannot be changed now.

God did show me that in the middle of all those negatives there was still something for which to be thankful: "My father was not 'a good man' but he was A WONDERFUL DADDY."

Something Yummo Good~

2011-03-07T12:03:00.000-06:00

I've just been waiting for something good to post.

Got it! A Bacon-Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich on a really good bread w/ real Mayo.

It should be cheap & easy to feed me traveling because I think I could eat a BLT EVERYDAY..SERIOUSLY!

[ btw: the only way it can be better is with FRESH FROM YOUR BACKYARD TOMATOES/not the supermarket]

Cousins~All

2011-03-05T12:05:00.000-06:00

Thinking of the people with whom we grew up and graduated from high school with -someone said about those of us in the same little community of Mershon,Georgia: "We were like family. We played together, ate together, slept with and went to church & school together. "
Perhaps today that seems a strange statement but it is true. We were all just like cousins.. Could that be where the phrase "kissing cousins" comes from?
Thanks for the thought gsw-t !

Mershon Georgia Girl~Going Home!

2011-03-03T16:21:00.000-06:00

Going Home...that would be for me the Community of Mershon, Georgia, Pierce county- "southeast Georgia."

It is first of all one of those places too small to be called a town-perhaps just a Crossroads-but stretched out over acres & miles. The people make it Community.

More than anything else Mershon/southeast Georgia is [as has been said before] an attitude, a state of mind. Going home brings a sudden gasp as you recognize that little place alongside the road..it's still there! Funny how you can spot a turn in the road that still looks familiar in spite of time and heartbreaking changes. It is equally emotional and shocking to suddenly arrive at a once familiar landmark and now there's a new landmark..bearing no resemblance to what was...fifty plus years ago...oh no the change is more like a century has passed. How could it be? Didn't they know we would all be back one day expecting to snuggle up in the arms of this place that nurtured us, fed us, entertained and educated us during a time now only recognized in sepia prints of scenes captured of special events, moments & dear, dear people who with very few exceptions have been gone for a while now. The teachers, pastors, business owners, farmers, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and Grandparents..we knew they would not always be there, but I suppose we actually thought the homes, farmhouses, gas stations, school buildings, tobacco barns, sycamore trees would all wait for us to return.

So many of us have lived far away from what we now call our past, our history, our roots. I remember when my own family lived in the state of Kentucky and Indiana in the 1970's and I longed to go home. I had recurring dreams of making that trip to Mershon, Georgia. In my dream I traveled down that main highway that leads from Mershon to Alma and as I would approach once familiar homes, farms, landmarks there would be changes. Some could not be found [that's the way it is now] I cannot describe the feelings but I still remember them.

In reality when I have actually made that trip and what I remember and dreamed of basically does not exist.. It is not there anymore but we can all carry the memories and the sepia photos within our hearts and minds from now on.

[ I am writing this for all my Mobley cousins, family members & PHS class of 59 alumni ] It would be wonderul if some of you would add your random rambling thoughts ..you know, while we still CAN REMEMBER..just click on COMMENTS and add your own

Still Learning~

2011-03-02T11:39:00.000-06:00

Over a lifetime one does not always accomplish everything on the personal planner-you don't always get to make the trips, see the sights, reach the goals you would like.

Even relationships are not always what you dream of in different decades of life especially as years pass and the family dynamics change.

One thing that compensates for these dissapointments is ENJOYING WHAT YOU GET AND BEING THANKFUL FOR THE PRESENT..for the NOW!

I don't ever get tired of making special time for my family..my heart is never so crowded that I can't make room for our Children, their mates and the Grands.

Every day is a gift..every birthday, anniversary, graduation,wedding or just a gathering..is an Event for me!

I guess that's an advantage of getting old..being able to see so many years behind that each day is a gift to treasure. I do!

Cousins-Mine & Yours~

2011-02-26T12:52:00.001-06:00

None of either of my parent's siblings are still living. Aunt Lila Mae & Aunt Josephine were the last of Mama's to pass away during the past 2-3 years.

Growing up in South Georgia during the 1940's & '50's we could never have imagined how we would one day be scattered across the country not even seeing each other for 5, 10 even 20 years - As children we spent Sundays together, gathering for Sunday Dinner [lunch] and playing "all over creation" all afternoon until everyone went their separate ways. We spent weeks together during the summer. We all gathered together for Christmas & Thanksgiving and family reunions in Mershon every October. Grandpa Mobley's birthday was in October and so was Aunt Laura's and my cousin Eugene's. Some of these folks we never saw any other time except those October reunions..but it was so memorable or perhaps they were such remarkable people that pictures of them, their voices, personalities remain a permanent part of my inner photo album. Over the years as we grew up I realized they didn't all live worlds apart..many were just in the next county-almost all definitely within the same state of Georgia. There were a few stragglers who wandered off to the north part of Florida. Funny, they always came back.

When we gathered for these special times it was usually at Aunt Laura and Uncle Jack's [Mobley] place in Mershon. In front of the old farm house there was that wonderful sandy lane and between there and the first corn field with a fence was still more open space with those ever so handy Sycamore Trees...convenient for both shade and setting up tables for all the food. There was no entertainment, no planned activities except a time when the big Birthday Cake came out and pictures were taken of groups of parents and siblings..thanks to Aunt Josephine we all have some of those pictures. She's the only one I remember who always showed up with a camera. Then in later life she spent an enormous amount of time and money making copies of all these pictures and sending them out to her nieces and nephews.

We Mobley cousins all have most of these same memories because we were always together..of course sometimes we may conveniently forget some of the kid stuff..all of us born just before and during WWII have been blessed to have lived in the best of times in this country. We had the hard times from which to learn and grow and the decades of plenty and bounty to make our hearts tender and thankful for such a wonderful life. It can't get much better than that. I would not want to "wish away" the hard times when having nothing was so common-I have always been so thankful for those years. We of my generation are better off for having those hard times. It's our children who missed out on such blessing..most of them, but especially our grands have had too much and too easy and our families and our country is now reaping the harvest.

Now here we are settling into the 21st century with four of us [Mobley 1st cousins] already passed away and the rest of us scattered from Oregon to Ohio, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, with some still at home in South Georgia-Pierce county but we can't seem to realize that our time is mostly past...as my husband often says at almost 74 yrs old " he's on borrowed time now".

While we have been apart so many years it's still so sweet how there is that precious bond still there when we are together. Now the challenge is for all of us to make the time and opportunity for quality time together.

Time is precious~

2011 ~ Ready, Set, Go!

2011-01-03T11:37:00.003-06:00

Praise the Lord for A New Year, a Fresh Calendar and a joyful, hopeful, thankful heart as we are Looking Forward.

Joy! Joy! Joy! [ http://mygrammashouse.blogspot.com/ ]

Joyful Moments-2010

2010-12-31T15:30:00.005-06:00

December visit with my "little sister" Gwen in Kentucky

A whole bunch of our family at the Beach with Deanna's family in March

A stopover at Cracker Barrel while doing the Longest Yardsale in August- We eat, I shop,

Ted waits!

Getting ready to say "goodbye" in March-to quote Sam: "Why do we say "goodbye?" There's nothing good about it."

Steve and Carol at the Hanging of the Green Christmas service at Eastern Hills in December

2010 Closeout-Looking Back

2010-12-31T09:25:00.001-06:00

More Family Groups: http://mygrammashouse.blogspot.com

Pausing Along the Way~

2010-12-18T09:06:00.003-06:00

[ Don't forget: http://mygrammashouse.blogspot.com]

The last days before Christmas and New Years will be so full I seriously doubt there will be time for posts. For that reason I will hit the "pause" button.

This project began two years ago. This is a good place to stop and compile two years worth of both meaningful and meaningless posts ~thoughts, observations, impulsive meanderings and pondering that may or may not be of interest to anyone except me..nonetheless, it's a challenge and project of which I am actually proud. The technology has challenged me. The project has motivated me to write. I have made an effort to avoid the use of too much personal information focused on individual family members, making note of first names and only mentioning relationships. [I think!] My intention has not been to put together an expose of things that would embarrass people..the ramblings one reads are more about what's in the mind of the writer [that's an interesting thought-no sarcastic comments from my loved ones please!]

After a festive gathering prior to Christmas Eve, My sweetheart and I are planning to slip away for a Christmas holiday [s] as we learn to do things, have fun and enjoy life [occasionally] without family.

Life is Good~we have so much for which to be thankful-life, good health, family, friends and a place we call home..we so love having home wrapped around us!

Have a Happy! Have a Berry Merry and don't forget Christmas is because of Christ -Joy, Joy, Joy!! J=Jesus, O=Others, Y=You

[to be continued in 2011]

Harvest Time~

2010-11-04T17:45:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's almost time...the weatherman is talking about the chance of frost even in the deep south. We listen to the forecast and then we argue with him. My resident weatherman is taking some precautions but I think only because we plan to be out of town. So the ferns and some delicate looking plants are already hidden away in our little greenhouse...Just in case!

Ooops, almost forgot to explain - I went out to check on my gourds today..so happy to have a bigger harvest than I was expecting. I will have enough to share [ paying rent for the neighbor's side of the fence where half the crop is hanging]

In the past I have pulled the gourds at the threat of first frost...well, today I decided to double check advice on that and found one grower who assures me that I can still leave them on the vines for a while yet.

Another bit of information gleaned from the article suggested that I can even leave them outdoors to cure as long as they are not touching the ground..

I am easily lead..LET'S TRY THAT!

[Pictures will be posted when they are all harvested.]

Remembering My last Two Week Vacation

2010-10-22T13:46:00.003-05:00

You know you've been here [hospital] too long when:

Your son proceeds to brush your hair before he takes you out in the hallway for a walk
When you know the schedule of the two best nurses on the floor

You figure out that you must not be doing well when:

You can't tear open the little paper salt packet
When you pull down the toilet tissue and it won't tear
When you get [the first] a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror..your face looks like GREY CHALK and you don't scream

[ Me: "This is pathetic that I cannot do this" Son's quiet reply: "Mom, it's called SICK." ]

Justa little reassuring note: This should be the last of my 'sick humor'..that's about all the fun stuff I can dredge from those days. The beautiul fall days we have been blessed with are much more rewarding to share.

It's Just a Rumor

2010-10-20T14:20:00.002-05:00

It's not true-no matter what you heard : The Food is not good at the { J-----------] Hospital.
I know because I sampled it for 14 days. Surprisingly, one gripe is that they serve you TOO MUCH FOOD. Perhaps that's to compensate for the first 5 days when you had NOTHING! Oh, well..I forgot the constant companion of intravenuous goodies.

After liquids and soft foods and making menu choices daily~knowing what was going to show up I just tired of the whole selection process and handed the menu to my husband with instructions: "Here hon, just find something you hate and choose it for me." We both knew that would work perectly.

I have to admit to one devious little incident having to do with food. The noon meal showed up with way too much food for anyone but the fruit and cheese salad plate was , no kidding-a beautiful offering. I set it aside to perhaps nibble on during the long afternoon. Dinner time arrived delivered by the same smiling friendly employee who paused on the way out to say: "Did you enjoy that wonderful salad plate "I MADE FOR YOU.?" [She was so proud of it ]
Our oldest and his 'dearest' were visiting. [CN] Her eye caught mine and I immediately replied to the creator of the salad."Yes, it was Won-der-ful." As she left we knew [the two females in the room] something had to be done. It didn't take long to find a small plastic bag and long before trash was picked up that ignored salad had found it's way out of sight in the bottom of a larger garbage container.

You will have to agree..that was more an act of kindness than of dishonesty!

As time passes-days and days a patient can become a pathetic person. Well, maybe not you but I can't deny that distinction~pathetic. On the evening of what was to be my last night enjoying these grand accommodations I had to choose another meal..it was like throwing dice. "Oh, well- let's make it clear broth, steamed veggies and mashed potatoes.." When it came I promptly emptied my little salt pkg into the broth, mashed the broccoli and cauliflower & tossed it in and just for the heck of it stirred in some mashed potatoes. It actually tasted pretty good.
See? I told you I was pathetic!

If you have stayed with me this long then you might just be one of those readers who would enjoy one more post we'll call the humorous side of choosing the wrong place to go on vacation for two weeks..or something equally ridiculous...another day/soon!

Fall Weather in the Deep South

2010-10-03T12:30:00.004-05:00

[ The Feeling of Home Wrapped Around Me~]

And who says we don't have that to die for fall weather in South Alabama?

I am here to tell the world: "At least this year I know God created some perfect fall days just for me..the breezes, warm and cool, the sunshine, the Bird Conventions. I know everyone else thinks He did it for them..that's okay-this year it's just what I needed for recuperating after an 'unplanned" detour beginning September 16th..hospital 14 days now home where I can feel HOME WRAPPED ALL AROUND ME at whatever speed, volume or shade I choose. That would be the front porch rockers, the rear deck, the patio for sunshine therapy or touring the yard in Ted's golf cart [he's the driver of course]

Thank you Jesus for Home and Family..again and again..more to follow to document more interesting or humorous stops along the way.

A Blogger Has to Share~

2010-09-13T14:42:00.011-05:00

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ [Outdoor Wednesday ]

The Table Arrangement on the front porch: That's what happened to those natural stalks of OKRA that a thoughtful friend left in my back yard anonymously. I just added some simple twigs, some curly willow [Ted grows it], lotus pods, garlic blooms & a few fresh sprigs of asparagus fern & eucalyptus.

The other photos show the pine Chaise Ted just finished [ Oh, for me?} All that's still to be added is two small wheels on the front legs and someone without attention deficit disorder to plop down with a big cold glass of iced tea and a good book that needs to be finished..It can't get much better without heading for the beach.

mmm actually I am pondering the thought that just perhaps this might be considered adding some elegance to my environment/

[http://everydayelegance-sandra.blogspot.com/ ]

The barn red bench to the left: This very substantial bench has been weathering on the patio for three seasons now without repainting or repair. I really appreciate that this bench is very heavy and a generous size. Weight is not an issue.

Looks Like a Collection to Me~

2010-09-08T12:11:00.001-05:00

Look closely~ do you recognize any of these bottles from your childhood years? Can you spot the "liquid Kool-aid" bottle [s]? I'll let you spot the other once familiar bottles.

Tough Questions, Simple Answers?

2010-09-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Some things I will never understand:

1. How a man can walk away from his little ones as they beg him to stay

2. How a woman can walk out the door and leave her family

3. How a child can turn his back on his family-his God

4. How anyone can hurt or kill a little child

5. How children and grandchildren can poke fun at their parents and grandparents

6. How a Child of the King can walk away... from his Creator, his Saviour, his parents, his family.

7. How a man or woman can be unfaithful to a mate who has devoted their life to you

I will never understand.

*A loved one recently gave me the answer: "Mom, it's SIN. SIN blinds people. They do not see what we are seeing." Even so, I still cannot understand.

My Aunt Laura

2010-09-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

I wish each of you could have known my Aunt Laura [Mobley] Since each of you could not then I hope you have someone like her in your life or perhaps even better still [if you are a bit older as I am] that YOUR CHILDREN have an Aunt Laura in their lives.

Left to right: Ileen Mobley, Laura Mobley, Eulita Mobley, Rachel Lee Mobley
Aunt Laura is Ileen and Eulita's Mother. Rachel, [my Gramma] is Laura's Mother-in-law.
These aprons are about as fancy as you ever saw these women wearing..

Strange, Mysterious and Wonderful

2010-09-05T17:10:00.004-05:00

Sometimes people bless me with strange gifts. This week a large bundle of freshly pulled from the ground stalks of dried and drying OKRA just appeared on the back of Ted's golf cart. I was a bit slow-saw something from a distance but wasn't curious enough to take a close look..just assumed it was something Ted had dropped there. Two or three days later as I walked over, took a close look and realized it was stalks of okra pulled up roots and all. That's when I knew I had the most amazing husband on this earth. That sweetheart had salvaged those from who knows where and KNOWING HOW I LOVE NATURALS brought them home for me..now THAT'S A ROMANTIC GESTURE.

He was working at the back yard and I called out to him "Ted, where did you get those stalks of Okra?" He answered "I didn't -I thought you had brought them home."

Funny, he should have taken credit but that's okay now I know someone who knows my peculiar love of naturals has just done the most thoughtful thing..he or she remembered! and shared.

It's still a mystery- someone will confess though.

Now I ask you~ what does it say about one when your friends or your husband's friends bring you strange gifts? That's not the first or strangest. Ted's friends have sent me things like a huge beautifully in tact HORNET'S NEST a few years back. Another sent me unique beautiful little rocks collected while on vacation in Colorado. My sweetheart brought home a large collection of huge incredible ACORNS from a White Oak once..still have some of those too.

Strange, Mysterious and wonderful! I do enjoy God's creation.

Coming Soon~ Autumn

2010-09-03T17:00:00.002-05:00

We saw leaves falling as we sat on the deck looking out toward a wooded area and were surprised. It's AUGUST 30 for goodness sakes!

Why are we always surprised? It happens every year. Fall doesn't descend upon us mid November all in one 'fell swoop' - It comes slowly, gradually beginning with those first few breezes that take just a small swoosh of partially yellowed leaves and scatter them to give us hope, hope for cooler weather and joy in the realization of God's perfect plan as he designed the earth, planned the seasons.

Fall is Coming Soon-even in the deep South [ Brundidge, Alabama ]

What a Great God I serve!

Reassurance From God's Word

2010-08-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

Psalms 27: 13-& 14 "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

Longest Yard Sale Review

2010-08-08T07:07:00.003-05:00

Nooooooooo it's not a primative "outhouse"..it's an antique Telephone Booth we stumbled upon at one of the yard sale vendors, in Tennessee I think. I couldn't resist snapping this of my hubby checking it out. Ah shucks, we didn't even make an offer on it!

Memo to Self

2010-08-03T09:12:00.001-05:00

Busy, Busy, Busy...."You have to Live Life " in order to have anything worth writing about- we'll be out of the office briefly~In search of inspiration. Come on, laugh with me! I know you hate boring posts as much as I do.

I just hope by the time we get back home into our routine I can REMEMBER all that inspiration-perhaps pictures will help, after all I often say that I am a visual learner.
If this proves not to be true [pictures help me remember] then I just don't know what my excuses will be.

Wish me luck...or fun or perfect 'recall ', ok !?

A Smiling Face Really Means-

2010-07-30T11:45:00.006-05:00

What does it mean?
Mary Jane always has a smile on her face.
She enters the room smiling, has a smile for everyone she greets.
What does that mean?
Is she just the sweetest, happiest person in town?
Is she carefree, kind and confident?

And there's Billy Bob.
He always seems to be thinking seriously about something,who knows what?
He does laugh and smile at times
But that's not what one remembers about him, a jolly, happy, smiling face.
What does this mean?
Is he always troubled? Is he habitually sad or angry and just doesn't feel like smiling?
Is he mad at the world and has nothing to smile about?

Recently a very intelligent thoughtful young teenage boy made a carefully considered assessment of Billy Bob: "I've figured out something. Just because Mr. Billy Bob isn't smiling doesn't mean he's not happy."

Why can't we just let people be..

The Billy Bobs are often much more sincere and honest in their interactions with others.
When he pays a compliment it's from the heart.

A Mary Jane smiles and says nice things..that's what a M.J. does..that doesn't mean she's always sincere or is genuinely happy. That's just her natural temperament.

[ note: Mary Jane and Billy Bob are ficticious names-some of you might recognize the Billy Bob as someone in our circle of family/friends]

Longest Yard Sale- Let's Go!

2010-07-29T11:22:00.004-05:00

The World's Longest Yard Sale August 5-8th..our first time to take in this ..hope we can share some interesting pictures and better than average yard sale "finds" when we get back..

Random Thoughts:

With a tracker on each blogsite now I can see where site visitors are coming from or if they are coming!

My intention with this blog thing was never to gather a vast audience but to have a place to document and challenge my own creativity artistically and making use of the technology. I have never for a moment thought about the possibility of masses of people being interested for three minutes in what I have to say..I just need to say it!

I am so thrilled to see ocassional visitors from all across the country pause for a couple of minutes whether you were directed from another blog or just a random stop along the road as you searched the internet.

Warning: Some days you'll find nobody's home, other days you will spot the most random or duh post but just hang in there with me there will be bertter days [ creatively speaking ]

Time, Space, Focus and Vitamins

2010-07-27T11:03:00.005-05:00

Our world today just moves so fast. Almost every day we are challenged by the news, new things, improved technology and along with it so many opportunities to learn, to create. There are so many things I want to do..seems hardly enough days to do it all but then our Creator doesnt make a mistake. I just need to focus better on only the most meaningful opportunites and stay with those.

Today I want to clean, reorganize my computer desk to make the space more functional . I want to dry some wonderul hydrangeas for year round beauty saved..ok, that's taken care of thanks to a generous contact who is willing to share from her incredible bushes.

I must have at least half dozen things to locate on the internet..find a source for hot tub supplies cheaper than the present supplier...check out the sale items on coldwater creek on line and view and print more information regarding the longest yard sale about a week from now..need to make a plan sort of, and guesstimate re overnight reservations for mmm 2,3 nights..plants that need pruning, weeds that have to be pulled, herb bed that needs cleaning up, a commitee Mtg. on Sunday afternoon and am I ever going to finish the scrub down - front porch~ lest I should forget.. repaint the black porch furniture this summer. Omy, that old iron bed of ours still isn't painted..have a perfect delicate, pale, pale, pastel ready to do the job but I just remembered: "How many years will that paint remain usable stored out in the shop?" [ I am hoping 3 years at least ]

Did I mention the day starts..after our Coffee, w an hour workout at the fitness center? [I am bragging now] That's 5 or 6 mornings each week now..GOOD FOR US..now I will unabashedly BRAG when that scale begins to show my efforts are paying off. I could be envious of Ted who has dropped enough lbs to boast about but he doesn't and he's "my love" so I can't really be envious of his success.

On and on it goes..those roses are looking neglected and the spent garden plants [ tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers] have to go which means some major garden work..[ no 'yard man' but a wonderful husband who is a farmer at heart ]

Note to self: "If you get off the computer you could help get it done?"

Good idea!

Something to Think About

2010-07-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

I don't like that man. I must get to know him better. ~Abraham Lincoln

A very smart, special lady I once knew has a habit of posting very worthwhile quotes..like this one.
Thanks for sharing Vicki!

A Special Birthday

2010-07-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

Is ANOTHER BIRTHDAY..it doesn't have to be a 50th, 60th or 70th, 75th..just ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!

I AM AN AMERICAN!

2010-06-24T09:42:00.005-05:00

I AM AN AMERICAN..not white American,not African American, not danish American, not Swedish American I AM AN AMERICAN. One side of my family tree comes from England, another from the Creek Indians but I AM AN AMERICAN. I am proud of my heritage but I am not Native American American I AM AN .AMERICAN. Copy/paste or compose your own AMERICAN statement. [post or delete-u are free to do either] I AM PROUD TO BE AN "AMERICAN"

I stand for flying our U.S. flag..
Not wearing the flag.

I stand for saluting our flag, standing at attention,
Folding according to protocol,

Taking the flag in out of the weather at the end of the day,
Not leaving it until it waves tattered and torn, forgotten,
A meaningless display.

I AM AN AMERICAN!
author: jwh/6-24-10

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-23T20:48:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful for Life,Breath and Cool Breezes along with the Heat,
I am thankful for a husband who runs into the market for milk as I sit in the car with the a/c ,
I am so thankful for adult children who know how to work and that they MUST-WORK!
I am so thankful for all those things I have not earned nor deserve...
Salvation -Eternal Life and during strange unpredictable times..
A Peace that passes all understanding..
And Calm even during the storms of life.

"Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above..."

I Must Keep Laughing -at Me

2010-06-18T16:09:00.005-05:00

What does it mean when you're walking out of Wal Mart with your slightly over 50 hubby and he starts [softly] singing 'DEEP AND WIDE, DEEP AND WIDE"

The older we get the more it's true: You just have to have a sense of humor as you get old..& older.

Only God Can Create Such Beauty

2010-06-12T21:12:00.004-05:00

Yes all these blooms are from my yard at some point during the 2010 season,of course not all at the same moment in time. The Hot July and August sun isn't kind to many of our blooms but we do enjoy them while we can and look forward to the next season. When a vine, plant or blooming bush just doesn't survive or thrive this season I always say.." Next Year!"

1-2-3 You've Got Sweet Pickles

2010-06-12T16:11:00.002-05:00

I am having such fun getting this recipe with pictures posted....yes I know I am NOT the pioneer woman
[ Ree Drummond from http://thepioneerwoman.com/ ]
But this is a start..hope you enjoy it. Can't you just smell those pickles that last five minutes on the stove?

To Make Your Magic

2010-06-12T15:49:00.006-05:00

1 gallon Cucumbers

2 Cups Pickling Lime/or Pickling Crisp

1 gallon Water

8 Cups White Vinegar

8 Cups Sugar

2 Tablespoons Canning Salt

2 Teaspoons Each of: Celery Salt, Pickling Spices, whole Cloves

Wash and slice cucumbers. Cover with lime and water. Let set overnight.

Next Day: Drain and RINSE WELL. Cover cucumbers with ice water and let set 3 hours. Drain and cover with sugar, vinegar,canning salt and Spices.

Stir together; set overnight. Cook 35 minutes. Let come to a boil the last 5 minutes. Fill clean jars & seal

Jean's secret: To each jar of pickles place in the bottom of each jar one small dried CAYENNE PEPPER. before filling with pickles. Do not be tempted to add more peppers. One should be just right. Two is Too Many. We like the little kick from the pepper but not everyone will appreciate the extra zip of flavor.

Worth the Effort

2010-06-11T22:29:00.005-05:00

The Cucumbers Turned into Sweet Pickles

I must remember these when I need a hostess gift.

A Really Good Day!

2010-06-05T12:23:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhh, a really good day..what makes a good day~ something as simple as getting things on your 'to do' list crossed off. Some days it's just getting one much needed chore done or even getting started.

Yesterday felt like a good day after taking on a flower bed with way too many things classified as BEAUTIFULLY HEALTHY WEEDS. I had not planned to tackle that but just casually began to remove a few and then before I knew it had both feet [literally] inside the bed and began grabbing and pulling weeds with a vengeance..at times by the handsful.

Oh sure I dislike the black soil under my pretty nails and same in between my toes and between the flip flops and my bare feet...I know, not the right shoes-But it sure feels good when you turn the water hose and really cold water sprays away all evidence of where you've been ..

A good feeling..A Good Day!

Obselete Jobs~

2010-06-03T09:30:00.003-05:00

Did you ever have the job of a "hander"? How about working all day as a "stringer?"
It wasn't a bad deal. You could work at this without being an adult, even earlier than 16 if you could do the work. And you didn't have to go to school to learn the trade.

Of course if you really wanted to get into big money you would aspire to be a "picker."
Naturally you would have start at entry level wages, beginning with something like $2., $2.50 or $3. a day depending on the employer.

I couldn't wait to be a stringer but it wasn't as easy as one might think-some people just had a gift for doing a great job as a stringer. A careless sloppy job as a stringer was not acceptable. And the handers couldnt just hand either. You had to be quick and again not careless in your presentation to the stringer.

A few fringe benefits, one being the mid morning COLD DRINK break if you worked for the right people and good company to spend the day with if you were at the right place.

A major negative would be the heat and the long day and of course the "sticky" conditions that only a good warm soapy scrub would help.

Any idea what these pretty much obsolete jobs might be?

My 'Yarden' Journal [#2]

2010-06-02T11:14:00.003-05:00

Top L-R: Blooming Gourd Vines & Harvesting Cucumbers
Bottom L-R: Muscadine Vines & First Daylily Blooms

I Get To Live Here

2010-05-15T11:17:00.003-05:00

Sundown - Another Time & Place

2010-05-11T07:22:00.004-05:00

Our last sunset in southeast Texas

I Love It When He Brings Home Flowers

2010-05-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

New Bible Study

2010-04-12T15:26:00.002-05:00

We're wrapping up Priscilla Shirer's "Discerning the Voice of God.."
Beginning another-same author: "One in a Million"
Very much looking forward to it.
A Wonderful mix of ladies with varied ages and background-makes it interesting!

Life's Purpose- the Golden Years!

2010-03-15T11:13:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the teacher in Sunday Bible Study challenged us as she posed this question again & again to us: What is the purpose of your life [the rest of your life]

THIS question STOPS ME DEAD IN MY TRACKS..
1. What difference have I made?
2. How do I make a difference with the rest of the life God has given me?

Finally we have made a change,worshipping in a place with enough laborers to meet the challenges and opportunities to not only experience real worship but participate in studies of all kinds-right now focusing on discerning the Voice of God. I've been 'hungry' for too long.

We have for too long been in a desert environment and that's a dangerous place to be spiritually.

I do hope there are loved ones praying for me.

Copied: "Remember, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." WOW

Dear God:

2010-03-09T14:33:00.001-06:00

Thank you for always being there to LISTEN TO ME; I pray that I will do better at making our time more of a CONVERSATION by being still, waiting and LISTENING to Your Voice as You speak to me.

Discerning the Voice of God-

2010-03-03T12:01:00.004-06:00

... the first meeting of a new Bible Study group at church- I love that we are not a group of ladies between the ages of [ ] it looks and feels like a wonderful mix of women all at different stages of life apparently 20's and possibly even older than I am. Love that!

.. so excited about this opportunity! I come to this place in time spiritually hungry and needy-anticipate having this study make a very real impact.

Lord, make my heart tender and receptive to what is shared during this 6 weeks! I want only to hear Your voice and none other-help me to totally set aside 'self' and be that empty vessel waiting to be renewed & refilled..with YOU!

Calling In Sick

2010-02-03T14:40:00.001-06:00

I'm just thinking I may have already used up all my "sick days" for the year and 2010 has only just begun. It seems we do appreciate feeling well more after a few days or weeks of being under the weather.

Normally I am a person who if not busy, busy,is making lists of all the busy-ness I have on my calendar.

I must admit there's something luxurious about staying close to home, stretching out in a favorite chair and pulling my wonderful almost antique handmade quilt up to my chin and not moving for hours.

It is time to shift gears..start mental lists of yard chores & I do look forward to that but perhaps we could make that change in stages moving to the deck in a sunny spot with same quilt and new book to read, with notepad to make a record of those 'yarden' commitments & projects I am so eager to get into.

Yes, that sounds like a plan!

Fringe Benefits

2010-01-25T12:21:00.002-06:00

At this stage of our lives I have a special luxury I am going to document/admit to.

I HAVE A LAUNDRY SERVICE.
MY HUSBAND DOES THE LAUNDRY!

No I didn't go on strike & No, he hasn't ended up with any red items in the white load resulting in PINK UNDERWEAR OR TOWELS.

I think it began when I would ask him to do the laundry whenever we had big projects going on with a party or company coming. In an effort to best use and organize our time with all the house cleaning and yard work I would ask him to take care of the laundry noting that this would be a big help. Now he does it every week!

I wonder if he has noticed I tend to refold certain things like towels that go in my bathroom.

Three Pairs of Jeans-What More Could a Boy Need?

2010-01-25T11:59:00.005-06:00

When our family lived in South Arkansas in the late 1970s we had 3 teenage sons and a daughter a few years behind. I recall a conversation with our youngest son as we drove to the local department store to buy a new pair of blue jeans. I was sharing one of my 'back when' stories of my own very lean growing up years and he said "Mom if I had been your Dad I would have gotten you ANYTHING you wanted."

Have you ever heard someone say: "I want to give my children all the things I never had?"

Yes, I understand that sentiment.But is actually doing it commendable?
Consider the end results.

By the very nature of being children, they seldom value being so fortunate.
Have you ever observed the lives of children who have and continue to aquire all the latest games, toys, more clothes than four families can wear, all the trinkets they see and just "have to have"..The more stuff that fills their lives the more they want and the stuff becomes almost like rubbish filling every crevice of their environment-needing places to be stored and do the children look around at their abundance and say 'this is too much, can we share with someone who has nothing?"

My husband had a good job, made a good living and continued to do better with each job advance. I was not working at the time but we did not feel deprived. Our attitude about how many pairs of good blue jeans a teen age boy needed was something like this: He had enough good clothes if he had 3 pairs of blue jeans. Three pairs means You have one pair to wear today, one pair in the laundry today and a clean pair to wear tomorrow. That plan could at times be put to the test when a certain person just grew out of them by the time you got home with the most recent purchase!

A Do Nothing Day-Nice!

2010-01-16T13:53:00.002-06:00

I was awakened by a gentle wind & blowing rain~ drip,drip,dripping steadily from the roof's edge and onto the deck floor~I settled back under the cover waiting for the smell of freshly BREWED coffee~ That's my signal it's time to get up before it's shamefully late-rise & shine~Ted's already built a fire in the living room fireplace~coffee/O.J taking zyrtec/ Vitamin D & Calcuim~whispering 'thank yous' for Life, for Comfort, for luxury and `for a husband who is a rock and our Creator who wraps Himself around us daily ~Keep my heart tender & thankful . May I never take Your Provision for granted!

What did I ever do to deserve such a good life? Nothing!
It's all wrapped up in His Grace, His Mercy.

What Was That Called?

2010-01-06T13:54:00.013-06:00

The question: Do you remember the corn shuck scrub thing that our grandmothers used to scrub the wood floors when we were children?

I posed this question to some of my piers [PHS class of 1959] and will share their recollections.

[CAB ]"..used one many a time called a SHUCK SCRUB;soap and red devil potash was the cleaning chemicals we used ,the bigger the scrub was the easier to use.weight made all the difference we had one that had 24 holes for shucks 4 deep 6 length ways offset each way nowadays it would be called top of the line...premiun large model ......"the cleaning man"

[Frances]"We had one and how well do I remember my Mother and Dad scrubbing the floors with it. My Mother, who is 93, said she called it "corn shuck scrub." It had a long handle and holes To put the shucks through. It did a great job on wood floors."

[Joan] "I don't know if they had a name or not, but I certainly remember them."

[Glenda] "I do remember!!! We used them to scrub our front porch with pot ash. wow!!! We called it a corn shuck scrubber."

My husband's response was: "Corn Broom" but that just doesn't sound right!

Based on all the [similar]responses I have come to this conclusion: "A thing can be memorable without having a name or label"
[insert laughter here!]

Pondering Simple Pleasures

2010-01-01T08:42:00.000-06:00

1. Holding hands with my husband in church
2. A cup of [$]coffee in a local coffee shop "just because'
3. Slipping into MY bed with freshly laundered nice Linens!
4. Opening my front door greeting our children or Grands
5. A pretty cup w favorite tea watching the Christmas tree
6. Shopping plants and flowers at local nursery w my husband
7. A big bear hug when I walk into the kitchen for my first cup of coffee
* Let's stop with '7' that's a perfect number

Looking Forward ~ 2010

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

January 2009 - December 31, 2009

2009-12-31T20:40:00.002-06:00

It's close-out day. I started this project In January of this year with some apprehension. While I had managed to work a lot of things with this great technology a blog was a totally new effort and I knew I would have no trouble finding things to 'talk about" but I was not at all comfortable and confident that I could put the whole visual thing together. As often happens much of it came together in those late night sessions with "self" and it was such a thrill to know "YES, I CAN DO THIS!"

I DO LIKE A CHALLENGE AND AS I HAVE SAID SO OFTEN THIS YEAR "IT DOES IMPRESS THE GRANDS."

I have not mastered this animal yet but I will not quit & give up.

Here's looking forward to another year by the Grace of God and I pray we will not waste the additional days he gives us.

Christmas Notes 2009

2009-12-24T09:10:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas All..waking up tired but joyful; nothing quite like waking up to find the dishwasher running, kitchen sink empty/clean, and counter tops cleared /clean/only having to put away dishes from our gathering last night. No PRESENTS NEEDED-it's been Christmas at my house already.

What a husband.."every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above."

Same day, second verse: I will always remember the Christmas eve in Crossett, Arkansas when I was working in a department store, had to work on the 24th and the store manager would stay open as long as a customer wanted to come in the door..I hated working that year. We were having company, people who were just moving into town,waiting the delivery of their furniture. I couln't imagine how I would ever pull off our usual Christmas Eve Buffet. My husband and daughter had made additional food and when I got home LATE the dining room table was set with the right tablecloth, napkins, Candles, centerpiece etc..they bailed me out! It was a beautiful gift to me.

[notes added after the original post on Christmas Eve ]
This year [ 2009 ] was not like any other Christmas we have had together. We had plans for a special little two, possibly 3 day trip to north Georgia-an area we had never even driven through. Last minute decision to postpone the trip and just stay home considering unfamiliar territory and some weather issues.

Ted built a fire in the living room fireplace-maybe the first time ever. Until then I always had it filled with greenery or a display of candles.

I found an all music channel on the TV, beautiful Christmas music-closed the doors and had fantastic music in the background all day long...in my PJ's almost all day. We kept the fire going, read, stared at the tree which I so love to do and took ,shame on us, several short naps on the living room sofa. The entire day was so incredibly peaceful and joyful and did I mention how much money we did NOT spend?!!

Christmas Traditions

2009-12-19T16:42:00.004-06:00

Christmas Traditions are not what you decide or plan to do during this season.

The traditions are what we [as we reflect back] always did-we generally don't decide what our traditions will be..we just do what we do then we see later what it was [the traditions].

About the time our [only] daughter was in the first grade we had our first family Christmas Eve buffet. I can't recall for sure what motivated me to do this but I do know I wanted that special Christmas atmosphere, a bit of formality perhaps.
At some point I informed the entire family that Christmas Eve dinner/meal [ it became a buffet ] would be a dress up time. Everyone was required to 'dress' for the evening. I don't know what they thought about it; I didn't ask. This is what we were going to do. I wanted Christmas to be more than watching for Santa and getting up to see gifts under the tree. I wish I had made notes about those first Christmas Eve parties because I cannot remember a lot of details.

I set about to arrange our table with tablecloth and napkins and whatever I thought festive at that time/candles,etc. The meal was an assortment of all the goodies I had bought or cooked for Christmas. The table [buffet style] was set with the prettiest dishes I had. I think we had a hot percolator punch.

From that year on we did this every Christmas Eve. It did grow to be a more elaborate spread as time passed and my taste and creativity changed.

That's one of the things I miss most about Christmas as things change, the children are grown up, have their own families and either are not at our house or even if we are at their home they do things differently. I don't really know if this tradition was that special to them.

Change is normal, but it is not always easy to accept. We understand we are 'counting down' and there won't be many more of these wonderful seasons to celebrate together with our children and grands. They don't really know that. With health issues not being a major thing for either of us we aren't at a place where we are ready to be taken care of. We still love doing all the Christmas stuff, putting up a big tree, making the house festive and fun, stringing outdoor lights and filling the bags with sand for luminaries outside. It's still fun to watch for "almost dark" and time to turn on all the lights then the routine of turning them off somewhere around 9 or 10 p.m...I still want to "Do Christmas".

In our seventh and eighth decade of life It appears we need to consider some new ways of doing Christmas..easier said than done. This is not negative it's just dealing with our realities. Lord help me not to be totally self involved. ...to be continued.

December 2009

2009-12-19T16:20:00.000-06:00

Add some wind to the 50 degree temperature outside and even in south Alabama, it becomes COLD AND WINTRY.

Add Christ and it feels like CHRISTMAS in south Alabama, or Georgia, or Texas or Mississippi, even Florida!

The Best Gifts

2009-12-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

Time,
Listening and actually hearing,
Remembering,
Caring and willing to express that caring.

A Day to Give Thanks

2009-11-27T10:37:00.001-06:00

That would be ANY DAY!

There are people all around us suffering.
Family members are dealing with unresolved health issues.
Neighbors just next door and across the street suffering daily with serious health issues that have been on-going for several years.
Families are adjusting their lives with one of their's in harm's way in a distant country, putting their lives on hold for this country.

As we gather together there are missing faces in the circle.
There are some who have insecure or unsettled job situations.

In the midst of all this and much more isn't it amazing that we can still be thankful?!!

I AM.

Around my table yesterday family members were thankful for jobs, for jobs with good health insurance coverage, for family, for cousins, for friends, for the New Testament/gospel.

And His Mercy!

I am so thankful for the knowledge that every child, their mates, and their children/the grands all know the LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOUR.
I am so humbly thankful for the dear, loving, Godly, wise gorgeous man God gave me for a husband these last 50 years.

I AM...so thankful that I know to WHOM I AM GIVING THANKS.
Being thankful alone is not enough..we need to know where these blessings originated.

I DO!

Here I Go..Thinking Again!

2009-11-15T16:35:00.000-06:00

mmm just wondering how we can make room for God in our lives when we often exhibit such difficulty 'making room' even for others new to the community or to our churches.

More About Laundry & Times Past

2009-11-04T09:21:00.001-06:00

Copied from a shared email with my own thoughts inserted along the way

A clothesline was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.

[ "What will the neighbors think?" was an oft used phrase and influenced many things a family would/could do.]

It also was a friendly link
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped by
To spend a night or two.

[ Would we now say these were nosy or just observant neighbors?]

For then you'd see the 'fancy sheets'
And towels on the line
You'd see the 'company table cloths"
With intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birth
From folks who lived inside-
As brand new infant clothes were hung
So carefully with pride.

The ages of the children
Could so readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed
You'd know how much they'd grown.

It also told when illness struck
As extra sheets were hung.
Then nightclothes and a bathrobe too
Haphazardly were strung.

It also said "Gone on Vacation now"
When lines hung limp and bare.
It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged
With not an inch to spare!

[I can't say that I ever remember people talking about such things as VACATIONS during the 40s and 50s -perhaps just a lapse of the modern day writer's recollections}

Folks were scorned
If wash was dingy and grey
As neighbors raised eyebrows
And looked the other way.

But clotheslines now are of the past,
For dryers make work much less.
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody's guess!

[Some say they miss this way of life.
Others say "no way"..been there, done that."

Personally, it still can be a wonderful experience
going back to another time. We did it for a number of years and its one of those experiences I would not trade for anything. ..to be cont'd another time.

Rules for Using a Clothes Line

2009-11-04T09:02:00.001-06:00

First you have to actually have a clothesline
Before hanging clothes..use a wet cloth to wipe the line clean
Hang clothes in a certain order: whites with whites
I also hung like items side by side: T shirts together; socks together etc.
Never hang a shirt or blouse by the shoulders/reason: You had obnoxious crunches and folds /they take extra time to iron smoothly.
Wash on Monday! Never hang clothes on the weekend.
Hand large pieces like sheets, towels and pillow cases on outside lines to hide your undies.
Always gather your clothespins when you take in the laundry/it's totally irresponsible to leave those pins on the line in the weather.
If you do it right one clothes pin will neatly and efficiently hold two items together.
Clothes should be taken in before dinner[folding as you removed] ready to be ironed.

* As recently as 1993-2006 on the farm in southeast Texas we had and used a clothesline. We did have a modern clothes dryer for back up but we chose to use the clothesline whenever time and weather permitted

Once when a group of ladies from a garden club in nearby Jasper, Tx, came for a tour of "The Old Barn" and our farmhouse & lunch one of the ladies asked me: "Is that your laundry on the clothes line or is it just for show?"
I replied: "Both. We do use the clothes line but I made sure there was laundry hanging for your visit, knowing that it had likely been many years since you had used a clothesline."

They appreciated the show!

Note: These rules are a mix of my own thoughts and experiences along with those passed around by friends in emails.

White Sands & Solitude

2009-10-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

I am Looking forward to the white sands, the sounds of the waves washing in and the blessed solitude of the beach.

Concerns for loved ones and uncertain situations with them and some friends too are crowding my thinking space. There is such a mix of sadness, frustration & heartsick spirit as I consider and at the same time try hard not to think about how so many dear to our hearts are hurting. If it's not physical then it's heartaches, dissappointments and in some cases what feels like insurmountable obstacles to deal with. We pray for wisdom, common sense choices and planning.

That's why I am so looking forward to this few days of solitude and I pray we will both allow ourselves to soak it in and draw closer to God as we allow Him to speak to our hearts and mend the weak places.

Lord Jesus, I pray this can be a four day quiet time with you. I ask that you Holy Spirit keep my heart tender and receptive to you and whatever You need me to learn about You at this moment in time.

I praise you and thank you for this generous luxury that has been made available to us. We don't take it lightly. It's a special gift of time and space.
For it we are very grateful.

I Remember-Williams & Carter Relatives

2009-10-14T11:17:00.001-05:00

I remember learning to ride a bicycle in Dinsmore, Florida in my uncle James & aunt Verdie [williams] Carter's front yard. I never had a bicycle. I remember falling off and scrubbing my knees, legs & elbows and getting back on to go again.

I remember my cousin Imogene Carter had a big [ so it seemed then] BRIDE DOLL for one Christmas..she let me play with that beautiful doll.
I never had a Bride Doll ...or any other doll that I can recall. I do remember dreaming of a doll for Christmas one year..not actually dreaming but wishing and planning for a doll. I think I was in the second grade. It was rather large and the price was likely the reason I never got it. That's understandable, after all..it cost $1.98.

My cousin Imogene also let me play with her doll house furniture one Christmas Day at their house. Pretend was so much fun. Her mother accidentally stepped on some pieces of that furniture [it may have been 'bakelite] and I was terribly offended..not because she broke the furniture but because she just laughed about it when it happened. Strange, the things we hold in our memory bank.

While we are at my Carter/Williams cousins house pulling out memories stored away let's talk about spending the night with Imogene. They closed in their front porch to make another bedroom and we always considered it still a porch. I recall spending the night & sleeping on the porch and the conversation before bed time about snoring. Imogene and I agreed that one of us [ don't know which one] would stay awake to verify that the other actually did snore at night. Well, you know the outcome of that pact.

I also remember that Carter family had a Tent Church locate on the property adjacent to them at one time. Yes it was a Tent, a large one and the congregation was Pentecostal. My aunt Verdie [ Daddy's sister] attended that church. She was always trying to pursuade Uncle James who was known to all of us to be a heathen, to go to church with her.
Uncle James wasn't tempted..to go to church, that is. He proclaimed in no uncertain terms that he didn't have to attend church services..he could hear everything that went on right from his own yard or garage where he often worked. I think that settled that.

Just an added note: Years later after Aunt Verdie died, my Uncle James remarried. His wife was also Pentecostal and at some point Uncle James was pursuaded. His life changed. Amazing!

Remember Cinderella?

2009-10-12T15:56:00.010-05:00

Remember Cinderella? Even in a fairy tale all good things come to an end..the clock struck 12 midnight and the carriage turned back into a pumpkin.

That came to mind as I thought about my Patterson High School class of 1959 and our 50th reunion celebration last weekend. We worked toward this celebration of an era for an entire year.

Friends, class members, even relatives [ several cousins ] began gathering in rural south Georgia, [ Pierce County] on Thursday. Some were fortunate to have family they could stay with while others enjoyed the hospitality of the newest accomodations in town.

On Friday it was a "Girls Only" time with an afternoon party hosted by a class member, Glenda Weathers Thompson, who returns to enjoy the country life back home and keep up her family's farm where she grew up in Mershon. 1959 grads and spouses of same enjoyed great food, lots of chatter, laughter, giggles, catching up and snapping a few candid pictures of course! With windows surrounding us on all sides of the porch it was ideal..delightful even!

That wasn't the end of this special day though. We hurriedly made order of our hostess' kitchen and moved on in a caravan to visit with one of 3 living high school teachers who is 96 years old and recouperating from a recent fall. This visit with Mrs. Florice Deen turned out to be a gift exchange. It was our gift to this wonderful lady who even at 96 still has a regal air about her. Such a Lady! It was also her gift to us..a time to share both ways, a joy to us to see her doing so much better than we anticipated. We shared some memories, a few until now untold secrets and a lot of laughter and expressions of appreciation to one who taught school during an era when teachers could become involved in the lives of students and ultimately make lifelong differences, enriching our lives with teaching, experiences, challenges and more. In the 50 years since there were several of these dear people whom I have always referred to as "my teacher friends." Mrs. Deen was my mentor..before I even knew what the word meant.

Two others of our teachers are still with us but only one was able to be there on Saturday night at the 'main event'.  Mr. Mershon Aspinwall could not be there but Mr & Mrs Jimmy Screws were such a delightful addition as guests & We were honored to have them.

It was a pleasure to have attending also two with whom we attended school but were not part of the graduating 51 class members, Jaunette Richardson Sauls & Frances Cox-Thigpen. We would have opened it up to more had space not been an issue.

Much planning had gone into making this "Celebration of an Era' a memorable event and it was made easier with today's technology. Time spent on this was my own choice since I volunteered but it was very time consuming. At the same time it was a blessing from my perspective. I had the opportunity to be in touch with almost all our classmates and got to know the wonderful, gifted,generous, God fearing, family centered grown ups they have all become. Lucky Me!

With some forethought the steering group [Darrell Thomas, Bonnie Dubberly, Charlotte Smith & I ] made decisions to trim down and simplify every element of the weekend affair. The only dissappointment is that some were not able to be with us. Previously scheduled travel, Health or Family issues prevented some from coming & one in particular who expected to be in attendance had to opt out at the very last minute due to a recent diagnosis of cancer and was having a bad day. We had a total attendance of 53 including spouses & other guests.

Many people stepped in to help and may have thought their assistance insignificant..it was not! They helped things to run smoothly-that was amazing. Lucille Crosby Brown provided ID tags with Sr. photos and she and Linda Byrd Parker greeted everyone with a program and colorful silk flower leis as they arrived Saturday afternoon. I forgot to thank several. Charlotte Smith presented our hosts Darrell & Sue Thomas with a gift of her life size GOURD PEOPLE who were properly stationed to greet everyone outside the entrance at the pond house. The beautiful green plants that were brought then shared as thank you gifts were provided by Eugene & Tommie Mobley....how thoughtful!

As the crowd gathered during the first hour they could enjoy the display of a variety of 'early years' mementos so generously shared. There were football jackets, jerseys, FFA jackets, Fashion items, medals from literary competition, Miss PHS photos, Photo albums and newspaper clippings that survived the past 50+ years.

I truly considered this project a labor of love and a joyful experience. While challenging at times..I enjoy a challenge, especially the technology. It impresses our Grandchildren.

While no special 'thank you ' was needed or expected, the beautiful expression of appreciation from this group will soon find the perfect home in the Harrison House in Brundidge, Alabama - likely in our living room. I will treasure it & tell all guests exactly where it came from.

I have saved the best for last. We had a time on Saturday's program to recognize or pay tribute to those who have passed away. Bonnie Dubberly recognized those who are no longer with us. Darrell Thomas & Anne Boatright assisted in recognizing deceased U.S. Veterans, Class members and spouses of same who served in any branch of the U.S. Military. Navadine Callahan spoke in appreciation for the teachers during our school years and Mary Grace Hancock & Charlotte Smith spoke about special memories of teachers as well as an update on Mrs. Florice Deen.

After dinner time was alloted for people to take the floor to share memories, things about themselves, whatever they chose. This became almost entirely a sharing of testimonies to what God has meant and continues to be doing in the lives of individuals and their loved ones, prayer requests and of course a few funnies shared balanced things out just right! To that I add: To God be the Glory!

A post script: I am not privy to what everyone did with their free time or after hours on Friday and Saturday nights but the ladies who stayed at the new motel along with another Patterson student who lives in Blackshear..well We had "church" for two or three hours- Such a precious time together. O my how sweet it was!

We women have no earthly idea what went on when a group of the men gathered for Coffee or Breakfast at a local restaurant.  Likely we will never know but this one thing is sure..they couldn't have had as much fun as we did. Men have fun differently I suppose.

I never intended this to sound like a 1950s newspaper account of what everyone in the community was up to socially. It just turned out that way. Perhaps that's appropriate considering the era we were celebrating.

Our carriage did turn into a pumpkin.  We are back to our daily routines. Today our sentimental look back is just a memory but what great memories!

Family is Family

2009-09-20T00:41:00.005-05:00

Family is family even if you have never met.
I can't explain it.
My cousin and I had not been in touch since shortly after I married in 1959. I didn't know her married name & was not able to locate her. She found Me.

I can't explain it. She's part of my family. Our Dads were brothers. We share memories of many of the same people. We are still family.

Another first cousin Imogene was close to the same age as I and I had completely lost touch with her family after I married.
When another cousin located that part of our family it was too late. Imogene had passed away. I felt very sad. We hadn't been in touch for about 40 yrs..but we were family. It saddened me to know we could have shared time together and we missed that opportunity. She was gone. She was family.

For many years I have thought of the nephew whom I had never met, have pictures of him as a very young child and remembered his approximate birthdate. I always thought "He deserves to know he does have family -it's just not right that he never knows any of us exist, who we are , what kind of people-the family he comes from".

I found the nephew. I can't explain it. He is a part of my family. He's connected to the same parents, grandparents and great grandparents that are OUR FAMILY. I don't really know him but I would like to. His father hasn't been a part of his life and that's not right. Second best could be knowing some of his [ unknown] family. He is not interested in this family connection but that's now. Things change. We will keep that door open.

We may not seem to have much in common. My roots are in the deep south and he's definitely a "northerner"..but hey we have a Yankee daughter in law from Chicago area..and that turned out wonderfully. Her family and our family are such different people..but there's a connection there b/c she's family.

I cannot explain it..but I know if I met my brother's son it would be a very emotional experience, you see...he's part of my family.

He likely knows by now that we southerners hug a lot..so he'd get a big hug and everybody knows we women cry over anything or nothing so there would be tears..and I would then apologize to him for all the things that weren't as they should have been in his life [for my brother]..yes, I know that's not my responsibility..

But, he's family.

Under the Heading of "Write it Down Before You Forget It."

2009-08-18T15:28:00.007-05:00

I consider it a milestone in my life when I realized that my God can handle my
insecurities, uncertainties, my whining and complaining and doubts and he does care about those whispered pleas as I scramble through my sometimes hectic life.. even the little things my loved ones never notice.

Note to Self

2009-08-18T15:14:00.004-05:00

You have to live a little of life
Before trying to write about life.

Question: Why Do I Write?
My answer: Because Time Is Precious

Motivation for Spring 2010

2009-08-10T11:18:00.010-05:00

Funny thing..if you want sunflowers to enjoy in the summer you must get those seeds into the ground as the instructions say on the package; "After all danger of frost" and in the deep south that usually means by the last of March.

When you don't 'get around to it" then the best thing you can do is to buy expensive good quality silk sunflowers. However; the cheaper option is to find a nice picture and post it!

This will have to do until our next "after danger of frost" 2010. So There!
http://oldfashionedtimes.com/

True Woman | Conversation 101, Part 1

2009-07-22T18:30:00.003-05:00

Shared via AddThisA Lesson learned decades ago, at my own expense> You cannot have any conversation with another person if you cannot even remember their name upon encountering them.

I met a lovely, wonderful lady and the next time our paths crossed in a shop, I could not remember her name to introduce her to my husband. Being in my immature twenties it was devastating.

From that day on I apply these rules: Never hesitate to ask for a name to be repeated, even if you did hear it, ask if you have it correct. Unless the name is as common as John Doe, ask about the correct spelling and if the pronounciation is difficult be very specific in asking for clarification.
If I have a relative, a neighbor or good friend with the same name, I often would say<"That's easy to remember b/c I have a dear friend with that name"

The more often the name is discussed or repeated the more likely you will recall it. And by all means when you part company at that first introduction, use the name in your parting remarks!

Mama's Lap

2009-06-03T20:30:00.009-05:00

One of those snapshots in time that has stayed with me ocurred at about three years old no more than four.

This is short and sweet but real.

The primitive farmhouse where we lived not far from Alma, Georgia had a porch across the front. It was nothing fancy -no railing, just a porch with a simple homemade settee.

The Kodak moment simply this: I was sitting beside Mama and leaned over and laid my head in her lap.

I experienced a comfort, security and feeling that 'this is the best place in the world to be.'

There are no new words or phrases in my vocabulary with which I can draw a verbal picture for you.

Remember, you cannot choose what memories a small child will carry with them through life.

When you hold or rock that little one or snuggle close you just may be 'snapping a moment' that will always be real and treasured in that precious child's heart and mind.

Hold them close..while you can.
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The Veteran at Our House-U.S. Navy 1955-1959

2009-05-24T12:38:00.021-05:00

That would be my husband, Dad to our four children and Pop to our eight Grands.

We are blessed that he is still with us. Our children & Grandchildren all have an example to be proud of and to learn from if they choose.

Our oldest son had enlisted in the U.S. Navy and would have been proud to serve were it not for a health issue. He wanted to follow in his Dad's steps. Our second son served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and retired with the rank of Chief. I love those military photos of him and also of his Dad. One of my favorites of our youngest son was taken when he served in the Army National Guard.

The U.S.Veteran at our house is a man who doesn't have to be told to stand when the American flag goes by or is raised. He doesn't have to be reminded to stand at attention when the National Anthem is played. He cannot hold back the emotion watching a homecoming of our service people. He is disturbed when he sees our flag flying 24-7 without attention and left to become frayed, ragged and deteriorate in the weather. He always notices when his country's flag is not handled properly.

The Veteran at our house served first in the U.S. National Guard while in high school then during what we call in between years-after WWII and before Vietnam but not actually in the Korean Conflict- 1955-1959 active duty in the U.S. Navy, aboard the Bennington and the Forrestal then two additional years in inactive reserve. He is no less the proud American Veteran than those who served in WWII.

The Veteran at our house is old fashioned.
He would never wear the flag as clothing on his body.
He doesn't really talk about being patriotic. He is.
The Veteran at our house is a proud, patriotic U.S. Veteran - Proud to be an American!
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Love Letters in the Sand?

2009-05-21T09:38:00.010-05:00

My vocabulary is not adequate to relate what an experience we just had at the beach.

The sights: As far as the eye could see-white sands only sprinkled with tourists not crowds.

The Sounds: of all the little and not so little feathered creatures who belong there-each doing what they are programmed to do-making the sounds unique to each species but not invading our space with the cheep,cheep, churp, churp etc. Their noise was more like background music-not invasive, simply making the environment even more beautiful.

The white sands-like a massage to the feet. I declared our walks on the beach in the mornings to be Adult Fun! We both absolutely delighted in squishing our toes in the incredible white sands.

Let's not forget the nearly constant breezes..at times easy breezy and sometimes a stronger presence.

A beach has to have children playing, digging and squealing-some delighted by the rush of the water and others tentative and not yet comfortable with this beach thing. Its so neet to be able to be a bit like those children, as we watch for unbroken shells to gather and save?

All this reminds us of the three grands who have just spent their third winter season in the land of forever cold and snow. We both agree we want to make sure they get to share this kind of beach experience when they make their way south again.

Justa thought: God's incredible creation reminds us of Him and yes of loved ones! The time and miles never diminish or change that love.

God made us in His image, right? So it would seem He made us a very complex people..we sit and soak up his creation on the amazing white sands and revel in the joy of the moment, the relationships and in the same instant feel such sadness looking back at all the times we have not shared with those dear, dear loved ones.

mmm He is still God, He is Sovereign, and we continue to submit to that/and ask Him to bless that submission.

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That Was Fun!

2009-05-09T20:14:00.010-05:00

What evokes a sincere, exclamation of: "That was so much fun" from you?

I was thinking about an 89yr old friend of ours in Texas who thought it was so much fun when I called and invited her to go with me to the local Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone. Soft serve :(

We had a friend, our age who's name was Linda. She loved everyone and everything God created I think. She could find any outing "so much fun." Linda found joy [fun] in such ordinary things. We could stop and enjoy an ice cold glass of iced tea on the porch while visiting and she would exclaim "That was so much fun." She showed the same expression of joyfulness after picking a basket full of fresh fruit from a tree in the back yard. "That was so much fun!"

I felt that way today when I cut the prettiest roses in our yard, trimmed and arranged them in a container in the kitchen. That was fun!

Since in recent months we rarely eat out in restaurants it was actually "fun" to drive to Troy, 8 miles away and have an Arby's sandwich with one order of fries to share. The Dr. Pepper was Oh so good, because we don't keep soft drinks at home. For that reason it is a genuine treat to have one as we did this afternoon. It didn't break the budget and we didn't look around the restaurant closely enough to discover sloppy housekeeping...so it was good. That was fun!

After that fast food treat we drove around some neighborhoods where we'd never been, observing the landscaping or in some cases lack thereof and awarding our stamp of approval to the residences that were well kept. We decided we did not want to live there but, "that was fun."

There was no way to justify an ice cream at the The Cone Zone after that Arby's meal so we headed back to Fleming Street. The front porch looked lonely so we just unlocked the front door and dropped in the big rockers for a while. That was so much fun!

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What Does a Gramma Wear for the Wedding?

2009-05-01T17:49:00.005-05:00

It all depends. Is the Gramma a hippo?

Well that's what I feel like trying on those gosh awful "wedding fashions". Anyone who knows me knows I am a red, white, black, navy/federal blue person. You put me in that beautiful, soft, seafoam green and I look [no kidding] like a stuffed green frog in a tuxedo. I am serious!

Then there's the wonderful jacket that brings a "Wow, Jonell that's your color, rich red, short enough in petite size-that's You!"
And how do I look in "my color".. like a carpet sales person..wrapped in a beautiful red rug.

I wonder what they pay models to show those Rugs?

This scavenging for a wedding dress has been going on since Christmas. That's enough time for anyone to find something to cover a body. Not for me. It's that vanity thing again. I actually know this wedding is not about what Gramma wears. I am aware that Grandparents are way down the list in relevance for an event such as this. But Grammas like to look nice too.

Truthfully I haven't been looking for something in which to look nice. I have been searching for the magical solution to visually melt away the extra 40 pounds that like me so much they stay..and stay; have been hoping to find some charity I could make a nice donation to..a gift of unwanted pounds.

I don't want to look nice. I admit it, I want to look fabulous! God created me. He knows that so don't bother talking to him about my vanity problem when you pray for me, ok?

I actually became so discouraged I emailed my wonderful daughter in law [mother of the groom] who has found her beautiful dress weeks ago, and asked her if I could "call in sick" for this wedding. Well she said absolutely not!

If you, like me, are a woman over 50 <> and a wedding or other similar event looming large don't offer to call in sick. It won't work.

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Comments and Reactions

2009-05-01T15:58:00.005-05:00

I'm not a person known to have a significant sense of humor. I may delude myself about some things but not that-I am not a funny person.

I do <> kinda cherish the memory of someone once telling me I was funny. Our Home Demonstration Agent [ 1950's ] Mrs. Georgia Jordan was my chaperon for the state Miss Farm Bureau competition in Albany, Georgia. As we were talking about the personal interview part of the competition she commented: "Jonell, you should be a comedienne." I can just hear each of my children saying, "Really?"

Hold this thought: I know I am not a funny person. My children all do have a distinct sense of humor. Additionally our favorite son in law [<> only SIL ]
has an amazing [weird] sense of humor.

I do now and then have a "funny idea or thought." My daughter might say 'No, you have weird thoughts, Mom.'

Why do we give the option on this blog for comment and keeping track of whether people think our post is funny, interesting or cool?

Will I stop writing if no one thinks my posts are interesting, etc.? Absolutely not! Will I close down this little project if I receive negative discouraging 'comments'? Absolutely not!

I am a performer. I appreciate an audience. I respond to applause. But I am still that person without an audience. If no one reads it and no one appreciates it..that's okay. Then I would just fine tune the whole thing, bind it in little book and leave it for my Children and Grands.

That's what people like me do.

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Little Heartbreaks

2009-04-25T12:45:00.012-05:00

How can a heartbreak be a "little" heartbreak?

There's something for this writer to ponder.

Perhaps a little heartbreak might be losing a softball game or the competition for cheerleader or a friend not inviting you to his birthday party.

Heartsick rather than heartbreak. What do you think?

I recall disappointments where I was simply heartsick about an outcome and that didn't "feel good" ya'll.

Have you had the good fortune to have a special trip or vacation as an option then at the last hour it all fell through. No matter how grown up you are it's a heartsick time you have to work through. At first you privately react exactly as the 5 year old when told he can't have the scheduled birthday party. Inside where no one can see, you kick, scream, throw yourself on the floor and cry buffalo tears [whatever that is]. You feel your little world crumbling apart like Graham Crackers that have been in the pantry too long.

You are an adult so you can't really do that..but it is real and it is your heartsick moment, your private heartbreak. Sometimes that is when you really throw a party: A BIG PITY PARTY and just to 'show them" you don't invite anyone to your party. They are just supposed to care enough-to read your inner thoughts and know you're not available-until the party's over.

Sometimes it's hard being grown up isn't it? Come on, Admit it-I'm right there with you..no matter how mature and reasonable I may appear on the outside.

Hey.. That's why God made Tears..use them. I do!

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Sunshine and Rainbows

2009-04-24T09:47:00.017-05:00

God is Good! Think of all the ways he fills our days. Yes there are mountantop & Valley Days and I guess that's the equivalent of sunshine and rainbows..with the sunshine we often have to settle for inconvenient heat and with the rainbows we usually have to accept an inconvenient downpour.

I am reminded of some of the rough spots in the past. I sometimes refer to these as pot holes along the way.

It's definitely a 'valley' experience when the doctor says "If this is laryngeal cancer, and I am pretty sure it is". Yes it's a pot hole along the way when the doctors interupt a grandson's surgery to tell his parents: "It's worse than we thought" and it certainly isn't convenient when your car's transmission takes on a life of it's own [ 40 miles from destination ] and all you can imagine is the picture of "the VW love bug" coming apart in the middle..remember that?

And it's shattering when you get the call that your "younger" sister has just flat lined in the hospital and is rushed to emergency heart bypass.

But then all the roads are not dotted with potholes..It's a sunshiny day with rainbows when the labs come back and the grandson's surgery can be reversed and he can function normally. The words Mercy and Victory immediately come to mind!

And the doctor's evaluation that ends with: "I see no sign of the return of cancer"..O definitely a sunshiny day. Whewwww! PTL again, again.

And the sweet little note from a friend that says someone cares what's going on with you...more sunshine!

The Dr. says. "She came through the surgery just great" No words to describe the reaction..God is good..and His mercy endures forever.

As I grow older [ and OLDER :&)] that word Mercy comes up more often.

The simple ordinary things that are not really ordinary: the children who hurry to you with hugs at church..joy, joy, joy! They trust me with their love. OOOOOOOOMY :^)

He continues to make my day [s] as my path crosses with another kindred spirit who is just thrilled about the same addictions [ to old, vintage, primitive and antique] I have! Yes I count this a blessing and a joy too. God does care about the most [seemingly] mundane things in my life. It doesn't have to be the things that cause me to shed tears on my pillow during a restless night. He cares about the small pleasures or the ongoing frustrations or discouragements.

This is the God of our MIRACLE YEARS in southeast Texas..the same God who efficiently removed my husband's arm from the round baler out in the hay field alone and 10 miles from home and 15 more miles from the nearest hospital. All He wanted from this gift was ALL PRAISE AND GLORY and our continued submission to His working in our lives. ..sounds like we got a good deal there.

I understand those miracles obligate us to share our story with others, to bless or encourage them. Those opportunities have not come in our new life soooooooo if you want a new prayer request on your list pray for doors to open for us to share these incredible things God has done in our lives.

This is the same God who came through for us in the midst of a 17,000 [yes thousand] acre forest fire [ Isaiah 43:2] the verse given to me in Texas and from Alabama..His promises are true..and his mercy endures! YES!!

He is the same God who [after 8 years of our effort] sold our farm for us when we could not...all he wanted was our submission to his will and working in our lives.

Imagine what an uninteresting lifescape this would be without the contrast of the mountaintop and the valleys, without the contrast of the sunshine and rainbows!

We are both just thankful God is molding and shaping us. He is God, He is sovereign..He is Good and did I mention Merciful?

That's The Spot-In the Picture Below

2009-04-14T16:03:00.011-05:00

Yes, that's the spot where Ted's car was parked [ with old shoes and tin cans attached ] in front of the church where we were married June 21, 1959. The nice sign was not there but the tree was.

I would happily post a picture of the Lane that inspired the blog title 'down the lane', but so much has changed. Sad! When we go back this fall I will check it out and see if I can come up with a good picture for you. No matter what changes we still have those mental snap shots in time..

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The Rolling Store

2009-03-31T16:56:00.012-05:00

The weather can often be inconvenient. Rain All Day days like today will keep most people at home and out of the stores. Shopping is not usually what I think of doing on a rainy day. I sometimes think of major house cleaning [yeah, I know, that's strange too.] but rarely shopping.

Back when I was a young child the weather didn't always mean no shopping. There were a few Stores that actually came to us. Yes, that's what I said. The one that was really significant was the grocery store. It was an old Bus called The Rolling Store and My Dad's brother Uncle Dewitt Williams drove it along a route in the country. This was only a part of his business. He had a real bonafide grocery store in town and he and aunt Lennie and their brood lived next door about 10 inches away. Well, not quite that close. My uncle was always in the grocery business as were other Williams cousins in Alma [Ga.]

When my family lived with my mother's parents in Mershon I recall Grandma Mobley and Mama carefully making a list before the rolling store came. We looked forward to the store rolling up the lane probably more than children today anticipate a trip to the shopping mall. I believe the store came once a week. I am not quite sure about that but it was without question the highlight of our day, perhaps week. Uncle Dewitt was every bit the business man. He'd rather work than anything I think and when it came to taking care of the customers he knew what he was doing.

If we stay on this subject for a while we'll come up with more chapters to this story. This is just a friendly challenge to a really special cousin "grannyO" to put in her two cents worth..She will have different parts to this puzzle picture because you see it was her Dad that owned and operated that Rolling Store.

Justa note: Other stores had routes in the country too. Some sold Coffee, some sold Candy, and all kinds of cleaning brushes etc

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Additional Thoughts from Janell Overstreet. Janell is my first cousin and it was her Daddy and his ROLLING STORE that my post above discusses.

"Things I remember about the Rolling Store.

Me and Daddy would go up to Bacon Grocery Company in Alma when it was in a big tin warehouse building before daylight and we would buy groceries by the cases and load them into the Bus. Then we would stop by the ice plant where Farmers' Supply is now and purchase ice to put in wash tubs to keep sodas cold. Each day we would take a different route,but the same day each week we would go back the same route so the people would know exactly what day we would be going by. I remember stopping at Tobacco barns, cotton fields and the workers would literally run to the bus to get mostly R.C. Colas and MOON PIES. They also bought Vienna Sausage, Potted Meat, saltine crackers and a soda. That would be their lunch. Also passing by men would be dipping tar [ from pine trees] and we would stop. I remember when families would buy groceries from Daddy and charge on a weekly and pay up in August of the following year. That is when share croppers got their money or other folks would be able to sell their tobacco. The bus had a small porch on the back and that is where we would put peoples groceries. You could come onto the bus and choose your groceries but inside was very crowded with one tiny isle and there were shelves on the inside where the groceries were put up and wash tubs of drinks and feed on the floor. People would buy groceries and did not have money we would trade groceries for Eggs and chickens. The chickens would be in a wire cage on the little porch. Daddy would always keep his money he collected in his shirt pocket . One day he dropped it out we guessed it was in somebody's grocery bag. We never found it. That was not a good day for sure. I would put up the groceries on the shelves as the bus was traveling down the road to the homes. To this day I have a bad toe nail because a can of pineapple fell off the shelf and hit my toe. I guess I will never forget that. Also on the Bennett Still highway close to the Bacon County line there was an old old wood bridge that We had to cross to get to Appling county. I would always walk across that bridge. I was so scared that the bus would fall in. Sure enough, one day Daddy almost got across it and the front of the bus was on the road and the back was hanging down in the bridge. I remember I wold always sit up front of the bus beside Daddy where he drove. Even though it was our little business I would never get a drink, candy or anything to eat unless I asked him. Folks did not go to town often in those days. that was the only way most farmers could get things they needed. If you could go to town you went on Saturday. I went along on the grocery bus until I was to big to go; I mean too old. Oh, by the way, I still like Vienna Sausage and potted meat occasionally.

Thank you my dear cousin Janell~I knew your viewpoint would be different. You were the "town girl" same as "city girl" I guess and your family owned and operated the grocery business. It was a demanding business. I know because we saw how long and hard your parents worked that business [the one in town and the rolling store].

My viewpoint was the other side of the story. My Dad was one of the sharecroppers who made their list and watched for the grocery bus coming down the lane.

This added post: September 13, 2010

Birth-Days-We Have To Have Them Don't We?

2009-03-26T18:31:00.013-05:00

Here' it comes, ready or not! I refer to the day of my birth- [birthday].

Years ago as I anticipated turning 30 I thought all the talk of being "over the hill" at 30 was absolute Nonesense!

It Was.

As I approached 40 I waited for some emotional upheaval. It didn't happen. At 40 I was at a great place, somewhat like the top of a mountain - able to "see" all the way down [the years past and behind me] or anticipate [with joy] what is ahead on the other side.

I cannot recall being singularly impressed one way or another with "50". At that time life was too interesting and busy to be concerned with getting older.

I do have a little jewel for you concerning turning 60. At some point in the year after marking 6 decades on earth it slipped up on me..not a WOW moment but more like an Ahhhhhhhh, Ok, I see.

Shall I explain my quirky little revelation?
Ok since you [didn't] ask: "Turning 30 wasn't remarkable and forty was a bit of a let down b/c I felt good about myself. At forty I heard "You're a young forty".

Then at fifty it was "But you are a Young 50" I guess I felt it was my due to be considered a "young whatever" age. <>

Here it comes..."After 6o it dawned on me softly, quietly but clearly one day...after 60 you cannot be a Young Anything, Anymore..You are old.

Well.. I am.

Girls it's the mirrors! I avoid the mirrors & I am great!
I don't feel 20 or 30..but then, who wants to be?

Not me!

If you agree mirrors can totally ruin your day..let's not even talk about videos. OOOOmy OMY those videos. they show you pictures of people you don't even recognize [YOURSELF ]

Now we know why it's so important to have that peace and contentment and joy that comes from our Lord. Just think what we would be like growing old
without HIM showing through us!

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Rainy Days

2009-03-14T16:38:00.006-05:00

Daddy-1958

Rainy Days like today remind me of some of those 'snapshots in time' as a child.
I recall a scene when I was less than 4 years old. I was outside in a garden with my dad [ "Daddy" ] As it started to rain we ran into the house. I still remember in that primitive farmhouse [ a dog trot ] at Rockingham, [GA] lying across the bed beside Daddy and watching the rain through the window... LISTENING TO THE RAIN ON THE TIN ROOF.

It's one of those "you had to be there" stories. I don't remember a conversation.
I do remember enjoying the sight and sounds of the rain. It was a good place to be. I was a happy little girl who felt safe and loved by my Daddy.

Take note - you who have young children now.
You never know the ordinary moments that could stay with your child for a lifetime. And we don't get to choose those memories that 'stick'.

That was more than 60 years ago!

Now Let's Get Into The Dirt!

2009-03-12T20:02:00.004-05:00

That's me . . Inside I am still that little barefoot farmgirl who so loved to walk in the cool freshly plowed fields in south Georgia.

We seem to store many 'snapshots in time' over the years; it is both peculiar and amusing the kinds of things that get filed away.

I remember "me" [the BFFG] when I walk out in the yard barefoot. Dontcha love it when the grass is freshly cut [assuming it is thick and healthy and not filled with sand spurs]. That same BFFG shows up when I choose to sit on the floor instead of trying to find another chair in the living room. I am often barefoot indoors..OFTEN. Well, yes I do have house shoes, nice soft ones.. I make no excuse-unless I blame it on my country 'roots.' lol

Another snapshot in time is nearby those plowed fields in front of Grandma Mobley's house [ old primitive dog trot ] Under the big Sycamore trees my cousins and I often played .. [ in the dirt again] we built what we called "playhouses" in the sand. Wondering what kind of construction this involved??
mmmmm how can one explain something so primitive to our 21st century contacts/especially those younger than myself? It went somewhat like this: We used sticks & twigs to outline the rooms and whatever we found around us-bottles, lids, acorns, you get the picture? and we used our imagination & conversation to create life & drama. We had no real toys, used nature, God's creation and the intelligence and imaginations He gave us. IMAGINE that??

I don't want to leave you thinking: "O those poor children-that's so Sad" If you are thinking that You Are just wrong. True, our lives were not cluttered rooms and closets full of plastic toys [that end up in garage sales] but our lives were filled with freedom, time, space, nature and exploration..actually so few limitations. When we left the yard we were never told "watch out for strangers" or "careful crossing the road" or "don't get hurt"..rather we usually heard "don't be late for supper." Imagine such freedom!!! Back at ya later :^)

My South Georgia Roots

2009-03-07T11:29:00.004-06:00

For many years I looked at my south Georgia roots as a time and place to get away from. I was so sure everywhere else was better & bigger. It was about 10 years at least before I began to realize EVERYONE is FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE..usually somewhere smaller and less significant.[or so we think] It was an enternet exchange with a Williams [my maiden name] family researcher that helped me realize "That's My History" my story, and it is unique to me and that time. The 1940s and & 1950s won't be repeated. They are our treasured History. I have memories that can only be told by me and all those other Mobley & Williams cousins from South Georgia & specifically Pierce and Bacon and Liberty County. I learned about the Liberty county connection later in life.

Maybe next time we'll get into the dirt :^)

Changes

2009-03-06T23:06:00.004-06:00

Getting old is so full of changes. Almost 3 years ago as we were in transition from southeast Texas back "home to Alabama" I shared this thought with my husband [while we were house hunting]. I said "you know it's just too much, it's not fair..getting old, fat, and adjusting to these cell phones. . too many changes all at once."

Now I find myself in another "first'..a blog on the Internet. I can talk and write all the time. Ask my friends and family. The words are there. The thoughts are there. It's learning to maneuver this Blog thing that is a challenge. We all have friends who are more knowledgeable and we know they love us but have you ever tried to get one of those computer geniuses to stop for half an hour and explain something on your computer for you. Hey, it's not going to happen. So one just plods along, choosing options and running into dead ends, giving up and coming back to try again and wonder of wonders ..you make a choice that works.

So the moral of that little whining story is..don't give up, keep trying,huh?

In the Beginning- My Way Back When!

2009-01-27T16:40:00.009-06:00

That's Aunt Laura left, our Nan center and me, Jonell on the right. It was here in aunt Laura and uncle Jack's house where we had this conversation about the location of the house where I was born: Down the Lane and Around the Curve, on the Youman's place.

About Life-Then- Now And The Years In Between. Come Along, Walk With Me Down the Lane & Around the Curve!

This is your invitation to join in this conversation-Add your comments in response to my posts or use your comment space for your own entry -thoughts that come to mind as you are reading mine. This is not intended to be a one sided Conversation.

My life's 'journey".. began "Down the Lane" and around the curve in the little 3 room share cropper's house on the edge of the Youman's Place [Mershon, Georgia] That was March 1941 when my twin brother and I were born.

How do I know that? Because Aunt Laura Mobley told me..or I should say she reminded or refreshed my memory back in 1990 as we visited and talked about when I was born she said "Right over Yonder". I asked "Where aunt Laura?" and she responded: "Down the Lane and around the curve" over yonder on the Youmans Place.

And there it was. It didn't take us long to make that little trip-lol. Yep, there it was a little wood frame 3 room house still standing actually wasn't unsafe to enter. [ one of those ceramic white door knobs is my treasure now & yes we did ask permission ]

As we looked around in the back room I realized that had been the Kitchen and hey look at that window...they would have thrown their dirty dishwater out through that window!

Thanks aunt Laura for giving me back those things I had forgotten about my personal history. I didn't know [ or recall being told] that aunt Laura had sent for my Grandma Williams in Alma [Ga.] to come help with the delivery. I've learned since that Grandma Williams helped a lot of women have their babies but she slipped up on this one-about 24 hours or so later there was a second baby..my twin brother Jurel who only lived about two weeks.

That's the beginning of my journey. Can we continue? I'd be glad to share this with more Mobley & Williams cousins . [ btw: Participation is not limited to real cousins-all others related or not are welcome and encouraged to come along as we stroll "Down the Lane."]