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.
1/25/10
Three Pairs of Jeans-What More Could a Boy Need?
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!
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!
1/16/10
A Do Nothing Day-Nice!
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 did I ever do to deserve such a good life? Nothing!
It's all wrapped up in His Grace, His Mercy.
1/6/10
What Was That Called?
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!]
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!]
1/1/10
Pondering Simple Pleasures
1. Holding hands with my husband in church
2. A cup of [$]coffee in a local coffee shop "just because'
3. Slipping into MY bed with freshly laundered nice Linens!
4. Opening my front door greeting our children or Grands
5. A pretty cup w favorite tea watching the Christmas tree
6. Shopping plants and flowers at local nursery w my husband
7. A big bear hug when I walk into the kitchen for my first cup of coffee
* Let's stop with '7' that's a perfect number
2. A cup of [$]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
12/31/09
January 2009 - December 31, 2009
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.
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.
12/24/09
Christmas Notes 2009
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?!!
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?!!
12/19/09
Christmas Traditions
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.
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
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!
Add Christ and it feels like CHRISTMAS in south Alabama, or Georgia, or Texas or Mississippi, even Florida!
12/1/09
The Best Gifts
Time,
Listening and actually hearing,
Remembering,
Caring and willing to express that caring.
Listening and actually hearing,
Remembering,
Caring and willing to express that caring.
11/27/09
A Day to Give Thanks
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!
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!
11/15/09
Here I Go..Thinking Again!
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.
11/4/09
More About Laundry & Times Past
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.
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
- 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.
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.
10/19/09
White Sands & Solitude
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.
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.
10/14/09
I Remember-Williams & Carter Relatives
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!
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!
10/12/09
Remember Cinderella?
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!
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!
9/20/09
Family is Family
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.
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.
8/18/09
Under the Heading of "Write it Down Before You Forget It."
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.
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
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
Before trying to write about life.
Question: Why Do I Write?
My answer: Because Time Is Precious
8/10/09
Motivation for Spring 2010
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/
http://oldfashionedtimes.com/
7/22/09
True Woman | Conversation 101, Part 1
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!
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!
6/3/09
Mama's Lap
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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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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5/24/09
The Veteran at Our House-U.S. Navy 1955-1959
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.
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 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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5/21/09
Love Letters in the Sand?
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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5/9/09
That Was Fun!
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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5/1/09
What Does a Gramma Wear for the Wedding?
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.
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.
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!
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
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 <> 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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4/25/09
Little Heartbreaks
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.
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!
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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4/24/09
Sunshine and Rainbows
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?
4/14/09
That's The Spot-In the Picture Below
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..
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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3/31/09
The Rolling Store
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
3/26/09
Birth-Days-We Have To Have Them Don't We?
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!
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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3/14/09
Rainy Days
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!
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!
3/12/09
Now Let's Get Into The Dirt!
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 :^)
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 :^)
3/7/09
My South Georgia Roots
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 :^)
Maybe next time we'll get into the dirt :^)
3/6/09
Changes
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?
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?
1/27/09
In the Beginning- My Way Back When!
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."]
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Cousins
There comes a time in LIFE when our COUSINS AGAIN become very important. I think that time has arrived. jwh