Project 365 - Week 13

Week 13 or Spring Break was a slow week.  We made this week a staycation.  We did not go anywhere and it is just as well because it was cold and dreary.  Hop over to Fran's blog and check out the rest of the gangs offerings.  I know you will enjoy them. 

Sunday, March 24th

Palm Sunday and Easter lilies that have been placed already for next Sunday.  We do a in memory/in honor of concept and people place them in the sanctuary each Palm Sunday though Easter Sunday.  I love how beautiful the flowers are but they tear my allergies up.  Stargazer lilies are the worst.

 

Monday, March 25th

 

Stayed in my jammies all day and worked on taxes.  I need to get them done and to the accountant.

Tuesday, March 26th

 

My new shoes from ebay.  I love them.  They are so comfy.  Frank and I went to see the new Oz movie.  It was ok but definitely not what Safe Haven and Olympus Has Fallen were.  Those two were awesome.

 

Wednesday, March 27th

Today was mani/pedi day at The Mane Event.  Amanda gave me a gift certificate for Christmas and believe me it is the best gift anyone could give me.  Next trip I am having a facial....or maybe a massage.  I love going there....the place smells so relaxing and the ladies who work there are amazing.

 

Thursday, March 28th

 

There is going to be a major yard sale from Alexander City, AL to Franklin, GA up Hwy 22 on April 13th.  I took part of the week to gather some stuff in the house for my part.  We will be yard saling in Roanoke at Mrs. Shirley's antique house.  Frank and I took the stuff down there this week so I won't have to do it all when he is gone on the 13th.  I am so excited.  I am not finished gathering but we took two car loads of stuff.  You would not believe what the HHR can hold.  I love that little car.

 

Friday, March 29th

Sunset from the Towler's yard.  I love the colors.  We had dinner there on Friday night....with "real" food.

 

Saturday, March 30th

We had an egg hunt at the church today.  It was at 2.  Mrs. Betty Jean made the cute little rabbit cake and everyone who ate it said it was delish.  We had about 30 children participating. What great fun!  Hope your week was as restful as mine was.  I just had issues with a little eye allergy going on thanks to some mascara that was not hypo allergenic.  I thought I had pink eye for a while....but the eyes began to clear up after the eyeliner was trashed. 

Frank, Mrs. Betty Jean and Eating "Real" Food

Frank preached Friday at Roanoke First and our ladies provided lunch for the group attending.  We decided on soup and sandwiches.  Our ladies really shine when it comes to providing a meal.  We had Subway sandwiches, cookies, cupcakes, vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, chips, tea, pound cakes.  It was yummy and not much was left.  I am so proud of our women at Rock Mills.  There was a nice crowd and Frank's sermon focused on Jesus' last words, "It is finished." 

Today is Mrs. Betty Jean's birthday so I want to wish her a happy one.  She is a baker extraordinaire and her cakes are the rave of the Roanoke area.  She baked one of the pound cakes for the luncheon yesterday, a cake for a funeral lunch, AND a rabbit cake for the Easter Egg hunt at the church.  Her cake baking skills amaze me!

I got an e-mail from Mrs. Sherry this week that we were gathering on Friday at her house for supper.  We would be eating "real" food.   I laughed out loud and wondered about the "fake" food we have been eating all this time.   I made "the stuff" ( sugar free trifle) and deviled eggs.  I figured those were real foods. We had pork, chicken, zipper peas, Lima beans (yuck), pear salad, deviled eggs, cabbage with sausage, corn bread, and rolls.  Sandra made an Easter cake that was so pretty.   The "real" food was delish.  I love these gatherings.  The company is fun, the fellowshipping is wonderful, and the house always overflows with love.  It in these moments that I feel a sense of peace and feel as if I have lived here forever.  I thank God for bringing us to Rock Mills.  He definitely knew that I needed to be part of this family.

Five Minute Friday - Broken

Want to join our favorite free writing exercise of the week? It’s easy and open to anyone.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt: “Broken” with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.
OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::

Broken…

GO-

Right after Frank and I met a song came out called "Bless the broken road"  I love this song.  It reminds me of Frank and I....and it reminds me of God and I.  My road to God has not always been easy because I have sometimes tried to do it on my own....especially the small stuff.  When I was a child I did set out on a narrow way and my goal, as is the goal of most little girls, was to find true love.  I made some wrong choices but I kept pushing through and eventually I found love (Frank's and God's) along a very broken road.  My road is not always smooth, many times there are cracks that break it, but I am not traveling alone on this road.  God, and Frank, are right there with me.  I am an Easter person.  I love Christmas time but Easter is what it is all about to me.  Christmas is the preparation and Easter is the purpose.  I sing a song occassionally in church called "Broken and Spilled Out."  I love this song and usually cry when I reach the chorus that goes, "Broken and spilled out, just for love of me Jesus,  God's most precious treasure, lavished on me.  Broken and spilled out and poured at my feet, in sweet abandon, Lord you were poured out and used up on me."  The mental visual I get when I hear or sing this song leaves me broken....humbled....and spilled out.

STOP-

Spring/Summer Shoe Pledge

Ok, it is officially Spring and I have worn dark and drab shoes long enough.  It is time to pull out the spring/summer shoes.  I WANT  TO WEAR SANDALS!  I especially want to wear them for Easter but....here in Alabama we have had one of the coldest Spring Breaks ever.  I would swear we were still hunkered down in February.  It has been cold as rip!  BUT...my cousin A gave me a gift card to The Mane Event for Christmas and since we were having a staycation...I decided to get a mani/pedi on Wednesday.  Before I left for my 1:00 appointment I read the Summer Shoe Pledge.  The high today was a balmy 49.  I wore flip flops to the appointment....am I nuts or what????  I bought some new sandals on ebay and am dying to wear them.  I may die IF I wear them....from pneumonia.  The color ladies is Cocktail Hour.

Summer Shoe Pledge:

Please raise your big toes and repeat this pledge for yourself. Remember, no matter how high the temperature soars, putting your best foot forward is always in style:

As a member of the "Toe-Exposing Cute Girl Sisterhood," I pledge to follow these rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and top of my feet will not "pudge-out" between the straps. (I really cannot stand to see toes over the front edge of a shoe....or heels over the back edge.)

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe. (I am ashamed to say that my old nail polish looked more like a french manicure....it was gross.)
I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, co-worker, mother or sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial. Rather, I will lean on my good friend, Dr. Scholl's, if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat, and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toe swells and begins to look like Vienna sausages.
I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend, sister and co-worker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good!

One thing I have learned in my life as an adult female.  Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.

P.S.  I am wearing sandals tomorrow.  They go with my dress...and they are new...and it is Spring.  'Nuff said?

Easter Week Hodge Podge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge...be sure to add your link before you hop around to the other players today. Also, a reminder that Joyce and the Hodgepodge will be on Spring Break next Wednesday so our next HP will be Wednesday, April 10th.

Wow. Time just went into supersonic mode, didn't it? Here are my answers to Joyce's questions-
Want to participate then click here and get the questions and link up.

1. What are your plans for Easter? Are you cooking a big lunch or dinner? Dyeing eggs? Attending a sun rise service? Eating too much chocolate?
Frank is a pastor so our plans involve loads of church activities.  Friday he is preaching the Good Friday service at First Church in Roanoke.  Our ladies will be providing a light lunch following the service.  Saturday is the egg hunt at the church.  Sunday morning we will be cooking pancakes before daylight and having a sunrise service and then our big service at 11.    We have no plans after church.....yet.  We will probably spend it with friends.
2. What is something you feel too young to do?
Get a senior citizens discount at the movies.  Lagrange theater does not even ask....they just see the white hair and give me a discount.  I am not even close to their senior discount age.

3. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..."

Of the characteristics mentioned in the Biblical definition of love, which do you find most difficult to live out and why?

I am going to have to agree with Joyce and say keeps no record.  This is the hardest for me.  Saying I forgive or I am sorry is easy....actually doing it is something else.

4. What's a springtime flower you associate with your childhood?
Iris's and daffodils.  My mom had beds of both.  I remember picking her a bouquet when I was young only to see the shock on her face.

5. Ever sung karaoke? If so what's your go-to song? If not, and given the opportunity, would you?
I have sung karaoke.  I prefer to sing with live music but karaoke is fun sometimes.   Amanda and I sang once and several people brought us the choice book and asked us to just keep picking.  I will sing anywhere....anytime.

6. What is something you keep in a basket?
 I have washcloths and hand towels in baskets in my linen closet.  I have some medicines in one under the sink.    I have a flower arrangement in one in my music room.  That is it for me and baskets.  ALTHOUGH  I am planning on attempting a pinterest project that is a basket and bowl bird bath.  I will post pictures when I complete it. 

7. When was the last time you felt foolish?
I have daily moments when I feel foolish.  No one time sticks out....because I am constantly doing something that is silly.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I am participating in the A-Z Blog again this year and am looking forward to it.  I love scrambling each day to produce a blog worthy of the letter of the day.  Besides Hodge Podge do you have a meme you enjoy doing?

Dandelions On The Wind

About The Book: "Tattered relationships and broken hearts, like a quilt, can be pieced together by God’s love.  When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household.

But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren. Despite the failing eyesight that caused her suitor to reject her, she can see that Wooly desperately needs to reconnect with the family he abandoned when his grief sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War. She also senses there could be something more between the widower and herself, if either can move beyond their past hurts.   

Comforted and counseled by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren begins to discover the cost such decisions demand of her heart. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan? Is it too late for love to be stitched into the fabric of her life?"

About The Author:  “Mona Gansberg married Bob Hodgson in 1972, and became Mona Hodgson 40 years ago. They have two grown daughters, two sons-in-law, three grandsons and a granddaughter.

In 1987, Mona Hodgson began writing articles, poems, and short stories for publication, and has had several hundred printed in more than 50 different publications. Her publishing credits also include four historical novels for WaterBrook/Multnomah, nearly 30 children’s books, and contributions to 11 books for adults. 

Mona is a speaker for women's retreats, schools, conferences for educators and librarians, and at writers' conferences throughout the United States and Canada. She holds professional memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Pikes Peak Writers Group, Christian Authors Network, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.”

My Thoughts About The Book:  I love post Civil War era and mail-order bride books.   This novella was a wonderful story of hope, sadness, and new beginnings  Maren is a very strong and likeable character.  She comes to life on the written page.  Hodgson is a master at bringing her characters to life.  I have  enjoyed every Mona Hodgsons book I have read and look forward to reading the other two in this series. The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek, are wonderful books. This novella is no different. It has a strong Christian influence but is not overly preachy.  It draws you in and won’t let you go until the last event has unfolded.  This book is a must read. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books.  I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Jammie Day

Today is going to be short and sweet because this is the first REAL day of my Spring Break.  I should be working on taxes but you know what?  I am not going to today. I have things to do..... I am going to chill and not even get out of my jammies today.  I am going to catch up on blog reading, read a book, crochet, watch old movies and just chill.  I may even drink coffee all day long from the comfort of my recliner.  I am not going anywhere or seeing anyone.  "Tomorrow is another day." 

Project 365 - Week 12

It is hard to believe that we are 12 weeks into 2013.  Time really seems to fly when you get a little age on you.  I will be celebrating my 59th birthday on April 15th.  That is just one year away from 60.  Wow...when did I get to be my mom's age?  Fran is our hostess on Project 365.  I hope you will hop over and see what everyone has been seeing through the eye of a camera for the past week.  I am running a bit late with my post this week because it is Spring Break and I am being a lazy bum (not really.  I am working on taxes.)  So here is what my week has looked like.

Sunday, March 17th

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Did you wear something green?  I did.  I did not want to get pinched by the little munchkins at church today.

Monday, March 18th

It does not feel like spring here but at least it is beginning to look a little like Spring.

 

Tuesday, March 19th

Today is my cousin Judy's birthday and would have been my parent's 60th wedding anniversary. 

One of our church members made this picture at Christmas time and I misplaced it.  Found it and thought I would share.  The pretty girl is my sweet Jessica.  We live in their front yard....sort of.  They live behind us and there is a road between the two houses.  I adore this young lady.  She has such a sweet personality.  Thank you Mrs. Sherry for the picture.

 

Wednesday, March 20th

My daughter Kat took this picture and made this framed piece for my mom.  I have had her on my mind a lot lately and had to share it with you."  Kat is so creative and I love getting gifts from her that she made.

 

Thursday, March 21st

"Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see." Hebrews 11:1

 

Friday, March 22nd

Spring Break officially kicks off at 3:14 today. "Let the Good Times Roll.  A duck and a turkey hen from Kimble's yard.  I took them from the car....have you ever been flogged by a duck.  I have and it is not fun.

 

Saturday, March 23rd

My aunt Wanda's mom died yesterday and Amanda and I went to Eufaula today to be with the family.  I could not believe my eyes when we got out of the car at the funeral home and there were azalea's blooming.  The bush was bursting with the pretty pink blooms and I was delighted.  Ours do not even have leaves on them yet.  The first weekend in April is the Pilgrimage of Homes in Eufaula.  If you are ever looking for something fun to do then you must come and do this.  The Shorter mansion is spectacular.  Frank was at school and so tonight Amanda, Johnna, and I went to the auction at Standing Rock.  Frank joined us there about 7ish.  I bought two chairs for the parsonage and a sterling silver bracelet. (My chairs are the two wing back on the far left of the picture).  They are gorgeous and I am happy, happy, happy.

 

Amanda and Johnna came home with some cool stuff too.  I can't wait til the April Auction I have already found some stuff I want.  If you live close enough to come and want to check out what it on the block then go to auctionzip.com and type in #31043.  I would love to see you there.  Wayne and Amy and the Dollars are great friends of ours.  Have a wonderful Holy Week (and Spring Break).

 

 

 

Auction Time

Tonight is the Standing Rock Red Barn Auction run by my friends Wayne and Amy King, and Joel and Jane Dollar.  I love going to their auctions.  The stuff is quality.  The bidding is fast and furious and it is just great fun.  Amanda and Johnna are going with me tonight and Frank will come when he gets home from class.  Amanda and I will be coming in from Eufaula.  Our aunt Wanda's mother died and we are going to spend a little bit of time with them because neither of us can go to the viewing or funeral.  The auction tonight was great!  I bought two wing back chairs for the parsonage.  They are not covered wingbacks.  The wing on them is rattan.  They are gorgeous and I cannot wait to see them in the music room (aka formal living room).  I also bought a sterling silver bracelet.  I am a sucker for bling.  Amanda bought a few items and so did Johnna.  Johnna's one prize was a Budweiser neon sign.  She wanted it for her tiki hut by her pool.  It was a really nice light.  Johnna could hardly stand waiting to get it home and installed in it's place of honor.

Mr. Woody is the official "bouncer" at the auction.

Mr. Joel Dollar calls me Mrs. Preacher.  I love this guy.

Some of the girls trying on the hats that are going to be auctioned.

Mrs. Jane and Wayne pre-auction

 

The floor is crowded tonight - standing room only at Standing Rock Red Barn Auction!  Check out their listings at auctionzip.com.  Their number is 31043.  They have some amazing stuff coming up in the April and May auctions.  I can't wait!

This morning when we went to Eufaula I left the cabinet man at the house refinishing my kitchen cabinets.  I can't wait to see them when I get home.  Today was my kind of day!

Five Minute Friday - Remember

It is that time for Five Minute Friday.  I love this activity because it helps me focus on topics and it also helps me remember stories I have forgotten.  So how does it work?  Well it is pretty easy....you get the topic, write about for five uninterrupted minutes, post and link.  Simple huh?  Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Remember…

Go:

 I remember the day my best friend, Carol got married.  She was a beautiful bride.  I sang at her wedding.  Donna and Kathy were there too.  It was 1975 and the last time ever that the four of us would be together.

I remember fishing with my dad when I was small.  I loved it when he treated me like a big girl and took me along.  He would tell stories and I loved being with him any chance I got.

I remember Christmas at Aunt Lavernes.  Judy, Sherry and I were the only girl cousins. 

I rmemeber taking Jill and Kat to the park by the airport when they were little.  They loved posing.

I remember every special event with Jill and Kat that involved bows always ended in a picture of them wearing one(or more) of the bows on their heads.

I remember my first trip away without my parents.  I went to Washington D.C. on a School Safety Patrol trip with my best friend, Carol.  We went on the train.  BTW...Carol and I are the same age in this picture.

I remember the day that each of my children got married.  Kat and Brian got married at the First United Methodist church.  Roulain and Eric got married at Mistletoe Bough in Alex City, and Jeni married Sam in Florida.  Each day was special for each of them and special for me as they began their new lives together.

I remember when Eric and Roulain began dating.  I thought she was such a beautiful woman with the patience of Job.  She had a little girl who was Down's Syndrome and Jasmine (who by the way is now a mother too).  Roulain has always impressed me with her patience and talent.

 I remember the tire swing in the back of my parents house in Kellyton.  I remember when Jan and her parents would come and the kids would swing on it.

 I remember my aunts special friend, Claude.  He was such a precious man.  I hate I was not here when he died. 

I remember when Carla (Carol's baby sister) was young.  She was a pistol ball.

I remember when all of the people above were still with us.  I loved these people with all my heart.

I remember how beautiful I thought my mom was.  She was a looker.

I remember my brother.  At two his feet were as big as mine were at four.  He would have been a big boy.

 I remember feeling loved by my grandparents.  These two people rocked my world. 

 I remember how handsome my daddy was.  He was a stunning looking man....easy on the eye.

 I remember spending time with Susan and her family.  I remember being a bit jealous cause she had a brother.

I remember my Uncle Wilson.  I adored this man from the day we first met...and I was fourteen months old.

I remember my Aunt Laverne.  She was married to my Uncle Wilson and they lived next door to my grandmother's house.  She always dressed so stylishly.  I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. 

There are so many more people that I remember who have walked life's path with me.  Some are here....some are not. One thing is for certain I will remember them always.  I will rmemeber them when I look at my dad's Bible that is cracked and faded by the years.  I will remember them all when the color of the sunset/sunrise fills the sky and when tears of joy/sorrow fall from my eyes.  Yes...I will remember them....because in my life....I loved them all. 

(I did not start counting time until I began actually writing)

 

STOP: