A Super Duper Hodgepodge

Joining Joyce and other bloggers for

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your summer so far? Why?
(1=eh and 10=best summer ever)

I would rate it a 6!  Not the best but not the worst by a long shot.  Why?
Downer?  Cervical surgery
Upper?  Surgery went great; pain free; spent three weeks recuperating with my family.
Downer?  Spending six weeks in a confining, suffocating neck brace 24/7.
Upper?  My healing went without a hitch and the x-ray looked great to the doc.
Downer?  Pretty confined during that six week period.
Upper?  It was too hot to be outside anyway.
Downer?  Couldn't drive.
Upper?  Am now able to drive my new car and planning upcoming day trips.
Super Dupper Upper?  My daughter and her girls are coming this weekend for a few days.  Yippee!

2. July 26th is National Aunts and Uncles Day. Did you have many aunts and uncles growing up? Were you especially close to any one or maybe all of them? Are you an aunt? (or uncle for the men who join here on Wednesdays) Share a favorite memory relating to one of your own aunts or uncles or relating to a niece or nephew who call you Aunt (or Uncle).

This is my aunt Thyra.  She was several years older than my mother and played a very important role in my mother's life growing up, therefore ours as well.  She was the most elegant, and classy lady I knew growing up.  She and her husband were educators, she a teacher and he a principle.  He was also a member of the state legislature.  Aunt Thyra had what to me at that time was a magnificent wardrobe which was housed in the very first walk-in closet I had ever seen.  She cultivated my interests in fashion and decorating by letting me play pretend in her closet and in her large well decor'd living room.  These are all wonderful memories that helped shape my future tastes.  But, the best memory was when she asked me, a high school senior to chauffeur her on a road trip in her new yellow 1962 Chrysler Imperial that looked just like this.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven, but I mostly treasure the one-on-one time with her.

Yes, I am an aunt to five big, successful nephews.  They each know their Aunt Bibby loves them very much.

3. What's your favorite food dipped in chocolate? What's your favorite food dipped in cheese?

I think anything is better dipped in chocolate!  Favorite dipped in cheese would be Nachos.

4. When were you last astonished by something? Explain.

I am astonished every time I hear of an attack by someone who is willing to kill innocent people and themselves be killed, because they believe it is their right to do so.

5. Surf board, paddle board, ironing board, Pinterest board, score board, clip board, bulletin board...which board have you most recently encountered?

Ironing board and Pinterest board.

6. What's your favorite story from scripture? Why that story?

How do you choose just one?  It would be a toss up between two - the story of Ruth because it shows first of all God's unfailing faithfulness to His people and that He has a perfect plan for each of us.  The other is the story of the prodigal son.  It is such a beautiful picture of God's unconditional love and that He draws us to Himself even though we aren't worthy of such love and salvation.

7. If you were to travel from the east coast to the west coast in your own country, which five cities would you most want to see?

I am not drawn to cities but to the landscape so I will have to ponder this a bit.
I would start in New Hampshire and go to Boston, New York City, down to Roanoke, WV, then across the country to Denver then Seattle.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We had baby Mockingbirds on our front porch for a couple weeks.  They have made a mess for sure, but they have been so much fun to watch.  I was able to stand inside my front door and capture these pictures.

These are the babies waiting for Mom to come with food.

 She did show up with a berry and made this little one very happy.

 I loved watching them groom.  They were quite the contortionists.

This little one had called and called and finally heard her mom coming.  It was so much fun to catch her looking for her and finally, there she was.

Today, they were gone, so I guess they passed all the flying tests and it was time to move on.

A Wednesday Collection of Thoughts

I am not spending much time on my blog these days except to share with

Joyce and my Wednesday Hodgepodge Friends.  It is something I always look forward to.

1. Pokemon Go...your thoughts? Are you playing? Do you even know what it is?

I think it is just another craze that is fun for the moment and will be forgotten before too long.
I am not playing and really wasn't even familiar with it until one of my great-nephews cane running into the house at the family reunion a couple weeks ago, shouting, "I got him!"  Who would have known a blue Pokemon would found on a rural country road in south Louisiana on a hot Saturday?  But there he was.
I learned what it was right then and there.

2. What was something you collected as a child? Do you still have that collection? If you're a parent what's something your own children collected? Have you ever camped out, stood in a crazy long queue, or paid a ridiculous sum for a 'collectible'?

I don't really remember collecting anything other than Lightening Bugs as a small child.  As I got older I began collecting pictures of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural designs and favorite movie star's pictures.  They all went by the way-side as interests and locations changed.
Son John collected Baseball cards and Daughter Christy had quite a large collection of Barbie Dolls.
I have never done any of these crazy things to secure a collectible.

3. "Collect moments, not things"...tell us about a moment you've added to your collection this summer.

The summer isn't over and neither is collecting special moments, but so far, I will say the time spent with family at the get-together a couple weeks ago and mentioned in last week's Hodgepodge.

4.  What's something collecting dust in your home right now? Any plans to do something about it?

Nothing is collecting dust that I don't want to be there.

5. A favorite song relating to time?

Interesting you should ask because I just listened to the video of a friend of mine who is a one-man quartet, sing "Soon and Very Soon" we're going to meet the King.  You might enjoy it as well.

Kaoma Chende

6. What's been your most frightening or your most interesting encounter with wildlife?
This would have to be the most interesting and memorable because of how much our children enjoyed it.  This was many years ago while on a trip in North Carolina.  Love those two silly kids!

7.  On July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong set his foot down on the moon. If you could travel to the moon would you go? Why or why not?

I remember that night well as I was one month and two days from delivering our first child.  We didn't have church that Sunday night and instead gathered around the TV with several friends to watch it all take place.  I have no desire to travel to the moon.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

So much has happened in our world in the past week that could easily defeat the non-believer and certainly discourage those of us who believe in an Almighty, Sovereign God.

Even in these troubling days there is one answer.  There is one message that we must rely on and spread to the world.

"For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16

Thank you Kaoma, for arranging and sharing this message that so beautifully reminds us of His great love in the midst of the storm.

 

 Reminder:  This is only one person singing all four parts.

Five Year Look Back for Today's Post

Being that I am celebrating my five years of blogging this month,

I thought I would follow up and post the second one that was posted exactly five years today.

Although I had NO comments and probably NO readers, it is still one of my favorite posts.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Image

This week I spent some time shopping with my two oldest granddaughters, 18 and 15, who by the way are absolutely precious and so much fun to be with.  As we were looking and trying on, I couldn't help wondering how in the world any young lady today can develop an eye for appropriate clothing.  If you have been in a mall lately, you know what I'm talking about.  The amount of fabric in any garment is so minimal.  I think the designers must have had a contest to see who could make the lowest and shortest dresses with the most bling.

With that in mind I was reminded of a recent article written by Natalie Livingstone for Vogue Magazine about Charlene Wittstock, now the bride of Prince Albert of Monaco.  Wittstock made this statement:

"Finding my fashion feet has certainly been the biggest challenge," she says, remembering her 'trial by fire' at Monaco's 2007 Red Cross Ball.  "I was literally a fish out of water.  I thought it was all fun, fun, fun, and didn't give my outfit any thought.  I had been playing beach volleyball all day, painted my nails red, and threw on a green dress.  I thought I looked great at the time, but looking back, I realize that my debut into Monaco society should have been better executed!"

 Has this ever happened to you?  It sure has to me!  There have been times when I either did not put enough thought into my appearance for a particular event or totally misjudged the appropriateness of my attire.

I will never forget thinking I looked pretty cute for a class I attended only to be told that I evidently dressed only to get attention.  This judgmental statement angered me at first and I let the person know how much I resented the remark; however, afterward I realized that my accuser had actually done me a favor.  My appearance had mistakenly conveyed a false message about me.

Charlene Wittstock claims that from her embarrassing experience she learned how to dress more suitably for her body and her new role.  She watched other people, listened to constructive comments, and sought professional opinions, all of which resulted in the new princess establishing her own personal style.  After all, she represents the Prince of Monaco!  I think she was pretty successful, don't you?

(RTE' ten media)

From my embarrassing experience, I also learned a valuable lesson.  The image I project to others must not just be couched in what I wear, but it must be a true reflection of the person I am inside and whom I represent.  For you see, I represent my Father, the King of Kings!  And, this is the image that others must see without the distraction of a contradictory appearance.

Hence and therefore, came my study of "Beauty Without Within."  How to truly be God's Special Lady.

Please stay with me as we take this interesting journey together.  Have a great weekend.

Blogging Anniversary First Post

I recently celebrated my fifth year of blogging.  When I started, I had no idea what I was doing or how long it would last.  It has been interesting to look back and see how the blog has evolved.

I have done several series featuring different things such as image, wardrobe planning, local businesses and special ladies.  But mostly, my blog has been an avenue of sharing my life, both good and not so good.

It has remained the creative outlet I had hoped it would be.  As it continues to evolve, I trust this will remain; however when it is no longer something that brings joy and a creative expression, I will close it down.

This was my very first post:

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Welcome to My Blog!

First of all, we must be clear about one thing.  I am not an expert on any subject and that especially includes the topic of this blog.  That being said, although I am not an expert or even close to being one, the topic of "Beauty Without/Within" has been a major interest and concern of mine for many years.  Back in the 80's during the Color Analysis era, I had my own business called, "Color Me a Season."  During this time, I had the opportunity to speak to groups of women all across my state about not only how to enhance their natural beauty, but also what God's Word says about the beauty that comes from within.  This was such a rewarding time for me and I like to think it may have also benefited a few ladies along the way.

As is so often the case with self-employment, self runs out of time to do all self would like or needs to do, thus the demise of "Color Me a Season" ala Libby Day.  However, this did not end my interest and study of the subject.  As is often God's plan, we have to take zigzag steps in order to begin taking forward steps, and this is how I look at that period of my life.

At the right time, the Lord opened the door for me to begin taking some baby steps back into the public speaking arena.  My first opportunity was to co-present a professional development seminar for my peers.  My topic was how to put together a Working Wardrobe.  The following year, I was asked to present again on a regional basis, then on a state level for the Louisiana Technical College System.  This opened other doors of opportunities that eventually led to my presenting to the Executive Assistants for the Louisiana Department of Education.  Shortly after this event, I was side-lined because of other job responsibilities.

Now that I am retired, I do not believe the Lord is finished with me, but has only prepared me for other opportunities of service.  As Zig Ziglar says, "Not retired, but refired!"  This blog is one avenue for me, and I look forward to sharing some interesting tid-bits about practical wardrobe planning, clothing trends and styles, as well as image concepts as we talk about how to enhance our God-given beauty without.

But, for the truly beautiful woman there is always that beauty that comes from within.  So, we will always be looking at Biblical truths and see what God's Word has to say.

So, come back often and contribute to the discussion.  My opinions will never be the final word on a subject.

A July Hodgepodge

I always look forward to joining in with Joyce and others for

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you find yourself influencing your world, or is it more the other way around? 

I do find that my thoughts are often influenced by what is going on around me in my world and I tend to dwell on those things too much sometimes.  My moods and actions are sometimes temporarily influenced as well depending on the seriousness of a matter.  This being said, I trust that my belief in a Sovereign God and that He is in control would be an influence on the world around me and not the other way around.

2. July 14th is National Tape Measure Day...the device was patented on this date in 1868. When did you last use a tape measure? Do you always know where to find one in your house? Tell us one way in which you feel blessed 'beyond measure'. 

I do not recall the last time I used a tape measure but I do know where to find one or two in our house should it be needed.  I am blessed beyond measure by the family God has given me and that I know I will spend eternity in heaven with my parents, my husband, my children and each of my grandchildren.  That is truly the greatest blessing I could ask for.


3.The Plaza Hotel (Eloise), The Land of Oz (The Wizard of Oz), Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia), The Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh), Wonderland (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), or Never Never Land (Peter Pan)...which storybook land (on this list!) would you most like to visit and why?

I really don't think any of them, but I will say Narnia only because of the opportunity to personally meet Aslan.

4. Where and when do you get your best ideas?

Some of my best ideas happen during the awake hours in the middle of the night.  I get inspiration from several sources such as the internet, magazines, and things I see in my community.

5.  So what have you been watching on TV this summer? Anything good?

Hubby and I do not enjoy sit-coms so we record the few shows we do like to watch such as the NCIS programs and PBS mysteries.  Recently, we discovered the Hallmark Mystery and Movie channel and I record some of those movies that Hubby calls "lovey shows."

6. 'Don't swim for an hour after you eat', 'Dog days of summer', 'Knee high by the Fourth of July'...choose a summer saying from the list or share one of your own, then tell us what image or memory comes to mind when you hear it spoken.

'Dog days of summer'!  This brings memories of days spent as children in rural, south central Louisiana when summer days were spent outside playing, pretending, picnics, and simply lying in the grass watching the clouds.

7. In a single sentence, sum up one life lesson you've learned.

It is not about ME!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 This past Saturday, my two sisters,

  our husbands, and as many of our children and grandchildren as possible, gathered at the lovely home of one of my nephews and his wife in south Louisiana.  We had such a great time together.  We had not all been together since our mother's funeral eleven years ago, some of the great-grandchildren had never met.  We missed those who couldn't be there, but the rest of us had a great time.

Isn't this a beautiful backdrop?  So typical of the natural beauty of South Louisiana.

Our daughter and her family were scattered around the world and unable to attend, but our son and his family from Indiana were there.

We remembered that four of the greats had been in a wedding together several years ago.  It was so much fun to look back at these pictures of then and now and see how the personalities were evident even then.

Independence Day Well Celebrated

I am again joining Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. How did you welcome the month of July, and tell us one fun thing you did to celebrate the 4th. (or the weekend for any non-USA residents playing along today)

I did not welcome the month of July because it meant more heat advisory days in the south.  However, it slammed into our calendar welcome or not.  We did meet out-of-town friends who were passing through our city for dinner on Friday evening.  That was fun.  On the 4th, we went to the home of another best friend couple for an early dinner of ribs, corn-on-the cob, potato salad, baked beans, home-made hot rolls, plus this beautiful watermelon cake.

 

Later in the evening we had a fresh peach pie for dessert.  It was a great evening of good food and good friendship.

2. Right now..what's your favorite red thing? white thing? blue thing?

Red:  Fresh, home-grown tomatoes
White:  White stretch crop jeans from Chicos

Blue:  My dark navy jeans from Jag

3. Wave the white flag, raise a red flag, fly your freak flag...which 'flag' have you flown most recently? Explain.

I guess it would have to be my freak flag as I am still having to wear my getup around my neck 24/7 and it could certainly be seen as freakish, I guess.

4. According to Cond Nast Traveler these are the seven best places to visit in July-

a boat safari in Botswanna's Okavango Delta, Riviera Maya Mexico (it's whale shark season and apparently you can swim with them), Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Pamploma Spain, St. Petersburg Russia, the Fuji Rock Festival at Mount Naeba Japan, the Salzburg Festival in Salzburg Austria

If time and money weren't factors would you want to see any/all of these? Which would you most like to see and why?

I would most like to see the Salzburg Festival in Salzburg Austria.  To hear that amazing music in such a scenic and historical place would be wonderful.  Second, I think we would enjoy a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons because of its natural beauty.  A possible third and fourth would be St. Petersburg Russia and Pamploma Spain.

5. Grilled cheese, pimento cheese, or mac and cheese...your favorite from the cheesy treats listed?

Grilled cheese although I don't fix them very often and never order one when out.  I haven't eaten much pimento cheese since my mom stopped fixing it years ago, and I never prepare mac and cheese.

6. What makes you sweat?

A workout in the gym.  Although I am only doing the stationary bike and walking right now, I still sweat profusely.  Just let me tell you, I hate to sweat!  I used to be a "glisten" lady until I turned 60.

7. Your favorite movie with a 'patriotic' theme of some sort?

My favorite right now is "American Sniper"; then, "Saving Private Ryan"; "Forrest Gump"; "Independence Day".

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of how to celebrate the 4th, let me share with you how my daughter and granddaughter spent their Independence Day.

Daughter, her husband and youngest daughter are spending a couple weeks with and at their best friends second home at Montage Kapalua Bay in Maui.   They have had an amazing time so far.

This was God's reminder of His presence from their balcony on Sunday morning.

Our oldest granddaughter and her husband are celebrating their first wedding anniversary in Greece for two weeks.  She doesn't want to come home.  She has sent pictures from Mykonos and Naxos so far.  They still have Santorini and Athens before they head home the end of this week.  How wonderful to share this amazing part of the world together.