Beauty Without Within Thursday

  I want you to meet my friend,
Sharon Smith Mabus

Sharon was born in a small East Texas town.  She was the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother.  Sharon credits her parents with giving her and her siblings a loving home and strong faith-based, Christian up-bringing.

In 1953, when she was in the 3rd grade, she moved with her family to the big city where her parents owned and operated Smith's Furniture Store in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana.

Sharon remembers spending every afternoon after school at the store because her mother also worked along side her father. In fact, she said, "I lived there!"  The business was a family affair as all three children also worked after school and during summer breaks. 

Ivan Smith Sr. and son Ivan Smith Jr.

 Sharon's brother, Ivan Smith Jr. was very involved in the business and in 1961 the name was changed to Ivan Smith Furniture, headquartered in Shreveport.

It remains a 3rd generation family business which employees 700 people and operates 48 stores across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.  Who could have imagined its growth when Smith Furniture first opened its doors in 1953!

After finishing high school, Sharon attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a double major - Secondary Education and French.  Following her graduation she did additional study in France.

Upon returning to the states, she was given her first job teaching French at the Ursuline Catholic Academy for girls in Dallas, Texas.  She told me this was the most perfect job she could have asked for.

While in Dallas she met Jim Mabus who was an engineer with Proctor & Gamble at the time.  They lived in the same apartment complex and were introduced by their room mates.  It must have been love at first sight because I cannot imagine two people more suited for each other.

They were married at the First Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. in 1968.

Two years later Jim was transferred to Cincinnati.

During this time, it became obvious to them that they would not be able to have a child, so were led to the Cincinnati Children's Home.  It was here they fell in love with and adopted a beautiful little blonde headed baby girl, named Laurie.

Four years after moving and having spent all their vacation time traveling back and forth to Dallas and Shreveport to visit family, Jim and Sharon decided to move back to the south.

It was while living in Dallas that they were told about St Marks Children's Home in Houston.  And there they found their baby son, Mark in 1976.

In 1980, Jim and Sharon decided to move to Shreveport where they bought their lovely home and Jim became head of Economic Development at the Shreveport Chamber.

In 1982, Sharon says she began to feel "not quite right," and soon discovered the reason.  After 14 years of marriage, she was pregnant!

And then there was Polly!

Family is very precious to Jim and Sharon and they treasure their time with their grown children although Mark lives in St. Augustine, Florida and Polly is in Austin, Texas.

They are also the very proud grandparents of four grandchildren.

In 1986 Sharon was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis and lost vision in one eye.  It improved but a year later it returned.  This time tests showed positive for Muscular Sclerosis.

Although Sharon uses a cane to help her with balance and faithfully goes to physical therapy twice a week, MS does not define her.

Sharon is still active with outside activities she feels a passion for.  She has been involved with Community Renewal since its inception many years ago.  In fact for seven years she tutored adults preparing them for their GED.  She is also treasurer of an organization called "Think First" where they teach safety to kids and adults in order to avoid injury.
Jim and Sharon are very active at the First Baptist Church where Jim is a deacon and Sharon is active with the ladies in their Sunday School class and with Women's Missionary Union.

The minute I walked into Sharon's home I knew her passion.  On practically every surface or wall was a "TREASURE."  In the picture above you find her most important treasure and that is her Bible.  At this antique table is where she spends her morning study and meditation time.  Her life demonstrates this devotion to time spent in study and prayer.

Behind her you will notice a drawing from a grandchild and an old school desk that holds items that she treasures.
This tin can was her grandmothers who taught school many, many years ago.

In her breakfast room garden-box window, I found this old teapot that also belonged to her grandmother.  It now holds a flower pot, but it still evokes memories for Sharon.

In the living room there are old oil lanterns that also belonged to her grandmother and an old telescope that was a prized possession of her grandfathers.

There are old books and a pair of glasses belonging to her grandparents.

In the dining room I found other treasures of Sharons.
Over one of the doors of her grandmothers old pie safe is a lovely blouse worn by her mother.

This inherited antique piece holds Jim's baby silver cup and others engraved with the children's names.  The little bowl and cup was Mark's.

Jim and Sharon purchased this painting on their honeymoon and it has held a prominent place in their dining room ever since.

When I asked Sharon what her favorite possession was, she naturally had to think a minute.  But then she said the piano that was her grandmothers, the one she learned to play on, and

a small porcelain dish that was her mothers.

A treasured child's drawing on a paper towel done by Polly is still taped to the picture frame from years ago.

It soon became obvious that Sharon loves pink roses and has quite a collection.  Many are displayed on treasured tea sets.

I also asked Sharon what is most important to her and without hesitation and an obvious gleam in her eye, she said "Jim!"  She then quickly added "my children!"

Sharon's favorite spot in her lovely home is not inside as one might expect.  No, it is on the front porch.  This is where she enjoys spending time when the weather permits.  And I can understand why.

Yes, Sharon's home is full of treasures that bring her joy.

Her friendship is one of my treasures and I thank God for bringing this precious person into my life.

Yes, Sharon Mabus is truly

Beautiful Without & Within!

Links to previous posts in this series:
#1 Jean Anne Williams
Sally Cox
Dana Mosely
Margaret Williams Jones
Sharon Mabus

Did the Devil Make You Do It???

A friend observed this morning that this year is passing so quickly already.  Where does the time go?

I can't really answer that, but I do know that today is Wednesday again and I always look forward to the interesting Hodgepodge that comes from all my Hodgepodgy blogger friends.  So thank you again Joyce for

Wednesday Hodgepodge #161

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?

Remember Flip Wilson's routine that "the devil made me do it?"  It got a lot of laughs and a lot more credit for the evil one than he deserves, but it was wrong.  True, there is much evil influence out there, just as there is much good, but ultimately, we are responsible for the choices we make.  It would be nice to blame the bad ones on someone or something else and just take the credit for those that worked in our favor, but we can't get off that easily.  Since I am totally incapable of always making the right choices and decisions and always doing the right thing on my own, I have to ask for God's direction, His wisdom, His protection, and His intervention in my life.  I also pray this for my family.

2.  Has anyone from your home town become famous?

By the world's standard, no one that I can think of.  That being said, I was born in Ruston, LA and Phil Robertson and Terry Bradshaw played football at La. Tech which is there.  Does that count?

3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What's a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?

I do own a crock pot and love to let a good soup simmer and cook all day.

4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?

I resent it!!!!!  I think there is entirely too much personal information floating around and made available to anyone with enough money to pay for it.  And that also applies to the new technology that will link one car to another.  There may be some advantages, but I don't want Uncle Sam knowing my every move, thank you!

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday....will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?

Yes, we will be sitting in front of the TV on Friday night.  I always enjoy seeing the spectacular display of color and celebration and never fail to feel goose bumps when the American athletes are introduced and march into the stadium.  I wonder if they will be wearing the Ralph Lauren peacoats or the patchwork sweaters.  See my blog on this HERE.

6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.

Geez, at my age its kind of hard to remember that far back.  I do remember my over-zealousness on the basketball court at times, and my sister and I still laugh about that.  I was a tough defensive player and evidently not a real smart one.  If we were playing a really strong offensive team, I could be expected to foul out in the first quarter.  We laugh about my accomplishing that feat in one game in about 15 minutes.  I had this thing about going up to block a shot and swinging my hips into the shooter.  I've eliminated a few offensive players that way, but I also sat on the bench because of it.

7. What's a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don't work out, run, swim, bike, walk, or anything else that could be construed as 'exercise', then what's a song that movtivates you to at least get up off the couch?

Interestingly, I don't listen to music when I work out.  Of course, we have background music during Pilates class and also various kinds of music fed through the sound system of the gym, but I never actually listen.  I can't handle ear buds while I'm working out except on the treadmill once in a while when I have a good audio book, but otherwise I don't want the distraction.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am so excited about returning to my "Beauty Without Within Thursday" tomorrow.  I will be featuring my friend Sharon Mabus and I think you will find her and her story very interesting and inspiring.  So watch for this on Thursday.

Then, next Thursday I will introduce you to a new "friend" I discovered on Instagram, Susan Bass, who is a potter.  But, that is only one aspect of who she really is. 

 I can't wait to introduce these two truly beautiful-without-within ladies to you.  I have more beautiful friends planned for the future.  God has brought so many special ladies into my life and I am honored to feature them so you too can be blessed.

"...Go out with Joy and be led forth in peace..."  Isaiah 55:12

The Good, Bad and the Ugly

Well, that heading is quite misleading actually.  There was nothing "Bad" about my weekend, but one "BEST!," one "Good" and one definite "U.G.L.Y."

BEST

This past Friday, Hubby and I went to Dallas and had the privilege of enjoying Liberty Burgers with our Granddaughters Cassidy (#2) and Ava Grace (#6), as well as meeting Cassidy's boyfriend, Kevin.  He is not only really cute, but really nice.  Both of them finished high school early and started college classes week before last at a local community college.  They will be transferring to a university in the fall.  We are so proud of you both!

Afterward, we took Ava Grace to see "Shreik the Musical" at Richardson High School.  The grandson of good friends, the LeBlanc's was in the play, so it was a great opportunity to spend time with AG and all enjoy the performance.  The snuggling time was the best though.

The kids did a great job with the musical and are to be commended.  Our favorite character though was Donkey and AG got to have her picture made with her.

It was such a great night and a wonderful time with two of our very special and loved granddaughters.  It was just too short which is always the problem with grandchildren who don't live close by.  But we are always grateful for any opportunity to spend time with them.

We spent the night with the LeBlanc's and enjoyed catching up since our last visit.  They are very special friends.

After enjoying a late breakfast at The Original Pancake, we headed back east.  The Shreveport Symphony was featuring Byron Stripling for "Mardi Gras:  The Sounds of New Orleans" and we sure didn't want to miss it.

GOOD

We picked up our friends Judy and Tom and enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at Monjuni's before going to the Riverview Theater.

 Byron Stripling is a spectacular trumpeter with an unbelievable range and is also a vocalist and entertainer.  He is currently the artistic director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, leader of his own quartet, and is in constant demand to play with pops orchestras around the world.  He is absolutely amazing!  This is the second time he has played with our orchestra and we are so very fortunate to have him in our city.  The theater was packed!

U.G.L.Y.

 Need I say more?

Yes, the Broncos were my team and they were supposed to WIN.  From the first play of the game that ended in a safety to the last play when Peyton didn't even know the ball had been batted away for another interception.  I just wish I knew who was impersonating the best quarterback in the league for this game.  I thought surely that was just a high school team that had gotten lost and ended up in the wrong stadium.  Alas, it was the worst mauling for a Super Bowl and my team got the mauling.

U.G.L.Y!!!!!

However, I just know the rest of the week will be BEST and GOOD.  Hope yours is too!

Options for a Basic Suit

It 's Sunday afternoon.  We've been to Sunday School and had a great time exploring the story of Zacchaeus from Dr. Luke's account with some of the sweetest and most insightful friends.  But, it's not really the story of Zacchaeus, the wee little man who climbed a tree to see Jesus.  It's really the story of God's Divine appointed intervention in a person's life.  It's about God reaching out and touching and spending time with a person who recognizes he is totally insufficient within himself.  It's about the change God desires to make and will make within everyone of us when we are willing to climb the tree that may embarrass us just so we can see the Holy One.

I pray this Sunday afternoon that you and I will experience the Holy One this week as go about our busy or not so busy routines.  We may have a divine appointment ahead!

Visible Monday

I thought I would show you what I wore to church this morning and then some possible options.

 I bought this Le Suit outfit several years ago while still working and it remains one of my favorites, even though I have lost some weight since buying it.

 You will notice it has a gold thread running through the weave which gives it an interesting sheen.

This morning I chose to wear a sweater that complimented the texture of the suit.

 I have used so many different looks with this beautiful suit which dresses it up or down depending on the occasion.

Options

For instance, purple makes a nice contrast with the gold threads.

I especially like wearing this lovely Mother-of-Pearl necklace which is simple and not over-powering.  I also have a multi-strand purple beaded choker which is interesting and a bit more formal.

With a white sweater or blouse, this metal necklace adds a visual weight and balances the dark suit.

For a more casual look, I like the strip combined with this simple, interesting necklace.  The large transparent stone creates interest while allowing the strips to show.

 How about adding a simple colorful tee to an otherwise dressy suit.  I love this Black Market/White House knit tee and the chunky complimentary necklace.  The contrast pleases me.

The long multi-strand chain is an option with an open jacket.

And this is my all-time favorite necklace which I wear with just about everything.  You can't go wrong with this beauty!

I have a friend who's trademark is a scarf.  She may wear a small square one knotted around her neck, or a long rectangle under a lapel.  She may even drape a large square over a shoulder with a broach pin or use one as a beautiful shawl.  There are so many options.

These are just a few I found in my selection that would be great with this particular suit.

I hope I have given you food for thought for taking advantage of the basics in your closet.  You just don't need so many clothes when you have mix and match options.

Visible Monday

Winter Olympic Fashion

SOCHI 2014

Are you looking forward to the Winter Olympics?  I enjoy watching the Olympics regardless of the season, but I do especially enjoy the winter games.

And the athlete's ceremony fashions are always quite interesting.  Do you remember the huge snafu before and during the Summer Games about the garments being made in China?

Well, this week David Lauren, Executive Vice President of the fashion empire's communication and marketing announced that the Ralph Lauren designed outfits "would be 100% made in the USA."

"We wanted to honor the heritage of the Olympics, the athletes and celebrate our country. The handcrafted patchwork of the sweater is an icon of Americana."

 Sure enough, the Oregon wool was spun in Pennsylvania and knitted into sweaters in California.
USAToday.com

The ensemble also includes cream-colored turtleneck, white fleece pants, wool peacoats, black boots with red laces and a cotton belt.

 I rather like it but am afraid one of these $595 cardigan  patchwork sweaters may show up for someone's "Ugly Christmas Sweater" day a few years from now.

The wool peacoats aren't bad at all.

Ralph Lauren Unveils New Olympic Outfits

I thought it might be interesting to look back at some Winter Olympic Fashions from years past.

(I know some of these are Summer Olympics but I couldn't resist.)

 These no doubt get the prize for the strangest!

I suppose all things considered, the Ralph Lauren, Made-in-the-USA patchwork sweaters aren't so bad after all.

A Rather Late Wednesday Posting

I really am aware that it is quite late in the day to be posting a blog that is generally seen in the mornings.  As our desktop CPU needed to spend a few days with the Computer Doctor, we didn't get it back until late yesterday.  This morning had its own adventures and activities such as a trip to the gym and lunch with a group of special friends.  Priorities!

So, I'm thinking perhaps the two or three readers who follow my blog won't mind when it's posted.

Thank you Joyce for Wednesday Hodgepodge - 159.

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it? Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?

The last time I bowled was probably close to 10 years ago while entertaining visiting grandchildren.  Do I like it?  Surprisingly yes, I used to enjoy bowling once in a while.  In fact, right after we married, we joined a bowling club along with church friends and I got fairly good at it.  Do I want to go to an alley and do it again?  Not especially!

2. Should sports stars be role models?

My feeling is that anyone who willingly places themselves in a public position, whether it be a high school or professional athlete, a church or community leader, a politician or a parent, should accept the responsibility of setting a good example for anyone who might think of emulating their behavior.

I think last Sunday's pre-Superbowl games offered us prime examples of one who accepts his role as a leader - Broncos' Peyton Manning and one who doesn't - Seahawk's Richard Sherman.

GEAUX BRONCOS!

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?

The only way I eat oatmeal is in a breakfast smoothie.  Cookies are not bad, but not my favorite.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

I have several books I would like to read this year.  I download books from Bookbub and have them stored on my iPad.  Some examples are:  "Gazing Into Glory," "Love Amid the Ashes," "Rolling Thunder," "Princess," (a true story of life behind the veil in Saudi Arabia), and one not in my library yet, is "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary of War" by Robert Gates.

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

"You finished strong!"  I most desire to hear my Heavenly Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

"Sleepless in Seattle!"  I will never tire of seeing that movie and keep waiting for the sequel.

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

Poodle skirts with all those starched and netted petticoats, and bobbie socks.  Does that age me or what?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Regarding question #4, I wanted to share with you a book I am currently reading.  With the hype over Downton Abby and European society, this is a timely written book.

  It is not fiction but an account of the early aristocracy of New York and the evolution of the "Knickerbockers" and American society as well as its influence on the established European aristocracy and vice versa.  It is very interesting and enlightening.  I now understand the old, once used reference of "Miss Astor" regarding one's snobbery or pretentiousness.

A quote from the book by Oscar Wilde:

"American youths are pale and precocious, or sallow and supercilious, but American girls are pretty and charming - little oases of pretty unreasonableness in a vast desert of practical common-sense."

And such was the view of young American beauties thrust upon European society by Mothers eager to see their daughters "marry well."

Happy Monday Morning!

Actually, I am writing this on my iPad on Sunday night while reclined and watching the SF 49ers play the Seattle Seahawks. Since the Seahawks beat the Saints twice, I really don't like them, and neither do I care for Pete Carroll, their coach.  Besides, I think the 49ers are the better team and will make the Super Bowl matchup with the Broncos a very enjoyable game.  So Geaux San Francisco!

Hubby and I are still enjoying our vegan diet and are finding some very delicious recipes. When I get my desktop CPU back from the computer doctors, I'll post some of our favorites.

As I'm sure you are all aware, the color for 2014 is Radiant Orchid. It is a lovely shade of purple.

Do you usually try to incorporate the color of the year to your wardrobe?

These are a couple topics we'll discuss when the computer comes home.

Enjoy your day!

Winter, The Right Thing, and Vegan

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?

Probably so!  Hubby seems to think so some time and I'm sure my children would agree that I have seemed pretty unmovable at times.  I am the first-born and have been known to be forceful when my way is challenged.  I am a fighter when crossed.

That being said, I have asked God to make my heart tender and to mold me into the person with whom He would be most pleased .  My instinct is still to fight so the Holy Spirit has His hands full with me.  But, He often gently reminds me the fight isn't mine, and most of those battles I choose really aren't worth fighting after all.  I would fight for my family any day, but even then, the battle is His and I am learning to let go and let God.

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter?

I love everything about winter!  But, to narrow it down to two things, I would have to say the cold, dreary, stormy days with a fire in the fireplace and winter clothes.  I love the turtle necks and sweaters and boots.  Yes, I love winter!

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried?

I have not tried guava and really have no clue what it is.  I have tried all the others at least once and my favorite is the kiwi.  Kiwi is good any time of the year.
 
4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?

I have to take issue with the "when all else fails" part, because I don't think doing the right thing should be a last resort.  Choosing to do what's right should be the first and only option.  Discerning what is right in all circumstances is not always easy, but it should be our only desire.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer.

I don't ski but would love to visit St. Anton, Austria under any pretense.

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)

I will go into more detail later, but the last thing I looked for online was vegan menus and recipes.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?

"Unrepeatable!"  This is a new year, a new day never to be repeated again.  I pray God will help me see each day and each opportunity to be kind, to be nice, to be used by Him.  Each day is precious and an unrepeatable treasure.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I don't make resolutions but we have decided to become healthier this year.  While with our Indiana family, we watched the film "Forks over Knives" (highly recommend watching this!!!) dealing with the importance of eating plant protein over animal.  We already have a very rigorous workout routine five days a week, and we don't eat unhealthy; however, we are resolved to make a greater effort to do what we believe is best for us right now.

We have for the last several years had a protein smoothie for breakfast after returning from the gym.  But, I have started being creative with the contents.

If you don't have a Ninja yet, you will want to look into getting one.  There are so many uses, but nothing makes a better smoothie.

These are the contents that never change:

Soy Protein Powder

Flax Seed

Wheat Meal

Cinnamon

Oat Meal

Almond Meal

Walnuts

Greens

Daily Fruit Options

Whatever you have on hand or choose to use.  I generally use several of the following:

Banana, Apple, Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Pineapple, Kiwi, etc.

Daily Veggie Options

This also varies with what I have on hand:

Spinach, Kale, Spring Mix Greens

Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Asparagus, Cooked or raw Squash, Brocolli, etc.

You get the picture.  Use a variety of healthy items, even leftovers.

I use Almond Milk and water to mix and make it drinkable.

In the future, I will be sharing some other recipes that I have tried.  A vegetarian diet is not for everyone but it seems the right thing for us at this time in our lives.  I'll keep you posted.

By the way, I had my one-year checkup with my cardiologist today and he said I was "perfect."  Now that must be taken in context, but he did confirm that I am doing all the right things and it is hopefully paying long-term benefits.

Go out and be healthy!

I Am From....

Several months ago I read a post that absolutely captivated me.  It was written by one of my favorite bloggers, Elizabeth at Just Following Jesus.

She admitted getting the idea from one of her blogger friends, so I hope neither of them will mind my borrowing their idea, but in no way their personal experiences.

I AM FROM

I am from the piney hills and red clay soil of north Louisiana.

I am from a country preacher's modest home provided by a rural, conservative congregation, with constant red sandy floors scrubbed daily on her knees by a meticulous mother who couldn't bear the thought of her baby girl crawling on such.

I am from another parsonage with a tree stump front porch step also kept as clean as possible by a devoted mother and grandmother.

I am from a time when it wasn't uncommon for a grandmother to live in the home and hold a child on her knee and read and tell stories to.

I am from a Father who pastored three small country churches one of which provided fried chicken and mashed potatoes every Sunday.

They all had wooden benches without cushions;

Sunday School lessons taught with flannel graph by old maid teachers;

Sunday bulletins that still smelled like the purple gel from the mimeograph machine my dad used every Saturday night to produce them;

hymns played on an out-of-tune piano and led by my baritone singing Dad;

pinches from Mother when I was an over-zealous squirmier.

I am from a Mother who taught that a table is to be set properly and three meager, yet well-balanced meals a day are to be enjoyed with the whole family but not much laughter; that is until we girls along with "Daddy" convinced her that food tasted much better when sides were splitting over some silly happening during the day that must be shared while the family was all together.

I am from a Father who loved greatly and withheld none from his family and friends;

who loved the outdoors and gardening, and fishing and hunting and playing a secret game of Solitaire;

who loved poetry and beautiful music occasionally played over a loud speaker for the community; who was the smartest person I ever knew;

who danced me around the house when he and Mother knew I had no business attending a questionable birthday party;

who studied hard and preached gently;

who demonstrated God's love on a daily basis.

I am from a Mother who taught us that good books are good to read;

that God's Word is precious;

that when there's no money for clothes, we make our own;

that even though we may be able to buy only two pairs of shoes a year, they must be of the best quality affordable;

to pin-curl our hair every night before rollers were invented.

I am from sharing a bed with a younger and much prettier and sweeter and smarter sister.

I am from catching fireflys at night and pinning them on the wall above my bed and watching until they no longer flicker.

I am from a prolific watermelon patch where favorite boy cousins take you and insist a melon is better if dropped on the hard clay soil and eaten on the spot.  And he was right!

I am from another parsonage set behind the big white church house on the fringes of Acadiana with people who speak the English language with a Cajun accent and insist they be called "Aunt" and "Uncle."

I am from this "heathen" land that soon becomes home with loving and giving people who delight in every opportunity to party and visit and play games and eat delicious although strange foods and celebrate strange customs such as loading up all the kids in the community onto a flat-bed truck and taking us around to back-wood homes where people raise chickens they don't mind wringing the necks of and adding to an ever bulging crow-sack for making a huge community-wide sauce piquant.

I am from playing all day in the woods and exploring a hidden world  under trees and across gullies.

I am from building a Texas town and hideouts around the blown-down trees of a recent hurricane.

I am from even another white parsonage this time set beside a large white church house and across a busy road from a train track and people don't want to be called "Aunt" and "Uncle" and no one even knows what turtle in a sauce piquant or gumbo tastes like.

I'm from a home where Mother has to go to work for the first time, and we ride a bus home from school and open a can of asparagus and eat it with mayonnaise for an after-school snack.

I'm from a community that was never home and that gave my preacher dad good reason to go back to Acadiana where people love you and will be your friend for life if you don't ever make them an enemy.

I am from strong athletic programs in Class C schools where every one is encouraged to play at least one sport and the whole community turns out for a ballgame, rooting loudly for the home team.

I am from a place where a special lady recognized I might have a talent for singing and offered to give me free voice lessons.

I am from a small commuter college where students thought I was pretty enough and nice enough to be their "Miss"  whatever.

I am from knowing I never wanted to be married to a minister who met and fell in love with a minister.

I am from having a son and daughter who made me a Mom and brought more light and joy into my life than I can ever describe; who brought more heartache and confusion than I could ever imagine; who grew up and blessed me by being some of the finest "big people" I've ever known;

who have blessed me with seven of the most amazing grandchildren in the whole wide world.

I am from having served in five churches with my Music Minister husband and been blessed and angered by church members and staff members who helped me grow in spite of myself.

I am from growing older and happier with the man God introduced me to almost 49 years ago next month;

from full-time service in music programs, Sunday School leadership, and state convention involvement;

25 years of driving a school bus so I could be home with my kids;

from another 20 years working with students and administration in a technical college.

I am from reaching the time to retire and never regretting making that decision.

I am from being disappointed and frustrated with a citizenry who is complacent enough to elect twice someone to the highest office in the land without ever considering the consequences to our nation of doing so. 

I am from loving to spend time with my two younger sisters at every opportunity.

I am from looking forward to having time with my children and grandchildren.

I am from the family of God and brothers and sisters in Christ who love Jesus with all their hearts and desire to know Him more and to serve Him more.

I am from desiring to be more like Christ every day of my life.

I am from the homesickness of missing beloved parents and from looking forward to being with them and other loved ones in the presence of my God and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Libby

Thank you Elizabeth for your "I Am From" inspiration.

Finally Rejoining Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thank you Joyce for The Wednesday Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 157!

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English.  Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen).  Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2014-

selfie, twerk/twerking, hashtag, Twittersphere, Mr. Mom, T-bone, ____on steroids, the suffixes-ageddon, and -pocalypse added to anything and everything, from the world of politics the words-intellectually/morally bankrupt and Obamacare, and from the world of sports the words-adversity and fan base

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

I despise the "twerk/twerking" phenomenon and definitely think it needs to be removed.  NOW!
Also, I would like to see "Obamacare" removed from the vocabulary but only if it takes the entire socialist program along with it.

2. What one unfinished project nags at you begging to be completed in this new year?

Well, I don't really do projects and I especially don't like unfinished ones.  The one thing that will be done when the weather is much warmer is a revamping of our garage.  It has become a catch-all and needs a good re-org, but not until a warm day in spring.  Right now, I have to do some end-of-year computer work which I would rather put off, but can't and won't.

3. When did you last have a bowl of soup? What kind? Homemade or from a can? What's your favorite soup?

I made a good potato soup for Sunday lunch and Hubby made a LARGE pot of chicken/vegetable soup that night.  We will have the remains of that tonight for dinner along with a small salad.

4. Snowed in, snowed under, snow job...which one most applies to your life in recent days, figuratively speaking.

We weren't actually snowed in but close while visiting our family in northern Indiana for three weeks during Christmas.  We left on Friday before the BIGGIE came in last Saturday.  We left in -10 degree temps only to arrive in Louisiana 17 hours later to 59 degrees.  WOW!

I love the snow and love being out in it until all my extremities freeze. In fact, I have found that it is easy to become euphoric if you aren't careful.  I actually shoveled the long sloped driveway the day we arrived and the day before having an MRI on my back.  I know, not real smart.  But, I enjoyed it so much and after finishing, I was disappointed there wasn't more.  See what I mean about euphoric?  Or maybe crazy?

A few scenes of their back yard and cul-de-sac.

 

   5. What's the funniest movie you've ever seen, or at least one of the funniest?

We don't watch a lot of comedies.  We prefer adventure when we go to the theater.  I really can't remember seeing any except Bernie; however, I really didn't find that very funny.  Odd, I guess, because our best friends said it was the funniest movie they had ever seen and even went back to see it with us. 

6.  In general, would you say you're clumsy?

I am not clumsy and have never been.  However, as I've gotten older, I find that my balance is not what it used to be so sometimes I feel clumsy.  Aging is not for sissies!
 
7. Elvis Presley was born on Hodgepodge Day (January 8th) back in 1935.  Are you an Elvis fan?  What's your favorite Elvis tune? If that's too hard, which Elvis tune do you dislike the least?  Click here for a list of his songs.

I was in middle school in the mid 50's when Elvis first made himself known.  I recall hearing some of my friends talk about him, but I was never a huge fan.  I enjoyed listening to most of his music but he was never an idol.  If I ever had a favorite song, I suppose it would be "Love Me Tender."  But, I can't stand listening to it now.  Interesting that I live in Shreveport, Louisiana where he first appeared on the Louisiana Hayride.  You Elvis fans might enjoy listening to a recording from this appearance:

Elvis on Louisiana Hayride

8. Insert your own random thought here.

These are a few scenes from our trip into Amish country while in Indiana.  We always make a trip to Shipshawana.

Have a great week and I hope to get back into full blog-swing next week.