Yes, I Think Being Lazy is Quite OK!

It is good to have Joyce back for our Wednesday Hodgepodge after her amazing trip to Portugal.  Oh my, what an anniversary trip for them.

After reading my Hodgepodge, pop over to

Wednesday Hodgepodge

on Joyce's blog and see what other bloggers have to say.

1. Since you weren't Hodgepodging last Wednesday, how did you pass the time?

I did some touch-up on a painting I was working on and finished reading a book.  Oh life is tough!

2. What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? Yes, one word.

Wow!  (Is that a word?)

3. Summer officially arrives in the Northern hemisphere later this week. Does it feel like summer where you live? Describe your idea of the perfect summer day.

Yes, it is summertime in northwest Louisiana; however, the temperatures have not become staggering yet.  The high has been in the low 90's and a slight breeze at times.  That is bearable to me as long as I can stay inside.


My perfect summer day would be one where the temperature is in the upper 70's and I am sitting in a swing watching a very lazy river while listening to the sound of family nearby.

4. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."(Sam Keen) Is laziness ever respectable? Do you have a lazy summer planned, or something semi-ambitious?

I have come to find laziness to be quite respectable.  There are days when I am perfectly content to do very little.  If that is laziness or just wisely prioritizing my time, it really doesn't matter at this stage of my life.

For the most part, July promises to be a very lazy month.  June has been busy with various activities and short trips, but so much fun.  August will bring its own excitement but I'll discuss that later on my blog.

5. Past or present, who's your favorite television dad? Why is he a favorite? Is he anything like your own dad?

This is not an easy question because I don't remember many of the past TV dad's, although there were several decent ones back in the 50's.  They were very much like my dad in that they valued family, were home for breakfast and dinner every night and enjoyed spending time with the kids.  They were respectful and loving with the wife and my dad sure was that.  Today, we do not watch sitcoms and I would not classify Castle as a favorite dad.

6. June 18th is International Picnic Day...share a favorite picnic memory.

As a child, our family would often pack a basket of sandwiches and deviled eggs, and go to the nearest bayou or lake.  We would fish and play and explore.  These were very special times.

As an adult, a very memorable picnic was right before our wedding and some couple friends of my hubby-to-be came for the weekend.  Mom planned one of our family picnics and everyone had a great time until we got home and discovered everyone, including the guests, were covered in red bugs.  If you aren't from the rural south, these are tiny, invisible bugs that will bury themselves in all the dark, moist creases of your body and make you want to set yourself on fire to stop the itching.  Needless to say, this didn't make the best of impressions, but for some reason, they still call us some of their dearest friends.

7. The travel site Trip Advisor lists the top five islands in the world for 2014 as- Ambergris Caye in Belize Cayes, Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Marco Island Florida, and Lewis and Harris in The Outer Hebrides (Scotland). Have you been to any of these? Of those listed (and if price were not a factor) which would you most like to book for a holiday?

I have not been to any of these, but I think I would choose Lewis and Harris.
I think we would love the quiet country side and beautiful views.
Are you sure money is no object?

8.  Insert your own random thought here

God is still teaching me lessons and I trust He will continue.  The major lesson this year has been to "Let go and Let God!"  I think the daily reminders to apply this truth to my day-to-day life is beginning to bear fruit.  Although I still want to do things in an orderly and sequential fashion, He is showing me the rewards of just trusting and letting go.

I am thankful He is such a faithful and patient Father.

A Multi-Topic Monday Post

Again this Monday, my thoughts and activities are all over the place.  But, such is my life and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Painting

As you may or may not recall, I started teaching myself to paint several months ago.  It was something I have wanted to do for many years and kept putting it off.  Reasons?  First, until the children are older; when the kids are grown; when I'm not so busy; when I retire, and on and on.

Well, I retired and after two years, I decided NOW is the time.

My painting style has been all over the place for sure as I've explored and played, but all have some sort of abstract.  I do like abstracts, but also, didn't want to have to paint something one would have to identify. 

 Let me just tell you, this whole concept drives my husband up the wall.  He sees witches, fairies, horses, anything he can imagine being secreted away inside one of these paintings.

 I just love the process of mixing and applying paint.  I love composition, but being able to identify something in it has not been my intent.

 Well, enter painting class at a near-by college and an instructor who thinks I may need to explore something different.  He suggested I study the works of Paul Cezanne, a 19th century French artist.

Based on one of his works, this is my latest rendition and adaptation which I refer to as

"Abstract Realism."

  I will be the first to admit that I have a loooong way to go, but exploring different techniques and styles has been fun.  We shall see what my teacher says tomorrow night.

Another Wedding

I was asked to do the makeup of one of "our" little girls who isn't so little anymore.

Brittany is a precious girl who loves country, horses, the outdoors and not much makeup.  

 She was a beautiful bride and the ceremony was so sweet.

 But, my favorite picture of the day was when she lost all the makeup I had applied, dancing with her dad to "Daddy's Little Girl."

Father's Day

 I cannot let this day pass without mentioning and expressing my gratitude for the best Daddy a girl could have.

 You were my first love, the one who taught me to love unconditionally, to see myself as God sees me, and to give Him my heart.

 You showed me every day what it means to be a father, a husband and a friend.  You were all those things and taught me to not settle for less.

And I didn't!

You loved the man God had for me as a son, and because of your example, he has been the father, the husband and the friend you exemplified.

Thank you Dick for being a Christian father, husband, and my best friend.

Birthday Party, Wedding, Graduation & Dance Recital Weekend!

This past weekend held so many fun and varied activities that I must spend some time and blog space sharing them with you.

Saturday

Saturday afternoon, we were invited to the birthday party of two of our little neighborhood kiddos.  They are new neighbors and we are loving these precious children and their friendly parents.

Sydney, nine and Tyler, three were the birthday kids.  Other siblings are big brother Christian and middle sister, Kennedy.  I'll let you see for yourself how cute these children are.

That evening we attended a wedding for two of the most precious young people.

Brandon and Katy celebrated their marriage at the Caspiana Plantation, under a huge old Oak tree.

It was a beautiful setting.

 We have known these two since they were early teenagers and instinctively knew that eventually this special day would come.  They are now both college graduates headed to professions is D.C.

 Not only was it an ideal setting, but they had so many special touches that made it uniquely their own.  One thing they did that I had never seen before, was the mingling of sand instead of lighting a unity candle.  They poured two shades of sand into a beautiful sealed box that will be a keepsake.

Sunday

Sunday afternoon was high school graduation for our granddaughter, Cassidy.  She was one of 800 students and her last name begins with "W."  We had to wait a loooong time to hear her name called.

We were able to see her cross the stage from the huge overhead screen.

(picture on far right)

The special girl with her mother and grandmothers.

Cassidy already has 12 college credit hours and all "A's" and will attend a local college this next year before transferring to the University of Texas.

Hook 'um Horns!

Monday
Monday evening was dance recital for our littlest granddaughter, Ava Grace.
Now, folks there are dance recitals and then there are Texas style dance recitals.  This was more like a Broadway production.  Amazing!

Although our little angel only danced once, she was the star of the show and the cutest one out there.
Do I hear an "Amen" from all you mothers and grandmothers out there?

This was her third dance recital and below is a recap of those years.  Yes, they grow up all too quickly.

Anytime we can spend time with family and friends it is a good day for us.

Another Graduating Grandchild!

This weekend we will be celebrating the

High School graduation of our

Granddaughter #2,

Cassidy Day Wilson

Wasn't it just yesterday that I was privileged to actually see you come into this world?

Your sweet loving nature has brought so much joy to us, your adoring grandparents.

 We delighted as we watched you growing into the quiet, confident beauty you are today.

 

 

 Cassidy, we could not be more proud of the beautiful, accomplished, independent, Christian young woman you are still becoming.

 May God continue to be the director of your life as you continue to seek Him in all that you do.

Love, Daddea & Bibby

I am joining Nancherrow for

Everything is Coming Up Roses!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 177

Thank you Joyce for another week of thought provoking questions.

1. I've read several posts and status updates recently describing end of year school field trips. Do you remember taking school field trips as a kid? Where did you go and do you recall a favorite? For any parents responding today, have you ever chaperoned a school field trip, and if so where?

We didn't take many field trips when I was in school back in the dark ages.  However, I do remember taking a 9th grade trip to Avery Island in New Iberia, Louisiana.  It is 170 acres of the most beautiful jungle gardens in the south.  It is also home to the World famous Tabasco Factory.


2. What's something you're tired of seeing online?

The Donald Sterling saga.  Can we agree that this whole thing is ridiculous?

3. June is the month for roses. Which of the following expressions would you say has most recently applied to your life-'everything's coming up roses', 'there's no rose without a thorn', 'came out smelling like a rose', or 'wearing rose-colored glasses'?
  It has to be 'everything's coming up roses' right now.  We are planning a long anticipated trip for late August and early September.  And, last night one of our nephews called and invited us to join his family for a week in Breckingridge, CO the first week of August.  Yes, I think I'm smelling roses right now.

4. When grilling outdoors do you prefer gas or charcoal? Who does the grilling at your house? What's the last thing you ate that was cooked on a grill?

We have a gas grill and neither of us do it very well.  And I guess the last thing was chicken at our son's.

5. Are you afraid of the dark?

Not at all!  Never have been.

6. Share a favorite song with a number in it's title.

It's bedtime and I'm not coming up with anything for this one.  Sorry.

7. "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."(C.G. Jung). Do you agree? Why or why not?

Yes, I would probably agree with this to some extent.  But, I do have to take issue with the "Everything" aspect.  I do think if we allow ourselves to evaluate what is irritating us we might be able to come to a better understanding of that person and perhaps why we are so easily irritated.  I will have to admit though that a woman with a whinny, high-pitched voice is not likely to bring me to a better understanding of myself other than the fact that I can't stand it and want to shake her and say, "Talk like a woman for goodness sakes!"  Okay, that makes me feel better.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This about says it all for me right now.  Missing my grands!

The Best Laid Plans

Yes, the best laid plans of mice and men

do sometimes go awry.

And such was our long-anticipated and much needed sister weekend that I wrote about last week.

At the last minute, Sarah had a family situation she could not leave, so rather than cancel and lose the reservations, Gin and I reluctantly decided to go on without her.

I had an early morning appointment in Baton Rouge on Thursday morning, so after that we headed southeast.  Now, you must understand that I am fairly savey when it comes to traveling and know my way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans without a problem.  However, I put our destination into the GPS and was given an alternative route.

I knew I was a little low on gas but figured I could always fill up once I got on the alternative road.  Unknown to either of us, the new route was one continuous bridge over Louisiana swamps with no town to be seen any were.  The interstate juncture was more miles away than my car was telling me I had gas.

One does not want to be stranded on one of those bridges!

When we saw this sign, we breathed a sigh of relief.  That hope was short lived when we realized Ruddock was only a turn-around. 

After much prayer and bargaining with the Lord that he could have everything from my husband to my children (I saved the grandchildren for later down the road) if He would just multiply the gas fumes, we saw a sign that defied the GPS.  It appeared we could make the upcoming village with 2 miles to spare as well as the lives of my family.

Thankfully, that was the most exciting part of the trip!  I have a 16 gallon tank and we got 15.56 gallons.  Thank you Lord!

Our first stop was the WWII Museum which we thoroughly enjoyed.  It is such a wonderful tribute to the brave men and women who served and a MUST if you are ever in the area.

We then found our hotel and got settled in before deciding to tour the newly opened Riverwalk Outlet Mall adjoining our hotel.

 The grand opening was May 22, so it still smelled like fresh paint.

Then we decided to walk to the renowned Mulates Cajun Restaurant about three blocks away.

When in New Orleans, do as the N'law'n's do.  Eat hardily!

We had catfish topped with a rich Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalaya, Twice Baked Potato, and a veggie mixture.

It was delicious!

After such a big meal we needed the walk back which also included a heavy shower and drenching. But, that is also an accepted part of being in New Orleans during the rainy season.

The next morning we awoke to heavy dark clouds, a rising Mississippi River, with large barges taking loads to the gulf.

We decided to skip Cafe Du Monde and get something a bit more sturdy than powered sugar-laden doughnuts and coffee.  While eating a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, grits and pancakes,

Gin received a call that her husband was driving himself to the emergency room because of severe shoulder pain.

Good bye to New Orleans and hello Opelousas.  Thankfully, we arrived just as he was being discharged and I headed back home.  Before the night was over, they had to make another trip to the hospital, but thankfully, Thomas is doing much better today.

No, this was not exactly as we had planned, but we still enjoyed being together, and it made us appreciate even more the time we spend together and never want to take that for granted.  There will be other times.

.....................

I just wanted to end this post with a picture of my oldest and youngest granddaughters.

Chandler is 21 and a senior at Texas A&M and her little sister, Ava Grace is seven and will be a 2nd grader.

Aren't they precious!

Out and About with my Sisters

Sister Weekend in New Orleans!

Sarah, Gin and I look forward to enjoying the culture of one of the world's most fascinating cities this weekend. The best part is, its right in our own back yard.  Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, New Orleans is home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music.

And, we plan to enjoy a bit of all of it.

We look forward to touring the National World War II Museum,

shopping in the French Quarter,

eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde,

 enjoying the sights and sounds around Jackson Square,

feeling the breeze from the Mighty Mississippi River,

or,

just enjoying the peace of our hotel room.

 We will end our trip by traveling up the Old River Road to view plantation homes existing since before the Civil War.

I will share pictures and memories with you next week.

In the meantime just know there will be lots of talking, laughing and loving going on with these Lazenby sisters during the next few days.

Never to Busy to Hodgepodge

My goodness, when did I have time to work?

Life is good when you can choose your busyness!  However, it sometimes interferes with alters one's on-going routine and plans.  Therefore and henceforth, I am more than a week late in posting a blog post.  But, thank you Joyce for always giving us an opportunity to join in with other busy bloggers as we can.

So, come join us for

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What news story are you following right now?

The conflict in the Ukraine.  We have very special and long-time friends who are serving as missionaries there.  They tell us that they are not near the current conflict and we are praying they will be able to remain there in safety.  As the Lord brings them to your mind, please pray for Mike and Linda Ray.

2. What's the last thing you wanted but didn't get?

A steak at Outback last Thursday evening.

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...when did you last have a hamburger? Other than your own kitchen or BBQ grill, where is your favorite place to go for a hamburger? And for all you non-meat eaters out there...when you're invited to a cookout what is the one side dish you hope is on the menu?

Hubby and I were traveling this past weekend and we stopped for a hamburger on the way home.  It was the first we have had in a long time and Dairy Queen makes a delicious one.  Since I don't eat them very often, I really don't have a favorite place.

4. How have your priorities changed over time?

That is an interesting question and interesting that you would ask it at this particular time.  Hubby and I were discussing this only last weekend as we spent time together in the car.  I have come to realize that my life prior to this time revolved around my family.  Not necessarily with time because we do not live near either one of our children, but more so with thought, consideration and involvement.  The Lord has taken me on quite a journey the last several months and as a result, I am seeing these priorities change.  My interest in and desire to remain involved has not changed, but perhaps it is the sense of "needing" that has changed.  My priority now is to consciously seek the Lord everyday and allow Him to orchestrate my involvement and "control" all those relationships.  My focus is now becoming more heavenward than ever before.  Some of that could be my approaching 70th birthday, for I know that this place is not my home.

5. What's a favorite memory with your grandparents?

I only knew my two grandmothers, who were so very different.  My mother's mother lived with us until her death when I was nine.  She was perhaps the most perfect person I will ever know.  She was married to a minister and the mother of ten children, my mother being the youngest.  She lost her husband when my mother was very young, so essentially reared the younger children alone.  She was quiet but a lady of tremendous strength.  She was a perfect example of a Christian lady!

My most vivid memory of Mama is playing with her long black hair, then snuggling up close to her while she read us story after story.  Oh if I could be more like her!


I was not as close to my paternal grandmother even though she spent several months at a time in our home.  My most vivid memory of her is insisting I wear one of her shawls over a sleeveless dress on a date one night.  I declined! She was precious and also a fine Christian lady.  I am grateful for the influence of both these loving grandmothers.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being fantastic!), how good are you at multitasking? Share an example.

I think at this point in my life I would give myself a 7.  Any homemaker has to do multitasking to some extent but as you grow older, you find that you have several unintentional balls in the air.  I will start something, then think of something else that needs to be done, and then that reminds me of something else, and on it goes until I eventually remember what I started out to do. 

7. How would you summarize your highs and lows for the month of May?

Not as drastic as they have been in the past few months.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

A young lady we have seen grow from early childhood to early womanhood will be getting married in a couple weeks.  She and her siblings have been home-schooled by their beautiful and talented mother whom I featured on one of my Beauty Without Within Thursdays.

Brittnay asked if I would do her makeup for the wedding, and I am honored to do that for her.  So, Tuesday morning we had a practice session.  She looked radiant and I believe she was pleased with the AFTER.  What do you think?