I recently read something by one of my favorite bloggers where she challenged us as bloggers to take a picture of something beautiful every day then post on Friday. Since I am behind in accepting this challenge, I took several pictures of things in my yard where I found beauty. And, this is my wrap-up for the week.
Wordless Friday
Fotos
"Heavenly Father, let today and every day be a time of worship. Let me worship You, not only with words and deeds, but also with my heart. In the quiet moments of the day, let me praise You and thank You for creating me, loving me, guiding me, and saving me. Amen!" Happy Friday!
Please click on the link below and see how the others have closed out this fun group posting.
1. What has been the highlight of your summer so far? (It's still summer people!) It was spending time with our daughter and granddaughters last month, spending the last couple nights with my middle sister doing some fun stuff in her house. But, I think the real highlight for me was actually my husband's highlight. He was able to spend a whole week with our son in Colorado as they shared in a huge Rugby event with our grandson. I was thrilled that they had this rare time together.
2. What do you wish you'd done more of this summer? Less of?
I wish I had done more reading but I've had a hard time focusing on reading books lately. I've started several but haven't finished any. I am listening to a very fascinating book by Charles Martin, "The Mountain Between Us," that I have to finish. Less of? Sitting I suppose as that seems to have been a big pastime lately. 3. Something you're looking forward to on your September calendar?
I can't wait to tell you what we have planned for mid September. We will be spending a couple nights at Cumberland Falls National Park in Kentucky and a couple nights in Shaker Village just north of there, while on our way to spend a couple weeks in Northern Indiana with our son and his family. We are so looking forward to this trip. 4. Best/favorite book you've read this summer?
Like I said, reading has taken a back seat this summer unfortunately. However, after seeing a most interesting documentary on PBS a couple weeks ago, Dick bought the book. It is about a young couple who lived on a houseboat in the deserted swamp area of the Louisiana Atchafalaya Basin. I look forward to finishing it this week. What an amazing experience this must have been for them. The book is "Atchafalaya Houseboat" by Gwen Roland. 5. Share something positive, encouraging, or uplifting here.
My daughter has been in Maui this past week and shared this picture and wrote how God's beauty around us is also a constant reminder of His promises to us.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I read today that Anne Graham Lotz has been diagnosed with breast cancer. You can read about it here - 'Pray for God to Heal Me' - and the significance of the date of her diagnosis. Thank you Joyce, for bringing us all together on Wednesdays for these several years. You are more than due a break and I am excited to see where blogging takes you from here. I will miss all my Hodgepodge buddies, but hope we can meet up again soon.
I read the love letter and tribute of a young wife to her pastor husband after he committed suicide last week. It is such a powerfully beautiful letter to her young life partner and it broke my heart.
But, one thing she wrote in her letter to her Andrew was, "God's Got This!"
Even in her brokenheartedness, she knew where her help came from and she could be certain that she would get through her brokenness because she knows the One who holds all the tomorrows.
Almost 55 years ago I lost someone who was very dear and special to me, not to suicide but to a car accident. I had thought at the time that he would be my life partner. But God had other plans.
In my heartbreak, I called out to God, for where else could the help and comfort, and answers for a brokenhearted 19 year old come from?
"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19)
A year later, God revealed His answer to my need and brought into my life a wonderful, Christian man who was destined from the Beginning to be my lifetime love.
I fully believe in the Sovereignty of an Almighty God and can testify over and over again, that yes, in every way whether good or bad, "God's got this!"
On this day, September 4, 1965, Dick Day became my husband.
I have been so overwhelmingly blessed by God's gift of this man in my life.
He has been my best friend
My lover
My biggest fan
The devoted and faithful husband and spiritual guide God knew I needed
This is the second outfit from Hudson House in Shreveport, La.
There are so many ways to transition your wardrobe from Summer to Fall and I am thrilled to be able to give you suggestions from one of my favorite boutiques. Beautiful details and texture define this outfit-making jacket.
From the figure flattering flair,
to the stand-up layered collar,
to the feminine neckline and large detailed lapel,
this is an eye-catching wardrobe piece.
This beautiful necklace emphasizes the design and details of the jacket. It fills in the open neckline to perfection.
I love the large chunky buttons down the front and the slight flair of the 3/4 length sleeve.
I am wearing a pair of my own black dress pants with this jacket, but could also wear gray or even white pants to make it a more casual outfit. I would not wear leggings as the front of the top is a bit high.
Wearing this jacket over a sheath dress or a pencil skirt would take it from office to evening.
Also, adding a different color shoe and jewelry would change the look as well.
I think this is a must-have wardrobe piece and it just may find it's way into my closet. I have not been compensated for this post.
The Fashion Boutique of Hudson House is located at 3118 Gilbert Drive in Shreveport, La. The Boutique has dressed women in Shreveport for over 20 years and continues to offer unique clothing and accessories.
PS: I never really liked this song and was not a big fan of Donna Summer, but I will play along today.
1) This song is about
a woman who works hard as a waitress. What's the hardest job you've ever had?
My first job was gift wrapping during the Christmas holidays at a very exclusive department store. I was a freshman in high school in 1959 and the standards at this particular store were extremely high. The lady in charge of us young wrappers was so demanding and she gave me a really hard time. I went home crying every day. I daily questioned whether the small amount of money I made was worth it. But, she taught me well and I was a very confident gift wrapper the next year.
2) The lyrics tell us she has worked at this job for 28 years. What's the
longest you stayed with one employer?
I was employed by the Morehouse Parish School Board for 25 years.
3) Donna Summer was inspired to write this song during an awards show. She
ducked into the bathroom and met the elderly ladies' room attendant, whose job
it was to make sure the room the spotless, the complimentary hairspray and
moisturizer was abundant, and there was a hot towel for every celebrity who
used the facilities. "Wow," Donna thought, "she works hard for
those tips." Who is the last person you tipped?
The lady who colors my hair.
4) Early in her
career, Donna was in the touring company of the musical Hair. It played
in Munich for so long that she became fluent in German. What's the longest you
have ever lived away from home?
One year while attending college.
5) Sam's dad is
naturally outgoing and enjoys striking up conversations with waitresses,
librarians, the checker at the supermarket, etc. Sam is always polite but more
private. Are you more like father or daughter?
I am more like the daughter and Hubby is exactly like the father.
6) A little more than
10% of the American workforce is self-employed. Have you ever been your own
boss?
Only in my own home, and even that is questionable.
7) Labor Day weekend
may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?
Not usually or that I am told.
8) Will you be
attending a Labor Day picnic or barbecue?
I will be spending the latter part of the day with my sister and we may go to her son's for dinner. That's still yet to be determined.
9) Labor Day
traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall
clothes to your wardrobe?
I already have and you can find some of them on my Monday blog posts. For example:
May I suggest that you click on this link and just listen while you're reading the rest of this post. What memories do you have from Septembers past?
My best memory would be my wedding that took place on September 4, 1965. What an amazing 53 years of blessings they have been.
On September 5, five years ago, I began a year-long series that is still one of my favorite things I've done since blogging. I highlighted a different friend each month and shared what made her special to me.
My first one was of my dear friend, Jean Anne Williams. I had a good visit with her yesterday and learned that she is doing radiation for breast cancer. They caught it early and she is very encouraged, but it made me thankful all over for our deep respect for each other and connection we've maintained through the years. You can read about what a special person she is HERE
Are you getting ready for Fall?
I know some of you are already putting out decorations in hopes they will also bring cooler temperatures. We are still having upper 90 degree days here in the deep south, so will do anything to inspire an early Fall.
Maybe these photos will inspire you if not the weather.
Although not your traditional Fall decor colors, this table setting would welcome Fall and cooler weather beautifully.
As I was getting ready to close this post, I received an email from my husband that I think is so appropriate to share on this day, especially as I have already written about my good friend, above. And, my best friend these 53 years of marriage.
"A newlywed young man was sitting on the porch on a humid day, sipping ice tea with his father.
"As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the Father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his son.
"'Never forget your friends,' he advised, 'they will become more important as you get older. Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends. Remember to go out with them occasionally (if possible), but keep in contact with them some how.'
"What strange advice!' thought the young man. 'I just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life.'
"Yet, he obeyed his Father; kept in touch with his friends and annually increased their number.
"Over the years, he became aware that his Father knew what he was talking about. Inasmuch as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a person, friends are the bulwarks of our life.
"After 70 years of life, here is what he, I, and you will have learned:
Time passes.
Life goes on.
Children grow up.
"Children cease to be children and become independent. And to the parents, it breaks their heart but the children are often separated of the parents because they begin their own families.
Jobs/careers come and go.
Illusions, desires, attraction, sex....weakens.
People can't do what they did physically when they were young.
Parents die but you move on.
Colleagues forget the favors you did.
The race to achieve slows.
"But true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they are. A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms, or in some way blessing your life.
"When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrow that were ahead.
"We did not know how much we would need from each other.
"Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends.
"Stay in touch with them but do not impose your criteria.
"Love those friends in your life who help make sense of your life."
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
For the next several weeks, I will be showing you some amazing outfits to help transition from the heat of summer to the much looked for Fall season.
To accomplish this, I will be wearing some items from one of my favorite boutiques,
HUDSON'S, here is Shreveport, Louisiana.
If you see something you like, you can either leave a comment below for more information, or call Hudson's
direct at 318-865-2151 and tell them Libby sent you.
This first outfit is a real standout, and perfect for these late summer days or evenings.
Don't you love those beautiful flowers and the wings of this sheer tunic.
The camisole slip underneath is such a great length for these tops. It comes to my thighs which I love. It is so comfortable and doesn't ride up as you move.
The beauty of this top is that it would be suitable for daytime activities as well as evening events.
We paired this top with the most comfortable legging I have ever worn.
And look at that fancy little bow and pearl at the ankle. These are a must for any wardrobe.
This gorgeous necklace makes a statement without distracting from the beauty of the top.
Being clear, it takes on any color with which it is worn. I love it, and think you will too.
Are you thinking about how to transition from hot summer to the much anticipated Fall weather?
Either leave a comment here or call 318-865-2151 if you are interested in anything you saw in this post.
It was the day of the fancy hair styles and french twist. We had been married three years and lived in Orange, Texas and it was the year before I conceived our first-born. It was a good year as I remember it.
In fond remembrance of The Queen of Soul (1942-2018).
1) As befits one of America's premiere
artists, Aretha Franklin sang at three Presidential inaugurations. The first
was Jimmy Carter's in 1977, when she sang "God Bless America." What's
your favorite patriotic song?
The National Anthem will always be my favorite but a close 2nd would be "God Bless America"
2) The daughter of a Baptist minister,
Aretha grew up with church music. She told Rolling Stone one
of her favorite songs was the hymn, "Victory Is Mine." What's your
favorite religious song?
I too was the daughter of a Baptist minister and there are so many wonderful old hymns that I remember that we never sing anymore. What a shame. Some of my favorite religious songs would be "How Great Thou Art!", "In the Garden," "His Eye is on the Sparrow," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "Amazing Grace," "Great is His Faithfulness," "The Majesty and Glory of His Name," and the "Hallelujah Chorus." There are so many others.
3) She welled up a bit when President George H.
W. Bush presented her with the nation's highest civilian award, the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. When is the last time you shed a tear?
I'm not much of a crier, but I did get teary watching this video of a little boy and his military dad yesterday. HERE
4) In 1980, the Queen of Soul sang for
the Queen of England in a Command Performance at The Royal Albert Hall. Have
you ever been to London?
No, I haven't 5) Since Aretha had many honorary
degrees, it would have been appropriate to refer to her as Dr. Franklin. Who is
the last person you referred to by his or her title (Officer, Father, Sgt.,
Dr., etc.)?
I recommended my physician to a friend yesterday, so Dr. Mercer. 6) In this week's song, Aretha tells her
lover that it doesn't take a high IQ to understand what's going on in their
relationship. Do you know your IQ?
No, and have no desire to be humiliated by an innocuous number. 7) A sculpture of Aretha is on display
at Madame Tussaud's in New York. Do you think wax museums are cool, or creepy?
I have only been in one wax museum. I find them neither cool nor creepy. Just not something I'm interested in. 8) Aretha and Motown legend Smokey
Robinson were literally lifelong friends, since they were playground buddies in
Detroit. Smokey is one of the only people who can claim to have seen The Queen
of Soul with a bucket in a sandbox. If we went to the playground today, would
you head for the swings, the slide or the jungle gym? Or, like Aretha, would
you play in the sand?
I would head for the swings. Do we ever get too old to swing or be swung? 9) Random question: Do you like pumpkin
seeds?
If you have been following me for very long, then you know that one of the best ways I can feed my mind with the good, clean, pure, powerful and positive is by spending time with our family.
FIRST THINGS FIRST!
Forty nine years ago today this handsome guy made us parents.
John has been God's great gift to us for these 49 years in so many ways. He is a devoted husband and father, and strives to be the godly man God desires him to be.
We love you, John and wish you a very
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Last weekend, I went back to Dallas to meet Dick on Saturday after his trip to Colorado. Actually, Friday night was spent watching the live stream of a Rugby game our grandson played in. It was a big game for the USA Rugby top 30 Collegiate All-American Team that had been selected the previous Sunday. They had worked hard all week preparing to take on the pro team, Raptors, and competing for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd All-American Teams.
There was a great article published on our Jackson that you might find interesting.
While Jackson was working hard, Granddad and Dad spent the week playing and exploring the area around Denver and enjoying their time together.
This has become my favorite picture of John and Dick. They had so much fun.
Friday night, the All-Americans humiliated the Raptors 55-10 and Jackson was selected to the 2nd team. We are so proud of his accomplishments.
Now, back to Western Michigan for his final semester and last year on the Rugby field.
On Saturday night, I got to see Granddaughter, Ava Grace in the final performance of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" with Dick this time.
She did so well, and I think you can see the personality she put into her part as Susan.
No words to describe this picture.
This was a picture of the whole cast and I just happened to catch this picture of Ava Grace as the girl opened the umbrella next to her. So cute!
They loved their director, Mr. Black.
And we loved being with our girl for another great performance.
On Sunday afternoon, they had their cast party at a local restaurant and guess who was there.
If you are a Dallas Cowboy fan, then Quarterback Tony Romo needs no introduction. These girls were ecstatic to see him and he was so sweet to pose with them.
On Monday, I went to Nader's Gallery. It has been one of the most well respected businesses in our city since 1969, for art, accessories and especially framing. And, I had never been there.
The wall of art upon entering, is actually a huge wall of frame options. Unbelievable!
There was so much to see and I will be showing you some of the pretties on Instagram.
But, I want to share with you one of the most amazing pieces of art that I couldn't stop looking at.
This is very large piece and looks like glass. But, upon closer examination, it appears to have been done in millions of tiny beads.
One of the employees and I finally decided the canvas must have been painted, then completely covered with crystal sequins and beads and sealed with a clear epoxy or something. I have never seen anything like it and would have brought it home with me if I had owned a bank.
And, who do you think our handsome man looks like?
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Welcome, I’m Libby
Thank you for visiting my blog. I live in Plano, Texas where my husband and I are very involved in being happy senior adults. You will find that my blog reflects our lives and activities as well as the goings-on of our two grown children and ten grandchildren. There may even be something the Lord leads me to compose and share. Needless to say, we stay busy and sharing our busyness with you makes me happy. I do hope you will stop by and share a cup of tea with me often.
