Thursday, November 19, 2009

As Thanksgiving Approaches

Mike and me, Andy and family, and JoeyIf I could write a list of every single thing I'm thankful for, my pages would fill a library. I've done some listing on facebook, one thing I'm thankful for every day, just as many of my friends are doing. And doing that has made me dig way down deep into my own heart and really ponder God's blessings in my life.
Mike has been my husband, companion, friend, provider, and true love for 32 years. The sometimes rough, rocky roads and struggles have only served to make us stronger and closer. I don't think there's a man in all the world who would put up with the things he puts up with, and I just love him all the more for it.

And look at my sons ... both have grown into strong, faithful, Godly men. They're so good to me, and they're fairly close by so I get to spend time with them. Time ... that's such a blessing in itself. They're so much more than sons now ... they're grown-up friends who still like hanging out with their old-lady mom, with a pizza and a good movie. I love that! Andy has taken a lovely wife and they've overjoyed my heart with two little grandchildren! I never knew my heart could hold that much joy! They're growing up so fast but I love watching them at each stage of their lives, and I'm so privileged to be a part of it all.

I have a comfortable, safe (as much as anyplace is), air conditioned house, with enough food in it to eat, enough clothes to wear, and enough toys to play with. And enough housework to keep my hands and mind from becoming too idle. My service dog Sophie keeps me busy with her reinforcement training, and she's great entertainment besides. I've never seen a dog with quite her attitude!

None of this is to say that I've got the world at my feet and I'm Shirley-Temple sweet and happy all the time. (Mike would even say "most of the time";) But I'm finding more and more that with age comes wisdom, and discernment between what's important and what isn't, even though I'd never have disagreed more with this when I was younger. I really enjoy being 51 years old. Despite defective eyesight and all the aches and pains and memory lapses that come with aging, I'm seeing life more clearly now than I ever have before. Family ... love ... people ... caring ... that's what it's all about.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Cousins, Cousins, and More Cousins

My sons have them. My grandchildren have them. My nephews have them. Seems everyone everywhere has lots and lots of cousins. I always wished I knew mine. Most of them on my daddy's side I never met, and the ones on my mother's side I wouldn't admit to knowing even if they lived across the street.
But all that is changed now. And I'll tell you the truth ... these precious cousins I got to know over the past week were more than worth the wait!
Cousin Jim has been after me for three years to get to our family reunion in Virginia and there was always some reason I couldn't go. This year, I wouldn't make excuses. I bought a nonrefundable, nonchangeable ticket so there'd be no backing out.
I know it's dangerous to build up high expectations of any event but I couldn't help it. It's all I could think about for months. Could it be anywhere close to what I was building up in my mind?
Yes! I never met Cousin Jim before but, after ten seconds, I felt like we had been close friends all our lives. I had asked him for a recommendation of a hotel in Bristol, Tennessee where he lives, and he wouldn't hear of me, a stranger with an 80-lb dog, staying anywhere but with him. Five whole days! He and his wife Brenda just knocked themselves out for us ... such lovely people! And I'm already looking forward to any opportunity to return the favor!
At the reunion and the days following, they introduced me to the wonderful world of cousins! It was a connection and a very special closeness I hadn't expected. Though I was being introduced to most of them for the first time, the love ... the bond ... the strength of this family was as strong as it would've been if I had known them all along.
I adore my cousins! I even have second and third cousins, and the family connection with them is just as sweet.
There is a giant hole in my heart left by my daddy ... how I missed him at the reunion, especially since Edwards traits and voices are so similar in so many ways. Yeah, that part of this blessed experience was a little heart-wrenching, but there was quite the sense of healing and acceptance at the same time.
As a writer, usually better at writing words than speaking them, I'm really having trouble finding any words to express the joy in my heart right now. Never in my highest hopes for this reunion could I have imagined the feelings this has left me with. Instead of a sprinkle of blessings I dared to hope for, God gave me a downpour! He reconnected me with an aunt and uncle who have always been especially precious to me, and He showered me with cousins, cousins, and more cousins. It just couldn't have been any better than that!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Blepharospasm Buster

It started two and a half years ago ... a fast-progressive deterioration of my eyes' tolerance of light. What began as wearing prescription sunglasses in the house with the lights off, over time graduated itself into clip-on shades over them, overglasses with three sticky layers inside them, and RolLenses inside of those. Talk about uncomfortable; the human face was not meant to carry up to eight layers of shades!
My general ophthalmologist sent me to every eye-related-ologist in Phoenix trying to fix this mess, and the only things they agreed on were that the problem is neurologic in nature, likely related to my strokes, and irreparable as far as they knew. I pleaded with them for light-restrictive contact lenses, and it was nothing anyone would even consider.
A month or so ago, after taking my mom grocery shopping, she returned home to a call that her eyeglasses were ready to be picked up. She told them she'd have to wait till next Tuesday to come in because that was the only time she could get transportation over to the eye center. Well, that was almost a week away and there was no reason Mike and I couldn't take her right then. Otherwise, there was no reason I'd have ever gone near that optical center. I was going to just wait in the car while Mike took her in, but it was summer in Phoenix so I ended up going inside with them. While Mom picked up her glasses, I looked around at frames that might be a little more light-blocking than the ones I was wearing. I just happened to mention that to the receptionist, who then just happened to mention it to the optometrist's wife. She did some research for me and talked to her husband, and encouraged me to come in to consult with him.

This O.D. did an exam and took a history and immediately ordered up some light-restrictive contact lenses! It didn't make sense to him why everyone else dismissed the idea and said they wouldn't help.
I picked them up yesterday and, let me tell you, THEY HELP!! I can't believe the comfort, and my tolerance of medium-strength light in the house. I can't describe the joy of losing something in the dining room and being able to turn on a light to find it! The only drawback ... my eyes aren't blue anymore, but they'll still be hidden behind prescription sunglasses so that's no big deal at all.
The difference is like night and day having them in vs. taking them out. I'm safer now that there's a little bit of tolerable light on the subject. Mike won't have to break any more toes tripping on vacuum cleaners he can't see. He and Sophie aren't destined to live in the dark for the rest of their lives! And I'm making happy dances all over the house! \o/ And the name of this eye clinic: HOPE Optical Center. Was this a God thing or what?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

No Space Hoax Says Mythbusters

One thing that caught my attention tonight regarding the moon landing's fortieth anniversary was an appropriately-timed episode of Mythbusters on The Discovery Channel. The trio of mythbusters broke down all the arguments the conspiracy theorists had built up to indicate the moon landing was a hoax.
This team determined, through scientific experimentation and re-creation with vacuum chambers, G-force airplanes, and direct lighting that a boot can indeed make a viable footprint in dust even without moisture in the atmosphere. A flag will indeed keep moving for several seconds after an astronaut stops waving it around. Changes in terrain can affect horizontal and parallel shadows. The fine powder of lunar dust will indeed reflect off itself and light up something that should have been in the dark. Every one of the accusations was busted!
I have to admit I did give some thought to whether a little Hollywood played a part in the story but, after seeing Mythbusters, I'm happy to say there's no more doubt in my mind that it didn't. Sorry, conspiracy theorists ... the moon landing really happened!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Forty Years


It has been forty years since men first landed and walked on the moon. I seem to remember the actual event, but none of the Apollo missions leading up to it. Tonight, I watched coverage of it all on The Discovery Channel, up to and including the landing of the Eagle, and it was all brand new!view of Earth from the moon
Why do I not remember all this space stuff? Wasn't it talked about in school? It was current events in third through sixth grade, yet I have no recollection of most of it.
In the midst of all the Vietnam, Cuba, Russia, and cold war stories going on every evening on the news, my parents thought they were doing me a favor by shielding me from such talk. I don't remember them ever allowing me to watch the news. "It might upset her," they thought. Oh, I'm sure there had to be some things they chose to expose me to, but I don't remember many of them.
Now I wonder how many more historical events I missed out on. I doubt if a high school history class would take an old lady in her 50's but the internet would probably have more detailed information anyway. But it makes me sad that I was right there in the middle of the excitement for all those years and never knew it. Would someone please invent a time machine? And make it quick ... I have a lot to catch up on!

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Won't You Come Home, Jay Leno

picture of Jay Leno
I tried to keep an open mind about Conan O'Brien filling Jay Leno's shoes. Honestly, I did. Even though I totally agreed with our local evening news, describing Conan's first monologue as "painfully not funny", I wanted to be fair; after all, it was his first show and he might've just needed to get his feet wet. Well, I'm afraid he could jump into the pool up to his eyeballs and I doubt I'd tune in again. After only three days, I just can't stand any more of him and the Tonight Show is history on my TV list. His idiocy and foolishness are not what I consider humor and I have better ways to spend my time than watching him act stupid. Granted, Leno had some pretty stupid skits himself, but half or more of them were worth watching, and his monologues were funny for the most part. To Conan's credit, he does at times bear a striking resemblance to Beavis. But as a comedian ... sorry, Conan, but you've got me singing, "Jay Leno won't you please come home."

Friday, April 24, 2009

Lemon Cupcakes and Ice Cubes

picture of Lily and her beautiful curls
My precious little grandchildren, oh how I adore them.
On Tuesday I spent the day with my four-year-old granddaughter and my year-old grandson. My heart was dancing as Lily answered the door, all excited as she squealed, "Grandma! Grandma! Grandma!" She greeted me with a big hug and the prettiest smile I've ever seen.
While Mike worked with Andy around the house all day, getting things done that needed fixed or built, I spent hours with Lily and Liam, playing, chasing, watching, and thoroughly enjoying being a grandma!
I think the sweetest part of the day was when Lily brought a lemon cupcake to the table and asked me if she could share it with me. She'd break off a piece and give it to me, and break off another for herself, and on it went till the cupcake was gone.
In the afternoon, she took a cup of ice cubes outside to melt in the sun, and then came back in and read me story after story. Really, truly ... she's actually reading! When she finally went outside to check her ice cubes, they had begun to melt but the cup still had bits and pieces of ice in it. She brought them in, got a plastic spoon from one of her kitchen toys, and began feeding me the ice cubes with it. It was such a special time of sharing and snuggling, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life!
picture of year-old LiamLiam is still too little to do much aside from chasing around and exploring new ways to get himself into mischief, but I hope one day we'll have the same kinds of tender moments and priceless memories.

Friday, April 10, 2009

A Holy Weekend

three crosses against a darkening skyThe Passion Of the Christ. It's a movie I wouldn't want to watch very often. For one thing, I'm afraid I'd be desensitized to its gut-wrenching content. For another, it's such a horrific movie to watch.
Tonight, I chose to watch it in lieu of Good Friday services at church. Just me, all alone, to absorb the full impact of just what Jesus went through from His prayers in Gethsamane all the way through to His death. The film was so well made with so few liberties taken, that it's absolutely believable that's how it actually went down.
The real impact of it, though, came after the movie when I pondered how that event affects my own heart, my own life, my own spirit. Although I never ever forget what Jesus went through to save me, I do tend to get busy with so many things that it loosens its grip a little. Maybe it has to be that way or, again, I'd be desensitized. I don't know.
Every once in a while, we need to stop what we're doing, tune out everything else in the world, and think. Really think about the agony, the humiliation, and the torment of the Cross. I can take it personally because, even if I was the only person on earth, past present or future, who ever committed a single teeny little sin, Jesus would've gone to the Cross anyway ... just for me, because He loves me that much.draped cross with lilies
I had some really nice prayer time outside tonight after the movie. I love to pray outside. It was windy and chilly, just lovely. Now very late tonight, my heart still feels a heaviness around it, having been so vividly reminded of Jesus's suffering. But unlike the disciples who were hiding in fear and despair that first Good Friday, I can rejoice tonight because Resurrection Day will be quickly upon us!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Bittersweet

Saturday night at the Mesa Arts Center the Irish Rovers performed for two hours some brand new songs that I just can't wait to get my hands on in the fall, as well as some recent songs, and some old classics.
Melissa couldn't go with us so we gave the extra ticket to Joe and introduced him to the joys of Irish music and the fun of the Irish Rovers. He grew up with the song The Orange and the Green and I had to break the news to him that, as many of their concerts as we had been to, we had never heard that sung live. They just didn't sing that anymore. The afternoon before the concert I was casually talking to the Lord and I let Him know it would be really cool if they'd sing that one that night ... and they did!! My heart was dancing and praising God for answering my totally silly prayer! That song will always be special to me now; it goes to show that God cares about the little things in our lives too.
I broke tradition this time, purely unintentionally, forgetting to wear my Black Velvet Band and my gold Unicorn. Guess the ol' memory just isn't what it used to be.
I knew going in that the evening would be bittersweet. George Millar's wife Betsy passed away suddenly last June. It didn't truly hit me until we encountered the merchandise table with someone else behind it. Betsy was such a lovely lady, always friendly and smiling, and I'll always be thankful for the privilege of getting to know her over the years.
Aside from the one potentially embarrassing incident with Sophie (see Play It Again, Sophie on her Dear Sophie blog, linked at right), the evening went off beautifully and I can't wait to see these incredible Rambling Boys Of Pleasure again! To George, John, Ian, Sean, Wilcil, and a new drummer whose name I didn't catch, you guys are awesome, and here's a health to every one of you!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I'm An Audrey

Wow, this is pretty accurate. Now if I could just look like Audrey ... like that's ever going to happen! :)

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

mm.audrey_.jpg
You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"
Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.
How to Get Along with Me
  • * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure
  • * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this
  • * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit
  • * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally
  • * Ask me questions to help me get clear
  • * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery
  • * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings
  • * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation
  • * Let me know you like what I've done or said
  • * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life
What I Like About Being an Audrey
  • * being nonjudgmental and accepting
  • * caring for and being concerned about others
  • * being able to relax and have a good time
  • * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
  • * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
  • * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
  • * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe
What's Hard About Being an Audrey
  • * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
  • * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
  • * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
  • * being confused about what I really want
  • * caring too much about what others will think of me
  • * not being listened to or taken seriously
Audreys as Children Often
  • * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
  • * tune out a lot, especially when others argue
  • * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves
Audreys as Parents
  • * are supportive, kind, and warm
  • * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at