Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Wondering...
"Now that I am gone from your world, will you feel the emptiness? Will you seek to replace me, or just pretend that I was never there in the first place? And when I come back, will I find you waiting?"
Leaving so that I can continue...
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Tale of a True Blogger...
You stop mid-way one of the worst household castrophes of your life to take a few pictures with only the thought of blogging about it later in your brain!
Today was a best and worst kind of day. It started out as one of the worst, ended up as one of the best.
On the way out the door to church, child in car, umbrellas in hand, coat and Bible in the car, I locked and closed the door behind me, only to remember at the final click that my keys and cell phone were on the other side of that now locked door. Did I mention it was raining, that all the neighbors were gone to church, that we were late anyway, that my child had thrown at least three fits already, that it was COLD, I had on heels, and argh....no hidden key anywhere around the outside of my home?
After trying with no luck to find someone home on my street, tromping around in the pouring rain (did I mention the HIGH HEELS part already??) wiggling the lock, trying to open it with a hanger, some tweezers, my foot, I finally found a steel rod in the garage...and with all the pent up anger after such an ordeal, I felt sure it would be a snap to break the window pane and reach inside and unlock the door,except we have windows that are double paned, and very strong.
I spent thirty minutes hacking out the first window, sweeping up all the glass and then another thirthy minutes hacking away at the second one, sweeping up the glass for another hour both inside and outside of my house and then twenty minutes getting all the glass off of me. The experience was only made sweeter by the resident, and turns out, lock expert that lives with me...who kept shouting from her car seat - "get it Momma, you can do it!!" as I hacked away at the window. Then after it was all over, she got out and inspected my work, only to tell me "that I sure did have a mess to clean up." as she stepped over it all, ran to the couch and finished watching the Seasame Street Pirates movie...Did I mention I had a bad morning?
The day was saved, however, because this afternoon we had tickets to see The Nutcracker, put on by our local ballet. It was the first time Hannah had seen the ballet and also the first time I had ever seen it. It was amazing and fun and worth every penny to see the joy on her face and watch as she clapped big and loud for the ballerinas.
Oh...and those pictures I told you about...here they are. Enjoy!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly
A Lovely Shade of Melted Ice Cream...
This time around it is my bedroom that is getting the makeover. And gracious sakes, it definitely needs it.
From the time my child (who is five years old!!) started walking at the early age of nine months old, my bedroom became the catch-all room of the house. We put our coffee table in there, the tread mill, any gifts bought for Christmas, birthday, etc. All laundry was sent to that room to be folded and put away...or put in a pile on that coffee table! Heirloom pictures, precious keepsakes, video camera, you name it, it has been "stored" in my bedroom. Some nights I feel lucky enough just to find a path to my side of the bed.
All of that is changing this week. I have the whole week off work and I have already begun to tackle the chaos in the room, sorted and cleaned and sorted again. The furniture will all have to stay...we are just not ready to have a coffee table in the living room again...and I am not willing to part with it for good and the treadmill needs to stay, but the clothing and the baby toys and what not are going, going, gone! There is fresh paint being applied to all the walls in a lovely shade called Fudgescicle, which really does look like melted chocolate ice cream as it is painted on the wall. And soon a new comforter, pillows and curtains will be on display as well. I am reclaiming my bedroom...it is a good feeling!
Pictures will be coming...just as soon as I get it all done...and let's all hope that is before turkey day...cause everyone is coming here..aghhhhhhhhh!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly
Saturday, November 21, 2009
I Don't Know How It Started, But I Know How It Ends!
And so it begins. Again you read, consuming the page you left off with years before and swallowing it all until the end. Once the last page is turned, that last sentence read, you remember why you stopped reading.
It was a good book, it was captivating, it left you exhausted and you had to put it away before you became too involved in the plot. You placed it aside with the knowledge you could always come back and finish it, and now, you have. You know the whole story now, you have seen the characters in their true form and it is painful to know that you can't ever read the pages with innocence again.
Forever, you will know how it ends. You still are unclear on some facts from the first half of the book, you never did find the time to go back and re-read, but forever, you will see the cover, hear the title mentioned, hear others discussing the plot twist and you will know that you have learned enough to know all there is to know.
There are no more surprises, no more thumps of your blood as it pounds in your brain, waiting to read the next page, or the next or the next. It is done, complete, finished. It has left you changed, stolen your time and thoughts for far too long and yet, as with all good books, the end was too soon in coming.
You will place it back on your shelf, admire it now and again, but know that you will never read it from cover to cover again.
Bev
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Falling Leaves....
Yesterday I noticed that the radio station I typically find my radio dial on was starting to play Christmas carols...it sent me into a fit. I love Christmas. I love the carols, the decorations, all of it...I just like it after Thanksgiving please. I want to enjoy each holiday for all it is worth. My ears will be long tired of "I love those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells" way before December 25th arrives at my door.
For all the "poutiness" that a "too-early" Christmas carol marathon brought me yesterday, today brought me an even better FALL memory to store away in my brain!
The day started out with some shopping, alone...ah, it was heaven...then mid-morning to early afternoon found me outside, sipping hot coffee, enjoying the crisp, cool, fall-type air with a friend. To make it even more enjoyable, we were sitting under a tree and every few minutes we were "showered" with falling leaves. It was fall, in all it's spectacular fall-ness and not a Christmas carol in earshot! But I might have heard this little tune playing in the back of my head...
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
If I Knew Then What I Know Now
I would have watched you more carefully.
Every smile, every glance, every shadow on your face.
If I knew it was the last time...
I would have spoken less and
Listened to you more, the phrasing of your words, the accent in your voice
If I knew it was the last time...
I would have held on a little tighter
Clasped you to me, burrowed into that spot and lingered longer.
If I knew it was the last time...
I would have insisted you stay
Blocked the door, shut off the clock, taken the keys
If I knew it was the last time...
I would have never said goodbye.
Not ever, not ever, not ever.
I wrote this poem in 1988...just found it this weekend while cleaning out a closet. It is as appropriate now as it was then. Amazing how time changes everything and nothing at all!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Monday, November 16, 2009
Goodbye, Old Friend!
I KNOW!!!!! A trashcan!!! Can you imagine a more exciting gift?
Okay...to be honest, it really isn't his only gift, I think I may have picked up an extra box or two of drawstring bags to go with it!!
My husband has complained about our previous trashcan since the day I proudly bought it and brought it home! I thought it was tres chic - and I paid a few dollars for it and truthfully, after ten years, I guess we were in line for a new trash bin. Last week though, it became abundantly clear that in order to continue life in a happy household, I needed to put the speed on the search for a new trash receptacle. My husband, who rarely helps take out the trash, was actually trying to be a kitchen helper last week, and as he was trying to wrangle the trash bag out of our old can...it busted and got stuck and well, let's just say, it was an ugly scene. I believe all he kept saying over and over again for the next few hours was "trash cans should be square!!" I was worried for his sanity...truly, it was heartbreaking to witness!
So, yesterday, while walking the aisle at my local WallyWorldMart...I spied the above "gem" for the low, low price of $10.23. The price was right, the size was right and it was SQUARE!! I decided to splurge and make my husband happy...and you know, PLEASE don't tell him this...but it made me happy as well. The old one was nice, it was stylish...but I haven't missed it one bit!
I am bidding goodbye to my dreams of a stylish trash bin...goodbye old friend! I will long remember you and the moments I spent trying to wrestle free the too packed, stuffed bag from your innards. I will remember the joy of stepping on your little lever and feeling the thrill as the lid popped up like magic for me. I will always treasure the day that lives in my memory of my newly crawling baby girl and how she crawled to you and waved at the "baby" she saw reflected there...and then kissed it!! Yes, we have had ten good years together. R.I.P.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Night We Drove Old Dixie Down...
What follows are some so-so pictures of our girl on the rides. Just a side note...it is really hard to get a good picture of a child on a carnival ride...almost not worth lugging the camera through the gate!! But I did it all for you guys...hope you enjoy them!
First we rode Nemo...
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Cool Stuff!
As I was reading some other fave blogs today, I gathered in some really great information. First off, one of my friends had her twin boys on Wednesday...she already had a 5 year old, a 4 year old and a 2 year old...let's all say a prayer for my friend Ashley...and you can see pictures of her sweet babies here.
Secondly, I was reading BigMama's blog about Veterans' Day and she gave out some information on the meaning of the folds at the flag folding ceremony. I have never know there was such information and found it so cool. I am copying and pasting it here for you to read as well. I know Veterans Day is over, but I don't think it would hurt us to think about our men and woman in service a little bit more today. Here it is...enjoy!
Picture the flag folding ceremony at a military funeral...here is what each fold represents...
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother’s day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”
Living Happily in the Moment!Bev
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Okay...I'll Be Back Tomorrow...I promise!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday Randomness
Well, it wasn't 2:00 AM, but on Thursday morning at 8:30 AM I did his -- I waited and waited on a green light to turn left...never came, no cars were coming so I turned left on red!
I would have taken a longer nap yesterday when I was alone in the house.
I've done all three, it just depends, most of the time I answer on my blog (but then I always wonder if the person ever checks back to see my response??)
Ariel / Cinderella/ Snow White
sometimes.....
Games of chance...I am NO GOOD at strategy!!
Oh yeah... and I want them to stop!
How to iron, how to take a hem in a coat sleeve and a pair of pants, how to make change, how to handle mean people,and NEVER, EVER, get your boyfriend a job where you work!
buy, if I like it, I will keep it. If it is not one of my favorites, I will pass it on to someone else.
soon...hopefully! Actually, I have already bought for at least one on my list!
Sure...the minute I got off the phone and found out I was gonna be a mom!
Hope you have a great Monday and Happy, Happy birthday to my friend Molly!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Friday, November 6, 2009
Finding Myself Again...Part 2 or A Lesson from the CHI
I am just like my hair.
Some of you may not be familiar with my hair and the trials and tribulations I have endured throughout my life with it. I have naturally curly hair...oh, but wait, all you stick straight haired people who just said "I would give anything for some natural curl!" ( I know you are out there - I heard you say it!!) I have naturally curly hair and naturally wavy hair and there is not an ounce of straightness on the top of my head. I have struggled to tame it and force it to curl or not to curl all my teenage and adult life.
This morning as I was straightening my hair with my beloved CHI straight iron (you don't have one....get one -- it will change your life!!) I was thinking about my hair and how straight it can look on the surface, but sometimes it takes me quite a bit longer to get the strands below to straighten themselves out with the iron. If I don't get them straightened properly...my whole hair day is ruined! Those pesky curls will inch there way up to the surface in no time and I am once again struggling to tame them back into submission. Then it hit me...I am just like my hair.
I can be presentable on the outside, but underneath I am full of gnarls and tangles and a mass of confusion and emotion and it takes God a really long time most mornings to "straighten" it all out and make it presentable for the world. And when I don't let Him get it all straightened out, when I am impatient and in a hurry and can't take the time for Him, I wrestle with all the underlying tangles of my life all day long!
Now, that was a lesson it only took me about 30 years to learn!! HA HA! Have a great morning.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Finding Myself Again...Part 1
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wordless Wednesday !
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Chain Link
Nothing grand or extravagant
It is long and silver
It had no pendant, no charm
It is precious.
It came from another place
Another time
It came home to me
As a gift
It is my treasure
There are prettier pieces in my collection
There are diamonds, some rubies too
But this plain silver chain
That I wear everyday
Is priceless
It was bought with love
Brought to me with care
It is a link
It is the tie that binds
It is a promise
One day, a charm appeared
For the plain chain
Around my neck
Now, it sits next to my heart
It is a key
If you see me
You will see the chain
Now you know the story
Now you can exclaim
It is so pretty!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Sheltering Tree
In the spring the tiny white blossoms burst forth and it seems to come alive. Summer it is full of green, winter the leaves have gone and only stark branches wave at me when I look out the window. But in the fall, the leaves are beautiful, fiery red, golden yellow, a cascade of autumnal color highlighting the view out my kitchen window. It is truly my favorite sight all year.
We have built a fire pit at the base toward the back of it, in front sits our daughter's play set and swings. At the very base lies a bed of rocks, sheltering a grave. Our beloved dog, companion and first child, Jake rests at the base of the prettiest tree in my yard.
It is a dogwood tree, it shelters a part of my heart that lies six feet below it and on sunny spring and summer days, and cool, crisp autumn days, it shelters my heart that lives above ground in the form of a five year old bundle of joy.
That's what I see when I look out my window, every day of every season, the tree that shelters my heart.
Beverly
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday's Deep Thought...
it is never a possession,
always a desire
for something longer ago
or further away
or still "about to be."
and borrowed from a fellow blogger....cause I like it!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Future is But a Question Mark...
As I listened to the song in all of its jazziness, all of this rattled around in my head and got me to thinking about my own bucket list...the things that I have already experienced and can check off and the things still left to do.
I'll share five things accomplished and five things left to do...maybe another day I will re-type the whole list for your reading pleasure. Hey, you can now put that on YOUR bucket list...to be able to read my crazy list!! Hee hee!
Five Bucket List Adventures, already checked off as of today! (in no particular order!!)
- Be a mom
- Visit Italy
- Own my own business
- Write something that is meaningful (well, it was to me anyway!!)
- Build a home
- Write a book and get published
- Learn to bale hay (I'm a freak, but I love seeing bales of hay in a field, would love to do it- just once!)
- Travel back to Italy and see the Running Man at Pompeii!
- Spend some time in Ireland, visiting the places my ancestors lived and died.
- See a Broadway play.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Space The Size of You
I thought you were listening
I asked a question and got no response
I turned to find the space where you were
Empty, void, desolate and cold
A space the size of you
When did you decide to leave
What did I say that solidified your decision
What did I do that made you know
The story of your life would unfold
Once again
Sans me.
I am still talking
I will always be talking
It is what I do
For all the years in between
then and now
I did
And all the years between
now and then
I will
Be talking
Waiting for you
to listen, once again.
Yep, sometimes I write to just be writing, and sometimes I get an inspiration from a muse. If you have ever had a friend disappear off your radar, for a reason known only to them, and you've wondered "where'd they go," then you will get this poem immediately. It is like talking on a cell phone and hitting a "dead zone" and then never hearing from that person on the other line again. I've had it happen, I bet you have too. I have probably even been the disappearing party at one time or another.
In my life, at the moment, for a time and a season, I hope a very short time and a very short season, but nonetheless, it has happened to me and I have a hole in my heart and my brain the size of a person. It is too big to fill with anything else, I just have to wait and hope my friend comes back quickly and fills it up with all the goodness and laughter and joy that has filled my life. Until that time, I will write to my friend and "talk" to my friend here, in the only space I have available.
To the rest of you...thanks for reading.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
4 FM '09
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A Vividly Tangerine Kind of Day
When I opened the big container last night I was overtaken with the scent of crayons. It was a sniff from my past. I had forgotten how much I loved getting a new box of crayons and how fun it used to be to open them and be the first one to soften that sharp point on the end of the eggplant, or blue green or mountain meadow crayon, which were my favorites out of those long ago boxes.
I spent last night and now a large part of this afternoon, taking a trip back to a simpler time of my life. I have been busily coloring Snow White, a rosy red apple and trying to force a smile back onto Grumpy's face with bittersweet shimmer.
Imagine how happier life could be if we each took a coloring break every afternoon from 4 -5 PM. After the rush of the work day, before the hustle to get dinner started and consumed, before the onslaught of homework, the battle for bath and bed...what if we all just took an hour to color a picture or two? I think the pace of our life might slow down quite a bit. As for me..it is better than any spa appointment I could ever have!
Living Happily in the "vivid tangerine" moment!
Bev
Monday, October 19, 2009
Born Too Late
Hope you all had a great Monday!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Bev
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Soaking in Reality
There was sunlight streaming through the window.
It was warm.
There were bubbles shimmering through the air and on the surface.
It was calm.
There was music, jazz, drifting from the speakers.
It was cozy.
There were tiny flickers of flame flowing out of the candles' wick.
It was relaxing.
There was quiet and I was soaking in the serenity of it all.
But it was not the same.
And I guess it never will be.
