Phoenix the blog rises

I had a perfectly lovely vacation this summer. I went with my two older sisters to Ohio. Jany and I were tag-a-longs as Judy traveled to visit her school-days chums.  Those gracious women made us feel like part of the group. I restart this blog as a result of that vacation, and the encouraging words shared with me by our Hostess. When I confided, I thought I had a book in me... She said, "just start putting it down". Just start writing down your ideas, thoughts, memories and then someday, they might actually thread together... but at least I would have them written down.

Our hostess, Gay, is a talented, successful, perfectly lovely lady. I must say,  I was a little intimidated, by her success, but kept telling myself, she came from Portales. She has the same red dirt between her toes as I do. So no matter the differences, we will have that in common. She inspires me. Not because of all the external things you may think. But because she shared with me that, she didn't get here, via a perfect life.

It may sound ridiculous to my friends. but I have always had an issue with feeling like I fit in. I have extensive experience in bull-shitting my way through a situation. To this day, I feel like I B.S.ed by way threw high school and college. Never bothering to do the work, or learn the information. I'm not proud of it. I just think it snow balls. You don't grasp something, and then you get behind... and no one realizes it. Perhaps the talents you develop to continue the charade are valuable.

I spent every summer from age 11 till I was grown, in Denver, Colorado. My older sister and her husband lived there, and took me off the parents hands. I don't know if it was or their benefit or mine. (Remind me to ask her how that came to be someday). Judy was SMART. She read books! But she wasn't just book smart, she was savy! I remember deciding at about 14, that I could just ACT like her, and maybe people would think I had what she had. And so began my acting career.

EASTER 2013

Easter Weekend. I wanted to be in a dozen different places this weekend. Topping the list, was my brief plan to meet my daughter halfway, in Oklahoma City, for a quick glimpse of my grand children. Then watch the Lady Bears play on Sunday night before heading home early Monday. The other option was the 100 miles of garage sales near Warrenton, TX. I come by my gypsy gene honestly. And my sisters carry it too. I might not be the best housekeeper, or be concerned with important dates, but honey, if you wanna GO, give me 10 minutes to find my camera, and pack some drawers, and I'm ready. It is harder, as I get older, and that pesky job gets in the way occasionally. Paul doesn't mind going... but then again I have learned that I need to have everything ready, planned and packed...and just tell him, make a right. My Paul is an ideal traveling companion. He is so enthusiastic about seeing things he has never seen. He isn't shy about meeting people he has never met, and as long as he can have his head on a pillow/rock at 9:00, we are good. We both love most sporting events, I have learned to endure racing and baseball. We have driven all over this country to watch soccer games. Met lots of good friends. So... why are we not galavanting around this weekend? My husband is on call. He doesn't want any of his employees/friends to have to work on Easter weekend. I love that about him. We did get to see Brookie's Jarrod race last night here is Waco. I was so glad I went. He did so good. And next week it is back to business as usual. There will be NASCAR races in Fort Worth, Final Four games in N'awlins. (hoping). And the partio is just inches away from being open for business. Y'all come on down.

I find myself in a curious position, loving the Hate Monger. I love him because he is my flesh and blood. I love him because he is an individual. I love him because my Bible commands me to. The things that come out of his mouth, are his truth, his opinion and his right. While I may not agree with his words, views or choice of forum, I will defend his right to do so. I can choose to agree, disagree, disregard, walk away. . . I’m free to do so. I’ve personally never had the confidence , or perhaps ego, to believe that my view is the only/correct view. I must admit though, that I sometimes I feel superior to folks that are constantly spouting doomsday, and narrow-minded, unyielding opinion. Perhaps superior isn’t the correct word, but pity isn’t it either. I think their reactions come from fear. Fear is a powerful motivator. My precious mother taught me (and she got her lessons straight from God/Bible) God is not the author of chaos. It is very very hard to make the choice to operate from a place of hope. Fear is constantly trying to steal, undermine, question... I personally have to make the choice daily.. sometimes 14x a day. My politics do not define me. Do judge me by my political views and I won’t judge you by yours. My concern is, and yes this is coming from ME, and all of you know ME .... that we are not placing our Father first. We have a tendency to condemn, stomp and shout. When we should be falling on our knees. Praying for the change. If we believe God can move mountains... well, perhaps his glory will be amplified by a bigger mountain. David Hopkins perhaps said it best.... “...We must take joy in the mystery of God’s nature. Isaiah 55:8 should comfort us when God says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Stand in awe of your encounter with God. Though these experiences defy empirical observation and blow our reasoning out of the water, stand in awe of the mystery of God. This mystery is Christ who contains the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-4, my favorite verse!) Only Christ contains these treasures. Do not put your faith in order or in chaos, but in the God who is Lord over both.”

Well, I sure have enjoyed my new flowerbeds. This summer wasn't as brutal as last. I managed to keep everything watered and it is looking good. Ofcourse the days are getting shorter, and cooler, and I'm in a panic. What am I gonna do when all the green and flowers freeze. I better get online and figure out what a winter garden in this part of the world has in it. I know pansies will work.. but they sure aren't big and showy like my sweet potato vines and esparanzas.

My cool mom

I love this photo of my mom. I had some fun adding color to it.

Daxton is coming

I have spent hours online looking for crib bedding for Daxton, that has sock monkeys on it. There are a few... but I refuse to pay $300 for a crib sheet and bumper pad. The less expensive ones just are cute. So.. .I guess if Lacey's mind is made up, we will have to make our own. I have started making wall art. I'm thinking I may have to enlarge a monkey at work and have him printed out on the material they use to wrap cars. I can apply it to the nursery wall...and then they can just pull it down when they move.

7th Annual Father Daughter Weekend.

So... the answer is no. You don't know anyone in this photo. This wild bunch was staying in the Beach House next to the Weatherford bunch. It was the seventh time this group of fathers and daughters had spent a weekend at the Beach. They asked us to judge the annual sand castle contest.
Now as a mom, I'm not sure I would have approved of everything...but Kudos for these moms for allowing them to continue the tradition.