Inspiration

I always wear a silver bracelet.  I have several.  And I love them.  

Recently, as I tucked Halle in to bed, we talked about my favorite accessory.  As she played with my wrist, she reminded me that "Grandma wears one too" and that "she even sleeps with her bracelet on."  

And this has me wondering... the fact that my Mom is never without her silver bangle.  Could it be my desire to do so also is a result of her example, ingrained in me?  Is the simple desire to wear a silver bracelet or the pleasure in doing so a subconscious idea from my childhood, a memory of my mother's adorned wrist?  And how is it that I came to love such a thing without ever really thinking it, or deciding of the possibility?  Do I love it because it's something Mom did?

I remember as a little girl I always wanted to be like the big girls... I absorbed every detail of those I fondly admired.  I still do.  As life plugs along I find myself all the more ready to receive insight and advice from those further down the road.  I am grateful to glean from the wisdom of the seasoned women in my life.  I hope to attain the peace and confidence I admire most about such women, and their secrets of survival.  It's the beauty that comes with age.  

And so, the silver bracelet represents many things... I am certain that my love of wearing one is in part due to my mother's example.  And, in a similar way, the experiences of life and how the "big girls"  have managed them are worthy of my deepest respect.  

Frog Spot

I miss the days of sticky fingers and slobbery kisses (although I do still get those sometimes).  My kiddos are BIG now.  

Anyone remember the "SO BIG" game?  You know the one:  "How big is Ethan?" and with chubby little arms lifted high he would say, "SOOOOO Big!!".

Well, he is SO big now.  Despite his stature, one thing still remains... our little frog friends. For as long as I can remember they were present.  I have one particular memory of my little boys, having rung the door bell, with grins ear to ear, waiting there to present to me the largest bull frog known to man!  SO cute!

It's not surprising I love frogs!  I always will.  They'll be a part of life at our house long after my "little people" are gone.  

  

taken Spring 2010 in the Plateau

Ten + One

A beautiful transformation is happening before our eyes!!

Admiration

It was something so beautiful.  So respectful.  So impacting.  A mother's day luncheon hosted by the Mayor in honor of the special women representing our current servicemen.

They were young and old alike.  Some with little ones... some with well earned wrinkles that kissed their hopeful believing eyes.  Women... waiting, wondering, worrying.  Doing life alone.  Living without their husbands and sons.  Bandaging elbows and kissing little cheeks.  Tucking in alone after all the bed time rituals are over.  Mother's who pray and trust their little boys will come home safely.  Wives who desperately long for their men.  

All of them worthy of recognition.  

It seems like such a small token... a simple meal, if even in a pretty setting. They came, many of them alone.  They were strong.  Sitting briefly as strangers, and leaving on that lovely afternoon as sisters.  They were grateful, these women are, for the simplest of things. 

Watching young moms envelop themselves in the lives of their babies, I wondered about the comfort the act of mothering may have brought some of them.  Listening as they opened their lives to one another.  What an amazing display of mature composure and faithful patience, as they proudly spoke of the details regarding their own soldiers.  They shared the bond of hope. 

  

How does if feel to be so deeply concerned, so lonely, yet so proud.  

It was a privilege to serve them lemonade and clear their pretty dessert plates.  To have been in their presence for a few short hours opened my eyes to the beauty, strength and bond of these very special women.  I am filled with admiration.

How is it that something so sacrificial has become so small, so overlooked, so forgotten?  

To Live...

It was never promised to be easy.  

Life.

In fact, it's the bumpy road that keeps us focussed on what truly matters.  

Perspective. 

We don't stop living because the living is uneasy.  

Persistence.

Despite the cares and woes of this world, each day has it's fill of joy.  

Do you see it?

Live the life you're in.  

Just a Number...

You know you're 40 when ...

* Professional athletes have been younger than 

oneself for WELL over a decade...

* Serious assessment is made before one decides 

upon certain physical activities...  

* Laughing at oneself comes with greater ease and frequency...

* One receives "The Wisdom of Menopause" as a 

birthday gift (or is it a consolation prize?)...

Add to the list, won't you?  

That is, IF you are eligible :)  

p.s.  Younger brother smart remarks are strictly prohibited! 

Resolve

If you're still out there, I'm grateful you haven't given up hope I'd return. 

In my absence I've been reeling.  With the title.  The Reason.  The reason that is, for this here blog.  In some ways, you see, I'd been unable to reason that (some) change, as so said, is indeed a gift.  

I confess, this long pause was in some ways defiance... a rebellion of sorts. What's more, it is real and safe to say there wasn't much good to say at all. There wasn't, I'd resolved, much happening worth remembering.  

BUT... that was then, and this is now.  My pity party is over.  Despite what works, and even what does not, growth has given me new wings.  Here in lies the gift.

See you around :)