August Give Away-The Desigh Girl

Here is how you enter to win your very own i Candie Boo Tote
1. Become a follower of this blog2 Add one of my buttons to your blog3. Visit i Candie on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item from the shop3. Post about this giveaway on your blogIf you do all of the above, you can come back and enter once each day!Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry!Good luck!

Book review-Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb

I have been reading Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb. It’s the second time to read the book but I swear I forgot everything I read the first time. Probably on purpose. This has to be hands down the least favorite Christian book EVER! It flies in the face of the ever popular, “life is what you make it…so think and speak positive and it’ll come back to you” philosophy. I’m thinking of a few high profile preachers that would so hate this book. Heck, I hated this book.
But it has been life to us. I highly recommend it if you are going through tough times. Here are a few of my favorite things from the book~
~"Live long enough and dreams important to you will shatter….”
~"Shattered dreams are necessary for spiritual growth.” (My 1st thought was…I’d rather not grow.)
~"The experience of despair is the initial movement in the rhythm of hope.”
~"When you hurt, hurt. Hurt openly in the presence of God…Feel your pain. Regard brokenness as an opportunity, as the chance to discover a desire that no brokenness can eliminate but that only brokenness reveals.” (He is not talking about physical pain here…that is a different story I think)
~"People who insist on happiness never find joy.” (Oh I’ve been there…searching for something, anything to make me FEEL better…)
~" Shattered dreams are the prelude to joy.”
~"Silence and solitude are essential to discovering His Presence.”
~"…grief can only be embraced, never managed.”
I have sarcastic notes written on many of the pages in this book. I screamed my way through about 3/4 of it. It so angered me. But in the end God is showing me a few things. Needful things.

Blessed to Be "Aunts & Sisters"

I was reading a post from another friend, who was single and had no children. She was talking about how she had always wanted children, but that had not been in God's plan. So now in her 50's she was thinking how blessed she had been. Now she could not only be their Aunt, not only as a name, but as a verb.
I have 3 wonderful sisters. Between the 4 of us, we are Aunts to 9 niece's and nephews, with 2 of the nephews being in laws. Two of the youngest are teens, while the other 7 have become young adults. When you look at the dynamics of our family, they mirror every other family. We have had near death scares, some illnesses, car accidents, teenage junk, sleepless nights, ballgames and recital's, school functions, graduations, traveling together, eating together, laughter, and tears, all like any other family. BUT, Are we really like all other families? Or, are we what other families wish they could share. We have survived, and made it through whatever crisis is at hand. We have been most fortunate to share all of this with their grandparents. They have been models, teaching us faith, love and commitment. They have faced adversity and shown us that we can survive anything, if we stay committed to each other. We all share many quirks and talents. So there is nothing we can't put our heads together and make work. Both grandparents are on the go and plan their world around families and grandchild. But most important, we are all loving watching the nieces and nephews growing and maturing into incredible people, seven of whom have reached technical adulthood. I hope they know I remember holding them, kissing them, sledding with them, skiing with them, and being a part of their lives. I hope they never forget that all we want to do some days is hold them and squeeze them, like we did when they were babies. I hope they love me as much as I love them. This post is dedicated to my nieces and nephews, the whole lot of you. I know one day there will be a time when something will change these dynamics, but as we have all done through thick and thin, we'll all stand united and do whatever it takes to "get us through" tough times. WE ARE BLESSED.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Thanks to Stan, Facebook, and a few dedicated people, this past weekend event of having a Wood Jr. Class get together actually happened. Somewhere along the way, most of us lost contact. Some us were good friends and some of us were just there getting thru school. Now thanks to the modern technology, we all were able to make some contacts and walla, it happened. Anyone that has ever been "in-charge" of planning something like this, even casual and informal, knows it requires a lot of planning and making arrangements. Stan was so gracious to take on the task. He spent hours debating with everyone on the perfect time, place and details. He picked the perfect place, Veteran's Park, in Tupelo. Many home folks didn't even know that park existed. It was a perfect weather date. Many of us were not so excited about the sun and heat of a picnic, but the weather cooperated and made it so pleasant. It was overcast and the temp. was tolerable. Several people in the class still remained friends and dedicated to the Memory of our past.

When I first heard about the gathering, I must say I was a bit skeptical. Like another friend said, "I can't believe we're doing this, as hard as we tried to get out of that place." It was actually a little comical when we arrived. I quickly scanned the crowd, and sure enough, there were only a couple of familiar faces. But everyone was, pleasant and started trying to remember who we all were, and what part we played in the Class of 75-76. Stan of course, was the great host, and made sure everyone was introduced. We all had aged, some more gracefully than others. Several had maintained their friendships. Someone brought old yearbooks. A couple of people still looked the same. But, all in all, we still had the same hearts, memories and spins on the Ole Alma Moter. Many had individual stories about the many pranks and happenings at Wood. All had stories to share about classmates, confessions about pranks, that at some point in our lives, had been sworn to secrecy. All had family pictures and stories to share about what everyone was doing. All had favorite teachers and staff that remained dedicated to Wood. But most of all, we all shared a common bond for a place, where we started our adult lives, established our new roles of becoming independent, and started on this journey called "LIFE." We were not out of the norm of any other group that bonds. We all had a place, time and memories to share. Now what better way, than to meet, sit around, share a hot dog and coke, and just visit and reminisce. We all were the same. We all left Saturday, just like we did when we left Wood. Some quickly, some meandering, some off to another happening, some back home to their families, and some just blowing in the wind waiting for the next bend in the river. Thanks Stan for continuing to be the leader, a guiding light and tie that binds us. You did Good!!!!

Jordon Lindsey's Prayer Request

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jordanlindsey

Please pray today that Jordan and his family's prayers are answered.

Easy Gardening Tips & Recycling

Two fellow bloggers have a couple of neat ideas to share about gardening & recycling. Both are simple and easy.
1. Growing Spuds in Old Tires:
http://www.deludeddiva.com/growing-spuds-in-old-tires/

2. Groing a Raised Garden using old Kiddy Pools:
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05/raised-bed-gardens-in-30-minutes.html#comment-19130

Just what I like fast simple and recycling.
Share any new ideas you may have for the garden.

Spring is Definately in the Air

Every yard in Banner and Calhoun County has something interesting. Several people that live there are elderly and this has been their home for many years. Over time they have planted, grafted, imported, and tested many variety of flowers and trees. Like a whole lot of things, the tried and true traditional plants are the most beautiful. It begins with the yellow flowers peeking thru on these cold chilly mornings. We can not imagine it is time for spring, but at our house that is the first signal. Soon we start to see Jonquil's budding, and green onions sprouting. Tulips were next. Then at last the real sign of SPRING....Dogwoods and Red bud trees. On my daily commute from Oxford, I think I have the privilege of seeing some of the most beautiful landscapes. How could anyone not believe and appreciate the beauty of these beautiful colors springing up all over. This week I have verbena blooming as well as iris. I am no means a garden or yard person. But I do not what I like to see. I hope people will take the time to take the back roads around Banner and Calhoun County and just enjoy the beautiful scenery that is abundant. Until my next wild hair.....Take an afternoon and just RIDE!!!! I'd be willing to be if you'd just be respectful and ask, some of these ladies would love to show you their gardens and share the beautiful plants for your yard too. Let me know where you have seen some new and beautiful blooming yards....I want to liik to. The first person who responds to this will have a yard prize on the way.

This is What Friends ARE For

I know that sounds pretty corny, but truly, you know you have very special friends, when you can go for days, months, and sometimes years and never talk. Then out of the blue, there they are, and it's like you just saw them yesterday. This past month has been full of those little blurps that happpen along life's way.

First, I had an email, that I almost did not open. You know with all the spam filters, scares of viruses, etc., you are never sure what to really read and what to cull. But something led me to think I should at least take a look. It was from a friend who I had known briefly, during the "Splinter Tech Days." If you don't know what that is, it's not important. But, this person was on a mission to re-unite some friends from college. We were all young, on our first venture to live away from home, not knowing where life would send us, or with who? As it turned out this person had also connected with another mutual friend. The last time we had talked was all most 20 years ago. then, whala...the phone rang. She had seen the email about the same time I had. It was such a blessing.

Second, this same person who is coordinating all the reunion, told several of us about some books he had recently authored. I was looking for something to read, so I ordered the first in a series. I read it cover to cover, in just hours. If your interested, it is "Encounters" by Stan Brewer. As it turned out, it is a christian novel, but when you really know our friends, it's more autobography than a novel. I'm so ready to have time to actually read the next three he has published. Imagine reading something that your a little familiar with, isn't full of vulgar and cursing, keeps your attention, but has some very thought prevoking ideas. It certainly has validated a lot of my thoughts.

Then this weekend, late on Sat., the phone rings again. It is a friend, who because of family circumstances with both parties, can't always have time to have a "girls night out." We try to have lunch as often as we can, but we seem to always have family stuff, that superceeds or fun time. But she had been in Memphis and gone to see a Musical Comedy at the Orphuem. She said we just "had" to work out a way for us to go on Sunday, and see it together. She assurend me it was a comedy, but we would be not only laughing at it, but ourselves as well. So, my dear husband, agreed to ride with me to Memphis, drop me off, and occupy his time, so I could have so me and together time with one of my very best friends. We certainly had a great time, and some really good, down in the gut, take your breath away, laughs. It's amazing what just a few minutes of laughter and time for yourself, can do to re-kindle the spirit.

As everyday passes, there are so many tragic moments happening all around us. I am so grateful to have family, friends and co -workers. We all can support each other thru thick and thin. We all seem to know when to let life roll along, and when to just "make that call." Today, don't let another minute go by. Stop and make that call and have a good laugh. Open up your eyes and your heart. Read, relax, laugh, and enjoy the Spring. You'll realize then, that life is grand, and "that's what friends are for." Is'n technology grand?

Fun to see who does this

A friend of mine has this on her blog and I thought it sounded like fun. So this is how it works: The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive a gift.Hmm...we'll see if I can get at least 3 comments. Lately, I've been getting almost none. :(

New Year at Banner

We all take for granite what we have in life. As I look at the 2009 New Year, I know that we have a great life. Our family is near, close, and we all care deeply for each other. Does not mean that situations are difficult, but that is what makes us unique. Our families are healthy. None of us are "wealthy" when it comes to money, but we have wealth in each other. Not many families have all that we have. For this I am so grateful and blessed. We have safe places to live, we all have jobs, our children are healthy and adjusted, and most of all we have freedom to live as we enjoy. Banner is a place off Highway 9W, that if you blink you'll miss. Now don't get confused, it is 9W, not 9 Highway. It is filled with history & good neighbors that look out for each other. None of us do the traditional visiting, that used to occur, but we all look out for one another. We have a small store, several churches, a cemetary, pet cemetary, easy access to many locations, land around us, wildlife, trees, pets and varmits, you name it, and we probably have it. People go and come each day, watch out for each other, check on each other, and ocassionally visit. We have all a good life....Nope, WE HAVE A GREAT LIFE!!! Happy 2009.