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.