Leave it to a sister to tell you like it is! Ha!
My mom and sisters told me that they don't like my "new look" on my blog. "The other one was just soooooo you," they said. "But I wanted something a little more grown up, a little more sophisticated," I explained. To which they replied (in unison, I might add!). "But you're not sophisticated."
Oh.
I see.
I guess I was hoping to fool y'all into thinking I'm sophisticated.
I guess it failed.
Maybe I'll start smoking.
He he.
Have a great day!
Thanking God for giving me sisters to keep me humble! (oh, you know I love you!)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
M is the youngest of six children. Our children are the 15th, 6th, 17th, and 18th grandchildren on his side of the family. Add in 6 spouses and all of that makes for a very LARGE family reunion.
For the past four or five years, we've celebrated the Arnall Independence Day Family Reunion as close to the 4th of July as possible. This past weekend was as close to July 4th as we could get!
The Arnall family tries to get together three times a year - once to celebrate Christmas, once the weekend before Easter for the Arnall Family Easter Eggstravaganza in Tennessee, and once in the summer. Everyone (well, most everyone) makes an effort to attend each of these family functions. Vacations are cut short, work schedules are re-arranged, kid's sporting events are cancelled or forgotten, call schedules are swapped, and kids are even checked out of school early if need be.
I will never forget the first Christmas that his parents had the entire clan to the mountains to celebrate Christmas. AA was 9 months old and I was overcome with emotion as I watched all of her cousins listen to their Grandaddy read the Christmas Story out of the Bible. They were reminded of the real reason for Christmas before they exchanged their many gifts. I knew then that my children would be creating a lifetime of memories with this wonderful family who places such an emphasis on family.
Yesterday was just as touching as that Christmas that I experienced nearly 9 years ago. In keeping with Arnall tradition, we baked 72 cinnamon rolls for breakfast that morning, followed by a short Bible story led by Uncle David. Following our little church service, Grandmother Arnall read a clipping from a newspaper that she found especially touching. With tears in her eyes and a trembling voice, she reminded us all that while we are out skiing, rope swinging, tubing, and simply enjoying the gift and fellowship of family, we should be reminded and we should give thanks to those brave men who literally put their lives on the line when they signed the Declaration of Independence. Many were killed, tortured, impoverished, or even had children who were captured and killed by the British because their fathers had signed the Declaration. She gave us specific examples of specific families. And she reminded us all that they did this so that we could enjoy freedom and enjoy each other.
4TH OF JULY
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants,nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his Ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire.The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves,returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots.
It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!
4TH OF JULY
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants,nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his Ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire.The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves,returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots.
It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!
Thanking God today for the sacrifices made by others so that my children can enjoy each other, their grandparents, and their cousins.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Greetings from Stone Mountain! (although this pic was actually taken in the parking lot by a big rock!)
Monday was okay. One thing is for sure...Stone Mountain is NOT the Magic Kingdom! No smiles, "Welcome to Stone Mountain"'s, no valet, no perfectly manicured bushes, no music in the background, no "Thank You"'s, no direction. Just some rude, under-paid, over-heated employees who didn't want to look up from their texting to see what you needed.
But Monday night...OMGosh!! I had never been to a Braves game before Monday night and let me tell ya...I have been missing out on some fun! It was a complete BLAST! I am officially a Braves fan! I may even get a dog and name him "Chipper"! The kids had SO MUCH FUN! And I felt like a kid myself!
FUN, FUN, FUN at the Brave's game!
"Yummy fun" at The Varsity (of course Kit Kat left hungry because "that chicken looks nasty and so do those french fries):
L'il Man working it on the climbing wall:
Look at that girl go:
At the laser show:
On Sunday, the family and I set out on a little road trip to Stone Mountain, Georgia. I haven't decided yet if I recommend it.
Sunday night was definitely my favorite time on the mountain. They had an awesome laser show against the side of the mountain, complete with fireworks, Sweet Home Alabama, and "Georgia" by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. So what's not to like?! The weather was perfect, the music was great, the general mood was one of patriotism mixed with Southern pride. I LIKED it. Unfortunately, it was downhill from there (except for the Brave's game!)
"Yummy fun" at The Varsity (of course Kit Kat left hungry because "that chicken looks nasty and so do those french fries):
L'il Man working it on the climbing wall:
Look at that girl go:
At the laser show:
On Sunday, the family and I set out on a little road trip to Stone Mountain, Georgia. I haven't decided yet if I recommend it.
Sunday night was definitely my favorite time on the mountain. They had an awesome laser show against the side of the mountain, complete with fireworks, Sweet Home Alabama, and "Georgia" by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. So what's not to like?! The weather was perfect, the music was great, the general mood was one of patriotism mixed with Southern pride. I LIKED it. Unfortunately, it was downhill from there (except for the Brave's game!)
Monday was okay. One thing is for sure...Stone Mountain is NOT the Magic Kingdom! No smiles, "Welcome to Stone Mountain"'s, no valet, no perfectly manicured bushes, no music in the background, no "Thank You"'s, no direction. Just some rude, under-paid, over-heated employees who didn't want to look up from their texting to see what you needed.
But Monday night...OMGosh!! I had never been to a Braves game before Monday night and let me tell ya...I have been missing out on some fun! It was a complete BLAST! I am officially a Braves fan! I may even get a dog and name him "Chipper"! The kids had SO MUCH FUN! And I felt like a kid myself!
Go to The Varsity before you go to the game! The kids loved it - it was fun, exciting, yummy, something new and different.
And now I'm at the end of this post, and I still haven't decided if I recommend Stone Mountain. I guess I don't. But then, again, maybe I should ask the kids. They enjoyed it. I didn't like the actual park, but I liked everything outside of it. There was a quaint little downtown area in Stone Mountain (the actual town, not he park) with a yummy little Italian restaurant. On the way back from dinner, we pulled off on the side of the road, took our shoes off, and played in the creek. I'd much rather do something like that than stand in line for 45 minutes to climb a fake wall. The trip was economical, so I can't complain about that. And the hotel in the park was actually really nice. So I guess if you're looking for a quick, economical staycation, I do recommend Stone Mountain, but be sure to go to a Brave's game while you are there! Don't just go for Stone Mountain.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Giveaway Winner!!
Thanks for your comments on The Help! I literally put the names in a hat and had one of my children pull a name out of the hat. AAA drew Ashleigh's name! Ashleigh, I am headed out of town but will be back Wednesday. I'll come by Thursday with your book - I'll leave it in your mailbox if you aren't home. I think I remember where you live because I came to your garage sale! You are going to LOVE the book!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Misdiagnosis
A few weeks ago...in fact, it was July 4th weekend...we smoked a ton of ribs while we were at the lake. Unbeknownst (is that really a word?) to me, M saved the bones for our dog, Belle. He put them in a ziploc and stuck them in the refrigerator. The next day, L'il Man asked if there were any ribs left over. I looked and saw the ziploc bag full of bones and pulled a few out to give to L'il Man. HE asked, seemingly grossed out, "Have those been chewed on??" "No", I replied, that's just the way ribs look when you pull them apart. Sometimes the meat comes off when you pull them apart (it's true!). He says, "Nevermind. I don't want to eat a rib that looks like it's been chewed on." Lucky for him, M walked in about that time and said, "Those are for Belle!"
Now here's where this story really begins. Every day for about a week, I'd give Belle a bone in the morning and one in the afternoon. The same week that I was giving her the bones, M noticed that she was having a hard time walking. He told me to keep an eye on her because he was concerned that she might have "a brain tumor or something." Gulp. I was not prepared for that!
Poor Belle! All of a sudden I felt this instant surge of emotion and guilt as I thought about how much I had neglected her since I started having children. "She's been so sweet with the kids. Always loving and gentle. Just allows them to do whatever they want to with her. she's worn capes, crowns, necklace, hair bows. She's been ridden like a horse, chased with a water hose, given a pink pedicure by a four year old, sprayed with Bath and Body Works strawberry body mist (with glitter).", I thought to myself as I fought back tears. I was determined to make up for my negligence during her last few weeks (or days? who knew). I loved on her, rubbed her belly, scratched behind her ears and under her neck, and gave her even more bones! I told her how special she was and how much I loved her. I thanked her for being the best dog ever!
And then I also noticed that she was having a hard time keeping her legs under her body. They would just kind of slip out from under her when she walked. It was especially noticeable when she would come inside.
Of course M and I didn't say anything to the kids about our suspicions. Thank goodness! It took one of our genius kids to point out while laughing at Belle, "Look at Belle's legs! She can't walk cuz her paws are so greasy from all those bones! Ha ha ha!"
And THAT is exactly what the correct diagnosis was!
Ha!
Thanking God today for sweet, soulful Belle!
Now here's where this story really begins. Every day for about a week, I'd give Belle a bone in the morning and one in the afternoon. The same week that I was giving her the bones, M noticed that she was having a hard time walking. He told me to keep an eye on her because he was concerned that she might have "a brain tumor or something." Gulp. I was not prepared for that!
Poor Belle! All of a sudden I felt this instant surge of emotion and guilt as I thought about how much I had neglected her since I started having children. "She's been so sweet with the kids. Always loving and gentle. Just allows them to do whatever they want to with her. she's worn capes, crowns, necklace, hair bows. She's been ridden like a horse, chased with a water hose, given a pink pedicure by a four year old, sprayed with Bath and Body Works strawberry body mist (with glitter).", I thought to myself as I fought back tears. I was determined to make up for my negligence during her last few weeks (or days? who knew). I loved on her, rubbed her belly, scratched behind her ears and under her neck, and gave her even more bones! I told her how special she was and how much I loved her. I thanked her for being the best dog ever!
And then I also noticed that she was having a hard time keeping her legs under her body. They would just kind of slip out from under her when she walked. It was especially noticeable when she would come inside.
Of course M and I didn't say anything to the kids about our suspicions. Thank goodness! It took one of our genius kids to point out while laughing at Belle, "Look at Belle's legs! She can't walk cuz her paws are so greasy from all those bones! Ha ha ha!"
And THAT is exactly what the correct diagnosis was!
Ha!
Thanking God today for sweet, soulful Belle!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Having a bad day?? Read this.
There is a little girl, Macey King, who lives in New York and has cancer. I was introduced to her CaringBridge site through Carly Parker's site. The King family is incredible. Macey's faith and wisdom is astounding for a ten year old little girl. She obviously comes by it naturally as her parents are two beautiful people with an amazing faith. I write in their journal often and tell them that I feel like they are a part of our family although we've never even met them. They have touched my life in many ways. The children and I pray for Macey every night and I check her Caring Bridge site each time it is updated. I've been doing this for over a year now and I honestly feel a special connection to the King family. It's rare that leave the computer with dry eyes after reading their journal.
As I read what Kim, Macey's mom, wrote today, I felt so ashamed of myself. How often do I lose my patience or feel frustrated with my life over the simplest of things?!
Read what Kim wrote today after she administered chemotherapy to her ten year old daughter while her toddler, Sammy, reeked havoc and ran wild:
There was one day where he was tearing stuff apart and as I ran, with my thick purple chemo gloves on to stop him, I starting getting frustrated by the inconvenience of this illness and toddlerhood mixed together. I quickly remembered a program I had heard the day before on the radio about the people in Northern Uganda who have to wait with 5000 other people to get to clean water from one well. It had occurred to me when I was listening that with that culture climate they wouldn’t have the medical care that we do and that I am so lucky to be able to give my daughter medicine that makes her better. They love their children every bit as much as I do.
Everything is so relative to our expectations of life and what we think we deserve. So I thought, while Macey is feeling good and Sammy isn’t actually burning down our house, I should be grateful for what I have and the country I live in and so many other privileges I have in this modern day. God could have put us anywhere, in any time in history, and He chose now and here so who am I to have a better plan. This plan suites just what we need.
I'm kind of at a loss for words.
Feel free to visit Macey's site and give her a word of encouragement. I am sure, however, that YOU will be the one who feels strengthened, blessed, and encouraged after reading her story.http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maceyking
Thanking God today for the blessing of healthy children. And for perspective.
As I read what Kim, Macey's mom, wrote today, I felt so ashamed of myself. How often do I lose my patience or feel frustrated with my life over the simplest of things?!
Read what Kim wrote today after she administered chemotherapy to her ten year old daughter while her toddler, Sammy, reeked havoc and ran wild:
There was one day where he was tearing stuff apart and as I ran, with my thick purple chemo gloves on to stop him, I starting getting frustrated by the inconvenience of this illness and toddlerhood mixed together. I quickly remembered a program I had heard the day before on the radio about the people in Northern Uganda who have to wait with 5000 other people to get to clean water from one well. It had occurred to me when I was listening that with that culture climate they wouldn’t have the medical care that we do and that I am so lucky to be able to give my daughter medicine that makes her better. They love their children every bit as much as I do.
Everything is so relative to our expectations of life and what we think we deserve. So I thought, while Macey is feeling good and Sammy isn’t actually burning down our house, I should be grateful for what I have and the country I live in and so many other privileges I have in this modern day. God could have put us anywhere, in any time in history, and He chose now and here so who am I to have a better plan. This plan suites just what we need.
I'm kind of at a loss for words.
Feel free to visit Macey's site and give her a word of encouragement. I am sure, however, that YOU will be the one who feels strengthened, blessed, and encouraged after reading her story.http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maceyking
Thanking God today for the blessing of healthy children. And for perspective.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Girlfriends...I have been too busy!
Last Friday, AAA and I headed to Scott's on Atlanta to hook up with two of my sisters. They were both in Atlanta, but only one made it to Scott's on Friday. Anyway, it was wonderful! I picked up LOTS of goodies for LaTda.
I have so many projects that are halfway done. I have committed to finishing all projects THIS WEEK, so I have been extra busy. But the really good news is...the booth next to LaTda became available so I expanded! Now one booth is basically children's stuff while the other side is grown-up stuff. As my 6 year old said today, "This feels like a playroom." I am drawn to vintage kid's toys, books, and art. I have accumulated so much of it since I opened LaTda, but it has never really fit into "the look" that the rest of my booth has, so it has just grown into this huge pile in my guest room. What a relief to be able to take it all out, price it, and display it in the new booth!
The other side of my booth looks like this:
iv>
Rumor has it that larger pieces like tables and chairs sell better during July and August because college students are looking for inexpensive ways to decorate their apartments. With this in mind, I hit the thrift stores looking for furniture that I could upgrade. I scored when I happened upon these four solid oak chairs with barley twist legs and fabric (well, vinyl) covered seats. I was too impatient to sand and strip them, but I did sand and paint them a nice satin black. I sanded and painted the top of the table that I found at a later date. I'm selling the chairs separately from the table, but I think they look pretty good together. Anyway...here are the before shots:
Here is one of the projects I'm into right now (and I WILL be done by the end of the week!):
The above is a solid wood (heart pine drawer fronts - I know, I know, I probably shouldn't have painted them) filing cabinet. I can't believe I didn't take a "before" shot. I was halfway into priming it when I realized I hadn't done so. I have big plans for this baby. I can't wait to show you the "after" shot.
But I have to leave you with this last picture. This was by far my favorite thing that I saw at Scott's on Friday!
< (Look at that tooth !)
Last Friday, AAA and I headed to Scott's on Atlanta to hook up with two of my sisters. They were both in Atlanta, but only one made it to Scott's on Friday. Anyway, it was wonderful! I picked up LOTS of goodies for LaTda.
I have so many projects that are halfway done. I have committed to finishing all projects THIS WEEK, so I have been extra busy. But the really good news is...the booth next to LaTda became available so I expanded! Now one booth is basically children's stuff while the other side is grown-up stuff. As my 6 year old said today, "This feels like a playroom." I am drawn to vintage kid's toys, books, and art. I have accumulated so much of it since I opened LaTda, but it has never really fit into "the look" that the rest of my booth has, so it has just grown into this huge pile in my guest room. What a relief to be able to take it all out, price it, and display it in the new booth!
The other side of my booth looks like this:
iv>
Rumor has it that larger pieces like tables and chairs sell better during July and August because college students are looking for inexpensive ways to decorate their apartments. With this in mind, I hit the thrift stores looking for furniture that I could upgrade. I scored when I happened upon these four solid oak chairs with barley twist legs and fabric (well, vinyl) covered seats. I was too impatient to sand and strip them, but I did sand and paint them a nice satin black. I sanded and painted the top of the table that I found at a later date. I'm selling the chairs separately from the table, but I think they look pretty good together. Anyway...here are the before shots:
Here is one of the projects I'm into right now (and I WILL be done by the end of the week!):
The above is a solid wood (heart pine drawer fronts - I know, I know, I probably shouldn't have painted them) filing cabinet. I can't believe I didn't take a "before" shot. I was halfway into priming it when I realized I hadn't done so. I have big plans for this baby. I can't wait to show you the "after" shot.
But I have to leave you with this last picture. This was by far my favorite thing that I saw at Scott's on Friday!
< (Look at that tooth !)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fun Times (no, really)
M and I headed to the metropolis of Phenix City Saturday night, along with another couple, to see The Marshall Tucker Band.
Good times were had despite the fact that:
1. we got lost along the way
2. they were sold out and we had to sit OUTSIDE of the amphitheater
3. the lead singer's voice was SHOT!
4. drunk girls sang on stage
5. rednecks were everywhere
6. all they had to drink was Budweiser
7. they didn't even sing the one song I came to hear!
I wish you could have seen us asking for directions outside of the Family Dollar in Phenix City.
"Excuse me, sir. Do you know where the amphitheater is?" All of a sudden there are three or four people pointing in different directions. Then they started arguing with each other, "Fool, they going' to the amphitheater! They take a LEFT at KFC!"
Elizabeth started giggling. M told her later, "Next time, don't start laughing until AFTER I roll up the window."
We finally arrived at the amphitheater. Unfortunately we were late and they were sold out of tickets. But that's okay, we had a great spot right outside of the gate.
About halfway into the concert, as people were leaving (because their ears hurt since the lead singer's voice inflicted pain onto the human ear), the local Barney Fife let us go in for free! Yay!!
Elizabeth and I "people watched". We learned a little bit about "what not to wear". Although as M later pointed out, "If you're getting your fashion advice from Phenix City, something ain't right." Although he did point out to me, "Um, please don't wear a dress like that when you're fifty." No problem.
And if you're sitting here wondering, "Who in the heck is The Marchall Tucker Band?!" , they are the ones who sing, "Can't ya see, Can't ya see.....What that woman (da da da da) She been doin' to me". That's their best song. And guess what....THEY DIDN'T EVEN SING IT!
But like I said, despite the list mentioned above, we actually had a blast! For these reasons:
1. the weather was awesome
2. the Mexican food was the best I've ever had (I am not lying!)
3. the Budweiser was cold and I was thirsty
4. we got in FREE
5. at least the flutist guy could sing
6. Elizabeth and Joe are FUN!
7.and the skinny redneck a few rows in front of us loved The Marshall Tucker Band so much that it warmed my heart!
(I bet Joe is going to be mad that I posted this picture!)
Good times were had despite the fact that:
1. we got lost along the way
2. they were sold out and we had to sit OUTSIDE of the amphitheater
3. the lead singer's voice was SHOT!
4. drunk girls sang on stage
5. rednecks were everywhere
6. all they had to drink was Budweiser
7. they didn't even sing the one song I came to hear!
I wish you could have seen us asking for directions outside of the Family Dollar in Phenix City.
"Excuse me, sir. Do you know where the amphitheater is?" All of a sudden there are three or four people pointing in different directions. Then they started arguing with each other, "Fool, they going' to the amphitheater! They take a LEFT at KFC!"
Elizabeth started giggling. M told her later, "Next time, don't start laughing until AFTER I roll up the window."
We finally arrived at the amphitheater. Unfortunately we were late and they were sold out of tickets. But that's okay, we had a great spot right outside of the gate.
About halfway into the concert, as people were leaving (because their ears hurt since the lead singer's voice inflicted pain onto the human ear), the local Barney Fife let us go in for free! Yay!!
Elizabeth and I "people watched". We learned a little bit about "what not to wear". Although as M later pointed out, "If you're getting your fashion advice from Phenix City, something ain't right." Although he did point out to me, "Um, please don't wear a dress like that when you're fifty." No problem.
And if you're sitting here wondering, "Who in the heck is The Marchall Tucker Band?!" , they are the ones who sing, "Can't ya see, Can't ya see.....What that woman (da da da da) She been doin' to me". That's their best song. And guess what....THEY DIDN'T EVEN SING IT!
But like I said, despite the list mentioned above, we actually had a blast! For these reasons:
1. the weather was awesome
2. the Mexican food was the best I've ever had (I am not lying!)
3. the Budweiser was cold and I was thirsty
4. we got in FREE
5. at least the flutist guy could sing
6. Elizabeth and Joe are FUN!
7.and the skinny redneck a few rows in front of us loved The Marshall Tucker Band so much that it warmed my heart!
(I bet Joe is going to be mad that I posted this picture!)Friday, July 10, 2009
Another great read...
The Help, by Kathryn Stockett (who also happens to be a sorority sister and former c0-worker of mine!).
I just finished another great book. I looked forward to reading this every night this week and stayed up waaaaay past my bedtime each night! This book was set in Mississippi during the 60's, an extremely controversial time in our history as it was at the birth of the civil rights movement. I'll tell ya...after reading about life during the sixties, I had some hope about our current state of affairs. However, I don't think that was the point of the book at all.
The book explores the relationship not only between women, but specifically between white women and their hired help during the sixties. I found myself dying laughing in some parts of the book, while crying my eyes out in other parts. I pulled for so many characters in the book, yet pulled against so many, as well.
I felt inspired, I felt ashamed, I felt hopeless, I felt hopeful. I felt connected. To women. All women. Regardless of age, shape, size, or color. As one of the characters so poignantly stated, "We are just two people. Not that much separates us really. Not nearly as much as I had thought."
I just finished another great book. I looked forward to reading this every night this week and stayed up waaaaay past my bedtime each night! This book was set in Mississippi during the 60's, an extremely controversial time in our history as it was at the birth of the civil rights movement. I'll tell ya...after reading about life during the sixties, I had some hope about our current state of affairs. However, I don't think that was the point of the book at all.
The book explores the relationship not only between women, but specifically between white women and their hired help during the sixties. I found myself dying laughing in some parts of the book, while crying my eyes out in other parts. I pulled for so many characters in the book, yet pulled against so many, as well.
I felt inspired, I felt ashamed, I felt hopeless, I felt hopeful. I felt connected. To women. All women. Regardless of age, shape, size, or color. As one of the characters so poignantly stated, "We are just two people. Not that much separates us really. Not nearly as much as I had thought."
I was reminded that ordinary women can be heroic. I was reminded, and I was encouraged.
In honor of this book, I'm hosting a GIVE AWAY. Just leave a comment. I'll send you the book - and if you live nearby, I'll hand deliver it!
Happy Reading!
(Since only a handful of you read my blog...your chances are great!)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Intentionality
(I made -up that word !)
This past weekend I had the awful realization that summer is halfway over! Noooooo! We aren't ready for the busy-ness (made that one up, too) of fall!
I work really hard to keep our summers from being busy and stressful. I don't sign up the kids for sports, camps, crafts, or even VBS. About the only thing we commit to doing is taking swimming lessons at the beginning of the summer.
However, with the realization that summer is halfway over, we decided to be a bit more intentional with our days.
Hence our list:
They may not all actually happen, but we'll aim high!
Thanking God today for lazy summers!
This past weekend I had the awful realization that summer is halfway over! Noooooo! We aren't ready for the busy-ness (made that one up, too) of fall!
I work really hard to keep our summers from being busy and stressful. I don't sign up the kids for sports, camps, crafts, or even VBS. About the only thing we commit to doing is taking swimming lessons at the beginning of the summer.
However, with the realization that summer is halfway over, we decided to be a bit more intentional with our days.
Hence our list:
They may not all actually happen, but we'll aim high!Thanking God today for lazy summers!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Say It Ain't So...
Last week I did some serious "Summer Cleaning". (I think I procrastinated and Spring Cleaning became Summer Cleaning!). At then end of the week, I had two large white garbage bags full of stuff for the thrift store, two large white garbage bags full of trash, and one large white garbage bag full of my dry cleaning. I knew when I put my dry cleaning in the white garbage bag that it was NOT a good idea.
And I was right.
It was NOT a good idea.
I accidentally "donated" my dry cleaning to the thrift store.
Yep.
And the clothes have yet to be recovered.
Not good!
(Somebody's thanking God today for some really great clothes they found at the thrift store!)
And I was right.
It was NOT a good idea.
I accidentally "donated" my dry cleaning to the thrift store.
Yep.
And the clothes have yet to be recovered.
Not good!
(Somebody's thanking God today for some really great clothes they found at the thrift store!)
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