Writing Class

I had a long and varied list of college majors, changing my course of study nearly every semester. That was a major factor in turning my four-year college career into six. OK. There were other factors, too, but who's counting.

One subject I always had a passion for was English. I loved reading and I loved writing, so even if I happened to be majoring in Psychology or Exercise Science, a literature or writing course was always part of my repertoire.

In 1989 I enrolled in Jane Smiley's creative writing class. I didn't know much about her published work at that time, and frankly didn't really care. The only reason I took her English 301 class was because it happened to fit into my schedule. By the end of her class, however, she had instilled a passion for writing that's still with me today.

By the way, I found out she was quite a writer. Three years after I took her class, her novel, A Thousand Acres , won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Jane was tall and unassuming. I once heard her say she wore khaki pants and a white or chambray button-up shirt every day. Not having to think about what to wear freed up space in her mind for more important things. She also had a thing for Tootsie pops.

She taught us the art of putting words together to make sentences, paragraphs, pages and books.

She showed us the power of just one word...

I love.
I love somebody.
I love somebody else.

We each had a thick spiral notebook which held our prose from a series of writing sessions, composed the first ten minutes of each class. We were to write constantly, letting the words flow without concern for subject, sentence style, grammar or spelling.

We were taught the word that is highly overused in writing and usually not necessary. Read through something you've written, deleting all of the thats. You will see what I mean.

Jane encouraged us to write about the things and people and places we know. She encouraged us to make the ordinary extraordinary by writing about it through a microscope. "Don't write about the carnival," she'd say. "Write about the blue horse on the carousel that leans a little to the left."

She helped us do that by taking us on walks around campus, suddenly saying, "Stop! Look! Write about it!" "It" could be a tree, ISU's beloved Campanile, or a gutter full of trash.

These days, Jane Smiley has become a poster child for the far political left. And she doesn't fill the role very eloquently. I think she uses her ability to write as a way to name call and bash the current Administration in a flowery and descriptive way. Name calling and bashing, no matter how well it's written, just isn't cool.

I don't like the kind of writer she's become, but I still appreciate the kind of writer - and teacher - she was to me.

And, I know that I will always cherish the special Tootsie pop memories of English 301.

One Year

Today marks the first anniversary of my blog. That's a blogiversary, I guess. It actually snuck up on me. I can't believe it's been a year already! I have mulled over many ideas for this post including writing a really creative poem about blogging, a post in which all the words I write form the number "1", and a word post using all my blogging friends' names, blog titles and snippets of highlights from the year.


Instead, I have a real-life story that surpasses any of those.

On the morning of July 29, 2006, I created my blog but hadn't yet posted. I didn't know if I'd ever post much at all, and I certainly had no creative direction or ideas about the kind of blog I'd eventually try to create. I also had no idea that I'd meet such wonderful blogging friends along the way, and read amazing, funny and touching stories to boot.

Instead, that same day, I was googling the name of a bicyclist who had been brutally murdered on a bike trail in this area a few days prior. What little information I'd heard lead me to think she might be a member of our church. I learned she wasn't, but she was a very active in the homeschooling community here and was beloved by many homeschoolers, including several at our church. That google search lead me to Meredith, a homeschooling mom of three and a member of the same church we attend.

I was interested in her blog and in homeschooling. We've never considered it as an option for our children but I have nothing against homeschoolers. I am a firm believer that whatever works for your family is what's best. But, then I came across a post Meredith had written a year earlier (so two years ago now) about hearing of a fellow church member who was going back to work part-time and putting her child in daycare. Meredith was mad...she was outraged. So, I commented on her blog, simply asking why a mother putting a child in daycare made her so angry. And her response is the first comment on the first post of my blog.

Though our beliefs about working moms vs. stay at home/homeschool moms were on opposite sides of the fence, I kept reading Meredith's blog. I read because she writes so well about the Bible and her journey with the Lord and about her faith and her children and her family. I read because we had so much in common. I read because I really liked her.

Now, today...exactly one year later. Meredith and I met in Sunday School... in real life. Our husbands were there, too, and we all met. I thought I noticed her across the room last week, and I emailed her saying I was certain it was her but I got sidetracked and I didn't get a chance to say hello. She emailed me back saying she'd be there again today. She said she'd read my blog now and then and that she's really had a change of heart regarding judging others who choose not to homeschool and stay at home with their children. She told me she has been convicted about loving people for who they are. "You have blessed me," she said.

And, I feel the same about her.

The lesson in Sunday School today was This is the day that the Lord has made. Not tomorrow or yesterday, but this day. We are to rejoice in this day. Too many of us fear tomorrow and have guilt about yesterday.

And then our class leader asked us to turn to John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

And I read further to John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Isn't it fitting, this verse on this day?

Last year Meredith and I were two women, two wives, two mothers, seemingly on different sides of an issue. But today, this day, we met.

Purely and simply we met. Two women, two wives, two mothers, who love the Lord and have been blessed by one another. Sitting not in judgment of the other's choices, but in praise of our journey.

And I feel the same about all of you. My blogging friends bless me more than I can say. I think about you when I'm writing and I look forwarding to visiting all of you each week. You make me laugh and think and give thanks and even shed a tear now and then.

But more than anything else, you make me realize how much we all share. We're moms, wives, step-moms, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, friends, and neighbors.

You bless me. Each and every one of you. Really, and truly, you do.

This anniversary is a celebration of you.

I couldn't possibly ask for more.

Summer Salad

We're having dinner on our deck tonight and, while I was cooking, I thought I'd share our salad idea with you.

Since we have so many different preferences for salads around here, one day I decided to get down a pretty platter, slice some bib lettuce for the center, and surround it with all of our favorite toppings. Ours includes radishes, queen olives, carrots, cucumbers, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese and banana peppers.

Top with your favorite salad dressing and everyone has their own special salad. Plus it's pretty and colorful to boot. Enjoy!

Three Kids on a Deck

More Bloggy Goodness

The Thoughtful Blogger Award is for those who answer blog comments, emails, and make their visitors feel at home on their blogs. For the people who take others' feelings into consideration before speaking out and who are kind and courteous. Also for all of those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve, and fix their sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.

Kat passed along this award to me and I can't tell you how much it means coming from her. If anyone is thoughtful, she is. She always leaves such sweet comments, and every once in awhile she emails me directly, too. One of those times, she emailed me to tell me one of my posts wasn't accepting comments and I had no idea. We kind of laugh because we have so many things in common.... from the trials of being the captain of a tennis team to being mom's AND step-mom's. Thanks again, Kat.

5 Questions from Lauren

Also, Lauren had a neat post the other day answering five questions from a fellow blogger. I thought it would be fun to do, too, so Lauren sent these five questions to me. If you'd like try this, let me know and I'll email you five questions for your answering pleasure.

1. What is your favorite thing to do as a family? With a ten year age difference between our oldest and youngest, it's hard to find lots of outdoor activities in which everyone can partake. I guess the most enjoyable times for our family are simple things like going to the pool or playing at the park. It's nice to see the older kids play with Adam and they really have lots of fun together. Another thing we love (though Adam's too young now) is playing Board games. Scrabble and Rummikub are two of favorites.

2. Have you ever had a defining moment that shaped who you are today? I've had a few, but the one that comes to mind most often is my first semester in college. I dropped out two weeks before finals. I was in the Honors program and found myself, for the first time, making bad grades and really hating classes. In high school, good grades came easy and I got by without having to study much. In college, I was suddenly thrown in with the best of the best and it was hard to handle. I also had a really bad roommate in the dorms who got drunk and trashed the room early on, which didn't help matters. Dropping out two weeks before the end of the semester was a big waste, but I re-enrolled right away and eventually grew to find my niche in college. One thing I learned the second time around was to ask for help (from professors, advisers and fellow students) and it made a world of difference.

3. Do you have a favorite book or movie? My favorite book is The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck. I first read it in 7th grade and since then I've read it at least five more times. I like it so much because it's about ordinary people struggling not for fame or fortune, but for a good life and something to call their own.

4. What is your favorite comfort food? Oh gosh... I have so many. Right now a big bowl of rich and creamy mac n' cheese sounds divine.

5. Is there a passage of scripture that is particularly meaningful to you? Yes. It's the one in my blog header. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

A Lymerick

A basket of books by the door.
A little boy sits on the floor.
On the deck he did read.
With passion, not speed .
"Mama. Peez. Book. More."

If This Bag Could Talk

The other night as I was straightening up the house after dinner I decided I should go through Adam's diaper bag, clean it out and store it away. It's rarely used any more, because now he has a "school bag" that is much more conducive to being shoved in a little cubby during the day-- that is, when it's not being flung around the classroom by any number of sweet, precious little toddlers.

So I sat down beside the bag and began to reminisce a little. I bought the bag at a Franklin Covey store, on sale, about two weeks before my due date. I was at the store buying calendar refills for 2006 and a diaper bag was the last thing on my mind. Probably the first thing on my mind was "when's my next meal?" but I won't bore you with Tales of the Fifty Pound Weight Gain right now.

Anyway, I saw the bag on the 50% sale rack and didn't hesitate a minute to buy it because it was roomy, easy to see into, and an oh! so! fashionable! shade of blue. It never once crossed my mind that my husband wouldn't really be into carrying such a neat shade of blue...but he was a good sport about it all those months. A really good and fashionable sport.

As I began to clean out the bag, I found some funny things amongst the diapers and burp cloths: two packets of Splenda, Essie "Rock the Croc" nail polish, a business card for a graphics printer, two mints, dental floss, my library card, and a beer bottle cap.

What new mom doesn't cut calories with well-manicured nails while searching for graphics help, with fresh breath, clean teeth, a stack of books in her arms and a beer in her hand?

Once cleaned out, I put it on the top shelf in the foyer closet. I didn't intend to leave it there forever, just for a few days until I decided what to do with it: bronze it and put it on a stand in Adam's room or maybe carry it myself because it's so darn fashionable.

As I went about my other chores that night I couldn't stop thinking about that diaper bag. I wondered what stories it would tell if it could talk. It went with me everywhere the first year of Adam's life. It was my constant companion.

It might talk about those very first days after Adam came home. How I'd gingerly lay him in the car seat, buckle him in, tuck those blankets around his little body and hoist him into the car. It would tell you how carefully I packed in those early days. More than enough diapers, all in a neat row. Wash cloths, burp cloths, bibs, and at least two extra outfits, all matching, coordinated and in pristine condition.

It might laugh at my ziploc bag obsession...large, small and all sizes in between. So many uses, so many ziplocs.

And, oh! The bottles! That bag would tell you about the hundreds of bottles it carried around in its time. Eight ouncers, four ouncers, juice, formula, soy milk.... countless spills and near misses.

The bag had a special place in the bottom of the stroller. It fit just perfectly if the stroller back was upright. If it was fully reclined, the poor bag was a little squished, but I am sure it didn't mind. It liked shopping and boy, did we do some SHOPPING together! The ladies at Nordstrom knew us by name and they loved that bag. "I swear that could be a Kate Spade," they'd say. The bag liked that. Bags like Kate Spade.

I think the bag might also get you laughing with stories about the songs I'd sing to Adam. I'd make them up as I was driving. They weren't that good and I can't sing, but they seemed to do the trick.

And that bag has seen its share of tears. Oh, my. The tears. A new mama with a baby and miles to go before she gets home is a blubbering mess sometimes. The bag understood. It never let me down. It was always there, packed and blue and fashionable.

So tonight I moved it from the foyer to to Adam's closet. Inside, I tucked his first pair of shoes, a little outfit that's just too cute to part with, and his first little hat.

If that bag could talk, I'll bet it would be telling a bedtime story to my sweet little boy. I think it would like to come out of the closest and live life with us again, with new cargo to tote around.

It is, after all, very fashionable.

Baked Blueberry French Toast

I served this during my mom and sister-in-law's visit earlier this month and had several requests for the recipe. I hope you give it a try. You won't be sorry!

12 slices white bread with crusts removed
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, chilled
1 cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries - peaches are good, too
12 eggs
2 cups milk
1/3 cup maple syrup

Sauce:
1 cup sugar
2Tbs. cornstarch
1 cup water
1 cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries
1 Tbs. butter

Cut bread into 1 inch cubes. Put half of the bread in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Cut the cream cheese into 1 inch cubes and place over bread. Top with blueberries and remaining bread. In bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and syrup and mix well. Pour over bread mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is set. Remove from oven and let set 10 minutes before serving.

In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in blueberries. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until fruit has burst. Stir in melted butter.

Spoon toast as individual servings with sauce over.
**You can also serve with warm maple syrup in place of the sauce.

Date Night

Ecco in downtown Atlanta

July 21, 2007

Just the two of us.

Aaaahhhh.....

See you back here on Monday!

Jills Book Bag #2 - **WINNER**

Thanks again to everyone who joined in this month. I'm really having a great time with this, and hope you'll throw your name in again next time.

This month's winner is Leah at South Breeze Farm.

Leah, email me and give me your first, middle and last intitals so I can get your bag monogrammed.

I'm already "cooking up" something great for next month's Bag... (hint, hint).

7 + 3 = A Perfect 10...??

I've been tagged for two different memes and I thought I'd give you all double the fun and do a two-in-one.

First, Karolee at My Montana Moments tagged me for 7 Random Things about Me. I did something similar awhile back, but let me just say I could easily list 70...'cause I'm just a random kind of girl.

#1. I never sneeze more than one time. I like sneezing, especially when I have those nasty colds. A good 'ole sneeze makes me feel better...kinda tingly or something. I envy serial sneezers.

#2. I've never had the chicken pox. The younger of my two brothers got them at age 25. He was deathly ill.

#3. I cannot drive a stick shift. My boss has a cute red stick-shift BMW and I can always cop out of any chore having to do with her car because...well... I can't drive it.

#4. The least flattering color for me when it comes to clothing is peach. The best? Benjamin Moore #1420 - Softened Violet. Not that I wear paint colors, but if I did, that would be the one I would choose.

#5. I won first place in the State of Iowa poetry contest when I was in 6th grade (1978), for a poem I wrote 5 minutes before lunch entitled The Future. The last line was, The future is like a closed door, waiting to be opened. I was nothing if not cliche back then.

#6. I got glasses in 4th grade and contacts in 7th. I'm legally blind in my right eye. But you'd never know it by looking at me.

#7. I really kinda like loading the dishwasher, especially glasses and plates. Forks and all the baby bottle paraphernalia, not so much. And I don't have a baby anymore, but he still drinks bottles. It's my issue, not his.



Next, An Iowa Mom tagged me for this 3 Things Meme:


Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Lifeguard (but Carolyn the Pool Lady does not care. Not one single bit.)
2. Human Resources Director - I got burned out on people's sense of entitlement during the dot.com boom
3. Executive Assistant - oh, the fun I had!

Three places I have lived (I'm not very out there when it comes to moving. I've only lived in Iowa and Georiga. So, I'll list three cities I've called home here in Georgia)
1. Duluth - known for some great golfing
2. the Buckhead area of Atlanta - known for some great eating
3. Marietta - known for the Big Chicken


Three TV shows I like to watch (not that I have the TV on 24/7 or anything like that)
1. Little People, Big World (TLC)
2. Inside the Actor's Studio (Bravo)
3. Almost anything on the Food Network

Three of my favorite movies:
1. The Silence of the Lambs - oh! The psychological thrillness of it all!
2. Grease - I often listen to the soundtrack and I am not afraid to admit it.
3. The Shipping News - Kind of a sleeper...but darn good acting

Three places I have been on vacation:1. Seaside/Seagrove, Florida - (aka Paradise) Hi, Kat!2. Cancun, Mexico - yes, I did get sick upon return
3. Seattle - I think I drank 2,578 Starbucks cafe mochas

Three of my favorite foods (not that I think about food 24/7 or anything)
1. Masman Curry with Tofu
2. Coconut Cream pie
3. Green Salad with grilled salmon, balsamic vinegar and cherry tomatoes

Three of my favorite animals (but I wouldn't want them in my house)
1. Great White Shark
2. Stingray
3. Wild Mustang

Full House, Full Hearts

Our house and our hearts were full last weekend. My mom and sister-in-law from Iowa came for a visit! We hadn't seen them since last fall, before Adam was even walking, so we had a lot of catching up to do.

Oh! I just can't even tell you how much I miss them. Terribly. I do. I miss being able to call my mom to say, I think I'll drive over tomorrow for a visit. I miss holiday get-togethers and mom's cooking. I miss seeing my niece and nephew grow up, and I miss having family around my house to keep me in line and remind me of those things in my life I somehow stored away....way back there in my brain somewhere....

I had a pacifier, a Nuk, until a few weeks before I started kindergarten. Mom would threaten to tie the Nuk around my neck with a pink ribbon and send me off to school. The concept of humiliation didn't quite sink in and I think somehow I'd convinced myself a Nuk around my neck wouldn't be bad. I had quite a stash of Nuks around the house. Some I liked better than others. In those weeks right before school started, one by one the Nuks suddenly started developing small pin holes so they would collapse when I sucked them. I'd just toss the bad ones and move on to another in my stash. I remember when I was down to just one. And I remember when it finally collapsed, too. I could write a stunning metaphor here about how I also collapsed, but it would be over exaggerating the situation. I never did have to bring a Nuk to school. Let's just leave it at that.

For most of my time on this earth, I have been terrible at directions. My mom likes to remind me how I'd ask, "Have we gone through Mason City yet?" when we were on our way somewhere in the opposite direction of Mason City. At least now I manage to find my way home from work every day, but some days it is a small miracle I don't end up in Tennessee or Mississippi.

Speaking of Mississippi, I got knocked out of the 3rd grade spelling bee with that word. I practiced and practiced but just got going to fast. I spelled it M-I-S-S-I-S-S-S-I-P-P-I. Those S's will get you every time.

I just can't tell you how sweet my sister-in-law is. She's been married to the younger of my two brothers forever and a day, and has been teaching remedial reading just as long. She knows a little song for nearly everything in Adam's world, from brushing teeth, to monkey toes.

You can read a little more about my mom here and here. She turned 80 this year and I think it's just great that she'll make the trip half way across the country for us. You never have to wonder what my mom thinks, or where you stand with her. I'm a lot like that. She doesn't mince words, and she also won't chat you up unless she knows you really well. She was a wonderful mom, and she just gets more and more precious to me all the time.

We enjoyed dinner together Friday night, serenaded by the cicadas. I made Baked Blueberry French Toast (with a side of real bacon) Sunday morning. We shopped, got massages, and I introduced them to the Chick fil'a Chicken Biscuit.

I'm counting the days until our next visit.

It's really what makes the world go 'round, isn't it?

The Fun Just Never Ends

Yesterday weeks of planning, designing and organizing came to fruition as we packed 259 pieces of our framed artwork into a 22 ft. truck destined for the Southern Accents showhouse at Homestead Preserve, Hot Springs, Virginia. The logistics of a project like that is mind boggling. At least it boggled my mind. Many times. Murphy's Law is always in full swing when it comes to stuff like this. The best laid plans always run amok, but we pulled it off. I know the house will be beautiful and I'm so proud of our folks for the glorious pieces they created.

Then, this afternoon I waited 2 hours to see the pediatrician, who told me in a matter of five minutes Adam's ear is "a little red" and sent me on my way with a prescription. Forty bucks, a torrential downpour and three hours later, I was back home with an overly tired, very hungry little boy.

So, tonight, as I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, I flipped on the iPod for a little pick-me-up. If y'all could have seen me scraping the plates to the beat of Frankie Valley singing Grease you would have been amazed at my level of coolness. My polo shirt with the hole in the side would have just added to the awe.

And what else would such a cool mama do except tell the kids to get their groove on (along with their pajamas and head towel) and join me?

Raise the roof, brother, raise the roof!

Oh, can you even stand the sophisticated moves?

Even red-hot smokin' daddy was gettin' down tonight.

Oh, mama! The fun just never ends!

A New Update to Jill's Book Bag - July

News Flash!

This adorable tote from Workin' that Preppy (monogrammed for the winner, of course) is the bag for Jill's Book Bag this month.

Isn't it cute? I love all things monogrammed, and thought this would be the perfect bag for such a wonderful book.

Go visit Workin' That Preppy to see even more things that are cute, adorable and down right irresistable.

Jill's Book Bag #2 - July 2007

With great pleasure and some bloggy excitement all rolled into one, I am announcing Jill's Book Bag for July. First, though, I want to send kudos to Jules at Everyday Mommy for my neat Book Club button up there. Thanks!

Next, the simple rules:

1. Leave a comment here if you'd like to enter

2. Give me a little linky love and link back to this post on your own blog

3. The winner will be drawn randomly at noon on Saturday, July 21.

My choice this month is I Know This Much is True, by Wally Lamb.

I keep a reading log and made a note that I completed this book on August 17, 1998... nearly nine year ago! At 900 pages, it's not a quick read, nor necessarily easy, but it's a riveting story of brotherly love, a family's secrets, and redemption.

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Thanks for joining in this month.

Knock, Knock

Second only to Adam's fascination with shoes! shoes!, is his love of doors. More specifically, shutting a door, knocking on it, then opening it, then doing it all again...and again. It's a little bit of a literal stretch for him, all this opening and closing, because he can barely reach the door knob. I have a few months left before the slamming begins. And, last night, he spent the better part of half an hour putting his shoes! shoes! in and out of the hall closet in conjunction with his door dance, which enabled Doug and I to eat dinner without be climbed on.

Lots of things little kids do and say kind of come out of the blue. At least with Adam. For example, he calls the ceiling fans "bubbles", plain as day, and I have no idea why.

But we know why he has the thing with doors.

It all started at church. All the kids go to their own Sunday School while we go to ours. It's an hour Doug and I get to spend together each week without being climbed on, hung on, or beckoned over and over and over again. When Adam was younger we could take him to his Sunday School room/nursery and all was fine. He didn't cry when we left because we did it every day during the week. He just thought it was another day at daycare.

But, as he got a little older and moved to the Toddler Sunday School, he'd cry when we'd drop him off. Doug volunteered to take him to his room each Sunday, just to ease my pain a little. I was grateful for that.

Finally, one Sunday, we decided to turn it around and make going to Sunday School Adam's thing. We decided to make it something he could "do himself" and be "in charge of." Instead of coaxing or negotiating to get him down the hall and in the door, we thought we'd let him "be a big boy". We encouraged him to walk down the hall to his classroom instead of carrying him. And then we taught him to knock on the door. (**As a side note, we go to a very large church and, for safety reasons, cannot just walk into the small children's Sunday School rooms. We must knock first, then slip the sign-up form under the door).

So, knock he did. When the door opened, in he walked. And that was that. Not even a good-bye. Which is how we wanted it.

It's been several months since that first knock. Now it's old hat. There are no tears when we leave him, from Adam or from me. We've grown to love his Sunday School teacher, Miss Lynne, and she, him.

I hope Adam is always encouraged to take the reins, try things on his own, and knock on doors. Doors in his life will open and sometimes he's not going to take advantage of the passage. Doors in his life will close when he least expects it. Those things we cannot control.

But I hope this little exercise in owning a journey, even if it is to the door of a Sunday School room, can help him always be confident enough to knock.

Maybe...

Maybe the slow person in line ahead of you suffers from debilitating pain.
Maybe the lady down the street was hoping for the best but found out the worst.
Maybe the man tries and tries, but is always told it's never good enough.
Maybe the little girl wishes she had a friend.

Maybe she just lost her only child and wishes it were her instead.
Maybe he found out his unwavering trust has been tested once again.
Maybe they have been told they will never be able to have children.
Maybe she found she's having another and feels she can't afford the ones she has.

Maybe that little boy is hurt by harsh words.
Maybe those children are hungry and cold.
Maybe the mom you pass each day wishes for one night without being slapped.
Maybe the man wants to see his kids more than ten days a month.

Maybe the lady you felt was so rude spent all night with her friend in the E.R.
Maybe the guy who barks out your lunch order lost a job because he drank too much.
Maybe the teenager has lost himself with a crowd he's trying to please.
Maybe his parents try to buy his love with things instead of time.

Maybe that homeless man's words are poems he wrote.
Maybe all the little girl asked Santa for last year was a warm coat.
Maybe those obnoxious children are crying out for a firm hand and safe arms.
Maybe the little old lady needs a hand to hold.

Maybe the lady who never smiles came home with empty arms many years ago.
Maybe the couple beside you who never says hello wish for close friends.
Maybe your boss has never really felt he's worth much at all.
Maybe the garbage man gives half of what he earns to missions and charities.

Maybe they have to buy medicine before they can buy food.
Maybe they buried a loved one yesterday.
Maybe their children never call.
Maybe their mother or father can't remember them any more.

Maybe one day that might be you, or it might be me.
Maybe we could be more understanding.
Maybe we could be the first to offer a smile or say hello.
Maybe we could help someone get back up, just one more time.

copyright 2007 - Jill Norwood

Just Because I Share the Road Does Not Mean I Share the Love

Last Friday I was in a hurry when I left work. Actually, I'm always in a hurry when I leave work, but Friday I was having my boss and her husband over for dinner and I had to get groceries, then get Adam from daycare, then get home and have everything ready for their 7:15 arrival.

My commute from the office is a scenic route past a city park, horse stables, churches, a couple schools and our beloved Chattahoochee River. Then comes seven miles of suburban 4-lane highway lined with strip malls, subdivisions, churches and restaurants. Oh, and churches.

I was keeping my fingers crossed for a swift drive to my neck of the woods, given that traffic had been light that morning since most people took the rest of the week off after the 4th. The streets surrounding my office, normally swarming with cars at 3:30 on any given Friday, were unusually quiet. "Great," I thought as I zoomed down the road. "this is better than I'd hoped for."

And then there he was. Hot Shot Hot Rod in his Porsche. Pulled right out in front of me, oh yes he did. But I didn't even give that much thought because...hello...Porsche. Porsche = fast. Porsche = this guy will be out of my sight in 60 seconds. Um, no. Didn't happen. This guy was going so slow, I had to hit the brake several times or else I would have ended up in the front seat with him. Maybe that would have been just the thing. I could have floored it for him. Finally! The Tortoise in the Porsche turn left and I thought I was free and clear.

And I was, until I got behind the flat bed hauling port-a-potties. Let me say right here that those things make me gag just looking at them. And I looked at them for a loooooong time. A really long time. Four of them; two blue and two green. If there is anything worse than being behind a slow Porsche, it's being behind four port-a-potties. Honestly, y'all, I considered pulling over just to give the potties a half mile berth.

Finally! The potties turned right and I had the free and clear.

Until I got behind the U-haul with the back door cracked so all the guys in the back could have some fresh air. A U-haul full of day laborers in my path. Every once in awhile the guard would change and a new face or two or four would appear beneath the crack. Once they got their oxygen renewed they'd stare at me through the exhaust. I wonder what they were thinking. I was thinking, "Turn, baby, turn. Get out of my way!"

And they did turn, eventually, but I think the whole bunch of them had gone through the rotation by then and they were back to the original two guys.

All this congestion and I still got to the grocery, and then to daycare, and then home before the rain started.

Is there a moral to this story? Oh, yes. Yes, there is.

A wonderful dinner with my family and friends washes all cares away in under 60 seconds.

Even More Decked Out

I thought I'd give you and update on our deck, which has been built
almost single-handedly by my husband.

This is the view after the porch was framed, but before
those darn 'ole rickety stairs were sent to stair heaven.

Aaaah.... that's better. This is the view just
this afternoon after hubby set nearly 150
ballisters all by himself...while I went shopping
with my sidekick :o)













By the way, have I ever mentioned I have a
red-shot smokin' husband?

Take Time to Reflect

My dear friend, Susan, nominated me for this award. I'm truly humbled. Thank you, Susan, for your kind words, your faithfulness, and your inspiration.

And, by the way, make sure you stop by her blog often over the next few weeks. She's traveling a lot and writing about it in Suitcase Stories: Life on the Road.


I'm always interested in the origination of blog awards. This award was started by a teenage girl. Go here to read more about her.

Here are her stipulations for granting the award:

As for my award, it is called The Blogger Reflection Award. Why? The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them. This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given.

I nominate the following people, for the way they inspire me:

Susan at Penless Writer: Every time I read her posts I feel like she's sitting next to me in a cozy chair telling me a story. I love her colorful words, her deep faith and her inspiring stories of courage and optimism, even when life doesn't always go your way. The stories of her travels are fascinating, and let's not forget the whole hot-air balloon thing! :o)

Dianne at Glasses of Grace: Dianne's devotion to God is evident, as is her love for her family and her church. She sings in the choir and writes lovingly of her friendships and her two adorable nieces. Her zest for life's blessings shines through in her writing.

Nadine at Just Being Me: Oh, how she has blessed me. Her writing is thoughtful and has often caused me to take a step back and examine my own life and the way I approach certain situations. She also has a great sense of humor, and I am inspired by her love for her husband and the way they walk hand-in-hand in ministry.

Stacy, aka Vader's Mom: I think it's so fitting that Stacy and I met through the Ultimate Blog Party last winter. Her fun personality matches her colorful new blog design...you must go check it out. Stacy inspires me because she sees the world as a glass half full, at the very least. Plus, she's been to Disney a gazillion times to my zero, so I know I can rely on her in case I might get to go one day.

What I Want to Be When I Grow Up

My sweet blogging friend, Annie, tagged me for this meme last week.

If you had the opportunity to do a 1-year internship in a company or field completely unrelated to your current career or specialty,

what would be your top 5 choices?

__________________________________________________________

#1. Book or Magazine Editor

I was one of the few people who liked diagramming sentences in 7th grade English, and I have a minor in English because I took so many literature and writing classes in college just for fun. There is little like the written word to move people. I'd love to be a part of that.

#2. Cosmetics Marketer

For lack of an official term, I'd love to be that person who names things like lipstick, nail polish and the newest eyeshadow. How cool would it be to sit in a room all day and say things like, "Cherry Pie?". No. "Watermelon Ice?" No. "Red Corvette?" Perfect.

#3. Fashion Designer for a Movie

I love all things behind-the-scenes, and I've always been fascinated with the ins and outs of fashion design, especially for a large project like a TV series or movie.

#4. Forensic Psychiatrist

Don't hold it against me, but I'm fascinated with characters like Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs). Anything that even borders on a psychological thriller has my vote, even if it means fava beans with a nice Chianti.

#5. Cowgirl

Quite honestly, I'm not sure what it entails, but I like the wardrobe. Give me a pair of 501s, a hat, some boots and turn me loose on the ranch and let me see what it's all about.

In Celebration of our Freedom, with Fireworks on the Side

From our family to yours,

have a wonderful and safe 4th.

"Fireworks" - by Adam, 18 months

Food, Glorious Food!

Wendy, An Iowa Mom, tagged me for this oh-so-delish restaurant meme. Never one to turn down food I don't have to cook, I have an arsenal of answers at the ready.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to name of person that tagged you.
2. Include state and country you live in.
3. List top 5 favorite local restaurants
4. Tag 5 other people and let them know they've been tagged

I'm in Atlanta, USA.

My Top Five:

1. Brio (on Peachtree Street)- This place is #1 in my heart because my husband and I had our first dinner date there on April 6, 2003 and got engaged on their patio four months later. They have great pasta, to-die-for brick oven pizza and it's the place to be on Wednesday Martini Night.

2. You haven't been to Atlanta if you haven't been to The Varsity. Chili Slaw Dogs, Pimento Cheese Sandwiches, Chocolate Shakes, Onion Rings... leave your diets at the door.

3. When we want a great meal with nice atmosphere at a good price, we head to Houston's. We love their salads, and they don't skimp on the wine.

4. Another place near and dear to my heart is The Capital Grille on Peachtree Street. We celebrate our anniversary there every year and, since that happens to be New Year's Eve, the whole city celebrates with us! The food is superb, and this is the one time a year I order steak. But what really keeps us coming back is the outstanding service from waiters who have been there for years. They even carry their own business cards.

5. And finally, my beloved lunch spot, Cafe at Pharr. I have become up-close and personal with their Walnut Chicken Salad plate. Their ginger salad dressing is awesome, and the little yogurt rolls they serve for dessert are divine. I should know. I get lunch there at least twice a week.

Please consider yourself tagged if you'd like to join the fun.

Is your mouth watering, too?