Well, it's been awhile since we had a chance to visit. The month of May was filled with birthday parties, wedding showers, graduations and of course "the wedding". My youngest granddaughter is now a married woman.
Look out world! There are going to be some changes. There are those who would have you believe that the young people graduating from college this spring are lacking in some areas, but I am not so sure that is true. From what I see, they have great expectations, and they are willing to do what they need to do to see that those expectations happen.
In a few weeks my granddaughter and her husband will be moving to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, far away from family and friends where she has a job with one of the nations' largest accounting firms and he will be going to graduate school.
Just two generations back her grandfather and I eloped during Christmas break. He was home on leave after completing a tour of duty with the USAF in Iceland and I was a sophomore in high school. He and I raised four children before either of us went to college.
Frankly, I think it is great that today's young people want it all now. Often the wanting is more important than the getting. It is the wanting that gives us the impetus to get out and about and find out what is out there.
All kinds of things are out there. Some are good. Some are not so good . That is just the way life is. But as long as we want something, we have a reason to get up and get out and about. It is when we become satisfied with where we are and what we have that trouble begins, and don't ever think otherwise. Nothing is sadder than an individual who has every thing she wants.
Deep down most of us know that. That is why some folks always keep things stirred up. They mistake harmony for nothing left to do. Such a pity. For it is during times of peace that we can accompolish great things.
For years I have been whining about having too much stuff to take care of, but I kept hanging on to things for who knows why. The past two weekends I had a yard sale. On Tuesday after the first sale I sent a truck load of stuff to Tulsa with a friend for him to donate to his lodge for their fund raiser. The second weekend I sold more than I did the first and then I sent a load of clothing to a thrift shop.
If I had the energy, I could continue for at least two more weekends. How foolish to spend so much time and money on stuff that ended up being sold for pennies on the dollar largely because I really didn't know what I wanted. But now, I think I do know. I finally understand that in many instances, less is more. Less stuff to take care of is more time to be out and about.
Fewer clothes means less time is spent on worrying about which outfit to wear where. Just as long as what I have is appropriate and in good taste.
Reading is a good way to spend time. However, I find it much more invigorating to be out and about talking to people than it is to read about what someone has done. I much prefer listening to someone tell her story. I learn more that way. So what am I doing with 500 books? Beats the heck out of me, and come fall most of them are going to be somewhere other than under my roof.
Well, it's past my bedtime. I am going to call it a night. I hope you have a wonderful week. Stay away from Wal-Mart. Take a walk around the block and get acquainted with your neighbors.
Until next time,
I bid you peace.
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
TELL IT LIKE IT IS
Well, how has the world been treating you. I really can't complain. But I am having one heck of a time trying to loose this spare tire I have been carrying around for umpteen years. It is really kinda funny. I have been overweight for most of my adult life, and I have all of these little games I play trying to make lite of the situation. But for some reason a few weeks ago my attitude changed and I decided I was tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a person who was really a person and a half.
I always thought that some day, when the time was right, I would take off the extra weight, and when I decided to do so it wouldn't take very long. Well, let me tell you I was wrong. It is going to take awhile. And while I am doing it I have a lot of thinking to do about why I let this happen in the first place and why I have been so reluctant to admit that there was much too much of me.
Food has always been plentiful for me. The first four years of my life my parents and I lived in my grandmother's boarding house. Granny served three meals a day seven days a week and packed two dozen dinner buckets six days a week. I was tiny and someone was always trying to feed me something.
When I was four,my little sister was born and we moved from the boarding house to a house right next door. Shortly thereafter, my dad built a restaurant half a block away on main street and granny quit keeping boarders. I do not remember ever being hungry. Mashed potatoes and gravy and a hamburger patty was my basic meal plan with a choice of peas, corn or green beans and salad or cottage cheese on the side
I weighed 113 pounds when I got married and 126 when I became pregneant with my first child. My weight went up and down for awhile, but after my fourth child was born I weighed 128. Then I started gaining untill my all time high was 202. I finally settled in somewhere around 180.A time or two I have gotten down to 169-173. So, what made me decide that at age 71 I wanted to be a size 8? I really can't say for sure, but part of the reason is that I really do not like the way I look either in or out of my clothes. And part of the reason is that I miss dressing up and wearing high heels. And part of the reason is because I look around me and see all of these overweight people and none of them look healthy or happy and I do not want to be like that, but I am. I want to live until I die. I do not want to spend the majority of my time thinking about what my life once was. I want to be out and about helping to make my part of the planet better. In order to do that I have to be physically and mentally fit, and it is up to me to see that I am.
So, no more excuses. Time to tell it like it is and take responsibility for what goes in my mouth and on my hips. I'll keep you posted and when I hit 160 I will let you know. In the mean time, what ever challenge you might be facing, may you not be afraid to tell it like it is and then deal with it.
Until next time,
I bid you peace
I always thought that some day, when the time was right, I would take off the extra weight, and when I decided to do so it wouldn't take very long. Well, let me tell you I was wrong. It is going to take awhile. And while I am doing it I have a lot of thinking to do about why I let this happen in the first place and why I have been so reluctant to admit that there was much too much of me.
Food has always been plentiful for me. The first four years of my life my parents and I lived in my grandmother's boarding house. Granny served three meals a day seven days a week and packed two dozen dinner buckets six days a week. I was tiny and someone was always trying to feed me something.
When I was four,my little sister was born and we moved from the boarding house to a house right next door. Shortly thereafter, my dad built a restaurant half a block away on main street and granny quit keeping boarders. I do not remember ever being hungry. Mashed potatoes and gravy and a hamburger patty was my basic meal plan with a choice of peas, corn or green beans and salad or cottage cheese on the side
I weighed 113 pounds when I got married and 126 when I became pregneant with my first child. My weight went up and down for awhile, but after my fourth child was born I weighed 128. Then I started gaining untill my all time high was 202. I finally settled in somewhere around 180.A time or two I have gotten down to 169-173. So, what made me decide that at age 71 I wanted to be a size 8? I really can't say for sure, but part of the reason is that I really do not like the way I look either in or out of my clothes. And part of the reason is that I miss dressing up and wearing high heels. And part of the reason is because I look around me and see all of these overweight people and none of them look healthy or happy and I do not want to be like that, but I am. I want to live until I die. I do not want to spend the majority of my time thinking about what my life once was. I want to be out and about helping to make my part of the planet better. In order to do that I have to be physically and mentally fit, and it is up to me to see that I am.
So, no more excuses. Time to tell it like it is and take responsibility for what goes in my mouth and on my hips. I'll keep you posted and when I hit 160 I will let you know. In the mean time, what ever challenge you might be facing, may you not be afraid to tell it like it is and then deal with it.
Until next time,
I bid you peace
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Way Life Is
Hey, how are you? I am so glad you stopped by. I have traveled a few miles since we visited last week. I drove over to Morris on Saturday and then number II daughter and her hubby and I drove to Norman and back on Sunday for a wedding shower for my youngest granddaughter and her soon-to-be husband.
I got back home late Monday afternoon a day earlier than expected and weary from driving in the rain for two hours between here and Morris, but in good spirits. As soon as I pulled into my garage and saw the pieces of trim stacked in my garage, I started laughing. Daughter number I and her hubby were going to surprise me with a redecorated utility room for Mother's Day and I had spoiled the surprise by coming home early.
For a split second I thought about checking into a motel for the night before they knew I had come home, but this old body just doesn't have the response time it once did. I'll post a picture when the room is finished.
So what are your plans for Mother's Day? Most of us will take some time for reflection, don't you think? I was 17 when my first child was born. He was a sweet little boy and he is a nice man. All of my children are nice people, and considering they had a child for a mother, the phrase, "Thank God," is quite accurate when attributing credit for their good qualities.
I read somewhere that the lady responsible for Mother's day was not really happy about the way her idea evolved into a commercial entity. That happens sometimes. What we intended and the end result are often quite different. Sometimes that is a good thing. Sometimes it isn't. That's just the way life is.
Well, I think I will take a walk around the neighborhood and see who all has their tomato plants set. Roses are starting to bloom too. Cool as its been,they should really be pretty.
Until next time,
I bid you peace
I got back home late Monday afternoon a day earlier than expected and weary from driving in the rain for two hours between here and Morris, but in good spirits. As soon as I pulled into my garage and saw the pieces of trim stacked in my garage, I started laughing. Daughter number I and her hubby were going to surprise me with a redecorated utility room for Mother's Day and I had spoiled the surprise by coming home early.
For a split second I thought about checking into a motel for the night before they knew I had come home, but this old body just doesn't have the response time it once did. I'll post a picture when the room is finished.
So what are your plans for Mother's Day? Most of us will take some time for reflection, don't you think? I was 17 when my first child was born. He was a sweet little boy and he is a nice man. All of my children are nice people, and considering they had a child for a mother, the phrase, "Thank God," is quite accurate when attributing credit for their good qualities.
I read somewhere that the lady responsible for Mother's day was not really happy about the way her idea evolved into a commercial entity. That happens sometimes. What we intended and the end result are often quite different. Sometimes that is a good thing. Sometimes it isn't. That's just the way life is.
Well, I think I will take a walk around the neighborhood and see who all has their tomato plants set. Roses are starting to bloom too. Cool as its been,they should really be pretty.
Until next time,
I bid you peace
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
SOME THINGS TAKE AWHILE
In the late 1980's I read an article describing conversations that once took place around the kitchen table. The article talked about the benefits of being able to talk about the many challenges of life in pleasant, informal atmosphere with people we trusted. It went on to say that lifestyles had changed and the kitchen counseling sessions were not as prevelant as they had been. Unfortunately society had yet to find anything to fill the gap.
I clipped the article and attached it to my refrigerator with Scotch tape where it would stay for more than six years and three moves. My husband died in 1991 and I moved from Ponca City back to Commerce, the small town in NE Oklahoma that I called home.
I wrote my first Table Talk for the Miami News Record in the late 90's. After I retired I wrote sporadically until 2007, when Krista Duhon gave me the opportunity to once again write for the NR, and her successor, Shelly Schultz, expanded my opportunity for exposure.
With that opportunitity came the fostering of many friendships with people throughout the tri state area. When my son was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago, I wasn't able to maintain the upbeat image that I wanted for Table Talk, and when I felt once again able to do so, the opportunitity with the NR was no longer available so I decided to blog.
For my old friends who have been supportive of my efforts in the past, thank you for letting me know how much you missed me. To those of you who are reading my stuff for the first time, welcome. Pull up a chair, fix your favorite beverage and let's talk awhile.
Tell me, do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb? I don't know about you but I am ready for some sunshine. My cat, Snuggles, just sits and looks out through the sliding glass doors in the kitchen with a dusgusted look on her face. Ever once in a while she looks at me as though she expects me to do something about the weather. One of life's most important lessons: some things we just cannot control. Can be very frustrating at times. Learning to deal with frustration in an acceptable manner is definately an asset. Physical activity such as taking a short walk or just moving about the room usually works but what if you are in a situation where for some reason your movement is restricted.? Try closing your eyes for a few seconds and taking a few deep breaths.
What are some of the ways you deal with frustration? I look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time ,
I bid you peace
I clipped the article and attached it to my refrigerator with Scotch tape where it would stay for more than six years and three moves. My husband died in 1991 and I moved from Ponca City back to Commerce, the small town in NE Oklahoma that I called home.
I wrote my first Table Talk for the Miami News Record in the late 90's. After I retired I wrote sporadically until 2007, when Krista Duhon gave me the opportunity to once again write for the NR, and her successor, Shelly Schultz, expanded my opportunity for exposure.
With that opportunitity came the fostering of many friendships with people throughout the tri state area. When my son was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago, I wasn't able to maintain the upbeat image that I wanted for Table Talk, and when I felt once again able to do so, the opportunitity with the NR was no longer available so I decided to blog.
For my old friends who have been supportive of my efforts in the past, thank you for letting me know how much you missed me. To those of you who are reading my stuff for the first time, welcome. Pull up a chair, fix your favorite beverage and let's talk awhile.
Tell me, do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb? I don't know about you but I am ready for some sunshine. My cat, Snuggles, just sits and looks out through the sliding glass doors in the kitchen with a dusgusted look on her face. Ever once in a while she looks at me as though she expects me to do something about the weather. One of life's most important lessons: some things we just cannot control. Can be very frustrating at times. Learning to deal with frustration in an acceptable manner is definately an asset. Physical activity such as taking a short walk or just moving about the room usually works but what if you are in a situation where for some reason your movement is restricted.? Try closing your eyes for a few seconds and taking a few deep breaths.
What are some of the ways you deal with frustration? I look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time ,
I bid you peace
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