I've never thought too much about the transition between life and death or the passage we all will travel one day. My faith gives me hope that it is a matter of closing the eyes here, only to have our spiritual eyes open for eternity. How else could we see the beauty that awaits us.
One of my dearest friends, Maxine Goodnight, made her passing Thursday night around 8pm. A woman who has dealt with much tragedy in her life, is finally free of the grief, pain and sorrow she had endured.
Her husband died as a result of a fight when she was very young with three little children. One was only a few months old when he died. His unexpected death dealt such a blow that her new baby who was being breast fed, cried for days before they realized Maxine's milk had dried up and the baby was hungry.
Maxine took care of her Mother and Father in their last years, even with her children still young enough that she needed their help instead. She would gladly tell you - she could not have made it without her parents while she worked a full time job at "Timex" and kept life as normal as was possible for them.
The daughter that was a baby when Maxine's husband died, died when she was in her 40's from an operation gone bad.
Her only son Fred, died of cancer.
Linda, the remaining daughter had a few tragedies of her own. However she did not have to go through those tragedies alone as Maxine was there for her when her youngest son was killed in an automobile accident.
Then Linda's daughter had a stroke in her early 40's and died as a result.
These were Maxine's grandchildren, so naturally she felt the blow of Linda's loss.
Maxine had a grateful spirit. She was not a complainer. She was not old, as one counts old. In years she had lived quiet long, but in spirit she had not grown old. I want to be like that with a youthful spirit now and even into my remaining years.
We enjoyed an occasional meal with her on Sunday afternoon. Occasionally we took a meal to her or cooked when I got there. My cooking was never to be compared with what she put on the table as far as taste, but she let me get in her kitchen and take over. It was great fellowship.
I don't think I am ready for her departure. I'd like to know she felt good and could stay around awhile longer - but that wasn't to be. In reflection, she is the passing of an era. Having lived through tumultous times in the 30's 40's and 50's. Men and women of that era were tough. They knew how to take the little they received and make it stretch to meet their need. Not their wants necessarily, but their needs for sure.
She would not talk about her past with pain or unforgiveness. Instead she told her story like a soldier talks about his place on the battle field. No regrets, just facts. You may gasp in wonder as to how she made it, but her gentle reply would be, " without Moma and Daddy and the Lord I wouldn't have made it."
This is one of those times when the dash between the year of birth and death, really could tell a story. One of survival. One of sincerity and Worship to the God that brought her through.
So Long Maxine, until later. Keep the light on for us who will follow. We will miss you but would never wish for you to come back and fill your place in our hearts.
Grammyof13
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
36,865 Days and Counting.
Well here I am on the eve of my Dad's 101st birthday and all I have is pictures. I appreciate the pictures believe me, however I have had my heart and mind at the festivities today that went on without me. I knew they could pull it off - but I didn't want them to without me.
Dad and his best friend Pete who is in his 80's.
They met at the nursing home, didn't know each other before.
This is a good action shot for sure. He is all puckered up ready to blow.
Just couldn't put 101 candles on the cake, it may have put him into a massive coronary trying to blow them all out.
My sister always sees that he looks sharp. Doesn't resemble the farmer with the brown hat soiled from dirt and sweat, who wore overalls and dirty shoes and all the signs of being in the field, or cow barn!
Happy Birthday Daddy. Hope you have as many more as you would like to have. From the way I see it, we may know when it is time to hang up the hat and wait for the coach. But until that happens, keep the hat on and continue planning for the years ahead. Love you
Doris
aka/Grammyof13
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The years roll on.
Forty-nine years ago today, Verlon and I got married. Tonight we celebrated at Rio's Gaucho - a place we knew nothing about until we drove by it and decided to go in. It has just recently opened from what I gathered, so maybe we were among its first customers. Everyone is getting in on the food business now days. They all try to have a specialty. Theirs was lots of seafood, which I am allergic to. However, I did enjoy the salad bar and Linguini Alfredo. Messy but good!
I had a Doctor's appointment with my Thyroid specialists late this afternoon, and with the ultra sound, lab work and her exams I was beginning to wonder if we were even going to get to eat today before church time anyway.
We launched into a conversation about the longevity of any marriage these days, after the waitress seemed to be taken aback when we told her the years. I'd like to have known what she thought we would say. I feel sure there are more couples who can report a lasting marriage than we realize. It may become rarer. Now we are heading toward our fiftieth next year. By the way, you are invited to our celebration. Can't tell you where, but thought I'd let you know in plenty of time to get here!!!
Our marriage has had its moments, as well as its hills and valleys. Raising a family in the 60's and 70's were good years and with God's help, we produced four wonderful kids who have made great Moms and Dads, and productive citizens. They married well and their spouse's have endeared themselves to us - so that we still have great relationships with our children.
Another thing, Daddy has lived to see five generations. Monday the 26th he will be 101. We are not celebrating in a big way this time. My five sisters and I are taking "thanksgiving" dinner to him at the nursing home. They have given us a room for our private dinner with him, and then we will take cake into the dining room for all the residence who might want to help us celebrate. Anytime the six of us get together, we have to sing. Daddy silently demands it. Maybe silently is not the best choice of words. He usually says, “Doris there is a piano why don’t you play for us” or something to that effect. I just imagine he will sing as well – his favorite one at that.
“When the sun comes up tomorrow,
Lord, I’ll be praising you,
I’ll always give you glory in everything I do,
If the storms fierce winds are blowing.
Or if the skies are blue,
When the sun comes up tomorrow,
Lord I’ll be praising you.”
Grammyof13
I had a Doctor's appointment with my Thyroid specialists late this afternoon, and with the ultra sound, lab work and her exams I was beginning to wonder if we were even going to get to eat today before church time anyway.
We launched into a conversation about the longevity of any marriage these days, after the waitress seemed to be taken aback when we told her the years. I'd like to have known what she thought we would say. I feel sure there are more couples who can report a lasting marriage than we realize. It may become rarer. Now we are heading toward our fiftieth next year. By the way, you are invited to our celebration. Can't tell you where, but thought I'd let you know in plenty of time to get here!!!
Our marriage has had its moments, as well as its hills and valleys. Raising a family in the 60's and 70's were good years and with God's help, we produced four wonderful kids who have made great Moms and Dads, and productive citizens. They married well and their spouse's have endeared themselves to us - so that we still have great relationships with our children.
Another thing, Daddy has lived to see five generations. Monday the 26th he will be 101. We are not celebrating in a big way this time. My five sisters and I are taking "thanksgiving" dinner to him at the nursing home. They have given us a room for our private dinner with him, and then we will take cake into the dining room for all the residence who might want to help us celebrate. Anytime the six of us get together, we have to sing. Daddy silently demands it. Maybe silently is not the best choice of words. He usually says, “Doris there is a piano why don’t you play for us” or something to that effect. I just imagine he will sing as well – his favorite one at that.
“When the sun comes up tomorrow,
Lord, I’ll be praising you,
I’ll always give you glory in everything I do,
If the storms fierce winds are blowing.
Or if the skies are blue,
When the sun comes up tomorrow,
Lord I’ll be praising you.”
Grammyof13
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Flea Markets?
It was good to have someone go with me to tour our many flea markets Saturday. Some of them call themselves Antique stores, but believe me they can't disguise the fact they are flea markets. The 10 miles that separates Conway and Greenbrier has more flea markets than most any other ten mile comparison. Add a few more miles beyond Greenbrier, and there are even more.
Of course it is a great location for them, as Hwy 65 is the, "Route 66" for Branson, MO. And most everyone, from southern states anyway, takes the US hwy 65 route.
I was surprised that my daughter's two little boys wanted to go. Of course I had some fun when they asked "Whats a flea market"?
Their mother explained to them it was a place that sold old stuff before I could finish my line of "It is a place that sells fleas"! She is always spoiling my fun!!
I don't always purchase anything. Don't even go with buying sometime on my mind, but it is always good to find a bargain. We enjoyed watching two videos we purchased (VCR ones), which I'd rather see. Parker and Preston each had $5 they could spend, so we found their Mom a little pair of pumpkin earrings, and a ceremic nativity set.
While the lady was wrapping them carefully before putting them in the bag, Preston was standing (not on tiptoes this time) holding on to the counter, watching each move she made when he had the urge to tell the cashier what the purchase was for.
"My brother is having a birthday party, and Mama's birthday is the same day. So I got this for my Mama!" He understood how Mama always gives the party for little brother who was born on her birthday and somehow is forgotten in the festivities. Not really, her husband never forgets, but I'm sure their little fellows could forget.
Anyway, I did fine a free standing paper towel holder that had a rooster on the holder. I won't throw my "well worn" one away, for it was a gift from another daughter. It was a tomato holder (free standing of course). On the tomato it had a peg with a set of four numbers. On the tomato it read, "Grammy is busy, take a number!" I thought I'd retire it for a rest anyway. May bring it out again, as Preston asked, "What are you going to do with this." I think he might have wanted to take it home with him, but I'm sure it would not match his mother's well organized and coordinated kitchen!
Now and then my husband may give in to go with me, and really I don't suppose there is a rule stating I can't go alone. Most usually I had just soon shop alone, but Antique/flea stores are different. I reminisce while I'm there.
I'll have to get him to go again soon, as I have my eye on a ceremic bread box that would just fit in my kitchen. Sorry I didn't make any pictures. Actually I did make two, but don't have them downloaded yet. May add those later.
Blessings,
Grammyof13
Of course it is a great location for them, as Hwy 65 is the, "Route 66" for Branson, MO. And most everyone, from southern states anyway, takes the US hwy 65 route.
I was surprised that my daughter's two little boys wanted to go. Of course I had some fun when they asked "Whats a flea market"?
Their mother explained to them it was a place that sold old stuff before I could finish my line of "It is a place that sells fleas"! She is always spoiling my fun!!
I don't always purchase anything. Don't even go with buying sometime on my mind, but it is always good to find a bargain. We enjoyed watching two videos we purchased (VCR ones), which I'd rather see. Parker and Preston each had $5 they could spend, so we found their Mom a little pair of pumpkin earrings, and a ceremic nativity set.
While the lady was wrapping them carefully before putting them in the bag, Preston was standing (not on tiptoes this time) holding on to the counter, watching each move she made when he had the urge to tell the cashier what the purchase was for.
"My brother is having a birthday party, and Mama's birthday is the same day. So I got this for my Mama!" He understood how Mama always gives the party for little brother who was born on her birthday and somehow is forgotten in the festivities. Not really, her husband never forgets, but I'm sure their little fellows could forget.
Anyway, I did fine a free standing paper towel holder that had a rooster on the holder. I won't throw my "well worn" one away, for it was a gift from another daughter. It was a tomato holder (free standing of course). On the tomato it had a peg with a set of four numbers. On the tomato it read, "Grammy is busy, take a number!" I thought I'd retire it for a rest anyway. May bring it out again, as Preston asked, "What are you going to do with this." I think he might have wanted to take it home with him, but I'm sure it would not match his mother's well organized and coordinated kitchen!
Now and then my husband may give in to go with me, and really I don't suppose there is a rule stating I can't go alone. Most usually I had just soon shop alone, but Antique/flea stores are different. I reminisce while I'm there.
I'll have to get him to go again soon, as I have my eye on a ceremic bread box that would just fit in my kitchen. Sorry I didn't make any pictures. Actually I did make two, but don't have them downloaded yet. May add those later.
Blessings,
Grammyof13
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Conway ARTSFEST!
I hope you know you may turn my choice of music off - if you had rather read without background music. Go to the bottom of my blog to the playlist radio and click on off. It is ok by me for you to turn it off!
My writing group took part in the Conway ARTSFEST last evening. In fact several such events have taken place in the course of the week since it started. Reading groups from Hendrix College as well as UCA had writing groups that took part in different areas of town. For our part in the event, we met at "Something's Brewing" coffee house, a wonderful place to meet friends and have a cup of joe!
The weather could have been a factor in our turn out, but even at that I was not disappointed. Shirley did a great job in getting the program ready as well as passing on the enthusiasm. She enlisted the help of JoEd another writer from our group, and together their team work paid off.
Among a couple Doctors, retired History professors and teachers, a Poet Lauret, friends and family and fellow writers, we listened to the offerings of each one's talents. Begginer poets, advanced poets, writers who write for enjoyment or for publication, then with singing intersperced, I will declare it was an enjoyable evening.
Our Poet Lauret has had several books of poetry published, and no one could read her work with the emphasis she does. In fact we've learned that is the general consensus of anyone's writings. Each writer has a voice for his/her own work.
After the coffee shop was closed, we went our different routes home. Except one of the readers who took himself to the Hospital. He was the last reader and read a story of he and his wife's trip to Ireland several years ago, and even during his reading he was having a heart attack.
Carroll is in intensive care in the hospital here. His wife Mary is unable to stay with him, so the friends we've made in this group will be coming to her aide and staying with her. If you pray, please pray for Carroll and Mary.
Grammyof13
My writing group took part in the Conway ARTSFEST last evening. In fact several such events have taken place in the course of the week since it started. Reading groups from Hendrix College as well as UCA had writing groups that took part in different areas of town. For our part in the event, we met at "Something's Brewing" coffee house, a wonderful place to meet friends and have a cup of joe!
The weather could have been a factor in our turn out, but even at that I was not disappointed. Shirley did a great job in getting the program ready as well as passing on the enthusiasm. She enlisted the help of JoEd another writer from our group, and together their team work paid off.
Among a couple Doctors, retired History professors and teachers, a Poet Lauret, friends and family and fellow writers, we listened to the offerings of each one's talents. Begginer poets, advanced poets, writers who write for enjoyment or for publication, then with singing intersperced, I will declare it was an enjoyable evening.
Our Poet Lauret has had several books of poetry published, and no one could read her work with the emphasis she does. In fact we've learned that is the general consensus of anyone's writings. Each writer has a voice for his/her own work.
After the coffee shop was closed, we went our different routes home. Except one of the readers who took himself to the Hospital. He was the last reader and read a story of he and his wife's trip to Ireland several years ago, and even during his reading he was having a heart attack.
Carroll is in intensive care in the hospital here. His wife Mary is unable to stay with him, so the friends we've made in this group will be coming to her aide and staying with her. If you pray, please pray for Carroll and Mary.
Grammyof13
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Not Everyone Can Do It!
Over the years in defending home schooling as an option, I've confronted many questions and a general negative feeling concerning the possible reasons Parents choose to home school instead of go through the public school system.
I don't know that I have sufficiently been a buffer for the program, but I do understand some of the reasons behind the choice. In the beginning the parents motives were more misunderstood than today hopefully, and rightfully so. There was very little help for Mothers in finding a cirruculum for their children in the early years, and too what was out there was expensive. A Mother knows if her child learns in different ways, whether visual, or hearing, or hands on, etc.
Some of the drawbacks I've heard is: 1. kids need interaction with others their own age.
2. the parent may not be educated enough to teach them.
3. they miss out on so much like school programs, sports, drama etc.
4. I wouldn't have the patience to teach them all day long.
5. etc. etc. etc.
I don't know whether I can rightly answer them all, and this may not be the place for it. However, again in defence of home schooled children, I can attest to the fact they aren't missing out on anything! The children I have become acquainted with these past few weeks are involved kids; in their church, church camps, sports of everykind, whether fishing or hunting with their Dad, paying on a winning team, they learn sportsmanship, they learn how it feels to fail, or to win, they learn team work and the game isn't won by one man, but all pulling together. They learn kindness, and to be polite as well as respectful.
My 7th and 8th grade class is made up of boys. They are at that comical stage of their life, when even I am entertained if I don't stay in control! Give them a subject and off they go writing out the answer, unintimitated and very expressive. Able to let me know in their writing they have command of the subject. They are respectful, they are well rounded, smart, and eager to learn. Someone has done them good this far, and the one day a week I have them in Enrichment Academy tells me they haven't miss anything by being homeschooled.
May the parents of my two age groups PLEASE STAND UP!
If I had known I could have this much fun after the age of 65, I might have arrived sooner!
Grammyof13
I don't know that I have sufficiently been a buffer for the program, but I do understand some of the reasons behind the choice. In the beginning the parents motives were more misunderstood than today hopefully, and rightfully so. There was very little help for Mothers in finding a cirruculum for their children in the early years, and too what was out there was expensive. A Mother knows if her child learns in different ways, whether visual, or hearing, or hands on, etc.
Some of the drawbacks I've heard is: 1. kids need interaction with others their own age.
2. the parent may not be educated enough to teach them.
3. they miss out on so much like school programs, sports, drama etc.
4. I wouldn't have the patience to teach them all day long.
5. etc. etc. etc.
I don't know whether I can rightly answer them all, and this may not be the place for it. However, again in defence of home schooled children, I can attest to the fact they aren't missing out on anything! The children I have become acquainted with these past few weeks are involved kids; in their church, church camps, sports of everykind, whether fishing or hunting with their Dad, paying on a winning team, they learn sportsmanship, they learn how it feels to fail, or to win, they learn team work and the game isn't won by one man, but all pulling together. They learn kindness, and to be polite as well as respectful.
My 7th and 8th grade class is made up of boys. They are at that comical stage of their life, when even I am entertained if I don't stay in control! Give them a subject and off they go writing out the answer, unintimitated and very expressive. Able to let me know in their writing they have command of the subject. They are respectful, they are well rounded, smart, and eager to learn. Someone has done them good this far, and the one day a week I have them in Enrichment Academy tells me they haven't miss anything by being homeschooled.
Some of them will go onto Highschool next year, and I would say these kids anyway are ready, even though they have not had the public school experience.
If a parent knows he/she is not capable to teach their child in a home setting, for whatever reason then they haven't made the choice to do so. It would be good for the public school teachers with no patience for kids in their teen years, to admit they can't do it either and stay away from the public school.
Again homeschooling is not for everyone, but for those parents who choose to live on one pay check so the other parent can home school their children, I praise them.
If a parent knows he/she is not capable to teach their child in a home setting, for whatever reason then they haven't made the choice to do so. It would be good for the public school teachers with no patience for kids in their teen years, to admit they can't do it either and stay away from the public school.
Again homeschooling is not for everyone, but for those parents who choose to live on one pay check so the other parent can home school their children, I praise them.
I must say something about my 5th and 6th grade writing class. I also have them for Geography/history, but for writing class I have a story.
Each week I give them a 10 minute assignment to start the class. I've given then the choice to "Tell me what you did during the summer", and such like. However today I got a little more creative in my thinking. I gave them two choices "1 - tell me how to make a grilled cheese sandwich in 6 sentences or more. OR - 2. - finish this sentence: I know a lot about ____________.
All of them picked up the first one and ran with it. In 10 minutes they gave me everything from "I don't like grilled cheese" to "I want a grilled cheese sandwich. to What is a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?" (not really on the last one.)
HOWEVER - one decided to take the second choice. In the same 10 minutes she wrote "I know a lot about the Galaxy". She convinced me she knew a lot about the Galaxy. I'll probably have to take myself to the internet or worldbook just to see if she is right - for it was beyond me. She sounded like she knew what she was talking about. I won't grade her on the correctness of her story though. Just the regular stuff like - punctuation, capitalization, neatness, spelling and how many sentences.
I haven't met her parents - I hope to - I want to meet the people who have taught this one how to study and also have caught onto the way she learns. She is brilliant - and another thing about this one - I'd like to know what her national test scores are - as it measures to others through out the state her age.
She is one example but I have another who is very unassuming in his smarts. I looked at him today and said, "Has anyone ever told you you were smart?" He dropped his eyes, then looked up at me before he, with much thought said, "Yea a few times!"
May the parents of my two age groups PLEASE STAND UP!
If I had known I could have this much fun after the age of 65, I might have arrived sooner!
Grammyof13
Thursday, October 1, 2009
My Devotional Blog
For those of us living in the fast lane - I have added a new Blog. I pray you will get a thought for the day and encouragement to keep you going. What I would love knowing is whether you have been able to sing during your night times or when you have anguish of soul.
Doris http:hegivessongsinthenight.blogspot.com or the Whippoorwill's Song
Doris http:hegivessongsinthenight.blogspot.com or the Whippoorwill's Song
Friendship Bread
I always wonder if anyone has noticed I've been out of sight for a few days. Doen't matter really, I am always busy doing something - even it isn't productive. I did start a new Blog to post my devotionals. It will give me a great outlet for those days when the need to talk about God and His goodness to us is so present, I feel I must write. I'll add it to my sidebar soon when I feel I have all the wrinkles out of the page.
Do you ever make "friendship bread"? My sister Nina in Tenn, gave me a starter last month, and boy have I enjoyed the delicious bread I've made. Tasting her scrumptious lemon bread made me anxious to do my own. Sure enough, my husband started eating the lemon bread for part of his breakfast, whereas I made it my afternoon snack. Wish you were here, we'd have Tea time. I have a new teapot and many teas to choose from.
Do you ever make "friendship bread"? My sister Nina in Tenn, gave me a starter last month, and boy have I enjoyed the delicious bread I've made. Tasting her scrumptious lemon bread made me anxious to do my own. Sure enough, my husband started eating the lemon bread for part of his breakfast, whereas I made it my afternoon snack. Wish you were here, we'd have Tea time. I have a new teapot and many teas to choose from.
Today is feeding day, and then on Sunday or Monday, I will make two more loaves and have some starter ready for a few friends. I always love hearing how they did, and what flavor they chose to make. I'm making the vanilla this time. Any of it is good, but for a change I think this will be fine. I'm trying to put some in the freezer for a fast dessert when we have an impromptu gathering.
My husband's job in retirement is to keep the kitchen and dining room clean. (self appointed I might add!! However, I sure don't discourage him"). It was this morning in fact, he held up the bag of starter dough, and asked if it was any good. He was ready to put it in the garbage. Didn't look inviting to him. I'm glad I was here to speak up or I'd been in trouble.
The weather is beautiful here. We are enjoying the cool - but dread the bad weather the winter brings. I don't do cold very well. I have no problem with the heat, but cold...?
Have a blessed week-end.
grammyof13
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