The Fabulous Fifties

Do you ever secretly wish homes were like they were in the 50's era of our moms? I sure do. Yes, I know it wasn't probably near as glamorous as June Cleaver portrayed. But, I would love to be able to stay home and make my home a place full of love and happiness. My thoughts are of pristine embroidered towels, cute crocheted doilies, sparkling clean cabinets, etc. It seems like I am always striving to get things done around here. But, come the weekend and I get to live the life I dream of. I can put on my cute little apron, bake something yummy and work on that home atmosphere that I so dream of. I happen to like being a woman and working on creating things that bring beauty and happiness to the place we call home. There is nothing like the smell of a clean kitchen and fresh laundry waiting to be folded. Yes, it is those little things that bring me happiness. If for one day I could step back in time I would probably even play a card game with my friends munching on those cute little sandwiches. Later my husband would come home to a wonderful aroma of supper sitting on the table. He could sit back and read the paper (or whatever he wanted to do) while I sat embroidering a brand new set of days of the week towels. Yes, the fifties are something I never got to experience. But, in my mind, they were the golden era. 

Laundry day

It seems so strange that I would think about laundry especially when it is raining cats and dogs around here. But there is just something sweetly comforting about the smell of fresh clothes right off the line. I can remember being a kid and hating to hang out the laundry while it was dripping wet, but oh that feel of those sheets when taking them down. Have you ever really thought about the little special moments in life that we take for granted? Although my list could go on and on I think about those things when things around me seem to be swirling like a tornado. This fast paced life can really stress you out if we let it. The weekend is right around the corner so why not make it a point to enjoy some of the simple things in life. Enjoy that first morning sunlight with a cup of warm coffee (or tea) and listen to the birds announce a new day. Watch the swirling of the beautiful leaves of fall tumbling along their own little journey. Open the windows, even if for only an hour, and allow fresh air to come in. Tie on a cute apron and make something special to share with someone just because. LIVE and take a moment to breathe. Life is what we make of it. And, if your weather is a little brighter than in my town....hang out a load of sheets and breathe in that freshness. Take time to enjoy those moments; you deserve it!

Waiting for the storms to pass

Sometimes when all is quiet at the end of the day I like to sit and just watch day turn to night. There is something that stirs within me just watching the stars twinkle in the sky. Often my son will join me and we have these great mom and son talks about the universe and how stars were formed, etc. May sound so trivial to some but I can honestly say these are some of my best moments. I love watching the sky and seeing the beautiful display of life stirring around us. This evening I was watching as the thunderclouds started rolling in and once again I started thinking about creation, etc. It started stirring a realization within me that life is so similar to these storms crossing the sky. There are days that all is calm and then a storm starts rolling in to our lives. We start scrambling to cover and brace things that are easily stirred around in high winds. My thought is always that I should have done this sooner. Isn't that so true? Why are we not always bracing ourselves and preparing for those turbulent times. Why wait until the storm is upon us? If we stabilize ourselves so we can stand strong in the midst of those "storms" it will make life so much more stable. That doesn't mean the water won't rise and we won't have to brace ourselves to brave the storm. It just means we will be a little steadier each time they come. It reminds me of how Jesus stood in the middle of that boat and told the sea "Peace, be still." Those times we experience we could learn a lot from this simple picture of how to brace ourselves. Life will have some twists and turns but we learn from each storm and come out the better and stronger for it.  Then, when the skies clear and the sky turns a brilliant blue again we can be thankful for hurdling one more of life's lessons.

B.I.R.D.

Okay I guess I am on a roll of being reflective but I am reminded about something God laid on my heart a few years back. Have you ever watched birds? I mean really watched them? The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:26 about looking at the birds and see how He cares for them and how much more important we are to Him than birds. Then, I think about what the world teaches us. Maybe I should say what we are teaching our children. I have come to realize we have distorted "the American Dream" into the idea of success based on owning your own home, driving a nice car, etc. This somehow has become our measurement of success. How many "toys" we gain along the journey. But when I think of the acronym B.I.R.D. it reminds me to Believe In the Real Dream. You see, our mansion is not here on earth. We should be focused on the real dream of our mansion in Heaven. Why should we be so worried about obtaining all of these material things right here on Earth when it is only temporary? I am not saying it isn't okay to have a home, a car, etc. I am just saying don't make that our sole motive and purpose in life. That should only be a small portion of our efforts. So, may I encourage you to look at what treasures you are storing up here on Earth. Remind yourself that Earthly treasures are not where real happiness is. Focus on the treasures being the family and friends and those moments with loved ones that we are given. Believe In that Real Dream...dream of what lies ahead and enjoy life's blessings along the way. Don't stress yourself out over comparison to what you have vs. what others have. Enjoy life's moments daily. Then, when you look back on your life you can feel confident in knowing you truly lived your life. I certainly don't want to look back and wish I had taken more time to make memories.

My Journey

I truly believe each of us have within us the ability to make life great. We don't all have the same pocketbook or the same opportunities financially, but my belief is God made our paths uniquely and wonderfully different. There's a reason for that. We share life differently because God has many facets to the way He shares His story. I don't believe the old saying that we all have the same shot at this life, but I DO believe we have the same opportunity to do something great with what we are given. In total honesty I don't WANT to walk the same path as someone else. I don't want to achieve my dreams the same way you do. If your journey is going great and you are having an awesome time then I am truly happy for you. But please don't think I am not living the best life possible because I don't choose the same path as you. I want to live MY life not YOUR life. To be completely honest, I am human and there are times I look at others' homes or their cars and wonder what it would be like to have the same. However, those things don't even compare to the beautiful moments of my life I have been given. To me those beautiful memories and moments will carry me through for the rest of my life. If that sounds like I am settling; well, maybe so. It means I am comfortable in settling for the journey that is uniquely mine. The neat part...God ain't through with me yet smile emoticon

Sip on a Cup of Peace

Today was a much needed rest day because of a bad weather day here in Austin. I just love it when snow and ice fall because it makes people stop and take time to slow down and stay indoors. Sometimes in life all we need is to SLOW down and enjoy life. I remember as a child lying down in the grass with the warm sun on my face and watching clouds form different shapes. I probably laid there for hours but not only was I soaking in the sun, but it seemed I was taking in something you can never find in a bottle...peace.
On weekends, many times I will wake early and grab a cup of coffee and just absorb the sound of still and quiet. That was much like today. Yes, it was a quiet day today and many times felt like I needed to be at work. But then I reminded myself there are times when I just need to slow down and sip on a cup of peace.

Country girl..

...that's what I am!
I was raised in the country in a smaller community and I don't mind saying I truly miss that country air! On the radio (KVET) this morning they were talking about smells that may seem bad to others but they bring back pleasant memories. It made me reflect on the smell of a horse that has just provided me a long ride along the back paths of home. The warm sunshine and the smell of a warm horse, yes sweat to those of you wondering, is true bliss to me. The memories are ones I will treasure forever.
My mom and I were reflecting about the days we would go on the annual riding club's trail ride followed by a parade that opened up the yearly rodeo. One year in particular was brought to mind. We had a long three days on the trail and were just coming back into town. The trail bosses realized we just might be late if we don't hurry it up. So, all 50+ riders had to break our casual rides and head into town at almost gallop speed. We arrived just in time for the starting of the parade that we were to be in. I am sure we were quite a sight with sweating horses; not to mention trail-weary riders looking a bit ragged. After all, this all took place in the hot summers of Texas. But, those were such fun times and gave me a feeling of pleasured accomplishment to be riding among the group.
I am sure you will see many more treasured memories on here, but I must say you can take the girl out of the country but you can NEVER take the country out of the girl.
Until later, may your days ahead be blessed. Don't forget to take time to reflect on those treasured memories this year but be sure and build new ones.
Bev