Life circles entertwined???

Last week my daughter made a delicious sweet potato pizza. Perfect rounds of orange potato covered the top. I looked at the homemade delics' and thought about the life circles I've covered in the last six weeks. My favorite weekly writing exercise, my blog, fell behind and one circle fell on top of another. Sometimes I didn't know if it was Tuesday or Wednesday--the blurred schedule entertwined.

For those of you that follow me, you know my annual Quilting Adventures seminars fall in early March. That meant, for me, airline schedules, room maps, Power Point presentations and last minute endless details pulled on almost every hour from January through mid-March. In-between were big family b-days (Michael turned 4!) , snow days and cold days that altered the daily planned schedule, even one or two "ill" days that caused the blood energy level to drop much below normal for a much needed rest.

And, at the top of the list was Barbara's and my plan to announce the closing (and hopefully, passing of the torch) of QA after our spring event. We had to keep our plans a secret for over a year, so it was welcome relief and emotion to finally talk about it.

Now, five weeks past QA I am thrilled to announce the joyful transfer of QA ownership to a perfect mother-daughter team, Debby and Kim. We are so-o excited! They are awesome and will carry the annual quilt seminar forward in full style. I can't wait to attend next year's event. They will soon post the dates and teachers for 2012. If you love to quilt I highly recommend you give this learning experience to yourself.
You deserve it! --five days of fabulous food, lodging and instruction in a comfortable, campus-style setting. Check it out-- www.quilting-adventures.com

Almost immediately after the spring sessions of QA I flew to Berkeley and enjoyed a teaching weekend with East Bay Heritage Quilters. Delightful hosts and students, a good visit with friends Mary Mashuta and Roberta Horton, and the most fun classes. Thanks, friends. And your lemon trees--oh my, so gorgeous!

Next, and none too soon, was a trek to OKC. I had not held my grandkids since December! Kate is singing, Michael is painting and they both are "all kid."  --meaning 24/7. Yes, my life has embraced a four year old, a 21 month old and very soon, baby # 3. My daughter and I visited, "nested", and cooked for her freezer, all in anticipation of Baby David, due in only 3 weeks. Mercy! Wow! I can't believe it! Really??!!--all of these sentiments fit my emotions. As the mother of one, I realize what I missed and what Lis missed by not having siblings. These little ones are so in love with one another, even as they pull and tug (as all kids do). I stand amazed at the energy and intensity of everyday. At home, I must NEVER think I'm busy again!

My adult kids are the best parents and I am convinced--there is a reason to be  YOUNG PARENTS. The energy requirement; the continuous act of self denial is endless. The discipline requirements (to mold the child) are off the chart. Indeed, the challenges never end. And thankfully, neither do the laughs and love.

Tomorrow, after almost two months of constant activity, is my drive home day. I'm ready. I'm young at heart, but the body needs a day or two of a different schedule. I'm not too old to play, just maybe too old to play--full time. And I must get reved up for baby # 3, less than three weeks away!

I'm back on track--one blog a week. I promise. I love to hear from you.

TIL THEN,

ALI

And on this beautiful EASTER SUNDAY:
                                          
 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall have everlasting life. AMEN!

Remember the old story...

on the way ...can I focus on one?

You have heard the old story. "I went to get the mail. On the way, I saw the ficus needed water so I went to the kitchen to fill a water pitcher. Then the phone rang. Julie, my neighbor, had a car problem. "Will I take her to town?" The beans are cooking, but not done, from my early-morning efficiency plan." How soon can I leave the house?....you know the rest of the story.

Isn't that how we live? It seems to be a woman's way. I guess it goes with another favorite saying,"the best laid plans."Today is one of those days. I started the day with my favorite breakfast --one egg, one dry multi-grain toast, orange slices and one cup of fresh black coffee. Simple and delicious enough... I planned the day between bites.

Then, I took the mail to the mailbox. I noticed the wind had blown down some tree branches. I picked them up to declutter the yard and yep!, I saw a bush that needed the frozen limbs cut away. Yep! Just one, maybe two, but what about those weeds? Thistles...oh, they are so annoying and if we don't get them while they are babies. Yep! Three hours later...you know the rest of the story.

Everyday evolves the same. My rescue dog chases his tail before he lies down. I've always laughed at his nap-order predictability, and yet, I find some of the "chase the tail" traits visible in my everyday. So, here's a NEW plan.. for tomorrow, taken from a summary of some the best efficiency books.

1. Make a Wednesday (or Thursday,etc.) plan. What won't budge off the calendar? Food prep for family, shower and grooming, have to's for business commitments, thoughtfulness in food, card or call to a friend that is hurting or needing, and a haircut appointment.These are non-negotiable.





Multiple random lists...tie together...simplify

2. Next, make a flexible plan. What do I want to do today? Town trip, studio time for the jacket needed/wanted at end of month, reading of the magazine that came in the mail and one/two phone visits. A magazine query for hopeful work and income in late spring? Oh, I must add email/blog reading time.

3. Grid the calendar. Mark the get-up time, then divide the day by hour segments and slot in the have-to-do's. What and where is the time left? Add the want-to-dos. Leave one space open for the daily unexpected.

I remember learning the concept of "dove-tailing" in a college class taken years ago. The principle of baking a potato but doing multiple other tasks while the one-hour lapse of baking takes place is dove-tailing. It was useful at age 19; it is useful many years later. Laundry--what is possible while it is happening? Baking--what is possible while it is happening? Looking at every task helps me squeeze in my "want-to-do's" and some of the "have-to-do's" that are urging me even though they are a month away.

As the kids say "sounds like a plan." Go for it; I'll go for it too (after all, it is the first day of the month--i.e.plan) and let's make an effort to get a handle on the day-plan. Good luck! amid your best laid day...have and give a "happy" day.  Let me know how your plan goes.

My best, to my organized readers,

Alice

my favorite scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:---v. 14...everything God does will endure forever.

Thank you, our blessed God for this wisdom.

a good read: Aunt Erma's Cope Book by Erma Bombeck, 1979.

(check it out from your library--you'll laugh until your sides hurt--a feel good laugh!)

ESSENTIAL, KEYS to the daily...

KEYS to the daily...

The books have set on my bookshelf for weeks. Today, for an unknown reason,, I chose to read the titles of all of the somewhat dusty covers. First, the worn cover of Roget's Thesaurus (sentimentally remembered as a gift from mom), a soft-bound Synonym Finder, next The Brief Holt Handbook and then two that caught my attention. ESSENTIAL English Grammar and KEYS to Great Writing. I could  forever discover new lessons  if I read both daily.. But today my mind is all over the map.  

I deviate from the books intent--writing. My mind thinks of essential and keys as applied to our daily walk. Since childhood the word essential has been in  my vocabulary. Rules like "get enough sleep, eat your peas, say thank-you and respect others"...ESSENTIAL. Next, from early years I observed, studied and tried to learn the KEYS to a good marriage, KEYS to a better job, KEYS to growing old gracefully... 

Some of the essentials, some of the keys seem to stay within, others are a daily struggle. The daily says...Walk for health, Study and meditate, Be kind and pray without ceasing. 


The Seven ESSENTIA...again, as the old country song addresses, "what part of NO" or essential "do we not understand?" Why did the "L" fall off of essential? Perhaps it is because of the daily battle of self- discipline.The self-discipline of life never ends. We always want the second cookie while we struggle with loosing five pounds. 

And my eyes scan more book covers. Words like Walking, the Vein, the Guide, the Faith, Fire... even a book beginning with If You Want To... fill my writing book shelf. Each and every cover deals with motivation to push down the road; to be more than we are, with the help of Essential and Key.

I'm glad I found Essential and Key today. They are useful vocabulary to help me, and may I hope, to all in achieving dreams and  goals. Look back at the New Years resolutions we stated only eight weeks ago. Loose weight? Exercise daily? Write a book? Or a chapter? Visit and love someone, anyone, everyone? Meditate and focus on scripture. Plant a garden. Make $$ in free-lancing? Learn to stitch, paint or knit? Finish or start a quilt? Clean the closet? Pretty unending isn't it? 

But, you know what? If it is ESSENTIAL or KEY, we can do it. We can even do it this afternoon.


til later,


alice


GREAT READS:
God's scripture:  ALWAYS give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58


Writing Skills: Keys to Great Writing by Stephen Wilbers
Take time to empower your writing skills with Wilber's tips to develop and strengthen your signature.

Girlfriends --ah, the best

Girlfriends--what a concept! Girls (children) and girls (adults) that connect in spirit and personality and share everything from dolls to recipes. I think fondly not only of my girlfriends but friends that wear that title and belong to my daughter, sister and yes, even girlfriends of my girlfriends.

Do you remember your first girlfriend? What games did you play? Was she a neighbor, school friend or maybe a cousin? My first girlfriend was a neighbor named Lois. Lois had a big sister, Elizabeth, and our primary play was dress up. We wore our mom's old clothes and insisted my younger sister and other little neighbor kids play the roll of "baby." We played mama, as in grown-up tasks. (I'm the mom, you be the baby).  We called the orders and issued the rules. For some reason, the little sister and neighbors played along, pretending to cry when we told them, or sit still for time out. (minor punishment) Many years have passed since Lois and I crisscrossed our neighborhood yards, but indeed, I'll always remember her as a special girlfriend--even at our early ages of five and six.

And what about the Scouting or Campfire Girl years? Do you remember the badges you worked to achieve? And the girlfriend that aspired to the same goals? Linda was my friend in the fifth grade. I remember going to her house to work on one of our badges. Her mom worked and we loved to preview her closet (unbeknown to her mom). We wanted to look at her mom's beautiful clothes because she hung her clothes wrong side out in the closet--to avoid dust. Such I had never seen. Yes, Linda and I worked on badges together, but never without a peek into her mom's closet. That secret girlfriend bond--I trust you and you trust me.

Junior High years came and I found sewing and my forever friend, Martha. Oh, those fun years with our favorite teacher, Mrs. Alexander, who gave us confidence with needle and thread. In those years the "sack" dress was in high style. Martha and I eagerly shopped for our favorite 79 cent/yard cotton and cut/sewed two dresses, almost alike, all in one night of a sleepover. I cut and stitched; she pressed or visa-versa until two dresses were finished. We wore them with pride and couldn't wait to get to the next pattern and the next sew-in sleepover--almost every weekend during that freshman year of high school. Bonding in girlfriend sharing--equal loads, equal rewards.

And do you remember our "laugh til we drop" moments? Remember the times we looked at each other and started laughing? Sometimes it was about a private joke, others--well, it was fun to laugh together, be it over spilled milk or a silly boyfriend encounter.


College days found new comrades. One of my dear girlfriends was named Linda. We had food lab classes together and mastered the seriousness of the perfect meal, formulating even the cost of the hollandiase sauce and setting the perfect table for the perfect score. Such a kinship was felt together that we eagerly exchanged our first choice of classes to be sure we had the common schedule in upcoming semesters. Later we worked in the same testing kitchen for Pioneer Natural Gas, demonstrated the latest in superb gas cookery, shared a company car and even bought precious little schnauzer puppies from the same litter. Girlfriend bonding...laughter, sharing, trust, co-dependency, connection.

Marriage took me to the next stage of girlfriends. How can we possibly forget our first couple friends --(the husband and wife sought out friendships that matched the other couple equally). We shared meals, played games and took care of each other's children. And the dear girlfriends in early jobs? Mary taught me how to teach (and quilt). I loved Jan at TCU (working on her PH.D and birthing her children in the school holidays), my dear Christian church friends, Betty, Delpha, Suzanne and Linda. Again, more shared meals and children with the addition of prayer and study. And the connections of favorite friends in the community--Shirley who owned a fabulous fabric shop and gave me every opportunity, Mrs. Engleman (named Dottie) that I could NEVER call by her given name --she was just too special.

Remember the friends that loved your kids? The teachers, the neighbors, the community leaders? Remember the friends that shared discussions regarding "the best for your kids?" The piano teacher? The art teacher? Or the chicken pox spreading across the school?-- and years later, even the college of choice. Friendships to match the life window...girlfriends to match the heart and soul.

And somehow, middle age came to be. Our work associations and their value increased. Remember  Bonnie, Judy, Nancy, Betty, Ann, Chris, Carolyn, Marty, Debra, and endless favorites, all relative to the daily walk.The time of life when there were too many dear friends to name? 

Remember the friendships formed after the horrid empty nest? For years, we imagined how life would be when we had "our time" and then it happened? The house was empty and lonely. Where were our dear children? Young adults, yes, with girlfriends in their life. Bonding, sharing, laughing and finding their way.

And those first-in-years lunches--just you and a friend? No carpool to run; no clock to watch, except for the early retired husband that asked, "when will you be home?" Girlfriends with the first gray hair, the first wrinkle and the first...maybe the first of many...lunches. And the first of many girlfriend trips or retreats or...bees or writing groups and ALWAYS more new friends??

Must I remind you of our girlfriend bond during the hard times? Our sadness or loss about a child or parent  or husband or even ourselves--no words describe the pain; our heart is cut in half. Girlfriends appear, sometime for no apparent reason--only to hold us up. Thanks, we mutter, because the words can't come. A hug, a tight hand grip, tears wiped from the cheek and a casserole in the oven...girlfriends, yea, we understand.

Ah, girlfriends. One of life's blessings. As noted author Gail Sheehy wrote several years ago in her book, Passages, the retirement years provide time to fulfill the desire to redefine oneself. Perhaps that is the last identifying moment of girlfriend-ing. It is almost the best. It is the sharing of laughs that relate to years of living, the sharing of "remember when", the "I have the funniest grandson story", the freedom to play golf, cards, quilt, take a class or watch a movie with a girlfriend--just because. It is the combination of dear, dear history friends and the friends we have just made that live down the road. It is girlfriend time in full circle.

The seasons come and go--in a flash. The seasons are shorter now. They aren't defined by years; instead we relate to months, maybe even events. But one thing for sure...girlfriends, I'll call you. Please call me.

BECAUSE girlfriend, we are special to each other. I couldn't make it without you. And I hope you feel the same.

Enjoy the best, share the best, be the best,

alice

a wonderful scripture:
A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:7

and a favorite book:

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts, 2004.
...the stories of the women who raised our nation.

Eleven favorite things on 1-11-11

Fascination with this date inspired this post. Think how cool it would be to have this birthday or anniversary. And it happens again in a slightly different way, come November. Try 11-1-11. I haven't researched the odds of numbers connecting like this (and for certain, I am not a math talent), but I enjoyed thinking of eleven things that make my heart smile. Actually, since I began this on 1-11-11 and I'm closing in on 1-17-11 I've added a few. Think of your smiles--what makes you happy? It is d-i-f-i-c-u-l-t to narrow it down. My list is in no specific order. They are all smiles.

FRED, my neighbor's pretend cow.

He's a smile everyday--even dresses up for special occasions!

FABRICS --and threads

Patterns and stitches--a big smile!

My grands! I love their journey, their funny stories

and the richness they provide each day

My writing group--never gets better than when we

are learning and laughing together. All smiles

My hubby and the memories of happiness

we make together--Thanks and smiles

Artists that stretch my abilities. Here,

Sue Spargo--a real treasure and big smile!

My dear daughter and grands--Thanks and four smiles!

My sister--always pushes me through--

Thanks and smiles

Friends, friends, friends--all smiles

Sunsets and the glory of God's promise--

Thank you--BIG smile

Delicious bounty of food --YUM!--and smiles

BOOKS, BOOKS and more--

a smile for every volume



QUILTS -old and new--rich with smiles

CREATIVITY --in multiple venues
WOW--BLESSINGS AND SMILES

And in addition......

BLOGS-------EMAILS--------LETTERS-------PHONE VISITS---------ALONE TIME---------STUDY TIME

A-L-L SMILES. LIFE IS GOOD.

THANK YOU.

and your smiles--send me yours,

Best,until next time,

alice

and God's word: Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

                                   Philippians 4:8



I Want to be ME!

Standing at the kitchen counter, slicing carrots and onion, my mind was racing. I WANT TO BE ME!

I want to write, read, study. I want to design, play with color, sew and create. I want to travel, participate in conversations about writers, how-to write and quilt imagery. I want to ...my head screamed in escalating tones. Never a volume leaked to the spouse or the neighbor, but my heart screamed I WANT TO BE ME! My voice felt cracked in my throat. My eyes swelled with tears. I want to be ME!

Since 7 a.m. I had prepared oatmeal and fruit, ironed, made business calls, discussed politics (from opposite sides), pre-planned up-coming events, answered the phone again and again, cleaned bathrooms and now, lunch--there was no time for ME. I counted backward and I could not recall a ME window. We had scurried through December with "have to do's"; the fall months had deadline after deadline of travel and work obligations.

Julia Cameron in Artist's Way admonishes "hold to your time for reading and writing; 3 pages a day, everyday." I didn't come close to that goal. Grief and selfishmess filled my heart. ...and at the moment, I had totally forgotten Phillipians 2:14 "...do not grumble."

WAIT my mind suddenly said. I AM ME. I am playing the roll I agreed to take. I'm in the early winter of my life and I've driven down countless roads. I choose a career and took the classes, the exams and found the job. I chose the mate, took the oath and made the marriage. I chose to have a baby and raised a beautiful daughter. I worked like a slave to provide money for her education and marriage. Yes, I (ME) agreed to life changes (both good and bad) in all of my days. I sweated the unpleasantness of job transitions and moves to strange towns, fussy days, illness and shortness of money. I and the "ME in I" found a way by relying on God, spouse (or lack of), intuition, rolled up sleeves and family and friends. Each day....one day at a time....has found a way. I've always been ME...wearing multiple hats in multiple ME'S.

The role of ME is the role that cooks, pays the bills, washes and irons, talks and listens, prays, hurts, cries, hopes, wishes, rests, wants to rest, begs for peacefulness and wants to run away--to be the "alternate" ME.

The alternate ME I'm wanting must fit in around the edges. It is the side of ME that I'm begging to hold. Struggling to claim that person I decided to approach each day with two lists--the ME list including routines and responsibilities, and the ME "alternate" or creative list. At least one alternate ME thing a day must find an entry next to the chore list. At least one page or one window of stitching; maybe one chapter. Five days into running; so far it is working. 

 In reading I found Norman Mailer says it best,

"If you tell yourself you are going to be at your desk tomorrow, you are by that declaration asking your unconscious to prepare the material. You are in effect, contracting to pick up such valuables at a given time. Count on me...you are saying to a few forces below: "I will be there to write." 

And so, regrouping the emotions, I decided to put puddy in the ME openings.. I'll continue to cut the carrots, make the business calls, do the errands and be to others.  BUT the openings about ME will visit my grandchildren, write and sew several times a week, enter contests, read to my hearts content and give time to God's word--to really seek his counsel.  The alternate ME is coming in...it's only January and I'm making a promise...to ME. 

I'm hoping to hear....HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR YOUR "ME?"

SOME OF THE ME'S THAT MAKE ME WHOLE:

Baby Kate that loves books as much as I ..."re a bo?"

FRIENDS that I depend on...heart and soul---talented Michelle Watts and ME.

Study in workshops, internet, books....for ME

and endless more ME's: my hubby, daughter and sister, my first grandson that has grown up MUCH to fast, my community, neighbor and history friends, and the strength of the sunrise and the sunset. I am blessed. Thanks, dear God, for helping all of us to multi-task and still find the ME.

Until next time,

best,

alice--and,

Scripture to remember: Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings. KJ version

Do everything without complaining or arguing. NIV version

Newness in the NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Aren't we amazed that the calendar has rolled over to the new numbers of 2011? I recall (in what seems like yesterday) conversations about the years "2000" and we all felt that window of time would come light years away. I guess the light years have traveled!-- because today we are starting the second decade of the years "2000."


I like fresh starts. The New Year is an opportunity to regroup, start again, try harder, set deadlines and goals with every intention of meeting them. Last night I asked George (hubby) "Do you make NY's resolutions?' He looked at me with dismay and said, "Sure, I make them with every daily list." Now, as I've observed his life pattern, I agree--he does "resolute" everyday.He's a list guy and every Monday, every Tuesday, etc. starts with a list.  If the task fell short the day before he places it at priority rating on the new day.


So, following his example, I want to make 2011 resolutions in the same pattern. If I fall short today, I'll put the goal on the next day's list and try again.


Try again fits so many hours of the daily walk. Last week I watched Kate, my 17 month grand-girl work to climb on and off an overstuffed chair. When she succeeded she was so proud and smiled "success" from ear to ear. In tumbles and lack of success she cried or rearranged her legs or reached her arms out for help. I thought, "hmmm, not much different than me." I cry (inside), rearrange or reach out for help. Is this a provision from God? I suspect it is--his way of providing answers to the daily problems, be they big or small.


Now, with the opportunity to anticipate 364 more days of 2011 I hope you'll reach for favorite books that help you reach your goals. Go for it--set your fresh start. Below are some of my favorite resolution books. These authors truly focus on priorities and in turn, aid my push to reach my goals--to be the best I can be in my walk with God, in my walk with family and friends and in my walk with the talents that I hold.


I highly recommend these reads to help you reach your "resolutes."

1) 31 DAYS OF PRAISE and 31 DAYS OF PRAYER by Ruth Myers, 1994 and 1997
Mulynomah Publishers, Inc. (check your Christian bookstore or used books on internet)  --a series of short devos to help focus the day.

2) FIRST THINGS FIRST by Stephen R. Covey, 1994
Simon and Schuster (check local and internet bookstores) --concrete specifics on organizing the day, the week, the year to reach goals

3) THE ARTISTS' WAY by Julia Cameron, 1992
Tarcher/Putman (multiple printings--check local and internet stores)
 --a weekly reminder to write, create and give yourself an artist date--with multiple how-to's --every artist, in every media, should review Julia Cameron's words of encouragement

4) THE ELEMENTS of STORY by Francis Flaherty, 2010
Harper (check local and internet stores)
--so many good ideas on "exciting" a story. Currently my favorite read. I can't put it down.

5) YOUR FAVORITE BOOK --be it God's word, a how-to, a fiction or non, a cookbook or raising children book -READING TIME is my wish for you. It is one of our richest blessings.

And a quote I love: 
            "Life is too short for drama and petty things,
         so...kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and
         forgive quickly."  ....unknown.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Enjoy a great week,

Alice

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

                       

Merry Christmas, Joy to the World, Christmas Greetings and Happy New Year...I love these traditional greetings. For me it is not the same to say Happy Holidays. For me, the lack of sentimental language falls cold.


 I like tradition. I like repetition of years gone by. Time spent opening and hanging old decorations, addressing and sending cards to friends far away, preparing favorite recipes, and making time for visits and parties with extended family and friends identifies the spirit of Christmas. The sameness reinforces joyful memories built one year at a time.


"Twas the night after Christmas" when my daughter and I looked at every ornament on her tree. They sprang eternal to her 32 years...childhood memories built in the form of shiny glass balls and classic painted wooden shapes in the style of sleighs and little trains. These beginning stories of Lis and her husband Andy continue to multiply.From childhood memory  ornaments to college and early marriage years, a recall of the giver and the occasion rings clear. Even now, more ornaments are being added for their young children, my precious grandchildren. The tree is glistening with beauty, smiling with 30+ years of Christmas stories. So many tales are told in these simple shapes--vacations, summer camps, school awards, children's births, work and friendship connections.   Indeed,a dimensional journal of family history is recorded in the glitz, homemade style, sentimental paint or stitch of every ornament.


The allure and sentimental value of the decorated tree is enhanced with an advent calendar, old ruby-red nosed Rudolph setting on the chair (from Lis's childhood), the scripture opened to Luke 2's recording of Christ's birth and gingerbread men cookies ready in the kitchen. In addition, the phone conversations with sister and daughter "do you think he will like....?" add spirit to the hustle and bustle of the season. Augment these sentiments with wrapping paper, tape and ribbon, all awaiting the wonder of the hospitality of  the family get-together for fun and gift giving.


I cherish the menus of years gone by and the delicious flavors of this season's fare. I save magazines and love to group several Christmas issues from various years--Martha Stewart Living, Cooking Light and Bon Appetite read awesome to me with their golden baked turkey on the cover and layed cake inside--be it a 1998 or 2010 issue. It is a joy to flip pages in favorite cookbooks and see a note "mom made this, Christmas 1986." I am always tempted to prepare it again. I cherish the time to make a home-made gift by needle and thread for family and friends--even though the goals of completion are never fully met. The calendar seems to always run out.


Enter the drive from one city to next, joining family and feeling their hugs and smiles exchanged with sincerity. I love the dinners amid laughter and conversations "do you remember the Christmas when?" with everyone adding their personal version to complete the annual story. Don't forget to add the tale of the snow blizzard of 2009 and our Christmas Eve time in the generous snow shelter provided by Goldsby Baptist Church. In the not expected blizzard, 9 hours of snow packed driving led us to spend the evening in a spirited round of favorite carols, the reading of the Christmas story and a night's rest on the vestibule church pews. The novel experience provided one of my all-time favorite Christmas memories. Family connections were possible the next day and the tradition of old and new  (with a new story) began again.

I am thankful for all these years of tradition. I cherish family and the stages we are in. Grandparent, parent, sibling, cousin, niece and little ones--every age writes a different chapter. Every chapter spells j-o-y and thanksgiving for God's blessings. Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night. May you and yours be blessed in the coming New Year.

Sincerely,

alice

p.s. I regret I fell behind in my blog season of 2010. Thanks for reading my weekly words. I'm back on go--once a week I look forward to sharing 2011. Let me hear from you. Tell me your stories, your favorite books, your travels...stay in touch.

CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?



ANY DIFFERENCE IN THIS CROWD?



Does your life make a difference? Does my life make a difference? Soul wrenching questions. Self evaluation and reflection comes more readily as we pass birthdays, reconnect to a distant acquaintance or loose a friend. Reflection of my personal time line became  a more conscious awareness as my mine's eye focused on the simple question of this week's daily devo read. The article, found in an old Sunday study, suggested taking  personal responsibility to make a positive difference for forty days. Set a goal to achieve simple attitude/action opportunities in giving and counter self-improvement.  Create an opportunity to analyze life priorities and the reason to be...

Forty Days? I read..."Make our world a better place." Begin...touch someone in a gentle or powerful way; better our self by putting our own needs last. Take one daily change-step at a time.The article impacted me and I liked the challenge. What to do? It read, "Make simple, from the hip type changes." Send an old-fashioned greeting--stamped--in the mail card.  Take food to a handicap friend who struggles with the mere effort of going to the grocery.  "Pay back" a fresh loaf of bread to a neighbor that collected mail for a recent week-out event. Kindly visit and notice a conversational detail of a clerk (her awards on her nametag) in the checkout stand. Run an errand for one with a sick child or invalid husband. I made a list and asked myself,  "is it possible for me to carry a 40 day load of thoughtfulness?"

Christ carried a 40 day load in the temptations he faced. Noah faced 40 days in his ark with the two by two's of all of God's animals. And the Israelites faced forty years in the desert. I researched the scriptures and read literature and realized my forty day challenge felt small to histories' records. My challenge felt small to the challenges of people with extreme physical needs, money shortages (not wants), or loneliness challenges of fellowmen whose lives lack companionship. From the simple observations  read in the paper, a short walk in a mall, or newsy visit with a neighbor--my observation of others' daily walk brought the reality of the forty days of thoughtfulness into a ready-go! mode. So much to do...so little time. I thought, " I've been blessed and "except by the grace of God, there go I."

My list of obvious opportunities seemed easy. "Surely it is harder than this...but no," my mind challenged. "It is not hard." The scripture says "It is better to give than receive." The door of opportunity swung open. A pineapple for the rheumatoid arthritis victim to reduce her inflammation and a short visit to say "I care."  Cards sent the old-fashioned way to friends that don't use e-mail.  Phone calls to check on the unchecked. A simple note to remind hubby of his importance in my life. Grandchild baths so mom gets the night off. A session in the floor playing Lego's with my grandson.  I went into my forty day challenge thinking  "one task a day." Ten days into the challenge it more accurately read "one opportunity."

In honesty I must say human nature still captured my spirit. In the first ten days part of my behavior daily-do's, part of me made an A, part make an F. Last week I failed when I was tired and hanging out in the tire department at Walmart. A burdened mom and her very misbehaving children made me so-o nervous! And I showed it with rudeness.  And daily, for every one good intention and deed I pass,  a failure befalls me-- again and again. Now, not to write a "poor me so you will .feel sorry for "pens" note. Just the facts, mam. But, like the journey of learning to ride a bike...I want to get on again... I want to make a difference. The road looks straight ahead. Christ is in charge. So, back on the bicycle I climb.

Perhaps the biggest bonus of  my forty day challenge is my unexpected blessing. In reflection,  I noticed the forty things you have done for me. In an old book, I found a note card that said you loved my friendship...it showed two women sitting over lunch, enjoying their best cake--and each other. (ah...my love of our friendship.) I remembered the flowers (for no special occasion) in the kitchen from my husband that loves me. And last weeks' mail brought an unexpected letter from a dear friend of history past. I took the phone call that said "what are you doing?" "how did it go?" I remembered the girlfriend chat that giggled my insides. And thanks for helping me edit my last story. Thank you for listening about..."endless A trivia."

 And, an unexpected blessing, I laughed with pure joy at a literal translation from my three year old grandson. Referring to his messy room, I said "this is nuts." He picked up a toy pizza part from his kitchen set and said, "no, it's pepperoni." I remember...YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE. All forty of your efforts... made and make a difference in me...a gift of blessing from you! Thank you!

Forty days...forty differences. To a better neighborhood; to a better world. Let's do it.

My best to you,

Alice

And remember God's word: Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

And a fabulous read: Mother-Daughter Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, MD., Random-House, 2005. Noted for her skilled knowledge of integrated medicines, she touches the world every mother-daughter relationship has experienced. I highly recommend this book.

Is it the rash--or the voice?

CHOICE --in the makin' ??

An ambitious afternoon in the garden brought this on. Bushes overgrown needed trimming. So, for the next three hours I trimmed, raked and gathered cut stems. The yard looked so much better. I beamed.

THEN,

came this unexpected ITCH....itch, itch. I look at my watch and it is 3 a.m. I stumble out of bed, go to a distant room to check out the "itch." It seems everywhere--up and down my arms, up and down my legs. "Mercy," I think, "what did I get into?"

Morning comes and I feel confident. Surely, with all the homopath remedies in my cabinet I can manage this. I go through the shelves and select the appropriate products, double up on Vitamin C and think this rash  WILL go away. Now, three days later (post weekend of no clinics open) and two trips to the health food store plus one over-the-counter remedy, the ITCH is still with me. My arms are rash red; my thighs are a mess, my neck is beet red and I'm cold--in a 70 degree afternoon! One cream after another, one pill at a time, I hope at least one of these products will work? If not, first thing, in the a.m., to the doctor I will go. In the meantime....

I had written this week's blog (in my mind). How appropriate to match my thoughts to my ailment! The "itch" (so physically and emotionally consuming) and the "voice" (the consuming personality of our writing) join our personality, be it a written short story or our daily interactions.

First, the voice of a story.  Voice is a word that has become popular in writing circles. Countless classes are offered toward developing our voice.  Simply put, the writer's world advises strength becomes our characters when they  portray a voice (tone) that is recognized --the story has a consistent "attitude." As Tom Wolfe put it, the voice should not be "beige."  In writing every story has a voice; every story needs a personality.

And the voice of our personality is recognized by others, truly, as our daily "itch." Another well known writer, Norman Sims points out "Voice that admits of self can be a great gift." In other words, it is worth a conscious effort to awaken to our sounds, listen to our language-- literally not only "what we say" but "how we say it,"and be honest in our tone.  A wonderful example I read referred to parents using the same comment, seeking totally different results. "That was smart." or "That was smart?" Obviously, we get it!  And today the voice of my itch is loud; it is consistent and it is repetitive--3 days and running. I get it!

From morning to evening, our voice  is our interaction to our daily walk. The personality voice is influenced by what we experience (or experienced), what we see and read (or don't). We awaken ourselves to listen to our own language and the properties we choose to portray. Our daily tone is hemmed by each life experience, how we see that experience amid the feathers of our being--what has grown in our being, in our value and belief system, one feather, one day and one year at a time. The voice we project is not only our belief, but often, our passion.

We've all known people that had it far better (or worse) than ourselves. Their perception of the shoes they wear often provides a big lesson for us--to be accepting or resentful, to be accommodating or obnoxious, in every circumstance we hear their  voice. And less we forget, decibel volume changes our voice perception at different times in our life--diapers and potty training mean much more to a mom of toddlers than a teenager that has yet to experience the mom role; the SAT means more to the high school junior than to the toddler mom--and so it goes. (My itch is stronger to my voice than yours.)

I loved one authors thoughts about voice. He said think of "your voice" as your song.--the lines on our faces we've earned, the crook of our nose or our teeth we've earned, the stance of our body we've earned. Each frames the voice we speak. Natalie Goldberg said it well when she said  "say a holy "yes" to the real things of our life, as they exist."--speak our voice boldly. And remember, "...never underestimate people. They so desire the cut of truth." (our voice)

Thankfully, the daily voice is the method of our drive, the energy of our walk and the smile of our heart. Each day of voice is a day of choice.

I had chosen "voice" for this week's blog and had no idea "itch" was the sound I would hear. But I heard consistent and  repetitive--my voice. It made me think. And your voice?" Is it awake to full volume?

Enjoy and share your voice,

Alice

a blessed read: Deuteronomy 30:20 Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His VOICE, and hold fast to him.

a great book: Natalie Goldberg's best seller,

Writing Down the Bones. If you seek a writer's voice, read one of Natalie's books--you won't put it down until it is finished.