Can't say why.....

Divorce, Southern Style

A night out at the Canton Theatre was fun this past weekend. The prelude was dinner at a New Orleans style restaurant which was located across the street. We went to see "Divorce, Southern Style". This was a hilarious comedy about a middle aged divorcee's schemes to get back together with her ex-husband....of 15 years ago! The reason being, she was low on cash. Should be so easy. lol This production kept me laughing throughout with the actors fitting the parts perfectly. The ending was good and showed how strong us women really are.....the only way to be. :)

Friendships

Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance. Radindranath Tagore

I sit here thinking of the past few weeks and the new friendship that has emerged in my life. I've always said that good friends develop when you least expect it. These recent weeks are no exception. How nice it's been to openly talk without hesitation so quickly into the newness. I don't question the timing nor the reason. I just know that it has been refreshing. :)

This is my favorite part of the day when out on the water. As the sun continues to rise and glistens on the lake, it can leave me mesmerized. My senses are close by absorbing the stillness and quiet. It does wonders for my well being and the outside world seems far away. I have been fortunate to get out there at least twice a week as the weather continues to cool off. Yes, I might have to add layers on to stay warm, but that beauty continues to show it's face in a world of color.

Moments....

As you offer yourself to love....
and lay awake to ponder if things will change....
with the mere thought of heartache....
of those left behind.
I'm here.

I count on you now....
to lift my life unto yours...
and pray you'll stay next to me.

Just hold my hand tightly....

Parents

Brian, Dan and I flew up to Pittsburgh two weeks ago to visit my parents. It had been my mother's birthday and I thought a good time to go see her. It was an enjoyable time spent with family.
On this trip, I ended up not renting a car because my Dad insisted that their car was there for my using. The first day I asked him for the keys to go somewhere, I felt as if I was back in my teens trying to get away with something! After asking where I was going and how long I would be out, he proceeded to hand over the keys. My first thought was to say "where's the closest car rental place?!" The next trip was even more interesting. I sat in the back seat with my two boys, while Dad drove and Mom told him where to go! Once again, I felt like I was back in my childhood. It's funny how things seem to stay the same between parent and child, while child to parent changes. Parents....you got to love them. :)

1533

"He had been my lover for years and yet it had been my task to make sure that he never knew me. As he lay on me, and moved inside me, I felt as lonely as if I were the ship which bore my name, out all alone at sea." The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory

Out of the 650 pages of this book that I read, the two lines above stood out to me immediately after I read it. The loneliness that was portrayed of this girl seemed so real. Loneliness that seemed to slip so easily into her very soul and stay there unwanted. She was a girl who had everything, but had nothing that really mattered. I loved this book about the reign of King Henry VIII involving his first two wives. It's hard to imagine living in that era where females did not have a say in anything. I don't think that would sit well with me! This novel was compelling, spellbinding and I felt as if I was there in court with the Tudors each and every time I opened the book. There are not too many authors that can do that. I'm looking forward to reading the book that follows this one. :)

THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

 

Yes Derek, I'm back from vacation.  :) 

We took a couple of trips actually and one of them camping at Elkmont and hiking in the Smoky Mountains.  This was the most energetic trip for me and the one that I didn't want to leave from.  I saw my first black bear there when I was a child, and now my kids saw their first one also.  The first day of hiking to Laural Falls, we came upon a mother bear and 3 cubs.  Needless to say, I was a little nervous but excited to see them.  I didn't even take a snapshot picture because I was afraid the sound of my shutter  might cause a disturbance!  After watching them for a little while, the bears continued into the thick of the woods and we continued on our hike to the Falls.  Needless to say, the boys moved a little faster on the trail after that to keep up with my pace.  :)
We hiked to Grotto Falls and also many other trails in the mountains.  I felt alive and forgot the outside world for that week.  It was great and the scenery beautiful.  Next year I hope to bike the 11 mile loop around Caves Cove if I can get them to go back.  I think the word was, "This is Mom's thing, why do we have to do it?".  lol

Vacation

Going on vacation! See you in a week!

Carol

Mother Theresa

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
Mother Theresa

Throughout the years, I have always been drawn to reading articles and books about Mother Theresa. I had hoped to see her in person someday, but never had the opportunity before she passed away in 1997.
Our church last night had a presentation of her work in Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity that served the poorest of the poor. I was moved to tears as I listened to Linda Schaefer described her experience in India. She was the last professional photojournalist granted complete access to Mother Theresa and her work throughout India. She talked of working side by side with her and volunteering her time and energy before Mother Theresa even allowed her to take any pictures.
It is always amazing to me to hear about Mother Theresa and the people that could never say "no" to her. It truly was an amazing life.

The English-Speaking Union, Atlanta

Yesterday, myself and 3 other members from our book club, went to a luncheon sponsored by the The English-Speaking Union in Atlanta. Philippa Gregory was there to speak of her new book "The Virgin's Lover".
This is a historical novel of the first year reign of Queen Elizabeth 1. It tells of the year 1558 when she had the challenge of a war against the French who were invading Scotland and the uprising by the English Catholics. Of course she falls passionately in love with a married man who is her favorite in court. Phillippa Greggory blends historical fact with modern day rumors. I found this novel hard to put down.

We had the chance to talk first hand with Phillippa and had this photo taken of us with her sitting in the middle. The four of us enjoyed the luncheon, her speaking of the book, and listening about her background. We are reading another of her novels "The Other Boleyn Girl" for next month's book club meeting which is about the reign of Henry VIII. I would definitely recommend these novels to anyone interested in historical times.

Searching

I awoke this morning very early again with one of a few dreams that has been following me for years. The dream of finding another part of my home that is untouched by everyone that lives here. It is a place that only I find over and over again as I open each door and walk thru each room. I have plans in my dream of going thru every trunk and looking under every covering to discover what is there. In my dream, I feel as though my life will unfold as I unfold those places.

I always awake from this dream wanting to find that place and have figured out long ago that I am searching in life. Do we unconsciously hunt for answers that will give us meaning?

Tennis

Our USTA summer ladies team finished off the season this year with a 9-1 team standing. We came in first place in the district and are headed to Macon for the State Championship next May. Yippee!
Should be a fun time and definitely a good experience for the team. All that hard work and sweating in the Hotlanta summer heat has paid off! :)

The Weekend

 

We spent the holiday weekend at the lake and I was able to get in some serious paddling time.  I enjoyed the quiet time early in the morning before all the motor boats hit the water.  With my map in hand I explored some new places.  I came across deer drinking from the water, different kinds of birds with my new favorite being the heron, and butterflies galore floating in the air.  I fully expected to see a snake in my boat each morning as I left the kayak on the water's edge.  I am happy to say that it didn't occur, but I did have an inch worm crawling up my inner thigh while out in the middle of the lake.  I was lucky I didn't tip!  I don't like bugs!  lol   Needless to say, I just came back from ordering a storage cover for the opening.   :)     

 

 

 

Even though one is unprepared
We can make it through the storms and wind of change.
With every hand that is extended
we should grasp
and every outlook will be the same.
It is in that emotion which holds steadfast
our feelings to give those comfort
when they don't even see where they will walk.

Georgia Southern University

 

  Last, but not least, we have Dave going back to school for his junior year at Georgia Southern.  It was great having him home for the summer and I am missing him since he went back to school.  My food bill should go way down now since I'm not feeding him and all his friends!  Although, yesterday he called and asked me if I would please send some homemade cookies to him!  lol
We went on this pontoon ride the day before he left for college for some fun in the sun, picnic, swimming  and tubing.  It was such a nice day.  Now it's back to the books for him and he seems to be doing great.  Hang in there Dave, your halfway done!   

Kayak

I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.'
            -- Earl Warren, Chief Justice
 
At different times of my life while out in my canoe, I had thought of owning a kayak.  The past year and especially the last few months,  I have been actively looking for one that would suit me well.  I had finally found one that I wanted and last week I received it for my birthday.   
 It is a Current Design Squall, 16 1/2 ft., 22 inches wide and 58 lbs.  I've already had it on the water a few times since last week and it glides so smoothly.  Being 10 minutes from the lake is tempting enough to go every spare chance I get and I hope to do just that!   
One is never too old to start something new.  :)

Brian -10th grade this year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All I said was "put the kabobs on the grill! "  

 It never surprises me how life can bring on funny moments without even expecting it.  I found these pictures on my camera as I was downloading yesterday.  Apparently my kids were having a little fun with our dinner AND my camera!  In the midst of emotions the evening before his sister was moving out, he opted to have a little fun.  It's 10th grade for Brian this year and he definitely keeps me laughing with stunts like this. 

College

  Here's Kelly,  ready to start her college experience by entering her dorm room for the first time.    She moved in today at Emory University.  She was excited and happy, but also said she felt overwhelmed.  The years ahead of her as a pre-med student will keep her extremely busy as she follows a dream that she's had since she was 8 years old.
It was hard leaving her there when it was time to go.  I held onto her and found myself unable to release her from my arms.  As the tears rolled down my cheeks, I couldn't help but think that it seemed like yesterday that I put her on that first school bus to Kindergarten. 
Yes, I am proud of her and her accomplishments.   I am excited for her in what she is going to experience and learn and I am happy that she is going to the school of her choice.  Now, if I could only stop crying!
Good Luck Kelly ....I love you!  :)

Not your typical Wednesday

The effects of today has left me with a rash of emotions.  Not sure where to start or if I even should!  lol   Some of the highlights were the police holding my painters hostage while our security alarm was going off because they tripped it while painting the windows.  Needless to say, I was on the tennis courts playing a match in the 3rd set and the score 5-4 in our favor.  After noticing my phone vibrating in my bag and a message from ADT security, I found out what was going on.  I Ok 'd the release of the painters and pondered  whether to finish out the match, or go home and shut the alarm off.  Thinking that it had been blaring for a half hour anyway,  I chose to just finish the match.  :)
Racing home, cutting the alarm, changing out of my drenched clothes,  (in between letting some lady interested in buying our car, take one of our vehicles to get it checked out by a mechanic at a car dealer)  and then rushing to the lake for an appointment to demo a kayak, I thought my day would be topped off by flipping the boat and getting wet. To my surprised I stayed dry.  :) 
Bottom line is, they finished the painting today without the police breathing down their necks,  we won our tennis match with a wide grin on my face, the lady wanted the car but at a much lower price, AND I ended up a new owner of a kayak.  :)
A day indeed!