Sunday Thoughts...Mary Did You Know?

"Mary did you know your baby boy would one day walk on water?"

One of my favorite Christmas Carols is "Mary Did You Know".  Each time I hear it, my thoughts turn to the young teenage pregnant mother, Mary, preparing to deliver her baby.

 I look back just weeks before I gave birth.  I was 29 and had been married four years.  It was an exciting, but scary time.  Instinct, hormones, something took over and I began the process of "nesting".  Everyone fussed over me.  Neighbors visited, friends called and my mother packed her suitcase.  There might have been a baby shower or two.   Baby clothes were washed and hung.  There was a good stash of diapers stored in the nursery closet.  Arrangements had been made months ahead of time for delivering my baby.  I knew there would be a room available.  I knew there would be nurses and a doctor to care for both me and my baby.  All asked of me was to wait, plan and dream of my child's bright future.

Though we are in the last week of Advent, ready to rejoice in the birth of Jesus,  this mother's heart continues to return to the young pregnant girl traveling, with her soon-to-be-husband, to a distant city.  There was no nesting... no parties... no one to fuss over her.  Instead doors were slammed in her face, until she and her fiancé were offered a cave, a dwelling place for animals.  Was she terrified?   Instead of nurses and doctors taking care of every need,  she gives birth in the presence of cows, goats and sheep.

As a mother and grandmother, I wonder what Mary hoped for her child?  She had been told she was giving birth to the Messiah.   Did she still hold in her heart the same hopes and dreams I had for my own child? 

Did she know?

As I rush around wrapping up all the loose ends of holiday preparations, I continually find myself in awe of the faith of this young Mary who gave birth to our Savior so many many years ago.   And I give thanks for the gift she gave to the world.

"Mary did you know...."

          "when you kissed your little baby,

you kissed the face of God?

Merry Christmas!

(my favorite Christmas carol)

Thoughts on a Difficult Week

Here we are Saturday, November 12, 2016....

 we survived the week.

And, it has been a stressful week.  In my PollyAnna way I thought no matter how the election turned out we would return to life as we knew it.  We would all pitch in and work together.   I was wrong and so very disappointed.

I am going to be honest here.  My candidate was not in the running.    I pretty much removed myself from social media, Facebook,  because I was losing respect for many on both sides.  There was a time I believed I could not with a good conscience vote.  Arguments for both sides seemed seriously flawed in my eyes.  Yet, Tuesday I walked into my polling place, said a short prayer and cast my vote.  (Please do not assume, I prayed, therefore you know for whom I voted)

Wednesday morning we awoke as divided as we were on Tuesday.  Those who tried to bridge the two sides with prayer and kind words were trampled.   Some continued the spewing and others took to the streets in protest.  In my opinion neither is bringing us together as a country, and that friends, truly breaks my heart.  

Last night, I went to see "The Crucible" at our repertory theater.   As a teenager there was a time I was obsessed with the Salem witch trials, and yes, I voluntarily read Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible".   At fifteen I was awed by the spectacle of it all.  And, I question God.   Last night, it was the injustice caused by fear mongering and mass hysteria that pulled me into the story.  And I knew though his name was thrown around,  God was neither invited to nor in attendance at that party.   Does any of this sound relevant to this past year?

Throughout the play, I wanted everyone to step back, take a deep breath, put egos aside and think about what they were doing.   It dawned on me this is exactly how I have felt throughout this whole election year.   As the second act was coming to it's conclusion, though I knew the outcome, I wanted it to be different than what I remembered.   I wanted a happy ending.

So here is my PollyAnna thoughts at the end of this week.  

Winners, congratulate yourself...  Losers, lick you wounds.  

We can have a happy ending!  

Let's step back, breathe, set aside our egos, stop the pointing of fingers and remember both sides are filled with good, honorable and intelligent folks.  Success comes through work, blending of ideas and compromise.   And yes, I believe prayer.   It is my humble belief we all want the same thing, a great country and world for generations to come. 

I hope I have not offended.  

I write this as salve for my own heart.   I do not grieve for an election, 

but for my dear country that is great, but so divided.  

I welcome your opinions; I know they will be kind.

Gently and peaceful thoughts my friends!

Friday Pondering

Happy Friday friends!

I hope you have had a grand week.  I have been spending a lot of time at school... at least it feels like it.  This is a busy time of year, with three major holidays back to back.  It is all good and a lot fun, though I am happy to have the afternoon off today.

Recently while catching up with my favorite blogs I happened upon a couple of writers addressing thoughts of closing down.  At least one mentioned  needing fresh inspiration.  It hit home.  I've posted a few times of my own struggles with my writing.  Needing "fresh inspiration"  put a face on my own endeavor to put something of substance worth sharing here on my pages.

Do you ever go back and read your past posts?  I think I've ask this question before.  Last night while searching for something I thought I had posted, I found myself reading back through  several months of posts.   As I read, I remembered the joy I found in writing, and hearing back from you.   As I revisited many of your comments I realized how much I learned through your kind and wise words.  Sometimes one must go back to go forward.

Though I continue to seek  that "fresh inspiration", I still feel this is a very happy place to be.   And, you are the ones who make it so. 

Sending you wishes for the best week-end ever!

Wednesday's Book Talk

"Don't quit, and don't give up.  The reward is just around the corner.  And in times of doubt or times of joy, listen for that still, small voice.  Know that God has been there from the beginning -- and he will be there until the end."

Are you a fan of HGTV's Fixer Upper? 

I am not a big fan of TV,  but I am hooked on watching Joanna and Chip Gaines find homes needing some love and watching them breathe new life into them.    I'm pretty sure I didn't find "Fixer Upper" until the end of their second season, so while everyone else was eagerly awaiting a new season, I was catching up.  I couldn't get enough of this charming couple.   I even convinced my husband to watch an episode... now, he is the one turning on the television Tuesday evenings to watch reruns.

If you are a fan of the show,  you are going to want to pick-up of copy of their book, The Magnolia Story.   When you open the cover you step into their love story and journey from its beginning to where they are now.  When you read the last page I believe you will have a greater appreciation for their success.  

 I love the way this book is written.  The language is simple, it is easy to follow, and the voices are honest.  I think my favorite thing about this book is they joyfully acknowledge their faith and God's presence in their life, relationship, family and success.  I find this refreshing.

If I had not been a fan before I read this book, I would be now.

Tonight I'm settling in to finish The Light Between Oceans.  It is November's selection 
for both of my book groups.  What are you reading?

Happy reading friends!

" 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' "

                                                                                                           Jeremiah 29:11

First Impressions

“He was a man of black and white.  

And she was color. 

All the color he had.” 

I am going to begin with saying I loved
A Man Called Ove.

You know the cliche' "You can't judge a book by it's cover", Ove (pronounce Oo-veh) is proof you can't judge a man at first meeting.  Ove is a grump, a bit off-putting.  He doesn't like change.  And.... he is anything but politically correct.

Ove has seen loss.  Everything he holds dear is tragically taken away, including the one person who saw past the shell into Ove's soul.  His only desire is to be reunited with his Sonja.  And yes, he has a plan.  He painstakingly sets up his departure only to be interrupted by his new neighbors.   Soon Ove's solitary existence is reluctantly taken over by a delightfully eclectic cast of characters and a cat.

Despite Ove's hard exterior I adored him from the very beginning.
  I hope you do as well. 

Do you trust your first impressions? 

I am currently reading....

My first impression?

Love it!

Happy Reading....

Thanks for the Memories!

Sigh! 

The sun has set on my last day of summer vacation. 

This has been one of the best summers.  
I don't know about you, but sometimes I work so hard at trying to make everything perfect, to keep everything picked-up and running on time, I forget to have fun.  And, I probably make everyone around me miserable. This year, I decided to sit back and enjoy the mess.  What I learned is, well, it is the best.

Here are a few scenes from my messy wonderful summer.

There were kitchen creations.

Help was always welcome

when creating sweet masterpieces.

Roger and I celebrated 36 years.

Sometimes we chased fire trucks,

because,  someone loves fire trucks.

Naps were a must.

Evenings were spent at the pool swimming
and just being cute.

There were surprises parked around every corner.

 There was the occasional impromptu game of 

monster bowling in the kitchen.

And, if you lost your shoes....

check on the stool.  
Seriously?  Where else might they be?

On a sad note.
We said goodbye to our children's dog,
I loving called the Diva.

Sweet Raven is greatly missed.

Summer is over. 
 The toys have been put away, and
the silence is deafening.
Oh, the memories!

I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer.
And a great Labor Day weekend.

Autumn.... we are awaiting your arrival!

July's Book Frenzy

It is sweltering here.  The temps have been high, and this week our heat index is nearing 110. It's the perfect time to grab a glass of iced tea and settle down with a good book...

or we could sit and chat about a good book.

My taste in literature, as you can see,  is eclectic to say the least.  

 Southern literature is probably closest to my heart... I have deep roots in the south, and many of our southern writers can return me home with the turn of the page.   My southern picks this month are Tom Franklin's Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, and Meanwhile there are Letters, the Correspondence of Eudora Welty and Ross McDonald.

Although, Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter has been on my radar and my to-read list for several years, it wasn't until I was invited to sit in on a new acquaintance's book group I found it necessary to finally read it.  I can't believe I took so long to pick it up.  With the backdrop of a small Mississippi town, Tom Franklin delivers a raw and haunting story of lives forever changed by indiscretions, secrets, lies of omission, and redemption.  This book kept me thinking long after I turned the last page.   Another book I enjoyed by Franklin (co-authored with his wife) is The Tilted World.

I am slowly savoring Meanwhile there are Letters.    My words cannot do justice to this book, so I will share Ann Patchett's praise,   "What could be better than a love built on friendship, and friendship built on letters?  To catch a glimpse into the inner lives of these tender, brilliant, bookish souls is a thrill beyond measure."   We are often given the chance to view a favorite author through a biographer's words.  Sometimes the writer will give us what he or she wants us to know with a memoir.   Here we are allowed into Welty's thoughts and private life through personal letters I doubt she had any intention of sharing.  If you're not familiar with Eudora Welty, The Optimist's Daughter is one of my favorites.

This post seems to be getting a bit long and wordy so I will share my thoughts the other books another time.

Sit down, have a glass of tea and let me know how you are beating the summer heat.

What's your favorite genre?

What are you reading this week?

  

******

I can't close without saying, the events, both in our country and around the world, of the past few weeks are weighing heavy on my heart.  I cannot begin a day without thinking of and praying for the men, women, families, whose lives have been forever changed.  This I know and where I find comfort... light will win over the darkness.

"You must understand this, my beloved; 

let everyone be quick to listen,

 slow to speak, 

slow to anger"

James 1:19   

Random Thoughts on the 4th of July

Here we are, another July 4th.
 I love the fourth!

I love everything we celebrate on this holiday... the birth of our country,  our freedom, and our flag.  There has been much sacrificed to get us here today.  It probably depends with whom you talk to about where we are today and where we are going.  These differences arise with each generation.  I believe though as long as we remember it all began and begins with, not I but,

"We the people..."

we will continue to be able to say

I pledge allegiance to the flag
 of the United States of America,
And to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation
under God
 indivisible,
with liberty
and justice for all.

And celebrate the great nation we call home.

Thank you to all the men and women who have sacrificed 
and who continue to sacrifice to keep our flag flying high and proud.
You are the heroes!

I leave with a video my husband shared with me.
You might want some tissue handy.

The Old Ragged Flag

Happy Fourth!

How Do You Begin Your Day?

"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  

Philippians 4:8

I hope you have had a fabulous first week of summer!  June is flying by here.  School was out the last week of May just in time to make a quick trip out of town to celebrate my grandson's second birthday.  A week later my daughter and children came for a two week visit I dubbed "Camp Bee".  It was all about having fun!

Camp Bee coincided with my two weeks of my schools summer playdays.  This year's playdays was a special time for me, my grandson had the chance to attend.   His room was across from my classroom, so I had the chance to peek in and check on him.   He had the best time with his new found independence;  I had the best time watching him.  

When we were not at the school, we worked in the garden, went swimming, ate ice cream, had pizza night and generally had a grand time.  Bonnie Rose enjoyed watching and napping.  I am keeping my fingers crossed Camp Bee becomes an annual event; I have plans... it can only get better.... right?

This week has been a quiet one without the chatter of my little ones' voices.  I am easing into my summer morning routine.   During the school year I don't have the luxury of quietly beginning the day.  Now I can take my time.  My day begins as I grab a cup of coffee and iPad, and head outside to spend some quiet time with my morning readings and listening to the sounds of summer.   I count on this time.  It sets the tone for my day, and it is a good thing. 

How do you begin your day? 

Do you start off slowly

 or do you bounce out of bed ready to conquer the world?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Sometimes It Happens...

Sometimes it happens... a book is opened, and somewhere among the pages we stumble upon a sentence, a phrase, a group of words that sit down in the most comfortable chair
 and linger with us. 

"...it is about nothing, about the many nothings of ordinary life that somehow arrange, symphony-like, into the whole of everything".

I happened upon this group of phrases  just as I was finishing Margaret Eby's book, South Toward Home.  (We'll chat about the book later.)   Though Eby writes these words to describe John Kennedy Toole's book, A Confederacy of Dunces, I keep returning to them, because, it is in these  "nothings of ordinary life" that I find everyday blessings.    

I find it so easy with today's social media to get caught up in the wanting better and more.    We need only to log in for a few minutes to begin reading that everyone else is off on the best vacation, has the best relationship, friends, house, children...  Everyone else's life is filled with all these spectacular moments...  you get where I am going.   I don't know about you, but I often sigh and think what if.   Then I land, usually face down caused my own blindness... 

 Summer mornings sitting outside with a cup of coffee, my morning readings and listening to the sounds of summer...  meals around my own dinner table with family and friends...  watching the joy on my grandson's face as he licks a popsicle.    Extraordinary is great, and I am grateful for all those adventures, but nothing compares to my nothings.   It is recognizing and accepting the blessings of the moment to moment, the ordinary,  that stitch together and create a rich, and spectacular life.  

**** 
  Perhaps it is the southern humidity, the intoxicating smell of  magnolias, or the over indulgence of spirits... no one can create a multi-layered, damaged yet heroic character or spin the  tragedy/drama/comedy tale like the southern writer.  (this southerner's personal opinion, of course.)   South Toward Home, is the ultimate road trip for the southern lit lover wanting an insight into the lives, people and places that inspired some of the south's most infamous (Welty, O'Connor, Faulkner, Lee, Capote and Toole) southern authors, and maybe a few not found on everyone's reading list, but no less talented.  Each chapter stands alone, so no need to feel like you must tackle this journey in one trip.

My favorite son(-in-law), picked out this book for me while we were browsing one of my favorite bookstores, Lemuria in Jackson, Mississippi.  Thanks for the great suggestion,
loved it!

Now I want to get into the car, fill-up the gas tank, and trace Eby's tire treads.  
Anyone up for a southern road trip?

I hope you are reading something fabulous!

Seven Years of Ramblings

Seven years ago one of my moms suggested I write a blog.  I played around a bit, then one Saturday morning in May  I gathered the courage, wrote a profile and hit publish.    

Wow, seven years ago!  

The first year or so I spent finding my voice.  I sometimes go back to reread my post... some are so far off the mark and some surprise me.  There are posts that I became so passionate about my subject I lost track of my writing and it became gibberish.   In the beginning, like many beginning bloggers, I battled between developing a blog persona and wanting to be authentic.   I hope I have been and continue to be successful at being real.

Where do I go from here?  
A lot has happened over the last few years.   I'm learning to accept imperfection and enjoy the process and time saved.  I honestly don't know where I'm headed.  I am going to stop worry about quantity.  I have a few ideas running around in my head.  I'm doing a little test driving on Instagram.  Join me if you are interested, livingbeeslife.   I do know, I will continue to share God's blessings found in ordinary moments of Living Life.   

Thank you for reading, lifting me up and helping me through the last seven years.  I appreciated each and everyone of you and all of your comments.

Hugs and wishes for a great weekend!

And He Whispers, Slow Down

Have you ever found yourself running around in circles trying to catch-up...

make someone happy... stay on course.   When I start playing catchup I'm have visions of the old "spinning plate" circus act.    A performer comes into the ring where several tall stakes have been placed; his assistant follows, holding a stack of plates.  He begins by placing one plate atop a stake and starts it spinning, then another and another.  The idea was to keep all the plates spinning at one time.  By the time he had the last one going, the first would begin to wobble, and he would rush back to start it spinning again.   He was constantly running from pole to pole hoping to keep each plate balanced and rotating.   I don't know about you, but when I start moving from one task to another, trying to keep all my "dishes" perfectly balanced and moving, something almost always happens.

This happened to me last week.  I slipped back into the classroom knowing I had a ton of things waiting to be finished.  Though I prepared for my absence, and good friends generously helped with things while I was away, I had to jump in running.  It was program week and Mother's Day gifts needed to be finished and wrapped.  I began with my usual "bird by bird" pace,  but quickly began feeling behind and moving from one task to another.   I kept telling myself, " it will all get finished".  I couldn't sleep.  I would wake up thinking about everything I needed to do, everything everyone else needed me to do; I would say a little prayer and begin making my lists.  My plates were spinning at break neck speed.

Program day finally arrived.  My prayers were answered, I had checked almost everything off my list.  Though a voice in my head kept saying, "relax, your almost there", I wasn't satisfied.  I didn't want to listen.  I wanted control.  I wanted to be finished, and the only thing left was to have the children sign their Mother's Day cards and attach them to the gifts.   Each signed their name as they arrived, and I began attaching them to the wrapped packages.  Ten minutes before showtime and everything was going smoothly.  I announced we needed to pick-up and get ready to line-up.  I turned around to tie one more bow, when I felt eleven small bodies rush against me for hugs.  I heard a book fall, a plate slide and... crash... it happened so quickly,  I didn't have time to react... the full tumbler of coffee,  I had so carefully place at the back of my counter, turn over, spilling coffee everywhere...papers were soaked and as were the wrapped Mother's Day presents and just finished cards. 

I could blame my children for the mess, for the extra work, but in reality I was trying to do too many things at one time.  I had ignored the voice telling me to relax, I wanted to tie one last bow... check that final thing off my list.   Then, God whispered a little bit louder with eleven sets of arms and a bump..."slow down".

I often need to be reminded answered prayers are seldom accompanied by drums and bugles, but with whispers.   Sometimes when we fail to listen to that little voice in our head the whisper becomes a soft roar. 

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9              

May I Introduce

Happy Tuesday dear friends!

The last month has been a whirlwind of activity.  I am now back home, back in school and playing catch-up.   I didn't have my computer with me and to be perfectly honest there wasn't time to write or read.. anything.  

Well, maybe that is not totally true.  Each morning I took the time to read my "First 5" meditation,  and before going to bed I checked out pinterest and instagram.  I am addicted to instagram... a pretty picture and a few words.  Do you use instagram?

Without further ramblings may I introduce you to our newest family member...

We have two beautiful and amazing grandchildren, and
we are blessed.

Finally

The weekend project that took two weeks.  I still don't know what went wrong, but it is history and doesn't really matter now.  The curtains are finished and hung. 

It is that time of year when my schedule is off the richter scale.
I will be in and out as I finish the school year and prepare for a new grand-daughter.
These are exciting, but busy days.

Spring is in full swing here.
 I will leave you with a taste of what is going on behind
 my garden gate.

I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Spring!

Happy Easter

I hope your Easter is filled with joy and celebration. 

Teaching Moments

“I guess you could call it a "failure", but I prefer the term "learning experience".” 

― Andy Weir, The Martian

Are we truly nearing the middle of March?

I get a little fickled this time of year.  I'm not quite ready for winter to end, but at the same time I love seeing all the spring blossoms.

No matter the season, I've been buried under my "weekend project" which has become a two week marathon.   I underestimated the time, and possibly my ability.  I think most guessed my mystery project as curtains.  Yes, I am making the curtains for my grand-daughter's nursery.   We couldn't find ready-made curtains exactly as desired, so of course, I quickly said I can easily 

make something.   

I spent most of the first days of this project measuring, measuring and measuring again.  Once I have a vision I am not one to spend a lot of time planning; however,  I believe in measuring.   So yes, I measured not twice, but three times.   When I was satisfied everything was the length needed, I pulled the welt thread to make sure my cut would be straight and on grain.  Well, it didn't end up how I expected.

I moved from table to floor, back to the table and back to the floor.  (This was much easier the last time I made curtains....possibly 20 years ago.)  No matter where I laid the fabric the lines were not straight.  Finally with the help of my husband I squared everything and one 60" x 102" panel was constructed.

I spent last weekend with my daughter, and had hoped to take two sets of  finished curtains with me.  I had planned to hang, photograph and post my fabulous success.  It didn't happen.

I'll have another chance to deliver the finished curtains in a couple weeks.

My fingers are crossed.

I'm not certain there is a moral to this story other than measure, measure, measure when necessary... if things don't work out, step back, rethink and try again.   Perhaps purchasing a L square might be a good idea as well.

It has been raining here most of the week.  While I find a rainy day perfect for settling in, at home, with a good book, four consecutive days in the classroom without playground time is not fun.  Midweek I finally gave up and took my children outside to play under the covered walkway.  I gave them perimeters and told them to run and yell.  When I opened the flood gate they rushed out screaming, only to quieten when they found hundreds of worms stranded on the cement trying to escape the saturated ground.   While a few children continued to run and jump, most wanted to pick-up and save the worms.  We talked about earthworms and why they were on the sidewalk.   We observed and measured.  By the time we were ready to line up to go in and wash hands, most of the worms were nothing more than a smashed mush.  I think a few (worms) may have posthumously been given names.   

Every day we are given amazing opportunities to discover and learn.  We need only to slow down,  open our eyes, our minds, and stop, observe and listen.  Yes, even those moments when we have deadlines or think we are about to lose our ever lovin' minds.

Project Weekend

The weekend is here, 

and none too soon.

It has not been one of my better weeks...

I've piled a lot on my plate...

(my mantra)

It will all get done...

It always does.

In the meantime...

I'm starting a new project.

Yikes! Go figure!

I am always up for a DIY project.  Yes, I'm the one, hand raised, 

saying, "I can do that".  Oh, how that little sentence gets me in so much trouble.

Actually, I enjoy a project that uses both the brain and hands.  And, I get so much satisfaction when it is finished.  

Actually, this one has been on my list for a while, and

the sand in this hour glass is quickly disappearing.

The table is now clear and the leaves

added.  I'll need a lot of space.

Everything is ready to go.

Have you guessed?

(I love a mystery)

I'll share my progress.

Are you a DIYer?

Do you have projects for the weekend?

I would love to see them.

You encourage and inspire me daily!

Whatever you have planned,

Enjoy, and Be Safe!

Hugs!

The Best Guacamole' in the World

Thanks to everyone who has emailed asking for this recipe.

  

Many years ago having a few avocados and tomatoes needing to be used my guacamole' was created.   I am not a fan of creamy guacamole'.   I love sour cream... mayonnaise, but I don't want either in my guacamole'.   I want it chunky and full of flavor.   This is so simple and tasty, I promise.

The Best Guacamole'

3 to 4 avocados, (depending on size) chopped

1 to 2 tomatoes, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

(a purple onion adds nice color, but I use whatever is on hand)

1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped

2 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped

A handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Juice of a lime or 1/2 of a lemon

Throw everything in a bowl.  

Gently toss.  You want to mix it, but not mash it.

I often use my hands.

Squeeze lime juice to coat ingredients.

I hope this does not disappoint anyone who emailed asking for this recipe.

 Calling it the "best" is actually a joke between my daughter and I.  I don't really remember how it began; I may have said something about receiving a few accolades.

It is all in good fun and continues to make both of us giggle.  

And, yes, I think my pizzas rock as well.

Bon Appetite!

I hope your week is going well!