My Reading Blog

As I think back over the month of March and all that I've written, I feel a sense of accomplishment.  This was my fifth year of slicing in this challenge. Does it get easier?  Do I still wonder what to write?  Do I still wonder if anyone will read what I write? Questions I asked at the beginning and can answer today. Yes, yes and yes.  I've shared about family, projects, life, weather, and Max has written.  I've sat at the computer and somehow my fingers just start typing or I've sat and wondered.  It's been a great month and I'll continue sharing on Tuesdays,  This challenge began for me five years ago and has created a habit, a way of making me look at things differently, a way of remembering what has transpired, a way to share what's on my mind. Thanks to all who have taken the time to read and share.  Y'all make this special.  See you next Tuesday!

I think there are times in all of our lives when we only see the negative in what is happening in and around us.  I found this quote this morning when I was looking for my thought for the day for Michelle.  It's a very appropriate thought regarding my slicing. I look at my surroundings, at people, at life's experiences differently.  My attitude isn't always "good", it isn't always "positive", but when writing slices, I try to look for the good, the positive, the building up, the blessings.  So I challenge you today, to look for all the beauty around us - the brown grass turning green, the gray skys turning sunny, the rain making the flowers grow, the cocoon changing to a beautiful butterfly, ranting turning to listening, the baby's crying turning to cooing and smiles - the list is endless.  It's up to each of us to look for that change.

Several years ago, I wrote this acrostic birthday prayer for Michelle and wanted to share it with you today, as Michelle celebrates her birthday,  Dad and I want you to know that you are always in our prayers.   God has blessed us with so much, especially with a wonderful, caring and loving daughter.   So today we'd like to share some favorite Bible verses and our prayers to go along with each of them. M - Numbers 6: 24-26 - MAY the Lord bless you and protect you.   MAY the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.   MAY the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace. Michelle, we pray that God will always protect you, smile on you and give you peace as you go about each day of your life. I - Isaiah 43:1 I have redeemed you.   I have summoned you by name.   You are mine. Michelle, we pray that you will experience the joy that comes from realizing that God knows you by name and that He has called you personally.   May...

A fabulous week                              But, it's over Wonderful celebrations                              But it's over                           Playing, listening, watching                             But, it's over An afternoon at the Nail Salon                             But, it's over Food, food and more food          ...

Yesterday, we had a pre-birthday celebration for Michelle since we won't be here on her birthday.  My baby is 40 this year (which makes me feel old).  She, of course, is still young to me and always will be.  I have been working on an album for her from many years and completed in time to give it to her for her birthday. M handed the present to her and "It's really heavy, Mommy.  What can it be?"  Both girls were by her side waiting patiently for her to pull out the tissue paper, then the book of her slices and finally the big purple album.  The girls, Michelle & Daddy sat and looked.  "who's that?" both girls asked, pointing to Grandpa (who had a mustache and was slightly thinner).  Then there was a little boy holding Michelle.  M says, "who is holding you?"  Mommy said, "well who do you think it is?"  (You see the other day they said that Scott, her brother, was younger than Mommy, but he's really 4 years older).  T...

Be grateful  for every second of every day  that you get to spend with the ones you love.   Life is very precious.  As I sat looking around the table last night at MY family    talking sharing opinions agreeing  disagreeing smiling laughing listening I thought "How blessed I am to be surrounded by MY family. I have a wonderful son and daughter-in-law, a thoughtful daughter and son-in-law, two precious granddaughters and a loving, caring husband.  Yesterday we celebrated (again) our anniversary, today we celebrate Michelle's birthday (early), tomorrow we celebrate Easter. I saw the quote above on Facebook this morning and thought to myself, "yes, life is so precious and passes so quickly, we need to savor each and every moment". So I share to each of you  Be grateful  for every second of every day  that you get to spend with the ones you love.   Life is...

Yesterday, Michelle had to spend most of the day at jury duty, so we were blessed to have the day with our girls. They were immersed in watching a cartoon on tv when we arrived and we almost got a "good morning" and hug.  Mommy was out the door, tv was turned off and the fun soon began. "Can we have some white paper?  We want to draw a picture." They made a frame at Indian Princesses and wanted to put a picture in it.  First they started drawing on an 8-1/2 x 11 piece of paper (they don't like to draw anything small).  I told them the frame would only hold a 4 x 6 picture.  So I drew an outline on the paper and told them they could draw one one each side so they could change it whenever they felt like it.  Pictures complete - Grandpa put the picture in the frame, but had to do some "fix it" as some of the stones where falling off the frame. I was working on the surprise scarf that I wrote about yesterday.  P crawled on to my lap to "help...

Yesterday, the girls and I did some packing for Mommy.  We packed six 30 gallon bins with the good china and crystal glasses.  The girls oohed and aahed over each piece before they carefully wrapped it in paper and surrounded it by some placemats for extra cushioning.  They were very dedicated helpers and did a fantastic job. Later, M gives me a hug and whispers in my ear, "Grandma, did you bring your yarn?"  "No", I replied.  "Could you bring it tomorrow?  I want you to make Mommy a scarf for her birthday.  What color yarn do you have?" I usually crocheted prayer shawls, so I always have my bag of yarn with me.  I said, "Well, I have some gray and white and some camouflage.  Do you know what camouflage is?" P chimed in, "It's greens and browns mixed together."  M sighs and says, "I think the gray and white will be good.   I know Mommy will really like it". So I guess I'll get my fingers busy and whip up a sc...

When we arrived on Sunday, I asked M what she had planned for the week.  She promptly stated: "We're going to the nail salon to get our fingers and toes painted!"  Monday came and she again said: "Today's the day!  We're going to the nail salon!"  Mommy said, "Well, not today.  We have other errands to run.  Probably tomorrow."  Disappointment showed on her face, but she was happy at the prospects of "tomorrow".  Tuesday, I arrived at their house and M emphatically stated:  "We're going to the NAIL SALON TODAY!!!"  Mommy and I talked and talked.  M & P wait (and I think almost gave up).  Until Mommy said "Are you dressed yet?"  We went to their bedroom, all was quiet - were they sleeping?  The beds were surrounded by pillows and blankets.  They had built a tent over their beds.  And were having fun with their I pads.- Finally everyone was ready, but we had a few stops to make before going to th...

Yesterday, Michelle, Grandpa and I took the girls to Carter's to look for bathing suits.  M said we HAD to go to Carter's because they were having a SALE.  Now how many  almost six year old's know what that means.  But M was so excited because they needed new bathing suits.  P was okay with the idea, but wasn't much into shopping. We strolled thru the store, looking at this.  "Oh, look at this dress, Grandma."  "I just LOVE this one." We arrived at the swimsuit rack and looked at all the beautiful, colorful swimsuits.  Some one piece - Mommy reminded the girls that probably wasn't a good idea.  We looked at the two piece, some with sleeves, some with straps, ruffles on the butt, hearts, dolphins, butterflies, endless choices.  We pulled out two possibilities.  M LOVED this one, P ADORED that one.  M's solution - we can get both (meaning two of each).  One problem - there was only one size 7 of each choice.  Tha...

Today My Guy & I celebrate A special day 46 years of marriage Many joys Some ripples Two wonderful children & their spouses Two beautiful granddaughters Many memories that we've shared Many hopes and dreams yet to be shared All connected together with God's Love & Blessings Happy Anniversary to the special man in my life One who is always by my side  Who takes care of me and cares for me Who is my best friend  Who encourages me to step out and try new things   To My Guy I pray for many more years together Making happy memories

On The Road Again Traveling northward up the highway Early morning rising To arrive mid day On The Road Again To visit family and friends To get smiles and hugs To celebrate anniversary and birthday On The Road Again For just a week To get our granddaughter fix To play and read and play some more On The Road Again To spend time talking And catching up And relaxing On The Road Again Ten long hours Gyros and beef sandwiches waiting And a glass of wine or two. Yes, we're On The Road Again

We get together with our Small Group (6 couples) once a month for dinner and Bible Study and lots of conversation.  Usually we meet at someone's home and everyone brings a dish to complement the entree that the host has made.  This month was at our home and was a little different. We met early for our Bible Study and some fruit and veggies.  Then headed off to a local restaurant and enjoyed a great meal and more conversation,  And then off to "The Sheid".  We are blessed to have a college campus which is part of Arkansas State University.  Over the years, this campus has grown and five years ago, a Performing Arts Center called The Sheid was built.  They have at least five shows each year and this year was no exception.  Last night we went to see "The Hit Men".  Wow, what music!  It brought back so many memories of our teenage years.  Music from the 60's & 70's.  The Hit Men consist of five men who have made many hi...

Not being a teacher, current or retired, I have a different outlook on "Spring Break" especially since we moved away from family. Spring Break  A week of free time To spend with my daughter and with my granddaughters A time to laugh play relax For them and for me A time to enjoy try new things see things thru the eyes of almost 6 year old's A time to celebrate an anniversary a birthday or just a new day A week that goes by way too quickly A week to cherish

Several times for the past couple of weeks, I've been asked the same question: "Do you miss your old home?" We moved last summer and have settled into our new house and made it our home, but to answer the question... Yes, there are things I miss, but .... I miss the logs and coziness they created,       but, I don't miss keeping them dust free            but, we're adding some wood to several walls in our new house. I miss the fireplace and enjoying a fire,      but, I don't miss waking up in the middle of the night to keep the fire burning, or cleaning out the      ashes every day           but, I now enjoy a gas fireplace that creates the ambiance of a real fire without the mess. I miss my kitchen layout and the Hickory cabinets,           but, I now have a beautiful ...

Yesterday I wrote about Hubby's frustration.  Today I'll share about a frustration that a friend is experiencing. I've written about the Center of Hope which is a non-profit organization funded by a coalition of churches in our community.  We assist poverty level individuals with electric shut offs, rental evictions, propane and various other needs.  We have been in existence for five years and have maintained our assistance, branching out from time to time, but not growing. We have a paid Director, but the rest of us are volunteers and we have a Board who oversees the workings of the Center.  S came on board a little over a year ago.  She is a go getter, a doer, a proponent of all that the Center does.  She is also very frustrated. S has ideas and wants the Center to move ahead and do more for our clients, but ... The Director, who helped to start the Center, is an excellent leader.  She has so much knowledge of where to find help and to pro...

Usually it takes a lot to get my hubby frustrated.  But this morning I knew he was having problems.  We had gotten the garbage together and put it out at then end of the drive.  I came in to finish dishes.  I thought he was right behind me, but he lingered in the garage.  I just figured he was getting his stuff together to go the gun club.  A few minutes later, in he comes.  Sits down, grabs his coffee, takes a deep breathe and frowns (I think he even growled a little).  I asked what was wrong and in a very clipped voice he said, "I can't open my gun safe!".  Now this is a dilemma as he needs one of the guns so he can practice for this weekend's shoot. I went back out with him, told him to take a deep breath and try again.  Then I tried.  He looked at the combination and said that he had the numbers reversed.  Still not happening.  I went inside to get the directions.  After several more attempts, the safe ope...

Planting a tree in Arkansas soil is NOT the easiest thing to do, but we were gifted a Redbud tree and so a hole we must dig. First to decide where we wanted this tree to grow.  The perfect spot was picked.  The spade was pushed into the ground.  Fortunately, we have had an abundance of rain, so the ground was soft and not a solid rock.  Oh, did I mention, in Arkansas, our ground grows rocks?  So the digging began, one shovel full at a time.  Black dirt!  Amazing, as most of the soil in Arkansas is red clay.  Only a few rocks until we got down about 18" and then we hit the clay and then the water started pouring into the hole.  You see, our property is located on a spring and with all the rain, it started to fill in the hole. Hopefully, the tree will sprout its roots and will flourish in this Arkansas soil.  And next year we will have a delightful purple flowered tree to adorn our yard.  

Usually our Sundays include our church service and fellowship, followed by a yummy breakfast with friends and then home to read, relax and enjoy the day.  Today started out that way, but.... After church and breakfast Home we went To continue our wood project Throw a meeting into the middle of the day Back home to finish the wall Put tools away Vacuum Move furniture back Stand back and admire our handiwork Not completely finished, but looks great Now, time to breathe, maybe take a nap And enjoy our Sunday

Each morning of the work week, I send my daughter ( Michelle - Literacyzone ) a TFTD (thought for the day).  Sometimes I quote a Bible verse or a quote from an inspirational calendar, or quotes that I've found on Pinterest.  Just a little something to start her day and to let her know that I'm thinking about her.  This week has been no exception and I found some quotes by Maya Angelou.  I heard her speak many years ago and she made quite an impression on me.  I've read her books.  She was an amazing woman.  So today I thought I'd share some of her quotes as my TFTD to each of you.  I pray that they will have some meaning to you. "If you must look back, do so forgivingly If you must look forward, do so prayerfully However, the wisest thing you can do is be PRESENT in the PRESENT, faithfully. " "Try to be a RAINBOW In someone else's CLOUD." "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change you...

I wrote about the coming of spring last week, but today I needed to share more. As Max and I stepped outside The birds were singing happy songs The smell of rain was still in the air The Bradford Pear trees are blooming Lined up stately on our neighbors drive The grass is turning green With a tinge of purple (some weed with beautiful purple flowers) Spreading itself across the lawns Our first spring in our new house Waiting to see what else spring will bring us.

I volunteer once a week at the Ozark Center of Hope.  I usually do the financial aspects of the Center, but occasionally I meet with our clients.  The Center is a non-profit organization funded by a coalition of churches in our community and we serve poverty level individuals.  We help them with shut-off electric bills, rent evictions, propane, etc. and we also distribute personal care items and help out in special situations. Today we had a woman come in asking for help to get her and her kids set up in an apartment as she was being evicted from the house she was living in.  Her story:  another woman had been living with her and had 4 kids.  Woman A said that she adopted these 4 kids from Woman B.  Woman B had a restraining order on Woman A because she was abusive physically & verbally.  Upon questioning Woman A, she said she had talked with a landlord who had a 4 bedroom apartment, but she didn't know who she talked with or where the apa...

After living in a log home for 16 years and then moving into a home that had no wood, we decided that it was time to add some accent to a wall in the master bedroom and in the dining room.  These two walls are just calling out to have some wood put on them. And so, today the project begins.  Last week we went to Home Depot & Lowes and then to a local lumber yard to find just the right kind of wood for these walls.  We decided to put up "box car siding".  We had this on the ceiling of our log home and loved it.  This is just what these walls need. The sanding and primer was put on yesterday and today we started staining the boards.  We mixed Driftwood and Early American stains together to get just the right color.  Now we wait for it to dry and then put on a coat of sealer.  And then we are ready to begin the transformation in our bedroom.

That dreaded six month check up Off to the Dentist I did go 8:00 a.m. (why did I make it so early?) Sit in the chair, Recline Lay back, relax ?, chat ? Open mouth - a little wider Light in my eyes (mouth) First this tool to prod Then this tool to scrap Then another to push Rinse And on the cleaning goes Hmm, this tooth we've had a watch on Doc will need to check it out Polish Here's Doc Some more prodding and pushing Some more Hmm's We'll need to do a crown here Put a watch on this one That's it Schedule your appointment Have a nice day! Oh yeah, pay your bill for all this "fun"!

 I've been begging Mom ALL week to let me write something to all my friends at TWT and FINALLY, she said okay.  So here goes.... As you know, I'm a pretty OLD dog - I'll be 15 in November - and I've got some medical issues - you know that ARTHUR person.  He took up residence in my back legs, but I haven't let him slow me down (too much).  In fact Mom says that I'm in my second childhood - acting like a pup (sometimes).  I wrote Mom & Dad while they were on vacation to let them know my latest trick: "Hi Mom and Dad, I hope you are having a fun time on your vacation and that you miss me. I am having so much fun at Mr. Jim’s and Miss Carol’s house. I try very hard to keep them guessing and on their toes. I learned a new trick. They have these really cool toilet paper holders that stand on the floor. Did you know that if you grab on to the paper, pull and walk away with it you can leave a really cool paper trail?  Talk about fun! Of cour...

Every day is a blessing and today is no exception.  I feel Blessed. Blessed with God's love and forgiveness Blessed with family & friends Blessed with good health Blessed with a beautiful home and surroundings Blessed with Spring-like weather Blessed with blooming trees, bushes and flowers Blessed with a community of writers Blessed with a caring and loving church Blessed to be able to see, hear, touch, smell, walk Blessed to love reading and crafts Blessed with life I am truly Blessed

Today would have been Dad's 99th birthday and I'm sure if he were still with us, he would have that same silly smile on his face, a song in his heart and chatting with whoever he would meet.  He would love and care for others and share his faith in God.  But, he passed away in 2003 - nearly 13 years ago. It seems like yesterday that I received "that call" to come asap, he's in intensive care and probably won't live much longer.  That was one of the most difficult days that I had experienced.  As we traveled the 500 miles, I kept thinking and praying that the doctor was wrong.  That he would be up and waiting for us.  That he had many more years to spend with us.  He had a wedding to attend in three weeks.  But,  when I arrived I knew he had waited for me to come.  He kept telling me he wanted to go home and I told him that he could.  The next morning we received "that call" and knew that he was at peace, free of pain and with Go...

We've lived in several homes over the years and enjoyed each of them.  Last year we sold the log home that we had built and put a lot of sweat equity into.  We wanted to sell it to someone who would care for it and love it as we did.  The people who purchased it seem nice and he was really excited to purchase it, she not so much.  But it happened. We have a neighbor across the street from that house who keeps us up to date.  Last summer after we moved, the house wasn't moved into right a way, the grass/weeds grew and didn't get mowed.  We began to wonder and worry, but it was out of our hands and we had to put it aside.  Last week we drove past the "ole homestead".  The outside looked just like we had left it and was well kept.  So we're hoping that they are caring for our "baby". We've driven past other houses that we owned, but didn't have the attachment that we did with this one, so it wasn't as traumatic as this move. One othe...

While we have enjoyed an awesome winter here in the Ozarks - a little snow, a tad of ice and sleet, lots of sunshine and warmer temps from November thru February, I'm still looking forward to spring. And now, March has arrived - it came in like a lamb and seems to want to continue being mild. As I sat out on the front porch yesterday, I looked over the pond and could see a green tinge on the weeping willows.  The wild daffodils are in full bloom.  Batches of crocuses are sticking their heads thru.  We cut down the Pampas Grass only to find a bunch of Naked Ladies poking their foliage out of the ground. Could it be, is it really here?  The forecasters are predicting some 70 degree days for the weekend.  I'm lovin' it.  Spring is my favorite season - a new beginning - a renewal of life.

Yesterday was the 7th week of our After-school Mentoring Program for 8th & 9th graders.  I wrote about this program earlier this year New Mentoring Program  It's been a great experience (although challenging) for us "older" volunteers who haven't been around teenagers for a while.  The first couple of weeks were hit and miss, but the kids kept coming back.  We started out with 8 kids the first night and have continued to have between 6 - 10 kids each week.  While the coordinators had anticipated more, we feel that God has blessed us with "just the right number".   Start slow and learn from our mishaps and unknowns.  Most of the kids started out needing help with math - ALGEBRA.  Well, that's not in my vocabulary.  Fortunately we do have some who are knowledgeable in that area.  They also needed help with Civics, Science and Literature.  But, the most important thing they need is acceptance - someone to listen to them ...

Even though I've been around awhile, I thought I'd start off this March 2016 Challenge with an introduction of what makes me whole. I am a Child of God Wife Mother of two Grandmother of almost 6 year old twin granddaughters Master of Max Retired Administrative Assistant Reader Writer (of slices) Crafter (scrapbooking, card making, crocheting,  sewing & whatever strikes my fancy) Stephen Minister My daughter, Michelle (http://literacyzone.blogspot.com/) asked me five (wow 5) years ago to write with her in the March SOL Challenge.  I hemmed, I hawed, I thought, I pondered, I wondered.  But in the end, I said yes and that started my writing career (of slices).   But, I wouldn't have been able to succeed without all the comments and encouragement from each of you.  Looking forward to reading and commenting on many slices this March. Over the course of the month, I'm sure you'll learn much more about me and my family.  Hap...