"A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within." ~Eudora Welty In honor of this big vacation week here in our small town when everyone (except the Rutherfords) heads to the beach, I give you..... "Dot's First Beach Trip!" I've said it before here at The Roomy Nest, and I'll say it again: I had a very sheltered childhood. Take a look at the picture for today's Monday Memory. It's probably circa 1972 or 1973 since I look to be about 4 or 5. My great-aunt Mattie Bell probably has my left hand in a death grip while I hold Winnie (yes, "the Pooh") in my own right-handed death grip. I can almost feel her manicured fingernails digging into my flesh! :) The other two protectors are my great-aunt/uncle Vernon & Bud. The photographer of this shot was my great-aunt Polly. (Mattie Bell, Vernon, and Polly were sisters of my grandfather.) I spent LOTS of time with these people growing up, and they had a HUGE influence on my life. This beach trip was an extremely rare occurrence, and, clearly, they were afraid of the dangerous possibilities since I had never been exposed to the ocean before. Thus, they circled the wagons around to protect me from possible drowning in ankle-deep water or the sharks that might have me for a midday snack. (#sarcasm). :) In all seriousness, I love this picture because it sums up my entire childhood/teen years in one single image. These people loved me, took care of me, taught me, and protected me from most everything you can imagine. Some of those things were warranted while others have been things I've had to face as an adult for the first time in my life. They kept a constant circle of protection around me which, in some ways, has crippled me as an adult as I've tried to wade through the waters of life. I know they meant well, and I'll be eternally grateful for them as long as I live, but I've tried to raise my own children a bit differently in some respects. I believe children must be allowed to face some things in life as early as possible and find a way to deal with them. After all, one day, they'll look around to realize the folks that encircled them with that fierce sense of love & protection are no longer around to do it. That's when the rubber REALLY meets the road! I should know. You probably do, too. "My heritage has been my grounding, and it has brought me peace." ~Maureen O'Hara I think of these precious people quite often in my day-to-day life, and I miss them terribly! There are so many things I'd love to be able to share with them now. Polly & Bud died when I was a young girl, Vernon died not long after I got married, and my sweet Mattie Bell left this earth just 4 1/2 years ago. I know that I wouldn't be the woman I am today (the good and the not-so-good) without their influence in my life. Thank you, God, for including them in Your Plan for my life! What a huge blessing! Until next time,
~D
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"Generations pass like leaves fall from our family tree. Each season new life blossoms and grows benefiting from the strength and experience of those who went before." ~Heidi Swapp This picture was taken in early 1992, just a few weeks after our daughter Chelsea was born. It is a very important picture to me because it documents the fact that Chelsea marked the fifth living generation maternally & paternally in our family. The three women behind my husband are his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In turn, the three women behind me hold those same spots in my life. We actually missed having three sets of 5 generations by a few months. My husband's other great-grandmother died while I was pregnant with Chelsea. It is incredible to me to think that Chelsea was surrounded by so much experience, strength, wisdom and love as a newborn baby! What an awesome gift! I DO remember this day very well because it was a rare occurrence to have all of these people in the same place at the same time. Also, because Chelsea was NOT having a good day. (Thus, my "harried" look of photo anxiety.) :) Three women in this picture have since left this earth, but their legacies live on with each generation that comes behind them! Thank you, God, for Chelsea's (and our son's) family tree! Until next time,
~D "Happiness is a warm puppy." ~Charles M. Schulz Here's today's Monday Memory. That little girl with the ever-present middle-part pigtailed hairdo is me. From the gorgeous azaleas behind me, you can tell it's Spring-time in South Georgia! I'm holding my new puppy, Snoopy! Yes, I realize I'm holding him like a baby. You have to understand that having my very own pet was a brand-new concept to me, and I had absolutely no idea what to do with him. All I knew was that I was SO happy! I was an only child FOREVER (well, I finally got my "real-life baby doll" .......a.k.a. my sister Heather..... when I was eleven) and Snoopy was my very best friend for a LONG time! He was a present to me on my 6th birthday, and, as only my luck would be, Snoopy died on my 16th birthday. Yes, ON the actual day! Did I mention my birthday is March 13th? Anyway, Snoopy was smart, sweet, funny, and most definitely patient! I mean, it looks like I'm choking him in picture #2, but I think I just wanted him to look at the camera. Like I said....a very patient dog! :) These days, I'm pretty partial to this pup, but I'll always remember my first (and only) childhood dog Snoopy. He'll forever have a special place in my heart! Until next time, ~Dot "A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?" ~Albert Einstein Ever since I discovered this photo of myself some years back, I have always called it the "Crazy Dot" picture. I mean, seriously, what else would you call it?? Look at me...I look....well....crazy, right? As with many other "memories" I post, I have NO recollection of this moment in time. From studying the photo, here's what I DO know...... I'm squatting behind my Great-Aunt Mattie Bell. My Mama is holding my cousin, Taylor. Taylor is looking at me because I've clearly lost my mind! I'm holding a pink brush and, as usual, someone has decided to style my hair with those horrible pigtails...complete with plastic white barrettes.......oh, and let's not forget that ever-present MIDDLE-part! (why? WHY???) We're sitting on a lovely brown plaid couch (hello, 1970s!) having a grand ol' time. Quick question.....would someone please tell me why everyone else has on "day clothes" and I'm still sporting my PJs?? <heavy sigh....> Like I said......"Crazy Dot." I chose this picture as today's Monday Memory because I must admit that I kinda' feel like Crazy Dot looks. I think she's "crazy" in a good kind of way. You know, the "deliriously happy......so happy she just can't get herself together" kind of way. That sums me up today. You see, I work in a high school, and today marks the first official day of our Spring Break! Woohoo!! What are my plans, you ask? Here's the best part........I have NO plans!!! Crazy, right? I LOVE a vacation with no plans. I just do what I want....when I want...how I want. In fact, if you stop by my house this week, you may just see me in my PJs.......sportin' some pigtails...... (But you can forget that middle-part! That ain't happenin'!)
What are YOUR plans for the week? Don't really have any? Sweet! Those are the best kind! :) Until next time, ~Dot “Don't you wish you could take a single childhood memory and blow it up into a bubble and live inside it forever?” Well, referring to the quote above, I don't know about living in this particular memory forever. I mean..... it would appear that I don't have all of my teeth in this picture, and it also seems that I either need to let the hem out of those pants or invest in some a little longer. However, I DO have some very fond memories that go along with this picture. I loved this bike so much. Growing up, I lived next-door to my great-aunts, and this is their yard. That "bald patch" of yard behind me is where they parked the cars. For a long time, I was only allowed to ride my bike IN this yard or mine......but NEVER....EVER under any circumstances was I to go into the street. (It must be noted that our street was not THAT "busy", but I was protected to the max growing up!) I thought I was big stuff riding this bike.....with my little basket on the front. It also had a banana seat and, at one time, it had colorful streamer/tassel things hanging down from each handle, but apparently, they came off at some point. One day, I'm not exactly sure when, after much persuasion on my part, I was finally allowed to ride down the circular driveway <GASP!> into the street......and right back onto the other end of the driveway. I was probably on the actual street for a grand total of approximately fifty feet, but it was the most glorious fifty feet anyone could ever travel! I know it sounds ridiculous, but I'm telling you it was absolutely liberating! Well, those days are long gone, but anytime I embark on a new adventure in my life, I can still hear my great-aunts saying "you have GOT to careful, Dot! Folks are crazy in this world!" These are the memories that simultaneously make me smile and drive me nuts! Those precious women are all gone from this earth now, but I have to wonder......what would they say about this adventure................ Until next time,
~Dot "A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer." ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca Sure, I know it's not about the gift itself, but more about the feelings behind the gift that count, but, hey, let's be honest here..............cool gifts are the BEST!! :) Let's also be clear here. Honestly, I don't really care how much a gift costs the giver. I am much more impressed by a gift that was clearly thought out. Yes, I absolutely love money stuck in a card. "Money always fits," right? However, I simply delight in a gift that reflects how well a person really knows me. Even though I feel like I drop plenty of well-placed hints, many times, my loved ones still miss the mark. Then, every now and then, the giver scores a homerun! So, without further ado, I give you my personal list of "Best Gifts Ever!" (in no particular order)................ My Puppy, Snoopy! Isn't he the cutest thing you ever saw?? Yes, I'm holding him like he's a baby, but that's because he was.......my sweet baby Snoopy! My parents gave him to me for my birthday. None of us can remember which one. I'm thinking maybe my 6th or 7th. Oh, how I loved my sweet puppy...even after he grew up to be a big ol' dog! We spent many, many hours together, he and I. Here's the sad part....he died on my 16th birthday. Yep, welcome to my world. :( Anyway, he was an awesome gift, and I gotta' thank my parents for being so thoughtful! My KitchenAid Stand Mixer! My sweet husband bought this delightful gift for me a few years back. He knew how much I love to bake and my previous not-so-awesome mixer had recently bit the dust. I wish I had been keeping track of how many baked goodies I have made that involved this mixer. I absolutely love it! Thank you, sweet hubby of mine! My Snoopy Perpetual Calendar! My sister gave this to me a few years ago, and I. just. love it! This gift tells me that she knows me very well! First, I love Snoopy! She knows this. Second, I love organization and calendars. A no-brainer! Third, I'm all about seeing things progress. Manipulating this little trick every single day makes me feel as though I have checked another day off the "list". Finally, I must admit that every single time I touch this gift, I'm reminded of my sweet sister! (She probably was totally banking on that, now that I think of it.) Well-played, Heather.....well-played. ;) My Clarisonic Aria Facial Cleansing System! This is a very recent gift from my very thoughtful children. I'm quite sure they perused my "Wish List" PinBoard on Pinterest to even know I was interested in this, but that makes the gift even sweeter! They cared enough to investigate! :) I cannot say enough good things about this product. I use it every single day and feel like I'm getting a daily facial when I do! I've had other devices that I thought were cheaper versions of this from WalMart or Target, but they didn't do half the job this one does! Love it!! Got you thinking? Here's the link for more info: Clarisonic Aria Cleansing Device Thanks for being thoughtful investigators, Kids! :) My DSLR Camera! THIS is probably the best, most thoughtful gift I have ever received. Why? Because it came as a total surprise to me. I had never even hinted at wanting such a thing because frankly, I wasn't very confident in taking photography to the next level. Sure, I have loved taking pictures for the majority of my life, but always with a point and shoot camera of some kind. My sweet husband decided to take a chance a few years back and purchase the very lowest entry-level DSLR Nikon kit made at the time.....a D3000 with a 50-200 mm lens. I immediately gained a new level of passion for photography and haven't looked back since! I continue to purchase more and more lenses and other accessories for my camera, but I think the time is quickly approaching for a new camera body. Regardless of what body I end up graduating to, I will always hold this particular gift very near to my heart! Oh, and by the way, my children gave me the monogrammed camera strap (also one of my fav gifts!) :) So there you have it! My very "best gifts ever!" I'm sure there are plenty of other awesome gifts I've received over the years, but if someone walked up to me and said "Your best gifts ever.....go!", these are the ones that would immediately come to mind. So, have you got some fav gifts? I'll bet you do. Oh, and when you're on the giving end, put a little thought into it. It'll be appreciated, I'm quite sure. :) Until next time,
~Dot stimuli [stim' -yuh -lahy] noun. (plural for stimulus) Things that incite to action or exertion or quicken action, feeling, thought, etc. After a very long, hard dismal winter, I'm thinking I might finally see the beginnings of a new season on the horizon....and just in the nick of time, too! I don't do so well in Winter. Oh sure, I love putting on big, cozy sweaters and stuffin' my pantslegs down in some snazzy riding boots (ha! I think that totally makes me a poser 'cause I certainly don't "ride"!), but as far as having any pep in my step or a burning desire to get moving and accomplish much.......nah....it's just not in me. The word "hibernation" actually comes to mind as a wonderful synonym for "winter" as far as I'm concerned. However, it's almost time to hang up the overcoats and prepare to expose the toes! Yep. It's true! Stimuli are all around us! I think different things work for different folks. For you, maybe it's this... ......or maybe it's this..... .....or possibly it's even this..... For me, it's a happy mixture of all of it! I'm just glad the "Spring Stimuli" are finally among us! It reminds me of fresh starts.....new beginnings.....a promise of hope. So......"stimuli".....that's this Wednesday's Word. I'm all about it! Look around you! Soak it up! What's putting pep in your step right now? Whatever it is, enjoy it to the fullest and remember to thank God for those blessings! Until next time, ~Dot "Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." Today's "Monday Memory" is another one of my favorite pictures from my past. Notice I said "pictures" not "memories" because, once again, I have NO memory of this occasion. I'm not even sure exactly what's going on here. Here's what I DO know. This is a picture of me with my first cousins. Our parents are all brothers and sister. We look a little dressed up, so...hmmm....someone's birthday?.....a family reunion?........just not sure. The portrait behind us is of our Grandaddy. I see that it's just propped up on the back of the sofa, so I'm not sure if that was just done for this picture or if my Granny was still trying out different spots in the house before actually hanging it. I DO know that portrait is now hanging in a place of honor at Gammage Funeral Home in Cedartown, GA as he started that business many years ago and now my cousin Olin (far left in this picture) owns and operates the same family business as the third generation. I am SO immensely proud of him! In fact, I'm proud to call each person on this couch my family. I didn't grow up around them. I was just there for a visit, but I know we had plenty of fun when we DID get to be together. Unfortunately, we rarely see each other as adults....other than family funerals. I keep up with all of them as best I can via Facebook. I am so very thankful for this picture and yet another look into my childhood that I would not have remembered otherwise! Bottom line: These folks are my family and I will always love them. Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we can have our own adult family reunion one of these days. Oh, if only Grandaddy could see us now! I hope he'd be proud. Until next time,
~Dot "What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” ~Aaron Siskind Anyone that knows me fairly well knows two things about me: 1) I love photography....and 2) I have a terrible memory. You may wonder what these two things have in common. It's quite simple, really. I believe pictures help fill in the blanks where our memories may fail us. I know for certain they do so for me! Recently, as I was digging around for old photos to scan for my parents' birthday tributes, I ran across lots of really fun "memories" from my own life. I use the term "memory" loosely here because, to be perfectly honest, I have absolutely NO memory of these moments, but because I had a great-aunt Polly who had the same passion for capturing moments in time as I have now, I will always have these images to fill in the blanks where my memory fails me. So, in an effort to honor those captured memories, I'm going to start posting a "Monday Memory" each week. It's my own personal twist on 'Throwback Thursdays.' :) This particular picture is of me and my first-cousins, Olin & Laura. We're all hanging out at my playhouse in my backyard in South Georgia. My Papa (from my other side of the family) built that playhouse and hauled it from one side of the state to the other side just for me. Olin & Laura must have come for a visit because they lived in yet another corner of the state. Maybe they came for my birthday? Really not sure. Anyway, I love this picture. I love my groovy outfit. I love my playhouse. I love my cousins. I'm so glad I have this picture. Otherwise, this moment in time would be long-gone and probably remembered by no one. Great-Aunt Polly (who lived next-door to me) has been gone from my life and this earth since I was in 5th grade, but I feel like she lives on in every one of these pictures. I truly feel like I'm seeing my own life through her eyes, and I am forever grateful to her! While I know my obsession with capturing every single moment in time gets annoying to those I'm with at times, it is my hope that one day someone will be just as grateful to be able to replay their lives through my eyes. :) Until next time, ~Dot There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation. ~Pamela S. Nadav Exactly one month ago, I wrote a post explaining why I personally celebrate not one......or two.......but, rather, THREE BIRTH-days every year. Here's the link if you need to refresh your memory on my rationale: "It's My BIRTH-day! Well.....one of them..." Bottom line: I think Mamas need to take a few minutes to reflect on the days they GAVE birth as well as the day they were born themselves! Let's face it, BIRTH-days ain't easy! Am I right, Ladies?? Well, today's another one of those very special days in my life! February 28, 1995....the day we welcomed our sweet baby boy into the world 19 years ago! Now, I know you're disappointed, but I don't have any "graphic delivery room pics" for you this time. While Trey WAS a C-section delivery just like his older sister, we have no pictures from the actual procedure. However, I remember the day just as clearly as I remember Chelsea's birth! His due date was actually about two weeks later than this date, but, due to the size of his sister, it was decided that we would encourage James Michael Rutherford, III to arrive a little earlier in hopes he wouldn't be such a roly-poly. :) As you can see, even two weeks early he was 8 lbs. 10 oz., so there's no telling how big he could have been full-term! Isn't he just the sweetest little baby boy ever?! I mean, look at those leg rolls on 6-month-old Trey! Oh! I could just eat 'im up!! I have such wonderful memories of Trey growing up. He's always had quite the imagination and has been such a source of joy in our family. Take a look at some of his "theatrics" over the years.... See what I mean? SO much fun! It is very hard for me to believe that today begins the last year of Trey's teens. (Well, technically, he has just completed his last "teen" year because tomorrow he'll start his 20th year of life, but....whatever....) Anyway......... Seriously, as corny as it may sound (not to mention super-trite), it really DOES seem like we just brought him home to our little pink house on Myrtle Street a few years ago! I'm doing the best I can with this whole "roomy nest" thing, but really? I mean, REALLY??!! <heavy sigh> Yes, I guess the answer to that silly question is....Um....Yeah....really. So, today, instead of wallowing in my "I miss my Baby Bird" pity party, I'm choosing to celebrate the day I BIRTHED this incredible young man! Trey, as I look back at 19 years of your life, I want you to know that I am SO incredibly proud of you, and immensely honored to be your Mama! I don't care how old you get (or how feeble my mind becomes), "as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be!" Happy Birthday, my sweet Boy!
I love you! ~Mama tranquil [trang-kwil] adj. free from commotion or tumult; peaceful; quiet; calm: a tranquil place So, I think it's pretty safe to say that our entire nation knows all about "Snowstorm Leon" due to the chaos that has taken place over the last 24 hours in the Atlanta area. My heart goes out to all those that were displaced due to the fallout from that mess! That being said, I have thoroughly enjoyed the results of Leon's efforts here in our little neck of the woods. I couldn't wait to bundle up and take a photo walk this morning. I can't really explain it, but snow fascinates me. It's so beautiful! I walked into the wooded area next to our house and honestly felt like I must have walked through the wardrobe straight into Narnia! (Spoken like a true Children's Lit. degree-holder!) Aside from the audible crunch of snow under my boots, it was so quiet....so peaceful....so.....well.... simply tranquil! I loved every single moment as I attempted to capture the tranquility! I'd like to share those images with you! Take a look... See what I mean? Tranquil. Snow just seems to do that. It spreads a blanket of calm on everything. I know it is anything BUT calm over in the ATL, but here in our little North Georgia town, it's been delightful! God never ceases to amaze me with His Creation! Whether it's snowing in your neck of the woods or not, I hope you experience your own tranquility today! Until next time,
~Dot "Family is the most important thing in the world." ~Princess Diana So, we made it through Christmas holidays, and just like that, our nest is...ahem..."roomy" again. (If you're joining me here for the first time, let me bring you up to speed...I simply cannot discuss the idea of an "empty nest", so I prefer to embrace the term "roomy nest".) Even though there were some seriously emotional times to sort through over the holidays, we WERE able to enjoy our time together under one roof for a few days and for this I am extremely thankful. Toward the end of our time together before one of the birds flew back out of the nest, I got really sentimental and, sure, okay, maybe a bit sappy. The point is, I decided I wanted a picture of the four of us together in the same place at the same time before my babies left us again. I'm a big fan of "then & now" side-by-sides, depicting the passing of time, so I decided I wanted to re-do a picture of us that was taken on our back porch right after we moved into our house in 2003. So, my family humored me and allowed it to happen. Take a look.... Really cool, huh? Yeah. I think so, too. That's the same chair, too, so it really IS a true picture of how much our son has grown over the years. Our daughter, on the other hand, made the discovery that she really hasn't gotten any taller since she was 11. Bless her heart! :) "Family is not an important thing. It's everything." I don't know about you, but I get VERY sentimental when I start thinking about how much my baby birds have grown and changed over the years...especially when I start pulling out the photo albums! So, without further ado....I'd like to invite you to pull up a chair and see the transformation of my family over the last 20+ years. I think you'll agree that our children aren't the only ones who have "evolved" over the years! (Click on the big picture to start the slideshow!) Here's the bottom line.....this Mama Bird LOVES her nest! Sure, the nest has changed a little...okay...a lot....over the last 6 months, but these three people are everything to me! They have brought much joy into my life, and I love every moment I am blessed to spend with them! I'm already looking forward to seeing them on their turf very soon and hearing all about the latest news in their lives! Happy 2014 from our nest to yours!
~Dot "Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind." ~Mary Ellen Chase It's no secret. Christmas is here. Let's be honest. It's been here since they put the Halloween candy away at WalMart. I used to love the Christmas season. As a child, it was simply a magical time of year for me. However, I have to be honest. It's no longer "the warmest time of the year" for me. I'm not sure exactly when it changed in my heart, but well, it has. Now don't get me wrong! I am a Christian woman.....VERY strong in my faith, and I thank my God DAILY for sending His Son to pay the ultimate price for my sins. So, in that regard, I guess you could say I celebrate Christmas every...single...day of my life. (We couldn't have Easter without Christmas!) He IS my Savior...and without question my Hope! It's the "other stuff" associated with Christmas that really makes me stop and try to make sense of it all. So, as I was trying my best to be festive over the last few days and get our house in some semblance of "holly jolliness" before family arrives soon, God (in His always right-on-time Wisdom) talked to me as I was decorating our living room....specifically, our mantle....and our tree. "It's true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul." We've never had a "gorgeous, Southern Living" tree. By that, I mean, the ornaments haven't all been "uniform" nor matching. No real "color scheme" or theme to speak of. Our tree has evolved over the years of our marriage. It is truly a potpourri of ornaments we have acquired over time.....some mark specific milestones in the life of our family, like these... Others have sentimental meaning, like these.... ......and then of course, there are ones like this that make me cry every single year when I unwrap them as I am instantly transported to that magical time in my life all over again! Well, as I hung each ornament on our tree the other day, God said(so clearly it was almost audible!), "Look at this! You have a rich, full life, Dot. I have given you SO many blessings! Every year new, additional ornaments are hung on the tree. What does that tell you? I'm not done with your tree, Dot. I have big plans for your family. There are more 'ornaments' on the way! Do you trust Me?" My response: "Yes Lord, but here's the deal...." "......God, you know I love my children more than anything in this world! I would do anything....ANYTHING..... to protect them. I know they aren't babies sitting on Santa's knee anymore, but I'm still their Mama! Now, I know none of this comes as a surprise to you, God, but lately, there are people....self-professed Christians.... who have hurt my children! It's not fair, God! Christmas is a time for Christians to celebrate, yes, but also to be reminded of what we are all about ---- love. The Love of Jesus. Unconditional, sacrificial love. It's difficult to sing about "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" right now when my children have been hurt....deeply! Help me understand, God, please!" Well, there wasn't any big clap of thunder or a chorus of angels if that's what you're waiting to hear. In fact, I didn't hear anything right then at all. I thought perhaps I had stumped God. Ha! Silly me! "I don't think Christmas is necessarily about things. It's about being good to one another, it's about the Christian ethic, it's about kindness." You see, I keep thinking about the Golden Rule. You know how it goes, right? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I have also thought of it this way lately...."Do unto my children as you would have me do unto yours!" Sadly, the ADULTS that are involved are, at times, more of a battle than their children! The problem is this....I love the people my children bring into our lives. I embrace our differences. I welcome them with open arms. It's just my nature. It's how I was raised. I believe that's what God wants us to do, so I just continue to do that. I am praying diligently for God to change my heart and take away the bitterness that's starting to set up shop in there. I don't like it. It's toxic and totally counterproductive to peace and joy. Guess what? Good news! Turns out, my children are bouncing back, and it's God's Doing. I know it is. That's the only explanation. Our son? Well, he's moved on....focused on what brings him joy. He is such a positive soul, and he simply refuses to succumb to anything that has negative energy. I am constantly learning things simply by observing his actions. He brings me abundant joy every single day! Our daughter? Now, that's definitely a harder mountain to climb, but she's doing it! Folks have come out of the woodwork to show her (and us!) how much they love and respect her these last several days. The hurt is very deep and has caused much unnecessary pain that won't be gotten over in a day or two, but she WILL make it and she'll be stronger than ever! Of this, I am certain. I am SO very proud of her for continuing to draw on her own faith to get her through this dark and uncertain time. She truly is an inspiration to me! I am awed by her strength and courage! So, you see, even though there are some very fresh wounds in our home this Christmas, I'm digging DEEP to make it a "merry" one. We are going to do our very best to take a step back one holiday on the calendar........to Thanksgiving......when we placed emphasis on being truly thankful for our blessings. Thank you, God, for reminding me that You're still working on my Christmas tree. Yes, I DO trust You! You promised me in Jeremiah 29:11, and I'm continuing to claim that promise, not only for me, but for my precious children as well! "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." ~Charles Dickens So, what about you? Are you focused on a Merry Christmas? I hope so, but can I make a suggestion? Make sure it's not about the "stuff." Focus on the "ornaments" in YOUR life. Thank God for those blessings, and draw strength and hope from them. Most importantly, thank Him for the greatest gift He could ever possibly give us, His Son--our Savior, the Prince of Peace! Merry Christmas from our home to yours, ~Dot “All seasons have something to offer.” According to the calendar, yet another Summer has come and gone. September 22nd marked the official beginning of Fall 2013. I have mixed feelings. Do you? I mean, there are things I love about both seasons! Summer....<deep wistful sigh!>.... As an educator, I have enjoyed "summer vacations" for many, many years. The world around me seems to slow WAY down, and I can really enjoy life, savoring every moment. I'm already mourning the temporary loss of this.... .....and along with that loss, there's no more of this for a while..... ....or these folks hanging around very much..... “I have an affection for those transitional seasons, the way I must say, though, that the heat index in the South can make it tough to endure outside Summer fun for too long, and Fall temps can be a nice relief! So, let's stop all this "I miss Summer" talk, and move on to the beauty of Fall! Here's what I'm looking forward to this Fall: ** Going back to the ol' Alma Mater and seeing friends that I haven't seen face to face in almost 25 years! ** ** High School Football on Friday nights!** ** Saturdays spent tailgating and cheering our DAWGS on to victory "Between the Hedges"! ** ** Maybe even a wedding or two....** :) **...and, most importantly, thanking my God for His beautiful Creation all around us! ** See? Our sweet boy still comes to see us..... even after the pool is covered 'til next Summer! ;) So, there you have it. I'm planning on fully enjoying this new season of ours! How about you? What are you looking forward to? Whatever it is, I hope it brings you much joy! Happy Fall, Y'all!
Until next time.... ~Dot "The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence." ~~Denis Waitly They're gone now. Both of 'em. Just like that. I feel like I JUST took that picture on the left about three or four years ago in our cozy little nest, but...well...I guess not. Now, they are both at college. Our girl is a Senior and our boy is a Freshman! They're both at the same school, which is somewhat of a comfort, but that still makes for a very...well...ahem..."roomy" nest. <heavy sigh!> Here's the deal. When our daughter went to college, it was different at home...no doubt! A little less laundry....one less placemat at the dinner table. We really missed her when it was realized that we'd be providing taxi service for our son again! :) Bottom line, though, was that there was still a very busy family calendar. Activity was still plentiful in our nest. Yes, I missed her, but I was okay. "When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they're not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They're upset because they've gone from supervisor of a child's life to a spectator. It's like being the vice president of the United States." ~~Erma Bombeck Now? Wow! Now is a very different story. We've just moved our son to college. In fact, he's been gone exactly one week. Yep. One full week of a very roomy nest here at home. Don't get me wrong! I don't love our son more than our daughter. Also, if you're thinking that I'm dreading sharing the nest with only my hubby for the next 50 or so years, that's not correct either! (He and I are closer than we've ever been!) It's just that I miss being the kind of Mama I've been for the last 21 1/2 years. Sure, I'll always be their Mama, but I'm already realizing that they don't need me like they once did anymore. That's what really breaks my heart more than anything. See, I need for them to need me. I need that really badly! <heavy sigh!> However, life keeps moving. Baby birds grow up. They leave their Mama's (and Daddy's) nest and fly out into the world. They collect pieces of life and eventually they make their own nests. It's how it's supposed to be. However, if I'm to be perfectly honest, I must admit, I'm a bit emotional right now. I'm kind of lost. I'm a tad bit sad. In a way, I feel as if I'm mourning a loss. I mean no disrespect to someone who has literally experienced the loss of a child. I can't even begin to fathom what that must be like. However, I DO feel as if I'm experiencing a loss. I guess it's more like closure on a chapter of my life, and that is something I just can't wrap my mind around just yet. In my mind, this picture is what my nest will always look like. The four of us.....circled up......enjoying each other's company in one place.....at the same time. Maybe, just maybe, my birds will fly back to the nest from time to time. Who knows? They may just bring some new birds into my nest, too! Wouldn't that be interesting? In the meantime, I'm going to embrace our roomy nest. It's NOT "empty".....just....."roomy". Whatever shape your nest is in right now, stretch out and find the joy. That's what I'm going to do. Until next time, ~Dot |
AuthorHi! I'm Dot. I refuse to succumb to the "empty nest syndrome"! So, this is my journal.....my photo album.....my attempt to enjoy the next chapter of my life as it unfolds. Welcome to The Roomy Nest! Archives
January 2020
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