Mamas*Little*Treasures

Daddy Just Doesn't Notice

Our Daddy has been "Mr. Mom" around our house for the past few weeks . . . . . which has been a good thing . . . but it has also been very interesting!  I've read a lot about the differences between men's brains and women's brains, but I guess I just didn't really comprehend what all of that "psycho-babble" meant.  I think I'm beginning to understand.  One of the authors suggested that men's brains are filled with boxes - each box has a separate concept / idea / thought / project / responsibility in it, and the boxes NEVER touch!  So, whatever is in one box has no connection to anything that is in another box.  And then there is one box that is EMPTY . . . . and men like it that way, so we should never attempt to put anything in that box.  Leave it alone!  It is empty on purpose.  Perhaps that is why some men open their eyes in the morning and immediately reach for the TV remote.  There is nothing in one of the boxes in their brains, so they have plenty of room to fill it up with whatever they want to put in it.  But the woman in his life must never try to put anything in there! 

And then, the theory goes something like this:  women's brains are like spaghetti.  Everything in a woman's brain not only touches everything else, but it is all intertwined and entangled so that everything is connected.  So, for instance, if Husband asks Wife what is for dinner and then before she can answer him, he is wandering around mumbling to himself about that (D*&^) TV remote, without even listening to her answer to his first question . . ... all of that translates in her spaghetti brain this way:  "He isn't paying any attention to me, he must not love me anymore, and maybe it is because I've gained five pounds, or I didn't put my make-up on this morning before the kids started screaming for breakfast."  So when she starts weeping in the pork chops, he is totally astounded, partly because he completely forgot that he even asked the question in the first place, and partly because he is wondering what in the world the (D*#^) TV remote has to do with whether or not he loves his wife. 

Having Our Daddy be Mr. Mom for a couple of weeks has helped me understand all of this, and it has been very insightful.  In the morning when I leave for work, I suggest brightly, "It will really help keep things down to a lower level of chaos if you keep the girls on a routine today."  And he looks at me with a blank stare.  "Oh, OK, Honey."  Now how was I supposed to know that he had no clue what that meant?!?!  I guess I just assumed that it makes perfect sense to anyone that it is a good thing to get kids out of bed before noon, feed them breakfast, have them get dressed, brush their teeth, wash their faces, and comb their hair.  And then do something!  Apparently that wasn't very obvious at all    ;o)   But I have to say I'm truly grateful for Our Daddy who is the best daddy in the world, even if it took a few days to teach him that little girls really do need to comb their hair once in a while, and even take a bath now and then.  But then who else would spend a whole Saturday putting together the new swingset, or build the playhouse, or take the girls fishing, or go to the beach for swimming?  He's the best!  And he's getting the hang of the whole Mr. Mom thing . . . . he's even figured out how to make pig tails in his little girls' hair.

So I guess we shouldn't be surprised the daddies don't notice if children are swinging from the chandeliers, drinking Mountain Dew and eating Oreo cookies for breakfast.  It would make some moms shudder to think of the health implications of all of this . . . . but so far my girls have survived!  And I think Daddy will make it, too! 

 

What do you love about vintage?

A few years ago, we were part of a small community radio-theater group.  It was great fun, because our focus was re-enacting old time radio shows from the 1940s.  The music, the clothes, the hair styles . . . . I love it all!  So when I decided to re-focus my direction from designing children's boutique clothing (because of the CPSIA legislation), I realized that my love for all things vintage could offer another avenue for me to express my creativity.  I've been doing some research as to just what exactly is the definition of "vintage," and I've come to realize  that it is very difficult to find a definitive answer to the question, "Just what exactly is vintage?"  Some definitions say that it is anything "20 years old or older."  Some definitions I've found say that the items have to be "30 years old or older."  And recently I've seen that there are some online marketplace sites that define vintage as anything "10 years old or older."  There is one thing that is definite, however . . . . there is a fair amount of confusion out here about just what we mean when we are talking about "vintage."  And since I really do like to play by the rules (when I can figure out what they are!), I am very interested in researching and learning more about how to identify "true vintage."  Except that is hard to do when we don't know what "true vintage" really is, or what it means.

So . . . . having come to that conclusion, I have also realized that, even if I did have a definitive answer to THAT question, of course my next question is, "How do you know what is 10, or 20, or 30 years old or older?"  And I realize that much of that knowledge comes from much research and observation of the history of fashion and design.  I'm working on it.  But in the meantime, I want to open a little shop online to sell some of the beautiful garments, shoes, and accessories that I have discovered in my treasure hunting expeditions . . . . except I don't know (yet) which items really qualify as "vintage." And I keep going round and round on this, trying to figure it all out.  I suppose I should just go with the flow, research as much as I can, set up a little shop and play by the rules - to the best of my ability, and I guess if I get something wrong, someone (nice) will tell me.  There's a learning curve here, and I'm a pretty quick study, but somehow this just isn't as objective as other things I've studied in my life.  Like Latin   ;o(  

I'll give it a go, do the best I can to figure all of this out, and hope I get it right.  Because I really do love all things vintage (whatever that means!), and the fun that comes with learning about history.  Including the music, the hair styles, and especially the clothing. 

Frugal Fashion: Is It Even Possible?

What is "vintage"?  Am I "vintage"?  Don't answer that!!!   Of course I am "vintage," silly, because I am over 20 years old   ;o)    And just what is it that makes garments that are "over 20 years old" so desireable, expensive and "classy"?  And why is it that anything that is 5 - 10 years old considered just  "second-hand," "used," and rather "tacky"?  I'm sorry if anyone finds that offensive, but I'm just truly puzzled.  "Old" is "old," 'used" is "used," and "second-hand" is "second-hand," I don't care how old it is!  Like me . . . . and you . . . . this is so contradictory to everything in our culture where we are bombarded with images and messages that "new" and "young" and "thin" and "rich" and "celebrity" are the all important values in life.  But then . . . . . somehow in this crazy world of online marketing, the only "worthy" items to sell are those over 20 years old . . . . or older.  According to this standard, I'm becoming more desireable every day that I get older!  And by now, I'm REALLY a treasure!

I've got an idea!  And I think it might be just the thing for us all, especially while we are all in the midst of this crazy economic meltdown.  How about we just all relax a little bit with the whole "label" thing, and do our best to appreciate beauty all around us, no matter the age.  Perhaps we should all just get a clue about the joy of living a life of joy and simplicity.  Does it really matter what something is called?  Beauty is beauty . . . . . wherever we find it.  Now, I'm going to go out here and open my little shop and I'm going to offer a whole shop full of beautiful garments, shoes, accessories . . . .perhaps some home decor items . . . . along with my hand-crafted and hand-embellished items . . . . . and I know that there are lots of people who will love what I have to offer.  And then there will be those who will scold me because I don't play by the rules of "naming" and "labeling."  Well, I think I just don't really care anymore about all of that .   . .. .,there are millions of people out here who cannot afford "designer" or "true vintage," but they will be delighted with my "Renaissance Boutique" items that are Almost Vintage.  Welcome to my world!  Hope you find something that is just perfect for you AND your budget.  My contribution to the green movement!  As my mama always said:  "Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without."  Here's to Mama!

If you are interested in seeing more of  my "Almost Vintage" garments, shoes, and accessories, please visit me at www.gossamerwingsstudio.bonanzle.com      

Tuesday Treasure Hunt: Gorgeous Greeting Cards

I guess this has always been part of my life . . . I love to meet new people, especially those who share a love for all things beautiful, and then have the joy of getting to know them a little bit.  In this fast-paced world of instant messaging and texting (neither of which I know how to do, BTW!), letter writing has almost become a lost art.  That makes me kind of sad, because I remember how exciting it was, as a kid, to get something in the mail!  And I watch my own children when they get a card from Grandma . . . . . it just makes them feel so special and loved!  So, of course, I still like to send cards, notes, and letters to people I love.  Especially when I find gorgeous, handcrafted cards like these made by Lamar Lynch!  I discovered Lamar's Etsy shop through various conversations on the Etsy site, and I was so captured by the beauty and attention to detail that are evident in every one of his handcrafted cards.  

The first thing that I noticed about Lamar's cards is his craftsmanship.  Each card is created with the utmost care, and it is so obvious that he loves what he does!  The next time you need the perfect card for that special person, why not stop over at Lamar's Etsy shop and find one that is just right for the occasion . . . . . these cards are definitely keepsakes, and I don't know about you, but I put gorgeous works of art like this in my family scrapbook!  Make some memories, brighten up someone's day, share your heart with someone you love by sending them a handcrafted card that has been created from the heart - just like the love you are sending to that special someone.  Here's a little about Lamar and his Etsy shop:  "Handcrafted by Lamar:  Cards for Every Occasion" -

"I started with the dream of being my own boss. Being in control. I never really wanted to be the face of the company though, so my idea was to use my talent and maybe sell it to a company of interest.  But then I thought to myself "Am I in total control or am I still just a worker?"  So I decided to take my poetic aspirations and artistic skill and make greeting cards. After completing a thorough investigative research, I realized I would need help to make a great break through into the card industry. A 7 billion dollar industry with a lot of competition! 

     I had my mind set that this was the key. I set up a website and bought a few images from an artist. At this time my cards were only prints. After a few months of trial and error, I realized that the lucrative aspect of this industry was in hand-made cards.

     My first card was near and dear to my heart because I made it with the thought of my girlfriend (don't tell her though!).  I  never sold that card but, hey. My first year actually selling my cards was 2008 on ETSY.com.   At the time I was unemployed, collecting unemployment, and trying my best to build this business. I spent hours upon hours on the computer, networking, blogging and chatting with like-minded people. At first, it  was actually great, but life moves on, bills won't wait to be paid, and I didn't sell enough to cover my bills and keep going with my dream. So I went back to work.

    This time my plan and goal was clear... I wanted to work, get my bills in order, put funds aside to carry the business and a little for myself for life expenses. My goal is to quit my day job within the next year. It's a tough market out there, but I feel many people don't realize how difficult it is to pursue your creative dreams full-time.  I hope to create my own niche for marketing, which is making cards for all occasions with a 2 - 3D look, and passionately express the theme of each card."

I think he is on his way!  And one way that we can all support one another is to shop at other Etsy shops for items that we would normally buy anyway . . . . and I know that one of the things I buy on a regular basis is cards.  But none of them have ever been as beautiful as the one's in Lamar's shop, so that's where I'll be buying the next cards I need ... . birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentines Day . . . . . I just LOVE to send cards to the special people in my life   ;o)    Have a happy Tuesday and hope you find some treasures as you are out and about on this beautiful day! 

Prayers for Peace and Freedom in Iran

As the news reports and photos continue to stream across the internet and television screens, it is interesting to see the responses from people around the world.  Following through part of the night via Twitter, it is obvious to me that millions of people are horrified by the shooting of Neda by the military thugs who are confronting the protesters in the streets ofTehran.  This one terrible incident has galvanized people around the world, with the recognition that this is the ultimate fate of people who stand up to the terror that is possible in a country where the government has complete control.  But why should we, as Americans, even care?  Well, of course, anyone would care and be affected by pictures of a beautiful young woman shot to death (just about anyone, I mean) - but is there more to it than that?

Of course there is, and it is the longing in every human heart for freedom and liberty, and when we see the struggle of a repressed people, crying out for liberty, we are affected by that, as well.  But why do we think that just by staying uninvolved and neutral at a time like this will keep US safe?  People are people, and there will always be people, in every country of the world, who will murder, maim, torture, and destroy anyone and anything that gets in the way of their power grab.  Why do we believe that simply by sitting down and chatting, or "playing fair" we will ever convince a maniac like Ahmadinejad to just "be nice."  He will NOT be nice, because his agenda requires power.  Human beings have been fighting, making war, killing one another, and doing horrific things to one another since the dawn of time.  It does not matter one's religion in this scenario . . . . every religion has devotees who are just plain evil, and will perpetrate their evil deeds on innocent, peace-loving people if it achieves their goals. 

I am not a particularly political person, but I realize that the blessings of peace and freedom that I enjoy every day (even in a terrible economy, trying to struggle through until we find another job) and are available to me, are not part of my life because we chatted with previous world thugs and convinced them to "play nice."  Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way, and history has proven this over and over.  Any normal person with a brain and a heart would prefer peace, hate war, and live a life of freedom . . . . it just doesn't work that way, because the world is full of those who take advantage of the ordinary people who just want to live their lives and not bother others.  So, now a nation is revolting against the heavy hand of a tyrannt (or several, as it seems), and we should not be surprised that regular ol' folks eventually get fed up with repression and speak out.  Even those who are not particularly political.  Today my heart is filled with compassion and fear for the innocents in Iran, and my prayers are with them at the dawning of this new day.  Stand for freedom, be willing to die for freedom, because it has never been free . . . . it is worth the fight.

Here's a New Idea! Etsy Sellers Promoting Etsy Sellers ;o)

OK so perhaps you have never heard of Etsy . . . . or maybe you have . . . but it is a wonderful website marketplace where you can find all sorts of stuff!  Handcrafted art and jewelry, paper creations, paintings, fiber art, mixed media designs, woodworking, metalsmithing, and every other kind of gorgeous handcrafted items.  You can also find supplies for all of your creative projects, from scrapbooking ephemera to beads, ribbons, laces, and every variety of embellishments.  There are handmade soaps and lotions; handcrafted home decor, children's clothing and accessories, handmade books and journals . . . . I know I'm leaving some categories out, there is just so much to see on Etsy where some of the world's most incredible artists have made their work available for purchase!

There is also a category for vintage items:  supplies, home decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry, just about anything you can imagine!  There is a community on Etsy that offers support, encouragement, advice, and information to new shop owners.  Most of them are also very welcoming to new "artistisans" or "crafters" (depending on your own definition of your creative work) - with a spirit of inclusiveness so that those who are just learning a skill will find the mentoring and wisdom that only comes from those who have spent years perfecting their art /craft. 

I have been a bit disappointed, however, that there is occasionally the sense that this is a very exclusive community where only certain people are allowed to participate.  Of course, that is not coming from the Etsy administrators, and there are rules and guidelines for all of the shopkeepers on the Etsy website that must be followed.  But I've noticed that oftentimes when someone innocently asks a question in the forums (I know, it really is fora or something like that as a Latin plural but since I currently speak English, and I don't remember all of my Latin inflections, I guess "forums" will have to do . . . . except for the purists, and then I guess you can just shoot me down!)  - and they do not always receive a respectful answer to their questions.  So . . . . . . as I've been conversing with a few other shop keepers on the Etsy site, I decided that one thing that would be good for EVERYONE who is working diligently to maintain a little shop in Etsy-Land is for us all to support each other!

Novel idea, I guess, but it sounds like fun to me and it just might generate even more interest in the site which would mean more awareness of all the amazing things you can find on Etsy, and even some of the sellers who want to keep Etsy kind of exclusive will benefit.  I can only hope!  And since there is now a huge discussion about Etsy going "mainstream" and actually broadening their market appeal (the economy, you know), it just might be that there will be MORE artisans and other indie entrepreneurs moving into the neighborhood, and what better way to get to know one another than to start promoting each other.  So, here goes . . . .

I recently met Mary of SleepyHollowPrimsand she has got to be one of the most sincere and generous people I have ever "met" in my online experience!  Her work is gorgeous, and her heart is even more beautiful   ;o)  If you have a minute, please visit her shop at www.sleepyhollowprims.etsy.com  and tell her I sent you!  I have included just a few of her paintings, but there is so much more to see and appreciate in her shop!  Let me introduce you to Mary, of SleepyHollowPrims:

"~All things prim with a touch of enchantment~

Welcome to Sleepy Hollow Prims! I am so happy that you stopped in. I have dabbled in all sorts of crafts and have so many favorites that at one moment or another I am always sewing, painting, sanding, or grunging. I love it! I do not really use patterns as the few times I have I've changed things so immensely that I should have started from scratch to begin with, hence I rely on brainstorming and creativity.

I hope you enjoy my stuff as much as I enjoy making it! Take a look around....you just might find something to take home with you! I always welcome custom orders...if you have a needful give me a holler and let's see what I can dazzle you with!

Since I have been blessed to be bombarded with wholesale inquiries I have decided to lower ALL of my prices to wholesale so everyone can enjoy some new art in these trying times. This is my way of trying to do a lttle for the economy. What you see is exactly what you get. I pride myself on very reasonable prices for exquisite art! I have reduced prices by over twenty percent so stock up and enjoy!"

I'll be out and about looking for other Etsy shopkeepers to see if they will let me do a feature on them . . . . you never know, this could turn out to be a very good thing   ;o)  But in the meantime, be sure to visit Mary at SleepyHollowPrims and see what she's up to! 

Frugal Friday: Thrifty Treasures and Your Creativity

Find something beautiful and create a little corner of charm!  Especially if you have small children, and you really can't have your entire home filled with nostalgic, vintage treasures.  And then there is the whole dusting thing   ;o)  But if you love the look of days gone by, or even if you are more into the kitschy kind of decorating style of the 50s . . . . just start in one corner, with one or two small pieces and build around whatever you have. 

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed when we try to re-create some of the ideas that we see in decorating magazines.  And I think that might be because in a magazine article you typically see lots of beautiful home decor items all staged together to be attractive.  Why would be buy the magazine if the pictures weren't that gorgeous?  But normal families with kids, a dog and a cat (or two, or more, and whoever else lives in YOUR house!), with a real job (inside or outside the home), bills to pay, a lawn to mow, and muddy boots and mittens piling up in the kitchen during the winter months . . . . well, it is just not NORMAL for our houses to look like those pictures in the magazines!

But we can re-create the peaceful or whimsical or funky or elegant ambiance that we love, even if we focus on just a corner or two.  Besides it is so much easier to dust that way   ;o)  So here's a place to start if you are:

1)  Limited on expendable income (who isn't these days?) . . .

2)  Loving the look of orderly elegance, vintage charm, or wonderful whimsey . . .

3)  Looking for a way to incorporate YOUR personality into a crazy, kid-filled house . . . .

4)  Launching out on the beginnings of a collection of treasures to display . . . .

5)  Lacking the time and / or resources to "do it all" at once.

One day, a long time ago, when I really had very few options for updating my wardrobe (this really does relate to the topic at hand . . . . but then it could also be the beginning of another Frugal Friday blog post), I decided to try something different.  So, I pulled everything out of my closet, sorted it all out, tried it all on, and then rearranged everything that I could think of!  Instead of this skirt with that sweater, how about THAT skirt with THIS sweater?  And would that jacket look good over that dress to make a completely new outfit?  A red ribbon from my sewing room was added to a simple white sweater to create a sweet little bow at the neckline, and now it really looked very nice with the red and black plaid skirt that had been hanging in the back of the closet because I didn't have "anything" to wear with it. 

That's how it can be when you want to redecorate a corner of your little world!  Here's just one example of what I'm talking about:  the dresser in our bedroom is kind of tall (it is beautiful, but not my favorite piece of furniture!), so I removed everything that had accumulated up there since the last time I dusted   ;o)  Really, I try to dust the furniture every week, but that doesn't always happen!  The jewelry, hubby's wallet, keys, change, and guitar picks all were put into a pretty little vintage dish and set aside.  Pictures, last week's mail, bills to pay (out of my sight!), and sucker sticks the girls "forgot" to throw away.  OK, they don't get suckers very often, so I'll just deal with it . . . . but NEXT time . . .. .

Once the top of the dresser was cleared off, of course I dusted it!  How easy was that, dusting the top of a dresser that has absolutely NOTHING on it   ;o)  Now this is the fun part!  I had a curtain . . . . just one curtain that I found at a garage sale last time we went to Grandma's house . .. . that couldn't be used as a curtain anymore.  But it is beautiful!  Is is a sheer golden fabric with embroidery and the most gorgeous golden lace trim . . . . I love it!  I might actually cut it up eventually to use for some of my garment reconstruction projects, but for now it's going on the dresser.  And since I love the lace trim so much, I wanted to be sure to display it prominently.  So I draped it partially over the mirror that hangs just over the dresser (also a thrift shop treasure), down the side of the mirror and onto the top of the dresser with the lace trim all along the front edge.  One more little addition to the mirror . . . . an old charm necklace (who knows where that came from, but it's been around here a long time!) that I love but don't wear as a necklace (or for anything else, either) was hung from the mirror to reflect the whole golden theme I have going on.

Then it was time to add all the other discoveries that I had gathered up in my treasure hunt around the house and in the garage!  Well, the first treasure that got this whole thing started is the "thing" on the left side of the dresser.  We took a drive up through the countryside a week or so ago and stopped into the "Curiosity Shop" in one little village.  Didn't find much there, but I did see this "thing" in the corner of the shop for $3.00.  When I asked what it was, no one seemed to know, but it is definitely beautiful (at least I think it is beautiful!), and the price was right.  We brought it home and I decided that it could be a candle holder, but Sweet Hubby warned me not to put the top on when I had a candle in it, even though there are holes for ventilation.  That was my interpretation, anyway!  I suppose it could also be turned into a real electric lamp if we wanted to wire it, but I like it just the way it is.

I also found this old alarm clock in a box in the garage, and then I remembered this sweet little shadow box that I made a few years ago.  The frame is painted gold (perfect to keep my gold theme going) and I filled it with a variety of vintage sewing items, a vintage handkerchief, and a vintage bow pin.  A few vintage buttons with the tiny spools of thread, and I think it is pretty cute!  In a corner of another room, long forgotten, was this vintage-looking miniature dress form, a Victorian-style photo frame with a picture of our Shoe Diva as a baby, and a vintage green bottle that was on a shelf in another room.  Then I found another vintage-style necklace that I wore to our Adventurous Son's wedding.  The necklace is a dark gold with red stones.  A few touches of color to my golden corner! 

Finally, I went to my sewing studio to search through my vintage "stuff" that I have collected for reconstruction / restyling projects, and found this gorgeous black beaded evening bag.  Just the right finishing touch for my little corner of elegance!  Now, if I tried to create this kind of scenario in my entire house . . . . well, that would last about two seconds!  But here it is high enough that (usually) no one will NEED to drop a bunch of junk up there, no one will NEED to move things around, and it is out of the way of all of the "practical" events that go on in a family home.  But I still get to have a tiny corner of my world that provides me with the joy of beauty, tranquility, peace, and elegance.  Now it's back to the rest of my life, the singing Hubby, and giggling Girls (Shoe Diva in her raggedy jeans and Miss Determined in her matching red blouse AND sparkly red "high heels"), bills to pay, dishes to wash and laundry piling up . . . . . but it has been fun to express a tiny bit of my creativity, even if it is only on the top of my dresser! 

Have a wonderful Friday, and may all your dreams be created through the use of YOUR own imagination and determination! 

Whose Name is Written Across Your . . . . . . Back Pocket? (Part 1)

I'm just wondering . . . . . because it's never been a part of my experience.  What is the attraction?  And now in an economy where so many families are struggling to pay the bills, keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, I'm just trying to understand why this is as important as it seems to be to some people.  Having never known anything about "designer jeans," I was curious for some reason . . . perhaps the whole economy thing, and knowing lots of people who are currently out of work . . . . I decided to see what's up with all of this hoopla about having a particular name or logo on the back pocket of your jeans.  Of course, I didn't even know what I was looking for, but when I came across a link to designer jeans at Neiman Marcus, I DID recognize that name and thought it would be enlightening to take a peek.  And I learned a lot about what designer jeans look like, where to buy them, how much they cost, and how skinny you would need to be to fit into a pair . . . but still nothing about the phenomenon of needing someone's name on your behind to make you stylish or fashionable.  So I still don't know why it is so important. 

And to be completely honest, it just might be something that I am not capable of comprehending.  We all have our perspective on life and what is "normal."  Growing up, children just assume that THEIR life and THEIR home and THEIR family experience is just the way it is, that everyone else lives the same way.  I know that I always thought that our family was pretty typical, until I grew up and discovered that I had actually grown up kind of "in poverty."  I had no clue until someone told me!  So for me, understanding the concept of spending as much on a pair of jeans as I pay every month on my mortgage, or more than my monthly car payment . . . . . well, it's just a stretch for my brain!  So, I'm very curious as to what makes this so important and so attractive, that anyone would be willing to spend THAT much money on a pair of jeans . . . . that you would then need to, apparently, buy a pricey pair of thong panties (or whatever they are called . . . . aren't those things REALLY uncomfortable????) to wear underneath your low-rise designer jeans so that . . . . . what?  I know, I'm simple, but really WHAT do those strappy little things do to make you more beautiful?  I'm just an old-fashioned girl from the midwest, living in the midst of farmland and cows, lakes and summer cottages, so I really have no clue!

PS I discovered that I could get a great pair of Royal Underground jeans at Neiman Marcus for only $395.00 and then next week I'll get the Donna Karan jeans for $595.00 . . . . . well, maybe it will take me a couple of weeks to save up for that second pair.  Gotta pay the mortgage before the end of the month, you know!

Why do we always wait so long?

In trouble then and fear I sought The Man who taught in Galilee; And peace unto my soul was brought, All my faith came back to me.”

~ Anonymous

Most of my life I've just been a chicken!  When everyone around me was trying out the latest fad, checking out the newest "hang out," or sneaking behind the barn to try out their first taste of alcohol, and all the other things that kids usually are curious about . . . . . I was just scared.  I know that sounds silly, but it is true!  So many people feel the need to discover life on their own terms.  They are curious, and often times rebellious against whatever authorities are part of life.  In my experience, the need to "return" has been more of an internal struggle, not because I was rebelling against God, as much as just so disappointed and disillusioned with my experiences with other Christians. 

Eventually I realized that the way other people behave, the way we treat each other, the mistakes I make and the foolishness that is so often in my heart, does not ultimately interfere with God's plan.  My failures are just like the failures of every one of us, because we are all human in need of a Savior.  And the failures of others might make me sad, but it cannot be the standard by which I measure my relationship with God.  But it took me a few years to learn how to separate the two experiences in my life.  My internal struggles were really more about trying to figure out how to find my way out of the darkness that surrounded me, while trying to cope with some "toxic" relationships.  But the kind of running away, like the Prodigal Son, is just way too scarey to me!  I'm really just a sissy . . . . . and now that I'm a bit older, I guess I'm kind of glad that I've been so boring most of my life!

So, when I encounter people who have taken a destructive, painful path in life (including a few people whom I love very much), it is always so difficult to understand.  You know . . . . . when you spend your whole life determined to escape from a world of despair, hopelessness, and crisis, it is simply incomprehensible to watch someone walk right back into that chaos.  And I always wonder in my heart, and even speak the words out loud:  "Is it bad enough, yet?"  How broken do you have to be to realize that this path is taking you a place you don't want to go?  Or maybe you do want to go there, and I just cannot figure out why. 

Even if you are not one who has traveled that path of rebellion, waiting for whatever it takes for a person to have enough hurt and pain to turn around . . .. . we still suffer the heartache when we watch those we love continue through that valley of misery, and I wonder "why do we always wait so long" to come back to the place of peace, of hope, of joy, of redemption and restoration?  So, boring as my life has been, most of the time I feel safe here in the arms of Jesus - and pray and weep for those who are still wandering in the wilderness. 

Please visit some of the others who are participating this week with "In Other Words" by popping into Denise's blog, "Shorty Bear's Place."  Have a wonderful Tuesday, wherever your journey takes you!

The Sound of Chirping Birds and a Snoring Husband

What kind of title is THAT for a blog post???!!! Today I have just a few minutes to pop in here for a post, and I'm very determined to count my blessings ;o) Just found out yesterday that the bank where I work will be closing the first of October . .. so that has me thinking. Banking is NOT the love of my life, but it is a job, and I have insurance and that's all a good thing. Now I have three months to figure out where to go from here, and I've decided that is a good thing, too. Because otherwise I might have just continued on this treadmill for the next 10 years and then wondered where my life had disappeared.

So . .. . for today, I'm counting my blessings, because there are SO many gifts that are mine every minute of every day.  It's just that proportionately, there are many more positive experiences in life than negative, that it just seems silly to focus on the "bad stuff."  Partly because the "bad stuff" often leads to the "much better" stuff, if we are just willing to go down that road.  Or if someone gives us a swift kick and sends us flying down that road.  Either way, I'm just sayin' . . ... . and besides all that, the alleged "bad stuff" ain't killed me yet! 

So, this morning, I woke up to the sound of chirping birds, and my sweet hubby who was (loudly) snoring beside me.  And,  of course, the sound of silly, giggly girls.  And with all that, a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, and a car that still runs . . . . we're good.  Counting begins:

*  I can hear the sound of the chirping birds, AND the hubby and kids.

*  I have a wonderful hubby (who snores) and two beautiful daughters (who do giggle and tumble, and sometimes scream, which makes me nuts!)

*  We have our other grown-up children and grandbabies . . . . nevermind that everyone with kids has ups and downs, because none of us are perfect   ;o)

*  So far, I'm still standing, still walking, and still able to carry on - to be able to figure this out. 

*  We'll be just fine, and so will you, no matter what's going on for you right now!

Off to work . . . . and try to look at some options!  Chat soon, N