New Shoes Make You Run Faster! Really!

I don't actually feel any guilt this time for not having posted in so long.  I didn't have anything I felt compelled to say.  And that's ok.  Sometimes just living and enjoying is enough.

What spurs me into action today, however, is my new pair of Nike running shoes.  Now, if you know me at all, you know I am NOT a runner.  Heck, I'm barely a walker - but I'm trying to get better at that.  With that being said, I needed a new pair of shoes to walk in.  So, I shopped and shopped until I found this lovely black and purple pair (I call them my walking bruises).  They are comfortable and not exorbitantly priced (as I don't like spending money unless I have to!)

I tried on several different shoes of differing brands, but in the end, I chose this pair.  It just so happened that they were Nike brand.  And that's what got me to thinking...

During my freshman year at college (BYU in Provo, UT), though I was thrilled to be there and made many amazing new friends, I got lonely sometimes.  In retrospect, part of the problem was that I was suffering from undiagnosed depression (thank you, Prozac, for my happiness now).  At that time, without the assistance of medication, the feelings of depression and discouragement were very real and very strong.

One particular night, I remember walking around on campus feeling sad and alone.   In retrospect, I see how many wonderful friends I had who would have gladly talked with me, had I given them the chance to really know what I was going through.  As I walked, I came upon a slightly sloping hillside near the carillon bell tower.  It was dark in this area and I found a grassy spot to sit down.  As I sat there crying (I didn't want to do this in my dorm room and risk my roommate or others knowing), I started praying for comfort.  For me, prayer has long-since been a source of comfort and strength.  After pouring my heart out to my Heavenly Father, I sat and just waited.  I waited to see if He would help me feel better.  I waited to see how He would give me strength to endure.  In my MIND, I knew things would get better (the past had shown this pattern), but my HEART felt overwhelmed and in such pain.

Brigham Young University, Provo UT, Carillon Bell Tower

Several minutes passed.  I continued to sit in the darkness, waiting.  Waiting for something, anything, to bring me a moment of peace.  And then the comfort came.  It came via my new Nike shoes.

You see, as I've mentioned on several occasions, I came from a very poor family.  With an alcoholic dad who had difficulty keeping any kind of job, and seven kids in the family, we never had much.  However, because they loved me so much, my parents took time off from work to drive me from our Missouri home to Utah for my first year away.  We camped much along the way and saw Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, and many other great US landmarks. 

After having moved me and my meager belongings into my dorm room, the time came for my family to say goodbye.  I became very nervous.  All of a sudden it hit me that I was going to be completely alone.  I did not know a SINGLE person in my new surroundings.  I felt the emotions that any 18 year old feels at leaving home for the first time.  I was especially worried about missing my mom, as she was my best friend and had already helped me through so many rough patches in life.  I remember how I teared up and felt this big knot in my stomach at having to say goodbye.  After I had hugged the siblings, and then my sweet, brave, strong mother, my dad came to give me the last hug.  


Now, I've never made it a secret that my dad and I have had a troublesome relationship.  We're probably too much alike for our own good.  But, there were times throughout my life when we were able to be close and share special moments, and this was one of them.  He hugged me so tightly and kissed my cheek again and again (something that had aggravated me in the past, but was so welcome in that moment.)  He whispered encouraging and loving words in my ear and told me he was proud of me.  And then, he slipped me a $50 bill.  He said, "You might need this for something, or just for fun."  I didn't want to take the money.  I knew how scarce money was in our family, and I also realized it must've taken so much for our family to have been able to take this vacation to Utah.  But, as typical dad, he wouldn't let me give it back.

Needless to say, I did ok.  I made lots of friends and loved my new surroundings.  This was definitely "the place" for me.  But, that didn't mean there weren't occasionally hard days, like that day.

So, as I sat in the darkness, on that lonely hillside, waiting for something to lighten my heart, I heard a familiar church hymn come through my mind.  The lyrics of the first verse go, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed;  when you are discouraged thinking all is lost; count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."   "Ok", I thought, "I should count my blessings.  That's what I should do."  But, as I sat there, feeling miserable and depressed, I couldn't for the life of me think of any blessings (not that they weren't abundantly there, but that I was too depressed to think of them).  Feeling even more miserable for not being able to think of blessings, I just looked down and began to cry again.  And then, like a lightbulb, it hit me!  Looking down, I saw my new pair of Nike shoes.

You see, now that I was at college, I was WALKING everywhere!  My old shoes were not up to par for this amount of walking and I had needed a new pair.  I didn't have money for new shoes.  But, then I remembered the $50 my dad had given me a few weeks prior when they had dropped me off.  I had put it away for a "rainy day".  If the amount of tears falling from my eyes didn't constitute a rainy day, I didn't know of much else that would.  So, I had taken that $50 and bought me the best new pair of shoes I had ever owned in my life, a pair of Nike running shoes.  They had served me wonderfully!

As I looked down at those wonderful shoes I had worn every day since I'd purchased them, in an effort to count my blessings, I said to myself, "Well, at least I have new shoes."  That thought was all I could come up with at the moment.  But then, a few moments later, I remembered WHY I had those shoes.  I would not have been able to have such a nice pair of shoes to walk all over campus, had it not been for my parents and their sacrifices for me.  Being thankful for my shoes led me to my next grateful thought, one that filled my heart and began to let the light shine inside again, "My parents love me.  They really love me."

From that thought, I was able to feel lighter by the minute.  One thought led to another and I was able to think of SO many things of which I had to be grateful.  Pretty soon I was smiling instead of crying.  I was blessed with comfort and peace in answer to my heavenly pleas.

So, now, it's 2012 - twenty years from when I started college and had that experience.  My dad passed away last year.  But, what a blessing this experience has been in my life.  As I have continued to struggle with depression on and off throughout my life, this experience has often come to the forefront of my mind and given me strength and encouragement that things would get better.  And, they always have.

Now, whenever I see a nice, new pair of Nike shoes (especially when they are on MY feet), I am filled with such gratitude.  I am reminded of parents who love me, who have sacrificed more than I'll ever know so that I could have a better life.  I am reminded of the hard times I've endured, but that God has always helped me get through them.  I am reminded that sometimes the smallest, most seemingly trivial things (shoes) can mean so much.  There's a saying that goes, "The door to history turns on small hinges."  I love that saying because it is SO true.  Every kind act, every small deed, every loving word can literally change a person's life.  That pair of Nike shoes changed mine.  It helped me stay the path I had chosen.  Instead of giving up and moving back home, I was given strength to endure, but not just endure, to flourish!

Does life still have it's ups and downs?  You bet it does!  But, I'm thankful today for my new shoes and how much they remind me of the paths I've walked and the people who have helped me along the way.

Silencing the Toad

I don't know what's up, but the last couple of weeks I've been fighting off some feelings of discouragement.  Now, don't be alarmed.  Thankfully, it's been over a year now since I got my meds adjusted and was able to leave a 2 year depression behind.  I'm not depressed like that (and so thankful!)  But, sometimes, every once in a while, despite how ridiculously BLESSED I am, I get a little discouraged.

I have dreams.  I think most people have dreams.  Some people are actively living theirs, others are working toward them, some are just aware, and a few may not even know of them.  But they are there.  Dreams are there, buried deep, deep in the innermost tiny back closet of one's heart.  They may be locked so tightly and bound with the strongest chains, but they DO exist.  To dream is to be human.  If not for hoping for something better for ourselves, our families, our world, then there would be little point in existence.

Garelito Photos

So, even though I used to actively try NOT to dream (it was too disappointing to do so), over the last several years I've allowed myself to believe a little bit again.  Bullied by life's rough school of knocks, I learned to armor myself against the hurt of failure, disappointment, and loss.  I didn't have the tools to handle these feelings that seemed an ever-present reality.  But now, now I've grown some.  I have a loving and kind husband who teaches me that there IS a reason to hold out hope - despite whatever odds one may feel she is facing.  I have been blessed with kind and caring friends who have helped open my heart to art, and in doing so have inadvertently opened a door of vulnerability and rawness - both of which are necessary (in my humble opinion) to live creatively.   Now, though I still struggle and am far from where I'd like to be, I have more coping skills for dealing with those failures, disappointments, and losses.  Part of living a creative life (though admittedly, only part time), means learning to love the beauty in nearly everything; learning to accept flaws as part of the completed project, and having joy in the creation rather than just the finished product.  That doesn't apply to just art itself, but the very essence of living.  I have learned to be a little more gentle with myself, to accept my weaknesses.  No, not just accept them -but almost embrace them - for they make me who I am, for better or worse.

All that being said, I've still been fighting off discouragement.  I feel alone in so many ways.  I want to have a child(ren) someday.  I'm 38 and I may not get to.  I may even get too old to adopt a child.  And, even if I did/do, I'm going to be in SUCH a different place than my peers.  Most people my age have children in at least their teens, and some even entering college this year.  I haven't even begun.  If I adopt by the time I'm 40, I'll be nearly 60 by the time that child is graduating high school.  Imagine a 50 year old at "Mom's Club" with a bunch of early twenty to thirty year-olds.  I'm going to be the oddball, just as I am now.

Bernadette Darnell

I feel alone because most of my friends have families that take up the majority of their time.  I understand and heartily agree that family comes first.  But, at the same time, I often feel like they are too busy with their lives to have time for me.  I love my husband, but he is quite the introvert and I often seek outside friendships to help fill the conversational void.  Besides, even the best husband can't do what a good girlfriend or two can.  It's a special bond that women share.

Because I am outgoing (more extroverted by nature), I tend to be the one to invite others and get the ball rolling.  I'm the planner, the organizer.  I get it.  If you're introverted, planning a get-together is akin to getting a tooth pulled.  I try to remember that.  But sometimes, especially lately for some reason, I just want someone else to put forth the effort.  I don't want to be the one who always initiates things.  I want to feel like others want to have ME in THEIR lives.  But again, because my dreams are slow to fruition, I'm in a different place than them, and I can't fault them their busy-ness.  I would likely be the same, if I were a mother.

Bernadette Darnell

So, that's where I am.  I'm backwards from my peers.  It gets lonely sometimes.  Discouragement knocks.  But, I must use the tools I've tried to develop to fight back - to remember that I DO matter, if to no one else, at least to my husband.  I know it'll get better.  It's just a temporary feeling.  My happiness and zest will come back to me soon.  I'm HOPING, anyway.  Because, that's who I am now - I'm a person who hopes and dreams.  I have unlocked my heart and I will push away the doubts and fears and keep trying to live a creative life, complete with blemishes, mess-ups, re-dos.  One day my life's work may be the beautiful piece I envision it can be.

p.s.  To those who read my blog - this is not an attempt to garner sympathy or "Oh, but we do love you"s.  The blogging is for me to be REAL and PRESENT.  It's for me - part of MY way of living a creative life.

I'll See Him Again

It's been a little over two months since my dad passed away.  All the details have been taken care of, and the memorial service has come and gone.

And today, today is the day I finally cried.  I didn't expect it.  All the while when everyone asked me how I was doing, I kept saying, "I'm okay.  I'm happy for him because I know he's in a better place."  I didn't feel sadness because I understood that he would no longer have to be imprisoned by his mortal body.

But today, I do feel sad.  Maybe it's the fact that Thanksgiving was yesterday.  I don't know.  I was just sitting at my desk working and some thought must've slipped through my subconscious.  Next thing I know I'm sitting here bawling like a baby.

Usually, I'm pretty in touch with my feelings.  When I feel things, I usually know why.  I know this feeling of sadness that just overcame me is about my dad's passing, but I don't understand why now.

I'm sad for my dad's life.  I wish I could've been stronger for him.  I wish I could've been more patient, less judgmental, better at letting things roll off my back.  I get my stubborn nature from him; but unfortunately, it caused us to often be at odds with one another.  I don't regret my relationship with him.  I did the best I could.  He did the best he could.  But, sometimes people doing the best they know how, doesn't necessarily mean things work out as we think they should.

I am sad that dad had such a HARD, HARD life.  One of the things about him, though, is that he never quit.  Sometimes he'd go off track a bit, but he never quit.  He always kept trying to do better, to be better.  I wish that he would've had as much happiness as the effort he put into TRYING.

Looking back, it's no lie that there were some really hard times having him for a dad.  But that's not what I think of now.  Now, I think of all the GOOD things he did and all the LOVE that he had for us.  I think of how he kept trying to be a better husband, a better father, a better person.  I wish he could have felt more success.  I wish I could've been able to applaud his efforts more and judge his weakness less.

I'm thankful to know that God lives.  I'm thankful to know that Jesus Christ came to redeem the world and because of the laying down of his life, we will all be able to live again.  I'm thankful that I know that my dad's spirit is alive now and that he can be free from mortal pain and sorrow.  I know that my dad forgives me for my weakness in loving him.  I know, because that's how he is.  Just as Jesus loves us, dad would rather have taken any sadness or sorrow upon himself than to have any one of his children experience it.

I'm sure that when I see my dad again, we might still butt heads.  It's not like dying makes us perfect.  But, I hope, that I will have grown stronger, that I will have learned to be more humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering.  I hope that I can love him better.

When You Least Expect It

I'm thankful for a wonderful, kind, gentle husband.  As I've mentioned, I grew up with an alcoholic dad.  While not all alcoholics are violent or abusive, my dad had some, shall we say, "anger issues".  Like most other little girls, I dreamed of growing up, marrying a wonderful husband, and having many babies.  But, with my dad as the primary male role model in my life, I didn't hold out much hope for the "wonderful husband" part.

Engagement Photo

Then I grew up.  Or, I grew up some, anyway.  I went off to college and began to have many wonderful experiences.  I learned all kinds of new things, made new friends, and even dated a bit.  I was thrilled to find that there were many different types of men in the world.  I became convinced I would find the "perfect" guy and live "happily ever after."

The Kiss

Then I grew up some more.    When I was 21,  I took the opportunity to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   While a missionary, I became fluent in Spanish and was able to continue to use my newfound skills when I moved to Texas in the Fall of 1999.   By the time I was 30, I had managed to not only elude marriage, but find myself a degree and a career.  I became a bilingual social worker.

As you know, social workers don't make a lot.  The average salary of a social worker is about on par with that of a school teacher.  But, I was on my own, paying my own way, had my own apartment, etc.  I made friends, but many of them got married.  At one point I found myself pretty alone.  Not only that, but I got fired from my job for a mistake I had made.  It was not a pretty time in my life.  I got internet service in my apartment so I could look for jobs online without having to go to the library to use the computer there.  I spent HOURS every day combing the classifieds.  After only a few days of this, I hit a pretty bad low.  I knew something had to change, and soon!  I decided I needed to try to make new friends.  For this reason, and ONLY this reason, I decided to join a singles site.  I know, I know, it sounds like I was looking for a relationship.  But, I really and truly wasn't.  I just wanted to make friends so I wasn't so isolated.

Wedding Day

People always say it happens when you least expect it.  Which, I always found to be silly.  I mean, when you get to a certain point in your life, you know the next step is to find the right person, settle down and have a family (If that's the life path you choose.)  I wanted that, too.  When I was a kid, I thought I'd get married at age 19 like my mom.  I never intended to be single at 30.  But, that is where I was.  And, admittedly, from the age of about 26 or so, I kept looking around every corner thinking that surely IT would happen.  But, when it didn't, I finally had to accept the fact that I might never get married.  I had to learn to be okay with that.  And, I did.  Through lots of prayer (and long discussions with my mom), I accepted that Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us and even though I didn't understand it, I had to trust Him and His plan for me (which, apparently, did not include marriage.)

Thanksgiving 2008

So that's where I was.  Alone, broke, and searching for friends.  And then I met Lloyd.  There are so many funny things about the way our early courtship went.  The first being, I couldn't even see what he looked like from his bio picture.  He had some old, out of date picture where he was sitting on a couch about 10 feet away from where the photo was being shot.  Digital imaging wasn't very common then, and the 35mm shot was blurry and hard to see.  All I could tell was that he had long legs (as they were stretched out in front of him) and dark hair.  Other than that, the image was fuzzy.  But, I read his bio and he seemed like a genuinely NICE GUY.  That's the kind of friends I wanted to make:  genuinely nice people.  I wasn't looking for partyers or game-players male or female.

My 35th Birthday 2009

Lloyd and I started emailing back and forth and he was the kindest and most thoughtful man I'd ever encountered.  I had no idea at the time that I would fall for him.  I wasn't expecting it in the least.   In fact, at the time, he was dating a few other girls.  Even after we'd had a couple of dates he flew out to California to meet up with another lady.  But, it didn't bother me.  Why?  Because I didn't know I was falling in love.  I was totally in the "friend zone" and so I was completely okay with that.  On top of that, I knew that if I ever DID find someone to fall in love with, I was definitely NOT going to try to convince him to love me.  Looking back, when I was younger, I see that I often gave too much, too soon.  I was so eager for love that I gave my whole heart away to those who didn't give back as freely.  As hard as those times were, I learned from them.  I was determined that I would rather be alone and happy, than with someone who didn't love me the way I deserved to be loved.

Our Five Year Anniversary, December 2009

Lloyd loves me completely and unreservedly.  Though our marriage isn't perfect (is anyone's?), we are happy.  We work hard at loving each other and we are building our dreams together.  They are slow in coming to fruition, but we are partners in our efforts, for the most part (except when he forgets to take the trash out.)  I love Lloyd with my whole heart and am MOST grateful for the path that led us to each other.  I'm grateful for God's plan for me.  He knows what is right for me (and WHEN it is right for me), even though I sometimes doubt.  As the years go by, I better understand the value of patience and faith, for in retrospect, I see nothing short of miracles in my life.

Family Picture with our dog, Chance (who thinks he's a "people".)  2010

A Home

I'm thankful for my home.  Though we were poor growing up, we were never without a home, thank Goodness.  I can't imagine the difficulty of being homeless.  Yet, I know that there are countless Americans who are.  With the state of our economy and corrupt politicians, I worry that many families are increasingly closer to being homeless.

When I was a kid, I had to share a room with my two sisters.  It wasn't that big of a deal.  Back then, that's just what you did. Nowadays, people seem to think that every child has to have his own room.  Not only did we share a room, but we had bunk beds.  I know lots of kids think bunk beds are cool, but I didn't.  Being on the bottom bunk meant it was dark when you sat on your bed to write or do homework.  Bunk beds also meant constant awakenings when the person in the other bed moves, wiggles, or climbs up and down the ladder.  I know it probably sounds silly, but I remember as a girl DREAMING of having my OWN bed.  I longed for a ruffley and frilly canopy bed, complete with the Holly Hobbie bedding ensemble.

I wanted my own bed so badly that there were times when I would take boxes, filled with various and sundry things, line them up in a rectangular pattern, then plop my mattress on top of them.  Viola!  My own non-bunk-bed.  Clearly this was not a bright idea, as the boxes got mushed down from the weight.  I'd wake up in the night sliding off to the floor, as my mattress had tilted on its uneven foundation.

To have a home is such a blessing that I daily take for granted.  Not only that, but I've been blessed with a beautiful home.  I never dreamed I'd be so blessed.  Really.  It was just never really in the realm of my imagination that I would get to live somewhere so nice.  I'm thankful to God for His abundance; and I'm thankful for my husband who works so hard to provide such a comfortable home.

Here are some pictures of what the house looked like when we first moved in, in December 2006.  It doesn't look as great now, as I am not a good housekeeper at all!  But, it's still nice and I'm thankful.

Front Room

Dining Room 

Kitchen 

Family Room

Family room and Back Reading Nook

Front Bath

Bedroom #1

Bedroom #2 (We call it the Mothers' room)

 

Bedroom #3

Bedroom #3

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom & Window Seat

Master Bath

 

Master Bath

Upstairs Media Room

Upstairs Media Room / Game Area

Blessings Through Trial

I'm thankful for my health.  I've been in the hospital 3 times within the last year or so.  That's not what I want to have happened at this point in my life.  Thankfully, the doctors have been able to help me improve, but it's been a trial on so many levels.

I've learned a lot from having had sickness.  It's opened my eyes to what living is.  It's helped me develop greater compassion.  Having been sick in the last year or so, helped better prepare me for my Dad's passing.  I'm thankful that Heavenly Father works all things together for our good (Roman's 8:28).  Even when I was experiencing those times of trial, He was helping me to grow.

Today I am well.  I am well and I am thankful for my health.

Gratitude

I read a quote somewhere (probably on Facebook) earlier this year:  

"What if you woke up tomorrow with only 

the things you thanked God for today?"

That meant something to me.  What a profound question.  I realized that although I try to say at least a morning prayer, and an evening prayer (and try to remember to give gratitude at mealtimes), my prayers are often too short and too insincere.

We live in a very fast-paced society.  My mom (who is now in her mid-sixties) is truly convinced that time is actually moving faster.  I can't say that I disagree.  With so much amazing technology available today, one might think that it would be easier to accomplish MORE in less time.  

Unfortunately, while that may be true, we now have higher expectations of what is to be "done" every day.  Not that the stuff to be done is harder (I would've worn dirty clothes for weeks had I to wash them on those old-fashioned washing boards with wringers); it's just that we seem to want to cram a million things into every waking moment (and even the non-waking moments.)  

But, busy-ness is not now, nor has it ever been, an excuse for a lack of thoughtful gratitude.  While it's easy to get caught up in thinking that by doing so much, our lives will be full and meaningful, it's simply not true.   Doing is well and good, but it really doesn't mean much if we don't stop to appreciate the blessings we have.  

Heavenly Father has blessed my life with such abundance.  I take so much for granted.  Now, I'm not saying that I'm going to spend hours in prayer every day (though my soul could probably use it!) thanking God for each little bird's chirp, each pair of shoes, each raindrop on my face.  That would just take too long.  But, I can CERTAINLY stand to spend MORE time than I currently do truly giving thanks for the countless blessings He graces me with daily:  a comfortable home, health, family, friends, food, sight, smell, touch, taste, sound.  Where would I be without ears to hear and eyes to see?  

I have to try to remember the things that matter today.  I WANT to give thanks for them always.  What if I DID wake up tomorrow and all I had was the things for which I'd previously been grateful?  How I would regret not having given more thanks.

Employment

I'm thankful for my job.  It's been just over six months now that I've been with this company, and every day I count my blessings.  Oscar Wilde's words really resonate with me, “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.”


I've been unemployed before.  I've been fired, laid off, quit.  My husband has also gone through unemployment.  It's not pretty for the majority of working class America.  And, since the housing bust in 2008 (and the subsequent bailout), employment has been extremely hard to come by for many, many Americans across the nation.  The Dallas metroplex is one of the places that has been least affected by the "recession".  While it hasn't been ideal, it has been SO VERY MUCH better than what many others face elsewhere.


Every day I get up and say a simple prayer of gratitude for a job to go to.  For that means I have money to pay my bills, a home to live in, food to eat, medical care, and even fun money.   Not ONLY this, but I actually LOVE my job.  I've spent the first 10 years of my career in jobs that weren't that great.  There was a lot of stress, little pay, and a lack of fulfillment.  Not only that, but I've encountered a myriad of unscrupulous business persons and employees.  There have been times when it's all I could do to MAKE myself go to work.

But now, after so much hardship, Heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly.  I work less than 3 miles from home (which is practically unheard of in the metroplex), I get to have near-total autonomy in my work (I work alone a lot, which I enjoy), I excel at what I do as an office manager and bookkeeper (I like to do everything and be in the details), my work hours are flexible and in addition to Saturday and Sunday, I also have Fridays off.  But best of all, I really really LIKE my bosses.  They've treated me so well.  They value me.  They appreciate me.  They've shown they really care about me as a person.  
For years I believed that I would always be stuck in crummy jobs.  I figured that's just the way life is.  When I quit my horrible job a year ago April, I was scared and worried.  It took many months to find the new job, the RIGHT job.  But, I just chose to keep believing that Heavenly Father would work out the best plan for me.  I couldn't understand why I wasn't finding the right job, though I had many successful interviews. 

Now, I understand.  He was saving me for this place, at this time.  He had a plan all along.  I'm so thankful for my job.  

Autumn Joy

Did I ever mention how much I dearly love Autumn?  It's my favorite season.  Which, if you think about it, is kind of strange for a person who has struggled with Depression her whole life.  But, I just can't help it.  No other season SMELLS and FEELS the way Autumn does.  PLUS, Autumn is really just a segue way into the Holidays.  I've noticed that I'm happiest when I have something to look forward to.

In the past, I used to think the GETTING of or the ARRIVAL of a thing or event was IT.  But, now that I'm older (and clearly much wiser), I've realized that it's the ANTICIPATION that I enjoy most.  That's part of the reason I'm a "planner".  Don't get me wrong, I can spontane as much as, or better than the next gal.  But I like to plan things because then I get to savor the anticipation.

As a kid growing up, we didn't have much money.  In fact, it's amazing that we had Christmas gifts at all.  But, not HAVING never stopped me from DREAMING.  What Christian child hasn't spent hours in contemplation over the all-important Christmas Wish List?  Just as it was then, I relish the time spent dreaming more than the actual THING itself.

That's one of the main reasons I think I love Autumn so much.  When the leaves start to fall, and the wind turns cool, it's a signal that the Holidays (filled with parties, shopping, gifts, family time, and a general increase in human decency) are just around the corner.  Who couldn't love that?

I'm also appreciative of Autumn because for Americans,  the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated.  As we take time to reflect on the many blessings that have been afforded us as a nation, as families, and individuals, our hearts can't help but expand.  It often appears that nowadays many tend toward building up a personal armor to avoid showing any inkling of vulnerability (convinced that being open will result in being taken advantage of, financial ruin, or lack of respect).  However, with the onset of Autumn, and the ensuing Holiday Season, people's hearts seem to soften and grow warmer.  Friendships are rekindled and family bonds are renewed.  There is nothing more important in life than this.

With that being said, I'm thankful for my family.  My dad passed away in September.  It's not that I was especially close to my dad.  I loved him.  He was my dad.  I understood him, because I am like him.  More than anything, I was happy to see him go because I understand the certain misery that comes from being stuck in a sick body.  He was sick for a long time.  The upcoming winter weather would have been even harder on him.  I'm glad he was freed from his mortal prison and no longer has to face the sickness, sadness, pain, and loneliness that often come with being elderly and alone.

With my dad's passing, our family was reunited twice within 2 months:  once in September at his passing and again in October, for his simple, yet beautiful memorial at the lake.  As a family of highly independent thinkers, in the past, we've often had disagreements.  It could be said that we argue simply for the sake of arguing.  We all enjoy a good debate.  Sometimes, however, those debates have been taken a little too far and feelings have inevitably been hurt.

As my mother and siblings gathered to discuss the business of death (because, with all the decisions to be made, it DOES feel that way sometimes), I was worried that there would be contention -- too many varying opinions.  To my wonder,  we all genuinely got along.  Everyone behaved kindly, respectfully, and even maturely in deciding the WHAT and WHEN and HOW.  While there were a few diverging thoughts, it seemed that all were on their best behavior to be accommodating; to get along as best as possible.

I've heard of families being torn apart by death.  If anything, I think my family became closer and stronger going through this together.  I have new-found respect for my siblings, even my "littlest" brother.  At 25, my baby brother amazes me with his strength of character and gentle heart.  He understands things in a way that most men never do.  He speaks few words, but when he does, they are gems.  I regard and respect him, as with many other of my siblings.  My mom continues to be a pillar of strength and admiration.

I'm thankful for a strong, opinionated, passionate, caring family.  I love when we are together.  I get to behold amazing qualities in those around me.  Though it's not ALWAYS rainbows, unicorns, and sunshine, I am filled with gratitude for their love, support, and strength of character.

It's Lovely to Have Sisters

Been so busy and it's been so long.  Wanted to check in, though.

A)  My depression has gotten WAY better since I finally got in to see a new psychiatrist (a month wait list for new patients).  I'm so thankful, as the last 2 years have been really really tough for me.  Not that everyone else doesn't have their problems, too.  We've all got some.  I'm just so grateful for some relief so I can be more like ME again.

B)  My older sister, Carla, finally moved here from Oregon!  I say, "FINALLY", because I've been working on her for literally years to try to get her to move here.  Of my 6 siblings, she was the only one that was fairly inaccessible to me.  I think she quite liked it that way, to be honest.  (Can't say as how I blamed her for moving back then when she did--crazy people in the family can make wanting to "stay close" less-appealing.)  But, now we're all older and I'm glad she's close.  I love both my sisters (1 older, Carla, and 1 younger, Casey) so much.  Even though I was the "middle child" both in the family and in between sisters, and I was a rotten, mean, bossy child, I've gotten somewhat better.  I'm glad my sisters and I are so close.  No one can make me laugh the silliest laughs like they do.  It's a special wacky kind of humor that only a certain amount of history and genetic resemblance can induce.

However, that being said, I also feel so blessed that I have so many, many wonderful girlfriends in my life.  You know that saying that goes something like, "When one door closes, another one will open"?  Life really is kind of like that.  I had a VERY rough time of it in 5th and 6th grade.  The girls in my class were so mean and catty.  If you remember being that age, or have female children who've been that age, undoubtedly you'll recall the ridiculosity (cool word I just invented) of those "friendships".  For me, as I was really smart, my "girlfriends" would always ask me for the answers to the homework they failed to complete.  I used to give it to them because I sooooo wanted to "fit in".  But somewhere around age 11 or 12, I not only began to grow boobs, but a sense of self, as well.  When I began turning them down for their requests, they HATED me.  Not only did they ignore me and make fun of me, one girl even SPAT on me walking home from school one day!  Can you believe that?!  By the time I moved on to Jr. High School (7th grade), I was determined that I would NEVER let myself be hurt by "friends" like that again.

At first, I was a little wary of making "friends" all over again.  I kind of figured all girls were like that.  But, as I focused more on being the ME I wanted to be and less on what I thought others wanted me to be, I found some really great people who liked me just as I was.  I was funny, charismatic, smart and interesting (I don't know what's happened since....but that's another story. :)  From that point forward, I became increasingly skilled at making friends.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't just like I decided it would be so and viola, it was.  No, no, no.  As with anything worthwhile, it has taken YEARS and YEARS of practice.  Occassionally I still get "burned" by not so good people, but it hurts a lot less because I know I will always find other/better friends.  They're the ones who are missing out!

So back to the point at hand, I am so grateful for wonderful genetic sisters, as well as my "sisters" that are my close friends.  Some I've had for decades, while others have been with me for just a few short months.  All are treasured in my heart (as cheesy as that sounds).  They love me for me and that is one of the best feelings in the world, wouldn't you agree?  As the last 2 years have been a daily depression battle, I've often said prayers of gratitude to a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to bless with me with amazing, talented, caring friends who help get me through the rough patches.  Just knowing there was someone who I could go to lunch with, or share a craft with, or even exchange emails (detailing the many gorgeous items we've found on the internet that we would "buy" for each other), always gave me hope and something to look forward to.

The past few weeks have been especially full of love and friendship.  I hope the rest of the year continues to be as bright and warm as this Spring is proving to be.

Though this is probably the WRONG thing to do (inevitably I'll forget someone and hurt her feelings), I'd still like to give a shout out to some of my favorite girlfriends.  We may not talk often, or we may see each other every day.  No matter what, though, these are those that mean a lot to me at this point in my life (just as others have played important roles at different periods of my life).  I thank you all for your loving kindness, constancy  and loyalty in our relationships:

Carla--my older sister
Casey--my younger sister
Mom--my really older sister :)
Dee Dee--my BFF for life--who makes me laugh just as hard as my sisters.
Rebecca--my HS BF who builds me up better than anyone.
Alisa--who's opened up my world to the past and my future to creativity.
Nina--who understands my heart better than most because she KNOWS.
Julie--for sending that first email and being so open and honest.
Lori--my kindred spirit in all things crafty, decor, food, etc.
Jenn O.--we clicked from day one and I so love our discussions.
Kirsten--the model of perfect mothering and food storage reliance!

I'm sure I've missed a few, and if you are someone I missed--please forgive me.  I'm a crazy old bat with a poor memory!

Love to all!

p.s. Today my sister, Carla, and I did a "photo-shoot".  How fun is that?  Sisters are the few who will actually tell you when you look fat in a picture and to re-pose.  Her pictures turned out great, I think.

Coin Wrapper Tag Swap

I haven't had anything particular to blog about lately. I am excited for spring, though.  Spring always makes me happier.  Too bad it's too short-lived here in TX before we go right into the 90s!  Oh well, I'd rather be hot than cold.  I'm usually cold in the summertime, though, because by dear sweet husband thinks it's appropriate to keep the A/C turned down to 66.  Ridiculous, I KNOW!  But, I can't put layers on...

Not having much interesting going on right now, I thought it'd be nice if I shared one of the past swaps I participated in with two of my closest friends.  We did a "coin wrapper" tag swap.  We each used Quarter coin wrappers as the base of our tag.  We decided on a theme of favorite quotes.  We each did 3, and then Alisa kindly put them together in a sort of mini-book format.  She even added lettered circle tags at the bottom to spell out "Wise Words".  Isn't she clever?!

This is the cool cover tag she made.  I'm totally diggin' the old rusty key!

"You Reap What You Sow"

This one is SO cool because you unwrap it!  How neat-o is that for a coin "wrapper"?

One of us has a big ol' "girl crush" on Rebecca Sower.  I'll not mention any names....yet.

This treasure has a really cool coating of beeswax on top of the tattered muslin and the hand-colored angel.  I also love the calming wisdom in these words.  That's straight from the Source.

"A Large Wife and a Large Farm Never Did a Man Any Harm."

Those are tea-stained cupcake liners there.  You can't see it very well here, 

but they also have tiny little pink flowers on them.

"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch."

Now, can you guess who created which ones?