Wellness Wednesdays #5: Friends & Fall

May I suggest that you click on this link and just listen while you're reading the rest of this post.  What memories do you have from Septembers past?

My best memory would be my wedding that took place on September 4, 1965.  What an amazing 53 years of blessings they have been.

On September 5, five years ago, I began a year-long series that is still one of my favorite things I've done since blogging.  I highlighted a different friend each month and shared what made her special to me.

My first one was of my dear friend, Jean Anne Williams.  I had a good visit with her yesterday and learned that she is doing radiation for breast cancer.  They caught it early and she is very encouraged, but it made me thankful all over for our deep respect for each other and connection we've maintained through the years.  You can read about what a special person she is HERE

Are you getting ready for Fall?

I know some of you are already putting out decorations in hopes they will also bring cooler temperatures.  We are still having upper 90 degree days here in the deep south, so will do anything to inspire an early Fall.

Maybe these photos will inspire you if not the weather.

Although not your traditional Fall decor colors, this table setting would welcome Fall and cooler weather beautifully.

As I was getting ready to close this post, I received an email from my husband that I think is so appropriate to share on this day, especially as I have already written about my good friend, above.  And, my best friend these 53 years of marriage.

"A newlywed young man was sitting on the porch on a humid day, sipping ice tea with his father.

 "As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the Father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his son.

"'Never forget your friends,' he advised, 'they will become more important as you get older.  Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends.  Remember to go out with them occasionally (if possible), but keep in contact with them some how.'

"What strange advice!' thought the young man.  'I just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life.'

"Yet, he obeyed his Father; kept in touch with his friends and annually increased their number.

"Over the years, he became aware that his Father knew what he was talking about.  Inasmuch as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a person, friends are the bulwarks of our life.

"After 70 years of life, here is what he, I, and you will have learned:

Time passes.

Life goes on.

Children grow up.

"Children cease to be children and become independent.  And to the parents, it breaks their heart but the children are often separated of the parents because they begin their own families.

Jobs/careers come and go.

Illusions, desires, attraction, sex....weakens.

People can't do what they did physically when they were young.

Parents die but you move on.

Colleagues forget the favors you did.

The race to achieve slows.

"But true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they are.  A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms, or in some way blessing your life.

"When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrow that were ahead.

"We did not know how much we would need from each other.

"Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends.

"Stay in touch with them but do not impose your criteria.

"Love those friends in your life who help make sense of your life."

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

John 15:13

Now, that is all about WELLNESS!

Monday Musings

I know it is still winter, but in my part of the world today, it looks like SPRING!  We are really trying to not brag on our great weather while other parts of our country are still being buried in ice and snow.

Friendships Get Sweeter

It was 1969 and Hubby and I were visiting a church in northeast Louisiana "in view of a call."  Probably only you Baptists will understand that phrase.  But it means that a church had invited us to visit them to see whether they wanted us on staff or if we wanted to serve with them.  I was 8 months pregnant with our first child at the time.

I visited a couple's Sunday School class that morning and was immediately drawn to another young mother-to-be.  I found out later it was mutual and Monica and I became best friends as did our sons, John and Jonathon, who were born only a few months apart.

A few months later we added Becky and Neal to our circle of friends and their daughter Ginger, who was only a few months older than our sons.  A few years later they had Neal Allen who was like a younger brother to John and Jonathon.

All that to say, our families were very close and we shared many good memories.

The three of us at a typical Friday night gathering at Neal and Becky's house.

But, life happens and people move and circumstances dictate relationships.

Our friendship changed through the years although there has always been a very special bond between us.  Recently, we saw each other and vowed to get together soon.

We did that this past Friday at my house.

There is something about a friendship like ours that survives and overcomes both distance and circumstances.

It is as if it has been sifted and only the sweetest and most meaningful part remains.

 We so enjoyed our time together and just let me tell you that the conversation never lagged for a single second.

Yes, we are planning more times together in the near future.

Monica, Becky, Libby

 Tales of the Heart

 Judy and husband Karl are Sunday School friends of ours and this beautiful story was featured in the Shreveport Times this past weekend.  It is a touching story of how this Mother and Daughter have fought a serious disease.  Click below to read this story.

Judy, Sarah-Grace & Megan 

Leggings Are Not Pants

I recently saw an article entitled "Leggings Are Not Pants," and thought "Thank you!"

I am so tired of seeing not only young girls but women, some even my age (YIKES, for sure) wearing leggings as if they were a pair of pants.

A couple weeks ago the South Bend Tribune featured an article about this very thing:

"They're Tight But Are They Pants?" 

There were comments for and against the wearing of tight fitting leggings, but one courageous Principal's school policy is:

"When leggings began showing up to his school in force in October and November, school officials were repeatedly sending teens back to their lockers or calling parents to bring something to cover up.

The rule is that legs must be covered south of the hip, fingertip length; in other words, a skirt or shirt or sweater must hang south of where a dangling arm's fingertips reach.

I have to agree and voice my appreciation for this philosophy.  Leggings are fine as long as the top covers the hips and upper legs.

There really are some cute looks and I personally enjoy wearing mine with a long loose top or sweater and boots.

Here are some Do's

 

& Don't s!

 So, what are your feelings on this hot topic?

Souchi Fashions

 I thought you might enjoy pictures of fashions from the past of this favorite Olympic sport.
These are skaters from the 1924 Olympics.
Hungry on left, Great Britain, and USA on right.
Can you imagine doing a Triple Axel in a full-length wool skirt and sweater?

Figure Skating Fashions Through the Years

You will enjoy this article by Diana Pemberton-Sikes

Ten Olympians Who Set Fashion Trends

For those of who are still suffering through Winter 2014, let me inspire you to hold on.

Spring will return!

A Happy Birthday Weekend Trip

When I learned that pianist and good friend, Nelda, was playing for "Saturday Night Jazz on the Creek" in Salado, Texas, I knew where I wanted to spend my 69th birthday weekend.

Friday

Best friends, Judy and Tom were happy to go along, so West we went on Friday morning.

Nelda had recommended that we might enjoy eating that night at The Shed.

"A Unique Tavern Experience!"

Think of a casual, rustic spot to enjoy whatever ball game you may want, have a good quart jar full of sweet tea, and visit with friends. Throw in an order of their gourmet Frito Pie, Burgers, or Sliders, and THAT is The Shed!

Saturday

We realized that the happening place for breakfast was without a doubt McCain's Bakery & Cafe.

We quickly learned that McCain's is the early morning meeting place for locals as well a tourists.  And we understood why.  Lynette and her staff made us feel very welcome and the food was delicious.

Across the street from McCain's was an old log cabin that we learned was discovered in 1986 inside a house that was being torn down.  It is thought that it was probably build around 1850 and could have been a stage stop, a post office, and a school before being hidden inside the residence.

The other smaller log cabin was built in 1867 of hand-hewn, square cedar logs, joined by wooden pegs.  It was restored in 1955.  There were so many interesting details on this old cabin.

Judy and I

Salado has the reputation as the "Best Art Town in Texas."
I found this bicycle bedecked fence to be interestingly creative.

Main Street is a lively marketplace with over 60 shops and artists galleries. You will find fine art, antiques, pottery, crafts, collectibles, Americana, southwest or south-of-the-border decor, handcrafted furniture, trendy or exclusive fashions, gourmet foods and wines. 

It is a great weekend get-a-way. 

This particular weekend, there was a crafts market on main street.

We enjoyed browsing through many of the small shops and found some good buys and some buys better left where they were.

 A Texas Christmas

Saturday evening we had reservations at

Alexander's Restaurant & Lounge @ Inn on the Creek

for dinner and the Saturday Night Jazz on the Creek performance by Nelda from the 3rd floor balcony.

The Inn is on the left and Alexander's on right

The mike is waiting for 9 PM and Tony.

 The dinner was delicious

and we were so excited to see our friend Nelda again.

 The outdoor concert from 9 to 11 was so much fun even though the weather turned quite chilly and moist.  Nelda asked if I had a favorite jazz piece she could play for me and I told her I really didn't but I love Malaguena.  Her reply was, "You would!"  But in spite of having frozen fingers and a wet keyboard, she surprised me with a beautiful rendition.  Now, that's a good friend.

Thank you Nelda.  You are still amazing!

Tony and Nelda

It was a great birthday weekend and I am so glad we could share it with good friends.

Thank you, my sweet Hubby!

New Hobby, New Recipe, & Celebrations

It is good to be back with Carissa for Miscellany Monday this week.

I hope you had a chance to visit my first posting of "Beauty Without Within Thursday" last week and meet my friend.  If not, just scroll down when you finish with my miscellany today.

New Hobby

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that I had finally started something I had dreamed about doing for many years - PAINTING!

This was my first attempt.

 Hanging in my bedroom.  Dick liked it so it remains.

Then, I decided to paint small canvases to give my sisters for our LSU Sister Weekend.  They were designated for their bathrooms.  I think they were pleased.

I was having so much fun, that I decided to do a couple for my kitchen.

Early Fall

Hidden Path

Sunday afternoon, after an inspiring nap, I painted this one to go in our office.

 I am having so much fun experimenting with different techniques and color mixing.

This canvas size is 19"x24"

Dick says we have about run out of walls, so I'm not sure which closet to decorate first.

New Recipe

Dick and I had friends over on Thursday night and did something you aren't ever supposed to do for company - we tried a new recipe.

We knew they loved jalapenos so thought they would enjoy this dish.

Chicken Bomber

They were a huge hit.  We served them along with Purple Hull Peas and Okra, Candied Carrots, and a wedge salad with cucumber, tomato and avocado slices.

You need to try this one!

Celebrations

Monday was Hubby's birthday and Wednesday was our 48th Anniversary.

This was the guy I met on a blind date in New Orleans in February1965.

 On September 4, 1965, I became his wife in the little rural South Louisiana church my dad pastored.

My dress was borrowed from a cousin, my going-away outfit was given to me by an aunt and another aunt paid for the flowers and reception.  Country preachers didn't make much money, but I never felt prettier or more blessed.

On Saturday, we celebrated with friends, Larry and Jean Anne Williams at

 Another Broken Egg

May there be many more birthday and anniversary celebrations with friends.

I hope you have a great week and when you think about it, do something special for yourself or someone else.