The Pursuit of Joy

Be A Miracle Worker

2012-02-04T23:36:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love a newborn? No judgments, no mistakes; they are perfect just as they are. Each one is a miracle.

And each one will have the chance to create miracles in his own life. Miracle workers are everywhere, and I see them every day. They are disguised as ordinary people; teachers, cashiers, nurses, artists, sales clerks, policemen, mothers and fathers...

If we love what we do and see it as a ministry to help and encourage people, no matter what our profession or place in life, we will cause miracles to happen all around us.

An example: my friend Cori Beth.

Cori Beth is a first grade teacher. She wipes noses, wipes bottoms, breaks up fights, cleans up throw-up, cleans up poop while teaching social graces, responsibility, right from wrong, truth from lies....oh, and also the alphabet, colors, math, science, as well as teaching children how to read.

I have seen her throwing up in a trashcan in the hall while at the same time maintaining order in the classroom, waiting for her sub to arrive so she could go home.

If you are looking for a hero, look no further than a first grade teacher who really cares. Cori Beth is one of those teachers.

Cori Beth is pregnant with her first child, due on Leap Day. She has been looking forward to becoming a mom for a long time and is very excited to meet her baby son. She has carried this baby with unusual grace while teaching 20 needy, hungry souls, minds and bodies each day. When I see her with her class at school, I almost forget that she is pregnant, in spite of the obvious, because she is so focused on her students. She is a teacher. And she is creating miracles on a daily basis.

An encourager to her peers, she (honestly) always has a smile on her face (even at 7:30 in the morning) and a kind word to say. Well, almost always...I did mention she is a first-grade teacher, right? She does not waste precious time on pettiness that we sometimes find ourselves engaging in at the workplace. Her words are kind, uplifting, caring and funny. She enjoys her work, her co-workers and ~~most days~~ her students.

Cori Beth does not complain of normal pregnancy issues despite being on her feet all day long, and when I press her for how she is feeling, she will sometimes come up with a brief sentence containing the phrase, 'a little tired.' Cori Beth has chosen a job in which she puts others first in order to minister to those who need a miracle on a daily basis. And because of that, she makes miracles happen all around her.

My friend is an inspiration to me. I have enjoyed her company for almost four years, and I admire her very much. I wanted to take some pregnancy photos of her as a gift of appreciation for our friendship and celebration of her motherhood. We took these photos after school one day last week and as I loaded them onto my computer later, I was struck by her beauty. She had no children pulling on her, interrupting her words, requiring her discipline; no ponytail, no glasses, no books or papers. She was just my friend, relaxing after a long day, talking about her baby while I photographed her.

Her beauty shines, not only because she is beautiful, but because she has the inner beauty of one who chose to be a miracle worker. It is so easy to be overwhelmed by our problems, the problems of the world and those of our families. We wish for a miracle, not realizing that the miracle can be found in us, and by what we choose to do. When ordinary people decide to make a difference in their own home, workplace, and community, things change and miracles do happen. We have all seen it in our own lives.

We can't change everything and we can't be perfect. But we can make a decision to be our best self and go make something that seemed impossible possible. And if we just do that, it will make all the difference in the world.

Seen Any Good Movies Lately?

2012-01-28T12:51:00.000-06:00

Seriously, has anyone seen any good movies lately?
Apparently not.

Oscar nominations came out this week, and the attendance numbers for the best picture nominees are so low that it seems I am not the only one who has yet to see any of the movies up for Best Picture.

That is a first for me.

I have always loved going to the movies. As a child, I enjoyed going to see the (Walt) Disney movies with my family; "The Parent Trap" with Haley Mills was my favorite. I remember the first movie I went to with a friend without parental escorts. I don't remember the name of my friend, but I do remember the name of the movie: "Tammy Tell Me True" with Sandra Dee. The movie came out in 1961. I was 9 years old, and I can still remember the theater, and where we were seated...I loved that movie, and I was officially in love with the entire movie experience.

Movie-going was part of my life as I grew up; it was always my favorite thing to do on a date (still is!), although it is a rare treat for me these days. When I moved from a small town to Dallas, I finally had the opportunity to go to any movie any time my heart desired. My movie-going experience escalated to a new level. I averaged at least two movies a week, and I had several favorite (amazing) theaters. I loved going to movies on opening night, midnight movies, classic movies, film festivals, double features...and I could always find some redeeming value in each movie.

I knew which theaters made the best popcorn with real butter (very essential to the ultimate movie-going experience), which ones were the least likely to have audience interference ( a huge pet peeve), and which ones attracted audiences most likely to applaud at the end in appreciation of art well-created. When I made the decision to move to The Wilderness, I knew that the movies would be one of the things I missed most about city life.

My Aspen daughter came to visit my Dallas daughter last weekend and I met them there Friday night. We had a great weekend, as we always do when we are together. A fun surprise: as an early birthday celebration for me, they took me out to my favorite Mexican food restaurant, and to a movie at a relatively new theater, one which has topped the (long) list as my all-time-ever very favorite theater.

Unfortunately, the movie choices were not great for the times that we could go, and we had to make a second, then a third, and finally a last choice selection. We had looked forward to it, and the three of us can pretty much sit through anything at the movie theater. We underestimated how bad this movie might be.....when you find yourself reaching for the remote, you know it is just not the greatest.

But how bad can it be, really? When you are with your two daughters and having a great time laughing at a bad movie....it is who you are with, not what you are doing, right?

And I have to say that the oversized leather recliner chairs, the blanket and pillow, supper delivered by well-dressed waiters to our individual table could have had something to do with not really caring that much about what was on the screen. And of course, there was the great company....

One of the (many) surprises upon moving to The Wilderness: I have not missed the movies like I thought I would. But I always enjoy going when I have the opportunity. A good movie can be a great experience. But even a bad movie can be a lot of fun if you are in the best of company.

And in a leather recliner....with a pillow and blanket....and food delivered and drinks refilled at your seat....I am just saying....

So even though it is not as much fun if you haven't seen any of the Academy Award Best Picture nominees, it is still a fun tradition to make popcorn with real butter, get comfy in your chair of choice with your favorite quilt, and watch the Oscars.

And for the ultimate experience, share your popcorn with someone you love.

(I took this photo on a recent trip to Dallas---I was walking down the street one evening and spotted these wonderful old movie reels, welded together in the most interesting way. I loved them!)

Is Anyone Out There?

2012-01-22T21:06:00.001-06:00

I took this photo of my granddaughter, Zoe (age 6), at the end of a community theater musical production a couple of months ago. It was a USO show and she led the pledge of allegiance and sang, "You're a Grand 'Ol Flag."

I came across this photo earlier today as I was trying to figure out what to write about on this post. When I have been away from something for a while, it is hard for me to get going again. Like dieting. Or exercising. Or, actually, doing just about anything I know I should do, but get out of the habit of doing.

I have neglected my blog for a couple of months and have been wanting to start posting again, but haven't been inspired as to how to bridge the silence gap. When I saw this photo, it said what I was thinking: I wonder if anyone is listening....

I caught Zoe in a very short reflective moment before she left the theater stage to go home. It looked to me like she was hesitating to leave after such a fun show. I had no intention of leaving my blog, but life interrupts our fun projects sometimes and we have to find our way back. And if anyone is still listening, thank you and I vow to meet you here regularly and often this year.

Now if I could just say the same about that diet and exercise thing....

Dog's New Year's Resolution

2011-12-31T16:46:00.000-06:00

A dog's New Year's Resolution: I will not chase that stick unless I actually see it leave his hand!

Anonymous

Happy New Year from the Taylor House to your house.

(These photos of Boi and Kobi were actually taken the day before New Year's Eve in our front yard. I think fall has officially come to The Wilderness in the South. I am always hopeful to go through the winter needing a sweater, but not a coat. I can usually do that here--it is great. The trees have been magnificent during this unusually long autumn season.)

Start the New Year with a Kiss

2011-12-31T13:46:00.001-06:00

A fun New Year's message!

My niece shared this video with me this morning and I was in a hurry and almost didn't watch it. I am so glad I did---how can you watch Disney and not feel happy?

And how can you not start the New Year with a kiss?

May all our days in 2012 start and end with a kiss.

The Light of Christmas

2011-12-24T16:15:00.000-06:00

May the Light of Christmas shine brightly on you and your loved ones today...

and tomorrow and forever after.

Merry Christmas.

Win a Weekend in Santa Fe!

2011-09-12T23:43:00.001-05:00

Let's win an all-expense paid weekend at the most beautiful inn/spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico!

I entered a photo contest, Show Us Your Santa Fe, and the winner, as well as one lucky voter, will be the guest of the Inn on the Alameda for the weekend of our choice sometime in the next six months. (The contest is sponsored by The Inn on the Alameda and Facebook.)

How fun will that be? We spent a few days in Santa Fe last month and cannot wait to go back. It is so beautiful, unique, and COOL, as in no triple digit temperatures. We absolutely loved it.

Your vote qualifies you for the drawing---and when we both win, we can meet at the wonderful Mexican restaurant we found--- My treat!

Thanks if you do vote and thanks if you already voted.

See you in Santa Fe!

These are the steps to making the vote count---

Go to this site:

http://www.facebook.com/TheInnOnTheAlameda

Click on the SHOW US YOUR SANTA FE icon in the left column

You may have to Like the facebook page, then click on VIEW ENTRIES

Click on my photo, (if you still want to vote for me, after all this!!!)

THEN my photo should come up on a new page and you must click on the big blue vote button on the right. That will record the vote and you should see the number change.

Thanks for helping out---and good luck!

Amen.

2011-09-07T23:55:00.001-05:00

A Miracle of Love

2011-08-27T15:33:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time, a young man and a young lady happened to be at the same community gathering. They observed each other from a distance, but did not meet that day. Before the event was over, the young lady told a friend, "That is the man I am going to marry."

And she did.

After living happily for a year or so, they wanted to have a family. Immediately after finding out she was expecting, the mother-to-be called family and friends, not even waiting for a "Hello" before she joyfully announced, "We are pregnant!" The father-to-be could not stop smiling. He was going to be a dad; he was going to have a son.

And then one day, when it was almost time, she was admitted to the hospital where she stayed for several weeks, her husband never leaving her side. The dreaded prognosis: there was a chance neither she nor her baby would survive.

But she did.

After the funeral for their son, the young man and young lady began their grieving process, and went to work putting their lives back together. Their love grew stronger, their smiles returned and their joy for each other and for life itself was contagious and inspiring to all who know them.
.
They were told they most likely would not be able to realize their dream of having children. But, they persisted, consulted numerous doctors, and were finally released to pursue their dreams of parenthood once again. They were blessed with a healthy pregnancy, another son, and so much joy.

Their baby arrived this week. Everything went absolutely perfectly. Homecoming was a joyous one. The nursery this time is occupied with life and laughter and a miracle.

I believe miracles happen around us every day. But every once in a great while, one comes along that is so amazing, joyous, and life-altering that it takes my breath away.

This miracle is named Mason.

The end.

And the beginning.

The Happiness List # 1: The Butterfly and the Beatles

2011-08-25T23:33:00.005-05:00

It is virtually impossible to not feel happy while listening to oldies music.
Something by the Beatles.
Something like: "All My Loving."

I guarantee it will contribute greatly to your overall happiness factor.

(This beautiful, battered butterfly lived in Washington DC when I photographed him. He was resting on a nondescript concrete wall and I thought he deserved more beautiful surroundings....like floating through the sky, the clouds, and some Beatles music.)

Happy Finally Friday!

Love Letter to America

2011-08-21T01:36:00.001-05:00

Oh beautiful for spacious skies

For amber waves of grain

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain

America, America, God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with sisterhood

From sea to shining sea.

We had a wonderful vacation and are trying to re-adjust to the work routine and the hot, dry weather.

We weren't ready to leave.

But it is so good to be home.

Time to Fly!

2011-07-31T02:28:00.000-05:00

"Surely every one realizes, at some point along the way, that he is capable of living a far better life

than the one he has chosen."

---Henry Miller

I love this new baby bird. He is so brave.

He was born/hatched in a nest in a flower pot on our front porch last spring.
We had been waiting for the babies to appear, and finally, we heard their hungry sounds and watched the parents flying to and from the nest, finding food and feeding babies.

Roy was anxious to show them to me soon after they hatched. He tilted the flower pot so gently so I could see the babies huddled down inside, waiting on their supper to arrive. Then to our great surprise, this brave baby bird flew out of the nest. I am sure he was trying to escape whatever harm he thought we might be bringing. I know he was scared (can you tell?) but I was so impressed with his courage, going out into the world alone not knowing what he would find.

However, he hadn't had his flying lessons yet---and he floated straight down. He was so tiny! He just stood there on his wobbly legs, blinking for a few minutes. After the initial shock wore off, he gave it another try, and this time he made it. He actually flew; and even though it was a crooked, wobbly flight, he made it safely back into the nest.

I love that he was so brave. He headed out into the unknown, not sure what was waiting for him. But he wanted to find out, and he had a great adventure. I am sure he had quite a story to tell his brothers and sisters when he got safely home. And I suspect flying lessons were put on the agenda for the very next day!

I wanted to share that story because I also want to share some news with you. I can relate to that baby bird: it is time to for me to try my own wings, and head out on my own great adventure.

I have spent this summer laying the groundwork for a new business. My wonderful husband and I have been talking about this for a long time. We did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people, some experts in this area and some trusted friends and family members. We decided to go for it, and after a long summer of preparation, I am excited to share the news with you. As of this blog posting, we are officially in business!

We are opening an online business with a shop on Etsy, an online marketplace where my photographs will be available. I will not be talking about it much here, but I did want to extend an invitation to my blog friends to stop by Etsy and visit. I am so fortunate, blessed and happy to have so many loyal readers who visit regularly from all over the world. I have been writing this blog for almost five years, and every time I look at the statistics, I am humbled. And it is you I wanted to tell first, and invite your comments and suggestions. The link to my shop, Pamela Joy Artography, is listed on the right, under the photographs.

I have to admit, there have been a few days this summer when I had the same look on my face as this baby bird! Ok, maybe more than a few...it has been an amazing project, overwhelming and exhausting at times. But it is exciting to add this new dimension to our lives, and we are up for whatever awaits us.

I feel as though I have spent the summer taking flying lessons, and I am looking forward to a great adventure.
And a strong set of wings.

Drive-By Shootings

2011-07-22T00:07:00.006-05:00

Summertime always means vacation time for me, even if I never leave my home to go anywhere.
I could do that.
Summer is a little slice of heaven for me.

But if we are lucky, summertime includes a pack-your-bags, take-the-doggies-to-summer-camp, travel-to-someplace-new kind of vacation. And for the third summer in a row, we are very lucky.

And of course, traveling for me means capturing the beauty of new places with my camera. Sometimes, that can turn into quite a challenge.

Last summer, we traveled by car rather than by plane. And I came up with a phrase to describe the ~~frustration~~ challenge of a photographer riding shotgun in an automobile driven by a Man on a Mission.

The mission: to get to the planned destination in the safest, most timely way possible.
('Timely way' does not factor in Woman With Camera.)

The phrase: Drive-By Shooting (or maybe more appropriate, guerilla photography).
Both phrases describe a frustrating scenario.
For Woman With Camera, not for Man on Mission.

Last summer, we took a road trip from the southern end of this country to the northern area; we drove from Western Louisiana to Washington, DC. It was one of the greatest trips of our lives, we still agree, and when we got home we both felt as though we could turn the car around and do it all over again. The best kind of vacation, right?

We saw so many amazing things. Unfortunately, many of them were out of the window of a vehicle speeding down a crowded highway with no place to stop. (Translation for those of you who are not photographers: no place to get out and take the photograph that is begging to be taken.)
No matter how much whining came from Woman with Camera. And to be fair, Man on Mission did try to stop when the speed of traffic and narrow highway would allow him to do so, without risking our lives in the process. He is amazingly patient with this crazy woman he ended up with as his traveling companion. I came home with---and still have---many photographs in my head that I was unable to capture, in spite of my attempts at drive-by shooting .

However, sometimes it works. Evidence of this fact: these three scenes from our drive through the Appalachian Mountains. All captured while traveling at a speed in excess of 70 mph.

We are about to embark on a another great road trip, to visit our daughter in Aspen, Colorado. How thoughtful of her to get a great job in the beautiful state of Colorado so that we can escape the oppressive heat of the South and go chill out with her in the mountains. She always was very considerate that way.

I will most likely take my camera.

I will most likely have it in my hand most of the time.

And I am hoping that the drive-by shootings can be kept to a minimum.

We had decided to take a couple of extra days so that we could leisurely make our way, stopping often to record the beauty we will surely see along the way. Then something wonderful happened: our three oldest granddaughters qualified for the national tournament in fast-pitch softball, so we are making a pit stop along the way for a couple of days. That means that we will not have as much time to make leisurely stops on our journey....so I will likely be challenged once again to participate in the ~~fine~~ wild art of drive-by shooting.

But I will take the trade-off any day. That also means that we will get to spend a few days watching three amazing athletes who also happen to be ours. Not only are they just plain fun to hang out with, but those girls do know their way around a softball field!

Photos to follow....no drive-by shooting necessary!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T15:03:00.000-05:00

Have a Wonderful July 4th!

2011-07-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country: that country has a right to your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, farewell address, Sep. 19, 1796

This photo of the Washington Monument was taken last summer as we walked across The Mall.

Happy Birthday, Little Brother!

2011-07-01T15:18:00.002-05:00

Today is my brother's birthday. He is the best brother ever. He is very special to me.

When I need a friend, he is my friend. When I need a big brother, he is my big brother. When I have needed an adviser, he was my adviser. When I have needed a grievance counselor, financial counselor, career counselor, he was the one I turned to, and he was always there for me.

He has been a rock for me in the past when I was alone and needed a rock. He is a great rock.

I figure he probably threw a party when I married Roy and he was released of his Rock Responsibilities.

I made this fabric photo piece one summer for a photo/art class I was teaching while I lived in Dallas. It was close to my brother's birthday, and I made it thinking I would give it to him. The class loved the concept of using their photos with fabric, and their projects turned out great. Then, for some reason, I decided he probably wouldn't like it, and so I still have it. I am kind of glad I do.....maybe it is time to take it out of a box and put it in a frame.

I believe the photo was taken one Easter. He was a cutie even back then, and has always been and still is a very handsome man. He is a superintendent of schools in a large city in Texas. I am very proud of him for the work he does, but even more for the man he is.

He is a man of great character.

Like our Dad.

Happy Birthday, Gar.

Wordless Wednesday Water Well

2011-06-29T17:14:00.000-05:00

It Was a Good Day...

2011-06-24T00:27:00.000-05:00

five years ago today.

Happy Anniversary, Husband.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T01:35:00.001-05:00

“Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone.”

unknown

I hope your summer is fabulous, fun, fantastic, and free from falling scoops of ice cream!

Happy Birthday, Emily!

2011-06-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

What I wanted most for my daughter was that she be able to soar confidently in her own sky, whatever that may be.
-- Helen Claes

I hope your day is a special as you deserve it to be, Sweet Girl.....

and that it includes red velvet cake for breakfast!

Do You Wanna Dance?

2011-06-13T13:43:00.003-05:00

Do you want to dance and hold my hand
Tell me baby I'm your lover man
Oh baby do you want to dance?

Do you want to dance under the moonlight
Hold me baby all through the night
Oh baby
Do you want to dance?

Courtesy of The Beach Boys and the so-fun summer of '65

(that was just a couple of years ago, right?)

Everyone should spend a weekend dancing every now and then, don't you think?

I participated in ballroom dancing for almost ten years in Dallas, before I moved to The Wilderness (and became a Baptist preacher's wife!) and I loved it so much. Dancing is just a fun, happy thing to do.

And now it is so much fun watching my granddaughters, Zoe and Lucy, dance! This is the third year I have gone to the big dance recital in Dallas, and it was the first one for Lucy. She has watched her sister perform and (possibly even more importantly) receive flowers for the last two years, and this year the girl was all over it! She told me, "Grana, for today, my name is Cinderella. Call me Cinderella, not Lucy, today."

Of course I did!

It was a fast-paced, fun-filled weekend of tutus, foam rollers, ballet slippers, tap shoes, music, applause, tiaras, hats, flowers, and most importantly, having a great time performing and feeling "very fancy" for a day.

I still have my shoes...

Hmmm....

Pistol Packin' Preacher

2011-06-10T10:13:00.000-05:00

God calls you to the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
Frederick Buechner

I walked in the living room shortly after hearing Roy come in from work, and had to take this photograph of what I saw on the table. It made me smile. The deputy was home.

And so was the preacher.

As of Wednesday night, we are in the pastoring ministry again. We are excited for the completely un-sought-after, unexpected, and unplanned-for opportunity to be a part of a church that needs someone of Roy's particular gifts and talents to lead them through a difficult time.

He is the man for the job. His full-time pastoring ministry for 31 years consisted of being called to a church that was experiencing serious problems. Roy's calling was to get things back on track until the church was healthy and going along smoothly again. Then, he would be called to another one with similar problems. After moving to Louisiana, he always said God saved the best for last. The church in which we were married and served for five years did not have such troubles. It was a joy for him to serve there, and he retired from what he felt sure was his last pastorate.

But it seems as though God had another idea.

If you believe in coincidences, I will share a few with you:

One Saturday evening, Roy got a phone call from a man he works with. He asked Roy if he would consider meeting with a group from his church. They were seeking counsel on some issues in the church that they were deeply concerned about. He wanted to know if Roy could possibly meet right then. Roy told him that coincidentally, we had already planned to visit that church the next morning for the first time, and would meet with them that afternoon.

Without going into details, that next morning was a turning point for that church. We witnessed first-hand some things we had never seen happen in a church before. The church was in a turmoil as we left. It was heartwrenching to walk away.

As a result of that experience, and the meeting that afternoon listening to the members' heartbreaking concerns about their beloved church, we could not get those people off our hearts. I was surprised at how much I hurt for them. And it just would not go away.

At church the next Sunday, the pastor walked up to the pulpit, resigned, and walked away. The church members were stunned. They sat in silence for what seemed like an hour. Roy finally got up, walked to the front, introduced himself to those who did not know him, and asked if he could lead them in prayer.

Roy was asked to fill in for several Sundays after that, and has attempted to address the pain and hurt the people are experiencing.

The second Sunday he preached there, he was told the members had decided to call him as their full-time pastor. He told them he already had a full-time job and was not looking for a church, but would help them out on Sundays as he could.

He works many Sundays with the Sheriff's Department, but they have graciously allowed him to take an hour break to preach on Sunday mornings, even though he is still on duty and subject to be called in an emergency.

Each Sunday, he was told the same thing: the members planned to vote on him as their full-time pastor at the June business meeting. And each time, he told them he was not looking for a full-time pastoring position.

We have of course been praying and talking about it. Coincidentally, we came to the same mind that we should accept the calling on an interim basis for six months and see how things unfolded.

The vote was Wednesday night. We both felt if there was even one who did not feel led to vote in our favor that we would be hesitant because of the division and hurt already experienced by the members. We were unanimously called and we joyfully accepted.

This Sunday, we will join our new church. It will be one year to the day that Roy preached his last sermon at our beloved church before retiring from full-time ministry.

And because we do not believe in coincidences, we know that each of these events was God leading us to the place where He can use us to help minister to a church needing direction and healing. The small, white-frame country church building has been there for over one hundred years. Many of the members' families have been in the church for generations. It has a great history, and deserves a chance for a great future.

The schedule will be a little much for Roy for now, but we who do not believe in coincidences feel certain that God will work it out where the preacher can leave his pistol at home on Sunday mornings.

Until then, those of us in the congregation are very careful not to doze off during the sermon!

Ten Things

2011-06-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

Ten Things That Make Me (very) Happy Today:

1. The seeds Roy planted earlier in the spring are blooming all over the place. I love Morning Glories!
2. Not being sick. Nothing feels better than getting well from a wretched virus.
3. Making plans for this weekend to see the 5 most perfect granddaughters ever; 3 in a softball tournament and two in a dance recital.
4. Living in one of the most beautiful (if remote!) places in the country. My camera loves it here.
5. Summertime! Hot as heck, but out of school. I'll take it anytime.
6. Popsicles. Who knew they were so good?
7. Talking to my Mom, who is still my rock. An amazing person.
8. Unconditional love. It is wonderful to have it from two doggies, but most humbling to have it from
my husband. The greatest of gifts.
9. Hearing my husband preach. What a treat! I have missed it this past year. (Even if he is armed and dangerous because he is officially on duty as a deputy--we are not only learning a lot, but also are very safe when he is preaching!)
And the last thing for today--
10. Working all hours on starting a new business. It is an exciting time at our house!
More info coming soon.......

Have a ~~wonderful~~ Morning Glorious summer day!

Recognizing Heroes

2011-06-01T00:26:00.006-05:00

I have been down and out for several days, and told Roy how I had planned to post something for Memorial Day. Knowing I was not able, he handed me the following post a few hours later. My first guest post in 4 1/2 years!
My husband is a proud veteran and a great patriot; consequently, his perspective on Memorial Day is more passionate and personal than mine. I am so glad he took over the writing for today.

(The photos were taken at Arlington National Cemetery on our vacation last summer. Roy is shown paying his respects at the grave site of one of his heroes, Audie Murphy.)

Audie Murphy: genuine American hero.
Not because he was never afraid, but because he did what had to be done despite his fear. He earned the medals that adorned his uniform. The East Texas boy raised in poverty became the most decorated American soldier of World War II. All before he reached the age of 21. His name became famous, featured on movie marquees shortly thereafter. To have the privilege of standing at this WWII hero’s burial site in Arlington National Cemetery was, for me, one of the great highlights of our visit to Washington, DC.

There are two other American Heroes whose names you will never see on a marquee, but they are true heroes to me. And their stories should be told.

One, KIA.

One, DAV.

KIA: Charles King, USAF Para-Rescue man; Christmas of 1968.

Ever young; with his name inscribed on The Wall. Hardly a marquee, his name only takes up a few inches of space in the midst 68,000 other names. It did NOT have to be—except for a trade Charles made when assignments were drawn earlier in the spring of that year upon completion of intense Para-Rescue training. I was the PJ with whom he traded. He lived and died the PJ motto “That others may live”. I have “lived” for 43 years since that time trying to assure that Charles’ death was not in vain. I pray that it was not. I still work at it.
I wish his family knew what a true hero Charles is to me.

DAV: Frank Thomasee, veteran and decorated survivor of the Battle of The Bulge.

No marquee for Mr. Frank either. And yet he still serves by assisting men like me deal with the bureaucratic nightmares of the VA, helping vets receive medical compensation for injuries or illnesses received while in service to their country. He doesn’t notch his gun when he succeeds, but he does keep painful count of those he is unable to help; that vet who doesn't get help he needs for injuries received as result of serving his country.

With cancer in both lungs and both kidneys as well as multiple other ailments, and a sometimes tormented mind and soul because of what he saw, what he did, and because of what he knows about the reality of the Battle of the Bulge; Mr. Frank is still fighting. He claims to be surviving, in spite of his poor health, in order to see this veteran's disability claim, now pending with the VA, to its' final decision. He says I am his last veteran, and this is his last case.

It has been almost 70 years since he was active in the military.

He is a weary warrior.
And yet, he is still serving, helping veterans who need help.

He wouldn’t consider himself a hero.

I know better.

I want you to know too.

Our heroes deserve to be recognized.

And thanked.

And remembered.

Party time!

2011-05-22T22:23:00.002-05:00

School is out! Summer is here! Let's have a party!

Or even better, let's stay up late, sleep late, turn the tv on every now and then, try some new recipes, take a nap, read a book, create some art....I think I will just do whatever I want to do and nothing else.

For 2 and a half months. Absolute Heaven.

This has been an unusually difficult year at our school. We are all glad to put it to rest and move on. Our last day was Friday, but I worked in the library from 8-6 yesterday trying to pull it together so I could walk away in good conscience and not go back until time for school to start. I got it mostly done, and felt good about leaving it for a while.

Since I entered the workforce nine years ago, I discovered that summer was very, very underrated. It is such a time of freedom and rejuvenation. However, the last few summers around our house have been extremely difficult. Three summers ago, I spent every waking moment at the computer taking my last four graduate classes for my library certification. It was misery---I am not one who goes to school for fun. I had to get those classes done and it was exhausting. The next summer was spent undergoing two kidney surgeries and all the recovery involved in Roy's fight against cancer. And maybe even less fun than both of those put together (!), last summer we did the most wretched of things----we moved to a new house.

None of which I ever, ever, ever want to do again!

This summer, I plan to thoroughly enjoy every single day. I have some artistic goals, some traveling plans, some grandchildren plans, and lots of staying-home plans. Of course, it will go by too fast, but I am looking forward to every delicious moment.

At the top of the list? Not setting the alarm tonight.

Let the party begin!

(I took this photo when I was in Austin last month....the beautiful colors caught my eye. It looked like a very happy place---a place to sit down, relax, and enjoy the beginning of summer vacation.)

That's My Girl!

2011-04-29T22:43:00.005-05:00

My daughter has a PhD in education and is using it to the greatest good in all the world. She is homeschooling my two absolutely perfect ( although no moreso than the other 3!) granddaughters, Zoe 5, and Lucy, 3. She is doing an unbelievable job....even impressing her mother, and I already knew she was pretty amazing.

Today, she introduced the girls to royalty by telling them about the royal wedding while working it into a geography and history lesson. You can click on the link below to see what happened next. Please note in the "Even Real-er Than Cinderella!" post, Zoe is watching the just-married prince about to kiss his bride. I mean, what's a girl to do??? Grab her pink camera and record the historical event, of course!

Proud Grana!

Smithey Science Academy for Girls

(I took this photo of Julie and Zoe on Christmas Eve, as they were leaving for church.)

Thought for Thursday

2011-04-27T23:39:00.007-05:00

Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing,
Of just going along,
Listening to all the things you can't hear,
And not bothering.
Winnie the Pooh

Don't we just love Pooh?

(These ducks are Nashville, TN ducks taken on our vacation last summer. I don't know why I take photos of ducks, but I do.)

Glorious Gift from the Storm

2011-04-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

I received a call at 6 am this morning informing me there would be no school today. We had a storm last night and apparently a tornado touched town just long enough to do tree damage with many roads being blocked by debris. I am not sure of the details, except what my Deputy Husband has told me when he has called. The sheriff's deputies are having an insane day today!

But, honestly, believe it or not---we have no local television, no local radio, and only one newspaper that comes out once a week. Have I mentioned that we live in The Wilderness? Our area was not mentioned on the morning Shreveport news, so I honestly do not yet know the extent of the damage, except from Roy's reports. His last text said simply, "The parish is a mess."

Not good circumstances, but what a gift of another day at home!

I took this photo last week in Austin. I was walking around the State Capitol grounds, and this historic water fountain was being enjoyed by one thirsty bird on a beautiful spring evening.

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we were together with all of my family in Dallas. Of course it included the obligatory photo session: family groups, cousins, couples, siblings, generations, etc. You know the one. Like a wedding without the wedding. As we were leaving, I handed my camera to my youngest daughter and asked her to take one of me with my husband.

We were told...

2011-04-24T17:30:00.002-05:00

at church this morning, "Have a very merry Easter!"

While we had not heard that before, we said that we indeed expected to do just that. And we have, and we hope yours was /is merry and peaceful as well.

Sometimes good, merry things bring not-so-merry consequences such as a long, long, long walk to balance out the glazed ham, cream-cheese and butter potatoes, bacon-baked beans, rolls with (real) butter, and yet to be consumed dessert. Sigh. Is there really time for such a walk? Would I actually end up in Texas if I tried to walk all that off?

The wonderful thing about Easter Sunday is that it brings into sharp focus the amazing gift of grace we have been given. A gift with no negative consequences whatsoever. A gift given simply to be received.

Which does not actually include cream-cheese potatoes and three days off from work.

But makes those kinds of things even more wonderful to experience.

Merry Easter, Everyone!

Now, if I could just remember where I put those tennis shoes......

Wordless Weekend

2011-04-23T19:02:00.012-05:00

The thing about any part of life is you have to get ready for it.
Study. Learn.
{Jacqueline Bisset}

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T22:28:00.000-05:00

God Blessed Texas

2011-04-20T22:09:00.001-05:00

God Blessed Texas
With his own hand
Brought down angels from the promised land
Gave em' a place where they could dance
If you wanna see heaven, brother, here's your chance
I've been sent to spread the message:  God Blessed Texas

Lyrics by Little Texas

It was so hard moving across the border from our homeland of Texas five years ago. And even though The Foreign Land of Louisiana has become our second home and a place we truly love, we are Texans through and through.

I took this photograph exactly four years ago this month. From the lake we lived on, we could see Texas just down the road from our home. The horizon beyond the trees is Texas, and the boat surely must be traveling that direction. On my first visit here, Roy took me to this spot and said, "Look toward the horizon: you can actually see Texas from here. We aren't that far away."

Our home state is literally burning up. The fires that are raging actually started in West Texas, the area in which my hometown is located. My Mom still lives there and the towns within an hour either side of her have been evacuated. The photos picturing the horror and devastation are heartbreaking to view. I cannot imagine how many years it will take to replace what has been lost.

I spent most of last week in Texas. While I did not travel to West Texas, I was amazed that the haze from the fires could be seen in Austin and Dallas. My Mom said it is just so dry there now, with zero humidity and no rain to speak of this year, that it has created a danger of even the smallest spark on the dry land.

Texas is just the most wonderful place. God truly did bless Texas when He created this beautiful state and its beautiful people. It is so painful to see what the people and animals are going through, and to witness the loss of so much vegetation. Trees are sparse and flowers hard to come by in the desert area of West Texas. I always said that growing flowers in my hometown was a daily battle---keeping them alive in the hot, dry, windy summer months was always a challenge. And even though the trees were nothing like the beautiful forests of Louisiana, it is so sad to think of them burned to the ground across so much of the land.

Our hearts are breaking for the people, their homes and pets, the cattle and deer, and the damage to our beloved home state.

Please say a prayer for Texas.

On The Road Again

2011-04-12T10:45:00.008-05:00

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

(I took this photograph coming home from the state library conference in San Antonio last year. It was such a beautiful sign, looking as though it had been there forever. There was no ad or clue as to its purpose. But the beauty of it was enough for me to stop and capture it in my camera.)

I am on my way to the biggest state library conference in the US---in Texas of course! The conference is held each year in the spring and I have gone every year since the year before I was hired for my first librarian position.

This conference is dear to my heart for several reasons:

I am always inspired by what I learn.

I am so proud to be associated with other Lovers of Libraries that want to be better at what they do.

I never attend a conference without raising expectations for myself and my library.

Texas Library Association is my teacher and the annual conference is my classroom. I choose from hundreds of workshops to fit my needs and those of my library.

The conference is in Texas in the spring!

Each year, TLA rotates between some of my favorite Texas cities:
San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. This year, another city has been added--Austin! I absolutely love Austin and am so excited to be spending time there again.

I first went to Austin as a senior in high school when I qualified for the state UIL meet in typing and shorthand. (where was the iPad when I needed it???). I fell in love with Austin then. The state contest was held on the University of Texas campus and this farm girl from West Texas was transfixed watching the hippies laying on the grass, listening to music, grooving out all over campus. It was an education in itself. It was my first college campus experience and I loved it.

But my most favorite memories of Austin are of going with my daughters to their state competitions. For eight years in a row, I traveled the five hours to our State Capitol to watch my daughters perform with the best in the state in music and theater. My oldest daughter, Julie, went once with her marching band and four times as a soloist with her flute. She still plays her flute and is in a flute choir in her church in Dallas. My other daughter, Emily, went with her One Act play company all four years in high school. And she also went as a musician each year in high school, qualifying in piano and saxophone. Emily's passion is still in the arts and she works in theater full time.

That was so much fun. I have had several other wonderful trips to Austin since and I am so happy to be going back once again. This time to educate myself and be better at what I do so that the children I teach will be better at what they do.

That never ends. But what a wonderful way to keep turning the circle of learning... Furthering my education in Austin, Texas in the spring.

Even if there are no more hippies around campus.
Actually, in Austin....there probably still are!

Location:Texas!

Thought for Tuesday

2011-04-05T00:43:00.000-05:00

"A flower doesn't turn toward the sun because it needs to,
but because it wants to.
And so the process is effortless
and joyful."
Unknown

Welcome, Spring!

Thank you for the reminder to turn toward the sun.

And for the promise of joy in doing so.

Home Sweet Home

2011-03-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

"She is happiest, be she queen or peasant, who finds peace in her own home."
Goethe

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-18T05:16:00.002-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

My amazing daughter Emily. What a gift she is. She lives in the very beautiful,very snowy, very cold town of Aspen and we don't see each other often enough. When we do, we always have such a good time. I miss her! And am so thankful for who she is, and so proud of what she has accomplished, and so happy to be her mom.

I want to meet her at one of our favorite big city restaurants today and have a nice, long lunch. And then go to our favorite mall and spend the afternoon shopping. And then take in a movie at one of our favorite theaters (we have several!).

I like her a lot.

.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-17T00:27:00.003-05:00

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

Prayers for Japan

2011-03-15T00:24:00.002-05:00

I took this photo last year in downtown Dallas. The painting graced the side of one of the Asian Art museum buildings. I thought it was so beautiful. It reminded me of Japanese paper-- delicate, yet durable.

Observing the pain unfold in that beautiful country with its amazing culture and extraordinary people is at times too heartbreaking to watch.

It is even difficult trying to wrap prayers around it all.

The Pause That Refreshes

2011-03-13T23:39:00.006-05:00

It has been a wonderful pause....and a refreshing one. Spring Break is one of the great inventions of the Education Powers That Be. I think the whole point is that it is meant to give the kids a break, but they never seem to need it as much as the teachers/librarians/administrators do....just a short break in the routine before it gets really intense in the last push before the end of the year.

And now it is over. It went so fast as it always does. A quick visit to the city, a nice indulgence in photography time, no schedule whatsoever, and best of all....no alarm clock.

And now we return to the routine.

I hope and pray that I have had enough rest and refreshing that I can be of some influence to some child each day.

Such a challenge, these children. Most from broken homes, coming to school hungry first for food and then attention. Often it does not seem to matter what kind of attention, just the need to matter to someone in some way, if only for a moment. Many of them on their own at such a tender age, taking care of younger siblings, angry and getting angrier. They have so much anger. They need so much love.

But they cannot admit that. If they are even aware of it.

And, sadly, we do not have the time to properly address their needs; I almost daily find myself finally reaching for my lunch at 3:15, after the children have left my library for the day. I am constantly torn between doing what I must do each hour and taking a moment to show love to a child who is so angry that he lets me know immediately he does not want or need anything from me. Even as I am trying to offer him what he needs and wants most.

And there are so many. So many. Every hour. Every day.

Today I found the most beautiful words by a truly beautiful soul. Anthony Douthit had a childhood similar to many of the children I see in my library each day. His story is a beautiful one and his simple words are profound.

"Why do I continue to give when I see there is no outcome?
And yet, there is outcome. Every single day.
If you touch one kid, that should lift you higher than anything
Because you have touched one life."

Antonio Douthit: I am a Dancer

The pause that refreshes is over. The cause that never truly ends begins anew.

Feeling Groovy

2011-03-02T21:29:00.000-06:00

Thank you, Simon and Garfunkel for one of the happiest songs of the 60's...
weren't we all singing this in the spring of 1967?

And, really, wasn't that just last year?

I hope March brings you the start of a beautiful, groovy springtime season.

Signs of spring!

2011-02-27T22:59:00.001-06:00

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.
A Proverb

Spring is just about here! The breezes are warm, the grass is greening up, the birds are emptying the bird feeders, and the trees are starting to sprout green leaves and pink blossoms. We have a short springtime in the South, and a long summer, so springtime is most appreciated when it comes along.

And the best sign of spring: flowers are starting to bloom.

We left our wonderful garden behind when we moved a few months ago. It was difficult to do. My husband told me the year before I moved here to marry him that he was preparing the house for my coming by planting me a flower garden. And it was a beauty. He added to it each year, buying more rose bushes and tulip trees....I wanted to bring them all with us! They were sentimental to me as well as beautiful.

He also planted ten trees and a beautiful lilac bush, in addition to the many plants and flowers. He not only did it for our enjoyment, but also for those who would come after us. I hope the flowers and trees are as loved by the future tenants as they were by us.

There are no flowers at our new house. Well, there weren't until a few days ago. I came home from work one day to find five pots of flowers sitting on my porch. They added so much beauty to the sun porch; it made the place feel even more like home.

Sometimes it takes so little to make the world a more beautiful place for those around us and those who will come after us.

And sometimes we actually choose to make that happen.

Spring will do that to a person.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T21:19:00.000-06:00

"Ask for what you need and want.
  Ask politely.
  Ask with passion.
  Ask with a grateful heart.
  Ask for the Divine Plan of your life to unfold through joy.
  Just ask."

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Wordless Winter Wednesday: Our backyard thaws out

2011-02-15T22:40:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T11:41:00.001-06:00

A few of my favorite photographs from last year. My wish for us all is that we have many memorable photographs to hold in our hearts from this day forward. Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Friday!

2011-02-10T22:33:00.001-06:00

It is Friday and that is the best reason I can think of to indulge in a delicious cupcake! Or even better, share one with a friend. Maybe a dark chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream icing and choclate sprinkles. And maybe it could be served on a beautiful heart-shaped plate, since Valentine's Day is only a few days away.

And maybe we will send a postcard to our far-away friends to come and join us for a cupcake and some hot chocolate. Or a Diet Coke. (It counteracts the cupcake, did you know?) We have had many new friends stop by this month--- visitors to this blog in the last three weeks have come from Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, Canada, Lesotho in South Africa, Japan, Russia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and of course the United States.

Welcome to our little corner of the world. We are glad you stopped by and please accept this invitation to come by often. We will keep our pantry stocked with fresh cupcakes---just in case!

And plenty of Diet Coke.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Wordless Wednesday: Home Sweet Home in the Appalachian Mountains

2011-02-10T10:25:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to you....

2011-02-06T22:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Husband.

February is my favorite

2011-02-02T23:09:00.005-06:00

I love February! It has been my favorite month for as long as I can remember.

Why February?

Possibly because of my birthday. Yes, I do still love to celebrate my birthday. It seems as though the calendar says I am turning fifty-nine this year. How in the world did that happen when, really, I am still sixteen? I have no idea how it happened, but I surely am glad that I am still having birthdays!

And I love February because it is the month of Roy's birthday. How fun to have back-to-back birthdays---his is the 6th and mine the 7th. We have really enjoyed celebrating our birthdays together these past few years.

And speaking of our birthdays: my husband is seriously the most humble, selfless man I have ever met. Each year, I ask him what he wants for his birthday and his standard answer is, "Just to be here, and to celebrate it with you." What he really means is, 'After The Year of Cancer,(and several other near life-ending occurrences) I am just thankful to be around for another birthday.'

When he asks me what I want for my birthday, I say I haven't even thought about it. What I really mean is that I would like a day off from work (no one should ever have to work on their birthday!), a date in the city, real mexican food and a movie, a red velvet cupcake, and of course, a present. I love presents.

Another reason I love February is because it is the month of my most favorite holiday of all, Valentine's Day. Well, not officially a holiday, I suppose, but it absolutely should be. What better reason for a holiday than all things hearts and love and romance and cards and flowers?
And chocolate.
And a Vermont teddy bear arriving in my library, in the middle of a workday, wearing a t-shirt that says "Love your librarian."

I consider February sort of a second chance at a New Year; a re-grouping period after January. A chance to re-evaluate changes I am making, and revamp improvements to make sure they will stay with me, become a part of me. Kind of a grace period after the harsh reality of New Year's Resolutions.

And then a time of celebration with another birthday! And an Italian creme cupcake.
With cream cheese frosting.

Another reason February is fun is the certainty of a short break from the weekly routine: a nice three-day weekend in honor of our most famous past Presidents. (Even if it is not in February, a long weekend is always a good thing. Is it not just the greatest treat?)

And, just in case February is not yet your favorite month, consider this: when February is gone, spring is waiting just around the corner. And that alone is reason enough to celebrate.

Especially this year.

Happy February to all--treat yourself to a cinnamon spice cupcake.
With cinnamon cream icing.

PS Since I wrote this last night, I learned at work today that all schools in the area are closed tomorrow due to possible winter weather problems, making for a wonderful winter weekend---the three-day kind.

Have I mentioned how much I love February?

I think this calls for a devil's food cupcake.
With chocolate buttercream frosting.

(Another) Wordless Wednesday Window

2011-02-01T21:15:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday Window

2011-01-25T23:00:00.001-06:00

Scenes From Our Backyard

2011-01-23T23:28:00.005-06:00

The weekend is over and I am trying to get myself psyched up for getting up at 5:30 in the morning (am not, never have been, never will be a morning-liking person) to head back to work. And while I have nothing profound to write about, I can say that I have enjoyed the weekend so much that I hardly left the house...except for numerous trips out to the backyard to play with doggies and enjoy a break from the unusually cold weather we have had lately.

I have to admit that, while I do not tend to look back on the way things were and I do believe in staying in the moment and enjoying how things are, there have been a few times lately that I have wanted to pull on my sweatshirt over my pjs, step into my crocs and walk around the lake in our backyard taking photographs. I never knew what I was going to find, but I always found something photo-worthy.

We left the lake behind when we moved, and I knew I would miss those numerous photo opportunities. However, as I have come to realize in my old(er) age, beauty can be found just about anywhere. We live in an amazingly beautiful part of the country, and I try to have my camera with me all of the time. While I have not been out exploring the countryside of my new part of the world yet, this past week I have tried to make a habit of grabbing my camera when we went out to let the doggies play with their beloved frisbee and ball. We have seen some interesting, rather ordinary sights, yet each one having its own kind of beauty in its own way.

The view from our backyard this past week:

And one for the road. I see this sign each day on my drive to and from work and it reminds me that something wonderful is surely waiting for me and my camera just down the road, as it is even in my own backyard.

Have a wonderful week.

Wordless Winter Wednesday

2011-01-19T19:10:00.002-06:00

"But most of all, when snowflakes fall..."

2011-01-15T23:38:00.003-06:00

I wish you shelter from the storm
A cozy fire to keep you warm
But most of all
When snowflakes fall
I wish you love.

(French lyrics by Charles Trenet)

All of these photos were taken in the last month...the dog and her beloved master, the bride and her adoring groom, the sisters who are also best friends, a joyful moment between mother and daughter, and the husband and his very blessed wife.

As I was looking through the many photos I have taken these past few weeks, these all seemed to say the same thing.

Of all the many blessings bestowed on you in this coming year,

Most of all, I wish you love.

With special thanks to our dog Kobi who was still for more than one-half of a second in Roy's arms, my beautiful niece and brand-new nephew, our three oldest granddaughters, our youngest granddaughter and her amazing mother, my firstborn, and to our granddaughters who turned my camera on me during our photo shoot.

2011-01-02T22:15:00.001-06:00

It is good to be back. I have many faithful readers whom I know have been disappointed to find an absence in blog entries over the past few months. The move from one location to another honestly almost killed me...and my computer crashed twice during that time. It has been a long ordeal, but we love our new home, it is looking quite beautiful, finally, and I am back in the blogging zone again. Since you came back to give me another chance, I thank you for your patience and interest. And I promise you consistency in 2011.

Ten thoughts on 2010:

The biggest change was my husband retiring from 31 years of full-time ministry and us moving from the parsonage to a new home. It has turned out to be a wonderful life-change for him. He was able to begin a long-desired career in law enforcement and absolutely loves what he does. He still feels he has a part-time job after all those years of taking care of his church members. A huge change----and a very, very good one as it turns out.
A cancer-free year. After having two kidney surgeries last year for cancer, we have been able to rejoice that Roy's body has been cancer-free for a whole year. He is healthier and stronger than he has been in a long, long time.
We love our new home---beautiful area, lots of running room for doggies, lots of big windows in each room, plenty of privacy, plenty of space......we really love it here.
I lost 75 pounds. wow.
We took a real vacation. Two weeks of fun and carefree living. It changed us, to an extent, taking that much time off just for us. We must do it again---in a few months!
We added a new family member: A stray dog, abused and starving to death, that turned out to be the most beautiful German Shepherd with the biggest heart and soul in all of animal kingdomness. Our lives are definitely richer because of this amazing animal. And he loves Kobi--evidence that he is truly a Saint of a Dog!
My creative side took a back seat to life this year. I felt guilty working creatively with a house to pack, move and unpack. But I did make some strides forward---I started making original jewelry, something I have been wanting to do for years. And my husband gave me a fabulous new camera, and I have had to force myself to grow into it, which is a very good thing. And I became a wedding photographer again, for my niece's beautiful wedding in West Texas.
A year of children thriving, grandchildren becoming even more absolutely perfect, my amazing Mom even more amazing all the time, doggies loving each other and us, friends who stay through it all....we were blessed beyond measure.
Throughout the ups and downs of the year, the biggest joy in my life on a consistent daily basis has been my husband. He is my hero, my defender, my support, my strength, my dearest friend, and my biggest fan no matter what I do or don't do. He is the photograph of unconditional love.
And, for another year, we have realized that no matter what plans we make (and we made a few big ones this year that never saw the light of day!!!), God is in charge because we ask Him to be. And even though things don't always work out the way we believe would be best for us, somehow things always seem to work out for the best for us. Amazing, amazing grace.

It was a good year.

Happily Ever After....

2010-12-01T22:58:00.001-06:00

begins now.

My niece Blake is getting married.

And to the greatest guy---he even seems to be pretty much worthy of her, which just about says it all.

My daughter gave her a wedding shower last weekend in Dallas, and she is to be married in our hometown in West Texas next weekend.

I am honored that she asked me to be her wedding photographer.

It will be a good day.

Texas-style Soup

2010-11-29T23:05:00.000-06:00

Enchilada Soup, anyone?

I tried out a Paula Deen recipe (I think I am a fan---so easy and yummy) as well as her cast-iron pot. She caught my attention when I saw her cooking Chocolate Bread and Chocolate Butter.

Seriously.

My husband---without prompting!--- declared the Enchilada Soup "delicious." While he is very complimentary (and grateful) when I cook, hearing him say the word 'delicious' made me laugh. It is not one he throws around lightly.

If you happen to be in the neighborhood during these (finally) cool, rainy days of fall......soup's on!

Thankful

2010-11-28T21:47:00.008-06:00

This photo was taken in our back yard on Thanksgiving Day. I was sitting out in our double rocker, watching hundreds, if not thousands, of leaves fall from the trees. We should all take a day off from work each autumn and just sit and watch the leaves fall. It would most surely qualify as a mental health day.

This is where Roy and I spend at least an hour each day, more if schedules allow. The doggy condo is just to the left, and the entire one-block field beyond our back yard is their personal playground, as we are the only house on the block. They are both very athletic and we try to give them plenty of run time. They each have their respective Beloved Toy and love nothing more than to run and catch and do it all over again. And again. And again, as long as we will stay out with them. Since the DST time change, we have found ourselves throwing balls and frisbies in the dark several evenings in recent weeks.

But Thanksgiving Day, we had the entire day to do as we pleased. No schedules!

We cooked a wonderful meal, if I do say so, and as we reflected over what we were thankful for, here are a few things that topped our list:

The miraculous mid-life meeting and marriage four years ago
Four amazing children, their spouses, and six absolutely perfect grandchildren that we share as a result of that marriage
Being cancer-free: following the invasion of Roy's two kidneys summer before last, he remains cancer-free, and stronger and healthier than ever. Amazing grace!
Amazing Grace
Roy's new career: he loves his job as a full-time law enforcement officer. It fulfills a life-long desire of his, and it has not disappointed. As difficult as it was to leave full-time ministry after 31 years, he is actually much less stressed and works about half the time he was used to working. I am so thankful for his job.
My Mom---an amazing person! What a Wonder-Woman at age 82! She is truly my hero.
Friends who are truer and more faithful than we deserve; always there for us in time of need and time of celebration. (Jimmy and Julia, it is time for our annual holiday pilgrimage!)
Our house. Our lovely, old white house with huge windows, on an almost block-long, amazing tree-filled lot. We are almost finished putting it together after the horrendous move, and we are enjoying it so much. It really does rise up and meet us when we come home. (Is anyone else enjoying The Nate Berkus Show?)
Our doggies---Lord help us, we do love our doggies.
The church we pastored for the past five years, and the beautiful family we left behind. We miss them terribly and are so thankful for the impact each person had on our lives.
The church we are enjoying attending in our new community, and the wonderful people we are meeting and getting to know. And a nice bonus: sitting with my husband in church!
Super Walmart. Of the 10 years I lived in Dallas, I can honestly say I never set foot in a Walmart. (except for a neighborhood market for food now and then.) I just never had the desire to do so...there were so many more wonderful, unique, eclectic places to shop in The Big City. But Lord Have Mercy, a Super Walmart has come to The Wilderness! I had heard the rumors, but did not really believe it would happen. But last week, lo and behold, it came to pass, rising out of a clearing in the middle of a beautiful wooded area twenty minutes from our house. And oh, how my feelings have changed for the Mega Superstore! The things I found there!!! The Barilla pasta I smuggle from The Big City, the makeup I buy on my treks to civilization, and cut flowers and fresh herbs and California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizza and Paula Deen cookware and towels and rugs to perfectly match my new bathroom paint and every single item on my grocery list for Thanksgiving dinner (!!!), a beautiful (really!) Christmas pillow for our new living room, the doggie bones we bring from The City and a Subway and boxes of Krispy Kremes and a real magazine section---a whole aisle, not just the few at the checkout stand.... And did I mention it is open 24 hours? 24 hours! Toto, I don't think we are in The Wilderness anymore!
And there are so many other things that I could name that are on our Grateful List...

But as I sat in our rocker and watched the leaves falling, I was so aware of the Creator of the trees and the seasons and the Earth and ~~Super Walmart~~ the Universe. We are so blessed to have His love and amazing grace intertwined in our daily lives, so aware of all that He has brought us through, and blessed us with in the past few years. And for all that He has in store for us in the future...

We are thankful.

Let There Be Light

2010-11-16T23:16:00.001-06:00

One of the things I absolutely love about our new house is the abundance of windows. Not only do we have a beautiful view in every direction, but we also have gorgeous light coming in from the first break of morning to shortly after the sun sets in the evening. I find myself often reaching for my camera to capture the light, to record the way it plays upon the different areas of our home during different times of the day.

Or maybe I am just looking for a diversion from the endless chore of finishing up the moving process, and getting everything organized and in place.....

No, it is definitely the photographer in me wanting to capture and record the light as I see it.

Right? It has nothing whatsoever to do with...Boxes. Or closets. Or shelves. Just a need to record the light adding a dimension of loveliness to everything it touches.

To All Veteran and Present-Day Members of the Armed Forces:

2010-11-14T14:55:00.003-06:00

Thank you.

An Unknown Soldier's Name on The Wall

2010-11-14T09:30:00.006-06:00

I took this photograph at the end of the day, as we were leaving the Vietnam Memorial last summer. It broke my heart as I stopped and observed the beautiful hand-made box, and read the decoupaged message from a family left without a father and husband. The soldier's name was not mentioned in the note, but was obviously carved in the granite wall---too near the top for his three sons to reach without standing on a wooden box.

At the end of each day, the items left by visitors to the memorial are collected by security workers. I wondered if they ever had the heart to remove this box...it would had to have been there for many years, as the sons would be adults by now. As it does not appear to have been left out for long, perhaps the family remade the box and brought it back recently to commemorate a special anniversary or family remembrance.

I hope the box that was originally brought to The Wall by three young boys and their mother was left in place for a long while... until the soldier's sons were tall enough to stand on their own to reach their father's name, and touch his heart forever.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T13:47:00.001-05:00

Featuring our two youngest granddaughters

Zoe and Lucy

And our three oldest granddaughters

Grace, Calli, and Jessie

Grace, Calli, and Jessie are playing in a softball tournament on Halloween, while the two youngest are trick-or-treating as a the funny clown that is Lucy and her "sparkly-hippie" sister Zoe.

Note on hippie costume:

Zoe emailed me to ask me all about hippies about a month ago as it was one of her finalists for her Halloween costume. I told her all about the long skirts they wore (she loves long skirts) and the bright colors, and the long necklaces, and that they carried tambourines and wore flowers in their hair and called themselves pretty names like Rainbow. (Zoe LOVES rainbows!) I also told her hippies held up 2 fingers as a way of saying hello and instead of hello, they said, "Peace, man." She pulled together a great costume based on her research, and got all dressed and held up two fingers for her mom and said, "Two, man." Julie reminded her that Grana told her they said, "Peace." She just didn't get the peace thing----she said, "No, it is two fingers. See? Two, man."

And so it has been.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to not even know why there is a need to understand what peace means? There is just always peace and laughter and fun....when you are five. I wish it to be forever so for all of our wonderful granddaughters.

Two, Man.

Sounds of...

2010-10-30T10:23:00.016-05:00

"Hello, darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again..."

Is that not one of the greatest songs of all time?...it is still playing on my ipod, many, many years after I first listened to it on my radio when I was in jr. hi. Paul Simon wrote that song following President Kennedy's assassination, and the next year when it was released it became the first hit of Simon and Garfunkel. And as with all things classic, it is still enjoyable (forty-something) years later.

That song came to mind as I was finally, finally preparing to post to this blog again. It has been silent for a long time. My last post was two months ago, just before my computer was unplugged and placed in a nondescript brown cardboard box to be moved. It emerged, finally, and my husband surprised me by getting it all ready for me in my new art studio room. As I was preparing to communicate with the world once again, we discovered The Dreaded Virus. The computer was so infested, we were told it could never be completely removed. So another delay and new hard drive later, we are finally breaking the silence from moving and rebuilding.

Sigh.

The photo above was taken summer before last on our trip to Chicago, courstesy of a grant I was awarded from American Library Association. This sign greeted me as I walked in the old Chicago Public Library, built in the late 1800s and now serving as an art center. I am so pleased this plaque was saved--- I just loved it. I wanted that beautiful sign in my library! Libraries are not so silent these days....

A random list of things emerging from The Sounds of Silence for the past weeks:

Moving is horrible, horrendous, and hellacious. But you knew that, if you have ever done it. If it has been a while, trust me: nothing has changed.
We really, really like our new place. It is as beautiful inside the house as out in the yard, and it seems to fit us and our doggies perfectly.
We miss the church and the people that were our family for five years, but we feel even stronger as time goes along that we made the right decision.
Roy loves his work as a full-time deputy and is doing great health-wise and work-wise. He says it feels as though he has a part-time job after the 24/7 responsibilities of being a full-time pastor for 30+ years.
Sometimes it seems as though he is as much a pastor in his job now as he was when he was pastoring a church. Not a day goes by that he is not presented the opportunity to minister to someone in some way, whether it be a fellow deputy or someone he has handcuffed and is taking to jail.
We are in our new house, but not completely settled. I realized yesterday that we have been living in chaos since we started packing and looking for a place to live in July. Too, too long for my spirit to be unsettled and unpacked. If it just was not for this pesky 50+ hr a week job away from the house!
I can get a lot more unpacking accomplished with the computer in a cardboard box.
The iphone is no substitute for a nice, large monitor screen--but a welcome friend during days of disconnect from the internet.
Moving, next to childbirth, is the most exhausting labor on the face of the earth. Please don't challenge me on this. I speak the gospel truth.
I miss my children and grandchildren, and am ready to have everything in its place in my home, take a break and go spend some time with them.
I am happy to be back in touch with those who visit me here, and will regularly post again, as I photograph things that express the joy of life as I see them, and share them with you.
Silence is broken, and communication with the world resumes. Literally it seems. I learned as I was logging on tonight that I have had visitors from all over the United States, Canada, Russia, Australia, Singapore, India, Denmark, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Greece, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Can you even imagine? I had not a clue...such an humbling revelation. I knew there was an increase in the number of visitors, but I did not realize until Google added the new statistics counter to their blogs that people from so many countries around the world had found their way to The Wilderness.

A Very Warm Welcome!

This photo was also taken at the old, original Chicago Public Library, on the top floor. There were no books on that beautiful floor, no benches or chairs, nothing but a wonderful old wooden floor and this incredible stained glass dome skylight window as a ceiling. What a beautiful space on the top floor of a public library! The room was built in honor of those who died in the Civil War, and was used as a place to silently remember and honor those soldiers.

As result of tragedy, came such amazing beauty...beauty that is still standing over one hundred and fifty years later.

It is always my hope that no matter what circumstances come my way, I will find the joy and beauty in life around me.

Amen and it is good to be breaking the silence at last.

Closing the Door Behind Us

2010-09-22T00:38:00.002-05:00

The end is near.

We are approaching the end of one era in our lives and the beginning of another one. The only home we have ever shared is soon to be our home no more. Our four years of marriage have been spent in this parsonage on the lake, and it has been four of the happiest years of my life.

And now we are winding up our time here, and moving to another house where we will begin the next stage of our journey together. We are both beyond exhausted, working during the day and then another shift in the evenings for the last two months, trying to get this impossible mission made possible.

And it looks like the mission will actually be accomplished in the next couple of days. The computer will be unplugged tomorrow and we will move what we hope will be our last load. The computer and the bed will be the last two things to leave this house!

During our 3-year long-distance romance before I moved to The Wilderness to marry the preacher, we logged thousands of hours on the phone. After he moved to this house, I remember hearing the squeaking of the screen door over the phone as he would walk outside, describing to me the beauty that he was seeing. I remember also noticing the sound the night we returned home from our wedding trip, as he opened the door for me and said, "Welcome to our home, Mrs. Taylor." That screen door still squeaks, and though we have talked about it, I have not had the heart to fix it. We will close that door for the last time tomorrow night, and drive down the road about 20 miles and open another door, beginning the next chapter of our lives together.

I hope that door squeaks just a little bit.

Life Lessons Learned.....

2010-09-18T15:13:00.001-05:00

....from the wretchedness of moving.

1. The world is still beautiful outside of my walls filled with ugly boxes and unwelcome chaos.

The above photos were taken around our house, where autumn is always so beautifully displayed. Everything looks a little more beautiful to me after packing box after box and loading and unloading pickup load after pickup load.

Even my school library looks lovely and organized when I enter each morning. I normally only see all the things I need to do in there, but lately I am seeing all the wonderful things I have done. That is kind of nice. A whole different perspective when you have been living in chaos for a while.

I do not like chaos. I do not. I do not like a messy house. Ever. I do not like moving. At all. I could put roots down right here right now and never move again....and make peace with wherever I am as long as I do not have to ever move again! That is how I am put together.

But that has not been the path my life has taken......and just when I thought I had finally (again) found my little place in the world, I married a preacher, and here I am moving (again)....And, sadly, am destined to move yet again in the future.

But I am seeing some things I do not normally focus on during less crazy times. Like the orderly, organized, bright, colorful, inviting library I have created for my school from a very depressing state that had been neglected for years.

And although I do normally focus on the beauty of nature, I am enjoying and appreciating it even more than I usually do, as I go through this time of chaos in my life.

2. The act of purging is necessary every now and then...more now than then, I have decided. Not just for me, but for those who find themselves in a time of need.

I have made a vow to maintain a home in which nothing comes in without taking something out. (I can see my girls rolling their eyes on that one----it will be a challenge, but I plan to carry it through!)

Dear friends of ours, a married couple, co-pastor a church down the road from my school. We asked if they knew of anyone in need of clothing, furnishings, etc. that we were hoping to give away. With Roy not working in a church situation anymore and having deputy uniforms provided, and me going down four sizes in the last few months (who knew this diet and exercise thing really works???), we had a couple of wardrobes in need of a new home. We had planned to have a yard sale, but just could not find the time...or frankly, muster the energy.

Our friends received the items with such joy and thankfulness. They told of the great need of their congregation and the neighboring area, and how each item would be received with gratitude as needs were met. They do not believe in garage sales because of so many people who are in need of help. They even earmarked many of the items for the Christmas season, to help those who would not be able to shop for the holidays.

That was a life-changing conversation for me. I will never forget our friends sharing that with us. We are so blessed and have so much that we are thankful for, and we do try to make it part of our life to help people along the way. But just hearing our friends talk about the constant, ongoing, never-ending need of people in our community made me realize we do not ever do enough. I encourage you that if you do not know someone in need, find someone who does. And share with them. I can say with confidence that I have had my very last yard sale. (And I have had a few!)

3. ~~The price of a moving van is highly undervalued.~~ We can do whatever we have to do.
When we first decided almost a year ago that Roy would retire from full-time pastoral ministry this summer, I told him that without a doubt I absolutely could not move during the school year. My work is exhausting (for reasons I should share sometime), and I honestly did not think I humanly could work 80-hour weeks. But I have for six weeks now, and it is almost done. So many people offered to help in the beginning, but as we got to the place where we needed help, we were not comfortable calling people and reminding them they had offered.....and we have just pretty much done more than I ever thought we could do. Isn't that how it is? And isn't that a great lesson to learn, even if you have to learn it over and over?

4. The best lesson of all---even life's not so fun times can be enjoyable with the right person. Amazing. That really is a new one for me. And the fact that we keep learning life lessons and growing together makes this journey that much more meaningful.

Now if we could just learn to live in a tent that we could throw in the back of our car....
but then how could I possibly hang my stained glass windows?

Weary Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T00:55:00.002-05:00

Why you haven't heard from me lately.....

We are making progress, although slower than faster. Roy and I have moved almost all the boxes over to the new house, and we were finally able to take a load of furniture this weekend. We both had work again Monday, but are planning to each take a load after work tomorrow. That will about do us in for the rest of the week, I expect, but hopefully we can hang in there until this mountain has been moved.

I think the hardest part is not having a day to rest.

No, actually the hardest part is the huge mess we are living in day after day after day.

But as I think about it, I believe I told Roy tonight that the hardest part is physical labor every single day. After work.

However, really, the hardest part is not having time or energy to be creative....that is very difficult for me.

But to be perfectly honest, the hardest part truly is having my home torn apart as we are living in it yet leaving, and having my new home full of boxes upon boxes waiting to be unpacked and organized---two homes in total chaos!

Yes, for me that is the hardest part.

Well, this has not been exactly wordless, but I wanted you to know why I have been neglecting to communicate. Did I mention that we are moving?

And while there are many difficult aspects to a move, the easiest part is going through all of this with Roy. He truly, somehow, brings humor and joy into even the most difficult, exhausting upheavals that life can throw our way. And I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else.

Ok, I would. Just about any other place on this planet, actually.

But I wouldn't want to be there with anyone other than Roy.

2010-09-06T12:36:00.000-05:00

The House I REALLY Wanted

2010-09-03T01:02:00.003-05:00

The search is finally, finally over. We can finish our packing with an actual destination in mind.

We have looked at a lot of houses in the last three months! We have looked on our own, with realtors, with friends, with acquaintances, with friends of acquaintances.....we have been very blessed with people caring enough about us to help us in our search for shelter. Rental property in this part of the world is very, very difficult to find, unless you want to rent a fishing cabin on a daily basis. We have had a lot of help: church members, sheriff deputies, teacher friends, and people we did not even know have contacted us with possible places for us to move.

We have looked at every type of house: tiny cabins on the water, large, lovely houses and yards on country roads, places in the deep wilderness, and houses in the middle of a busy little town. It has been exhausting. A wild and not-so-fun rollercoaster ride. It is not that we have been hard to please. Honestly, out of everything we looked at, there were only two possibilites. And The One we invested several weeks in fell through at the last minute...only a few days ago!

And now that we have a place and the search is over, I would like to share with you what I really wanted in a house. Not just a shelter, not just rent we could afford, not just a great location, but what I really, really ~~needed~~ wanted in our next home.

I really wanted an older house, clean and with some character; one that was lovely and loved and would be a welcome invitation at the end of a long day.

A white frame house set against a backdrop of beautiful green and bright blue.

I wanted a house that was sheltered by huge trees. The huger the better. Maybe trees that watched as a
battle of the Civil War was fought all around them; trees that know how to shelter and protect.

I wanted a house in a private, quiet area....if not in the deep woods, then at least on a quiet road lined with
trees. And maybe some new friends for the doggies to play with.

I wanted a house with a yard big enough for two doggies to run and play, big enough for their doggie condo; and in my dreams, I even pictured our very own frisbee football field for our doggies to run in. They love running and catching frisbees and balls more than anything....except food. And each other. And us.

And in the house I really wanted, we would not have to load them up in the pickup to go to a wide-open field for them to run...it would be right outside the back door of their condo.

If we had to have a neighbor, I think a beautiful, quiet, small, perfectly manicured and beautifully maintained church that was founded in, oh, say 1860 would be nice.

And if I had even thought to imagine it, I would have liked to live in the parsonage of such a church. On a large block owned by the church, with only the church and the house on the block. And lots and lots of beautiful trees and pretty lawns, and potential for flower gardens around the house so that Roy would have a canvas on which to work his magic.

And, of course, my house would never be complete without a magnolia tree in the front yard.
(A magnolia tree!)

And a sheltered, outdoor area in which I can finally put my white wicker furniture and our double rocking chair.

And the house I really wanted would have plenty of room ~~for our needs~~, for our wants. It would be fresh from a complete makeover---a newly remodeled kitchen, new appliances, a new hardwood floor, plenty of closets (plenty of closets!!!), freshly painted sheetrock over paneling, and, why not?---the brand new addition of a beautiful master bathroom.

And an Orkin man.

And lots and lots of big windows.

And, of course, it would be on Texas Street.

This was the house I REALLY wanted. Come see us very soon! We will have a guest room ready for you.

We might even order up a beautiful rainbow, like the one that appeared while we were at the house a few days ago.

Wordless Wednesday: Summer Day in East Texas

2010-09-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

Joy to the World.....

2010-08-25T22:53:00.000-05:00

We have a house!

Finally. After months of looking and one month before our last day in the parsonage.
We will take photos tomorrow and share them, but for now, I am just so happy to report.....
We have a house!

And now I am going to bed. Before midnight. And I am going to sleep. Really sleep.

Did I mention that we have a house???

Goodnight!

Wordless Wednesday: August Moon

2010-08-25T22:28:00.000-05:00

(almost) Wordless Wednesday: Back to School Today

2010-08-18T21:18:00.000-05:00

"Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the summer sand are gone." Anonymous

(almost) Wordless Wednesday: Butterflies from Washington DC

2010-08-11T06:42:00.011-05:00

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."
Richard Bach

You Are Invited to a Party on the Lake

2010-08-09T11:26:00.004-05:00

Special Invitation to ~~All Family and Friends~~ Anyone Reading This....

I am having a Packing Party and everyone is invited to come! Not a moving party because we have no place to move, but a packing party which is surely almost as much fun. Plenty of boxes, plenty of stuff, and even very special non-stop entertainment---two doggies competing to offer their assistance with every step you take. (seriously. every. step.)

And Roy just left for two days, so there is plenty to keep us all busy partying from dawn until almost dawn again! No need to RSVP and no dress code...just show up; dress is (very) casual. And if you see tears in my eyes, please don't be concerned... they are surely just tears of joy from seeing you!

Oh, and if you are coming from Any City, you might pick up some real mexican food for sustenance. I have plenty of Diet Coke and chocolate. See you soon!

PS If you feel the desire to step out the back door and get a breath of ~~Louisiana in August air~~ fresh, dry, cool air, feel free to take a few minutes and enjoy this view. But don't be gone too long---there is a party going on inside!

A Pastor's Heart

2010-08-07T16:13:00.002-05:00

This photo of Roy's hands was taken last month at the beach in North Carolina. As I saw him leaning on the pier with his hands folded, the word 'peaceful' came to mind. He was so content and relaxed. On the verge of beginning a new job and leaving 30 years of full-time ministry behind, he was completely at peace with the decision.

He is truly enjoying his new job. A deputy's schedule is an amazing one: 2 or 3 days on duty, then 2 or 3 days off. Pastoring a church is a 24/7 job, no matter what your schedule is supposed to be. As a deputy, Roy feels as though he has a part-time job; consequently, he is more energized and less weary than he has been in years. Deputies have a limit as to how many hours they can work, and those hours for two weeks are too close to the number of hours he routinely worked in one week as pastor of a church.

As much as he loves law enforcement, I saw something in him yesterday that made me realize: a pastor's heart is always a pastor's heart, whether he is pastoring a church or not.

Roy got a call yesterday from a member of our church who is also a First Responder in our parish. He wanted Roy to know that a 911 call had just gone out concerning one of our sweet widowed ladies of the church. I heard him say, "I know you are not our pastor anymore, but..." and Roy interrupted him, saying "I am on my way." He asked me to go with him and told me he feared Miss Julia had passed away.

We were at her house in minutes and found that, indeed, Miss Julia had died earlier in the day. Two of her friends from church had come to see her; they called 911.

We walked in and Roy just did what he does. He became a pastor. He ministered to those who were crying, made the heartbreaking call to Miss Julia's daughter, called the coroner, called the funeral home, cleared the house of people who had gathered so that the coroner and deputy could work; he even called the lady who boarded Miss Julia's dogs to come and pick them up until family arrived.

After we left, Roy told me, "This one really hurts. She was as good as they come." It had not even occurred to me that, of course, he also was hurting.

We had been to see her in the hospital after church last Sunday; her face lit up when Roy walked in the room. I am so glad we had that one last visit with her. She was very special.

One of the ladies who found Miss Julia told me this morning, "I have never been so glad to see anyone as I was to see Bro. Roy come through that door. I just said, 'Thank you, Lord.'"

Once more, I see how deep a pastor's heart is.
And I realize that the heart of a pastor does not change even though his profession may change.
And I know for sure that the daily circumstances of our lives are richer for those of us blessed enough to know a man with a true pastor's heart.

.

Wordless Wednesday: Rainbows Paint the Sky on a Hot Summer Afternoon

2010-08-04T23:37:00.009-05:00

An Annapolis Afternoon Affair

2010-08-02T12:11:00.006-05:00

OK. I have to start packing to move. It is August. Deadlines are approaching.

Like the end of summer and the first day of school.

Like the date we said we would be out of the parsonage.

Like the date we will move into our next house. If we had a next house.

I mean, I really, really need to start packing up my house. To move somewhere. I don't know where yet. Or when. But soon. I really need to start packing. Really. I do.

As I was contemplating all this while going over some photographs, thinking I needed to be packing, I came across our photos of Annapolis. During our Washington trip this summer, my husband impulsively suggested that we drive to Annapolis for the day. It was a very short drive, and turned out to be one of our favorite days. We just loved it there---the Naval Academy, the history, the ocean, the architecture, the beauty of it all.

And, as I was trying not to think that I needed to be packing, I started thinking how nice it would be if we were in Annapolis this very afternoon.

If I were in Annapolis this afternoon:

I would knock on this door and ask the owners if I could stay with them for a few days. And ask them how they decided on this beautiful color of blue for their house.

I would go into this tavern and sit for a while, wondering if George Washington might have stopped in here on a hot summer day. And on the way out, I would pick up some flowers and give them to my husband.

I would buy a print here to hang in my house on the lake....oh, right, I don't have a house. Never mind.

I would spend more time talking to the lady who made this quilt out of vintage and antique fabrics. I would buy another purse from her, and after we exchanged contact information, I would not lose it. We could have been great friends.

I would go in this fun place again, but this time I would have two dips of gelato instead of one. What was I thinking?

I would go in any place that had this sign on the door.

I would go in this store and get 2 of these to go. Ok, maybe 3

I would knock on the door of this house and ask the owner if the flowers in the window were specifically chosen to perfectly match the brick outside.

I would stop and salute this flag. Well, I probably wouldn't really salute it, but doesn't it look like it is the right thing to do?

I would take him home with me. He would inspire me each day as I prepare to go to work and help the hundreds of children who come into the library daily to check out books.
Or come in to tell me they forgot their books. Or tell me they left their book out in the rain, or on the bus, or on the playground, or at their aunt's house. Or tell me they cannot pay for the book they lost.
I should have brought him home with me.

I would have an (another) ice-cold coke from this machine just across the street from the Naval Academy.

I would knock on this beautiful red door and ask the owners if I could come in, tour their house, and take a lot of notes. And then I would take them to lunch. They are obviously fun people with very good taste.

I would slow down and take a lot more time here. And ask about the price of the chest. Or the window. Or the camera.

I would try to find a place to get window latches exactly like the one on this house that was built in the 1700s. And find out the name of the shade of blue of this window shutter, so I could paint the bedroom in my house that color. If I had a house. With a bedroom.

I would climb up on these rocks, take my shoes off, and put my feet in the Atlantic Ocean. And sit there for a very long time.

I would go through the (open) gate to the beautiful, colorful, peaceful garden beside this magnificent house, sit on the bench under the huge shade tree, and listen more attentively as my husband explained the architectural details of this amazing home. And hope that the owners would not mind.

And before I left, I just might have a street named after me. Because I loved the town so much.

I would do all of this and then find a restaurant with tables set up at the water's edge as the sun was setting, and share a romantic dinner with my husband. Then we would find a lovely place to spend the night and stay for another day. If I were in Annapolis this afternoon.

I wouldn't pack any boxes. Or clean out my closet. Or sort things for a garage sale. Or wonder where we are going to live. Or even think about moving at all.

Not if I were in Annapolis this afternoon....

The (annoying) Journey

2010-07-29T01:12:00.027-05:00

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not only in completing a task, but in actually doing it." Greg Anderson

I took this photo on the first day of our vacation last month. We had a destination in mind, and we were just beginning the journey. I saw many beautiful sights as we drove through Arkansas, the first of ten states we would visit. However, it was early in our trip and I had not yet begun to take photos.

It is an enormous challenge for a photographer to ride patiently in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I did not want to drive my husband crazy asking him to stop each time I saw something beautiful or unique that I wanted to photograph. And I did not want to attempt the frustrating venture of photographing a lovely scene from inside a vehicle moving 70+ mph. So I did something very difficult for me---I observed things along the way that were definitely photograph-worthy, while my camera was still in the case. If you are a photographer, you know how difficult this is---for me, it is actually almost painful.

As the sun began setting on Day One, everything around us became more beautiful by the moment. I finally could not take it anymore and asked Roy if he would find a spot to pull over so I could record the beauty unfolding before us. He kindly complied, and even asked me to tell him when I wanted him to stop so that I had the foreground that I wanted. (As it turns out, the photo that I took driving 70mph was the one I liked more than those I took when we stopped--please don't tell him!)

We went on to Washington DC and I took many photos of the things we had travelled so far to see. But some of our favorite photographs from the trip are the ones we took as we were en route to our destination, usually from a fast-moving vehicle with the window down. I later termed this feat Guerrilla Photography---just capture it in a fraction of a second before it is gone. Not highly recommended, by the way.

However, I can see from those photos something that I did not expect: many of the sights we saw on the journey were as rewarding as those of our destination. We saw so much beauty in the countryside, mountains, farms, rivers, lakes and towns as we made our way to Washington. Another nice surprise: we had a great time just getting there.

Taking time away from the craziness going on in our daily lives was good for me. I needed a different perspective. I do not want to wait until the transition time is over and all is settled, until we have found a house, moved in and have the last picture hung on the wall to enjoy the process of our daily lives. And I have to say, that is kind of how I am put together---let's complete the task first, then I will find the joy.

Mr. Anderson's quote is a lovely one but, honestly, it is rather annoying to me. I am just not one to focus on the beauty of a difficult journey, to find the joy in doing the challenging work---just let me get the work done, and get to where I am going. Then I will focus on the joy.

Give me the orderly, neat, lovely house, and then I can relax and enjoy the groove of daily life. It is one of my many flaws. It is not that I do not have faith that things will work out. I do. But I am just not noble or patient enough to find joy in the mess and the exhaustion and the uncertainty that is a part of this particular type of road on which we find ourselves this summer.

I am not good during transition. I do not like to move. Period. I certainly do not like to go through all the motions of moving, not knowing where we are going. I do not like change. I like roots and stability. I want a home to be a permanent thing, not a temporary one. I like the arrival at the destination, not the uncertainty of the journey. (I did mention this ~~is one of my many flaws~~ could be perceived as a slight flaw in my otherwise pristine character, right?)

But when I look at the photograph of that beautiful sunset somewhere in the northeast part of Arkansas, I am so glad that I got my camera out on Day One, rather than waiting until we arrived at our destination. Taking photographs while traveling was not easy and was at times frustrating. But there was so much beauty to be captured along the way.

And I almost missed it.

Changes

2010-07-23T00:26:00.005-05:00

Roy does not shave while on vacation. It is a rule written in stone with him. Two and a half years ago, shortly before this photo was taken, he did not shave for several weeks. The morning he was to go to work again, he came to me and said, "What do you think?" I looked up from what I was doing to see a neatly-trimmed moustache and goatee where I had only seen a clean-shaven face for all the years I had known him.

I looked at him for a few minutes and then told him if he ever shaved it off I would have to leave him.

He kept it in spite of the admonitions of several dear ladies at church, who each Sunday for two years asked him, "When are you going to shave that thing off?" He would just tell them to take it up with his wife, and that would end the conversation--until the next Sunday.

This is my favorite photo of Roy. I took it last month in Washington; that is the Supreme Court building in the background. It captures something about him that I rarely see from behind the camera.

There are so many changes going on in our life right now. We are packing up our house to move,
even though we have no place to go.
We are no longer in full-time pastoral ministry;for the first time in the last 31 years of Roy's life.

And Roy has a new job. He is a full-time deputy for the sheriffs department. Serving as a reserve deputy for several years, he has filled in when they needed an extra man or covered for a deputy on vacation. For the past few years, Roy has been told that if he ever wanted a full-time job with the sheriff's department that he had one. He was in a position to accept the offer this last week.

Roy's first day is tomorrow, and he is looking forward to the challenge and the work. Law enforcement has always been a love of his, and he is always ready to go when called. And now the man the other deputies call 'Preacher' will be there full-time.

Of all the life-altering changes going on in our lives, the one that tops the list: Roy has to show up at work in the morning clean-shaven. Well, mostly: a moustache is acceptable, but not a beard.

The good news is that I have decided not to leave him.
The bad news is that it will be a long time until his next vacation.

The Easy Path

2010-07-19T12:04:00.003-05:00

Our natural state of being is joy, and it takes so much energy to think negative thoughts, to speak negative words, and to feel miserable. The easy path is good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
Unknown Author

I read this somewhere recently and do not remember where. I came across it again this morning; I had hastily written it on a library check-out card in the place usually reserved for the date due stamp. As I re-read the quote, it again struck a chord with me.

I do believe that our natural state of being is joy.
I do believe that is the way we are created and meant to live.
I do believe that we are happier if we strive to live a joyous life.

However, I also know that in times of stress and weariness, discouragement and pain, I sometimes tend to think negative thoughts and speak negative words. And it does take a lot of energy. Once the thoughts are there and the words are spoken, the negative energy seems to linger on.

"And it takes so much energy...to feel miserable."

My mother, one of the wisest people I have ever known, has a way of getting straight to the heart of things. She often told us: "You are as happy as you make up your mind to be." I think that is exactly what this author is saying.

I took this photograph in Tennessee a few weeks ago. The beautiful, sunlit path winding between the lush forestry caught my eye. It looked so inviting....I wanted to walk down that road just to see what was waiting at the other end.

"The easy path is good thoughts, good words, and good deeds," no matter what our circumstances may be.

Should the easy path be chosen, life has proven over and over to me that there will be something wonderful waiting at the other end.

Note to self: Always choose the easy path.

Needed: Single Family, Pet Friendly Home Sweet Home

2010-07-14T07:28:00.077-05:00

Lord,

We need a home.

Well, actually a house. A house to make our home in. The situation is looking a little bleak and so....here I am. Again.

We could use some Divine Intervention.

One of the wonderful things about being a full-time pastor: a parsonage usually comes with the territory.

One of the not-so-wonderful things about being a full-time pastor: when you retire, as in not go to another church with another parsonage, you suddenly are homeless with no house to sell in order to find another house. I am sure the next man you call to this church will enjoy this parsonage, as we have. But I am thinking: he might like it a lot more if he doesn't have 2 roommates and 2 dogs sharing his space.

Lord, we need a home. A house in which to make our home.

This Wilderness you have brought us to, which is beautiful beyond description is also, well, very wilderness-like when it comes to house-hunting. (and mexican food and movie theaters and cell phone service, but we will leave that for another conversation.)

As a librarian, when I need to find information, I automatically begin online to research options. That would have worked great had I been seeking a weekend fishing lodge. Or a small warehouse previously used for a restaurant/bait shop. Or a large section of land on which to build. Honestly, Lord, how do we find an available house if it is not listed on the internet, with real estate brokers, or in the weekly newspaper?

And to make matters even more complex, as you know, we need to lease rather than buy. Several real estate brokers have told us we are looking for something that is just not available. Our best bet, we have been advised, is to find a house that has been for sale for a while, contact the owner, request that he consider leasing until the house sells.

I know you know.

And I can never forget that you have taken care of us in life-and-death situations during the last year; this is not life and death. But, Lord, we do need a home. A house for us and two doggies. You know how Kobi is, Lord: she really, really gets annoyed when she has to go potty in the rain; and Bo, having spent his first 8 months of life as a stray, is terrified of thunder. Shelter would be a good thing.

I am aware that you and Roy are not worried about this. About the house thing. But you know I do tend to overthink things, and well, you do know the new school year is looming on the horizon, right? And the church has been very gracious and patient, but they are beginning their pastor search and it could happen quickly, right? And I will be gone next week as I still have a visit planned to go see Mom....you knew that, right?

I am not worried.....really, I am not. Really. I am not stressing. Really. Not. Stressing. I just wanted to tell you that our efforts thus far have been futile.

I know you know.

As I was organizing my photos from our vacation, I noticed.....well, I noticed homes. Homes of different kinds for many of your beautiful creatures . And I am thinking that surely if you have the perfect place for each of your creations of nature to live...

Cranes in South Carolina

Butterfly in Maryland

Fish in Washington DC

Seagull in North Carolina

Birds in Tennessee

Sunflowers in Georgia

Ducks in Mississippi

Cattle in Virginia

And I even noticed a vulture family on the banks of the Shenandoah River

Thank you, Lord, for listening.

And starting today, I am going to be more patient.
And eat less chocolate.

And (try very hard to)not forget that you are holding our future securely in your hands.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Matthew 6:26

A Season Ends....And Begins

2010-07-10T14:59:00.049-05:00

To Everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is done.

Roy's last Sunday as a full time pastor was today. Our last Sunday at our beloved church was today. We walked out of the church into what will be an entirely different life for us.

About a year ago, Roy asked me what I thought about retiring from full-time ministry. He had just gone through cancer in both kidneys and two horrendous surgeries within three months--one on each kidney. I cautioned him this was not the time to make drastic decisions. I knew he needed more recovery time. He was very discouraged at how slow the second recovery was going. I assured him he would get his energy back and feel better as time went on. He did. Until October when he almost died and spent eight more days in the hospital.

However, he came to me with the same thought again a couple months later. I still felt we should wait before seriously considering something that life-altering. He had never considered retiring from the ministry and we had hoped to be able to stay in this church until kingdom come or we went; whichever came first.

But something had happened that I did not see coming.

Cancer changes things.

That is what he told me when he came the third time to talk about leaving full-time pastoral work. This time I sat down and listened. We agreed to pray about it, talk about it, and wait.

Lo and behold: we came to complete agreement and an unwavering peace that retiring was the right thing to do.

The reasons:
1. Roy truly wants to make his family a higher priority and spend more time with me and with his kids and grand kids. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to put family first when one is the full-time pastor and only ministerial staff of even a small church. After 31 years, Roy wanted to know he finally was doing that.

Together, we have 4 wonderful children and 6 perfect grandchildren. We try to make the 4-hour drive to the Dallas area once a month to see our 5 granddaughters. It is an exhausting challenge. My job ends Friday afternoon and his starts early Sunday morning. We want to have a real relationship with our grandkids rather than simply see them for a few hours once every month or two.

2. As simply as I can explain it: Being a pastor is an amazingly challenging calling. The burdens a pastor carries are heavy; the responsibilities are non-ending. It is a calling he accepted willingly, and he never looked back. Through it all, he has loved his work. He is so good at what he does.

As for me,I've been a church member most of my life. I observed long ago that churches seem to be blessed with either a good preacher or a good pastor. Rarely are they the same man. Roy is that kind of servant. He is at the hospital (an hour and a half away) every time one of his members is admitted, whether they were at church last Sunday or had not been there for years. That alone is a huge time commitment each week. But that is how he chooses to serve, to the fullest and best of his ability.

He is a wonderful preacher. He has volumes and volumes of sermons he has written through the years, and could easily recycle them and no one would know but him. But he would know, and so he still writes new sermons regularly. He spends almost every weekday evening at the church working on his sermons because it is so difficult to have study time during the day. He preaches twice a week, as well as teaches a Bible study. He works very hard and delivers intelligent, challenging messages. He has a special talent with which God has blessed him, and he takes it very seriously.

I will miss hearing him preach. Very much.

We announced his retirement a few months ago. He strongly believed he should stay on through Vacation Bible School since we did not have a volunteer director this year. The reward was four children accepting Jesus as Savior during VBS.

I first started attending this church while still living in Dallas and we were dating. We were married in this church--four years ago last month. In the last two years, we have survived an extremely close call with diabetes, two cancer surgeries, and a scary hospitalization--all with this church beside us,lifting us up. The people here have taken us in and loved us. When necessary, they have taken great care of us. They are such a sweet family and we have been blessed beyond measure to have been loved by them.

So, today it is done. We went to church. Roy baptized a young boy who had made a decision during VBS. We sang some of Roy's favorite songs. He and I spoke to the congregation and were spoken about. We had a wonderful meal with wonderful people.

Then we told our church family and dear friends goodbye and walked out the front doors; the same doors where we have stood on Sunday mornings for the last few years greeting each and every person that attended services that morning.

Even though we are still completely at peace about this decision, parting ways with people we love and closing the door on 31 years of full time ministry is not an easy thing to do.

But we are confident it is the right thing. As I told our much loved friends this morning: To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens.

Roy and I are ending a beautiful season in our lives; our purpose under heaven has been fulfilled at this church.

Scripture tells us that each ending is a new beginning.

And so we begin a new season. We are not quite sure where we will be or what we will be doing.

We do know that God has it all worked out already, and for that reason we fully anticipate that it will be an exciting Next Great Adventure in the life and times of the Taylor family.

Thank You, Mr. Jefferson: Old Words, Timeless Values

2010-07-08T14:04:00.093-05:00

All of these photos were taken at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. His words are so profound that it seemed only appropriate to use them to go along with the photographs of his memorial. I have used several of his quotes in my blog previously and even chose the name, The Pursuit of Joy, inspired by his choice of words in the Declaration.

I selected some of my favorites to go along with these photos; it is amazing how timely they are, as though they could have been written today.

(Exception: the gun quote was included for my husband's benefit. I thought surely it must be one of Jefferson's less serious writings, but research indicated he offered this advice in a letter to his 15-year old nephew.)

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Thomas Jefferson

Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.
Thomas Jefferson

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
Thomas Jefferson

That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.
Thomas Jefferson

Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital.
Thomas Jefferson

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.
Thomas Jefferson

Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
Thomas Jefferson

I cannot live without books.
Thomas Jefferson

It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.
Thomas Jefferson

Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.
Thomas Jefferson

I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.
Thomas Jefferson

One man with courage is a majority.
Thomas Jefferson

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks. Thomas Jefferson

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.
Thomas Jefferson

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very fast.
Thomas Jefferson

We never repent of having eaten too little.
Thomas Jefferson

Amen, Mr. Jefferson. And thank you.

"I'll trade with you."

2010-07-06T14:22:00.047-05:00

How many times do we hear that over a lifetime? I know it starts as early as age 2 because I recently heard Lucy say those words to Zoe. I said those words to Roy last week after we bought different flavored ice cream cones. Usually, the approach involves things of a trivial nature.

But sometimes, those words can start us on a journey that determines the difference between death and life.

The Number One item on Roy's list of things to do in Washington DC was to visit the Vietnam Memorial. Each time he has had the opportunity over the years, he has visited the traveling memorial; a small replica of the mighty granite wall on the mall in Washington. But he has always wanted to see the real thing.

He had a mission to complete.

When Roy was in the Air Force, he was a part of what today is in the category of Special Ops. The group consisted of a select few who went through Navy scuba school, Army Airborne jump and Ranger mountain climbing school, Search and Rescue training and jungle survival in the Philippines, lengthy in-depth medical training, and finally, 18 weeks of working to use all of their training at once. Only then did they earn the right to wear the coveted maroon ParaRescue beret.

If the Air Force trainee could make it through, he graduated a ParaRescueman, or PJ. Their job, at that time, was mainly rescuing downed pilots as well as other rescue and recovery missions in Vietnam; however, they had many other tasks in all parts of the world. The PJs were the ones waiting in the air for the Apollo capsules as they came to the end of their long journeys. In the true story told in the movie The Perfect Storm, the PJs were the ones who rescued the men from the boat during the storm. You remember, one of them died in the helicopter crash. That is the kind of thing they do. The PJ motto is "That Others May Live."

About 30 men, out of 100+ who began the intense program over a year before, completed the training in Roy's class. After graduation,their NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge) of their training passed around a hat with assignments written on pieces of paper. Each man was to draw a paper out of the hat to find out his permanent duty station; the location to which he would be shipped out the following morning. Most of the young men wanted to go to Vietnam. PJs go where they can do the most good for others; that those "others" may live.

Roy drew Vietnam.

A young friend of Roy's drew Guam. When all assignments were drawn, he came to Roy and said, "I'll trade with you." He knew Roy was getting married upon graduation and could not take his bride to Vietnam, but could make his home with her while he served in the 79th ARRS on Guam. Roy also knew his friend's first choice was to go to Vietnam.

The trade was made.

Roy loved serving on Guam. He was honored to be one of those trained to assist the recovery of the Apollo 11, 12, and 13 space capsules; as well as saving a few lives here and there along the way on missions he was assigned to during that time.

Shortly after Christmas day, 1968, his NCOIC called him into the office, closed the door, and handed Roy a teletype message. Roy read about the friend who had gone in his place to serve in Vietnam. He read how that young PJ had been killed rescuing a downed pilot in the jungle.

The selfless sacrifice of a friend is something a soldier/warrior never forgets. The memory never goes away. Saving Private Ryan is never easy to watch. The spirit of the man who died for you becomes a part of who you are.

You spend the rest of your life attempting to pay your friend back for the life he has given you.

The Vietnam Memorial visit was not an easy one. As we left the motel room that morning, Roy handed me his favorite cap, a beautiful black one with the ParaRescue insignia in metal. He asked me to place it in our bag. I looked at him, and informed him he already had a cap on. He just looked at me without saying a word. And I knew.

Upon reaching the massive memorial wall, Roy walked quickly, eager to find the name of the man to whom he wanted to pay his respects. He did not ask for help from the memorial worker whose job it was to assist the visitors in locating the names they had come to see. I thought it would take a long time to find that one out of the 58,159 engraved in the granite. The sun was setting over the wall and made it difficult to see at times. But he found the name he was looking for quickly, almost immediately.

We were there for a long time; probably an hour. We didn't look at other names, we just stood there in front of that one. Finally, Roy asked me for his cap and carefully placed it under his friend's name.

We had been standing silently for a long period of time when Roy turned to me and said: "Remember at the end of Saving Private Ryan, when Ryan and his wife were visiting the grave of the man who died to save his life? Remember the old man asking his wife, 'Did I earn this?'" Then Roy looked me in the eye and asked, "Did I earn this?"

It did not matter what I said, or how many things I reminded him of, things that he had done for people throughout his life; he does not feel that he has. For another man to die in your place is the ultimate sacrifice with no possible hope of repayment. For Roy, living a life of service and character one day at a time is the way he strives to earn the gift of living a long life.

I asked him later if there was closure after the visit. I already knew the answer. He told me no, but there was peace in knowing he had made the effort to visit the memorial that had been built to honor his friend. There was affirmation to him that he still has much to do to earn the greatest gift one man can give another---the gift of life; the gift that was unknowingly bestowed upon Roy Taylor by his friend and fellow PJ 45 years ago with those simple words, "I'll trade with you."

Amiena ~ National Anthem

2010-07-05T02:11:00.001-05:00

A Beautiful House

2010-07-02T00:40:00.027-05:00

We saw many amazing sights on our vacation across the country. One of our favorites was a big white house in Washington DC.

Two girls were playing in the yard with their puppy.

A mother and father, apparently relaxing at the end of the day, were watching their children playing with their dog.

It was a beautiful summer evening in all of Washington DC, including the white house with a fence around it located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

We had seen the White House all week from a distance on the mall, but wanted to get a closer look. And standing outside the fence, it is a beauty to behold. We had just made it to the visitors' viewing area by the fence when the Secret Serviceman abruptly stopped everyone, telling us to walk across the street and view the house from the other side of the road. Upon doing so, we saw two girls and their dog run outside and begin playing in the yard---on the perfectly-manicured South Lawn. After a few minutes, another Secret Serviceman approached us and told us to stop taking pictures immediately, and to put our cameras down or they would be confiscated. We were ordered to leave the premises.

Later that evening, as we were eating supper and going over the photos in the camera, we discovered the most likely reason we had to leave, as the President and Mrs. Obama were sitting on the upper balcony while the girls played outside.

And, as a chilling reminder of the reality we live in, we also observed the 2 sniper shooters and guard dog that are posted on the roof 24/7, as protection for The First Family. What a stark contrast to the idyllic family scene unfolding just below, on the lawn and balcony that summer evening. And whether we voted for Mr. Obama or not, we found ourselves saying a prayer for the safety of the President and his family as they occupy the most famous house in the United States of America.

Gone Fishin'

2010-06-15T01:53:00.004-05:00

Well, not really....but so much better. We are gone on vacation! I remember vacations...we had one four years ago right after we were married and we had so much fun. We promised ourselves we would do that every summer. And we finally are doing it again...pretty wild and crazy, right?

We almost always spend our vaca time going to see our kids and grandkids. But this time, we are going just for ourselves. We will be gone two or three weeks to Washington D.C. I asked Roy if we could go by the ocean on the way home and he said, "We can do whatever we want to do." My camera may implode from pure joy!

I am not a fisherwoman, never have been and never will be. I just don't get it. But most people around The Wilderness are, and this weekend when Zoe and Lucy came to visit they wanted Roy to take them fishing. And Zoe told him she wanted to catch a "Whopper" and eat it for supper. They had a great time fishing, and she caught her equivalent of a whopper. Roy talked her into throwing it back so it could grow bigger and we could try again to catch it next time. Lucy also caught her "Whopper" with her dad, and a good time was had by all fishermen and fishergirls.

We are thankfully not spending our vacation fishing, but will report back on all the great sights we take in while we were gone.

I hope your summer is going great.

Real Men Do Bring Flowers

2010-06-04T21:36:00.007-05:00

Don't you love seeing a man with flowers? There is just something about it....flowers are so soft and feminine, and men are so....not.

Maybe that's it. Or maybe it is the purpose behind the flowers. Why do women love getting flowers? And why do men send them? My theory is that there is really only one purpose behind the many reasons why a man sends flowers to his lady.

Flowers are a simple, easy way of letting someone know they were in your thoughts. Flowers announce: out of sight, still in my mind and heart. We all want to know that someone is thinking about us when we are not around; that we matter, and that we matter to a special person.

I sent flowers to Roy long before he ever sent them to me. Our first Valentine's Day that we were dating, I sent a yellow (Texas) rose to his office. We happened to be talking on the phone when it arrived and he was genuinely surprised...almost speechless. It was great.

We dated long distance (very long distance) for three years. During all that time, he never brought me flowers or sent me flowers. I came to terms with the fact that it was just not something he did. He did so many other wonderful things and I was ok with that.

Not that I wouldn't love to get flowers...

And then after we were married, something happened to his no-flower philosophy. He sent me a dozen amazingly gorgeous roses to my library one day, just out of the blue. One of those "Thinking About You" pink plastic sticks was planted in the middle of the bouquet. It was such a great feeling----to know he was thinking about me and to express it in such a beautiful way.

And that, I believe, is why men buy flowers and why women love receiving them.

Believe it or not, there is almost always a fresh bouquet of flowers in our house. I receive flowers so often that sometimes there are two bouquets at once, the new ones overlapping the life of the older ones. Sometimes they are delivered to my library, sometimes they are brought in person. It is an amazing gift.

Yesterday, we were walking by the lake and I commented on the smell of the gardenia bush in bloom. When we got to the bush, Roy took his knife out and cut off enough to make a lovely bouquet. Without saying a word.

And he carried them back to the house--not in the girly way that I would carry flowers, but rather kind of like he would carry his rifle with the barrel pointing down. I wanted to remember the sight of this big, strong man carrying these small, delicate, fragrant, fresh-cut flowers.

A man with a bouquet of flowers is a real man.

We have neighbors!

2010-06-04T13:43:00.030-05:00

For the four years I have lived here in The Wilderness, we have never had a neighbor. Oh, there are people who live around, but no one close enough to see or hear or even walk over to borrow a morning Diet Coke from in an emergency situation.

And, except for the occasional Diet Coke crisis, I really, really like it that way!

Because we are pretty isolated, you can imagine how surprised I was one afternoon as we were walking with the doggies and discovered our new neighbors---a beautiful family of nine. They had made a home under the pier on the lake just a few feet beyond our back yard!

Needless to say, they did not appreciate the intrusion of a huge German Shepherd and a very hyper Boston Terrier. The geese squawked at the dogs very loudly, discouraging them from jumping in the water. I was amazed that they stayed to fight rather than fly away. I asked Roy why they were not escaping and he said their babies were too little to fly yet, and they would not leave them.

Would you believe I did not have my camera?

And they were right there, right within photographing-every-detail distance. The fuzzy little babies and grand, beautiful parents in all their glory. And that was the first and last opportunity I had to catch them up close. From then on, we never surprised them, no matter how quiet I tried to be.

Without my camera, I kept telling myself to take it all in and enjoy the beauty of the moment, even though I could not record it. I never did quite manage to do that...I have such a need to photograph the beautiful moments.

We see the geese almost every day, although usually from a distance, as they are very camera shy. They are wild geese used to fleeing from human and animal hunters, and they just haven't realized the camera and photographer are their friends. And each time we see them, the babies are a little bigger, and becoming a little more independent from their parents.

I have enjoyed having our new neighbors around. I hope I never stop seeing the beauty of this world. There are so many things that are not lovely, that are almost too difficult to look at. I still have not been able to keep my eyes open when photos come on the news of the incredibly exquisite Louisiana wildlife being tormented in the oil-drenched coastal waters. Ugliness is all around us.

And so is beauty.

This little family, gliding smoothly over the sunlit lake each day, reminds me that the loveliest images are waiting for us in the most unexpected moments.

And it is also a reminder to never, ever, ever, ever leave my camera at home...even if I am just going to visit the new neighbors a few feet away.

A Morning Gift

2010-05-22T11:24:00.010-05:00

However discouraging your days may have been, keep this thought burning brightly in your mind: life begins each morning!
L.M. Hodges.

May is a glorious time for workers in the public school system...and an exhausting time. I have spent many late nights in the library this month, all followed by very early mornings. Just when you think you can't keep this pace another day....glory, glory! Summer break begins.

I closed up my library yesterday for two months, each book in its place, hundreds of new books on the New Book shelves, everything clean and ready for a new school year. It is so satisfying for a librarian to see every book checked in, in its rightful place on the shelf, even for a brief moment. It will not happen again until the last day of the next school year.

And summer began for me this morning: I woke up long after my alarm clock has been awaking me, pulled on shoes, grabbed camera and walked to the cove just beyond our back yard. Ducks, geese, and herons like to come there for breakfast and supper. And this beautiful creature was fishing for his morning meal.

Life does begin each morning...perhaps not so evident on a busy, weary workday morning, yet very clearly true when that morning is the first one of summer!