Between my husband being home for four days (his car was in the shop) and my kids I haven't been able to get on the computer since last Friday. Which means I missed St. Patrick's Day!
I hope it was a happy one for you all.
I dug out all my celtic albums and played them all day long. We had our traditional feast of Dublin Coddle, sauteed cabbage and soda bread. Yum! It felt like a fun, celebratory day for me. I am Irish (with an Irish name like Maureen Lee--Irish for Mary Elizabeth) and I love to remember my roots.
Anyway, I heard a cute quote today and thought I would pass it on to you all:
If at first you don't suceed, you're normal!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thank You
I want to thank you for rallying around me. I have been shown true Christlike love and acceptance by all of you, and after my family I count my friends as the greatest blessings of my life.
After giving too much credence to what someone I neither know nor will ever see again said, I am reminded again and again what is truly important in this life we are living--and that is the hearts of those we hold dear. My family and friends see me not the body I inhabit, not the dumb mistakes I make, but the love I show. I hope I do the same for all of you.
Sarah brought me a sweet note and some brownies, Rachel gave me a lovely, cheery bouquet along with a hug and a note of encouragement, Tara called me and gave me a pep talk, and Mel reminded me that those who are critical don't matter. And Tiffany, she gave me examples of those who have walked much harder paths than I did; dealt with so much more than some cranky little lady in Costco, and He who's opinion is the most important of all.
I am humbled by all of you and your support. No woman has been more blessed than I.
After giving too much credence to what someone I neither know nor will ever see again said, I am reminded again and again what is truly important in this life we are living--and that is the hearts of those we hold dear. My family and friends see me not the body I inhabit, not the dumb mistakes I make, but the love I show. I hope I do the same for all of you.
Sarah brought me a sweet note and some brownies, Rachel gave me a lovely, cheery bouquet along with a hug and a note of encouragement, Tara called me and gave me a pep talk, and Mel reminded me that those who are critical don't matter. And Tiffany, she gave me examples of those who have walked much harder paths than I did; dealt with so much more than some cranky little lady in Costco, and He who's opinion is the most important of all.
I am humbled by all of you and your support. No woman has been more blessed than I.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND
He Wished for the Cloths of Heaven
Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet,
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams...
William Butler Yeats, Irish Poet, 1865-1939
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Just one of those days
Yesterday was a bad day and it's spilled over into today for me. Then Stan reminded me that my fellow bloggers would probably make me feel better.
Wednesday Stan took the boys and me to Costco, one of my favorite stores! We had hot dogs for lunch then did our shopping. I saw a good friend, Kristeen, there with her two youngest daughters. It was so nice to see her, and I got a hug and a quick chat before AJ brought one of the riding carts for me. He was pretending to be a major celebrity as he drove it down to me and it made Kevin and me laugh. I use the riding cart because since injuring my leg it's so hard to get around a store as large as Costco.
It was fun. Stan got a bonus as work this week and we decided to pick up a couple of cases of things to donate to the new food bank that opened near us last week. The boys and I picked out what we were going to take and they also helped me get the rest of our groceries.
Then I found out that an older woman, after I passed her, made some remarks about me and my size and the fact that I was using the riding cart. I didn't hear her, but she said those things about me in the presence of my children. AJ told me that he almost had to hold Kevin back because he got so angry and the woman took off scowling at them.
The thing is, I was feeling happy, hopeful and good about myself. And then I'm reminded that I'm different, that I don't fit in. I'm never prepared for people's hostility toward me for being overweight, but sometimes it just takes my breath away. And what particularly hurt about this is that she said it where my children heard it. The thing I'm most afraid of, most self-conscious of is being an embarassment to my family and friends. And in one moment that's what she did, and I let her.
Last night Tara and I took two of the women we visit teach out for frozen custard and a visit. The whole afternoon I fretted about it; would I embarass them, would they feel uncomfortable being with me in public, that sort of thing. But bless their hearts, if they did they didn't let me feel it.
I know why people who aren't the same as everyone else sometimes become recluses. I had to go out again today and it was so hard. When I talked it over with Stan he said, "Blog about it. Those women are your friends and they don't judge you." So that's what I'm doing. I'm getting it off my chest instead of brooding about it. I'm sorry that lady said those things. But I'm sorrier that I let her hurt me. Next time maybe I'll be stronger.
Wednesday Stan took the boys and me to Costco, one of my favorite stores! We had hot dogs for lunch then did our shopping. I saw a good friend, Kristeen, there with her two youngest daughters. It was so nice to see her, and I got a hug and a quick chat before AJ brought one of the riding carts for me. He was pretending to be a major celebrity as he drove it down to me and it made Kevin and me laugh. I use the riding cart because since injuring my leg it's so hard to get around a store as large as Costco.
It was fun. Stan got a bonus as work this week and we decided to pick up a couple of cases of things to donate to the new food bank that opened near us last week. The boys and I picked out what we were going to take and they also helped me get the rest of our groceries.
Then I found out that an older woman, after I passed her, made some remarks about me and my size and the fact that I was using the riding cart. I didn't hear her, but she said those things about me in the presence of my children. AJ told me that he almost had to hold Kevin back because he got so angry and the woman took off scowling at them.
The thing is, I was feeling happy, hopeful and good about myself. And then I'm reminded that I'm different, that I don't fit in. I'm never prepared for people's hostility toward me for being overweight, but sometimes it just takes my breath away. And what particularly hurt about this is that she said it where my children heard it. The thing I'm most afraid of, most self-conscious of is being an embarassment to my family and friends. And in one moment that's what she did, and I let her.
Last night Tara and I took two of the women we visit teach out for frozen custard and a visit. The whole afternoon I fretted about it; would I embarass them, would they feel uncomfortable being with me in public, that sort of thing. But bless their hearts, if they did they didn't let me feel it.
I know why people who aren't the same as everyone else sometimes become recluses. I had to go out again today and it was so hard. When I talked it over with Stan he said, "Blog about it. Those women are your friends and they don't judge you." So that's what I'm doing. I'm getting it off my chest instead of brooding about it. I'm sorry that lady said those things. But I'm sorrier that I let her hurt me. Next time maybe I'll be stronger.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Unto the Least of These
Yesterday was an interesting day. AJ, who works at Gunther Toody's diner, had a co-worker who asked for help. She is one of the waitresses, and is an older, single woman. Her washing machine was acting up and she needed it looked at. AJ told her his dad was good at fixing things, and so he and Stan spent Monday over there working on her washer.
They didn't get home until 10 pm last night. They were exhausted, and because the woman is a smoker, they were soaked in cigarette smoke. Both wanted some dinner, a hot shower and to fall into bed. It had turned into a marathon.
I went upstairs after AJ and I heard him in his room mumbling to himself. I thought he was frustrated that a kind offering of assistance had turned into such an ordeal and that he was in there complaining to himself.
As I listened, however, he was quoting to himself, "When you do this unto the least of these, my brethren, you do it unto me."
He wasn't complaining, so much as reminding himself who it was he was really serving. I was taught a valuable lesson last night.
They didn't get home until 10 pm last night. They were exhausted, and because the woman is a smoker, they were soaked in cigarette smoke. Both wanted some dinner, a hot shower and to fall into bed. It had turned into a marathon.
I went upstairs after AJ and I heard him in his room mumbling to himself. I thought he was frustrated that a kind offering of assistance had turned into such an ordeal and that he was in there complaining to himself.
As I listened, however, he was quoting to himself, "When you do this unto the least of these, my brethren, you do it unto me."
He wasn't complaining, so much as reminding himself who it was he was really serving. I was taught a valuable lesson last night.
Friday, March 6, 2009
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND
Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, you're right!
Henry Ford
1863-1947
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Please! Tell Me It Isn't So!
WHOOOOOOSH! Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of Jane Austen spinning in her grave. Can't say as if I blame her.
A few weeks ago I was listening to NPR and they talked about a new version of Miss Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice" that has been reworked in an effort to draw in young readers (teenagers I'm supposing). It's called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and I kid you not. It's coming out in June and it's supposed to feature Mr. Darcy and his friends fighting the undead to protect their love interests. (I'm seriously rolling my eyes as I type this!)
But now I've read something else to make poor Miss Austen spin even faster. Elton John's Rocket Pictures has plans to make Pride and Predator, a traditional costume drama that reworks this lovely novel into a horror film that has aliens butchering the cast.
Well, I don't know. I think I'm going to spend the night in bed with the REAL Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and try to put these gross images from my mind.
A few weeks ago I was listening to NPR and they talked about a new version of Miss Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice" that has been reworked in an effort to draw in young readers (teenagers I'm supposing). It's called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and I kid you not. It's coming out in June and it's supposed to feature Mr. Darcy and his friends fighting the undead to protect their love interests. (I'm seriously rolling my eyes as I type this!)
But now I've read something else to make poor Miss Austen spin even faster. Elton John's Rocket Pictures has plans to make Pride and Predator, a traditional costume drama that reworks this lovely novel into a horror film that has aliens butchering the cast.
Well, I don't know. I think I'm going to spend the night in bed with the REAL Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and try to put these gross images from my mind.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Boys and the Duck
My teenaged boys have discovered a new place which has captured their interest. It's the Asian Pacific Market. The love to go there and check out the products, and, if possible, purchase treats from the in-store deli.
The other day they went there and AJ bought a roast duck. The whole duck and nothin' buThey brought it home excited as all get out to eat it. Especially, AJ told me, the head.
Yikes! I hot-footed it upstairs so that I wouldn't witness the dreaded event. I, for one, am not an adventurous eater and didn't want the sight of him eating that duck's head in my mind. They took some pictures, which I am sharing here.
Afterwards, they said it was delicious. AJ told me that he "cracked the head open like an oyster" and ate the brain. Ugggh! Am I ever glad I was upstairs!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Be Careful What You Ask For .....
Today is one of those days. My manuscript was out to a couple of literary agents and I hadn't heard from them. You know that old saying "No new is good news"? Well I guess. I got anxious and wrote to them asking if they'd come to a decision on weather to take on my project. I heard from them and the answer was no. *Sigh* I still believe in the book, and the overwhelming response from beta readers (both those whom I know, and those I don't) has been 8 to 1 in positive response to it. I'm going to believe my readers, and keep plugging at it.
Jack London State Park is up in Northern California. We used to visit it often when I was growing up. Just north of Sonoma, the author's estate is in a wooded, hilly area. The ruins of his mansion are there, as well as the house he lived in and his gravesite.
In the visitor's center there are a couple of display cases. One is filled, and I mean filled, with rejection letters. Some are quite harsh, some are just postcards saying "no thanks". And in the case next to it is THE CALL OF THE WILD printed in every language in the world. It does a writer's heart good to see that.
Now, I don't claim to be Jack London, but if he could stand up to all those rejection letters, then I can too. I don't save mine as he did, but I sure do remember them all. And, let me say once more, if anyone is interested in reading any of my novels, please let me know and I'll pass it on to you for your input. I appreciate any and all comments--even the negative ones--because they help me to be a better writer. Thanks!
Jack London State Park is up in Northern California. We used to visit it often when I was growing up. Just north of Sonoma, the author's estate is in a wooded, hilly area. The ruins of his mansion are there, as well as the house he lived in and his gravesite.
In the visitor's center there are a couple of display cases. One is filled, and I mean filled, with rejection letters. Some are quite harsh, some are just postcards saying "no thanks". And in the case next to it is THE CALL OF THE WILD printed in every language in the world. It does a writer's heart good to see that.
Now, I don't claim to be Jack London, but if he could stand up to all those rejection letters, then I can too. I don't save mine as he did, but I sure do remember them all. And, let me say once more, if anyone is interested in reading any of my novels, please let me know and I'll pass it on to you for your input. I appreciate any and all comments--even the negative ones--because they help me to be a better writer. Thanks!
Monday, March 2, 2009
The First Sunday of the Month
Yesterday was the first Sunday of the month. In my church, we use this day as a time of fasting and give the money we would use for food to those in need. It is also an opportunity for each of us to stand up and bear testimony of the things in our lives that have shown us the love of our Father in Heaven and His influence in our lives. It is a wonderful experience and one that always fortifies me. I hear that others struggle and are blessed the same as myself, and it gives me the strength I need to continue.
I haven't been to church for a couple of months because of my leg--sitting is a physical struggle for me. And while it was difficult the final half hour for me, I was so glad that I went. Three friends of mine, women whom I admire and who inspire me each stood yesterday. Tara, Kristeen and Rachel are women that I hope to be more like. That are my role models, and their hearts and spirits are beautiful.
As I listened to them yesterday I felt my eyes fill and my heart burn with the promise that what they were sharing was true. It buoyed me up and was a tonic to my spirit, and I feel energized today because of these wonderful women. (Links to their blogs are here as well!)
Each of them also had one of their children stand yesterday as well, which tells me what kind of mothers they are that their children felt strongly enough to share their feelings. It was a terrific day.
That evening we spent with Tara and her family celebrating her birthday. It was fun. And for those of you who don't know, Tara is a peanut butter and chocolate addict. (She claims she would eat a cockroach if dipped in the stuff!) I confess, I had enough peanut butter and chocolate to last me a couple of weeks! It was a blast. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA!
I haven't been to church for a couple of months because of my leg--sitting is a physical struggle for me. And while it was difficult the final half hour for me, I was so glad that I went. Three friends of mine, women whom I admire and who inspire me each stood yesterday. Tara, Kristeen and Rachel are women that I hope to be more like. That are my role models, and their hearts and spirits are beautiful.
As I listened to them yesterday I felt my eyes fill and my heart burn with the promise that what they were sharing was true. It buoyed me up and was a tonic to my spirit, and I feel energized today because of these wonderful women. (Links to their blogs are here as well!)
Each of them also had one of their children stand yesterday as well, which tells me what kind of mothers they are that their children felt strongly enough to share their feelings. It was a terrific day.
That evening we spent with Tara and her family celebrating her birthday. It was fun. And for those of you who don't know, Tara is a peanut butter and chocolate addict. (She claims she would eat a cockroach if dipped in the stuff!) I confess, I had enough peanut butter and chocolate to last me a couple of weeks! It was a blast. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
