Slurping Life

The Angel's Gift

Christmas Eve, 1997...but tonight, sitting by candlelight pondering Christmas memories...it seems only yesterday...

"Andy, are you ready to go?"

"Hold on.  I'll be there in a minute" he responds.

"Chuck, could you please finish dressing Lee.  I'm hooking Mac up to his monitor and dressing him."

"Mom" calls Wanda.  "Would you please fix my hair?"

"Yes, sweetie, but I need to finish dressing Mac first."

Then I realize that I'm not dressed and my hair is a mess.  It is hectic getting a sixteen year old son, an extremely active two year old son, a medically fragile infant and an eight year old daughter ready to leave the house together.  But I smile, feeling the blessings of family on this holy night.

Finally, everyone is fully clothed, hair in place, wired to monitor and potty breaks taken.  We head out for the candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church.  The church has a large congregation, and we must arrive a bit early to be assured a seat.

When we enter the sanctuary there are no visible seats available.  An usher leads us to the front of the church to a pew where one of the elderly ladies of the church is sitting alone.  She smiles as she slides over to make room for our entourage of bodies and necessary gear.  There is no time to chat, other than our exchange of "Merry Christmas"...the service begins.

As the lights come on and we prepare to leave, the elderly lady speaks, "What a beautiful family.  How old is your baby?"

"Thank you" I reply.  "He is three months old, but he is not our son.  We are his foster parents and the plan is for him to return to his birth mother."  As I spoke those words, tears weld up in my eyes.  I realized just how much I loved him and wondered how I could ever let him go.

The lady smiles; her face aglow.  "Oh honey" she says, "He is your child.  Merry Christmas."

A peace flows through my soul such as I have never before felt.  I look into the the crystal blue eyes of the lady, again she smiles, but I have no words.  She rises slowly, beginning her walk down the aisle, and for a moment...just a moment...I could have sworn wings were peeking from beneath her Christmas red coat.

This Christmas Mac is ten years old, and of all my sons, he has the biggest Christmas spirit.  He is the angel's gift to us.

~~~~~

Visit Wrapped Emotions to read about his week's prompt, lucubration.

This post is also a part of this week's blog blast at The Parent Blogger's Network, "What Makes A Gift Memorable?"  The blog blast is sponsored by Excitations which offers a variety of memorable "experience" gifts for all ages.

My heart feels it is the gifts which money cannot buy that are memorable...love is the greatest gift.

Santas or Persons of the World's Oldest Profession?

Listen, I am not one to start rumors, but Mac told me something yesterday...

"Mom, come look!"

Dutifully, I leave my Christmas decorating be and go into the family room.

"Ho! Ho! Ho!  The Santas have put their feet up and gotten comfortable."

"They do look comfortable and happy" I agree.

"Yep.  We have two happy hos" said Mac.

Got any happy hos at your house?

~~~

Visit Tracey for more cozy moments at Thursday's Theme.

Beginning Of Evening ~ Wordless Wednesday

Visit the photography of Wordless Wednesday.

HP Digital Camera Giveaway ~ Last Chance To Enter

For the HP digital camera giveaway click here.  Deadline to enter is tonight, midnight EST Sunday, December 2.

When this giveaway ends...I have another one for next week.  I love giving gifts.  Merry Christmas!

For other posts please scroll down.  Thanks for visiting.

Wrapped Up All Snuggly

As I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus played in the background and wrapped up all snuggly warm, I posted the new prompt for this week at Wrapped Emotions, my other blog.  Yes, the boys are in charge of Christmas music today.

Whether or not you choose to actively participate and share, I think your heart will be blessed and your soul warmed by simply doing this one.

It's Christmas! Here's A Free HP Digital Camera

This contest is now closed.

It's Christmas and we all have a million things we should, we could and we would be doing...if we were not blogging...so I'll get to the point.  I have a HP Photosmart M547 digital camera to giveaway.  Thanks HP.

What?  You don't need a digital camera?  Whatever, but think of how happy you could make someone this Christmas when you gift them with a digital camera.  Oh, you do need a digital camera?  Good.  You have come to the right place.

The HP Photosmart M547 is a great little camera for a budding photographer or for dropping in your bag when the bulky DSLR is just too much to carry around. 

For your chance to win...

• Simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST Sunday, December 2.
• One comment per person.  Duplicate comments will be deleted.
• Make certain I have an email address to contact you....should you win.
• Giveaway is open to everyone...United States and Internationally.
• You do not need to be a blogger to enter.  But I need a way to contact you.
• If you are a blogger, feel free to leave a link to one of your favorite holiday blog posts...past or present. (not required to enter)
• The winner will be chosen from comments via luck of the draw using random.org and announced Monday, December 3.

Good random luck of the draw to each of you.

It is not a requirement to enter, but if you would like to blog about the giveaway and link to this post, I would so feel the love.

Lovin' Me Some Pipe Cleaners

"Mom!  Mom!  Look!  I'm an angel" called Mac.

Pardon me while I laugh uncontrollably.  Really, look at those devilishly arched brows...who's he kidding?

The Christmas season and decorating frenzy is in full swing at our house.  Mac is my kindred spirit, and together we will decorate our little corner of the planet.  While we were working on doing just that, I pointed out an angel ornament and her golden halo...tah dah...Mac sprung into action...with pipe cleaners.

Man, I love this kid and his Christmas spirit...and his halo made of pipe cleaners.

Anyhow, pop over to Best Shot Monday where you are certain to find a heavenly lot of photos.

**My giveaway for a chance to win a HP Photosmart digital camera begins today.  Gawrsh, I feel like Santa and apparently, talk like Goofy.**

Birthing A Foot and Giving Away A Digital Camera

The dude...up there...he's mine...I gave birth to him over 26 years ago.  He stands six feet tall and blah blah pounds in weight.  One of his feet now weighs more than his baby body at five pounds preemie birth weight.  But still, he is my baby.  I am more than thrilled that we moved back to the city where he lives.

'A' does not allow me to display him prominently on my blog.  If I posted close-ups you would see that he looks exactly like me...but he acts exactly like his father...I swear.  But then there is the free-spirited, artistic side of him that just screams "I am my mother's son!".  Yeah, acknowledged.

Thanksgiving was absolutely perfect at our house.  My husband had the flu; Lee had the flu; A was here; Mac and Wil were healthy and energetic; my mother was here; I had the flu.  But it was perfect.  A traditional Thanksgiving feast was enjoyed by all thanks to modern medicinal remedies which temporarily masked symptoms of the cook's (me) illness.  Apparently I cook well while drugged...so says the family.   There were few leftovers.

Moving along...Christmas is peeking around the corner, and I am decking the halls.  You truly have no idea how much I LOVE the Christmas season.  Also, over the last couple of days I have been back to vintage shopping...digging through second-hand shops, thrift stores and antique shops.  For minimal expenditure I racked up a fabulous haul of stuff.  Maybe I'll share a few things with you during the week, or maybe I'll forget to do so.  Or maybe I'll just go shopping again.

Anyhow, tomorrow is the beginning of your opportunity to win a HP Photosmart digital camera.  Believe me, entering for your chance to win could not be easier.  Come back tomorrow to find out how.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Sometimes Life May Not Feel Like A Gfit

...but it is.  Please remember that fact.

Reflect on this: You, with all your flaws, have been chosen for this opportunity to consciously taste life, to know it for what it is, and to make of it what you are able. This gift of a conscious life is grace, even when your life is filled with great difficulty and it may not feel like a gift at the time.  --Philip Moffitt

Wishing a Thanksgiving full of grace, love and beautiful memories to you and your family.

Oak Leaf People And Little Girl Giggles

Sunday's weather felt like a warm spring day rather than autumn.  The sunshine and breeze drew me out of doors and underneath the big oak tree on our front lawn.  We have lived in this house for nearly five months, and today was the first day I noticed the leaves of the oak tree and remembered the oak leaf people.

   

When I was a little girl several weeks of each summer was spent at my grandmother's house.  Each summer I packed my favorite clothes, a few of my favorite things and my Bible in preparation for the most fun I would have all summer.  Mom and dad made the two hour drive to drop me off at Grandmama's house.  Those were the happiest days of my childhood. 

Grandmama lived in a little white, wooden house with green shutters.  A matching set of two metal rockers and glider graced the front porch.  A low manicured hedge lined the yard, and the giant magnolia tree sat to the side...underneath that tree many family portraits were snapped.  A screen door creaked open as I made my way through the wooden front door which had a window insert halfway up.  A curtain sewn with her very own hands covered the window.  Grandmama was an expert seamstress.  She was an expert grandmother.  Everything was always immaculate and smelled just like Grandmama.  I loved to sit nestled next to her and inhale deeply.  She smelled so pretty.

My cousin, Cathy, lived in the same town.  Cathy was older than me and, basically, I worshiped the ground she walked on.  Over the course of my stay, she and I would spend some days and nights at her house.  But mostly, we were at Grandmama's.

Nearby was a small township within the larger town.  We would walk there and take in a movie or drop by the drugstore and have a cherry coke, a root beer float, buy comic books and all sorts of ten cent treasures.  Then we would skip, walk, and run the sidewalks back to Grandmama's house and be greeted by her freshly baked cookies, pies or cakes...and the most beautiful, loving smile that I had ever seen.

Across the road, right in front of Grandmama's house, was the cotton mill.  My grandfather had worked there.  My mother's brothers worked there.  Most everyone in that small town worked there.  The mill  property was as wide as many neighborhood blocks.  All along the front of the mill property was the greenest grass, the most beautiful trees I have ever seen.  There were hundreds of trees.  For two little girls looking for a playground, it was heaven.

I do not remember all of the tree varieties.  I do remember the huge magnolia and oak trees.  I remember trees with limbs all the way down to the ground...perfect for climbing up and up and up some more.  I remember the magnolia trees and their pods of bright red seeds.  And I remember the oak trees...full of people...leaf people, better than paper dolls...for Cathy and me. 

Plucked from the trees just as they were, each leaf was a perfect mommy or little girl...her head, arms, skirt and legs clearly visible.  To make the daddy and little boys, we simply tore off the bottom extension...the mom, girl legs...and were left with daddies and little boys.  We played for hours underneath the summer shade of those cotton mill trees.  Even now I can hear the chatter of family meals, cleaning house, children being loved by parents, brothers and sisters arguing...all among the oak leaf people created by Cathy and me. 

When the all of the scenarios had been played out, we ran barefoot and tumbled and jumped and giggled across the luscious lawn.  We reached and heaved and tugged and scaled tree after tree.  Then at the end of the day, just before Grandmama would call out, we would find ourselves lying on the soft, cool earth...breathless...happy...and looking at castles in the sky...ponies in the clouds...

Now Cathy is a grandmother, living in the small town of our childhood, surrounded by her sons, their wives and children.  Funny, Cathy is the mother of all boys and so am I. 

Many years ago the trees of the mill lawn were cut down, the lawn plowed under and paved over.  My Grandmama's house is no longer family-owned.  But nothing, nothing will ever change those treasured summer memories of Cathy and me playing with the oak leaf people...and giggling.

I am thankful for family and happy memories.  As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I pray that fond memories and family surround you with the warmth of love.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Love Doodles

The latest prompt at Wrapped Emotions (my other blog) begins...

With Thanksgiving being next week everyone begins to ask the traditional question..."For what are you thankful?" This week let's put a little twist on that thought.

What do you love today?

You can read the entire post for specifics, but basically we were to list, write, doodle "what do you love today" ~ today being the day the project is actually done.

Mine...

Truth be known, there is not enough paper in the world to list the people and things I love on any given day.  I love freely, and I am freely loved.  It was a cheerful, fun project...one which left me in a most thankful frame of mind.  Nothing more to add...my art journal page does the talking.

What do you love today?  Give the project a try...all of us were all smiles and happiness completing our love doodles.  If you complete a "what I love today" page, post it on your blog and leave a link.  The WE gang just loves to share and connect with one another.

~~

Just a note:  My Sharing Beauty feature will return next Sunday.  Appointments and sick family have kept me from doing much blog reading this past week.

Y'All Come On In, It's Christmas!

Y'all come on over for the Christmas Tour of Homes, December 17.  Boomama is hosting.

I love Christmas!  I love Christmas baking!  I love Christmas music!  I love Christmas decorations!  I love Christmas parties!  I love Christmas stories!  I love Christmas plays!  I love Christmas pageants!  I love Christmas giving!  I love Christmas everything!

Really, y'all have no idea how much I love Christmas and hosting get-togethers.  While everyone else dreads when their turn rolls around to host the big family Christmas gathering, I get crazy happy for my turn. 

Over the next few weeks maybe I'll share a peek or two of last year's Christmas in our mountain cabin.  We moved during the summer and will not be having snow here for Christmas this year (short of a miracle) and I'm a little pouty.  Sharing a few memories might cheer me up.

Y'all drop by on December 17 for my 2007 tour.  Boomama will host the list of all homes on tour.

Oh my, almost forgot.  Come see me here November 26.  I'll be giving away a HP Photosmart Digital camera.  Right here.  Y'all come back now.

Yeeeeah, I am a born and raised in the deep south gal...see y'all.

Why Couldn't They Have Dumped It On The Stairs?

Date: Thursday, November 15

Didn't see it coming.  Didn't hear it coming.  But it came.

Their bodies toppled on top of me along with the serving tray.  We were face to face. Their little faces were glowing.  Mine, not so much.  Mainly due to the fact it was covered with oatmeal...an entire bowl of hot oatmeal and a glass of orange juice...dumped on me...while I was lying in bed...asleep...at 5AM.

The boys loudly, cheerfully chanted in chorus, "We made breakfast in bed for you, mom." 

Did I mention it was hot oatmeal?  Did I say it was 5AM?  Did you note I was sleeping when it hit?

"Mom?  Would you like me to scrape up the oatmeal and feed it to you?" asked Wil.

"I'll get you some more juice." said Mac.

"Mom, you're going to need to change your sheets." informed Lee.

Did you notice?  We've taught them to be helpful.

I should have known it was coming.  I should have set my alarm.  They did the same thing to for their dad yesterday morning.  But that was okay.  He has to get up at 5AM anyway. He was already awake.  Also, they didn't dump anything on him.

Sitting here typing this post the following conversation drifted from the other room.  I swear on my chocolate stash; I heard it.  Searching my sleep-deprived, oatmeal-infused brain for an ending to this post...I heard...

Mac:        Dad, are you going to work tomorrow?

Dad:        Yes.  It's Friday.

Mac:        Well, Saturday morning we are going to fix you a very special breakfast in bed.

I'll be sleeping on the couch in hopes that they do. 

But then, I'll feel a bit of jealousy that he is getting all the attention.

Wishing you a weekend full of the little moments and reminding you to cherish them.  I do.

Giddy About Abnormal Abnormalities

Yeah, so what...I already posted this blurry photo with heads and faces chopped off and there is nothing technically correct about it.  But it was taken on the day that we received good news which made us oh so giddy.  The boys and I (me, second from the bottom) were playing dog pile...all giddy and giggly having just returned from a doctor's appointment.  Giddy is Thursday's Theme.

A few weeks ago I shared with you that Lee was adding a pediatric cardiologist to his list of doctors.  Being the caring people that you are, many prayers were said for Lee.  Thank you.

What started all of this hoopla was Lee's abnormal EKG.  His psychiatrist ordered an EKG to be certain none of his medications were causing cardiac problems.  When the results came back the pediatric cardiologist said the medications were not a problem, but the EKG results were indicative of a congenital heart defect.  Oh.

After scheduling the echo-cardiogram and other ordered tests and examinations, I phoned Lee's pediatrician who has followed him since he was six months old.  In my best freaked out incoherent manner of speech, I told Dr. F what was going on.  Dr. F happens to have become a friend and goes above and beyond the call of duty for our kids, especially Lee (that's a whole nudder story).  He looked at the EKG and said "That is not the EKG of a normal twelve year old heart, and I cannot believe that I or any other doctor have not heard the problem in twelve years."  Oh.  He added, "Have the cardiologist email me as soon as the tests are complete.  In the meantime if Lee is feeling fine, don't worry."  Oh.

On Monday Lee had the final of tests and examinations by the pediatric cardiologist, and we received his full report.  The doctor began, "See this dip where blah blah blah...and if that were the only abnormality, I would have no concern."  He continues, "Now, see this over here...blah blah blah...well, the two of these abnormalities together are a huge concern.  This indicates a serious congenital heart defect where during the formation of Lee's heart...blah blah blah..."  I was stuck way back at "serious congenital heart defect".

Apparently the doctor noticed the tears welling up in my eyes or maybe the way I was clutching my own heart and gasping for breaths...he quickly clarified.  "But Lee's echo-cardiogram and other tests are completely normal.  I find absolutely nothing wrong with his heart.  Well crap, couldn't he have said that when beginning this conversation?  He nearly had an adult cardiac case on his hands.

Bottom line...a team of pediatric cardiologists have determined that Lee's heart has abnormal abnormalities.  Yup, his EKG bears the abnormalities...but for no apparent reason.  Oh.  Leave it to my child...abnormal abnormalities?  I am so confused...and so relieved...and so giddy.

We thank those of you who prayed for and thought good thoughts for Lee.  I'm chalking this one up as prayers answered.

I am behind on blog reading and will be visiting all you bloggy friends and BSM, WW and TT buddies tonight and tomorrow.  After cardiology we spent our spare time this week discovering Lee is asthmatic?!  The fun just never stops.  But it's all good.  Thanks to Mac, we know how to handle asthma.

Curiosity ~ Wordless Wednesday

Curious about Wordless Wednesday? 

Holy Static

The aroma of pumpkin pie pancakes wafts through the house as I stand at the griddle flipping and stacking.  Wil is sitting on the kitchen floor petting Ursula, our dog.  The conversation...

"Mom, last night in bed I heard a voice."

Thinking he would say his dad's or mine, I asked, "Whose voice did you hear?"

"It was God."

"Oh."  Pause.  "What did God say to you?"

"I'm not sure.  He was breaking up."

~~~

I do not know how I will get through the remainder of my life if these little conversations ever stop.

Have there been any divine conversations at your house recently?

Meet Your Distinguished Panel of Judges and The Winners of A Hippie Photo Contest

Today was too much fun, really TOO MUCH FUN, as evidenced by this photo of your distinguished panel of judges hard at work...

Before announcing the winners a big THANK YOU to HP for supplying the HP Photo Books as contest prizes.  Here goes...

Each photo entered in Slurping Life's Hippie Photo Contest was unique with its own winning quality, and I thank each of the participants for having a little photography fun with me this week.  In the essence of time I will not discuss the get your fat head from in front of the computer monitor, gross, did you brush your teeth today, how do you know, you aren't wearing your glasses, who hit the back button, Ursula NO! don't chew the cord mature, relevant conversation going on while choosing the photo contest winner.  Honestly, amidst the junk talk the boys really took this seriously and pondered each photo with me.  We clicked and viewed...viewed and clicked...narrowed our choices...narrowed our choices some more...narrowed our choices to two photos...and voted.  Amazingly, we lived.

The winner is Sarah of Real Life's groovy shot of sunlight...we can dig it.  Take a moment to pop over and see her winning photo and offer sportsmanlike congratulations.  Sarah wins one (1) 8.5x11 HP Photo Book and one (1) 5x7 HP Photo Book.

Wait, don't click away.  There are three more winners by random draw via random.org.  Here's the list...

• Entrant #2, Dana of Sunshine's Blog won one (1) 8.5x11 HP Photo Book
• Entrant #13, Sandy Cove 365 won one (1) 5x7 HP Photo Book
• Entrant #12, Naomi of An Urban Girl Tackles Motherhood won one (1) 5x7 HP Photo Book

Winners,  your shipping address.

I wish there were photo books to give each participant.  HP is offering a 20% discount on the purchase of the HP photo books.  Discount good through December 31, 2007.  If you have not seen them, click over and take a look.  They would be great completed as holiday gifts for family members or given blank to photographer friends.

Peace.  All week I've had the urge to wear tie-dyed t-shirts and braid my hair.  Yeah, I get into these things.

Serenity Of A Sunday Stroll Or Yes You Did! Did Not! Did too!

Sunday afternoon a crisp, fall breeze and sunshine beckoned our family down to the river for a peaceful stroll along the levee.  The meandering river on one side...the sparkling canal on the other...father, mother, family dog and three brothers enjoying the serenity of a Sunday stroll.

Come on, you knew it was coming...didn't you?

Take your pick for my Best Shot Monday, and have a peaceful day.

The winners of A Hippie Photo Contest will be posted tonight.  Unless there's more fighting amongst the judges..which is highly probable...then there will be a later announcement date.

Sharing The Beauty of Blogging and Saying Thanks

The blogging world is full of eloquent, talented bloggers.  Many of these bloggers begin or pass awards to other bloggers whom they find thoughtful, creative or inspiring.  I think that is down right awesome.

As a blogging mom I am humbled and honored to be on the receiving end of several of these awards.  I continue to struggle with wrapping my brain around the fact that anyone finds me, my ramblings or photos inspiring.  I rationalize it by giving the credit to God and to my amazing sons who have overcome the odds stacked against them...who continue to fight the good fight in their daily struggles...who are just downright clever and cute.   They are the source of my writings and photos.

I am long overdue in accepting the following blogging awards...

Phyllis of Ima On (and Off) The Bima awarded me the Blogging Star Award...

This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?
Here's what to do if you receive this:
* Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated here at Skittles' Place so I can follow its journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it

Being told that you shine is an unbelievable feeling.  Phyllis, thank you for passing the Blogging Star to me.  Whenever I visit Ima my soul definitely feels the glow, and I never fail to open my mind and heart a little more.

~~~

Sara at Life With The Two has given me the Wonder Woman Award. 

When I told my husband about this one all he had to say was "Well, where's the skimpy, tight-fighting costume?"  Let's not let him take us there.  Then I did a Google and discovered the source of the Wonder Woman award.  Seems a loving husband inspired it all.  Sara has furthered honored me in a way I never expected.  Without realizing it she has given me perhaps the highest blogging award thus far.  Sara, thank you,  My prayers follow you along your journey.  You are a blessing to many.

~~~

Bonnie of Simple Beauty has given me the Change Begins At Home Award. 

About the award...

The "Change Begins at Home" award originated at Bean Sprouts Blog Here is what she says about it: The "Change Begins at Home" award, this is given to bloggers who live what they preach, who try to make the changes in their own lives that they would like to see in the world.

I definitely want to be known for practicing what I preach, but gee, I fall short much more than any of you will ever know.  So just don't put me up there on the proverbial pedestal.  I'm so human, real and faulty, but I do try to be honest and practice what I preach.  I began blogging just to tell the world that kids with special needs are still kids...treat them as such.

Bonnie, thank you for this award, and thank you for touching my life with astounding beauty.

There are so many bloggers deserving of these awards and more.  I'm not sure that the majority of mom bloggers realize their power and influence...their talents and gifts.  Mom bloggers, women bloggers...give yourselves a hug.  I love me some dad bloggers, too, but right now I'm all about the ladies.

I reserve my right to pass these awards to other bloggers at a later date.  Many things are taking a lot of my time at the moment, and I am a bit behind on blog reading.  You never know when I'll strike...or where.

The Mom Village

We are all over the blogosphere, and we rock.  Mom Bloggers.  The Mom Village.

My favorite-photographer-mom-blogger has penned a real and powerful post about Mom Blogs for Chronicle Books Blog...Finding My Village.  Tracey's statement - "Enter the blogosphere—the closest thing to a village that this modern-day mom can find. Reading what other mothers share in their blogs has been a lifeline for me." - hit home with me. 

This may be my favorite Tracey post of all time because, well, she eloquently expresses my personal feelings.  In blogging I have found a village of women who welcome me into their lives and encourage me in mine.  An amazing group of women bloggers who reflect myself to me.  It's awesome.

Visit Chronicle Books Blog and leave a comment in support of Tracey and all that she embodies.  Be sure to read the comments for links to some cream of the crop Mom Blogs and then leave the links to your favorite blog reads.

Another street in the The Mom Village where you should take a stroll is Photographic Memories - Interviews With Mom Bloggers.

I am honored and thrilled to be a part of this HP project with several of my talented blogging friends.  The interviews are well-done with moms spilling from the heart their love of family and photography.  Pop over and read.  You'll be inspired.

I'm telling you...Mom Bloggers are impacting every facet of life.  Moms, you may not be aware of the far-reaching influence, the encompassing power you hold, but one day the reality will dawn.  Are you up for the challenge, the thrill, the changes you can inspire in our world?

Facing Myself

You know, I come up with these ideas over at my other blog, Wrapped Emotions, and then realize "Oh, I have to do this, too".  There was a bit of second guessing myself this week, but when my project was underway things didn't seem so bad.  As a matter of fact, Melody likes Melody.  (visit the blog for full project details)

Some days in my view everything is wrong with me.  Some days I view myself as a good person who has it all pretty well together.  Some days I like the way I look.  Some days I don't.  Some days I cannot even hold a thought long enough to know what I think.  But the bottom line is I am a happy person who has a family that loves her.  Thanks to good genes the old face ain't too shabby, and I've earned every charming characteristic it displays.

This project did not challenge me to the point of tears as I originally felt it might.  I don't have any deep insights or revelations about myself.  I suppose that surmises to say despite the trials of my day to day life and the accompanying stress, Melody is happy with who she is and where she is.  Aging has it's perks.

Non-edited except to convert to black and white, here I am...

Printed, traced and scanned back into the computer...

   

"I want to express my age and be authentic. Why do so many people follow somebody else's idea of what is attractive?" --Diane Keaton

I  *heart* Diane Keaton.

Visit the links at Wrapped Emotions and meet a group of fabulous women bloggers.   

No Umbilical Cord

Journaling my thoughts...

A small square room with four chairs, a desk with a computer and office chair, one window with blinds, bookshelves, a couple of plants.  One psychiatrist, one mom, one child.  The things unseen are indescribable.  Not one person in that room can feel the emotions of another, nor hear the thoughts of another.  The time here feels like a crap shoot.  A roll of the dice.

The psychiatrist speaks, directing questions to the child, then listens for responses.  The child's words are almost inaudible.  His eyes in constant flux...blank gaze, quick glance, side to side, blink blink blink.  He traces the brads of the leather chair with one finger...across, down, around, up, across, around.  He moves his head...side to side, up and down, back and forth, briefly hangs it down.  He wriggles his bottom in the chair...shifts left and right, forward and back, bounce bounce.  He repositions his legs...crossed, open, in the chair, dangling. He takes breaths...deeply, shallowly, rapidly, slowly, pauses the breathing for a few seconds, sighs.  He runs his fingers through his hair.  He looks at his mom with eyes pleading "help me".  He has very few answers.  He has no focus.  He can't remember clearly.  Answers require focus, memory.  Answers don't come because the child does not have the ability to concentrate or accurately remember the things he's done or experienced in the previous week.  The time here feels like a crap shoot.  A roll of the dice.

The psychiatrist speaks, directing questions to the mom, then listens for responses.  The mom's words are clear, strong.  Her eyes are intently focused on her child, astutely absorbing every move, every sound he makes.  Her fingers clasped together in silent prayer asking that the answers be revealed.  Her head pounding with the inability to feel her child's emotions, know his thoughts.  She sits in the chair, still.  She shifts her body slightly.  She takes breaths...deeply and slowly, hoping to regulate her child's breathing.  She rubs her forehead.  She looks at her son with eyes pleading "tell me".  She has very few answers.  She has unwavering focus.  She can remember everything, clearly.  She remembers the things he's done and experienced in the previous week.  She hates that he has to live it and that he has to relive it through her voice, her words.  The time here feels like a crap shoot.  A roll of the dice.

The child looks up.  The mom looks over.  Their eyes meet.  The child winks.  The mom mouths the words "I love you".  The child smiles.  The mom smiles.  The tears quietly stream down his cheeks, her cheeks.  The time here feels like a crap shoot.  A roll of the dice.

They rise.  They walk through the rectangular door of the square room.  The mom gently tousles her child's hair, gives him a hug.  The child wraps an arm around his mom's waist, squeezes.  Their love is no crap shoot.  No roll of the dice.  Their love is mutual, deep, powerful.  Through the love and the plan of God they are mother and son...no umbilical cord ever joined them...the bond was born of heart and soul...and she would die for him.

The Contest ~ Deadline Extended

Check out Groovy! A Hippie Photo Contest.  Please read the photography and posting guidelines carefully.  Then have some fun and enter. 

Deadline has been extended to  Sunday at midnight EST, as in technically 12AM EST Monday.  I will not be near the computer at noon tomorrow to close Mr. Linky so why not.

Come on, let me see your photos!

Impressions of Motherhood

He is twenty-six years old, my first baby.  This precious impression of his hand is 24 years old.  Over the years we have moved several times, and each time I have lovingly, carefully wrapped this plaster of paris hand print and carried it with me...in a box and within my heart.  I have three more which complete the set.

Over twenty six years ago the first impression of motherhood was made upon my heart.  There would be no turning back...no desire to turn back.  I have cherished every pain, every joy...everything that has come with being a mother. 

Every day there are new impressions...a hand in mine...lips upon my cheek...arms squeezed tightly around my neck...tears on my shoulder...gentle strokes across my cheek...eyes searching my face...and they are recorded forever upon my heart.  Even when my memory fades, the impressions of motherhood will be upon my heart. 

A mother's heart never forgets.

Thursday's Theme ~ memory.  Won't you share yours?

Loving Me Some Photo Books

In this post I told you about the mom interviews conducted by Susan Getgood for HP, and more interviews will be posted in the future.  As one of the moms interviewed, I received two HP photo books to try for myself and five to give away as contest prizes.  Here's the scoop on the books...

Photo Books are a fun, easy way to create a customized, professional quality photo book at home with your inkjet printer. The innovative binding system – think of a big binder clip – lets you replace or rearrange pages and add mementos like ticket stubs or invitations. The included software has a variety of professionally designed layouts, or you can create your own with your favorite graphics package. Two sizes, 5x7 and 8.5x11, multiple colors. 

• An easy, fun way to create customized, professional quality photo books at home.
• Professional looking two-toned linen photo book and software
• Innovative binding system     lets you replace or rearrange pages, add mementos
• Photosmart Essential 2.5 software features a variety of professionally designed layouts
• Two sizes. 5x7, $14.99 MSRP and 8.5x11, $24.99 MSRP

Available in the US at the HP Home and Home Office Store<